Who cares? - A Page In My Lifeline

" I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace." Dalai Lama

My sentiments exactly! I copied this quote from a new friend in "Facebook." In this globalized environment, I think it is time for all of us to reflect on our responsibilities as human beings and citizens of the world and do something about it.

This sentiment came to me very early in life. I attended a funeral for a soldier killed in the Korean War. One of the speakers said that "this man did not die a "Filipino hero", he died a "world hero" fighting with the United Nations forces in Korea to benefit all "mankind."

Lifeline

I belong to the Pantaleon Montecillo Clan, from Catmon, Cebu. My given name is Ethna Maria Montecillo. Tatay Panta served as the last Spanish Capitan in Catmon until Spain lost the Spanish American War. The US took over the Philippine Islands in 1898.

My grandfather, Emilio came to Michigan in the early 1900's. My mother, Teresa, was born in Detroit in 1926.



I was five years old!I was in first grade.



Religion - faith have always played a big part of my life. This was a re-enactment of the miracles in Fatima. I think I was in fourth grade.



This photo was taken in front of my high school. I was 13 years old.



This is Northern High School - now, Gabriel Jurado Foundation School. I took this in 1997. We did not have a basketball court when I was there. It is by the beach - sometimes the sound of the waves can lull you to extreme drowsiness.



Military training along with comprehensive senior high school examinations were graduation requirements.



Ahh - passed them all: Physics, Spanish, English Comp, English and American Literature, Economics, Filipino Language, Arts and Crafts, Intermediate Algebra, Philippine History, US History, World History,Government...

Lifeline

I grew up with my Lola Bette, my maternal grandmother. I lived with her until I graduated from high school. I am the little girl in the middle. The young lady is my Tita Ulding. She was a biology teacher. I went with her to collect specimens - starting from her college years until she started teaching high school. I looked forward to those outings every year. I have a very big extended family. It is part of Filipino tradition. In the photo are my Lola Dada and Lola Conching.



Sunrise!!! To this day, I love sunrise and sunset.



When I was a child, I spent a lot of time walking along the water on this beach - Catmon, Cebu, Philippines. I played "Chase the Waves" a lot! Swimming is a favorite activity to this day.