From the point of view of Philippine history, Lita Oblena Ansay, from her birth on May 10, 1918 witnessed the Philippines become a commonwealth of the United States from being a territory, and finally gaining its independence in 1946.
She also witnessed Manuel L. Quezon become the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth and also the first ever constitutional convention. As a child, she used to accompany her father, the late Pedro Oblena who was a veteran of the Philippine Revolution against Spain led by General Emilio Aguinaldo, go to Kawit, Cavite to support the movement for Philippine independence from the United States.
On a personal level, Lita Ansay is a semi-celebrity in Cavinti. Well known as a fortuneteller, there were always ‘visitors’ in their house in Rizal Street. When they moved to Manila, her ‘clients’ followed her.
There was one thing she did not do though. She refused to get paid for her fortunetelling ability. ‘It’s a gift from God,’ Lita Ansay said when asked why.
Blessed with six children, Lita and Aquilino Ansay sent all of them to school – Steve, Nepthalie, Loida, Abraham, William and Eunice, all earned college degrees. All their children grown, opportunity knocked once more. Her husband, Aquilino was a recognized guerrilla during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and served with the American soldiers. That service to the U.S. Army paved their way to come to the United States. They arrived in California in 1994.
On her 90th birthday, her grandchild Kyna is hosting a luau at the Great Shanghai Buffet in Azusa, California in Lita Ansay’s honor. Close friends and kababayans are invited.
Among her six children and twenty grandchildren and great grandchildren, only her son Steve, who also lives in California and her grandchild Kyna will be at the party. Lita Ansay’s other children – Nepthali is in Kuwait and William works in an oil tanker, current exact location is unknown to the general public while Abraham, Loida and Eunice are in the Philippines, will be with their mother in spirit.
Leave your birthday greetings for Lita Ansay by clicking on the ‘LEAVE COMMENT’ link above, just below the title.
(Note: You might not see your greetings immediately because the website is set for a moderator to approve a message to avoid spam. But, don’t worry, it will be published within the hour.)
Happy Happy 90th Birthday Tiya Lita! We look forward to joining you in your celebration today. Kristina sends her love. She will not be able to come today. She is going to her Prom tonight, but will certainly miss you.
Love Always,
Joey, Helen, Kristina & Kassy