Gonzalo "Gonzo" Bernal Cielo

Gonzalo “Gonzo” Bernal Cielo was born on June 18, 1969, in Manila, Philippines.

Gonzo’s family unit is his wife, Mel, his son, Brandon, his mother, Emilia, and loved one, Nerissa.

He is the 1st son of Gonzalo Caampued Cielo II and Emilia Bernal Cielo. Gonzo’s siblings are:

Cristina “Tina” Vanore married to her 2nd late husband, Dave Vanore. Tina has 1 son, Sean Perry, with her 1st husband, Tom Perry.

Michael is married to Anna Lyn and has 1 son, Mason Michael.

Richard is married to Maureen and has 1 son, Joshua, and 1 daughter, Caitlyn.

Gonzo’s Dad’s 2nd wife is Merlyn. Gonzo’s siblings are also Jefferson who is married to Tina Untalan. They have 2 sons, JJ & JT. Gonzo’s sisters are Jazellene who is married to Edgardo Bauzon, Joanne is married to Paul Filoteo, and adopted sister, Jolina.

Gonzo’s all-time favorite movie was “The Matrix”, and he would have said, “I unplugged from the matrix on July 9, 2023.”

Gonzo passed away early dawn on July 9, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He transitioned peacefully and is walking with Jesus. Gonzo would want you to remember him smiling at you and all the good conversations you had with him.

Throughout his schooling, he won many awards. One of the awards was the Optimist Award, and he lived by the Optimist Creed every day. Gonzo saw the world differently and walked his own path.

In college, Gonzo implemented a master plan to host a talent competition 2 years in a row, involving all the various clubs at Southwestern College. He even got sponsors to donate many goods and products for free.

Gonzo and his family also was active in the community, where they assisted in the very 1st Filipino American Arts and Cultural Heritage Festival and Barrio Fiesta in San Diego County.

When Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, Gonzo and his family assisted with displaced families who lost their homes.

Gonzo had it in his heart to be his “own” boss after attending many seminars, such as Tony Robbins, Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, authors of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Robert Allen and Wade Cook with Nothing Down Real Estate. With a passion for business and a desire to assist humanity, Gonzo got to meet the movers and shakers of the world, through community leader, Joann Fields, such as an Ayala family member, the Mayor of Subic Bay, and even befriended a royal prince from Samoa, and many more people who make this world a better place. A commissioned portrait of Bob Hope was painted by the artist, Elver Usaraga and is currently part of Bob Hope’s Palm Spring’s Estate. Another painting of the visionary director, Cecil B. DeMille was commissioned for Mr. DeMille’s grandson, who was the President of the Del Mar Racetrack. This was made possible with Gonzo’s connections with family friend, Lydia Magat, Controller at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, CA. AIDS Committee of Toronto and Fashion Cares had an approved image, and painting of Marlene Dietrich, for PR in Fashion’s Care Event 1999, in which Gonzo was responsible for commissioning Elver’s talented artwork. He was a Venture Capitalist, but most of all, Gonzo truly was a humanitarian at heart.

Gonzo loved to make meals with everyone he loved and asked them for their recipes. His passion for cooking and catering large parties and rolling sushi for loved ones was one of his greatest joys. There is a recipe binder for those who would like to share their favorite recipes at both the viewing and reception celebration of life. If you would like to contribute to the recipe book for Brandon, Mel, and Nerissa, they would greatly appreciate it and would love to make it in their home to keep that happy memory of Gonzo, while they make your favorite dish or dessert and enjoy it too.

Gonzo knew how to mend a broken heart. He saw the beauty in you even when you couldn’t see it for yourself. Everyone was important to him. He saw you for you beyond the labels that the world may have placed on you or on yourself. He was a true trailblazer, and awe-inspiring beautiful soul, whose light touched us all and guided those along the way.

Gonzo didn’t pass away, he unplugged from the matrix. He cried asking Jesus if he failed Him, and then said, “Jesus, I surrender. Please, will you walk with me and stand by my side?” And Jesus did exactly that. Gonzo continues to walk with Jesus in Heaven watching and guiding each one of us, whispering in our ears, “Jesus is waiting for you to speak with Him.” Gonzo is an angel to us all and continues to do God’s work, whatever that may be.

We love you Gonzo and you are forever in our hearts.