MEMOIRS OF A LOVING SOUL
A son, a brother, a lover
I was born on September 29, 1992, in San Fernando, La Union.
I spent most of my childhood in Naguilian, La Union, enjoying the breeze of open fields, playing with many friends, eating fresh vegetables and fruits, bonding with my cousins, and watching movies with the whole family.
I love my family — my four siblings, Vanessa, Joanna, Vince, and Jennica — my loving brother and sisters, my loving mother, Melinda, and my ever-supportive father, Edgar.
My young life lived with determination
In my elementary days, I like to mimic my father.
He was good at drawing. He was a draftsman who always drew architectural plans. It’s been a part of our daily routine to draw together and with my siblings, and we enjoyed it so much.
My passion for drawing showed me that I could do anything if I don’t give up. I joined publications and many drawing contests. I used to travel a lot to competitions. And in every defeat, I was eager to learn more to improve my skills.
My family always supported me. There was a time when I joined a drawing contest, and I didn’t have all the materials needed, so my mother and I collected old crayons so I could participate.
I also love studying, especially math subjects. I joined the Children’s Choir in our municipality, and we competed nationwide. I met many friends, and it was fun.
I entered LUNHS for my secondary learning. I felt happy because I would meet new friends. I met my friends — my buddies. We usually went to the canteen and the playground to play games like sipa, touch the body, luksong-baka, and many more.
A student who never gave up
College life was fun. I passed the entrance exam for Mechanical Engineering at Don Mariano Memorial State University. Engineering was hard, and I experienced failing grades, but I never gave up.
I made more friends who shared the same passion. We exchanged ideas, inspirations, and struggles. Because of my passion for drawing, I joined the school publication MLUC VOICE, where I met John and Jadee. We spent time in the publication office for press works, and I enjoyed it.
We competed in Regional and National School Press Conferences and won some awards. Being a staff of MLUC VOICE was an honor, and I was happy that I spent my college life with a wonderful experience.
Meeting My Beloved
In my fourth year, I met the love of my life, Charlene. She always showed her never-ending support for my passion, smiled, and gave me a positive perspective on life.
During my ups and downs, she was always there for me. We loved to eat lunch together, share stories, and study at the library during our break time. I always accompanied her on her way home.
Now, we are celebrating our twelfth year of love. It’s hard because she’s currently away, working abroad, but the distance does not hinder showing her my love.
A Passionate Comic Artist
I joined the Emina Club and RED Manga Alliance in 2012. The group's goal is to produce quality, affordable, wholesome Pinoy Manga that will surely catch the readers’ attention and interest and encourage them to support the Pinoy Manga Industry.
We spent our weekends making comics, which led us to join KOMIKON events, a convention for Filipino comics. Meeting new friends was fun, and we treated each other like brothers. Jadee and I always shared our passion for creating comics.
We didn’t realize that in the years we’ve been together, we’ve created a bunch of comics. To be part of this circle of friends was fun. It was one of my experiences that I will treasure in my life.
An Inspiring Graphics Artist
During my fifth year in college, I tried to become a working student to help my parents with my financial needs in school. I was hired as a graphic artist in a Design Firm, where I met Demy as a co-worker.
Studying and working at the same time was hard. I struggled in my studies and also felt too much pressure at work. But in the end, I managed to graduate and continue working as a graphic artist.
A Career Change — Meeting My Second Family
I made a career change to web development in 2015. Switching my career was not easy, from being a mechanical engineering student to a graphics artist and now - a web designer/front-end engineer.
John invited me to join the village. I happily accepted his invitation, not knowing the nature of the company, the struggles it would bring, or the impact of shifting careers in my life.
John helped me improve. He trained and taught me how to code, which was fun. Jadee was also there to support me, and I was excited to share the same office with him.
Web development was new to me, and I didn’t know how to write a single line of code. I never thought that this would be very interesting. After a month of training, I started designing and building web pages as a webpage.
I was proud that I created a page for the first time. Every day that I stayed in the office, I learned something new. I met new friends who treated me nicely and were warm. Village88 is my second family. I’m happy to be part of the village.
I will treasure all the experiences and memories here in the village.
TREASURED MEMORIES
Message from Family
Jhaver was more than just a sibling and son. He was a source of constant support, a beloved confidant, and a ray of sunshine in our lives. Everyone who came into contact with him was impacted by his kind disposition, contagious laugh, and tender heart. He had a remarkable ability to uplift others, offering solace in times of need and spreading joy wherever he went.
As we mourn his loss, the innumerable memories we have of him will provide us comfort. Every memory we have together, from happy times as kids to times when we laughed and cried together, is proof of how close we are.
He may be gone, but his soul will always be a part of our hearts.
Join us as we celebrate his life and discover the essence of who he was from the Life Story he wrote years back and the impact he made on all who knew him.
Message from Village88/Armada Logics
To Jhaver Gurtiza, one of our brothers, who is recognized as one of the best design leads and frontend developers at Village 88, Inc.,
You were more than a colleague—you were a guiding light, a source of inspiration, a cherished friend, and a family by heart. Your talent knew no bounds, your passion ignited our spirits, and your unwavering dedication was a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Your visionary approach to design challenged us to think differently, dream bigger, and strive for excellence in everything we do.
As we bid you farewell, brother, we do so with heavy hearts and tear-filled eyes. But we take comfort in knowing that your legacy will endure forever in the countless lives you've touched and the countless hearts you've uplifted. Though you may no longer walk among us, your spirit will continue to guide us, inspire us, and remind us of the beauty of human life.
Rest in peace, dear Jhaver, and be in the arms of God and His angels. You will be deeply missed, but your light will continue to shine brightly in our memories and in the work we carry forward in your honor.
Until we meet again.
Message from Hope Worldwide Philippines
HOPE worldwide Philippines extends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of Jhaver Gurtiza.
His untimely passing saddens us. He was one of the best design leads and front-end developers of Village 88, Inc.
One of Jhaver's outstanding achievements at HOPE worldwide Philippines for many years is our website that he designed and maintained, which proved invaluable to supporters and stakeholders worldwide. He was also the leading mural artist for HOPE's advocacy for children's rights.
Jhaver's loss is significant to all his friends, family, and organizations like HOPE worldwide in the Philippines.
Thank you, Jhaver, for all your volunteer work and support. We will surely miss you, Friend of HOPE.