From Denise Lee Yohn (Alice Ong's youngest daughter)

I will always remember Uncle David as the cool uncle. Not only was his style cool -- long hair, deep voice, fun sports car -- but his personality was too!! He seemed so laid back, patient, and kind. I know my mom, his sister, loved him very much -- and she felt most at home when she was with him and the rest of her family. I wish I had gotten to know him better -- I suspect I would have learned a lot from him, not the least of which is how to be so cool!! 🙂 

From Gary ( his *gulp* mannerless friend)

First off, deepest condolences on Dave's passing. I know you will miss him. And so shall we as well, even tho he doesnt say much anymore, especially for the past few months.

I remember David for a lot of things. The least important was that he was the only \one who recognized my well-hidden singing talents. He was the one who endorsed me to Harry's (& Jimmy's) band, the Whiffenpoofs. It was of course Harry who truly recognized that I had actually no such talent. But being Dave's closest buddy and football team mate, Harry acted the true gentleman, gave in and just humored Dave's misplaced judgment.

What I remember and truly admire Dave for was that at the tender 'age' of sophomore high , he already exhibited a rare talent for essay writing and composition. Tho his best and impressive works were written probably in chinese, he was even more masterful with English ! I envied him profusely, because nobody else in my batch wrote as impeccably he did and with one of the most legible penmanships to match.Not a mean feat for a sophomore.

I also felt I had a special bond with him when I learned he was a Protestant, in that most catholic of schools, as was I. Of course, I kept mine a secret for fear of getting excommunicated by the HS Principal.!

The third thing I remember was that he was the one who introduced me to the Zane Grey classics. That was a giant leap from Hardy Boys and my all time favorite or fantasy back then, Nancy Drew. (May still be my favorite), who knows ). That's when it dawned on me. I started putting two and two together, and with Dave, it came out 5 or even better. He must surely have been reading a lot more than the rest of the snotty kids. That was why he was such a damn ( pls excuse my french !) good writer.

I only started to 'hate' him when i found out he was also the school's star soccer forward. Plus, he always got higher grades in algebra than I did. He was bringing home report cards riddled with 95s to his mother while I struggled to hide 75s from mine.

My most unforgettable memory was when he brought a note from home, asking our high school teacher to. kindly pardon their son for being absent the previous day. (or for not having submitted his homework, one or the other if not both indeed ) because Dave had taken sick. The note that Dave defiantly handed to his teacher was proudly signed at the bottom... " My Mom".

Please excuse my irreverent banter at this hour of grief, but all these are true and already fact checked.The whole class knows about it. If nobody has told you yet, it is probably only because they fear it might offend you and the rest of the family. The bad news is that Dave had one friend who lacked for good manners. In closing, my prayers are that you, and the kids, and his Apos are all coping well by this time, if that is at all possible.

Stay safe, happy, and thankful always ....and keep the hearth burning. I know Dave will want and expect that. On behalf of his honor-section (naks ha!) ateneo group (bcos your famous husband belonged to so many, I have lost count ) please accept all our love,