Early this morning, I spoke with Leah Palacios, and she shared with me how Kokoi Baldo became a part of their family. According to Leah, on the morning of December 8, she felt an unexplainable emotion. It seemed like a sadness enveloped her, prompting her to decide to wear a black blouse as if someone knew about her feelings.
Shortly after, a close friend called her and delivered the news of Kokoi’s passing. She was immediately filled with sorrow, as well as her family who considered Kokoi as part of their own.
The closeness between Kokoi, Leah, and her family began when Kokoi and Leah’s sibling were classmates at a college in Bacolod. Initially, they weren’t very close, and there were even instances when they argued due to Leah disliking Kokoi’s personality. However, as they spent time together during a medical mission organized by Leah’s sibling, Kokoi gradually became close to her. Leah owns ‘Ekong’s Bakeshop’ in Valladolid, Negros Occidental, where Kokoi started helping with baking during times when he wasn’t yet famous.
Kokoi became a part of the bakeshop, and there’s even a video of him eating Lechon Batchoy, one of the original recipes of ‘Ekong’s Bakeshop.’ The bakeshop not only offers baked goods but also serves various dishes, including their famous Halo-Halo and Lechon Batchoy.
Because of Kokoi’s comfort in their home and bakeshop, it seemed like he had become a part of their family. Kokoi was unassuming and didn’t mind where he slept or rested, even sometimes on top of the table. Leah encouraged Kokoi to join a singing contest, which marked the beginning of his career, especially when he joined The Voice Philippines.
However, it’s more saddening that Leah shared Kokoi’s role as the breadwinner of their family, especially for Leah’s five children who are still studying. Leah is deeply concerned for Kokoi’s family, particularly his mother, who solely depends on him.
Hopefully, as people familiarize themselves with Kokoi’s story and his role as the breadwinner, we can find opportunities to help those loved ones he left behind. Kokoi’s remains have already been cremated due to the tragic accident in which he was involved, and his head was injured by the weight of a truck carrying sugarcane.
