Gjay's Journey Through Life

We cant believe that its been 2 months since the passing of our beloved Gjay due to that tragic event in Pasadena, California. As Mommy Chi had written in her blog, the family especially daddy peew and mommy chi , alex and everyone misses him so much.

But no matter how hard we want to bring time back, we cant do anything and cant change what happened. What we can try to do is understand why such a thing happened. Was it really preset by faith that Gjay and the family will have this have this experience? Could we have done something differently which could have changed things and have Gjay with us still. Maybe yes and maybe not!. And maybe, Gjay really just had 7 wonderful year for his life for being such a good and loving kid.

As we try to understand thing, I know for a fact that Gjay has been one good kid. He never forgot to say hi to GOD and say prayer everyday. He had always loved everyone especially GOD, his family and everyone else. At such a young age, He had learned love unconditionally and share Godly love to us. Amazing as it seems, he had shown and given us real love and what it means to love and be loved. That’s why it is no surprise that he had been called out of this mortal life and share this love in God’s Kingdom.

Now, how can we relate to gjay’s life and apply the same to our own. We now wonder what our life’s purpose is. Are we suppose to worry about working day in and day out then await for our rewards. Are we supposed to work to buy our life long dream house, car and other material rewards. It does seem that it’s a never ending quest for material success. After every dream item or rewards we have. We always seem to pick up on a new material desire. But, does everything we own and have really matter. Do we have that satisfaction and real joy and pleasure out of these material things.

Gjay for one never had much of those material things. The only real thing he had and he valued so much was his love for God and everyone else. Thus, it seems that no material item is important gor Gjay except for this love of GOD and family. We then ask ourselves how come this 7 year old kid managed to find this kind of love and why haven’t we.

Is it really that all our life, we have been living for the wrong reasons. Are we too blinded to see that the main purpose of our existing is having God’s love and sharing it. We all claim that: yes we are all devote catholics/ Christians, yes and we all religiously go to church, yes and we all pray everyday, yes and we donate and reach out to the less fortunate. But the question, are we sincere in the things we do. Have we really loved GOD as he had loved us. Do we love our family as we should and are we sincere is our church visit and helping the poor. Remember, we can not cheat ourselves and especially GOD. What’s funny is that sometimes, it takes a tragic moment for us to realize what we should be doing ever since regardless whether we are a young kid, young professional, maturing adult. We are all Christians, brothers and sisters in Christ. We were born from God’s love, we should be living and sharing this love and we will pass under this love.

May we all live for Christ and God and that we share this love with our loved ones, families , friends and our community.

Message For Gjay from Daddy Peew

i dont know how to start. this is my first time to talk about my baby boy GJ. i remembered the 1st time i saw him at the nursery room i told every body he just looks like me and everybody agreed. i am a very happy and proud daddy at that time. i also remembered that i used to wake up early in the morning when he starts to cry for milk or if there is a need to change the diapper. i made sure my boy will not cry. iam always beside him. took care of him like a glass that is so fragile. every time he reaches his birthday i would think of something special for him. he never fail to make me proud. he is a good boy. who is loved by everyone he meets. GJ also looks up to me, iam his super hero. i miss my baby. he is my life. when GOD took him away from me it broke my heart into pieces. even now, its been more than 2 mo from the time of the accident, i still cry deep inside. especially when we go to places like disney or just passing by the kids section in the malls or any outlet stores for kids it never fails to break my heart since those places reminds me of him, and how i miss him. after the incident i never feared death anymore. i will accept it anytime for i know i will be with my dear GJ. .. I would like to thank you all for the prayers and support you have extended to my family. we are trying to pick up the pieces and live a life without our precious GJ. please continue to pray for my speedy recovery. God bless to all! peewee

Special Appreciation for Babo Teahouse Jersey City Event!!!

The Dela Rosa - Navarro Family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation for the Jose Gabriel Dela Rosa and Family fundraising event held last May 25th, 7PM at Babo Teahouse in Jersey City, NJ

Thanks to the organizers:
John Sin of Babo Teahouse,Jay Legaspi, the coordinator and organizer of the show,
Ashley Clack, host, Jessica Ticzon, Family Cousin.

The performers:
Dylan Schroth, Julian "JuCe" Pormentilla and Chris Arriola, Marq Romero
Harry Ramos and Mark Habana, Jay Legaspi

Other crew, attendees, supporters:
Carlo Garcia for the Tshirts, Matt Pana, John Violago, Lisa Marie Wienckoski,
Marc Ticzon, Natnicha Bhumiratana, KellyAnne Nipal. Ticzon Family and Guevara Family Fr New York and all participants and attendees.

Missing Gjay!!!

The pain wont go away ... Everything is still fresh in my mind...I still can't sleep at night...I really miss my Boy... Its nearly two months since the accident and Peewee is still in the hospital recuperating from 8th surgery (hopefully the last). This is a long process for our family and we're taking it one step at a time. I've been trying to pick up the puzzle but there is a missing piece...I don't know how to start our life now, I am at a lost... it will never be the same for us without our Dear GJAY...


I'm trying to get comfort and strength from Peewee and Alexa coz I know that they still need me and I need them as well...Life has to move on and Gjay won't like us to be sad forever. We know that our BABY is with JESUS already and has wings and is praying for us...He is our "Guardian Angel Gjay"


I would like to take this opportunity to everyone who helped us one way or the other. We thank you for all the prayers and support. Our Angel Gjay is watching over us...He has touched the lives of many people from all walks of life, from Asia to the United States...Please make him your Guardian Angel too...


To Our "Angel Gjay",


You will always be my BABY !!! I miss you and I love you very much !!! Please watch over Dad, Mom and Ate.

Angel Gabriel's Presence

It's now almost a month since the date of the accident that caused the life of our dear Gjay. There are no words to describe the regular thought and longing for Gjay. If this could have just been a nightmare and we can wake up another day with Gjay still around. Then, we would all be rejoicing and grateful. But reality is reality and we cannot change what has happened. We just have to go through our day and lives thinking that our dear Gjay has a higher calling in the next phase of our existence and that his time here with us has come

Thing is, eventhough he is physically gone. We've heard of stories from people and kids that have felt Gjay’s presence. This stories truly excites everyone in the family who also awaits their connection with Gjay. I guess, we all just want to know that he is ok and happy where he is. What's also amazing is that he helps with his daddy Peewee's leg healing. During the first week of the accident, there was uncertainty for my brother on keeping his leg. However, after he had joined the mass memorial for Gjay. There is much improvement and is continuously healing. Although more surgery and time is needed, we are grateful for peewee's recovery.

I guess we can say that Gjay has been helping a lot in getting his daddy's leg back in shape. He continuously looks after all of us and makes his presence felt one way or the other Thank you Gjay for watching over daddy, mommy and ate and everyone else. Special thank to Almighty God for his continued guidance and for helping everyone's emotional and spiritual healing.

Gjay, though we cant hug, kiss you and tell you in person that we love you. Know that you shall forever be alive in our hearts.

Message From Lolen!!!

Message from Lolen:

Mother of Peewee and grandmother of Gjay

Gjay was the joy in our family, but his life was cut short by that unforeseen incident. But we really cannot question God’s will and I know He has a purpose. It was only unfortunate that Gjay has to be the sacrificial lamb at such a young age. It should have been me because I have lived my life to the fullest.

My only consolation is I have lost a grandson but gained an angel.

To you Gjay, I love you and I will miss you very very much.

Thank you all for the outpouring support and prayers offered for Gjay and Peewee’s family.

To My Baby Boy - Mommy

TO MY BABY BOY:


Dear Gjay,


I miss you...


I remember feeling you inside my tummy...Daddy, I and Ate used to put the remote control of the TV on top of my tummy and would talk to you then you would respond with a kick and the remote control would fall off...We were so excited to see you and we could not wait till the day you would come. Two days before September 5, 2000 came and I was having labor pains so I was immediately rushed to the hospital and I taught I was going to give birth already but NO! You were not ready to come out yet so after 48 hour of pain, Dada decided to give me a C-Section because they taught that the umbilical cord was wrapped around your neck. I was in general anesthesia but my mind was well aware of what was going on so when Dada operated on me, I heard him saying that you were sleeping when they took you out of my tummy. We were blessed with a beautiful baby boy.

I can still remember the first time that I held you in my arms…I could not stop staring at you and kissing you and smelling you…those cute little hands…the smell of your breath…the smell of your neck (it smells like spoiled milk) and when you were a toddler till the very last day, the smell of your armpits and your stinky little feet….I remember your first words… when you first walked…your first haircut. Your first birthday was celebrated together with Ate’s 7th birthday and everybody was there. It was also the day when you were first hospitalized due to asthma. As you were growing up, you became fond of eating chocolates and cashew nut that were not allowed because these triggered your asthma attacks. I remember finding chocolates under your pillowcase because you wanted to eat it.

When you started pre-school , you excelled in your academics and you became the heart rob of the school. As young as 5, there were girls calling the house and wanted to talk to you but you don’t want to talk to them…Then you transferred to La Salle and all of your teachers and classmates loved you because you are such a sweet and caring kid. You are so playful and you love to tease your Ate so much up to the point that she would get mad at you but you would find a way to make “lambing” and she would forget about what happened. I miss the times that you would pinch my belly and bite it and tell me “Mom you’ve got a hamburger in your tummy”. I cherish our moments together especially whenever you would say, “ I love you Mommy and I want to Marry you” because your concept of love is getting married.

Life would not be the same anymore. I am so broken inside and I don’t know how to pick up the pieces. Since the day of the accident, I’ve been trying so hard to be strong for Ate and Daddy. I miss you baby! Oh how I wish I would be given a chance to HUG you and KISS you one more time. To give you a bath, to fix your hair, to cut your nails, to touch you, to smell you to feel you and to tell you how much I NEED you and how much I LOVE YOU !!!

I know that your are with Jesus already and that you are giving Dada, Mama, Nanay and Lolo Rey some company there. Make them laugh. Tell them all your corny jokes and cook crepes for them. Please tell Jesus I said “Thanks” for letting me be your Mom and for making me enjoy and cherish the 7 wonderful years of our life together. You are our Guardian Angel now and I know that you would be watching over us and protecting us…You will remain in my HEART forever until my last breath and I will see you again…Bye Baby Jay! I will miss you and I love you very much…

Love,

Mom

We're at your side Gjay

Villa Sorriso Fundraising

In behalf of Dela Rosa - Navarro Family, we would like to thank the Management and staff of Villa Sorriso especially Jack Huang and Family, Leslie Nicasio and everyone for this kind endeavor. Many thanks as well to those supporting this cause.

Raffy D.
Dela Rosa- Navarro Family

Ninong Chicco Navarro's Eulogy

Isn't it amazing that a 7-year old boy can do all of this? GJay gathered this much people without even trying. He brought together relatives who haven't seen each other for years. He introduced strangers and brought together people from different walks of life. He even flew in people from the other side of he world. Gjay patched up broken relationships and made the bonds even stronger. He simply touched all our lives without breaking a sweat or lifting a finger.

It is just sad that these amazing things happened at the expense of his own life. Yes we are sad and we cry, but we cry not for him but for our own selfish needs. We mourn because we miss him, but we never thought about what he is thinking and where he is right now. I assure you that he is in a much better place than where we all are right now.

He is in a place where he can play all the video games and all the Hot Wheels that he likes. He can eat all the chocolate and all the cashew nuts that he can. Gjay is in a place where he need not worry about his asthma and just be the playful little boy that he is.

You might have known Gjay from the day he was born; the day he made his first step; the day he said his first word. Or maybe you might have known him when you stamped his passport in the airport; when you accompanied him to the gate of his school or when you changed his bandages in the hospital. Nonetheless, you will remember GJay and he will be a part of your life, as a Guardian Angel who does Amazing and Extraordinary things. So, Let us not mourn for his death, but celebrate the birth of our new Guardian Angel, GJAY.

Uncle Raffy's Eulogy

We (the delarosa-navarro family), our relatives and friends, lasalle community, residents of pasadena and any parent with a kid are still grieving for the loss of Jose Gabriel "Gjay" Dela Rosa.

I guess, everyone is curious as to who is gjay to the family. Gjay has always been very lovable to all. He was a great son, a great bro to Alexa , a great grandson and nephew, a good classmate to his lasalle peers, smart and athletic kid, Just like his ate alexa, everyone enjoyed the time spent with him. He was very competitive in nature and always vying to be number one in academics especially math and sports. He enjoyed playing his video games, tv games, pictionary, his scooter, his bike and enjoys racing. He was set to take up soccer lessons upon the family's return with the promise of psp from the parents. He is also fond of making surprises and always invites everyone to play. Whenever he sees his uncles and aunts, cousins and classmates. He would always remark "let's play" to them.

Andso, for the family, those who knows Gjay, everyone that's aware of this tragedy. It will take awhile before we get over this incident. And while trying we are overcoming this, we are still praying for the fast recovery of Gjay's dad, Jose Ricardo.

Both tragedy are unimaginable and unbearable. However, with the
outpouring of support and symphathy from families, relatives, friends, doctors and staff at huntington memorial. And, to all the good samaritans who helped our family on the site when the tragedy happened. And to everyone continuously praying and supporting us. Let us say THANK YOU. We will get thru this phase in our life. I can say that we did not lose our precious Gjay as he earned his pass to paradise and GODS kingdom. And, what's interesting about all this Is that weve gained more family members with the many people willing to help and those sharing our grief.

What we can say is that Let this tragedy be an example to all especially those with kids and love ones to cherish and maximize their time spent in their lifetime. Let us be reminded that We are all living in borrowed time and don't know what will happen in the future as only GOD knows. Also, let us all reconnect with our family it is not enough that we know them. Let us truely and deeply love them as God has always loved us.

And for Gjay, he actually pulled another surprise to us all. He had beaten us to the top and he finished ahead of everyone in this race of life.. We know that he is now in paradise where everything is just perfect. Very fitting for a great kid.

I just would like to say GJay, I will see you in the next race. Call
out to us anytime and LET'S PLAY!

Special Appreciation

The Family would like to thank:

Cecilio Family, Mam, Tita Che, Tita Moonie, Tita Jojo,
Tita Lilia Reyes and Family, Tito Larry, Tita Ludette, Lolit and Liza and everyone.

Navarro Family, Tita Mad, Allan, Cromwell, Christina, Charmaine & Spouses, and everyone.

Guevara Family, The Singsons (Tita Rem and Tito Johnny, Tina & Alain, Dennis and Annette Family, Raymond and Mel Family, Edward and Mona Family and everyone

Huntington Hospital Family especially Jose Gabriel's Doctors and Nurses, Jose Ricardo's Doctors and Nurses, Tita Connie and everyone else in the Hospital. St Andrews Church Family and organizers, Cabot and Sons Family

Jack Huang and Leslie Nicassio and family. To all staff from Villa Sorriso and group of companies. Residents of Pasadena City. Southwest Orlando Medicine in Florida, Officemates of my Bestfriend Shirley Barreto. Convergyrs Commonwealth,
Taskforce Rangers US Airsoft group

Manila: Dela Rosa- Navarro Family, Tita Noellie Teodosio and Family, Guevara clan especially Ginny Berroya and Family, Ging Guevara Family, Joey Radovan and Family, Tito Jun and Family, Guevara Clan Family, Navarro’s Family and Lasalle community especially Gjay's Class, Dela Rosa-Tantoco Family, Yamat Family, Joey Ramos and Family, CBRE Manila and everyone saying prayers and everyone praying for Angel Gabriel (+) and Jose Ricardo and Carmichelle and Alexa and the Family.

Memorial and Necrological Sevice

Please join us in Prayers for our Angel:

Jose Gabriel N. Dela Rosa (+)
September 05 2000 - April 07 2008

St. Andrews Church
311 North Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, California 91103

April 15 2008
07:30PM Mass Offering
Attendees are requested to come in WHITE attire.

Son to Jose Ricardo Dela Rosa & Carmichelle Navarro
Brother to Alexa Marie Navarro Dela Rosa
Loving Grandson, Nephew and Cousin, Classmate to LSGH.

Farewell Message To Gjay from Tita Noellie

Gjay, Im sorry… I sorry I wasn’t able to say goodbye. When your Mom called I didn’t have the guts to tell you to let go and be free from all the pain and suffering you were in. I believed that you could make it and I wasn’t ready to let you go. Your untimely death struck me hard and I still cant imagine not being with you and not playing with you. You were supposed to be my ring bearer when I do get married. You were supposed to teach me how to play chess.

I apologize for being selfish, I was only thinking of myself of how I will utterly miss you. I was selfish to think that we could still be with you and continue to play with you. I didn’t realize that God has different plans for you, he wants you to be a full time Angel, watching over everybody. I guess you are going to be very busy, you are our Angel Gabriel 24/7 watching over your Mom, Dad, Ate Alex, Lolas, Lolos, Titos, Titas, Ninongs and Ninangs, cousins, relatives, friends and your Yaya Jessa and Yaya Benny.

I am honored to have been a witness to your parents love for each other that gave you life and I am greatly honored to be called by you and Ate Alex as your Tita Noellie. You have been and forever will be loved by Tita Noellie.

Now I can talk to you anytime and I don’t have to wait to see you on weekends, when we meet at Lolens house to have lunch because I know you will always be beside us, watching over us. Yes, maybe I wont be able to play with you but I know that Papa Jesus is now your playmate and we cant imagine any other perfect playmate for our dear Gjay.

This morning, when I was driving myself to work, I thought about you and I felt a light breeze which was a relief as its really hot. Thank you for visiting me Gjay. I will always love and remember you.

Tita Noellie

Appreciation for prayers and support!!!

Dear All,

The family wishes to thank all those who continue to say a prayer for Gjay, Jose Ricardo and the family during this trying times. likewise, we would like to extend our appreciation for those who had contributed to the Jose Gabriel Dela Rose Foundation either through the Comerica Bank for the US, BDO account for the Philippines and online Paypal transaction.

Likewise, we would like to thank the Dela Rosa - Navarro Family, Guevara Clan especially the singsons and everyone else, the attending physicians and nurses from Huntington Hospital who attended to Jose Gabriel (+) and Jose Ricardo during their most trying moments.

We are just overwhelmed with the support given by both family members, friends and most especially the many unknown readers and supporters who had shared with us the pain of losing our beloved Gjay. May we keep on praying for Angel Gabriel and the speedy recovery of Jose Ricardo.

God Bless To All.

Dela Rosa/ Navarro Family

Prayer for Jose Ricardo!!!

Dear All,

This is a continued prayer request for the successful operation and full/ fast recovery of my brother, Jose Ricardo Dela Rosa who shall have another one of a series of operation by tomorrow. May he be on the way to ful recovery soon and get his right leg back into full use.

Many thanks for the prayers.

Raffy D
Dela Rosa/ Navarro Family

Our Precious Gjay!!!

Our family is still stunned with the news of gjay's passing. Just a week ago, we were all together for a family gathering. Then, a week after. He is gone.

This is really the first time that a death of a family has affected me so muucham we all had experiences of a family member passing like our grandparents, parents (my dad actually) and other relatives passing.

However, my nephew's passing had the most effect. After lots of tears from knowing gjays gone. I am still shaking up until day. I can't just imagine the feeling and my brother jose ricardo and chi and niece alexa is going thru.

I guess part of the reason for having felt like this as compared before is the idea gjay is just 7 years old. Everyone from his family like parents, sister, grandparents, aunties and uncle like me has a lot of plans for the future for both alexa and gjay. we all had planned future gatherings and events that suitable for the kids like outings, parties and reunions etc.

All of a sudden now, we have one less kid to think of and share happy moments with. Ofcourse we will still have those moments with our precious alexa as well but it would have been better seeing the siblings having their fun and teasing moments. In as much as, we want to tell ourselves that we will be ok and get through this. Fact is, it won't be ok and it won't be the same. We will just have to deal with it day by day and have that understanding for GOD for doing such a thing.

Definitely for now, we will cherish each moment we have with our family members and would suggest the same to all. Such is the mystery of life that we are uncertain of the things to come our way.

"May GOD continue to give us light in our darkest moment. That we may not lose our grip and hope on this light. Amen!!!

Gjay's Message

Hi daddy! Hi mommy! Hi ate! Hello lolo, lola, tito, tita, cousin, teachers, classmates and playmates.I see you all. I want to kiss you, hug you and surprised that I can't do so. Don't worry about me and I am ok. I am with someone who told me his name is Papa Jesus. Not sure what happened as I recall we were all walking and excited upon arriving in the US. We all talked about going to disneyland, universal studio and going to theme parks. I am excited with all but most especially seeing spiderman," Cars ", and transformers where I have toy collections. But then, there was a commotion and don't know what happened. All I know is that I saw Papa Jesus who told me we had to play someplace. He showed it to me and it was the most wonderful place. Its all bright and fun. Then, I saw our other family like lolo, lola and cousins, family and friends and cali our dog. Don't worry everyone and I am okay. I have many family, friends, cousins, classmate and playmates here. This is really wonderful place. I will see you all again soon. Bye and I will play for the meantime. I will race you. Btw, did I mention that they gave me a new name just like all the kids I see here.

I LOVE YOU ALL

GJAY DELA ROSA
"ANGEL GABRIEL"

Residents join forces to help injured boy

Staff and wire reports

Article Launched: 04/07/2008 01:42:50 PM PDT

PASADENA - An outpouring of sympathy from Pasadena residents has prompted the establishment of a fund to help a 7-year-old Filipino boy critically injured by a car in Old Pasadena, authorities said Monday.

"We had so many people from the community calling and asking how they can help," said Andrea Stradling of Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.

"Never before have we had this much response from people calling and wanting to send flowers or to help," she said.

The boy was struck shortly after he arrived in this country with his family, authorities said Monday.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. A Toyota Corolla caromed onto the sidewalk after colliding with a Nissan Altima at Colorado

Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue, said Lisa Derderian of the Pasadena Fire Department. Jose Gabriel Dela Rosa remained in critical condition Monday afternoon at Huntington Hospital, said Andrea Stradling of the medical facility.

His father also was hit by the car and remains hospitalized in fair condition.

The boy's mother suffered minor injuries in the accident, as did two people riding in the Altima, authorities said.

Jose and his parents were visiting Southland relatives from their home in the Philippines, and had arrived in this country a short time before the accident, said Janet Pope Givens of the Pasadena Police Department.

Givens said the Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Team was continuing its probe of the crash, and would submit its

---

report, when completed, to the district attorney's and city prosecutor's offices.

Anyone wishing to assist the family may send donations to the Jose Gabriel Dela Rosa Fund, c/o Comerica Bank, 35 N. Lake Ave., Suite 120, Pasadena, Ca. 91101.

Potential donors also may phone bank representative Yong M. Wong, (626) 356-0549

Good Bye GJay and See You Soon

Friends and Relatives, please pray for our little Angel Jose Gabriel Dela Rosa . For He is now in heaven with our God Almighty.

Mesasge from your LaSalle Family

Hi GJay,

This is Vince a good friend of your Uncle Raffy. I heard from your uncle that you are an incoming 2nd Grade at LSGH . Below is the message from Brother President Armin Luistro FSC. De La Salle Philippines:

Dearest GJay and the De La Rosa Family: (date April 7, 2008)

Today is the Feast Day of St. John Baptist de la Salle. I found out about the tragic accident that happened to you during your first trip to the US through an alumnus, Vince Yamat, a good friend of your uncle.

In a special way, I wish to assure you of the prayers of the Lasallian Family in the Philippines and our pledge of support for you and your family's intentions. I will disseminate to as many Lasallians the appeal for prayers and loving support for you at this critical time. I do hope to connect with your family at some later stage but in the meanwhile, let me assure you that we will continue to walk with you during this difficult journey ahead.

One with you in the journey,

Br. Armin Luistro FSC
President, De La Salle Philippines

Your fellow Lasallians in Greenhills c/o Brother President Felipe Belleza FSC , your La Salle Green Hills Alumni Association, the Lasallian Community in Northern California c/o Tom Consunji (DLS NoCal) and Southern California c/o Denny Cagampan III (DLS SoCal) is currently praying for you and your family..

Photo Video

Message for Jose Ricardo "Peewee" Dela Rosa

Dearest Kuya Peewee;

For a guy who is as big as you, you are not afraid to give kisses on the cheeks as greetings, everytime the family gets together. I’ve always wondered why your name got to be Peewee when your real name is Jose Ricardo. The next time I see you, I will ask you.

You are my Raffys big brother, and my Kuya… You are the guy who fixes things at the house, gets the appliances running. You and your little brother Raffy still need to play darts at the garage of your new house, remember the lights you installed!!! You got me introduced to your hair stylist J. By the way, I cant imagine how you like the uni sushi, its so sticky… during the Puerto Galera trip with the Navarro/Dela Rosa family.

Please get well soon!!! We are cheering on for you and Gjay… We love you both and for us that are here in Manila, remember that you and Gjay are in our prayers constantly. Lots of Love, Noellie

Message from Tita Noellie

My dearest Gjay,

I miss you so much!!!… I miss our laughs… our jokes… remember our games with Ate Alex and Lucy at the J. Basa house? We used to pretend we were waiters taking everybody’s orders. Ate Alex would ask for burger and we would toss the buns and cook the burger.. Remember Lucy ordering thru our take out counter??

You have always been a very strong and determined boy… You were outnumbered before by 2 Ate’s (Alex & Lucy)… Sometimes the games were for girls and they would’nt let you play, you would cry and complain to your Mommy and Daddy, who will scold them, then they’ll ask you to play with them. You are sometimes makulit but oftentimes very sweet and ready to give a hug. When you were younger you will not hesitate to give everybody a kiss, you were the one who would come after us, but as you got older, more grown-up, you were already shy to be seen giving kisses.

I forgot how old you were at the first dance recital of Ate Alex at Greenhills, I remember me and Tito Appy joining you, your parents and Ninong Chicco, we were all applauding Ate Alex. Early in the afternoon Tito Ap and I went around the Mall and I bought this pretty necklace which I wore during the dance recital. During the grand finale, you were sitting on my lap then you grabbed my new necklace and broke it. You gave us this funny little smile that both me and Tito Ap loved, it was a look of innocence with a mix of ooppss sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves, we just laughed.. Your smile was priceless!

Last week, I asked you, “Gjay, how come everytime I see you you’ve lost a tooth?” Tas you closed your mouth and smiled. I shall have happy thoughts of you, siyempre si Tita Noellie ang palagi nyong kalaro. In my family I am the eldest, I am The Ate, with the Dela Rosa family, I have 3 Ate’s and 2 Kuya’s with nephews and nieces. The best times are spent playing with you, Ate Alex and Jakey!!!

We continue to pray that you will come back to us…..I promise to show you Tito Appys secret to the coin trick!!! I will forever love you! Love, Tita Noellie

Message from Ma

I LOVE YOU GJAY

From Auntie Nicole "Ma" Buenaventura

Jose Gabriel Dela Rosa and Family Foundation Donation Vehicle

US Foundation for G Jay Dela Rosa and Family Foundation

G Jay Dela Rosa Foundation

Banking Info for Donations:
Comerica Bank
Bank Manager – Yong Wong
35 North Lake Avenue, Suite 120
Pasadena, CA 91101
O: 626.356.0549
F: 626.793.3577
E: ymwong@comerica.com

Temporary donation vehicle until Local foundation for the philippines has been set up.

Philippine Account
BDO
SA Account: 40547418
Temp Account Name: Jose Rafael G. Dela Rosa

Contact person:

Noellie Teodosio (Dela Rosa Family) - 0922.241.8925
Ma. Nicole Navarro Buenaventura (Navarro Family) - 0917.541.5527

please inform us them for any planned donation for registration and acknowledgement

Many thanks and Godbless

GJay and Peewee

Request for Prayer

We are now in a very challenging moment in our family’s time. May we request everyone to say a prayer for my nephew, Jose Gabriel “GJAY” N. Dela Rosa as he goes through a very critical phase.

I will see you again little boy and we shall go on playing again. We can play chess if and whenever you want. We can go up at my room anytime you please. Hold on and Wait for me as I should be there to see everyone shortly . We all love you!!!

Planning for the first US trip

Here’s the story leading to my brother’s family supposed vacation time in the states. The couple had long planned on having a trip outside of the Philippines for the longest time. This is after they gone to various places here in the country such as Baguio, Bohol, Boracay, Puerto Galera and their favorite out of town Place Lolo’s farm in Bulacan.

The scheduled US trip had been decided since December of 2007 as a surprise summer gift to the kids namely Alexa Marie and Gjay. It was also agreed that no announcement will be made for this trip to the kids. And if ever they asked about summer plans, it was going to be the usual Baguio or beach holiday. A months/ days pass by leading to the month of April. The parents had decided on a April 3 2008 Manila flight out to LA, California so tickets had been arranged and secured.

Unknown to the kids, the trip had been finalized and it was just a matter of time. Coincidentally, for the month of March. The eldest had Graduated from Grade 6 and had their graduation event at Lasalle Greenhills where she participated in a song and dance program. Other than Peewee and chichi with Gjay and Yaya. Regular faces like Uncle Chicco, Uncle Raffy and Lolo Chicho attended Alexa’s event. Likewise, Gjay had just finished his first grade school so this trip was a very exciting graduation gift for both. After Alex’s program, Lolo Chicho had hosted a sumptuous dinner meal to celebrate both kids graduation.

As week passed and on the last Sunday prior to departure, the Dela Rosa side (Uncle Raffy, Tita Tes and LoLen) hosted lunch for the family at the Dela Rosa residence in Quezon City. Everyone enjoyed a good lunch then off to watching a repeat of Gjay’s favorite Spiderman. After which, Gjay pleaded to everyone to play a game of pictionary with 3 teams playing namely (Peewee and Gjay, ChiChi and Alexa, Uncle Raf and Tita Noellie) playing. The game started okay with the Father and son leading, then Mother and daughter catching up, the last team was Uncle and tita. You’d be surprised that at a young age, Gjay can draw very well. Infact, a lot better than uncle raffy. He was able to draw the figure of earth which had a very good resemblance though the dad was not able to read it well. At the end of the game, the team of father and son won against the rest. But, the game wasn’t over as gjay wanted to play more. But this time, it was the boys against the girls on a chrade game with winner racing to 10 wins. The Dice went off to decide who goes first which lead to the girls starting and they got 5 wins. The boys turn with Peewee leading, Uncle next and third was Gjay. Now, the boys didn’t leave any room for error and each danced/ strode, dropped to their knees to describe the actions. Thus, we eventually picked up 9 straight wins and needed one more to finish the game. Last to act out was Gjay so it was unpredictable as who knows how else can he describe something that the adults will pick up. He picked up the card and acted it out. A few seconds, Iblurted out Kick/ Kicking which was the right word and then the boys were all jumping for joy and high fives flying. And thanks to little boy gjay for having a good act to win us through. It was then getting late and time to the family to head off. The goodbyes were made for the last time as the family will be off by the coming Wednesday. As days passed and heading to their departure. Final messages of well wishes was made at the morning of April 3 2008 (Wednesday) as flight was at 1pm.

Little did we know that what would welcome this loving family would be a tragic faith. Just after they had arrived in LAX by 730am Friday April 5 2008 where my cousin dennis picked them up. Dennis, sms me asking how many luggages do they have and not having any idea advise him to text them. Shortly thereafter, Dennis said that he had met them already and the family was excited on arriving in the states. Likewise, dennis kidded that the family said that they had missed me already. Little did I know that what would unfold would be very tragic.

At that time, my work was full of meetings which started by 8am till 10am. Unknown, to me everyone was sms me by 930am and it was only until as urgent not slipped through our meeting that I got a message of urgency from my cousin in law stating a very urgent message. Stepping out to call her on the phone, I was stunned to hear about that an accident had hit Peewee and Gjay. I was then uneasy and kept calling cousins dennis and jun who was with them. Talking to Dennis gave me the creeps as he had been crying heavily and that my brother Peewee and Gjay was in a very critical condition due to a two vehiclet car accident. What had unfold thereafter was still full of uncertainty even up to this day.

Had I and everyone in the family known this would happen. We would all have cherished the last time we saw them like on that fun last Sunday that everyone was having a good laugh and acting. How can we go back and play pictionary, how can we play scooter and riding bikes? How is Peewee’s and Gjay’s future now? Ho do you put that innocent smile to this kid and tell him to have fun with the world knowing it’s not the same. That, he would not be able to plays cops and robbers with schoolmates, play hide and seek with playmates, play piggy or horse backriding.

Guess, no one can ever tell this family that thing will be ok because it wont be the same. All in the family is just hoping that there’s indeed positive to all this. But, with all prayers and support from everyone. We will have to move on and accept this event in our life. This just really tells us how to value life, the people around us as we are very uncertain of things to come.

May Godbless you all and give us the strenght and courage to move on. May he give Peewee and Gjay the healing they need and love that everyone has for them. That they may overcome this and move o with life with the same smile, outlook and love they had prior to this event.

Some Media Coverage

Below are some links to news coverage of the tragic accident..

KNBC-Los Angeles
Topix News
Pasadena News

Please continue to pray for the family..