Marinduque-My Island Paradise- An Update

Marinduque-My Island Paradise- An Update 

I wrote these stories years before artificial intelligence became my writing companion. Today, at 91 nearing 92, I am revisiting some of them not to change my memories, but to see what I understand differently after another decade of living.

Marinduque, My Island Paradise: More Than a Place, It Became Part of My Life 

What a little island in the Philippines has meant to me after more than two decades of memories

Is Marinduque really an island paradise? I asked that question in one of my earlier articles.

Today, at 91nearing 92, I would answer it differently. Yes, it is my island paradise.

But not because Marinduque is perfect. It isn't.

The roads can be rough. Transportation has never been as convenient as in the big cities. There are typhoons, brownouts, mosquitoes and the occasional inconvenience that comes with island life.

But paradise, I have learned, is not necessarily a perfect place.

Sometimes paradise is simply a place where you have been happy. For me, that place is Marinduque.

WHERE IS MARINDUQUE?

If you ask an American where Marinduque is, don't be surprised if you get a blank look.

Even some Filipinos have never visited the island.

I have occasionally had to explain that it is a small island province in the Philippines, south of Manila, between Luzon and the Visayas.

It is known as the “Heart of the Philippines” because of its location near the geographical center of the Philippine archipelago.

It is also famous for the Moriones Festival, especially during Holy Week.

But those descriptions don't really explain why I love it. To understand that, you have to know my story.

HOW MARINDUQUE BECAME MY SECOND HOME

Macrine was born in Boac, Marinduque.

After many years in America, we began spending part of our retirement years there.

From 2002 through 2013, we followed what I called our “snowbird lifestyle,” spending roughly November through March in Marinduque and the rest of the year in the United States.

Eventually, we built Chateau Du Mer in Barangay Amoingon, Boac.

It began as our retirement home. Then it became much more.

It became a beach house. A gathering place. A conference and event venue.

A place for weddings and family celebrations. A place where balikbayans could come home.

And, most importantly, a place where Macrine and I created some of our happiest memories together.

CHATEAU DU MER-OUR LITTLE CORNER OF PARADISE

When people ask me what I remember most about Marinduque, I often think first of Chateau Du Mer.

Our house sits near the sea. From the balcony, we could watch the sun disappear over the water.

I have taken hundreds of photographs of those sunsets. Perhaps too many.

But I never got tired of them. My favorite time of the day was actually not sunset itself.

It was sunset and twilight. There was something magical about watching the sky change while the lights around the garden gradually came on.

I installed more than 50 solar lights around the property, along with lights highlighting the bridge, sculptures and garden. The bridge became one of the focal points of the landscaping.

I sometimes joked that I was a retired chemist who had become a part-time landscape architect.

THE LITTLE CREEK UNDER THE BRIDGE

One of my favorite features of Chateau Du Mer was the little creek that ran underneath the bridge.

Depending on the season, we could see fish, crabs and snails. At one time, I stocked the creek with tilapia.

By May, some of them had grown to three to five pounds.

I told our caretaker to harvest them before the rainy season because otherwise the monsoon rains would eventually carry them into the sea.

These are little things. They would probably not interest a professional travel writer.

But they are exactly the things I remember. That is why my memories of Marinduque are different from a tourist's memories.

A tourist sees a beautiful beach. I see the beach, the bridge, the creek, the fish, the garden, the sunset and the person who stood beside me watching them.

THE MAGIC OF THE NIGHT

Some of my favorite memories of Marinduque happened after the sun went down.

Macrine and I enjoyed sitting on the balcony watching the moon.

Sometimes we walked along the beach at night. Sometimes we built a campfire.

Sometimes we watched fishermen working offshore.

And sometimes we simply sat outside and did nothing.

There were evenings when fireflies appeared around the property.

I would watch those tiny lights flashing among the trees and think that no expensive resort could improve the view.

That was luxury to me. Not marble floors. Not room service.

Just sitting beside the woman I loved, looking at the sea and watching fireflies.

MARINDUQUE IS MORE THAN ITS BEACHES

Marinduque has beautiful beaches, but that is only part of the story.

There are mountains, caves, waterfalls, hot and sulfur springs, reefs, small islands and snorkeling and diving areas.

There is Mount Malindig. There are old churches. There are fishing villages.

There are coconut trees everywhere. And there is the famous Moriones Festival.

I have always felt that Marinduque has enormous potential for ecotourism because its natural attractions are still relatively less developed than the famous tourist destinations of the Philippines. My older writings often compared it with more heavily visited places such as Boracay.

But I also learned that development has to be balanced with preservation.

If we destroy the very things that make an island beautiful, we have defeated the purpose of tourism.

THE MORIONES FESTIVAL

If you have never experienced Moriones during Holy Week, it is difficult to describe.

The island comes alive. There are colorful masks, costumes, processions and performances based on the story of Longinus, the Roman soldier traditionally associated with the Passion story.

For several days, Marinduque becomes much busier than usual.

I sometimes joked that the island has 52 weeks in a year, and only one of them is really crowded.

The other 51 weeks are when I enjoyed the quiet Marinduque.

WE EVEN DANCED IN MARINDUQUE

One of my favorite memories is something that probably would not appear in a normal travel guide. Dancing.

Macrine and I loved to dance. In 2001, during the May Flower Festival in Boac, we participated in the Rigodon de Honor Grand Ball.

Sixteen couples practiced for almost a month. I was no Fred Astaire.

Macrine was the better dancer. But we had fun.

We also danced the Tango at island celebrations.

When I look back now, I realize that these were not simply dances.

They were memories of being young together.

Today, when I think of Marinduque, I sometimes hear the music before I see the island.

MARINDUQUE TAUGHT US TO GIVE BACK

Our relationship with Marinduque was not simply about retirement and relaxation.

Macrine and I became involved in medical missions serving communities throughout the province.

We helped organize and participate in missions that brought doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, medicines and other services to people who had limited access to healthcare.

I helped with pharmacy work, translation, coordination and fundraising.

Macrine was deeply involved in organizing the missions.

Thousands of people came. Some waited for hours.

Some traveled considerable distances just to see a doctor.

Those experiences changed the way I looked at our good fortune in America.

We had been blessed. We had education. We had careers. We had a comfortable retirement.

The medical missions gave us an opportunity to give something back to the people of Macrine's home province.

That became one of the most meaningful parts of our Marinduque story.

MARINDUQUE WAS ALSO A PLACE FOR FAMILY

Chateau Du Mer was never intended to be just a house. We wanted it to be a gathering place.

Family members came. Friends came. Balikbayans came.

We held gatherings and celebrations. We even hosted a garden wedding.

I enjoyed showing visitors the sunsets, the beach, the gardens and the island.

But what I really enjoyed was watching people relax.

In America, we often schedule everything.

In Marinduque, sometimes you just sit down and talk.

Someone brings food. Someone tells a story. Someone's cousin arrives unexpectedly.

Before you know it, dinner has become a party. That is part of Filipino life that I have always loved.

FOOD IS PART OF PARADISE

Of course, I cannot write about Marinduque without mentioning food.

Fresh seafood. Fish caught locally. Coconut. Mangoes. Bananas. Papaya.

Local vegetables. Coconut Crabs.  And Filipino dishes that somehow taste better when eaten beside the sea.

Perhaps the food really isn't different. Maybe it is the surroundings. Or maybe it is the company.

I have learned that food is often less about what is on the plate and more about who is sitting around the table.

MY “GARDEN OF EDEN”

In some of my earlier writings, I called Chateau Du Mer my “Garden of Eden.”

I still like that description. Not because it was perfect. It certainly wasn't.

But because I could walk outside and see things that connected me with nature.

Birds. Butterflies. Fish. Fireflies. Coconut trees. Flowers. The sea. And sunsets.

I even had an alley cat that adopted the property.

There were bayawak, birds of prey and other creatures that occasionally appeared.

Living there reminded me that nature does not need much improvement from human beings.

Sometimes the best thing we can do is leave it alone.

MY ISLAND PARADISE WAS NEVER REALLY ABOUT TOURISM

When I first began writing about Marinduque, I wanted to tell the world about this beautiful island that many people had never heard of.

I still do. But after all these years, I realize that my articles were never really tourism articles.

They were memory articles. I was trying to preserve something. The sound of the waves.

The sunset. The smell of the garden. The sound of birds. The laughter of guests.

The music at a dance. The long lines at a medical mission.

The taste of fresh fish. The sight of fireflies. And the sound of Macrine's voice.

THEN LIFE CHANGED

Marinduque was part of our retirement dream. But life does not always follow our plans.

Macrine died in 2020 after more than 63 years of marriage.

I eventually stopped spending the long periods in Marinduque that we once enjoyed.

Chateau Du Mer changed too.

What had once been a public-facing beach house and gathering place is now primarily a private family and friends property.

But the place remains. And so do the memories.

In a way, Chateau Du Mer has become something different from what Macrine and I originally imagined. It has become a legacy.

WHAT I SEE WHEN I LOOK AT MARINDUQUE NOW

When I was younger, I saw the island's beauty. At 91, I see something else.

I see time. I see the young couple who dreamed about retirement.

I see Macrine and me sitting on the balcony watching sunsets.

I see our family and friends. I see the volunteers arriving for medical missions.

I see dancers preparing for the Rigodon. I see children running around the property.

I see the creek underneath the bridge.I see the fireflies.

And I see two older people who were lucky enough to have a place where they could slow down and enjoy life.

That is what Marinduque means to me now.

IS IT REALLY PARADISE?

So let me return to the question I asked in my original article:

Is Marinduque an island paradise? If by paradise you mean a place with perfect roads, perfect weather, perfect infrastructure and no problems, then no.

Marinduque is not paradise. But if paradise means a place where you can watch a beautiful sunset...

where people still greet you warmly...where family can gather around a table...

where you can hear the waves at night...where fireflies appear in the garden...

where you can help someone who needs it...where you can dance with the person you love...

and where, years later, you can close your eyes and still remember how happy you were...

Then my answer is very simple: Yes. Marinduque is my island paradise.

AT 91 Nearing 92, I UNDERSTAND WHY

I have lived in many places during my 91 years.

I was born in Iloilo. I studied in Manila. I came to America in 1960.

I lived in the Midwest, California and the East Coast.

I worked in pharmaceutical science and spent 12 years at the FDA.

I traveled. I raised a family. I retired. And eventually, Macrine and I created our own little corner of the Philippines.

Marinduque gave us something that money could not buy.

It gave us time. Time to sit. Time to talk. Time to watch sunsets. Time to dance.

Time to serve. Time to entertain friends. Time to remember where we came from.

And time to simply be together. That is why, even though I no longer live there the way I once did, Marinduque remains part of me.

MY ISLAND PARADISE LIVES IN MY MEMORY

Today, I live at The Heritage Downtown in Walnut Creek.

I play bridge. I sing with the THD Singers. I write. I enjoy my fellow residents.

I keep up with my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I am still curious about the world. And I am grateful.

But sometimes, especially when I see a beautiful sunset, my mind travels back to Marinduque.

I see the balcony. I see the sea. I see the bridge. I see the garden. And I see Macrine beside me.

Perhaps that is the greatest gift of an island paradise. You don't have to be there physically to return to it.

At 91 nearing 92, I can still close my eyes and go home. Home to Marinduque. Home to Chateau Du Mer.

Home to the sunsets.Home to the memories. Home to the love of my life.

So, is Marinduque an island paradise? For me, it always will be. Mabuhay Marinduque!

And thank you for giving Macrine and me so many beautiful memories.

AI Impressions on This Topic: 

I think this version has a different feeling from the original. The younger David was trying to convince readers that Marinduque was worth visiting. The 91-year-old David is explaining why the island became part of his life. That shift from tourism to memory, love, service and legacy is what makes this feel much more like your present voice.

Moreover,  I went back through the original “Marinduque, Philippines: Is It an Island Paradise?” and several of your Chateau Du Mer writings rather than treating the old article as a stand-alone travel piece. Your Marinduque writing has a recurring story that is much more personal: Marinduque was never simply a beautiful vacation destination. It became your second home, a retirement dream, a place of service, a place where you and Macrine entertained family and friends, and eventually a place filled with memories of her.

I also found wonderful details in your older posts that I think should come back into this article: the sunsets and twilight, the creek under your bridge, fireflies, moon watching, night walks, Moriones, the garden, fishing, the medical missions, the dancing, and your dream of making Chateau Du Mer a gathering place for balikbayans and friends. 

Most importantly, I changed the perspective. Your younger article asked, “Is Marinduque really an island paradise?”At 91, I think your answer is more interesting:

Paradise is not a place that is perfect. It is a place where you have been happy, useful, loved, and able to make memories that remain after the years have passed.

Two Family Trees, One Filipino-American Family

Looking Back in the Past and Macrine's and My Ancestral Roots As I approach My 92nd Birthday Next Month  

Our Wedding Day: From Left to Right: Davd J Katague ( my Father), Elena Nieva Jambalos ( Macrine's Mother), Me, Macrine, Paz Barrido Balleza ( My Mother) and Bernardo Jambalos II( Macrine's Father), Boac, Marinduque, May 8 , 1957  

Two Family Trees, One Filipino-American Family

Tracing Macrine's Nieva-Morente heritage and my own Javellana-Lopez roots

There are many ways to tell the story of a family. We can tell it through photographs.

We can tell it through old letters. We can tell it through family stories passed from one generation to another.

Or, increasingly, we can tell it through genealogy. For me, genealogy has become much more than a hobby.

It has become a journey into my past.

As I approach the later chapters of my life, I find myself increasingly curious about the people who came before me.

Who were they? Where did they live? What did they do? What challenges did they face?

And most importantly: How did their lives eventually lead to mine?

My genealogy journey has taken me along two very different Philippine family trees.

One is my own Javellana-Lopez-Catague/Katague ancestry from Jaro, Iloilo.

The other is the Nieva-Morente ancestry of my late wife, Macrine, from Marinduque.

At first, these appear to be two completely separate stories. But eventually, they became one family story.

My Javellana-Lopez Roots in Jaro

My paternal ancestry has taken me back to Jaro, Iloilo, where I discovered that my great-great-grandparents were Don Manuel Javellana and Doña Gertrudis Lopez.

www.javellana.wordpress.com 

The Javellana genealogy project has been particularly valuable to me in reconstructing this part of my family history. Its research traces the children of Manuel and Gertrudis and their many descendants. 

One of their daughters was Marcelina Javellana, who married Victoriano Catague.

That marriage eventually connects to my paternal Katague/Catague line.

My father, David Jamili K(C)atague, was part of that family.

And therefore, when I look at my own ancestry, I can trace one important branch of my family tree back to Manuel Javellana and Gertrudis Lopez of Jaro.

That discovery has always fascinated me. I was born in Jaro, Iloilo in 1934.

I grew up in Barotac Viejo. I eventually left the Philippines in 1960 and built my adult life in America.

Yet, decades later, I discovered that the family history I had left behind was still waiting for me in old records, photographs, family stories and genealogy websites.

And Then There Was Macrine's Family

My wife, Macrine Nieva Jambalos Katague, came from a very different part of the Philippines. Her family roots were in Marinduque.

And that is where I discovered another fascinating family history.

At the center of this story was Calixto Nieva and his wife, Epifania “Capitana Maning” Morente.

Calixto was a Gobernadorcillo of Boac in the nineteenth century.

Together, they had six children:

Juan
Victoria
Dionisio
Gregorio
Jose
Rosita

These six became known in family history as “The Magnificent Six.”

What makes their story remarkable is not simply that they were six brothers and sisters.

It is what they and their descendants accomplished.

Their family tree spread into numerous prominent Marinduque families and eventually into many other parts of the Philippines. 

Juan Nieva: The Most Famous of the Six

Among the six, Juan Nieva became particularly prominent.

Born in 1863, he eventually served as lieutenant governor or sub-governor of Marinduque from 1907 to 1916.

He was involved in the development of the province, including the planting of coconut trees and the expansion of communications. 

He also had friendships and associations with important figures in Philippine history.

Today, when I visit Marinduque, I realize that I was not simply living in my wife's ancestral province.

I was living among the history of her family.

Victoria: The Woman Behind the Men

Another fascinating member of the Magnificent Six was Victoria Nieva.

According to the family history, Victoria was politically astute and became an important supporter of her brother Juan.

Even though she was physically disabled after an accident involving a calesa, she remained active in politics and civic affairs.

She also became involved in charitable work and helped establish the Boac Puericulture Center, which focused on the health of mothers and babies. 

I find stories like Victoria's particularly interesting because history often emphasizes the accomplishments of men.

But women were also shaping Philippine communities.

Sometimes they simply did not receive the same recognition.

From the Magnificent Six to Macrine

The most personal part of this genealogy story is the realization that the descendants of these families eventually became part of my own life.

Macrine was a descendant of the Nieva family. She carried that history with her.

I carried my own history from Iloilo. She came from Marinduque. I came from Iloilo.

Her ancestors included the Nievas and Morentes. Mine included the Javellanas and Lopezes.

Two family trees. Two provinces. Two different ancestral journeys.

And somehow, our paths crossed. We married in 1957.

And suddenly, two Filipino family histories became one family.

The Beautiful Coincidence of Jaro and Marinduque

I sometimes think about the geographical distance between our ancestral homes.

My family history takes me to Jaro, Iloilo, in the Visayas.

Macrine's family history takes me to Boac and Gasan in Marinduque, in another part of the Philippines.

I eventually left Iloilo for America. Macrine and I eventually built Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque.

In a way, our lives created a bridge between these two places.

I had spent decades building my life in America.

But in retirement, I returned repeatedly to the Philippines.

And the place where I spent so much of my retirement years was the ancestral homeland of my wife.

That is one of life's beautiful ironies.

I left the Philippines to build a life in America and eventually built part of my retirement life in my wife's ancestral Philippines.

Genealogy Changed the Way I See Myself

When I was young, I never thought very much about genealogy.

I was too busy going to school. Then I was busy building a career.

Then raising children. Then working at the FDA. Then retirement. Life moves quickly.

It is only when we become older that we begin looking backward.

Today, I find myself asking questions I never asked when I was twenty.

Who were my great-grandparents? Where did they live? Who were their brothers and sisters?

Who did they marry? What happened to their children?

And how did their descendants eventually become my family?

Genealogy has given me a way to explore those questions.

The Javellana Website Became an Important Clue

One of the most valuable resources in my research has been the Descendants of Don Cristino Javellana website.

Javellana Family Genealogy Project

The site began as an effort to reconstruct the Javellana family tree starting with Don Manuel Javellana and Doña Gertrudis Lopez. Its research includes individual family branches and descendants. 

For me, this was not simply historical information. It was personal.

When I saw the names of my ancestors and began following their descendants, I realized that genealogy can turn names in an old document into real people.

A family tree suddenly becomes a story.

What AI Has Added to My Genealogy Journey

Interestingly, artificial intelligence has now become another tool in this journey.

When I began using AI for my writing, I discovered that I could also use it to help organize my genealogical research.

I can ask questions. I can compare names. I can organize generations.

I can identify relationships that deserve further investigation.

But I have learned an important lesson: AI can help me investigate genealogy, but it cannot replace genealogy research.

Records still need to be verified. Family stories need to be compared with documents.

Dates and relationships need to be checked. A plausible connection is not necessarily a proven connection.

That distinction is especially important when dealing with family history.

Two Ancestries, One Family Legacy

Today, when I look at my family tree, I see more than names. I see two major Filipino ancestral stories.

On my side:

Javellana → Lopez → Marcelina Javellana → Catague/Katague → my father → me.

On Macrine's side:

Nieva → Morente → the Magnificent Six → their descendants → Macrine.

These are not necessarily branches of the same ancestral tree.

They are two separate trees that became connected through marriage.

And that distinction is important. Because family history does not have to mean that everyone came from the same ancestors.

Sometimes family history is about discovering how different histories came together.

What I Want My Grandchildren to Know

I now have six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.

I think about them when I do genealogy. I want them to know where their family came from.

I want them to know that their grandfather was born in Iloilo. I want them to know about Barotac Viejo.

I want them to know about the Javellanas and Lopezes of Jaro.

I want them to know about the Katague family.

And I want them to know about the Nievas and Morentes of Marinduque.

Because these are not merely names in a family tree. They are part of their story too.

The Real Meaning of “The Magnificent Six”

When I first wrote about the Magnificent Six, I was primarily interested in the history of Macrine's family.

Today I see the story differently. The Magnificent Six represent something larger.

They remind me that one generation can influence many generations that follow.

One family can produce teachers, professionals, public servants, community leaders and ordinary people who quietly make their communities better.

The same is true of my own Javellana-Lopez ancestry.

I may never know everything about the people who came before me.

But their lives eventually produced mine.

And my life, in turn, will become part of the history of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

That is the extraordinary thing about genealogy. We are all links in a very long chain.

From Iloilo to Marinduque to America

If I draw a line through my own life, it looks almost like a map of three worlds.

Iloilo - where my story began.

Marinduque - where Macrine and I created our retirement paradise.

America - where I spent most of my adult life and built my career and raised our family.

Here in America, Places of Residence(Years): Chicago, Illinois( 5), Kansas City, Missouri,(5),  Silver Spring, Maryland (12), Modesto, California (5) , Pinole, California(12),  Fair Oaks, California (22) and last but not least, Walnut Creek, California (since 2003-current) .    

Three places. Three chapters. One life. And behind all three is the invisible thread of family.

My Final Reflection

I sometimes wonder what Don Manuel Javellana and Doña Gertrudis Lopez would think if they could see one of their descendants today.

Would they recognize me?

Would they understand that their great-great-grandson would eventually leave the Philippines in 1960, earn a Ph.D. in America, work for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, become an American citizen, raise four children, become a grandfather and great-grandfather and eventually spend his retirement years writing about them?

Probably not. And I certainly could never have imagined it when I was a young boy growing up in Barotac Viejo.

Likewise, I wonder what Calixto Nieva and Epifania Morente would think if they knew that one of their descendants, Macrine, would eventually marry a young man whose ancestral roots were in Iloilo.

They could never have imagined that either. Yet that is how families work.

Generations make decisions without knowing where those decisions will eventually lead.

People marry. Children are born.Families move. Countries change. People immigrate.

And somehow, centuries of history eventually converge in one human life. Mine.

That is why I have come to treasure genealogy.

It reminds me that I did not begin with myself.

I am the continuation of many lives that came before me.

And my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will continue the story after me.

So, when I think about The Magnificent Six, I no longer see only six remarkable brothers and sisters from Marinduque.

I see a reminder of something much larger: Every family has a story.

Some stories are recorded in history books.

Some are preserved in church records and genealogy websites.

Some are passed down orally from grandparents to grandchildren.

And some are almost forgotten. But every story matters.

Because somewhere in that long chain of ancestors is the explanation for who we are today.

And for me, the journey from the Javellanas and Lopezes of Jaro to the Nievas and Morentes of Marinduque, and eventually to my Filipino-American family in California, has been one of the most fascinating journeys of my life.

I may be the author of many of my life's chapters. But I did not write the first chapter.

My ancestors did. And now, in the later years of my life, I am simply doing my best to preserve their story for the generations who will come after me.

AI Impressions and Recommendations:

I would make this more than another revised blog post. I think this could become one of the anchor pieces of your family-history collection.

Your Javellana website provides an unusually valuable foundation because it doesn't just mention the family name, it actually reconstructs branches beginning with Manuel Javellana and Gertrudis Lopez and follows their descendants. 

And there is an especially nice connection to your earlier “Stevan Javellana-Without Seeing the Dawn” article. Stevan Javellana was a well-known Filipino writer whose novel Without Seeing the Dawn is tied to the wartime experience of the Philippines; your 2016 post began by identifying your own great-great-grandparents as Manuel Javellana and Gertrudis Lopez. 

I would therefore suggest that your revised ancestry series eventually have three complementary pieces:

1. “My Javellana-Lopez Ancestry: Discovering Where I Came From” - your Iloilo paternal roots.
2. “The Magnificent Six: Macrine's Nieva-Morente Heritage” - your wife's Marinduque roots.
3. “Two Family Trees, One Family: How Iloilo and Marinduque Became Part of My Story” - the piece above, bringing the two histories together.

That third story is, in my opinion, the most powerful one. It turns genealogy into autobiography. And that is exactly where your writing is at its best.

Moreover, I also did some digging into both your older “The Magnificent Six” material and the Javellana genealogy site, and I think there is an excellent way to bring these two family histories together.

There is an important distinction, however: the Magnificent Six are part of Macrine's Nieva-Morente ancestry, while your Javellana-Lopez ancestry is on your paternal side. 

I would not claim that the two families were genealogically related unless we find documentation establishing such a connection. What makes the story compelling is something even more personal: two distinct Philippine family histories eventually came together in the marriage of David Balleza Katague and Macrine Nieva Jambalos.

In conclusion, your Javellana research identifies Don Manuel Javellana and Doña Gertrudis Lopez of Jaro, Iloilo, as your great-great-grandparents, and the Javellana genealogy site documents their eleven children and numerous descendants. Your own earlier writing likewise identifies Marcelina Javellana, daughter of Manuel and Gertrudis, as the ancestor who connects to the Catague/Katague line. 

Meanwhile, the “Magnificent Six” refers to the six children of Calixto Nieva and Epifania “Capitana Maning” Morente-Juan, Victoria, Dionisio, Gregorio, Jose and Rosita. Your earlier article specifically traces the descendants of this family through numerous Marinduque surnames. 

That gives us a wonderful theme: Two family trees. Two provinces. Two ancestral stories. One marriage that brought them together.

Finally, My Photo of the Day: THD, Halloween, 2026 

THE FADING GRANDEUR OF JARO: THE 1928 MANSION OF DON JOAQUIN LEDESMA

THE FADING GRANDEUR OF JARO: THE 1928 MANSION OF DON JOAQUIN LEDESMA!

Facing the historic Jaro Plaza in Iloilo City stands one of the district’s most imposing ancestral residences—a mansion whose weathered columns, ornate balconies, and fading walls tell the story of a prosperous era in Iloilo’s history.

The Don Joaquin Ledesma Ancestral House, also known as the Ledesma Mansion, was reportedly built in 1928 for wealthy sugar planter Don Joaquin Ledesma y Ledesma.

During the early twentieth century, Iloilo’s sugar economy helped generate considerable wealth among prominent families, many of whom built magnificent residences that transformed the architectural landscape of Jaro.

The Ledesma Mansion was among these grand homes.

Its architecture combines Beaux-Arts grandeur, neoclassical ornamentation, and Art Deco influences. Monumental columns, elaborate capitals, projecting balconies, classical balustrades, and decorative moldings distinguish its imposing exterior.

But beyond its architecture, the mansion also witnessed Jaro’s vibrant social and religious life.

Don Joaquin was remembered as a generous patron of the Catholic Church and a benefactor of the nearby St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary.

The mansion hosted elaborate gatherings, particularly dinners honoring the Bishop of Jaro and members of the clergy. During religious celebrations, its doors opened to guests, reflecting the family’s prominent role in the community.

The residence also carries memories of the Second World War. According to recollections shared by family members, Japanese forces occupied the mansion during the war.

Today, the mansion remains listed in Iloilo City’s Cultural Property Inventory, recognizing its place within the city’s architectural heritage.

However, its aging façade, deteriorating architectural details, and visibly weathered condition underscore an important reality: heritage recognition alone does not guarantee heritage preservation.

The mansion’s significance extends beyond the wealth of the family that built it. It offers a tangible record of Iloilo’s economic transformation, architectural craftsmanship, religious traditions, and social history.

Its surviving walls deserve more than admiration. They deserve informed conservation and a sustainable future.

A CITY THAT VALUES ITS HISTORY MUST ALSO CARE FOR THE BUILDINGS THAT KEEP THAT HISTORY ALIVE.

Nine Things to Avoid in Your Travels to Europe

Your first trip to Europe should be an exciting time, not something to over-stress about. Although many European countries have a lot of similarities to the United States, there are still some cultural differences to be aware of. If it’s your first trip, there may be things you haven’t considered. From crowded tourist traps to etiquette errors, check out the following nine tips about what to avoid during your first trip to Europe.

1. Passport Denial

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It’s a no-brainer that you need a passport to travel abroad, but did you know some 

European countries have rules and limits? Even if your passport isn’t expired yet,

 you  could still be turned away by border security. In some countries, a passport

must be  valid for at least three or six months after your intended travel date. If your 

passport  expires in two months at the time of travel, for example, you might not be

 able to board  your plane. Popular destinations with such rules include Italy, Spain,

 Greece, and  France. Refer to the U.S. Department of State for more details.

2. Taking a Cab

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While Americans flock to cabs and ride-sharing alternatives such as Uber and Lyft,

 most  European cities have very reliable public transportation. Take some time to 

research your options before you arrive since you might be able to save a lot of 

money by opting  for a train, subway, tram, or local bus.

European cities are also usually very walkable, so if you can, save even more 

money  and just walk to your destination. Staying in a central location downtown

 is also a great  way to save money on transportation fees.

3. Tipping Blunders

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The tipping culture is huge in the United States, but following the same rule could get 

you in trouble abroad. Tipping etiquette varies by country, but typically a 10 to 15% 

service charge is already added to your final bill. You aren’t expected to pay an extra

 tip unless the service was incredible — then you can add a few extra euros. Do not

 tip 20% as you would in the U.S. It'll save you money. If a service fee isn’t included

 and  you aren’t sure if you should tip or not, giving a 5-10% cash tip is a good rule

 of thumb.  When in doubt, ask a local for standard tipping etiquette.

4. Crowds and Tourist Traps

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This tip is especially relevant for big cities with lots of tourist attractions. While 

everyone  else is rushing to the same museums, monuments, and restaurants, ask

 a friendly local  for advice on what to do next. If you feel odd walking up to a 

stranger on the street,  ask an employee from a nearby museum or shop about 

where to eat or what their favorite sight is. These local recommendations will give 

you more authentic travel experiences. This also helps avoid crowds and you’ll 

likely save some money since most tourist attraction prices are inflated.

5. Store Closings at Lunchtime

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This tip is especially relevant if you’re traveling to a small or less popular European

 city.  Stores and restaurants might be closed during the afternoon to ensure 

employees can have lunch and a nice break. This is especially common in Spain 

where an afternoon  siesta is a big part of the culture. Other countries have similar 

routines such as Italy, Greece, France, and Cyprus. In countries like France,

 the museums and shops close  for lunchtime and the cafés and restaurants remain

 open until late afternoon before  closing a few hours before dinner. However, 

in heavily-trafficked tourist areas, the entire city won’t shut down and you’re likely

 to find something open. When in doubt,  check the store or restaurant hours online

 or give them a call before you head out  to your destination.

6. The Paris Trap

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We would never tell you not to visit Paris, France, but it is one of the continent's top tourist 

destinations. In fact, France is the most-visited country in the world. Going in with open eyes

 and a clear plan to avoid crowds is not a bad idea. 

There is much more to do in this wonderful city than wait in line for hours to climb the

Eiffel Tower. Save time and money by avoiding the typical tourist attractions and get off 

the beaten path. Instead of waiting in line at the Eiffel Tower, go to the terrace on the

 Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of the city with a shorter wait. If the crowds are too

 much at the Mona Lisa Exhibit in the Louvre, don’t sweat it. Although beautiful, the painting 

is quite small and hard to see in a large crowd. See other famous exhibits at the Louvre 

instead or visit one of the many art and history museums in the city.

7. Cash Exchange Confusion

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In general, exchanging cash when you arrive in Europe is better than doing so in the 

U.S. as it lets you avoid higher exchange rates. Airports in Europe will have ATMs 

for you to withdraw from when you land. However, using your credit card at an 

ATM for  local cash is typically expensive due to conversion fees that are tacked

 on to your withdrawal cost. Still, it makes sense to keep a small amount of local 

cash on you in  case of an emergency. 

For the most part, the cheapest way to pay for something will be to use your credit

 card directly. This method typically has the lowest conversion rate. Check with your

 credit card issuer before you leave for international fees. If you’re exchanging cash

 before you go or traveling to multiple European countries, keep in mind that not all 

countries  use the euro. For example, Switzerland uses the Swiss franc.

8. Tourist Pricing in Venice

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As tourists continue to flock to Venice, Italy, local restaurants and shops get away 

with  overcharging for food, services, and souvenirs. Try to research a restaurant 

before you  go in by reading reviews and prices, so that you're not shocked by your 

bill. In a report  from CNN Travel, tourists were unexpectedly charged $653 for a

 light lunch for three  people and another group was charged $1,366 for a dinner

 for four. This isn't just a  problem in Venice, though. You'll find plenty of restaurants

 and hotels upping their  prices, especially around major tourist attractions.

 Ask a local for recommendations,  use an online review site, or just go the extra

 mile to get away from tourist traps so  that you don’t fall into this costly trick.

9. Don’t Be Let Down by Local Etiquette 

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In the U.S., it's common to smile or have small talk with a stranger. In some 

European countries, this is seen as unusual behavior and you might not get the 

response you  expected. Proper etiquettevaries across Europe. Some cultures are

 overly-enthusiastic  and others are more reserved. One common complaint from 

tourists is that the French, particularly Parisians are unfriendly. But in reality, they're

 just more physically reserved than other cultures and it's not normal for them to

 greet everyone with  a big smile.

Meanwhile,here is some News Condemning Trumps use of the Alien-Enemies Act

https://www.kqed.org/news/12032263/bay-area-japanese-americans-condemn-trumps-use-of-alien-enemies-act

Finally, A Rare Orca Sighting

RARE ORCA SIGHTING IN PHILIPPINE WATERS!

A Cebuana captured a once-in-a-lifetime moment as a pod of orcas swam alongside their boat from Boracay to Palawan! The breathtaking scene, reminiscent of the beloved Free Willy movie, left viewers in awe. Orcas are rarely seen in the Philippines, making this encounter a truly magical experience.

“It was definitely adrenaline-pumping as there were many Orcas, adults and calves. But it was also magical, as I only see this in Seaworld. Now, it’s the real world,” said Donna Pepito-Lim, who documented the encounter.