There’s no greater feeling of sorrow and agony than losing someone truly special to your heart.

Doleo Susalta touched many lives with his warmth and hospitality when he served as a security guard at De La Salle University’s (DLSU) dormitory for athletes. It was this humble job to support his two children, Alyssa and Alyiah, who are now both studying at the University of Philippines.

Together with his wife, Gerlie, whom he married 24 years ago, Susalta raised a beautiful family. But little did the young Susaltas know that their dad was an inspiring figure for the students along Taft Avenue — a father to many, a helping hand for all.

Unfortunately, the La Paz, Iloilo native succumbed to brain aneurysm last Sept. 27, just a few weeks after he turned 52 years old. He is sorely missed, not only by his relatives, but by the entire DLSU community.

Susalta was a hero for the Green Archers basketball team.

After DLSU’s 88-67 win over the University of Santo Tomas, a teary-eyed Filipino-American Mike Phillips expressed his grief and mourned the loss of his “friend” Susalta.

“I was playing for him tonight. He’s someone that meant a lot to me. He taught me a lot. He taught me Ilonggo,” said the six-foot-eight Phillips. “And so, if you’re listening to this, my friend, I love you.”

Phillips said it was Susalta who guided him through the good and bad times.

“He was special to me and the whole La Salle community. When I have problems I go to him. We [would talk] because, you know, my family lives in the States and I’m here with my brothers. So I’m grateful that I [had] him as a tatay to talk to,” Phillips explained. “So it was really special to have him and I enjoyed those moments, including when he and I would sing ‘Turagsoy’ (an Ilonggo folk song by Max Surban).”

Many others from DLSU also shared similar memories with the unpretentious security guard. All of La Salle’s former and current varsity members had interacted with him almost constantly since he worked at the athletes’ dormitory before the Covid-19 pandemic. Among these students is reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao, who used to share special moments with Susalta in the school’s house for students.

Susalta’s character had taught his daughter Alyiah many valuable lessons before he passed away — to influence many, to give, and to turn past misfortunes into your greatest strength.

“He had a fruitful life. He inspired many, not just his family. He had made a name for himself because he braved through while bearing a lot of hardships and grievances from his painful youth,” Alyiah said.

“It was his nature to be someone who others could always rely on, who would let you have fun and treat you [in] the best [way] that he could. He would help you with a smile, as long as it was within his capabilities,” she continued. “What made him special was his persistence and presence.”

Susalta is, definitely, smiling now and enjoying the view from above, seeing his daughters thrive in life and watching DLSU’s basketball program continue to rise in the UAAP. He will always be remembered.