Recalling the Shocking News
Feeling slightly recharged from siesta in the afternoon of April 27, I woke up to a message that came with an obituary: “RIP, direk Floy Quintos.” In disbelief, I replied: “‘Di nga (Really)?” For a stroke patient battling Parkinson’s disease at the same time, it has become “normal” especially in my case to experience bouts of palpitation. But on that day, it felt like I was having a heart attack as I frenetically scrolled Google for any details, praying fervently that I only fell victim to a prankster or fake news purveyor.
A Day Filled with Uncertainty
Around that time in the afternoon is usually my early dinner, which I fetch from a neighbor. Walking toward the door to get it packed in styrofoam that time meant heavy steps. So did bringing in the food back to my stuffy room to wolf it down. The food just lay on my bed, gazing at me for nearly an hour. The day’s weather was at its hottest yet my trembling hands felt coldest. All throughout I couldn’t shake Floy’s sudden passing off my mind.
Remembering Floy Quintos
I had known Floy for more than 20 years, including several months of brainstorming sessions for Startalk that was to pilot in October of 1995. Not once did he fall ill, let alone complain about minor health discomforts. I barely knew Floy’s creative background except he had a long-standing friendship with Boy Abunda since their Metropolitan Theatre days.
Floy’s Unique Persona
But underneath the veneer of a polymath — who walked with an air of gravitas that commanded a great deal of respect and admiration — lay a good-hearted, compassionate, at times irreverent person who was never afraid to go downright “cheap” and “luka-luka” if occasions called for it. Fun to be with, I knew exactly what would make Floy easily burst into attention-getting laughter — jokes or tales using gutter language.
Memories of Working Together
On most Saturdays during the airing of Startalk, it was always me and Floy on the studio floor. As such, he bore witness to the program hosts’ movements, on- and off-cam. It was either one of the hosts was doing pretty well or was doing way below his expectations. As Startalk director, I witnessed Floy’s patience with “pasaway” hosts (I won’t name names), particularly those who insisted they do what they believed was right but was actually the other way around.
A Fond Farewell
With direk Floy, it had always been work at play. If only for this — yes, Floy — I will sorely miss the fun times you wrote and directed yourself with so much gusto and cheerful spontaneity. May you rest in God’s embrace.
