The federation held a tribute for her at Pier 2 in Central on Feb. 21.

Atis president Caridad Bachiller who was Collado's teacher in high school, recounted: "Her employer rushed her to Pamela Youde Hospital. Sabi ng doctor nya, aneurism daw, sinubukan nilang i-suction yong blood pero talagang wala na at dineklara syang patay eksaktong ala-una noong Feb. 14." (Her doctor said it was aneurysm. They tried to suction the blood out but it was of no use. She was declared dead at exactly 1pm on Feb. 14).

"She was a big loss, and of course, it's always sad when an OFW dies at her workplace."

Bachiller recalled that Collado almost became a nun. After graduating from high school, she reportedly entered the Stella Maris convent in Manila but got hitched barely a month before she was to take her vow.

Aside from being Atis treasurer, Collado was also the president of Manabo HK Association, and was scheduled to be inducted into office on March 14.

Her vice president, Alona Espinosa, said her group was saddened by Collado's death because she was the one who always lifted their spirits.

Also present during the tribute was Bayan's Norman Carnay. He said, "We all lost a very compassionate, selfless, active and generous leader. Let us grieve but more so, let us celebrate the life she lived."

Collado's daughter, Angelika, was also present. Her mother's employer sent her fare money so she could come and collect Collado's personal belongings.

Angelika, a registered nurse, recalled telling her mother to go home when she started complaining of chest pains during her vacation last December.

"Pero sabi naman nya sa July na lang at mag fo- for good na sya." (But she said she'd just do it in July when she intends to go home for good).

Angelika revealed that since she was born nearly 24 years ago, she saw her mother only eight times. "Kasi 23 years na siya sa ibang bansa, una sa Saudi, at 14 years na sya sa employers nya ngayon," (That's because she has been away for 23 years. First she went to Saudi Arabia, and she has been with her present employer for 14 years).

Despite this, she said she was grateful that her mother made a lot of friends here who made her happy.

"Di namin nakasama si mama at kayo ang nakasama nya kaya maraming salamat sa panahon na ibinigay nyo sa kanya." (You were with my mother most of the time. Thank you all for the time you spent with her).

Collado's remains were due to be repatriated on Feb. 26, exactly on the day her grieving daughter was to turn 24 years old. _ Sol Banganan