A Tribute To My Dad
by Charles C. Miravite
Although my father, Morito Miravite, passed away too soon, he still managed to live a fulfilling life. Through his struggles growing up in the Philippines, he became a determined and hard working man. In 1969, he earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. Later on, he passed the Certified Public Accountancy Board Examination in 1973.
When he first arrived in this country in 1976, he worked as a busboy at the Carnelian Room in San Francisco. While this wasn't his ideal profession at the time, his strong work ethic led him to other opportunities that would allow him to use the knowledge he gained in college. After passing the auditor's exam, he was hired as an auditor for the city and county of San Francisco where he worked for 23 years.
Even though he successfully moved on from working as a busboy, he never forgot where he came from. When he finally decided to retire, he celebrated his retirement party at the very place where he originally worked after moving to the U.S. so long ago, the Carnelian Room. Although he only worked there for a brief time, he wanted to make it a point to remember his roots. For him, it was a significant part of his journey through life.
Because of his prior experiences growing up in the Philippines, he strived to provide a carefree lifestyle for me, my younger brother (Andrew), and my mother (Genie). We always had a roof over head, clothes on our back, and food to eat. Through his hard work, he made sure that my brother and I could attend private schools in San Francisco and paid for our college education so that we wouldn't have to get a job while we were at school.
His generosity didn't stop with just his family. He decided to sponsor 5 children in the Philippines through an organization called Children International, which provided a monthly allowance for medical and dental care, educational support, clothes, and other necessities that helped the families of these children. 5 years ago, he even signed up to be an organ donor so that he could continue to help others after his passing.
For those that were acquaintances or knew him his whole life, you had a chance to experience his wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed making people laugh with jokes and funny stories. If there was a group of people laughing together, you can count on my father being the center of it all. Everywhere we went, whether it was at a family party, department store, or restaurant, he used his sense of humor to brighten up everyone's day.
I remember when we used to visit the grocery store and, naturally, he would speak with the checkout clerk and whoever bagged our groceries. He always managed to get them to smile and laugh. One time, as a child, I asked him, "Why do you always talk to the workers?". He explained to me that some of these workers may not be as fortunate as us and that it helps to make them feel good when you have a chance. He wanted us to understand that even though we were happy with our lives, we should still consider the lives of others. He wanted us to know that a moment of kindness can turn a bad situation into something good.
My father was also such a proud man. There's no way he would've allowed me to get through this eulogy without mentioning his previous accomplishments. Dad, you accomplished something else that most would consider impossible to do. Somehow you raised two of the most stubborn, rebellious, and spoiled brats in me and Andrew. That'
s truly something to be proud of.
It's common to feel sorrow when a loved one is lost, but I urge everyone to instead celebrate his life. Remember the good times we spent with him and the good things he has done for us. I like to think that he's already at the gates of heaven making God Himself laugh at his jokes. We love you dad. We'll never forget you. Thank you for everything you've done. Rest in Paradise.
A Tribute to My Younger Brother
by Retired Col. Rex Miravite [Philippines]
My brother, Morito, was a principled man, honest and compassionate to the poor, lowly and the needy. In short, he was a good man. A brilliant man in his own right. He was the best brother that I ever had because we are only 2 brothers in the family with 3 sisters.
Morito was my best friend. He inspires me in many ways – in business, in profession and love life when I was a bachelor.
His passing away to the great beyond is an irreparable loss to his family, relatives and friends and to Lakeshore subdivision in Mexico, Pampanga, Philippines as its financial consultant, after he retired as Senior Auditor of the City & County of San Francisco.
But let us be consoled with the biblical statement which says “Anything that happens to this world happen at God’s choice. God choose the date of our birth and the date of our death.
May the soul of brother Morito rest in peace.
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