Petronila L. Caling

On May 12, 1923, in a small rural town of Orion in Bataan, Philippines, a young family enjoyed the rewards of a new infant daughter who was named Petronila Lopez. Magdaleno Lopez and Agrapina Escalada were a young couple who were blessed with many children. They lived in Orion, Bataan, where Petronila spent most of her childhood life. Petronila attended Orion Elementary School, Jose Rizal Institute (High School), and completed her B.S. in Education at Far Eastern University. Raised in a devout Roman Catholic Conservative Family, Petronila was very active in her faith at a young age. Not only was she active with her faith, but she was an avid softball and volleyball player in high school. Although her love for sports, did not take off as part of her profession, she truly had a compassion for leadership and mentoring/teaching. Petronila was the Head of the Girl Scout Troop Leaders in Arellano High School. When she was not with the Girl Scouts, she found time to be a PTA Advisor, an Event Planner (aka: Quarter Master), and for 3 consecutive summers Petronila managed a dormitory in Baguio Vacation National College. Some of her activities included being one of the sponsors/faculty who was responsible for being the chaperon of the Volleyball Players for Central Luzon Athletic Association. Miss Petronila Lopez was introduced through a family friend to a young manager of Ideal Music Store when Petronila took the College Entrance Exam. As was expected, Petronila passed the entrance exam with flying colors. Additionally, the young beautiful and sophisticated college student was quite stunning and attractive. She fell into the loving courtship of the late Francisco Caling. Due to the fear of being in harm way during the WWII period, Petronila felt it seemed fit for her to accept the courtship of Francisco Caling and married in Manila at the age of 18. On July 5th, one day less of their 5th month marriage Francisco passed away from illness. Although the couple was married for a brief time, Ms. Caling was able to conceive a child named Francisca, who was named after her father. Petronila used every ounce of will power and sweat to raise her daughter as a single parent. She managed to complete her B.S. in Education (timely). Her career flourished as a High School Pilipino and Cafeteria Management Teacher at Arellano Memorial High School. Her total years of service is as follows: 14 years total as a Pilipino and High School Cafeteria Management and 13 years as a Guidance Counselor in Arellano Memorial High School, located in Balanga, Bataan, Philippines. In her mid-fifties, Petronila was able to get petitioned by her daughter Francisca and moved to the island of Guam to live with her daughter’s family. She lived in Guam to join her daughter’s family and assist the family any which way she can. She worked as a Guidance Counselor at Agana, Guam for three years. Her love for teaching is reflected in her love to teach the Rosary and Catholic Faith to others. Petronila has been a devotee of the Block Rosary Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima for over 51 years. She has visited various religious pilgrimages all over Europe, Asia, and the U.S.. These places include: Assisi, Italy, Vatican, Rome, Lourdes, France, Our Lady of Fatima, and Lourdes, France. These are just a few of the sites she’s visited. Her family and friends helped and supported her in building the chapel of the Divine Mercy in Daan Bago, Orion, Bataan. The chapel was blessed on her 80th birthday. Petronila has followed her daughter’s wishes and has traveled to the places where her children and grandchildren have resided. Miss Caling never remarried, ever since she lost her husband due to disease. She prioritized her love and attention to her immediate family. Her daughter, Francisca C. Bantug is the only child. Ms. Francisca married Mr. Rey E. Bantug, and this couple was blessed with children who are both married as well. As with every great news, there is always better news to follow. Petronila also has a total of 2 grandchilden: Malaarni Bantug, Gloria, Rey Bantug, Jr.; and 5 great-grand children and Railene Gloria (15), Karina Nicole Bantug (10), Gabrielle Gloria (10), Jessire Bantug (7), and Angelo Bantug (2 months old, great-grandson). Ms. Petronila has touched the lives of many. She is always reminded of how much she is truly loved.