Sympathy from members of the Benildean community poured in when Benilde security guard Romeo Brobante passed away due to high blood pressure at Quezon City General Hospital yesterday, March 18.

Brobante was 41 years old when he died and is survived by his wife and four children. Brobante’s wife currently works at a beauty parlor.

According to sources, Brobante began working at the College as a security guard on March 3, 2003, where he was first stationed at the Angelo King International Center. Brobante would then be assigned to guard the other two Benilde campuses throughout the duration of his stay. However, he spent most of his time stationed at the School of Design and Arts Campus.

Fellow security guard and close friend, Mr. Brian Tagudar, spoke about Brobante in an interview with The Benildean. He and Brobante were considered to be “twins” by many, as they spent most of their time together and ate meals during their break everyday. In addition, according to Tagudar, both their wives are also close friends.

“Parang kapatid na ang turingan namin sa isa’t isa, ganun din po ang asawa ko sa asawa ni Romeo,’’ Tagudar expressed.

Tagudar posted on Facebook about Brobante’s death. As of writing, the said post has nearly 2,000 shares and nearly 3,000 reactions.

“Every time we enter Benilde, we remember Kuya Romeo Brobante, who greets us with a genuine smile, which makes every Benildean’s day,” Mr. Keane Cyril Gadia, Benilde Student Activities Coordinator, said in a comment on Tagudar’s post.

Tagudar also knew about Brobante’s health condition, and confirmed that he took maintenance for his high blood pressure often. He last saw Brobante on March 9, 2020, Monday.

Beyond work

Tagudar shared that he is the godfather of Brobante’s youngest child, who is in kindergarten. His other children study in Bagong Silangan High School and Our Lady of Fatima College, both located in Quezon City. According to Tagudar, they would often play basketball with Brobante’s eldest son, Luis Brobante.

“Opo ‘yan po si Luis, mabait na bata ‘yan. Lagi ‘yan sinasama ng papa niya [tuwing] maglalaro kami ng basketball. Magaling po ‘yan [si Luis] maglaro […] sana matulungan natin ang mga bata.”

The entire Benildean community is encouraged to donate to Brobante’s family and friends in their time of loss. Mr. Keane Cyril Gadia, Benilde’s Student Activities Coordinator, has arranged a donation drive for the cause.

Those who wish to donate monetary value for Brobante and his family can help by sending money through GCash: Brian Tagudar at 09062778393.