Fly High, Abi
by Dianne Dela-Cruz Tagle
Sweet it was, sweet and gone too soon. Arabelle Krystal Casauay has sadly left us.
We grieve Abi’s sudden passing, especially since we have only begun to reconnect with batchmates in preparation for the UPIS Grand Alumni Homecoming in December 2022.
Her presence will remain with us through the original ALAB UPIS anthem she composed and sang for the Homecoming. Likewise, we will continue to take comfort in the warm memories we have of her.
A passionate musician, a dedicated educator, and a loving person. Abi is truly beautiful inside and out.
Abi Casauay (1980-2022)
My childhood best friend, Arabelle. It breaks my heart that you were taken so unexpectedly. We walked our different paths but remained good friends throughout the years. I will always remember your sweet voice, your bright smile and your warm laughter. Our memories will always make me happy and you will forever be in my heart. Rest in peace, my beshie.
- ROXANNE RESUMA BASSIG
We’ll miss you, Abi! Salamat sa contribution mo sa batch, sa Coordination Committee, sa musika at happy vibes na lagi mong dala!
- ENA TRINIDAD
Thank you for being a source of positive energy for all of us. Our homecoming anthem is a valuable contribution we will forever treasure. Salamat sa iyong talento at pagmamahal sa Batch 97. Mami-miss ka namin, sobra!
- AJ CRUZ
You were always so bubbly and cheerful. Thank you for sharing your talents. Our homecoming preps won’t be the same without you. Rest in peace, Abi.
- AISA LECCIONES HERMENO
I was just listening to the song you made for the batch last night. We will miss that smile and we will miss you. Prayers for the whole family.
- BADJI MORTIZ
My dear Abi, you were one of my friends since we were very young. We will never forget the joy you always seem to bring. I thank God for allowing us to share memories with such a talented, cheerful, fun-loving, and caring friend. Until we meet again in heaven. We love you.
- ELIZABETH KING SANTOS
Just when we were talking about the beauty of rediscovering one another and having a newfound appreciation for our highschool classmates that we did not get a chance to be close with during our growing up years. I guess heaven needs more angels like you.
I will forever be grateful to have been given the chance these past few weeks to get to know you on a deeper and more meaningful level. Fly high and sing your heart out in paradise, Abi. We love you.
- MALAYA ROXANNE SANTOS
Rest in peace, until we meet again.
- MICHAEL FLORENDO
We are so grateful for you, Abi, in more ways than one. Your presence at the homecoming will be sorely missed, but we offer our best to honor you with the gift of music that you have left us.
- LIANNE MIRANO ROMERO
Bilib ako sayo noon kasi sa Postal Remedy, ikaw yung nagtuloy na tumugtog sa mga banda, sa mga gigs. Natutuwa ako para sayo kasi noon pa man nakita ko na ang passion mo sa musika. Tuwing break natin sa rehearsal sa bahay nina JE, tayong dalawa yung naiiwan sa practice area, nagtuturuan tayo ng mga bagay na makakapag-improve ng performance sa isa't-isa. Dun ka rin natutong pumalo ng drums, di ko makakalimutan. Itong huling mga buwan, madalas tayo magkausap, madaming plano para sa musika. May ilang mga awit pa sana tayong tatapusin, pero wag ka mag-alala, sa iyo ko iaalay ang susunod kong obra. Mami-miss ka namin Abi. Rakenrowl. Takits nalang ulit.
- AARON ROMERO
UPIS, UP Sunken, picnic, Hardin ng Rosas days. Ang saya lang na alalahanin, lalo na kung ikaw ay kumakanta at ngumingiti. Kaibigang Abi, hanggang sa muli.
- ELLAINE CANTUBA NAPIZA
Magkaklase tayo from K-Magnolia pa. Biglaan mo na lang kaming iniwan. Paalam ka-batch. Hanggang sa muli.
- ODIE MENA
We will miss your grace, warmth, and kindness. Thank you for sharing your talents (both known and hidden–I won’t hear toothpaste jingles the same way again). Rest in peace, Abi.
- TIA PERALTA SALONGA
Abi, nakakagulat. Rest in God’s loving arms, ganda.
- ANGEL GACUMA
You impacted my life in such wonderful and positive ways. You are multi-talented and a very intelligent person. I love your passion in teaching little children. My heart will always be with you Abi, and your memories will always be here with me. Thank you for everything and for having me know you in this lifetime.
- JOHANNES MAGBITANG
Rest in peace, Abi. I will always remember your joy and bubbliness and how that positivity was so infectious to everyone around you.
- BRIAN LLAGAS
I thank the Lord for that brief moment nung batch photo shoot na nakilala kita–glimpse of your radiant beauty and joyful take on life. May your life continue to inspire many to embrace and celebrate life. Salamat sa gunita. May eternal rest grant unto you.
- IMEE SIOCO
Kahit na matagal na tayong magka-eskwela eh ngayon ko pa lang ikaw mas nakikilala. Salamat sa mga iniwan mong obra na magiging bahagi ng alaala namin sa sigla at liwanag na dinulot mo.
- FRANCES JOSEF HERNANDEZ
Noong March lang ay pinag-uusapan natin yung kanta mo para sa batch at yung vision mo para dito. Namangha ako sa creativity at level of collaboration ninyo nila Aaron. Pero higit sa iyong talents, mas namangha ako sa vulnerability na bitbit mo noong araw na iyon. You’ve always been a light, bubbly, and fun presence, but on that day, I saw a side of you that was so refreshingly authentic that touched not just me but everyone in that small group. I would still have wanted to spend another day with you and your lovely laugh! We love you, Abi!
- KAY AÑONUEVO
I remember the time that we were all prepping up for the musical presentation natin sa Music class. I was looking for you to inform kung anong number tayo in the sequence. I found you at Asylum. I asked if you need help with the song. You need someone to at least sing with you para alam mo kung kelan ka papasok. I gladly obliged. Tawa ka ng tawa nun because I kept on singing as if I was the other characters of the song.
- KARIKTAN PAGARIGAN
Townsfolk:
Look there she goes
The girl is strange but special
A most peculiar mad'moiselle
'Cause she really is a funny girl
A beauty but a funny girl
She really is a funny girl
That Belle!
Soar high, Abi, our Belle!
Video by Aaron Romero