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THANK YOU, MOM!

Women taught their children a love of learning and the desire to excel. Now, their sons and daughters, husbands and friends are saying, “Thanks for everything, Mom” by donating to the Philippine International Aid’s (PIA) Mother’s Day Scholarship Program for street children and disadvantaged youth in Metro Manila. It’s a great way to preserve a legacy and to give the gift of education to the next generation.

Carmencita A. Agcaoili, in honor of my mother, Conchita Alba Abarquez, who shared with me her philosophy that gratitude should be your attitude.

Karina Mendoza Calayag, in honor of my mother, Josefina “Josie” Ablan—forever in gratitude and love to you.

Dino Africa, in memory of my mother, Imelda Maralit Africa, who put her family ahead of herself.

Jo-Ann and Jamie Agcaoili, in honor of our mother, Deedee Agcaoili, who has enriched our lives in more ways than we can count. We love you.

Ellen and Elaine Alikpala, in honor of our mother, Elena Bustamante Alikpala, our inspiration for courage and fortitude.

Agnes Y. Alikpala, in memory of my mother, Julieta Ylagan Alikpala, the unsung heroine of the family.

Edna Alikpala, in memory of Julieta Ylagan Alikpala, for her unconditional love and support through the years.

Ethel A. Ward, in memory of Julieta Ylagan Alikpala, a dedicated mother/mama.

Eliza Duerme, in honor of ANGEL and CHILDLESS MOTHERS who have supported nieces, nephews, siblings and adopted children.

Billy and Therese Ick, in honor of our mom, Sonia Torres Aquino, whose selfless dedication and love inspire us.

Mona Lisa Yuchengco, in memory of my “second mother,” Fe Misa Ayala, whose friendship and love I sorely miss.

Melito and Asuncion Balon, in memory of our mother, Patrocinio Martelino Balon,  for her loving care and sacrifice for her ten children. Love you, Mom.

Kai Briones Lee, Katrina and Kim Delen Briones, in honor of our mother, Delza Delen Briones. Thank you for your love, hard work and generosity. We love you so much.

Adela Capistrano, in honor of Alice Peña Bulos of Thomasians, USA, who manages the organization with maternal persuasion and aims for educational empowerment for all.

Divinagracia C. Duerme, in honor of Maria N. Capili, for her unselfish love and guidance that made me who I am.

Teody Migueles, in honor of my aunt, Victoria Cirujales—thank you for being the best aunt in the whole wide world.

John and Kaye Cloutman, in honor of Elie Witt Cloutman and Carmelita Yadao Sison—a garden of love always grew in your hearts. We miss you both so much. Happy Mother’s Day.

Ruth Cobb Hill, in memory of my mother, Engracia “Bebe” Hale Cobb—love always.

Imelda Oppenheim, in honor of my mother, Edna Venturanza Concepcion, who taught me to always have faith in times of struggle and to never stop dreaming, for dreams can come true.

Maria Rebecca Muñoz, in honor of our mother, Baby Consunji, who continues to be the source of love that unites our family.

Tanya Cruz, in honor of my mother, Neni Sta. Romana Cruz, who still takes care of me from thousands of miles away.

Belinda Bautista, in honor of my mother, Flordeliza Daclison. Fortune made you my mother; your unconditional love made you my friend. You are still an inspiration.

Daniel Dames, in honor of my mother, Juanita Dames, beautiful inside and outside, with a big heart for others by sharing what we have, loving, caring, helpful, friendly, hardworking—perfect mother for me.

Charles Delatore, in honor of Guadalupe Uy Delatore for her love and guidance.

Sonia Delen, Ester and Delza Delen Briones, in memory of our beloved mother, Consuelo Tingchuy Delen.  Thank you for watching over us. We miss you very much.

David, Justin, Matthew Delen Fitzsimmons, in honor of our mother, Sonia T. Delen. Thank you for your love and for instilling values in us that will be with us for the rest of our lives.

Teddy Diaz de Rivera, in honor of Jeanine M. Diaz de Rivera, a woman of deep faith—the love of my life, mother, role model and inspiration to many. We love you.

Teddy and Jeanine Diaz de Rivera, in memory of Lucille M. Diaz de Rivera, beloved mother who inspires from her faith, service, love and success as a Filipina trailblazer. We love and miss you.

Eliza Duerme, in memory of my grandmother, Graciana Doble, a humble seamstress, who put five children to college.

Joey and Tere Martinez, in memory of our friend, Terry Caparas Dryden, a full time mom to Marissa and Christopher, who will remain forever in our hearts.

Celia Short, in honor of my mother, Ester Duerme, who taught me that determination and persistence pay off. She raised us even after suffering a stroke at 36.

Ed and Tanya Duldulao, in honor of our mom, Lilia Duldulao, for all the love and support.

Diego Duldulao, in honor of my mommy, Tanya Cruz Duldulao, for lovingly taking care of me.

Sonia Delen, in honor of Evelyn Eaton. Thank you for your ever-loving generosity. Love you.

BG Eraña-Quesada, in memory of my mother, Amada de Leon Eraña, whose spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

Marilen Bernardo, in honor of my mother, Evelyn Esperanza—I will never forget all the lessons you have taught me, and your limitless love. I love and miss you.

Gerard Estrella, in memory of my mom, Fredi Estrella— although I still feel you left 29 years early, those years I had with you will forever remain in the best place in my heart.

Beth Dames, in honor of our mother, Amparo Fernandez, loving caring, selfless, helpful, hardworking, though poor gave us good education and instilled in our hearts love for God.

Dr. Mary Ann S. Fernandez, in honor of my mother, Rosalina “Luchie” Fernandez.  I would not be where I am now if not for you.  Thank you.

Lilette F. Ramos and Chibu F. Rodriguez, in memory of our mother, Francisca Macam Ferrer, who, by example, showed us how to love unconditionally.

Len Filippini, in honor of my mom, Laura Filippini—a good teacher in the lessons of life.

Chris Fitzsimmons, in honor of my mother, Bernadette Fitzsimmons, who worked hard to raise eight wonderful children and still working at 85. We love you.

Laarni San Juan, in memory of my grandmother, Pilar Millare Francisco, who lived her 100 years with heart, love and prayer.

Frieda Baker, in memory of our mother, Paulita Fernandez Garcia, whose boundless love nurtured us to be what we are today.

Ruth Cobb Hill, in memory of my grandmother, Teodora Elazequi Hale, in appreciation of the beauty of your soul.

Connie McHugh, in loving memory of my mother, Juanita Sudduth Hall, who nurtured and loved me.

Bobby, Billy, Therese, Edward, Candie and Theresa, in honor of our mother, Nena Ick, who has given us so much.

Edward R. Ick, in honor of my loving wife, Nena Ick, who I admire for raising and guiding our children.

Eileen Filippini, in honor of my aunt, Nena Ick, who continues to be my second mom—with love and gratitude.

Zack, Ally and Nikki Ick, in honor of our mom, Therese Ick, who provides love, strength and faith in us.

Edward R. Ick, in memory of my mother, Vicenta Romero Ick, for raising us to be what we are today.

Mona Lisa Yuchengco, in memory of my very good friends, Vicky Benares Jalandoni and Peachy Pelaez Reyes, who were the epitome of love and compassion to their families and communities.

Lynn Rivilla, in honor of my mother, Vicky M. Jalbuena, who continues to sacrifice for others.

Jay, Percy, Caesar and Xavier Lacosta, in honor of our mother, Yolanda Lacosta. How did you find the energy to raise five wonderful boys? Thank you for your patience, guidance and support. You are a wonderful mom. We love you.

Eileen Filippini, in memory of my mother, Aurora Laurena—beautiful memories of family and you are always in my heart.

Mikki, Nina and Matthew Lim, in honor or our mother, Cay Lim, for taking care of us and loving us every day. Thank you, Mom!

Christina Dunham, in honor of my Mama, Gigi Macabenta, who is the light of our lives and the heart of our home.

Tina Maynigo, in memory of my mother, Pacita Manglapus, who gave unconditional love to her children and grandchildren. I miss you, Mom.

Teddy and Jeanine Diaz de Rivera, in honor of Lakhana V. Marquez, for your quiet strength and patient endurance throughout life’s trials. Love you, thank you and bless you always.

Teddy and Jeanine Diaz de Rivera, in memory of Paz L. Martelino—you will always be there for us. Your love, faith and strength continue to inspire. Love and miss you.

Tere Martinez, in memory of my mother-in-law, Hilaria Martinez, a Fulbright scholar at Stanford University and a school teacher who raised my wonderful husband, Joey.  

Marga Marty Estrella, in honor of my mom, Linda Marty. Thanks for preparing me for my turn to play Mom even though I know at times I made it difficult.

Connie McHugh, in loving memory of my mother, Consuelo McMicking Hall, who is always in my heart.

Josie Mendoza, in honor of Leticia del Rosario Mendoza, the best mother in the world. I will always love you, Mama, with all my heart.

Teody Migueles, in honor of my mother, Felicula Migueles, for having me. You are the best mom I could ever have.  I love you very much. Yours forever.

Esther Misa Chavez, in honor of my mother, Regina Maxey Misa.  Eleven children we were, yet her unconditional love, gentleness and caring were felt by all.

Nena O. Ick, in memory of my mother, Pilar Santos Obispo, for your love and sacrifices. We miss you.

Manny and Lyra Maceda, in fond memory of our grandmother, Lily de las Alas Padilla.

Lynn Rivilla, in honor of my mother-in-law, Lulu C. Rivilla, who continues to inspire with her generosity and strength.

Manny and Lyra Maceda, in fond memory of our grandmother, Elvira Baltazar Rufino.

James, Cay, Mikki, Nina and Matthew Lim, in honor of our Wowa and Mama, Minerva Salem, who has always been and continues to be there for us with all her love and devotion. We love and miss you.

Inez Sandejas, in honor of my mother, Luz Sandejas. I love you, Mama. Lots of blessings for good health, top spirits and more years with us.

Polly Santiago Cortez, in memory of my mother, Ignacia Reyes Santiago, for her unconditional love and spiritual guidance.

Mona Lisa Yuchengco, in loving memory of my sister, Susanne Yuchengco Santos, for her friendship and love.

Tere Martinez, in memory of my mother, Liling Simons, who taught me generosity, compassion and the value of education, and for looking after my children.

Ed and Tanya Duldulao in honor of our dearest Mama, Beta Tarachand, for being the beautiful, loving, wise, warm and selfless force behind all our successes.

DJ Maceda, with love on Mother’s Day to Tata!

Max and DJ Maceda, with love on Mother’s Day to our Tutu!

James, Cay, Mikki, Nina and Matthew Lim. in honor of our mother and grandma, Lourdes Tecson, who took good care of us despite tough times. You are our hero and we love you very much.

Tessie Evelyn Velicaria, in loving memory of my mother, Eduviges Santiago Velicaria, who introduced me to God.

France Viana, in honor of my mother, Eula Teague Viana. Thank you and we love you—Beth, Wayne, France Cesar, Mabel, grandchildren Mariange, Brianna, Meli & CATS!

Mona Lisa Yuchengco, in loving memory of my mother, Paz Sycip Yuchengco, for nurturing my soul. I miss you a lot.

IN HONOR OF OTHER MOTHERS: Pacita U. Filart, Martha Geronimo, Margarita Katigbak, Madelyn Ivy Korpan and Segunda San Juan.

To all mothers, thank you and God bless! (from an anonymous donor)

Philippine International Aid
5226 Diamond Heights Boulevard
San Francisco, CA 94131
(415) 401-7157
philaid@sbcglobal.net
www.phil-aid.org
Tax I.D. Number: 94-3008383

Angelita Runes LaCuesta

My Mother was a Pearl.

That’s the nickname my mother’s friends gave her as a beautiful teenager growing up on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.

Angelita Runes came to Hawaii as a five-year old from the Philippines.  She spent much of her childhood in hospitals because of a birth disorder that left her with a weak leg.  That may have prompted her to choose nursing as a career.

At 18, she met my father, Pedro Dela Cruz LaCuesta.  They married, and had three sons.  I am the youngest.

My father was gone on construction projects on Midway Island during much of my early years.  So, my mother was the single parent.  She taught her boys to be independent.  We learned to take care of ourselves while she worked.  At the end of the day we would meet her at the bus stop and help her walk home, her leg in pain from standing so long at the hospital.

I remember my mother as a stern disciplinarian.  She made sure her children were always at their best behavior.  If we acted up, my mother would give us that laser look that put us in our place without a word said.

But, there were rewards.  Every Sunday after church, she would take us to “The Sands” restaurant in Waikiki.  It was all you can eat.  I recall those Sunday lunches.  My mother was always smiling and dressed up in her Sunday finest.  She was radiant.

She taught me confidence to know that I could be whatever I wanted to be.  Years later, when I had succeeded in following my dream and became a television reporter, my mother did not outwardly praise me.  But, I knew she was proud of my accomplishments.

My mother passed away in 2006 after battling a cruel stroke and heart attack.  It left her unable to walk, speak and even feed herself.  I still however, could see in her eyes a love she held for me to the end.

Angie Runes LaCuesta was always the Pearl...beautiful, polished, a treasure.  Thank you, Mom, for everything.—Lloyd LaCuesta

Devoted Mother, Wife

Encarnacion Isberto Beltran

My dearest mother, Encarnacion Isberto Beltran, was a devoted wife and mother who will forever be remembered for her compassion, generosity, intellect, kindness, fun-loving wit and unwavering loyalty to family, friends and colleagues.  In the province of Kaibo, Aklan, she was always active and could be often found decorating the church and helping the teachers in the schools.

After arriving in America, she hosted many of her relatives at our home on Green Street in San Francisco during World War II.  I remember Mother sharing the ration stamps with the sisters at the Catholic school I attended.  If they needed sugar or meat, she was there to share with then during those times of need.

As a Filipina mother, she always wanted to celebrate our culture and the arts.  When the family moved to Watsonville, California, my mother was an active member of the Filipino Women’s Club.  She invited a Filipina from the neighboring town of Salinas to come every Saturday to the club to teach the Filipino children the traditional dances such as the Carinosa and Tinikling.  Manang Encar, as my mother was known to everyone, would also help the students sew and design the Balintawak and patadiong.

I am indeed grateful to my mother for the knowledge of the languages of Visayan and Tagalog; the taste of Filipino food such as pinakbet, adobo and ampalaya salad; the enjoyment of Filipino music like “Ikaw Lamang” and “Bahay Kubo”; the appreciation of Filipino dance, native culture and the extraordinary memories of the Philippines.

She was eighty-eight when she passed away.  I have always cherished education and will continue to work for and with the Filipino community because of my mother’s great example.—Shirley Beltran Dimapilis

 
Tireless, Simply Elegant

Engracia Casuela

Engracia Casuela is my maternal grandmother.  She was a young bride from Leyte in the 1920s, and moved to Luzon to follow her husband.  As her schoolteacher, he was impressed not only by her looks, but more so by her mind.  She quickly learned a new dialect, assimilated with a new extended clan, and raised five kids. Though this backdrop tale may not be unique, her impact may very well be.  Forced by circumstances to be the primary provider for the family, she taught herself to be a tailor of men’s clothes.  With a meager income but dogged determination, she was able to accomplish what others have not in their barrio – send all her children to college.  For somebody who only had eight years of primary education, she produced a teacher, an Air Force pilot, a dentist (my mother), a soldier and a Navy officer.

From this tireless woman we saw the multiplier effect of her efforts in the next generations.  Before I knew about Gloria Steinem and Margaret Thatcher, there was my grandmother.  Because of her, I have valued education from a very early age as a game changer in people’s lives.  Her simple elegance, razor-sharp mind, and fierce independent spirit are much remembered and aspired to by her grandchildren, male or female.  I learned from her how liberating it is to have your own compass and do what’s right, not what other people think is right; that you can be graceful without being a shrinking violet; that learning is an ongoing endeavor that can grow outside of school walls, accessible to anyone who seeks it.  She lived by herself until she physically could and passed away when I was in my teens.  Now in my fifties, she remains as one of my most influential and admired person.  I am very blessed to have known her and can only hope to pass on her legacy.—Eliza Duerme

Courage Defined

Edna Venturanza Concepcion

Edna Venturanza Concepcion with author Imelda Oppenheim. Photo taken in 1985 during Oppenheim's college graduation from Rutgers University.

As a teenager I can remember my mother’s words, “One day you will have a daughter and you will understand what I am trying to teach you.” Now that I am a parent of two teens, her words are coming back in full force. So when I think of my mother and the challenges she faced to raise me, as well as my two older sisters, I stand in awe. It’s not because we were all teen-aged girls at the same time, but because of the sacrifices and difficult choices she made that shaped our lives.  I’ll never forget the day I finished my last final exam at Rutgers. She was as elated as I, though her happiness came from accomplishing her goal that we all graduate from college.

Single-handedly, my mother raised three daughters in a foreign country with limited means and support. She found the courage to leave an unhappy marriage and the uncertainty of the Philippines ruled under martial law. So in 1974, while on vacation in the United States she decided that we would not return home.

As one could guess, it was not easy.  She tried her best to shield us from the truth of our reality.  Her heroism came through during the toughest times as she gave us hope and engaged us in her dreams of a better life ahead. She showed us beauty through arts and culture by taking us to free events at museums and concert halls as she quietly carried the burden on her own. Faith inevitably stepped in to show her the way and we settled in a New Jersey suburb just outside of New York City which is where we settled until I left for school.

In comparison, my life is a piece of cake so I would never claim to walk in my mother’s shoes. I have never had to make the sacrifices that she made because of the life lessons she taught me.  It’s not often that I see her since she lives in the Philippines but this summer I will have the opportunity to tell her in person (Surprise Mama as you read this!):   I am proud to have you as my mother and I love you so very much.—Imelda Oppenheim

Amazing Lolas

Mother's Day always bring to mind two amazing women whom I miss dearly - my grandmothers, Lourdes ("Lily") de las Alas Padilla and Elvira Baltazar Rufino. 

Renowned for her style, wit, and unabashed opinions, Lola Lily was a no-nonsense woman. A mother of 10, she had hoped to become the lola of 100. She could silence a crying apo with a look, and rebuke the dramatics of another with "Kalokohan!"  She didn't cook but could tell you what ingredients went into any dish. She was not an architect or a civil engineer, but could envision and direct the development of the family property in Antipolo, down to where the roads, houses, and gardens should be. She once spent a month in Europe with a small maleta, but managed to look incredibly chic the whole time, while we, her  bedraggled co-travelers, struggled with our much more voluminous luggage. That ability to pack only the essentials and be comfortable was a fitting symbol of the other lessons she tried to teach us. She was true to herself in both her public life as a Senator's wife, and in private, as a mom and grandmother.  She accepted life's challenges with dignity and confidence, leaving instructions for her wake and burial even as she battled pancreatic cancer.

Granny Elvira preferred the background. She modeled for us what it meant to be the quiet, constant support of a spouse. Her inner strength was evident early, raising 4 kids, including a newborn, while her husband was a prisoner of World War 2. Faith was at the center of her marriage. In exchange for her husband's safe return from the war, Granny promised to wear the Marian colors to church and devotedly did so - wearing a white dress and blue sash everyday at mass, for the rest of her life, until she could no longer make it to church. It is difficult to think of her without imagining Grandpa as well. The enduring image we have is of the two of them, walking arm in arm, praying the rosary in the early evenings. Faith and selflessness sustained her till the end.  Even in the grip of lung cancer, she would turn the attention away from herself to ask about the welfare of others.

Today, I celebrate my grandmothers - two strong, intelligent, gracious, and faithful women who blessed me with their names and their examples.—Lyra Rufino-Maceda

This Mother’s day, we remember Mercedes Meliton Teague, founder of the Realistic Institute and Salon.  Born in Bicol in 1898, Mercedes was one of the first students to be taught by a Thomasite.  Entrepreneurial since she was ten, she sold “pilipit” (a native dessert) and would be furious when her brothers ate all her profits raiding her cookie jar.  She became a dressmaker, sewing one of the gowns of then Miss Philippines.  She married Massey Teague, a Texan and one of the founders of Magnolia Ice Cream, later sold to the Sorianos.  It was named after a Magnolia tree in his Texan backyard.

What made Mercedes so special was her belief in the Filipino woman as the backbone not only of the home but also of industry.  One day after reading a newspaper article on how much women spent on their hair, she opened the realistic Beauty Salon and Supply, which became the most famous salon in Manila during the Japanese Occupation and beyond.  She then founded the Realistic Institute, a vocational school in Quaipo that taught young women beauty culture and dressmaking.  It became the largest vocational school in Asia, with over 1,000 students enrolled at its peak.  Hundreds of young hopefuls would make the trek up the Quiapo steps each June, many straight off the provincial buses, women who had never seen a telephone and did not know how to flush a toilet.  After only a few months at realistic, they emerged with a vocation – dressmakers, manicurists, stylists –- proud professionals, their lives changed forever.  Mercedes was head of a matriarchy of beauty and proved that a woman’s place was not only in the home but in business.  A Magsaysay Presidential Awardee, she lived to the ripe old age of 104 and is still dearly missed by her daughter Eula Viana, grandchildren Beth, France and Cesar and cousins.  We love you Lola.—France Viana

Contact us:

Philippine International Aid
5226 Diamond Heights Blvd.,
San Francisco, CA, 94131
Tel.: (415)-401-7157
E-mail: philaid@sbcglobal.net
Tax I.D. Number: 94-3008383