Michael Perez Abelgas

Michael was born January 28, 1978 in Manila, Philippines to his mother, Lumen Perez, and father Ernesto Abelgas. He was the beloved brother of Ermen, Dennis and Novelie; the cherished father of Jemma; and a treasured nephew, cousin, uncle and Ninong of the Perez-Abelgas clan.

He studied engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines. He then moved to the United States and served at the US Air Force. After the military, he went back to school and graduated Valedictorian at ITT Tech. He then pursued a career in technology.

His life brought him to different parts of the world not just for work but also because he had a passion for adventure. He wanted to experience life and this world to the fullest. He loved fast cars and fast motorcycles. From snowboarding on the slopes to scuba diving in the ocean, this man lived fearlessly. To all who knew him, he lived his life in a big way, with the biggest heart and biggest smile.

He was devoted to his family, and just like his father was “Tatay” to all in the Abelgas tribe, he was “Kuya Mike,” the beloved big brother to all his cousins. With the time he had on this earth, he made sure to cherish the time with his family. He would often gather his uncles, aunts and cousins together to hang out, laugh (with his being the loudest laugh), share stories and play billiards, certainly with a glass of Crown Royal in one hand and a cigar in the other.

He was a loyal, trusted friend to many, with long time friendships lasting since his early days in the Philippines, the military, and everywhere in between. He illuminated a warmth that enabled him to connect effortlessly with others and was your classic life of the party.

His cousin Risa states it well, “If there is one thing we know about Kuya Mike, it is that he did exactly what he wanted, the way he wanted it, and when he wanted it." He truly lived his life to the fullest with everyone he spent it with.

Those of us he left behind were blessed to have known him for the time we did. He will be forever cherished and missed. His spirit lives on in the memories we share and his infectious energy that he passed on to us.

A viewing for Michael will be held Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Miller Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 27931 Murrieta Road, Menifee, CA 92586. Serving as pallbearers are Ermen Abelgas, Bren Abelgas, Ellixis Julio, Emmanuel Abelgas, Christopher Abelgas and Lawrence Abelgas.

Reception from 12:30 – 3:00 PM at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1508, 21180 Waite St, Wildomar, CA 92595.