Crispin Vitug Mercado

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Crispin Mercado, who departed this life in November 2025 at the age of 71. Crispin, as we call him “Kuya Pin” (as “kuya” is our ethnic term for brother), was a quiet person, preferred to spend time alone tending to our pets. He loved gardening and kept himself active and busy with yard work and especially his love for fishing. Our Kuya Pin did not talk much and was never outspoken, but everyone definitely felt he was a good person. He answered questions briefly and straight, but from his heart. Crispin will be remembered for his kindness, great sense of humor, generosity, and love to help other people quietly.

Born on November 25, 1953, in Manila, Philippines. Crispin grew up surrounded by the warmth of family and the values that would guide them throughout life. He attended St. Rita School where he developed friendships and a knack for making people laugh.

Career and Achievements

Kuya Pin wanted to take up law after graduation from high school but ended up taking electrical engineering for some reasons that us siblings do not know. He stopped schooling due to our family’s financial problems. He then applied for work in the Manila Peninsula hotel and started with the most basic jobs until he leveled up to being the hotel’s bartender. He was known by his peers for being friendly and was awarded as Employee Of The Year by the hotel’s management due to his expertise, diligence and for being honest, especially after he found a high-end camera in their bar and waited for their foreign guest to claim it.

After his bar tendering years, he switched to his passion other than politics --- basketball. But instead of playing, he was an official referee in some local town leagues from different cities, licensed by the basketball referee governing body in the Philippines in the 80’s and early 90’s. He then moved to Florida in 1995 and started to work modestly as a grocery bagger.