MY GENOGRAM Elizabeth Anne Yturralde- Medina
It was a difficult task for me to trace the roots of my family because of so many reasons, My Father married quite late especially during his time at 48 he was already what we call an old bachelor (matandang binata), he was married to my mother who was already 37 at that time. They had me when my mother was 44 and my father 55. So it was unfortunate for me that I didn't get to have much contact with my father's side. I was able to at least meet some uncles and aunts but just a few of their big brood of 13 some were already deceased while some have migrated in the US. So I sought the help of my mother who is now 79, thus we had to contact some older cousins who were a big help to my quest to get to know my lineage. This was a welcome challenge because this would help me retrace my roots. I wish I could ride a time machine and re visit them and maybe just get to know them better.
PATERNAL SIDE (Yturraldes)
a. Jose Yturralde Sr. – grandfather
I have no clear picture of who my grandfather was except for his roots in Concepcion, Tarlac. My father told me before that they had strong Spanish roots thus the unique surname. My mother described my grandfather as a man of few words but he was known to be a good disciplinarian and a good man. I was told that he was a ladies man to because my father had half brothers and half sisters. He was a landlord and had acquired a lot of farm lots in his town. He died of poor lungs (Primary Tuberculosis)
b. Felisa Surla Yturralde – grandmother
My grandmother was a housewife and tended to the children. She was said to be a nurturing mother to her 13 children and acted as their second teacher as well. She died because of a heart ailment.
CHILDREN:
1. Jose Yturralde Jr.—was not able to encounter him, he died of heart disease
2. Jesus Yturralde—was not able to encounter him, he died of complications secondary to hypertension
3. Eling Yturralde— He was based in the US, I was fortunate to have met him twice. He tried to always strike up a conversation and make me laugh. He died a few years back because of kidney disease.
4. Maria Yturralde-Dillswiney- she was based in the US, already diseased.
5. Ricardo Surla Yturralde b. January 3, 1925- d. February 2, 1989 (father)
6. Mennencio Yturralde— Tito Mennen as we call him was the uncle that I remember the most. He was the family comedian, and would always take the time to make us laugh. He was a professor in Holy Angel University. He died of heart disease.
7. Lourdes Yturralde-Murillo— I was not able to meet her personally too but one of her sons was close to my father since my father was the one who financed his schooling. His son Jun finished engineering and became the City assessor a few years after my father passed away.
8. Leonor Yturralde- Narciso—Tita Nonong is a housewife and she was married to a dentist named Carmelo Narciso. The son (Carlo) and daughters Chris and Chack are dentists. However the grand daughters and grand sons were influenced to become doctors. Their family (3rd generation) has produced Erin, a pediatrician, Twins Caca and Cia both undergoing their training as doctors, Gino a orthopedic surgeon undergoing training in East Avenue, Corinne and Cy are dentists.
9. Felicisimo Yturralde – My tito Fely was based in San Diego, I was able to meet him once only when he went home In the Philippines. I remember him because he looked so much like my dad. He was a very thoughtful uncle because when we went to the museum he made sure to buy me a souvenir, which I was surprised to get. He was a health buff and engaged in exercise and ate healthy food because he was aware of the family's history of Diabetes and Hypertension. However I was told that he died of cancer.
10. Teresita Yturralde- Sicangco – Tita Tess was also based in Angeles although I was not able to have many encounters with her. Her daughters were all good singers; two of them tried their luck in Japan and became entertainers. She was a businesswoman and had a commercial property in angeles city, which she had leased to tenants.
11. Dolores Yturralde- Valencia – Tita Dolor is also based in San Diego; I met her when I was very young. She is still in the US.
12. Eduardo Yturralde – Tito Doo was my favorite uncle because he looked like the younger version of my dad. He was a businessman and migrated in the US with his sons.
13. Florita Yturralde Cunanan – Tita Flor was very close with my dad because she also resided in Angeles City. She was very entertaining and she cooked very well. She was a housewife. She eventually migrated in the US as well.
MATERNAL SIDE:
Pedro Santarina Limjoco Sr. – grandfather b. (June 29, 1909, Candaba Pampanga, Philippines; d. September 04, 1996) Manila, Philippines.
My grandfather was a philanthropist. He was born to a prominent Family in Candaba. His father was Balbino and mother was named Tomasa Santarina. (A short trivia about the limjocos, their family is of Chinese descent and there were tales passed on to us which told us of our origin. Limjoco was said to have derived from a Seafarer called Lim Ah Hong who was said to be of royal origin. He became a pirate because he was said to be a threat to the emperor at that time and was sent to escape. A pirate who treated him as a son adopted him. His journey brought him to quests of Gold, being a chinese warlord gave him the privilege of having a lot of wives and concubines thus he was able to spread his lineage in Batangas and Pampanga.) My grandfather was a typical example of an entrepreneur who was so rich at times but sometimes encountered problems with business that made him struggle. He always maintained a positive attitude despite the many challenges he faced. His family owned a lot of businesses in his province (rice mill, electric company, ice plant), however the government seized most during martial law. He had a kind heart and a happy soul, I remember him trying to give whatever he can when we visit, he would frequently raid his refrigerator and give us any fruit, chocolate that is in his ref even if that was meant for him. Those small gestures are what I remember most about him. He died of heart disease.
Januaria Tecson Limjoco -- grandmother b. (January 5, 1914, Candaba Pampanga, Philippines; d December 27, 1998) Angeles City, Philippines
My grandmother was very nurturing. I think she was a big influence in our family because of her caring attitude and love for her children. Her children remained close because she instilled in them the Importance of getting together as often as possible. We would frequently visit her because she lived in my mother's hospital (the 2nd floor was their house). She was a housewife and she married early at 16 years old thus she had a large number of children. She loved everything that sparkled and found joy in going through bazaars and tiangges, even when Cancer hit her she was positive and would find joy in going out and exploring rather than stay at home she would still like to roam around. She passed away after having liver metastasis secondary to her breast cancer.
CHILDREN:
1. Perla Limjoco Castor (1931-2013) – Tita Peng was the eldest in their family. After my grandmother passed away she became the second mother of her siblings. She was fond of shopping like my grandmother and always loved beautiful things. She was talented in any field she is interested in. (painting, floral arrangement, culinary). She was an avid Marian Devotee and had many religious charities, which she really supported. She was said to be a beautiful lady growing up and was hailed Ms. Candaba during her time, She was married to an Engineer/ Contractor named Wilfredo. She died because of pancreatic Cancer a few months after her husband. We were saying that maybe they were really meant to be together because she showed signs of failing health after he passed away
2. Adeliza Limjoco Pelayo (1932) – Tita Dely is a very gracious woman, she married a little early before she turned 20 to Alfonso who became a mayor of Candaba. They produced 10 children; their eldest son Jerry Pelayo is a fixture in politics. He became mayor of Candaba for three terms and had projects, which placed Candaba in the map. His Ibun ebun festival attracted a lot of tourists and photographers to flock to his town.
3. Marietta Limjoco Yturralde (mother) (1935)
4. Aida Limjoco Sangalang (1937) – Tita Aida eloped with her husband Conrado at 17. They continued to reside in Candaba. She is a great homemaker and cook and I truly love her recipes. She is very nurturing and would frequently whisper to me that she cooked something special for me.
5. Norma Limjoco Sanga (November 19, 1939) – Tita Norma is the life of the Limjoco family. She is a very sociable person. She was married to her dancing partner Tito Nonong they were together during competitions in different dance contest, which she said were held in different towns. She took up Commerce in UST and became a businesswoman. She is always the life of the party because she always entertains everyone. There is no dull moment with her and she manages to keep you laughing and well informed all the time.
6. Raquel Limjoco Foz (1941) – Tita Raquel is the most quiet of the sisters but she really is a kindhearted and sweet person. She worked for the PELCO Company and retired recently. She also served as councilor in Candaba for three terms. She is married to a half German Filipino, Tito Lito a businessman.
7. Mila Limjoco (1943- 1956) – I never got a chance to meet Tita Mila since she died when she was 13 years old. A fire in their home brought to her demise. She couldn't escape the flames and she was trapped in a portion of their home at that time. The culprit was said to be a gas lamp that exploded.
8. Elvira Limjoco Canivel (1945) – Tita Mel was based in Japan and the US because she was married to a Navy soldier Tito Noli. They decided to come home and start a new life in the Philippines when he retired in the 90's. My mother persuaded them to build a home in Angeles so that they can all be together with some of her sisters and brothers who decided to transfer in Angeles because of the good fortune it gave to my mom. However sadly since Tita Mel was a sensitive person, she always had quarrels with my mom, which still persist up to the present.
9. Pedro Limjoco Jr. (1948) – Tito Boy is the playboy of the Limjoco clan. He was blessed with good looks and charisma. He was a socialite during his time and owned many clubs in Manila. He was married to a woman with a good family background Tita Susan who was also a socialite at that time. He had great success on being a contractor and had ties with Juan Ponce Enrile. Thus he became a well-known contractor. He later on focused on his family after he was diagnosed with Colon cancer. He mellowed down on his nightlife and vices. However he suffered a stroke last 2010 and is still comatose until today. It has been 5 years since he suffered a stroke but since his family has taken good care of him, he still looks healthy but unable to wake up.
10. Andres Limjoco (1950) – Tito Andy is also a businessman and contractor. He was married to the late Charo Limjoco but she passed away due to a severe bout of asthma. He had several relationships after but has not remarried. He is fond of good food and would often go to hotels to eat in buffets but he manages to stay slim despite eating a lot by exercising regularly. He became a bit more health conscious because he was operated recently for Acute Cholecystitis (gallbladder stones)
11. Jose Limjoco (1953) -- Tito Joe is a graduate of Ateneo De Manila University, he is a businessman/contractor. He is married to Tita Marlie. They reside in Quezon City. They have 3 daughters who are still in their college and HS years because he married late. He found his success in Mining.
12. Johnny Limjoco (1956) -- Tito Johnny is like a son to my mother because when she was still single, she took care of him and helped with his education expenses. He is a businessman and is a basketball enthusiast. He is fond of good food and travelling and he still dresses like he is as old as his sons. It is always a jot to talk to him because he is a man that is young at heart. He is married to Tita Nini, one of the owners of Angeles Medical Center. They have three children (two sons, one daughter) who are training to be specialists and two sons who are nurses.
13. Ma. Lourdes LImjoco David (1959) -- Tita Lulu is like a daughter to my mother. They had a big age difference (24 years). My mother helped raise Tita Lulu and also helped with her school expenses. She would often cry when other nieces and nephews would try to sleep with my mother. I think because she is my mothers closest sister she followed my mother's footsteps and she also became a doctor and Ob gynecologist. She has an active practice also in Angeles City. She is very beautiful and a lady of grace especially for her age. She is married to another doctor Tito Resty, a surgeon. They have three sons who are all planning to be doctors. (One is training to be a surgeon, one is on his 3rd year proper and another taking up pre med). She is a part of Opus Dei and is very religious. She always looks after me as well and because of her young good lucks I sometimes jokingly call her sister.
MY FATHER:
Ricardo Surla Yturralde b. January 3, 1925- d. February 2, 1989 (father) – My papa grew up to be a simple man. I fondly remember his love for music. He always told me about the times when he was young, he was always part of the kundiman with his siblings. His family was gifted with talent in singing, prose and dancing. He graduated as an honor student in his high school and college years. He pursued his dream of being a lawyer. He also wanted to teach so he became a professor in manila (Ramon Magsaysay College). He decided to reside in Angeles since some of his siblings have taken their residence there. He had an offer to be the Fiscal of San Fernando, which he did for a couple of years. His family was close with the prominent clan of the Lazatins at that time, thus he was asked to leave his private practice to be the city Assessor of Angeles city. My father wanted a simple life; he served the government until he had to retire because of health reasons. He always took pride in his work and he made a conscious effort to be fair, to avoid corruption in his work. He had a strict rule during his time, No visitors in the house when work is involved all matters pertaining to work should be entertained in the city hall. He despised the bad side of politics. I remember my mom telling me that during his time the Mayor Lazatin wanted something to be signed which he didn't agree thus he opted to take a leave. My father is a caring man, I was very close to him and he always took the time to tell me stories and sing to me everyday. He was very giving and responsible, even if he wasn't earning much he was able to put 3 of his nephews to school, they finished their chosen courses. He was also active as a member and officer if the Knights of Columbus. He was already sick with Hypertension when he got married with my mom, my mother was shocked to find out he had so many maintenance medications. He suffered from 2 episodes of mild stroke and his kidneys were affected by his high blood pressure. He underwent Dialysis three times a week in Manila for several years. My mother took good care of him but in his later years he became very weak. He died on February 2, 1989 secondary to complications related to kidney disease. His death really affected me, I was closer to my father before because my mom was always busy with her work. I loved my papa so much. I truly missed the talks we had after my school and the way he hugged me tight when we watched television. His death made me realize that I really wanted to pursue medicine and I wanted a life away from vices like drinking and smoking. His death also made me closer to my mom since she really had to balance everything after my father passed away.
MY MOTHER:
Marietta Limjoco Yturralde (mother) (1935)— My mama Eting or Ating as people fondly called her was a strong willed woman from the start. My aunties always told me she was accelerated in school twice thus she was younger than her classmates. She excelled in her academics and graduated with honors in her small town school, San Andres Elementary School. Her aunt saw potential in her and told my grandmother to bring her to the Assumption Academy in San Fernando. She lived with his father's sister Lola Caridad, who was a disciplinarian and was known to be very wealthy thus she helped my mother with her schooling. She had dreams of becoming a doctor and she had her premed in the University of Santo Tomas and continued her medical school in the said Institution. Stories of her having only 1 -2 uniforms, riding the bus to go home to her hometown enduring long trips just to see her family really inspired me. She was very diligent with her studies and even soaked her feet in water just to keep her awake at times to study. Her perseverance and hard work paid off and she was able to train as an OB-Gynecologist in Fabella, a government hospital that is known to be a hospital that has the most deliveries. After finishing her training, Tatang Pedro her father called her and told her to practice in Angeles City since Angeles City was said to a booming city then. She decided to try her luck and found her niche there. She was able to establish her practice and built up a small hospital Holy Family clinic on March 1972. She also ventured in real estate, which helped her grow her business. Until now she is still a very hard working mother who always made sure that we were well taken cared of. She had mellowed down from her domineering strong attitude to a more relaxed grandmother. Her memory is still sharp and I dream of following in her footsteps.
She is still a beautiful woman almost in her 80's.
Since my mother married late for her time at 37 years old, she was only blessed to have two children. She had my brother when she was 38 and she had me when she was 44. She always told me she really wanted to have a daughter before she had me and prayed intently to be blessed with one. She had a conversation with a friend who said she will have a daughter soon and she should name her after St. Elizabeth once conceived and that is how I got my name. Mama named me after Elizabeth, Mary's cousin who conceived John the Baptist at an old age. My mama is a very religious woman she has to go to mass everyday even if she is abroad, so I think her faith and devotion to God is one of the reasons why she became so successful. I always tell her to include me in her prayers whenever I feel challenged or am going through something.
SIBLINGS:
1. Jose Limjoco Yturralde (March 28, 1974)-- My kuya Jojo is a very well rounded person growing up. He was fond of robots, comics, music. He liked playing drums and we never bickered much when we were growing up. The 6-year gap maybe helped because I considered him as my kuya I followed him and he also respected me. He wanted to become a doctor as well and took up BS Medical Technology in UST. He later on continued his medicine in UST. However he had a hard time coping with the grueling demands of medical school. He frequently prioritized trips out of town with his fraternity in UST and unfortunately he had problems with some of his subjects. In the end he decided to discontinue his medical school. He pursued his other interests and he took up Masters in Health in the Ateneo de manila Graduate School of business in Rockwell. He is currently the hospital administrator of our hospital. He is married to an Ob Gynecologist Marie Carmina Sabarre. They have two son Javier and Carlos. Our closeness somehow drifted through the years but I always pray that will change soon. (tampuhan?) I hope that since he is my only brother and I love him dearly, I am praying that we will resolve things soon.
CONCLUSION:
Going through my family tree was an eye opener, I've always been blessed to have a big extended family and I am even more thankful now. Reunions and family gatherings are always a big event. We are 68 first cousins in our Limjoco family and we are growing even bigger. We are having families of our own. Some have their grandchildren already since they are older than me. The influence coming from my Limjoco family is more evident because I got to be closer to this side of the family more because of my mom. I always say that women tend to make the family closer and since they were an intact family they always made a point to see each other. My father's side is much quieter but thanks to social media I made friends and got to meet the 2nd and third generation of Yturraldes. I am thankful for this genogram because I am proud of my lineage and I will be able to share this later on to my own children.
I can say that I am a mixture of both worlds; the calmer and quiet disposition came from my father's side and the more vibrant and career influence from my mother's side. A great mixture, and diversity that I am thankful for. <Nothing about Medina? Ha6)
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