Carlos Vilarrubi, the great battle companion who has always risen to the occasion

BarcelonaCarles Vilarrubí has been the older brother I never had, and whom, after today, I have lost and will never have again. Having you has been a dream, an illusion, a mirage for me.

We met many years ago, in a different world and under very different circumstances. We've shared battles, scares, projects, and above all, victories. He was always a winner who wasn't afraid of anything or anyone; he looked everyone straight in the eye, as he did with death. It has been an honor for me to have been his mentor and for me to have been his student.

Carles Vilarrubí was an educated, cultured, enlightened, diplomatic man, a good friend, a good host and, above all, something that is not very common nowadays: loyal to the death!

He was a big fan of independent films, the kind that make you think. They used to call it art-house cinema. That's why I'll never forget when, surprisingly, he insisted on going to see a mainstream film. Top GunThe old instructor, after a disastrous training session, booed the students, saying, "Here, we don't each fight for our own personal success; we're a team, and never abandon your comrade, always cover them." That day we sealed our pact: never abandon your comrade, even if you don't see it clearly, never let your comrade be taken down, and we've kept it. We didn't count on life also shooting.

When he became president of the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, he asked me to be by his side, and of course I was. There was no other option; you never abandon a friend. Now, as I fly solo, as life has dealt him a heavy blow, I can't stop thinking about his unwavering values and the depth of his loyal friendship. Shortly before this whole nightmare began, he called me to go see a French film: 13 days, 13 nights Regarding the departure of the French embassy in Kabul, we commented that if we were ever in a similar situation, we would want to rise to the occasion.

He was always there for me, and I think about the movies we've seen together. I'd like to be on his level someday. For now, we're parting ways, but don't doubt it, my friend, we'll fly together again.