Showman Greg Gabaylo loses infant son, Gary
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Greg Gabaylo, a Waikiki magician-juggler known for his Christmas-season performances for seniors and keiki, had a tough holiday season. His infant son, Gary Ramiscal-Gabaylo, was born four months premature and died Christmas Day.
"He lived for an hour and a half," said Gabaylo. "At five months, he needed air. His eyes were open and he was crying. But it was like taking a fish out of the water; the doctor couldn't do anything. We held him till his last breath."
GABAYLO
With a funeral and burial set for Thursday and Friday, Gabaylo and girlfriend Merilyn Ramiscal are worried about how to pay for the services and related expenses.
Friends such as Riley Hakoda have stepped in to establish a fund at Bank of Hawaii branches to help the couple.
Donations to the Gary Ramiscal-Gabaylo fund may be made at mall Bank of Hawaii branches; route to account number 0003-090817
Hakoda organized the "Aunties and Uncles" group in 1991 to provide cheer to elderly people in hospitals and other institutions. At Christmastime, the Aunties and Uncles perform for children at Shriners' Hospital. Gabaylo has been regularly donating his time to the group, performing his juggling and magic feats for shut-ins and keiki.
To help
"I usually see Greg at Christmas, and he did several appearances this past year with our group during the holidays," Hakoda said. Gabaylo joined the Aunties and Uncles in the mid-'90s.
Though heartbroken, Gabaylo has not missed a show since the loss of his son. He is the headliner for "One," staged Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.
"Right now, I do my show for Gary. This is all for Gary," Gabaylo said.
Services will be at Hawaiian Memorial Park from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with burial at 11 a.m. Friday.
Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.
