My Trombone partner in crime. I remember going up against you for select band and times when we tried not to laugh during practice and not let Mr. Inaba see us! Miss you buddy, hope you are in a better place and at peace.
Rizal, as we called him, had many names, like “Willy”, (his haole name, in which he like to use), “Magic”, when we are playing basketball, or just plain, “STUD”, when we out on the town. (i.e. you know, disco, clubs etc..) But to me, he was always be called, “Riz"
I, first, met Rizal, back in 1977, when I came back to Lanai, from the mainland. I met him thru his brother Perry. It was the end of summer of 77, & there was a big get together, at Manele beach, with just the boys. I knew Perry more, at the time, but who would have thought, that his brother Rizal, would be the one, that our friendship would grow & last till this day.
Rizal, was a good man, with a good heart. He was always there, if needed support. He would cheer you up, or make you laugh, when times in you life was down.(I was a good example of that). He was just a funny guy, that you would like hanging out with.
Rizal, was also a sports guy. He loved basketball. His favorite team was the “Lakers”. Mine at that time, was "Chicago Bulls". We would always play out, our fantasy, of Lakers vs Bulls, or, Jordan vs Magic. We had our one-on-one battles, with intense moments. We also, played our 2 on 2 games, where me & Rizal, vs Steven Hokama & Nilton Oyama.. Now those were intense moments! I mean it was fun too, but Rizal was always picked on, in isolation moves, where either Steven or Nilton, would take him, one-on-one. We lost most of time, but it was just plain fun, playing & acting out our fantasy dunks, & just hanging out, with the “boys”. (Remember now, this was all before, we started the family thing :-)
We became even closer, as I set off, to have a family. He was the best man, at my wedding & also became the god father of my daughter (Alyssa). Time moved on, as I was trying to raise a family, as Rizal, was trying to finish his teaching degree. We would still see each other, as we always had, at our weekly basketball games, being played every Sunday, with the boys. Those were fun times!
We continue to keep in touch, as we aged through out, our 20’s, 30’s & 40’s. The last few years, before his death, we kind of loss in touch with each other, as he moved to San Diego. But, maybe a year, before his death, I went up to LA (for work), and decided to give him a call & see, “What’s up!” He was happy to hear me! I made plans to drive down, San Diego, & meet up. It was like old times like usual! We laughed, went to a casino, had lunch (of course, I paid. He was always broke..nah!) lol, & just spent the day together. We had a good time! I miss that bugga! :-) Needless to say, I didn’t think this would be the last time, I would see him.
So buddy, I know you are in a good place. I miss you down here, on this earth! We will catch up again, in our next life, as we still have our, one-on-one basketball game, to finish still! :-)
Jason Fabrao
My Trombone partner in crime. I remember going up against you for select band and times when we tried not to laugh during practice and not let Mr. Inaba see us! Miss you buddy, hope you are in a better place and at peace.Joseph Lee
To my Brother, Best Pal & Buddy!Rizal, as we called him, had many names, like “Willy”, (his haole name, in which he like to use), “Magic”, when we are playing basketball, or just plain, “STUD”, when we out on the town. (i.e. you know, disco, clubs etc..) But to me, he was always be called, “Riz"
I, first, met Rizal, back in 1977, when I came back to Lanai, from the mainland. I met him thru his brother Perry. It was the end of summer of 77, & there was a big get together, at Manele beach, with just the boys. I knew Perry more, at the time, but who would have thought, that his brother Rizal, would be the one, that our friendship would grow & last till this day.
Rizal, was a good man, with a good heart. He was always there, if needed support. He would cheer you up, or make you laugh, when times in you life was down.(I was a good example of that). He was just a funny guy, that you would like hanging out with.
Rizal, was also a sports guy. He loved basketball. His favorite team was the “Lakers”. Mine at that time, was "Chicago Bulls". We would always play out, our fantasy, of Lakers vs Bulls, or, Jordan vs Magic. We had our one-on-one battles, with intense moments. We also, played our 2 on 2 games, where me & Rizal, vs Steven Hokama & Nilton Oyama.. Now those were intense moments! I mean it was fun too, but Rizal was always picked on, in isolation moves, where either Steven or Nilton, would take him, one-on-one. We lost most of time, but it was just plain fun, playing & acting out our fantasy dunks, & just hanging out, with the “boys”. (Remember now, this was all before, we started the family thing :-)
We became even closer, as I set off, to have a family. He was the best man, at my wedding & also became the god father of my daughter (Alyssa). Time moved on, as I was trying to raise a family, as Rizal, was trying to finish his teaching degree. We would still see each other, as we always had, at our weekly basketball games, being played every Sunday, with the boys. Those were fun times!
We continue to keep in touch, as we aged through out, our 20’s, 30’s & 40’s. The last few years, before his death, we kind of loss in touch with each other, as he moved to San Diego. But, maybe a year, before his death, I went up to LA (for work), and decided to give him a call & see, “What’s up!” He was happy to hear me! I made plans to drive down, San Diego, & meet up. It was like old times like usual! We laughed, went to a casino, had lunch (of course, I paid. He was always broke..nah!) lol, & just spent the day together. We had a good time! I miss that bugga! :-) Needless to say, I didn’t think this would be the last time, I would see him.
So buddy, I know you are in a good place. I miss you down here, on this earth! We will catch up again, in our next life, as we still have our, one-on-one basketball game, to finish still! :-)
Aloha buddy! Joseph