Even as the global Filipino community cheers the triumph of boxing’s Manny Pacquiao, those in the Bay Area have tempered their glee as more learn the news of Al Robles’ death on Saturday.
Manong Al was the quintessential amok, whose life was the perfect balance between wildly creative self-expression and dedicated and continuous community service. An activist and a poet, I first met Al 28 years ago in 1981 when I returned to San Francisco as a television reporter and did a follow up story on the legendary International Hotel. I found him running a senior center on the edge of Chinatown by day, reading and writing poetry by night. Through the years, he was one of my best sources, a grassroots barometer of the community, always zeroed in on what was going on.
Earlier this month, I learned that Al had come down with Guillian-Barre’ Syndrome, a debilitating disease that compromises the immune system. His illness was not thought to be life threatening when activists let Robles’ network of friends know of his illness. But few updates on his condition arrived. Only this weekend did his close friends begin spreading the word that Robles had indeed passed away May 2.
Manong Al was always warm and friendly, greeting me as “Mr. Amok” whenever I saw him. He was always encouraging me to keep on doing my work in the ethnic media. How he treated me was indicative of how he treated others. His unique role was to be both inspiration and motivation to all.
In these rough times, Al’s fighting spirit will be sorely missed.
#1 by kim robles - May 8th, 2009 at 20:34
Date Change: May 17th
Thank you in for your words:
Please pass on the information if you can.
Thank You,
WE WELCOME YOU TO PLEASE JOIN US SUNDAY MAY 17TH FROM 12PM-5PM
@ SOMArts Cultural Center
934 Brannan Street / San Francisco, CA 94103 / +1 (415) 863-1414
The Journey Continues
A life celebration For Al Robles Manong,Poet,Muscian,Activist,Father,Son,Brother,Uncle Friend
A Potluck Celebration featuring
Poetry Readings..Live Jazz.Musical Performances,Dance,Martial arts and you
You are welcome to bring a poem,sing a song,bring your instrument,Share a dish,Volunteer ,speak a few words or just listen and enjoy just like manong Al would have wanted
If you would like to help with anything volunteer to setup/clean up…Or give a donation of food or a performance or perhaps just give a kind word or thought
Manong Al’s Spirit is now dancing among the Caribou
Please contact us:
Kimberley Robles
Robles_Kim@hotmail.com
Iraya Robles
Irayarobles@comcast.net
Tony Robles
Tonyrobles1964@hotmail.com