Manuel "Manny" Bilbao

Manuel Frando Bilbao, known to many as Manny, was born on August 28, 1951, in Matnog, Sorsogon, Philippines, the seventh of eleven children born to Francisco Bilbao and Isabel Frando. He passed away on February 28, 2026, at the age of 74 while vacationing in Batuan, Bohol, Philippines.

In 1975, Manuel enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving, he met the love of his life, Emma, and they married in 1978. The couple settled in Long Beach, California, in 1985, where they made their home for the rest of his life. He served proudly for 20 years before retiring from the Navy. He then began a dedicated 26-year career as a longshoreman with ILWU Local 13, retiring in 2021.

A survivor of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Manuel was known for his generosity, hospitality, organizational skills, storytelling, wise counsel, deep faith, and immense pride in his daughters’ accomplishments. Each Thanksgiving, he opened his home to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. He held a profound love for his family, God, and country, and found joy in cycling, kayaking, cross-country road trips by car and Greyhound bus, reading the Bible, and visiting military bases.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Emma D. Bilbao; daughters Samantha Bilbao Feeley and Kimberly Bilbao Sikich; and grandchildren Quinn, Francesca, Colton, and Maile, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by his siblings Etas B. Locsin, Evangeline B. Yuzon, Danilo Bilbao, and William F. Bilbao, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews on both the Bilbao and Dumagan sides of the family.