Family says Farolan wake to be simple, private

MANILA, Philippines — The wake and inurnment of former Philippine Air Force (PAF) commanding general retired Maj. Gen. Ramon Farolan will be simple, private and solemn.

His family asked for understanding as it announced yesterday that there would be “no wake schedule, no public service announcements, no sirens, no full military honor guard, no speeches and no large public gatherings, to commemorate his passing.”

Farolan, a former STAR columnist, had asked his wife, children and other members of the family before his death on Wednesday that he be given a quiet and private wake and burial and his family “would like to honor our Dad’s wishes.”

“He wished to have his remains cremated, his ashes kept with the family until (his children) Miggy and Leslie return from Chicago,” a statement read.

“He wished to have family and close friends celebrate his return to our Lord at a simple Cremation Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday June 3 at Sanctuarium along Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Canadian American Education Foundation Scholarship Fund. Contact Lecile at +63 930 796 7004,” it also read.

The family said Farolan, who passed away at the age of 88, also wished for a singular Inurnment Mass on June 12 at 10 a.m. at the Mt. Carmel Church in Broadway, New Manila.

“His urn will be placed in the crypt, below the main church, next to his aunt and foster mother, Lola Baguio, Cristeta Farolan Nivera,” the statement read as it pointed out that “June 12 is his father Lolo Modesto Farolan’s 123rd birthday and the Philippines’ Independence Day, a most meaningful day for our dearest Dad.”

The PAF, in a statement released Thursday, said the Philippine Air Force deeply mourns the loss of its former commanding general.

“With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a distinguished leader who dedicated his life to serving our country,” the statement read, saluting the retired ranking military official for his “exceptional commitment and competence throughout his career.”

PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said Farolan, during his stint in 1986, led the Air Force in the implementation of “return to basics” and encouraged personnel to repay a thousand-fold the trust and confidence of the people in the military.

“In this period of mourning, we, the men and women of the PAF, join his loved ones in their profound grief. We remember Maj. Gen. Ramon Farolan as a remarkable individual who made significant contributions throughout his life and displayed unwavering passion for serving our nation. May he rest in peace, and may his legacy inspire generations to come.”