Bienvenido Baula Bragas

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Bienvenido Baula Bragas. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Bienvenido was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Bienvenido was born on April 14, 1925 in San Juan, Abra, Philippines. He was the son of Zoilo and Petra Bragas. Bienvenido was raised in San Juan, Abra, Philippines. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Bienvenido was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Bienvenido's personality throughout his life.

Though Bienvenido was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Bienvenido was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Bienvenido worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Bienvenido was raised with three siblings. He had two older brothers, Rafael and Almorado and one older sister, Lula. Bienvenido and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Bienvenido was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Bienvenido was always tactful. One thing Bienvenido will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Bienvenido had a number of interests and was an active child. Bienvenido took part in basketball and chess. He was a scout. In his spare time he liked fishing, singing and dancing Bienvenido's memorable achievements included music scholar.

For Bienvenido, the school routines were never a problem although he generally preferred variety to structure. He seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And he was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Bienvenido was also adept at details. Bienvenido was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. He graduated from Abra High School in 1941. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was mathematics. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Cacia. Band leader.

College can be a challenge, but Bienvenido appeared to be well equipped to succeed. He had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around him. Bienvenido had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Bienvenido enjoyed using the skills he'd already learned and applying them to new courses. He knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. His favorite courses were finance and accounting. Bienvenido won a full college scholarship.

There was one thing that all of Bienvenido's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Bienvenido was such a popular person throughout his life. But Bienvenido was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Bienvenido was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Bienvenido was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Bienvenido was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Bienvenido was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Bienvenido made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of his best friends were Col Serafin. Later in life, he became friends with Colo Brillantes.

Bienvenido was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call him sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around him. Bienvenido cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On January 5, 1947 Bienvenido married Segundina Velasco Brillantes in Manila, Philippines. Compassionate and devoted, Bienvenido worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Bienvenido and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Bienvenido was blessed with three children, one daughter, Marilee and two sons, Bienvenido Jr. and Dexter. They were also blessed with six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Marlene, Mark Ryan, Jun-Jun, Merrill, Dennis, Mirabelle, Kevin and Kenny. Bienvenido was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Bienvenido was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Bienvenido would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Bienvenido, and he expected the same from those around him. Bienvenido was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Bienvenido was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Bienvenido handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was Military Officer. He was employed for 30 years as a Filipino Military Officer and 8 years as a US Postal Worker. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Blessed with a practical nature, Bienvenido was a person who appreciated the routine of the military. He was a man who took his obligations seriously, working well with the others in his unit. Bienvenido was an Army Veteran. He was in the Philippine Army stationed in Manila. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Lt. Col. He received several awards including a "Soldier of the Soldier", various service and citation awards.

A methodical man, Bienvenido enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were playing the piano and organ.

Bienvenido was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Bienvenido was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Bienvenido played basketball. In his college years, Bienvenido continued to stay active by playing basketball. Recreational sports included bowling and basketball. Bienvenido also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Laker's basketball games.

His keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Bienvenido to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because he was outgoing and worked well with others, Bienvenido did his fair share of volunteer work. And he wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. He was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Bienvenido was a member of the music band. In college, Bienvenido joined the music band.

Bienvenido was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees as the President of the Condo Association for 15 years. Politically, Bienvenido was strong supporter of the Republican Party.

His high moral standards and traditional values served Bienvenido well with his faith. Religion and faith were important to him. He was a member of St. Louis of France for 20 years. During that time, he was Lay Pastor. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

A generous and compassionate man, Bienvenido accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Bienvenido was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included being a "Soldier of the Year", US Postal Office "Employee of the Year".

Not only did Bienvenido enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included traveling to the Philippines.

Bienvenido was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a dog, who was a best friend for long time. His family was rounded out by his birds.

Since it was easy for Bienvenido to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Bienvenido was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1978 from the Philippine Army and in 1996 from the Postal Office. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being the President of the Condo Association. Even in retirement, Bienvenido stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Bienvenido passed away on July 19, 2010 at Citrus Valley Hospice in West Covina, California. He is survived by his wife Dina, his children, Marilee, Briggs and Dexter and his grandchildren. Services were held at St. Denis Catholic Church in Diamond Bar, California. Bienvenido was laid to rest in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood, California.

Bienvenido was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Bienvenido was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Bienvenido Baula Bragas.