I met Ramon in 1989. I have just migrated to Australia, and was getting settled in Sydney. He was one of the first Filipino friends that I made, together with Jaime and Herman. He was nice, quiet and introspective. We used to hang around the bars together looking for Mr. Right. I remembered that all he wanted was to fall in love.
He eventually left Sydney, and migrated to the U.S. He ended up in New York and worked as a graphic designer for a publishing company that also published gay porn magazines. I always caught up with him whenever I visited New York, and he used to give me free porn. He eventually met Paul and fell in love. He fulfilled his dream of moving to the country side and running his own antique business. I had the pleasure of visiting Ramon and Paul in 2004 in Callicoon. They have a charming country home with matching red barn. They decorated the place beautifully with vintage furniture and soft furnishings. It was very shabby chic. He was so content and settled there. A few months ago, he emailed me pictures of some of his paintings. I was so impressed with the portrait that he painted of Paul. I commented on it, and he offered to paint one of me. I was supposed to send him a good picture to work off.
Ramon passed away suddenly on Oct. 7. I still cannot believe he is gone. Ramon, you are sorely missed.
