THE NENETTE THEY KNEW

In their own words, longtime friends and colleagues remember the laughter, the “pangungulit,” the generosity, and the friend, mentor and force of nature behind the public figure.

Compiled by Azenith Resurreccion and Freida Dario-Santiago

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These are just a few personal anecdotes from some of the many people whose lives she touched.

Nenette’s circle was vast, spanning different facets of island life. Through these memories, we hope to capture a glimpse of the remarkable woman, the many ways she made a difference, and why she will remain forever in our hearts. 

Maria “Tootsie” Ronnholm

Fellow BIDBF organizer and longtime friend

Around 2017, my dearest friend Nenette, whom I fondly called “Partnership,” and I were heading to Pagudpud. She proudly assured me we were so early for our flight that we even had time for a beer. In reality, we arrived at the airport only to discover our flight had left an hour earlier!

To make matters worse, Nenette realized she had left her backpack, with her laptop, camera and wallet, in the taxi. At the airport security office, she fiercely prayed the rosary at a small altar. Minutes later, her phone rang. The taxi driver had found her bag through her business card.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Nenette handed him an incredibly large cash reward. When he tried to refuse, she declared: “Manong, tanggapin na ninyo ang pera dahil mayaman kami!” Then she threw in a free multi-night stay at Boracay Beach Resort.

That was Nenette: hilarious, deeply faithful, generous to a fault, and possessing a heart too big for this world. I will miss her terribly. The island will never be the same without her. 

Leonora “Coach Len” Escollante

President, Philippine Paddling Federation Inc.

I first met Nenette in 2010 as we prepared for the 2011 Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival. Until 2019, we worked side by side as organizers and became good friends.

What I admired most was her simplicity and unwavering passion for keeping the island clean and ensuring that tourism and sport were always tied to respect for nature. Nenette will always be remembered for her contributions to dragon boat racing, her kindness, humility and love for Boracay.

Astrophel “Ophel” Tabanera

PCTV General Manager, BFI member/secretariat

Ma’am Nenette was a mentor and a sister by heart, and one of our main hosts from “Itanong sa Buko” to “Kapihan sa Boracay.”

Once, she became ill from overwork. I texted her: “Dear Ma’am Nenette, this is to inform you that you are not a magician. Please stay home for a while and enjoy the fruits I sent you.” She replied, “Thank you, Ms. Ophel,” only to message me the next day about our environmental project.

That captured her perfectly: nothing could stop her passion, not even her health. BFI and PCTV will surely miss her.

Del Nano

Co-host, “Kapihan sa Boracay”

It is often the smallest gestures that reveal the biggest heart.

Nenette would fix my shirt collar, gently brush a hand over my hair or quietly hand me a tissue. Now that she is gone, I realize how much those little gestures meant. They were her way of caring, natural, unpretentious and without expecting anything in return.

I saw that same genuine humanity in the way she would call out to a Manang selling by the roadside, ask about her family and remember the little details of their lives.

What I will remember most is Nenette as the totoong tao (genuine person) and a big sister to many who made this community a little warmer simply by being herself.

Diony Salme

BFI Board Director 

What BFI will surely miss is Nenette’s “pangungulit” whenever something needed to be addressed about the island. She was persistent and passionate about environmental and tourism concerns and about how the LGU and private sector could work together.

As one of BFI’s founding members, she served the organization from its beginnings until her last breath. Above all, she was a good friend. 

Normeth Preglo Parzhuber

Entrepreneur, longtime friend and business/event partner 

Nenette was my sister, maybe not by blood, but we treated each other like real sisters. I met her as a teenager, and she helped mold me into the woman I am today.

I could write a book about our funny moments over almost 40 years. Once, we flew to Thailand for the Kiteboarding World Cup. At baggage claim, we ran into Freida and started chatting.

Nenette noticed a bag going round and round the conveyor.

“Whose bag is that?” she asked. “It’s been going around for ten minutes.” Finally, I checked the tag: Cabrinha Kites / Nenette Graf.

In the early ‘90s, boats were still allowed to dock on White Beach. During a typhoon advisory, they were moved to shelter. Admiring the empty shoreline, Nenette said: “WOW. What a stunning view of White Beach. No boats at all. BUT WAIT, there is one.”

She raised her voice: “WHOSE BOAT IS THAT? WHY IS IT STILL HERE?” I said, “It’s yours, sistah.” She laughed. Seconds later, the boat sank before our eyes. We have so many stories like that, and I can still hear her laughing. 

She fought fiercely for the environment, but she was also everyone’s darling. She never judged and always chose to see the good in people. I miss you. Fly high, Sistah, fly high!

Azenith Resurreccion

Sports events organizer

I first met Tita Nenette in 2006 when I joined a dragon boat team. In 2007, I joined the “Titas” as an apprentice to help organize the first Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival. We grew close and she became a mentor who taught me to execute prestigious events while holding fast to high standards.

What made her stand out was her openness. She listened to and valued every voice in the community, including “dayos.” She became my “sumbungan” whenever I faced difficult situations in organizing events. Even when she disagreed, she made sure you were heard and would use her network to help a good cause or solve a problem.

Though our political views diverged in recent years, my respect for her passion, perspective and core advocacies never changed. I will always carry her example with me. Farewell, Tita, with love, your Azumi.

Elena Tosco Brugger

Entrepreneur and longtime friend

I met Nenette through island friends during one of our gatherings on the beach at Cocomangas, with the usual Jam Jar drinks at sunset. She fondly called me “Nheng” whenever we saw each other.

Years later, Nenette ordered a Jam Jar for me at Niu Ohana and one for herself. I did not know it would be our last dinner and drink together. Our friendship began with a Jam Jar and, somehow, our last drink was a Jam Jar, too. 

Wala nang tatawag sa akin “Nheng.” 

Louise Lee

Longtime friend and neighbor

Nenette was one of my first friends when I moved to Boracay in the early ‘90s at 22. She made me feel welcome and supported.  

Soon after arriving, I went through a huge disappointment that left me questioning my move. Nenette offered me a place to stay in her compound so I wouldn’t feel so alone. If she hadn’t, I would have left. I remember thinking, “If Nenette is looking after me and has my back, I’m good. I’m good here.”

I will never forget her laugh when I said something foolish or naive. Pinagtatawanan niya ang mga kagagahan ko, and boy, did I hear that laugh a lot!

Years later, she referred former Greenyard staff to our new bar, and Nenette blessed us with gold! That’s Nenette, always helping. Heaven’s got a new busy-bee angel now. I sure hope she keeps an eye on me.

Rafel Gelito-Vismara

Entrepreneur and longtime friend

Nenette and I became very close, like sisters. She called me her “kaladkarin” because whenever she asked me to join a gathering, meeting, charity event or anything that needed talking about, I went with her, invited or not. I supported the Motag Living Museum, which always gave her energy whenever we talked about it. 

We had so many plans: travel, charities and, most recently, a Sports Center in Boracay for the youth.

We bonded in Boracay and Switzerland over family, plans and food. She especially loved my Ossobuco and my husband Ricky’s risotto porcini, and shared many cooking moments with him.

Nenette lived her life with meaning and purpose. I will sorely miss her and carry the memories forever in my heart.

Dindo Salazar

Chairman, Boracay Foundation Inc.

It is difficult to say goodbye to someone who was such an important part of BFI and Boracay itself. Ms. Nenette was part of the heart and soul of our organization, a strong and persistent voice for the island she deeply loved. We know that the best way to honor her is to continue that work. 

Eddieboy Santos

Windsurfer, longtime friend, BIFC organizer and commentator 

Nenette Graf was a truly wonderful friend, a true windsurfing pioneer and the one who created the Boracay International Funboard Cup. What began as a small regatta among friends grew into what we considered the best amateur windsurfing event in Asia.

But she was much more than an organizer or competitor; she was simply a great person. Her love for windsurfing, and later kiting, was infectious and helped create friendships and happy memories many of us will carry for the rest of our lives.

Nenette, thank you for the wind, the speed, the laughter, the many friendships, countless wonderful memories and, most of all, the FUN!

Sail fast, Nenette. Ride the wind forever. You will be missed, but certainly never forgotten. Vaya con Dios.

Freida Dario-Santiago

BSN Editor-in-Chief and longtime friend

She never failed to let me know when something newsworthy was happening or get me involved in projects close to her heart. She entrusted me with “off-the-record” insights and explained complicated issues whenever I asked. 

We chatted often, and I felt so privileged and often wondered how she found the time. She made me feel relevant. She made me feel that what I did and thought mattered. And in between, she made me laugh out loud!

I will miss you, Nette.