Our beloved Lolo, Albert Espejo, has gone to heaven at the age of 79 after a long and difficult battle with multiple health complications. He spent the last 10 days in the hospital, fighting bravely as his body struggled with organ failure related to his illnesses. In recent years, Lolo had been in and out of the hospital due to complications from several strokes and dialysis. Through it all, he remained strong, hopeful, and surrounded by the love of his family.
By trade, Lolo was a civil engineer who helped build and finance several landmarks in our community. Throughout his career, he led and contributed to large-scale projects across Metro Manila and Ilocos Norte, leaving behind work that will continue to serve people for generations. But beyond his professional accomplishments, what people will remember most about Lolo was the kind of person he was.
He was endlessly kind, curious, intelligent, artistic, and above all, deeply passionate about music. Lolo was a lifelong musician who loved playing his keyboard and guitar. Music brought him joy and was something he loved sharing with others. He also had the biggest sweet tooth and was a true foodie, always enjoying good meals with family.
Lolo had a gentle spirit and a generous heart. He was always calm and never got angry. Even when he didn’t have much, he was incredibly giving. He loved his grandchildren and never hesitated to spoil us. We learned so much from him simply by being around him.
One of my favorite memories with him was when I was little and first learned about death. I remember asking him what he thought heaven would be like. He told me he imagined it as a place filled with freedom, with mango trees everywhere, each one bearing the sweetest mangoes you could pick. He said you’d find the family and friends you hadn’t seen in a long time, all together again. That image has stayed with me ever since, and it has always brought me comfort.
Our family hopes to honor Lolo’s life with a beautiful memorial service that reflects the joy he brought to others. However, the cost of his final hospitalization and funeral services has placed a heavy financial burden on our family. His hospital bills and estimated funeral costs are piling high, on top of the expenses we have already been paying during the past 10 days of his hospitalization. Covering these costs will be very difficult for our family without taking on significant debt.
Lolo is survived by his loving wife Virginia, his siblings Josephine, Voltaire, and Randolph, his children Geraldine, Abigail, and Candice, and his four grandchildren Karla, Hannah, Julianna, and Gabriel, all of whom loved him deeply.
The funds raised will go toward outstanding hospital bills, funeral expenses, and supporting our Lola and family during this difficult transition. Any support, no matter the amount, would mean so much to our family as we honor Lolo’s memory and give him the farewell he deserves.
We hope that in heaven, Lolo Albert is surrounded by music, reunited with loved ones, and walking among those mango trees. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and for helping us celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to those around him.
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For alternative donation methods, please consider sending through Venmo (@karlamurthy) or reach out to Karla on Messenger.