Mondoñedo Clan Model Family of 2012

Hall of Fame 2012 introduces you to the Mondoñedo Clan as the Model Family of the Year. This journey began in 1967 when Roberto L. Mondoñedo married his true love Lilia Braga during the balmy month of October on the 21st day in the province of Bicol. Thus, a wonderful life started together which included four beautiful daughters and a handsome son. The patriarch of the family was Eng. Roberto L. Mondoñedo, who was known to his friends, family, and colleagues as a passionate, generous, and accomplished man. Often called Bert, he was a mining engineer by trade, but had an illustrious entrepreneurial career that spanned more than 25 years delving in mining, drilling, water purification, and restaurant businesses. The matriarch of the family is Atty. Lilia (Lily) B. Mondoñedo, whom through her husband’s encouragement pursued a law degree from the prestigious institution of Ateneo de Manila University. Her successful practice in Manila is only overshadowed by her role as mother to her children. Bert and Lily lived a charmed life with a growing family that was raised in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntilupa. And although both where extremely busy with their careers, their children; Leila, Lorena, Liza, Butch (Roberto Jr.), and Lahaina, are their most cherished gift from God. The parents instilled in each of their children the importance of being a close-knit family. Each Sunday, no matter how busy, was family day. This day was meant to be spent together as a family which started with Sunday mass, many meals around the table, and camaraderie with other close family and friends. Bert also had a fondness for travelling and each summer, at the time when the oldest was only 10 years old, he made it a point to go on long vacations to explore the world and infuse the different cultures and traditions of this global community. Some of the places the Mondoñedo family vacationed were Europe, Asia, Australia, and the USA & Canada. The Mondoñedo family also lived in Malaysia for three years and multiple cities within the Philippines. As each child grew to become adults, they all successfully graduated from prestigious colleges and universities; in which education was also a very important achievement to both their father and mother. Each began their own careers, started their own family, but still remained attached to each other. Not just during holidays would they spend time together, but each continued their own Sunday traditions. Among Bert’s many accomplishments include his most successful venture as the founder and president of Midex Philippines. He nurtured the company to become a five-star, multi-million dollar drilling contractor company. It was his profound dream to one day own his own gold mine. This dream came to fruition when he acquired a geologically viable site and named it Apple Gold Mines in Baguio City, Philippines—naming this venture after his youngest child’s nickname. This mine yielded vast riches that he openly shared with family, friends, employees, and charitable organizations. Because of his love for his daughters and only son, he also devoted the distinguished milestones on his professional career to his children. Leila—Philippine Iron Mines Inc., Lorena—Philex Mining Corporation, Liza—Sabena Mining Corporation, Butch—Midex Phils., and Lahaina—Apple Gold Mines. Bert retired from his many endeavors and successes to enjoy more time with his wife and children which now included grandchildren (Jasmine, Robin and Lorenzo). However, as a man with so much talent and aspirations, his retirement did not last long. The past few years he was also involved in consultant work and in alternative energy by founding Rural WSW Energy Services—a nonprofit organization which brings green, sustainable energy technologies to poverty-stricken and rural areas. The next chapter of his life was soon to be re-written. Sadly and unexpectedly, Bert passed away on January 25, 2012 at the age of 70 due to a heart attack while vacationing in Manila, Philippines. This unforeseen and unimaginable event brought the family closer together and with each other’s love and support, each day brings together the bond of happiness, remembrance, and true family. All who has known Bert recognize him for his intense passion for the game of golf, penchant for sharing his knowledge to those in need of guidance, and his unyielding love for his family which he makes clear to everyone around him every day that he lived. Bert’s family are comforted that he travelled extensively the past few months to spend quality time with immediate and extended family as well as friends in both the United States and the Philippines. He spent his last day in the physical world playing golf with close friends. The legacy of Bert’s entrepreneurial spirit continues in his second daughter Lorena, the Founder and CEO of Nena Cosmetics. She launched Nena Brands Incorporated in 2010 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011 as the Young Entrepreneur. This is truly a family-run business which includes husband Rolo (CFO), sisters Leila (VP of Sales & Marketing), Liza (VP of Business Development), Lahaina (VP of Public Relations), niece Jasmine (Model & Face of Nena Cosmetics), nephew Robin (Technical Support Specialist), and cousin Mariel (Director of Social Media). The only son, Butch, also started his own successful football (soccer) learning center called Mondoñedo Football Academy in locations in Forbes Park and McKinley Park among others in the Philippines. The Mondoñedo Family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude and thanks to family and friends who offered and continue to show their support and prayers in this time of mourning. The Mondoñedo Family also would like to thank the Hall of Fame for being given this extraordinary honor of Model Family of the Year. We know Bert would have been proud to have received this esteemed award and he is with us tonight to share this moment with all of us. Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. – Rossiter W. Raymond