Beyond Forgetting is my personal journey through childhood, family, war, hardship, and hope. I was born in 1937 in Panganiban, Catanduanes, and grew up in a simple farming community where life was difficult but filled with love, faith, and strong family values. My childhood unfolded during World War II, a time of fear, poverty, and uncertainty, yet I also remember the kindness of neighbors, the strength of my family, and the simple joys that helped us endure.
In this book, I share my memories of working on the farm, caring for carabaos, learning from my parents and elders, attending school after the war, and experiencing the many adventures and challenges of my youth. These experiences taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, gratitude, education, and community.
Beyond Forgetting is more than a collection of memories. It is my way of preserving the people, places, and lessons that shaped who I became. From my humble beginnings in Panganiban to the moment I eventually moved forward toward a new life, I carry these memories with me as a reminder that even through hardship, love, family, and hope can give us the strength to keep going.
