Fr. Mike Pineda S.J
Two weeks ago a good friend of mine emailed me that one of my batchmates Joel Barrios was in critical condition after complaining of stomach pains. A few hours after I got the news, my good friend passed away in the USA. The last time I saw Joel was twenty years ago while he was still here in the Philippines and my last recollection of him was when he fought in the Ateneo vs. DLSU Taekwondo dual meet at the Ateneo College Covered Courts twenty years ago.
Coach Jobet Morales
I remember Joel telling me "Mhel look at that big guy (6'2) at the bench of the DLSU taekwondo team, that is my opponent!" DLSU has already produced great taekwondo jins while Ateneo was just on the brink of producing some. In that match his opponent punched him in the face and he eventually lost a tooth. He still got up and won that match. For those who know Joel he is one tough guy who has a soft spot inside of him. A good friend and protective of his friends, specially us.
Today, his classmates from 4D led by Jojo Habana had a memorial mass in honor of him at the Immaculate Chapel at the Ateneo High School. In that mass, his classmate Fr. Mike Pineda presided over the mass with family and friends of Joel present. His coach in Taekwondo, International Gold Medalist Jobet Morales was there to share a thing or two about handling Joel. Dong Feliciano, his good friend and classmate also shared his friendship with Joel. Last to share was Joel's sister in Law, Diane. Diane shared the last moments of Joel before he died.
Joel's sister in law Diane
To Joel, we will miss you and hope you are in a safe place. The classmates and friends of Joel showed strong support to his wake in the USA and also here in the Philippines.
Classmates of Joel, 4D 1987
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