Me-ann is synonymous with respect. I do not need to elaborate on this as I know each one of us who knows her and her family, knows what I mean. Right? So 2 or 3 years ago, in one of our zoom meetings, I was complimented about having a youthful looking skin, which I said, Oil of Olay.

Me-ann said, we have something in common. In my mind, you are someone I look up to, You are up there, I am only here….what could we have in common? She said, I also use Oil of Olay and it was my Dad, her Tito Romy who have started it for her. She was given as pasalubong from London since her teens and have continued to use it since.

I will hold on to that memory our common bond by my Dad thru Oil of Olay. Look at her picture, milky skin! Bless you Me-ann. As what Billy Joel sang, Only the good die young… is so true for you! Me -ann, you will be sorely missed!

My earliest memories of Ate Me-Ann are from the 80s. After my family immigrated to the U.S., my parents would bring my brother and me back to the Philippines every few years to visit Lola, reconnect with our Titas, Titos, and cousins, and keep our love for the Philippines alive. Ate Me-Ann was 14 years older than me, and I looked up to her so much. I thought she was beautiful—with great hair that I always wanted to copy. I remember always wanting to get a haircut just like hers.

I can’t pinpoint the exact year I met Kuya Vic, but I vividly recall the time she let Cindy and me tag along on one of their dates. We went to an indoor amusement park, and looking back, we were probably there as chaperones, mandated by Tita Letty. But I never felt like an imposition. Ate Me-Ann and Kuya Vic made us feel welcome and included. I remember how much fun I had with them and how happy I was.  Even if she was annoyed by the situation, she never showed it—that was just her nature. Kind, warm, and effortlessly generous with her time and affection.

In the 90s, I spent what I jokingly call a ‘gap year’ living in the Santos/Barreiro household in La Vista—for three wonderful years. By then, Ate Me-Ann and Kuya Vic were living their dream, raising Paolo and Kristina. Those years were some of the happiest of my life. I remember dinners at the roundtable and Sunday lunches filled with laughter alongside Tito Hector, Tita Letty, and the Santos brothers and sisters and their families (except for Kuya Bonnie, who was in the States). During that time, Ate Me-Ann was a constant presence in my life. We would sometimes go to the parlor together or get our nails done, and people would often mistake her for my mother. In many ways, she was like a second mom to me—always looking out for me and taking the time to listen to my stories. (She may have even enjoyed hearing about some of my shenanigans.)

Me-Ann had this way of caring for everyone she loved. She adored my parents and looked after them even from afar. Whenever they flew back to the States, she’d check in to make sure they arrived safely. If she knew they had a doctor’s appointment or checkup, she’d always follow up to see how it went. She was so thoughtful, always putting the well-being of others first.

I am grateful for the many beautiful memories I have of Ate Me-Ann. She was a strong woman and a fantastic role model—kind, generous, and full of love for everyone around her. She could be fierce and had a loud bark, but a soft and tender heart. She will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her and to be loved by her.

I extend my deepest condolences to Kuya Vic, Paolo, Kristina, Tita Letty, Kuya Sonny, Kuya Bonnie, Rico, Cindy, and the entire family. My heart aches alongside yours as we share in the sadness and grief of losing our beloved Ate Me-Ann. 

I love you, Ate Me-Ann. May you rest in peace.

One thing I love the most about Me-Ann is how much she looks after us. She is the first to check if there is anything we need and would be the first to provide it, if any. Also, I can always hear and feel how proud and happy she was - whenever we tell her about important events and milestones we have reached. Proud Ate talaga. Paalam Ate Me-Ann . 💔You will be missed. 🙏

I guess I can say I’ve known Me-ann her whole life being cousins and me being a few months older.  Us cousins saw one another almost every weekend at Lolo Pedong’s place.  We shared the common experience of having to perform during our Christmas parties.

The first outing I remember was when us pre-teen female cousins went up to Baguio and stayed at the Court of Appeals compound, courtesy of Lolo Mojica.  Bus Stop was the hit song at that time,  we were all learned to dance the “Soul”.  We were all so young then.

After college graduation,  Me-ann and I flew to Hong Kong for a short holiday.  Our first solo trip as young adults, in our early 20s.  Me-ann, being Me-ann automatically assumed the big sister role, though I was older.   I had a couple of guy friends who were British expats living in Hong Kong at that time. I met them in Manila and hosted them so they were eager to return the favor.  Being men friends, Me-ann was cautious and practically grilled the guy who took us shopping.  Me-ann always knew to say her mind.  She had no qualms, making him wait while she tried on different wardrobes.  When the other guy invited me to have dinner in his apartment,  Me-ann put her foot down and said I can only go if the guy that she already met was also there.  So, I did ask him to join us and in the end, since the host only had prepared dinner for 2, we decided to just go out to eat.  I suggested to just go back to our hotel and asked them if Me-ann could join us.  They both took it in good stride and said “Of course!, the girl scout can join us!”  Me-ann just laughed it off when they teased her as being a "girl scout". She said, she was just making sure I was safe. We ended up having a fun and enjoyable dinner.

The last time I saw her was on her birthday last year.  I was flying to the Philippines and asked her if I can stop by to visit her and Tita Letty.  She was so gracious and invited us for dinner.  It coincided with her birthday and I was glad of that. She was still the same Me-ann, a little thinner and she had some difficulty talking, but she was still in charge, making sure the food was served right.

I just re-read our messages through the years and feel blessed that even with the distance, we kept in touch.

To Vic, Paolo, Tin, Sonny, Bonnie, Rico, Cindy and the whole family, may God wrap His arms around you all and give you peace and comfort.

They say that wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.  May Me-ann rest in eternal peace.

It’s hard to find the right words to say goodbye to someone as special as Me-Ann. Growing up, I was always in awe of her graciousness. She had a way of making everyone feel seen and cared for, always ready to help, always thinking of others. Whether it was the Christmas parties (birthday celebration of Tito Hector), or some weekends spent together at La Vista, those moments are etched in my heart.

Me-Ann had a thoughtful and generous spirit. I’ll never forget a visit back home when, for some reason, we couldn’t meet up in person. Yet, she still found a way to make me feel loved, sending two beautiful blouses via courier to bring back home to L.A. Those blouses are still in my wardrobe today, a small, but constant reminder of her kindness.

The last time I saw Me-Ann was in September 2019, when I visited Tita Letty and on another occasion got the chance to reunite with other cousins. At that time, I had no idea it would be the last time I’d see her in person. But even after that, we still had the opportunity to connect via Zoom, especially during the difficult times when we lost Freddie, Tito Bok, Mama, and Tita Nene. Though those occasions were filled with sorrow, I always looked forward to seeing her and the rest of the Santos clan.

It was during one of those Zoom gatherings that we first learned of Me-Ann's diagnosis. From that moment on, she was included in my daily prayers—praying for her healing, and later, for her comfort.

Me-Ann, you will be missed more than words can express. While nothing can take away the pain of losing you, your spirit will live on in each of us, in the love and kindness you so effortlessly shared with the world. Your memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Sending my love and prayers to Tita Letty, Vic, Paolo, Kristina, Sonny, Bonnie, Rico, Cindy, and all the cousins-in-law, nieces, and nephews. We are all holding you close in our hearts during this difficult time.

Rest in peace, Me-Ann and say hello to all our loved ones there in heaven!❤️🙏❤️🙏

Today will be the final chapter of your dear husband's trilogy, your love story.

It is heartwarming to listen to Vic's story telling .......... and to reminisce our camaraderie since we all grew up together, from toddler, grade school, high school and college years.  Almost every month meron activity kasi there were so many of us, many occasions: birthdays , anniversaries, baptisms, graduations, weekly visits kay Lolo.  Some of us migrated to other countries.  Kahit na we have not seen each other for a long time, pag nagkita kita parang hindi ka nawala.

Me-Ann, you have so many admirable qualities as echoed by your loving husband, family members  and friends.  What resonated to me the most was your generosity.  I  had to inconvenience you with very early morning phone calls to carpool with you to Makati.  Wala pang traffic nuon.  You worked at Summa computers sa Makati.  You picked me up sa EDSA in front of Polymedic and dropped me off sa NEDA bldg sa Amorsolo for a month or so.  Those morning rides were precious kasi we talked to each other almost every day.  Maraming tsismis!

During family gatherings sa La Vista, we, meaning a lot of girl cousins used your room to rest, play, wardrobe changes pag merong presentation.  Also pag me sakit while in UP takbuhan ang La Vista to seek comfort and i stayed in your room.  These were priceless moments.

Maraming salamat pinsan sa lahat.    You are now finally free of any discomfort and pain.   We rejoice in your homecoming with our Lord in heaven.

We will miss you very much and may you enjoy eternal peace. Amen.

Flash forward over 20 years later, Ate Me-Ann and Kuya Vic were visiting Diane and I in New York City. We were living a small apartment and she and Kuya Vic were one of our first adult guest. I wanted to make sure she was comfortable during her short visit but as it turns out, she was checking in on me, making sure I was OK in the big city so she can report back to my mom.

While the two memories are simple memories of her, they are examples of what life is about, the simple things that we do for one another that express our love. This is exactly why I love her so much, the little thing she does. It is the care that she gives to my mom and dad, the effort she makes to make sure they are comfortable and happy, the trips she took with my parents, whether was in Japan, a resort in Cebu or someplace local. It is the way she checked in my parents to make sure they were OK …. like she made sure I was OK, or that my sister was doing fine when she lived with them. She showed love to us every day and I will miss my big sister’s oversize presence, the love she showed to her family, her strength, and most of all, her fighting spirit and the way she lived with and tackled adversity. Rest in peace Ate Me-Ann. We love you.

TO : MY DEAREST COUSIN PRINCESS ME-ANN

Princess Me-ann . This is what we called her during our joint 60th birthday celebration where we posed and mimicked superheroes. Freddie Santos as Super Freddie, Princess Me-ann, and myself, as Batmac.

Born in March 1956, Me-ann was the youngest of our batch of Santos cousins composed of Fel born in the later months of 1955, Baby ( Chato ) Oct 1955, myself Dec 1955 and Freddie, Feb 1956. But like me, Me-ann was also the eldest in her family.

We, the Santos cousins , were so numerous, we were divided into batches. Despite our number, and geographical locations growing up, we all managed to get along with each other.

Growing up, we were fortunate to have cousins a few years older than us. Because of them, we would have a legitimate excuse to attend parties, or to sneak out and attend the same.

Mind you, about 80 % of the attendees of those parties were our cousins. Me-ann was famous for being "Cinderella". Her exit time was 9PM sharp. Finished or not finished, her ride home was outside and waiting by 9PM.

As we got older, it seemed the tight parental grip loosened and the strict curfew slowly gave way to more activities. One time, I was happy to see Me-ann during an NCAA basketball opening at the Araneta Coliseum. However, I don't think she was as happy to see me there. Perhaps she'd just gotten better at sneaking out that time?

In March 1981, when Joji and I wed, Me-ann was our cord sponsor, thus forever being a part of our wedding memories.

We are very happy that she married a very secure, responsible and loving fellow like Vic. How we all wished and prayed that Me-ann, our intelligent, no-nonsense, hospitable, big boss cousin could be with us longer.

We take solace in the fact that we were with her for the all the years she was given and look forward to seeing her again in that great and grand reunion . May your soul rest in peace dearest cousin. Everything will be ok.

One of my first memories of Tita Me-Ann was her visiting our family in America when I was very little and introducing herself as Tita B. “B as in beautiful!” Although she said it as a joke to play on her last name Barreiro, it was true. She was beautiful inside and out. A woman of great style and substance. Loved my many for her thoughtfulness and admired for her tenacity. Although we lived far apart in separate countries, and our time together was often spread apart, the time I got to spend with her was always filled with a lot of smiles and laughter. She has been there for me during milestones in my life, offering advice and insight. I’ll miss going on vacations with her and seeing her at special events and family parties and Sundays at La Vista. I wish we could have more moments together but you’ll be with us in spirit.

I’ll miss you, Tita Me-ann. Rest in peace. And please say hello to our loved ones up in heaven for us.

 I am Bonnie, the favorite brother of Meann na pinapagalitan niya, just like my mom, so nothing new.

We have 2 sets of age group in our family. Meann, Sonny and then I came first. I was the bunso for 7 years until Rico and then Cindy came into our life.  Bwisit nga eh!

They were the younger generation per se.

Meann was the eldest granddaughter on my maternal side. She is our Lolo Angel’s favorite that is why her name is also Angela, in honor of our Lolo.

My older brother is Hector, the jr of our dad.

My younger brother is Enrico, after my Dad’s favorite opera singer Enrico Caruso.

Our youngest is Cynthia Leticia, after my mom.

My real name is Rafael named after…… never really found how why they came up with that name.

That was surely a big challenge for me with the first batch. 

Meann and Sonny were the perfect children for mom and dad! 

Teka, challenge din pala sa second batch at perfect children din si Rico and Cindy.

Meann excelled in school and also Sonny, and also Rico and also Cindy…. Ako…… hmm huwag nating pagusapan.

Anyway….Let's go back to Meann…

 She was a loving daughter and was very good, responsible elder sister to us.

How can I describe Meann as a daughter, sister, friend, cousin, niece, boss and so on?

I have also  been thinking what is one trait of Meann that I can proudly say that we have in common!!!! 

So I will enumerate Meann’s traits and see if I have the same trait.

Meann is……

Honest.… ibig sabihin truthful, with integry…. Yan si Meann. Compare ko nga sa akin….. NOPE!

Compassionate…kahit matapang sa labas, naninilisik ang mga mata pag galit sa iyo,  magbibitaw nang nakakatakot na sagot….   Malambot ang puso ni Meann. She has a soft heart for people who would ask for her help.

Ako kaya…. Hindi rin

Driven…. Yes, once she put her mind into it she will finish it at whatever cost it maybe.

Ako driven ba???? Well, have driven there kahit traffic.

Smart and witty, Yes, smart and witty ang ate ko. 

Well read siya… lalo na mills and boon romance novels. She has a whole collection of those books.

Kaya smart, witty and romantic.

Often at the UP library to do research at mang hiram nang books.

Eh ako…. Minsan lang nakapunta sa UP Library at maynakakita nang nawala g UP ID ko kaya I have to claim it at the UP Library

Intelligenct….  Consistent scholar and honor section si Meann. Degree in Business Administration, member of honor society with a Masters in industrial relations.

Well Ako, magaling ako sa math. Favorite subject ko Math. Sa mga taga UP, maka relate kayo. My highest level of math at UP -is Math 42…. Alam niyo ito…Math 14 x 3. Kaya math 42. 3 times ko inulit hanggang mag shift ako from Business Economics to Mass Com dahil napasa ko yung basic Math 11.

Generosity, . Very generous yan, pag may lumapit para humingi  nang tulong, pagbibigyan niya sigurado.

 Ako, dream ko lang ang maging generous.

Resilience…. One of her greatest traits. She fought cancer for almost 4 years. She never want to give up. Laban lang she tells me.

Wanting to live more and to be with her husband, son and daughter for a longer time. She told me, Bonnie wala pa akong apo. I want to know how it feels to have an apo. She fought a grueling battle up to the end.

But then finally, I realized that we do have one thing in common……

I am proud to say that Meann and 

I have the same BAD Pennmanship!!!!

Yes, as elementary school teachers call it

The Chichen Scratch…..

Thank you Meann being a great sister to us. 

Time for you to rest.

Kami nang bahala mag alaga ngayon kay mommy.

We will always keep an eye on Vic, Paolo and Tintin.

Say Hi to Dad for us. I am sure he will show you around the nice places in heaven just like when he brought us to all those nice places here on earth.

We will love and we will never forget you.

Meann was the first sibling I met when Bonnie and I were just dating. I was so scared to meet her as whatever impression I made will be broadcasted to the family and Meann being the eldest will hold sway . Baka masabihan si Bonnie ng “next!”.  As it turns out,  she liked my face, “maaliwalas”  hopefully good adjective.

I got close with Meann when Vic and Meann would visit the states and when we would go home to Manila. She would take care of us in Manila.  She is like my older sister , and I felt closer to her when my elder sister passed in 2015.

They said Meann was scary but I never felt that nor saw that side when I was with her.  I always saw the caring, funny sometimes silly side of her. I will miss you Meann!! Love you Ate Meann!

What are memories I'd like to keep of Meann? Marami! Foremost is how she brought so much light and laughter. She was the funny one in our barkada, she,  with her  unintentional sense of humor. She had this effortless way of making us laugh. She was naturally funny. 2 anecdotes   - we were in Singapore. Pauwi na kami. Connie needed an extra bag. Tamang -tama, Meann bought a new maleta. Pinahiram kay Connie yung lumang gamit niya.  Mag che-check out na kami sa hotel.  Pagbaba sa elevator dala-dala ang mga gamit, nagkita si Meann at si Connie. Meann sees the maleta that she lent. Ang sabi niya kay Connie, ay meron akong  maletang ganyan! Si Connie goes WHAT???  Another anecdote starring FPJ.  She was managing the graveyard shift. Inaantok-antok! She was interviewing someone - nanaginip siguro. She asks - anong sabi ni FPJ?  Needless to say, the person she was talking to went "Ano raw ???"  Nagising ang Meann and she goes " I was just testing if you were listening!" That was Meann! The ultimate komikera!

But beyond her humor, she was a person of immense kindness and thoughtfulness. She was always there for us. Always! Like Pon, she also sent me sweet messages while she still could. Returning my "I love yous". Our messages to each other  remain in my phone.
And if you were ever in 36 Badjao, you'd feel so at home.  While the mahjongeras would be  playing, she would be busy in the kitchen preparing  snacks and dinner. Madalas, our favorite Lay's potato chips and unli soda and coffee.

As a wife to Vic, ibang klase siya!  We are witness to how she took care of Vic, particularly when he was recovering from his own health crisis. In one of our road trips locally, we saw her cleaning his wounds. Hindi ko siguro kayang gawin iyon para kay Marlon.  Selfless, a love that knew no bounds. 

I, like the rest of the Ribbonettes and Ribbonetos, feel  blessed to

have known the funny and kind side of Meann. I'm not sure how people at work  saw her but I know a few who have worked with her who say that she was tough, a terror boss  who had zero tolerance for non-performers. Having come from the corporate world myself, I have to say she did right.

So, as we honor her memory, we, her barkada, hope to  carry forward the laughter, the love, and the countless memories she shared with us. We will  try to be a bit more like her — kind yet strong, loving yet firm, and always, always generous with those she loved. So Meann, mauna ka na umuwi. Doon, forever beautiful ka. Hindi mo na kailangan magpa-parlor. And above all, pwede na kayo magkwentuhan ni FPJ.

That quote reminds me so much of Auntie Me-Ann, simply because she made each moment spent with her so meaningful that it was and will be worth remembering always.  

From the time I was in college Auntie Me-Ann was always a strong influence in what kind of woman I wanted to be. She was the epitome of a strong, beautiful, professional, independent woman.  Never too imposing but had that air of authority around her that commanded your attention. 

I remember fondly my OJT days in Nextel, the Company where Auntie was the VP for HRD.  No one had a negative thing to say about Auntie. She was well appreciated and admired by management down to the rank and file.   The term I often heard was that Auntie was motherly and strict.  She pushed you to find your potential and tried to harness that potential to motivate you to explore your options and bring out your talents.

I remember texting her to ask for advice when I felt lost and it always amazed me how despite her busy schedule, she always found the time to reply.  She would always remind me that the Corporate World is a jungle of all kinds of animals, to survive you must learn how to train these animals or hide from them.  😊

That was one of the lessons I fondly hold close to heart.

36 Badjao

Nesting Home of the Ribbonettes because our dear friend Me-Ann made it so. Me-Ann was such an easy spirit, everyone gravitated to her effortlessly, without design, without intent. When plans were to be made, things fell into place if it centered around Me-Ann. Local trips and even adventures abroad come to fruition if it is planned around March 13, of course, the birthday of Me-Ann. Marlon, it was just by accident that your birthday came soon after, coincidence ka lang, pero taya ka rin palagi kung may lakad tayo tuwing March. Me-Ann was the main event. Me-Ann was not only an easy spirit, but had an innate generosity that no one really thought that they were taking advantage of her, if and when everyone treated her & Vic’s home as open house. It was the Christmas Party venue for the Ribbonettes, then became the Mahjong Central initially Perennially, then Annually, Monthly, kung pwede Weekly, only halted by the unfortunate disaster called Covid 19.

And she was such fun company with Vic as Tandem, such great foodies. During one of our trips in Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Me-Ann and Vic were left behind by the group during a day tour together with Roger, my husband, because at that time, Vic & Roger had health issues. So they had the task of choosing the place and menu for our dinner —- choice was Kalui’s. Roger, thinking that they will go healthy, was opting for steamed fish & the like, like Tamilok, the woodworm delicacy Palawan was famous for. But when the group arrived, of course, waiting for us were Lechon kawali short of the real thing and Inihaw na liempo, with pinakbet naman! And the they were drinking Coke, ZERO naman. So this was Me-Ann‘s signature, the healthy and wise one supposedly among the three!

She knew the best places to eat and EAT, that is why it was so heartbreaking that she was deprived of this earthly pleasure during her final days.

Friends are the siblings God never gave us." - Mencius

Truly, Me-Ann was our dear sister.

They say that those who are afflicted with cancer are blessed, because once your own mortality is confronting you in the face, you are given the chance to prepare for your final hour. When fate struck her, Me-Ann grew more steadfast in her faith, always present in our daily rosary, so long as her strength permits, initially hoping & praying for the miracle of complete recovery, then preparing for the inevitable. And this was our only way as sisters in sharing with her this difficult journey, trying to wipe away the tears in her smiles, even virtually from afar, hopefully, making her feel that we are in this together.

Me-Ann, dear sister, rest now. The high is over. You will be sorely missed, your warm memory will be always be indented in our hearts. You can now say triumphantly, “Bunot, Single, All up, Double Dice, Siete Pares, Mahjong!”

We love you!

Lyn Enriquez Quevedo

You see, MeAnn was not a very expressive person, except when she was angry (mostly at acts of brainlessness, to be politically correct about it) and she certainly had no qualms about voicing her displeasure.

But, in these messages, she was liberally dropping the “I love you” phrase and so I sort of sensed the pain and loneliness that she was feeling. It broke my heart…

Subsequently, MeAnn allowed us to visit her and I saw that her condition had turned south and it ignited a helpless feeling in me because there was nothing that I could do about her medical condition and the circumstances that she was in.

I started with the foregoing narration not to make anyone feel sad but, on the contrary, to highlight my joy and I know, yours too, that her pilgrimage to our eternal Home has been completed. And now, I can focus only on the happy memories of my decades-long friendship with MeAnn and the special relationship that our barkada has.

Ours was a friendship highlighted by the trips that we made, the delicious meals that we enjoyed, especially those that we had in La Vista, the camaraderie, and the laughs that we shared… and the latter were aplenty, principally because MeAnn perennially made us break out in laughter with her stories, her witty remarks, her gaffes.

During the numerous times that she hosted our mahjong sessions, it did not matter when I was losing. Honestly, I don’t remember the losses. I remember only the gracious MeAnn ( and Vic) who always welcomed us into their home (with my favorite Lays potato chips always available), served BIG, delicious meals, and provided the laughs along the way. Unforgettable times!!

Paalam, MeAnn! Heaven is lucky to have you to arrange the unceasing get-togethers that everyone will surely enjoy!!

Pon Chan, STC/UP classmate/barkada

We honor Me-Ann for the following values she shared. She is a Cheerful Giver of Time,Talent and Treasure. Me-Ann listens and gives her piece of advice. She also shared her talent of entertaining as she had sense of humor . ( a lot). She also has a soft spot in her heart for people who seek her generosity. Me-Ann exemplified good family values. She was the heart of the home and saw to it that she " never left a stone unturned" . We are witnesses to this behavior as we frequented their home almost every quarter.Me-Ann also showed us the value of trials as God's way of touching our life. Despite the uncertainty of her life, Me-Ann let go and let God do the rest when Vic whispered during her last moments "to go" if she already wanted to. This was a virtue of obedience.Me-Ann, continue to be our intercessor to God,Mama Mary, Jesus and all the saints. We love u! Elvee & Toti Topacio

asked me to be one of Christina's ninangs at baptism. The Saturday get togethers of Vic & Bert's barkada (spouses included & children with yayas in tow), lunch or dinners at each other's place (some hosted by Me-Ann at La Vista), birthdays celebrated & outings to Antipolo were one of the most memorable & best days of our lives before we left the Philippines for Canada. Those were days when we all enjoyed the company of friends with our young families. The distance did not stop us from continuing to connect with each other. We were very happy to have Vic, Me-Ann, Pao & Tin visit us in Canada. The stay at our place in Whitby, a tour of Toronto & Niagara Falls allowed us to bond again with each other & reminisce the days of life with them in the Philippines. Our son, Nathan, told us that he was so happy to see how happy his dad was with their visit. Our son was awed at how much we all laughed at Vic's & Me-ann's jokes. The few times we visited the Philippines was just a continuation of where we left off last. I will not forget our 2019 visit when Vic, Me-Ann & Tin brought Bert & I for dinner at a restaurant where a friend of theirs had a band that played. I will forever remember Me-Ann enjoying herself dancing to the music. That is the Me-Ann I know, someone who takes life seriously but very much enjoyed it too. Thanks to viber, Me-Ann & I were able to continue to connect with each other more often after 2019. She told me of the big C that had struck her gums in early 2023. We prayed & did novenas together to St Peregrine, the Patron saint of Cancer Patients. It was not until February this year that Vic responded to my viber message to Me-Ann that Me-Ann could no longer walk & was already bedridden. From then on, Bert & I could only pray that God would ease her suffering. A feeling of sadness has overcome us now that Me-Ann has gone before us. However, we take comfort in the special & great memories of good & happy times spent with her. In my mind, Me-Ann will always be the "dancing queen" I last remember her when we went out for dinner at Greenhills. Thank you Me-Ann for your friendship. You are unique & one of a kind. You are a loving & caring wife to Vic, a loving & caring mom to Pao & Tin & a funny, genuine & sincere friend to us. We will miss you forever. Bert, Malou & Nathan Roberto

When I think of “Tita Beautiful”, as Sydney my one and only golden child, knows her, I think of family gatherings and festivities. Her home was always filled with: a symphony of loud chit chats, not so clean stories and laughter erupting from every corner, the excited chatter of young cousins, and the satisfying crunch of lechon skin snapping due to hungry hands. The long dining table, laden with countless dishes and drinks, seemed to stretch on forever. And amidst the joyful chaos, Tita Me-Ann would work the room, her warm smile radiating like sunshine, ensuring everyone felt cherished and cared for.

You might imagine this was a special occasion, a birthday perhaps, or an anniversary. But no, this was simply "Sunday Lunch" at La Vista. Every Sunday, like clockwork, we would gather at Tita Me-Ann's, a tradition as comforting and familiar as her love for her family. We would arrive to find her in the kitchen, orchestrating and ensuring food and drinks was at the ready.

Being surrounded by family in Tita Me-Ann's home always filled me with a sense of belonging and unconditional love. It was a refuge, a place: where laughter flowed freely due to bad and corny jokes, where diets were forgotten and worries melted away. These Sunday lunches were more than just meals; they were a testament to the importance of family, a time to reconnect, relax, and savor the simple joy of being together. Like Lola before her, Tita Me-Ann carried on this tradition with a heart full of pride.

It was the highlight of my visits to the Philippines, a cherished memory I hold close to my heart. Now that she's gone to heaven, a piece of our Sunday tradition will be missing when I return for a visit. But her spirit lingers in the laughters we shared, the love she showered upon us, and the enduring warmth of her memory. Though her physical presence is gone, the legacy of love and connection she created will forever remain.

We love you Tita Meann, and I hope that you, my mom and Lolo are all having your own "Sunday Lunches" at La Vista

They would stay with us and I would sometimes share a room with Tin and Pao. I remember one time when Tin and Pao misbehaved and Tita Me-Ann became scaaaary (I’m sure they deserved it!😜). But with every visit, her fierce facade slowly faded away to expose her warmth, generosity, kindness and sense of humor that I grew to love. I realized she was fierce in how she loved her family, fierce in her quick wit and sense of humor and easily became one of my role models of someone I admired, looked up to, and aspired to be like.  

One of her lasts visits to the US was in 2013 for our wedding in Santa Barbara. As usual, she made family a priority and she and Tito Vic traveled across the world to celebrate with us on our special day. Tita Me-Ann’s fierce spirit will always live on and never be forgotten. We miss you dearly.

I really didn’t get to know Me-ann very well until we were in our later years. Willie and I and our two kids Mikki and Gabby lived abroad for seven years during the time when Pao and Tin were little children. That was the time when Vic and Me-ann brought the kids to Aviles for Sunday lunch with Vic's Dad and his siblings without fail.

When we returned to Manila, Me-ann was already very busy with her career so I really didn’t get to see much of her. I got to know her better when we were in our 50s and 60s already and we had a lot of potluck reunions in La Vista which she and Vic would generously agree to host.

Like Vic, Me-ann is a very positive and a “can-do” kind of person. Tin once wrote that she is the strongest woman she knows and I agree with that wholeheartedly. She took care of Vic through his serious health challenges and, with pride, told me that she personally attended to his needs while he was in the hospital like a nurse would.

In many instances, I have seen Me-ann fight for what she believes is right. Once, she arrived at a family luncheon looking flushed. She told me that she had just challenged a guy to a fist fight because he beat her unfairly to a parking space. I said I am glad hindi siya pinatulan dahil babae siya but she said she wasn't going to back out if he tried to punch her. That's Me-ann, feisty as ever... : )

Vic would be happy to know that Me-ann told me that she never had any problems with Vic and that they had a really good marriage.

When she retired, she told me that she had projects that she wanted to do for her family, especially for her Mom and siblings. She was also looking forward to spending a lot of fun times with friends and family. She was still so energetic and full of life in her sixties that it is hard to believe that she could be gone so soon.

She will surely be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

And yes, she loved her children Tin and Pao so much and wanted them to be able to find their partners in life and hopefully have a grandchild or two…

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