Juan P. Banaga

Juan Palac Bañaga, was known for many things to people. He was a loved one, a confidante and faithful servant of God. To family and friends who knew him well, Juan will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Juan was born on August 15, 1924 in Umingan, Pangasinan, Philippines. He was the 6TH child of Miguel Fernandez Bañaga and Marcela Palac. Juan grew up in Pangasinan, Philippines.

Juan was raised with eight siblings. He had sisters named Cilli, Raymunda, Gregoria and brothers Domingo, Sabino, Victorino, Norberto and Ceferino. Juan was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings shared many life experiences over the years especially attending to their farms in the Province of Pangasinan.

A typical teenager, Juan had a fairly happy high school experience, making that difficult transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Tayug High School. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. He had to walk 10 kms everyday each way in order to be able to go to school.

Juan enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Juan was able to manage this balancing act. He earned his diploma at the Philippine Normal College. He was already married with three children when he decided to take law course and earned his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1960 at the Manila Law University.

On January 31, 1948 Juan exchanged wedding vows with Leonila Banayos Bisquera at the Aglipayan Church - Philippines of Gapan, Nueva Ecija. Empathic and loyal Juan was very committed to making his family happy.

Juan worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Juan was blessed with five children, four daughters, Elma B. Buenavista, Perla B. Ubaldo, Violeta B. Bisa, and Edna Zorayda B. Bañaga, and one son Ismael B. Bañaga. Another blessing for Juan was the gift of twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

Fortunately, Juan enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Juan worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was being a lawyer and he rose among the ranks until he became the City Legal Officer of the Caloocan City Government where he was employed for 32 years. Juan always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Juan was also with Philippine Army reserve with the rank of Major. Through his hard work and continued loyal service to the military, he was given several awards until he earned his rank.

Juan enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were reading the Bible, preaching the word of God, watching sports (especially boxing), singing and playing chess. He was content in enjoying his favorite pastimes either by himself or with other people.

Juan passed away on December 5, 2012 at his home in Spring Valley, California. He is survived by His wife Leonila B. Bañaga, Children Elma B. and Porfino Buenavista, Perla B. Ubaldo, Violeta B. and Victor Ibarra C. Bisa, Edna Zorayda B. Bañaga and Ismael B. and Maria Imelda L. Bañaga, and his twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Services were held at Glen Abbey's Little Chapel of the Roses and Glen Abbey Memorial Chapel. Juan was laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park on December 12, 2012.

Juan was a good and kind person, an individual who will forever be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who became an important person in their life. Juan left a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories.

Juan Palac Bañaga a devoted father, a principled man, a selfless member of the community, a humble example of kindness and love and a monumental figure of endless Christian faith.