Isagani Yambot’s remains cremated

In solemn rites crowned with the release of brown and black butterflies, family and friends on Friday bade farewell to Philippine Daily Inquirer publisher Isagani M. Yambot Sr.

Yambot’s remains were cremated after a simple and affectionate ceremony at the Arlington Memorial Chapels in Quezon City.

“He was the best man for the job,” was how Inquirer founding chair Eugenia Apostol described Yambot when she appointed him publisher 18 years ago.

Apostol described Yambot as “from the old school” and said: “He will be hard to replace.”

“Thank you, boss, I will miss you,” Yambot’s longtime secretary, Pacita Goyagoy, said before his body was cremated.

10 commandments

Isagani Jr. summed it up for his siblings when he said: “We are proud of you, Dad. It’s a blessing to be your child.”

Yambot’s eldest granddaughter, Jeanne, recalled that her grandfather gave her a letter before she left for Macau to work in a hotel there last year. She said he told her to share his letter with his other grandchildren and their children.

“It was my Lolo’s 10 commandments for me because he did not want me to work abroad, but when he handed it to me he told me to share it with my cousins and our children,” Jeanne said.

In a statement, the Yambot family thanked those who came to his wake and said: “Your presence…helped lighten our burden.”

“We appreciate very much you taking the time to come and share in the remembrance of Gani. Although this is a sad time for all of us, we find comfort in knowing how fortunate that we have known you.”