Friends, kin offer songs, tributes to Angara at last night of wake in Baler

Former Senate President Edgardo J. Angara (File photo by ARNOLD ALMACEN / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

BALER, Aurora — Relatives and friends paid their respects at the last wake of the late former Senate President Edgardo Angara here on Monday night (May 21), a day before his burial.

Angara’s grandchild, Edgardo Manuel nicknamed Manolo, said the senator had “never missed a single celebration or milestone” in his life.

“Today, as I mourn my lolo’s passing on his ninth day, I celebrate my 14th birthday. This is the first birthday of mine to which he did not show up,” Manolo said in his eulogy.

Manolo described his grandfather as “gentle and loving,” adding that the late senator would always find time to take him and his siblings “to be one with nature.”

According to Manolo, his grandfather had always kept his promises – except for one.

“The only promise he broke was to my sister. He promised her that he would live long enough to see her walk the aisle,” a visibly emotional Manolo recalled.

“More than goodbye, I want to say: Thank you, Lolo. Thank you for the 14 beautiful years that we had together. Too short – but definitely wonderful and perfect. The love you gave us continues to overflow. It is enough to last two lifetimes,” he added

Manolo’s younger brother, Javier, sang “Somewhere over the rainbow” during the necrological service held at their house in Barangay Reserva here.

Among those who also shared delivered eulogies and offered songs for the “beloved son of Aurora” were Angara’s scholars, a grade-school classmate, and close family friends. /atm