It has been three weeks already since one of my best friends Meiko Honda (a.k.a. Meiko Bistula) passed away. He died last February 18 after spending 4 days in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of San Pedro Hospital in Davao City due to injuries he suffered in a vehicular accident. Until now, I could hardly believe that he is gone. The last time we hanged out together was back in December 2008 at the Matina Town Square.

Meiko was a great friend. We had been together in class from our kindergarten days until high school. I have a lot of fond memories with him. He was a cheerful person, loved rock music and a sports aficionado as well.

Like me, Meiko was a basketball fanatic and a boxing enthusiast. I remember he would update me on the games of the NBA Finals back in 2006 as I could not watch it live. He would leave his household chores just to keep me abreast with the championship series. Besides, he used to tell me stories about Manny Pacquiao which I could not find on the web nor in the papers. In one way or another, he had greatly influenced my interest in sports. And perhaps even this site.

It’s just so sad that that day came. It was February 18 when he passed away.

Thank you Meik for all the good times and bad. Thank you for the memories. As they say, ‘Whoever touches our lives leaves heartprints of love, friendship and joy. ‘ Thank you bai for a beautiful heartprint.