Written in tribute to the late Renna Hechanova-Angeles.

It is always so difficult to put into words how much a person dear means to you. The challenge becomes even greater when that person has moved on to the next life, and leaves you with nothing but the most beautiful of memories. The fifteen (almost sixteen) years that the Lord had blessed me with a Tita Renna was certainly not long enough. Now, I can only yearn for, and wish I had more time. But in that span of time, she managed to fill a huge part of my heart. I never realized how much a part of my life she had become until I had to look back and attempt to put into words the meaning that the countless trips, conversations, moments big and small and memories she left me with truly weighed. Her presence – near or far – was a constant source of comfort. Her warmth was the most uplifting embrace.

First and foremost, she was a sister to my mom. One of the greatest friends this world can ever gift you with. She was the greatest cheerleader, and an even better consoler. She was that friend who celebrated your highs with you, but also took your pain as her own on your bad days. She was the most thoughtful person. Always the first to greet on birthdays, anniversaries, family members’ death anniversaries – you name it, her mental calendar had it. Her love language was food, and she remembered my all my allergies (it is quite a hefty list) from A to Z.

She had the gift of seemingly being in so many places all at once because she knew the whereabouts of all her friends (down to the flight numbers), what was happening in their lives, and she delighted even in the smallest kamustahans. She had the gift of nurturing friendships and relationship. She thrived in making people feel special because she remembered even the smallest details about people. Tita Renna was the ultimate planner, and down to the last detail, the last minute, the last hour, if you have ever gone on a trip with her, you will know that she knows everyone’s individual itinerary like the back of her hand. But ultimately, what tied all these elements and attributes together was her compassion and care to those who were blessed enough to know her. She touched lives perhaps without even knowing it. Tita Renna loved without judgment and listened without bias. She inspires me everyday to cherish my beloved friendships. Her ways remind me that these need to be tended to and taken cared of. And no matter what your love language may be, you will be loved for it for as long as you are genuine about it.

The Philippine business and philanthropic community most definitely lost an invaluable member – a legend in her own right who never called attention to herself, but whose strength, grace and presence is undoubtedly irreplaceable. But to us, her friends and family, we lost a piece of our hearts, and a happy part of our lives. Nonetheless, we all gained an angel. An angel, who I know, will keep tabs of all her loved ones (even more closely now) from up above.

Our hearts may be bleeding, but we will forever by blanketed by all the love you so generously gave us, tita Renns. We will never forget you for as long as we live. And as you never failed, and constantly reminded me to, I promise to always take care of my mom. You can now also check on, and keep tabs on her 24/7 yourself. Please keep praying with all of us from where you are. May you go with our Lord, join his choir of angels, enjoy the paradise you so truly deserve, and rest in His most loving embrace. Till we meet again. We love you.