Only Rudy Fernandez could have spoken those lines. I don’t even remember the movie in which he spoke those lines.

Yet, every aspiring Filipino macho quickly memorized that line and it was the talk of the town. That’s the influence of Rudy Fernandez, one of the most debonair actors (and I say, "actor," with respect, because Rudy knew how to act unlike all the other action stars who don’t).

His tough, on-screen image, however, belied a soft interior of a man who was in reality soft-spoken, and who loved his wife and kids with a passion. I guess this is what endeared him most to the movie-going public. We all knew he was a kind, generous man who wouldn’t deliberately hurt anyone.

So it’s sad to see such a man go. But, contrary to reports, he didn’t lose to cancer. Cancer may have ravaged his body, but Rudy Fernandez lives on. He lives on in his family’s hearts. He lives on in the hearts of millions of Filipinos. And, as Tirso Cruz III said, "He’s in a much better place. I’m sure of that!"

I agree. But, as a fan, I’ll miss him.

Paalam, Daboy! When I see you in the afterlife, I’ll finally get to shake your hand. Personalan.