By Monchi Ampil

Like in many parts of the world, we also celebrate All Saints’ Day, an annual tradition where we remember and visit our departed loved ones. Whether in the province or here in the metro, we take the time to honor those who once shared their lives with us and continue to live in our hearts.

For this edition of SoulFull, we asked our colleagues at NLEX to reflect on two meaningful questions:

1. What are your fondest memories of that special person? What lessons did you learn from them that you still carry or apply in your life today?

2.If you were given the chance to talk to them again, what would you like to say or thank them for?

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Jerome Caronongan from ESH on his brother David

To my older brother, his name is David. He was born with a disability. He is cheerful and loving, especially towards us, his siblings, and most of all to our mother, whom he is always with. My mother is a teacher, and she is also the one teaching my brother the things he should have learned in school. Because of his condition and disability, my parents decided that it would be better for my brother to stay and study at home instead.

For me, helping those in need is important. Help others even in small ways and always show care and respect toward others. Whatever challenges come into our lives, we should know how to face them. Whatever the Lord has given you, never forget to be thankful and to be content with the blessings that come into your life.

If I ever get the chance to talk to my brother, I want to tell him that I love him very much and thank him for the love he has given us. All the sacrifices we, his siblings, made during the times when we had to take turns coming home at noon to give him his lunch and help bathe him. We truly miss all of those moments together. Thank you for the unconditional love you showed to our parents, especially our mother. & father. And lastly, I’m sorry, Kuya, for the time when you had your accident and we couldn’t be there by your side to help you.

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Mabelle Zuñiga of Technology shared her love for his older brother, Lambert Emmanuel

Kuya Limuel, as I call him. He is my brother, my biggest supporter, and my best friend all in one. An achiever, Valedictorian, Cum Laude, name it! He stood out not just for his accomplishments, but for his kind heart and humility.

As the youngest, I always looked up to him. He believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and supported me in choosing engineering. Though he didn’t get to see me become an engineer, he is the reason I worked so hard to reach my dreams. His belief in me became my strength.

My fondest memories with him are the times he treated me to good food, took me shopping (spoiled bunso, hehe), and even took me to beautiful places. He gave me allowance and helped with my school projects without me even asking. That was just who he was; generous and supportive. He made every occasion memorable and made me feel truly special. Kuya was thoughtful and loving, especially toward our parents.

But what I cherish most is that I could share anything with him about life updates, struggles and happy moments. He will always be my kakampi and forever supporter.

My message to my Kuya, thank you for always believing in me and guiding me. I thank the Lord for you, for the chance to make memories with you and for having a brother like you. Life isn’t the same without you here, kuya, but I hope you’re proud of me. Your memory continues to inspire me to do my best and to live with the same kindness and dedication you showed everyone. Please watch over us. Lagi kang nasa isip at mga panalangin ko. I’ll carry you in me wherever I go. Mahal kita palagi. 

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From CSM, Ria Javate told a story of her precious time of her mother Rollet

I grew up with my mother always around me so I’m lucky enough to have a lot of fond memories with her that I can look back on. My favorite one was when I was maybe 4-5 years old, when she first taught me how to read Filipino and English. It was summer vacation, and unlike other kids, I didn’t spend the days playing around, I learned how to read instead. Sabi ni Mama, “Para magaling ka na magbasa sa pasukan.” True enough, I did. I was one of the first students in our grade 1 class who knew how to read at the beginning of the school year. She was my first teacher, the first person who believed in me, my wit, and my dreams.

There are so many lessons I learned from her throughout the 15 years we spent together that I still carry it with me to this day. Although my Mama’s death didn’t come as a surprise, she fought cancer years prior, it still struck me hard. I regretted a lot of things I did and didn’t do for her, and there are still days I wish I could live another life with her just to make sure she knew how much I loved her. But the truth is, we can never experience the same things twice, despite regret, guilt, and pain. So, I learned from losing her how important it is to live in the present, to not always rely on ‘next time’, and to never take people or opportunities for granted. Sometimes we get so focused on preparing for the future; we lose sight of the things that are already laid out in front of us, the things that matter most at the end of the day.

I would like to ask her if, during her final moments, she knew how much I love her, and how thankful I am she held on for as long as she could. My 15 years with her were still too short but realizing that she was sick during half of it, I just feel grateful for her strength. She always used to say, “Kailangan pa ako ng bunso ko.” I really needed her then, and I still need her now. So, I would also thank her for showing me what unconditional love looks like, and for inspiring me to become as strong as she was. My Mama raised me with so much love enough to last a lifetime, so I’ll dedicate my whole life aspiring to be as great as the woman she was.

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Sam Escolano from Contracts Administration and his friendship and our former colleague, Elvin

Elvin was a fellow management trainee, college classmate, and a great friend. He was both a high-flyer and a fun-loving, heartful adventurer. My fondest memories with him were, on top of work, our efforts to make TDE/Support the champion in NLEX Christmas Party presentations. ‘Twas creativity, passion, and friendship combined.

Perhaps one of his best skills is that he can turn a difficult discussion into a light-hearted yet focused one. The greatest lesson I learned from him is that we can conquer concerns and challenges with fun, creativity, and brilliance, as friends and colleagues.

Hi Elvin, hope you’re happy with how Connector Section 1 was completed and Northlink has bloomed – bilin mo ‘yun sakin. Kelan tayo mag-videoke at gala ulit? Please do remind us to have fun and be creative in solving challenges, especially with our colleagues.

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For the last part I would personally also take this opportunity to give honor to my grandfather Pinong

If we are talking about fondest memories, there is a lot but to sum it up, during my growing years he was the one I spent most of my time with, as my parents need to work, he was the one taking care of me at home. From preparing my breakfast, to putting on clothes for me to school and driving me to school. We even do activities together, from going to groceries, having a haircut, and before heading home try our luck sometimes in the lottery. Most of the time he includes number 28 among the 6 digits because I was born on the 28^th of August. We never won the lottery, but those simple/routinary memories are priceless and wouldn’t change anything and hesitate to go back if given a chance to relieve it. I guess that’s what I learned from him, to live simply, to take care of things no matter how small they are, to show care to the people that matter, and live life with humility.

I just want to say how thankful I am for everything, I miss you every day, and not a day I haven’t thought of you. Thanks for always guiding me as I navigate this thing called life, because I know you are always beside me. I hope you are enjoying heaven with Lola, and hopefully when the time comes, I can hug you and feel your warmth once again.

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