My Sister, My Friend

Maria was born on August 15, 1945 in Nasugbu, Batangas, in a little village called Barrio Bautista, named after our family.  When my grandfather, Juan, moved from Calaca with his relatives, they settled in this unknown village and appropriately named it.  Today, it is a thriving village of more than 2,000 people whose main occupation was farming. 

I have 10 siblings, 5 sisters and 5 brothers.  Maria was 5th from the eldest, Juana.

Maria would be the first in the family to obtain a university degree.  During her time, the only careers open to women were to be a Teacher or to be a Secretary.  She chose to be a Teacher.  

I remember her to be very reserved and classy, frequently thought of as aloof.  However, of all my siblings, Maria is the one who would go out of her way to be at peace with everyone.  I never saw her passionately argue with anyone.  The most considerate, at least towards me.

Maria was named after my grandmother, who was petite and very beautiful and fair.  Unlike others who lived in the same village under similar conditions, my grandmother never did any hard work and seldom exposed herself to the burning sun.  

In my mind, Maria was the most beautiful of all my sisters.

From an early age, I felt closest to her.  I was 14 years old when she left for for the US and I remember feeling very sad and alone.  The next time I saw her was when she came home to visit with her daughter, Nerissa, and I was made godmother during her confirmation at the Archbishop's Palace.

....more to follow....