Ex-UFO president Ramon Awit, 43

Former United Filipino Organization president Ramon Awit died peacefully at the Commonwealth Health Center yesterday. He was 43.

Awit was pronounced dead by hospital staff at 3:50pm or 20 minutes after the life support machine that sustained him was unplugged.

Awit, a prominent figure in the Filipino community, suffered a massive stroke at past 5pm on Saturday at Aqua Resort Club where he worked as a restaurant manager.

Awit’s wife, Annamae Adaza, said that she and daughter Ramhae, 8, were on their way to Fiesta Resort & Spa in Garapan for the Saipan Lions Clubs induction of officers when she got a call from Aqua Resort staff about her husband.

Awit is also survived by two sons, 16-year-old Riggz and 14-year-old Ronn.

“A lifeguard noticed Ramon holding his chest while walking from the fitness center going to the office,” she recounted. “He followed Ramon and caught him when he collapsed. An ambulance brought him to the hospital.”

Adaza said she was told by doctors that a vein had ruptured in Awit’s brain, leaving the left side of his body paralyzed. He was declared brain dead and the life support machine was the only thing that kept him breathing.

Adaza disclosed that Awit was already feeling chest pains two days before the incident but didn’t want to go to the hospital for fear of being admitted.

“He made himself throw up after which he felt better,” she added.

According to Adaza, they would always talk as a family whenever Awit experiences bouts of chest pains.

“That day, Ramon talked to me and my kids. He told our eldest to take care of his siblings and he asked me to be in charge when he’s gone,” she told Saipan Tribune.

Adaza also revealed that it was Awit’s wish to be spared of pain and suffering if it come to a point where his family has to choose between keeping him alive and unplugging the machine that sustains his life.

But making the decision wasn’t easy for Adaza, who had to consult with Awit’s family in the Philippines.

A native of Iloilo, Awit had eight siblings who wanted him flown to the Philippines to seek medical treatment.

Dr. Chad Lowe, doctor of internal medicine, noted that Awit’s condition was “very bad” and is “not fixable.”

“Our prognosis is at this point, there’s no more brain activity there and the best thing to do now is to honor his last wish,” said Lowe, who explained the same thing to Awit’s siblings over the phone.

The hall leading to the intensive care unit of CHC was filled with family and friends all wanting to say their last goodbye to Awit.

Boy Ching, former UFO vice president, described Awit as civic-minded, sociable, and always willing to give a helping hand when he can.

“I will miss him as a friend. It’s hard to find a friend like him these days,” said Ching, who is godfather to Awit’s daughter.

Bernard Malonzo, who works at Saipan World Resort, said he and Awit had been friends since 1991. “I’ve known him for so long and I know that he’ll be with you through thick and thin. He’s the best,” he said.

UFO president Bong Malasarte, who met Awit through the MDX Amateur Radio Club, said he was a very supportive friend and a good leader.

Northern Marianas Bartenders Association president Lito Espino said Awit was fun to be with and benevolent. “I lost a very good friend,” he added.

Awit was president of the United Filipino Organization from February 2007 to February 2008. UFO is the umbrella organization of Filipino groups in the Commonwealth.

A nightly rosary and novena was begun yesterday at 7:30pm at the CHC Chapel. Plans are underway for Awit’s remains to be flown to the Philippines for burial.