I first met Aleli through a mutual friend and neighbor Astrid Monzon. Aleli already knew of me but until then I hadn't. She had seen me in one of my PAL trips to Zamboanga loaded with kids. We met again during one of the early meetings of the Hermandad long ago when Ller was still alive. And we discovered that we were even related.
When the girls were enrolled at the Assumption, Marichi and Marla were in the same class. And when Aleli had to be in Pagadian I think that was when i offered for Marla to stay with us so she could ride to school together on the Commer with the girls. Marla became one of our kids all those years - she was there with them like family at our Sunday family gatherings in the big house with Papa and Mama, the numerous outings to White Sands, the parties.
Aleli first then I were elected president of the Hermandad. Mon remembers Aleli the dark beauty dancing the hula bare feet with Marla at the yard of their home. Fely reminisces that Aleli's favorite song was Pobreng Alindahaw which she would sing with great gusto. Aleli became the godmother of our youngest Sarita, while I of Alvin their youngest. Truth to tell we were really only one of many many ninangs of our children.
Mon and i shared their great grief when Ben went home.
Hi Tita, Gabe here. Just heard about Marla's passing. So sad to hear about her struggle with cancer all these years. Read her blog and her spirit is amazing. Haven't seen her since I was a child but having read her blog now, it seems like I've rediscovered who she was. The world is a far lesser place now without her. Condolences to you and her family. Love and miss you all.
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