Maria Mang, Mamang, Nene Cancio Maria Castro Cancio Batenga

Maria Cancio Batenga was the matriarch of the Batenga family. She was born on July 30th, 1919 in her hometown of Gerona, Tarlac, Philippines. Her husband Deogracias passed in 1975, survived by Maria and her 11 children, 8 of whom she now leaves behind – her two sons Reynaldo and Bernole, and her six daughters Erlinda, Elena, Edna, Cora, Beth, and Maribel. She is also survived by her grandchildren – Nathan, Kristin, Jason, Justin, Kathleen, Katrina, Bernadette, Benedict, Benyraemon, Nol, Karen, Francis, as well as her sole great-grandchild Kayla.

She endured much in her long life but always found happiness in those who loved her, whom she had undeniably loved back ten-fold. Maria was a former grade-school teacher, but her passion was always in providing for her family – through her unequaled joy of cooking, her generosity both financial and emotional, and her spiritual love of life in general. Maria was lovingly called “Granny” not only by her own grandchildren but by most of the younger generation who knew her. She was “Mamang Nene” to many friends, but she will always be our “Mang”. She epitomized everything admirable in a loving mother and she assumed numerous unforgettable “roles”. By far her most notable one was as a maestro in the kitchen -- her favorite spot in the entire house. One of her true joys in life was hearing how much someone loved her cooking. That always brought a smile to her face. No one matched her culinary skills (you didn’t dare ask for the ingredients and the procedure could change depending on her mood!) It broke her heart when she was no longer able to shuffle around effortlessly in the space where she worked miracles.

Another role she played was that of a financial advisor to her grandchildren. She was frugal and told the grandkids to work hard and save money, but at the same time, when you visited her you never left empty-handed; it was times like this when her generous nature was clearly evident. She also played relationship psychologist as she provided advice for her grandchildren’s love-life. Still, no matter the circumstance she always treated her grandkids’ boyfriends/girlfriends like members of the family from the moment she met them, truly showing love without prejudice. She was also a marriage counselor, a motivational speaker, and an honest to goodness life coach. But she will be remembered most by her loved ones as the best mother of all.

Maria’s departure was poignant -- leaving her family on Mother’s Day 2012 to join the beloved in heaven. Her life has greatly affected us all therefore her love will continue to live among us everlasting. “Granny”, “Mamang Nene”, “Mang” we bid you farewell. You loved us immensely … we hope that you realize how much we, in turn, love and miss you.