IN PHOTOS: The wake of Henry Sy Sr

FAREWELL. Tycoon Henry Sy Sr dies at 94. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – While he was considered the Philippines' richest man for years, Henry Sy Sr's wake may seem simple.

The mall magnate's wake was made open to the public on Sunday, January 20, at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. 

All of Sy's children – Teresita, Henry Jr, Hans, Harley, Elizabeth, and Herbert – attended to the guests.

CONDOLENCES. Hans Sy with nuns at his father's wake. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

Visitors were quick to notice that the wake had a touch of Sy's SM malls. There was the famous turon, served by some SM employees. (FAST FACTS: Remembering Henry Sy Sr)

One might have expected a more lavish menu or adornments, but the family opted for an uncomplicated setup.

The Sy family also wanted memorial contributions to be sent to the SM Foundation, where the money would be used to fund their scholars.

DONATIONS. Sy's family urges visitors to send memorial contributions to the SM Foundation. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

While the setup appeared simple, Sy's wake felt grand due to the many white flowers sent by various personalities in business, politics, and civil society.

FLOWERS. President Rodrigo Duterte and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are among those who sent flowers to the wake. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

PURITY. White flowers sent by various personalities and organizations fill the Heritage Park's chapel. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

President Rodrigo Duterte arrived before 11 pm on Sunday and stayed for over an hour.

Duterte is welcomed by Sy’s children: Teresita, Elizabeth, Hans, Herbert, and Henry Jr. @rapplerdotcom pic.twitter.com/D9o2AH8EM9 — Ralf Rivas (@RalfRivas) January 20, 2019

 

SYMPATHIES. President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with Teresita Sy Coson, daughter of the late Henry Sy Sr. Malacañang photo

PRESIDENT'S VISIT. President Rodrigo Duterte pays his last respects to Henry Sy Sr. Malacañang photo

Prior to Duterte's arrival, his critic, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, also paid his last respects to Sy.

Trillanes arrived past 9 pm, around the same time some members of the executive branch arrived.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III were in the same room as Trillanes, but they did not greet each other.

AWKWARD? Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in the same room as Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea (right) and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (not in photo). Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

Organizers said Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon attended late afternoon.

Former senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Pia Cayetano, as well as lawyer Estelito Mendoza, reportedly visited much earlier.

Personalities from the business sector were also present. (READ: Malacañang: Henry Sy Sr a 'pillar of Philippine economy') 

Fernando and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala stayed up to late afternoon.

Davao City tycoon Dennis Uy, who has various deals with the SM Group, also paid his last respects to Sy.

TYCOONS. Davao City businessman Dennis Uy visits Henry Sy Sr's wake. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim was also among the notable visitors.

DIPLOMAT. US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim pays his last respects to Henry Sy Sr. Photo by Ralf Rivas/Rappler

Sy's interment will be on Thursday, January 24. – Rappler.com