R.I.P. Regina Adelle Panganiban

I received a text message earlier this night from Sheila Patiag, a fellow UST batch mate, stating that Regina Panganiban has passed away at 1pm today. She bravely fought the battle with cancer for so long, and now God has finally eased her agony.

I myself was very surprised. As early as last year, we heard the unfortunate news that she has cancer. I was one of her friends who came to the hospital to visit her (although we didn't meet her because visitors weren't allowed that time.) As months passed, I asked from friends (particularly the people closer to her) about her current condition. I wanted to know if she was better or what.

Last time I heard, she has partially recovered and is doing very well. I didn't prod much deeper because they might perceive it as being nosy or what. I'm not sure kasi if they (her family) really wanted others to know about her condition, other than her close friends. God knows how much I prayed for her during her most critical moment.

Hearing about her death this evening was very depressing. Whenever we heard that she was doing better, we (the rest of the UST guys) would cheer and be happy for her. All the while we thought she has already recovered and won the battle versus the "Big C". It turns out God had other plans.

I'll always remember Reg as a very poised girl. She never loses her nerves even in the most tense situation. She was also all smiles. She never talked bad about other people, and she was always friendly to others. She was also a very smart student, as well as a loving daughter to her parents.

I am only as thankful to have known her and be one of her friends. We were able to share a joke or two from the past. One moment with her was when she came in class with her zipper open (she was still wearing the Science uniform). Me and Jayson teased her and branded her as "Showgirl"! Haha! She was also one of our 'target' in our Chismax column, pairing her with Emman Guerrero, and later to Erick Manio! Haha! She was always game, and she always knew how to take a joke. The last memorable moment I had involving her was when I posed for her group's underwear advertisement for the Multimedia project! Joke time kasi yun! Haha!

Although she is no longer with us, she'll always be part of my prayers. She was a dear friend, and she will always remain so in our memories. Although I'm sad about her passing, I'm also happy for her because she no longer have to bear the agony and suffering of her sickness.

Here is a pic of Reg during happier times. I think it's from their Multimedia pictorial. She's the one with the white shirt and jeans, sitting in the middle. With her are her FNS friends: (L-R) Sheila V., Nat, and Sheila P.

Also here is my Friendster testimonial for her which I've wrote noong 2003 pa.. Haha!
Posted 21/10/2003 05:51

* Si Reg? Isa sa pinaka-mahinhin na girls
na nakilala ko. She's very friendly and
good natured as she usually smiles a
lot. Lupet rin ng poise ni Reg! Pang
miss Universe. Talagang nde nasisira
ang poise kahit tumagilid sa
recitation! Then, addict rin yan sa
neopets and ragnarok.. Hanggang
madaling umaga gising yan. Mahilig din
siya manuod ng mga nude shows sa Yahoo
Messenger! Hahaha.jk. Tc Reg!!

So to my dear friend Reg, rest in peace! Enjoy God's grace! Take care... 'till next time my friend.. au revoir! :)