My fondest memory of Lolo Mario goes way back at our home church, Cruzada in the Philippines. I remember when I was a young, I look forward when Lolo Mario comes to church because he lets me play inside his VW Beetle (we have a Beetle too). Also, when I have a spat/argument with some of my friends, I go to Lolo Mario and he brings us all together and make up.
It’s strange to say how someone can touch your life with such short similar conversations.
I lived next to the Cruz’s for most of my life, and Lolo was always around in one way or another, in and out etc… Even when I grew older and moved away, Lolo was living in different places so he was not always next door.
Somehow, I dunno how, but strangely enough, every time I would come to visit he would be staying there at the Cruz’s… They would always say “Mikey, Lolo wants to see you!” (always Mikey, even after 32 years never a Michael or Mike… 🙂
I would come out to the front yard and out he would come, grinning from ear to ear, “Mikeeeey, we have rice and butter!” Because ONE time! (Well… maybe a few) I came over because the Cruz’s made the best damn rice in the world, and I would always try to get my hands on some! Everyone always laughed and thought it was hilarious that I would put butter on my rice, also salt, don’t forget the salt, mmm… But, anyways the joke stuck.
So every time I would see Lolo we would have the same conversation “Mikeeeeeey, do you want some rice and butter?” Never failed, never! Then he would always ask me about my life, and we would just have a short conversation before he had to go in or go somewhere.
The touching thing is that he always came out to see me and talk to me with just the kindest of hearts. Always greeting with a generous smile…
He is someone that for the rest of my life I will never forget. He was always kind to me, and I believe that he is in a better place now where people are just as kind to him…
To the man with the best smile, Lolo.
Michael Mouroux
I grew up in Cruzada Church and as fas as I can remember, Tito Mario had been very active in the church’s activities. My parents were so close to him and his wife. So close that my parents even named my other brother after him.
I left the Philippines in July 1966 to join my husband here in the States. I haven’t seen him for a few years, but when I first saw him again here in the U.S. it was as if he hadn’t changed. He looked the same as the last time I saw him so many years before.
Tito Mario had that smiling face all the time that I can’t erase from my mind. He had touched many lives by his good work and hospitality. We will miss you Tito Mario and we know you are smiling there in Heaven.
– Zeny Lopez Cajudo
We celebrated with Tatay Mario his last Father’s Day get together with the Sulit family in Milpitas. It was a Korean restaurant and we were concerned that Tatay could not eat spicy Korean food but he gamely ate the kimchi soup. He said it was very tasty ahd he liked it. I would like to share with you these Father’s Day pictures of Tatay/ Uncle/ Lolo Mario and the precious memories we had of our father.
Roby Sulit
Tito Mario was one of the elders in cruzada, he was the sunday school adult teacher before the 3:00pm service. I was attending the CYC with Ate Neneth, Ate Jean, Ate Lita, while my aunt cely is attending his class. I used to see him giving candies and goodies to the children when they took his hand to bless (mano po).
He is one of the few people i admire in cruzada because of his humbleness, goodness and always with a smiling face. I saw him when he was here in manila the last time and he called me by my name, flattered that he still remembered me. A sad and happy news that he is now with the Lord, his Maker.
Surely you will be missed, Tito Mario. It’s just goodnight po not goodbye. My family will be praying for your family. Our heartfelt condolences.
– Jun-Lilah Cruz and Family
