Obituary

As a young girl, Belen entered the convent to become a nun. In her third year, the Mother Superior called her in her office, and told the young nun that “You don’t belong here. You belong out there where you can truly do God’s work”. And for the rest of her life, Belen sought to achieve that prophecy.

In the Philippines, Belen started her life of giving as a schoolteacher at De La Salle University for 7 years before coming to the United States. Achieving two Master’s degrees, she taught troubled teens in juvenile hall. After learning that most of these troubled youths had no family or were unwanted once released, she started residential homes to provide the care and love they needed. She later grew the non-profit organization that she built to also help the abused and abandoned children and the mentally disabled, providing them a place that they can call home.

Belen’s 88 years were filled with love from her husband of 59 years, Ricardo, her two boys, Charles and Philip, and her four grandchildren Myles, Emma, Ethan and Noah. She loved collecting antiques, gardening, and playing mahjong with her friends, which at times lasted up to 3 days straight and filled with endless hours of laughter, food and “chismis”.

With Belen passing on March 16, 2023, her drive, energy, fun-filled laughter and zest for life will be missed. But her legacy of love, giving and compassion will never be forgotten by those that adored her and the many lives she has touched.