It is with a bit of trepidation that I'm typing this entry as it is too personal but I feel that there's no better way to commemorate his life than writing about it. My father's name is Teofilo Villegas Ciruela. He was fondly known and called Loly by everyone. But to me, he's Papa. This is his story.

Loly was born on October 2, 1942 to Perfecto and Ricarda Ubalde. He was one of the the eight children. It was during the time of war when things changed the course (and his last name) of his life. During World War II, my grandfather "Pecto" was arrested and taken by the Japanese to jail. Loly, who was very young then, was entrusted in the care of his Aunt Sining (Gumercinda) and Uncle Pino (Rufino) who didn't have any kids. While with them, he was taken cared of and nurtured like their own son. When Grandpa Pecto was released, they attempted to take Loly back but he was so attached to the couple who took care of him, so they let him stay. The details of the events that followed were kinda unclear to me. Apparently, Sining and Pino sought to legally adopt young Loly. There was some family turmoil that ensued that resulted to the court deciding where Loly should go. Apparently, when Loly was asked by the judge who he wants to be with, he chose Sining and Pino. That sealed his fate. His name was changed and he became their only son and heir.

Growing up, Loly knew who his real parents were and that he had four brothers and three sisters. Since they lived not far from each other, he had a familial relationship with them as well. Being the "only child", he lived a comfortable and privileged life. He was sent to the best schools and universities. His adoptive parents even tolerated his penchant of transferring from one school / course to another. It took him almost seven years to finish a degree in Agriculture. He went back home and was living a very laid back existence until he met the love of his life.

At the age of 27, he met Virgie Opaon Busa who was also  from the same village. She was the second daughter of Eufracia and Redentor Busa. Virgie was  in her sophomore year in Nursing and was studying in Cebu. While on a school break and visiting her parents, Loly and  Virgie got acquainted.  Loly courted and wooed her and despite the nine years difference, romance blossomed. Not one to waste time, Loly asked for Virgie's hand in marriage from her father, unbeknownst to her! Talk about a girl being swept off her feet. They got married  in July 28, 1969 in a wedding  celebration that was so grand to the village's standards. Pretty much nine months later, I was born. Then my sister Emily followed a year later and then our only brother, Rufino, named after Grandpa Pino. Just like any marriages, my parents had their highs and lows, struggles and triumphs.

When I was growing up, my impression of my father was  that he was the one to reckon with. He had the final word on decisions. I guess I feared him a bit for the possible consequences if I did something wrong. I can really only recall a couple of instances wherein I was disciplined by him and suffice to say, I learned my lesson. When I got to college, my view of my father changed. I was going to a nursing school in a differrent city and was living away from my family. The relationship between me and my father became friendlier and I was able to talk to him openly about a lot of issues in my life. He was never in judgment or acted in a "behavior police" manner. He listened and offered his opinions but respected mine as well. I love those times whenever I take a ride with him in his Honda scooter to take me to the bus station at the end of my weekend visits with them. He would wait with me until I leave. It was one of those things that I really cherish since it made me feel loved and  looked after. When I went through a tough time in school, he even suggested for me to take a semester off and take things easy. I declined the offer but knowing that I had his support was enough to get me through for the next few years. I think I will have to stop typing at this point as my emotions got ahold me.  Later...