Jess is a co-founding member  of our fraternity,  UP Gamma Sigma Pi at the University of the Philippines. The last time I was with Jess was at our frat's 50th anniversary held in the Philippines. Brod Jess' presence  in our upcoming 60th anniversary on Feb. 2026 event will surely be missed. 

I'll never forget how nervous Janina seemed for me to meet her dad. I swore we'd get along great, but she was his baby girl, and had her reservations that I'd be able to win him over as easily as I hoped 😂. 

When we finally did meet though, we hit it off right away. He was kind enough to offer me a cigar and take the time to have a long conversation in front of Janina's building. I walked away from that chat knowing he was a man with uncommon strength and resolve, who clearly took his duty to protect his family very seriously. He was someone you had real respect for from the moment you met him.

Over time, as I learned more about his journey — from Aklan to Juneau, what he sacrificed by leaving home in pursuit of opportunity and possibility for his family, and the community he nurtured upon arriving in the States — I grew increasingly in awe of him.

Together, he and Divina raised a beautiful, loving, connected family, and as Janina's husband, I don't know how they could have possibly done a better job pouring into and shaping the best human being I've ever known. She's the light of my life, and I'll forever honor him by being her biggest fan and fiercest protector.

Profoundly sad that he's gone, but so, so grateful for the legacy he created while he was here.

Sending love, light and blessings to the entire family 🙏🏼💙