I was on my way to my dad then when I suddenly heard this dreadful rumor.. I heard those front passengers of the fx babbling 'bout someone, it sounded as if this was someone popular or somewhat influential, who has had an ill-fated and untimely death.. I got so curious with it so I had no choice but to eavesdrop.. I got startled when they uttered the name of the person they we're all referring to and at some point, I could not even digest what I've heard..

It was MARKY CIELO. Starstruck's Batch 3 Ultimate Sole Survivor.. But I wasn't sure yet 'coz I thought it was just like those text pranks made in circulation by those low-life people who were just wanting to get attention.. And when I got off the PUV, I went on to my real purpose of being with my dad, a day before his birthday 'coz I ain't sure that time if I could not go to work on his special day.. It would greatly depend on my managers at IBM.. Thus, they we're so good enough to let me be with my family on my dad's 61st birthday..

I got home at around 6:30.. And with immense disbelief, I relayed to my siblings what I've heard.. And much to my surprise.. They already knew that scuttlebutt.. I eagerly asked my bro where he got the info.. He readily said that GMA had a flash report 'bout it just right after Pacquiao and Dela Hoya's boxing telecast.. So it's indeed TRUE!

Upon getting the confirmation from my bro, we eagerly waited for the complete report 'bout it.. And finding out the real story behind his tragic death was apparently horrifying.. I've had goosebumps upon Pia Guanio's confirmation of his demise.. Gawd..! He's only 20.. Just a year younger than I am.. But fate had already taken his promising life away from him..

He was a fine man who came from simple roots and had not lost his grounds amidst having a great share of the limelight and garnering a blooming career which paved way to his stardom.. Those were certainly something I'd known from watching all the tributes for his loving memory.. I'm not really into Marky before for I never really cared 'bout any celebrity.. I've not seen how he emerged triumphant in his career.. How he became so dear to his fans.. How he gave glory and honor to his family.. How he had been impeccably true to his friends.. How he had been an inspiration to many.. Yet I am perfectly dismayed, appalled more so disheartened.

He could've done much more to his life.. He could've empowered to thrive more those people who look up to him.. He could've made much more difference in all of us.. Aww gawd.. So many could haves.. So little time..

It's really saddening to realize a person's worth only when he's already gone. We may had lost a man named MARKY who had been a dear son, friend, lover, role model more so inspiration.. But it was never a loss to have known someone as genuine as him who did not hold any fear in wearing his heart out amidst our world which basically is corrupted with greed, pretention and prejudice..

Mark Angelo Cadaweng Cielo

May 12, 1988 - December 7, 2008