Dr. Manuel O. Mangaoang's Obituary
Doctor Manuel Ordona Mangaoang was born on Saturday, November 1, 1930 in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. He was a selfless, faithful, and devoted husband. To his child, he was the most affectionate and sincerest father a girl could ever want and ask for. To his grandchildren, he was a true role model, a figure of strength, and a hero. Manuel was a very peaceful person. Dignity, Respect, and Self-Value were merely just very few of endless traits and characteristics, which he proudly displayed and bestowed upon others to follow by. Always a dear friend to all, Manuel was a firm believer in living a quarrel free life, loving all whom were within his presence and forgiving to even the most undeserving of enemies. A lover for the simplicities in life and with endless wisdom that spanned far beyond his years, he made it paramount to ensure that those near him were aware of his helping and extremely necessary blessed words of advice, no matter how important or fickle the time and situation deemed. Manuel started his career with an Internship and Residency at Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Then, in 1958 he married Eufrocina Nazareno in Weirton, West Virginia. In 1960 the couple moved to Chicago, Illinois where their child, Eloise was born. From 1961-1974 the family resided in Naic, Cavite where Manuel continued to practice medicine. Later, he traveled and continued his medical profession in Indiana, Mississippi, and California. He helped many people within his 40 years of practice and retired in 1995. Retiring was not the end of work for Manuel. He continued to be active in his community and at home. He always made time for his grandchildren and taught them many lessons. To them, he was Papa. Papa made sure to instill the importance of family and quality time to his grandchildren. They made countless fond memories in this very city and continue his traditions till this day. From Seaport Village to Balboa Park, San Diego will always have a very special place in our hearts, solely because of Papa. Aside from his huge success within the medical field, Manuel was renowned for his unparalleled talents on the piano and true passion for the Arts and Cinema. The life of the party, he enjoyed playing timeless classical pieces on the piano from his favorite composers. From Mozart and Tchaikovsky, to Beethoven and Chopin; he never played a note without purpose, nor a tune without a smile, and always played full heartedly with a strong empowering desire. At times with even little to say, his music, possessing such true meaning and great value, often spoke for himself. Now, as we’ve been gathered here today, we are to celebrate the life that is Manuel Ordona Mangaoang. Rather than wearing black and mourning, he would want us all to be smiling, laughing not crying, and in an endless exchange of stories that reflect everything he stood for. Manuel knew that he would be sorely missed, and that he too would miss us all in return equally. Rest assured, he has rejoined his mother, father, sisters and brother in paradise. For he knew that they have been waiting for each other to welcome the long awaited, missing piece that is his family. As he quoted some time before from his joy of the silver screen, “The show must go on” and he could not be anymore correct. We will see him again, for this is not “Good Bye”, nor is it “farewell.” This is “Until we meet again”, and when we do, he will make it so, to be there for us, and greet us all when he finds out we’re in his presence once again.
What’s your fondest memory of Manuel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Manuel?
Share a story where Manuel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Manuel you’ll never forget.
How did Manuel make you smile?