Erlina Mercado

Erlina "Lyn" Mercado was born on October 1st, 1959 to Ernesto Francisco and Rosalina Bautista. She was the youngest of two daughters, oldest being Emilita Francisco. Her father was in the army and was stationed in Bulacan where Erlina was born. At the age of 2 years old they moved to Kalibo. Soon, their little family was full of joy as they were able to join the rest of their relatives.

In her teen years they were able to move to Makati, Manila. She attended the Philippine School of Business Administration where she was able to get her certificate and soon start her career with PLDT. Soon after she met the love of her life, Ubaldo "Val" Mercado. She would sneak to parties and travel to different towns while using one of her dear relatives Beth as her chaperone. Love continued to grow and soon they were married on January 25, 1986. Their wedding was one to remember. Val Mercado served as the renown head chef of Intercontinental Hotel in Makati Manila which gave them the opportunity for such a grand wedding . Armored trucks of food, beautiful drapery touched the floor, and Erlina was one of the most gorgeous brides Makati in the 80s had seen. Her stunning eyes, princess Diana hairstyle, and intricate wedding dress made her look as a royal herself. Their wedding day was surrounded with so much love and beauty.

After several attempts to have a baby, in May 19, 1988 they were finally able to give birth to their only daughter Katrina "Kaye" Mercado. She had a hard pregnancy, but God blessed them with a very special daughter. Katrina "Kaye" continued to care for Erlina with immense love and gratitude especially during her last days. Erlina raised Kaye with much grace. She devoted her time to her and her family and relatives so that Kaye will not grow up alone.

In 1993, Ubaldo moved to the United States. In 1994 Erlina and Kaye were able to join him. When Erlina arrived to America she became a health caregiver. Her first job was at Bixby Knolls Towers in Long Beach CA and continued to work there for 25 years . Through those years she cultivated many long lasting friendships. She cared for people deeply and also worked double shifts as a private home health caretaker . Every family she worked for expressed their gratitude for Erlina's unwavering care and devotion . Erlina was truly one of a kind and was able to share her hard work with her family in the Philippines.

In 2005, Val and Erlina purchased their first home in the Northside of Long Beach . Erlina had a large beautiful kitchen and decorated their home with exquisite taste. She moved in her mother from the Philippines, and hosted many family gatherings. Erlina and Val loved to host family. Erlina was the happiest when she was around the people she loved.

In 2011, her daughter Kaye became a mother at an early age of 21 with her husband Jeffrey Malabanan and had their first daughter Shayla Malabanan. Erlina loved Shayla very much and showered her with gifts every week.

In 2015, Jeff and Kaye bought a home in Cerritos. Erlina & Val moved in with them and soon their family became bigger throughout the years. Erlina went from one grandchild to four and the presents doubled, but still she continued to gift them almost every week ! If there was a word to describe Erlina it would be charitable beyond measure . She continues to give, ask nothing for return nor seek praises. She stayed humble throughout her hard working years and even continued to work til the day she was diagnosed of Stage IV esophageal cancer.

Erlina went to the ER for stomach pain on January 14th, 2022. After running several biopsies and tests, she learned her diagnosis of Stage IV Esophageal Adenocarcinoma with metastasis to the liver and nearby lymph nodes and given the prognosis of 6 months to live. We saw the pain in her eyes but also her newfound strength that she needed to rise up.

As a family we decided to stay positive and fight. She quickly started chemotherapy and immunotherapy on February 2nd, 2022 with UCLA Santa Monica. Treatment was working for 5 months shrinking her tumors, up until June 11th, 2022 when her body started to react poorly to treatment causing her disease to spread to her lungs. Soon, she was unable to breathe on her own requiring her to be on continuous oxygen.

Her health begin to decline, and she was hospitalized many times. Through her struggle she continued to fight . She was a cat with 9 lives and outlived her doctors prognosis during each hospitalization. She was even intubated a few times and was still able to recover. Erlina defined the meaning of a fighter and showed exemplary strength. She continued to be courageous and her eyes lit up with hope even to her last days.

On November 29,2022 she gave her last bell of energy. Each day we had with Erlina was a win for us. We cherished her will to fight and gave her all that we could . Erlina was able to transition comfortably at home around her family that loved her dearly.

Her fight may be over but she lived a beautiful life and touched many peoples heart with her genuine devotion and kind personality. She is survived by her husband Ubaldo Mercado, her daughter Katrina Mercado, son in law Jeffrey Malabanan and grandkids; Shayla, Isabella, Kassius and Angelica Jojo. Rest in Paradise Erlina . You will forever be in our hearts.