The Tolentino Family

Before my mom married my dad, she was a Tolentino. She was the fourth of eight children born to Vicente and Felicita Tolentino. They lived in Lucena City, in the province of Quezon.

Vicente Tolentino was born on April 18, 1913, and Felicita Babia was born on January 20, 1916. The two of them met in Lucban while they were both members of the "Tau Gamma" club. They were married on July 19, 1944 in Lucban, Quezon.

Their eldest son Victor was born in Lucban, while the rest of the children were born in Lucena, where the family relocated after World War II. Vicente worked at the Provincial Auditor's office, while Felicita supplemented the family income by working as a dressmaker.

Out of Vicente and Felicita's love and hard work, all eight of their children went on to earn college degrees and become productive members of society. Five of the children now live in the United States.

Aside from their eight children, Vicente and Felicita have 15 grandchildren. One of their grandsons, Vincent, was named after Vicente, and one of their granddaughters, Felisha, was named after Felicita.

Felicita passed away in 1984, and Vicente passed away in 1993.

Aside from their immediate family, the Tolentinos have a very large extended family with several uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. This large group gathers every two years for a family reunion.