EMILIANO SALANGSANG, JR.

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• Emiliano Morales Salangsang Jr.: A walking jack of all trades. A trailblazer who created an unspoken memoir that will never fade. A man of endless humour and such broad history. An ageless individual who always spoke the honest truth, exhibiting no mysteries. A loyal associate despite little pay, and even if it meant living in a separate country alone A devoted worker: lifetime in the Philippines, then Saudi Arabia, and finally to this Canadian country I am thankful to call home A loving husband that always gave and never wanted something in return nor to receive. A father who enjoyed embarrassing his kids, but always made us laugh, leaving an aim to please. A friend that fixed cars, fed hearts, mended souls, and assisted to quench anyone’s thirst. A helper of many tasks, rarely placing a price on his manual labor, always putting his friendships first. My father may have enjoyed drinking, but he for sure was always the life of the party. He always made sure every guest left his home full, even if you arrived on “Filipino time” (2+ hours tardy). I will always remember momentous memories left by him And hear a few significant moments I recollect on a whim: I remember in Middle School, the first day I became Captain of the Patrols Team I was genuinely so excited to lead that it wasn’t until lunchtime, that I realized I forgot to bring my own damn lunch. I was then called to the office, to find my blue lunch bag, packed with rice, fried chicken and some kind of no name fruit punch Next to the bag was a ripped up paper note that read in messy doctor writing that showed: “EAT LOTS, SON. FOR YOU WILL GROW!!!” I didn’t think much of it then, but those words are stuck with me now. Seeing how great my father really was, yet then I was so oblivious to it somehow I remember in Jr. High when I made it into the finals for the Oratorical Speech Competition Yet I ended up being the only one in my Grade for the Prepared Speech Category within the entire Winnipeg School Division Although I still wanted to represent myself and discuss my little knowledge of Martin Luther King Jr. and the controversy on Race Despite winning by default, I noticed only one person arrive to support me, someone with a familiar face Though this win was automatic with no real competition, I initially felt like it was all just for pity My father showing up to this event, helped me feel like I was a part a real winner’s committee I remember when I would practice playing my alto saxophone Hoping that one-day I would become a professional musician playing the Blues and Jazz, One time I needed a bathroom break, only to return finding my dad tooting my alto sax: jester with pizzazz I remember my cousin Randy and I making comic books, being superheroes fighting crime with stuffed animals in front of our dads Meanwhile all they did was both looked perplexed, inebriated, embarrassed but still at their utmost glad I remember as a teen prank calling my dad hiding in my bedroom with my best friend Daniel, Hearing my dad have frustrated conversations with automated characters like, pissed off gangsters, or angry Chinese Restaurant owners, had us with stifling laughs all too hard to handle Even in recent years, I would still call my dad just for shenanigans and silly antics Even though I knew he knew it was I, this too became one of our regular unspoken semantics I remember watching black and white movies together late at night, drinks up, reminding always to wind down at night so you wouldn’t blow up like a volcano And oddly realizing that only we share making the strange concoction of mixing any food with hot sauce, salad dressing or mayo I’ll never forget the roaring vibration your bedtime snore would make throughout the house then dismay Seriously guys; it was so mighty, even his sickness wouldn't be something for his snore to take away. I remember overhearing him speaking highly of me to his friends in the kitchen of the jobs I first had Though I worked at Zellers for years, he said to others it was Safeway, Sears, and any other store, making me annoyed but never mad I remember when I would ask him when my car broke down, to drive me to work after his short day bend Though I worked at a music store called HMV, he would always drive me to a clothing store called H&M I will always remember the songs he would play in his car on those specific classic radio stations A huge part of his carefree spirit, and so much more, are things I hope to help keep your memory alive in rotations I will never forget that despite how weak you were, when I asked you if you were able to make it to my University Graduation Convocation, you said “Ob Course!” Though you were tired, I was more proud of you then you of me, no bitterness was had, no remorse Tay, I know I said I hated it, but I will miss you playing your stupid Anne Murray Christmas CDs in the middle of October. I will also never forget bringing you and Nanay to the Journey Concert, or watching Avatar in theaters, hearing you two bicker out loud saying “scratch my back, ta-as/upper, baba/lower, moob-ober!” I will never forget our TV Dinners watching Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and then Wheel of Fortune all in one sitting For now, there is a temporary void deep down, but the fleeting memories of you will suffice and be fitting Tatay, I told you everything I needed to say right before you left and I really hope that you heard It just pains me I didn’t say any of this sooner, or to know that I will never know what your actual response was in words Though after I shared everything with you at your bedside, thanking you for all you have done, I won’t forget how you let go of my hand, I swore I saw you smirked, waved off your hand in a gesture with a voice in my head I believe which told me “SO?! Ulol/Crazy! You’re pur-eber my son!” Your last few days with us, was filled with thunder, rain, dark clouds, and showers After your soul departed, we exited the hospital, and instead bloomed out white clouds, blue skies, blinding sun, a reassurance your new life has ascended to a greater power I will forever miss everything about you, especially your loud talking voice and physical presence The energy without you may be different, but soon we will understand to live and gain new acceptance Thanks for always being yourself, the most endearing person I know I will always try my best to live up to your legacy, wherever I go I will love you forever; I’ll like you for always, as long as I’m living, and until the end of time. You have loved, you have fixed, and you have touched so many souls. Especially mine. Through flames you walked, without words you showed us how to fight through hell I can now be proud of who I am because of you, and I can now fend for myself, I promise that we will take care of Nanay now that you are not completely around, So as long you are jamming’ to Anne Murray tunes somewhere up there in the clouds, Thank you for everything I’ll practice all that you have preached, Tonight we celebrate all that is you For you can now finally rest at peace Though I have accepted this is no longer a dream, I refuse to say goodbye, Because I can’t help now but imagine you here, whenever I feel radiant warm sunlight Emiliano Morales Salangsang Jr. Always supported those even when he too did not have much And even doing it all, he did it with having no such luck, Always selflessly giving himself to all his friends, children and especially his wife. Ang makita kita ka sa sunod na buhay Tay/ Father, I will see you in the next life. - Posted by: Bryan Brando Salangsang` (Son) on: Aug 03, 2017

• My eulogy for Tatay. YOU'LL FOREVER be in my heart. Around me and in my prayers. We love you *** Please remember my dad for each, and every bit of graceful kindness he has provided you – while at the same time, asking nothing in return. Many times - out of fit of anger and frustration because he was so selfless, on certain situations, I used to yell at him and say – “You are not Jesus Christ, Tatay!” Tatay in his lifetime has saved a lot of people. Literally, in every nurse interview job I've had, 'I would blurt out “I wanna help people.” Lately, I realize this must've been a quality I've picked up from him. Tatay was able to do anything, be it to assemble a whole new engine your car, put a jumper cable electricity into the house wiring, because when money was tight - you would just pay less pesos to meralco, climb and patch the hole on your rooftop that developed a hole. Tatay with no question, would save you in the middle of the night to boost your tire. He fixed broken lawn mowers, or trashed electric fans – he was such a pack rat- even stray trash he would save. Tatay can make a trap and strangle all the pesky squirrels in the garden because they burry themselves in people's roof, for instance, my mom's. There are more, but so little time to say. As my husband would say, Tatay was a Jack of all trades. I've always admired these qualities and wish I was half of who he was. His endless sense of humour, and pranks were always there even on his last few days. This Vietnamese resident with a deep accent at Riverview had asked him several times how old he was, to assess his cognition, Tatay looked at him straight faced and said, “I'm 35..or..16..the resident replies, what? 6 – 0? “no”, he replies – “1-6” without blinking. The doctor out of frustration turns to me and says, “He's confused na daw.” But nanay and I knew he wasn’t – jokes on the doctor - as my dad snickers away in the back - then I go rolling my eyes. His sense of humour never stopped even on his last few days in this world. There's so much to say about Tatay. When we were young, he sacrificed himself to work overseas sa Saudi as a transporter or a forklift operator, just so we'd have food on the table. When back in the Philippines, he was a Jeepney driver routing the perimeter of Quiapo to Rosario or some sort like that. Kuya Aries and I would wait around outside by the road for Tatay – when he came by, he would toss a handful of peso coins at us from the fares he collected so we'd have money to buy ourselves whatever snacks we wanted or play arcades with it. Back in the phils, someone whom partly raised me apart from my mom, while Tatay was away working overseas, had begged to adopt me – pero Tatay got angry at the gesture and said, “there will be no one left behind.” The several times my dad sacrificed himself to work at Saudi and with the money he earned – him and Nanay had enough to pay for all 6 air fares to fly us out to Canada on June 7, 1993. Because of him, we've had an easier life here, and had been in Canada for almost 26 years now. Every time Tatay was gifted something fancy or new, he would easily pack it away and send it off to the Philippines to a random relative. Whenever he visited the Philippines and came back home, he looked like he was jumped – having lost his brand new watch, wearing chinelas instead of his nice Nikes, and wearing a cheap shirt he's never worn before. And it was all because he had given everything his friends and relatives wanted that he had, easily. To him, making people smile and their gratitude was far enough as payment. Tatay was such a simple and humble person. His unconditional love was limitless. I am who I am because of him. During his last night at Riverview, I thanked him for bringing me into this crazy world. To strive and work hard and do what I love. I thanked him for teaching me his way of life. To love and be kind to my family, friends and even strangers, unconditionally. I thanked him for being on my side, for instance, especially when I fight with my mom. I thanked Tatay for being my hero, as my all around fixer- upper. I thanked him for being so good to Noah and welcoming my husband with open arms into the family. And for his endless care with his immediate family. I thanked him for having such a good humour his whole life, because even at the hardest times, it makes things easier. So Tatay may not be Jesus Christ, but I'm totally wrong- as I look back at his life, because he may have walked in his footsteps. It's as close as he is. Tay, I hate waking up knowing you're never going to be at Nanay's when we come to visit. It breaks my heart to call your house and that I will never hear your clued out voice when you pick up the phone. This is all so surreal and its not making any sense right now. But friends, and family, please remember my dad's kindness he's ever offered you. Because Tatay rocked this world (and thats a pun). He may not be able to change lives, and be an imprint in your soul, but as a 'rock' he casted a ripple in the water. That ripple is his kindness, spread it out, and you'll forever be remembered. Just as I think Tatay would be for me. We love you so much Tay. Noah, Jon and I have always looked up to you; now this time, it will be to the sky through the clouds, and at night, to the stars. Goodbye. Be restful, and at peace. - Posted by: Diana (Salangsang) (Daughter) on: Jul 28, 2017

• To our sweet Tatay, we miss you everyday and will never forget you forever. It's so hard not to see or hear your voice anymore. Our hearts are broken and will take a long time to repair. We know that you are at peace now looking down at us. Till we meet again with lots of hugs and love, your Anak Celna and Marco. - Posted by: Celna and Marco Sousa (Daughter and Son in law ) on: Jul 20, 2017

• As wonderful as you Pare isn't going to be easy to forget you are such a good person. You will be missed. Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Divina Estanislao (family friend) on: Jul 16, 2017

• Our family is forever grateful for the love, care, and generosity that Uncle Junior had shared to all of us. I had seen Uncle Junior since my childhood and ever since he is a cool guy, a person who always carries an aura of positivity. Bitternes and hatred are never ever in his vocabulary. Thank you so much, Tiyo Junior. Our hearts are left with a huge vacuum for losing you, you will be missed forever. It is sad but on the other side, we are at peace that with all your kindness, you are now in God's loving hands, with no pain and worries. Rest in peace, Tito. On behalf of my family, our prayers are always with you and your loved ones. We love you, Tito. Stay happy in heaven! - Posted by: Sheila Duenas-Badilla (Niece) on: Jul 15, 2017

• Rest in peace. You'll be missed. - Posted by: Niña Suarez/ Suarez family () on: Jul 15, 2017