Manoling is gone. Shocking. Painful  especially when I saw Ipe's face turn red and teary-eyed, as Triccie broke the news over the phone.  Nito and I, who were nearby, stood frozen and speechless for some moments.

In that moment of deep sadness and shock, I asked:  How can God take away someone whose storehouse of goodness is still in harness; perhaps still overflowing, for others to enjoy and appreciate? But then I chastise myself for such impudence, for after all God is the Author of Life, whose wisdom goes far beyond our own offered understanding of why He decided that it was time for Manoling to return home to Him.

We are now looking at a mere box  a box that carries the mortal shell of the person that once endeared it to so many for so many years: the person who was once a loving husband and caring father; a generous brother who was always eager to lend a hand; and a million other things to so many others.

That light of goodness that Manoling exuded is now gone. But the shadows it cast will always remain, if only to remind us that darkness is but a mere absence of light; that without charity we are left at the mercy of a cold and unjust world.  You have lived that life.

You have left us now, if only to heed the Father's call as His humble servant. One can only envy the joy you must have felt when the Lord answered your fervent wish of a peaceful and grace-filled passing.

Manoling, you were generosity personified. So it comes as no surprise that your passing triggers an outpouring of cherished memories.  For my part, all I have is a litany of Thank You's:

         THANK YOU for those times I was starting my role as an IN-LAW: apprehensive of things to come, if not confused altogether. All along, you had always been the supportive brother to Ipe and myself. Indeed, your gentle demeanor and fresh humor eased my jitters as a newcomer to the family.

         THANK YOU for providing those Catholic Review papers that opened the door to a teaching job at Mt. de Sales Academy.

         THANK YOU for the being the patient mentor to us greenhorns in America.

         THANK YOU for the countless surprises on our birthdays  especially that dinner at Friendly Farm, which has since become our favorite dining experience.

         THANK YOU for being the ever solicitous brother to my husband, and uncle to my children

         Most of all, THANK YOU for admonishing me gently, but firmly, when I expressed disgust and dislike for situations and people. Now that I have retired in the Philippines, I have always kept your words to heart: Magpatawad ka. Hindi papasok ang grasya ng Diyos kapag may galit ka. Such a powerful lesson in just a few words.

         THANK YOU SO MUCH, Manoling, for being a part of my growing up as an IN-LAW in the Sorra clan.

The fields of Elysium welcome you! Go home now and romp joyously with Papa and Mama, as they once again embrace you, as you take your place in the eternal abode you so rightfully earned.

For all that has been, Manoling, MARAMING SALAMAT!

-Aida

Goodbye, my dearest Nonon. You shocked us by your sudden death. I never expect that you will leave us that early.  I had always thought I wiould be the one who will go ahead among us. Ang daya mo talaga.  You did not even give us any sign that you were leaving this early. 

Dinaan mo lang kami sa kabaitan mo, ano?  Wise ka talaga.  I don't know if that's the way how God shows His wisdom to us by taking you silently. Or was it because you were the kindest among us siblings.?

Well, I will not complain, because I always knew you were the best among us. Aside from being kind, you were the person who was always loving, understanding, thoughtful, generous and helpful to anybody who is in need. Wala na talaga akong masabi sa iyo, Nonon. 

Thank you so much, Nonon, for everything that you have done, not only for me but also for my family.  Needless to say, you are now in heaven. Please help me to be with you also there. Again, goodbye my dear brother.  

I love you so much and I will miss you always.

May God bless you.

Your brother,
Ipe

Our deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of Manoling Sorra. May The Lord grant you eternal rest and blessings to your family in this time of sorrow. You will be in our prayers Padi. Romy and Emilie de la Cruz (Tampa, FL)

Deep sympathy and prayers to the Sorra family, especially to Sonny. Fond memories of  Manny during our bowling days and his smiles  will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, ever faithful email buddy.

Dear Tita Sony and Family,
My deepest condolences po. I still find it hard to believe that Tito Manoling is gone, I came to the United States in the early 90's and I remember going to your house frequently for our line dancing practice and of course, for the good food, drinks and laughs as if it was just yesterday. 

Tito Manoling, thank you for welcoming me into your home, your gentle and humble ways continue to inspire me and your generosity will never be forgotten. Rest now into the loving arms of OUR FATHER,  please continue to watch over us as you lovingly did while you were still with us. I will miss you. Maraming salamat po at Hindi kita malilimutan!

Tita Sony, Marlene, Kristin and PJ, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing your Dad with all of us.

With much love,
Crunchie

Our Condolence to the Family. Manny will be in our prayer. May He Rest in Peace. Ding & Sionie Geronimo

Please accept our deepest sympathy on the sudden passing of Manny Sorra. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. He will be surely missed in our golf circle of friends.

Dear Sony & Family - It was my blessing to have known and worked with Manny for over 20 years.  He was a gentle and honorable man who loved our Lord, Jesus Christ. I will not be able to come to any of the services since I currently live in Arkansas.  However, I will be in Baltimore the following week & I will try to get in touch with you then.
Carroll Weyrich

Dearest Tito Manoling,

    Hindi pa rin po ako makapaniwala na iniwan nyo na kami. I was still hoping to see you last night the moment we arrived from Michigan-laughing and drinking wine with the rest of our huge and loud Sorra clan. I guess  some things would be different now and it will take us a while to get used to this. 
     Tito, maraming maraming salamat po sa lahat-lahat ng nagawa nyo para sa aming pamilya lalung-lalo na nung mga panahon na nagsisimula pa lang kami dito sa America. Salamat sa pag-alalay nyo po sa amin ni Mama habang nasa Pilipinas si Papa. I've always looked at you like my second father. I will never forget the time when I informally got your approval of Ramuel...when you said "I  like this guy!" with your happy and drunken tone and your favorite expression whenever you say "Golly!" Your laughs are contagious kaya ganun na lang din kami kasaya pag kasama namin kayo habang umiinom ng wine.
Wala po atang moment na nakita ko kayong seryoso at nakasimangot...except na lang po siguro when you're doing all of our taxes. :) 
      We will miss you terribly but we are contented to know that you're happily resting now in the presence of the Lord. We love you, Tito. Please do watch over us. 
       To Tita Sony and to our cousins-Ate Marlene, Ate Kristin & PJ, our heartfelt and sincerest condolences to all of you. We will continue to pray for God's comfort and love during this time of difficulty. God bless and keep you always. 

Love,
Triccie, Ramuel & Pia

Our hearts go out to the whole family ❤ We only met Mr. Sorra a few times, but just in those few times, we saw a man who's smile lit up a room and who could fit the world in his heart.  We hope that the pain of your loss is softened by your memories of him.

So sorry to hear of Manny' s unexpected death.  Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We are very sorry not to be able to be there at this time. We are out of the country  at this time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Manoling,
Your sudden passing was a shock to all of us.  Boboy and I were so saddened when we got the news.  You treated us as relatives and invited us to all your daughters' weddings.  You were a dear friend and my colleague in the accounting profession.    Your kindness, your generosity and the warmth of your personality were your endearing traits.  You were a delight to be with.  You will surely be missed but your spirit will live on in all those you touched.
To Sony and Family, please accept our deepest condolences .   We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Tito, 
You're one of a kind, always smiling. You were the life of the party. You will be truly missed. We love you so much.  Love LisaMarie,Mark,Taylor& Juliana

Sorry for what happened to Kris's father.  

From the Calero family

Edwin.    Patricia.       Domingo

You were a good friend and a good golf partner Manuel.I will miss you. Jun Jovellanos.

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Manuel "Manny" Sorra.  We enjoyed the times we spent in his company over the years, and his warm and affectionate demeanor.  He will surely be missed.

Patty & George Ablonczy

May your love continue to shine on and protect those you so carefully and unwaveringly loved for here on earth. 
With all our love and respect for you, Mr Sorra -- may you find eternal peace. 
Fondly,
Carolina

Pa:
Just last week our family was laughing and discussing your golf game with Marlene... You have always been a model father in my eyes. I loved our conversations when Marlene invited me to your home in college. I remember when you met - and approved of - Ben! Just a smile and a nod in your quiet way. 
Thank you for sharing your laughter and your life with us. 
Much love,
Michele Barrett Oshman and family

Tito,

Your untimely passing indeed came like a thief in the night. But the genuine kindness, generosity and humility that had endeared you to all of us give hope and confidence that you were ready and prepared to come home to the Father when He finally called you to be with Him forever.

As I convey this sincere thought with a pained and heavy heart, I take consolation at the many people whose lives you had touched; the smiles you put on our faces, and the laughter you so effortlessly manage to bring out even in the most unlikely circumstances. Indeed, Tita Sony had been most fortunate to have had you as her loving and caring husband. And if God allowed you to return, I think Marlene, Kristin and PJ would not change a thing about their dad either.

We may not have shared as much time together as my cousins did, but the few moments we had were enough to convey the message that life is made happier by giving and reaching out to others. This was the life you lived, letting its truth shine out in your own brand of cheerful selflessness.

It is a privilege and honor to have been your nephew, Sir, as much as I am proud to have had you as my uncle. Go home now. Rest forever peacefully in the Father's loving arms. Godspeed, Tito Manoling. 

MARAMING SALAMAT. MAHAL KA NAMING LAHAT!

Jong, May, Lorenzo & Tyrone

OBITUARY

Manuel "Manny" C. Sorra

31 March, 1934 – 22 April, 2015

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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