Norma H. Ordiales

Dr. NORMA Huvilla Ordiales was born in Pasay City, Philippines on June 16. Before anything else, she was a devoted doctor of her time, a devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister. A simple person with a degree of strictness and a balance of compassion. She was last person to complain about anything. She simply loved people and they adored her as well. She is the youngest daughter of the late Gregorio Soriano Huvilla, Sr. and Feliza Ramos Huvilla. After losing her mother at a very young age, Norma was under the care of her grandmother and older siblings: Carmen, Josefa whom she calls "mama pita" and Jose "Chong Peng" while their father Gregorio Sr. devoted his life providing for the his eight children as the Chief Controller of the Philippine Refining Co. (PRC) . Through the hard work of her father and oldest brother, they started The Huvilla Trucking. They were able to send her to medical school. Her father always taught her and the rest of her siblings that it is through education, you will truly prosper in life. It is the best gift any parent could leave their children. When she was a little girl, she loved to play with her cousins who lived near their house. But, she was known to be a bit aloof with "guys" in Spanish-Tagalog, "suplada". Her early education was tough. With the absence of a mother she struggled, trying to find the balance of being a child, a daughter and a student. She longed to be able to share any distinctions she received in school with her mom. Surprising to some, my mom wanted to be an artist. She loved drawing houses and faces so she decided to study fine arts. However, after careful thought, she realized that entering medical school would allow her to reach out to more people and eventually be an instrument to heal others. It was her true calling. Her love story is something we may call "forever". My father, Arturo was a freshman in San Beda College and an active young leader and athlete in the neighborhood. He "spotted" my mom in one of the community events, Flores De Mayo. It was "love at first sight". Amidst all the reynas or so-called, stars of the night, my father only noticed her. This blossomed into a long and lasting courtship until my mom completed medical school and her residency. They got married during the martial law and after a year, I was born. Their only child, a very blessed daughter. I was raised witnessing the very good and the not so good of being the only child. They were not just husband and wife but a true example of "forever". With forever, they've built a love and friendship that will endure even through my mother's passing. As a Mom, she gave me the best but she was also my first critic. When I was a child, I'd always cling to my father because mom wouldn't buy me the original Sanrio (hello kitty) and esprit while my father would always say, give her the original so she won't have to ask for more. I'd hide under the kitchen table when i received a grade below 85 (Satisfactory) it would mean, "bad". Her sermons about working very hard and that "boys" should only come after studies were endless. My mom's influence that the only profession in this world with noble of cause is in the field of medicine perhaps reached my cousins - Gay, Heidi, Myra and Myrna but she was only successful with one! :) Finally, she always taught me that life is what we make it... At a young age, I hated the site of clinics and hospitals. To me, it reminded me of the long hours my mom would work and the weekends I would have to share with her patients. We would wait hours for mom to finish her clinic even on Saturdays. It was always me and papa waiting for her... You were "Sikat" (famous) because you talked a lot and your endless stories are fascinating for many... So much has happened mom. From your youthful and childhood years to this day. From the time that you decided to move to America to be with me and papa and leaving your medical profession...your sacrifices were endless. I may be an only child but I've never felt lonely. You've devoted your life caring for others. Even with your absence, I'm surrounded by your loving care because you've planted a life well lived. Perfection that still allowed compassion and understanding that no matter how difficult life maybe, you struggle through it, don't avoid it ... Because, it is within every struggle that you will better yourself imperfectly perfect! That's mom/mother/Momsie...the devoted and best friend of my Pop, the best friend anyone could have and the Aunt who has remained truthfully proud of her nieces, nephews, great/grandchildren and even extended families and friends.