IJWBAA [eej-wah] is a Filipino digital artist and the first Filipino recognized in the Techspressionism movement. He is a neologist and the originator of Decolonial Minimalism—an art movement that reclaims minimalism through ancestral memory and cultural reawakening. His works, compiled in two volumes of I Just Wannabe an Artist, have been recognized, officially archived, cataloged, and made available in the collections of the Gallerie degli Uffizi, Museo Reina Sofía, the National Museum of the Philippines, Getty Research Institute, and other prominent cultural institutions worldwide.

One Friend

a short essay by IJWBAA | Feb 18, 2025


I never thought I’d have to say goodbye to you, so soon. The weight of your absence is unbearable, a hollow space in my heart where your laughter used to live. Life feels quieter now, emptier—like a world robbed of its brightest colors.

You were more than a friend; you were family, my safe place, my confidant. Every memory we made together now feels like a bittersweet echo, a reminder of the love and joy you brought into my life. I keep expecting to hear your voice, to see your name light up my phone, to turn around and find you standing there with that familiar smile. But instead, all I have are these memories, fragile yet precious, aching yet beautiful.

I’ll never forget the strength and courage you carried with you every day. You were proud of who you were, unapologetically yourself, a beautiful soul who broke barriers, who loved without fear, and who taught me what it meant to be truly free. Your journey, though full of hardship, was also filled with love, hope, and resilience.

I wish I had one more moment with you—to thank you for the laughs, the love, the guidance, and for being a light in my life. I wish I could have helped carry your pain. But even now, I’ll carry you with me—through every quiet moment, every laugh, every memory, and every ounce of love you gave.

Rest easy. You were taken from us too soon, but your spirit and the love you shared will never fade. You are gone, but never forgotten.


A Little Note: The piece "One Friend" by IJWBAA is a heartfelt digital tribute to a departed friend, capturing the raw emotion of grief and the enduring power of love. It speaks to the deep bond between two souls—where friendship transcends into chosen family—and expresses the profound loss left behind when such a presence is gone. Through tender memories and vivid reflections, the work explores themes of identity, courage, and the lasting impact of someone who lived authentically and loved unconditionally. Both intimate and universal, *One Friend* becomes a digital memorial that honors not just a life lost, but a legacy that continues to shine in memory and spirit.

SO, WHAT'S NEXT?

Hi, I'm Pao aka IJWBAA. I'm a digital artist, painter, and a book author from the Philippines. If you enjoyed reading this you might like to read also:

• The Digital Artist Digest

• Poems by IJWBAA

• Quotes from a Wannabe Artist

• Notes to Self

I would greatly appreciate if you could kindly share this to people whom you know will be interested to read this through social media, email, text, or message.

Thank you.