Ben was born and raised in Wakas, Kawit, Cavite (Philippines). At the request of his dying father, Ben enlisted in the US Navy at the youthful age of 20 to help support his mother and many siblings; subsequently relocating his wife and family members to America. Ben continued to serve for 21 years, earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He retired from the US Navy in 1978.
Utilizing the skills Ben learned in the US Navy, Ben began a career at the County of Santa Clara, where he also retired after 20 years of service.
As a child, Ben would catch and sell fish from the town’s “palaisdaan” (fish and shrimp farming pond) to help support his family. Ben eventually purchased the entire palaisdaan to continue to provide support to his family still living in Wakas.
Ben is known for his contagious smile, generosity, passion for cooking, and his jovial demeanour. He took great pride in caring for his family. Ben enjoyed regular casino trips, cruise vacations, and his yearly trip to the Philippines.
Ben and his wife are founders of the Kawitenos, a not-for-profit organization which encourages the culture and customs of his hometown, Wakas, Kawit, Cavite, to be celebrated in America.
Ben has inspired many people, both in the local Filipino community, but also as an “Ama” for his home town of Wakas. Memorials in honour of Ben can be found on street corners and the local chapel in Wakas.
Ben leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Nemesita “Neme” Guevarra; daughters Michelle Harada and Cynthia Nadal; grandchildren Aaron and Megan Ancheta, Jacob and Jason Nadal; as well as many siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the townspeople of Wakas, Kawit, Cavite
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