Lilibeth, family still feeling Eddie Garcia’s absence

Eddie Garcia (right) and longtime partner Lilibeth Romero

It’s been a week since Tito Eddie Garcia got his “call slip” from heaven. After the wake, that’s when the family really feels the absence of a loved one. So I thought of checking on Manoy’s longtime partner, Lilibeth Romero, through her sister, Luchie Chanco (who happens to be a friend of mine).

Tito Ed and Lili were together for three decades. How can she bear the overwhelming pain of his sudden demise? Perhaps, it would be easier for her to accept his death if he was ill. The thought that the tragic accident could have been prevented aggravates the pain.

It’s sad to think that Tito Ed had to be a “sacrificial lamb” to remind TV and movie personnel that the safety of actors during shoots is of utmost importance. Up to his final breath, Tito Ed left a lesson and an impact. Just like the soldier he used to be (before show biz beckoned), he died “in the line of duty.” Until the end, Eddie Garcia did Eddie Garcia things.

Manoy’s stepson, Rep. Mikee Romero, is set to file a bill to ensure occupational safety and health standards for actors. It will be called the Eddie Garcia Law. May it come to fruition so that the well-loved actor’s death won’t be in vain.

Here’s Luchi’s update:

My sisters, nieces and I take turns in staying with Lili in Alabang. We sleep beside her. Eddie’s urn is in the bedroom. We are not scared at all because he was such a good soul. The house feels empty without him. Lili has her moments. She often talks to Ed’s ashes.

There will be no big gathering on Ed’s ninth day. The family will just hear Mass. On his 40th day, there will be a celebration of his life and legacy.

The family will miss Ed all the more during the oathtaking of my nephew and his stepson, Mikee, whom he loved like his own, on June 29.

On June 30, Lili will go to Hong Kong with Mikee and her grandchildren. The change of scenery will do her good. We want to keep her busy, but we know that it won’t be easy to take her mind off Ed’s tragic death. When we invite her to eat out, she’s still not up to it.

Many years ago, Ed planted a tree across their Alabang home. The beautiful fire tree with orange flowers can be seen from their bedroom window.

Ed loved telling people how proud he was about planting it. When we look at that tree, it makes us feel Ed’s presence.

My late dad (Mike Lagman) and Eddie were so close. They talked about being together, even when they die. When dad died in 2014, Eddie said that he wanted his ashes to be placed beside my dad’s.

Allow me to share excerpts of my sister Peewee’s eulogy for Ed, on behalf of the family:

It is not the length of life, but the depth [of it] that matters. Eddie is so blessed to have had both.

Eddie, you have received countless awards in your career. There is only one award that you should receive from us, your family. It’s a Lifetime Achievement Award for Patience, Understanding, Love and Commitment.