On behalf of my family, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my beloved sister, Helen Amaga Pilapil, in the Philippines on August 26, 2026.

Being so far away from home, there are no words to adequately express the pain of losing a loved one—especially a sister. Our hearts are broken, but we continue to entrust Helen to God’s loving and merciful hands.

Helen was born on June 8, 1991, and at only 35 years old, she was taken from us far too soon. She leaves behind six children, including her youngest, a one-year-old daughter, and her loving partner, who shared her life and stood by her through the years. She is also mourned by her parents, siblings, relatives, extended family, and the many loved ones whose lives she touched. Her youngest child is far too young to understand why her mother is no longer there. Too young. Gone too soon.

Her six children, partner, parents, siblings, relatives, and loved ones now face the future without Helen’s embrace, guidance, and love. We ask everyone to keep them especially in your prayers.

To my parishioners, friends both near and far, and kababayans; to Congressman GerryBoy Espina Jr. (The Honorable Gerardo “Gerry Boy” Espina Jr.), Governor Rogeliojespina (The Honorable Rogelio “Roger” J. Espina), and their respective staffs, who immediately responded and extended their help to our family; to our relatives and extended family members who have offered their love, prayers, and support; to the doctors, nurses, caregivers, and medical staff who cared for Helen; and to everyone who prayed and hoped for her recovery—from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my entire family, thank you.

Your prayers, compassion, concern, and generosity during this difficult time have meant more to us than words can express. Even from thousands of miles away, your love and support have reminded us that we are not alone.

We entrust Helen to the loving mercy of God, trusting that she is now at peace in His presence. May God grant strength, comfort, and courage to her six children, her partner, her parents, her siblings, her relatives, and everyone who mourns her passing.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

We will announce the funeral details as soon as they become available.

Rest in peace, my dear sister Helen. You were too young, and you were gone too soon. You will always be loved, remembered, and missed. Until we meet again in the presence of our loving God.

HELEN’S remains lie in state at her home in Barangay Victory (Banacod), Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines, for a wake from August 28, 2026- September 4, 2026.

Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, September 05, 2026, at 8:00 AM at St. James the Apostle Parish, Caibiran, Biliran, Philippines.

Internment follows the Funeral Mass at the Caibiran Public Cemetery.

To support the 6 children Helen left behind, my Canadian friends, you can help directly via EMT to my email address: npboren@yahoo.com.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support, and thank you to those who have already sent help and those back home.

In the meantime, we decided that my mother will bring the 1-year-old daughter to Manila after the Funeral Mass to be cared for, along with the 4-year-old; the rest will temporarily stay with their father while completing the school year.