Neil Perez opens up on near-death experience in motorcycle accident

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MANILA, Philippines — Mister International 2014 Mariano Flormata, also known as Neil Perez, has shared his near-death experience that happened in June this year.

In an episode of GMA Network’s “Tunay Na Buhay,” Perez narrated how he figured in to a motorcycle accident that almost killed him.

“Pagbaba ng tulay, nagulat ako, ‘yung kalsada sira tapos may parang humps na bakal,” the police-model recounted.

(When I got off the bridge, I was surprised that the street was in disrepair and there was a speed hump made of metal.)

He added, “Lumipad ako nun, sa part na ‘yun tapos nabitawan ko ‘yung manibela, na-slide ako, tapos wala na akong naalala.”

(It caused me to fly off my motorcycle and I let go of the handlebar, slid off, then I don’t remember anything after that.)

Perez said he was found by three kids on the street and was brought home: “Nakwento sa akin ng mama ko kasi wala na akong maalala nun, dinala ako nung tatlong bata.”

(My mom just told me about it because I can’t remember anything, 3 kids just helped me.)

His mother, Grace Perez Flormata, recalled, “Basta na lang kasi siya dumating sa bahay. Nakita ko siya may dugo sa kamay. May sugat sa mukha. Tinanong ko siya, ‘Nakipagaway ka ba?’ Di siya sumasagot.”

(He just came home with blood on his hands and face. I asked him if he got into a fight and he couldn’t answer.)

This was when they found out that Perez had temporary memory lapses from the accident.

“Pag tinatanong siya, ‘O kilala mo ba ako?’ Nakatingin lang siya hindi siya sumasagot,” Perez’s mother said.

(When you asked him if he recognized you, he’ll just look at you without answering.)

At the time, Perez thought, “Pakiramdam ko, ano nang mangyayari sa akin kasi gising ako pero baka dumating yung oras na magshutdown ‘yung utak ko.”

(I was thinking what would happen to me because I was conscious but the time may come that my brain could shut down.)

Perez also paid tribute to the kids who helped him by expressing thanks and saying, “Kayo yung magiging modelo ng mga bata na kahit gipit kayo, kahit hirap kayo sa buhay, handa kayong tumulong nang walang kapalit.”

(You three are role models of how even though you are not as fortunate as other people, you are still willing to help without asking anything in return.) /je

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