Moments with Liezl

MANILA, Philippines - It was Jan. 6, 1968…Three Kings. Nena (Amalia Fuentes) invited me to their home to celebrate the holiday. I said yes right away as I wanted to see Liezl — “You better come, naku, she’s cuter now!!! Nena said. “Bobby will be here, too.”

Liezl was 10 months old (her birthday is March 27, 1967) then. Here are the pics:

… during the author’s homecoming from Canada two years ago…

Years later, we would be there attending her birthdays. Here is one pic with Susan Roces and daughter Grace. As you know, Susan is the ninang of Liezl.

At one time, too, I was with Nena when Liezl was doing her hula lessons.

… and (rightmost) with Liezl and mom Amalia Fuentes.

http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/other-sections/newsmakers/20150317/Hennan-Resort-2.jpg http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/other-sections/newsmakers/20150317/Yasushi-Okamoto-1.jpg

During the courtship days of Liezl and Albert, I happened to be in one of their “secret” dates at the Tavern. I could tell then that their romance was altar bound.

Liezl knew I was in L.A., so oftentimes she would tell me to give her regards to her Dad Bobby (Vasquez) and when Bobby sent her some medications and vitamins, she asked, “Please, please, Tita, thank Dad for me — tell him I miss him.” When Bobby was being offered to do a teleserye with Amalia and Susan for ABS, Liezl and I were closely in contact. Both of us were hoping Bobby would say yes.

Two years ago in one of my visits, I bumped into Liezl at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at the show of Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera …How sweet of her to reach out — and even said, “Tita Babes, let’s have a pic for Facebook!” Her daughter took the shot.

Yes, we were good friends on Facebook, we talked privately through PM (private messaging) about anything and sorry — mostly off the record.

Liezl and playmate (now Sen.) Grace Poe-Llamanzares with Grace’s mom Susan Roces, Liezl’s ninang.

Before I left Manila last year, Liezl and I were texting. I had made a special request to her to ask Albert to meet some of my friends who wanted to see him in person. She did not forget and went out of her way to arrange Albert’s schedule.

We will all miss her — what a great person, a dear daughter, a loving wife, an ideal mom…SHE IS AN ANGEL!!!