Augusto Flores Zantua was born on August 4, 1949 in Talisay, Camarines Norte in the Bicol province of the Philippines. He is the second child of three and the only son of Jaime and Salud Zantua. He shared many experiences with his older sister, Raquel, as well as some cousins who were his best friends growing up. His younger sister, Jeaneth was thirteen years his junior.
During his childhood, family and friends viewed Toy, as he was fondly called, a curious and active child, oftentimes roller-skating with his sister and playmates. He loved being outdoors and was stimulated by nature. A great deal of his time was spent playing and, in the process, he learned how things around him worked. He loved taking things apart and also putting them back together. His mischievous nature oftentimes got himself (and his older sister who was in charge of him) in trouble. Toy probably fancied himself as a daredevil as his most memorable childhood moment was when he climbed up the school's flagpole!
The fact that he was curious was an asset to Augusto while he was in school. Experience was his best teacher. He graduated from Cubao High School in Quezon City in 1964. His favorite class was probably math which led him to a career in engineering. Augusto did not feel the need to be an overachiever; in fact, he did not bring his books to school but he always passed his subjects.
The same qualities that served as assets for Augusto while he was in high school helped him succeed in his college years. Augusto was analytical and independent which allowed him to meet his college workload, as well as a full time job. In due time, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Feati University.
Those who didn’t know Augusto well might have thought him to be objective and somewhat emotionally detached, but those who were close to him knew that he was capable of unexpected flashes of humor. He fooled a lot of people with his seemingly quiet demeanor but he was, in fact, a chatterbox in the presence of family and close friends. Augusto’s circle of friends was small but it was a strong and loyal group. He liked nothing better than to spend his free time with them. During his teenage years, he became friends with Rick, Steve, and Pascual, who later on became his travel (and drinking) buddies. They may have drifted apart over the years because of family obligations, but the camaraderie remained the same every time they got together.
On July 16, 1975, Augusto exchanged wedding vows with Carmen Eco at the Quezon City Hall. They hail from the same province but met in Metro Manila. The marriage became a solid relationship and on October 27, 2007, Augusto and Carmen professed and renewed their love for each other at a Catholic ceremony at St. Paul of the Cross Parish Church in Marikina City.
Augusto was blessed with three daughters, Eva, Maria Carmen, and Jacqueline and he proved to be a great provider. As the family grew, Augusto deemed it necessary to seek employment abroad, in order to give his girls the opportunity for a better education. He started as an oiler in cargo ships; later on he took the board exams to become fourth marine engineer. In his work life, Augusto was the kind of person who had no difficulty in taking on a project and seeing it through to its completion. He had a clear understanding of his role in keeping the engine running, literally and figuratively. He excelled whether working by himself, oftentimes just relying on manuals, or when working with others. He was a team player who got along well with both crew and marine officers. Augusto exhibited great will to improve himself, therefore he took and passed another set of exams to qualify for third marine engineer. He served as “third” until his retirement in 2001. Although his retirement from seafaring was untimely and unplanned, he found new pleasure in spending time with his family.
Augusto was never impulsive in dealing with family problems. Instead, he would think things through and clearly communicate his opinion to those involved. Despite episodes of ill temper, he was also quick to forgive and show compassion. Religion and faith were important to Augusto, as well as the values he derived from his beliefs. He took part in bible study and Marriage Encounter as a member of St. Paul of the Cross Parish in Marikina. In Las Vegas, he attended Sunday mass at the Shrine of the Holy Redeemer.
He loved tinkering with objects, even as a child. Often, you will find Toy fixing things or creating cabinets or shelves out of recycled wood and metal. He derived deep satisfaction from these pursuits borne out of his inventive nature. He loved his tools and was generous in lending them to family and neighbors alike. Later in life, having survived open heart surgery, he embraced the habit of walking 3 miles or hiking 3 to 5 times a week. He also enjoyed biking as part of his exercise routine.
As a marine engineer, Augusto had the opportunity to travel to a number of places. He was open to exploring new and different places and appreciated learning about other cultures. His visit to Israel, however, holds a special place in his heart as he was able to walk the same earth Jesus walked on.
Toy never forgot his roots. He always looked forward to and enjoyed going back to Bicol where he grew up because it is where he could enjoy fresh fish. He also enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines having worked alongside people of different nationalities.
Augusto passed away on August 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada after fighting a brief but brave battle against lung cancer. Upon learning of the advanced nature of his disease, his practical and realistic side enabled him to make the courageous decision to forgo radiation and chemotherapy and opt for palliative care instead. He is survived by his wife, Carmen; daughters, Eva, Maria Carmen, and Jacqueline; mother, Salud; sister, Raquel; son in law, Kammier; and grandson, Zeke. Services were held at Palm Southwest Mortuary in Las Vegas. His ashes will be brought to St. Paul of the Cross Parish Columbarium in Marikina City.
He was the type of person who would show others his feelings through his actions and tried to experience life directly. The experiences he treasured most were those he shared with his loved ones. One might say, Augusto had a good life. He is extremely loved and will be greatly missed.
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