Amado “Meding” Cabalo

Amado Cabalo, 88, born on September 14, 1936, in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, passed away on February 21, 2025. He resided in Sun Valley, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills, CA.

Endearingly called Meding by his family and friends, he was born to a humble family in Barrio Cagayungan, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Province, Philippines. After losing his mother, Emiliana, at the age of eight, he was lovingly raised by his Aunt Celing, while maintaining a close bond with his father, Sotero, and siblings. Growing up in the agricultural heartland of rural Ilocos Sur, he learned the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance from an early age. His childhood adventures and stories profoundly shaped his character and outlook on life.

Meding attended Feati University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geodetic Engineering. This pursuit of a professional career in surveying took him to various places across the Philippines and eventually led him to Camarines in Bicol Province. It was there he met the love of his life, Lydia Buenavides, an accounting graduate with family roots in the southern Province of Iloilo. In 1963, they tied the knot and were blessed with three children: Malou, Buboy, and Jing, all of whom inherited his sense of determination and empathy.

Life was challenging in the beginning for Meding and Inday Lyds, but through their sacrifices and unwavering commitment, they built a home and created a life filled with love and happiness for their children, often putting their family's needs above their own.

 Meding established the Cabalo Surveying Office in Candon, Ilocos Sur, preferring to work in the rural regions of the countryside surrounded by nature. He cultivated his love of nature alongside his family, transforming their home into a verdant sanctuary of plants and trees. His pride centered on a sixty-year-old fortune plant, whose annual blooms enveloped the home in a soul-soothing, heavenly fragrance. Family road trips to the green mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and volcanic sand beaches of Ilocos were common. They often returned from these adventures with a car packed full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasionally poultry and livestock—gifts from the humble folks of Ilocos as a token of gratitude for his dedicated service and care.

Meding cherished the simplicity of life and valued friendship and loyalty. He treated loyal employees as family and generously rewarded hard work and dedication.

Meding's love for his family knew no bounds. In 1997, with the assistance of his daughter Malou and son-in-law Celso, he relocated to Hawaii in the United States along with Inday Lyds. Despite having a successful and well-established career, Meding chose to be present for his grandchildren: Maricel, Arielle, Devin, and Ethan. He embraced this new adventure of building a new life with renewed vitality and vigor.

In 2016, Meding and Inday Lyds moved to Sun valley, California to retire and live with their daughter Jing and her partner Amy. This new chapter in the couple's life was no longer defined by struggle and hard work, but by the endless pursuit of fun and adventure. They frequently played mahjong with relatives and friends, embarked on road trips with their son Buboy, took vacations with family in other states, and spent extended periods in the Philippines revisiting cherished places, reliving old memories, and spending time with beloved relatives and friends. After years of perseverance and hard work, Meding was finally reaping the rewards. 

However, life dealt a devastating blow in 2021 when Meding lost Inday Lyds to a fatal stroke, and he soon after began his fight against lung cancer.

At the age of 88, Meding was finally welcomed into the Lord’s embrace on February 21, 2025, surrounded by loving friends and family. His legacy is one of love, resilience, and generosity. His life story is a testament to the power of hard work and the importance of staying true to one's values. Meding has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Reflecting on the life of Meding, we are reminded of the profound impact one person can have on the world. His journey was filled with challenges and triumphs, and through it all, he remained a pillar of strength and compassion. His story is a source of inspiration and a reminder of the enduring power of love and dedication.