HERE?S a letter from Tony Aldeguer, Donnie ?Ahas? Nietes?s discoverer and benefactor: ?Al, The day you came out with your column predicting a KO win for Donnie Nietes, I wanted to text you but refrained from doing so because I just didn?t want to be stressed-out thinking about the coming fight. Actually, three (3) of my friends, a foreign journalist in the States, a Mexican acquaintance and a well-known Manila sportswriter told me that they also expected Nietes to win in a very close fight but no one dared predict a ?KNOCKOUT.? Only AL Mendoza did and came out with this bold prediction and to tell you honestly, I had butterflies in my stomach while reading it. I really and truly wanted to believe in your predictions but truth to tell, I had my reservations. It seems that only you and Donnie himself believed that he can knock out Fuentes. Al, thank you so much for all the kind and encouraging words you have written about Nietes. I sincerely appreciate it. Please extend my regards and respect to your better half. Take care and bless you and your family. Tony?
I have not seen Tony, nor heard his voice, for years. But like many others who I have not seen and heard for even as long as a decade, Tony I consider one of the most sincere and truthful among my handful of friends.
I have always believed that time and distance are never barriers, impediments, to a lasting friendship.
One can be that far but distance can never kill a true friendship, if not love.
You will not hear from someone you hold dear in your heart for a decade or more, but if true friendship exists, the silence means nothing.
I have a childhood friend who now lives in San Francisco, California, USA. I have not seen him for maybe 20 years. I believe he?s still alive. I would know if something bad has happened to him. I have other acquaintances who live in the area where he lives ? or where he had lived?
Despite the absence of communication from him ? I have lost track of his address (there was no e-mail yet when he moved to America) ? I still consider him one of my bosom buddies. If he suddenly materializes at my door, fine. I?ll give him a hug pronto. Just like old times.
Thank you, Tony, for being my friend all these years. Between friends, explanations are taboo.
