MANILA—Rica Peralejo was left heartbroken when her father died last Tuesday, around a week before she had scheduled to reunite with him in California to show him her newborn, Manu.

On Instagram this Friday, Peralejo revealed that she was set to fly to the US next week to introduce Manu to his beloved dad.

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A post shared by Mrs.Peralejo-Bonifacio (@ricaperalejo) on Aug 8, 2019 at 7:33pm PDT

"It has been my habit to go out and see him for every milestone of my life: before my wedding, when I had my firstborn and now, with the second-born," she wrote. "I always wanted to show him the faithfulness of God in his life by the increase of his family."

She continued, however: "But we didn't make it."

"He already passed on August 6. It was uncharacteristic of him though as he always survived his complications so I was so surprised. So much so that even when my sister was telling me, 'Wala na, hindi na umabot' I still had to ask, 'Eh wala na ba talaga?'"

"I surely felt stupid after asking that. Someone just told me he is dead and I had to ask to recheck as though we could still bargain."

"Regardless of what I feel, at least Papa is now free from the pains and limitations of this life. This is so much better than him having to wait for us. Pop, rest in peace, in shalom, in wholeness, in life. Hoping you are fully restored in Jesus right now."

Peralejo did not reveal the cause of death.

The sad news comes nearly two months after she had given birth to Manu, which she described as a "miracle."

Manu is her second baby with husband, Joseph Bonifacio, a pastor, whom she married in 2010. They already have a son named Philip.