Farewell, Manoy Jess Cabrias+

By: Earl Francis Dacara

TODAY the Bicol Canada Community Association lost one of its staunch pillars, one of the pioneers of BCCA.

As one of the growing and dynamic organizations in Ontario, the BCCA is an association of Filipino-Canadians of Bicol heritage and ancestry and aims to bring the sons and daughters of Bicol together to celebrate the heritage and culture of the Bicol Region in accordance with its mission and vision. BCCA aims to serve as a medium for the development, promotion, and maintenance of the social and general welfare of the Bicolanos by organizing and initiating activities that would lead to the unification of all Bicolanos in Canada.

In all its activities, the BCCA intends to preserve and promote human and civil rights secured by law, judicial and other legal processes that are available for the protection of such rights. It also provides relief for the poor and distressed, promote social justice, foster civic-mindedness and eliminate prejudice and discrimination.

In all its community involvement and participation, the BCCA aims to create unity, love, respect, develop and promote camaraderie and fellowship among the members.

I was a member of the BCCA for years, and I first met Manoy Jess Cabrias during one of the inductions of BCCA officers and directors. I was then Vice-President for Government Relations elect. I was introduced to him and his lovely wife May Cabrias who were seated at the ‘Presidents’ table joined by the other past presidents and pioneers of the association.

Upon introduction, he shook my hands and asked from which province I was a native of. So, we had a pretty good chat about the province of Albay and Camarines Sur where both my Dad and Mom, respectively, came from. He, too, was from the province of Albay and I discovered by talking to him that he was a person of humor, and if you do not know him really well, he would appear as strong and as intimidating he could be.

Manoy Jess Cabrias was the first BCCA President in 2002 after the official incorporation of the BCCA in 2000. He served for 1 term of 2 years (2002-2003). I could not imagine the challenges he faced, together with his set of officers, during the initial stage of the association. With the BCCA alive and kicking to date, the benefits that the association and members are enjoying at present may be attributed to a foundation built upon strong bonds of self-less and committed Bicolanos galvanized during the outset.

From L-R: Earl Francis Dacara, Jess Cabrias, Rafael Nebres and Joseph Redoblado. 

The presidents, of their own generations, of the BCCA.

As we met from time to during community events, I admired his charisma and his unique manner of dealing with all sorts of people. Undoubtedly, he is a true leader who has both integrity and identity. He was a media person, a broadcaster and producer of ‘Talakayan’ Radio Filipino the longest known Filipino radio program. He was also a founding officer of the Philippine Press Club of Ontario and a former columnist for Atin Ito, Filipino newspaper. Undoubtedly, he was a loving husband and father

I had the privilege of being invited, a number of times, as guest at his radio program to talk about legal and immigration updates. I was able to discuss and share the latest and pressing issues on legal, small claims, landlord and tenant issues, traffic offenses, criminal matters, labor and immigration laws.

From L-R: Tony San Juan, myself, Jess Cabrias, Bobby Achacon and Joe Damasco, 

the members of the ‘Talakayan’ Radio Filipino team, during one of my guestings discussing legal and immigration laws.

With his remarkable achievements, Manoy Jess remained humble. He was a member of a number of organizations in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, Canada. He made it a habit to attend, when he could, to all invitations of Filipino organizations where he belongs, either as an officer or member. I can vividly remember his presence in all the events, inductions, gala night, Christmas events of the Bicol Canada Community Association.

The photo below shows Jess Cabrias, First President of BCCA (2002) receiving a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for his years of dedicated service, generous commitment of time, purposeful leadership and unwavering devotion to the Bicol Canada Community Association, given during BCCA’s Christmas Party, December of 2018.

During the induction of the new set of Officers and Directors of the Bicol Canada Community Association for year 2018-2019, Manoy Jess was present and was cheerful as anyone else witnessing a renaissance of the BCCA. He will not refuse a picture invitation from among the members and is happy to see old faces and contemporaries during the Bicol event.

Manoy Jess was a strong supporter of the BCCA and had contributed a lot during the early stages of the Association. When you ask any of his contemporaries about him, you will get nothing but positive and great comments about his colorful achievements, role, and participation in the Filipino community and activities of the BCCA, the association whom he so loved. Every time we met, he would ask me how was the BCCA going and I would gladly tell him all the lined-up monthly activities the BCCA had during my first term as President. He would encourage me to give it a good run and would tell his stories, their activities, when he was President.

It is with great privilege and pleasure to be in the company of the best in the community, the Bicolano community. There may be disparity in age, but there is always a place for a ‘meeting of minds’ during witty discourses and constructive discussions.

By exchanging ideas and converging with him and the elders, I had learned a lot and gained the enviable wisdom, to state in a less pretentious manner, no can acquire by reading books or materials. Manoy Jess advised and warned me about being strong by conviction but cautious of the unscrupulous around us, who tend to clandestinely control and covertly abuse when opportunity arises. Lately, I have realized I was able to successfully spare myself from these types people and situation.

From L-R: Jess Cabrias, Tony San Juan, Rafael Nebres, Earl Francis Dacara.

Manoy Jess was a generous and compassionate person. Sometime a year ago, Manoy Jess handed me some of his books and literature, mostly about guns and gun-handling and some other accessories. During his prime, he was an avid practical shooter and once owned several pistols and long arms. But he had retired from the sport, and according to him had disposed of his firearms. I remember we were leisurely discussing about proper gun-handling, distance and precision shooting and I was happy to know we have had the same sport/past time.

He had influenced me in such a way that he would give me chunks of advice in leading the BCCA, the group he so loved and he led during its start-up stage. His words were so motivating and encouraging, despite the known challenges attendant to it. He was happy to learn that I was elected president of the BCCA and advised me to be strong, resilient, and independent.

From L-R: Earl Francis Dacara, Jess Cabrias, Nelson Galvez, Bobby Achacon, taken during the Christmas Party 

and induction of officers of the Knights of Rizal.

His sudden passing came as a shock to the BCCA and Filipino community. Although, he had been fighting his illness due to complications and had been in and out of the hospital, Manoy Jess always survives. He would be out for a few days or weeks, but he would surely return and show up. He was the person who would tell you he had more lives and anyone else. He had impressed upon us, his friends, his strength of character, boldness of will and determination, a true trait of resiliency among Bicolanos.

Manoy Jess was blessed with a loving wife and family who are all professionals and supportive of him. There was nothing more to him to treasure than to have than the love of his family around him.

Jess Cabrias with his loving wife May Cabrias.

Manoy Jess will be remembered for his encouraging words, motivating wisdom, witty ideas, and his humorous discourses. He is one of the proudest persons knowing that BCCA is now dynamic and back in full swing. We thank him for his guidance and his contributions will be forever etched in the hearts of all Bicolanos in Canada.

Let us all, as friends and members of the BCCA and Devotees of INA, pray for his eternal rest in peace with our Lord. Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith especially those for whom we now pray. May these, and all who sleep in Christ, find in Your presence light, happiness, and peace.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

BCCA extends its deepest sympathy and condolences to the whole Cabrias Family.

Thank you Manoy Jess! Rest well, rest in peace with the Lord.

Diyos Mabalos, from your BCCA family.

Video Clip link here:

Disclaimer: The above is NOT intended as legal practice/advice from the writer. Readers are enjoined to seek advice from a legal professional.

The writer is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and CEO of Northern Quest Canadian Immigration Services Inc. with offices at Suite 203, 169 Dundas St. East, Executive Offices, Suite 203 Mississauga, ON L5A 1W6. He is also an associate Paralegal from Y.S.N. & Associates Professional Corporation with offices at 1018 Finch Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M3J 3L5 with contact # Direct: 647-302.3508, Tel. 905-232.4553, Fax 905-232.4551, email: dacaralegal@hotmail.com / earldacara@gmail.com