Bakya Mo Neneng- The CompanY, Louie Reyes and National Artist - Ryan Cayabyab

Today was brutal. The news of Tita Louie Reyes’ passing hit in a strange way. The pain left me numb. I still haven’t cried. I can’t understand this. I don’t want to be performative but I know this will hit me hard later…

I’ve known Tita Louie since I was 7 years old when she joined The New Minstrels. She has always been a family friend who knows my parents, grandparents and my siblings.

Alongside her husband, Tito Cesar De La Fuente, Tita Louie managed The CompanY for its first 9 years. Although challenging, I will always look at those salad days with fondness. We were so young, so naive, so ambitious with fire in our bellies.

We have been in each other’s lives during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She has been my aunt, teacher, mother, mentor, colleague and friend who has taught us not only music lessons but more importantly, the value of integrity, excellence and kindness.

A montage of memories is trickling back to me but for now, I will try to process this terrible loss. Would like to share with you this 1991 live performance on Ryan Ryan Musikahan with Tita Louie, National Artist - Ryan Cayabyab and the debut recording members of The CompanY.

Thank you for everything forever , Tita Louie. I love you. I always have. Fly back home to God and now you can finally sing - “Nothing I Want More” with Tito Eugene up there in Heaven.