I have known Pareng Mando since our high school days. A very handsome young man with quiet manners, he was accepted in our “barkada” although we were a year ahead. If he enjoyed casinos, then I believe he hit the biggest jackpot when he won Joy, my dearest friend, in marriage. A very caring family man, he took a momentous decision to come over to the USA to better provide for his growing family. His first few years in Houston was tough emotionally because he was so homesick and missed Joy and the children. I remember him calling overseas and spending hours speaking with Joy to ease his loneliness. His telephone bills were staggering. This was of course before viber, Facetime, FB and messenger. He told me his dream was to build a house for Joy and his children. He accomplished this. Together with Joy, they raised 4 upstanding children, their pride and joy. Among his many friends Pareng Mando was well loved. He was thoughtful and always ready to help. I’ll always remember how he baby sat Michelle on a short notice when Ferdie had to go to work and Inay and I was at the doctor’s office. And when he cooked “tulingan” because I said it was my favorite. Little things like these are forever embedded in my memory. You will be missed but we hold on to our Christian faith that our Lord Jesus is preparing a room for you in His Father’s house.
