About A Lost Friend, Of Memories, and Of A Memorable Encounter: Ascension Sonny Rutor

Left Side: A good friend, Sonny Ascension Rutor,
who passed away due to Stage 4 Lung Cancer
on Sept. 23, 2012

I still vividly remember this moment. 

A night filled with intermittent drizzles but enveloped with smiling faces. The faces of people some of whom we do not personally know but the common ground upon which we hold on were the thought that they all came from our town.

Months before it happened, I cannot even give my sweet and unreluctant “Yes” to Che Palma Ferrer as she humbly asked my assistance to host or be one of the hosts of the SAMAHANG SAN FERNANDO night of gathering for the church’s cause. It was because that time, I was just waiting for my new visa (for a new employer)  to arrive and I was not certain if I would still be around comes September 25, 2010. 

Luckily, due to a long delayed visa, I was able to attend the gathering – eventually accepted the hosting stint. 

Excitement encapsulated me. So I went to the venue an hour early. People were coming in – dress to kill with flashy smiles. I was able to have a chit-chat with some of our kababayans (hailing from different batches). This was my first time to attend a gathering filled with our kababayans. I was so anxious excited about the task. Fear forcing an entry into my head that you won’t arrive since the show were about to start and I still can’t see you while I look around in the pool of crowds. I was thinking then that “Oh holy ghost! Ako lang mag-isa ang magho-host? (if di ka makakarating). 

But I felt relieved when I saw you coming in. Quickly ran into me and had our impromptu brainstorming of how are we gonna do the hosting. I felt a little awkward since that was the first time I’ll be hosting side by side with you. Nasa isip ko baka magkakapaan pa tayo ng pagbato ng mga lines. Yet, the comforting words you gave me by saying “Jay, we can do this! We can ace this! are enough to invite the confidence in me. Fortunately, the goosebumps and the butterflies in my stomach were suddenly gone as it was replaced with excitement & confidence.

That night was so classic and spot on. We didn’t even have our rehearsal nor had we prepare an “idiot cards” where we can look upon if needed. All that had happened comes from both our hearts – spontaneous yet awesome. 

With your departure, you hosting skills and stage charisma cannot be replicated by any other who would follow your lead. 

My way of recounting a memorable encounter with the energetic and a good friend of mine Ascension Sonny Rutor . This guy have accomplished so much at a young age of 37. He was having the time of his life and never did it occurred in our wildest fancy that he will suffer such a terminal sickness so quick. His energy and enthusiasm for life is infectious. 

Together with his students during his stint in UST (his alma matter) as a professor

Surely, you’ll be hosting countless gigs in heaven together with the angels! Rock on!

P.S. 

I feel the need to visit his FB account and suddenly I was like compelled to re-write this personal tribute in here.