By Shayne Elizabeth T. Flores

Braving through unprecedented health complications and his early trials as a working student, former Far Eastern University (FEU) Political Science student Eduardo ‘Thirdy’ Mendoza III had never been short of spirit nor drive to fight for himself, as his family fondly recalled after his passing.

Last May 26, several family members and friends within the FEU community shared the news of Thirdy’s passing after battling acute myeloid leukemia. He was 21 years old.

Thirdy, also called ‘Eduardo’ or ‘Ehrom’ by his family, was described as the ‘typical bunso’ among four siblings. 

“Typical na bunso, boss sa bahay, ‘di mautusan. Medyo pasaway pero naiintindihan namin kasi nga may tampo sa amin. Pero all in all mahal na mahal namin [ang] isa’t isa (He’s the typical youngest child, who bosses around the house. He’s quite stubborn but we understand because he’s upset with us. But all in all, we love one another very much),” his eldest sister Myka Mendoza shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

Additionally, Thirdy was known for being joyful and caring. He is also remembered for his wit and playful competitiveness, making him a highlight of every family gathering.

“Every occasion, madalas may palaro and isa si Thirdy sa laging naglalaro at hindi nagpapatalo kasama ng iba pa naming pinsan. ‘Pag kasama siya, wala kaming ginawa kundi magtawanan at asaran. Tuwang-tuwa hindi lang kami na mga kapatid niya, pati na rin mga pinsan,” Myka reminisced.

Aside from the light and laughter he brought in their gatherings, Thirdy’s family also acknowledged his firm voice, boldly expressing his opinions during political discussions with other relatives.

“If nagkataon na may argumentation, especially when it comes to politics, batuhan din kami based on our opinions. But still, may punto palagi siya (Whenever there is an argument, especially when it comes to politics, we always debate based on our opinions. But still, he always has a point),” his cousin, Danamae Mendoza, shared.

Relentless dedication in school, work

Thirdy showed the same tenacity at the University, where he served the green-and-gold community in many ways as a student-leader.

According to his second-eldest sister, Grace Mendoza, while the family knew little about her brother’s campus life, Thirdy had always been enthusiastic in his involvement in different University organizations and activities.

“Ang naikikuwento niya lang sa amin ‘pag may pagkakataon, like family gatherings, is about sa organization niya, mga events sa school na siya ‘yung speaker. At nabanggit niya rin noon kung gaano siya kasaya sa school niya, sa mga activities na sinasalihan niya,” she recalled.

Among others, Thirdy previously held various posts as an Executive Committee of FEUCSO Batch 87 Student’s Welfare and Grievances Department, Director of Leadership Development Department in the FEU College Y Club, and Director of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Junior People Management Association of the Philippines - FEU Chapter.

He also served as the Political Science Society Treasurer for S.Y. 2023–2024. 

To sustain his ambition of finishing college, Thirdy was compelled to work early on. At first, he tried to balance his time as a working student but his schedule became too hectic, pushing him to set aside his studies and pursue work alone.

“He is really dedicated in pursuing what he wants in life. I believed in his effort na gusto niya makatapos talaga, may mga pagkakataon man na nahihirapan, especially financial… As a family we want to help… but sadly that time, hindi pa talaga kinakaya since there are other family concerns pa sa iba’t ibang mga bagay na mas kinailangan pagtuunan, and that’s the time na [nag-refocus] si Thirdy to apply for a job,” Danamae stated.

According to Myka, Thirdy worked in Business Process Outsourcing for a year. After resigning, he found a new job but was only able to work for two and a half months due to his sudden illness.

Nonetheless, despite their brief time working together, Thirdy’s co-workers had nothing but praise for his skills and passion for their work. 

“The Operations Manager himself ang nagsabing magaling talaga siya and na-compliment pa nga siya dahil ‘yung voice niya is talagang buong-buo and kuhang-kuha ‘yung accent aside sa magaling siya sa process… ‘Yung hardwork, consistency, and ‘yung passion niya nadala niya sa work niya and sobrang bilib sila sa kapatid ko,” Myka proudly shared.

Will to live

In the beginning of May, Thirdy was brought to the VRP Medical Center in Mandaluyong City due to recurrent fever and stomach ache. He was diagnosed with leukemia later on.

Despite the shock and pain, his family clung to the hope of recovery through chemotherapy and was also confident in Thirdy’s unyielding will to survive.

“During stay ni Eduardo, ‘yung determination niya sa buhay is sobrang lakas. Though may times na nakikita ko na nahihirapan talaga siya and it’s very traumatic na makita siyang gano’n… Confident kami na kayang-kaya ni Eduardo kasi sobrang lakas ng fighting spirit ng bata. Kitang-kita namin kung pa’no siya lumaban,” Myka said.

Due to the high cost of treatment, Thirdy’s family considered relocating him to another hospital to access chemotherapy. 

However, they were faced with another hurdle when Thirdy was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia, owing to his vulnerable immune system. As a result, the family postponed their plan to seek chemotherapy, heeding the doctor’s advice to let the pneumonia subside first. 

While attempts to cure the illness were made, Thirdy grew weaker. Nonetheless, his determination to fight for his life remained unwavering as he took control and grabbed any chance that would make him heal faster.

“Nandun ‘yung will niyang lumaban kitang-kita mo sa kaniya... Even sa pagpapatubo, siya nagdesisyon at pumirma ng waiver dahil ayaw pumayag ng mga magulang ko. ‘Yung fighting spirit niya sobrang lakas. Bilib ako sa kaniya, hanggang huli nilaban niya ‘yung buhay niya,” Grace added.

As unprecedented and quick as the turn of events was, Thirdy’s family soon had to face the gravity of his deteriorating health, which led to his untimely death.

While they have already accepted Thirdy’s fate, his relatives continue to feel pain and regret for his loss.

“Pinipilit namin na mamuhay nang normal pero hindi pala gano’n ‘yun. Every day, may sakit, may kirot, may luha na papatak sa mga mata mo. Lalong-lalo na sa mga magulang ko na kasama niya all throughout ng pagkaospital niya. ‘Yung pakiramdam na buhay ka pero may kulang sa’yo,” Grace shared.

Thirdy’s three-day wake ended on May 28. Though it was brief, Thirdy’s family expressed gratitude to the people from various University organizations and his workplace who joined them in commemorating his life—a testament to the many lives and hearts he had touched.

Reflecting on his brother’s diligence, Myka expressed her hope for students like Thirdy to persevere in their studies, underlining that not everyone is blessed with the opportunity to do so.

“Si Thirdy, sobrang taas ng pangarap niyan at gustong-gusto makapagtapos. Sana sa mga estudyante na makakabasa nito, sana mag-aral kayo nang mabuti, especially kung supported kayo financially, kasi ‘di lahat ng kabataan nabibigyan ng chance. Katulad ni Thirdy, kailangan pa magtrabaho para makapag-ipon,” she advised.

Even at the end, Thirdy was determined enough to leave his family a letter, expressing his love and gratitude for them. He even entrusted his parents to the care of his siblings—a promise his sisters swore to uphold for him.

Weeks may have passed, but Thirdy’s fighting spirit lives on in the hearts of his family as well as his friends, teaching them the value of pushing through life amidst all odds.

(Photo Courtesy of Myka Mendoza)