13/05/2026
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Atenean community gathered to honor and celebrate the life of Booster — a beloved campus companion whose presence brought comfort, joy, and warmth to countless students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Ateneo de Naga University.
Starting at 3:00 PM, the Booster Memorial Wall was opened at the Eight Pillars, displaying Booster’s clothes, toys, photographs, and treasured memorabilia — small pieces of a life that made a big impact on the community. It became a space where Ateneans paused, remembered, and shared stories of the dog who quietly became part of campus life and family.
At 4:00 PM, Fr. Cel Reyes led the blessing of Booster’s remains at the Eight Pillars. In the solemn gathering, prayers were offered not only in grief, but in gratitude for the years Booster spent bringing comfort and companionship to the community he called home.
The memorial program formally began at 5:00 PM at the Xavier Grounds, hosted by Luiselle Hernandez, member of AHA and an Ateneo Student Ambassador. Opening remarks were delivered by Lexie Go, President of ATAMANN and fellow Ateneo Student Ambassador, who spoke about Booster’s enduring presence in the university and the love that surrounded him throughout his life.
Heartfelt eulogies followed from Booster’s fur moms and caregivers: Deedee, his foster mom; Dimple Paterno, his guardian; and Iza, his fur mom and adopter. Through their stories, the community was reminded of Booster’s gentle spirit, playful nature, and quiet way of making people feel less alone. Attendees were also given the opportunity to come forward and share their own memories — stories of encounters in hallways, afternoons spent with him around campus, and moments when Booster simply appeared at the right time, offering comfort without words.
As part of the tribute, tokens and certificates of appreciation were awarded to Dr. Angelo Tormes of Tormes Veterinary Clinic, who cared for Booster until his final breath, and to Dr. Carl Orozco of Bicol Paws Cremation and Funeral Services, who generously provided Booster’s cremation and memorial kit free of charge. Their compassion and kindness during one of the community’s most difficult moments were deeply appreciated.
The ceremony concluded with a candle-lighting tribute, followed by the burial of part of Booster’s ashes and the planting of a memorial tree from Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR). The tree now stands as a living symbol of Booster’s legacy — deeply rooted in the community, quietly giving comfort, and continuing to grow in the hearts of the people he loved so dearly.
Special thanks to Flowertown for helping us decorate the memorial.
