Family Ties: Pastorcita Monton Mozar

I remember my Lola Pasting to be very mellow and super generous. She was a very good wife and mother. And, of course, the best grandmother in the world. She is the type who'll sacrifice everything for her loved ones. My Mama and my aunties, shared with me, what she went through for the love of her life, her family and her kids. Learning about her story, made me admire her even more. She may have seemed meek, to the point of appearing weak. . . but she was not. By enduring all the hardships during the war and in raising the kids. . . by enduring the harsh judgments heaped upon her for being the second wife. . . by giving up her charmed life to be with the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Lola Pasting has shown us all that deep inside she was made of steel. She had a very strong heart and she knew how to fight and survive. And, inspite of everything that she had to put up with and all the struggles she had to go through, she never became a bitter person. Instead, she remained very loving and giving to her husband, her children, her relatives, her friends, and even to those who hated her. It's truly astounding to know someone like her, a woman who has the biggest heart there is. . . someone who knew no hatred. . . someone who only had love, understanding and care inside her.

I spent a lot of time with Lola when I was growing up in our home town in Mainit. At times, when I was in grade school, my Mama needed to fly to Manila to visit my Papa, Manang and Manongs, and she would leave me with Lolo Tonio and Lola Pasting. It was of course, always a pleasure. . . a grand vacation. When I was with her, it was always about me. . . what I wanted to eat, wear, watch, etc. She would always go out of her way to give in to my every whim. And, I was free to do whatever I want. No household chores. . . and I could play outside as long as I wanted. I was spoiled rotten. Truly every child's fantasy come true especially if you have a serious disciplinarian for a mother like mine. I only have fond memories of my Lola Pasting. Thinking about those good old days, always makes me miss her. Lola Pasting passed away when I was in college. It was heartbreaking for me and my siblings. We all cried buckets for the grandma who showered us with everything she got.

Auntie Leby with our dearest Lola Pasting