Consolacion Velayo Aguilar

Siony was born in San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines on July 13, 1924, the ninth child and second daughter of Pastor Velayo and Emilia de San Jose Velayo. Siony grew up in San Miguel, and spoke often of the love showered upon her by her siblings. After graduating from Centro Escolar de Senñoritas in Manila, where young women received exclusive instruction in Spanish and English, she attended the University of Santo Tomas. There, Siony pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. As a result of her privileged schooling at Centro Escolar as well as the poise and confidence she gained at this prestigious institution, Siony was especially chosen to serve as assistant to the UST’s Professor of Spanish, often helping to teach her fellow students.

Siony’s love for poetry and oratory - nurtured at University - would remain a lifelong interest, one she would share with her children (some of whom participated in school debates and declamations). Indeed, well into her eighties Siony could be counted upon to be ready with a poem or speech at a moment’s notice. Siony’s gift for poetry and for public speaking was much cherished by family and friends, who will miss her and her unique ability to set the proper tone for significant occasions.

On July 21, 1945 Siony married the love of her life, Faustino ‘Ponting’ Domingo Aguilar in a private church ceremony. Upon marrying, Siony and Ponting made their home in San Miguel where together they raised a family of eight children: Suzette, Nila, Sallie, Jun, Michael, Mark, Francis and Rainier. Their household also included Siony’s beloved mother, Emilia, or ‘Inang,’ as well as Siony’s widowed elder sister, Luz Rodriguez, and her son Rector.

Their home was, by all accounts a joyful one: Siony and Ponting’s children attended Catholic school, they prayed the rosary at home regularly, and for the birthday of every one of her children, Siony was known to take the celebrant with her to Mass and to pray for a long life of happiness and wellbeing (and of course it also included a special treat!). School holidays meant family picnics and trips to Baguio - organized for the delight of all the family. While Siony and Ponting encouraged their children to strive for excellence, above all Siony fostered closeness, sharing and joy. Siony never missed a school program or play in which her children participated; she took great pride in pinning medals at every graduation. However, what thrilled her most was to see her children healthy and happy.

By the early nineteen-fifties, the very stars of Philippine cinema - namely Nida Blanca and Mario Montenegro - would be calling Siony and Ponting ‘comadre’ and ‘compadre’ as the proud godparents of their son Mark. In the sixties, an American exchange student chose to live with Siony’s family after the program had ended. By the early seventies, with children attending college or helping to run various family businesses, Siony and Ponting moved to Manila while also enjoying traveling back and forth to the United States.

Siony and her husband Ponting owned and ran grocery stores, sold pianos, and worked in banking, before settling into a decades-long venture in interior design. A&V Interiors was known for crafting custom-made furniture and for decorating illustrious homes and offices in Manila and throughout the Philippines. Her most significant commission was the presidential library at Malacañang Palace.

Siony had personal charm and a unique sense of what made a house an elegant home, and an office into a sophisticated workspace. This care for house and home also translated into care for her community. In the Philippines and around the world, Siony and Ponting were both active in civic organizations. Siony was a significant member of various clubs in San Miguel, Bulacan as well as Gapan, Nueva Ecija (the Catholic Women’s Club, the Celia Club, DUX, to name a few) to benefit social causes while carrying on such traditions such as the annual Rigodon de Honor. Together with her husband, Siony was also active in the Lions Club where they helped support medical and dental missions. They were also engaged in the Philippine community in San Diego, California which recognized Siony and Ponting in numerous ways including honoring them as Mother and Father of the Year.

There are many rituals-both holy and and festive -that were initiated by Siony to serve as reminders of the strength of family and its foundation in the love between Siony and Ponting. They renewed their marriage vows annually and it was an unbroken tradition in our family; certain years, however were particularly special: Their Golden Wedding Anniversary was celebrated at the Hotel Del Coronado; their 60th, or Diamond Anniversary was celebrated at the Naval base at Coronado California. Through their 72nd and 73rd year of marriage, Siony and Ponting continued to renew their vows and exchange daily tokens of affection: Ponting would pick flowers from their garden to give to Siony, and Siony would embrace her ‘Ling’ and recite poems in his honour as a sign of their enduring love.

Siony took her role as a teacher to their children and grandchildren very seriously and saw to it that each one of them learned how to reach their personal and professional goals, mindful of gratitude, duty to one’s family and love toward God.

Siony spent the last years of her life near family in San Diego. She is survived by her loving husband, her eight children and their families including 22 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Viewing will take place on September 26-27 from 5-9 pm at the Main Chapel at Glen Abbey.

Funeral services and interment will be held at the Chapel of the Roses on Friday, September 28 at 9:30 am.