Tribute to Nanay Lilia Bullo Garlito, Mother of the Year

As a famous saying goes “Every child born into the world is a new thought of God, an ever fresh and radiant possibility”. On this context, everyone on this room would agree that Motherhood is both a challenge and a privilege.  Tonight we will reflect on the story of one amazing woman who spent the last 65 years mothering not to one, but fourteen unique individuals whom she brought into life.

At a very tender age, this young lady met a poor, good looking and hardworking young farmer who asked her hand for marriage. Herself and Enrique, whom she fondly called Eking, straight away decided to start off and build a family. To go through the labour pains fourteen times is tough enough- to  feed, to care, to  clothe and to  educate them is another thing which many of us nowadays will just find  a deemed mission impossible.

What makes up this woman then?

She is a woman of faith and has deep sense of spirituality which she manifested by being her kids’ first teacher about God and prayers. Her prayerful life had inspired and motivated her fourth daughter, Eleanor- a faithful Dominican Sister and a grandson who is now serving  as a young, proactive  Parish Priest.

She is very smart and practical. In the olden days when the society has strong beliefs that educating your daughters was pointless as they will only get married young and become pure housewives. Having missed an opportunity of getting a high education herself, she was compelled to go against the flow and fought to send her seven elder daughters to school. Her efforts were not in vain when she produced 2 teachers and the one later  became a  school principal, a chemist consultant, an associate nurse unit manager, a medical technologist, and two successful entrepreneurs who are now reaping the benefits of being women professionals for whom their mother had courageously struggled for them.

She is a living example of hard work and honesty. Coming from a poor background, she profoundly believes that nothing in life comes for free. Together with her husband, she endured the hardships of farm work and juggling her time as a mother and a small businesswoman. She taught her children the virtues of perseverance, diligence in their work, and respect for others.

Evelyn, the third daughter, had become an instrument in uprooting them from home and brought them to Australia. At present, seven of her younger siblings had called Australia their new home.  Inheriting the values handed down by their mother- they are all happily working as a kindergarten teacher and as Australia Post, Olex and Toyota employees.

She is simple and humble. Humility is one of her strongest points. She preaches and lives it. She has been a constant inspiration to her children to look back on their humble beginnings and the importance of keeping the feet on the ground.

Her legacy lives on as he became a grandmother to 2 doctors, engineers, artist, 7 nurses, a priest, accountant, pharmacist, seafarers who are now spread all across the world proudly waving as her direct descendants. To date, at the age of 85 – she continues to look after the welfare of her 14 children,13 children in law; 60 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren and still counting. She will never to cease to be a mother  to  them, her love and examples will always make beautiful memories now and for the many more generations to come.

Tatay Eking – who may be watching her from the heavens must be extremely proud of what his wife has achieved.

On this special day for the mothers – it is well deserving to give recognition and honours to this amazing woman  for a job well done and  who brought more meaning to motherhood.

She originally hailed from Sicogon Island, Carles and spent majority of her time residing in San Dionisio, Iloilo  where she raised all her children. She migrated to Australia in 1988 and made it her second home. She is a 100% pure and natural Ilongga.

She is our Nanay Lilia Bullo Garlito.

* Read during the awarding of the Mother of the Year Award, on the occasion of the Ilonggo Association of Victoria Inc Mother’s Day Dinner Dance on 11 May 2013 at the Grand Star Reception.