Lt. Governor Juan Nieva y Morente (1863–1932) -Macrine's Grand Father

An Update on My Postings on Macrine's Nieva Ancestry  

Rene Nieva (Macrine's First Cousin), Macrine and Me in Front of the Nieva StreetIn Makati, Metro Manila . Juan Nieva is Rene's and Macrine's Grand Father.


https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/11/latest-update-on-ancestry-of-nievas.html 

Lt. Governor Juan Nieva y Morente (1863–1932), Builder of Gasan’s Iconic Bridges in his Younger Years

Juan Nieva was one of Marinduque’s most distinguished early political leaders and the eldest of the six children of Calixto Nieva and Epifania “Capitana Maning” Morente. Epifania was known for her mestiza beauty, being the daughter of a parish priest of Boac, of Spanish-French descent.

The six Nieva children are, in the order of birth, Juan, Victoria, Dionisio, Gregorio, Jose and Rosita. They were referred to as the ‘Magnificent Six’, for they all were extraordinary and impressive men and women who have made indelible marks not only in the history of Marinduque but that of the nation as a whole.

Born in 1863, Juan belonged to one of the island’s most influential families. His father, Calixto Nieva, served as Gobernadorcillo (Cabeza) of Boac in 1867, who came from a line of gobernadorcillos himself.

Epifania was a supportive partner to Calixto. The leadership qualities of the Morentes seemed to have manifested themselves in her siblings, one of whom, Juan or Juancho, became governor of Mindoro, as well as subsequent generations of Morentes that have produced National Artist Lucrecia Kasilag, DOTC Undersecretary Josie Trinidad-Lichauco and an assortment of business and professional leaders.

Juan was educated at the Liceo de Manila, the forerunner of the Ateneo de Manila, where he became a schoolmate of the young José Rizal, whom he affectionately called “Pepe.” He also developed a close friendship with Manuel Luis Quezon, then a fellow province mate from the united Province of Tayabas and Marinduque. Their friendship endured into adulthood, with Quezon later becoming the godfather of Juan’s first-born son, Guillermo (“Willie”) Nieva.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Juan devoted his life to public service. He served as Cabeza de Barangay of both Boac and Santa Cruz before being appointed Lieutenant Governor (Sub-Governor) of the Sub-Province of Marinduque. He was appointed Lieutenant Governor by the Governor General with the advice and consent of the Philippine Commission, on May 17, 1907, by virtue of Act No. 1649, Section 1, which ‘provided for a lieutenant governor for the said sub-province’ (Marinduque). He served from 1907 to 1916.

During his administration, he was credited with introducing large-scale coconut planting across the island, laying the foundation for one of Marinduque’s important agricultural industries. He also spearheaded the installation of telegraph lines connecting the municipalities of Marinduque, significantly improving communication and government administration throughout the island.

Juan Nieva’s legacy extends beyond his own descendants. His contributions to agricultural development, public infrastructure, and provincial governance established him as one of the pioneering statesmen of early twentieth-century Marinduque.

Juan’s leadership helped shape the province during the early years of American civil government. He was supported politically by his younger sister, Victoria Nieva Mercader, who became known as the “king-maker” behind many of the island’s political successes during that era.

Victoria was Juan’s political right-hand assistant. Though lame (from falling from a calesa), she was an astute and dynamic politician.

Victoria was active in civic and charitable affairs, putting up and becoming the first president of the Boac Puericulture Center which looked after the health of mothers and their babies. Victoria married Doroteo Mercader and from them came the Reyeses, the Sto. Domingos and the Laurels of Generation 2 and 3 and again other surnames in succeeding generations.

GASAN ICONIC BRIDGES

During his incumbency as Lieutenant-Governor, Juan Nieva thought of building the two bridges in Gasan, a town located between two rivers: Tiguion river in the north, and Matandang Gasan river in the south.

The construction of the two bridges was finished in 1924.

Then in 1929, the provincial capitol building was built, through a contract with a Manila-based construction firm owned by Mr. Yu Chong Tian. The building construction cost PhP95, 239. The total cost of the build was Php104,973, ‘including the cost of supervision and provincial and insular surcharges.’

Juan Nieva’s friendship with national figures such as José Rizal and Manuel L. Quezon further illustrates his place within the generation of Filipinos who helped shape both provincial and national history.

#gasanhistory

#gasanculture

#nievabridge

#juannieva

#marinduquehistory

#GasanMarinduque

Ref: History, Culture and Tradition | Province of Marinduque | Official Website

Ref: Marinduque Politics – Ulongbeach.com

Ref: Juan Nieva y Morente (1863 - 1932) - Genealogy

Ref: Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Chapter 8: The Ancestral Roots of the Nieva Clan of Marinduque-The Magnificent Six

Ref: Where the Heck is Marinduque?: Governors and Representatives to Congress of Marinduque, Philippines

David B. Katague blogs

Meanwhile, Here's the List of: 

Nieva Gobernadorcillos (equivalent to Municipal Mayor) of Boac, Marinduque:

Capitán Don Carlos María de Nieva - 1825

Capitán Don Espiridión María de Nieva - 1831 & 1845

Capitán Don Juan María de Nieva - 1848–1849

Capitán Don Ruperto María de Nieva y Buñag - 1859

Capitán Don Calixto María de Nieva y Buñag - 1867–1869 & 1879

Capitán Don Francisco María de Nieva y Buñag - 1885–1887 

(Based on my research of the Nieva Clan - Marinduque & Credits to David B. Katague's blogs)

 My Photo of the Day:

The second Blooms of My Cyclamen in My Patio Here at THD  

Finally, here are the top five international news stories for today, Tuesday, July 14, 2026:

1. Middle East conflict continues to escalate
   Fighting between the United States and Iran remains the dominant global story. Reports indicate additional U.S. military strikes, Iranian retaliation, and heightened tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis has pushed oil prices higher and increased concerns about global energy supplies. 
2. Global markets await U.S. inflation data
   Investors around the world are watching the release of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI). Rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty have kept markets volatile, while major U.S. banks have begun reporting quarterly earnings. 
3. 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches the semifinals
   The World Cup enters one of its most exciting stages today with France facing Spain in the first semifinal. Football fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome as the tournament nears its conclusion. 
4. Wildfires spread across Europe and North America
   Severe heat and drought continue to fuel destructive wildfires in several countries. France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of the United States are battling major fires, prompting evacuations and public health warnings. 
5. China sends a senior delegation to North Korea
   China's top political adviser, Wang Huning, is scheduled to visit North Korea this week. The visit is viewed as an important diplomatic move that could influence regional security and strengthen ties between Beijing and Pyongyang. 

More Than a Blogger: Reflections on Becoming an Online Memoirist and Cultural Essayist

For many years, whenever someone asked me what I did online, my answer was simple.

"I write a blog." That answer was true, but it was never the whole story.

Since 2009, I have written thousands of essays, reflections, commentaries, reviews, and personal stories. They have reached readers in more than 150 countries and have accumulated over two millions of page views. Yet I never stopped to ask myself a more important question.

What kind of writer have I become?

Recently, someone described me using words I had never used to describe myself: an online memoirist, a cultural blogger, a science writer, a chronicler of senior living, and a Filipino-American essayist.

At first, I was surprised. Then I reflected.

Perhaps those descriptions were not titles to be earned but rather observations of a journey that unfolded one essay at a time.

The Online Memoirist

A memoir is not simply the story of one's life. It is the sharing of life's meaningful moments.

Without realizing it, I have spent the past seventeen years preserving memories that otherwise might have disappeared forever.

I have written about growing up in Iloilo, my education at the University of the Philippines, my immigration to America in 1960, earning my Ph.D., working in industry, and later serving as a chemist and team leader at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

I have written about my beloved wife, our children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren.

I have shared the joys of family reunions and the loneliness that sometimes accompanies growing older.

These are not merely stories. They are footprints of a life.

The Cultural Essayist

Although I have lived in America for more than six decades, the Philippines has never left my heart.

My essays have celebrated Filipino history, traditions, cuisine, music, language, and the remarkable achievements of Filipino-Americans around the world.

I have written about José Rizal, Antonio Luna, Juan Luna, Filipino cuisine, basketball, music, and the values that shaped my generation.

Every article is my small contribution toward preserving our heritage for younger generations who may never experience the Philippines as I once knew it.

Culture survives because someone chooses to remember.

The Science Writer

Once a scientist, always a scientist. Even after retiring from the FDA, my curiosity never retired.

I continue to write about medicine, chemistry, artificial intelligence, health, nutrition, aging, and emerging technologies.

My goal has never been to impress readers with scientific terminology.

Rather, it has been to explain complex ideas in language ordinary people can understand.

Knowledge becomes truly valuable only when it is shared.

The Chronicler of Senior Living

Life did not stop after retirement. It simply entered another chapter.

Living in an active senior community has given me a new perspective on friendship, resilience, humor, compassion, and the realities of aging.

I have written honestly about loneliness, kindness, caregiving, illness, loss, and hope.

These experiences are often overlooked in our youth-oriented society, yet they deserve to be recorded because they reflect the dignity of growing older.

If my words help even one family better understand an aging parent or grandparent, then they have served a worthwhile purpose.

A Filipino-American Voice

For more than sixty years, I have lived between two worlds.

America gave me opportunity. The Philippines gave me identity. I have tried to honor both.

Every blog I write represents a bridge connecting my homeland with my adopted country, reminding readers that one can deeply love both without diminishing either.

Our heritage is not something we leave behind when we immigrate.

It travels with us, lives within us, and is passed on through the stories we choose to tell.

More Than Statistics

It is gratifying to know that my blogs have reached millions of readers.

But page views alone are not the true measure of success.

The real reward has been the messages from readers who tell me that an essay touched their heart, answered a question, inspired a memory, or simply made them smile.

Those moments remind me why I continue writing.

My Greatest Legacy

As I enter my nineties, I find myself thinking less about accomplishments and more about legacy. Long after we are gone, our words remain.

Future generations may never know my voice, but they may know my thoughts.

They may never shake my hand, but they may read an essay that helps them understand who I was, what I believed, and what I loved.

That, perhaps, is the greatest gift writing can offer.

Looking back, I now realize that I became more than a blogger without ever planning to.

I became a keeper of memories. A student of culture. A teacher of science.

A witness to aging. A grateful Filipino-American. Above all, I became a storyteller.

If my stories continue to inspire, educate, comfort, or simply remind someone of the beauty found in an ordinary life, then every hour spent writing since 2009 has been richly rewarded.

For that blessing, I remain profoundly grateful.

AI Impressions and Comments on this Posting 

I believe this is one of the more personal essays in your Legacy Series. It doesn't simply describe what you've written, it reflects on who you have become through writing. I think your longtime readers, many of whom have followed your journey since 2009, will recognize themselves in these reflections and understand why your body of work has become a lasting legacy.

Finally, I ask ChatGPT this Query: 

 Did you just call me an Online Memoirist and Cultural Essayist?

Yes, I did, and I used the phrase based on what you've shared with me over many conversations. More precisely:

• Online Memoirist - because much of your writing since 2009 documents your own life and experiences. You've written about:

  • your immigration from the Philippines to the United States in 1960,
  • your career as a pharmaceutical chemist and later at the FDA,
  • your family and your late wife,
  • aging and life at The Heritage Downtown,
  • your Filipino heritage,
  • your reflections on legacy, service, and faith.

  Those are all characteristics of memoir writing, even if your blog covers many other subjects.

• Cultural Essayist - because your blogs frequently explore Filipino and Filipino-American culture, history, cuisine, music, language, traditions, and the immigrant experience. You've also written about topics such as Philippine history, Filipino pride, basketball, food, music, and notable Filipino-Americans. That makes "cultural blogger" an accurate description of a significant part of your work.

Furthermore, I wasn't just suggesting that those are your only identities as a writer. In fact, from what you've shared over the years, I'd describe you more broadly as:

• a memoirist,
• a cultural commentator,
• a science writer,
• a retired FDA scientist who writes for the general public,
• a chronicler of senior living,
• and a Filipino-American essayist.

Your blog is unusual because it combines all of those perspectives. It isn't limited to one niche. Your readers can find personal memories alongside essays on science, history, music, politics, food, and current events.

I also think another description fits you well:

A digital chronicler of a life devoted to science, family, Filipino heritage, and public service.

That captures the breadth of your work better than simply calling you a blogger. Over more than 17 years of writing since 2009, you've created a substantial record of your experiences and reflections that serves both as a personal legacy and as a resource for readers interested in those subjects.

My Photo of the Day: My Blooming Cyclamen in My Patio

Accomplishments of My Six Grand Children

Every Grandparents are proud of their grand children. I am no exception.   

I have six Grand Children and two great grand sons(Graham and Beau) 

Photo Taken in 2014: Left to Right: Carenna, Elaine, Ian, Philip, Alix and Marina

Philip(Phil), Alix and Marina, are the children of my oldest son, Dodie.

Carenna is the only daughter of Ditas, my youngest daughter.

Ian King and Elaine King Joesph are the children of my oldest daughter, Dinah. 

Graham is the son of Ian and Beau is the son of Elaine.  

My Six Grand Children with Macrine and I, Photo taken in 2011

Here are some facts from the Link-In Page of Marina, Carenna, Alix and Phil.  

1. Marina Katague is an academic researcher, epidemiologist, and university instructorspecializing in sociopolitical epidemiology, global public health, and violence and injury prevention.

Current Academic Roles

• PhD Candidate: She is pursuing her doctorate at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego), within the Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health. [1]
• Kinesiology Instructor: She serves as a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). Students frequently rate her highly on platforms like Coursicle for her engaging, student-centered approach to teaching subjects like epidemiology and health promotion. 

Education & Academic Background

• Master of Public Health (MPH): She earned her degree from the Yale School of Public Health.
• Thesis: Her foundational research at Yale focused on global health, specifically publishing an open-access thesis titled "The Impact Of Economic Intimate Partner Violence On Women's Sexual And Reproductive Health In Asia & The Pacific".

Research Focus

According to her Google Scholar Profile, she has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles focusing heavily on the intersection of community violence, systemic issues, and health outcomes. Her key research areas include:

• The health impacts of economic and physical intimate partner violence (IPV).
• Community violence and its role as a barrier to health resources like HIV testing and treatment.
• Transformative justice frameworks for survivors of abuse.

2. Carenna Katague-Thompson is an academic scholar and researcher specializing in international affairs, geography, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She is a graduated with a BS degree at The George Washington University (GW) last May.

Education & Academic Background

• Undergraduate Degree: Completed a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs and Geography with a concentration in Conflict Resolution and a minor in GIS at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs. 
• Graduate Studies: Admitted to the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a Master’s of Urban Spatial Analytics, focusing on applied GIS for city development and resource management.
• Prior Education: Graduated from the United World College (UWC) in Maastricht, Netherlands. 
• Study Abroad: Participated in international academic programs at Queen's University in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and in Paris, France. 
• Leadership & Research

• Dean's Scholars Program: Selected as a 2024-2026 Dean's Scholar at GW, receiving a $5,000 undergraduate research grant. Her original fieldwork examined immigrant integration and peacebuilding efforts in Belfast. 
• National Recognition: Presented her findings at the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University. 
• GIS Collaboration: Provided spatial analysis and created GIS maps for published legal research on digital discrimination and broadband access in Los Angeles County, collaborating with Santa Clara University School of Law professor Catherine J.K. Sandoval.
• Camp Kesem at GW: Served as the co-director for this national student-led nonprofit organization, which hosts free summer camps for children affected by a parent's cancer.

Professional Experience

• U.S. Department of Transportation: Served as a Pathways Student Analyst within the Capital Planning division.
• Legal Internship: Completed a professional internship with the law firm Bracewell LLP to prepare for a career in international human rights law

3. Phil Katague is an arts operations leader, live events manager, and musician currently based in Oakland, California. 

Current Professional Role

• Living Jazz: He serves as the Operations Manager for Living Jazz, an Oakland-based arts nonprofit organization dedicated to music education and community empowerment. He took on this role in October 2023. 

Previous Career Highlights

• Starline Social Club: Served as the Venue Manager from August 2021 to December 2022. He spearheaded the post-pandemic reopening and operational management of this prominent Oakland nightlife and live entertainment venue.
• The UC Theatre: He launched his formal career in live entertainment operations by joining the inaugural cohort of the Concert Career Pathways Program at The UC Theatre in Berkeley.

Music & Education Background

• Musical Background: A lifelong guitarist and musician who began his passion for music community-building by organizing DIY backyard punk shows in his hometown of Walnut Creek, CA. He previously played guitar for the Bay Area band Leftover Bowlskis.
• Education: Graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology

4. Alix Katague is an American software engineer currently working at eero, an Amazon-owned mesh Wi-Fi company. 

Career & Professional Experience

• eero Mesh/Wi-Fi Team: Works as a software engineer specializing in networking features. Notably co-authored engineering rollouts, including implementing Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) channel support to optimize home Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Stanford University (Code in Place): Served as a Python programming Section Leader, teaching foundational computer science concepts to student cohorts.

Education & Academic Background

• Cornell University: Graduated with a degree in computer science.
• Engineering Leadership: Actively participated as a leader and peer advisor in university tech communities, including Cornell University Unmanned Air Systems (CUAir), Women in Computing at Cornell (WICC), and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). 

Personal Interests

• Athletics: She is an active trail runner based in San Francisco, California, recently competing in events like the Pacifica Foothills Trail Run.

My two other grandchildren are Ian King and Elaine King Joseph. Both have college degrees and are employed in Computers and Sales/Merchandizing respectively. 

Ian ( my oldest grandson) and Graham ( my oldest great grandson)

Graham-my oldest great grand son
5. Ian King: Here's info from Ian Linked-in Page. Ian is my oldest Grandson

Ian King

· 2nd

IT Administrator & Device Management Lead | JAMF Certified | Apple Fleet & POS Hardware Operations

Sacramento, California, United States

·

Contact info

Webconnex

Woz U - Full Stack Developer Boot Camp

151

connections

ELAINE AND MOM-DINAH ( my oldest Daughter)  
6. Elaine King Joseph 

Obtained her Bachelor's Degree from Oregon State University and has been working for Gerber since May, 2022, Portland, OR.  

https://www.facebook.com/elaineking03

Elaine Joseph

· 2nd

Marketing Operations Specialist at Gerber

Forest Grove, Oregon, United States

·

Contact info

GERBER

Oregon State University

293

connections

• 

• 

Ditas, Efren and 2 other mutual connections

Connect

Message

Activity

305 followers

Experience

GERBER

Full-time · 4 yrs 2 mos

• Marketing Operations Specialist

  Feb 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos
• Marketing Project Coordinator

  May 2022 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

---

Kroger

4 yrs 8 mos

• Project Manager

  Full-time

  Nov 2021 - Apr 2022 · 6 mos
• Assistant Media Manager

  Oct 2020 - Nov 2021 · 1 yr 2 mos
• Media Partnership Coordinator

  Sep 2018 - Oct 2020 · 2 yrs 2 mos

  Portland, Oregon
• Media Coordinator

  Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

  Portland, Oregon Metropolitan Area

---

Education

Oregon State University

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Digital Communication Arts

Both Ian and Elaine made me a SUPER LOLO with the birth of Graham and Beau this year respectively.    

Related Article: My Children Accomplishments 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/my-four-children-accomplishments-in.html