“New Year. New beginnings” was her first post for 2016.
She was starting afresh.
A new home, a new relationship possibly, a new life for Jovi Pilapil.
The 38-year-old aged care nurse had had a tough 2015, separating from her husband, Alexander Villaluna and successfully applying to have an AVO in place against him. Just 52 days ago.
On February 12 in a Facebook post Ms Pilapil alluded to troubles with her former partner writing:
“I was born on [sic] the year of the snake, a snake does not bite unless it is cornered and threatened. Just wait for it, I will give you the war you want!!! #youhavebeenwarned.”
But she was tenacious and ready to embark on whatever life threw at her on March 8 she celebrated her birthday and posted: “I have already been through HELL. So give it your best shot. Not only will I SURVIVE, I will WIN.”
Life was looking good. She was dating again and was amusing her Facebook friends with surprised posts about anonymous flowers from “secret admirers”.
On Wednesday the 38-year-old mother of four went out on her first date with a man she had met online.
Keith Collins, 53, an Irishman from the NSW Central Coast was also a single parent and an active and a well-liked president of the Terrigal Wamberal Sharks Junior Rugby League Club.
The two were having dinner at a Korean restaurant at Westfield Hornsby on Sydney’s north shore when police allege a man entered the restaurant with a knife.
Witnesses had seen him pacing outside the popular restaurant just moments earlier.
Alexander Villaluna, the ex-partner of Ms Pilapil allegedly then attacked the couple in full view of the restaurant’s shocked diners.
He is alleged to have stabbed Ms Pilapil in the chest and then attacked Mr Collins fatally stabbing him in the neck, throat and stomach.
Witnesses said the father called out for help
“He was yelling out “help” and me and my mates we outside, we were freaking out and were like nah, we’ve got to help him,” a man said.
A witness said he saw a man drive a big knife downwards near Mr Collins’ collarbone and pushed the blade across his chest.
Tragically Keith Collins died.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Villaluna allegedly called Ms Pilapil’s children to find out where she was before the incident – there are reports they were in a nearby carpark in her vehicle while the attack took place.
After she was stabbed she fled, jumping the table and running to a nearby shop for cover.
A local man, Michael Short who works at the centre saw the accused after the attack as he sat on a fountain, before re-entering the restaurant where he was arrested.
Ms Pilapil, the deputy director of nursing at Uniting Aged Care, was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital, she underwent surgery for stab wounds to her chest, which punctured her sternum.
Her brother, Ralph told News Limited that the family were in shock. He said he had spoken to her children.
“They told me she was stabbed and she broke something and she was very lucky it did not hit her lungs and heart. We were very grateful. We were here in the church thanking that she wasn’t badly injured.”
Meanwhile the family and friends of Mr Collins deal with their grief. His daughter, Aisling, writing an emotional tribute on Facebook: “I love you more than anything dad. I’ll forever be your girl no matter what.”
The Terrigal Wamberal Sharks Junior Rugby League Club posting:
“We are saddened of the tragic loss of former club president & junior coach Keith Collins in tragic circumstances. Our condolences go to his family & friends.”
Alexander Villaluna yesterday was charged with murder and attempted murder.
He did not apply for bail and the matter was adjourned to Central Local Court on May 26.
For domestic violence support 24/7, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).