Philippine Times co-founder and community leader Mark Villa-Racho laid to rest

A Requiem Mass for Mark Villa-Racho was held on 14 January 2019 at St Raphael’s Catholic Church in Preston, Victoria.

Relatives and friends of Mark celebrated his legacy with the family. Mark’s committal was private and was attended by family members only.

A webcast of the memorial mass for Mark can be viewed on http://tobin.5stream.com/webcast/36878

Mark Villa-Racho, co-founder of The Philippine Times, died on 7 January at the age of 65.

Villa-Racho was born in Tondo, Manila on 6 June 1953.

He left a permanent impact on the Filipino-Australian community in Melbourne, both as a writer and as a community leader.

From her Facebook account, Mark’s daughter, Dani Racho posted this announcement:

“It is with a heavy heart, Mum and I share the news that our strong soldier, Mark Villa Racho, has sadly but peacefully passed away.”

“We thank all of our loved ones, friends, family and the countless medical staff along (with) his journey for all of your support, prayers, thoughts and respect whilst we find a way to find the same strength he showed us every day,” Dani added.

Lyn Castillo, one of Mark’s closest friends posted this message: “Au revoir dearest friend! God speed! So blessed to be in your presence 7 days ago! You surely made us laugh when you found out about your branded t-shirt! We will miss you dearly. To Maria and Dani – be strong knowing that Mark V is resting now and in God’s presence. Find strength in God’s love. We love you all always.”

Message from the Filipino-Australian community

Marina ‘Rina’ Garcia-Ruivivar

The Filipino-Australian Community has lost a very talented artist, writer and dedicated volunteer as FCCVI First Secretary (1988-1990)!

The late much respected Mr Mark Villa Racho, had shown, what a gifted individual should do: “share your blessings with those who needed them most” which he did so generously, in a multi-faceted manner, no time or reward expected, sheer demonstration of love and fellowship in all aspects and areas of ‘giving back and paying forward’ with utmost humility and integrity!

As a dedicated team player, well- loved Mark has actively participated and contributed tirelessly to work with us – excellent corporate-like and administrative skills in his Council role as Secretary, culminating to the birth of The Philippine Times, Filipino Broadcasting Group (3ZZZ project then as trainor) other arts, fiesta and drama initiatives, and strongly supported the formation of FILCCA Inc. as well!

We stand side by side in grief but also a celebration of his life, with his beloved wife Maria and daughter Dani, who have always been there for him and us, in our journey to build both Councils – to serve the most needy in the Filipino-Australian community!

Mark and I continued to link via social media and our last exchange is as follows:

In memoriam…

RINA: Belated Birthday greetings Mark! May you have many more birthdays to enjoy with your beloved family and friends… and thank you for your service to arts, media and the Filipino community…take care always and all the best! Love and prayers.

MARK: Sorry for the late response Rina. I did have a wonderful day with my loved ones and wish I could have all my friends with me to celebrate, but it’s just another day and another year older and still thinking young at heart Thank you so much, Rina. Likewise… you have been our shining example and inspiration in the community that I missed so much and shall always cherish and treasure forever. To have a close friend is to be blessed indeed, for it is to have someone who will always love us and help us to become better persons”. Bible Reading 2/1/16 Take care and God bless you and your family always!

RINA: Love and prayers always, for you and family too! Your book when published will truly inspire us all!

— MARINA ‘RINA’ GARCIA-RUIVIVAR
Founder: The Philippine Times, FCCVI and FILCCA

This post will be updated as more messages become available.
More messages have also been posted on Dani Racho's FB Timeline