My classmate, Mila Alvarez-Magno, and I have both shared the past twenty years with Marilyn in North America, a continuation of our schooldays at St. Scholastica's College. This blog is our e-tribute to her memory, the best gift we can ever give Marcel, and Mhayta & Pat.
Her simplicity, her brilliance, her fortitude is what we treasure about her.
I discovered Marilyn in Grade 4 when "Fiscal Jimenez," (Today, kuya Lito) Daddy's weekend sabong pal asked me if I knew Marilyn. Yes, I was conscious of her, one grade after me, always so well put together, so quiet, so confident and so dynamic. Years later she would be my "concuna" when Chell married Manoling.
We are indeed family.
I cherished that October in 2006 when George and Corrine got married. Marilyn, Mhayta and my children all danced to our hearts' content like there was no tomorrow. We had a real blast!!! We had experienced a miracle.
Marilyn knows her life will continue through Mhayta and her nephews, George and Karl.
Niña Romualdez Colayco
09/10/2008 08:10:53
Marilyn and I shared summer days together...being almost neighbors....her brothers Ding and Manoling would know.We lost touch when she went abroad.....but found each other through the Scholastican yahoo group but we were not able to get together the last time she came to Manila as she still had to go back to Camiling. Oh, how I wish we could!
Carmencita Bengzon
09/10/2008 12:50:24
I knew about my younger cousin's ongoing courageous fight against her cancer but the news of her demise so soon still greatly saddened me. Not when we had begun to reconnect again through email after such a long time.
My early marriage, relocation to the south, a demanding banking job and 8 kids drew me away from our closely knit families and from my cousins with whom I shared many fond childhood memories.
I was overjoyed however, at the chance to reunite with Marilyn and daughter Mhayta, visiting from Canada, at George and Corrine's wedding. She was as beautiful as I remembered her, with that unforgettable endearing smile. A carbon copy of her mom's (my baptismal and wedding godmother)smile, I thought.
In remission then, she presented a delightful energetic sight on the dance floor. Looking clearly on the road to full recovery, she promised me more visits to NJ. There were just too many things to catch up on.
Marilyn and I managed to reconnect thru email. We reminisced and encouraged each other through the low and high tides of our moments. Not even her hospital stays or chemo treatments stopped our correspondence, even if only to forward inspiring articles and messages. I'm glad I saved some of those correspondences.
I close my eyss now, grieving for this favorite cousin, and picture her, then 6 yrs. old, bright-eyed, unquestionably smart even then, containing her excitement as she positioned herself in our group of 6-14 year olds, hatching plans for the next move. Eight families had started to arrive in Camiling for this yearly family reunion honoring our revered deceased grandparents. While the oldies put away stuff in assigned rooms in the ancestral home, kids, as well as the older teens, were pretty much left free to plan out their agenda. Unanimous choice for us kids - an immediate run to the nearby Camiling River which was refreshingly clean then for hours of splashing and merrymaking and swimming until we were summoned home. This was a yearly ritual which we kids looked forward to.
Ah, those memories of Camiling and Marilyn, intertwined, and still many more are just priceless. These unfailingly bring a smile and much joy to my heart. Marilyn's family had always been especially close to my own, the bond between her parents and mine and their offsprings, as with other uncles and their families, undeniably strong and steadfast. Priceless memories!
Tio Luis loved to point out to me when Marilyn was little, the slight fuzzy hair on her nose, playfully pointing out that it was a sign of being "selosa". I don't know if this exhibited itself somehow in later years but I do remember my little cousin, always close to my side during our growing up years. Her dad confided that she always looked up to me, her favorite cousin, "Atetet", the 8 years difference posing no problem to the close relationship.
Always the precocious tyke, Marilyn's innate intelligence manifested itself when she grew up to be this highly intelligent and a compassionate young lady. News that filtered to me from family confirmed this. also, her choice to work abroad showed a streak of independence which undoubtedly didn't get full parental approval. She probably wanted to cut the apron strings loose? I was happy for her though.
How I remember her will sustain me during this grieving period. For now, deep faith and knowing that my young (to me) cousin Marilyn is now with her mom and dad, safe, pain-free, and so happy in the bosom of our dear Lord and Mother Mary will continue to console me.
Upperclass(wo)men rarely mingle with the lower grades. So happenchance, on the alumnae homecomings, has you recalling faces, names, teachers and incidents that would place you within the same scholastic timeline.
Marilyn was a familiar face at the St. Scholastica's Alumnae Toronto Chapter. It was an opportunity to get to know her better. She was always cheerful; nary a complaint passed her lips. A doer, ready to help whether small or big tasks, defined her. Music modified her life. She sang with the SSCAA chorale many a Christmas season. Was it an audition for the angels' choir in heaven? She and her daughter put on their dancing shoes at one of the Toronto chapter's soireé.
Farewell, Marilyn, mission accomplished, you alleviated many lives (mine included) with your earthy smile!
Carmen R. Pérez (Meng) HS62 Coll66
Charit Sayoc
09/11/2008 08:48:05
Marilyn was one of the girls who made an impression on me when I entered SSC in grade 7 - she was the typical "colegiala" or convent-bred student I had imagined. She was lady-like in appearance and demeanor - properly attired and well behaved. Though the mind-set readily vanished within days, the "impression" turned out to be Marilyn's reality. She was neat - not just her uniform or her hair (always tied-back or clipped), but also her bag, her notebooks, her seatwork. Gentleness is another trade-mark I associated with her - in the way she moved about and spoke. We were not close enough to share "secrets" but we shared common outside-school activities : SCA, Sodality, NUSP; and she was the same both in and outside school. I saw her twice after graduation - once when she visited her parents and managed to squeeze in time for a class reunion and then in Toronto when she, Myra and Patty took time out to have lunch with me. During both occasions, it was heartwarming to find l the same gentle and soft-spoken Marilyn I remember. Now I understand why she never lost that aura - it was her essence. So I am sure it was with the same gentleness and equanimity that she embraced and dealt with her illness.
Dear Marilyn, you have left us - indeed you have left us not only with a lot of fond memories, but a fine example of inner strength rooted in faith in God's mysterious yet always loving ways. We are blessed to have known you and to be held dearly by you.
This incident happened when Marilyn was around 5 to 6 years old. Twice a week Pa accompanies her to a relative’s house for her piano lessons. On one of their schedules, Pa unfortunately met up with the town mayor and words were exchanged that lead to a fistfight. Marilyn was a witness to the whole thing. Needless to say, a big court battle happened in our town. One day our uncle, Pa’s eldest brother who is a lawyer came to the house to lend his support and advice to the case. He called Marilyn to tell him of what exactly happened. Marilyn put on her best fighting stance, demonstrated, and narrated what happened making sure that her father comes out the “Bida” or hero of the incident. After which our uncle called Ma and said “Remy, whatever you do, do not let this little girl testify in court because if she does-her father will definitely go to jail”. Oh well, so much for hero worship.
Patty Gabaya-Candido (HS64/AB68)
09/12/2008 12:40:23
At the back of her college graduation picture which she gave me 40 years ago, Marilyn wrote: ‘Even when all wild ecstacies shall have matured into sober pleasures, I shall still remember the college days of joys, tears, victories and love.”
We were friends for some 55 years, and I saw how far she had gone, how much she had accomplished, and how she had continued to grow long after she left the hallowed halls of her beloved St Scholastica’s College. She had gone a long way from the quiet and shy second grader in her crisp white costume conducting our Grade 2 music band on Parents’ Day, to the competent president of the Student Catholic Action in high school, to being the strong alto in our glee club, and then to the active External Vice-President of the Student Council. But even as a teenager, she was mature beyond her age and it was no wonder that she was always a teacher’s pet. She was one of the finest the nuns could ever wish for because she was quiet, refined, well-behaved and respectful to authority, and in their eyes, she could do no wrong. Unlike some of us who tended to be rambunctious, rebellious and naughty, she was never part of the many pranks we plotted to “torment” the poor German sisters. But no one resented her for it, because she was highly regarded by all of us. And oh, I should not forget the fact that once you were her friend, she was fiercely loyal and would surely stand by you to the bitter end.
Although there was a serious, very private side to her, she also had an impish streak– something that only a few got to see. I had the fortune of knowing that alter-ego when we were in college, though even that did not diminish her in my esteem –she only finally seemed human to me. Because of our involvement in a male organization outside of school, I got to know Marilyn more intimately and came to appreciate the young woman she had become. Over Sr. Lioba’s goodies at the school cafeteria, we shared stories of late night phone conversations with the young men of ACIL, groaned at their corny jokes, ”baptized” them with silly code names that nobody else understood, giggled and laughed at the boys some more, and sighed at the recent memory of a party or prom. My mind is flooded with memories of those days of “joys tears, victories and love”, too numerous to recount here, or perhaps best kept within the heart.
With the great fortune of finding ourselves in the same province during adulthood, we continued to share our life stories, our favourite recipes, and heartwarming memories of the sunny 60s. And boy, what a phenomenal memory she had – for facts and details, names and dates, and even the lame puns of the late Fr. Joe Cruz. Her “sober pleasures” turned out to be a simple quiet life and being an exemplary wife to Marcel, doting mother to Mhayta whom she adored and loving daughter and sister to the rest of her family. I continued to be in awe of her, for she had grown in wisdom, in grace, and in spirituality; and I learned much from her profound philosophical views on life and love. There is no doubt that it was her love for God, Mama Mary and her family that sustained her and gave her the courage to face any adversity with prayerful openness to God’s will without even a whimper or protest…ever. Indeed she has raised the bar for us left behind, to emulate when we face our own challenges. In her life, Marilyn was a shining example of the Scholastican ideal of Ora et Labora, and she continues to be so from where she is now, next to her Maker.
Marilyn may have been “Baby” to her loving parents, but she was a giant in our midst. With her passing, she leaves a space in my heart that n one else can fill.
Chell Jarencio-Bengzon
09/13/2008 12:18:50
Circa 1950s...On our way to school, I would always notice a sweet little girl, walking along Pennsylvania Ave. (now Leon Guinto), well protected from the burning sun by the Yaya carrying an umbrella...and the school bag. Couldn't help but notice how fresh and neat she looked in heavily starched, perfectly pleated blue and white uniform, bobby socks, black shoes. What a doll!
I later found out from schoolmates that the li'l girl's name is Luisa Bengzon.
"The Scholastican" school paper...Honor Roll...First Honor...Second Honor...the name Maria Luisa Bengzon was a constant.
Miss Velez, my aunt, was one of her teachers in grade school. I would watch her correct and grade quizzes. I would come across Luisa's paper neatly written, marked 100%...perfect score!
Two decades pass...I'm having lunch at the UN Cafeteria and guess what!...my roommate introduced me to a La Sallite...Manoling Bengzon, Cuya of Luisa Bengzon, the Scholastican...fell in love...got married. It was a very intimate wedding at St. Michael's Parish in Flushing, NY. Marilyn travelled all the way from Montreal to be my maid of honor and our witness. My brother, Greg, was Manoling's best man and was the other witness.
A year later, George was born. Marilyn was Ninang and Greg was Ninong.
Sealed with love ... and with a kiss.
By the way, the Yaya turned out to be Juling, who lovingly took care of Mom during her last days.
George Bengzon
09/15/2008 08:08:04
Tita Marilyn was my Ninang and she will always have a special place in my heart. A loving wife, a loving mother, and a loving aunt is what I will always remember of her.
Corrine and I were very happy and thrilled that she was able to attend our wedding back in Oct. 2006. Seeing her again at our rehearsal and dinner was joyous! She was glowing and very happy for us. It will be our 2nd year aniversary on Oct. 14. It was great watching Tita Marilyn have an absolute blast at our wedding reception. She and my cousin Mhayta danced, danced, and danced the night away to their hearts content.
Tita Yvette hit it on the nail. Tita Marilyn's life will continue through us and also through her grand nephew in Nicholas Michael. As he grows older we will show him this tribute blog so he sees what an outstanding individual he is related to.
I will miss her dearly. However, I am very happy that her pain is gone and that she has reunited with Lolo Luis, Lola Remedios, and our dear Lord up in the bright blue sky above.
I love and miss you Ninang.
Blandina Bengzon
09/18/2008 15:01:40
Blandina Bengzon Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:41:07 Marilyn was the youngest among my first cousins. Whenever we had family gatherings, she and I would always be together (I am 3 years older than her) and she was ever the pleasant one. Never made any controversial issues(so unlike me). She had that ever-smiling, beautiful face, uttered no negative words towards anyone and so religious.
Every end of school year (elementary,high school and college), her parents, Tio Luis and Tia Remy would happily bragged about her scholastic medals and honors and she would just smile (oh so very humble of her).
She was a daddy's girl. They hugged, kissed, embraced in public and I had wished that my pop would do the same with me.
The last time I saw her was 2 years ago when she attended George and Corrine, her nephew's/niece in-law wedding here in New Jersey and I could still visualize her in her elegant black sequined gown dancing with her stunning beautiful daughter, Mhayta as her dancing partner.
Marilyn, I will surely miss you and now that you are in an heavenly environment, pray for us too, that we could also attain the same spiritual level as yours. Goodbye but you are always going to be in my heart.
Much love. Your cousin Blondie
Myrna Bayaborda-Riley
09/21/2008 20:39:45
Maria Luisa Bengzon... that's how we, her classmates addressed her. It was after high school when she became Marilyn to us. In Canada,I often still called her Luisa.
I was one of the first among friends that she confided about her cancer diagnosis as I had the same uterine cancer 20 years ago that I had luckily beaten. I shared with her my experience and gave her much hope. For the next three years, we shared the ups and downs of battling cancer and she never ceased to amaze me with her positive attitude, her kindness, gentleness, her sweetness, her deep faith and total submission to God's will. The third recurrence and the aggressive 5-consecutive day-chemo therapy took much of her energy, yet she phoned and emailed whenever she could. Last April, she phoned and told me that she was ready to face her Creator but was negotiating with Him to have someone to take care of Mhayta. Then a few weeks later, she called again to share the good news of Mhayta's plan to get married in August. Marilyn was ecstatic! She told me that she can go in peace knowing that Mhayta has now someone to look after her.
Last July, our SSC-HS64 had our reunion in Toronto. Marilyn was weak and could not join us nor let us visit her because she was so prone to infections. Since then, she was constantly on my mind.... a premonition perhaps, yet when news of her death came, I grieved so much that I was unable to sleep.
Early Monday morning, I went to church and asked my parish priest to say the Mass for Marilyn's repose. It became so special with the Mass celebrated in honour of the Blessed Mother's feast day also. After Mass, I went to Marmora with my husband, hoping to have quiet meditation. But we drove to a busy parking lot with charter buses full of pilgrims who came for Mama Mary's birthday. We saw Dory Tan, the visionary who has been receiving messages from Our Lady of Marmora since 1994. And so, we joined her for the Stations of the Cross. It started to rain so we opened our umbrellas. When we came to the 10th Station, Dory asked us to close our umbrellas because she said that Mama Mary was there and would like to bless everyone with no umbrellas covering our heads. We then closed our umbrellas and were perplexed why we were not getting wet. There was only a mist. Then Dory announced that those who brought candles must light their candles from her candle and that Mama Mary was actually the one lighting the candles though only Dory could see. Then we saw the sun spinning and appearing so large! It was incredibly amazing! After the prayers, we moved on to the 11th Station. Suddenly, the rain poured so heavily and kept raining till we finished the Stations and left the site. What a wondrous day! I felt Marilyn whispering, "I am in Paradise, my friend!"