Leonila Baquiran Padua
My Great-Grandmother
How Was Her Life?
Leonila's charm landed her a runner-up award in a local beauty pageant. That caught the fancy of my great grandfather Felipe who was 10 years older. At age 16, she was married to Felipe who had a degree in Pharmacy from the country's premier university- the University of the Philippines. They had six children: Percival, Exaltacion, Reynaldo (my grandfather), MacArthur, Emerita, and. Annabelle. All of them earned their college degrees, so Leonila and Felipe were very proud. They instilled in their children's minds the value of education despite being poor. They did not own a large house or land or get to travel but Leonila always mentioned her contentment with all her children finishing school and establishing their own careers.
Leonila Attending My Uncle's Recognition
Leonila's Picture
World War II Happening During Leonila's Age
What Was Her Job?
Edsa People Power Revolution
Where Did She Belong in History?
Another important event in history that Leonila got to witness is the Edsa People Power Revolution in 1986. It was the first ever peaceful revolution that toppled the dictatorial regime of then president Marcos. Millions of Filipinos, including nuns and priests, young and old, gathered for days at Edsa Boulevard in Manila, the nation's capital, despite the threat of military action. They were fed up of the abuses of the government and came together with flowers and rosaries against the mighty military tanks and guns. It ended peacefully with Marcos fleeing to Hawaii. Leonila supported the cause for the fight for democracy.
When Was Her Death?
I am grateful and proud to learn about Leonila and call her my great-grandmother.