Rodrigo Balatbat

Rodrigo, or Rudy as how most people lovingly know him, was born on February 23rd, 1962, in Manila, Philippines to his parents, Ricardo David Balatbat and Clarita Fernandez Isla. He was the second child after his big brother, Rolando, followed by his sister, Rosanna, and his youngest brother, Ricardo Jr. He spent most of his youth in Manila and at their beach resort in Batangas – gifted by his father, where he spent his time riding motorcycles, fishing until dusk (where they would grill their catch), and watching the sunset. He was a caring brother and an obedient son, always honoring and respecting his parents’ wishes.

During his academic years, he studied in San Beda College from elementary through college, where he majored in Commerce. He created plenty of crazy, fun-filled, and unforgettable memories, and formed many bonds with his friends and classmates. Rudy loved to joke with his friends and family, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. Rudy was also an animal lover. He was never short on showing kindness and compassion towards every animal – taking in stray cats and feeding pigeons. He was very much loved by his furry companions Meesha, Ellie, Pickles, and Sumi.

It’s impossible to summarize the life of a man who was so abundantly full of life. As you all know, Rudy was a very active guy. He was passionate about fitness and powerlifting – breaking records in the late 80s as part of the Philippine Powerlifting Team and eventually coaching people who aspired to excel in that sport. He enjoyed target-shooting, loved cars and riding motorcycles. He would go on long drives to feel the cool breeze and bask in nature. But to add to his already long list of passions, he had a deep love for music. Rudy would play and sing along to his favorite songs in the living room and was very fond of performing duets with his daughters during karaoke at family gatherings.

He met the love-of-his-life, Cynthia Ferry Yuson, in high school at the age of 18. They were set up on a blind date by Cynthia’s friend, Marlene, during a school fair where they instantly fell for each other. Back in their youth, he loved writing her love notes and serenading her during their long phone calls. The fruit of their love bore them three loving children: Ryann Christian, Rochelle, and Ruby Crystel. As a father, he was a reserved and sentimental man who showed his affection more through actions than through words.

Rudy was a wonderful listener. If you were struggling and needed to talk, he would always listen with tenderness and intention, and speak truth in the simplest, most grounding way. One of the admirable things about Rudy was his strong faith in God. He would start his day solemnly praying on his knees and playing worship music to give glory to God daily.

Rudy was our cheerleader, caretaker, protector, and best friend. He was everything. Being loved by him was such a gift to witness and experience. He is survived by his best friend and sweetheart of 44 years, Cynthia; his three treasured and beautiful children: Ryann Christian (Kristine), Rochelle (William), and Ruby Crystel (David); his cherished grandchildren, Jace and Chloe; and his fur-babies: Pickles, and Sumi.

As we wrestle with the suddenness of our beloved Rudy’s passing, and question the timing of it all, there is one thing that we are clinging to: we know that because of his relationship with Jesus, he is in glory with the Lord. What we had pictured was that in that instant God simply scooped him up as He said, “I’m calling you home now.” And on his way to heaven, our cat Ellie (who passed away just a month ago before Rudy passed away) was also there, waiting to accompany him. It is difficult to live] life here on earth without him, but in the depths of our grief we have both joy and hope, knowing that he is currently soaking up the immeasurable beauty of heaven with the Lord and someday we will meet him there in God’s perfect time. May we all know that even in this unbearable pain, the Lord is present and as Rudy would so confidently say, “even in this, God is always in control.”