Ascension Gonzales Malibiran

Ascension “Sonny” Gonzales Malibiran, passed away in the city of Chula Vista, California on Friday, December 13th, 2024 at the age of 79. Ascension was born in the Philippines on January 28, 1945, to Leoncio and Aurea Malibiran. He grew up in Tangalan, Aklan and graduated from St. Joseph School in Olongapo City in 1965.

Following his high school graduation Sonny joined the U.S. Navy. He met and married the love of his life, Amparo “Ampy” Sayoc Saluta in 1967. On December 17, 2024, they would have celebrated 57 years of marriage. Sonny is survived by his wife, and two daughters, Melanie and Lora, aka “Mae” and “Lee”. Sonny also has two sons-in-law. Mae’s husband is Ferdie Sunico and Lee’s husband is Eric Bumatay. Sonny and Ampy have six grandchildren altogether: Sherilyn, Allison, Jeremie, Vincent, Dylan and EJ. He also has two remaining elder siblings, Epifania Valencia, currently residing in the Philippines and Zenaida Redor, currently in Hayward, CA.

The Navy stationed Sonny in San Diego in 1977. He retired from the Navy in 1986 as Aviation Storekeeper Petty Officer First Class. He then worked a second career as a Logistics Specialist for the DoD from 1987 to 2002. He was also a brother of the Masons of California. Sonny enjoyed travelling with his wife to China, Scandinavia, Germany, Turkey, even a pilgrimage to Spain and Jerusalem. He loved meeting new people and seeing new places. Sonny also enjoyed vacationing with his children and grandchildren in Hawaii, Las Vegas, on cruises to the Mexican Riviera, Eastern Caribbean and Alaska and on weekend camping trips.

Sonny loved to sing, play guitar, chat, tell jokes, fish, play slots and root for Manny Pacquiao. In his later years, he would re-watch Pacquaio fights to pass the time. Sonny’s most favorite activity of all time though was Sabong. Back in his heyday, Sonny raised champion fighting cocks and was known for his skills in being the “knife guy.” He would participate in Sabong tournaments on their visits home to the Philippines. With his good nature and humor, people found Sonny to be very entertaining and liked to be around him.

Services will be held for Sonny Malibiran on Friday, January 24th and Saturday, January 25th. The viewing will take place on Friday, January 24th from 5 pm to 9 pm in the Chapel of the Roses, Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita CA 91902. The following day, January 25th, the funeral mass will take place at 10:00 am at Mater Dei Catholic Parish. Immediately following the conclusion of the funeral mass the burial will take place back at Glen Abbey Memorial Park.