50 YEARS OF WEDDED BLISS & BLESSINGS Mr. & Mrs. Frank Padilla

Frank & Cindy (nee Garcia) Padilla practically grew up together and played together. Their parents were socially acquainted. Cindy’s dad was Frank’s family doctor. Frank started courting Cindy after graduating from college, having met after a long hiatus, at the town cemetery on All Souls Day; where her grandparents and Frank’s parents were buried not far apart.

After a short courtship, they got married at Lourdes Church in Quezon City, on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1965 at 6:30 in the morning. The lovebirds decided to fly to Canada and subsequently to the US to find their fortune. It was not an easy journey, but their marriage endured after fifty years and blessed with three children and three grandchildren. The BEGINNING….

Cindy hailed from a family of politicians, grandfather on father’s side was the town mayor for more than 20 years. His term ended only when he died of a stroke. The townspeople loved him for his kindness, compassion and political savvy. Grandfather on mother’s side was Chinese ambassador to the Philippines. He was unable to escape during the Chinese revolution and was executed. He was able to send Cindy’s Mom safely to the Philippines.

Cindy’s dad graduated from the University of Santo Tomas, Doctor of Medicine, Summa Cum Laude. Served as medical aide to Gen. Douglas McArthur during the WWII. Had a successful practice in medicine in Mangaldan, Pangasinan after WWII. Elected congressman to the 3rd District of Pangasinan for one term.

Frank was born on the other side of the tracks. His middleincome family grew and sold tobacco and rice. His father was a high school teacher, teaching ancient and modern history, mathematics, economics, and algebra.

His mother taught Grade 1 and 2 in the elementary school. His mom passed when he was 6 and his dad when he was 16. Such were the vicissitudes of life he underwent. Albeit, he graduated from the University of the Philippines with a BS in Civil Engineering.

The Padilla renewal of vows was celebrated last April 24, 2015 at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.##