They really shoulda taken this opportunity to get some last myspace photos outta him. Posing gangsta style yo.
This actually makes me feel a little ill.

that is crazy and too fucking creepy!

Holy Moses, waaaaay too creepy.

One word.

AWKWARD….

Wait. 24 years old and he was thinking about his wake?

Gangster have a short life expectancy. Still, is creepy.

‘Wait. 24 years old and he was thinking about his wake?”

Well, he was eventually shot to death, so I’m thinking he knew he was an at-risk semi-youth.

This was cafrería of the highest order.

Kinda says something about Puerto Rican culture when your big dream is to be embalmed and standing up at your own wake.

We as a country are ashamed, trust me.
There are so many of us living just lives, studying, working, and yet, this is what other people are shown; a fucking gangsta. No wonder we are so heavily stereotyped.

All of you stupid sons of bitches and mother fuckers should be ashamed. RESPECT the dead at least. And the asshole who states this says something about the Puerto Rican culture is not only sooo wrong, but should be killed and stand up like this kid with a Puerto Rican flag around him. I would do it, but I know this coward “TONY” would never show herself. This says nothing about the Puerto Rican culture, this says something about him you stupid son of a bitch.

Wow…

This hurts me. Young men these days expecting to die young. We all must come together and change this!!!

This kid should have been dreaming of walking tall on a stage, getting his college diploma and blowing kisses to all those that believed in him.

It’s a damn shame.

Why is he so dark? Something tells me the makeup artist fugged up.

Who said anything about that being his dream? WRONG, that was his request, he probably knew he was going to die young whatever the reason may be and requested that to his family. Actually, (a little info to all of you that comment without knowing the story) his friends informed the papers that HIS DREAM was to get away from his way of living and booked a flight to New York for this 26th of August. So terrible that he probably knew they were looking to kill him and he did not get a chance to escape and rectify his life. He was no Gangsta(member of a gang, or a killer), this is probably drug related. Your comments say a lot about you, and yes about many people in the U. S. A. and prejudice in your culture. I hope the people that wrote those unnecessary words dont call themselves puertorricans.

I don’t believe this says anything about anyone or any culture in particular. To say or think that after reading of a single person is the height of Racist Xenophobic thinking. Boricua don’t sweat the b_____t comments of ignorance. I am 42 and have not even thought of my plans to be in that state at such a young age is a problem of both societies USA and PR.

yup, america is FULL of idiotic ignorant hypocritical ones claiming that is the ‘way’….makes me often unproud to be be born here but glad to say im not in their majority…peace and equality should rule this world,,,RIP Angel

I have some things to say..first the comment posted by “fredo” is not funn y at all actually that shows how full of shit you have that thing called brain. Tony you have no fucking idea what your talking about! And this has nothing to do with culture!! at all. Im one of “pedritos” friends, he was ans still is a great man that WE LOVE WITH ALL OUR HEARTS and this is for all you people that have nothing to do and just comment without knowing shit about him “FUCK OFF!!!” and show some respect!!! “Soto” and “me” are right. you peolpe shouldnt dare to say anything about my boy, analyze your miserable lives. PR is a eautiful country with beautiful people like him. dont you dare to damage his memory or youll pay for it!

It’s a shame that everyone is preaching a form hate, violence and stupidity. These emotions are the reason this young man died. Don’t point fingers at the Americans or his life style. We need to take responsiblity for ourselves and EDUCATE without the HATE. There needs to be a program that helps and protect young men who wants to change their lives. NO ONE WANTS TO DIE THIS YOUNG AND THIS WAY! This is a wake up call.

La Virgen - there is noting wrong with his color. In my family there are just as many dark as lighter skin PRs. The kids call my youngest brother the ‘black uncle’ so they don’t have to explain to other kids that he is PR, just really dark!

Tony - it says nothing about our culture as PRs but more about our culture as a country. There are too many young people these days living lifestyles they KNOW can lead to an early grave (gangs, drugs, whatever - it is ALMOST NEVER straight-up citizens that are found dead under bridges). It doesn’t matter if this boy was PR - there are many blacks, whites, Asians, etc who are also living risky lives. Really - when faced with a thought as final as death at such a young age - of course some will want to be just as ‘individual’ in death as they try to be in life.

Soto - you are an idiot, go back under your rock. No one should ‘be killed’ for commenting on this strange story. Grow up.

Faby - my sympathizes that you have lost a friend but I see nothing in Soto’s response that should bond you to him and his thinking. He sounds like an immature child. This story is STRANGE - that is why it is even out there to be commented on. Do you think if Pantoja was laid out in a coffin like most people in the world anybody outside of your little world would even know who he was? Of course not!

It is sad that this family has lost a son and brother at such a yong age but as weird as this wake was - I think Pantoja has succeeded in not being forgotten after his death. His ‘last stand’ is most certainly memorable.

It sad what happen to the kid, been only 24 years old, no one care if he is in drug or gang respect his last wish and his family, I bet if a white man or if he had different clothes on like a suits you will had different comment, you people with negative comment should start respecting each other, I don’t care what country you from, that was that kid last wish please respect him and his family,

My best wishes for his family and friend

Amen Barbara P. Nothing further to be shared. Pantoja has had his last stand and I believe that we all would hope to be just as brave and individual in our own lives. For all of you who don’t understand…..grow up and stop being cowards!!!!!

@Tony, deja de mamar huevos.

If this says anything about my culture it is that we have a sense of humor, even about death. You think not taking yourself too seriously is a bad thing? Stop being an asshat.

Wow. What a way to be remembered. More power to him for knowing exactley how he wanted to go. It looks like his family fullfilled his wishes more than he would have expected. I bet he’s looking down with a big ole grin on his face. Thats whats up.

There’s a lot of stupidity flying around here, like bullets from a burp gun, so I gotta shut my eyes against the fragments. Listen. Up. Before the majority of you decide to place your tiny fingers against the grimy keys, you might want to crack the spine of a few books, so as to glean some wisdom and, well, maybe some grammatical and spelling skills. People always think that they have a right to their opinion—this is an American fallacy, propogated worldwide—but just because you have a mouth, doesn’t mean it has to be perpetually ajar making talking sounds. And just because you have a brain, doesn’t necessarily make you a thinker either. The only opinion worth its weight in gold is an informed opinion, which is why the internet, for the most part, is pure shit. Call me crazy, but I like to get my information from actual encyclopedias, or libraries (remember those? the barracks-like buildings that house row upon row of those dusty appendages called “books?”), and not Wikipedia. But like I said, I’m out of my tits, and out of step with the rest of humanity (thank Christ). So smoke the piff if you got it, light up the crack pipe, mainline that he-ron, because if things continue in this manner, we are all running toward extinction. With arms hurled sunwise. Unleashing peals of unalloyed joy. And speaking of extinction … anyone ever see that movie IDIOCRACY? I’ts kinda funny and kinda amusing and also a bit … disturbing. I mean, the president of the U.S. in the future is a black gangsta musclehead, the vice president and treasurer are dopy hispanics, and a lot of the people on the streets have last names like Chavez and Rodriguez … if you don’t believe me, check it out for yourselves. I don’t think I’m being paranoid. It’s almot as bad as ASK A MEXICAN in the Village Voice, the unfunny little sidekick on CHELSEA LATELY, and the slightly funny Guillermo on Jimmy Kimmel. I wonder if having a tiny Mexican or other species of tiny brown folk accompanying the lighter species as if on a leash will become a new fad … like the pogo stick of old, or the hula hoop, or Amy Winehouse.

There’s some people who don’t know what they are talking about.. See?? my Litte minded american friends, we are BIG!!! in everything, we work hard every day, we take big challenges and make them history, you know nothing about us… So please let Angel rest in peace, and I think that the only awkward thing here is you, who are not from my country, commenting on something that doesn’t concern you. So keep living your simple lives and let us be the ONES who really rules it and make a life for real…!!!!!!

Don’t mess with Puerto Rico!!!!!! we maybe be a little island, but we have a bigger heart than the 50 states

First of all my sincere condolences to the family and people who loved him. Whatever circumstances have brought this young man to this lifestyle hey that’s life for some. No one should comment negatively about a deceased person. Unless you and your country has no blemish. I don’t understand how some of you think this represents our Puerto Rican people, whatever that is too ridiculous for me to comment on. Here is something for you guys to comment on and also a reminder that no is perfect. 80% of serial killers are white. Ana Nicole got away with alot on National TV and no one said anything negative about her. She was high on drugs with her son present that makes her a unfit mother and no one called child protective services on her. How about the the Gambino family they got blood on their hands and they were allowed to broadcast a TV show. Let’s talk about shame, people actually watched these shows, now that is something to be ashame of. I think that is more weird to me then fullfilling a wish of a dead man. How dare you talk! No one is perfect! Whatever race, color or country you are from we all have faults. What I see here is people that don’t have a brain of their own and uneducated racist whites commenting foolishly. I don’t find anything freaky or wierd about his request and what the family did. What is more freakier than that is having a blow up doll and thinking is normal.

@urban latino

Are there no paragraph breaks in those treasured volumes you read? /Smoking crack-pipe.

This doesnt represent our heritage and culture as a whole. Someone wanting to grant their childs wish is very normal. Ok, so that we are aware of, no one has ever heard of this specific last wish, but it doesnt mean other cultures/heritages/ethnicities wishes arent this unusual. It just goes to show you, that even after death, people are still judging you. It doesnt mean, that Puerto Ricans are weird or ignorant, it just means we are very true to our word. I bet most dont even know that its not unusual to have the viewing in the home. Thats just how we do. I can jump from culture to culture and point out lifestyles and beliefs, but i will be judging them, so I wont. How about the Americans getting involved in Russian/Georgian issues, anyone have a comment on that?

Before you even say anything about Puertorrican culture…… read a book about our history you MF!
This “boy” was so proud of himself that he wanted to show the world that his body might not be able to function as it used to but that his spirit will endure forever and will also be among all of those who love him for the eternity. And to those double checking on his death, ufffff I bet they were petrified!
Good for you “MORIR PARAO”

urban latino : Great point. But we cant forget Bush & Condie.

BS Article.. he never stood upright.. he was propped against a wall looking like the most ghetto manikin anyone has ever seen. Also, WTF he was found buried under a bridge.. sounds like his ass got ghetto with the wrong dudes.. this is just a sad about getting net famous from being ghetto and dumb man..

This is one of the saddest stories I have read in a long while. This speaks neither against the Puerto Rican culture or any other for that matter. What this is really saying is that it is ok to cover and report this story in this manner. There is nothing here other than “shock value.” This child is a story today, forgotten in all of our minds in 2 weeks and on to the next. When I first read the story and then seen the picture I was so upset…..the soul was separated from the body and gone the minute he lost his life and this is what is done with what remains of his body before it returns to the earth - made to stand in dishonor.

@KT, his parents were following his last wishes. If you search for the original article (google “nuevo dia morir parao”) you’ll see he’d been talking to his family about this for a while now.

Why is it dishonorable for a body to stand rather than lie?

i’m American and i have to agree with Bethzalie and others defending the Puerto Rican way of life and culture. all races and countries have ‘bad seeds’, and as far as Angel was concerned, i don’t believe he was a ‘bad seed’. he, like many others, got caught up in things that got over his head. believe it or not, many men (and women) like Angel who find themselves on the gangbanger or drug deal scene are very smart. it’s a shame that they don’t apply their ample brains to something other than street life. but for those trying to place stereotypical mis-value on Angel, his story, or the Puerto Rican culture, you really need to take a look at yourselves; as a whole, they’re a great and beautiful people. every country has people with Angel’s story, just like every country has successful people, homeless people, crime lords, druggies, and drug dealers. i don’t like stereotypes, but that is the ‘human’ way. if something is different or if someone TELLS you to ridicule something, you believe it and immediately put stock into it. that’s the way most people work, afraid to cast aside barriers and realize that each and every human being that comes into this world has the same rights and fate as the next: everyone has the right to live their lives as they see fit, and everyone will die someday. what makes one person better than the next? skin color? eye color? texture of hair? money?(which is man-made) please. before i ever succumb to anyone’s pathetic opinions of me and let their thoughts influence me, i’ll stuff my head up my own butt. i’m African-American (with Cherokee and Irish down my bloodline), smart, successful, athletically slim, with a loving family. i’m happy with me, proud of the person i’ve become, and nobody can tell me different. i don’t judge others based on anything but their actions. if you ACT ugly, hateful, or ignorant, then your ARE ugly, hateful, and/or ignorant. i don’t care if a person is green, blue, red, white, black, purple, polka dotted, or whatever. as long as they show their worth as a person, they’re alright with me.

ack…*takes a breath and grins*

my point for all the ranting is to say that those casting stones at Angel’s situation and anyone or anything different from them need to take a step back and analyze themselves.

peace.

This is too funny… not the pictures but the ignorant people and comments that we have in the Ol’ so powerful U.S. of A!! This man died and no one can respect his wishes. Just because he wished at an early age to be left standing at his wake does not mean anything. I am a 22 year old female and have always asked for a different wake. Does this mean I am involved in criminal affairs? NO I am a college graduate and a professional. Yeah it seems a bit strange! It is just different. Who the hell set a standard for wakes!? In Puerto Rico it is common for the decease to be viewed at home. And to those that think this says something about the Puerto Rican culture… let me inform you that it says nothing… I love my heritage it is a beautiful one… we have many smart, hard working people. Yeah there are some that take different paths due to injustices and hardships (not that Pantoja was one because we do not know his background) but that exists in all cultures!!! I do not want to judge any other cultures but there are gang bangers, drug addicts, thieves etc. in every culture… This is not due to culture but personal choices… Please educate yourselves and refrain from ignorance!!!

And to his friends and family that have left comments please ignore the ignorance … just remember Pantoja for who he was and try to educate our fellow Puerto Ricans so that the death rates in PR can decrease!!

May Angel Pantoja Medina Rest in Peace… my heart goes out to his family and friends….

QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO!!!!

In Puerto Rico & in many other countries people view their love ones in the comfort of their own homes. Whether he is standing, sitting or laying down in a coffin like a vampire. I don’t see the difference. Do you feel safer if he is laying down? Or do you think that he might start chasing you if he is standing. What is it that freaks you guys out. I think it is very creative. They did a great job. He looks amazing and now you guys are going to have to accept the fact that this is going to start a new trend. Laying in a coffin is so depressing.

@Zahieda….

I think laying probably comes from the whole “resting in peace” thing. I don’t know about you but I get my best rest lying down.

This trully is a new low. RIP to the dude, but it is ubsurd that his parents and fam would allow such dumbass thing to occur. i can’t wait till calle 13 speaks on it

I have been in the funeral industry for 12 years now and I have seen it all except this. Although we have had people request such things I have not seen it happen. The fact that it was finally done means that his family Loved him so much as to request his last wish(as weird and different as it may be) but they did it and he must be very happy that they went against all that could be said and did it for him!!!!

The reason why he must have been thinking of this at such is a young age does not surprise me. We have a lot of families that expereince their first deat at a young age which could be a very difficult expereince but it makes them think about thier own life. If there is something at the service they don’t like they start thinking of what they would do different and this might be the reason he thougt about this at his age. We need to be a little bit more open minded and stop judging so quick especially when we don’t know everything. The main point of this is I feel for the family and I wish them well, May God give them strength and justice be served.

I hope no one has to loose someone in this matter.

@NYC: Personally I want to be disposed of in any of the following ways, in order of preference:
- no embalming, no casket, throw me in the dirt
- burial at sea, no casket
- leave me at the Body Farm in Tennessee
- pine box

@emarrassedrican: You’re an idiot and you sound like you wouldn’t know a pionono from an alcapurria from a papa rellena. Read the Nuevo Dia article puñeta. Wouldn’t you want your parents TO HONOR YOUR DYING WISHES? What makes you think that Rene would say anything about this other than “descansa en paz?”

Jrod….Im pretty sure that his family is not going to bury him standing. He is resting regardless sitting or standing. Laying in a casket doesn’t mean your resting in peace. It is your soul that rests in peace not your body.

I don’t think that I have to acomplish any wish that will go over the extremety, besides a dead person is just that, “dead” he won’t know if his wishes were acomplished or not, my father in law wanted to be creammated and my mother in law did not feel he deserved that and gave him a proper funeral service where everybody went and payed there lasts respects.

When I was only 8 years old my grandpa died. At the funeral his twin brother walked in to pay his last respects. I had never seen my great uncle before and thought that my grandpa had risen from his casket and was walking around. I was traumatized and had some pretty wicked nightmares for a couple of weeks. As long as the children in Angel’s family isn’t bothered by the wake then I’m fine with it too. When my brother died in a car accident my mom insisted on an open casket funeral…. even though his skull had been crushed,,,, some wishes should not be granted for the survivor’s sake.

@dlab —- I concur. I don’t want anything special. My dad always wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread out in ocean. He did not get his last wish so I think I’ll do it for him. and people may talk about us making our last wishes and I say QUE SE VAYAN PARA EL CARAJO!!

@emarrassedrican —- please do not include the word rican in your name because clearly you are not. We real ricans stand united and strong and don’t judge no matter the situation. This family did what their beloved wished for not what they wanted. And please if you are going to write learn how to spell. EMBARRASSED, not emarrassed AND ITS NOT UBSURD IT’S ABSURD!!

First off I have to appologize for all the morons that left rude comments.When I first saw this article I was interested in the story,not because of the body standing in the corner,but the interesting manors of the culture itself.After reading more about it ,it seemed to make more sense why the family would go through such trouble to grant this mans last request.I have to say that I myself am a very proud American whos wife is full blooded Puerto Rican,I hope that some of you that left such horrible comments understand that theres good and bad in every culture and race.No country is perfect and I am looking forward to the first chance I get to visit Puerto Rico! Hopefully all of Angels family and friends dont think that all Americans are bad people due to the few knuckleheads that left theyre idiotic comments here. Sorry for your loss and may God Bless your family and friends!

St. Catherine of Bologna died in 1463 and has been incorrupt and on display in an upright position for over 500 years….

My condolence to the Pantoja Medina family.

Now to more pensive matters. Are you registered to vote for the next election? Will you vote? Please educate yourself before you make your final decision.

To dlab and nyc: get off each other dick. point blank doing some stupid shyt like standing during your own wake is fuckin retarded. i stand with my people but i wont stand for a symbol of ignorance. like i said R.I.P to bol, but i cant agree with honoring so dumb shyt like that, especially if they just threw they life away fuckin with the streets! giving ricans a bad rap. the little bit of publicity we get on a global stage is some dude standing during his wake. We need help.

My sincerest condolences to the family of that young man. As a white, red-blooded, hard working American man, I have grown to love the culture of PR and it’s people. Many Americans could learn a thing or two from the values and basically the amount of love that’s present within any typical PR household.

Also, Puerto Ricans who are now here living among us Americans and have posted coments which seem inflamatory towards the USA should have some respect for the land that is providing them with their new, hopefully wonderful life.

D O N T P E R P E T U A T E T H E H A T E !

Puerto Rico… the OTHER 3rd world country of the Caribbean…

C’mmon admit it… even in sport we are sooo bad that we ca’t even come out last…

Hmm… I dont think this is a reflection of PR “culture” at all… It is just a story about a man who died too young and an “odd” request that he made to remain standing at his wake… My sincere condolences to his family and friends!

Those of you who choose to make this a forum on race are just silly.

I feel sorry for the family in this situation but I think that they should of handled this situation differently. Although it was his wish, the “gangster”, “caco” mentality & lifestyle is what probably caused his untimely death. Everything from his clothing to his eyebrows tried to portrayed that attitude. At some point there has to be a mature realization that this is NOT the way he (or anyone else for that matter) should have been remembered. I am ashamed & embarrassed that this happened in PR because it makes the outside world look at us like we’re a bunch of self righteous idiots. This has made international news & the first thing said is San Juan, PR. Come on people lets grow up & handle ourselves in a better manner.

NOTE: This is a forum where we can freely express our ideas. Please stop taking cheap shots at each other especially if you are one of those who doesn’t find anything wrong with this situation.

Wow…This was mind blowing to see. It kind of reminds me of how Tupac felt. He just knew… It’s not a part of someone’s culture, it’s already embedded in their soul. Sad though. only 24. It would break my heart if anything happened to my kids, so I feel for his family. My deepest condolences. Pay no attention to the ignorance on here because you are going to find that everywhere. Much Love

@rey: the idea that not honoring a dead person’s wishes for everybody else’s “comfort” and “closure” is absurd and downirght selfish. why is this not “proper?” and what is wrong with being cremated? do have any idea how much cement, steel, wood, and formaldehyde we bury each year for the sake of what you consider a “proper” burial? don’t know what else to say.

@educatemepls: she isn’t the only saint displayed like that either… also, didn’t Jesus die standing up? and yes, I am registered and informed (and honestly not happy about any of my choices - none of them really care about Puerto Rico).

@embarrassedrican: what exactly is “retarded” about this? how is having respect for the dead and their wishes a bad thing? what do you know about this guy’s life that you can judge him and say he was giving Puerto Rico a bad rap? why are you so worried about our image at the global level - why aren’t you embarrassed about the United States warmongering instead? and also, you DON’T know the difference between a pio nono and an alcapurria, do you? and finally, have you heard Calle 13’s song “Querido FBI?”… “van a tener que enterrarlo parao’, con el machete al lado”… I think they would appreciate the patriotic symbolism, but hey, that’s just what I think…

@Yarddogg: I love Americans, but I’m not too happy with the way the United States deals with my country. The FBI murders Puerto Rican cultural and political figures (as well as police officers) with impunity. We don’t get to vote for the president, and we have no congressmen or representatives. In 1898, we were on the road to independence from Spain until we became U.S. war booty. We only got citizenship so we could be cannon fodder. So you can understand if we are a little bit upset. Yes, I owe lots to the United States - but how can we change the things we don’t like if we don’t talk about them?

@Outta: If that’s how you feel, we don’t have to consider you Puerto Rican anymore, that way everybody’s happy. I’m proud of my heritage and you should be too - instead, you’ve bought into the downpresser’s mentality.

@Adam: Agreed, this sounds like something out of The Onion. Weird, but nothing wrong with it.

@Philly215: I thought everyone can dress how they like. What difference does it make if you put a body in a suit or a t-shirt? Where is it said he was a “gangster”? How do you know he didn’t get carjacked and murdered? Self-righteous? Not sure I follow. You definitely are allowed to your opinion, but no one here has really been able to explain what is wrong with wanting to be mourned standing up, why it’s wrong that the family honored his request, or why this projects a negative image of Puerto Rico. Unusual funeral? Defintely. The guy was dressed like a clown? Sure, just like most commercial American hip-hop artists. Cause of national shame? Don’t see why. Please have some respect for the dead.

People are concerned about what other people are going to say, why? Again, if this was something he asked for would you not done it for your loved one?

And who says funerals have to be the same?

Idividuality is what makes us who we are. I’m proud of this family for going against everything and I’m sure it makes them feel good that they are doing something for him although he is mo longer here.

How do anyone of us know that when we die we still can’t see what is going??

all you see is people talkins shit from my part that was his wish let him be god bless him just so ya no he is going to a better place god bless his fam and friend i went thou the same thing just my brother was not standing he is the frist to be but like i said that was his wish.

ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG
RIP ANGLE PANTOJ

OMG… I can’t believe this sh*t. I wanna know how they got the dude to stay put and not plummet to the floor. “Way to go,” to the embalmer. Exellent job.

@GavinciCode: I think the original article I read about it said “straps.”

If people will stop being so judgemental and take a moment to look at the pictures, he’s giving a message. “you might have took my life and killed me, but at the end I am still standing.” I have respect for that he had too be a brave young man. people we need to come together and love one another. dont make this a racist thing because it dont have anything to do w/ race. if it was your family member you would have done the samething. his mother gave her child his last wish and I think she’s a good mother for doing so. this is coming from a black women who loves everyone. I dont see color we all are God’s children. Be bless and stop this foolishness! Angel family has suffer enough. for the young people let this be an eye opener too you all and know that dont comes to anyone know body is too young to die. change your life ask God to come into your life and help you, it may have been to late for Angel but you are still here so it might not be to late for you.

This isn’t about culture, race, geographic location. Its about someone who made bad decisions. This isn’t going out in a noble way, or makiing your pitiful life something out to be something better than it was. If you want play the game be prepared to be played…and that he was.

YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW

I’m African American from the Bean…and I hate it when people attribute one person’s actions to that person’s ethnic background. If a Black person in (Mattapan, Roxbury, Dorchester) Boston gets shot, I get questions as to did I know that person. Why would I know that person, are they a family member of mine? Do we attribute all serial killers to white people, in fact do we even ask white people if they knew that person? Do we even attribute that behavior to all white people? No we don’t!!! Why would anyone attribute Mr. Medina’s actions to all Puerto Ricans? He was one person whom decided that in death he wanted to go out on his feet and still standing. It was a choice that he made. Who are we to judge? It’s only my hope that before he took his last breath that his soul was given over to God. I pray for his mother, whom has to bury her son in this manner. No parent wants to bury their child. It’s not the way it’s supposed to be. Your children should bury you, not you bury them.

to Activist: i totally agree

to Che: come on now & let’s be serious. There are stereo types everywhere.
1. All Latinos are… MEXICAN
2. If your ASIAN you can’t drive.
3. SOmeone was murdered & robbed…the suspect is BLACK
4. Missing child…someone went crazy @ work…WHITE man
5. ARAB looking must be a terrorist
6. COLUMBIAN…drug dealer
7. CUBAN…you travel on rafts
the list can go on & on & on! This reflects negatively on puertoricans period. I have people of all races coming up to me at work asking if this is a common practice in PR. My response NO this was a dumb ass wish that a misguided kid had & the people in his life had no sense to remeber him differently.

Also DLAB, i am pretty sure you will hate on my comments but you seriously need a LIFE! Don’t you have anything better to do than look up Calle 13 lyrics to prove your point?? WHAT HE MEANT THERE WAS THAT HE WAS NOT GOING TO GO DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT Calm down buddie! how about this… “lo que me vayan a dar que me lo den en vida: -El Gran Combo WHICH WAS GOOD ADVICE THAT HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN GIVEN WHILE ALIVE SO HE WOULDN’T END UP STUFFED AND PROPPED UP IN A CORNER!!!

Before I get chastised for my comments please understand that i think this WHOLE situation is SAD. I pray that this family will have peace someday because I can only imagine the pain they feel. I also am saddened by the lost of a life at such a young age.

HELL TA’ DA’ NAH, SOMEONE OF YOU NEED TO BE CHOKED, NOT TILL YOU PASS OUT JUST TILL YOUR WOSSIE! LOL. I’M A MAN YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT COLOR, AND WHEN I MOVED TO NEWARK, N.J BACK IN THE EARLY 90’s MY FIRST FRIENDS WERE PR’s MY BOY CANO, JESUS, CHOLO, HECTOR, LITTLE HECTOR, MACHETA, ANDY, PECK MERCEDES, MERISOL VELEZ, and PAPO. THESE PEOPLE WELCOMED ME WITH OPEN ARMS. THEY TAUGHT ME THE STREETS OF “BRICK CITY” I LOVE THEM TO THIS VERY DAY. LONG LIVE THE PR PEOPLE ME AMEGO AND AMEGAS
P.S AND THEY ARE ONE OF THE PRETTIEST AND HAVE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COMPLEXTION OF ALL GODS CREATURES. VIVA PUERTO RICO!

He wished to be standing at his wake and so he was… i just think he had a sense of humor and wanted to continue that even as a deceased. I am pretty sure the people that knew him, laughed at the fact he wanted that done. He has the world talking now whether it be negative or positive. Maybe there were things he could of changed who knows but hey we’re only human. We make mistakes. And from a previous post thats what he wanted to do. Move to the US and change his lifestyle.

People lets stop the ignorance and let the men Rest In Peace…

Please educate yourselves and always give back to your community!! I see many Puerto Ricans on this forum talking a lot but what have you done for your country?? Because of things like this I plan on giving back to my country to educate them and avoid certain decisions. But first I must educate myself which I am doing.

Ok so now its my turn to speak my mind. Before i start my condolences go out to Angel’s Family. Now ill start my count down of things to get off my chest.
1. Why is everybody talkin about Puerto Ricans? This isnt a matter of culture it is a matter of choice. Yes its wierd but Im sure hes not the first in the world to do this. Im Puerto Rican and i dont appreciate people talkn crap about Ricans because of this. The worst thing is PuertoRicans are talkin about Puerto Ricans n arent having any compassion for this guy and his fam.
I dont know what happend to him or why it happend to him but come on a life is lost people should have more respesct!!!
2. Why are people saying he was a gangster because of his eyebrows and the way he dressed?
Lots of guys pluck there eye brows and dress like that and that dont make them gangsters. Again i dont know what happend or why, but dont sterio type because i am a hardworkin girl went to school live a good life and got tattoos and piercings… Does that mean im a gangster? No!
3.Why is it bad for a family member to kiss there loved one at there viewing? OMG… Does the body have to be in a box so that one can give that last kiss goodbye to their loved one? I dont think so. Honestly i dont like caskets they are freaky? You gon be locked in there… Nah… Que me dejen parada! Anyways, everyone here is entitled to there own opinion all though it aint none of our business, but if its put out there like this was then people are bound to comment. One thing i would of done different is i would of granted my loved ones last wish but in a more private way. Did he want to be famous after his death? Did he know he was gonna be killed and thats why he asked for this? We will never ever know, but lets just pray for the family and let him rest in piece…. Oh yeah one more thing…. The family looked a lil calm i didnt really understand that, i would of been crushed. Anyways i dont mean to offend anyone here and im pretty sure i didnt but lets show a little more compassion. And come on Puerto Rico dejemos la violencia. I can only pray for my island and hope for the best.

First of all, this young 24 year old man lost his life violently. For all those who are more concerned about critizing this man and his family, shame on you! Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. This is out of the ordinary and it is sad that now a days people are taught that if it is something outside of the usual it is wrong and people have to critize.
Also for YardDogg, Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of The USA so Educate yourself before you make yourself sound so ignorant as to indicating that USA is providing PR a new life. PR just as Americans can Vote and live free.
No I am not Puerto Rican nor Latin for that matter, but when ignorant people open their mouths someone should sure let them know that Education is the only way out of ignorance!
Anyways back what I was saying, if it is your child, mother, father, brother, or sister in the same predicament, I am sure you would do whatever you could to fill their final wishes, Let them man rest in peace and don’t be so judgemental.

He’s 24 years of age and the way he’s dress don’t make him a thug. That’s the way young men dress today. The way he was killed don’t make him a thug.

If this was his wish and his family was able to grant him his last wish more power to them. I don’t think this is a culture thing because if it was this wouldn’t be the first one you have seen.

He might not have been worried about dyingI at a young age. Years ago me and my best friend was joking on how we wanted our funerals. She want to be in the middle of the room with an open casket surrounded with friends drinking on wine. I want a lot of flowers while family and friends crying their eyes out.

This is no different then people being buried in cars, watching tv or in a casket that cost over $10k.

Stop hating! or should I say stop being scared of the died. Make your plans.

If you think he’s a thug what are you doing to help other young men in your community. If you are not out helping shout the shit up.

Actually, this sort of thing was very common around the turn of the century and it is returning. Growing numbers of mortuaries are offering services that involve corpses sitting in their favorite chairs, appearing to have dozed off, etc.

My condolences. Angel looks as though he was a joy in life and kept things lively and entertaining. I’m especially sorry for his brother and family. Although I don’t know him, Angel looks like a fine person with an outstanding attitude. You are good people for following through with his request regardless of any opposition.

First and foremost. Condolences to the family of this young man, who died too young. I am sitting here reading all this and one fact that seems to evade everyone. Especially Yarddogg. (Puerto Ricans who are now here living among us Americans) We ARE Americans. We are Americans from birth. Whether you like it or not. It’s not our fault that America like always finds away of to take over and possess other lands. (ask Mexico) It’s people like you that probably had family half a century or more ago that persecuted my family when they arrived here. We were often discriminated against because of either the color of their skin or because they did not speak english. Or spoke english with a spanish accent. My father came here as an AMERICAN only to be confonted by bigots and ignorants like you and yours. He came here to work hard and provide for himself and later on for his own new family. So maybe you should go to a library and read some books and try an educate yourself in history before you comment on something that you know nothing about. I am proud to be an American because this is where I was born, NYC. I am also called a New Yorican, Boricua which I am also proud of because that is where my roots are from.

YO THIS IS CRAZY SHIT.. I KNOW IT WAS THE MAN’S LAST WISH.. BUT IMAGIN WAKING UP GOING TO THE LIVING ROOM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND THERE IS A DEAD MAN IN THE CORNER… CREEPPPYYY!!

To the idiot TONY that posted this comment:
Kinda says something about Puerto Rican culture when your big dream is to be embalmed and standing up at your own wake.
Posted by Tony

Tony,
you are an idiot and you defenitely need some schooling. There are people of all mentalities around the world, even in US, you dumb idiot.
It was his wish to be standing so be it. That doesn’t mean that that’s a reflection of the culture. There are lots of people out there that one time or another have stated to their loved ones how they would like to be watched so don’t even mix that with the culture. Why don’t you learn about cultures a bit more and learn to be more educated.
O
Puertorriqueno de corazon

Ok wait a minute.
Lets clarify something… Dont be talkin about Puerto Rican culture, I am Puerto Rican and proud to be. Yes there are ignorant people that dont have aspirations or dreams in Pr and all they care about is the bad life, but what culture doesnt? White , black, mexican, hondureno, colombiano, Africans.. What culture is perfect? Let me know which one cause that would be great to know! I mean i feel sorrow for my Island because truth be told things get worst and worst by day but what can one do? Another thing i highly doubt that this young dudes wish in life was to be “Standing at his own wake” his last petition or last wish was probly to be Standing at his own wake, not his life’s misson or wish! Look on the rea i feel sorry for this dude and for his family… I havent been able to stop thinking about it (KraZy HUh?) Butall i ask is that you edjucate yourself a little it more before talkin about PuertoRicans in general, i looked it up on the net and there are many more that have done something similar, in a reclinable chair layin back or on a chair sitting down in a musalium. St. Catherine of Bologna died in 1463 and has been incorrupt and on display in an upright position for all these yearsw, this guy wanted to be Standing up for his wake… NOT buried standing up or out of a box or for that matter anything similar so whats the big deal? And i would love to defend my lil PR pero la cosa ta mala , mala aya… And there is no way of saying any diference but everytime something bad happends or something un-usual happends the “NOTICIAS” or “PEOPLE WITH NOTHING BETTER TO DO” post it quickly on the net or all over ther news, thats why we have a bad rep!!! When something good happends no one is quick to post it on the net or Noticias!!! But the truth is more bad than good things are happening lately, but thats everywhere. Angel may have been a good guy that got into the wrong crowd or not but honestly many, many times people arent in the wrong crowd and do one wrong thing or not or they even talk to the wrong people and get into some beef just because someone else is in the wrong crowd, my point is>> Boricua’s stand up, edjucate yourself, theres alot of hardworking, intelligent and good people in the Isla and our name is the one that is getting messed up in the mix. People do not be ignorant ok let this guy rest in peace!!!! Mi gente vamos a mejorar nuestra Isla… Valemos mas de lo que los demas piensan y tenemos que trabajar para arreglar eso. Oh and another thing…..what is this on the title??? Lazy ass? Obviously he wasnt lazy he is standing up..

La Virgen, nothing is “wrong” with his color. The make-up artist did not mess up. If you know anything about people of any color(non-white skin), you would know that when you die and they embalm you, they drain ALL of your blood out. This makes the skin darker than your actual skin color. That is why when people of color die you can have their bodies out for 2 weeks at the most compared to you having a white person out only a few days. Their(white) skin turns really fast as to where black people or people with a darker pigment takes a while to turn because they are already dark. The other things that affect his darkness is the temp in the room, him being out for 3 days and some makeup. So nothing is “WRONG”.

Personally I found it rather interesting and in some way refreshing. Who the hell says you have to lay down in a frigging box for a wake? I should hope that if I am given a wake after my demise that I too could stand up for it or be propped into a chair. A wake believe it or not is a celebration of a person’s life. It is regarded as such in all cultures that have wakes. So why shouldn’t the honored individual be allowed to “enjoy” their party as they see fit? As for how the guy met his fateful end, does it really matter to any of us? I am very sorry that his family lost someone they loved and my condolences go to them. I hope they find whoever was responsible for his murder no matter what he may have or may not have done to bring it on. For a country that goes around howling about how free we are and how wonderful we are, we Americans sure are damn judgmental.

if only that much effort was put into his “Life”…

I am trying real hard not to think of this as… creepy. sorry.

@oats:
The fact you have people of all races coming and asking you if this is common practice in Puerto Rico just shows 2 things: ignorance is not race-specific, and damn, your friends are ignorant. They are probably the same kind of people that ask you if there are McDonald’s in PR, if we still use canoes, and what kind of currency we use (all questions I’ve been asked in the US). This is simply NOT an issue of morality or decency like you and some other folks insist - just because something is unusual does not make it negative or shameful. And regarding Angel’s death, San Juan PD still doesn’t know what happened so I don’t know how anybody here, including you, thinks they have any right to pass any kind of judgement on Angel’s life, his demise, or his last wishes.

And regarding your other question, embarrassedrican was actually the one to bring up the group. I don’t have time to look up lyrics, rather I am a fan and “Querido FBI” is on heavy rotation on my mp3 player. And actually, that line refers to Filiberto Ojeda Rios, not anyone from the group.

I think some of you are Missing the Point. The man wanted his life on earth to be celebrated and viewed that way at his wake. His age, race, or where he is from does not matter. Maybe he was smart enough to know that the Good Lord calls us to him in his time and not ours may be why he mentioned how he wanted to be at the wake at such a younge age. Maybe he had losed loved ones recently and made the comment because of that. Do any of you truely know. I didnt know him and I am sure many of you didnt so why for the love of god are you some of you making negitive comments about him and each other and Races. Only the good lord can truely judge. So go in peace and pray for his your man’s soul. Stop wasting your breath on hate. Peace God Bless Jesus Saves

First of all my sympathy to the family and loved ones
Angel’s death was a tragic lost
its so sad that so many people have enough time to get on this message board and criticize this young mans last wishes.
That’s what is wrong with America today you don’t find a problem in gas prices going up or people losing there homes or any other economic issue that we as a country are facing today, however you have enough time to make a mockery of this young mans tragic death.
I have lived in a place where no one knows what the hell a Puerto Rican is. I have even been asked for a green card , after I have stated that I am Puerto Rican.
Shame on you ignorant people. Yes Angel choose a different position then others to be viewed but hey guess what , none of you would of never known Angel if he didn’t. His reason was he wanted to be standing till the end. His family made this family, the rest of you that have nothing but negative comments just made this young man famous. Whether good or bad he got his star in Hollywood. Just like they talked about Jesus Christ, and he is remembered till today Angel will be also remembered.
Some of you will be telling your grand children about Angel. Others have already printed the pictures to show your friends at work and school or better yet you have forward this link to everyone in your email address book.
What ever you say or do “GO ANGEL” you will always be remembered.
Far as Puerto Ricans wow we are an amazing culture you have brought new light to the word “Impossible” Some of you may call it ignorant. Dumb, stupid,….. what ever however you all are spending time with Angel , the rest of you will finally learn a little bit about Puerto Rico , so again you call him a gang banger I call him an educator even at his death.

You fools!! This has nothing to do with race, this is something he wanted, he knew death was inevitable, in his type of career it always will be. It is a chance they must take.He was very educated and was getting ready to leave the island to further his career and education. His request sends a message, there are those still standing and watching. Thank you for fullfiling his REQUEST.

So stop, please, there are the haves and have nots in every race.This is just a young man, who happened to die. That is all.

Let….it…..go

hay i came across this when i was suffing the net and it boke my heart he died so young. but everything happens for a reason ya know. i want to say to all his friends i know what ur going thou its the worst thing u can go thou in ur life, when i lose my best friend (anthony tony mancuso) my he rest in pease it broke my heart i remember the call i got i lose my breath like somone had kill a peace of me so i know what yall r going thou and for the people who dont know u need to have some damn reapect for him and his family and friends u dont know what its like to lose someone so for all yall fuckers out there GO FUCK UR SELF, so for his friends and family from me god is with him now. and hes watching over all of yall and he misses yall like crazy just liek u miss him belive me and yall will see him hopefuly not to soon but u will but dont let lose ASSHOLES say anything u know what ur boy was and thats all that needs to be said ya feel me well im gonna go for now …………….k from usa

What a bunch of idiotic comments!!! You got the PR crowd hatin’ on USA…
a: You PR is part of the USA
b: If it is so great why are so many in NY, NJ???
c: You got those sayin’ your gonna kill someone for their comments, but you say he wasn’t gansta??? Are you not acting gansta???
I didn’t see anyone putting down the fact that he is in his home, many countries do this. But you have to admit it is weird to be propped up in a corner. If it wasn’t weird it wouldn’t be in the news!!! The one thing I can’t believe is it looks like he his holding his package???? I hope that is just a bad angle on the photo. Last thought, my prayers are with his sole and his family. That body is not Angel anymore. I can only pray that those close to him that may have lived the same lifestyle, will wise up and ask God for forgiveness, then change their own life.

Peace!

Dumb fucking spic.

I WAS READING SOME OF THIS AND YET SOME OF THE COMMENT WERE TERRIBLE.HE WANTED TO STAND TALL AND THERE ISN’T NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT WHEN HE WAS ALIVE HE WAS PROUD OF WHO HE WAS. DID YOU EVER STOP AND THINK ABOUT THAT . AND JUST MABEY HE WANTED TO BE REMEBER AS A STRONG MAN STANDING TALL INSTEAD BAD TALKING HIM HOW ABOUT WE PRAY THEY CATCH HILL KILLER OR KILLERS NO ONE SHOULD DIE OR LEFT UNDER A BRIDGE FOR DEAD SOME OF YOU NEED TO GROW UP AND WAKE BECUASE THAT COULD BE YOUR FAMILY MEMEBER FOUND LIKE THAT HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF SOMEONE BAD TALK THEM . YOU NEED TO PRAY FOR YOUR SOULS AND ASK GOD TO HELP YOU AS WELL .. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE AND HIS FAMILY SMILE WHEN THINKING OF HIM AND HIS LAST STAND ON THIS EARTH

To posted by nigger;
Did you know the deceased personally? I think not. As I stated he was educated, so he was not dumb. The other words you used, I’ll just chalk them up to your lack of education.

To “Nigger”
Just by the way you signed this tells me you are not Black
why even leave a comment if you feel you have to hide behind another nationality
Ignorant is what you are i thought that maybe some of the other comments were bad however
Congrats to you for making the biggest fool of your self ever

I think this is sad we all have dreams and rightly so.Yes it may feel creepy,yes it’s unusual.So what I don’t know the young man but it seems he was LOVED.Just because he didn’t dream the way you think he should doesn’t make it wrong.It breaks my heart because I’m sure his family will read these emails and be very hurt.They respected his wishes and they did what was asked of Angel.Have some dignity and respect the next day isn’t promised to any of us.It’s good and bad in all no matter the creed,sex,religion,etc.We all bleed red! God Bless the family and friends.

Thank you T, yes he was much loved, by everyone. He was funny and always laughing, a very happy spirit. His Mom just wanted to give him one last request that his heart desired.It may have seemed unorthodox, but his Mom knowing this request, for her it would not have seemed right any other way.

My condolences to Angels family.

Will someone please define Puerto Rican? The last time I checked, Puerto Rican consist of African, Spainish, and Indian ( a wonderful mixture).

Puerto Ricians please stop letting America separate who you are. The same goes for Cubans, Dominicans, (etcs). Anyone who is labeled latino or hispanic with a dark complexion. I get so sick of the labeling. America wants to divide and conquer that’s their main mission and to become first power over all other nations.

Do you think the KKK cares if you are a latino with a dark complexion. Hell no! So please stop this fighting and wake up! The world is so much bigger than this. We need to focus our attention on the next few months (elections). Because if a race riot occurs who side will you be on!!!

I love my black/latino/hispanic community. Please people wake up!

One more thing- when filling out a job /college/voters registration card and other applications, do you ever question why they ask race/ethnicity? i.e. white (hon-hispanic), white, black (non-hispanic), black, African- American, Asian, chinese, etc?

Why are the separate categories?

I apologize for taking this all out of context, but I had to mention it. Because I think about OUR so call American future. Please people wake up!

Hey Big V. Get educated by facts and not propaganda. I guess you are on the Obama bandwagon huh? First, America doesn’t separate who Puerto Ricans are! I’m Rican and our Puerto Rican flags on our mirrors and bumpers do! America wants to divide and conquer??? Are you sick or just stupid??? America has been fighting for freedom for people throughout the world. If if wasn’t for Americans; England, Spain, Italy, and France would be speaking German today. The Jewish population would be further devastated by the “conquerer” Hitler. Thousands more would be murdered by Saddam. People like you bitch and complain about “Terrible America”, but there is no other country in the world with the freedoms and opportunities provided here. Why do you think thousand try to enter our borders everyday???? So they can be divided and conquered??? Don’t think so!!!! If “Terrible America” is going to have a “race riot”, it is ok to divide and conquer for you to pair up with your selective races (black, latino, hispanic)? That certainly sounds like division to me!!! I guess, it’s just when we riot, “yo, yo, yo, kill dem whites, asians, indians, europeans, and who ever else don’t fit our ‘Undivided Selection’, huh”? GET A GRIP, GET A LIFE, AND TRY TO GET A REAL EDUCATION, NOT SOME ELECTION BABLE!!!!

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. It is illegal “IN AMERICA” for an employer to ask your race. As far as voting and such, that is used for census information.

Why? This made me sick, very sick. What is his Mother thinking? How creapy….I don’t know If I could have my son’s dead body propped up in a corner in my home. I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. Why would mom agree to this knowing her son wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed anyway?
“Ya, when I die man, just stand me up for a few days so I could still look cool & all the young family members can still look up to me & wish they were just like me”! I personally don’t think this is cool, it’s sick & strange & getto!

To Tony, Wanting to be placed upright for your wake is not part of puertorican culture! If it was, this event would not make the news. Just go back to reading your Vanidades mag.

Lola Cardosa…..Are you kidding me?
His Career? When was the last time you hear
“Thug, Gansta, or drug dealer was a class at any
University? Oh my God, I pray for anyone that thinks this type of life style is the “norm”! Goals & dreams of any child should be anything but this.
24 years old, dead…..for what reason? If