"Sana scam," we prayed hard when we received FB posts about Portia.
Many of you are aware of scams that are sent by email or FB that write about the need for help and money to be sent to persons known to the recipient who supposedly met some accident or trouble while abroad. "Sana mali ang news," we kept repeating to ourselves at home.
Sadly, however, the confirmations came. "Yes, Ma'am Cherry, Her niece here in Georgia called up to inform us about her death in a motorcycle accident," Portia's close friend, Prof. Lilia Tio wrote. We could not contain our tears, unable to easily wipe out our disbelief that our ever-happy, ever bubbly Ms. Portia, as we often called her, while vacationing in Brazil, had been recalled by God to be reunited with Him forever.
We all had a blast when Ms. Portia last visited us in Japan with Ms. Lilia. They had such hilarious adventures here, every moment with them was full of laughter and joy!
I wrote Ms. Lilia back, "So so sad to have heard this tonight. I see her though smiling, forever embraced by God with His love and peace!"
"We were scheduled to meet in NY this sat onwards and fly back home together on Jan 9, "Ms. Lilia shared. " Our loss, heaven's gain," I wrote back.
In a post, Catherine Ruiz of Kaabag sa Sugbo wrote, "you are now one with the stars, Portia." The tribute to Ms. Portia continues. An FB page- Speak UP Iskolar posted the following:
"Life is a gift. While you still have it, use it to the utmost that you feel that will give meaning to what you are doing." - Miss Portia Dacalos
That FB post "enjoins the whole community of UP Cebu to offer their prayers for the eternal repose of our former Guidance Counselor and alumni, Miss Portia Dacalos. She recently died in a motor accident in Brazil. May you rest in peace, Miss Portia." The same FB page also wrote, "If you have memories with Miss Portia that you want to share to the UP Cebu community, kindly comment below or share this photo."
Daghang salamat, Miss Portia. " UP Cebu wouldn't be the same without you," wrote a UPIAN, a sentiment shared by so many others who were blessed to have met Ms. Portia in their lives.
We loved to tease Ms. Portia with the fond term, bayot, because she had a way about her that was uniquely hers, to express herself.
UP Cebu Prof. Doray Bucoy also shared this: "I am shocked hearing the news of the passing on of one of my dearest friends in UPCebu - Portia D. Dacalos. She leaves a void in our continuing campaign to end violence against women and advancing women's rights. I have fond memories of Portia as we journeyed together in our advocacy work for women empowerment. She was a true friend always lending her smile and encouragements. I will miss you my friend. Countless men and women will never forget your lively GSTs and how you passionately raised their consciousness about gender equality. You will be fondly remembered by my family. Goodbye. Till we meet again."
Ms. Nimfa Bracamonte shared, "I met her ray during d gender empowerment trainings. such a lively lady." Doray Bucoy responded, "Yes Nimfa full of life and zeal. Her happy disposition gives warmth and joy to friends." For sure, Ms. Portia is now sharing that life, zeal and happy, warm disposition with God up above.
Ms. Portia, as you always wanted all of us to be happy when you were with us, may you now rest in peace, smiling and enjoying God's eternal embrace and love. May God's comfort and peace also be with your family and loved ones.
Thank you, our dear Ms. Portia. Missing you so much already!