People Around Me Are Dropping Like...

Francisco David Manalili

Cong Frank’s (or Cong Francing as we affectionately call him) mom is Imang Ester, she’s my Mom’s youngest sister, one of the two who’s still alive. Cong Francing turned 60 last December. He was the oldest in a family of three. The middle brother, Ely, who’s about my age, passed away several years ago. Nenet, the youngest, I heard had a stroke a couple of years back and is bed ridden or has paralysis of some level. Cong Francing and Imang Ester went on vacation a few months ago and they were able to attend the 40 days mass for Elijah at our house in Sindalan on Feb 25.


A few days ago, he was on his way home from working out at a nearby gym, passed out while driving and hit another car. He was dead on arrival by the time paramedics took him to Norwalk Community Hospital.

This picture (courtesy of niece Leilani Maniago - Giles) was taken during their recent vacation in the Philippines. Lani bumped into him in San Fernando.


And here he is on the left, with a nephew. Picture taken by Cecile Yumul at Cecile's Healing Garden in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.



Last week Len sent me an OLM and told me Cong Frank’s (Donna’s oldest brother) son-in-law (sadly, I don’t even know his name), Sweetpea’s husband had a brain aneurysm and died. Sweetpea is in Canada working. Last February she went back to the Philippines so they can get married. I think they have two maybe three children.



Rafael Macabali Maniago

There are four cousins with the name Rafael Maniago (my brother included) all named after our paternal grandfather. One of them Cong Paing from Mindoro had a stroke a few years back and has been bed ridden since. My niece, Charry sent me an eMail saying he passed away May 12.

Here is a really old picture of him, not sure when it was taken but he was really young.



Early this year until the time we left for California (April 26) I think five of our former high school classmates have died, one of whom – Rey Vergara is a really good friend.

Here is Rey after he delivered his speech at the 2008 PHS Graduation Ceremony. He and another former classmate and friend Lita Manalastas Watanabe were the guest speakers.



Not to mention another great grandson of my brother Cong Naring. See my previous blog about Sky.

Wow, and now on to some happier news!!