As you enter the City of blinding lights, you will always be remembered for who you are. A good son and brother, a team captain, a student-leader, a good friend, and a true Lasallian  —  these qualities describe Iggy Villanueva.

Iggy is the type of student who you can say you’re going to idolize. He was a math wiz, a basketball MVP, a prom king, and an all-around athlete. He had the brains and the looks plus the talent. He was the all-in-one package. The girls chased him. He also had the most beautiful girlfriends. You say it,  Iggy has done it. But most of all, he was the perfect son parents could wish for.

He did his best to fight the disease but God had different plans for him and his family. Although the news is rather sad, it should not put us down because he’s with our Creator now. He’ll always be looking down and thanking each and every person who helped him through his struggle. There should be no worries because Iggy is still right beside us. All that’s physically left, though,  are photographs, videos, and also special memories.

Iggy is gone too soon and it’s a big loss for his family and friends. He symbolized hope for those who feel like giving up.  He sparked the iCancervive movement. He raised awareness for leukemia. He served as an inspiration for students to be what they can be. He is now in the perfect place. He no longer has struggles and worries. Although he’s away, the love for him is  going to stay.

Now, Iggy is kicking it and chilling in paradise. He maybe  watching Michael Jackson moonwalking in the clouds, jamming with Bob Marley, and singing with the Beatles minus Paul McCartney.

 

The writer is Iggy Villanueva’s classmate  at the Integrated School of the University  of St. La Salle (Class 2007).  Iggy, 20,  succumbed to an acute case of leukemia on Oct. 17 after he was diagnosed in January this year.