was in Cebu City when I received word my dear friend, Bishop Camilo Gregorio, had returned to his Creator last Monday – I had to hold my breath and bowed in sadness. Nobody knew of our closeness, which started 29 years ago in Mandaue City, until he left Bacolod City for Batanes and never had a chance to say goodbye.
When we met, I was working with a music company and we got to know each other during a musical affair. Gregorio was a talented pianist and I would regularly visit his home in Mandaue City, where I was served dinner and we would just listen to music.
One day, he told me he was going to be become Bishop of the Bacolod Diocese. I told him I was from the city, which gave him relief as my presence brought him comfort.
At one point, he said to me, “Join me and be with me from the time I deplane at the airport” – true to say, I was with him all the way. He rode a private jeep with no roof, which traveled from the old airport to the San Sebastian Cathedral, waving to the thousands gathered. I was with his security, jogging alongside the vehicle – that was the energy I had nearly three decades ago.
Once the motorcade reached the Bishop’s Palace, I was able to relax from the long jog.
He celebrated mass at the cathedral, which was filled with devotees. Afterwards, he addressed those present and told me to accompany him to Bishop’s Palace and join him as he entered his new bedroom. We talked and he expressed his happiness over his welcome.
That was the Bishop Camilo Gregorio in my life.
When I became manager at the Goldenfield Garden Hotel, I begged the bishop to bless a new hotel building I had to take care for over the next five years – there were many other occasions where we met, our friendship was low profile.
I cannot imagine how Mandaue City residents feel looking their beloved bishop.
I also felt sorry when he was transferred to Batanes because I never had the chance to visit him there.
My deepest sympathy go out to the Gregorio family.
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This column greets Sunshine Gregorio-Suelto, Francis Velez, Raymund Gatuslao, Mike Bailey, Charles Lim, Blessie Cruz, Candice Iyog, Agnes Gupalor, Glen Baclayon, Ian Garcia, Leo Victorio, and Danny Dangcalan./WDJ