A daughter's worthy tribute to an exceptional father

"...we should not grieve for those who have gone from us in the primes of their lives after happy and fruitful years of activity, and who have been privileged to accomplish in full measure their task in life.

"Something there is that can refresh and revivify older people: joy in the activities of the younger generation — a joy, to be sure, that is clouded by dark forebodings in these unsettled times. And yet, as always, the springtime sun brings forth new life, and we may rejoice because of this new life and contribute to its unfolding; and Mozart remains as beautiful and tender as he always was and always will be. There is, after all, something eternal that lies beyond the hand of fate and of all human delusions." ~ Albert Einstein

There is something about the rich full life of Rolando Pena, scientist and revolutionary, that makes prolonged grieving for his untimely death no longer worth a hill of beans in this crazy world.

In early August this year, his daughter, the physician and medical activist Sibyl Jade Peña, asked if I could help her put together what was then conceived as a booklet of her father's writings and tributes heaped on him after his demise. I never shirk from a challenge, and although we were clearly pressed for time, we surged ahead, with the help of Patricia Louise Yambao and book designer Jennifer Patricia A. Cariño. Sibyl showed her belief in an all-women's team there and then although there were male designers who were expressing interest in involving themselves in this rush project.

Sibyl's concerned friends in FB warned her not to compromise the quality of the book in the shaping in keeping with her father's high standards. We had Rol's spirit to guide us and at every turn when we faced a challenge in the editing of the manuscript and we waited for other comrades to turn in their writings, he was there to steady our hand.

Cover of the book

Rol and Sibyl

Crossings: Portrait of a Revolutionary by Rolando E. Peña was launched Nov. 30 after an 10 a.m. Mass at the UP Diliman Hotel.

If anything, I consider the book a loving daughter's tribute to a much-missed father. You did well, Sibyl. Thank you for the honor of asking me to join the ragtag editorial team.