Julio B. Saceda Jr.

Julio B. Saceda, Jr., affectionately known to many as “Papa Bong” and lovingly called “Yoyo” by his grandchildren, passed away on February 22, 2026, at the age of 66. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose life was marked by kindness, dedication, and an enduring love for family.

Born on August 5, 1959, in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, Papa Bong was the eldest of six children of Julio Gomez Saceda and Luzviminda Baladjay. As the only son among his siblings, he naturally embraced a strong sense of responsibility and compassion from an early age. To his younger siblings and cousins, he was the dependable “Nonong” they could always turn to for help and guidance. As the years passed, he extended the same care and support to the next generation of nieces, nephews, and relatives.

During his youth, Papa Bong had the unique opportunity to live in Nigeria with his parents and some of his siblings from 1977 to 1979. It was during this time that he developed a deep appreciation for travel and exploration. This passion remained with him throughout his life, and among his plans for retirement was to travel across the country in an RV, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.

Papa Bong pursued higher education with curiosity and determination. He initially studied Liberal Arts at Velez College, later transferring to Manila to study Aeronautics. Eventually, he found his path in Dentistry at Southwestern University.

One of Papa Bong’s proudest accomplishments was serving as President of the Board of Directors in his hometown in Cebu. In this role, he inspired those around him through his leadership, vision, and commitment to progress. Colleagues and community members admired him for his wisdom, integrity, and sincerity. Though he carried a strong and sometimes formidable presence, those who knew him well recognized the gentle, caring, and generous heart beneath it.

Above all, family was the center of Papa Bong’s life. He found the greatest joy in simple, meaningful moments, such as sharing meals, telling stories, offering guidance, playing Santa during Christmas, and bringing laughter to those around him. After moving to the United States in 2015, he remained closely connected to his family in the Philippines, spending countless hours on video calls with his grandchildren. Many of these calls would stretch late into the night, often ending with Papa Bong dozing off while his grandchildren called out, “Goodnight, Yoyo!” before saying their goodbyes.

Papa Bong is survived by his mother Luzviminda, his siblings Phebe & Apollo, Tabetha & Ronald, Juluz & Bernard, Mariam & Aurelio, and Deborah, his children Jumar Justin, Julian Ken III & Louise, Jurome Luigi, and by his beloved grandchildren Michiko, Shuji, Yanna, Lia, Jami, and Arya. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will continue to live on through his family and the many lives he touched. Though he may no longer be with us, the memories he created, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave will remain in our hearts forever.