Asuncion "Mama Chol" Reyes Favorito

Asuncion "Mama Chol" Reyes Favorito

Age 100
Died 01/27/2026

Asuncion "Mama Chol" Reyes Favorito, was born on March 25, 1925 in Manila, Philippines back when the Philippines was still a territory of the United States of America. She was the daughter of the late Isidro Reyes and the late Constancia Javier. She was also preceded in death by her husband Edgardo Favorito, son, Reynaldo Favorito & grandchild Razel Favorito; and siblings, Francisca, Jorge, Remedios, Joaquin, Luz, Ildefonso, and Isidro Jr.

She is survived by her sister Milagros Jose and husband Cesar Jose of Daly City, California.

She is also survived by her daughters, Teresita Manabat and husband Reynold Manabat of Las Vegas, Nevada; Cecilia Hernandez of Mandaluyong City, Philippines; Norma Ueda of Toronto, Canada; Rebecca Barrientos and husband Victor Barrientos of Manila, Philippines; and Marissa Guevarra and husband Fernando Guevarra of Raleigh, North Carolina.

She is further survived by her grandchildren, Arnold and Diocel, Renan and Jean, Renzel, Hazel and Joseph Vincent, Hancel and James Alfred, Hanizel and Angelo, Dazel, Jerry, Raleigh, Ranniazel, Maracel, and Francis; and great-grandchildren, Jaden, Ethan, Jaydi, Jazmine, Sophia, Rendrick, Inigo, Julian, Winter, Summer, Sky, and Luna.

Asuncion "Mama Chol" is a well known figure in the Filipino community in the area. She has been a constant presence in almost all the Filipino-American gatherings from parties of the different Filipino groups like FAPANC, RDUGK, CFC-NC, Gabriela Silang Society, The Filipino Choir, WFG, church gatherings like Sinulog, Black Nazarene, Feast days of San Lorenzo Ruiz and San Pedro Calungsod; and the endless galas from each group throughout the years. It is more than likely that there is a photo of her in each of these events in her different dresses. She enjoys the arts and likes seeing the Filipino-American community sing, dance, perform, and share the uniqueness of the Filipino culture to the community. She is honest for always giving her sincere and welcomed opinions when critiquing performances. She would always have stories of how she dance back in her heydays. She would still tinker with the piano whenever she sees one in anyone's house. She likes to eat and try different food in any party or event. Most of all, everyone enjoys her company because of her wonderful smile that never ceases.

To best summarize her impact to the Filipino-American community here, our family would like to quote a friend who said, "With a heavy heart, I share the sad news of Mama Chol’s passing to a group of Fil-Am friends who have touched Mama Chol’s life by taking part in the musical Yael Pineda-Hall has conceptualized, “Centennially Yours, Mama Chol”. She will be celebrating her 101st birthday this March, but the Lord has a better plan for her. She’s now celebrating her life with the love of her life and all her departed loved ones who went before her. She’s now rejoicing with our dear Lord, surrounded by the angels in heaven. I will miss her bright eyes, which beamed with excitement whenever we said hello, and the big smile that lifted my spirit. It was an honor to have met this extraordinary woman whose century-long journey on earth has touched so many lives and left a legacy that will be forever treasured and remembered. Thanks to each of you for being part of Mama Chol's life!"

Mama Chol's memory has surely touched everyone and we would like to extend this by sharing the musical that was made by our friend Yael Pineda-Hall. We hope that this would make you smile and continue to support the arts through the lens of the Filipino-American experience.

Our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation of all the love, kindness, and support you have shown us during this difficult time.

“Centennially Yours, Mama Chol” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgsYcdMuy1w