An upstanding member of our community, my father, Ely Escorial, passed away in the morning of December 23, 2023 in the company of his loving wife/my mother, Annabelle, and his daughters/my siblings. My father was 73 years old.
Atty. Eliezer Alviar Escorial, also known as Fiscal, Dong Ely, or just Ely, was well-known in many circles, having been a vice mayor of his hometown in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, and then chief prosecutor for the City of Dumaguete.
My father was known for many skills and talents — from public speaking and defending the oppressed, to singing and dancing, you name it, he gave his heart to it.
My father Ely loved life, and lived it to the fullest. He was very congenial, easy to befriend, and easy to like.
He was well-spoken, and his demeanor always seemed to demand respect, but he was also always just around to lend a listening ear, and provide support to those who needed it.
He had a passion for music, and loved to sing and dance. After bagging the championship in a singing competition one time with his fellow lawyers, my father started to be referred to as “The Singing Fiscal”.
My father grew up in the small northern town of Bagawines in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. At an early age, he displayed the qualities necessary to be a good leader, and he was often looked up to by his peers and siblings. He was the go-to person not only for his family and friends, but for the townsfolk in his hometown as well.
As he grew older, his blossoming leadership skills naturally transitioned into a desire to fight for justice for people who needed it.
Law seemed a natural fit for him, so my father Ely went to law school at Silliman University, and completed his degree in 1975.
He married the love of his life, Annabelle A. Quirante, and together, they have three daughters: Tiffany Azcona, me Elainne, and Bern Anne Rhea. My parents would have celebrated their 48th year together in May this year.
My dad was not a strict father but he was firm with us, that even his nieces and nephews all loved him because he was fair, caring, and protective of us all. My cousins would attest that he was somewhat the consentidor (indulgent) uncle every niece or nephew could only wish for. He always made sure my siblings and our cousins felt safe and secure with him in their corner.
My father Fiscal Ely Escorial loved his profession, and worked as Prosecutor in Dumaguete City until his retirement. He advocated for equality, human rights, and was against discrimination of anyone based on their race, background, or social status.
Apart from his profession, he was also quite active in the community, and volunteered for many organizations like the local orphanage, Kalauman, Foster Care, Heaven, the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South, the Mona Lisa Society, the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen & Professionals, the Men & Women Auxillary of Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, the Dumaguete City PNP Advisory Council, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Knights of Rizal-Negros Oriental Chapter, among others.
If my dad had a flaw, it was his inability to turn away people who badly needed help, not minding his own difficulty. In fact, when he was in ICU fighting for his life, some people came looking for him desperately seeking his advice. My dad was indeed a generous man, and even in his sickbed, he had a big heart for other people’s welfare.
The demise of my father is indeed a great loss to our family and friends, but also to the community that he served well. But we are comforted with the thought that he is at peace now with our Maker.
Ely Escorial’s happy demeanor will be sorely missed not only by his family and friends, but by everyone whose lives he’s touched and made better.
Like the song he always enjoyed singing, my father lived for love for family, people, laughter, and the good times. He was adored by many, and so his memory will forever be etched in our hearts.
An amazing husband to our mom Annabelle, loving father, a dedicated public servant, and an awesome friend.
Sing, dance, and sail on God’s Love Boat in Heaven, Daddy. We love you so much! Until we meet again.
Elainne Q. Escorial
