The extraordinary Rollie has departed from us

But there are also, O earth! one day ... one day ... one day ...

When we lift our wings to never return...

One inevitable day, unforeseen winds blow,

A day when no one can retain us!

Porfirio Barba Jacob – Song of Deep Life

Dear friends:

A tremendous loss for the AIESEC Alumni world was experienced after the unexpected death of one of our most

prominent leaders, Rolando "Rollie" Gosiengfiao, a prominent alumnus and Filipino businessman, occurred yesterday

in Manila.

Rollie was an extremely charismatic and jovial man who excelled in the world of AIESEC in the early 70's and then in

the global circle of alumni in Asia Pacific and globally.

We will miss his talent and dominion, his leadership skills, good judgment and the extraordinary gift of words he

possessed, his formidable powers of reasoning, wonderful relating skills, his sparkling humor and bright smile, among

many of his unforgettable features that impressed me the most.

It has been a privilege to have been his friend and fellow in AAI duties for a brief but substantial time which

corroborated in a "live and direct manner" the reasons behind his legendary and well-earned reputation.

Rollie today is already a legend. He's gone and now enjoys a state of peace and happiness that he yearned for the

Earth and for which he worked in AIESEC and many other fronts. His family and large circle of friends and colleagues

were left very sad and nostalgic, but having received Rollie's precious gift, because if something got Rollie, was to show

how to live a life full of challenge, leadership and consistency, full of personal fulfillment and professional support to his

family and society, without neglecting human aspects and the ability to enjoy friendship and small details of life virtues.

I know Rollie Gosiengfiao impacted the lives of many people and has become a beacon of light that showed how

one can live and contribute to the world exhibiting AIESEC values at their highest degree. I have no doubt that his

name and his example will endure forever in the memory of all who knew him and who could retain something of the

magic of Rollie, a truly exceptional person.

We owe you eternal gratitude, dear Rollie. Rest in Peace and Happiness!

Oscar Ayala Arana

Cali, Colombia – January 22nd., 2015