It was a quiet weekend when I received a phone call that changed everything. My former boss, Peter Lat, had suffered a brain stroke and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Hospital.

The news left me stunned. Without a second thought, I stepped off the jeepney I was riding and hailed a taxi to the hospital. It felt like one of those moments when Sir Peter would call me at the last minute to join him for a business meeting—urgent, immediate, and non-negotiable. When I arrived, familiar faces surrounded me. My colleagues and I—his students—had gathered in silent solidarity. Sir Peter was more than just a boss; he was our mentor, our guide, and, in many ways, the person who shaped who we were.

Entering the ICU, I saw him lying there, comatose, sustained only by machines. He had just undergone brain surgery, and the prognosis was grim. Deep down, I knew his time was running out. Despite his unconscious state, I spoke to him. “Sir Pete,” I said softly, “I know you hate hospitals. I hope you feel better. But if it’s too hard, it’s okay to rest. You’ve done so much for so many people, and we’ll always be grateful.”

Outside the ICU, we shared memories of Sir Peter, each of us trying to capture the essence of a man who had profoundly impacted our lives. There was laughter and a few tears as we recounted the countless ways he had mentored us, pushed us to excel, and believed in our potential.

I first met Sir Peter in August 2016 while interviewing him for a magazine article. At the time, he was establishing the Film Academy of the Philippines–Mindanao (FAP-Min), where he served as head coordinator. During our conversation, he shared his vision for FAP-Min and his passion for nurturing local talent in the film industry.

After the interview, Sir Peter surprised me by offering me a position at FAP-Min. Without hesitation, I accepted. From that moment, I became his student, and he became my mentor. Sir Peter lived by a unique philosophy: “I don’t need anything, but everything and everyone needs me.” This mantra encouraged self-reliance while drawing others to him. When I adopted this mindset, my life began to change. Opportunities seemed to present themselves naturally, and joining FAP-Min became the starting point of a journey that shaped my career and life.

Despite FAP-Min being under the Office of the President, Sir Peter funded it entirely out of his own pocket. His generosity knew no bounds. Whether it was feasts at the office or celebratory meals, he made sure we were well cared for. On my birthday, he surprised me with an entire lechon—a gesture that reflected his thoughtfulness and generosity.

Working for Sir Peter was dynamic, challenging, and fulfilling. I managed FAP-Min’s social media page, directed and hosted online shows, organized events, and accompanied him to meetings with prominent figures. But above all, I wrote. Each week, I contributed articles about film and FAP-Min’s activities to the Mindanao Times, honing my craft as a writer under his mentorship.

Through him, I met and networked with influential personalities, including acclaimed director Brillante Mendoza, PBA legend Ramon Fernandez, and former DILG Secretary Raffy Alunan. Sir Peter didn’t just open doors; he taught us how to walk through them with confidence and purpose.

Beyond professional growth, Sir Peter instilled in us values that extended far beyond the workplace. He emphasized the importance of giving back and empowering others. He wasn’t the type to hand out solutions on a silver platter; instead, he taught us how to solve problems, take initiative, and navigate challenges independently.

I wasn’t his only protégé. One of his most notable mentees was Jehza Huelar, an Ateneo graduate who achieved both national and international acclaim. She placed as second runner-up in Binibining Pilipinas 2016 and later won the title of Miss Supranational 2018. Sir Peter supported and guided her throughout her journey, just as he did for all of us.

Sir Peter was more than a mentor—he was a leader who inspired us to strive for excellence and a friend who stood by us in times of need. He believed in the potential of people and was unwavering in his commitment to helping them succeed.Two days after my visit to the hospital, Sir Peter passed away at the age of 55. It was a loss that felt far too soon for someone who had so much more to give. True to his philosophy, he left behind no unfulfilled needs—but countless people who needed him.

With no one to take his place, FAP-Min eventually shut down. It was a bittersweet end to an organization built on Sir Peter’s vision and determination. At his wake, people from all walks of life came to pay their respects. Some traveled from faraway places to honor him. The sheer number of attendees—former colleagues, mentees, and friends—was a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives. Despite his wealth, influence, and power, none of it could extend his time with us. And yet, his greatest treasure was the legacy he left behind—a legacy carried forward by his students, including me.

Looking back, Sir Peter’s mentorship taught me invaluable lessons that continue to guide me today. He showed me the importance of vision, determination, and generosity. He proved that true leadership is about empowering others—not just achieving personal success. Sir Peter Lat was a visionary whose impact will endure through those he mentored. His philosophy, his generosity, and his unwavering belief in the potential of others have left an indelible mark on all who knew him. A mentor. A friend. A visionary taken too soon. He will always be remembered.