Jodalin Simangan Mamauag aka JUDE:  July 2023

Born July 23, 1943 in Siniking Rizal Cagayan, PI.  He spent most of his childhood in Rizal but often visited Tuguegarao to spend time with his cousins, learning the trumpet over time and being the sassy boy who loved to get in trouble.  Because Rizal was a small town, the teachers passed Jude every year, even though he skipped school most of the time.  In the small time he spent in college, Jude joined the band and played the trumpet because his older cousin was the band leader.   So for many years, Jude played his trumpet during family events.

In March 1968, Jodalin and Corazon was married and then blessed with four children, Nemar, Melquiades, Jonalee, and Judzon.  Unfortunately, Nemar passed away after a few months of her birth.  To help support the family, Jude worked in Vietnam in 1971 working there for about a year, playing for a band.  He returned home soon after, however, to help care for Mel and Jonalee because wife, Corazon, left for the states in 1974.   In June 1983, Jodalin, Mel, and Jonalee arrived in California and they were finally reunited as a family, settling first with his brother Rollie and sister-in-law Roxy’s home, along with his parents.  In1984, Jude and Corazon purchased a house on their own, then came the birth of Judzon, the Bunso.  Jude was a humble man and did what was necessary to help support his family.  His first job was at Denny’s waking up at 4am, as a busboy and then he became a cook,  “doctored” lots of Denny’s menu (MSG), making food more delicious.  Jude worked various jobs over the years, Super Shuttle and NEC to name a few.  Before he retired, he managed his own Medical van transport service for over 10 years, picking up patients at 5am to take them to various appointments.

Before marriage and family and before migrating to the states, the younger Jodalin protected everyone from harm.  When his father, who was the Vice Mayor in Rizal, was being threatened, Jodalin was the first to step in front of the knife, literally; protecting his dad, Lolo Teddy with his life.  Jodalin would rather feel the pain more than the ones he loves.  When Mel and I were young in the PI, we would not see him for months, and when we did, he was bruised and hurt because of some fight somewhere; that’s usually after his San Miguel beer with his cousins and barkadas.

Jodalin was strict (Bang-Bang, no boyfriends until after college) but he was loving, kind, generous, and of course funny; he was a joker.  There was never a dull moment with him, always making everyone laugh.  When he was diagnosed last year, he joked about not having a Visa to Heaven yet, so he fought his cancer for as long as he could.  If you knew Jude, playing lotto was his pass time.  In the past years, he tried his best to win big for “pamana daw,” but little did he know that he’s leaving behind more than money can ever buy:  Richness in Family, Love, and Laughter.  I think most of us will miss Jude’s cooking, which is what he loved to do.  Cooking was his way of showing his love, it made him happy when others enjoyed his tinola, adobo, igado, or zinigan (diniguan).   He will make time and call you just to say “kumusta” and say “egga tinola taw.”

Jodalin Mamauag is survived by his wife Corazon Valdepenas Mamauag, and his three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren:

Mel and Michelle and family:  Nia and Ayden, Melissa with husband Henry, with their children: Jada, Nessa, Tasi, Alexis with her husband Tyler, and their daughter Aulelei. 

Jonalee and Ray with their two sons Jacob and Nicholas

Judzon and Michaila

Jodalin is also survived by his siblings, Teresita Obligado, Erlinda Tumalian, Bonifacio Mamauag, Fernandico Mamauag, Lilia Matutis, and Yolanda Abelido

We are blessed to have spent 82 years with Jodalin Mamauag.  When we laugh out loud or  when we eat adobo, let’s remember Jodalin:  husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, compadre to all, with strong Faith in God.  His last words were “Ba-bye na, and maddasal kammu laman (pray always).

Jeremiah 29:11:  “God’s plans for you are not random.  They are filled with hope, with a future, with love beyond what you can imagine. “

****  Mabbalo Jude ta dakal nga futum anna e pag-pa-gallo mu ngamin nikami ****