Short of four days of what would have been his 83rd birthday, Susano “Ah Hua” Sy departed to join his Creator to continue his journey on another level of existence.
Steeped in his Catholic faith, Ah Hua lived a life exemplifying the essence of Christianity — being a man for others. Those who knew him saw his simple, unassuming, low-profile stance.
Msgr. Julito Cortes recalled in his homily the speech that Ah Hua’s elder brother, Dr. Julio Sy, gave when he received his honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Silliman University: “Truth be told, I never graduated from college. I and my brother Susano had to stop schooling because of economic adversity….”
Ah Hua’s story is inspiring, as through much sacrifice, hard work, and strong faith, he was able to rise above all obstacles, and together with his brother Julio, founded the New Bian Yek Commercial Inc. (NBYC) as a family enterprise.
Later, together with the rest of the family, inspite of the political upheavals and economic set backs during the post-World War II years, the declaration of Martial Law, followed by a slow national recovery, NBYC emerged as one of the pillars of the homegrown Dumaguete-based business through sheer entrepreneurial instincts and common sense — a feat that even the young generation would find hard to beat.
Speaking in one voice for the family, Ah Hua’s brothers, Dr. Hermie Sy and Alex Sy expressed their deep gratitude, unfathomable affection, recognizing Ah Hua’s selfless generosity and devotion to family.
In behalf of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South where Ah Hua was past president, Dr. Henry Sojor shared snippets of the scholarships donated by Ah Hua to the Negros Oriental State University.
Unknown to many, anecdotes were shared on how Ah Hua helped enable them to upgrade their small businesses. He was also remembered for his kind, gentle, and humble demeanor whenever he dealt with various people from all walks of life, never pulling rank on anyone.
His only son, Danford, spoke of the loving ways of his father, and how they were brought up immersed in Confucian values.
Mary Immaculate Parish priest, Fr. Joseph Fengre recalled how Ah Hua consciously received his last sacraments, with serenity.
It is inevitable that his beloved wife Teena and children Danford, Anne Beth, Sha-sha Chua, and Em-em Ang and their spouses; his siblings and in-laws, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and extended Sy family, relatives and friends are dealing with grief and loss. However, the legacy of Ah Hua’s purposeful journey, which has caused fruitful ripples in the lives of those he touched, should comfort them in this difficult time.
In the context of these beliefs, death is not the end, but a temporary transition into a different phase of life. We condole with the family of Ah Hua Sy.
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
