In Memory of Papay Doel

Around 10 PM yesterday, Tito Carlo called Papa, his voice was normal and relaxed.

TC: Kamusta kan manong?

P: Nasyaat met ading.

Then the line was cut. Tito Carlo called once again.

TC: Kamusta kan manong?

P: Nasyaat nak met. I’m okay. Apay kadi nadamag mo?

TC: Awan manong, mail-iliw nak langamin unay kenyam manong.

Then Tito Carlo started crying.

TC: Awanen ni Mang Doelen manong. Pinaltugan da. Natay tay kabsat tayon manong.

Papay Doel, our mild-mannered uncle, is dead at 58.

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Our beloved uncle lived a simple life – reclusive, shy, soft-spoken. Had two very young children. Served as captain and councilor in Cagayan. Very approachable and befriended everyone in town. Yet his life was ended by a .45 Caliber Pistol.

See how evil people and how uncertain life could be?

But one thing we could be sure of – that earthly and divine justice, by all means, would prevail. That our family won’t let it just pass by.

We will miss you, Papay Doel. You are gone but will never be forgotten.

He was all smiles back then. Now we won’t see those smiles again. But we know you are much happier up there, smiling down on us all.

Rest in peace, Papay Doel.