Eloy, before I start, I just want to say that even though you'll see me cry throughout this, I want you to know that my standing here to give this eulogy is and will always be my proudest moment in life. Having the opportunity to tell that world about how special you are is an honor and a blessing. I know that you don't like seeing people cry, but please believe that every tear that drops from our eyes is our way of showing you how much we love you and how much you have touched our lives.

It took me a really long time to come up with how to say things and what to say tonight. I know that some of you have known Carmelo since he was in my mom's stomach, others met Eloy through school and basketball and some were even introduced to him just this past weekend. Some of you know him inside and out, some of you just know how he looks and of his playful nature but I'm sure still felt how special his presence was. Tonight I want to share with all of you how Carmelo was like not only our brother, but as a son, a boyfriend and a friend.

If you look at the 4 of us, it's amazing how much Carlo and Carol look alike and how much Eloy looks like me. I don't know if it was the looks that divided us, but as kids, it was an unwritten fact that Carlo was Carol's partner and Eloy was mine. So for most of our childhood the teams were like this when we played, fought and argued. It wasn't until maybe the past 4 years that we discovered as siblings that we each shared a special partnership with Eloy.

Carlo was his car buddy. They would spend hours on end working Carlo's Civic. Whether it was on the internet looking for parts, going to the car wash, or changing the rims - this was what brought them together.

Care was his sister that was still cool enough for him to hang out with. Being only 2 years apart, they had common interests like their style of clothes, the music they listened to and Carol's talent of braiding hair. As Carol would do anything for Carmelo, Carmelo would do anything for her. For instance, Carmelo would drive all the way to Pickering if Carol needed him without any hesitation.

I on the other hand got the lucky role of the disciplinary and neurotic sister. It's almost as if I was his second mom - he never wanted to disappoint me. No matter how much I would yell and scream at that kid, he never once yelled back. We understood each other in a way that can't be described in words. Eloy, although you've left, you will forever be my partner.

In a nutshell, Carmelo was the brother you always wished for and I thank him for giving us 18 beautiful years together.

To get a glimpse of how he was like as a son, I want to read you a couple of his dedications to my mom and dad in the birthday cards that we 4 would give them.

For my dad's 52nd/53rd birthday he wrote:

"Hello Papa!

Since we don't know when you were actually born, I'll just say Happy Birthday! You are the greatest Pa-pa in the world, thank you for everything you have given me. Specially the looks! Haha. Looking sharp DAD-E-OH.

Love, Eloy."

For the mother's day that just past, he wrote:

"To my Mama,

You're the greatest mother I could ever have. You do everything for me even though you don't feel like it. You still cook and clean for us, even though you're tired of it all. I hope you know how much we appreciate it and hope you know we/I love you very very much.

Love, Eloy

You're the best!"

Through these simple quotes it is so clear how much he appreciated and respected the love of my parents. Eloy always took whatever my parents said and did to his heart. He would do anything to please them and make them proud and this is exactly what he did. Mama and Papa are so proud of you!

Ceejay. Ceejay was my brother's world. Carmelo loved her more then anything and I know that there is no one here who knows and understands Carmelo more then Ceejay. He gave his heart and soul to her as she did to him. They spent hours on end together - Carmelo would pick up Ceejay everyday, even if it meant taking the bus to her house then back to wherever they planned to go. I used to love hearing them laugh together in his room in the basement - Carmelo was the happiest when he was with her, and Ceej, for that I thank you. Ceejay -you will always be a part of our family and our home. We love you.

Lastly, "a true friend" are 3 words that best describe my brother and is a phrase that has been expressed by many these past days. I just wanted to share with you some thoughts from his friends that were written in a journal that Carmelo's school has dedicated to him.

"Smile down on us.and we'll keep our heads up" - Anthony Ayala

"Carmelo is the most kind, loving, caring, honest and whole-hearted friend I ever had and will ever have" - Jorge Sabbun

"He was never the type of person to be alone and always was willing to be with his friends" - Joseph Dimacuha

"He was one of the coolest people in and out at St Joe's. It is only fitting but
regretting that he died doing something and with something he loved so much."
- Ahren Tandoc

"There will never be another Carmelo, his name and the impact he had on my life will live forever. Though he is no longer with us, he is only gone in the physical form. His spirit will live on and so will the memories of him" - Richard Medina

To finish I would like to mention Carmelo's love for art - some of his work is just up there by the fireplace. He had to do a self-critique on his final project in art - which is actually the one of the Civics. The last question on this critique was

"Are you satisfied with your final work? Why or why not? What could you have done to improve it?"

My little brother is a very modest kid and the biggest perfectionist so I was really surprised that he answered it with

"I am satisfied because I feel I tried my best."

After Sunday, I have come to believe that this last remark was about his life and that he is happy now and that it was his time. Carmelo wants us to know that when we feel angry, sad, or disappointed at how he parted, we have to remember that he didn't chose to go but that he was chosen by God his only savior so that he can watch over us.

So guys, every time you walk outside your house, get into a car, or go for a walk, believe that our Angel Eloy is with you. Pray to him, believe in him, and let him live through you.

Carmi Magnaye
Friday, May 27, 2005