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Do you remember how we were assigned to plan a whole alternative Christmas event when we were in grade 6?

Looking back, it's pretty amazing to think that we were given such a big responsibility. We had to coordinate with the non-profit organization, raise funds for the event, plan the activities, put together loot bags…

Mara and I were grouped together and I remember her baking brownies for us to sell. Then we – so that was me, Gabby Villaruz, and Mara — went door to door selling them to our neighbors.

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IV-1 won't be the same without you, Mara.

Til we meet again ♥️🥹

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One of our IV-1 class reunions after we graduated from HS-- at Annie's lola's house ♥️

Happy with just Clover and Kirei chips. 😂 life was so much simpler then! 🤭

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I'm sorry to hear about Mara's passing. My deepest condolences go out to you and your loved ones during this difficult time. May you find strength and solace in the cherished memories shared with Mara.

- Sarah Trinidad

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Mara saved my life! In one of our summer outings at Tanya's beach house in Batangas, we decided to venture the deep part beyond the spiny starfish zone. We dragged Tanya's salbabida "boat" and decided to ride in it without considering our total weight. Well after trying to balance our weight the "boat" toppled over and we all fell in the water including our swimming gear. Bea and I were struggling to float and I just remember an angelic face saving me and dragging me towards safety. Thanks Mara! I will never forget you. <3 - Cher

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Coldplay - Everglow (Live at Belasco Theater)

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I enjoyed sharing my packed lunch with Mara because hers was always good. So when she offers hers, I would always trade willingly. 

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When I moved to London, Mara had reached out to me when she realized we were living in the same country. We hadn’t talked since high school and she reached out after years from the cold, which was refreshing. She was glad to know someone who also lived in the same country and a few hours away. We thought of meeting up at some point but sadly never got to it.

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Mara,

the cousin of Princess Sarah

the strong Mara- carrying our classmates (Well, not all of us.)

the selfless Mara- Even to the point of injuring herself in the class encounter just to make sure she helped everyone get across the web.

This is also why she’s the savior Mara- always making sure everyone is safe

the Chef Mara- Even in high school, being the best in chopping the vegetables and being the taste-tester for all the food we made in T.H.E  (even if we were following the same recipe)

the knowledgeable and skilled Mara, who had random facts and could just do about anything, even calming a crying child even in grade school.

The funny Mara, who always made sure to laugh.

You know from time to time, Mara would always tell me:

“Find laughter in everything you do, Tanita.

No matter how bad the situation is. There is always an ounce of joy.”

Oh Mara, you are the reason why I laughed how many times while praying the novena the past nights.

Because with Mara, you surely would laugh and not have any care in the world.

Even through the years, Mara would never forget her friends.

She’d randomly remember you and check in on you.

She’s the type of friend who was always there for you.

Okay maybe except for the time in high school that she’d call the house and talk pretty long to my sister about Sims Cheats.

I mean Mara, who is your friend ba here?

But she was always there.

Through the joys and pains and laughter and sadness.

“Im here, Tans.”, she always assured.

She always supported you as long as it’s what you want and it’s what makes you happy.

And Mara was always proud for even the tiniest things.

Mara cared and loved so deeply.

And we really felt it, Mar.

She was always thinking about everyone else first.

You know a week before this all happened, we were even chatting about cake.

(Of course, we were talking about cake.)

Her nephew’s birthday was months away and she was already thinking about the cake she wanted to buy from Alex’s sister.

We were just planning our hangout when you come home this October.

You know, Mara would have loved how we reconnected and reunited the past days.

She’d ask me about some of you and always had something nice to say.

Look Mar, you brought us all together again, just like you wanted.

Mara, thank you for everything.  I miss you already.  And will miss our mini catch ups, whenever, wherever, just like Shakira once said.

I’m still trying to get used to talking to you this way.

Because I know our hearts and spirits will always be connected.

And whenever I laugh, I know that it’s you.

And I’ll feel you in moments of bliss.

Mara, say hi to Celina for me and Tet and Pia too.

See you soon (but maybe not yet that soon)

I’ll talk to you later, Mar.

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This picture is funny. I remember sleeping over at Mara’s house. And you see the pillow behind our heads? Mara put it up so we would have a nice background for the photo.