I am blessed to know Manong Mario and his relationship to Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. I am glad also to know intimately his daughter Marifi and Willy his son-in;law and their children Julienne and Joshua Cabaluna. Manong Mario attended our church service on June 28, 2009 at CrossWay Church of Visalia Fil-Am  Ca. He decided to be a church member on August 23, 2009. Since then he started to be an active and committed member serving his Lord. As his pastor and friend, in our conversation and getting close together I saw the continues changes God is doing in his life. Most of the time in our church gathering like in our Friday prayer time, we prayed together. He loved dearly his children and grandchildren, he always prayed for their safety and good health. He brought joy and laughter to our church family. He brought food every potluck too and his favorite food is the papaitan. If ever he cannot cook he will provide the ingredients and ask someone in our church to cook for him. The best thing that he brought is the unity and encouragement to me and my family, to other leaders of the church and in our church members, to all of us. He is like a father to many of us. He served as a Board of Director chairman, Senior ministry chairman,  Council member, transportation committee member, outreach ministry and in many other ways of service in our church. His passion is to invite and bring people to church so that they will hear the teaching of the Bible and especially to know and believe the Savior and Lord of his life who is Jesus Christ who saved him.Thank you Manong Mario for everything you did in our church and to me, as your Pastor and friend. We will all miss him.

~ Dr. Danilo C. Arce, Pastor. CrossWay Church of Visalia Fil-Am ~

   
                                                              

I am one of the Urieta's long time friends and sisters in the Lord. I consider myself as one of Papa Mac and Mama Pitt's foster children. It is with great pleasure and honor for me and my family to pay tribute to our dear Papa Mac. 

I recall during my teenage and college years we would be at their house in Quezon City, Philippines for hours and hours, many, many times.for years ! We would do home works and school projects, have bible studies and worship rehearsals, special occasions, sleep overs or just simply hang out. Papa Mac would come home from work always with a smile. Often times carrying a bag of pasalubong (some treats), veggies or some kind of meat and sea foods, and would then go straight to the kitchen where Mama Pitt would be always busy cooking to feed us, foster kids. He would be upstairs not minding all the giggles and silly noise. I always wondered how he was able to sleep. 

Back then, I was a young idealist, a dreamer. I always had this warm, good feeling whenever I'm at their house. To me they were a picture of an ideal family. Not perfect, just authentic.
At times he would tell us about situations he's dealing with at the marketplace where he worked as Market master. I've always thought he was a tough guy and he's the best man for the job. 

Papa's stature, His commanding presence, his intelligence, his transparency and straightforwardness, social awareness and people skills fascinated me. He was a Ioved husband, respected father and honored man. I saw him as protector, a good provider. He kept his family secured. Of course, he didn't do all these by himself. God was with him and Mama Pitt was there to support him. He was a father image, an inspiration to me. 

Through the years as we got older, gone to college, got married and raised our own families, migrated here in the United States, the feeling of warmth and care remained. Every time we come to visit, be it in Fremont or here in Visalia, Papa would still welcome us with his big smile. He was always sincere when he asks, how are you? He never failed to ask about my Mom and then he would tell me how he missed Mama Pitt so much.
He assumed Mama Pitt's ministry. He would always cook food  for us and have fresh vegetables ready for me. We were a tandem in the kitchen.He shared his testimonies with me, some of his burdens, his dreams and plans and would even ask for prayers. He would also tell me about his oops moments and blunders and we would laugh together. He also talked about his love for his church family here in Visalia. Humbly sometimes, he would even ask for godly advice.  Funny how on some occasions he would tell on Chinky not knowing Chinky told on him too! 

So.... how do I honor the father whom I've known, and looked up to for 38 years ? By giving the utmost honor to the One who gave him life. The Lord God who has given him the grace to repent and be saved. Our Father kept and preserved him and now took him to glory.The good husband that he was to Mama Pitt, the father that he was to his children, grandparent to his beloved grandkids, a son, a brother, uncle, friend and a faithful servant of the Lord.Papa ran the race, he fought the good fight of faith. He wasn't perfect, but now he is in Christ's presence. 

To God, the only Savior, to Him be glory, honor and praise !In closing, let me encourage everyone with this: 

1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 
But I would not have you to be ignorant brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others have no hope.For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with Him. 

Chinky, Boyet, Aimee. This is our hope and joy... because Papa Mac is In Christ Jesus, God will raise him up again and we will be gathered together with him to meet the Lord in the air when He comes again to rule and reign, Amen !

Tto Mario is known to all of us as loving, caring, compassionate person. I used to just hear his name when I was a kid, along with his siblings names: such as lina, oscar, mario, dony, ed and Cesar. His name is displayed in Tayuman pritil marker and I must admit. I was proud to see his name up there like a bill board name, though he did not know me then. I got the opportunity to met him here in los Angeles, I was introduced to him the first time, but that first time did not feel like it was, he makes u feel like you have known eAch other for years.. he knows exactly how to make a connection with you..regardless of age, regardless of race, regardless of religion. Tito Mario is always full of wisdom,that is one thing I always admire abt him. He never missed a chance to share good words, good advice. Every time we met in family occasions,he would find time to pull me in the corner and just simply talk abt anything, be it abt religion or faith, God, bible verses, abt family, about Mindoro/ our town how he loves to retire there and the people out there, and anything about Life. He is a very family oriented guy. He also reminds me of my father  in many ways. When we visited him at the hospital, he was sedated. We were talking to him and  all of a sudden, he started to show signs of being awake. I guess because we were talking loud & enough to stimulate him. He started taking deep breaths,tried opening his eyes, I can see tears falling in the corner of his eyes, and he made a swift move to grab my hand when we were abt to leave,  we have to stay a lltte longer to calm him..then nurse came inside the room and and instructed us to come back in 30 mins until he calms down. As I was letting go of his hand, I felt he pinched me on my thumb, which feels like he used up all his energy just to tell us he is aware of our presence.
 Tto Mario is a reliable friend, dependable,a man of honor, a true Gentleman which we hardly see this days. He is truly a treasure and very well deserved of our  tribute, our words of praises are not even enough to describe how much he touched our lives , Im so blessed to have the opportunity to share memories with you. Tito, this tribute does not end here.. you Will be honored as long as we live. You may have retired from your post here on earth, but has a special spot waiting fo him in heaven. The heaven is rejoicing, with angels singing as they welcome you in the Paradise...Lord thank you for sharing him to us for nearly 77 yrs. 
we love you tito Mario.. till next time!!

Allow me to call him Papa Mario, as I felt then and now that He is my father. Im happy to have known and been a part of their thoughtful and loving family. In honor of him and my love and respect to his family, let me share these words...

As i look back, I see your gentle smile 
The wishper of a loving parent
Meanings full of care and compassion.
As i look inside, i see my heart
Longing to see you
Can even feel the tears flowing
deep from my heart.
This sadness is turned to joy
as i know for sure
you are at peace with eternal joy
with our heavenly father, ..with his gentle smile
saying.." Well done Mario, my good and faithful servant" 
"Surely goodness and Mercy has followed you Mario,
For now you have dwelt in the house of the Lord
Forever!..
God is glorified to welcome you in everlasting Life!
WE love you and you will never be forgotten!

from Armero Family and in behalf of
Bible Community Church, Novaliches QC, Phils.

He had been known by a lot of names in his lifetime - Master, Chief, Papa Mac, Mang Mario. I'd never wish to have other father if I was given a chance to choose. It would always be him. Yes, I am a Papa's girl. Papa and I have shared a lot of complexities -- I was his bestest buddy, yet we also had bad disagreements - through text. We fought in texts because I was never good at face to face confrontations. I could cry my heart out to him digitally. LOL. What I love about him was he would just let me say whatever I want, and he would not reply. That would signal that I was able to get my message through his heart. But because the daughter-father love that binded us was overwhelming, we would always reconcile without the need to discuss what transpired in the past. He would usually make the first move by texting, "Hey, Im now in Costco. What do you need?" And yes, I would reply with my prepared list of items I wanted him to buy. Hahahaha! I know he would be smiling and frowning when he reads them. That's why he gave me the name "Bilmoko Girl" meaning bili mo ko nun, bili mo ko nyan. I had that name since I was a kid.
As I am writing this, a lot of memories are flashing back to my head, like when he would bring me to and fetch me from school and when he would help me do my assignments every night in elementary- especially Math and essays. I remember him dictating what I needed to write. I also remember that ate Marifi scolded both me and papa for doing this. She wanted me to do my assignments by myself hehehe! There were a lot of times that I would just go to his office in the marketplace where he was assigned to, to sleep when I had a long free time from school during my college days.
Papa loved sending packages and balikbayan boxes to us here in the Philippines, especially for his grandchildren. He knew it was a mortal sin not to include chocolates in every box. Ate Marifi once forgot to include chocolates in the box and the kids were so sad. My sister told me that she got in trouble with my Dad because of that, and she never heard the end of it. Did you know that he was able to send 3 whole bicycles and 4 ceiling fans through balikbayan boxes? Yes, he dismantled them to fit in the box and we just hired someone to assemble them back. He bought all of those from garage sales. He was that resourceful and clever. And oh, I should also mention that he put rice in his boxes too because he didn't want to waste the space in the box. After all, it is a fixed rate, regardless of the weight of the box. So you could just imagine how the delivery men have always found it hard to carry papa's boxes into our house. It is enormously heavy. They said papa was wise.
Papa had great faith in the prayers of his grandchildren. He knew that our faith should be like that of children so whenever he felt ill, he would text us to ask the kids to pray for him. And he did get well. Until, last July, he texted me to ask my 6 yr old son, Tyrone, to pray for his tummy. I got anxious when Tyrone prayed like this, "Jesus, please don't let Papa Mac die because he is the one packing up the boxes. In Jesus' Name, Amen" Yes, the last part of the prayer was funny but what struck me was the word "die." It was the first time he prayed about death and he was consistent, until the dreadful diagnosis was confirmed. From then on I knew something bad was going to happen even though we kept on rebuking it. 
I kept  texting Papa on Viber and even tried to make him laugh by saying "Pa, fight. Huwag ka ngang makiuso ha. Dito sa Pilipinas, only the druglords and drug pushers should die." His replies became shorter and less often, until I received nothing anymore, because he was always sedated and never woke up. I may not know why it happened and why it was fast. It seemed God was in a hurry to take him home. It will be one of the many questions I know I will get the answers to when I see Jesus face to face. I guess we can never be ready for the death of a loved one nor we can say we are old enough to lose both parents. I know whenever and however, it would be painful. I could have felt bitter because God took Mama 2 months before my wedding in 2008 and now Papa, just a few days before my 40th birthday. But no matter how hard it is, I still choose to trust God that He knows what he is doing and that it is for the best, although it may not seem like it in human perspective. I just find peace and comfort in upholding God's promise that we will see each other again and it will be for eternity. I praise Jesus although it hurts like crazy.

MARIO ALBERTO URIETA is well known to family and friends as  MAC or MAR. He was born on October 21st 1939 in Balala, Culion Palawan. He is the third child of Alfredo Daseco Urieta and Bibiana Vega  Alberto. He has one sister and 4 brothers. The siblings go by the acronym LOMDEC: L- Lina Salvo, O  Oscar Urieta, M-Mario Urieta,  D-Donaldo Urieta, E-Edgardo Urieta and C-Cesar Urieta.  The family lived in Occidental Mindoro. 

He graduated High School from West Mindoro Academy. He started working at a very young age of 16 in the Ministry of Public Highways, to help with the family expenses and to help send his older sister and younger brothers to school. He worked as a partner to his father, who was then working as a chief equipment inspector, while he worked as a laborer and warehouse custodian. Him and his father had a very strong bond and close relationship during those times.  His mother Bibiana on the other hand rented out some of the rooms in their house to Civil engineers working in the infrastructure in their area.  Their home was a boarding house to these young professionals whom Mario became close to, some of whom became his long lasting friends.  He dreamt of becoming a Civil Engineer but he was unable to go to school at that time because he was helping his family financially. 

His friends and family described him as being very brave,  fearing no one.  Whenever there was a fist fight among young adults, which was not unusual during those times, he will be there defending his friends and brothers and he will not back out. He was once stabbed by a knife on his buttocks.

He was also described as being extremely friendly and sociable. He has a lot of friends both men and women, at school and in the neighborhood.

His younger brother described him as very strict and a disciplinarian. Sometimes his younger brother would sneak out of the house to avoid washing the dishes and play Cara Cruz in the streets. Mario would ran after them and they received spanking . 

As he grew older, many people described him as a good adviser. He is soft spoken, and full of wisdom.

He was athletic when he was younger. He loved to play tennis. When he was in High school he represented the school for a district meet in Occidental Mindoro, where he played  Shot Put. He was also into boxing and spent a lot of time training while he was working. 

In 1962, the Urieta family migrated to Manila. Mario and his father was left behind in Occidental Mindoro to continue working. In 1963 he moved to Manila and started working at the Office of the City treasurer at the Manila City Hall. He eventually worked as a public market administrator.  He was called the Market Master.

In August 28, 1966, he was married to Teofista de Jesus Urieta. They had three children: Marifi Cabaluna, Alfredo Urieta IV and Ana Imelda David.

Although he dreamt of being a Civil Engineer, his line of work made him pursue his studies in business administration.  He was a working student. In March 26, 1982 he received his Bachelors Degree in Commerce at Ortanez University, that was about the same time that his oldest daughter Marifi was graduating from elementary. He pursued graduate studies and had a Masters Degree in Business Administration, again, right about the same time that his oldest daughter Marifi was graduating from High School. His thirst for knowledge and determination to finish his education, served as an encouragement for his oldest daughter to pursue a higher education in the field of Medicine.  His son Alfredo IV was an undergraduate in BSBA Marketing and had an associate degree in BSE Computer Technician and he is also a licensed TESDA technician. The youngest daughter, Ana Imelda has a degree in Physical Therapy.

Mario became a Born Again Christian in 1996. He and his wife became active members of the Elohim Church and then the Bible Community Church in Novaliches Quezon City. 

Shortly after his retirement as a government employee, Mario and his wife immigrated to the USA in August, 2004. They became members of the Word of Life Church in Fremont, California. They were involved in the Men's and Women's ministry respectively.  Mario worked as a security officer. In his spare time, he loved to plant organic fruits and vegetables. 

Mario's wife Teofista, fondly called by everyone as Pitt passed away on April 1st 2008. Shortly after, Mario moved to Visalia California. He lived with his daughter and helped raise his grandchildren.  On Sunday June 28, 2009 Mario attended in Crossway Church of Visalia where Dr. Danilo Arce is the Pastor. He decided to become a church member on August 28, 2009, promising to the Lord to be an asset and not a liability to God's Church. After a few years, he served the Lord in CrossWay as Church Board Chairman and Senior Ministry Chairman, he also served in the Outreach Program, he was a Building Committee member, and helped in  the transportation ministry bringing children to the church services. 

He went home to be with the Lord in September 4th 2016. He is survived by his three children, their spouses and his grandchildren: firstborn Marifi and husband Willy Cabaluna with grandchildren Julienne Dominique and Joshua Daniel Cabaluna; second child Alfredo IV and wife Monalisa with grandchildren  Dwyane Jefferson and Dwight Jerricson Urieta,  and youngest daughter Ana Imelda and husband Paulo David with grandchildren Tyrone Lewis, Zion Levi and Blake Leon David.
Mario has been faithful to The Lord Jesus and to CrossWay Church where he committed his life in serving His God. CrossWay Church members will miss him especially the labor he had done to God's people.

Mario was a loving son, brother, and relative; a faithful friend, a devoted husband, a great father to his children, and most of all a good servant of the living God. He will be terribly missed.

My grandfather played a large, special role in my life. Even in retirement, he continued to work hard to provide us support whenever we needed it. While my parents were at work, my grandfather would go out of his way to take my sister and me to school, cook us food, take care of us, and share with us the greater things in life. To him, family came first, because he was willing to do anything to keep us safe and happy. Not only was my grandfather a friendly, kind, joyful, and loving person, but he was also a unique example that people should strive to work for and become.  Although he is not here now, I am sure that he is in a much better place and condition, listening to this tribute while looking down at us from above. I am glad to have such an amazing grandfather who has done so much for me in the past, and I will always remember him for as long as I live. Thank you.

TRIBUTE
MARIO ALBERTO URIETA

AUTHOR:  GINA MARIE GALANG

My friendship with the Urieta family dates back from my childhood days with Chinky. I remember Tito Mac & Tita Pete has always been nice to me everytime I was at their house in Arty Subdivision. I have always felt they liked me as Chinky's friend.
Growing up, I thought Tito Mac was an undercover cop assigned in marketplaces. I remember his jeep & that really made me believe that he was a police because I always see in movies policemen riding on a jeep, or "owner" as how it's called in the Philippines. 
My family shares a good bond with the Urietas because our friendship grew into a deeper relationship when they all became born again Christians. 
Tito Mac has in several occasions expressed to me how he admired my Dad, Fred Galang, for his faithfulness in his calling & how he teaches the Word of God with simplicity & clarity. To hear that from Tito Mac is really something since he doesn't really feel that way to all pastors. Him & my Dad would always have something to talk about everytime they see each other.
Who would have thought that my last meeting with Tito Mac would be that day last year when they came to L.A. & had lunch with me in Glendale at Crab Boil? Chinky ordered clams specifically for him. He was still strong & was eating well. That's one memory I want to keep of him when I picture him in my mind. I had wished & even looked forward to my next visit at Chinky's house so he could once again cook his crispy pata which for me was the best I've ever tasted.
Indeed, what we have is only "today". Tomorrow is not certain. I'm just glad I got to see him one last time here on earth until our blessed reunion in heaven. 
We are living on borrowed lives. We are just passers by on this earth. Our true citizenship is heaven. 
To my dear friends Chinky, Boyet, & Aimee, there is no doubt you loved your Papa. I'm sure he knew it & felt it. That love will live on. 
I emphasize with you because I know how it feels to lose a father but it is at this time when you will experience God's love as your healing. 
We all look forward to that "one sweet day" when we will all experience "no more nights, no more pain, no more crying."

TRIBUTE
MARIO ALBERTO URIETA

AUTHOR:  FERDINAND GALANG


My relationship with Tito Mac consisted of a few words, but Tito Mac is one of those fathers who immediately commanded respect.  Being the father of my best friend, Boyet, and also Chinky and Aimee, I am thankful to him because I know my life would be different without their family. When Tito Mac became a believer, I was surprised and was very happy. It was proof of what the Bible said Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your family.  I'm sure this was because of the prayers and desire of the children who believed in the Lord.  I was especially glad when he began to testify and speak of his faith, it was a sure indication that something had already changed from within. Eventually I also heard that he became active in their church. That was really great!
Nakakatuwa rin kapag naririnig ko kay Gigi na hinahanap ako ni Tito Mac kapag bumibisita sila Gi kina Chinky. Kaya nung napunta ako sa Visalia, I made sure na may picture kami and him with my kids. 
Tulad ng pagpanaw ng Daddy ko, I'm sure na magiging mahirap sa pamilya, pero his legacy will live on.  You will feel and know that he is with you in spirit.  You will remember his words and advices, he will continue to guide you, - his spirit will go on.
Tito Mac, even though we didn't speak much, and spent much time together... I know we have much time to spend together in heaven where you are right now.  I know you are in a much better place and with your beloved wife.  Rest assured we will be with you again.  Thank you for your life and thank you for raising beautiful children who are best friends to our family.  Salamat po sa lahat.

TRIBUTE
MARIO ALBERTO URIETA

AUTHOR:  MARIA RULINA SALVO

My name is Maru and one of the beautiful nieces of Tito Mac and the only daughter of Lina Urieta Salvo oldest sibling and only sister of Tito Mac. Reminiscing now the "life" mama & I had with Tito Mac were all about fun, adventures and so much love.  At  3 yrs. old I can recognize him and Tita Pitt already because they were always around, just like Inay (grandma) and other uncles.  Tito Mac had also been my "hero" when one day in early 70's, I was about 4 yrs. old when  suddenly Manila experienced an intensity 7 earthquake. I was left by my parents to the care of some relatives & helper to work. While completely unaware of what was happening, Tito Mac appeared and asked the whereabouts of my parents. Since both were still at work,
 Tito Mac decided to take me with him in his motorbike and brought me home to his family - Tita Pitt, Chinky and Boyet until Papa came to fetch me. When I was growing up he would take us with his family to a picnic like nayong pilipino or Luneta, go swimming, watched Holiday on ice at araneta coliseum or watched a play at CCP. He would always accompany us everytime we transfer houses even without asking him to. He would simply unceremoniously appeared in our doorsteps with lots of hotdogs or tocino and stucked them in our ref. He was also somewhat a disciplinarian because he was the one who took out my "Dede" (milk bottle) which made Mama very happy. Every time we were with Tito Mac we will always be assured of a happy tummy when we go home because Tito Mac was a food lover and a good cook too just like my other uncles. When I bought a second hand car he told me "your car should follow you but if not, hit it or spank it". I will also miss Mama's stories about their viber chats, because she always looks forward to their "viber chat time". 
Lately, before he left to US with Tita Pitt he started calling me "anak". Well, he sometimes calls me "anak" before but now its more frequent, which made me giddy❤.  Because in my heart and mind all my uncles are my "Papa" too. Now, Tito Mac gone, it felt like I lost another "Papa".
 What pains me more is that we were not able to see you while in the hospital. The reality that we will never see you alive again is very painful...too painful to admit. Is this really happening? It never cross my mind that I will write a eulogy for you Tito Mac. Can you please visit me in my dreams so I can hug you and say I love you even for the last time? 
It's an honor to be your niece Tito Mac. You are not perfect, yeah I know that...but your imperfections outweighed your love and goodness to mama & me and we are grateful.
Mama & I loves you and your assured of our prayers always. It's hard to let you go. But...rest now Papa Mac....till we meet again.

TRIBUTE
MARIO ALBERTO URIETA

AUTHOR:  JULIENNE DOMINIQUE CABALUNA

Matthew 8:5-17 says,

The Faith of the Centurion
5 When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help.6 Lord, he said, my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.
7 Jesus said to him, Shall I come and heal him?
8 The centurion replied, Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, Go,' and he goes; and that one, Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, Do this,' and he does it.
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would. And his servant was healed at that moment.
Jesus Heals Many
14 When Jesus came into Peter's house, he saw Peter's mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him.
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.[a]

This is the chapter I always go back to when I think of my grandfather. It is also the chapter that I read when he was bed-ridden. I believed that my grandfather would be healed, and through his passing, in a way, he was. In Heaven, there are no wounds on him. There are no IVs puncturing him. There is no sickness, no pain, no death. His body may decay, but his soul will live on eternally with Christ.
My heart goes out to my family.
Throughout these past two, empty-feeling months, I have become their rock, especially my mother's. I am my mother's rock and her strength, crying behind closed bathroom doors and smiling up at her.

I can no longer hear my grandfather's laughter. I can no longer hug him close. I can no longer take walks with him in the backyard to admire his vegetable garden. But I rejoice in the Lord, knowing that I will meet my grandfather along with my grandmother with welcoming arms in Heaven. I will endlessly hear his laughter. I will always hug him, knowing that it won't be our last. And I will be able to walk alongside him to admire God's creations.

TRIBUTE
MARIO ALBERTO URIETA

AUTHOR:  ALFREDO URIETA IV

THIS IS MY VERY SHORT TRIBUTE TO MANG MARIO. 

MANY OF YOU KNOW THAT I'M THE ONE AND ONLY SON OF THE FAMILY, AND ALL OF YOU BELIEVE THAT I AM THE FAVORITE CHILD, THAT IS ALSO WHAT I THOUGHT, AND LETS LEAVE IT AT THAT. WALA NG AANGAL.

I CAN SAY THAT IM THE MOST FORTUNATE AMONG MY SIBLINGS, BECAUSE I GOT THE LOOKS OF MY FATHER, CORRECTION, MY COLOR COMPLEXION ONLY. HE IS MORE HANDSOME THAN ME. 

ONE THING THAT I WOULD NOT FORGET IS WHEN HE TOUGHT ME HOW TO PLAY MAHJONG, MY FATHER USED TO LOVE TO PLAY THIS GAME AND HE INVITED HIS FRIENDS TO PLAY IN OUR " MAHJONG ARENA". I USED TO BE THE  "tong keeper"

HE IS A GOOD PROVIDER DURING THE TIME THAT HE WORKED AS A MARKET MASTER (an officer who supervised public market), MOST MARKET VENDORS LOVE TO GIVE HIM THEIR GOODS, AND DURING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, WE ABOUND WITH MANY BLESSINGS. FOOD FOR NOCHE BUENA AND MEGA NOCHE IS NOT A PROBLEM, THE ONLY PROBLEM IS HOW TO CONSUME IT, BECAUSE OUR REFRIGERATOR IS STILL FILLED UP AND THE  FOOD LASTS UNTIL SCHOOL DAY RESUMES.  MY BAON IS ALWAYS HOTDOG, HAM, AND BACON, (nakakasawa!). 

I REMEMBER THAT AT EARLY DAWN HE WAKES UP TO BUY LIVE CHICKEN AND SELL IT TO THE DIFFERENT MARKETS FOR EXTRA INCOME. WE ALSO RAISED PIGS. HE GETS THE KANIN BABOY (hog wash) IN THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND CLASSIC RESTAURANTS IN MANILA, OBVIOUSLY HE SPOILED THE HOGS WITH EXPENSIVE AND CLASSIC FOOD, AND ALSO GOATS AND PEOPLE, WHY? BECAUSE HE IS VERY HOSPITABLE, HE EVEN OPENED UP OUR HOME FOR OUR RELATIVES IN THE PROVINCE AND EVEN OUR NEIGHBOR'S HOUSEBOY AND HOUSEMAID WHO ASTRAY FROM THEIR BOSS. HE ADOPTED ALL OF THEM.

HE LOVES TO SING, BUT THE SONGS DON'T LIKE HIM, HE ALWAYS PASS THE MICROPHONE TO ME NOT TO BACK HIM UP, BUT AS A SUBSTITUTE TO CONTINUE SINGING.

THE THINGS THAT WE WILL MISS WITH PAPA SO MUCH IS HIS AMAZING SMILE THAT CAN TICKLE YOUR NERVES AND HIS THOUGHFULNESS, HE NEVER FAILS TO SEND "BALIK -BAYAN BOXES" THAT IS FULL OF CLOTHES, CHOCOLATES, BODY SOAP, AND RICE. IN AN ATTEMPT TO FILL EVERY HOLE IN THE BOX HE WILL PUT UNCOOKED RICE GRAINS ON EVERY CORNER. THAT IS WHY MY 2 KIDS ARE ALWAYS COMPLAINING THAT THE RICE TASTES LIKE SOAP EVERYTIME WE EAT.

LASTLY, MY ONLY REGRET IS WE DIDN'T HAVE A CHANGE TO MEET EACH OTHER PERSONALLY BEFORE HE LEFT US, JUST TO HUG AND KISS HIM FOR THE LAST TIME, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED PAPA MARIO, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

OBITUARY

Mario Alberto Urieta

October 21, 1939 – September 4, 2016

Miller Memorial Chapel

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