Ferri Manalo, my Mom passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at Palomar Medical Hospital Escondido. She was surrounded by many loved ones; her daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, grandson, brother, nieces and nephews.

Mom was born on February 4th, 1939 in the Philippines. She is the 6th out of 9 children (7 boys and 2 girls). Mom graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in the Philippines. She held jobs as a Mathematics Professor at Western College, a Budget Examiner at Malacañang Palace in the Philippines and an Accountant/Auditor in US Navigation and Farrell Lines in New York. Mom is branded as a very intelligent person.

She migrated to New Jersey in 1969 and got me to join her in 1973. Mom supported her parents, some brothers, nieces and me when we were all still in the Philippines. Mom retired in 1983 at the age of 44 as she was no longer able to work after she had brain surgery when I almost lost her at the age 17. Hence in 1984, Mom and I moved to San Diego.

Mom is one of the bravest and smartest persons I know. She left the Philippines with just 1 suitcase and a few dollars knowing only 1 person whom she traveled with and with that managed to make a wonderful life for herself and me. She should be very proud to have raised a child on her own as a Mom and as a Dad. She managed to own a home which we later had to sell to set us up for our big move from New Jersey to San Diego. Mom is the root of the Badillo family migration to the United States. If it wasn't for Mom, most of us would not be here in the US.

Mom is survived by her only child Lelet (Merlita), son-in-law Joel, her granddaughter Jackie, grandson Erik, great grandchildren Owen and Johnny, her brothers Eddie and Ping, the Badillo Daffodils and hundreds of nieces and nephews.

Her viewing will be held at Poway Bernardo Mortuary on Thursday October 26, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. She will have her funeral mass at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church on Friday October 27, 2023 at 10:30 AM. The reception will follow at the Tolentino Residence at 12:00 PM.