Manuela Yulo Manalo

Manuela Yulo Manalo passed away peacefully and joined our Lord on the evening of March 12, 2021 while she was surrounded by her loving family. Manuela was born on January 1, 1941 to the prominent Yulo sugar barons of Bacolod, Philippines, to Jesusa Abeto and Jose Yulo. As the eighth of eleven children, she grew up in a large family prominent in politics, public service, real estate, business and cultural development in the Philippines. She attended La Consolacion in Bacolod for grade school and La Concordia College in Manila and St. Paul’s College in Manila for high school. She is an alumna of Assumption College San Lorenzo Makati in Manila (formerly known as Assumption Convent). She took part and enjoyed Holy Retreats and was a member of the Sodality of our Lady whose purpose was to foster devotion, reverence and love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was also a member of the Jayceerettes (JCI – Junior Chamber International) whose mission was to develop leadership skills, social responsibility and fellowship to create positive change within the community and the world at large. After college, she married Roberto Meer Manalo, whom she met at school formals. Together they loved attending soirees and events and vacationing around the country. Eventually, she and Roberto traveled extensively around the world before settling in Dallas, Texas.

Manuela enjoyed life and hosted many celebrations. You could always see her smiling and hear her laughter at numerous family gatherings, where she was able to utilize her skills and talents – creating and baking elaborate birthday cakes, desserts, pastries, baked goods, and cooking up a variety of delicious Filipino meals, which recipes she lovingly shared with others. She was an extraordinary cook having learned from her mom, as well as from the Filipino culinary icon, gourmet chef and cookbook author, Chef Nora Daza.

Manuela was devoted to her Catholic faith and her loving family and friends. She attended mass every day and shared spiritual stories and devotionals with everyone she met. One of her favorite pastimes was reading on the lives of saints and she always shared stories of miraculous events. On most occasions, Manuela generously distributed holy water, prayer cards, rosaries, and relics (a blessed medal, holy cloth, or the Catholic brown scapular) to encourage continuous prayer to, devotion and reflection on Catholic saints, the Holy Family, and the Blessed Virgin Mother.

Manuela lived for family and friends. She was always there when needed, from something as simple as accompanying others on a shopping trip to providing invaluable advice on important matters regarding health, finance, and relationships. Although her degree was in Business and Commerce, she held a vast knowledge in health, nutrition and medicine. She took care of everyone medically – not only herself, her children and extensive family, but especially her husband due to his heart disease and diabetes. Her love of reading and learning made her a source of information. Wise beyond her years, she enjoyed sharing her life story and others’ stories as there were many life lessons to learn. She was fortunate to continue teaching these life lessons to her grandchildren. She regularly attended her grandchildren’s countless catholic school events, sports games, competitions, awards ceremonies, dance recitals, violin recitals, and piano recitals. Her selfless love and altruism were at the heart of keeping family and faith central. She was the backbone of the family and never failed in putting others’ needs over hers. She was a great influence and inspiration hence she will be missed immensely and dearly. We all hope to reunite with her in eternity.

She is survived by her husband, Roberto Meer Manalo, three children; Joanna Manalo Miller (children Matthew, Melinda, Mary), Leonardo Manalo (wife Laura, daughter Meaghan), and Angela Manalo Protacio (husband Rob, children Isabella and Julian) and numerous family members.

A private mass will be held Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Some of Manuela Yulo Manalo’s favorite scripture verses and quotes:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Mt 11:28-30

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” St. Augustine (Lib 1, 1, 1-2, 2.5, 5: CSEL 22, 1-5)

“How much do you love me?” I asked Jesus, and Jesus said, “This much … “.
Then he spread his arms and died for me.

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