Best Friend

Rodolfo was his best friend in grade school. He came from a middle class family 3 blocks away. His dad, Mang Ruben,  was the president of the Kapisanan, the homeowners' association. Mang Ruben, to my mind, invented the "kornik" business, way before the branded ones became popular.

Voltaire naturally became close to the family, spending time in their place during fiestas and other family gatherings. Almost like a member of the family. Rolly, the elder brother taught the boy scouts in grade school boy scouts songs, assisting the scoutmaster Mr de la Fuente who was also taught Music, PE, and was the dance coach.

Rodolfo had 2 sandwiches with him everyday, prepared by his mom. One for him, and one for his friend. They were like brothers - - were in the dance troupe together and, on summer breaks, would still be in school, assisting Mr de la Fuente in his role as the school's property custodian, making an inventory of the books.