From kuya

Pong, I don't know how to begin this because, even now, I still can't accept that you're gone. It still hurts to think that one day you were here with us laughing, talking, and making memories and the next, you became one of our most precious memories. Pong, I want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am to be your brother. You were such a good person. You were a loving son, a loving brother, and a loyal friend. Anyone who knew you could see how kind and genuine your heart was. You were always willing to help others, always caring, and always trying to make people smile whenever you could. One thing I will never forget about you is how affectionate and sweet you were. Especially when you had a few drinks'hubog', you never hesitated to tell us how much you loved us. You would hug us, laugh with us, and openly express your feelings. While many people struggle to show their love, it came naturally to you. That's why so many people loved you. You had a way of making everyone feel valued, appreciated, and cared for. Pong, it breaks my heart to see how many people mourned your loss. It showed just how much of an impact you had on the lives of others. We didn't just lose a brother, a son, or a family member we lost someone whose kindness touched so many hearts. Your friends lost a true friend, someone who was always there for them through good times and bad. But Pong, there is something that weighs heavily on my heart every single day. The pain of knowing that you drowned and that I couldn't do anything to save you is something I struggle with constantly. I keep asking myself if there was something more I could have done. If there was a way I could have protected you. If there was a chance I could have changed what happened. As your older brother, I feel like I should have been able to keep you safe. I should have been there. I should have protected you. And that thought is one of the hardest things I carry with me every day. The truth is, I wish I could turn back time. I wish I could have one more chance to talk to you, laugh with you, hug you,drink with you and tell you how much you mean to me. If I had known that our last conversation, our last laugh, would be the last, I would have held on so much longer. But knowing you, Pong, I don't think you would want me to spend the rest of my life blaming myself. You had such a loving heart, and I know you would want me to remember the good memories we shared rather than the pain of losing you. Life has never been the same since you left. The house feels different. Family gatherings feel incomplete. There is a silence that your absence created, and no one can ever fill that space. There are moments when I still catch myself wanting to call your name, send you a message, or ask how you're doing, only to remember that you're no longer here. I miss everything about you your smile, your laughter, your voice, your jokes'nga nd man funny', your kindness, and your presence. I miss having my little brother by my side. I don't know if this pain will ever completely go away. Maybe it won't. But one thing I know for certain is that you will never be forgotten. As long as I live, I will carry your memory in my heart. I will carry the love you gave us, the lessons you taught us, and the countless beautiful memories we shared together. Thank you for being such an amazing brother. Thank you for your love, your kindness, and for all the joy you brought into our lives. Thank you for every laugh, every conversation, and every moment we spent together. I love you more than words could ever express, Pong. I miss you more than anyone could ever understand. Until we meet again, rest peacefully in heaven, my little brother. Watch over mama, papa, nene and all of us from above. Give us strength on the days when the pain feels unbearable. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts. I love you forever, Pong. Your Kuya.