HOW LOLA AND LOLO MET

Before we get into how Lola and Lola met, let's review the results of the survey I sent around a few weeks ago. Most cousins thought that Lolo saw Lola dancing in the plaza during town fiesta and fell instantly. Though that is a really cute scene to imagine, it's not entirely true.

Lolo Dinoy and Lola Maris were "kababata" in Passi, according to Tita Alice. That probably means that Lolo and Lola knew each other from a young age. Lola had a boyfriend from another town, probably Janiuay. In those days, before the good roads were built, it probably meant that it was a long distance relationship. Lolo also had a girlfriend named Monsing, who happened to be Lola's best friend. It's unclear if Lolo fell for Lola first and broke up with Monsing as a result, or if Lolo and Monsing broke up first. But Lola and Lolo got together and here we all are!!!

It is worth mentioning that because of their different "backgrounds," Lola and Lolo may have never gotten together if not for the support of Padre Amado who sent Lolo to school to become a pharmacist. Education, and becoming a professional, helped elevate Lolo's social status and allowed him to "match up" to Lola, who came from buena familia. This also gives us all a little hint of why education and Brilliance, with a capital B, are so highly valued and encouraged (no, required) in this family. The phrase "Apo ni Dinoy" has become synonymous with demonstrating brilliance, good grades, and creativity.

Anyway, back to the love story that started it all. How did Lolo and Lola's relationship inspire the younger generation? Here are the responses from the cousins who took the survey:

"Lola taught me how to make my husband take good care of me, instead of the other way around, lol! Seriously, Lolo & Lola inspired me to stick it out with my marriage come hell or high waters... through the ups & downs of married life. I have been married for almost 16 years! Lola & Lolo are my role models in giving my three children a very good moral upbringing, & instilling in their minds the value of education & love for the family. They have passed on to my Nanay Alice so much righteous principles which have been inculcated in us, six siblings. As we raise our three children, Lolo & Lola's values and principles in life will always be considered as our ideal. Thank you Lolo & Lola! I love you both ssssooo very much!!!" --- ABPN


"Wala lang...but i know..i love them both." --- Ambot


"Lolo and Lola were our second parents. I was incredibly fortunate to have spent a large part of my childhood around them. This makes me feel that I have quite an intimate knowledge of them as a couple. There were so many little things I can think of that was inspirational to me about them, but I will point out a few. What is top on my list, is their spirituality. They loved and served God, and modelled that behaviour for us. They taught us how to love each other by their actions. Lola and Lolo were two of the most loving, caring, giving, generous, understanding, and sweetest people I have ever known. Lolo was one of the funniest and no doubt, smartest ever! Now Girlies, several of us inherited Lola's "Kikay" genes. You know who you are... One thing I don't want to forget to mention is: Lolo's undying love and dedication to Lola was legendary. When Cupid's bow struck him, he was forever under her spell!!! 
It was not just their relationship that was inspirational, it was how they lived their lives and in turn how that impacted their descendants, ie you and me....." --- AMPP