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Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten: A Dedication to Terrance from Philippines: Love and Peace
- Thizztv Publisher
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten: A Dedication to Terrance from Philippines: Love and Peace
It is with deep sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of my nephew Terrance, a 14-year-old boy from our extended Philippine family. His sudden death in a drowning accident this past weekend in Pampanga has left all of us devastated and stunned.
Terrance was the eldest grandson of Tess—Lily’s oldest sister—and lived just outside Angeles City. I had the honor of meeting him for the very first time only four months ago during our journey through the Philippines.
That brief yet unforgettable encounter now stands as both a beautiful memory and a painful reminder of how fragile life truly is.
A First and Final Meeting
We met Terrance at the home of Tess’s eldest son, nestled in a peaceful, upscale neighborhood with manicured lawns and spacious homes. It was a family gathering filled with laughter and reconnection.
We had just returned from visiting the Black Aeta community near Mt. Pinatubo and arrived at their home around dusk.
As is tradition in the Philippines, Terrance greeted us elders with a deep cultural sign of respect—mano po—gently placing our hands to his forehead.
That simple, sincere gesture said everything about who he was: thoughtful, kind, and deeply rooted in his heritage.
For Lily and Nolita, it was the first time seeing their nephew since he was a toddler. For Lily, it was the first time ever meeting him. There was such tenderness in that moment—a bridge formed between generations and geographies.
I captured that reunion in photographs, never imagining I was freezing time with someone who would leave us so soon.
A Celebration Overshadowed by Tragedy
Terrance had been spending time with his family, including his uncle Dempol and auntie, who had traveled from Florida to the Philippines for the first time in many years.
They brought with them their newborn son—Tess’s newest grandchild. It was meant to be a joyous reunion, with Tess excited to finally meet her grandson and reconnect with loved ones.
That joy was shattered by tragedy when Terrance drowned while on vacation with family. The news has left a deep ache in all of us, especially for Tess, who in one breath welcomed new life into her arms, only to lose her first grandchild in the next.
I never imagined the boy who greeted me so warmly would leave us before his life had truly begun.
A Dedication Etched in Memory
As a photojournalist, I’ve spent nearly four decades documenting lives, histories, and moments both triumphant and tragic.
But nothing prepared me for this kind of personal loss. I’ve traveled to over 100 countries, but it’s this memory—of a young boy’s quiet grace—that will stay with me forever.
It is in this spirit that I dedicate the current edition of my book, Philippines: Love and Peace, to the memory of Terrance.
This book was created to tell the stories of homecoming, heritage, and healing. It now carries another purpose—to preserve the spirit of a young life taken too soon and to remind us all to cherish the moments we have.
Terrance will be honored within the pages of this book. His name, his photograph, and his memory will become part of a narrative that spans generations.
And in doing so, he will live on—in every turn of the page, in every reader’s heart, and in every act of remembrance we carry forward.
Final Thoughts
Grief is never easy, and it is never fair. But if there’s one truth that grounds me in this moment, it is this: God always has the final word.
We cannot prepare for a loss like this, but we can honor it. We can make sure that love does not vanish with death, but multiplies through memory.
Terrance, this book is for you.May you rest in peace.May you rest in love.
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