Mario Stories – Page 2 – In Memory of Mario C Sulit

Memories of Tatay Mario, by Maynard and Nelia Petelo

It was sometime in 1999 when Maynard and I were first introduced to Tatay Mario and Nanay Ganding. At our recollection it was at the home of Bro. Ignacio and Dinah Alava during Anna’s (one of Tatay Mario’s granddaughter) Bridal Shower. Anna was going to be married to our youngest son, Paul Petelo.

As we approached tatay Mario and nanay Ganding to give them a handshake and a hug, we can see that big jovial smile at tatay Mario’s face expressing a friendly gesture.

Since they became an extended family to us, we get to know them more. We discovered that he is a very likeable person, always have something to say to start a conversation. And he never fails to greet you with his big smile. Although we did not get to visit each other that much, because of our distance, we always meet them on family gatherings, funerals, and church social activities.

One thing also that I noticed with tatay Mario is his very caring and loving attitude toward nanay Ganding. The last time they came to visit us is when nanay Ganding has problem walking, and she can’t get around so well. That was the time I found out that she and I have something in common, collecting porcelain dolls, so I pulled out one of my dolls to give to nanay Ganding. Nanay Ganding look very happy as I handed it to her. I can sense that tatay Mario was happy too to see his wife happy. He went out the door holding that doll
with his two hands for nanay Ganding, which often times man would not do.

It was a shock to all of us when we heard from Paul and Anna his passing away as we know he is still active and our mother (Uping Nolasco 91 years old) is the one who is bed-ridden.

Tatay Mario, your friendship will always be cherish by us. Your generosity and your love for people will always be remembered. Our mother will never forget how you have shared and supplied her with Ensure, and she is very appreciative of that.

We would like to extend our deepest and heart-felt sympathy to the Sulit Family. Knowing that your love one is now at peace and in a better place with his Creator may bring you comfort and consolation.

Maynard & Nelia Petelo

LovedOne In Mario Stories

The Great Mediator that drives a cool Beetle, by Christian Ulangca

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.

LovedOne In Mario Stories

Rice n’ Butter, by Mike Mouroux

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

LovedOne In Mario Stories

Smiling in Heaven, by Zeny Lopez Cajudo

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

LovedOne In Mario Stories

Father’s Day Celebration June 2012, by Roberto Sulit

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