Gabriel Mainit

He came into the world at home, and left it from home -- different houses, different circumstances, and adventures in between that carried him and his family across the continents from the Philippines to California.

Gabriel Ilem Mainit, 79 years old, passed away on July 12, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones in Whittier. Born on April 20, 1947, in Imus, Cavite, to Eusebio Mainit and Alodia Ilem, he was the second child of four, Rafael was his kuya, Eva and Meng were his little sisters. He grew up in Dominga Pasay City. During his elementary days he was in the Manila times Newspaper recognized as the youngest student to take electronics in a vocational school. He attended La Salle from elementary school to high school then he decided he wanted to be a pilot like his dad and his brother, so he went to Philippine Air Force Flying School and graduated Second Highest Overall Academic and Flying Proficiency. As a pilot, Gabriel—one of only five ever honored—was awarded the Bronze Cross Medal by President Marcos for his role in a daring helicopter rescue that saved two people stranded atop a burning ninety-eight story tower. As a son, his mom decided to arrange a blind date with a colleague’s daughter --- Precy. They met fell in love, got married, and had three children, Boggie, Joann, and Jun Jun.

In 1987, God led Gabriel and his family to Los Angeles, anchoring their journey in His promise: 

“Keep this Book of the Law on your lips… Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8–9

The Mainit family found a Filipino community in First Filipino Baptist Church where the family dedicated much of their free time in service. He helped the church with the sound system and even assisted in the transition of the church from singing hymns with recordings to live worship. FYI this is where his son Jun and Edeliza met.

God richly blessed Gabriel, allowing him to grow and flourish both in his service to Christ and in his career. He worked at St. Francis Medical Center for twenty-eight years, where he was able to pursue his lifelong passions for photography and electronics. He worked as Manager of Audio-Visual Services updating and upgrading the hospitals’ AV technology so that the medical center can hold continuing education programs and he was instrumental in maintaining AV system operations that support board governance sessions, leadership meetings, St. Francis Career College classes, and bioethics conferences. In 2010, Gabriel represented St. Francis as hospital hero in the 5th Annual Hospital Hero Awards.

One of Gabriel's main missions on earth was his contribution to Agape Christian Church International. Gabriel's family home in Pasay City was used to hold Bible studies (1978) and eventually became a garage church in 1983. God continued to bless the church, and it grew in numbers. In 2006, Gabriel and Priscila were reminded of Isaiah 58:12 "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will rise up the age-old foundations." Gabriel and Priscila knew that the Lord was reminding them of Agape Christian Church International and that they had important work to do there. Then, in 2007, Gabriel went to Agape Christian Church International and pledged his family's support to rebuild the house as a place of worship. In 2007, the work began and "Faith Tower" was completed in 2010. Once it was completed, Gabriel, Priscila, Jun Jun (youngest son), and Gizel (Jun's oldest child), all went to the Philippines to join Agape Christian Church International as they celebrated the completion of "Faith Tower". Today, Faith Tower is being used as Agape's primary place of worship.

Gabriel is survived by his wife Priscila, three children (Boggie, Joann, & Jun), Tintin, nine grandchildren (Carlos, Clarissa, Christen, David, Gizel, Lauren, Jueliza, Joshua, & Michael), three great-grandchildren (Ethan, Evangeline, & Penelope), and many loving relatives and friends.

Gabriel’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched as a son, pilot, father, grandfather, and let us not forget as Lola’s driver.

At Forest Lawn Cypress, Visitation/Viewing will be on August 7, 2026, from 1 p.m., to 9 p.m. at the Hope Chapel. The funeral service will be on August 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Patriots Chapel.

Gabriel’s love and memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mahal Kita.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”   2 Timothy 4: 7-8