An officer and a gentleman

Today is Lolo Iking's birthday. It's his 116th birth anniversary, and his 37th birthday in heaven. 

The family continues to miss Lolo dearly, and this post made by Kuya Marv really sums up who our Lolo was, and how we feel about him.

He truly was an officer and a gentleman, and while today isn't a Friday Magic Madness day, it's just fitting that we bring back this 1982 hit song. 

"Up where we belong," was a hit from Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes, and was used in the film "An Officer and a Gentleman." And that makes this song even more apt and meaningful.

Happy heavenly birthday, Lolo Iking!

Always special

It's not a Friday, but this 1984 hit from Iwi Laurel is such an appropriate song for today:

We visited Lolo, Lola and Tita Lon at Loyola today. 

It was our belated All Soul's Day visit. We usually go there earlier or later, so we avoid the November 1 crowd. Since it was raining last week, we ended up going today.

It's been decades, but they're still sorely missed, and will always be part of our special memory.

Always our guide

He was our guide when we were growing up. Teaching us the values of integrity, leadership, compassion and kindness. 

He was one of the biggest influences in my life. In fact, I won a silver medal in an essay writing contest for the piece I wrote on him.

And even if it's been 34 years since he went to heaven, he still guides me - an all of us - until now.

On your 113th birthday, thank you, Lolo Iking. For the love and guidance that we experience even until now.

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

Yes, he's Grand!

Today is Lolo Iking's birthday!

After almost 2 years, I was able to visit him in Loyola to greet him on his special day.

Today, and everyday, I thank you for watching over us and guiding us. You are and have always been a wonderful Grandfather to all your grandkids, and that's why we're grateful and blessed to have you.

Happy Birthday, Lolo!

One-one-one-derful

If Lolo Iking were still around today, he'd be celebrating his 111th birthday!

Happy Birthday in heaven, Lolo! And thank you for always watching over us and guiding us from up there!

Missing you 110 times...

If Lolo Iking was alive, he would have celebrated his 110th birthday today.

Happy Birthday Lolo! It’s been 3 decades, but we still miss your presence. Wishing you a wonderful celebration with Lola up in heaven.

A portrait of a General and a Gentleman

This is one of my favorite photos of Lolo Iking.

I still remember that we had a framed photo of this at home. I'm not sure what the context of the photo was, but Lolo looks so pensive and intense in this shot.

Today is your 109th birthday, Lolo. Happy Birthday in heaven!

Missing and Memories

This heartfelt song from Diana Ross pretty much sums up what I felt this morning.



We usually visit Lolo, Lola and Tita after the All Soul's Day rush, and that's what I did. As expected, Loyola was quiet, not crowded and more serene. A welcome change from the chaos and fracas that often happens from October 31 to November 2.

I was in my teens when Lola, then Lolo, left us. And whenever I visit them, I can't help but feel that I didn't spend enough time with them. That it would've been awesome if they lived another decade so I could've enjoyed their company and wisdom more.

But I know that even if they're not here physically, they're watching all of us from above.

Incidentally, today marks the 29th year since Lolo joined Lola in heaven. It's been so long, but the longing feels the same.

Yo extranjo mucho, Abuelo y Abuela. Por siempre.

Something a-miss

Because of the rains, we weren't able to visit Lolo and Lola in Loyola today. But even if we weren't there physically, our prayers are and will always be with them.

Even though it's been more than 2 decades, I still miss my grandparents.

War. Torn.

Both Lolo Iking and Lolo Doring were soldiers. That's why they had an involvement and interest in war.

I recall that in Lolo Iking's library, he had books on World Wars. There was even one book entitled "World War III" which I read and freaked me out. But it also got me interested in war as a subject.

When I was in high school, I would borrow books on military stories and operations. Also, I'd build scale models of war planes, tanks and trucks, along with my brothers.

On my way to a meeting in Pasay Road, I saw this in Ayala Museum.

Then I realized it was a long, long, long time since I've seen anything war-themed. Which made me want to check this out.

Unfortunately, it falls on a Saturday, and I have classes. And much as I'm torn between the two, I'm still an educator first and foremost.

So in this war, my classes win! Harhar.

Te extranjo mucho, Abuelo

You would've been 107 years old today, Lolo Iking.

I'm amazed that the fact that you've left us more than 20 years ago, but still you continue to inspire us and guide us from up there.

You will always be loved. And you are always missed.

Feliz Cumpleanos Lolo Iking. Mi Abuelo. Mi Heroe.

The 106th

Today should've been Lolo Iking's 106th birthday. If he were still alive, I'd imagine that he'd still be as active and sharp as he was in his 70s.

Happy birthday, Lolo! Thank you for always looking after us and we miss you!

He would've jived at 105!

If Lolo were still alive today, he would have been 105 years old!

Happy Birthday, Lolo. It's been 25 years, but we still miss you everyday.

Ain't he Grand?

Last Friday, Ate Lissa posted this photo in honor of our Grandfather's birthday. It's a photo of Lolo Iking when we was named Chief of the MPD, ushering the force to the era when they were called "Manila's finest."

It was a grand day for an equally grand man.

FMM: Lolo's song

When I was in grade 6, I won a gold medal for an essay writing contest in LSQC. The topic was "the person who inspired my life," and I wrote about Lolo Iking.

I still remember that my essay started with the lyrics from this song. And everything flowed after that. (And if I don't stop now, so will my tears.)



Today would've been Lolo Iking's 104th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Lolo. You were and still are my inspiration.

A Grand Grandfather

If Lolo Iking were still alive, he would've been 103 years old today. 

In celebration of his birthday, Ate Lissa made and posted this on her facebook page. It perfectly captures the sentiments of all his 22 grandchildren.

It's been almost 24 years since he's left us, but we still feel the void from his passing. That was how grand a man Lolo Iking was.

Nunca te Olvidare

It's been 102 years since you were born and 23 years since you joined Lola Dita and our Creator.

And despite the time that has passed, your memory lives on vividly in our lives. Your lessons have molded us into the people we are today. And for that, we are forever grateful.

Happy Birthday, Lolo Iking.



You will always be remembered.

Close to his heart

My Dad wears this necklace that used to belong to Lolo Iking. It's a gold pendant with the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary resting on a long chain.

When I was younger, I noticed how Lolo would wear this necklace everyday. Because of its length, the pendant dangled on the area where his heart is. And he would never take it off. And there's a reason why he would never take it off.

This necklace was a gift from Lola Dita. At the back of the necklace is an engraved note from Lola to Lolo. It's a bit small, so the camera couldn't capture it. But I distinctly remember what the note said.



"Mi querido Enrique, De Tu esposa te quiero mucho, Dita."

"My beloved Enrique. From your wife who loves you very much, Dita."

Looking at the necklace and reading the note further illustrates how much Lolo Iking and Lola Dita loved each other. And it also explains why Lolo never took off this necklace when he was still alive.

It was something that was close to his heart - figuratively and literally.