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It is so very unfortunate that my first entry after what seemed like a long period of time would have to be another eulogy-like piece for a beautiful person that thousands have come to know and love.

Reigning Bb. Pilipinas International 2009, Ms. Melody Gersbach has joined the arms of our loving Creator at past 11am today due to a vehicular accident that happened in Bula, Camarines Sur.

Please take a moment of your time to say a short and silent prayer for the eternal repose of her beautiful soul.

Sudden deaths are always unfair, especially when the person we've lost is someone who was only part of an unfortunate circumstance and doesn't deserve the pain nor the tragedy that has caused her immediate earthly fleeting. However, death is something that we all have to face in this lifetime. For some, it might be the end, but it is actually the beginning of a new adventure.

There is something utterly riveting and heartbreaking in the untimely passing of someone you weren't particularly close to, but knew of your existence. Because somehow, you take pride in the fact that somehow, you were part of each other's lives no matter how significant or otherwise your role may have been in theirs.

To the world, she is a beauty queen. But to most of us who has witnessed her humble beginnings, she was a low-profile girl even during high school who would've attracted attention even though she wasn't trying to because of her natural beauty. Yet most of us will know her as Maggie's sister. And we know for a fact that she adores and loves her ate very much, and there probably is no reason for anyone to not love her, that's why hundreds of others are too saddened by her death.

All across the globe, someone is mourning her passing; be it a relative, a friend, a beauty queen crazy fan, or just random strangers who might have heard of her. But the people who are saddened the most will be her family, especially Maggie. Please also take a moment of your time to pray for them so that the Lord will give them the strength to live by for the duration of their loss.

Earlier this evening, a friend asked me to extend her condolences to the Gersbach family and I found comfort in her words when she said,

And it's true. We all know for a fact that wherever Ate Mel might be, she is now happy and with the Lord.

It still tears my heart when I see the outpour of "condolence" and "Rest in Peace" messages coming out of my Facebook newsfeed in both Maggie's and Ate Mel's pages. And seeing stuff like this in the internet doesn't help either:

But ironically, I found the positive light of it all through this.

What better way to be commemorated than at the time of her youth's prime! While most people die old, bitter and gray, Ate Mel left the earth young, beautiful and loved. It wouldn't be surprising to all of us if she sports a tiara and the finest evening gown and the hottest stilletos with her angel's wings as she continues life in God's kingdom.

This would never be goodbye, Bb. Pilipinas International 2009 Melody Gersbach. It's just "See you up there!"

Wear your crown high and proud in heaven, Ate Mel. It is not only a testament of you being a winner while you were still alive, but it further personifies that you are indeed, a queen no matter where you are.

Your death might have been tragic, but we take comfort in knowing you are with God.

Until then, we will imagine you waving that pageant wave and smiling that winning smile of yours as you bid the hardships of this earth farewell while you ascend to the heavens. Spread your beauty, kindness and grace up there, Ate Mel. We already had our share of those while you were still here. It's time for you to make the other guardians fall in love with you.

See you soon, Ate Mel. You live in the hearts of those who loved you.

In another not-so-random news, I just heard the shock of my year when high school batch mates and friends from St. Agnes' Academy informed me earlier today that Jan Abbey Palma has already been welcomed by the Lord's choirs of angels in heaven.

My high school life (or what I remember of it, at least) came by in such a blur that even I have a hard time comprehending as to how I went from then to now. There are a lot of people I used to mingle with and they were all super close to me. There were also a handful whom I never got the chance to get close to, but I wanted to, because I can see the sincerity in their eyes and the kindness in their hearts. Abbey was one of them. I always see her hanging around with just an intimate circle of friends--she was never loud or outspoken or annoying or talkative like me; she was someone who didn't attract attention to herself like I used to do back then. In rare occasions, when I'd pass by the senior wing and we'd see each other, I'll give her a smile and a small friendly wave, and she'd always generously give it back.

I never had any distinct memories with her. But the most important imprint she has left in my mind is her sincere and warm smile, and I will always remember her for that.

Imagine the shock and pain of us who used to know you when we found out about your passing. But I bet, the grief and sorrow and longing that your parents have right now is not even an iota of what we're all feeling right now. Yes, we lost a friend, and an acquaintance in you. But for your mom and dad, they have lost a daughter--

Maybe I wasn't given a chance to know your life's story, or even know what made you happy or sad, but I take pride in this: I once knew you, and I was once a regular recipient of your radiant smile.

It's not goodbye, my dear Abbey. It's see you soon!:) And maybe you weren't given a chance to take your board exams this Saturday, but unlike most of us, you have already received and passed the highest honor anyone can ever bestow upon us--AN ANGEL OF GOD.

And for you, who might be reading this, I would like to request a moment of your time to pause for a few moments of silence and offer a short but meaningful prayer for the heavenly repose of the soul of JAN ABBEY PALMA--a daughter, a sister, a friend.