As avid viewers of Walang Hanggang Paalam, we might have perceived Bernie (McCoy de Leon) as the stubborn black sheep of the family. But, as we got to know him better and witness the magnitude of sacrifices he’s willing to make for others, we realized the roughness is just born out of love (that sometimes went unnoticed).
In the recent episodes of Walang Hanggang Paalam, the Salvadors’ crusade for justice has gotten more intense following Bernie’s death. And as we grieve with them, here’s a Toplist dedicated to Bernie and his immeasurable love for his family.
The montage opens with Nick (Ronnie Lazaro) and Caloy (JC Santos) prepping for Robbie (Robbie Wachtel)’s surprise birthday party. It was supposed to be a special moment that would mark Robbie and Emman (Paulo Avelino)’s happy reunion. In that scene, Nick would giddily open the door while Caloy would pop the confetti upon hearing a knock on the door. The two were surprised to see just Bernie bringing in something for the occasion. It established Bernie's love for his nephew.
His concern for Robbie and the family’s ordeal were shown in his aggressive behavior. He’d often get into trouble trying to look for clues and defend his family from wrongful accusations. Bernie once engaged in an argument with the authority as he cleared up Emman’s reputation. For him, love for family extends beyond the home. He would also conceal Caloy’s whereabouts to protect him.
Although he’s often compared with his brother, Bernie suffered in silence and continued to serve the family. He once sacrificed his schooling to save Emman from jeopardy, using his tuition fee allowance to pay for his brother’s bail.
He’s happy whenever he makes good decisions that make his family proud. He went back to nursing school, juggling work and studies. For him, the goal is to help his family survive, so he is always there to help whenever he can. He would even pay for the household utilities.
In an endearing banter with Emman and Nick, Bernie promised not to engage in trouble again. “Good boy na ‘to, hindi ko na kayo bibigyan ng sakit ng ulo,” he told Emman when the latter teased him about romantic woes. He waved at them to signal goodbye. He’d give them agonizing heartache instead because of a tragic incident that’s about to happen.
Bernie’s selflessness shows up in moments of danger. That’s what he is – the family’s silent hero. Although told to refrain from getting involved in Robbie’s case and just focus on his studies, nothing can stop Bernie’s eagerness to help. He took the risk of sneaking inside the Hernandez residence to gather pieces of evidence. He was able to prove that Anton (Zanjoe Marudo) and Amelia (Cherry Pie Picache) are the villains but the truth cost him his own life. Bernie was caught by Anton and died under the latter’s ruthless hands.
Bernie’s death added another layer of grief in Emman’s fight for justice. Follow his battle for the truth in Walang Hanggang Paalam, weeknights on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.