When I was a kid, one the people I admired, was the youngest most hip and trendiest aunt (well, technically Aunt in Law) we had Doyet. She always had the perfectly manicured nails, nice bag, cool jeans and clothes. Once a month, until probably until I was around 10, she would treat us for beef brisket noodles and siopao at the original Ling Nam eatery in Ongpin. She was cool to us. She and Mamu talked almost every morning on phone to catch up and say hello – sometimes to vent at each other. When she found out in 2006 she got breast cancer, she told me she’s sad, not to have Mamu around to make sumbong anymore.

Last year, she was there at my birthday party in Manila and in my drunken state, I cried and hugged her, thanked her for everything she’s done for us. Little did I know that will be the last time I will be able to hold. her.

This morning, she joined Mamu in heaven. She lost her battle, and left her loving memories with us. She was survived by her husband, five kids, daughter in law and two grand childrens.

I will always remember her and her laughters with matching slap in the arm.

Good night Ate Doy, until we meet again.