Then and Now

By: Faye Mendiola

 

Rene (RJ) Turija

THEN: Rene” RJ “Turija was born in Alegre Oton, Iloilo City and grew up in Cotabato City, attended Notre Dame University as a Civil Engineering student in Cotabato City. graduated Marine Engineering at John B. Lacson College Foundation. In Iloilo City.
He served as Barangay Captain from 1993-2002 but migrated to the US in 2001 to be with his wife, Joanne, a registered nurse.

NOW: RJ is the President and Founder of Santacruzan Group of Greater Chicago and President of World Apostolate of Fatima – Joliet Division.

 

Francis Mon

Board Member of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC)

THEN: Francis during his college years at FEATI University in Manila, Philippines. He graduated with an Electrical
Engineering degree.

NOW: Francis, on his 80th birthday celebration.He retired as Superintendent, Division of Safety Inspection & Education, Illinois Dept. of Labor.

NOW: Francis with Lourdes, his wife of 56 years. She is VT’s columnist, “Lourdes’ Insights.”