Tito Bio

After delivering the Eulogy for Lola Piling during the Requiem Mass we offered her in Gagalangin Church 10 years ago, I was surprised to the round of applause I received. Normally, eulogies are met with silence complexed with tears and sobs. The applause was started by my uncle Eusebio Albano.

A namesake of my great-grandfather, Tito Bio (as we would call him) was my father's first cousin; his father Sotero was my grandfather's older brother.

The applause that I received was, for me, Tito Bio's affirmation of support and sympathy at that time of great loss. It was as though telling me that I am not alone and that he's here for me and for the rest of the bereaved. There were still others who delivered their messages of condolence to the family during that Mass, all of whom were applauded, again led by my dear uncle.

A month before Lola Piling's death, I was at a wedding where he was one of the principal sponsors. During the reception, I was sat next to him and Tito Rusty Samaniego (another uncle; my Mother's older brother). Tito Rusty started having a conversation with him about ballroom dancing which was having its revival during that time. I left the table to see some other guests and from afar I could see both of them still conversing (which went on and on). I don't know if Tito Bio was an avid fan of ballroom dancing, but the way I see him talk to Tito Rusty gave me the impression that he was an active listener.

A good husband and father, I used to bump into him and Tita Linda (his wife) during the Novena and Procession in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary of La Naval in Quezon City when I was still in the Philippines. He was also a special minister of Holy Communion in his parish. I also learned from a former colleague at the Manila Cathedral that he used to be one of the 'apostles' during the Maundy Thursday Mass in that church - a role that I would be doing during the times I was part of that beloved community.

At a time when we are so generous in citing the wrongs and the bad points of others, but are so stingy in celebrating their goodness, Tito Bio's gift of affirmation is what we want to grow into better persons and communities.

At a time when we want ourselves and only ourselves to be heard, his gift of attentiveness is what we need to foster if we wish to reach out to others.

At a time when we are swamped by materialism, hedonism, and all the bad 'isms', his gift of faith is what we need to 'let go and let God'.

Thank you, Tito Bio for your kindness and love. May you enjoy the everlasting reward of happiness with God. You will be sorely missed.

To Tita Linda, my cousins, nephews, and nieces, my heart goes out to you at this time of bereavement. May the good Lord, the source of all consolation, be with you always.