Concluding thoughts

(Conclusion of Manny Maceda’s eulogy for His father, former Sen. Ernesto Maceda.)

On his last days we were all together last Saturday and Sunday. Father’s Day weekend. Those two days were a condensed version of his life. The people who loved him best were all around him. All his boys, his beloved sister Emma and his nephews. His adopted son Jimmie Policarpio. His close friends.  His wife Marichu didn’t leave his side. Our friends and family were together. He was excited about Game 7 of the NBA for Monday and was going to wear a Warriors Strength in Number shirt. He checked in on his grandchildren and grand nephews and nieces.  He excitedly was making plans for the wedding of Edward and the barongs they would wear. And how we would help any way he could during the first term.

He went in for surgery Saturday night and was conscious and awake in the ICU for some of the day Sunday post-surgery. He could not speak because of the tubes in his mouth, but he had a board with letters where he could cross out letter of the alphabet. My brother Erwin shared the other night his last act before going to sleep was to spell RFIL, BIL and looked to the nurse – they realized he was instructing Congressman Edward to refile the Nurses Employment Bill vetoed recently by President Aquino. His last words were still in service to his nation.

Later that night and the next day his medical condition worsened. And with his family all around him, at 8:58 pm on the 20th of June 2016, one of the great hearts and minds of his generation and of any generation went silent forever. Consummatum Est.

In this past week, my mother, brothers and I would like to thank all the people who in his death also wanted to help honor him and make his final days.

His beloved sisters and brothers Emma and Nonong Calanog, HB and Alma Calleja, Norma Maceda – brother and sisters/brothers in law Gina, Betchay, Chona and Cocoy Vera Perez. Jimmie. Cristy. Cio. Roger. Jimmy and Cristy you have been there for him since his first Senate days. Thank you so much.

The flowers from friends, from politicians of every party and every generation – reflecting him being a peacemaker. The visits from so many colleagues across 60 years.

Countless friends who donated food, energy and time. Maraming salamat so inyong lahat. Mahal naming kayong lahat.

We’d also like to thank those who gave the great tributes this week.

To President Mayor Erap who on Thursday bestowed on him the greatest recognition a Manileno could receive – the Gat Andres Bonifacio award – only given three times in the city’s long history.

Senate President Frank Drilon and his past Senate colleagues who eulogized him so movingly – Senators Saguisag, Mercado, Tatad, Macapagal Arroyo, Honasan, Ponce Enrile, Drilon.

So to his children, grandchildren and extended family, to all who turn to Manong Ernie, to many of us who are custodians of his Legacy – let’s always remember the lessons of his life. Make an effort to emulate his virtues. I’ll list 7 here – which he always considered his lucky number.

1. Work hard. We inherited DNA, it’s not enough. Apply it diligently.

2. Aspire for greatness. Set your standards high, Make a difference in serving others.

3. Be courageous. Stand up for your convictions, and make it all happen when you are being challenged.

4. Mentor others. To all of us who are given gifts, share them. Teach. Be generous with your time.

5. Be a Peacemaker – set aside differences and work to bring peace.

6. Pray – especially the rosary – and be a child of God.

7. And love your family. Always.

I’d like to close with just a few thoughts to my immediate family. To my Mom, who has always loved us, and who never stopped loving Dad, despite all that happened and to be with him in the end.

To Edward – as you embark on a congressional career, we are so proud of you for carrying on his legacy. Remember his last words.

To Macky – who shared many of his interests, his intelligence – he loved you so much and wanted you to find the best in yourself.

To Erwin who maybe loved him not the most but maybe the best – who is the peacemaker of our family – to continue to be the glue that keeps our family together.

And to Ernest – maybe the best of us all with your courage and moral fibre to stand up for your beliefs – you honor those letters after your name – Ernesto Jr.

For myself it’s a ridiculous challenging burden to bear. My Dad was Padre de Familia not just to his immediate family but to the extended family. It’s a responsibility I will do my best to shoulder with a role model who set such a high standard. 

To Dad, on behalf of your family, your friends and your country who benefited greatly and have been blessed by your presence. Thank you for the gift of your life. We love you. And we’ll keep you in our hearts forever.