A Parent’s Homecoming
Everybody was busy at my Lola’s house in Manaoag. Most of the people got their own duties. Some are trying to contribute in other ways. Lola is coming home and like the previous times, this will be a big family event. Lola loves get-togethers, so other folks from the city and outside the country are also coming home to see her. All are excited, but anxious at the same time. Looking forward yet wanting to turn back time.
Older relatives are working closely to prepare for the needed for Lola’s arrival from US. They are coordinating to settle the logistics, accommodations, arrangements and such. The younger batch handled the welcome presentations, visual arts to display and songs to sing in the program. All of these are for her. She was one of the clan’s parent. One of the foundations of the bond that we all share. A bond that is called by many as “FAMILY”.
Auntie Tess as called by her nephews and nieces, Lola Tess for us grandkids, Tess and Pacita for her friends - was a catholic devotee. She always reminds the family to put faith on top and believe in the power of prayers. She was conservative and strict, but all for her love for the whole family. She wanted the family to be bonded by faith and love.
Aside for her spiritual support, she has helped many of us with our financial shortcomings. She didn’t want any of us to have our heads bowed down in despair with our struggles in life. I always believed that “if she have, she will give”. She was also known for presents which she normally sends via boxes and boxes of goods. She personally labels the goods with our names and making sure that as much as possible, everyone can get something.
Lola wanted to see all of us smiling whenever we receive something from her. That was her joy. “WAS” because Lola Tess suddenly left us last September 29. Taken from us by a massive heart attack and a pain that was felt by each and everyone of us.
Lola Tess mentioned before that it was her wish to be with her parent’s and siblings in the event of her passing. That wish was granted for her and for us by her loving husband Fred. Knowing the difficulty and the corresponding costs of it, he brought our Lola’s remains from US to her house in Manaoag. And with her homecoming, even in death, she still brought the family together and worked hand in hand to give the best send off possible for a loving parent like her.
This is a simple tribute for a person who has touched the lives of each and everyone of us. I apologise in advance if I missed any details or if I said inaccurate things. I am sharing these photo accounts of her homecoming in behalf of the Barlaan family. In my own words, photos and observations, I wanted to show how the family got together in this really difficult time. All for a parent’s homecoming.
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1st Day. Lola Tessie’s arrival
Flowers and photo collage to welcome Lola Tess’ arrival
Rolls Royce Funeral hearse for Lola, prepared by Funeraria Dizon
First glimpse of Lola Tess by the family
After a long, long journey... Lola Tess is finally home
Everyone helped out during the preparations for Lola Tess’ wake.
Shown here is Uncle Rey fixing the lightings for the first night.
The folks from Babasit handled the arrangements primarily. Headed by Tita Ching and Uncle Adit. Aunt Mag and Lolo Fred helped financially.
Judy and team set up the photo decors and the programme details.
Each and everyone had their share of helping hand, all for Lola Tess.
I will not be able to mention all but the Barlaan team was in full force during the whole process.
Here, Tita Glenda, Judy and Lola Yolly is preparing for the first night’s program.
Tita Karen and Tita Modesty talking to Lolo Fred about the program and procedures for Lola’s wake.
Judy, busy preparing for the program
Prayers and songs during the first night’s program
“You raised me up”, one of the favourite songs of Lola Tess
Uncle Joseph’s PC shop helped a lot with the research and printing for the program and song copies.
Lolo Fred joining the program
Prayer Vigil for Lola Tess during her first night
White roses and flower decors sent by Aunt Magda from US
Dinner prepared by the family friends. Cooking was headed by Uncle Dan and Uncle Alex.
The new chandelier at the house
Some friends who visited Lola on her first night
The Chefs!, Uncle Alex and Uncle Dan
Titas Karen, Glenda, Armi and Lola Auring preparing for the next day’s program
2nd Day. Songs and Prayers for Lola
The program set up for the 2nd night of wake
My mama Teresa, Lola Auring and Lola Yolly preparing for their number
Lovely couple portrait photo of Lolo Fred and Lola Tess
Photo collage and designs prepared by the young ladies
All-White setup as probably wished by Lola Tess.
Uncle Roger (Kulit) served as the tireless driver/guide/buddy for Lolo Fred, Lolo Rog and Lola Maggie.
Dinner for the night was local fresh veggies and fried milkfish.
Close friends of Lola Tess
The boys practicing their song for the program
Songs dedicated for Lola Tess to start the program
“I understand”, song rendered by the boys
Uncles Kulit, Jeff, Joseph, Adit and Dennis
Performance of the night by Uncle Jeff :)
Lolo Fred and company enjoying the program
Tita’s number for a song
Uncle Dennis was the guitarist of the program even with little time to practice
The young batch’s turn to sing for Lola. One of the songs they performed was “Leaving on a Jet plane”
Kim on the guitar!
Lolo Amado’s emotional song number for her sister
Lolo Fred and Lolo Rog interviewing Uncle Dennis. Impressed with his guitar skills. Lola Auring with the photo bomb :)
3rd Day. Last night and Eulogies
Early morning practice for 3rd day program with Aunt Magda
Lola Magda talking to the family via Facetime app direct from US
Lola Magda smiling while watching the program
Lolo Cardy infront leading a song prayer for her sister during the program
The family uttering a solemn prayer
Aunt Magda joins the prayers from her US home
More prayers and songs for Lola
probably the most favourite song of Lola Tess, “Malinak lay labi”
Aunt Magda speaking to Tita Minerva
Valerie, Ann, Kim, Jenny and Judy with their song number
After the program, Lolo Fred took some shots of the pig that was brought in for the night’s meal.
...and Lolo himself posed with the piggy :)
Photo before lunch with the fam
Tita Lani giving a bath to the pig to cool him down
View of some of the visitors during Lola’s last night of wake
Eulogies started with Lolo Amado giving his heart-felt message for her sister
Lola Auring also gave her eulogy message for Lola Tess
Lolo Fred then delivered his message. First, their love story with Lola Tess...
Then he shared the last moments of Lola Tess.
We will always be thankful to Lolo Fred for taking care of our Lola.
Mama also delivered a direct from the heart eulogy message that described who was Lola Tess as a parent to all of us.
Aunt Magda via Facetime gave her eulogy as well and a message of inspiration for the family. She also had provided support and help to the family.
Photos ops during the last night of the wake. Lolo Fred and his brother Lolo Roger
Smiles behind the sorrow
Lola Yolly, Lola Auring, Lolo Cardy with the Berres brothers
Barlaan, Berres boys
During the 3 night wake for Lola, the Barlaans worked as a team which I believe Lola Tess will be proud and happy for.
4th Day. Funeral
This is the day that Lola Tess will embark on her last journey. We are thankful for those who helped and made it possible so we can be with our Lola on this final journey.
It was a rainy morning. The heavens might have been crying with us but we know that the angels up there are waiting for Lola.
Arrival at the Manoag church
Lolo Fred listening to the mass
The priest blesses Lola Tess with holy water
The white dove for Lola Tess
Lola Tess leaving the church
Arrival at the Manaoag cemetery
White balloons of farewell
Barlaan family with their final glimpse of Lola Tessie’s body
White balloons gathering together as they ascend to the skies
WE WILL MISS YOU LOLA and THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING
Leaving the cemetery
Tradition of washing of the hands
Crowd after the funeral at the Barlaan front yard
Barlaan boys spending sometime with Lolo Fred
Roasted pig the following day for the family lunch
Again, I was not able to mention all the names of those who helped to make Lola Tess’ wake and funeral a really memorable and special one. But I do hope that whatever legacy that Lola left and taught us will still be continued on. All the get-togethers and reunions. The prayers and support.
I am very proud to be part of this family. And I know that all of us will be missing Lola Tess. Our beloved parent.