I was eating at Starbecks awhile ago when I remembered Kuya Alex Alcantara. We used to go there and eat dinner together just the two of us. Then I remembered how we used to take turns treating each other for coffee and food. He called it our “little dates” where we would rant about stuff & exchange views about life. I remember him and his favorite Caramel Macchiato at Shell Mamplasan, watching the vehicles drive by. His favorite topic was my lovelife. Oh how he loved asking me questions about it. Our little fast food drive thrus. He was always there whenever I needed someone to talk to about the future. He was the best listener. I remember how he would ask me to make coffee for him and when I asked why, he said because he loves it the way I blend the coffee. Every morning he would get up early to excercise while he watches news. One of the things I love about him is how he cares about each and every member of our family. He loves birthdays and special occasions mainly because these events would mean all of us being together. For all its worth he brings us closer together, he was like our super glue. He always tells me about his dream of buying a house for his family, buying a car for Ate King, the moment that Alyssa would be old enough to have a boyfriend and Kyle and Luis old enough to have their girlfriends. I remember how I used to tease him “Parang gutom ako at trip ko manglibre” and he would reply “Aba aba! Sige! Saan?!”. He pertained to me as his bestfriend; we share all stories, secrets and the emotions that go with it. I’m gonna miss how he always says that he’d always be there to guide me. Going on our little brother-sister dates meant endless kwentos. And these kwentos brought us closer everyday. My memories of Kuya Alex is like a river that started since childhood; singing in the choir with him and my sisters, second grade multiplication lessons and study schedules that include rest time. He watched me grow old. He once said “Rocel, you’re no longer a child. You’re a lady now. Go ahead. Alam mo na ang tama at mali.” To me he was the perfect brother.

My memories with him will stay with me ‘til we meet again on the other side. He wasn’t just my brother-in-law, he was my “kakampi”, my “kunsintidor”, my mentor and my best friend. But to sum it all up, to me he was the big brother I never had. I’m gonna miss you Kuya Alex.

I love you very much and you will never be forgotten. ‘Til our next drive thru Kuya. No goodbyes, just see you later. :’(