I am shocked and sad. This is what I don't want to anyone. Having a cherish one leaving abruptly, no one is prepared for that and it hurt  deeply. I am sending my best to Lolo and his family, sending my condolence and friendship.  It is hard  provide words to describe suck of sad feeling, my friend and scuba buddy.

My heart breaks for you Lolo, Maya and Lutfi. He was a kind soul, a huge talent and may his memories bring you comfort. So fun to watch the younger swimmers look up to him! I will never forget the day I started taking photos at Old Town Pool, and Coach B said to me "That's Emil, he's one to watch". and then... he would swim so fast or never take a breath in the Freestyle - it was so hard to capture a good photo your incredible swimmer!

Sending you Love, Love, Love....

Emil was such an amazing person and someone I looked up to when it came to swimming. I’ve known him since I was seven years old, swimming with him every summer and during the high school season. By the end of our time together he became a big brother figure to me, and I will miss him very much. Sending prayers for Emil and Family❤️

I’m heartbroken. Emil was Sabine’s friend and classmate, and Henry’s summer teammate. We remember his kind demeanor and friendly nature. We pray for him to be resting peacefully and that you find peace. 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Sending comfort and love to the LaSida family from your MSNV family.  Emil was a part of our class many, many years ago with Ms. Jean.  I found this old video of our class dance. We performed (a simple version of) Maglalatik, a traditional Philipino dance with coconuts.  Emil is on the left I believe, though the video is a bit blurry.  He was such a joyful child.  I hope this memory can bring you a smile, as that is what I remember most about Emil.  Kindly, Tracy (Rigo) Hall

These words have brought me consolation at times like these. Praying they will for you as well:

At the end of the end

It's the start of a journey

To a much better place

And this wasn't bad

So a much better place

Would have to be special

No need to be sad

—Paul McCartney, “The End of the End”

Please know that Emma, Jack, and I send your family all of our love. We are heartbroken. 

Although I only spent one season as Emil’s teammate after joining the CWRU swim team last year as a graduate student, he profoundly shaped my experience. In my first moments with the team, Emil was one of the very first swimmers I met. He was working at the issue desk and welcomed me with a warmth and kindness that felt rare and genuine. Emil made sure I felt confident and supported, even as I was adjusting to the unfamiliarity of a new team. The sense of camaraderie and encouragement Emil brought, and the way he made everyone feel seen and valued, is a gift that will live on in all of us who were touched by him. Sending you all my love and deepest condolences; he will always be remembered.

Me and Emil trained for our black belts together for many years, we had known each other since we were 7 years old. When I joined he was a little bigger than me, more athletic, and about a year older, so I worked twice as hard to catch up to him, and every time he seemed to get that much further. Despite all of that, he always helped me when needed, never took it easy on me, was the nicest person in the room, and always was soft spoken. Every time he got me with his signature sweep, even when I knew it was coming, he would laugh with me as he helped me up. Emil was one of my childhood friends, and someone I am so proud of and happy to realize we achieved getting a lifelong milestone together. We lost contact after getting our black belts at about 14 when we both started high school and other sports, and turns out he was going to high school right down the street from my house. Even now his impact on my life and my work ethic has always been there. He was the type of person who would smile and laugh and never make anyone feel like they were not good enough.  I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayers and thoughts are with Emil and you guys. He will continue to inspire me and motivate me, and will always be one of my first friends, despite the time apart and loosing contact, he will always be my brother.

I had the privilege of being Emil’s teammate on the Case swim team, and I want you to know how much he meant to everyone. He was not only a talented individual but also one of the kindest and most respectable individuals I have ever met. He was the kind of person that everyone wanted to see succeed, and when he did, we all celebrated as if it were our own win. May you find comfort in knowing how loved and admired he was, and how much he will continue to live on through everyone he impacted.

I'm so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May you find strength, support, and love always in one another.