I remember the first time I met Delia was way back 1997 when I was starting my TV show Infochat.  I went to see her to seek her support, to ask her if ComputerWorld and PCWorld can be our partner and to carry our advertisements.  The meeting didn't even lasted 10 minutes.  She simply asked me what the show is all about and she gave her full support.  Little did I know that a simple partnership would blossom into a lasting friendship.

We always bumped into each other on most of the press conferences I attended.  Everytime I see Delia attending a press conference, I know it is an important one, or an important guest will be attending.  You see, Delia is synonymous with the word "Class".  She attends press conferences or I.T. events fully dress-up.  And I must say, she carries herself with authority. 

I remember asking her once why she had to dress-up always during I.T. events, she said "You want to gain the respect of your host?  Show your host respect first".  That says it all.  Delia was a true professional attending to even the smallest details of her profession.  And I must say, she is always beautiful and stunning.  I also learned that she instilled the same vanity to all her staff, no reporters of hers should attend an event looking lousy. 

Delia never fails to invite me to sit beside her everytime we attend the same press conference.  She will always say "Jerry, come sit beside me".  I will ask why?  She will just say "Just come here".  And almost always, she will get her wish, I will sit beside her.  Updates and stories about the I.T. industry will ensue.  She never fails to ask me how am I doing.  That's the charm of Delia.  And I consider that a privilege to be asked by Delia to sit beside her.  Perhaps, that's her way of telling me that she cares and values our friendship.

The most discussed topic of ours was when Delia started her Webby Awards project.  Sadly, I never attended any of her Webby Awards event.  She will always say "Jerry, you didn't attend my event again", and in turn I will always answer "You never invited me".  Then she will say "Do I really need to invite you?  You know you're always welcome".  And the exchange of reasoning will go on and on.

The last time we discussed about it was during the 2005 COMDDAP event.  We saw each other again and she said the same thing "Why didn't you attend our Webby awards event".  I again said "You didn't invite me".  Then she asked for my mobile number and said she will text me personally so that I will have no reason not to attend.  I was wearing a jacket then and she put a sticker at my back about the event and said "This is to remind you of my event", and we broke into a loud laughter.

January of 2006, I again saw Delia with her loving husband Ibarra "Bombing" Gutierrez attending a post Christmas party given by HP Philippines.  She was again at her usual bubbly mood and it was the first time I heard Delia sing.  There was even a time when Delia and Bombing sang a duet.  I was simply on the side teasing her to sing more songs and be touchier to Bombing.  They were holding each other's arms while singing.  After the duet, I shouted "Kiss Kiss", asking her and Bombing to kiss each other which they gamely did.  That night, Delia was a wife and not the I.T. media executive that I knew.

The last time I saw Delia was when she attended the wake of my angel Eva.  She came with Bombing.  I believed it was on a Friday at around 3:00pm.  She was sitting beside Bombing while I was in front of them telling them my story.  How I took care of my wife during her treatment and how God used the experience to transform me.  Delia was so quiet that day, simply staring at me with a smile.  As if she's telling me "Finally, you know what life is all about". 

She was so quiet the whole time, I believed she stayed an hour or so.  The only time I heard her speak was when she was offered drinks by my yaya (househelper).  She said "Wait, I will go to the restroom first".  Before she left, Delia hugged me and said "You take care and condolence".

Little did I know that it was the last time I will see and talk to my friend Delia.  September 6, 2006 (Wednesday), 10 days after my wife Eva passed away - Delia was found lifeless at her office inside her private poweder room.  I was shocked to find out about the unfortunate incident.  Why would someone end the life of a loving and compassionate lady.

I didn't attend the wake of Delia for the simple reason that I was still grieving with the loss of my angel Eva and because I don't want to see or hear any stories about her demise.  I want to remember Delia the way I knew her.  Oftenly, Delia was misunderstood by some due to her strong personality and snobbish look.  But deep inside this lady, she is soft, loving and caring.  That I can say with full authority for I felt it from her from the time we met.

I love Delia because she is a true person.  She will never hide her true feelings towards anyone.  If she dislikes you, you will surely know.  She will never pretend.  But if she gives you her time and started treating you as her friend, then you can be assured that she will be your friend till the end.  If you become Delia's friend, that means you have earned her respect.  Delia is all about love, quality, elegance and sincerity.

To Bombing, be strong my friend.  I know how it feels to lose someone you love dearly.  But knowing Delia, I am sure she wants you to move on and continue what she has started.  Have Faith and Trust in the Lord.  Seek His guidance and draw strength from HIM.

To Delia my dear friend - I will surely miss you.  Thank you for the love, trust and confidence that you have given me.  Thank you for the stories, the wisdom, the laughter and the memories.  Thank you for allowing me to be part of you and for you to be part of me.  Be happy with the Lord in Paradise - a kingdom you richly deserved.  Until we meet again.

No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Am logging off.  Stay cool and God Bless us all!

*****

Tune-in to my new radio program entitled "Hi-Tech Tayo Pinoy", aired every Saturday from 3pm to 4pm on Veritas846.

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