TRACY G. CRUZ
My 17-year-old nephew, Gabriel ‘Gab’ C. Bungabong, was excited about his Prom on Saturday night. His parents, Joel and Ysa, had already prepared his new tailored suit and pair of leather shoes. Gab took photos of his prom wardrobe and sent them to his teachers, promising them he would send more pictures of prom night. His mother insisted on giving him a haircut on a Tuesday for the big day. Gabriel loved his dapper haircut and asked to be photographed.
Then nightfall came. As usual, Gabriel went up to his room. The electricity went out, so his father hurriedly went upstairs to check on Gabriel and his 11-year-old brother, Raphael.
When he was a kid, Gabriel was diagnosed with Delayed Sensory Perception, a neurological condition that can affect the way the brain processes sensory information. He also had unpredictable epileptic seizures since he was a baby. When he got bigger, his seizures decreased to usually once a year.
Gab was found motionless in the bathroom. He didn’t make it to the hospital. We lost Gabriel on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, due to epileptic seizures.
It was a blur of life and death. It happened too fast, too soon. It broke my heart to lose Gabriel and to feel the pain of our family, especially his parents and brother. One by one, we broke down in anguish and grief. We couldn’t fully process that our dearest Gabriel, the eldest nephew, son, and grandkid, left us forever.
His parents decisively opted for straight cremation. I reached out to fellow Gawad Kalinga volunteer Father Paul Uwemedimo to give Gabriel his final blessing and to celebrate Mass right before he got cremated on a Thursday. Gab wore his prom suit to his cremation.
I was shattered. I did not know how or where to find the strength to be there for my family. God sent angels in the guise of friends and relatives who fortified us.
I held on to the Word of God spoken by Fr. Paul, who said we do not need to hide our tears and pain. It is okay to weep, to get angry, and to question why. He shared that when we mourn, we feel sad for ourselves, but we should also rejoice with and for Gabriel at the same time. Then, a surge of strength and a radiant light empowered me. We got through it together despite the unbearable grief.
Gabriel’s wake began on Friday, and it was a three-day celebration of his 17 years of innocence and purity. His mom displayed his favorite things so people would remember who he was.
In his very short life with us, Gab loved with the entirety of his heart. He lived in the moment and did not let his medical condition stop him from pursuing his passions, such as swimming, gaming, drawing, and writing storybooks. He expressed himself through arts and music. Gabriel taught us to think positively, as revealed by his sketches.
Gabriel knew that he was different and a stickler for rules. He was sensitive and reached out to those who were gifted like him because he understood what it felt like. Gabriel served and gave his all to his loved ones from all walks of life, the young and the old.
Gab also sustained and enriched relationships. Throughout the years, he consistently kept in touch with his former and current teachers, classmates, and friends. He mingled with everyone at family reunions because he loved being with family.
Gab showed us courage; I never saw him scared of his episodes. He was brave for us because he wanted all of us to be okay. Until now, Gab unifies people. He is a peacemaker who enjoys stillness and peace. He protects us and brings us closer to God and each other. Gabriel is the glue that holds us all together.
Gabriel’s impact on the lives of his loved ones came to light during his wake. There was an outpour of mourners, including children who knew Gab and his brother Rapha, teachers, relatives, colleagues, and friends who traveled the distance to console us. It felt like a children’s party. Beautiful flowers were delivered with affection. People brought Gab‘s favorite food, as he loved to eat and cook. Personal stories of their happy times with Gab were shared. Music was played and sang live for Gab. We were assured that we were not alone. The abundant love and support we continue to receive are overwhelming, and we are grateful.
God prepared the way for us. He had Gab’s prom suit and haircut ready right before their Grand Reunion. We were planning his Prom with us on a Saturday night, and God intended for Gab to celebrate Prom with Him. Gabriel’s date was Him.
Gab’s 40th day of Resurrection falls on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was named after Gabriel the Archangel, the Messenger of Hope, who had the power to announce God’s will to humanity. The message of hope can’t be any clearer.
We hope to find acceptance, peace, and joy. We hope to let go of the pain so we can truly celebrate our memories of him. We hope that Gabriel lives in all of our hearts.
May our dearest Gabriel’s life story inspire you to see the world through the eyes of a child—beautiful, simple, joyful, fun, and happy—just like Gab.
