from Rudy and Letty Sagun

Many happy returns of the day Lel! Happy, happy birthday!

love from Rudy and Letty

from Nenette Ancheta

We usually hear of difficult relationship between sisters-in-law. I thank the Lord I do not have this problem. In fact, the person I love, admire and enjoy being with the most is a sister-in-law and I consider this a very great blessing.

Aleli is a very beautiful person-not only in physical looks but especially as a human being. She has always been a very loving, very generous and a very caring person. She is also a very funny and entertaining person and we have a great times together. While she is very far away now, still she regularly keeps in touch with us. When I think of her, I cannot help but end up crying because I am reminded of her goodness, generosity and concern for us. Even if our physical link, is no longer there, she has remained unchanged in her relationship with us.

Immediately after Johnny left us, I was left with a bank debt of over three hundred thousand pesos. I was at my wits end where to get the money to pay the bank. A week before the bank would foreclose my property, the bank informed me that I should not worry anymore because my loan was already fully paid. It was paid by Aleli and to think I did not even ask her assistance.

Years later, I discovered I had breast cancer and I needed a big amount for chemo, operation and radiation. She continued to show her concern and love for us, her in-laws. She always brought us beautiful things when she would come home. She gave us bags, shoes, jewelry and even took us on a trip abroad, giving us beautiful memories which we will keep forever.

Today is Aleli's birthday and I wish the Lord gives her more years to share with family and friends, good health and more time to visit us and more time for herself because she deserves so much being so good and loving.

Happy birthday, Lel and on this special day I'd like you to know once again how much I love you, how much I appreciate you and how grateful I am for you always being there for me. I am fully blessed and truly grateful to the Lord for your presence in my life.

Thank you for being so special a person and may this birthday be a special one for you. Happy birthday, I love you always.

Nenette

from Chloe

This was an essay written by Chloe for her English IV class. The students were asked to write about someone who they look up to and why. This was not the only time Chloe shared about her Lola Lee to a class. One other time, at her speech class they were asked to talk about their HERO, Chloe chose her Lola as well.

Happy Birthday to a Modern Day Hero...Lola Lee!

Chloe Ratilla

English IV

Period 5

Ms. Atwood

Having to raise 5 children by yourself is not an easy situation to handle. But my grandmother did it without complaining. Being married to a congressman, my grandmother did not have to work a day or ever lift a finger. After my grandfather’s death her entire world changed, she was left to provide for all her children and of course herself. She picked herself up and continued living. I wasn’t born yet when all this was happening but when I hear stories and when I see my grandmother today, I see such a strong woman. One day I would like to say I inherited my grandmother’s strength because that’s one of the traits I admire most about her. I always think about how I would react if I was placed in her situation. I often try to imagine if I would be able to put my emotions aside and put on a strong front for my children. In reality I would never be able to say for sure what I would do, but like my grandmother I know I to would not wallow in self pity but I would try and make something out of the situation. There will always be unexpected situations that occur in life and hopefully when this happens I’ll be able to remember my grandmother, what she did and how she handled it. I can only pray to be half as strong as she was.

Unlike some people, my grandmother’s legacy does not start only after she is gone, but her legacy started the day she decided to make something of herself and her situation. She devoted her life to her children and to making their futures the best she could. My mother always tells me that just like my grandmother, I am thoughtful and generous. She [my grandmother] always thought and put others first in her life. There is just this indescribable satisfaction I get in making others happy. When I was younger and I had a toy that someone else really liked I would give them that toy. And for some reason I would be happier after giving the toy than when I had it. Even though it looks like I lost by giving it away, but I never saw it that way. Just the thought that I made someone else happy was enough and satisfying for me.

I did not live through all the hard times my grandmother did. If an outsider looked at my grandmother’s life they might say that what she went through didn’t really affect my life personally. I would say they might be right but I know for a fact that although she did all she did for her children, as her grandchild my life has been impacted by the choices she made. If not for my grandmother, my mother and her siblings would not be the people they are today and I wouldn’t be who I am. If she would have given up and not moved on in life I wouldn’t be able to have the same quality of life I have today.

The choices I’m about to make will also be life changing ones. Living and being independent for the first time comes with a lot of responsibilities. The choices I would have to make and the responsibilities I will have might not be the same as the ones my grandmother had to make but they are going to be just as important. Looking at her life and what she did makes me realize that I too have to be as strong and self-less as she was. I know I might be thinking too far off into the future but I know that however I handle situations I am in or will be in, will impact the generations after me. Just maybe I’ll be able to live a life and leave a legacy that my grandchildren can look up to.

from Nenie Weesit

I remember when we were very young, whenever we went out to church, you would cry if we did not wear exactly the same dresses! You always wanted us to dress the same because we were so close in age. You would cry until you fell asleep and when you would wake up, you would continue crying!

Happy birthday! Hope you will have many more birthdays to come! I miss you and hope to see you again --- soon!

love from Nenie

from John

Hi Lola,

I remember when we were small, my parents did not have a TV. I always looked forward to going to other people's homes including Uncle Rudy's to watch cartoons or Disney channel on the TV. One day I told mom: when I grow up, I'm going to buy a TV. Then you came for Uncle Dino's wedding. I remember that all of us cousins were all together and making lots of noise. You said: if you keep quiet, I'll buy you a TV! My brother Ben and I shut up quickly and our eyes grew big! Wow, Lola was going to get us a TV!

Then later, you came back and my parents got cable for you. That was the best --- even if it was only for a few months.

Happy Birthday Lola! I love you and thank you for always caring for my mom!

love, John

from Alvin

Mom,

Your Diamond birthday!

How apropo for a mom that displays the overpowering brilliance of your personality, the strength of your character, the clarity of your love, and the beauty of the Queen of our lives that is you. You are truly a multi faceted mom in the way you know just what buttons to push in each of your five children. You have have shown us your hard resolve and strength of character in having to raise the five of us when Dad died, in a country where women were not seen in the light that you have shown. You made the hard decision to leave all that you knew, and most of your children, to start a new life in the states because you felt that it would be the best for all of us in the long run. You have been, and continue to be the rock that anchors all of us, for without you, we would be lost - especially me....

I have been with you the longest, and put you through the most challenges :), made you earn the title mom:), and have seen every side of you - I am your "baby" and would like to think your favorite:) That can be between you and me.... we dont have to tell the others:)

Truly and seriously I want you to know that anything that is good in me is you, when I stray from the path, the thought of you brings me back - grace, humility, kindness, caring, compassion, and responsibility - I have all learned from you.

I am so thankful to God that you are in good health and continue to be there for all of us.

I know I could call more often just to see how you are but rest assured that thoughts of you are never far away.....

This is your day, Your 75th BIrthday.

There is not a present in the world that could show how much you mean to me..... to us, as a family..... I hope the fact that I NEED you, that WE NEED you, to guide us - protect us- and comfort us with your loving devotion TO us - can be a gift. For what greater gift is there for a Mom to know that through all these years, and no matter how old we get , no matter how far away we are, we will never stop needing you, and loving you as our Mother.

I love you mom, with all that I am.

Your Baby

Alvin

from Theresa

Dearest Momma,

I just wanted to wish you the most wonderful birthday ever. I hope you loved our girls day of lunch, shopping and movies. It means so much when you get to spend some valuable time with your girls and I love being one of them. You are truly blessed with a wonderful family and being a part of it means the world to me. Thank you so much for your love, support, and kindness. I love you very much and may God bless you with happiness, health and many more years to come.

Happy 75th Birthday!

Theresa

from Dino, Janette, Vinz and Vera

Dearest Mommy:

Happy Birthday!

(Trivia) Did you know that this month Tibet ’s Dalai Lama is also celebrating his 75th birthday? The people in Tibet are restricted from celebrating the Dalai Lama’s birthday, so the SIMILARITY with us here and the people of Tibet is that the there may not be so much of a physical celebration, or so much of a fanfare or display, but mentally, deep in their own individual hearts and minds, we are celebrating your birthday and praying for longevity of your holiness! The clear DIFFERENCE is that the Dalai Lama looks decades older than you!

75 years is an important milestone in your life. This is very special to you as you look back at the past moments in your life and 75th landmark brings a sense and feeling of accomplishment and true enough, you have accomplished a lot for us all. What you have accomplished for your family and of course for the Lord are the true significance of being 75 years old.

The next generation Saguns won’t be here today without your love, care and sacrifices (Vera agrees). We are what we are today because of you. My time with you buying that “pop car” in Manila when I was around 7 years old is still very vivid in my mind, you always got me the latest toy I wanted and our Christmas celebrations in Pagadian when all of us got together even when Daddy was not around anymore, I can never forget and will always cherish in my heart.

We love you so much! Happy birthday Mommy!

Dino, Jannette, Vinz & Vera

Doug your Canadian son-in-law

My Special Memory of Aleli,

Happy Birthday Mom, I can remember the first time we met, convinced of my love for your daughter I was passing by L.A. to make it all official. Of course I was nervous and wasn't sure what to expect,you and dad received me with warmth and kindness and I've grown to love you like my own mom with the passing of each and every year since. Your sacrifice and generosity are traits that endear you to many.
Things we have always looked forward to are visits from Lola! You sacrificed to make it to our wedding day,you were there for Jonina and Chloe's baby dedication, and it certainly meant so much to me to have you visit us in Canada.
Not only did we enjoy every time you came our way but we also eagerly looked forward to the times we could visit you in L.A.. Your home has always been as open as your heart and you have always welcomed us with open arms.
Being present with us in Canada January 2008 in the dead of winter when Marla had her surgery was strength to my heart and our whole family. What a wonderful memory we have of the whole family coming last March to the Philippines again to encourage Marla and express love and support to us in her present battle with cancer. Thanks Mom for being
so generous and so supportive over the years. It always amazes me the friendship you have with your kids and the character traits they express in their own lives as a legacy from you.

Again, Happy Birthday
Love
Doug your Canadian son-in-law!

from Ellen (Bebeng/Baby Girl) Lim Cusi

I have always admired manang aleli... her beauty, intelligence and warmth... her laughter is so contagious... you'd laugh with her with gusto!

The fondest memory I have of her is when she was waiting for her date, don in her best attire with make up on. We were both sitting on a step of our cemented stairs in katuray and I asked her about her past boyfriends... and she obliged! I was so awed by what she told me. She is full of life.

The other thing I like about her is that she is so cool. I haven't seen her with a sad face. She always has a smile for everyone and everything that comes her way.

On your birthday, I wish you more happy ones... and may the good LORD continue to bless you with good health, wealth, happiness, joy and all that you need in life...

Happy birthday, Manang... I love you and I miss you so much..!!!

from Jonina

My favorite memory of Lola is the one time I was in LA with dad. During this time I was able to help her with her garden. We sat on stools with gloves pulling weeds and talking. I learned a lot about gardening, the importance of pulling weeds and a little about herself. I also got the privelege of harvesting Lola’s apricots. They were so delicious! It was a special time for me.

When we got to the Philippines Lola called to tell me her apricots were so sweet and still bearing much fruit. I was so happy to hear that and happy that she would share that with me.

Happy Happy Birthday Lola! I love you!

from Elma Alinabon Gamaya and Danny

Hi Nang Aleli! Happy Birthday to my beautiful Ninang!

We have not seen each other for quite a long time now but I can still remember the days when we were staying at your place. You were a very kind auntie and like a second mother to us. I also remember the days when we joined in the campaigns where we usually go home late. Thank you for those happy memories.

I wish you more years of health and happiness.

Again Happy Birthday!

Greetings from Elma Alinabon Gamaya, Danny Gamaya and kids

from Nellie Alinabon Ordonio & Ernie

My dear Nang Aleli,

Happy 75th b'day! I wish you good health/endless joy & happiness. I am forever indebted to you & your family bec. you help me get to the United States & made me what I am today. Thank you so much.

Love you,

Nellie & Ernie

from Amanda Lee

Lola, I remember when you came for a visit in 2003. You had a chance to attend our end of the year presentation at the Seeds of Promise Learning Center pre-school where mom taught. I was so proud to have you there.

Also I am proud that I am named after you because we are both beautiful!

Happy birthday Lola! Thank you for everything! May you have many more birthdays to come!

from Fely and Mon Pedrosa

I first met Aleli through a mutual friend and neighbor Astrid Monzon. Aleli already knew of me but until then I hadn't. She had seen me in one of my PAL trips to Zamboanga loaded with kids. We met again during one of the early meetings of the Hermandad long ago when Ller was still alive. And we discovered that we were even related.

When the girls were enrolled at the Assumption, Marichi and Marla were in the same class. And when Aleli had to be in Pagadian I think that was when i offered for Marla to stay with us so she could ride to school together on the Commer with the girls. Marla became one of our kids all those years - she was there with them like family at our Sunday family gatherings in the big house with Papa and Mama, the numerous outings to White Sands, the parties.

Aleli first then I were elected president of the Hermandad. Mon remembers Aleli the dark beauty dancing the hula bare feet with Marla at the yard of their home. Fely reminisces that Aleli's favorite song was Pobreng Alindahaw which she would sing with great gusto. Aleli became the godmother of our youngest Sarita, while I of Alvin their youngest. Truth to tell we were really only one of many many ninangs of our children.

Mon and i shared their great grief when Ben went home.

From Landon

I knew you were the person I would like to spend the rest of my life when I first met you. I have never been wrong about that. You have always been a loving and wonderful companion to me and I have always been proud to have you with me wherever we went

Happy Birthday and With Much Love.

Your Loving Husband
Landon

from Marla

As long as I can remember, my mom's beauty haunted me since I was a little girl. People would tell me: "Your mom is very beautiful (and add rather apologetically) but you look like your dad." So I grew up aware that I could never match my mom's good looks. That thought disappointed me to no end but as I grew, I became aware that even if I would never be a beauty like her, at least I was attractive in my own little way.

When I got married, mom was already living in LA for several years. Doug and I had planned our wedding up to the last detail. Mom and dad did not arrive in Manila until a few days before the wedding. She had no idea what my gown would look like nor how I would have my hair fixed.

I dressed up in a friend's house where I was boarding for the last few months. Sandra stayed with me on the eve of my wedding because the make-up artist was also going to do her face. We travelled together in the bridal car.

When I got to the church, Sandra and Carlo left to make sure that every one was ready for the processional. I stayed in the car and waited for my cue. Mom came down the church steps and peeped in the car window. I lowered the window and said, "Hi mom." She looked at me with a big smile and gushed: "You're so pretty!" I couldn't believe it! Mom's first compliment to me about my looks!

When I walked down that aisle, I must have exuded a special glow not only because I was marrying the man I love but also because I was complimented by the most beautiful person in my life: my mom.

Happy Birthday mom! No matter what age, you will always be beautiful --- inside and out!