Im the youngest child and only boy, Just because of that, I was blessed to learn so many things from my dad that only I can apply being the only son. Above everything, Pop taught me how to be the best possible father to my two boys and husband to my wife. He did this all by example. I know I am far from being the dad/husband he was but he has given me the foundation for it and if I can only be a fraction of the man he was then I know I will have succeeded.

The last 3 months before his passing were very difficult for me, because of the heightened quarantine restrictions I was not able to even physically see him, to make it worst for more than a year I was not able to physically hug him or be close to him because of the precautions being taken due to covid. We have always been a close family and kissing/hugging and being close to our parents were a very common thing. How I wish I could turn back time to pre covid days and still be with him “normally”.

My dad was a great man, he loved his family above all things and never put anything ahead of us. He constantly made sure we were always happy, even if it meant he had to go out of his way or inconvenience himself just to achieve our happiness. As children, we took this for granted and just thought we were living a perfect life, not knowing life was actually full of imperfections, and we were just so lucky to have a dad and mom continuously ensuring everything turned out perfect for us. To this day I cannot think of one thing I would change as a child growing up, I pray my kids can experience all the happiness I did growing up.

He was the life of the party, the hero during challenges, the carpenter when things needed to be fixed, the teacher when I needed to learn, the soldier when discipline was required, the mechanic when the car was broken, the plumber during leaks, weatherman during storms. He was a champion athlete in sports, the best storyteller, the most generous selfless person, the driver when you needed a ride, the star actor when making commercials, the great friend to all people, the loving son to his parents. Pop was a whiz in dominoes, poker and mahjong, he was the top performer at work, number one fan of La Salle, he was the best grandfather to his grand and great grand children. He was a comedian when you needed a laugh, the prankster when having fun. He was the most intelligent but at the same time most practical person you could meet, he was caring, prayerful and supportive. He was strong and firm yet the most gentle person you around. My dad was sweet and always ready to help, he was good looking just like me :) he was the boss when you needed guidance, he was the grocery man when you needed stocks, the pharmacist when you needed medicines, but most of all he was my dad whenever I needed my fathers love.

My dad loved my mom more than anything in this world, the same why she loved him. My dad was all things good and more, I would need forever to talk about him, because Im so proud to be his son. How I wish I could still get his daily minute phone calls just to check if everyone is alright. I miss him terribly and still find myself thinking about picking up the phone at around 515 in the afternoon to call him. But I know he is now in heaven with my mom, my brother and his parents, as well as all the other family members and friends who have gone ahead. He may no longer be here physically but his legacy lives on in each of us because he has taught us well thru his undying love. Thank you Pop for everything, there is not one thing you did that I am not thankful for, please give mom a hug and kiss for me. I love you forever.

From:Elsa Lava Mapua
ST SCHO KINDER B-1951; KINDER A 1952
St SCHO GR 1-7 ,1952-59; HS Year 1-4, l.1960-63; Coll 64-67! - A Scholastican from Kinder up to College!

During the Centenial year of St Scholastica( 100yrs)  Our St Scholastica’s Alumnae Foundation Inc. (SSAFI), which is our SSAFI Board decided to trace the Boys of Mother Gratia- these were the Boys who were in Kindergarten under Mother Gratia - and one of them was Juanito Munoz. We gave them mini St Scho plaques which showed their name. Some were able to share some stories of what they remembered being under Moth’ Gratia OSB! They were so excited to receive their mini Plaques.
Fast forward: I was able to attend One of the days of the prayers for Juanito who passed away and I was so Happy to Hear the stories/ memories about Juanito- a loving and caring father, a Faithful husband( who married Lulu Lozano- a Scholastican) . Some said he had a terrific sense of humor - all were positive traits. While listening to all the comments,
What came to my mind was - “MOTHER GRATIA TAUGHT YOU WELL, Juanito!” - you married Lulu Lozano who was a Scholastican, and you sent all your daughters to St Scholastica for their elementary and high school education!
Juanito probably wrote in his application form when he applied for a Job in IBM that he studied Kinder in St Scho and studied later in La Salle/ so he made it a point to marry a Scholastican, send their daughters to St Scho and Their sons to La Salle! And he was immediately given the job! - this man will be loyal to our company! 

Farewell Juanito- you will be united with Lulu! And Mother Gratia Truly “Mother Gratia has taught you well!”
- Elsa and Obi Mapua
◦

I was sad when I learned about his passing.

Anna was my batchmate since pre-school, a friend for 47 years with a few years gap when the Muñoz family relocated to Indonesia to join Tito Johnny.

I have seen Tito Johnny & Tita Lulu twice after our high school graduation,
although Anna and I went to
same school in college. It was in 2010 during the 25th wedding anniverary of Anna & Wash and again in 2015 during Pope Benedict's Papal Visit to Manila. I asked for a photo op with Tito Johnny and Tita Lulu before we called it a day .i didnt miss that chance to have a picture taken with you and your family. I guess the "connection" was always there. It always felt good to see them.

I told my family stories about the Muñoz family - very humble, good natured and warm individuals. I always felt at home and welcome in their home in Consuelo St Singalong. Of course I also enjoyed their home cooked food and yummy desserts. I remember they always had food to share for unexpected guests like me.

Anna & I have been through good times and bad...She has been a true friend - someone who really values friendship - a good trait she got from you as well as from Tita Lulu.

Goodbye for now Tito Johnny until we meet again. Hugs to Tita Lulu. You will be missed but Anna and your children will be a constant reminder of YOU.

Jay Lara-Suria

Hello. I am Mari, the eldest of Juanito/Johnny and Lulu’s brood. First off, thanks to everyone who joined us today and the past days for this mass.  I’d like to say with certainty that Pop is probably smiling from heaven above and telling Mom , "See Honey, so many people liked me!"  That was him. Always confident , sometimes bordering on yabang but hey, he earned it.  Please excuse me if I include Mom in this eulogy for Pop. I can’t think of one without the other. I’m sure Pop won’t mind.
Pop and Mom were the dynamic duo in our household.  Our house was very near St. Scho where my 3 sisters and I studied so having friends over was normal if not encouraged by my parents. I never realized, until much later on and after some of those friends confessed to me, how much they enjoyed being in my house because of my parents. They felt safe, peace and love in the household, something I obviously took for granted because it was the norm for us. Perhaps some of them were not as blessed as we were and I do hope they took some of that love with them when they raised their own families.  That’s how a home should be. A safe, loving haven for children, so that they too, grow up to provide the same atmosphere for their families. I was very fortunate that my children, Inaki and Miren, also experienced growing up in Singalong because I don’t know if I would have been able to do it alone.  
But it doesn’t end there. Pop and Mom, the dynamic duo, also made sure that we were ready to face the real world. Pop taught us self-confidence, Mom taught us kindness. What a great combination. The true legacy of parenthood shines when parents pass on a loving and affirming one, where children are able to be responsibly independent even after they’re gone.  Johnny and Lulu shone brighter than the sun here and I couldn’t have asked for better parents. So Pop, Mom, don’t worry about us. The love will continue. We will be ok.

I joined IBM as Johnny was about to retire, but I got to know him better after he retired as he led the Retirees in bowling and in the Quarter Century Club. He was always pleasant and fun to talk to - and when it came to representing the retirees, his compassion and concern for them was always manifest. He will be missed but I am sure that he is up there in heaven spreading good cheer!

I will always remember Mr. Munoz as the very first source of encouragement and empowerment when I was just starting out in life as a young adult - not just as a professional but also as someone shaping my personal dreams. 

I met Mr. JAM – as we fondly called him – in 1994. He was my boss at an executive search company. He later on formed his own executive search firm together with Wency Malabanan and Sony Fajardo – and no one was surprised that I of course followed him in that new company. I was very young then, just a few years out of uni and was tremendously enjoying the company of my bosses who all came from IBM. Mr. JAM in particular had a huge influence in my life – in my career choices and even in my choice of man to marry.

You see, I was a young and unambitious and was just happily doing my job. I could have stayed in one job for years and years and be content. But Mr. JAM actually encouraged me to do more. A natural salesman, he actually sold me the idea that I was good enough. He never did any sales talk – he did something more powerful… he empowered me every day to just do things a little better each time. And he showed the way. His energy was so infectious that it was so embarrassing to show up to work not excited about a new account or a new business or a great talent in the market.

So wherever I am today, he had a big hand. He was the first person who truly believed in me and what I could do – anyone in this call who was ever young, and experienced starting out in life would know how important it is to have some one who truly believed in you.

Of course, Mr. JAM did not just stop there. He gave me a role model of how a great husband and father could look like. He was Ninong at my wedding. My husband Bobot is a truly great man – but I don’t think I could have recognized Bobot’s greatness right away if I did not see how Mr. JAM was a great husband to Mrs. Munoz and a great father to my boss in IBM, Anna. Yes, I eventually joined IBM too because of Mr. JAM - and I resigned after 5 years so that my husband Bobot could then also join IBM and experience directly what Mr. JAM and I would always describe as a great place to be.

Even in his death, Mr. JAM continued to be a blessing to Bobot and me There’s been so much inspiration hearing stories about him every day at 6pm. Thank you Anna, to you and your entire family for allowing me and many others to join and share this experience. Bobot and I will continue to pray for you all, and for eternal rest for Mr and Mrs JAM. God bless you all.
(Anna - I posted a photo of me and Mr JAM during the last time I met him at Via Mare during one of my trips back home to Manila in December 2017 I think. Thank so much to you for helping make that meet-up happen.)

I met Mr. Munoz when I joined REC where he was my Boss. As my immediate superior, Mr. Munoz was a great leader. He never failed to inspire us with his attitude not only towards work but also with living a full life. He cared for us and listened freely to our thoughts and ideas without judgement. There was never a dull moment with him. He always cracked jokes and never run out of funny stories, too.He was always a ray of sunshine, bringing happiness wherever he went. When he retired at REC, we would still see each other to celebrate our birthdays. He was a warm presence, bringing joyous memories shared not only in the workplace but also with my kids, Paolo and Therese, both of whom were very fond of him and would always ask how he was. He and Lulu would invite us whenever there was a celebration in their family. I'm honored to be one of JAM's angels. I will surely miss everything about him, his stories, his presence, his outlook on life. His memories will live forever in my heart. Thank you, Pop for all the happiness and fun memories. I will always keep you tucked safely in my heart. I love you.

Lolo was a very fun person to be with and I will never forget all the fun memories I shared with him especially during the almost daily game of dominos.He was also very much a joker and he would always send me to drop a metal pan in the middle of a party to shock everyone.I will always miss him and I hope he does well in heaven and says hello to lola for me.

Lolo Juanito is my Nanay's (Lola Vic's) first cousin, which makes my Mama (Marivic Villarin) second cousins with Titas Mari, Anna, Marita, Maite and Tito JB.

My Mama was very fond of Lolo Juanito and Lola Lulu. She would occasionally check up on them, see how they were doing, send them her "kumusta" once in a while. In 2019, Mama was the hermana for the Catbaloganon (Feast of San Bartolome, Catbalogan's Patron Saint) in Manila. She was having health issues then and was in and out of the hospital. Lolo Juanito and Lola Lulu always prayed for her and even called her up (via landline) in her hospital room to give her words of encouragement. Lolo Juanito even insisted on attending a Catbaloganon novena mass in support of my Mama.

Whenever I see Lolo Juanito during a Muñoz event or big family gatherings, he would never forget to make a teasing remark about how I went to the "other" school and not La Salle. It became a running joke, even more so when my brother became a La Sallite. Lolo Juanito would refer to him as the "smarter" one and I wouldn't hear the end of it. It was endearing because even if we rarely saw each other, we had something light to bond about.

I'm sure Mama is happy to see you, Lolo Juanito. Please give her a hug for me. We are praying for you and may your soul rest in peace.

TRIBUTE TO
JUAN ANTONIO NEWMAN-MUNOZ

(By: Son-in-law Washington A. Roqueza)

This article serves as my tribute to Juan Antonio Newman-Munoz (Johnny) – my father-in-law who passed away last May 13, 2021. He finally joined my mother-in-law Lourdes Lozano-Munoz (Lulu) who went ahead in 2019 as well as his son Juan Martin.
Each section of the article refers to a word or a phrase that would remind me of Pop Munoz. An actual situation is then written to support the description of Pop. Each section ends with the personal lessons that I learned from that situation.


1 – CORPORATE MAN

- I finally met this person who was known as the Super Salesman of IBM. This was when I started to see Anna early 1980s.
- As a first generation IBMer, one of Pop’s wishes was for his daughter to likewise join him at IBM.
- Unfortunately, right after college graduation, Anna couldn’t join IBM because there were no job openings at that time. Anna ended up as a Management Trainee for an insurance company.
- Anna had already settled down with her job at the insurance company – when a few months later, IBM called and informed her that they now had some job openings.
- When Pop found out that there now job openings at IBM, he highly encouraged Anna to transfer and join IBM. But Anna was hesitant to leave her work with the insurance company.
- I tried to help. This was the first time that I teamed up with Pop. I joined one of the Singalong dinners – and I brought along with me ... the financial statements of both IBM and the insurance company. Right after dinner, I presented to Anna – a comparative financial analysis of the 2 companies as well as industry forecasts for both Technology and the Insurance business.
- I actually didn’t notice that Pop (who was seated on the other side of the dinner table) ... was listening intently to my discussion.
- After Pop’s continued persistence, Anna finally decided - to move to IBM.
- I didn’t realize that my discussion with Anna had an impact on Pop. I was surprised when he openly announced during one of the gatherings of the IBM Retirees – that it was not him ... but me – who convinced Anna to join IBM.

Lessons Learned:
- I actually underestimated Pop. I didn’t expect that he would understand the comparative financial analysis and business forecasts of the 2 companies that I discussed with Anna.
- Pop was actually an intelligent person – who could understand in layman’s terms … any complex messages that you would want to convey.



2 – FAMILY AND HOUSE RULES
- The first time that I came across house rules – was when I took Anna for our first date. This was a Saturday dinner date.
- The entire clan (Munoz-Lozano-Razon-Panopio families) was in the Singalong house – when I picked up Anna for dinner at 6 pm.
- I was a bit intimated – facing a sea of fair-skinned people
- I promised everyone that I would bring Anna home right after dinner … before midnight
- Then as we left the room – I heard Tito Poch Lozano tell everyone – “let us all synchronize our watches”
- This was probably the fastest time (in seconds) - that I moved from the Singalong sala area … out of the house gate ... and to Consuelo Street
- Actually, it was Anna who didn’t want me to bring her home immediately after dinner – because she felt that the others might think that the date didn’t go well
- In subsequent dates with Anna, our chaperone was her younger brother JB. I found out that JB likes to eat pizza … so that our dates ended up to be food trips between JB and me … and that Anna would just be a spectator.

Lessons Learned:
- Pop has his rules in the house … and you just need to align and follow them.

- When Pop says that we leave at 8 am … please make sure that you are ready by 7 am.

- Courting a Spanish lady requires getting into good graces with the entire family.

- You will need to develop strategies to get some family members on your side. Pizza meriendas with JB was one of them. But JB can be difficult – because he is very selective when it comes to food. I was just lucky.

- For Anna and me - Tito Poch eventually became of our closest Advisers when it came to family matters. 

- I have to be a bit careful with Tito Poch – because he is well connected and plays bridge with the wife of JAZA (Jaime Zobel de Ayala) and some of the high-flying members of Philippine society. The Ayalas and other conglomerates are high-valued audit clients of SGV.






3 – STREET SMART
- One time … the family went up to Baguio before the weekend. As we registered at Baguio Country Club that Friday, we were informed that there was no vacancy at the driver’s quarters because of an ongoing conference at the club that day.
- Pop immediately asked me and our driver Joe – to go with to the nearby Teacher’s Camp in order to look for a place for the driver to spend overnight.
- Teacher’s Camp said they were fully booked – because of a scheduled National Convention for Geologists at the site.
- Suddenly, Pop called the attention of their Office Admin – that they have must have missed the reservation of Jose Dionela (our driver) and demanded that they him a slot because Joe had travelled from Negros – to join the Geologists Convention.
- Teacher’s Camp had to scramble in order to get a bed that night for Joe.
- I don’t know how Pop did it – but driver Joe suddenly became a Geologist that Friday evening.

Lessons Learned:
- Pop is street smart ... and is quick on the draw.
- He has unconventional methods … but it works.



4 – SPORTS MAN (Fast and Furious)
- Pop was a sportsman.
- During his younger years in the 1950s, Pop played soccer for the La Salle Football Varsity Team.
- During his corporate years in IBM – he shifted to bowling and other sports.
- After corporate retirement, he played badminton with his friends.
- But given his recent medical condition, Pop had to shift to playing dominoes every afternoon.
- Pop was our usual companion to the La Salle vs Ateneo basketball games. He would also watch other matches – such as those of the La Salle Women’s Volleyball Team.
- Of course, he would watch the matches of Spain in the Soccer World Cup.
- The past 2 years saw him TV sports – basketball games, bowing, etc.
- My last discovery about Pop was that he likes to watch magic shows. Thus, lunch and early dinner with him would now include Simon Cowell and his American and British Got Talent shows on You Tube. These would be while Pop was taking his meals with his ice cream (of different flavors) and some selected food like Jollibee hotdog.

Lessons Learned:
- Following Pop’ regimen – just make sure that you keep your mind and body active all the time.



5 – JOKER
- I decided not to anymore detail this out about Pop – because I am sure that many of you know what I mean – when I refer to Pop as a Joker.

Lessons Learned:
- Laughter can be the best medicine.




6 – FAMILY
- For Pop it was always about Family.
- One family event was when we decided to take a Cebu Pacific promo to go to Kota Kinabalu. This was arranged through cousin Lara Lozano (who works with Lance Gokongwei).
- Initially, this was a trip planned by just a few family members. We ended up with a group that occupied more than one-third of the plane. We practically won all the games that the flight crew ran … during the plane trip.
- Family trips and activities can be fun. If you wish to see how it is like – it has a striking resemblance to scenes that you see in the film:
(My Big Fat Greek Wedding). Its not anymore on Netflix – but its on You Tube.
- Its always the same theme – it’s a family event ... when they decide to go together to Tagaytay, Boracay, Bacolod, or any other place.

Lessons Learned:
- You cannot go wrong – if you focus on the family.
- One of the important things I learned during family gatherings was to listen and hear people out.
- But during family gatherings – you just have to be ready with heavy meals, wine and liquor, lots of chocolate and pastries.
- Be ready for some rowdiness and family banter – “Huwag ka lang mapikon”

- Randy - this is where I picked up something from Pop:
- (To keep the family … just give in to the younger family member)

- Being the elder son-in-law … I will just leave with you – that matter of being the “favorite son-in-law” of Pop





7 – RELIGION
- Pop and Mom Lulu moved in – to be with Anna and me in the house sometime in 2017-18.
- Their normal routine was early morning mass at nearby Mary the Queen Church ... and then prayers and the Rotary during the day and before sleeping.
- Pop continued this routine – even after Mom Lulu left us in 2019. But this time – Pop would now be on TV masses.

These past 2 weeks:
- Almost all of us in the house tested Covid positive.
- Pop and I both tested Covid positive (with pneumonia) last May 1. I later found out that sister-in-law Maite was also the same case. Im glad that Maite is also now in the recovery stage.
- Being in isolated rooms – we focused on strictly following doctor instructions ... in order to help manage our medical condition.

- Last Thursday morning May 13 – Pop was brought to Medical City. They had to closely monitor his situation.

- This was the day when Pop and I finally decided to go separate ways.

- Pop decided that he would finally join Mom Lulu. He left quietly ... took his afternoon siesta nap at the hospital and then joined Mom Lulu. I am happy that Pop and Mom are now reunited.

- On the other hand, I decided to stay on and be with wife Anna, my kids, and the rest of the family.

- Please continue to pray for our full recovery.

Lessons Learned:
- Never underestimate the current pandemic situation. Covid will hit you – when you least expect it.
- Take all precautionary measures.
- But we will all be okay – especially if we follow a life of prayer like Pop and Mom.


Let me take this opportunity to give thanks to a number of people:

- To my doctors and support team:
o Dr Tady (Cardinal Santos) and Dr Alps (Makati Med)
o Dra Ramos (Medical City) and the HealthLinks doctors who helped manage my condition (Dra Tania Bonifacio and Dr Tamayo)
o My 24/7 doctors – Dra Anna Munoz-Roqueza and Dra. Bea-Trixie Roqueza
o My all-around man-Friday (Jovie Roqueza) and Ulla (who gives me ayuda at times)
o Our househelp Marivic – who continued to cook meals and do household chores for us.

- I know that some of you likewise sent food (Mari, Miren, and others)

- And to all those – who continue to pray for us and send us their well wishes.

I am Maite, the 4th daughter of Pop and mom. I was the baby for 9 years until JB came along.

I have so many good memories of Pop , if I told them all we would be here for a very long time. So I have chosen a few to share with you all.

When I was maybe 10 years old we were in Singalong. There was a flood and the street was covered in about 5 inches of water. I asked Mom if I could wade but Mom said no. So there I stood forlorned and wanting to wade and play with my paper boat. All of a suddenly pop gently nudged me to go on to the water and have fun. It was our secret Mom was none the wiser. Sorry Mom.

In times of disasters Pop always had a plan ABC , he was always ready. Long before the July 16 mega earthquake. Pop made a plan that all of us should converge in Ugarte Field in Makati and wait for each other. There were no cellphones at the time but in less then 30 mins after the strong earthquake we were together and we got home safely.

Pop loved to play practical jokes... And I was always his willing accomplice. We pranked so many people. From dropping aluminum trays at the very moment someone was about to light the oven or plug into something. A loud bark from behind to startle someone. I remember one day, the family went to the newly opened Tutuban Mall. Pop had gone down ahead and he assumed that Mom would take the next elevator. He stood infront of the elevator door and as it opened he barked his loudest bark. Unfortunately Mom was not in the elevator , there was only a frail lady who dropped her supot of donuts from fright. He of course apologized and replaced her donuts.

My jack Russell terrier Radar and pop were a really good tag team hunting rats in Singalong. Every time pop would put out his stick Radar was ready. Pop would say Busca lo- which means find it in Spanish and Radar would flush out the rat and either pop or Radar would go for the kill. Radar was always handsomely rewarded.

Pop and Mom were steeped in tradition and they were people of God. There was always a Grand Christmas Media Noche at the Munoz house, Birthdays were the same. Every year pop would sponsor 1 mass for the San Bartolome Patron Saint of Catbalogan for a promise made in 1974 for the safe Delivery of JB. Pop and Mom would Go to mass every day at 6am Monday to Friday. Twice on Saturday so Mom could sleep in on Sundays.

Pop was an amazing man and Great father. Thank you for everything.
We shall never forget you or Mom.
We love you.

Johnny was his preferred name for me to address him instead of the more respectful Tito Johnny. We played badminton M-W-F in Polo Club for years, close to a decade. Despite being the senior in the group, he was as competitive as the younger players and never liked to lose. He also didn’t want us to play soft on him and wanted us to play the way we would naturally play with the others.

Johnny, up close, was a classy, genuine, God fearing gentleman ... who loved to talk about his family...his admiration and love for his wife, kids, and grand kids... his good old days in IBM, and gave solid advice on parenting and marital affairs without sounding too patronizing in between our breaks.

Many times, he would say I reminded him of one of his grandkids and I would say that Im complemented by his statement since his grand daughter must be a looker who took after his dashing, debonaire look and his wife’s classic beauty,

He taught us how to live in the moment and not to take life too seriously. His cheerful disposition and cariñoso greetings will be most remembered and cherished by me.

Thank you, Johnny for the life long lessons you shared and for your simple gestures of love and care. I wish I had more time to give you my loving attention after having to give up playing our favorite sport... but, I promise to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️

Looking back, there are so many wonderful memories Lolo Juanito has left our family with and I would like to share a couple of them.

My fondest memories with him were spending our weekends in Singalong together with my mom’s family. Lolo and Lola always filled Singalong with so much love, laughter, warmth and of course food!

As a child, I remember having so much fun playing Galina Shega with Lolo as the IT and he would chase all of us grand kids around the room. He would also allow us to tag along with whatever it has he was fixing in the house, whether it was the roof or walking on bangkos to keep the flood waters under control when it rained- to us grand kids this was the ultimate adventure. So imagine that, from Tita Maite’s story back when she was 10, Lolo found a way to innovatively walk above the flood waters instead.

Whenever my mom would have to go on business trips when we were kids, we would stay in Singalong as well and Lolo and Lola would plan a whole weekend of activities to distract Jovie and I. Lolo and Lola would set up the mattresses on their bedroom floor so we could have one big slumber party which made my mom’s time away more bearable.

The Christmas Holiday Season, Three Kings, Easter & Halloween Season were always extra special because Lolo would always make it his project to put together the best decorations & costumes for our family to enjoy. We were so lucky that they opened their home to both sides of our family so we could have 1 big celebration instead of having to move from one venue to another. I remember my friends telling me how lucky I was to have this set up for our celebrations.

And it wasn’t just on big occasions, Lolo and Lola would always call us to check in even on regular days when everyone was home from work and school to ask how we were doing. They also never missed to greet us on birthday, anniversaries and even our feast days. My mom seems to have picked up on this as well, we call it the daily phone call rounds.

This is not the only thing my Mom got from Lolo- I can see how he played such an influential role in my Mom’s life- from our family, her career and her being a determined and strong willed go-getter. Because of that I do call her my Supermom- I know that half of the amazing woman my mom is today is because of having Lolo as her father and of course the other half because of having Lola as her mom.

A couple of years ago, we were lucky to have Lolo, Lola, Tita Maite & Radar as our neighbors here in Midland. We got to spend more time together and on weekends, it made our get togethers easier too since everyone was a lot closer proximity wise.

In his latter years, Lolo became our family's Dominoes King! I tried playing dominoes with Lolo a couple of times but, he was very serious with his strategy while I liked playing for fun. (I guess you can say that for the grandchild category, the Lolo J and Todd Duo clearly take the title here :) ). The one thing that remained constant however was our love for the family and having everyone together.

For Lolo’s last Christmas Kris Kringle, I was so happy that I ended up drawing his name as my “baby”. It gave me the chance to secretly gift him with his favorite things- like a La Salle Shirt to add to his collection and a shiny new dominoes set which are things continued to enjoy even as he got older. I know that this is just one of the many family traditions Lolo has started for our family that we will carry over for the generations to come.

Thank you Lolo for everything you have given our family, your legacy will forever live on in our families heart.

We love you!

Dear Lolo,

In the 20 plus years that iñaki and I have been together, you made me experience how it is like to have a good and loving lolo. My lolos died when I was very young so it was very nice to visit you and Lola during those quiet afternoons in singalong.

Thank you for always checking up on our small family. We apprecaite all the calls and all the advice. It always made us feel very loved.

Thank you for being such a jokester especially to my kids. They will always treasure the banging pans on the floor and the usual “gulats” that you did just to see them smile.

Thank you also for allowing our kids to have so many treasured memories with the singalong gang. You were the epitome of a “family man” and I truly believe that you and Lola are the reason why the family is so united, so loving, so solid and so full of warmth.

I have so many things to thank you for but most especially for being a father figure to iñaki. Iñaki wouldn’t be who he is now if not for you, lola and mom. Thank you for being the best example to him and for loving iñaki like your own son.

My small family, together with my mom and dad and the rest of the Antonio’s and Escueta’s are sad; but at the same time, we are all happy that you are finally at peace with Lola by your side. I can just imagine you full of strength and full of life, celebrating in heaven! We love you lolo.

My Thoughts and Prayers are with you Mari, Anna, Marita, Maite and JB and your respective families. I Pray that somehow you find peace in all this sadness. 
Here is something I think Tito Juanito would say.....

Hello Everyone,
  I've been a devoted son, husband, and grandfather. A loving parent, a dedicated problem solver, badminton star, a true and loyal friend, a certified prankster, and last but not least, a spoiling Lolo. If you don't believe me, ask me - Oh wait! Too late. Sorry.
  There are no buildings named after me, no monuments built in my honor; however, I did have the chance to know and love each and everyone of my family. I was able to treasure friends and friendships made. How much more Blessed can a man be? So in the end, do your best, be kind and have an amazing life. Never stop smiling.
  Look for me in the sunrise or sunset - I'll be there in one form or another.
Please don't cry because I'm gone, instead be happy that I was here. (maybe you can cry a little bit (hahaha!). Rest assured I am so happy because I am dancing with Lulu.

God Bless you all.

With Love and Happiness,
Juanito

when i met miren, i met lolo & lola lulu they are such loving grandparents. whenever i see lolo looking at lola, he always have this loving smile when he looks at lola lulu, it is such an inspiration to see how love can last forever. lolo you can finally see lola lulu again. everybody will surely miss you

Tito Juanito and Tita Lulu would make it a point to be present in all the CARBALLO FAMILY MILESTONES. It was extra special because my Lola is the splitting image of Tita Lulu and having them around, was like having my Lola around too. Their presence, though not often and not long, was always warm, comforting, engaging and happy. Epitome of true love, now together in Heaven.❤️

Johnny thinks of others first before himself. During the Asian crisis, he came to me saying that due to the business downturn, we had to cut cost and the best way is to do it was to cut the workforce.

But to my surprise, Johnny said that the best way to cut cost was to let him go. I said no but he was adamant to go and already made up his mind. He said to me “ Dido, I am already old and I want the younger people to keep their jobs”.  I lost that battle.

So during the company’s Christmas party at New World Hotel, with a western theme, I remember Johnny in a cowboy attire with a cowboy hat. I made the announcement that he was retiring. He gave a speech and people had misty eyes to hear him leave.

That is Johnny. He looks after people before himself. He always followed IBM’s 3 basic principles: Respect of the individual, Excellence is the way of Life and Best customer Service.

Rest now Johnny. I wish there are more of you in IBM. You will be missed.

Johnny and I met in IBM we became good friends but I can’t recall how it happened since he was with the “Office Product” division, known in IBM as OP and I was in the “Data Processing” division, known as DP.

We always met during the Hundred Percent Clubs. Johnny was a very merry person and very optimistic ..... always with a positive attitude.

After we retired from IBM, he joined an executive search firm while I joined an IBM Business Partner, Right Computer Systems (RCS). One day he came to my office and asked if I want to start an executive search company. After a long discussion, I agreed and that was the start of Right Executive Consultants, which was later folded into RCS.

During mancom meetings, Johnny was always the pacifier when things get heated up and he would crack jokes. Since we are in the same floor he normally will pass by my room and we greet each other “Señor” and he would tell jokes and stories and we both laugh, together with his Spanish words which I cannot print.

It was an honor to have personally worked with The Muñoz family: Johnny, Anna, JB, Iñaki, and Miren.

Johnny will be missed but I am sure he is happy with the Lord and his beloved Lulu. Rest In Peace my friend.

The legacy Tito Juanito and Tita Lulu have left behind is priceless and every family can only dream to have such. Tito Juanito the jokester with all his masks hiding behind chairs to surprise unsuspecting visitors. Tita Lulu with her caring ways, her smooth loving voice that calms everyone. I can see her always smiling and watching the family she has built and being so proud in her peaceful ways. Every family reunion they were there. Every happy occasion they were there, every difficult situation they were there too. Always together supporting whoever needed their presence.

The legacy of Tito Juanito and Tita Lulu can be seen by looking at the whole Munoz clan. Welcoming visitors, welcoming family into their homes. No one feels like a visitor. Everyone is family. The more the merrier. Laughter is never ending and can be shared generously. From Consuelo to San Juan the laughter continued. Their home was not the house but the people in it. They could go anywhere and the joy followed them.

When i think of Tito Juanito and Tita Lulu, i smile. Because i have always smiled when i think of them. 

And lastly, i think of the food made by Tita Lulu, but as legacy goes - it will continue. Thru the cooking and baking of the kids, grandkids and great grandchildren too. And the jokes of Tito Juanito - it continues too. Becareful when you take a sit in the household, and who knows what prank is instore for you....

During my last visit to the Philippines, Juan and Lulu greeted me with such a warmth and kindness that I will never forget. They always had a joyous and positive spirit around them. My experience with them showed me the value that family can have and offered me a different perspective on how people can be in cultures outside of the US, which I find invaluable. They will be missed.

Rest in peace, Juan and Lulu.

Juan Antonio “Johnny” N. Munoz
In Memoriam
May 15, 2021

by Jajo Quintos

My association with Johnny began at IBM. Johnny retired from IBM shortly after I joined, which was exactly the same year Anna joined.  But, I had numerous opportunities to get to better know Johnny during his post retirement years.  Eventually, my interaction with Johnny evolved into a deep and mutual respect and affection for each other.

Johnny was a true blue IBMer through and through.  He worked at IBM for almost a third of his life. He gave his talent and energy to this company that he loved so much and in return, I think the company gave back in many different ways. Johnny Munoz led the way but soon, many other Munozes followed. Between Johnny, Anna, JB, Inaki, and Bea, the Munoz family has now 87 years of employment with IBM.  Wow!  IBM is all the better because of the Munoz family.  And, this is nowhere near its end.  God bless the Roman Catholic Church because more Munozes are being born.  IBM should build a monument for the Munoz family! I have no doubt they will go beyond 100 years!  Amazing!

Many of you know IBM as a technology company.  It is. But, if you go deep into the DNA of the company, it actually is a finely tuned “sales” organization.  IBM sales men and women, we called them “marketing representatives”, were the “crème de la crème” of IBM’s workforce and Johnny was one of them.  In reality, he wasn’t just one of the marketing reps. During his time at IBM, Johnny was at the very top of this group - the “best of the best” – the quintessential salesman.  To my knowledge, Johnny to-date, still holds the record of Hundred Percent Clubs and Golden Circles in IBM Philippines. The Hundred Percent Club and Golden Circle were IBM’s regional and global recognition programs -- sales people who achieved their sales quotas and whose performance stood head and shoulders above their peers worldwide.  Johnny had the sterling record of close to 20 HPCs in his 28 year career, an achievement still unmatched today and will probably be never broken.  Making it to HPC is not easy.  Doing it consecutively year in and year out is even harder.  IBMers will be lucky to have half a dozen HPCs in a 20 year career.  That’s how special Johnny’s record was. 

Why was Johnny so good at sales?   Of course, IBM trained him well.  But, Johnny was not your typical “wheeler dealer” salesman.  As the saying goes, “people like to buy from people they like” and people liked Johnny.  And, of course, underneath all these, what made Johnny truly special was his character.  Johnny was a caring, compassionate, sincere and authentic individual. His greatest strength was he truly cared for people. He was a people person, first and foremost.  He had this amazing smile -- a natural warmth and sincerity about him that drew people towards him.  When you meet Johnny for the first time, you come out believing you can trust him.  Of course, Johnny also had the gift of gab – he could talk forever and regale you with interesting stories one after the other.  Johnny also had tremendous drive and energy – as successful sales people had. 

His energy was inspiring to watch.  The first real opportunity I got to know Johnny better was at the IBM Bowling tournament.  In the 80s, the IBM Club would host an annual bowling tournament for the employees and retirees.  It was an event that every one looked forward to.  The retirees fielded a team led by Johnny their captain. They were a force to reckon with and competed for the championship many times. They certainly gave the young guns a run for their money.  Johnny was the captain but he wasn’t really a very good bowler.  In fact, Lulu was the better bowler – much better bowler.  It was good spouses of retirees were invited because if it was just Johnny, I don’t think the team would have done much.  Anyway, what I found fascinating was Johnny’ energy.  Johnny would literally sprint down the lane before releasing the ball.  He was always in a hurry – determined to finish off all those pins in front of him “fast and furious” -- or at least that’s what he thought he was doing.  Lulu, on the otherhand, was this graceful figure – poised, nicely balanced in her approach, and deadly accurate. Of course, it was no wonder Johnny’s ball was all over the place and Lulu’s was getting the job done.  It was fun to watch but also fascinating to observe that Johnny’s bowling style was a true reflection of his character.

Anyway, it would be during these bowling tournaments that Johnny would tell me stories about the plight of the retirees – many of them quite heart wrenching.  It was during these private conversations that I learned about the real Johnny – a truly compassionate individual who made every effort to look out for people that were most vulnerable.  Johnny became the de facto leader of the retirees. It was selfless service – a service he rendered for close to 30 years until he became too weak to serve.  There was no concern that was too small for Johnny.  He was always there to lend a helping hand.  And, when I became Country General Manager, Johnny would not be shy in asking me for help. It would always be about so and so and how he or she needed help.  It was never about him.  It was during these moments I developed a deep respect and affection for Johnny.  Johnny was an amazing human being!

When my mother died 4 years ago, Johnny went to her wake.  Johnny was already weak then and he was wheel chair bound.  But, Anna told me he insisted on going.  Classic Johnny Munoz.  It’s never about him.  I really appreciated Johnny making the effort.

And, so to Mari, Anna, Marita, Maite, Juan Martin, and JB and the rest of the family, I salute your Pop! He lived a full and meaningful life and you should all stand proud!  I am sure, with his life’s service and accomplishments and knowing the great salesman that he was, he already convinced St. Peter to allow him to enter the gates of heaven.  I am sure he is now crushing the bowling pins in heaven together with Lulu and they are both happily reunited forever.  God speed Johnny and rest in peace!

I remember Juanito. He was my cousin. I was a lot younger and remember him playing football for La Salle. I'm sorry I did not know him better. Prayers to Juanito. May he rest in peace.

Tito Juanito❤️

As Mari said, you cannot talk about Tito Juanito without talking about Tita Lulu and vice versa.

I first met Tito Juanito and Tita Lulu in 1992 in their home in Singalong when we visited Marita. Chit and I were welcomed so warmly, with merienda and all. They immediately took an interest in my family (since they already knew Chit, being the brother of Randy). That first meeting was followed by many more and each time we visited with them, they never failed to make us feel special. Tito Juanito with his jolly voice, his teasing and his jokes, and Tita Lulu with her cheerfulness, her malambing voice and warm smile, always left us feeling sorry when we had to leave. It did not matter if we were really invited, or if Marita just tagged us along, or if we invited ourselves, because they always made us feel very much welcome, like we were special guests. There was one time that we were in Manila for our son’s (Manuel) birthday but he was very busy with school that he did not have time to see us. The next day, we picked him up from school but didn’t know where to go; we knew Marita and family were at Ana and Wash’s house for lunch so we called them and the next thing we knew we were given directions and were on our way to join them. They were more than happy to see us!

We will never forget the way they made us feel with each visit. We will miss them both.

Our Lolo is awesome! I know that the heavens are rejoicing with him and all our loved ones who have moved on. We are all so lucky to have had Lolo in our lives and even luckier because my wife & two daughters knew him and the kind of human being he was. Our lolo will be missed dearly and his memory will live on through our generations, the morals and values he has instilled in us along with our Lola and our parents are the backbone of our lives. I cannot thank him enough for the time he has spent with us and the “MUCH” love he has given. Nothing we can do can ever repay how Lolo has taken care of us! WE LOVE YOU LOLO!

MUCH LOVE,
Inaki, Nina, Isabella & Brie

Pop,
I will miss our daily routine of Mass, Breakfast, Lunch, Dominoes, Rosary and early Dinner. Of course we also watched all the magic shows in You Tube that you always enjoyed. These were just some of the simple joys we enjoyed together when Mom left us. Not a day went by that you did not talk or think about Mom. You always looked at her picture with a loving gaze. You can now be with her for eternity, and that thought makes me happy.

Family always came first for you, You always found time to call all your kids and smiled whenever the grandkids sent you videos. You enjoyed our weekly get togethers and the zoom sessions once the pandemic caused us all to stay home.

I am truly sorry that the pandemic found a way into our bubble. I truly wanted to protect you, but God had other plans. I am thankful that you had our Lady of Mediarix, St Joseph, the Sacred Heart, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, and all our Saints in your room to hold your hand and prepare you for a peaceful passing to eternal life.

We love you and will miss you. Thank you for being there for all of us. Your legacy will live on in all of us.

Lolo, I can imagine what a joyous moment it was when u saw Lola again. We will miss you so much but we know you are at peace now.

What an honor it has been to be your granddaughter!

We love you both forever

Pop, you will forever be missed but we have many good memories that will keep you close to us always. We are consoled by the thought that you are now with Mommy and free from any pain. We know that you will continue to look upon us and guide us. I love you.