foreverhere-1

Lamay Practices in the Philippines Traditions, Beliefs, and Customs

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 04:00:04 GMT

The Filipino lamay is rich with customs passed down through generations. While practices may vary by region, many traditions are commonly observed throughout the Philippines.

Here are some of the most meaningful lamay practices:

1. The Rosary and Novena Prayers

For nine consecutive nights, family and friends gather to pray the rosary and novena. These prayers are believed to help the soul transition peacefully to the afterlife.

2. Keeping Vigil Overnight

It is considered important that the deceased is never left alone. Family members and friends take turns staying awake through the night — often talking, praying, or simply sitting in silence.

3. Offering Food to Guests

Hospitality remains important even in grief. Families serve coffee, bread, arroz caldo, pancit, and other simple meals to visitors. Guests often bring food or financial contributions to help the family.

4. Superstitions and Beliefs

Many Filipino lamay traditions are influenced by folk beliefs. Some examples include:

Avoid sweeping the floor during the wake (it may “sweep away” blessings).
Do not bring home food from the wake.
Do not say “thank you” when someone offers condolences (instead, respond with quiet acknowledgment).
Family members should not take a bath at home immediately after the burial.

While not all families strictly follow these beliefs today, many still observe them out of tradition.

5. The Final Day and Burial

On the last day, a funeral mass is held before the procession to the cemetery. The casket is accompanied by loved ones, often walking or driving in a convoy.

It is common for family members to:

Throw flowers into the grave
Stay until the burial is complete
Pray one final time together

Why Lamay Traditions Matter

Lamay practices reflect the Filipino understanding that death is not just an individual loss — it is communal.

The rituals, prayers, food, and overnight conversations create space for healing. They allow families to honor their loved one with dignity, faith, and togetherness.

In a time of loss, lamay reminds us that remembrance is an act of love.

Lamay practices reflect the Filipino understanding that death is not just an individual loss — it is communal.

Understanding Lamay Culture in the Philippines: Why We Stay, Pray, and Remember Together

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:00:07 GMT

In the Philippines, grief is never meant to be carried alone. One of the most meaningful traditions that reflects this is the lamay — the Filipino wake.

A lamay is more than just a viewing. It is a gathering of family, friends, neighbors, and even distant acquaintances who come together to pray, share stories, offer support, and keep vigil with the departed.

What Is a Lamay?

A lamay is a multi-day wake held before burial. It usually lasts from three to seven days, sometimes longer depending on family tradition. The deceased is displayed in a casket — often at home or in a funeral chapel — where visitors can pay their respects.

The practice is deeply rooted in Filipino values of:

Bayanihan (community spirit)
Close family ties
Religious faith
Respect for the dead

Why Filipinos Hold Lamay

Lamay serves several important purposes:

Spiritual Support - Many Filipino families are Catholic, and prayers such as the novena and rosary are central to the wake. These prayers are believed to guide the soul on its journey to eternal rest.
Emotional Support - The lamay gives grieving families space to process their loss while surrounded by support. Visitors bring food, financial help, and comforting words.
Community Presence - It is common for neighbors and friends to stay overnight. The wake becomes a shared experience — conversations, coffee, and storytelling continue into the early hours of the morning.

The Atmosphere of a Lamay

Unlike Western wakes, Filipino lamay gatherings can feel both solemn and lively. You may hear:

Prayers and hymns
Laughter as stories are shared
Card games played by those keeping vigil overnight
The constant brewing of coffee

This blend of grief and life reflects a uniquely Filipino understanding: mourning and remembering can exist side by side.

Lamay in Modern Times

Today, lamay traditions continue in funeral chapels across the country. Some families also create online memorial pages to allow relatives abroad to participate virtually — especially since many Filipino families have loved ones working overseas.

In every form, the heart of lamay remains the same: presence.

It is our way of saying, “Hindi ka nag-iisa.” You are not alone.

Grieving Someone You Once Loved: Losing an Ex and the Feelings That Follow

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:07 GMT

Losing an ex can be confusing in ways that are hard to explain.

You may no longer be part of each other’s lives. You may not have spoken in years. And yet, when you learn that they’re gone, something shifts inside you — quietly, unexpectedly.

This kind of loss doesn’t always have a name, but it is real.

Grief Doesn’t Disappear Just Because a Relationship Ended

When a relationship ends, love doesn’t simply vanish. It changes shape. It becomes memory, history, and a shared chapter of your life.

So when an ex passes away, you may grieve not only the person they were, but also:

The version of yourself you were with them
The future that once felt possible
The time, growth, and love you shared

These feelings can surface even if the relationship ended long ago or didn’t end well.

You Might Feel Unsure If You’re “Allowed” to Grieve

Grief after losing an ex often comes with hesitation.

You might wonder:

Do I have the right to feel this?
Should I still be affected?
Will others understand?

Sometimes, this grief stays private because it feels easier to carry it quietly than to explain it.

But grief doesn’t require permission.
If the loss touches you, it matters.

This Kind of Grief Is Often Lonely

Unlike other losses, you may not feel comfortable attending services or reaching out to their family. You may grieve alone, without rituals or spaces meant for you.

That absence of acknowledgment can make the grief feel heavier — as if it exists in the background, unseen.

And yet, your connection was real. Your memories were real. Your grief is real.

Remembering Doesn’t Mean Reopening the Past

Grieving an ex doesn’t mean you want to return to what was. It doesn’t erase the reasons the relationship ended.

It simply means someone who once mattered is gone.

You might find comfort in remembering moments that were meaningful — a shared laugh, a lesson learned, a season of life that helped shape who you are today.

Honoring those memories doesn’t undo the past. It acknowledges its place in your story.

Finding a Quiet Way to Say Goodbye

For many, what’s missing is a way to say goodbye — especially if there was no closure.

That goodbye doesn’t need an audience. It doesn’t need explanation.

It can be a private message, a written memory, a quiet moment of reflection, or a place where thoughts can rest without judgment.

Grief doesn’t always ask for public rituals. Sometimes it asks only for recognition.

Your Grief Is Valid, Even If It’s Complicated

Losing an ex can stir many emotions at once — sadness, regret, relief, gratitude, confusion. None of these cancel each other out.

You are allowed to grieve the person they were to you, without rewriting history or explaining yourself.

At ForeverHere, we believe every connection leaves an imprint, and every form of grief deserves compassion.

If this loss has found you unexpectedly, be gentle with yourself.
Grief doesn’t always follow the paths we expect — but it always deserves care.

Primitiva A. Abar

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:40:25 GMT

“Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:’”

PROVERBS 31:28

Michael Russ A. Abar

July 27, 1946

October 27, 2007

Meycauayan City, Bulacan

Tribute

In Memory Of

share TRIBUTE

Send Flowers

Our mother was the heart of our family and the steady strength that carried us through every season of life.

She was the proud mother of seven children, a role she embraced with devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering love. A teacher by profession and a valedictorian in her youth, she believed deeply in the value of education. Even in times of financial hardship, she never wavered in her commitment to her children’s learning and future.

For many years, she courageously raised her children while our father worked overseas. In those seasons, she became everything our family needed—provider, guide, disciplinarian, and comforter. She carried responsibility with quiet strength and grace.

Beyond her home, she served the community as a mother leader, offering wisdom, encouragement, and care to those around her. As the second eldest in her family, she understood responsibility early in life and lived it out with humility and purpose.

Above all, she was a woman of faith. She brought her children to God and lived out her beliefs through a life of integrity, service, and love.

She passed away in 2007 at the age of 61. Though she is no longer with us, her legacy lives on in her children, her community, and all those whose lives she touched. Her love remains our foundation, and her faith continues to guide us.

Send your care

light a candle

"Don't overstay your welcome."

"Don't cry over spilled milk."

"You can learn from other people's mistakes. You don't need to make them."

Favorites

Her hometown of Baybay, Leyte

Bambie's favorite place?

Bambie's favorite hobby?

Bambie's proudest moment?

Bambie's favorite song or music?

She was a big Randy Santiago fan.

Reading, writing, cooking

Becoming a full-fledged teacher.

Songs by The Carpenters, Abba.

Bambie's favorite quote to live by?

Fun fact about Bambie:

Marriage

Birth

1971

Marriage to Prospero

July 27ᵗʰ

1966

Timeline

1946

Graduated from college

Franciscan College of the Immaculate Conception

May 7ᵗʰ

Gallery

Memories

Baybay, Leyte

2007

October 27ᵗʰ

Passed away peacefully

Meycauayan City

Ever Memorial Garden, Valenzuela City

Interred

2007

November 4ᵗʰ

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do After a Loss

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT

After a loss, people often ask, “What should I do now?”

It’s a reasonable question — and a hard one. Because grief doesn’t come with a checklist. There is no single next step that suddenly makes things feel manageable again.

If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or frozen in place, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re grieving.

Start With What’s Closest to You

In the early days, even simple decisions can feel heavy. You don’t need to solve everything at once.

Sometimes, the only thing to do is:

Breathe
Rest
Drink water
Get through the next hour

Small acts of care are enough for now.

Let Go of the Pressure to “Be Strong”

Many people feel expected to hold themselves together — for family, for children, for others who are also hurting.

But grief isn’t something you push through by force.

If you need to cry, cry.
If you need quiet, take it.
If you feel okay one moment and broken the next, that’s part of it.

Strength in grief often looks like honesty.

Allow Yourself to Remember

There may come a moment when memories surface — a photo, a message, a familiar place, a shared routine. You might be tempted to push those moments away because they hurt.

But remembering is not the same as reopening the wound.

For many, gently allowing memories — writing them down, sharing them, or simply holding space for them — becomes a way to stay connected without being overwhelmed.

There is no rush to do this. Only do what feels right, when it feels right.

Accept Help in the Way That Feels Safe

People may offer help in many forms — conversations, meals, messages, or simple presence. You don’t have to accept everything, and you don’t have to explain yourself.

It’s okay to say yes.
It’s okay to say not yet.
It’s okay to say nothing at all.

Grief teaches us that receiving care is just as important as giving it.

Take Things One Day at a Time

You don’t need to know how you’ll feel next week, next month, or next year.

For now, it’s enough to take today as it comes.

Some days will feel heavier. Some days lighter. Neither means you are forgetting, healing too slowly, or doing grief the wrong way.

It simply means you are human.

When You’re Ready, Create Space for Remembrance

For some, healing includes creating a place where memories can live — a space to return to, quietly and privately, whenever they feel ready.

This might be through writing, sharing stories with family, looking through photos, or creating a memorial that honors a life and the love surrounding it.

At ForeverHere, we believe there is no correct timeline for remembrance. Love continues in the ways we choose to remember.

If today feels uncertain, that’s okay.
If you don’t know what to do yet, that’s okay too.

Sometimes, the most important thing to do is simply be gentle with yourself.

What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say After a Loss

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:00:00 GMT

One of the hardest moments after someone passes is trying to find the right words.

You may want to offer comfort, but nothing feels adequate. Or you may be grieving yourself, unsure how to express what’s in your heart.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in silence after a loss, you’re not alone.

Silence Is Not Failure

Many people worry that saying nothing is wrong — but silence can also be a form of respect.

Sometimes presence matters more than perfectly chosen words. A simple message, a quiet prayer, or a gentle acknowledgment can mean more than a long explanation.

Simple Words Are Often Enough

You don’t need to be poetic or profound. Often, the most meaningful messages are the simplest:

When You Want to Share a Memory

Sharing a short memory or detail about the person who passed can be deeply comforting. It reminds grieving families that their loved one is remembered, seen, and valued.

Even a brief story can bring warmth during a difficult time.

It’s Okay If the Words Come Later

Grief can make it hard to speak at all. If you don’t have the words now, that doesn’t mean you never will.

Sometimes, memories and messages come slowly. And when they do, having a place where they can be shared — without urgency — can be a gift.

At ForeverHere, we believe every memory matters, no matter how small or when it’s shared. There is no deadline on remembrance.

Speak when you’re ready. Or simply hold space in your own quiet way.

“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“I’m thinking of you and your family.”
“They mattered so much.”

These words may feel small, but they carry sincerity — and that matters.

When the Messages Stop Coming What Happens After the Funeral

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:02 GMT

After the funeral ends, life around you seems to return to normal.

The calls slow down. The flowers fade. The messages become fewer and farther between. And yet, your grief may feel heavier than ever.

This is a quiet season of loss that many people aren’t prepared for — the part that comes after everyone has gone home.

The Silence Can Feel Loud

In the days following a funeral, there is often comfort in being surrounded by people. But when that support fades, the silence can feel overwhelming.

This doesn’t mean others care any less. It simply means life has resumed for them — while your world is still trying to find its footing.

If you feel more alone now than you did at the beginning, you’re not imagining it.

Grief Often Deepens After the Goodbye

Funerals mark a goodbye, but they don’t mark the end of grief.

For many, the reality of loss settles in only after the rituals are over. There are fewer distractions. Fewer obligations. More time to feel what you’ve been holding in.

This is a natural part of grieving, even though it can be painful and confusing.

Finding Comfort in Small, Gentle Ways

During this season, it can help to create moments of quiet connection — ways to remember without pressure.

This might look like:

Writing a letter to your loved one
Looking through photos at your own pace
Lighting a candle on meaningful days
Sharing a story when you feel ready

There is no need to rush healing.

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

Even when others are no longer checking in daily, you are not alone in your grief.

Finding a place where memories can live on — where stories can be shared and revisited — can bring comfort in ways that words sometimes cannot.

At ForeverHere, we believe remembrance doesn’t end with the funeral. Love continues, quietly and faithfully, in the ways we choose to remember.

And if today feels especially heavy, be gentle with yourself. This season will not always feel this way.

Grief Looks Different for Everyone — And That’s Okay

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 04:00:10 GMT

Grief doesn’t arrive the same way for everyone.

For some, it comes as tears that won’t stop. For others, it’s quiet — a heaviness in the chest, a sense of absence that words can’t quite reach.

You may feel strong one moment and undone the next. You may feel nothing at all for a while. And all of it is still grief.

There is no right way to carry loss.

There Is No Timeline for Love

People often expect grief to fade with time, as if there’s a moment when you’re supposed to be “better.”

But love doesn’t work that way.

When someone matters deeply to us, that connection doesn’t disappear. It changes. It settles into memory, into quiet moments, into the spaces where we still feel them with us.

If your grief lingers, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It means love is still present.

Grief Can Be Loud — Or Soft

Some people need to speak their loved one’s name often. Others hold their memories close and private. Some feel comforted by sharing stories, while others find peace in silence.

You may find yourself grieving in unexpected ways — through dreams, through prayer, through moments of stillness, through small rituals that bring you comfort.

None of these are wrong.

Your grief knows its own language.

You Don’t Need to Compare Your Grief to Anyone Else’s

It’s easy to look around and wonder why others seem to be coping differently — or why your own heart feels heavier than you thought it would.

But grief isn’t meant to be measured.

Your relationship was your own. Your memories were sacred in their own way. The way you grieve will be, too.

Remembering Is a Form of Love

For many, healing doesn’t mean letting go — it means learning how to remember without breaking apart.

Sometimes that means telling stories. Sometimes it means writing a message meant only for them. Sometimes it means creating a place where memories can live, quietly and safely, waiting for you when you’re ready.

Remembering is not holding on too tightly. It’s honoring the love that was — and still is.

Be Gentle With Yourself

If there’s one thing grief asks of us, it’s gentleness.

Gentleness on the days when the weight feels heavy. Gentleness on the days when you feel okay and wonder if that’s allowed. Gentleness as you find your own way forward.

At ForeverHere, we believe every way of grieving is worthy of compassion. There is no single path through loss — only the one your heart takes.

And wherever you are on that path, you are not alone.

How to Support Children Through Loss: Tips for Parents and Family

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:58:07 GMT

Gentle ways to help children understand and express their grief.

Supporting a child through grief can feel especially tender. Children experience loss differently than adults—they may not have the words to express what they’re feeling, or they may move between sadness and play within minutes. Both are normal. Grief is not a straight line, and for children, it often unfolds in small pieces over time.

Here are gentle, practical ways to support a child as they navigate loss:

“Their body stopped working, and they died. We are sad because we love them. It’s okay to feel sad.”

1. Be Honest, in a Loving Way

Children need truthful, simple language. Avoid phrases like “went to sleep” or “passed on” if they could lead to confusion or fear. Instead, focus on clear and compassionate wording.

Example:

Clarity helps children understand what happened and gives them permission to feel what they feel.

2. Welcome Their Questions

Children often ask the same question more than once. This is part of how they process. Answer gently and consistently, even if you don’t have all the answers.

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to say:

“I don’t know, but I’m here with you.”

Your presence matters more than perfect explanations.

3. Create Space for Their Feelings

Children may show grief through play, silence, drawing, or quiet moments. There is no one “right” way.

Offer phrases that validate their emotions:

“It’s okay to cry.”
“It’s okay to miss them.”
“I’m here with you.”

Avoid telling them to “be strong.” They shouldn’t feel pressure to hide their grief.

4. Keep Routines Steady

Consistency helps children feel safe in times of change. Regular meals, bedtime, and daily rhythms provide grounding.

Even when emotions shift, familiar patterns help them know they’re supported.

5. Include Them in Remembrance

Let them choose how they’d like to remember their loved one. It can be small and personal.

Ideas:

Drawing a picture
Lighting a candle together
Keeping a photo near their bed
Planting a flower or tree
Making a memory box with keepsakes

When remembrance becomes part of life, grief has a place to rest.

6. Seek Support if Needed

If grief begins to affect daily functioning or causes overwhelming distress, reach out to a child counselor, teacher, or community support group. Asking for help is a step of care, not failure.

A Final Thought

Children grieve in moments—and healing comes in moments, too. You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is presence: being there, staying gentle, and reminding them they are loved.

Grief softens slowly, over time. And they don’t have to move through it alone.

Meaningful Ways to Honor a Loved One’s Memory After the Funeral

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:40:29 GMT

Ways to carry their presence forward with meaning and care.

After the funeral, life can feel quieter—but the love remains. Honoring your loved one’s memory doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. What matters most is choosing something that feels true to who they were and comforting to you and your family.

Here are simple, meaningful ways to keep their memory alive.

1. Create a Memory Corner at Home

Choose a small space—a shelf, table, or wall—where you can place their photo, favorite items, or a candle. It becomes a quiet place to sit, remember, and feel close.

2. Keep Their Traditions Alive

Whether it’s a Sunday meal, a yearly trip, or listening to their favorite music, continuing a tradition is a warm way to feel their presence.

3. Plant Something in Their Honor

A tree, a flower, or even a small houseplant can become a living symbol of their life. Watching it grow can bring gentle comfort through the seasons.

4. Share Their Stories

Talk about them. Laugh about their humor. Say their name. Love lives in the telling—every story keeps them near.

5. Make a Memory Book or Video

Gather photos, letters, and messages from family and friends. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just real. This can be a beautiful gift to pass down.

6. Do Something They Loved

Honor their passions. Ride the bike they rode. Cook their favorite recipe. Watch their favorite film. Love remembers in action.

7. Give Back in Their Name

Donate, volunteer, or support a cause that mattered to them. Turning loss into kindness can be deeply healing.

Grief doesn’t ask us to move on—it asks us to move forward. Keeping their memory alive is one way we carry them with us, always.

What to Say to Someone Who Is Grieving (And What Not to Say)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:09:16 GMT

How to show support when words feel hard to find.

When someone we care about is grieving, we often want to offer comfort but struggle to find the right words. Grief can feel heavy, confusing, and deeply personal. It isn’t something we fix. It’s something we sit with, together.

Below is a gentle guide to help you support someone who is grieving with kindness and presence.

What to Say

1. "I’m here for you."
This offers reassurance without expecting anything from them.

2. "I’m so sorry for your loss."
Simple, sincere, and supportive.

3. "I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now, but I care."
Acknowledges their pain without trying to define it.

4. Share a memory if you have one.
Stories remind them that their loved one mattered. For example:
"I’ll always remember the way she made everyone feel welcome."

What Not to Say

1. "They’re in a better place."
Even if meant kindly, it can feel dismissive of their current pain.

2. "Everything happens for a reason."
Grief rarely feels logical. This can create emotional distance.

3. "Be strong."
Grief doesn’t require strength. It requires room to be felt.

4. Comparisons to others’ loss.
Each grief is unique. Avoid phrases like, "When my dad passed..."

How to Be Present

Listen more than you speak.
It’s okay to simply sit quietly with someone.

Offer specific help.
Instead of saying "Let me know if you need anything," try:
"I can bring dinner tomorrow at 6 PM. Does that work?"

Keep checking in.
Grief often deepens after the funeral, when others have gone back to their routines.

A Gentle Reminder

You don't need the perfect words. You only need sincerity. Sometimes the most comforting thing you can offer is your presence, your patience, and your willingness to sit with someone in their sorrow.

Obituary vs. Memorial Page: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:23:47 GMT

A gentle guide to understanding each option when honoring a loved one.

When honoring a loved one, it can be confusing to know whether to create an obituary or a memorial page. Both serve the same purpose—to remember a life—but they do so in different ways. Understanding the difference can help you decide what feels right for your family.

What Is an Obituary?

An obituary is a written announcement of a person’s passing. Traditionally, it appears in newspapers or online obituary listings. It is usually shorter and includes:

Basic information (name, age, date of passing)
Key life details (family, work, accomplishments)
Funeral or memorial service information

Obituaries are more formal and often follow a familiar format. They help share the news and provide a way for others to offer condolences.

Click here for guide on How to Write a Heartfelt Obituary.

A memorial page is a dedicated online space created to celebrate and remember your loved one. It is often more personal and can include:

Photos, videos, and stories
Messages from friends and family
Tributes, memories, and milestones
Life highlights and favorite things

Unlike an obituary, a memorial page is not limited in length. It gives families room to share who their loved one truly was.

What Is a Memorial Page?

Key Differences at a Glance

There is no right or wrong choice. Some families choose an obituary for the public announcement, then create a memorial page for ongoing remembrance.

Choose an obituary if:

You want to share the news publicly
You need funeral details communicated clearly
You prefer something brief and traditional

Choose a memorial page if:

You want a lasting place to visit and remember
You want to collect memories, photos, and messages
You want to celebrate a person’s life in depth

Which Should You Choose?

You Can Have Both

Many families start with an obituary, then create a memorial page afterward. The obituary serves as the formal announcement, while the memorial page becomes a living tribute—somewhere others can return to long after the funeral has passed.

Grief continues. Love continues. A memorial page is a place where their memory can continue too.

How to Write a Heartfelt Obituary

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:48:21 GMT

Because you don’t need the perfect words—just the honest ones.

Writing an obituary can feel overwhelming. You want to honor your loved one, share who they were, and somehow fit a lifetime of memories into just a few paragraphs. It doesn’t need to be perfect. What matters most is sincerity.

Below is a gentle guide to help you begin.

For example: “She had a laugh that filled every room and a kindness that made everyone feel at home.”

Start With the Basics

Begin with the key details that introduce your loved one:

Full name
Age
Date of passing
Where they lived
Immediate family members

Share the Heart of Their Story

This is where their personality shines. Ask yourself:

What made them happy?
What were they known for?
How did they make others feel?

Describe them in a way that someone who never met them could understand their warmth, humor, or strength.

Include Highlights and Milestones

This can be as simple or detailed as you’d like. Consider:

Career or passions
Hobbies or interests
Traditions or routines that were uniquely theirs
Community involvement or causes they cared about

Speak From the Heart

There are no “right words.” Write as if you are talking to a friend who loved them too. Let your voice be natural and warm.

Closing With Love

Obituaries often end with:

Funeral or memorial details
A thank you to those who supported the family
A short message of remembrance

Example: “We will miss her every day, but her love lives on in the memories we keep and the stories we share.”

When you’re done, read it out loud. If it makes you smile, or cry, or simply feel close to them — you’ve written a beautiful obituary.

Example: Maria Santos, 78, of Quezon City, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025. She is survived by her children Anna, Carlo, and Ben, and six grandchildren who brought her great joy.

These simple details set the foundation before you share their story.

Michael Russ A. Abar

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 03:50:18 GMT

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.’”

John 11:25–26

Michael Russ A. Abar

October 31, 1988

January 13, 2022

Meycauayan City, Bulacan

Tribute

In Memory Of

share TRIBUTE

Send Flowers

It’s been three years since we said goodbye to our beloved brother, Michael, yet not a day goes by that we don’t think of him. Though time has moved forward, the love and memories he left behind remain deeply etched in our hearts.

Michael was the youngest of seven siblings — the heart of our family — whose laughter and light brightened every moment we shared. He was a loving partner to Sheilla and a devoted father to their children, Symon, Sebastian, and Quinn, who continue to carry his spirit and warmth in their smiles.

A man of many passions, Michael found joy in rock music, motorcycles, and spontaneous road trips. He was a talented musician and band member who never missed an Oktoberfest. His music, humor, and charm left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. He also loved indie films, and his sharp wit and easy laughter made him a loyal and unforgettable friend.

He was intelligent, kind, and full of life — a man who made people feel seen and loved. Though we miss him deeply, we take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with our mother in heaven, watching over us with that same familiar smile.

We will forever cherish his memory and honor his life by taking care of the family he loved so dearly. His song may have ended, but its melody lives on in all of us.

Send your care

light a candle

You only live once.

Favorites

Favorite place or travel destination

Michael's favorite place?

Michael's favorite hobby?

Michael's proudest moment?

Michael's favorite song or music?

At 2 y/o he memorized the flags of the world. At 4 y/o, he could sign language the alphabet with both hands simultaneously.

Motorcycle rides, computer games

When his children were born

Rock, alternative music

Michael's favorite quote to live by?

Fun fact about Michael:

April 30ᵗʰ

Sebastian was born

Birth

2020

2018

Birth of Sebastian, his firstborn with Sheilla

Birth of Quinn, their youngest daughter

October 31ˢᵗ

2014

Quinn was born

Timeline

March 10ᵗʰ

1988

Graduated from college

AMA Computer College, Caloocan

September 6ᵗʰ

Gallery

Memories

Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City

2022

January 13ᵗʰ

Passed away peacefully

Valenzuela City

Ever Memorial Garden, Valenzuela City

Interred

2022

January 18ᵗʰ

foreverhere-1

Lamay Practices in the Philippines Traditions, Beliefs, and Customs

1. The Rosary and Novena Prayers

2. Keeping Vigil Overnight

3. Offering Food to Guests

4. Superstitions and Beliefs

5. The Final Day and Burial

Why Lamay Traditions Matter

Lamay practices reflect the Filipino understanding that death is not just an individual loss — it is communal.

Understanding Lamay Culture in the Philippines: Why We Stay, Pray, and Remember Together

What Is a Lamay?

Why Filipinos Hold Lamay

The Atmosphere of a Lamay

Lamay in Modern Times

Grieving Someone You Once Loved: Losing an Ex and the Feelings That Follow

Grief Doesn’t Disappear Just Because a Relationship Ended

You Might Feel Unsure If You’re “Allowed” to Grieve

This Kind of Grief Is Often Lonely

Remembering Doesn’t Mean Reopening the Past

Finding a Quiet Way to Say Goodbye

Your Grief Is Valid, Even If It’s Complicated

Primitiva A. Abar

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:’”

PROVERBS 31:28

﻿ Michael Russ A. Abar ﻿

Tribute

In Memory Of

share TRIBUTE

Send Flowers

Send your care

light a candle

Favorites

Bambie's favorite place?

Bambie's favorite hobby?

Bambie's proudest moment?

Bambie's favorite song or music?

Bambie's favorite quote to live by?

Fun fact about Bambie:

Marriage

Birth

1971

1966

Timeline

1946

Graduated from college

Gallery

Memories

2007

Passed away peacefully

Interred

2007

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do After a Loss

Start With What’s Closest to You

Let Go of the Pressure to “Be Strong”

Allow Yourself to Remember

Accept Help in the Way That Feels Safe

Take Things One Day at a Time

When You’re Ready, Create Space for Remembrance

What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say After a Loss

Silence Is Not Failure

Simple Words Are Often Enough

When You Want to Share a Memory

It’s Okay If the Words Come Later

When the Messages Stop Coming What Happens After the Funeral

The Silence Can Feel Loud

Grief Often Deepens After the Goodbye

Finding Comfort in Small, Gentle Ways

You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone

Grief Looks Different for Everyone — And That’s Okay

Grief doesn’t arrive the same way for everyone.

There Is No Timeline for Love

Grief Can Be Loud — Or Soft

You Don’t Need to Compare Your Grief to Anyone Else’s

Remembering Is a Form of Love

Be Gentle With Yourself

How to Support Children Through Loss: Tips for Parents and Family

Gentle ways to help children understand and express their grief.

1. Be Honest, in a Loving Way

2. Welcome Their Questions

3. Create Space for Their Feelings

“Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:’”

Michael Russ A. Abar

Start With the Basics

Michael Russ A. Abar