Sisenando A. Simeon

Sisenando Arciaga Simeon was born on October 2, 1918 in Gerona Tarlac, Philippines by two loving parents, Segundo Simeon and Nicolasa Arciaga. Andy was the fifth born among eight children. He had three sisters and four brothers. Some of his fondest memories with his siblings include going to parties, hanging out near the Tarlac River, and having picnics with his brothers. He remembers picking various fruit off the trees such as duhat, guava, mango, and balimbing.

Andy graduated from Harvardian College at the age of 20, in 1938. From July 1939 to January 12, 1941, he underwent training as a reservist throughout the Philippines. These places include Fort Wint Grande Island in Olongopo, Pangasinan, and the Observation and Attack Squadron in Cebu. Shortly after, he was called to active duty and was inducted into the United States Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE) on November 1, 1941.

When World War II broke out, the American and Filipino troops suffered atrocious attacks from the Japanese which led them to surrender the Bataan peninsula on April 9, 1942. Thousands of Americans and Filipinos were forced into the infamous Bataan Death March in order to reach their destination at Camp O’Donnell located in Capas, Tarlac in North Central Luzon. Fortunately, Andy escaped the torment of the Bataan Death March; however, he and over 11,000 troops were at Corregidor Island desperately resisting attacks from the Japanese. Corregidor Island was surrendered to the control of the Japanese on May 6, 1942. It was this day that Andy became a prisoner of war and endured the brutality of the Japanese at Camp O’Donnell.

Camp O’ Donnell became the death ground for an estimated 2,200 Americans and 27,000 Filipino prisoners of war. At least 50 prisoners would die daily from malnutrition, disease, or brutal treatment. On the rare occasion they were given any food, it was only a handful of contaminated rice and a tablespoon of rotten camote or cebuyas. Andy struggled to stay alive for what seemed to be the longest months of his life. For the slightest or no reason at all, sticks were used to beat the soldiers nearly to death and stones were thrown at point blank resulting in many casualties. Prisoners lived in filth, and died of numerous diseases including malaria, dysentery, and beriberi. After struggling for survival of endless months, Andy was finally released as a prisoner of war on July 30, 1942.

After four months from recovering from malaria and dysentery, Andy continued to serve in the US Armed Forces and support his country. He was stationed in areas such as Calasiao, Pangasinan, Balanga Bataan, and Bamban, Tarlac. Pursuant to the call of the President of the United States dated July 26, 1941, Andy was honorably released from service June 30, 1946. Thereafter, Andy enlisted in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and continued to serve until he retired in 1966 as Second Lieutenant Sisenando Simeon. His entire military career lasted over 25 years. As a civilian, Andy became a sugar cane planter with a farm that was approximately 70 hectares. He would travel to San Miguel to sell his sugar cane, and he also managed workers on his farm.

In the midst of his military career, Andy Simeon fell in love and married his high school sweetheart, Narcisa Arciaga, who was a teacher at that time. Andy was 22 years old while Narcisa was 20. Andy and Narcisa were townmates and attended the same school. It was not long before they had their first born child, Orlando Simeon also known as “Orling”. Thereafter, from 1947 to 1961, they had seven more children: (in chronological order) Gregoria “Grey”, Marilou “Lou”, Josefina “Josie”, Segundo “Seg”, Maximo “Max”, Nicolasa “Nikky”, and Rosario “Rose”. All but two children are living today. Orling suffered a fatal accident at the age of 19 and Grey, 25, died of complications in the abdomen. Neither Orling nor Grey had any children.

Moving forward, in July of 1984 Andy and his youngest daughter Rose came to the United States. They were the last members of the family to migrate to the US and start their new lives. The oldest, Lou, currently resides in Carson City, Nevada with husband Rick Espiritu. Josie and her two daughters Katherine and Darlene live in San Diego, while her third daughter, Caroline, lives in Hercules, California. Seg lives with his wife Flor and three sons Edward, Kris, and Sean in Oxnard, California. Max and his wife Menchie live with their daughter, Francesca in Chicago, Illinois, while their eldest daughter lives in Hawaii. Nikky lives with her husband Noel and daughter Kirstie Kate in Reno, Nevada. Last but not least, the youngest daughter, Rose, lives with her husband Renato and their three children Renee Rose, Benjamin, and Brian in Colonia, New Jersey.

During their first twelve years in the US, Andy and Narcisa lived with their eldest daughter Marilou and Rick in Lake Tahoe. Andy’s first job in the US was working in Harrah’s Casino as change attendant. At the time of his retirement in 1992, he earned what was considered a top rate of $7/hour. Minimum wage was only $4.25/hour. Andy and Narcisa traveled and visited each of their children throughout the years. In 1993, both husband and wife moved to San Diego to live with Josie and her daughters. That year, they celebrated their 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary. Unfortunately, five years later, Narcisa was laid to rest on May 8, 1997 due to various complications from Huntington’s Disease. This was a sad chapter in his life; however, Andy continued to be strong. In 2009, he moved to Reno, Nevada to live with his daughter Nikky and her family. He suffered a total of four strokes during his final years in Reno, and peacefully walked to the gates of Heaven on March 12, 2013.

Sisenando Simeon is survived by 6 children, 12 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

-Written by Granddaughter, Darlene P. Galang