December 15, 2018
Edmund and I went to the wake of Atty. Gilberto “Bibit” Duavit on December 15 at the Heritage Park. We were disappointed that he wasn’t there. We felt like he was not there because he had been cremated and only an urn was at the center of the makeshift altar. Sayang we wanted to see him one last time.
On the left side was a wide screen showing family photos.
One big difference when there’s no coffin at the wake is that the ambiance is not gloomy and creepy. It feels like one big party in honor of someone you know, who just happened to be physically gone. The kilometric long parade of ornate flowers, the white-tablecloths, the well-groomed waiters, and the sumptuous food served in silver-platters, rival most wedding receptions. It feels more like a celebration of life than a goodbye for the dead.
Flowers from Pres. Duterte
Former Pres. Joseph Estrada’s flowers for Atty. Duavit was bigger than what he sent to Donald but still smaller than what he sent to Atty. Sig.
Jun Ortiz came with Alex Asuncion, after exchanging pleasantries with Jack Duavit, they asked us to go with them to have coffee at the dining area.
With Nelda, Tiyo Bibit’s personal assistant and Mr. Sergio “Jun” Ortiz-Luis. Nelda’s husband is also from Binangonan and her in-laws are relatives of my mom. She met Edmund many years ago thru her boss. Nelda is also a good golfer pero hindi umiitim, maputi pa rin.
The main courses were not yet open for eating till after the 7 pm scheduled mass. The dinuguan at puto, lumpiang sariwa, puto at bibingka were available. Me, Alex, Edmund, Jun, and another couple friend of Jun Ortiz from PCCI all ordered dinuguan at puto.
The dinuguan was so delicious.
Via Mare charges more for catering service using silver-plated chafing dishes than regular stainless steel food warmers and other dining equipment.
If you want a more elegant dinner setting, request for silver-plated items.
I felt guilty eating because we came here para makiramay hindi para makikain but the dinuguan was irresistible.
We didn’t attend the mass because I had a 10 pm flight to catch (supposed to be). After eating we said goodbye to Atty. Duavit’s youngest son, Congressman Jack Duavit.
I spoke to his father on the phone some time ago and his dad particularly mentioned how pleased he was with Jack’s work in Rizal.
Tiyo Bibit—–“Busy pa rin ako, meron akong sinusulat na libro. Binigyan ako ni Ito ng opisina sa kapitolyo, pumupunta ako duon tuwing Thursday…”
A—–“Ay sino po ang pumalit sa inyo?”
(I was referring to being congressman of Rizal).
“Si Jack, sya ang pumalit sa akin, maganda ang ginagawa ni Jack sa Rizal. Magaling si Jack.”
His dad sounded so proud of his son. I forgot to mention this to Jack.
I had to leave for the airport. Edmund planned on coming back to the viewing the next day.
Tiyo sorry po hindi na ako makakapunta dun sa viewing sa bahay nyo sa Dalig. Thank you for being kind to us and to Edmund too. May the Lord embrace you with his tender love and we bid you eternal rest.
A celebration befitting a beloved public servant . May he Rest In Peace .