I dedicate this article to the outstanding Filipino women who have made a lasting mark in many people’s lives, including my own, through their chosen profession. It’s an honor for me to acknowledge two of these women who have contributed so much to the Fil-Am community here in America.
They are strong yet compassionate women who are not afraid to work hard to achieve something worthwhile. Both these ladies have been nominated and have received Reflections Excellence Awards a number of times in the past.
LILY M. LARA, BSN, RN
Tita Lily, as I call her, is truly a modern-day Florence Nightingale. It’s worth mentioning that she won BEST NURSE LEADER in 2006 for the VA Greater Los Angeles Area Healthcare System, West Los Angeles.
I was watching “Boy & Kris” on TFC the other day and to my surprise, they paid tribute to her winning the prestigious BEST NURSE LEADER 2006 Award. I was very gratified to learn that the good work that outstanding Fil-Ams do here in America is also reaching our countrymen in the Philippines.
Last year, Tita Lily marked her 34th year with the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. She won the Best Nurse Leader Award against nine other top finalists who were deemed the best of the best across the United States.
Her colleague who nominated her for this recognition noted how Tita Lily spearheaded so many quality improvement programs in her ward; how she encourages an open flow of communication among her staff; and how she inspires a “can-do attitude” in the workplace
In addition, Tita Lily has also been commended for taking a leadership role in volunteering for the Filipino Veterans Group in Paranoma City, where she works with veterans and their families in pursuing their healthcare needs.
In her own words, Tita Lily says, “My patients tell me all the time that they don’t want me to leave. I’m confident the work I’ve done here during my time will be carried on by others because patient-centered care is more than a protocol. It’s now part of our personality and I’m proud I’ve been a part of it.”
Mabuhay ka Tita Lily! Keep up the great work!
LUCINDA HERNANDEZ
Fondly called Mommy Lucing, this special lady has endeared herself to Fil-Ams here in
Southern California through her landmark Pinoy eatery, Bahay Kubo Natin Restaurant.
Once you set foot inside her restaurant, there’s an unmistakable “feel at home” ambiance. That’s because Mommy Lucing is very generous in dishing out not only her scrumptious food but also her warm smile.
She has been like a mother to me. She always has encouraging words for those who need it. I always enjoy eating at Bahay Kubo because of the familiar, friendly atmosphere. Lalong sumasarap ang pagkain!
Mommy Lucing has become a staple in Pinoy dining and catering here in Southern California. But not without going through difficult challenges.
She had a troubled childhood. Growing up, she had to fight for her right to attend school. In fact, Mommy Lucing married young to a man much older than her who would send her to school.
She migrated to the U.S. in 1978 to explore opportunities here. It was a rough start for her following a robbery/shotting incident that almost left her dead.
With her strong will to live and succeed, Mommy Lucing survived the terrible ordeal. She renewed her faith to God and went on to become successful in her business ventures: a board and care facility in Anaheim and later on, the Bahay Kubo Natin Restaurant on Temple Ave which she opened in 1992.
I hope that we draw inspiration from these two remarkable women—Tita Lily Lara and Mommy Lucing Hernandez. They are truly women who matter.
