Rap artist Francis Magalona, 44, dies of leukemia complications

“The country has lost a modern-day artist, a nationalist in his own creative way. Francis M. used music and fashion to promote love of country among Filipino youth.” —Sen. Bong Revilla

Entertainment world in the Philippines grieves the passing of popular rapper-composer Francis Magalona (1964-2009,) a 44-year old father of eight, of leukemia, in Medical City Hospital, Mandaluyong, Metromanila.

Following the disclosure of his illness last year, Magalona was treated with a series of chemotherapy which brought the cancer in remission. However, the ebullient husband of Pia Arroyo succumbed to severe infection—sepsis following a bout of pneumonia.

The celebrated singer was waiting for a bone marrow transplant before his death on Friday, March 6, 2009. His remains were brought to Christ the King Memorial Chapel at Green Meadows in Quezon City. (Photo Credit: fadedmilkyway)=0=

UPDATE: On March 11, 2009, Wednesday, Francis Magalona’s remains were cremated.

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Obituary: Mary M. Ejercito

Mary M. Ejercito (1905-2009), loving mother of Philippine ex-president Joseph Estrada died at age 103 in San Juan Medical Center in Manila on Tuesday, January 13, 2009, of multiple organ failure after a lingering illness.

The wake is being prepared at St. John the Baptist Church in San Juan, Metro Manila. The schedule of burial hasn’t been released by the bereaved family. UP Ibalon expresses its sympathy and requests readers to pray for the eternal repose of Mrs. Ejercio. Requiescat in Pace. (Photo Credit: Manila Bulletin/ Pol Briana, Jr)=0=

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Obituary: Msgr. Edmundo Surban

Nylda Surban announced the demise of her brother, Rev. Msgr. Edmundo Surban, a Filipino Catholic religious leader and chaplain based in New Jersey. Veiwing was held at McLauglin Funeral Home at 625 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 last Jan. 3 and 4 at 6 to 9 p.m.

A concelebrated mass was held at St. Aedan’s Chruch in Bergen Avenue on Monday, January 5, 2009, before his mortal remains were brought to the Philippines. Interment will take place in Calolbon, Catanduanes. UP Ibalon expresses condolence to Msgr. Surban’s family and requests readers to pray for his soul’s eternal repose. (Photo Credit: Agdenza)

“May his soul and the souls of all the departed rest in peace. Amen.” =0=

Cardinal Avery Dulles, SJ, 90, defender of the unborn & the dying

America’s champion of the unborn, Cardinal Avery Dulles of the Society of Jesus died at the age of 90 on Friday, December 12, 2008 in the infirmary of Fordham University in New York where he served as professor for 20 years.

A former disbeliever of God and convert to Catholicism, he served the Navy before he was ordained as a Jesuit in 1956. Fr. Dulles was appointed in the College of Cardinals by the late John Paul II in 2001. Considered by many as the dean of American Catholic theologians, the humble Jesus follower had strong opinion on abortion and euthanasia:

“Many politicians, like much of the American public, seem to be unaware that abortion and euthanasia are serious violations of the inalienable right to life. These are not just ‘Church’ issues but are governed by the natural law of God, which is binding upon all human beings. The right to life is the most fundamental of all rights, since a person deprived of life has no other rights.” Photo Credit: AP/ Massimo Sambucetti) =0=

REQUIESCAT IN PACE

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Jose S. Losa of Nabua, Camarines Sur

Joceline Losa-Masauding, president of the Bicolandia Association of Charleston, South Carolina announces the demise of her beloved father, Jose Sumayo-Losa on Octorber 26, 2008 at the age of 93 in Nabua, Camarines Sur.

Mr. Losa, a magnanimous, fun-loving, and affectionate man, served as a brave US Army sergeant of engineering during the World War II. A well-respected school mentor, he is esteemed and popularly remembered by his students in Nabua High School where he taught before he immigrated to the United States and later settled in San Roque, Nabua after loving Basilisa (Grandma Bisay) Hallare, his wife died.

Grandpa Joe who passed away peacefully in his sleep has seven (7) accomplished living children namely: Lourdes L. Baylon (San Diego, CA,) Joceline L. Masauding, R. N. (Charleston, SC,) Jose Losa, Jr, D.V.M.(Legazpi, Albay,) Lillian L. Navarro, R.N. (San Diego, CA,) Vivian L. Abagat (Nabua, Camarines Sur,) Jane L. Coralde, M.D. (AFP Medical Center, QC,) and Mamerto Losa, M.D. (Malacanang, Manila.) Two of his children, Clarita L. Melagro, M.D. and Dolores L. Manzano predeceased him. He is survived by 35 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

UP Ibalon requests readers, relatives, and friends to pray for the eternal repose of Grandpa Joe. So long Grandpa Joe! We love you! Burial is tentatively scheduled in Nabua Cemetery on November 6, 2008. Contact: Jane 916-308 6524 (Marikina, Manila); Vivian: 54-478-0718 (Nabua) Photo Credit: bylinderrox. =0=

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Obituary: Soledad Kitaguchi Cervantes of Naga City

UP Ibalon expresses its grief and sympathy in the passing of Mrs. Soledad Kitaguchi Cervantes, 78, of Abella Street, Naga City, Philippines on October 17, 2008, her natal day.

Her mortal remains lie at the Funeraria Imperial until Saturday, October 25, the day of her interment in Naga’s Santo Nino Memorial Park.

She is the loving mom of Atty. Ramon K. Cervantes, a Human Resource officer of Land Bank, Manila, Philippines and Lolita K. Cervantes, a mentor of the Camarines Sur National High. UP Ibalon members request readers to pray for the eternal repose of Mrs. Cervantes. =0=

Obituary: Ramon Septimo of Naga City

Ramon Septimo, loving father of Ibalonians Tootsie and Monette Septimo, passed away on September 19, 2008 in Naga City, Philippines. He was interred a week after on September 26, 2008.

UP Ibalon extends its heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Mr. Septimo and his bereaved family—for Mrs. Sally Septimo and children Josephine, Marjorie, Michael, Tootsie, Bong, Janet, and Monette.=0=