Memorial Candle Lit for Telly in prayer

 I called up Telly on an overseas call three days before she left. I  talked with her  on her death bed and I prayed and sang this song with her.  During my last visit of her at Makati Medical Center on November 2010,  I was able to tell her that when I found out that she was stricken with a rare form of cancer, I  questioned God " Why Telly?"  And I was able to share the reflection I  had on this  and was able to tell her---- "Telly, when I  found  out that you  were ill, I was devastated by the news and  asked God for answers, and  God  whispered to me " My child,  do not forget that you are all living on borrowed time  from Me and everyday that you are alive is an opportunity that God is giving  us to come to the saving grace and knowledge of  His Son Jesus Christ"   She surrendered her life to Jesus and told me, that she was ready.  She told me she was shunning away from any further medical surgeries.  I told her "Yes that will be your last" for I knew deep in my heart, she was homeward bound.   I was able to tell her this "You don’t need to fear where you are going,  continue to trust in Jesus , soon you will be in your real home (I meant heaven).   She said AMEN and  uttered her thanks.   Her voice was already  very frail but she was still able to say her last words to me, " Thank you, Angel, God bless you and your family!"  She died three days after.  I thank God that Telly has the assurance of salvation and that she is now in Heaven.

 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him" (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

The following friends lighted candles for her :

Corito Imperial Escober lit a candle on 02/09/2011:

"May  you rest in peace and my condolences to your family.

Fely Marcos lit a candle on 02/07/2011: "Sleep well in God's loving arms, sweet angel. Till we meet again. I love you, Telly."

Cristy Palma lit a candle on 02/02/2011: "Farewell my dear cousin and friend. I know you are now in the warm embrace of our Lord. no more pain for you!"

Ruth Coran lit a candle on 02/02/2011: "You inspired us with your brace attitude. You are in a better place now.My prayers for u and family. bye!"

Ditas Perez Jaro lit a candle on 02/02/2011: "Telly- I will never forget your "bungisngis". You are always so happy and full of laughter!"

Sara Carandang lit a candle on 02/02/2011: "Hi Ninang Telly. I will miss you so so much ninang."

Cynthia Barcelon Yang lit a candle on 02/01/2011: "Telly, It is very sad to see you go, but we know you are with our Creator. Goodbye, my dear friend."

Didi Vega lit a candle on 02/01/2011: "telly, finally home, free of pain and cares . . . farewell, will always remember your quiet presence!"

Eva Payumo-Yazon lit a candle on 02/01/2011: "Au revoir my friend. You will be sorely missed. The heavens gained another angel in you."

Virgil Sagun lit a candle on 02/01/2011: "We will miss your heartfelt laughter and your positive outlook in life. Thank you for the wonderful memories!"

Vangie Fernando Felix lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "Telly, goodbye! You are a big loss to all of us."

Nenette Palomique lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "What a fight girl! But I am happy now that you are with our Lord. The end of pain and the beginning of life everlasting."

Connie Duque Sayon lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "you will always be in our hearts dear telly. thank you for the inspiration. you are now in His good hands."

Arlene Chanco lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "You will always be remembered my friend"

Violy Dionisio Mclelland-brown lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "My deepest sympathy.am shocked.Rest in peace my dear Telly pray for u love violy"

Your Angel-Luli   lit a candle on 01/31/2011: "When you died, the music stopped, and yet it echoed on in sweet refrain. I can still hear your sunshine laughter"

Marlina Gonzalez lit a candle on 01/30/2011: "Mabuhay, Telly, Mabuhay!"

Marilyn Beyer-Shands lit a candle on 01/30/2011: "Heavenly Father, we pray you will extend your embrace and welcome Telly into Your heavenly kingdom."

Genie Kummer-Velasco lit a candle on 01/30/2011: "To my forever friend - you will always live in my memories."

We invite you to lit a candle for Telly and send your message/ prayer as you light the candle.
Email your prayer  petition for Telly at : forloveoftelly@gmail.com.

Telly Braves a Typhoon to Attend an Important Wedding in Iloilo on December 17 2005

December 17, 2005  at Sarabia Manor Hotel, Iloilo City. Telly dancing with the groom at the  Reception Dance Floor  for the Wedding of very close god-children ( ina-anak),  Nonoy and Ella Oplas.  Telly braved the typhoon to go to Iloilo to witness this wedding . 

 

December 17, 2005 at San Jose Church, Iloilo City. Telly stands as one of the Principal Sponsors for Nonoy and Ella Oplas. She was very happy for this married couple and she was smiling to the brim the whole time.

Telly in Sao Paulo, Brazil for the 17th International Input-Output Conference ( July 14-17, 2009)

 

Telly in Sao Paolo, Brazil to Chair one of the Parallel Session ( Rural and Development Issues) for the  17th International Input-Output Confecence from July 14-17, 2009. She also presented a  study  she made jointly with her husband,  on " Spatial Impact of Overseas Filipino Workers Remittances on the Philippine Economy: A Comparable General Equilibrium Approach which was well lauded. She will be missed by the Input Output Association whose main headquarters is based in Vienna, Austria, where she is an active member.

[Thanks to Francis for sharing this photo with me.  She was probably sick already, but her cancer was not diagnosed until November of 2009. ]

One of Telly's major interest among others is to undertake regular studies  and research where the application of Input and Output Data and Analysis is applied and to promote the integration and use of input-output applications and techniques in other scientific disciplines. .   "The International Input-Output Association (IIOA) is a scientific non-profit membership organisation founded in 1988. Its objective is the advancement of knowledge in the field of input-output analysis, including improve- ments in basic data, theoretical insights and modelling, and applications, both traditional and novel, of input-output techniques. The IIOA grew out of an informal world-wide network of economists, government officials, engineers and managers with interests in input-output analysis."

Here is the schedule of the Parallel Session, Telly Chaired on the second day of the conference on Rural and Development Issues, July 14, 2009.

The entire link of the conference can be found here:

http://aplicativos.fipe.org.br/io/htm/program/Sessionsrevised.pdf

Here is the abstract link of the paper:

http://www.iioa.org/pdf/17th%20Conf/Abstracts/214.pdf

Here is the paper summary:

http://www.iioa.org/pdf/17th%20Conf/Papers/1068331069_090529_150957_DAKILA-BRAZIL09PAPERNO243.PDF 

Rest Happily

Caryl Goce Tena (Niece)
We might not be as close as we wanted to be. We might not had many precious moments together in your lifetime but I have the most precious memory of you--the Ate Telly I admired my very inspiration.

Since I was a kid you were whom Papa and Inay and the rest of the family would talk about when it comes to diligence and intelligence. In studies and achievements you were the on top of their list of role models for us their children. Yes indeed you were one of the best in the family!

As I recall you once told me you were happy for me having beautiful children and a good family even at such a young age. Yes I have your wits because I have Aris... I was so delighted that you share this happiness with me. Nonetheless I was challenged to fulfill  the dream to be like you to do good and give my best shot in my studies and career and be very happy and positive in life.

Ate Telly we are so blessed and thankful that the Lord shared you with us let you touch our lives let you be our sunshine--the inspiration of strength and courage.

We are so lucky we had you...
We will miss you...
Thank you.... rest happily!

 

Caryl Goce Tena (Niece)

Photos shared by Caryl

.

This picture is 1 of the 2,   I have saved on Tita Telly.   Taken with my Tita Zeny (now deceased) when she came back from US. With them are my cousin Melody (holding her child Joanna) and my niece Aleli.

With Tita Zeny (who died Feb. 6 last year). They were the closest... Now together at last!

 

Rising Cancer Deaths by Nonoy Oplas

After two weeks that I have created the Virtual Memorial Online for Telly, I am very  happy to network with Telly' closest  friends and associates.  I have been a regular reader of the Minimalist Government Thinkers and Pilipinas Forum an independent team that  promotes  better governance  based on core principles: namely, small government, small taxes, free market, rule of law, and  personal responsibility. What a small world!  After  several days of  my  email exchanges with Ella, it turns out she was the wife of  Nonoy Oplas. I have been a member of  the Pilipinas Forum for several years now  and been following up on the "think tank views" that Noy espouses.

Nonoy took notice of the Rising Cancer Deaths.   He wrote about it on his  personal blog which I am linking  below:   ( Thank you Nonoy, as I share what you wrote on your blog to all our friends.


http://funwithgovernment.blogspot.com/2011/02/rising-cancer-deaths.html


Here is a full exerpt of what he wrote:

"Last week, February 4, was the World Cancer Day. 

There was a report that day, Cancer on the Rise in Developing Countries: Report, 

Today is the 10th day of the death of our beloved Ninang Telly Goce-Dakila. She fought a rare breed of cancer, "leiomyosarcoma" for about a year. In her remaining days in the hospital, my wife would give her flowers on some weekends, like in this photo. She liked it.

In my first book, "Health Choices and Responsibilities" that was published last month, I included her in the Dedication. I wrote there, "...Cristela, one of our wedding godmothers, a brave and cheerful fighter currently battling a merciless disease crippling her body." I wrote it around January 12, 2011, then submitted to the publishing house. January 22, the book was delivered to me. That day, I went to the hospital and gave her a copy of my book. Though she was already weak, she managed to browse through the pages, saw the Dedication. I was told that she proudly showed the book to her physicians and visitors. A week after that, Ninang Telly died. Another victim of a merciless disease called cancer.

To mark World Cancer Day, the American Cancer Society issued a new report Friday warning that changing lifestyles linked to economic growth in developing countries are driving up the global incidence of several cancers.

In fact, the majority of the world's new cancer cases and deaths (7.1 million and 4.8 million, respectively) are now occurring in economically developing countries, the authors of the report noted. And this, they say, reflects the growing adoption of unhealthy behaviors -- such as smoking, sedentary lifestyles and poor diets -- that typically accompany economic development.

The report, "Global Cancer Facts & Figures," highlights lung, breast and colorectal cancers as being particularly vulnerable to this dynamic.

...about one-third of all cancer deaths that occurred worldwide in 2008 (equal to roughly 7,300 deaths per day) might have been avoided by focusing on preventable risk factors such as smoking, drinking, infection patterns and dietary habits.

...as stark as global disease figures already were in 2008 (12.7 million new cancer cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths), those numbers are expected to almost double by 2030 as the world's population both grows and ages.

Perhaps Ninang Telly's cancer belonged to the other two-third which are not related to unhealthy lifestyle as I know that she was very careful with her diet and health.

Cancer has killed my elder brother (prostate C), his wife and my sister in law (colon C), my mother's first cousin (also prostate C), and two of our wedding godmothers already. It seems that cancer is now the number 1 killer disease in the Philippines and many other countries.

I sincerely hope that modern medicines, vaccines and other treatment will continue to evolve and improve in order to save more productive lives. It is one of the central arguments of my book that political intervention in health like drug price control only offers short-term political benefits to politicians and patients but cause more long-term damage by discouraging the entry of more powerful, more disease killer drugs and treatment into the country as there are politicians and political threats awaiting the inventors of such modern drugs and treatment.


As the number of cancer deaths keep rising worldwide, politics should step back, modern science and medicines should advance. Prices of drugs and treatment will always be an issue but so long as there is competition among drug producers, pharmacies, hospitals, cancer specialists and other health professionals, "excessive" pricing will be minimized.":

Telly's 50th Birthday Celebration

Telly poses with her husband, Francis G. Dakila, Jr.
Ella Oplas shared with us this photos taken during Telly's 50th Birthday Celebration.
"Am very  happy to share with you photos taken during Ninang Telly's 50th birthday party at Dragon Gate Restaurant along Roxas Boulevard. (March 17, 2005) .It was an intimate lunch with La Salle friends specifically her Social Development Research Center circle."

 

 

Ella recalls  " I can still remember what Ninang told me before the party.  She said, "Ells, 50 na ako... naku tanda ko na!".  I told her that she doesn't look like in her 50s. She just gave me a big smile after."

La Salle Friends and her Social Development Research Center Circle.

A Letter to my Everdearest Ninang Telly

Photos shared by  Ella Calaor Oplas with daughter Elle Marie. This was taken at Ninang Telly's Condo last July 2010. According to Ella,  " I knew she had Cancer but I thought she she was getting well already. She was so selfless that amidst her condition, she was more worried about my hypertension while pregnant! She did not tell me that she was having operation in September and kept on sending me encouraging messages during my whole pregnancy and delivery. I only learned about her operation first week of October. That is why the moment I went out of the hospital, I proceeded to Makati Med to visit her.  She was surprised! I even brought my then one week old baby to see her."

Dearest Ninang Telly

 It has been more than one week but the memory of our last night together kept on coming back to me.  You kept on saying “thank you” to me the moment you saw me. And when you noticed that I was trembling because of the sound of the monitor every time your oxygen level reaches the threshold you comforted me saying “Ella remember what the doctor said? Believe the patient not the numbers.  You can still talk to me right?”.  Imagine you were having difficulty breathing but still you were thinking about me.  How selfless and how loving you are…

I said it before and I will always remind you that there is no need for you to say “thank you” to me.  The little things that I did for you were incomparable to what you have done to me my family and friends.  Right from the very start you have been my inspiration and source of confidence in La Salle.  I will never forget how you accepted me without a blink as masteral thesis adviser after my original thesis adviser dumped me with only a last minute notice.  And for the record I don’t think there will ever be a masteral student in La Salle who can proudly say that their thesis adviser was present during their thesis proposal defense! Only I can say that my thesis adviser was there for me.

You were more than a colleague to me; an undergraduate macroeconomic teacher; a masteral thesis adviser; a boss for your researches and dissertation; a grandmother to my daughters; and a wedding ninang.  You were a very good friend who was there for me to celebrate with me , to fall in love with me and to help me stand up after every failure.

Ninang Telly,  I said it before and I will always remind you that “Mahal na mahal ko po kayo”.  And if there were five people I would want to meet in heaven kayo po yong isang yon.  With your positive outlook in life bubbly character and contagious laughter I know that the angels in heaven are now rejoicing with you there.        

Love 

Ella

Ma.  Ella Oplas  

friend

More pictures of Ella with Ninang Telly:

Lovely Telly

Fely Marcos-Salting, immediately beside Telly (magka-akbay sila). Telly happy, secured in the company of her dear friends.

How can I say goodbye to a friend whose hearty laughter and loveliness have become part of my most precious memories? I wish I could relive our carefree high school days  and that sunny afternoon in your hospital room the last time I saw you. You're such a beautiful person Telly. You're an inspiration. You touched my life in many ways you may not have realized. Your friendship your sincerity your wit and your courage are all so uplifting. You dared. You challenged. You fought well. You conquered. And you championed your cause for you are now soaring under the wings of God. You will always be fondly remembered. One day my friend we will meet again never to part ways.  Meantime I will see you among the stars and in every ray of sunshine. Sleep well Telly.

My condolences to Francis and Ega. I share your pain and your lost. Be strong. God bless you both.

Fely Marcos-Salting

HS Classmate, friend

My Condolences to Telly's Family

                                   Sisinia Ortega, twin sister of Magdalena

 My deepest and sincerest condolences to Telly's family and pray that God will give 

them the comfort and strength they need to move on in her absence.

 Ma. Sisinia Ortega

(high school friend and classmate )

Better Place

                                                    Ruth Coran-Arciaga, Telly's Classmate 
                                                    St. Theresa's College, Manila HS 72

"You inspired us with your brace attitude. You are in a better place now.

My prayers for you and family. Good Bye now!

Ruth Coran (Classmate)

Peace Be with You

May God's light shine upon you and give you rest...Peace.

Tess Principe

Friend

A Friend's Farewell

 Beibi Hernandez with Christine Dorfii as they are in Intermission from Class with Classmates of Telly at  St. Theresa's College Manila Section 2 . (In photo are:  Vangie Fernando, Mary Ann Palanca, Violy Dionisio, Rooky Fiel, Malu Kanlapan, Rose Katigbak, Jojie.(Source : Photo archive of Angel Luli,- as photographer too).

Telly You have always been an inspiration to me and many others who had the opportunity to meet you. We are so blessed to have shared many moments in our lives. It was a joy to have you visit me in my small apartment more than 20 years ago. It saddens me that our parting then was the last. It was your piercing observations of the "Graying of Marin" that strike me as true to this very day. We talked and talked and laughed and laughed until we could not tell whether we were sad or happy. It's time to sleep Telly. Good night. Beibi

Beibi Hernandez-Cuizon

====================

"  Most people walk in and our of our life.  

But Friends like you have left  a footprint in our hearts”

With fondest memories of you!

 
Your Friend,

 
Maria Luisa Gomiz

Farewell my Friend and my Dear Cousin

                                                                   Telly's Cousin

It is with great sorrow that  I am bidding you good bye. Though we seldom as in seldom see each other deep within my heart are memories of our childhood. we had that rare chance to be able to play with each other in batangas being of the same age.   Batangas is where your grandfather in your mother side was from and he was the very kind brother of my mother. that was how we were connected. It was just sad that with the passage of time we lost contact and just by that providential and chance meeting at makati med last july we were able to reconnect and were able to get each other's number. Now i thank the Lord for allowing that meeting. He wills that my family will get a chance to get in touch with you thereby allowing us to take part in your wake. If  not for that accidental meeting we would not be able to see you before you go to our Lord's kingdom. Thank you Lord for that gift of a chance meeting to be able to show our love to Telly though a little bit late. it also enables us to renew our contact with ega. So Telly it's not a real goodbye because you'll just be away physically but your memories shall be forever etched in our hearts and mind. Will continue praying for you everyday. i know that the Lord is so happy to receive you in His Kingdom.

Cristy Palma

Cousin

Rest in Peace

Eternal rest grant unto Telly o Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her.  

May she rest in peace.

Susan Cruz- Fadriquela

Farewell

Telly finally home free of pain and cares . . . Farewell,  will always remember your quiet presence!"

Didi Abola-Vega
Childhood Classmate, Friend

An Inspiration

 You will always be in our hearts dear Telly. 

Thank you for the inspiration. 

You are now in His good hands.

Connie Duque-Sayon

Classmate

Missing Your Positive Outlook

We will miss your heartfelt laughter and your positive outlook in life.  Thank you for the wonderful memories!"

Virgil and Deryl Sagun

To a Lovely Person

Rest in peace now my friend!

Vangie Fernando-Felix 
Batchmate STCM HS 72

Sincerest Condolences

My sincerest condolences. 

The good Lord has taken Telly into His heavenly home and given her eternal peace.  

We have lost a good person who was gifted and shared her talents.

Claire Banawa- Bunuan 
Schoolmate

Farewell to a Bright Star

 Vicky Llaguno- Criddle enjoys the camaraderie with Telly outside the classroom during formation time at STC Manila. Others in photo were  Luisa Gomiz, Catalina Luna and Angelica Ladaw.

                                   

I have not seen Telly since the very first reunion of STCM72 yet I could not forget her because she had an enduring quality. She was honest, unassuming,  bright , hard-working and driven - as I remember her. Sadly,  her death robs the Philippines of a bright and important star.

Vicky Llaguno-Criddle 
HS Classmate-Friend

Two Sisters Celebrate New Year for the Last Time in January 2010

   Venue: Manila Hotel  January 1 2010

 

Aida Goce, Telly's younger sister

Telly with beloved husband, Francis G. Dakila and sister Aida, Last Celebration of the New Year with in 2010.

Telly with that Heartwarming smile

Emma Salonga is Telly's Batchmate at St. Theresa's College, Manila (HS '72)

My deepest sympathy to Telly's family. 

I didn't get to know Telly very well.  I was from another section.  But on the few ocassions that we had a chance to be together and be acquainted with each other I noted two things about her....  She had a brilliant mind.  And most of all she always afforded to everyone that heartwarming smile which could melt down an iceberg.

May the  Lord bless you Telly.  And may the Lord bless your family.

Emma Salonga

I will always Remember

I am tempted to write something profound about you. But your myriad accomplishments in your career and your private life will speak for itself as a testament of the deep insightful intelligent purpose - driven girl that I have come to know. Make no mistake that small frame of yours is really a powerhouse of a dynamo of a person you are.

My regret is that I was not able to visit you. In my heart I whispered to the Lord my longing to see you when I visit Manila next month. I wanted to regale you with anecdotes about our school days. I wanted to hear the infectious giggle the animated laughter and your wonderfully mischievous sense of humor             ( .... humor that has not been lost despite the cancer). I would have wanted to see the same child-like wonder and twinkle in your eyes. It is my loss that I missed this chance.

Today what moves through me is a silence,  a quiet sadness a longing for one more day,  one more word , one more touch. I may not understand why you left this earth so soon or why you left before we were ready to say good bye but little by little I begin to remember not just that you died but that you lived. And that your life gave me memories too beautiful to forget. Today I am holding on to these memories for comfort.

Paalam my friend.

Arlene

Arlene Maloles-Chanco

Childhood Friend and Classmate