Maria Rita Mina - Life Story
Maria Rita Mina was born in Dulag, Leyte, Philippines to Apolinaria Mina and Jose, as the 3rd child of 6 children. At a young age, she was separated from her parents and siblings during World War 2 when she was visiting her relatives.
During the War, she fed the "guerilla" - Filipino soldiers who fought against the Japanese, and they hid underground in cave-like structures when the Philippines was occupied by Japan. She also climbed coconut trees to supply the others with food.
After the war, she went to get her education at St. Paul's high school, skipped grades 5 and 6, and went to school with Imelda Marcos. Later, she received news from her older sister, Rosario. She got a message saying that Rosario was looking for her, and was given an address of her current location.
When she arrived, she knocked on the door. A lady opened the door, and Maria said, I'm looking for Rosario." The lady replied, "I am Rosario. Who are you?" Maria answered, "I am Maria." They embraced in a joyful reunion after being separated for about 10 years. Maria decided to stay with her after Rosario said she would finance her living expenses and studies.
Once Rosario and her husband were separated, Maria went to look for her mother and brother in San Juan. There, she lived with her mother and brother, and found a job as a kitchen helper in "Baguio Oil Company". While she was working there, she met Ong Beng "Antonio", who was the supervisor at their company.
They fell in love and had 5 kids together. Afterwards, they opened a family convenience "sari-sari" store. They raised chickens and pigs under the "kulahan" - a place where you dried clothes under the sun.
During her lifetime, she managed to survive typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters.
Her eldest child, Manuel, immigrated to Canada after marrying a Canadian citizen. After 10 years, she had a family sponsorship by Manuel, so she came to Canada with Antonio and Victoria. She lived in an apartment with them, and they later moved into a house.
Maria enjoyed her senior life - she went on summer trips to American and Canadian cities, and she would often win at casinos. She joined a Filipino senior group called "Silver Lining", where she attended parties, went on trips, and won the "Mother of the year" award on Mother's day. Occasionally, she would visit the Philippines.
She died peacefully in her sleep, at the age of 88.
