MANILA, Philippines—Pink balloons were re-leased by Makati residents and workers as the young daughter-in-law of Mayor Jejomar Binay was laid to rest Wednesday.

The Makati employees were one in mourning with relatives and friends of Kennely Ann Lacia-Binay during the memorial Mass at the Sacred Heart Parish on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old wife of councilor Junjun Binay, who was a former actress and model, died from massive bleeding and cardiac arrest after giving birth to her fourth child on Aug. 11.

Speaking during the Mass celebrated by Bishop Teodoro Bacani, the younger Binay thanked all sympathizers for their unwavering support, and apologized to “Ken-ken” who was hospitalized for a month at Makati Medical Center.

His voice cracking, he related that Ken-ken had often asked him to stay beside her but he was usually unable to.

“For one reason or another, hindi ko po laging nagawa ito. She told me ‘hon, I cannot sleep when you’re not beside me. For some reason, hindi ko rin po maipaliwanag how men can be so insensitive with the little requests that our wives or loved ones ask from us,” said a teary eyed Binay.

“So I told myself now it’s too late. It’s too late to give her the tightest and warmest hug only a husband can give to his wife. And now it’s too late because I can no longer give my wife the kiss that seals the bond of our affection,” he added.

His wife’s sudden death, he added, should gently remind everyone to “value the days, the hours, the minutes, the seconds that we spend with our loved ones.”

He then read from the children’s book “Guess How Much I Love You”—an anniversary gift from Ken-ken—and brought the crowd to tears.

In a statement, Mayor Binay also expressed gratitude to those who condoled with them.

“These past days have been the most difficult period in our lives. In Ken-ken, Ellen and I found another loving daughter whose youthful zest and cheerful glow always warmed our hearts. We could not have asked for more,” he said.

Makati’s councilors served as pall bearers as Ken-ken’s body was to be taken to Heritage Park in Taguig City for cremation at noon.

The ashes of Ken-ken, who left behind her children Jejomarie Alexi, 6, Maria Isabel, 3, Jejomar III, 1, and newborn Maria Kennely, were brought back to their newly built house in San Antonio Village.