Fil-Canadians mourn and praise Consul Rosalita Prospero

Rev. Pamela Kormano marveled at how many people called ConGen Rose Prospero humble, approachable, and authentic. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

TORONTO, Ontario — On the morning of Saturday, June 8, mourners filed into St. Ansgar’s Lutheran Church on Avenue Road and Lawrence St. in Toronto to celebrate Consul General Rosalita Sayoc Prospero’s life.

“ConGen Rose,” as she is fondly called in the Filipino Canadian community, passed away in the early morning of  May 28.  The outpouring of grief on social media came from global Filipinos who have known her in the course of her work postings. From Sydney to Paris to Manila, all spoke of their regret at the unexpected demise of a respected diplomat.

“Dedicated and unassuming.”  “Approachable, compassionate, helpful.”  “Loving and hardworking.”  “We felt we had our champion.”  “Authentic.”  The accolades and tributes, mixed with sadness, showed how people held ConGen Rose in high esteem.

Angela Ponce, ConGen Rose’s longtime friend and colleague, shared how humble and down-to-earth her friend was. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

A cross section of those in attendance at her celebration of life included students, seniors, community leaders, and her colleagues in the Philippine diplomatic corps.

Dr. Patrick Alcedo, a dance academic and performer, says that ConGen Rose gave the most incredible support to the Filipino culture and heritage community. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

Eulogies were delivered by Her Excellency Petronila P. Garcia, the Philippine ambassador to Canada, the Honorable Angela Ponce, minister and legal adviser Philippine Mission to the United Nations (in behalf of colleagues in the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs), Rachel Nagayo (as proxy for Alice Herrera, president of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto, in behalf of the Filipino community), and Dr. Patrick Alcedo (in behalf of partners in the promotion of Philippine culture).

WATCH: Yves Lamson credits ConGen Rose with kickstarting his career. MARISA ROQUE

Deputy Consul General (Toronto) Bernadette Fernandez read Psalm 23, and Consul Edna May Lazaro gave the reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.Emmanuel Santos and Paolo Busato rendered musical solos. Reverend Pamela Kormano presided over the celebration.

A reception held in the church basement followed, attended by the assembly, where everyone enjoyed a lavish spread of Filipino comfort food, served by the staff of the Philippine Consulate General, Toronto.