Tinay Villanueva
Born on July 25, 1916, Tinay, as she is fondly called by family, relatives, friends and acquaintances, is one of the living nonagenarians from Cavinti. She is 93 years old. Her parents were Alejandro and Fermina Ansay (nee Mejilla). Tinay is the only offspring of the couple.
Being an only child, Tinay is a jewel to her parents and to her intimates. And she is a jewel with a warm heart. Besides, she is a lovely young lady. With her charm, her loving eyes, fair skin and black curls, she attracted the attention of many suitors from Cavinti and from afar. Fearing that Tinay might be involved with someone from a neighboring town who is a consistent visitor, her parents made it known to her that they disagree with her choice. During those days, the parents had a significant role in choosing a life partner for their children. Moreover, Tinay was a well-disciplined and obedient daughter and blessed with a desire to please her parents, she abided with their wish.
She was married to the late Simeon Villanueva. They have have had nine children, four females and five males, Two males, one a stillbirth and the other died at the age of eleven. Mely, Tita, Perla, Jean, Bien, Allen and Steve were raised diligently and successfully by the couple. The family established residence in Cavinti, Laguna.
Simeon was employed by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) in Caliraya – Lumot Hydroelectric Project in Cavinti. Upon completion of the project, Simeon was transfered to Ambuklao, Mt. Province where another projct of NAPOCOR was in progress so in 1952, the family moved to the project site. They stayed in Ambuklao for three years more or less. The older children have to stay in Manila for their studies.
The family’s next move was to Illigan City in Mindanao. By this time only the two younger brothers were with the couple. Mely, the eldest, was already in the United States and the three others were left again in Manila to pursue their education.
Mely, the eldest of the seven children is a pharmacist by profession. She came to the United States in 1964 through an exchange program of the Philippine government with the United States. Her contract lasted for two years. At the end of her contract with the exchange program, she decided to go to Canada. She became an immigrant there, thus enabling her to petition for her sister Perla, a medical technologist, to follow her in Canada. Sometime later, Mely was married to an American so she had to return to the United States with her husband. Perla caused the coming of the spouses Simeon and Tinay to Canada. The couple, with the two younger boys, arrived in Toronto, Ontario in 1972.
Tita’s dream was to be a teacher, so she took up Education, Jean became a nurse and Bien an aeronautical engineer. The two younger boys pursued their studies in Toronto, Canada.
All their children are in Canada now, their houses located in different cities in the Greater Toronto area, except Jean who lives in Windsor, also in Ontario. Mely is in the United States.
But a tragedy ocurred in the family after several years. Simeon passed away on October 31, 1995.
Tinay, in her old age, is thanking God for her long life and for all the graces she is receiving. Presently, she is confined in her home because of her age. Her children are always by her side when she needs them.
Her philosophy in life is: “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makararating sa paruruonan.” ( He who does not look back at where he came from will not reach his destination.)
Dear Mrs Oblena,
Your article about Nanay Tinay was so touching and very moving, I can’t help but to get emotional and cry while I’m reading it. She’ s now staying in assisted living home for seniors and need a 24 hour assistance & care due to her dementia but otherwise thank God she’s still healthy, walking & talking although her memory is gone. we visit her and take her out when we have gatherings and parties. Thank you again; I will mention you to her.
Jean