The Lady from Lucban
Nini S. Ramos
A Tapestry of Life Unfolding
I
nspite of all the challenges and difficulties that came my way, I never felt defeated. For this, I will always remain grateful to God, the Almighty Father! —Nini S. Ramos
I
am not the product of my circumstances. I am the product of my decisions. —Stephen R. Covey, ph.d.
The Lady from Lucban
Nini S. Ramos
A Tapestry of Life Unfolding
CopyrightŠ2018. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced mechanically, electronically or digitally, without the expressed permission of the publisher and copyright holder. Published by La Maisonette Manila, Inc. 5/F Richville Corporate Tower Madrigal Business Park Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1780 Project Manager/Contributor: Gerry Siquijor Principal Writer: Daisy Lopez, PhD Book Design/Layout: Jimmy Hilario Printed by GA Printing, Inc.
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One’s life story is made up of dates and places, usually arranged in a chronological and linear manner. Our own narrative can also be made up of thousands of recollections of isolated events and unforgettable memories. These pages tell a few of these short anecdotes —spun and woven together—that make up my life story. To the Great Weaver who skillfully designs our life according to divine patterns only known to Him, thank you!
To You be all the glory!
Source of Tapestry Image: https://365greatpinoystuff.wordpress.com
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Childhood 7 No Photographs, Only Memories 36 Manila 46 Frank 62 Children 82 Professional Career 100 Advocacies 106 A Tapestry of Memories 128
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5th
of
February 1938
O
n February 5, 1938, the world news carried two special events, both in the realm of sports. On that day, the 3rd British Empire Games opened in Sydney, Australia. And German-born Hans Engnestangen set a new world record and skated 500m in 41.8 seconds. The Almanac also records the birth of a personality, Dick van Niehoff, a Dutch vocalist, and another entry under the heading “Famous Deaths�, that of Hans Litten (b. 1903), German jurist, at the age of 35. On that same day, the Siquijor family welcomed its 10th child. The news did not hit the headlines. It may not have been recorded in an Almanac, but it was an event that was no less important, especially so because the couple had been eagerly awaiting the coming of yet another bundle of joy to form part of their loving family. The proud parents, Felix and Rosa Siquijor, received another treasure in the family: their daughter, Nini.
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What’s
in a name?
Aurora Agatha Siquijor Ramos Her second name, “Agatha”, was picked from the calendar or santoral (the book of saints), as it was customary then to take on a baptismal name after the saint whose feast is celebrated that day. February 5 was the Memorial of St. Agatha, a Christian saint and virgin martyr from Sicily, Italy. Coming from a family who had a high regard for then President Manuel L. Quezon, she was named “Aurora”, after the wife of the president. “Nini”, was also taken from a member of the Quezon clan: it was the nickname of the president’s second daughter, Zenaida “Nini” Quezon-Avanceña—an indication her father was die-hard Quezonian It is no surprise that Nini eventually grew up with a vibrant personality. Her name can also be associated with “Aurora Borealis,” a luminous phenomenon of streamers or scorches of light appearing in the upper atmosphere especially of a planets polar regions.” Years later, Nini would comment, half in jest and half seriously: Sayang…, (It’s a pity…) I didn’t know that “ugly” nicknames would become in vogue one day. Kung alam ko lang, sana pumayag na akong matawag na Giday… (Had I known, I would have agreed to be called “Giday”). 11
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Siblings
T
Following his father’s suggestion, he trained to be a boxer, but fought only once. • Ate Nena, taking after their mother, Nanay Rosa, was introverted. As the solicitous sister, it was she who would remind everyone that it was time for prayer. • Kuya Albert and Kuya Roland were like twins; during the war, they joined the guerrilla movement together, and after the war, together they went to Manila to take up Law. • Ate Rosie, the 6th child was academically gifted and very pretty, but she died at 14 in 1941 due to heart ailment. • Kuya Abe was the kind hearted poet-writer in the family. • Ate Neybie was a good cook and she served also as a teacher like her two elder sisters • Kuya Dophie was Nini’s closest brother. He was hardworking and dependable; and was the joker of the family. • Gloria was nicknamed Dollie because she looked like a doll. She excelled in cooking and in Mathematics.
he Siquijor family was blessed with eleven children, all of them born in Lucban, Quezon. The siblings, from eldest to youngest
were:
Lourdes (Ate Luding), US-based Melquiades (Kuya Mily), spouse: Robisita Ceferina (Ate Nena), spouse: Greg Albert (Kuya Albert), spouse: Leticia Roland (Kuya Roland), spouse: Marina Teodora Rosie (Ate Rosie) Abelardo (Kuya Abe), spouse: Lourdes Navidad (Ate Neybie), spouse: Juhan Rodolfo (Kuya Dophie), spouse: Zenaida Aurora (Nini), spouse: Francisco Gloria (Dollie), spouse: Garry Ate Luding was the extrovert type who took after Tatay Felix, their father. She became a school principal who had a positive influence in the many teachers under her care. • Kuya Mily looked much like the actor Leopoldo Salcedo.
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Parents
T
heir parents, Felix Reinton Siquijor (May 18, 1894 October 27, 1957), originally hailed from San Juan, Batangas, and Rosa Cadavillo Casiño (August 30, 1896 - September 9, 1949), from Lucban, Quezon. Tatay Felix was a successful businessman who had a thriving buntal hats business in Lucban. Before putting up his own business, his strong motivation to provide for his family and his entrepreneurial flair prepared him to be an importer, and exporter at Parsons Hardware in Lucban. In due course, an employee at the Provincial Assessor’s office and an agent at the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Nanay Rosa was a quiet, warm and loving mother—as well as an efficient housekeeper, who taught her children to love household work. Caring to all her children, she did not play favorites.
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Tanging Karangalan
B
y the fruits, you will know the tree, as the adage goes… Thanks to the parents’ selfless sacrifice and hard work, each one of the children managed to pursue a career and succeed in their profession. It was no wonder that the couple Felix-Rosa Siquijor was honored as model citizens of Lucban in a ceremony held at the Bahay Pamahalaan ng Lukban on the 20th of August, 1966. To receive the Special Award were their 10 children.
The Lucban Album and Directory 1960-1965 featured the event in a short article entitled “Isa sa mga Lukbaning may Tanging Karangalan. Sa pagmamalasakit sa pag-aaral”.
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The write-up, in beautiful Quezon Tagalog, goes “Ito ay isang magandang korona ng mga anak sa kanilang mga magulang. Sumalangit nawa sila. Ang pangarap ng mga magulang na maandukha at maipaanyo ang mga anak ay natupad. Nagmalasakit ang mga anak na ito sa pag-aaral, bagay na siyang ikinapupuri at ikinahahanga ng balana sa kanila. Ang magkakapatid ay matulungin at mabubuting makisama.” "This is a beautiful crown given by the children to their parents. May they rest in peace. The parents’ dream to raise their children well and educate them was fulfilled. Their children were concerned about their study, something that they are praised and appreciated for by those around them. The siblings are helpful and know how to get along well with others. "
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“Ang Pamilya ng Siquijor”
T
he same write-up in the Lucban Album and Directory of 1960-1965 showcases a series of photos with the heading “Ang Pamilya ng SIQUIJOR”.
The photos highlight one thing in common: all the siblings are wearing the graduation garb and/or toga. It was the parents’ dream that all their children would make it through college, and this dream was fulfilled despite the trials the family had to face, because their industriousness and perseverance paid off. This is essentially what makes up the “beautiful crown given by the children to their parents”, which the article speaks about.
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Perfect 10 The parents’ dream came true ten times over‌ Ate Luding finished her Bachelor of Science in Education. Kuya Mily, Ate Nena, and Ate Neybie later followed suit and chose the teaching profession. Ate Neybie had a PhD in Education. Three of the brothers became successful lawyers: Kuya Albert, Kuya Roland, and Kuya Abe. Dophie, taking a different tack, graduated from Commerce. Nini, meanwhile, earned her Liberal Arts degree, major in Social Work, and later took up her Masters in Guidance Counselling. And Dollie, who was the only Math wizard in the family, was a scholar in Chemical Engineering. If all ten children succeeded and completed college, it was initially thanks to the support and encouragement of their parents. What was remarkable afterwards was, when they were gone, how all the siblings helped one another and made sure each one of the brothers and sisters would continue with their studies until they were finished. 25
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Ate Rosie Nini believes that the photo on the opposite page is the oldest existing picture of the Siquijor family members with their relatives. On the photo are written the occasion and the date when the photo was taken: “Luding’s birthday / Feb. 11, 1938”, which means Nini was barely a week old then and this is most likely the reason why neither she nor her mother were not in the birthday celebration. Most significant is the fact that this is the only surviving photo in which Ate Rosie’s image can be viewed. On the foreground, she is seated right in the middle, or 3rd from right. Ate Rosie was a 1st honor pupil and the prettiest of the siblings. Most of the time, she was invited to be Reyna Elena in the Santa Cruzan. She had always been of frail health due to a heart ailment. She returned to her Creator at an early age of 14. Another interesting detail is the image of Tatay Felix in the photo, he is”on the 2nd row from the top, and is flanked by Ate Nena and Ate Luding. 27
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The House on Don V. Cadelina Street
T
he Siquijor family lived in a simple but comfortable ancestral home in Don V. Cadeliña Street, in the heart of Lucban, near Quezon Ave. Called the “Casa Rosa”, it stood on a main road that leads to Tayabas, and a stone’s throw from A. Racelis Street, the road that leads to Majayjay. When Nini was three years old, the Pacific War broke out; the family was forced to leave the city. They sought refuge in Barrio Palola, around 5 kilometers from their home. While in hiding, they received word that their house had been bombed, together with the parish church nearby, San Luis Obispo. The family began the task of rebuilding their house, albeit a makeshift structure, gathering salvable wood and galvanized iron from the debris, and making use of anything that could be recycled. In no time, they had a small, simple and neat onestory dwelling they could call their “home”.
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photo by rodrigo c. belleza jr.
Lucban Parish Church
T
oday, the church is known by its many names: "Parish Church of St. Louis Bishop”, or “San Luis Obispo Church”, or the “Lucban Parish Church”, or simply the “Church of Lucban”, as is written on the marker installed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines to underline the church’s significance. It continues to inspire local townsfolk and devotees, visitors and tourists, who marvel at the grandiose Spanish-era retablo and magnificent adobe wall. The town fiesta August 19 coincides with the birthday of President Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina, born in August 19, 1878 in Baler, and the feast of the patron saint of the parish church, San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, whose original name in French is Saint Louis de Toulouse (France) and who died on August 19, 1297.
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Sunday Mass Nini always looks back to early lessons in hard work, generosity and piety. The Siquijor family attended the 10 o’clock Mass every Sunday. All eleven brothers and sisters, together with their parents, would set out very early, even though the church was a short walking distance from home. Half of the kids, usually the younger ones, walked ahead of their parents, while the older ones tailed a bit behind. Inside the church, with no intention whatsoever of claiming any rights, the family would spontaneously sit on the pew that Felix and Rosa, had earlier donated. They would occupy the entire pew, as the bench was long enough for all of them. Later, as they were growing older, and thus bigger, they had to occupy two pews. After Mass, on the way home, occasionally, they would stop at stalls to buy ampao (pop rice) and colorful popcorn. At Christmas time, they would regularly stop for bibingka.
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Pahiyas But a much bigger annual celebration of the entire province is the “Pahiyas”. Lucban is the place to be every year on May 15, the feast of “San Isidro Labrador”, the patron saint of farmers. To express gratitude for the year’s good harvest, farmers artistically decorated their houses with colorful kiping (dried crisp rice paste), and a variety of neatlyarranged vegetables and fruits. Usually, it is only the façade of the house that is decorated. But in the case of the “Casa Rosa”, which is located at the corner, since the procession passed on both streets, the Siquijor family would decorate both front and side of the house. How everyone looked forward to this yearly fiesta spectacle. It was a special day that united the whole community, and an occasion to open their doors to many guests and friends, rightly to share their blessings with the others. Very much in keeping with age-old Filipino customs, but also compatible with the family’s frugal ways, there was always food for the table for anyone who would drop by the house. But above all, by late afternoon, one could feel free to take home the kiping and the rest of the produce.
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he war razed practically all the family treasures, including the meager photo albums the parents had started to store. There are practically no photographs of the children while they were growing up. Nevertheless, the memories remain vivid.
Asked to summarize in a few words her early recollections, Nini would easily point to her relations with her parents and siblings, and would quickly affirm: “There was so much love and caring among us. Sobrang masaya lahat (everybody was so happy) and never kaming nagaway-away, kaming magkakapatid (we never quarreled among us siblings). I learned and knew what self-sacrifice was because I saw it lived, first by my parents, and then by my brothers and sisters.� They took good care of us, Our Ate Luding, Ate Nena & Kuya Albert & Kuya Roland who loved and inspired us to do our returning their love by doing housework the laundry, without being told to do the necessary work to be done at home. A picture can paint a thousand words, a memory, a million words.
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“Atan…
atan”
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ini recalls her early childhood years. “We had so much fun. I felt that there was always this sense of affection in the family, coupled with sense of humor, which helped us go through life without being the least bothered by our limited means.” Family meals were always a time to be together. At times, food was rationed to ensure that supply was stretched and reached everyone. With all the kids seated, flanking the long rectangular table, plated food was served in front of them. When the little Nini was 4 or 5 years old, Dophie would play a trick on his little sister. He would jokingly distract her, so that she would look another direction from where he was.
“Look, oh! Butiki! A lizard!” “Atan, atan?”, the babbling Nini would ask, wanting to say “Asan, asan?”, meaning “Where, where?” And in that short moment of distraction, Dophie would quickly get the food from her plate, amused to see the little girl’s face of surprise at the “magic trick” and seemingly questioning “How on earth did my food disappear?” Of course, Dophie would readily return the snatched food before Nini could even start crying.
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An Entrepreneur the Making
T
atay Felix, a successful businessman in his own right, “lamented” the fact that none of his children pursued the same career. None but Nini, who was a social worker, a guidance counsellor, and, in the end, an industrious businesswoman herself. Even as a child, as her older brothers would recount, Nini already showed signs of being business-minded. And here’s a sample of her style of “negotiation.” At mid-afternoon, when the helper would go up to bring merienda to her sister Rosie, who was frail and bedridden due to her heart condition, Nini would follow her, walking right behind her, because she was interested in Ate Rosie’s merienda. As soon as the helper and she reached 39
in
Rosie’s room, Nini would tell Rosie: “Akin na lang yan…” (Let me have it…). The sister would say: “Ay, hindi pwede”… (No, it can’t be…) So, Nini would propose a jack n’ poy (rock, paper, scissors) challenge with the following rules:
“Kung manalo ako, akin ‘yan. Kung matalo ako, akin din ‘yan…” (If I win, that is mine. If I lose that is also mine.”) “Hindi pwede!” (No, that’s not possible!)” Rosie, amused, would feign a protest. So, they started the deal. Nini lost. But she grabed the merienda and hastily ran away. There she was: an entrepreneur in the making. Simply driven.
Division
E
veryone in the family simply knew what it meant to live within their means.
Nanay Rosa, their mom, did everything, because they had no maids nor a yaya to help out. Although Nini recalls that earlier on, they had a lady domestic help, but they had to dismiss her because, as her mother explained: “So that, instead of paying her, we can use the money to buy you clothes…” Division of labor was the order of the day and a household byword, since everyone had to have a hand at the smooth functioning of the home. In principle, not everyone had fondness for house chores, but these had to be done, so all tasks were covered instinctively. Navidad and Dollie—both born on March 21—were the taga-luto (cooks). Nini, for her part, was the taga-hugas ng pingan (dishwasher).
of
Labor
Nini recalls washing dishes at the age of 5. It was no big deal. She was tasked to wash only the little plates, the plastic glasses and the light cutlery. But Nini’s real expertise was cleaning the house. She had everything wellscheduled. Floor wax was applied once every two weeks, on weekends. Polishing with the bunot or coconut husk was done weekly, or sometimes even more frequently, as needed. The little girl from Lucban took pride in her grace and agility in using the footpowered “native floor polisher”. Thanks to these early lessons in homemaking and housekeeping, Nini did not find it all that painstaking to later assume the serious profession of a housewife, managing her family's home and caring for her husband and children.
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Bote‌Dyaryo
T
he example of hard work of two of her brothers, Abelardo and Rodolfo, who are among the younger ones, left a deep imprint in Nini.
On some weekends, the two small boys would wake up early and go through the streets to buy bote, garapa and dyaryo (empty bottles and old newspaper) which they would later resell. Sometimes, their nephew, Romy (who was Mily’s son and who was just about the age of his uncles), would join them. The family was not in dire straits. Abelardo and Rodolfo just wanted to keep busy and earn extra coins for baon or school money. They had learned about love for work from their parents.
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The Flying Eraser
A
fter the war, during the so-called Liberation, Nini was so eager to go back to school. She enrolled in Lucban Elementary School where two of her older sisters, Lourdes and Ceferina, both educators, found a job. In fact, at some point, both became Nini’s teachers. Everything contributed for the young Nini to feel excited. A new school, new environment, new friends. With no trace of malice or ill will, she was over-confident and so proud (binibida, as she puts it) that the teacher was her sister. Unconsciously she was very talkative. At some point, Luding got mad and threw the eraser at her. Nini, of course, was stunned. But, it became clear to her that her sisters were not partial, that they did not play favorites, and so, from then on, she tried to behave well. This was a valuable lesson in her Primary Grade that left a mark. Throughout her elementary and secondary education, Nini excelled in school, not because of her sisters’ being her teachers or their holding administrative posts in the school, but because she studied hard enough and, above all, thanks to the eraser incident, because she kept quiet and listened in class.
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Pilapil
W
e rewind back to the Japanese occupation or “Jap time”, when the family was in hiding in a barrio in the outskirts of Lucban… Once, Nini and Mily’s son, her nephew Romy, were each inside a wicker basket on either side of the carabao, which was being led by Abe across the rice field through the pilapil or rice paddies. The account has it that Nini was maingay at malikot (noisy and restless), probably because she was scared of the threatening strong rains. As she was so agitated and tossed around, she fell out of the basket and into the rice furrows. Thanks to Abe’s presence of mind, he quickly pulled out the little girl and saved her from drowning.
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An Anecdote Worth Retelling
H
ere’s one among Nini’s favorite anecdotes about her brothers Mily, Albert and Roland.
Mily, being the eldest boy, was the boss and taga-utos. He had the habit of asking favors from—short of saying “giving orders to”—his younger brothers, especially to Albert and Roland, who were close to each other, as though they were twins. One evening, Mily asked Albert and Roland to buy him pancit. The two obliged. On the way home, it was dark, and they started to scare each other. And very scared they became. So, they started to run. In the process, they dropped the pancit. Whatever the reason—either they did not want the pancit gone and the money wasted, or they did not want to reach home empty-handed—they started to carefully collect the pancit
from the ground. It was still hot when they handed it over to Mily. As Mily started eating, he had the courtesy to invite the two to partake of his food: “Tara, kain tayo…” (Come on, let’s eat…), to which the two replied: “Ok lang. Busog pa kami.” (It’s okay. We’re not yet hungry.” After some time, they had to tell Mily the truth and admitted the misdeed. Mily replied: “Aaah… Kaya pala maraming paminta!” (Oh… No wonder, it had a good sprinkling of pepper!) Everbody laughed, enjoyed the moment without anybody hurt or getting angry at all. The siblings never tire of recounting this story over and over again. And, to date, the anecdote continues to elicit so much laughter from family relatives and friends. 44
Belinda
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They both went to Lucban Elementary School. Nini also recalls that they learned how to pray the rosary together, and how both of them would attend the Flores de Mayo and together offer flowers to Our Lady. Belinda would help Nini prepare a shoe box lined with coupon bond where they would put the petals of the varied flowers they gathered in the neighborhood.
anay Rosa had two sisters: Bernardina “Ude” Casino-Alivio and Camila Casino-Doloroso. The latter had a daughter, Avelina, who in turn had a daughter, Belinda Doloroso-Cocadiz.
Belinda was a “pamangkin sa pinsan”, a niece of Nini’s from a first cousin. But “Auntie” Nini was never addressed as such, because she was only a year older, Belinda being born on February 16, 1939, one year and 11 days after Nini’s birth.
At the age of seven, they received their 1st Communion together at the San Luis Parish Church, before Nini’s family transferred to Manila. They had been prepared by catechists of the parish. Eventually, they became catechists, too, and loved to teach children. They prayed the rosary together. Later, in High School, both joined the Legion of Mary and were active members of this association for many years.
Their bond was not an aunt-and-niece relationship. They were best friends. It was Belinda with whom Nini spent much of her growing-up years because the two girls had many interests in common.
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The Transfer to Manila
I
n 1947, two of Nini’s brothers, Albert and Roland, had gone ahead to Manila right after high school to begin their studies in college; both eventually took up law at the Francisco Law School in Manila.
A year later, the whole family moved to Pasay. First, they stayed in an apartment along Cementina Street. The stay in that first home big city was short. After a year, they moved to a bigger place on Tengco Street, near Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish in Zamora Street. The house on Tengco Street was home to the Siquijors for many years, on through Nini’s and Dollie’s college years. At some point, it also caught fire, and thus all the family photos were lost anew. But the family rebuilt it anew. The house was a witness to family’s unity, love and sacrifice, and resilience. When the siblings married and settled with their own families, they decided to give up the Tengco house.
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Miss P.R.
W
hen the family moved from Quezon province to Manila, the busy streets of the city made Nanay Rosa a bit nervous and worried because she had weak legs. One day, while crossing the street on the way to Pasay Public Market, she tripped. With that, she developed a phobia for the chore. From then on, Nini, took over as the taga-pamalengke. She had her own “style”: first, she would go around the market to check and compare the prices of meat, fish and vegetable in the different stalls. After canvassing the prices, only then would she purchase the best offer. Needless to say, she also became an expert in the art of tawad or haggling.
Later, the Siquijor family had a market stall. It was a dry goods store that was possibly named “Felix” (she does not recall well) and which sold basically rice and canned goods. The kids took turns looking after the store. Nini recalls: “Sometimes mahina ang bentahan (business was slow), so I would befriend, store owners nearby to patronize our goods.” Practical wisdom and good Public Relations skill or P.R. were characteristic traits of Nini.
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As if they never left us
T
he parents’ exemplary willingness to do whatever it takes to give their children their best was a trait that all the siblings quite naturally and readily absorbed.
Each siblings—Luding, Nena and Alberto—took on the role of parents. But, in reality, both young and old took it upon himself or herself, without any complaint or drama, to help the family in order to make ends meet.
Nini’s mother died at the age of 53 when Nini was only 11 years old, while her father died 10 years after at age 63. Nini was in 3rd year High School, started working as secretary to the Principal in Southeastern College.
Nini recounts: “Lahat nagtulungan. (Every one helped.) Everybody was so loving, so giving. Personally, I felt that all my siblings were always smiling and giving themselves to us and Dollie. Each one was a foster parent to all.”
Despite that, both their parents passed away, as Nini would put it: “We did not miss them. In no time, we were able to move on because each one of my kuyas and ates was like a parent to the other.”
The siblings’ solicitous care for one another is a living legacy which their parents left behind. Tatay Felix & Nanay Rosa must be proud as they watch from above their dear children.
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High School
N
ini studied High School at the Southeastern College where her sisters Luding and Nena taught. Dollie, the youngest, also went to the same school. Eventually, Luding became the public school principal and Nena the guidance counsellor of another school. The Year Book summarizes Nini’s many extracurricular activities and the important posts she held in the numerous organizations she formed part of. The impressive line-up included her being News Editor of the school organ, Press Relations Officer of the Oratorical and Debating Club, member of the Drama Club, the SECHOS (Southeastern College Honor Society). It is most inspiring to note how Nini fit into her schedule all these many activities and combined them with her academics, in which she performed very well and was a consistent honor student.
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Making Ends Meet
A
fter Tatay Felix met an accident and became indisposed, the income that used to be generated from the buntal cottage industry and all his other businesses came to a halt. Nini was only 14 years old when Tatay Felix passed away. Luckily, Nanay Ude, a sister of Nanay Rosa, moved to live with the family to take care of the Siquijor children and to lend a hand in the housekeeping.
Nini recalls how the family had to scrounge around for both tuition fees and for exam fees. They never gave up. They never felt defeated. Rather, Nini developed a deep prayerful life, as she invoked the powerful intercession of our “Lady of the Miraculous Medal” she has joined the Legion of Mary when she was 14, till she finished her college education. Quite frequently, exam time came and she would receive the good news that she was exempted from taking the examinations.
But the family funds were then low. Nini’s three older brothers, Kuya Mily, Albert and Roland were already married and had their own respective families to support. This meant that it was not possible for them to continue helping out for the schooling of the other siblings.
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Nonetheless, Nini was fortunate to find a job as the Secretary to the Dean of Education in PWU, Dr. Natividad O. Aguinaldo. Despite her young age, she got the job because she had good grades and also, primarily, because she was known to work well. The pay was a big help. It covered daily expenses.
Miss Southeastern College
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The same High School Year Book described of Nini as being Miss Southeastern College of 1955. And, like most beauty pageants, there had to be a coronation night. This photo was well-preserved in one of Nini’s personal photo albums and was well-documented with a photo caption typewritten on pink art paper. It read: “«Coronation of Miss Southeastern College and beauties by Miss MILA MAGSAYSAY assisted by Miss BABY RODRIGUEZ and Miss TRINIDAD SANTIAGO, S.E.C.»”
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Her Majesty… Aurora I Nini was class muse from first year to third year high school. On her senior year, her batchmates egged ger to join Miss Southeastern. She won. A beauty title does not only call for a coronation night, but also calls for a parade. And Nini did not only get up onto parade floats. She was also very much into the minutest details as to record in detail the itinerary of the parade, which started at 2:30 P.M., according to the photo caption. That must have been warm; hence, both the queen and the escort each with a parasol. “«– Grand Parade. Starting at Buendia St., passing through Burgos St., Zamora St., Protacio St., Taft Avenue., Libertad St., Harrison St., San Juan St., Taft Avenue to the Southeastern College grounds.»” As a college beauty queen, she may
be addressed as “Her Majesty”. This is precisely what the float’s canvas, which hangs on the front of the vehicle, announces: an eye-catching “Her Majesty / ‘AURORA - I’ ”. 55
Head-turner The news clip from a news article entitled “This is We� in the Southeastern College school gazette is eloquent enough to speak for itself. The High School coed is not only beauty and brains. She also showed a heart.
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College
T
hen it was time for Nini to enter College. She enrolled at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU). Her daily routine consisted in walking from their home to Libertad Street and then to Taft Avenue. From there, she would take the jeepney to PWU. She began with a course in Pharmacy, which was her ambition and as was also written in their High School Year Book. But, her love for direct service to others, plus financial difficulties forced her to shift to Social Work, and eventually she had to stop going to school for one year in order to cope with other house expenses. But even while she was not enrolled, she kept herself busy. Most of the time, she stayed at home and helped Nanay Ude, eldest sister of her mom, in attending to the household chores: laundry, marketing, cooking, cleaning… and still her favorite waxing floor, because as she claims the floor of the Tengco house was good wood.
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She also ventured and took up shorthand and steno typing and became good at it. So, when she resumed studying, she did so as a working student, putting to good use her knowledge of stenography Earlier, Nini had talked to Dean Natividad Ozaeta Aguinaldo of the College of Education. There was a job vacancy. So, she was clerk-secretary for one year. She worked in the morning and studied in the afternoon. Sometimes she would even go home at 10 o’clock in the evening. Soon she had to stop working because her siblings saw how exhausted she was. Nini was a persistent student who wanted to learn more. And, so, she started to take up some units in MA Guidance and Counselling. But no matter how busy or tired she was, she never failed to fulfill her duties as an active member of the Legion of Mary.
Legion
of
Mary
Nini became active in the Legion of Mary from High School up till her early college years. She was 14 years old and in her 3rd Year in High School when a friend of hers, Mercedes Gallardo, invited her to join the Legion of Mary. She invited her best friend and niece, Belinda, to join as well. Till now she clearly recalls the name of the Praesidium they belonged to: Praesidium “Mater Amata”. As Nini herself would often repeat, the Blessed Mother occupied a special place in her heart. “Basta, nandyan palagi si Mama Mary…”, which translates liberally to “Enough said, Mother Mary was always there every step of the way…”
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A Calling “unheeded”
A
s usually happens when one grows up in a family of deep-seated Christian values, the idea of a life fully dedicated to God had crossed Nini’s mind more than once. She sensed a calling and somehow felt attracted to the religious life. The day came when she decided to speak about her decision to become a nun to Luding, her eldest sister who had stood in as mother to all siblings ever since the parents were gone. Luding’s reply was calm but resolute: “Hindi na nga ako nag-asawa para sa inyong lahat… iiwanan mo rin ba ako?” [See that I didn’t get married to see all of you through. Do you mean to say you will leave me, too?] Nini understood then that perhaps God was calling her to follow another path.
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First Job S
ocial work and Catholic charities were very close to Nini’s heart.
on, the assignment expanded both in area and in scope. The tasks ranged from giving doctrine class to couples, to helping husbands connect with the right job placement, to distributing baskets or bayong with goods to the needy. Although the main purpose of the home visits was to survey the families who were asking for help, and to see if they truly qualified to receive help.
Right after college, graduating as an Octoberian, because at one point she had had to stop school, Nini wished to work at once. With her background as parish worker, she applied as social worker at the Catholic Charities, the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Now known as Caritas Manila, it was connected with Catholic Relief in the US and had its seat at the Archdiocese of Manila. The organization was spearheaded by Rufino Cardinal Santos and had Rev. Fr. Protacio Gungon as the Executive Director then.
At the end of the visit, they would submit a verbatim report to Pacita Santos, a niece of Cardinal Santos and the head supervisor of Catholic charities, and also to Aurora “Auring” Doria, the head social worker.
Nini remembers her first task as tagatakal ng bigas, measuring specific amounts of rice and preparing them for ration and distribution. Later, she was sent on site visits. Initially her job covered only the Tramo area, but later
Recalling her first job, Nini remarks: “As was expected, it did not fetch a big salary. But, of course, I was ready to start with a small amount. The job was not magic. It was hard work... And made up of prayers.”
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Rain
or
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side from Tramo, Nini, accompanied by her friend Inday, would also go to a number of parishes, among them Sta. Cruz Church and Guadalupe Viejo, commuting from one place to another, always carrying the much-needed umbrella, as every visit had to push through come rain, come shine. Nini recalls one visit they had to make to a flooded area. It was an ordeal to balance on a shaky plank of wood. She was impressed that the houses were made of carton and were soaking wet. The flooring was the ground itself. And this was, obviously, muddy on a rainy day. On sunnier days, which was more often than not, she would end up with “maitim na ang legs”, having dark legs, alluding to both the sunburn and the dirt caused by too much walking under the sun. Nini remembers with a sense of fulfillment and with genuine gratitude that many, many people were helped through this specific work of hers. It filled in her great aspiration to dedicate herself to service, especially so because, a few years before, her sister Luding had advised her against entering the religious life as a nun. All the same, Nini knew that her job with Caritas was only for single ladies. It had been made clear to her when she took on the assignment: “Once you get married, you are out.”
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A Blind Date
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rank and Nini met through a blind date set up by close friends. It was a propitious idea cooked up by an officemate of Nini’s, Inday Contreras, whose boyfriend, Nanding de Leon, an architect, wanted to introduce Nini to his friend, Frank Ramos, an engineer. After that initial date, they would see each other regularly. Frank would come for merienda at Nini’s home, or they would go out with Inday and Nanding to any of their favorite hangouts: Taft Café, Bulakeña’s restaurant or Juanchito’s bibingka. Occasionally they would also join outings with Frank’s construction partners.
After many visits, Frank proposed. Both had been going periodically for confession and spiritual direction with an American priest. Before they got married, they went to visit him in Santa Cruz Church and to attend a pre-wedding preparation seminar.
Nini speaks about the period of courtship: “Frank never stood me up. Not only that; he was always punctual. Later, we developed the habit of going to Mass together every Sunday. After Mass, we spent time together and, among other topics, we talked about the Gospel and the homily given by the priest.”
Frank and Nini got married two years after they first met. The wedding date was September 5, 1962. 63
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his porcelain image of Our Lady sits on one of the shelves of a glass showcase cabinet, which is also a grandfather’s clock, in the living room of the Ramos’ residence in Quezon City.
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An image of Our Lady
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t was a gift of Frank to Nini after the former attended a spiritual retreat. Frank’s boss, Engr Mariano Sedeco, had invited him to spend some days of closed retreat. When Frank visited Nini after the Retreat, he had this ceramic image of Mama Mary.
Unknown to Frank, it constituted an important part—a deciding factor—for Nini to consider Frank as the person she was to spend the rest of her life with. Following a long-time Christian devotion, Nini had been praying the Novena to St Joseph during his Seven Sundays. She had asked him for a sign. The sign came in the form of a red rose on a vase at her office table one Saturday… and this image. When Frank proposed and asked for her hand in marriage, she agreed immediately and without hesitation.
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The Bride from Lucban Behind this photo is a charming story. A few weeks before the wedding on September 5, 1962, Nini had chosen a simple, white, knee-length dress to wear for the great day. But one afternoon, on her way home, she saw a wedding gown on display at a shop window, together with a sign saying: “Bridal gowns for rent”. And so, she went in, inquired, rented the gown for P50 and took it home that same day. This lucky wedding garb, which would witness a momentous event 50 years ago, would also be immortalized in a priceless photo. The photograph is made special not only by the indescribable joy in the faces of the newly-weds, but also by what the bride clutches in her hands. It’s not the usual bouquet of flowers. Instead, she holds in her hands a Missal and a rosary. Both paraphernalia came in handy, and providentially, at the photo studio, because, as Nini puts it, they were a timely reminder that marriage is a covenant. Frank and Nini’s tied the knot at the San Cristobal Parish Church of Licab. It was a simple wedding that was attended by family, close relatives and a few friends.
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Tiya Celing and Tiyo Feling
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ight after their wedding, the couple was to spend their first years of married life in a house in N. Domingo, San Juan. The house belonged to an aunt, Tiya Celing (Frank’s mother’s sister) and husband, Tiyo Feling.
For a newly-wed couple that was just starting, it was indeed a big help that they were allowed to stay there free of charge. Years later, when they caught up, they managed to buy the property. The owners transferred to Araneta Subdivision, Quezon City, in a house which Frank built for them.
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The Home in San Juan Nini strove to be the devoted wife she had committed herself to be. On the first floor of their house in San Juan, there was a rundown botica which she, out of her own initiative, fixed and refurbished a bit. One day, a certain Mang Domeng, a family friend of Tiya Celing, commented to the latter: “Ang suerte mo sa manugang mo” (You are lucky with your daughter-in-law), referring to Nini. Mang Domeng’s explanation: “Kasi nung binati ko siya na ang ganda na ng bahay at ng paligid, ang sagot niya sa akin ay: ‘Salamat, una po sa Diyos, at pangalawa kay Tiya Celing.” (Because when I commented and praised her for how spic and span everything was, she replied: ‘First, thanks be to God; then thanks to Aunt Celing’).
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Sunday Routine
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hen their generous benefactors, Tiya Celing and Tiyo Feling, moved to their new house in Balabac, Araneta Subdivision, Nini and Frank would make it a point to visit them every Sunday. After Mass, they would go and have lunch with the couple. The practice continued even when the Ramos family grew.
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A husband for a cook
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s mentioned in the earlier pages, as a child, Nini’s expertise was going to market and cleaning the house. For some reason, she never really learned how to cook. In fact, she remembers how their Tatay Felix would gently ask Neybie, Dollie and her to leave the kitchen, as they were not much of a help. When Nini met Frank, she was struck by the fact that he, too, was good at pamamalengke, buying in the market. She soon discovered that he was very particular about food, maselan sa pagkain, who made sure that food was always tasty and wellprepared. This troubled her a bit at the start. But then, precisely because Frank loves to eat good food, he cooks! And he cooks very well… to Nini’s relief. Even here, God provides.
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With best friends in naga city. Frank and Nini are flanked by co-teachers at the Ateneo de Naga, Nueva Caceres University, and Naga College Foundation, and friends from civic organizations.
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Naga
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rom the onset of their married life, Nini was practically a full-time housewife and a part-time secretary who gave her all-out support to Frank as he was busy building up a flourishing career as an engineer.
With barely four years of marriage, the couple had to move to Naga where Frank was to work on some major projects with his employer, Continental Construction Co., Inc. Although the transfer entailed some sacrifice on her part, Nini was more than willing to be relocated to anywhere to continue to back Frank up in his job assignments. Knowing that she still had time in her hands, and wanting to share her talents with the others, Nini tried to apply for a parttime job as a professor, not only in one, not only in two, but in three different schools in Naga. Thus, hardworking Nini started to impart classes at the Ateneo de Naga, where she taught Sociology and Psychology, at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) and at the Naga College Foundation. Her salary as professor was a little higher than minimum wage, but the job kept her busy and provided added income for the family, considering they already had three growing children.
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hese three photos were all taken at the N. Domingo residence cum office, but at three different moments. The first photo shows Frank, the boss, and Nini in the office, discussing the varied matters in store for them at the start of the day. The second photo is in their cozy home. Nini remembers suffering from sore throat when the photo was taken; hence the scarf. The third and last photo shows Frank being flanked by wife Nini and his mother, after he received an important award in recognition of his construction projects.
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rank and Nini moved back to Metro Manila in the early 1970s. After a series of successful projects, Frank decided that he could have his own company.
Moving back to their original house in San Juan, which was transformed both as their home and office of Francisco L. Ramos and Associates. By God’s grace, the company would steadily develop into a renowned construction firm. Soon it was called F.L. Ramos Construction Co., Inc., with its office at the Ortigas Center. Wherever the job possibilities took them, Nini was there to provide Frank the necessary encouragement. She was well trained to multi-task and was a constant support to her husband.
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Nini and Frank were blessed with three lovely children: Menzi, Mon and Nina. Lifting from Frank’s coffee table book, published on the occasion of his 80th birthday, we browse through these few pages and allow them to do the introduction of these adorable kids‌
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Wisdom of the Babes
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ini and Frank enjoyed their children, who were a constant source of laughter, and so they cherished every moment when they brought them a lot of joy.
Here’s an amusing memory back when the kids were growing up. Every afternoon, when Frank arrived home from work, the kids would get up from doing their homework and race towards their dad to greet him. Part of the task of the welcome committee was to bring him his slippers the moment he sat in the living room, and the first one to bring him the slippers would get a prize.
Surprisingly, it was Nina who, despite being younger than her brothers, always outdid the two boys. Soon, they discovered her secret: “Kasi suot ko na tsinelas ni papa…” (Because I was already wearing dad’s slippers…). But the little girl never owned up to such merit. She would add: “Natutunan ko ito kay Mama…” (I learned this from mom…) Like mother, like daughter indeed.
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Each One Has His Own Gift Each one of the children had his/her own characteristic traits, distinct personality and style of doing things. Menzi was a dutiful young boy. Even as a child, he had a penchant for the house furniture. When he saw that a piece of furniture needed repair, he immediately suggested to his mom that they called the carpenter. Another time, he suggested they called the plumber, which was something a little boy busy with playing would not ordinarily worry about. When Menzi was asked what he would like to be when he grew up, without batting an eyelash, he answered: “Gusto ko maging Presidente ng Pilipinas!” (I want to be the President of the Philippines!)
“Pag bumaha, anong gagawin mo?” (If there’s flood, what are you going to do?) “Bibili ng bangka, para makapunta yung mga tao sa pupuntahan nila.” (I will buy a boat so that people can go where they need to go.) Meal time was when little Mon was most active… and very appreciative. Usually after the grace before meals was prayed, he would welcome any dish that would come to the table, and exclaim: “Pork chops! Haay, poborito ko ito!” (Oooh, this is my favorite!) or “Fried chicken, ang poborito ko!” (my favorite!) or “Spaghetti! Poborito ko ito!” One day, the helper said: “Mon, ang paborito, isa lang.” (You can only have one favorite dish)
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More Creative Ideas Menzi was the independent and resourceful type. Since he could easily explore the cabinets and cupboards, he was also lucky to discover some hidden chocolates. He would bring out some (just a few!) to share with his siblings. When Mon would ask him: “Saan galing yan?” (Where did they come from? / Where did you get them?) His answer would be: “Maghanap ka!” (Look for them yourself!) The kids also knew how to give their papa a relaxing, stress-relieving head massage, which was compensated accordingly, that is the longer the massage, the bigger the compensation. Menzi got tired easily, and so did Mon. Both realized they couldn’t withstand long periods of massaging their papa. To everyone’s surprise, Nina endured longer massage sessions. When asked about her secret, she confidently remarked: “Sabay mo lang sa tugtog…” (Let the movement go with the music…)
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Music in their Hearts
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ini and Frank played a lot of music at home. Usually they were ballads by Toni Benett, Barbra Streisand and Englebert Humperdinck. With her good ear and good voice, their daughter Nina learned these songs and sang them beautifully, as though they were melodies from her very own era. Their older son, Menzi, was also fond of music. In fact, he had his own player. Locked up in his room, he would sing his favorite tune, “Killing me softly with his song‌â€? over and over again. His own player evolved from the SAS to the multiplex cassette tape, to the karaoke, and later on to the videoke.
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Our Lady of Peñafrancia
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he sojourn in Naga made Nini a devotee of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, so much so that when their daughter arrived, they named her after this invocation to Our Lady.
But the little Peñafrancia, unconsciously like her mother, who as a child had cringed at the thought of being called “Giday”, complained about her name, rationalizing: “Pinya na, plancha pa!” She was given the pet name Nina, very similar to the mom’s nickname, Nini.
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Bonding Time These two pictures of Nini with daughter Nina each has a special story behind it. The one on the left shows a motherdaughter matchy-matchy outfits. Why? Because Nina would always tag along when her mom would go to work. And since she saw that everyone wore an office uniform, she also asked to wear one. The photo on the bottom was taken at the Baguio Market. The purpose was threefold: for Nini to have some bonding time with her daughter, to buy some fruits, and for Nina to realize that not all marketplaces smell awful.
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Mama Nini
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ini is a proud grandmother to nine “apos” (grandchildren), and an even prouder greatgrandmother to eight great-grandchildren. She loves them all dearly and is happiest to see them when they visit for the Sunday traditional family day.
Nini also loves to hear the latest about all of them: Igi is now an altar server... Aura Eloi received an award for academics and is training to be a good runner… Erica Margaux just received an award for her exemplary deportment and that, at home, she leads the family rosary… Mon-Mon touched Nini’s heart when he said: “Sana gumaling na si Papa Frank” (May Papa Frank get well soon)… Brina has a string of gigs as a wedding singer and recording artist… Chesca is doing great in her HRM job in the US … Teen, after earning her management degree, is becoming popular as a make-up artist and events planner… The joys of a big and extended family. And the invaluable lessons learnt from belonging to one.
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fter their wedding in 1962, Frank and Nini settled in a three-storey level building at Domingo Street, San Juan, Manila.
In 1963, the ground floor of this San Juan residence, became the head office of their construction firm, which was named Francisco L. Ramos & Associates. This business initiative was with the approval of Frank’s employer then, the Continental Construction Co, Inc. Frank and Nini started with small projects acquired through referrals of relatives, friends, and other connections. Frank’s work included doing estimates at night, with Nini as his assistant and secretary. Nini helped in preparing materials, typing, filing documents and keeping records among others. In 1966, however, Frank still under the employment of Continental Construction Co, Inc., was assigned Operations Manager in the construction of the eight-storey PNB Building, and the 30,000 square meter Naga City Public Market Building in Camarines Sur. Simultaneously, he also was in charge of the construction of the Tabaco Public Market in Albay. 101
Through their newly found friends like Dr. Lope and Baby Semaña, Perfing and May Palacio, Dr. Herky and Dr. Naida Guballa, Mrs. Dollie H. Sison - President of the University of Nueva Caceres—made their stay most enjoyable and productive, blessed with many new friends and new business associates. They put up a second office in Naga while maintaining a liason office in Manila, as they moved their center of operations in Naga City. Nini also taught after business hours Business Psychology, Sociology, and Human Relations subjects at the Ateneo De Naga University as part-time instructor; at the University of Nueva Caceres; and at Naga Foundation College. After the completion of the projects in Camarines Sur and Albay the Continental Construction Co., Inc. was closed by its owner, who migrated to the United States. The company operations expanded to Isabela, Zambales, U.P. Los Baños, U.P. Visayas, Tacloban, Iloilo, and Jolo; under the supervision of Engr. Andres Mangiduyos, Francisco Cabeltis, and Frank’s brother, Teddy.
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Family
apostolate
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rank and Nini joined the Christian Family Movement or CFM in 1976. Primarily they were attracted to the idea of family apostolate, and to the lessons on how to go deeper in the concrete expression of the family as “domestic church�. They especially thought it would be a good idea as they had to deal with their growing kids. As they networked with small groups of families in the neighborhood, they established good and long-lasting friendships through the CFM, so much so that friends became kumare and kumpare, or godparents of their children. Nini recalls with joy that they were able to help many couples. She remembers one concrete marriage encounter activity in Tagaytay. There was a young couple who occupied the room next to theirs. The couple was quarreling and arguing endlessly. At that point, the best Nini and Frank could do was to pray for the spouses. In the end, thank God, the partners reconnected when they finally decided to dialogue. Frank and Nini continued to be active members even when the family transferred to Naga. Eventually, through the continuous task of recruiting couples for marriage encounter, Frank and Nini also joined the Cursillo Movement. 107
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Opus Dei
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ini met the Opus Dei Prelature in the late 70s through her kumadre Dely Ligot, who was Nina’s ninang sa kumpil, godmother for her Confirmation, and was working as an accountant in FL Ramos.
The first activity she was invited to was to a Recollection for ladies in Punlaan School in San Juan. Immediately, Nini was attracted to this “new way” of loving God and caring for her friends. She found it an exciting undertaking to pray and to do apostolate “in the middle of the world”, which was at the core of Opus Dei’s teaching. Above all, she discovered how beautiful it was to train in having a permanent positive attitude, as a consequence of a supernatural outlook, in facing the day-to-day setbacks encountered in her family and social circumstances. With this new commitment to serve God in Opus Dei, Nini learned and managed to juggle her time to fit in her daily Norms of piety and her means of formation, aside from her apostolic activities.
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First Seminar in Makiling
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s a Supernumerary member of Opus Dei, it was suggested that she attended an annual seminar together with other Supernumerary members. The first seminar she attended was in Makiling Conference Center in Barrio Milagrosa, Laguna. For the first time in her life in many years, she was away for three days without her husband. Nini felt she was lucky because Frank understood why she had to be out for a couple of days and so allowed her. Not only that, a few days after she came back, her husband asked her: “When are you going to have another seminar?” When Nini asked him why the question, his answer was: “Kasi nagbago ka… (Because I see you’ve changed...) And I like it…” Nini feels she is lucky because Frank understood. It was the understanding and support she needed. Being recharged after the seminar, Nini started concentrating on a new apostolic assignment: to teach Catechism to the children of their employees and drivers. The classes took place in the San Juan Bodega. She also made it a point that their lady employees are able to attend the monthly recollection. Thank God for Opus Dei. He indeed is good. All the glory be His.
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Begin with Those Around Us
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ini and Frank always kept themselves busy. In reality, they had no choice but to be busy, because of much work and their many commitments. They would occasionally be tempted by the idea of watching a movie or two for free, taking advantage of their senior citizen card. But they never got to see one, not even on TV. Nini says: “If ever there’s time for TV, we watch or listen to Scott Hahn.” Nini had taken to heart her responsibility to look after the welfare of those close to home. There was Badong, their family driver who started working with the family when Nina was only in nursery. He has just recently retired after 35 years with the family. Badong was with them in Naga and in N. Domingo San Juan. He had a lot of initiative: he would change a light
bulb without being told, he took care of the cars, and he had malasakit (possessed genuine concern, was responsible and reliable), and he was never absent. Nini and Frank arranged everything so that he could be married in Church after receiving a series of doctrine classes. Later, Badong’s daughter became manager of the Ricky Reyes’ salon. Ponce is the family’s “new” driver, who actually started to work with the family when he was only 14 years old. He and his wife were married in Church, also thanks to Frank and Nini’s guidance. Needless to say, Frank and Nini would become ninong and ninang (godparents) to them, and are considered and treated as relatives.
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Camp Karingal
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ne evening, after the First Friday Vigil with Nini’s Apostleship of Prayer group, an RVM nun (Religious of the Virgin Mary) who had requested for air-time, spoke to them about the need for volunteers to assist in the Prison Ministry at Camp Karingal, located close to Sikatuna Village, Quezon City. Thus started yet another of Nini’s outreach work with the prisoners. For 16 years, every Monday, she would go to Camp Karingal. The time allotted for her was from 1:30 till 2:30 in the afternoon. Considering the unholy hour, she made sure she had prepared lots of anecdotes and stories so that no one would fall sleep, neither the listeners nor the speaker. The prisoners, most of them not serving a sentence, but waiting months on end for the trial to begin, needed financial help. But the classes made them realize that they needed something much more, something that money couldn’t buy. And so they appreciated the talks on doctrine and the classes on human virtue. One day, a lady prisoner approached Nini and said: “Ma’am… Maraming, maraming salamat! Hindi namin alam na may God pala. (Thank you very, very much. We never knew that there was a God.)” 116
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Mother Mary
and
“Aurora”
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erhaps, it is not pure coincidence that February 5, 1938 was a Saturday, a day dedicated to Our Blessed Mother, because all throughout her life, Nini would have a strong and loving devotion to the Virgin Mary, who she believes is present in her every decision, whether significant or less significant, in life. Neither is it a coincidence that she is named Aurora, derived from the Latin aurora, which means ‘dawn’, or bukang liwayway. The name can picture a vision of the dawn and its breathtaking beauty. It can also depict welcoming with optimism the beginning of a new day. Among the titles contained in the Litany of Loreto, Our Lady is called the Stella Matutina, the Star of the Dawn, Morning Star, because she is “as beautiful and luminous as the dawn.” Cardinal John Henry Newman writes that it is “Mary’s prerogative to be the Morning Star, which heralds in the sun. She does not shine for herself, or from herself, but she is the reflection of her and our Redeemer, and she glorifies Him.”
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life that matters
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ini does not remember how this anonymous poem landed on her hands more than a decade ago. But the inspirational message has been, since then, surefire words for her to live by. In 2008, she decided to reprint them and distribute them as a giveaway on her 70th birthday. Now, as she turns 80 years old, she wishes to convey the same message and transmit these nuggets of wisdom which make life worth living
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Ready or not, someday it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire. The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end. It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant Even your gender and skin color will be irrelevant. So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured? What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave. What will matter is not your success, but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example. What will matter is not your competence, but your character. What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone. What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you. What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance, but of choice. Choose to live a life that matters. 127
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Ever Grateful
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ow can one even attempt to put into words the thankfulness and gratitude one feels towards God, from whom all blessings flow?
On my eightieth birthday, I cannot help but look back, pray and thank the Almighty Father, for everything He has done to me. I am thankful to God for my dearest husband, Frank and my wonderful children, my relatives and friends, my career, my home, my health, and the opportunities afforded me to serve others. I am likewise thankful for the trials of life that have come my way; I am positive that even these were ordered by Him for my spiritual benefit, because He knows best. As I enter into a new decade, I promise Him—who is my greatest reason to live—that all I think, say and do will be for His greater honor and glory! Lastly, I whisper a personal expression of thanks to Mother Mary for her tender and unfailing protection. Thank you for always watching over me and my family.
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Acknowledgements “Gratitude is the memory of the heart”
• our partners in our advocacies, officers and members of the Christian Family Movement, Philippines, Inc. (CFM), and the CFM Foundation, Inc., members of the Opus Dei, Apostleship of Prayer, Zonta Club of Greater Rizal I and co-promotors of the Stewardship Program of Christ the King Parish, Greenmeadows, Quezon City.
Every gift that our Lord God has been sending me all these 80 years of my life, has shaped me like a piece of art. He blessed me with people who have added fascinating colors to my days, and to whom I will be ever grateful:
at the front of back flyleaf
• my dearest husband, Frank for the love and care he so generously given me all the years.
• our many cherished friends, specially Nanding and Inday De Leon, Gil and Del Perez, Lope & Baby Semania, Rette Payumo and Family.
• our children Menzi, Mon & Nina & their spouses Sandra, Noi and Brando and all our grandchildren and all our great grandchildren.
Our sincere thanks to our beloved Tio Feling and Tia Celing and their children. Frank and I feel truly joyful each time we recall how much Tio Feling and Tia Celing cared for us, especially during our first years of marriage.
* Tatay and Nanay, and all my siblings— Luding, Mily, Nena, Albert, Roland, Rosie, Abe, Neybie, Dophie & Dollie and their families; to the Ramos Clan, and to all our other relatives. • our key personnel and staff at F. L. Ramos Construction Co. Inc., our valued clients (past & present) and our associates in the construction industry.
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Let this book be my little way of saying “Thank You” to all of you who helped me grow and who pushed me to soar high with the intercession of the Blessed Mother Mary. Nini S. Ramos
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M
y hometown of Lucban is the little Baguio of Quezon Province. It generally has cool weather but our kababayan and my childhood memories there always warm my heart. It is in Lucban that I believe where the fire in me was ignited. And that is the drive to touch as many lives as possible and to help contribute to the personal growth of those whose lives intertwined with mine, like fibers in a colorful tapestry. Today, one of my personal advocacies—in my desire to express my gratitude to the Almighty Father—is to open to many elderly couples, widowers, and widows our home in White Plains, Quezon City, and our ancestral house in Lucban named Casa Rosa Siquijor. I look forward to spending time with them—together with my beloved husband Frank—in celebrating life moments and one another’s presence, as our lives continue to unfold.... —Nini S. Ramos 160