Manuel A. De Jesus, MD (1965 - 2026)

Abstract

“A Life of Service and Quiet Love”

Born on November of 1965, he was the 5th of 7 siblings to a former soldier and a strong willed housewife/storekeeper, both hailing from Cavite. He took his primary education in Fort Bonifacio Elementary School and secondary education in Pateros Catholic School. Growing up, he was also the mischievous one in the group and would often get punished

– but he never forgets his responsibilities. Back then, they had a sari-sari store and a pig farm and as the eldest son, my dad would help out my grandmother. He would also tell stories of how he used to be a working student being a jeepney driver, together with my grandfather. He eventually took his pre-medicine course in Biology and finished his Doctor of Medicine in University of Santo Tomas.

After passing his boards, he became a field physician in an offshore oilfield company in  Palawan for 2 years to help my grandparents financially. In 1995, he began his training in Otorhinolarynology Head and Neck Surgery and served both as Chief Resident of the Department and of the Hospital, at the same time during his senior year. He started his practice in an EENT clinic in Claridad, Cavite City until 2006, then later settled his private practice in Manila Doctors Hospital and Pasay City General Hospital.

He met my mom in 1994 and they would have me in the following year, with my sister coming 2 years after. I don’t have a clear memory of those early years but there were stories of how he would bring me along to the hospital as a child where I would meet several of our alumni while he worked. This continued as I grew older - he would let me observe in his OR procedures, until the time finally came when I got to stand side by side with him in the OR having witnessed his steady hands and skills firsthand. I’m immensely grateful that I got to share the same space and vocation as him.

He was a beloved mentor and a respected colleague, both in Medicine and Residency. He served as a Training Officer in Manila Doctors Hospital for 5 years. He wasn’t just a father to me and my sister – he was also a “father figure” for many of our alumni and residents. He was always welcoming, especially to the new trainees. What remained constant about him is that he always had time for teaching – when he visited during OPD hours, during patient rounds, in the OR and Endoscopy Center, even at home. This value echoed through to all those who were under his guidance, even after their training.

My dad was a man of few words, as those who knew him can attest. Weekends were peaceful where he would make coffee for me and my sister. He reminded us to eat fruits at every meal. He’d bring home our laundry during Thursday. He would check up on us with simple messages like“Uwi ka na” or “Ingat kayo.” He loved sharing historical facts and spends his free time cleaning our family car. During family gatherings, he would rarely follow the color theme and he would always crack a joke just before a picture is take

For our family, money was his love language. He believed that financially stability was the ultimate gift of security he could provide for us, and that my sister and I are taken care of. I didn’t fully understand it then, but that was how he showed his love for us. One thing about my dad, though, is that he never sought consult regarding his health. His symptoms of fatigue and restlessness came about on one Wednesday evening. We all came and stayed by his side and brought him to the hospital the next day. Everything happened so suddenly and he eventually joined our Creator on the morning of Friday.

As a family, we continue to get through each day but at times, it still feels heavy and painful without him. We are sincerely grateful to everyone who paid their respects and offered their prayers. The support from the community that surrounded us showed just how much of an impact my dad had. His legacy of caring for patients will live on through my sister and I, and through all those he mentored and were under his wings.

You were an angel in the shape of my dad. We love you, Papa.