Honoring Tita Mina: Help Bring Her Home to the Philippines

Family and friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the unexpected passing of my aunt, Carmina Arceo Tanjoco ("Tita Mina"), during her and my uncle, Tito Paul's, visit to the U.S. After her quiet battle with breast cancer, her unfailing faith has brought her back to the Lord for eternity. She was surrounded with so much love from her dedicated husband, family, and friends. Her stay in the U.S. was short, but meaningful. As much as we yearn for Tita Mina, it is time to send her back to her true home, the Philippines.

In the wake of this heartbreak, we are raising funds to support my uncle in shouldering the cost of transporting her remains back to the Philippines (estimated to be around $12,000). Your generosity will help cover her transportation costs, funeral, and other immediate expenses associated with rebuilding a new life without her. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be a meaningful gift of compassion to our family.

Tita Mina has always been a silent fighter. Even after learning about her illness, her strong will and determination prompted her to book a flight to the U.S. with her husband. It wasn't her first visit; however, not in our most profound imagination would we think that it would be her last. Tita Mina and her loving husband, Tito Paul, truly made their mark as they traveled to California, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. While traveling for leisure, Tita Mina also continued to fulfill her role as a mother, taking care of my son, Zane, until the very end of her physical capabilities. Tita Mina cooked for us, laughed with us, and treated us as if we were her own. Her daily dose of stories brightened our living room every time we returned from work. Her subtle laugh and her constant need to always cook for us will forever remain in our memories. Once she finds out your favorite food, her passion for cooking shines through as a selfless act of love. Not once did she falter, despite her illness. Everything she bought, thought, or did was always for the wellness of other people.

Please help us bring Tita Mina back to her true home.

With utmost sincerity,

Jaecee Cruz

(Nephew)