2022, Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School, 34th Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA
These are all messages to Mike from our upper grade students. We miss you!
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Mr. B, you are Beloved and a Blessing to all of us at RLS. You were always kind and gave some much love to everyone.
Howard Jai
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Oakland Arena, Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA, USA
Mike, you have stolen my heart, oh yeah. I never let you go. I miss you and I'm devestated but I know you were at the concert, dancing the night away with us.
— with
Joshua Lee
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2021, West Covina, CA, USA
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2021, West Covina, CA, USA
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2021, West Covina, CA, USA
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2021, Milk Bar LA - OPEN FOR DELIVERY & TAKEOUT, Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2019, Oracle Arena, Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA, USA
I’ve known Mike since childhood as we went to church together. I will miss him dearly as he was like a big brother to me growing up. I remember playing with remote control cars, paper air planes, and he even taught our youth group how to do Filipino Traditional Folk dances. Nothing, but good times and good memories. I will forever remember your positive approach to life and how you always put God first. I will miss you dear friend.
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I used to live across the street from Mike through middle and high school. We shared a lot of great memories at his house: playing intense floppy disc wars (ouch!), playing video games (you had the cool steering wheel!), eating his Mom's good food, studying for science tests while sitting under the tree on those green electrical boxes in front of your house, riding bikes through the neighborhood to visit friends and get Burger King, going fishing with our dads, and playing with all of your little RC cars (you spent so much time fixing up those things - I used to watch you paint them!). Every time I would pass his house, I'd try to see if his upstairs loft lights were on or check if he was on AIM so we can hang out. As we grew older, we didn't hang out as much. Early in our college years, I visited him at UCB to watch him bomb hills on his long board and check out his dorm. The last time I hung out with Mike was a couple years ago when we went to a spontaneous Giants game in the City with some other old friends. I promised him that I would do a better job keeping in touch... and I am so sorry that I did not take more opportunities to do so. I always enjoyed keeping up with Mike on social media and watching him thrive and succeed.
Mike, thank you so much for filling my childhood with great friendship and memories. I hope my future kids have a great neighbor like you to grow up with. Please rest in peace. To the Baroja family - I am so sorry for your loss. Mike touched so many people throughout his life and he was a blessing to us all. Thank you for always taking care of me when I visited your house as a kid.
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Mr. B had such a kind and warm demeanor. He was a gifted teacher that had a genuine interest in his students. I remember hearing his calming voice read to the kids during distance learning.
I've been shocked and heartbroken ever since I heard the news. He was taken way too soon. There was much more for him to do with his life.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and all of his colleagues at Stevenson that he touched throughout the years.
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A decade ago, we worked closely with Mike to play music for his dances and work in UC Berkeley's Filpino Cultural Night. He even joined us in a few small performances for a little bit. We remember his passion and humor and are saddened by this news. Sending our condolences to his loved ones and family. From, Mike's friends in Kawayan Folk Arts
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Mr. B was the first staff I met on my first day of work at Stevenson. He was very supportive and helpful, showing me the operations of the office and helping me set up my work station. I feel so blessed to work with him. He was a brilliant, sharp and funny guy. He could help us solve any technical problem and find new equipment which makes our work easier. He always served others with joy, worked hard and never complained. There was nothing too low or too hard that he wouldn’t do and he would support you all the way. He was the backbone of our community.
I’m very grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful co-worker and friend. I remember there was a time I needed to stay late at work and he could have gone home after the Excel Program but he would stay and keep me company and saying “oh it is good. I can stay out of traffic”. That was his character and personality- a very caring and loving person. He also helped my son in middle school math. He was very patient with him, made math practical and enjoyable to learn. Where my son is now in high school, Mr. B helped make his dream come true.
Mr. B, you’re truly amazing and talented. You were not only good at Technology, but also good at photography, guitar and drums and I believe there are many more out there I just didn’t know. My family and I will miss you and you are always in the special place of our hearts. I miss your laughs, smiley face and our fun morning greets. Thank you Mr. B, “You’re the BEST”!!!
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This is when Michael was teaching the SCCC adults a Filipino folk dance, Jobatal to perform at Bayanihan Community Center at San Francisco back at 2016. Every year he thinks what dance to perform for this senior events. He was patient with our mistakes and encouraging.
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