It's funny how they would always say, 
"Sino ang pinaka guapo?" 
All of them would say, "sino pa? as in who else? 
Each of them meant,  "it's ME!!" 

After Tito Noel’s funeral mass, Amari woke up outside the church and pointed straight up to the sky, craning his neck. I asked him what he was looking at, but he didn’t answer. Later that night he said, “I wanna see Lolo Santa!” So I brought him to this picture frame. He said, No! and kicked his feet. I explained to him that this is Lolo Santa now, and he’s in heaven. 
Then I asked him, “Where is Lolo Santa?” He pointed up to the back corner of the room. “There!” he said. I said, “Lolo Santa is there?” He nodded and said, “Yeah!” I said, is he smiling? “Yeah!” 
🥺 It breaks my heart that Tito Noel wasn’t able to hold his grandchildren, but I know he will hold all of his future grandchildren and great-grandchildren before he sends them earthside. I know for sure that he will continue to protect us and watch over us in spiritual form, just as he did when he was with us in his physical form. 

When dad dressed up for formal events he always had an assortment of suits, ties, pants, and accessories to choose from. This also meant that he was more “yabang” and would never shy away from posing for a picture. Here’s a picture of dad in 2017 in Embassy Suites, the morning of Ate’s wedding. I just remember laughing and making him pose like he was James Bond before this. Then he sat down, picked up the phone, and acted like he’s was on an important business call with the president…Fast forward to 2022; Over this past weekend we happened to be in the same hotel and I couldn’t help myself but “attempt” to remake this photo of dad. I just had the updated version and used my iPhone instead. Clearly I don’t have as much swagger as him ;)

We always loved celebrating birthdays by going out and eating good food! This place called Talarico’s served SUPER large sized pizzas. We celebrated my 29th  birthday with the whole family. Dad always supported my love for pizza and never hesitated to give us money to order pizza for dinner! I’m going to miss our family outings but I’ll always remember the fun times we had and know that Dad will always be with us! 

Tito Noel wouldn’t just sit next to you on the couch. When we were little he would put his arm around you and play with your face - pinch your nose, rub your chin, or squeeze your cheeks. That always made me feel loved. 

Like how I was everyone’s first baby, my son was everyone’s first grandchild in Seattle. Tito Noel has always had a mustache except for when his kids were born, when he would shave it so he could kiss them. But the only time Tito Noel ever had a beard, was during the pandemic lockdown. He would rub his beard and say, “Look, Amari, I’m Santa” so Amari calls him Lolo Santa. 

Even though he was a single man at the time, Tito Noel’s vehicle was a full size van that could transport our big family. 

Tito Noel had a lifelong love of firearms.

This is the only photo I’ve ever seen that includes all 10 of the Portacio children, when they were still children. Also in this photo are their first cousins (Ancheta), Portacio, Campaña, and Tomacruz relatives, and friends from Subic. Tito Noel is the second from left in the front row.

Tito Noel loved everything about family. Being around family, meeting new family members, and tracing family roots and relatives. But I think he loved children the most. You’ll find him in most of our family pictures holding one of the kids. 

I was born in 1983 when most of my mom’s siblings didn’t have children yet, so I was everyone’s first baby. My dad wouldn’t arrive in the US until 1986, so I spent my early years in the care of Lola, Lolo, and Titos and Titas. Tito Noel always treated me like his one of his own. He would take me places while my mom was at work, so much that I would often get mistaken for being his daughter. Even after he had his own family, he would still bring me along with him and Tita Malou (and soon, Manel) to eat buffet at King’s Table, go shopping at Northgate Mall, or have fish and chips (and jello!) at Skippers. 

This was Manel’s first Christmas. The Portacio family spent a lot of time with the Uslan family during those years because they were our next door neighbors and their sons were close to my age and Manel’s age. This was the first year that Tito Noel dressed up as Santa Claus for the kids, which he would continue to do for many years.

Dad eating his favorite guilty pleasure meal whenever we would have a celebratory dinner. The classic steak & loaded potato!

Taken on July 11, 2015 after Mark proposed and we celebrated our engagement with all our family and friends!! We had a long day sight seeing at Alki Beach and this was the biggest surprise of a lifetime. Definitely a moment I will never forget! 

Today, Sunday, August 14, 2022's, picture concludes our daily Noel postings in this site.   It fits like a glove what he means today.  The photo was taken on May 14, 2016, during a Youth Encounter or weekend retreat in Warm Beach Camp & Conference Center,  Stanwood, Washington,  USA.  He is shown here serving Holy Communion next to then-youth ministry co-head Roslyn Manio in red top. And he will continue to serve Him to us all.

A secret Noel had is not a secret. What is sacred is what the secret is.  In his case, his blessed marriage to Malou.  In this November 12, 2016, toast snapshot inside "Looking for chai" snack bar in Lynnwood, Washington, USA, note most members like Rod Ocfemia, second from left in sleeveless vest, and Judy Padilla, right and seated, have their own drinks.  Malou holds a supposedly taro (purple yam, more likely) order.  With two drinking straws or obviously for the couple to share.  As they both were recharged and refreshed together whenever they share the totality of whatever came in their union day in and year out.

One of my favorite memories was when I took dad to a Mariners game and we sat in the Diamond Club. It was so close that dad said wassup to R.Cano and he head nodded in reply. Although, I remember dad barely paying attention most of the game because he was more focused on eating nachos out of those big baseball helmet containers. The best part is that we won that night with a grand slam! I even have a video of me screaming at the top of my lungs… and then dad just grinning and unsure if we were cheering because we won. Haha

Dad with the infamous mustache, suit, and gold wrist watch.

To serve is a given because, when you love, you serve.  Even if one is not officially listed as a part of a team, praise or choir in this October 10, 2009, photo, still pour your all.  As Noel does here.  His eyes are even closed, but we see clearly, as if eyes wide open, how he gives his all. With Malou, they are behind sisters Angie Nario and Malou Sotelo, and to the left of Bambee Navarro.  The occasion?  Happens to be yours truly and wife Kitti's  18th wedding anniversary.

Noel and Malou, in this February 25, 2022, picture,  led their Catholic Community's regular Friday worship.  Many, dozens, of other participants were present physically or virtually.  As leaders, fully audible and visible.  He did it innumerable instances. But he lived his beliefs in situations unheard and unseen. Yours truly was shocked when he narrated how his wallet was stolen because he gave a bunch of strangers a ride. They apparently took his stuff and got off.  Was his Life in the Spirit Seminar guide or what the said Community calls "shepherd"; however, his decision to trust was beyond my willingness to do.  Nothing like being humbled by his exaltation of faith in practice.

We are not related, unlike Amy Aure, by blood to Noel.  You can argue we are related by the Blood or consecrated wine as Catholic Christians and he served as a minister, but not the point here.  That relationship through the Blood moved him to flow and nourish others like during this November 14, 2017, surprise bday buffet for yours truly's wife Kitti.  Yet he claimed blood link with the Philippine nationalist José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda. Note second name that is close to Portacio. The guy claimed things slipped through the decades so the spelling changed.  He said it with his usual straight face and we'll never know if he was pulling our leg ...

The first and sole instance when Noel served as worship leader was on February 25, 2022, in his parish, Saint Pius X Catholic Church's, gymnasium.  In his Reflection rooted in the following Sunday's Gospel, Luke 6: 39-45:

"Fruitful Hearts. The key to bearing good fruit is a good heart even through ills like the pandemic cause wounds, says Noel, as we also go through a process to produce. We are to be fruitful."

Very fruitful was he with a great heart.  And is.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near…
still loved, still missed, and very dear. 

You can hardly, nay, ever say that Noel is joyous just by looking at the attached November 12, 2019, reception with Angie Nario, Gloria Basilio, etc., after the wedding of Robbie & Camille Lim Ryan.  In private as well. Malou walked by him on the floor, inside the residence, seriously exercising. Supposedly. When he realized she was nearby, instead of calling out "1-2, 1-2, etc.", he said "1,001, 1,002 ... !"  No one surely believes he did a thousand push-ups in one session.  But all agree they reached far and much when he was around.

He was a "fun" guy.  He was "devout" in his Catholic faith.  Not two sides of the coin.  Same gem. Something he demonstrated in this May 13, 2017, during Saint Edward Church, Seattle's, annual dinner-dance fund-raiser.  Middle couple are his and Malou's Marriage Encounter (ME) class shepherds or guides Robert & Nida Cayetano while right couple  are classmates Omar & Cristy Buensuceso.  Man in barong, untucked embroidered shirt, is parish pastor Father Felino Paulino Jr. who is also another ME classmate. How can a Catholic priest take ME? He is married to the Church with its endless ups and downs. Noel was always up and elevated us with him.

Noel went more than the extra mile.  Throughout the hike, from the starting line to the finish line, he accompanied the person or persons.  In this November 12, 2016, picture, he is reading the Gospel during Robert & Amy Aure's prayer leadership during the intercessory session.  He was their Marriage Encounter 19 class' shepherd and fittingly assuring he served in this capacity as he was consistently serving them since they started as a class.  It was held in Saint Pius X Church's Eucharistic chapel in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, USA, his parish.

Noel genuinely cared for the people.  Which ones?  The ones, too, who happened to be with him at a given time.  He stayed in the sidelines if he had no official role in the event, but it did not diminish his affirming and assuring presence. Just like during Tom Magpoc's 60th surprise birthday party, held September 1, 2018, at the American Legion Hall in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, USA. The theme was Hawaiian so tropical splashes abounded through the attire.  He stands leftmost.

Growing up in California, Ninong Noel always found a way to be present in our lives despite living miles away. Every time we were together, he always welcomed us with open arms and we never went hungry with him around. He always made sure there was breakfast on the table despite having a busy work night. Ninong Noel was a man of few words, but his actions and heart spoke greatly. He loves with all his heart, and helped create a beautiful family. Thank you Ninong Noel for always taking care and loving us unconditionally. We miss and love you dearly. 

Love always, Katrina & Henry San

Please accept our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the lovely Portacio Family,  relatives, in-laws and loved ones. Noel left us much too soon but the memories are embedded in our minds and hearts forever.  My son Kevin and I, are ever so grateful and blessed to be part of the Portacio Family, as they  gave us the love and support all throughout Kevin's formative years. My son and I will miss him terribly.  Rest in peace Noel. 🌹💔

Growing up I called him "Grandpa Noel" because
the Portacio family took care of me and welcomed
me into their family as their own the moment I was
born. He treated me like I was his grandson and
showed unconditional love for me and everyone
who was around me. Being at their house almost
everyday, he always made sure that the candy bowl
they had was always full for me to eat and he would just sit there and watch me try to finish the whole
bowl. Taking trips to the park, Mcdonalds, and
Chuck E Cheese was always something I looked
forward to because it showed his love and care that
a lot of people will remember him for. Im forever blessed to have spent time with him. We will all miss you.

"Blessed are they who mourn ... " So goes the Beatitude.  Noel's prayers and presence with the survivors was the blessing that helped enfold them during the very difficult final arrangements.  Those left behind are shored up, consoled, when others come.  He ensured to be around for them. In this December 30, 2016, photo, he is with Rod Ocfemia, Robert Aure, Fe Hermoso, and others around the table in Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, for a fellow member's rosary wake.

This photo was not attached to the August 2 posting.

Peter G.

The first time we met the Portacio Family in Seattle was right after Expo '86 with my younger sister and her lovely daughter, Jacki visiting Vancouver from Virginia Beach. My son was only 3 yrs old at that time. We drove down to see them and went through memory lane regaling stories about our older brothers and sisters mingling together whilst in Philippines. Since we were the younger cousins, we immediately bonded coming from a large family like theirs. My sister Angelica connected so well with Noel being closer to her age group. Then throughout the years, we would drive to see our cousins whenever possible and Noel and his family looked after and accomodated us, even in such short notice. We were so fortunate to see them then, as Uncle Simplicio and Auntie Oliva was still around. (God bless their souls).
I will never forget the love and hospitality with which they showered me and my son everytime we came over. They continued to do so even when Noel had a family of his own. He was a great husband to his loving wife and a wonderful Dad to his beautiful children.  I will always remember him as a kind and  perfect gentleman, who made us feel welcome and treated us with generosity and unconditional love.

This is why I was so devastated to hear of his passing and to relay the sad news to my sister.

In behalf of Angelica and myself, and the de la Paz Family, please accept our deepest and sincerest condolences to Malou, Marinelle and Mark and the whole Portacio clan. We wish you all comfort and peace that you may face the days ahead and keep the loving memories of Noel, to help ease the pain just as we have, to dearly hold in our hearts and cherish forever. 
He will be terribly missed but we will all see each other once again. May his soul in God's mercy rest in peace. 🙏🏽


Noel was consistent in that his generosity and graciousness flowed like a crystalline forest stream rushing throughout.  Inside and outside the house. And faith was prevalent.  This July 29, 2017, picture was taken within the home after devotional prayers with Malou's brother Joel and his wife Malou (yes, same name), in-laws Tatay and Nanay, Glenn Ruiz, Eva Abad, Lulu Magpoc, Paul Aquino, etc .  Needless to say, we were all fortified not only socially and spiritually, but physically because dishes crammed the dining-room table, as well as the kitchen's counter and snack corner.  Proves to you "blessings" is not an abstract religious or theological term! 

Our sincere Condolences to the family of Noel Portacio

This December 2, 2017, photo says much how Noel and Malou cooperated in serving God's words and works.  They were the liturgy coordinators of our Catholic Community.  Prayer-related training, setting up, putting away, readers' assignments, etc.  


They cooperated because with Robert & Nida Cayetano, third from right) as their class shepherds or the folks in charge of their Marriage Encounter bunch, they, in turn, accepted being class shepherds of Robert & Amy Aure (red Hilfiger top), Rod & Tet Ocfemia (light-blue shirt), Sonny & Olga Patulot (green head covering), and others.  


The school artwork behind shows many hands, as busy as their hands, in laboring for God. Hence vigorously fruitful was the tree.

Truly a friend, as we witnessed on several occasions whether attending a family gatherings , 
sporting events, funerals, just simple get together, you were there to share your thoughts and your knowledge. Your sudden death were so shocking news to us and those who knew you. We just pray that you can find peace up there with God. Our deepest condolences also to the Portacio family.
With our prayer  Rick/Tess Lusuegro and family

NOEL is a special person. He is thoughtful. He is always available when you call. He look richer when it’s time to pay the bills of the food we ate. 

He taught me so much about living. When at Apple Bee, he always has separate order ‘to go’ for Mak-Mak. While at Costco, NOEL knows what is the right waistline for him as gift or "pasalubong".

Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. Let us be the kind of friend we would like to have. 

We will missed you forever.


Kuya Noel, you may have left us physically but your memories will forever remain in our hearts❤️

Rest now and dance  forever in heaven with Jesus, Mama Mary and all the angels and saints.

Kuya, Insan, Shepherd Noel as I fondly call him. Quiet but full of wisdom. He tends to first listen, observe, gauge the people around him but once geared you can’t stop him from talking  and tell his corny jokes. He finds joy in cooking dishes for us. Many times he’ll call and ask what are you doing? And followed by, come over, eat with us! An invite we can’t resist because we know he prepared our favorites. Many hours of talking, telling stories, planning on our next get together or simply hanging out. We will miss your kindness, caring and love for us. Going to Applebee’s, Olive Garden, The Feast, Super Buffet will be different. Will  miss you when it’s your turn  to answer the question during bible studies. Will save your chair anyway coz we know you’ll be with us in spirit.Thank you for your love to us. We know you’ll watch us from heaven. We will forever remember the friendship we have. We love you Kuya. Rest In Peace! 

Ninong Noel, I am so blessed to have many fond memories of you despite living many miles away. Many of these memories took place early morning around the kitchen table at your home.  You would always wake up early to prepare us a “handa” for breakfast. These meals were such a treat because you prepared so much food it wouldn’t all fit on the kitchen table! But what I have come to value most of all was our short and sweet conversations those mornings where you would ask me about school, golf, college-life, and eventually, work and marriage. Thank you for always taking care of us. We miss you dearly. We love you. -TinTin, Aaron & Kai 

Being with Noel gave you much greater mileage.  Meaning his company as family or friend boosted you to keep going. You are fueled by his service, but even physically as well, because he would have cooked food he lovingly prepared.  The attached car-blessing (by pastor Father Cal Christiansen) photo was  taken on June 11, 2017, after Sunday Mass.  You know what?  We still get more mileage and will always do because of memories and his intercession. 

Our deepest condolences, love, and prayers to Malou, Marinelle, Mark, and family for the loss of Noel. We will always remember him for his quiet strength, his kindness, his generosity, his flair for sumptuous cooking, and his talent as a family historian. He was fully devoted in serving the Lord. He treated everyone with respect and he touched everyone’s heart. He was well-loved and will be missed. May he rest in peace in God’s holy presence. 
Love and blessings: 
Kim, Nanette, and Michael Villanueva

Kuya Noel, you were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died because i’ve seen how you showed love and affection to a lot of people. Thank you Kuya Noel for sincerely welcoming my family into your home and for sharing whatever you have with us, we will forever be grateful for that. Thank you too for coming into my sister’s life and loving her the way you do. We Love You Kuya Noel, you may be gone from our sight but you will never be gone in our hearts.

What was Noel a king of?  Many things.  BLD member Junie Francisco  mentioned his poker face or telling a joke and dropping the punchline without changing his facial feature. No smile or brighter eyes.  

He was a king of gentleness, humility, care, etc.  

But, well, he literally was a king, one of Three Kings or Magi, during BLD-Seattle's Christmas party on December 5, 2009.  With Carlos Sotelo and Philip Padilla as the other two, so tempting to label them "The Three Wise Guys" in good-natured ways.

This picture was one of the last pictures I had taken of my dad. We usually come over at least once a week to my parents house with my dog Kingston since he loves spending time with his Lolo Noel and vise versa. We just relaxed outside enjoying the sunshine and ordered my favorite pizza (and dad’s favorite) from Pagliacci. It was really nice to spend time as a whole family. I will miss being able to see dad at the house every week, but I will always hold on to these special memories and time we spent as a family. We love you so much dad and we will miss you every single day. 
Love, Manel, Mark, and Kingston  

One of my favorite recent memories with dad was when I took him to the last NBA basketball game hosted in the Key Arena before they renovated. Growing up, basketball was one way he bonded with ate (Marinelle) and I (Mark). He used to take us to a few Sonics games, so it was special that I was able to take him one last time as an adult. We watched the preseason game of the Warriors VS Kings. This was an experience I’ll never forget. The simplicity of eating greasy food, cheering at the top of our lungs, and just enjoying the moment. I’ll miss the simple times like this. 
Rest easy and love you, pops.
-Mak

People say Noel was a gentle and soft-spoken guy.  He was.  

But never boring in that he was spontaneous in joyfully expressions.  

This picture was taken during our August 8, 2015, picnic.  He was trying to carry Malou.  

Cannot recall if they succeeded because perhaps the photographer was seized by a laughing fit and unable to snap the next shots the could have captured the results. 

Noel fed us, Literally.  When our BLD (Bukas-Loob sa Diyos or Open to the Spirit of God) Catholic Community holds a weekend retreat, when he arrives with Malou, he carried big pots.  Among his delicious and nourishing dishes were arroz caldo (chicken-rice-ginger soup) and dinuguan (blood stew).

He took pleasure in feeding us.  Because he was fed by the Lord and he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in his parish church, St Pius X Church, in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, feeding folks. This picture was taken January 29, 2017.

To the family of our dear friend Noel,  

 It was joy and a privilege to know Noel during our younger years.  We remembered him as the soft spoken gentleman and most of all, the kindest with the biggest heart.  “Kid” was a beautiful person inside and out.  We will keep your family on our thoughts and prayers, and we hope that the happy memories of him will help you go through this difficult time.  

His childhood friends,  
Rudy Lizada, Ben Morales, Jimmy Morales, Ogie Regidor and Lito Viray


OBITUARY

Emmanuel Eslabon Portacio

5 December, 1954 – 21 July, 2022

Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery

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