Florencio Tio Espiritu

Florencio T. Espiritu was born on June 22, 1932 in Bilar, Bohol at the Philippines to Ricardo Espiritu and Dominga Tio. He lived his life as a devout Catholic and even had a dedicated prayer room where he prayed for 3 hours on a daily basis.

Florencio met the love of his life at the young age of 17, Corazon D. Espiritu. They met at school and although their parents were strict about dating, he still found a way to see her. They eventually got married at a very young age; he, 19 years old, she, 16, and was going to celebrate 63 years of marriage. Florencio was a hardworking father and was able to raise 9 children even though they were married at a young age.

Florencio is also survived by grandchildren and great grandchildren from both here and the Philippines. He didn’t have a typical “Grandfather” or “Grandpa” name, but he was called “Papaeng.” This name came from his first grandchild, Raffy, when he wanted to find a way to differentiate his two Grandpas. Florencio had a Volkswagen Beetle/Bug and he associated “Eng…Eng…Eng” (as the sound of the motor of the car) then he put two together, hence the name “Papaeng.” Up until today, everyone, including children and adults, call Papaeng and Mamaeng.

Some of his hobbies include movies, Track and field, football. At a later age, he also had a love for walking to stay active and keep healthy. When he wasn’t able to keep up with the rigorous activities, he did a lot of reading, watched TV and loved watching Lakers.

Person admired: Father. He wants to follow the footsteps of his father. He was very loved and spoiled by his father so his own father’s death greatly affected him and made him sad.

First job: SSS Field Investigator at the age of 26.

Favorites:

1. Movie-You are always in my heart

2. Song-Again and most of Nat King Cole songs