Jose Reynald C. Andres, Mandarin Oriental

We are saddened by the passing of Jose Reynald C. Andres, a cook at the Mandarin Oriental. Jose lost his battle to COVID-19 on April 2nd, 2020.

Jose’s friend and Union Delegate, William Seneewong, remembers Jose as a great friend, loyal coworker, and a strong union member. “I trained Jose when he first came to the Mandarin in 2004. Since then, we worked side-by-side everyday and he became like a brother to me. He was an amazing worker. Jose was always there to back up his coworkers and stood with the Union one hundred percent.”

The Andres family has also shared some memories about Jose.

Jose was known to his family and friends as “Jojo.” Jojo was a caring, loving, and devoted husband and father to two teenagers and three stepchildren.

Jojo’s wife Camille remembers him as an amazing and loving father. Jojo was described as a man of few words and a quiet type. His wife thinks of him as her angel, protector and his family's “best chef.”

Jojo’s strong admiration of the countryside drew his interest in retiring to a quiet, simple life in the Philippines' provinces. His dream of converting a family farm into an “Agro-tourism” business venture was on his “bucket list.”

He was a loyal and active union member. Jojo was an exemplary employee and hardworking “chef de tournant” at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for 16 years. He exhibited commitment to his work even during the final healthy days of his life.

“Jojo, even as we immensely grieve your sudden demise, our love for you is so strong that you will not be forgotten and you will remain in our day, our life, and our hearts. May your soul rest in peace,” writes Jose’s wife, Camille.

Jojo is survived by his wife of 16 years, Camille, and their five children, Ulyssis, Aldrin, Cehdrick, Alexandria and Lawrence, and his parents, as well as his seven siblings.