RYLANH Rameses Castro, a 21-year-old communication junior from the Faculty of Arts and Letters, passed away on April 30 after suffering cardiac arrest.
The death was confirmed to the Varsitarian by Rylanh’s father, Rysal Castro.
“The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing you’re with the Lord. I am proud of you Rylanh, tandaan mo ‘yan. Mahal na Mahal kita, anak,” the father said in a Facebook post.
Rysal said Rylanh was a “very active” student who consistently made the dean’s list. The communication junior was also “very excited” to graduate from UST next year.
“He is a proud [member of the] LGBT [community] and we support him,” Rysal said of Rylanh, a transgender.
UST CASA, the official student organization of communication students, paid tribute to Rylanh in a Facebook post.
“Rylanh will be remembered for her passion, creativity, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Castro family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace,” it said.
Jes Padua, a fellow communication junior, remembered Rylanh as a creative who excelled in school and cheered on others who did the same.
“Ryla is always extra. ‘Di ‘yan papasok ng class without her full glam — hair and makeup on point. Pero hindi lang siya puro ganda. When it comes to schoolwork, she’s in charge of the creative side,” Padua told the Varsitarian.
“Siya ‘yong unang pumapalakpak tuwing may na-achieve kami. Her hugs and daily affirmations are what keep us sane this college life.”
Another blockmate, Jasmine Lim, described Rylanh as “a star — not the kind that demands the spotlight, but the kind that quietly lights up the people she cares about.”
“She’s unbothered on the surface, but when she chooses to care, it’s always real,” Lim told the Varsitarian.
Born on Sept. 16, 2003, Rylanh served as the production design head of OHA studios, a production house put up by UST communication students.
Rylanh’s wake will be held from May 2 to 4 at the Paket Santiago Memorial in Antipolo, Rizal. with reports from Janica Kate J. Buan
