Guide to the Watsonville is in the Heart oral history interviews MS.389
Christina Ayson Plank, Meleia Simon-Reynolds, Alix Norton
University of California, Santa Cruz
2021, 2023, 2024
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz 95064
speccoll@library.ucsc.edu
Contributing Institution:
University of California, Santa Cruz
Title: Watsonville is in the Heart oral history interviews
source:
Ayson Plank, Christina (Christina Marie)
Identifier/Call Number: MS.389
Physical Description:
17.93 GB
48 digital audio files
Date (inclusive): 2021 May - 2023 August
Abstract: This collection contains oral history
interviews collected by the Watsonville is in the Heart (WIITH) research team that chronicle
the lives of the descendants of the
manong (older brother) generation of
Filipino agricultural workers who settled in the Pajaro Valley of Central California in the
early twentieth century.
Language of Material:
English .
Collection open for research. Digital files are available in the UCSC Special Collections
and Archives reading room. Some files may require reformatting before they can be accessed.
Technical limitations may hinder the Library's ability to provide access to some digital
files. Access to digital files on original carriers is prohibited; users must request to
view access copies. Contact Special Collections and Archives in advance to request access to
digital files.
Copyright for the items in this collection is owned by the creators and their heirs.
Reproduction or distribution of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair
use requires permission from the copyright owner. It is the responsibility of the user to
determine whether a use is fair use, and to obtain any necessary permissions. For more
information see UCSC Special Collections and Archives policy on Reproduction and Use.
Watsonville is in the Heart oral history interviews. MS389. Special Collections and
Archives, University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team, 2021-2023.
Founded in 2020, Watsonville is in the Heart (WIITH) is a community-driven public history
initiative to preserve and uplift stories of Filipino migration and labor in the city of
Watsonville and greater Pajaro Valley of Central California. The initiative seeks to create
a new archive documenting the plight, struggles, vitality, and resilience of the
manong (older brother) generation of Filipino migrants who first settled in
the Pajaro Valley in the early twentieth century. The project is spearheaded by Dioscoro
"Roy" Respino Recio, Jr. (b. April 19, 1968), the founder of the Watsonville community
organization, The Tobera Project, in partnership with the University of California, Santa
Cruz (UCSC). The project team is composed of UCSC professors Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz
Gutierrez and Dr. Steven McKay; UCSC graduate and undergraduate students Christina Ayson
Plank, Meleia Simon-Reynolds, Nicholas Nasser, and Toby Baylon; and community members Amanda
Gamban and Olivia Sawi.
Recio, born on April 19, 1968 in Watsonville, California, founded The Tobera Project in
2019 after the death of his mother, Sally Ann Dalisay Recio on March 11, 2018. Her passing
prompted Recio to collect and share stories of the earliest Filipino immigrants from the
perspective of their descendants. The organization is named in honor of Fermin Tobera, a
Filipino American who was murdered during the Watsonville Riots of 1930, when a white mob
terrorized the Watsonville Filipino community for five days. In October 2019, Recio held the
inaugural event of The Tobera Project at the Freedom branch of the Watsonville Public
Library. He invited members of the local Filipino community to bring photographs, documents,
and artifacts related to their family histories for inclusion in an exhibition at the
library titled "Watsonville is in the Heart" that opened on April 1, 2020. It was during the
exhibition opening that Recio met Dr. McKay, a UC Santa Cruz associate professor of
sociology, who shared his vision for a large public archive of Filipino history housed
locally. Those conversations grew into a partnership with the university that was officially
announced in April 2021. The partnership is named after the novel
America is the
Heart
by Filipino American immigrant poet and writer, Carlos Bulosan. The Pajaro
Valley has functioned as the agricultural driver of Santa Cruz County since the nineteenth
century. Today, it is the fifthmost agriculturally productive region in the state. Filipino
migrant laborers in particular mostly came to the region at the beginning of the twentieth
century. Known as the manong generation of migrant workers, thousands of primarily young and
single Filipino men traveled to the central coast of California to develop its landscape. In
Santa Cruz County, they were recruited into low-wage farm jobs. Their employment entailed
picking and sorting crops such as strawberries, cucumbers, lettuce, and beans; hauling
irrigation pipes; and tilling acres of land. They often worked eleven hour days, six days a
week, with very little compensation. These workers traveled along California's central
coast, following seasonal crops in search of employment opportunities.
At the time Filipino Americans faced many exclusionary and racist policies that attempted
to prohibit Filipino Americans from raising families in California. Women and children were
barred from making the journey from the Philippines because labor recruiters favored single
men and anti-miscegenation laws made it largely illegal for Filipino men to marry white
women. In addition, manongs faced constant threats from racial violence. Despite these
exclusionary laws and racist acts, manongs in the Pajaro Valley created a sense of home and
built families. Many manongs joined the First Filipino Infantry and fought in the
Philippines during World War II. They later used their GI Bills to purchase land and start
businesses. They also courted women in the Philippines who traveled to the U.S. after
immigration laws eased after World War II. Others were involved in mixed-race relationships
with white and Mexican American women despite anti-miscegenation laws. As a result, a
prosperous and vital Filipino community was bred and nurtured in Watsonville and the greater
Pajaro Valley. Members of the Filipino community created and participated in important
community organizations including the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, Filipino Community
Organization, Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville, Filipino Catholic Association, and
Filipino Visayans. As a result of their agricultural and cultural activities, the Filipino
community in the Pajaro Valley has made a lasting impact on the vitality of Santa Cruz
County and the California Bay Area.
This collection contains oral history interviews collected by the Watsonville is in the
Heart (WIITH) research team that chronicle the lives of the descendants of the manong (older
brother) generation of Filipino agricultural workers who settled in the Pajaro Valley of
Central California in the early twentieth century. The collection includes interviews
conducted by University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) professors Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz
Gutierrez and Dr. Steven McKay; UCSC graduate and undergraduate students Christina Ayson
Plank, Meleia Simon-Reynolds, Nicholas Nasser, Toby Baylon, Markus Faye Portacio, Katrina
Pagaduan, Ian Hunte Doyle, Una Lynch, Hana Yamamoto, and Maia Mislang; and community members
Dioscoro "Roy" Respino Recio, Jr., Amanda Gamban, and Olivia Sawi. The interviews are
organized by family last name. They include: Alminiana (Eva Alminiana Monroe), Ancheta
(Shirley Ancheta), Asunción(Anastacio "Stosh" Asunción), Baniaga (Tony Baniaga and Ruby
Baniaga Kaldonis), Bersamin (Manuel Bersamin), Bongolan (Lorraine "Rain" Bongolan), Carrillo
(Maurice Carillo), Castillo (Fred "Freddie" Leo Castillo), Cawaling (Loren Cawaling),
Deocampo (Veronica Hernandez, Antoinette Deocampo-Lechtenberg, and Paul Phillip Deocampo),
Fallorina (Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina, Florendo (Mary Grace Florendo Perry), Irao-de los
Reyes and Ibao (Joanne de los Reyes-Hilario), Lopez (Rosario "Rose" Lopez and Anthony "Tony"
Bernard Tapiz Jr.), Madalora (Frank Madalora), Mariano (Bobby Mariano), Marquez (John
Marquez and Evelyn Marquez), Nabor (Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor), Nerona-Sanchez (Raymond
"Ray" Gonzalez), Ragsac (Ben "Raggy" Ragsac, John "Sibby" Quenga Ragsac, Letecia "Tisha"
Remedios Ragsac, and Francisco "Frisco" Quenga Ragsac), Recio (Dioscoro "Roy" Respino Recio,
Jr.), Sales (Dana Sales), Sulay (Juanita Sulay Wilson and Mariano "Mario" Sulay), Tabancay
(Ruth Tabancay), Tabasa (Greg Tabasa and Francine Lorraine Tabasa Lopes), Tabios and Tana
(Estelita Tabios), Taytayon (Erlinda Taytayon Heebner), Tejada (Fred Tejada), Tumbaga (Lydia
Tumbaga Brumblay), Tuzon (Modesto Orlando Tuzon and Rita Louise Tuzon), and Yoro (Samuel
"Sammy" Yoro). These interviews cover family immigration histories to the Pajaro Valley in
the 1920s-1930s; their memories of the manongs; stories they heard about working in the
agricultural fields and canneries; labor organizing and strikes, including United Farm
Workers strikes in the 1970s; race relations in Watsonville, California, including the
Watsonville Race Riots in January 1930; growing up in the Pajaro Valley from the
1940s-1990s; mixed-race experiences; Filipino owned- businesses; their involvement in
community organizations including the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, Filipino Community
Organization, Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville, Filipino Catholic Association, and
Filipino Visayans Association of America; popular leisure activities including community
barbeques and parties, picnics, fishing, cockfighting, gardening, and travel; and their
experience with creating a community archive. Interviews were conducted both in-person and
using Zoom video conferencing software from May 2021 to August 2023.
This collection is arranged in thirty-one series, with each series containing interviews
from one family:
- Series 1: DeOcampo Family Interviews
- Series 2: Sulay Family Interviews
- Series 3: Alminiana Family Interviews
- Series 4: Recio Family Interviews
- Series 5: Ibao and de los Reyes Family Interviews
- Series 6: Florendo Family Interviews
- Series 7: Bersamin Family Interviews
- Series 8: Fallorina Family Interviews
- Series 9: Nabor Family Interviews
- Series 10: Tuzon Family Interviews
- Series 11: Carrillo Family Interviews
- Series 12: Ragsac Family Interviews
- Series 13: Tumbaga Family Interviews
- Series 14: Taytayon Family Interviews
- Series 15: Tana and Tabios Family Interviews
- Series 16: Sales Family Interviews
- Series 17: Mariano Family Interviews
- Series 18: Madalora Family Interviews
- Series 19: Cawaling Family Interviews
- Series 20: Ancheta Family Interviews
- Series 21: Asuncion Family Interviews
- Series 22: Baniaga Family Interviews
- Series 23: Bongolon Family Interviews
- Series 24: Castillo Family Interviews
- Series 25: Lopez Family Interviews
- Series 26: Marquez Family Interviews
- Series 27: Nerona-Sanchez Family Interviews
- Series 28: Tabancay Family Interviews
- Series 29: Tabasa Family Interviews
- Series 30: Tejada Family Interviews
- Series 31: Yoro Family Interviews
This collection was processed by Christina Ayson Plank in 2021 and Meleia Simon-Reynolds in
2024 in the Center for Archival Research of Training (CART), with assistance from Alix
Norton. Descriptions of digital files were created during processing and offer a summary of
each interview. The interviews in the collection were originally recorded to digital audio
and video files, with some being conducted in person and some conducted via the Zoom video
conferencing software. The original digital files were received from the Watsonville is in
the Heart project team via Google Drive. Files were not reformatted, and file names are
original to the creators. Formats represented are mp3, m4a, mp4, and wav. Additional
accruals to this collection are expected from the Watsonville is in the Heart project
team.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Farmers -- California -- Santa Cruz
County
Pajaro River Valley (Calif.)
Migrant agricultural laborers --
California
Migrant labor -- California
Interviews
Filipino Americans
Oral history -- California -- Santa Cruz
County -- Archives
Ayson Plank, Christina (Christina
Marie)
DeOcampo Family Interviews 2021 April-May
Paul "Skippy" Tabalan DeOcampo was born in the municipality of Santo Domingo, in the
Ilocos Sur region of the Philippines on August 17, 1909 or 1910. The exact date of his
birth is unknown. DeOcampo immigrated to the United States in 1928 following his brother
Leon Tabalan DeOcampo, who immigrated in 1927.
Paul settled in the Pajaro Valley working as a farmer at the Lazo-Rosser Ranch, which
was owned by his cousins Leon Lazo and Cipriano Lazo and Cipriano's wife, May Rosser. He
also worked as the head foreman at the Resetar, Sheehy, and J.J. Crosetti ranches. He
served at J.J. Crosetti for fifty years where he managed the business' apple orchards.
It was there where he later met his wife, Gloria Molina, a fellow J.J. Crosetti
employee. They married on November 16, 1954.
Gloria was born in La Salle, Texas on February 18, 1932 or 1937. The exact date of her
birth is unknown. Her parents, Margarita Molina and Ascenscion "Chon" Molina, and their
family left in 1945 for Michigan and Washington before eventually settling in
Watsonville in 1952 to escape harsh agricultural working conditions in Texas. After
years of saving money working in the agricultural sector, Paul and Gloria purchased five
acres of land in Aromas in 1960 and began their farm where they grew cucumbers for
pickling.
They had three children, who were all born in Watsonville and raised in Aromas:
Veronica Marie Hernandez (b. 1958), Antoinette Yvonne DeOcampo-Lechtenberg (b. 1960),
and Paul Phillip DeOcampo, Jr. (b. 1967). All three children worked alongside their
parents at the J.J. Crosetti Ranch until they pursued careers outside of agriculture.
Paul passed in 1995 at the age of 86.
Veronica Hernandez interviewed by Dioscoro "Roy" Respino Recio Jr. and Amanda Gamban GambanandRecio_VeronicaHernandez_2021-5-5 2021 May 5
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom, Veronica Hernandez speaks with
Dioscoro "Roy" Respino Recio, Jr. and Amanda Gamban who are members of the Watsonville
is in the Heart project team. Hernandez gives a broad overview of her family's
immigration history and experience living in the Pajaro Valley as agricultural
workers. She discusses her father's immigration from the Philippines to the United
States in 1928 and her mother's experience moving from Texas to California. Hernandez
details memories of working in agricultural fields with her parents. She also
discusses her experience growing up as mixed-race and her encounters with racism.
Lastly, she discusses how working in the fields inspired her to pursue a career as an
ESL teacher and her employment after leaving the fields in her 20s.
Paul Phillip DeOcampo interviewed by Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez Part 1 of 3 Gutierrez_PaulDeOcampo_Part1_2021-6-3 2021 June 3
In the first part of this three part interview, Paul Phillip DeOcampo speaks with Dr.
Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project
team. DeOcampo briefly discusses his father and mother's migration history and their
relationship. He briefly recounts a trip he took back to the Philippines at the age of
eleven. Lastly, he details his experiences growing up in the small town of Aromas,
California, and the racial demographic of his school.
Paul Phillip DeOcampo interviewed by Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez Part 2 of 3 Gutierrez_PaulDeOcampo_Part2_2021-6-3 2021 June 3
In the second part of this three part interview, Paul Phillip DeOcampo speaks with
Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project
team. DeOcampo discusses his experience learning about the Watsonville Race Riots
later in his life. He also speculates why his parents and uncles hid their experience
with racism and intolerance. DeOcampo also recounts growing up with a large age
difference between him and his sisters, Antoinette DeOcampo-Lechtenberg and Veronica
Hernandez, and with aging parents.
Paul Phillip DeOcampo interviewed by Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez Part 3 of 3 Gutierrez_PaulDeOcampo_Part3_2021-6-3 2021 June 3
In the third part of this three part interview, Paul Phillip DeOcampo speaks with Dr.
Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project
team. DeOcampo discusses the value of oral history archives and the importance of the
Watsonville is the Heart project. He also discusses learning about Filipino
involvement in the United Farm Workers (UFW) riots of the 1960s and 1970s.
Antoinette Yvonne DeOcampo Lechtenberg interviewed by Olivia Sawi Sawi_AntoinetteDeOcampoLechtenberg_Part1_2021-5-8.mp3 2021 May 8
In this interview, Antoinette Yvonne DeOcampo Lechtenberg speaks with Olivia Sawi, a
member of the Watsonville is the Heart project team. Lechtenberg discusses her family
background and immigration from the Philippines and Texas to Watsonville and later
Aromas. She also discusses her experience growing up in a working-class, mixed-race
family. She remembers her father's difficulties navigating the 1965 Delano Grape
Strike as a foreman. Lechtenberg also talked about the effects of pesticides on her
family's health and her turn towards herbalism and holistic medicine. She details her
relationship with food as a product of her father's love for eating.
Sulay Family Interviews 2021 May - 2023 January
Mamerto Agustin "Max" Sulay was born in 1907 and raised by his siblings in the
municipality of Licab, in the province of Nueva Ecija, in the Philippines. He went to
school in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and obtained a sixth-grade education. In September 1928,
he immigrated to Honolulu with his father-in-law and nephew-in-law from his first
marriage. The three traveled to Hawai'i on a ship called the Sandviken. In 1930, Mamerto
and his nephew-in-law left Hawai'i to work in California, arriving first in Wilmington.
Mamerto's father-in-law returned to Ilocos Sur in the Philippines. In the continental
United States, Mamerto worked as a farm laborer, crew boss, and contractor. He traveled
along the west coast following seasonal crop rotations. Census data first documents
Mamerto in Union, California where he resided in Camp 5 of the Canal Ranch on Peltier
Road.
In the summer of 1939, while working as a laborer in a pea field in Arroyo Grande, he
met Virginia Alice Viner. Virginia was born in Shed, Oregon in 1922. Her parents
traveled extensively throughout the United States but briefly settled in San Luis Obispo
County. The Viners lived behind a church where her father worked as a groundskeeper. On
August 5, 1940, Mamerto and Virginia traveled to Vancouver, Washington to marry to evade
anti-miscegenation laws in California. After their marriage, the two settled in the
Pajaro Valley at Rowe Ranch in a Filipino labor camp. The Pajaro Valley was a frequent
stop along the agricultural circuit, and many of Mamerto's friends also settled in the
area.
In 1944, the couple purchased a one-bedroom house on Broadis Street in Watsonville next
to a member of the Crosetti family, which had been a long-time employer of Mamerto and
his friends. The property was placed in Virginia's name due to exclusionary property
laws that barred Filipinos from owning land. In the 1950s, the house was remodeled by
fellow manong, Eddie and Ray Castro. Mamerto and Virginia had six children: Juanita
Sulay Wilson, Manzanita Garcia, Mamerto "Sonny" Sulay, Cristine "Cris" Sulay, Alberto
"Bert" Sulay, and Mariano "Mario" Telodro Sulay. Mamerto also had a son, Quirino Sulay,
in the Philippines, who immigrated to the United States and settled in Watsonville with
his family in the 1970s. The Sulay children attended the gatherings, picnics, parties,
and celebrations of the organizations to which their parents belonged including the
Aglipay Lodge #26 of the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, the Filipino Community of
Watsonville, and the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville. Virginia passed in 1988, and
Mamerto in 1995.
Juanita Sulay Wilson interviewed by Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez Gutierrez_JuanitaSulayWilson_Part1_2021-5-4 2021 May 4
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Juanita Sulay Wilson and Alan
Wilson speak with Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez, a member of the Watsonville is in
the Heart project team, and her father, Hermes Gutierrez. Wilson gives an overview of
her family's history settling in the Pajaro Valley and her father's experience working
in the fields along the California coast as migrant workers. She details her parents'
experience navigating race relations in the Pajaro Valley as a mixed-race couple.
Wilson also discusses what it was like growing up in the Pajaro Valley as a mixed-race
woman and the desire of her extended family to shelter her and her siblings from the
racism they experienced as Filipino agricultural laborers. She also discusses the
development of Watsonville alongside the changing Filipino demographics after the
1950s. Joined by her husband, Alan Wilson, they discussed how they met and moved up to
San Francisco. Lastly, Wilson discusses her extracurricular activities including hula
and archiving her family's personal materials.
Mariano "Mario" Tolodro Sulay interviewed by Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez Gutierrez_MarianoSulay_Part1_2021-6-18 2021 June 18
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom, Mariano Sulay speaks with Dr.
Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project
team. Sulay recounts his experience growing up in the Pajaro Valley after the 1960s.
Sulay recounts memories of his father at the end of his career as an agricultural
worker. In addition, he shares memories of his mother's engagement in social clubs
such as the Filipino Community and the decline of her involvement later in life. He
also discusses his experience growing up as a mixed-race Filipino and learning about
the Watsonville Riots later in his life.
Juanita Sulay Wilson interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Part 2 of 2 simon_reynolds_sulay_wilson_juanita_2023-1-29.wav 2023 January 29
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Juanita Sulay Wilson speaks with
Meleia Simon-Reynolds, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. This
interview is focused on Juanita's mother, Virginia Alice Viner, and her membership and
role in the Watsonville Filipino Women's Club, as well as Juanita's own foundational
role in the Watsonville High School Filipino Youth Club. Throughout the interview,
Juanita describes the events and services the Filipino Women's Club provided to the
community in Watsonville. She explains the racial dynamics within the club and
community, including how white women like her mother were accepted into the
organization. Juanita recalls how her mother saw herself within the community and
discusses changing community dynamics when Filipino migrants arrived in Watsonville,
especially after 1965. She also details the development of her own identity as a
mixed-race person, explaining the ways members of the Filipino Women's club and her
mother –thought about race. Then, Juanita explains the creation and activities of the
Filipino Youth Club. She explains the connections between the founding of the Youth
Club and other Filipino community organizations in Watsonville. Juanita emphasizes
that she and other members of the Youth Club felt it was important to claim and
celebrate their Filipino identities.
Alminiana Family Interviews 2021 May
Amando Ocampo Alminiana was born in the municipality of Bacnotan, in the province of La
Union, in the Ilocos region of the Philippines on August 29, 1907. Amando immigrated to
the United States in 1929, following his brother, Juan "Johnny" Alminiana, who
immigrated to Stockton, California in the 1910s. Juan had first landed in Hawai'i to
work on a sugar plantation before migrating to California to work in agricultural
fields. Upon arriving in Stockton after taking passage through San Francisco, Amando
worked as a dishwasher in a restaurant. He later became a chef for the same restaurant
after learning the trade. Shortly after, he moved to Beverly Hills to work as a houseboy
and saved enough money to purchase a pool hall in Los Angeles. In 1934, he sold his pool
hall and moved to Watsonville where he opened The Universal Barber Shop on 150 Main
Street. The Universal Barbershop and its sister location in Santa Cruz remained open
until his retirement in 1994.
In 1942, Amando was recruited to serve in World War II as a trained medic in the First
Filipino Infantry. The regiment was assigned to Corregidor Island in the Philippines. It
was there that Amando met Rosario "Nena" Nieva Cortes. Rosario was born on October 3,
1914 in Lucena, Quezon, Philippines. She moved to Manila where she received her degree
in nursing and met her first husband, Alejandro Cortes, a trained doctor. They had a son
named Angelo Anthony Cortes, who was born on August 2, 1941. While serving as medical
staff during World War II, Alejandro passed away, leaving Rosario a widow and single
mother. Amando met Rosario while stationed in Corregidor, and they later married in
Lucena following the war. In 1947, Rosario and her son immigrated to Watsonville to join
Amando.
Upon moving to California, Rosario sought to create a lively Filipino community in
Watsonville and provide resources to newly arrived Filipinos. In 1951, she founded the
Watsonville Filipino Women's Club. She then later established the Filipino Catholic
Association. By organizing events such as pageants, community picnics, resource
presentations, and meet-and-greets with Watsonville officials, Rosario sought to raise
social and cultural equity for Filipinos in the area.
Together, Amando and Rosario had three children: Angelo Anthony Cortes (b. August 2,
1941 - d. June 24, 2014), Eva Alminiana Monroe (b. 1949), and Rene Alminiana (b.
1951).
Eva Alminiana Monroe interviewed by Christina Ayson Plank AysonPlank_EvaAlminianaMonroe_Part1_2021-5-8 2021 May 8
In this interview conducted in person, Eva Alminiana Monroe speaks with Christina
Ayson Plank, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team. Monroe
discusses her father's immigration story and the establishment of his barbershop in
Watsonville called The Universal Barbershop. She also discusses her father's
enlistment in the First Filipino Infantry Regiment and her mother's work as a nurse
during World War II in the Philippines where they met. Monroe recalls memories of
growing up in Watsonville and the events that her mother organized in association with
the Filipino Women's Club. She also discusses her uncle's work in the agricultural
fields, experiences with racism, and memories of other manongs in the community.
Eva Alminiana Monroe interviewed by Christina Ayson Plank AysonPlank_EvaAlminianaMonroe_Part2_2021-5-21 2021 May 21
In this follow up interview conducted in person, Eva Alminiana Monroe speaks with
Christina Ayson Plank, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team.
Monroe details her mother's work organizing the Filipino Women's Club and important
annual events that she organized. This included community picnics at Bolado Park and
the Fourth of July parade. She revisits memories of her uncle, his work in the
agricultural fields, and his hobbies. She also discusses growing up speaking English
in her household and her desire to learn Tagalog. Monroe discusses the class divisions
in Watsonville as well. In addition, she discusses the family trips they took and the
importance of the beach.
Recio Family Interviews 2021 May
Dioscoro "Coro" Respino Recio, Sr. was born in the municipality of Banga, in the region
of Aklan, in the Philippines on August 15, 1904. At age fifteen, Dioscoro married and
had two daughters. His first wife passed away due to complications during childbirth. On
April 22, 1929, he traveled to the United States in search of work to financially
support his family who remained in the Philippines. He worked as a farm laborer
traveling up and down California's Central Coast following the crop rotation before
eventually settling in the Pajaro Valley.
In 1967, Dioscoro met a woman named Sally Anne Dalisay. The two were eventually
married, though the exact date of their meeting and their marriage is unknown. Sally
Anne was born in Fresno County on August 20, 1944. She was legally blind. Her mother,
Beatrice Maxeen Reed, migrated to California from Kansas with her family during the Dust
Bowl. Her father, Jose Antaran Dalisay, was a Filipino manong who worked as a farm
laborer in Fresno County. Beatrice had four other children: Joanne Antaran Del Carlo (b.
1943), Joe Belgua (b. 1948), Lonna Dalisay (b. 1949), and Donna Dalisay (b. 1949).
Beatrice and Jose had a difficult marriage. At the age of five, Sally Anne and her
sisters were relocated to an orphanage. While her sisters were adopted, Sally Anne
remained at the orphanage into adulthood.
Dioscoro and Sally Anne lived in a labor camp on Beach Road in Watsonville. Dioscoro
worked as an irrigator at various farms in the Pajaro Valley. Sally Anne stayed at home
and took care of their three children: Peter Dalisay Recio (b. 1966), Dioscoro "Roy"
Respino Recio, Jr. (b. 1968), and Lynette Dalisay Recio (b. 1975). In 1972, the family
moved from the rural labor camp into town. The family's move was facilitated by Rosita
Tabasa—a prominent member of the Watsonville Filipino community and the owner of the
popular Philippine Gardens Cafe—who assisted them in applying for low-income housing on
Green Valley Road. The couple lived in Watsonville for the rest of their lives. Coro
passed in January 2004, and Sally Anne passed in March of 2018.
Dioscoro "Roy" Recio Jr. interviewed by Toby Baylon and Nicholas Nasser BaylonandNasser_DioscoroRecioJr_Part1_2021-5-1 2021 May 1
In this interview recorded via Zoom, Dioscoro "Roy" Respino Recio Jr. speaks with
Toby Baylon and Nicholas Nasser, two members of the Watsonville is in the Heart
project team. Recio details his experience growing up in Watsonville in the late 1960s
and 1970s. In particular, he discusses his experience growing up with a disability in
a low-income, working class neighborhood of Watsonville known as Mesa Village. He also
discusses his father's immigration history from the Philippines to the United States
to pursue work as an agricultural laborer. Recio details his mother's experience as a
mixed-race Filipina who grew up in an orphanage. He also details his work as a
community organizer in San Francisco working for the Manilatown Heritage Foundation,
San Francisco Veterans Equity Center, and the Displaced Airport Screener program.
Recio explains how his trajectory led him to founding The Tobera Project and
establishing the Watsonville is in the Heart research project with the University of
California, Santa Cruz.
Irao- de los Reyes and Ibao Family Interviews 2021 May-July
Juan "Johnny" T. de los Reyes was born on January 10, 1910, in the barangay of Navitas
which is in the municipality of Numancia in the Aklan province of the Philippines. In
the 1920s, Juan immigrated to the United States and first landed in Seattle. He
eventually made his way down to Watsonville in 1937 where he worked as an irrigator for
Willoughby Farms and lived in a Filipino labor camp on Riverside Road. In 1961, Juan's
niece in the Philippines, Lu Reyes Irao, introduced him to her sister-in-law, Luisa
Irao, and the two became pen pals. Luisa was born on February 16, 1929 and was a
schoolteacher in Tablas, Romblon, Philippines. A year later, Juan visited the
Philippines to marry her. After arriving in the United States, Luisa petitioned family
members, including her sister, Bernabela Gomez Irao, to come to the United States.
Bernabela was born on January 6, 1935. Once in Watsonville, Bernabela met and later
married Juan's friend and housemate, Serbolo Tulay Ibao, who was thirty years her
senior. Using money that he had won on a gambling trip in Reno, Serbolo purchased a
house on Elkhorn Road in Royal Oaks in 1968 where he and Bernabela would eventually live
with Juan and Luisa. Serbolo subsequently used his winnings to help other Filipino
families purchase homes.
Due to health complications that left Luisa unable to have children, she and Juan
adopted a daughter from Serbolo and Bernabela, who by then had two children, Maria
Jessebel "Maribel" Irao Ibao (b. December 19, 1966 – d. June 16, 2015) and Edward Irao
Ibao (b. January 13, 1971 – d. March 1, 2019). On January 19, 1973, Joanne de los Reyes
(now Joanne de los Reyes-Hilario) was born and adopted by the couple. Following Joanne's
adoption, Serbolo and Bernabela Ibao had another child, Janice Irao Ibao, born on May
29, 1974.
Joanne de los Reyes interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Simon-Reynolds_JoannedelosReyes_Part1_2021-5-5 2021 May 5
In this interview conducted in person, Joanne de los Reyes Hilario speaks with Meleia
Simon-Reynolds, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team. De los Reyes
details her family history arriving in the United States from the Philippines. In
particular, she discusses the relationship between the Ibao and de los Reyes family
and the history that led up to her adoption. In addition, she discusses the way her
parents petitioned their family to come to the United States and how they housed them
on their property. She also discusses her mother's participation in various cultural
and social clubs including the Filipino Visayans, Filipino Community, and Filipino
Women's Club. De los Reyes also discusses her mother's collection of Maria Clara
dresses.
Joanne de los Reyes interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Simon-Reynolds_JoannedelosReyes_Part2_2021-7-23 2021 July 23
In this interview conducted in person, Joanne de los Reyes Hilario speaks with Meleia
Simon-Reynolds and Christina Ayson Plank, two members of the Watsonville is in the
Heart project team. De los Reyes discusses her memories of her family home on Elkhorn
Road in Royal Oaks and visiting the labor camp on Riverside Drive in Watsonville. She
also discusses cultural differences between the United States and Philippines. De los
Reyes also talks in more detail about her adoption and growing up with her cousins.
Lastly, she discusses the importance of fishing to her and her father.
Florendo Family Interviews 2021 June
Clemente Estilong Florendo was born on November 20, 1910, in the barangay La Union, in
the municipality of Naguilian, in the province of Isabela, in the Philippines. In June
1931, Clemente and his cousin Crispino Ramirez Estilong embarked upon a month-long
voyage from Manilla to Seattle, Washington on the S.S. President Jefferson. Clemente and
Crispino arrived in Seattle where Clemente's elder brother Doroteo Florendo had lived
since June 1929. Doroteo worked as a laborer for the City of Seattle and previously
worked in sugar beet fields in Montana. Upon arrival in Seattle, Clemente, Crispino and
Doroteo rented a car and drove to California where they worked in agricultural fields
throughout the state including San Jose, Half Moon Bay, Castroville, Watsonville, and El
Centro.
By 1940, Clemente was living in Castroville and his brother Doroteo was living in El
Centro. Clemente and Doroteo shared a Post Office Box in Watsonville and traveled
between Watsonville, Castroville and El Centro for work. Clemente moved to Watsonville
permanently in 1942. Doroteo passed away in Santa Cruz at age 37 in July 1943. Crispino
retired and returned to the Philippines in the mid-1970s.
Clemente's wife, Maria de los Angeles Quintero Florendo was born on August 10, 1925 in
Mexcaltitán, Sinaloa, Mexico. With the help of her sister, Alejandrina Quintero Bayuga
(b. 1922 in Mexcaltitán, Sinaloa), Maria moved from Mexcaltitán to Mexicali, Baja
California with her three children Agapita Quintero Barragan, Rosario Quintero Vieyra
and Jesus Quintero from a previous marriage which ended after a family feud between her
brothers and her brothers in law. A fourth child, Enrique, died as an infant at the age
of four months. Alejandrina had two houses in Mexicali where Maria's parents Domitilo
Quintero and Loreto Quiroz and extended Quintero family first arrived after leaving
Sinaloa.
In 1946, while working as a waitress in Mexicali, Maria's elder sister Victoria
Quintero Quiroz (b. 1917 in Mexcaltitán, Sinaloa) was introduced to manong Eulalio "Max"
Bersamin. Victoria and Max were married in Lordsburg, New Mexico on April 27, 1947 and
settled in Watsonville. While working between El Centro and Watsonville, Victoria and
Max introduced another manong, Fortunato L. Bayuga to Alejandrina. The pair eventually
married. Alejandrina and Fortunato invited Maria and her children to live with them at
their cherry tomato farm on Paulsen Road in Watsonville.
Clemente met Maria in 1951 in Watsonville while Maria was living and working at the
Bayuga's cherry tomato farm. Clemente had a nearby farm where he grew strawberries.
During the early 1960s, Clemente sold his property to help Maria and her children
immigrate to the United States from Mexicali. Clemente and Maria were married in Salinas
and had two children, Clemente Manuel Florendo (b.1960) and Mary Grace Florendo Perry
(b.1963 ). Clemente also raised Maria's children Agapita, Rosario, and Jesus as his own.
Clemente became a naturalized citizen in the 1960s. Maria became a naturalized citizen
in 1996.
Mary Florendo Perry interviewed by Steven McKay McKay_MaryFlorendoPerry_Part1_2021-6-4 2021 June
In this interview conducted in person, Mary Florendo Perry speaks with Dr. Steven
McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team. Perry discusses her
family's immigration story from the Philippines and Mexicali. She also discusses their
labor working in the agricultural fields and canneries. Perry also talks about her
time in college at Vassar College. She also offers memories of her uncle who lived in
a camp with other Filipino bachelors. Lastly, she discusses her knowledge of the
Watsonville Race Riots.
Bersamin Family Interviews 2021 May
Eulalio "Max" Valera Brazil Bersamin was born on December 14, 1911, in the municipality
of Bangued, in the province ofAbra of the Philippines. His parents, Calixto and Hipolita
Brazil Bersamin, had four other children: Paulino "Paul," Alejandro "Alex," Rosario, and
Jovita Bersamin. In 1931, Max followed his two older brothers, Paulino and Alejandro, to
Hawai'i where they had been working on a sugar plantation in Wahiawa, O'ahu. Eventually,
the three brothers traveled to California and joined the migrant farm labor circuit.
They first settled in Guadalupe before traveling throughout California, Arizona, and
along the Pacific coast for work. During World War II, Max's brothers joined the First
Filipino Infantry and served in the Pacific Theater. He, however, was unable to join due
to a heart condition. Max, nonetheless, continued to labor in the fields for over fifty
years.
In 1946, while working in the Imperial Valley, Max met another manong, who introduced
him to Victoria Quiroz Quintero, a Mexican woman who worked as a waitress in Mexicali.
Victoria was born on March 6, 1917, in Mexcaltitán, Sinaloa, Mexico. She joined Max in
the United States, and the two married in Lordsburg, New Mexico on April 27, 1947. Soon
after, they settled in Watsonville. Together they raised five children: Linda Alcala (b.
unknown) and Alba Reyes (b.1938)—both of whom were Victoria's children from a previous
relationship and were adopted by Max—Evangelina Harried (b. 1947), Juanita "Nita"
Roberts (b.1948), and Manuel Bersamin (b. 1957).
In Watsonville, Max continued to work in the fields while Victoria worked in the
canneries, including J.J. Crosetti Frozen Foods. The family participated in Filipino
community organizations including the Filipino Community of Watsonville and the
Fil-Visayan Association of America. Max was an avid cook and prepared Filipino meals at
family parties in the Pajaro Valley. He was also an active and passionate member of the
United Farm Workers of America. As the first person in her family to settle in the
United States, Victoria facilitated many family members' migration. Her sisters, Maria
de los Angeles Quintero Florendo and Alejandrina Quintero Bayuga, married other
Watsonville manong, resulting in a large, mixed-race family network. Max passed in 1996,
and Victoria in 2017.
Manuel Bersamin interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay mckay_bersamin_manuel_2021_5_6.mp4 2021 May 6
In this interview, originally recorded on Zoom, Manuel Bersamin speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Dr. Steve McKay. Manuel discusses his father,
Eulalio "Max" Bersamin's migration history— including his early life in Bangued,
Philippines and his labor migration to Hawai'i and California. He describes Max's over
fifty year career as a migrant farm laborer in Central California. Manuel explains how
his father married Victoria Quintero, a Mexican woman who he met in Mexicali. After
migrating to Watsonville with Max, Victoria helped many other family members immigrate
to the US resulting in a large, mixed-race family unit. Manuel discusses his and his
families' mixed-race, "mestizo" identity. He also reflects on the manongs' experiences
as they endured racism and poor labor conditions. He discusses their leisure
activities including gambling, cock fighting, and cooking. Finally, Manuel speaks
about his father's disillusionment from the "American Dream" as well as his resilience
and resistance. Notably, he discusses Max's passionate involvement in the United Farm
Workers (UFW). Throughout the interview, Manuel explains the ways that Max's
resistance and union participation influenced his own activism and careers as a
Watsonville City Council member (2003-2012), mayor of Watsonville (2006-2007), and
currently as a grant program director at Hartnell Community College.
Fallorina Family Interviews 2022 February - 2023 July
Mariano Doctor Fallorina was born in the barangay of Villanueva which is in the
municipality of Bautista, in the Pangasinan province of the Philippines on October 24,
1906. On February 9, 1927, Mariano embarked to the United States aboard the S.S.
President Taft. He arrived in San Francisco on March 9, 1927. In his early years,
Mariano worked as a migrant farm laborer throughout California and along the Pacific
seaboard. During this time, he principally lived and worked in Gonzales and Soledad,
California. On August 11, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific
Theater as a member of the First Filipino Infantry.
While in the Philippines, Mariano met Angelina Nicolas through his sister, Ana
Fallorina. Angelina was born on December 6, 1922 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. As
a young woman in the Philippines, Angelina was involved in the Methodist Church and
worked as a teacher. In February 1946, Mariano was discharged from the military and
returned to the United States. He continued to court Angelina until he returned to the
Philippines in 1952 after which the couple soon married. They traveled back to
California the same year.
The couple first lived in Soledad and had a son, Mariano N. Fallorina, Jr. (b. 1952).
After Mariano Jr. was born, the family moved to the Pajaro Valley. Mariano and Angelina
first worked as strawberry sharecroppers for Reiter Berries on San Andreas Road. They
had another son, Daniel "Dan" K. N. Fallorina (b. 1957), and adopted Elizabeth "Liz" R.
N. Fallorina (b. 1950) from the Philippines. In 1962, Elizabeth joined the family in
California. The family continued to work as sharecroppers in the Pajaro Valley until
1962. Mariano was a farm laborer for various companies including Jensen Apples, Loveless
and Sons, and C&V Farms. Angelina worked in the canneries for Frozen Foods,
Watsonville Canning, and Green Giant.
The family was active in the First United Methodist Church in Watsonville and enjoyed
celebrations with other Filipino families. Mariano and Angelina's children attended
school and worked in Watsonville before pursuing careers outside of agriculture.
Elizabeth worked with a behavioral optometrist; Mariano Jr. became a Ford Senior Master
Technician for several Ford dealerships in the Monterey Bay area; and Dan pursued work
in the tech industry after receiving his B.S. in Industrial Technology from San Jose
State University. As an engineer, he worked for National Cash Register, Victor
Technologies, Plantronics, Tandem, Compaq, and Hewlett Packard. Mariano passed away in
1989 at the age of 82 and Angelina passed away in 2022 at the age of 99.
Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Simon-Reynolds_Daniel_Fallorina_02-8-2022.wav 2022 February 8
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina and
his wife Anna Kammer Fallorina speak with Watsonville is in the Heart team member
Meleia Simon-Reynolds. Dan discusses his father, Mariano Doctor Fallorina Sr.'s early
experiences in the Philippines, his migration to the United States in 1927, and his
early farm work in Gonzales, Soledad, and other areas in California. He also details
Mariano Sr.'s military service in the First Filipino Regiment as well as his mother,
Angelina Nicolas Fallorina's experiences of World War II as a teenager in the
Philippines. Dan tells the story of how his parents met while Mariano was on leave
during the war and how they both migrated back to the US in 1952. Dan also provides
vivid memories of his family's life, labor, and leisure while sharecropping for Reiter
Berries and living in labor camps off San Andreas Road in Watsonville. He also
discusses moving into town, his parents' jobs—Mariano's continued work for local
agricultural companies including Jensen Apples and C&V Farms and Angelina's night
shifts at United Foods and Watsonville Canning. Dan shares memories of fun with
friends while growing up in Watsonville and the many jobs he had as a teen, including
working in strawberry fields. Finally, Dan discusses his career in the tech industry,
how he met Anna, and how he learned about the Watsonville race riots late in life.
Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina interviewed by Ian Hunte Doyle Part 2 of 3 doyle_fallorina_dan_2023-31-5.m4a 2023 May 31
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Daniel "Dan Kerubin Fallorina
speaks with Ian Hunte Doyle, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. In the
interview, Dan describes his mother, Angelina Nicolas Fallorina's career in
Watsonville's food processing industry from 1963 through 1987. He explains that
Angelina worked for United Foods and in the Green Giant-Pillsbury factory. Dan shares
that while working in food processing, Angelina was a member of the Teamsters Local
912 union. In addition, Dan discusses Angelina's work in agriculture. He describes
Angelina's work harvesting produce as well as her role overseeing bookkeeping while
the Fallorina family sharecropped strawberries with Reiter Berries during the 1960s.
Dan also reflects on Angelina's involvement in Watsonville First United Methodist
Church and her love for gardening. This interview is part two of a series of three
interviews conducted by the Watsonville is in the Heart team with Dan Fallorina.
Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Part 3 of 3 simon-reynolds_fallorina_daniel_23-5-7.m4a 2023 July 5
In this interview, originally conducted in-person, Daniel "Dan" Kerubin Fallorina
speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team members Meleia Simon-Reynolds and
Christina Ayson Plank. Dan reflects on his parents', Mariano Doctor Fallorina Sr. and
Angelina Nicolas Fallorina, home gardening practices. He describes the produce Mariano
grew at home using the skills he honed as an agricultural laborer and the flower
gardens Angelina tended throughout her life. Dan explains that gardening was a way his
parents relaxed after long days working in Watsonville agricultural fields and
canneries. He also discusses how his parents shared the products of their gardens with
friends and members of their community. This interview is part three of a series of
three interviews conducted by the Watsonville is in the Heart team with Dan
Fallorina.
Nabor Family Interviews 2021 July
Alberto "Gorospe" Nabor was born on June 5, 1910, in the province of La Union in the
Philippines. At around the age of 18, he left his family farm for Hawai'i. While there,
he worked in the sugar and pineapple plantations and then eventually migrated to the
continental United States. Though the exact dates of his arrival in Hawai'i and the
continental United States are unknown, he likely migrated during the 1920s or early
1930s.
Once in California, Alberto began working as a migrant farm laborer. He first worked in
Pescadero and Davenport then moved throughout California and Arizona. During World War
II, Alberto enlisted in the First Filipino Infantry, trained at Fort Hunter-Liggett,
California, and served in the Pacific Theater. Later in life, he shared memories of the
Battle of Leyte Gulf with his son, Albert "Bert" Nabor. Alberto remained a proud member
of the First and Second Filipino Regiment Society and the American Legion following the
war. After being discharged, he continued to work as a migrant farm laborer traveling to
follow crop rotations. In 1952, Alberto bought a house on Dawson Street in Watsonville
using GI Bill funds.
Alberto was introduced to Erlinda Aragon, a Mexican American woman. Erlinda was born in
Socorro, New Mexico on December 3, 1936. The two wed in Salinas on August 5, 1954. The
couple had four children: Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor (b. 1956), Glenn Patrick Nabor (b.
1957), Valarie Jean Nabor (b. 1960), and Steve Leon Nabor (b. 1962).
The entire family migrated alongside Alberto as he traveled for work until Erlinda
decided that the children should remain in Watsonville to attend school. Though Alberto
continued to follow the migrant labor trail until the late 1960s, he transitioned to
working principally in the Pajaro Valley. He had jobs at a nursery on Zils Road in
Watsonville and in the cabbage fields at Carl Dobbler and Sons. The whole family
participated in Filipino community events, including those hosted by the Caballeros de
Dimas-Alang and Filipino Catholic Association of Watsonville and Santa Cruz County, as
well as gatherings of family and friends at Sunset and Palm beaches. Alberto passed in
1997. Erlinda currently resides in Watsonville.
Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Part 1 of 2 Simon-Reynolds_Bert_Nabor_part 1_07-14-2021.wav 2021 July 14
In this interview, originally recorded in-person at University of California, Santa
Cruz, Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member
Meleia Simon-Reynolds. Bert discusses his father, Alberto Nabor's background in La
Union, Philippines; his migration to Hawai'i where he worked in the sugarcane fields
and the pineapple plantations; and his migrant farm work throughout California and
Arizona. Bert also speaks about vivid childhood memories of his whole family
accompanying Alberto on the migrant trail. Additionally, Bert discusses Alberto's and
his own participation in a late 1970s strike at Carl Dobler and Sons in the Pajaro
Valley as well as Alberto's experiences as a member of the First Filipino Regiment
during World War II. Throughout the interview, Bert reflects on his father's work
ethnic and the values he passed on especially in regard to struggles with racism and
discrimination.
Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Part 2 of 2 Simon-Reynolds_Bert_Nabor_part 2_07-14-2021.wav 2021 July 14
In this interview, originally recorded in-person at University of California, Santa
Cruz, Albert "Bert" Thomas Nabor speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member
Meleia Simon-Reynolds. Bert discusses his father, Alberto Nabor's involvement with
Caballeros de Dimas-Alang and the Filipino Catholic Association. He remembers going to
dances and community events with his family as a young child. Bert also discusses his
father's marriage to Erlinda Aragon, a Mexican American woman from Colorado. Bert
reflects on his father's life and the values that he instilled. Finally, he discusses
his experience attending UC Santa Cruz in the 1980s and how the school has changed
over the years.
Tuzon Family Interviews 2021 May - June
Modesto Jarmillo Tuzon was born in the municipality of Santo Domingo in the province of
Ilocos Sur in the Philippines on June 15, 1907. In 1926, he immigrated to the United
States to study music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He specialized in the
mandolin and eventually toured the Pacific coast playing at Filipino dance halls and
other small venues. Later in life, he played with a small band composed of other
Filipino men at Filipino community events in Watsonville. Until the late 1950s, Modesto
was also a migrant farm laborer. He primarily worked in the fields alongside his
cousins, Leon and Cipriano Lazo and Leon and Paul DeOcampo, in the Pajaro Valley and
Arroyo Grande, California.
Linda Ardell (Kyle) Craner was born in Idaho on June 11, 1937. The Craner family
migrated through California from San Francisco to Arroyo Grande before settling in
Pacific Grove. During the 1950s, Modesto met Ardell at a diner in Arroyo Grande. In
1954, the two traveled to Mexico to get married. The exact dates of their meeting and
marriage are unknown.
After their marriage, the Tuzons moved to the Pajaro Valley where they lived in rural
Pajaro off Lewis Road before eventually moving to a neighborhood in Las Lomas. They had
three children: Modesto Orlando Tuzon (b. 1956), Denise Lane Tuzon (b. 1958 - d. 1959),
and Rita Louise Tuzon (b. 1959). After settling in the Pajaro Valley, Tuzon farmed sugar
pea fields on the Lazo family property and then transitioned to a job as a tractor
driver for Sears Schumann Farms. Linda Ardell was a reading specialist at Hall School in
Las Lomas where the library is now named in her honor. Modesto played mandolin for his
entire life and was often accompanied by his wife, who was a singer, and his children.
While growing up, Modesto Orlando and Rita worked in Watsonville before attending
college and pursuing careers outside of agriculture and the Pajaro Valley region. Rita
has two children: Jared Kyle Stone (b. 1998) and Sophia Denise Stone (b. 2002). Modesto
passed on October 19, 1981, and Ardell on January 31, 2013.
Modesto Orlando and Rita Louise Tuzon interviewed by Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez gutierrez_tuzon_modesto and rita_part 1_2021-5-16.m4a 2021 May 16
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Modesto Orlando Tuzon and Rita
Louise Tuzon speak with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Dr. Kathleen "Kat"
Cruz Gutierrez. Modesto Orlando and Rita discuss their father, Modesto Tuzon Sr.; his
migration to the United States to pursue music education during 1926; his work as a
farm laborer in central California; his experiences playing music at Filipino events,
small venues, and for his family; and his marriage to their mother, Linda Ardell
Craner in 1954. They provide an overview of their mother's family's migration to
central California from Idaho and her career as a reading specialist at Hall School in
Las Lomas, California. Modesto Orlando and Rita also speak about their extended family
and friend network in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley and reflect on their differing
experiences growing up mixed-race. Finally, Modesto Orlando discusses interviewing his
father about the 1930s Watsonville Race Riots and Fermin Tobera for a paper he wrote
as a college student.
Modesto Orlando and Rita Louise Tuzon interviewed by Kathleen "Kat" Cruz Gutierrez gutierrez_tuzon_modesto and rita_part 2_2021-6-28.m4a 2021 June 28
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Modesto Orlando Tuzon and Rita
Louise Tuzon speak with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Dr. Kathleen "Kat"
Cruz Gutierrez. Modesto Orlando and Rita discuss their mother, Linda Ardell Tuzon's
integration into the Filipino community and culture through food and music as well as
her feelings of exclusion from the Filipino community as a white woman. Modesto
Orlando and Rita also discuss their father, Modesto Tuzon's band, the genres of music
he played, and the Filipino songs they learned to sing as children. Additionally, they
speak about Modesto Tuzon's farm labor and the families' exposure to dangerous
agricultural pesticides. Finally, they reflect on community silences surrounding the
1930s Watsonville Race Riots; their fathers' and other manongs' opinions of the United
Farm Workers (UFW) movement; and undocumented migrants who worked in Pajaro Valley
fields alongside Filipinos.
Carrillo Family Interviews 2021 December
Pacifico "Frank" Cabegon Carrillo was born on September 6, 1909 in the province of
Pangasinan in the Philippines. In 1928, Pacifico immigrated to the United States with
his older brother Petronilo "Pete" Carrillo, and their cousins, Maximiliano "Max" and
Felix Carrillo. They first landed in Hawai'i where his cousin, Felix, disembarked and
settled.
When Pacifico, Petronilo, and Maximiliano arrived in the United States, they worked as
migrant farm workers traveling across California to pick the seasonal harvest. Pacifico
also worked as a cook in the labor camps. During his travels, he met Ethel Fouts, an
Irish American woman. They had three children together: Francis, Pacifico "Maurice", and
James Alvin. Their relationship ended in 1944 and they agreed to separate the children.
Ethel raised their daughter, Frances, while Pacifico raised their sons, Maurice and
James.
As a single father, Pacifico brought his sons along the crop circuit until it grew
difficult to balance his parental and work responsibilities. Occasionally, he asked
other Filipino workers and their families to be caretakers for his sons. While working,
Pacifico met a woman whose nickname was Lucky and his sons stayed with her in Stockton
until their relationship ended.
In 1952, Pacifico met Louella Bessie Carter who he later married. She traveled
alongside Pacifico living in the labor camps and became Maurice and James's step-mother.
She also took in many children from broken families including Tony Alquiza Jr., Sharron
Carrancho, and Suzane Carrancho. They later settled in Pajaro, California, and
integrated themselves into the Filipino community by participating in organizations such
as the Caballeros De Dimas-Alang and the Filipino Community of Watsonville. In 1959,
Louella and Pacifico separated.
In 1976, Pacifico traveled to the Philippines and met Dominga Casabar who he later
married. She traveled to California to live with him and start a family. They had two
children, Jerilyn and John Carrillo. In 1980, they became U.S. citizens and sponsored
many family members to live in the Philippines. In 1989, Pacifico passed away at the age
of 80.
Maurice Carrillo interviewed by Nicholas Nasser carillo_maurice_2021-12-7.m4a 2021 December 7
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Maurice Carrillo speaks with
Nicholas Nasser, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Maurice describes
his childhood, specifically memories of traveling with his father, Pacifico "Frank"
Cabegon Carrillo, as he engaged in seasonal migrant agricultural work, staying in
labor camps with his father and other Filipino men, and living with other mixed-race
Filipino families while his father was away working. He also discusses the other white
women his father had relationships with after separating from Maurice's birth mother,
Ethel Patheal. Most notably, he talks about his step mother, Louella Carter, who was
the primary caretaker for Maurice, his brother, James, and three other children from
mixed-race, Filipino families whose parents had separated. Throughout the interview,
Maurice reflects on his mixed-race identity as well as experiences of exclusion from
the Filipino Community of Watsonville due to his identity. He also discusses his
passion for community service which began with his involvement in the Filipino Youth
Club during high school and continued throughout his life through leadership roles in
organizations including but not limited to the Rotary Club of Santa Cruz and the Santa
Cruz AIDs Project. Finally, Maurice shares stories regarding his business career in
downtown Santa Cruz, his extended family, and coming out as a gay man in 1986.
Ragsac Family Interviews 2022 March
Bernaby "Ben" Reg Ragsac was born on June 11, 1902 in the municipality of Santa
Catalina in the Ilocos Sur province of the Philippines. He immigrated to the United
States in 1925. Once in the US, he began migrating for seasonal work in Alaska,
Washington, and California. Eventually, he decided to pursue a career outside of the
agricultural and cannery industries. By the 1930s, he began to work at Ideal Cleaners, a
laundry and dry cleaning business located in the Japantown and Pinoytown of San Jose,
California. While working there, he serviced laundry accounts located in Watsonville and
became familiar with the area. In 1936, Ben and two other Filipino men, Benny Tabancay
and [Unknown] Soriano, bought and began to operate their own Ideal Cleaners. The
business was located at 126 Main Street in downtown Watsonville. It remained open until
1996 and was avidly patronized by local Filipinos as well as the wider Watsonville
community.
In 1941, Ben enlisted in the US Navy and served during World War Two until 1943. After
his service, Ben met Mary Fejaran Quenga, a Chamorro woman who was born in Vallejo,
California in 1930. The two met in San Jose, California through Ben's niece, Helen
Ragsac. In 1946, Ben and Mary married in Washington state. They settled in Watsonville
where Mary worked as a tailor and seamstress for Ideal Cleaners.
Ben and Mary had five children—Ben "Raggy" Ragsac (b. 1947), John "Sibby" Quenga Ragsac
(b. 1948), Letecia "Tisha" Remedios Ragsac (b. 1951), Francisco "Frisco" Quenga (b.
1960), and Dorina "Rena" Quenga Ragsac (b. 1961). The family was actively involved with
community organizations including the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville, Caballeros
de Dimas-Alang, and The Filipino Catholic Association.
Ben "Raggy" Ragsac, John "Sibby" Quenga Ragsac, Letecia "Tisha" Remedios Ragsac, and Francisco "Frisco" Quenga Ragsac interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay mckay_ragsac_family_2022-3-12.wav 2022 March 3
In this interview, originally recorded in person, the Ragsac siblings, Ben "Raggy"
Ragsac, John "Sibby" Quenga Ragsac, Letecia "Tisha" Remedios Ragsac, and Francisco
"Frisco" Quenga Ragsac, speak with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Dr. Steve
McKay. Due to the group format of this interview, the narrators speak over each other
making the recording difficult to understand at times. The Ragsacs discuss their
father, Bernaby "Ben" Reg Ragsac's immigration and labor histories. Most notably, they
describe how he came to own and operate Ideal Cleaners, a dry cleaners and laundry
business located at 126 Main Street in downtown Watsonville. They also discuss how
their father met their mother, Mary Fejaran Quenga, a Chamorro woman from Vallejo,
California. Throughout the interview, they share vivid memories of their childhood.
They also reflect on the racism their parents endured as well as the lack of prejudice
they experienced growing up in a diverse, working-class neighborhood in
Watsonville.
Tumbaga Family Interviews 2021 May
Benny Tumbaga was born on October 17, 1910 in the municipality of San Fernando in the
La Union province of the Philippines. In 1926, Benny migrated to the United States and
arrived in Portland, Oregon. In Portland and Seattle, Washington, Benny worked in
restaurants. He also migrated to Alaska to engage in seasonal fisheries labor. In 1930,
Benny's brother, Adriano "Andy" Tumbaga arrived in the United States. The Tumbaga
brothers were musicians. Benny played the piano and trumpet. Andy played the guitar and
drums. Together, they formed a band that performed in hotels and dance halls throughout
the American West. In addition to being traveling musicians, Benny and Andy continued to
work in agricultural fields and restaurants.
In 1938, Benny met Elva Valdez, a Mexican American woman from Phoenix, Arizona. Elva's
birthdate and birthplace are unknown. Eventually, Benny and Elva married (the exact date
and location of their wedding is unknown). Soon after their initial meeting in 1938,
Benny, Elva, and Elva's daughter (also named Elva) from a previous relationship, moved
to San Francisco. There, Benny worked as the head waiter at the Claremont Hotel and Elva
began studying to become a nurse. While living in San Francisco, Benny and Elva had a
son, Ben Tumbaga Jr. (b. 1942).
In 1942, the Tumbaga family moved to Watsonville where Benny and Andy bought land to
farm strawberries. Benny and Elva had three more children, Francisco (b. unknown, d.
unknown), Charles (b. unknown), and Lydia (b. 1951).
Throughout their lives, Benny and Andy continued to supplement their incomes by
performing as musicians at community dances and events in Watsonville and the Pajaro
Valley area. Benny passed away in 1991.
Lydia Tumbaga Brumblay interviewed by Toby Baylon baylon_tumbaga_brumblay_lydia_part1_2021-5-20.mp4 2021 May 20
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom, Lydia Tumbaga Brumblay speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member Toby Baylon. Lydia speaks about her father,
Benny Tumbaga's experience migrating to the United States from San Fernando, La Union,
Philippines in 1926. She describes Benny's and his relatives' work in restaurants in
Portland, Seattle, and San Francisco as well as Benny's experiences as a musician.
Lydia also discusses her own experiences growing up and going to school in Watsonville
followed by her decision to move to Hawai'i later in life. Throughout the interview,
Lydia shares her perspective on the shifting racial dynamics and demographics in
Watsonville during the early twentieth century, the 1960s and 1970s, and the 1990s and
early 2000s. She also discusses her "colorblind" approach to race which she states was
instilled in her through her father and her multicultural upbringing in Watsonville.
Lydia's analysis of contemporary migrant communities in Watsonville is informed by her
perspective of the racial reckoning during the summer 2020.
Taytayon Family Interviews 2021 June
Eliseo Tapia Taytayon was born in 1908 in the barangay of Calimbajan, in the
municipality of Makato, in the Province of Aklan, in the Philippines. His exact
birthdate is unidentified. On April 6, 1929, Eliseo and his cousin, Florencio Cawaling,
immigrated to the United States. They arrived in Seattle, Washington, and began to work
as agricultural laborers following seasonal crops throughout the West Coast. Eventually,
Eliseo and Florencio began working in Watsonville where they settled in a labor camp.
During the 1940s, Eliseo enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Second
Filipino Infantry and served in the Pacific Theater. Due to his service, Eliseo became a
U.S. citizen.
After the war, Eliseo returned to Watsonville. Through Florencio and Florencio's
soon-to-be wife, Aladina Torres, Eliseo met Rosalinda Mendoza. Rosalinda was also from
Makato, Aklan, Philippines. She was born in 1935. Eliseo and Rosalinda corresponded via
mail until 1959 when they married. Soon after, Rosalinda immigrated to the United
States.
Rosalinda and Eliseo settled in Watsonville. They had four children— Elisa Taytayon
Clock (b. unknown), Eliseo Taytayon Jr. (b. unknown), Erlinda Taytayon Heebner (b.
1963), and Stella Taytayon (b. unknown). Eliseo continued to work in agriculture for his
entire life and eventually became a foreman on a strawberry farm. Rosalinda worked in
the fields as well as in the Green Giant Cannery. Several of the Taytayon family's
relatives also immigrated to Watsonville forming a large extended kinship network.
Families integrated into this network include the Cawaling family, the Tejada family,
and the Tana and Tabios family.
Eliseo passed away in 1996. The date of Rosalinda's passing is unknown.
Erlinda Taytayon Heebner interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay Erlinda Tatayon Heebner audio 6-4-21.mp4 2021 June 4
In this interview, originally conducted via Zoom, Erlinda Taytayon Heebner speaks
with Dr. Steve McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Erlinda
discusses her father, Eliseo Tapia Taytayon, and her mother, Rosalinda Mendoza
Taytayon and their experiences migrating to the United States from the Philippines.
She shares that Eliseo migrated to the United States alongside his cousin Florencio
Cawaling in 1929 and worked as a farm laborer until he retired at age 75. She explains
that Eliseo and Rosalinda met and married as a result of an arrangement facilitated by
the Cawaling family. After their marriage, Rosalinda migrated to Watsonville where she
worked in the canneries. Erlinda discusses her experiences growing up in Watsonville
including the class and racial dynamics of the various neighborhoods where her family
lived and the schools she attended. Throughout the interview, she also describes the
various Taytayon family homes as places where many relatives and community members
congregated to enjoy her father's cooking and purchase clothing from her maternal
grandmother who worked as a seamstress.
Tana and Tabios Family Interviews 2022 February - 2022 April
Clemente Vargas Tana was born on November 27, 1902, in the barangay of Calimbajan, in
the municipality of Makato, in the province of Aklan, in the Philippines. Eventually,
Clemente immigrated to the United States where he engaged in seasonal migrant labor
working in the Alaskan fisheries and agricultural fields throughout the West Coast. The
exact date and other details of Clemente's initial migration to the United States are
unknown. Before World War II, Clemente enlisted in the U.S. Navy and worked as a cook.
He was discharged from the Navy before the start of the war, however, the exact dates of
his service are unknown. Due to his service, Clemente was able to gain U.S. citizenship.
After leaving the Navy, Clemente returned to migrant agricultural work in California.
During this time, he began living and working in Watsonville, California.
In 1952, Clemente visited his family in the Philippines. During his trip, he met
Estelita "Lita" Taytayon (now Tabios). Lita was born on December 30, 1931 in Makato,
Aklan, Philippines. The two met through their relatives. After their initial meeting,
Clemente returned to the United States and continued to correspond with Lita via mail.
In 1956, Clemente traveled back to the Philippines along with his townmate and friend,
Florencio Cawaling. In January 1956, Clemente and Lita got married. In April 1956, they
embarked on a month-long steamship journey to the United States. They arrived in May
1956 and settled in Watsonville.
In Watsonville, Clemente and Lita sharecropped strawberries with Florencio and Aladina
Cawaling and Eliseo and Rosalinda Taytayon. They had four children Elizabeth Taytayon
Tana (b.1957), Clemente Taytayon Tana (b. 1958), Alberto Tana (b. 1959, d.1964), and
Alvin Jon Tabios (b.1967). The family moved to several different homes throughout
Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley area. Clemente continued to work in agriculture until
retiring due to health concerns during the 1960s. Lita also worked in the agricultural
fields alongside Clemente and other family members. Additionally, she worked in the
Green Giant cannery from 1962 to 1966.
In 1969, Lita remarried Dioscoro Tabios. Dioscoro was born in 1908 and belonged to the
extended kinship network made up of Filipinos from Makato, Aklan, Philippines that
included the Tana, Cawaling, and Taytayon families. The details of Dioscoro's
immigration to the United States are unidentified, however, he began working in
Watsonville in 1929. Although Lita remarried, she, Clemente, Dioscoro, and the Tana
children remained a close-knit family. Eventually, Dioscoro officially adopted Alvin
Jon.
The Tana and Tabios family, most notably Lita, were active members of several Filipino
community organizations including the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville, Caballeros
de Dimas-Alang, and the Filipino Catholic Association. Lita eventually pursued a career
in healthcare. She worked in the laundry department at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz,
California, and then as an in-home caregiver for elderly patients. Lita still lives in
Santa Cruz. Clemente passed away in 1982 and Dioscoro passed away in 1989.
Estelita Tabios interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds Simon-Reynolds_Estelita_Tabios_22-2-3.wav 2022 February 3
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Estelita Tabios speaks with Joanne
de los Reyes-Hilario, a close family friend, and Meleia Simon-Reynolds, a Watsonville
is in the Heart team member. Estelita shares memories of her childhood growing up in
Makato, Aklan, Philippines; the story of how she met and married her first husband,
Clemente Tana; and details of her month-long journey to the United States via
steamship in 1956. She discusses settling in Watsonville with Clemente and developing
a network of relatives and close friends— including the Cawaling, Taytayon, and Tejada
families. Estelita describes her and her family members' labor in agricultural fields;
her work on the assembly line at Green Giant from 1962-1966; her job in the laundry
department at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, CA; and finally her career as a
caregiver for the elderly. She also speaks about her involvement in the Filipino
Women's Club of Watsonville, the Filipino Catholic Association, and the Aklanon
Association. Notably, Estelita provides first-person accounts of Filipino Women's Club
members' various responsibilities and their efforts to build the local Filipino
community. Throughout the interview, Estelita emphasizes her dedication to supporting
the manong that she came to know in Watsonville as well as her family members in the
United States and the Philippines.
Elizabeth "Liz" Tana interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds simon-reynolds_tana_elizabeth_2022-4-30.wav 2022 April 30
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Elizabeth "Liz" Taytayon Tana
speaks with Meleia Simon-Reynolds, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team.
Liz shares memories of visiting the Philippines with her family, the various homes and
neighborhoods in the Pajaro Valley that she and her family lived in, gatherings with
her families' extended kinship network which included the Tejada, Taytayon, and
Cawaling families, and Filipino dances organized by the Filipino Women's Club of
Watsonville and the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang. She talks about the relationship
between father, Clemente Vargas Tana, her mother, Estelita "Lita" Taytayon Tabios, and
her step father, Dioscoro Tabios. She also explains their work as strawberry farmers
in Watsonville and Lita's job in the canneries. Throughout the interview, she
discusses the ways in which her family, most notably her mother, cared for the manong
and integrated them into their family as "uncles."
Sales Family Interviews 2021 June
Florendo Macadangdang Sales was born in the municipality of Bacarra, in the Ilocos
Norte province of the Philippines in 1910. In 1929, Florendo immigrated to the United
States. After arriving, he traveled to the Salinas Valley where he planned to work as a
migrant agricultural laborer. However, Florendo decided to instead pursue a career as a
barber. While working as a barber in Watsonville during the 1930s, Florendo met Dora
Esther Tomlinson, a white woman who grew up migrating with her family to find work
throughout the United States. Dora was born in 1926 in Silver City, New Mexico. During
World War II, Florendo enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in Seattle, Washington.
Dora joined Florendo in Washington and they got married. The exact date of their wedding
is unidentified.
After the war, Florendo and Dora returned to Watsonville to raise a family. They had
ten children—Thomas, Vicky, Florendo "Fred" Jr., Alex, Richard, Sharlene, Adrian, Dana,
Bebeng, and Rosario. Eventually, Florendo purchased a small farm where the family grew
berries, zucchinis, and tomatoes as well as raised livestock. Dora and the Sales
children worked on the farm. Dora also had jobs in the canneries located in
Watsonville.
Florendo continued to work as a barber until the 1980s. Throughout his career, Florendo
owned and operated three subsequent barber shops in Watsonville. His first shop was on
Riverside Road; the second was a jointly-owned shop with several other Filipino barbers;
and the third was on a piece of property Florendo bought on Main Street in downtown
Watsonville. Florendo's third barbershop, as well as many other Filipino and
minority-owned businesses in downtown Watsonville, were destroyed during an urban
redevelopment campaign carried out by the city of Watsonville during the 1980s. Florendo
passed away in 1989. Dora currently lives in Sacramento.
Dana Sales interviewed by Nicholas Nasser Nasser_Dana Sales.mp3 2021 June 3
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom, Dana Sales speaks with Watsonville
is in the Heart team member, Nicholas Nasser. Dana discusses his experiences
growing-up and working on a rural farm outside of Watsonville as well as the
differences between rural and urban areas of the Pajaro Valley in regards to his
experiences attending primary and secondary schools in both settings. Dana provides an
overview of his father, Florendo Macadangdang Sales' migration and labor histories—
these include immigrating from the Philippines in 1929, working as an agricultural
laborer, serving in the US Navy, and eventually opening his own barbershop on Main
Street in downtown Watsonville. He also speaks about his mother, Dora Esther
Tomlinson's work in Watsonville canneries and her family's experiences as migrant
laborers during The Great Depression. Throughout the interview, Dana reflects on race
and racism including his parents' silences about discrimination they faced and his own
experiences with systemic racism during high school and when he attended the Naval
Academy. Finally, Dana provides in-depth insight into the urban redevelopment of
downtown Watsonville during the 1980s which destroyed many minority-owned businesses
including his father's barbershop. Dana speaks about his efforts to stop urban
development and preserve agricultural spaces in Watsonville through his careers in
real estate and his tenure on the Watsonville City Planning Commision.
Mariano Family Interviews 2022 January
Marcelino "Bob" Mariano was born in 1910 in the municipality of Camiling, in the
province of Tarlac, in the Philippines. He was the oldest of three brothers and had a
contentious relationship with his father. At fifteen, Marcelino left the Philippines to
work on a sugarcane plantation on the island of Hawai'i. Upon his arrival, he changed
his last name to "Mariano," which was his mother's maiden name. Sometime in the 1930s,
Marcelino moved to Los Angeles where he became a short-order cook at an unknown diner.
He worked in Los Angeles until 1942 when he was drafted into the First Filipino
Infantry Regiment. He was stationed in Fort Ord, California. During a Halloween party at
Fort Ord, Marcelino met Hazel Maxine Bickel who he later married in Nogales, Arizona.
Shortly after, Marcelino was deployed to New Guinea and later to the Philippines. During
his time abroad, Hazel gave birth to their son, Bobby Mariano, in El Centro, California
in 1944. When Marcelino returned to California his son was seventeen months old.
Hazel was born on July 18, 1923, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her father was originally from
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Her family moved first to Stockton, California, and later
resettled in Watsonville, California to escape the conditions of the Dust Bowl. She and
her parents worked in agriculture primarily in the canning industry.
Hazel's parents purchased a property with two houses in Watsonville, California where
the Mariano's lived when Marcelino completed his service. Marcelino returned to working
in the fields following the seasonal crop harvest. He initially worked in packing and
loading and then eventually became a foreman. Hazel left the canneries and worked in
healthcare at a senior nursing home.
Bobby Mariano interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay mckay_mariano_bobby_2022-1-10.wav 2022 January 10
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom, Bobby Mariano speaks with Dr. Steve
McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Bobby describes his father,
Marcelino "Bob" Mariano's immigration and labor histories including his migration from
the Philippines to Hawai'i then from Hawai'i to California and his lifelong work in
agriculture first as a migrant laborer and eventually as a foreman. He also discusses
his mother, Hazel Maxine Bickle, whose family immigrated to Watsonville from Oklahoma
during the 1920s. Bobby discusses his parents' interracial marriage as well as the
other mixed-race families in Watsonville that he knew growing up. He also describes
his father's military service during World War II and his own experience enlisting in
the Army during the 1960s. Bobby shares memories of going to cockfights with his
father and his experiences in school. Throughout the interview, Bobby expresses that
his parents shielded him from experiences of racism and economic hardship as well as
his childhood perception of Watsonville as a multicultural community without racial or
class divides. Additionally, Bobby discusses his parents and other families in
Watsonville who overcame experiences of racism and poverty. In doing so, he
articulates beliefs about Filipinos in Watsonville that align with the model minority
narrative.
Madalora Family Interviews 2021 May
Santiago Madalora was born in the municipality of Bacarra, in the province of Ilocos
Norte, in the Philippines on July 10, 1910. Santiago immigrated to the United States in
1926. First, he traveled to Hawai'i where he worked in the sugarcane fields. A few years
later, Santiago migrated from Hawai'i to California where he continued working as a
migrant agricultural laborer. Santiago eventually settled in Watsonville, California.
The exact dates that he migrated to the mainland and settled in Watsonville are unknown.
During the 1940s, Santiago enlisted in the US Army and fought in the Pacific Theater
during World War II. Due to his service, Santiago was awarded a Bronze Star and was able
to apply for US citizenship.
While on leave in the Philippines, Santiago met and married Apolonia Sagaysay. Apolonia
was born in 1925 (exact date unknown) in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Apolonia's
and Santiago's marriage was arranged by their parents. After their wedding, Santiago
returned to the US, but Apolonia remained in the Philippines. Their first son, Francisco
"Frank" Louis Madalora, was born in Bacarra in 1952. Apolonia and Frank remained in
Bacarra and lived with Apolonia's parents, Doroteo Sagaysay and Leona Sagisi, until
immigrating to the US in 1957.
Apolonia and Frank joined Santiago and settled in Pajaro, California. Apolonia and
Frank had a daughter, Veronica Madalora (b. 1958). Santiago continued to work in
agricultural fields throughout his life. He also worked as a dishwasher in local
restaurants during the winter seasons. Apolonia also worked in the fields as well as in
canneries located in Watsonville. She eventually transitioned to a career as an in-home
caregiver until her retirement in 2010. For their entire lives, Santiago and Apolonia
continued to live and work in the Watsonville area. Santiago passed away in 1976 and
Apolonia passed away in 2017.
Frank Madalora interviewed by Olivia Sawi sawi_madolora_frank_part1_2021-5-4.mp3 2021 May 4
In this interview, originally recorded over Zoom, Frank Madalora speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Olivia Sawi. Frank discusses his parents,
Santiago Madalora and Apolonia Sagaysay and both of their families' origins in
Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He describes Santiago's immigration to Hawai'i to
work in the plantations followed by his migration to Watsonville, California where he
worked as a migrant agricultural laborer. Frank discusses how his parents' met while
Santiago was serving in the army during World War II. Frank also describes his own
experiences as a young child in Bacarra before immigrating to the United States with
his mother in 1957. Throughout the interview, Frank provides memories of leisure and
labor he and his family participated in while living in Pajaro, CA; his family's
dynamic including the challenges that his parents faced in their marriage; and his own
experiences navigating class and racial stratification in the Pajaro Valley region.
Finally, Frank speaks about his educational journey and his various careers.
Cawaling Family Interviews 2022 January
Florencio "Encio" T. Cawaling was born on February 25, 1909 in the Aklan province of
the Philippines. His parents, Lorencio and Lapaz Cawaling, had four other children after
him. On March 16,1929, Florencio immigrated to the United States with Eliseo Taytayon, a
close family friend also from Aklan. They traveled together on the S.S. President
McKinley and arrived in Seattle, Washington on April 6, 1929.
After their arrival, Florence and Eliseo moved to Alhambra, CA where he worked as a
migrant farm laborer for twenty years. He traveled alongside other Filipino laborers to
work on agricultural fields located along California's central coast and into the
central valley. Alongside his farming duties, Florence also worked as an occasional
mechanic and fixed farming equipment such as tractors.
In 1955, Florencio traveled back to the Philippines with the intention of finding a
bride. He met Aladina "Dining" Torres Garcia through his family's connections with the
Taytayon family. Eliseo was married to Rosalinda Taytayon, the niece of Aladina. Aladina
was the youngest daughter of Ermito Torres and Encarnacion Garcia Torres who lived in
the municipality of Kalibo in the Aklan province of the Philippines. At the age of 24,
Aladina married Florencio who was 45 at the time.
On March 15, 1956, Florencio returned to the United States and five months later
Aladina joined him. They settled in Watsonville on Calabasas Road where they had four
children: Florencio Jr. (Loren), George, Halario (Larry), and Isidro. Florencio
continued to work in the fields including Shikuma Brothers Ranch, Kenzo Yoshida Farms,
and Green Giant where he worked until his retirement in 1977. Aladina worked at the
Green Giant cannery. The Cawaling family engaged in many community activities including
cockfighting or picnics and participated in cultural associations such as the Filipino
Visayan Association and Aklan Civic League.
Loren Cawaling interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay Part 1 of 2 mckay_cawaling_loren_part1_2022-1-13.wav 2022 January 13
In part one of the interview, originally recorded in person, Loren Cawaling speaks
with Dr. Steve McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Throughout the
interview, Loren and Steve discuss various photographs from the Cawaling Family
Collection. In these conversations, Loren shares memories of various members of his
family's extended kinship network, including many manong. Loren emphasizes the close,
familial relationships he and his family had with many manong. In the interview, Loren
also discusses his father and mother, Florencio and Aladina Cawaling's migration from
the Philippines as well as their agricultural and cannery labor. He also speaks about
his father's and other Filipino men's hobbies including purchasing cars, fishing,
cockfighting, cooking, and gardening as well as his family's leisure activities such
as going to local beaches, visiting the labor camps, and attending family and social
organization gatherings. At the end of the interview, the recording abruptly ends. It
begins again in the second interview "Loren Cawaling interviewed by Dr. Steve McKay
Part 2 of 2."
Loren Cawaling interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay Part 2 of 2 mckay_cawaling_loren_part2_2022-1-13.wav 2022 January 13
In part two of the interview, originally recorded in person, Loren Cawaling speaks
with Dr. Steve McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Loren and
Steve pick up their conversation from "Loren Cawaling interviewed by Dr. Steve McKay
Part 1 of 2." In this interview, Steve uses "photo elicitation" to provoke Loren's
memories through photographs of his family which are a part of the Cawaling Family
Collection. He speaks about his manong "uncles," Disgracias Inguillio and Salvador
Maagma. He also discusses his mother, Aladina Cawaling's love of gardening as well as
his parents' labor in agricultural fields.
Ancheta Family Interviews 2022 February
Julio Valiente Ancheta was born in the province of Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
Accompanied by his cousins, Julio left the Philippines for Hawai'i in 1927 to work in
agriculture. Three years later, he moved to California working as a migrant farm worker.
During World War II, Julio joined the navy as a serviceman and was stationed in Nagoya,
Japan. Following the war in 1948, Julio visited the Philippines and met Delfina Rivera.
Delfina Rivera Ancheta was born on December 15, 1925 in the municipality of Bangui in
the Ilocos Norte province of the Philippines to Juan and Leonora Rivera. She was the
eldest of ten children. She left her home and moved to Manila where she was a nanny. Two
weeks after they met, they married and left for San Francisco by ship.
Upon their arrival in San Francisco in 1948, they settled in Salinas, California. Julio
worked as a construction worker while Delfina became a labor camp cook. They later moved
to Mountain View where Julio continued working as a construction worker. In 1959, they
moved to Watsonville, California. Together they had five children: Cynthia, Julio, Marc,
Shirley, and James. The Ancheta family was heavily involved in the Presbyterian Church,
Legionarios del Trabajo, Watsonville Filipino Community, the Visayan Trust, and the
Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville.
Shirely Ancheta interviewed by Dr. Steven McKay mckay_ancheta_shirley_2022-2-16.wav 2022 February 16
In this interview, originally conducted in person, Shirley Ancheta speaks with Dr.
Steve McKay, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart team. Shirley describes her
father, Julio Ancheta's immigration from the Philippines to Kauai, HI in 1927 to work
on the sugar plantations and his subsequent move to California where he worked as a
migrant agricultural laborer. She provides an overview of his military service in the
First Filipino Regiment during World War II and discusses how Julio met and married a
Filipina named Delfina Rivera. She speaks about her family's small farm in
Watsonville, her father's career in construction, and his passionate involvement in
the AFLO-CIO union. Shirley also shares memories of manong who she came to know by
visiting the labor camps and participating in Filipino dances. Throughout the
interview, Shirely also speaks about her relationship with her life long partner, Jeff
Tagami. She describes how she and Jeff developed their political and intellectual
consciousnesses through ethnic studies education as well as through participation in
Third World liberation struggles and social justice activism. Additionally, she speaks
about her and Jeff's careers as writers, specifically their poetry inspired by their
upbringing in Watsonville, stories of the manong, and the histories of working-class
people of color in the Pajaro and Salinas Valleys.
Asunción Family Interviews 2023 February
Anastacio "Tony" Polistico Asunción was born in 1898 in the municipality of Bohol in
the Cebu province of the Philippines. Tony served in both World War I and World War II.
After World War I, he immigrated alone from the Philippines to Hawai'i and eventually to
California. Upon arriving in California, Tony worked around the East Bay area as an
agricultural laborer. While working in agriculture in the East Bay area, Tony met Paula
Montelongo. Paula was born near San Antonio, Texas, and is of Mexican descent. Her exact
birth date is unknown. She had five children from her previous marriage. After she
divorced her ex-husband, Paula moved to the East Bay area and worked in the strawberry
industry. Tony and Paula got married sometime around 1946 to 1947. Together, they had
five children. They eventually settled in Watsonville, where they worked for Reiter
Berry Company and lived in two labor camps, one on San Andreas Road and another in Rio
del Mar. Their son, Anastacio "Stosh" (b. 1950) worked in the fields alongside his
parents. Stosh went on to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz. He graduated
with a B.A. in History and a teacher's credential. He worked as a middle school teacher
in the Berryessa Union School District for thirty-three years. Tony retired from working
in the strawberry fields during his 60's due to a lung infection caused by exposure to
pesticides. Tony passed away in 1980 and Paula passed away in 1990.
Anastacio Asunción interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds simon-reynolds_asuncion_anastacio_2023-2-9.wav 2023 February 9
In this interview, originally recorded in-person, Anastacio "Stosh" Asunción speaks
with Watsonville is in the Heart team member Meleia Simon-Reynolds. Stosh starts by
telling the story of his father, Anastacio Polistico Asunción's life in the
Philippines, his migration to the United States through Hawai'i, and his involvement
in both World Wars before eventually settling in Watsonville, California where he
worked as a sharecropper for Reiter Berry Company. He discusses his father's hobbies
of gardening and fishing and remembers his mother, Paula Montelongo Asunción's
cooking. Stosh reflects on how growing up within a multiethnic community at a labor
camp located on San Andreas Road impacted his early views on his parents' interracial
marriage. He describes how he explored his mixed-race identity in college at the
University of California, Santa Cruz. He discusses reading Carlos Bulosan's
America is in the Heart and his experience writing an undergraduate
research paper titled, "Watsonville's Filipino Bachelor Community" in 1970. Stosh
talks about his experience working in the strawberry fields as a child, and reflects
on the long term effects agricultural pesticides had on his father and other workers.
He also provides vivid details about cockfights that were held in the Pajaro Valley.
Stosh ends the interview by reflecting on fond memories of spending time with his
parents, including going fishing with his father and having picnics with his
mother.
Baniaga Family Interviews 2022 July - August
The Baniaga family originates from the municipality of Vintar, in the province of
Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. In 1927, Calixto Baniaga migrated to Hawai'i to pursue
work in the sugar cane industry. Eventually, several members of Calixto's extended
family followed him to Hawai'i, including Macrina Magarin and his son Eusibio "Chevy"
Magarin Baniaga (b. 1910). After arriving in Hawai'i in 1928, Eusibio joined his father
working in the Hawaiian sugar cane fields. In the 1930s, Eusibio migrated to the
continental United States where he became a farm worker and followed seasonal crop
harvests throughout the West Coast. After 1942, Eusibio enlisted in the US military and
served in the Filipino Infantry Regiment in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
After the war, likely in 1947, Eusibio met and married Maxima "Sima" Vea (b. unknown), a
Filipina who was also from Vintar, Ilocos Norte. Eusibio returned to the US after their
wedding and Maxima followed in 1948. Eusibio and Maxima settled in Watsonville where
they both worked at various Pajaro Valley farms. Maxima also worked at Watsonville
Canning Company. They had three children: Anthony "Tony" Magarin Baniaga Sr. (1948),
Lolita Baniaga (b. 1949 d. 2016), and Erlinda Baniaga Soto (b. 1952). Other members of
the Baniaga extended family also migrated to Watsonville. This included Macrina Magarin,
who migrated from Hawai'i to the US in 1960 to join her husband, Francisco Baniaga who
was working in California's Central Valley. In 1962, their daughter, Jobita "Betty"
Magarin (b. 1944) migrated to the Central Valley. Eventually, Betty moved to Watsonville
to live with her relatives Eusibio and Maxima. In 1969, Betty traveled back to Vintar
where she met and married Romeo Vea Baniaga Sr. (b. 1930). Betty and Romeo returned to
Watsonville where they both worked in Pajaro Valley's agricultural, industrial, and
domestic sectors. Betty and Romeo Sr. had two children: Ruby "Ruthy" Baniaga Kalidonis
(b. 1970) and Romeo "Junior" Magarin Baniaga Jr. (b. 1971).
Tony Baniaga interviewed by Markus Faye Portacio portacio_baniaga_tony_2022-7-10.m4a 2022 July 10
In this interview, originally conducted via Zoom, Tony Baniaga speaks with Markus
Faye Portacio, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team. Tony
discusses his father Eusibio "Chevy" Margarin Baniaga's migration history including
his experience in Hawai'i working in the sugarcane fields and working in the
continental United States as a migrant farm laborer. He explains how Eusibio served in
the Filipino Infantry Regiment during World War II. He also discusses his mother,
Maxima "Sima" Vea Baniaga's experience working in Pajaro Valley agricultural fields
alongside Eusibio and her job at Watsonville Canning Company. Tony describes his
experiences growing up in the Pajaro Valley including attending Pajaro Elementary and
Watsonville High School and working in agricultural fields throughout his adolescence.
Tony also reflects on his time in the navy from 1969 to 1975, his service during the
Vietnam War, his experiences while he was stationed in the Philippines and racial
dynamics in the US military. Throughout the interview, Tony discusses the various
Pajaro Valley farms where his relatives worked, this included West Coast Farms,
Crosetti Farms, Sears Brothers, and Driscoll.
Ruby Baniaga Kaldonis interviewed by Markus Faye Portacio portacio_kalidonis_baniaga_ruby_2022-8_12.m4a 2022 August 12
In this interview, originally recorded via Zoom Ruby Baniaga Kalidonis speaks with
Markus Faye Portacio, a member of the Watsonville is in the Heart project team. Ruby
shares her family's migration experiences in Hawai'i and Watsonville, California. She
recalls how her family arrived in the US and explains how her father Romeo Veo Baniaga
and her mother Betty Magarin Baniaga, met. She discusses Romeo's and Betty's work in
the agricultural, industrial, and domestic sectors. She also discusses Romeo's
affinity for gardening and Betty's skills in strawberry picking. Ruby talks about the
community networks her family established in Watsonville and her relationships with
her relatives that live in the Philippines. Additionally, Ruby reflects on her
experience growing-up mixed-race and her "Mexipino" identity.
Bongolon Family Interviews 2023 April
Felix Hidalgo Bongolan was born in October 1911 in the municipality of Santiago, in the
province of Ilocos Sur, in the Philippines. Felix immigrated to Hawai'i from the
Philippines when he was around 19 years old to work on the pineapple plantations in
Oahu. He eventually worked as a foreman for the Dole. Felix began corresponding with his
soon-to-be wife, Irene "Inning" Sipin, through letters. In 1951, Felix traveled back to
the Philippines to marry Inning. Inning was born in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines in
July 1919. During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Inning moved away from her
village to hide in the mountains for about eight years. After she and Felix were
married, they moved to Oahu together. In 1952, Felix and Inning moved to Watsonville,
California to be close to Inning's brothers who were already living in the area. There,
Felix worked as a camp cook at Filipino labor camps located on Lee Road. Together, Felix
and Inning had two children: Lorraine "Rain" (b. 1952) and Felirene "Fe" (b. 1955).
While living in Watsonville, Inning was involved with Filipino community events and
Lorraine and Fe participated in Filipino dance classes. Rain went on to attend the
University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of San Francisco. Rain worked
in the Pajaro Valley School District for forty years and taught as a professor at
California State University, Monterey Bay. Felix passed away in 1975 and Inning passed
away in 1998.
Lorraine "Rain" Bongolan interviewed by Una Lynch lynch_bongolan_rain_2023-4-5.m4a 2023 April 5
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Lorraine "Rain" Sipin Bongolan
speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Una Lynch. Rain talks about her
father, Felix Hidalgo Bongolan's immigration from Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines to
Oahu, Hawai'i where he worked as a foreman for Dole pineapple plantations during the
1940s. She shares how Felix met Irene "Inning" Sipin. They communicated via letters
until Felix was able to travel back to the Philippines to marry Irene in 1951. Rain
also talks about her mother, Irene's life growing up in the Philippines during
Japanese occupation. Rain explains how her parents eventually settled in Watsonville,
where Irene's brothers were already living. She describes Felix's work as a camp cook
at a Filipino labor camp on Lee Road in Watsonville and Irene's involvement with
Filipino community events. Rain also elaborates on how notions of assimilation and the
American nuclear family impacted her experience growing up in Watsonville.
Castillo Family Interviews 2023 March
Doroteo Lafer Castillo was born in the municipality of Laoag in the Ilocos Norte
province of the Philippines. His date of birth is unknown. At the age of 16, Doroteo and
a few of his friends immigrated to Hawai'i to work with his brother Leon in the
sugarcane industry. Doroteo eventually moved to the mainland United States, where he
worked with a Filipino agricultural labor crew in San Pedro, California and throughout
the West Coast. Doroteo migrated throughout the western United States for work. He
eventually traveled to Billings, Montana where he met Rosie Archibeque-Bustos, a
mixed-race Mexican American woman, at a dance hall where she worked. Rosie's location
and date of birth are both unknown, but she was fourteen years old when she met Doroteo.
Together, Doroteo and Rosie had two children: Freddie Leo Castillo (b. 1944) and Julia
Gloria Castillo (b. 1945 or 1946). Doroteo, Rosie, Freddie, and Julia settled in
Watsonville, where Doroteo worked as a strawberries sharecropper. Eventually, Rosie
separated from Doreteo and moved back to Montana. After remarrying, Rosie had a son,
Jose Arturo Lopez, who continues to live in Billings, Montana. Doroteo stayed in
Watsonville where he raised Freddie and Julia. The Castillo family were close friends
with Margaret Sanchez, a Mexican American woman, and Benito Nerona, her Filipino
husband. The two couples' children grew up and attended school together. Margaret's and
Benito's son, Raymond "Ray" Gonzalez grew up alongside Doroteo's and Rosie's son,
Freddie. Freddie and Ray consider themselves brothers. As teenagers, Freddie and Ray
worked in Pajaro Valley agricultural fields together and participated in the Filipino
Youth Club at Watsonville High School during the late 1950s.
Fred "Freddie" Leo Castillo interviewed by Ian Hunte Doyle doyle_castillo_freddie_2023-3-9.wav 2023 March 9
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Freddie Leo Castillo speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member Ian Hunte Doyle. Freddie details his father
Doroteo Lafer Castillo's immigration to the United States from the Philippines through
Hawai'i, where he worked on the sugarcane plantations until eventually moving to the
mainland to work seasonal agricultural jobs. Freddie explains how Doroteo settled in
Watsonville and worked as a sharecropper. Freddie remembers growing up in Watsonville,
where he and his sister were raised by his father, Doroteo Lafer Castillo. Fred
recalls joining the Filipino Youth Club with his childhood friend Raymond "Ray"
Gonzalez, who he refers to as his brother. He also describes working in the fields
with Ray throughout high school. Fred talks about growing up half-Filipino and
half-Mexican, and he explains how his father introduced him to Filipino culture,
primarily through food and cooking.
Lopez Family Interviews 2023 March
Arsenio "Archie" Soblechero Lopez was born on December 16, 1905 in the municipality of
Villasis, in the province of Pangasinan, in the Philippines. Archie migrated to the
United States in 1929. He arrived in San Francisco aboard the S.S. President Lincoln on
April 25, 1929. After arriving in the U.S. Archie worked as a migrant agricultural
laborer and eventually as a barber and musician. Archie was also an active member of
Filipino American organizations including the Caballeros De Dimas-Alang. In exchange for
auto mechanic services, Archie was able to arrange a meeting with Margaret Yepez, a
Mexican American woman who was born in Mendota, California on December 26, 1929. Due to
the enforcement of anti-miscegenation laws in central coastal California, Archie and
Margaret were married in a civil ceremony in Yolo County in 1947 before holding a
Catholic wedding in Watsonville at St. Patrick's church in 1948. Archie and Margaret
lived in Santa Cruz County where Archie owned a Manila Barbershop located in Santa Cruz
on Mission Street and operated Ace Card room, which was located next door to the
barbershop. The barbershop and card room were popular gathering places for Filipino
American farm workers. Archie also worked as a musician. He played saxophone in a band
called "Archie and the Islanders." Other members of the group included Alex Tabag who
played tenor saxophone; Tommy Tomaio who played guitar; Benny Tumbaga who played the
trumpet, and Chris (Last Name Unknown) who played piano. Archie and the Islanders
performed at Filipino American dances and events throughout the greater Bay Area and in
Santa Cruz County including Watsonville. Archie and Margaret had seven children: Arsenio
Soblechero Lopez Jr. (b. 1948), John Yepez Lopez (b. 1950), Rosario "Rose" Lopez (b.
1952), Richard Henry Lopez (b. 1953), Delia Marcia Lopez (b. 1957), Elizabeth Ann Lopez
(b. 1961), and Robert Eugene Lopez (b. 1964).
Anthony "Tony" Bernard Tapiz interviewed by Ian Hunte Doyle doyle_tapiz_anthony_bernard_jr_2023_3_14.wav 2023 March 14
In this interview, originally conducted in-person, Anthony "Tony" Bernard Tapiz, Jr.
speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Ian Hunt Doyle. Tony primarily
talks about his grandfather, Arsenio "Archie" Soblechero Lopez, who immigrated from
Villaris, Pangasinan, Philippines to California in 1929. Tony begins the interview by
providing a description of Archie's barbershop, Manila Barbershop that was located on
Mission Street in Santa Cruz. He explains that Filipino men would gather in the Ace
Cardroom, which Archie operated behind the barbershop, to gamble. He also describes
how the barbershop smelled of his grandfather's Ilokano cooking. Tony remembers
attending Filipino community dances as a kid, where Archie's band, Archie and the
Islanders, would perform. Tony also speaks about his grandmother, Margaret Yepez
Lopez, and her involvement in the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville. He touches on
his grandparent's interracial marriage and the obstacles they had to overcome to
marry. He also reflects on his experience being Filipino and Mexican or "mestizo."
This interview took place at Upper Crust Pizza on Mission Street in Santa Cruz,
California. This used to be the location of Archie Lopez's barbershop. In the
interview, ambient noise and the voices of other customers can be heard.
Rosario Lopez interviewed by Hana Yamamoto yamamoto_lopez_rosario_2023-5-09.wav 2023 March 9
In this interview, originally conducted in person, Rosario "Rose" Magdalena Lopez
speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member Hana Yamamoto. Rose describes how
her father, Arsenio "Archie" Soblechero Lopez traveled by ship from the Philippines to
California and eventually began working in the fields in Watsonville. She further
explains how Archie became sick with tuberculosis from pesticides like DDT that were
commonly sprayed in the fields where he worked. His illness led him to quit working in
the fields and open a barbershop in Santa Cruz on Mission Street. Rose vividly
describes Archie's barbershop, including the smell of Ilokano Food being cooked for
lunch and Filipino men gambling, smoking, and even trading produce in the Ace Cardroom
that Archie ran in the back. Rose remembers singing Filipino songs at her father's
band, Archie and the Islanders. She goes on to speak about her mother, Margaret Yepez
Lopez, a Mexican American woman who worked for the canneries and was an outspoken
figure in union organizing. Rose details her parents' wedding ceremony in Watsonville
in 1948. She reflects fondly on the tight-knit Filipino and Mexican communities in
Watsonville, remembering the Filipino social dances, gatherings at the labor camps,
and the Filipino men her parents would house and take in as family.
Marquez Family Interviews 2022 October
Leon Custudio Ventura was born in the municipality of Piddig, in the province of Ilocos
Norte, in the Philippines on May 5, 1909. He immigrated to San Francisco in 1929, where
he worked as a maintenance worker at the University of San Francisco and lived with his
brother, Carmelo Ventura. In 1939, Leon moved to the Pajaro Valley, where he stayed for
a few years before enlisting in the U.S. military. After World War II, Leon visited the
Philippines and was married (Leon's wife's name is unknown) in Leyte, Philippines on
August 14, 1945. Leon and his wife had three children: Eva (b. 1946), Leon Jr. (b.
1947), and Hermenia (b. 1949). Because of his military service, Leon was able to receive
U.S. citizenship, and in 1955 his family immigrated from the Philippines to Watsonville.
In Watsonville, Leon worked for Jenson & Son Company harvesting strawberries and
apples. His wife also worked for Jenson & Son Company and in the local canneries.
Leon and his wife were well-known for helping other Filipino migrants navigate life in
the United States, including applying for Social Security and learning financial skills.
Their oldest daughter, Evelyn Marquez, has one son named John (b. 1969). Growing up,
John worked with his grandparents in the agricultural fields. Today, John and Evelyn
live in La Selva Beach. Leon passed away in 2008, and his wife passed away in 2013.
John Marquez interviewed by Katrina Pagaduan pagaduan_marquez_john_2022-08-20.wav 2022 October 20
In this interview, originally recorded in person, John Marquez and his mother, Evelyn
Marquez talk with Watsonville is in the Heart team member Katrina Pagaduan. John
primarily speaks about his grandfather, Leon Custodio Ventura, who served in the U.S.
military and then immigrated to the United States. Evelyn describes her experience
traveling by boat from the Philippines to California as a young child. John speaks
about his grandfather's experiences harvesting apples and strawberries for Jenson
& Son Company in Watsonville. He recalls his time working in the fields with his
grandfather when he was younger. He talks about his family's experiences within the
Watsonville Filipino American community and remembers that his grandparents taught
other Filipino migrants how to navigate U.S. processes including citizenship, Social
Security, and banking.
Nerona-Sanchez Family Interviews 2023 February
Margaret Sanchez was born in San Antonio, Texas, and her date of birth is not known.
Margaret had two children: Gloria Dominguez (b. unknown) and Marialis Dominguez (b.
unknown, but eventually, she married Isidro Ramon Gonzalez—a man born in Monterrey,
Mexico, and raised in Texas. Isidro and Margaret had two children together, Dora
Gonzalez (b. unknown) and Raymond "Ray" Gonzalez (b. 1943). Their daughter Dora passed
away from diabetes around 1946. Isidro and Margaret divorced in 1947. Throughout her
life, Margaret migrated around the United States working in the canneries and
agricultural fields. She and her children moved from Chicago to Salinas in 1949. In
1950, Margaret met Benito Acosta Nerona while they were both working in the Pajaro
Valley cannery industry. Benito was born in the municipality of Luna, in the province of
La Union, in the Philippines, during the early 1900s (Benito's exact date of birth is
unknown). He migrated from the Philippines to Hawai'i, where he worked in the
hospitality industry, and then to San Francisco. Later, during the 1940s, he worked as a
crew member on the S.S. Cardinal O'Connor, an Army Transportation Corps ship. In the
late 1940s, Benito began to work in Pajaro and Salinas Valley agriculture. In 1951,
Benito and Margaret married in Watsonville. Benito adopted Margaret's son, Ray Gonzalez.
Together, Benito and Margaret had a daughter named Leilani Nerona (b. 1952). Benito and
Margaret were involved in field labor union organizing and hosted union meetings at
their family home in the Pajaro Valley. Margaret, Benito, and their children were
integrated into the Pajaro Valley Filipino American community. They were close friends
with the Castillos and other Filipino families in Watsonville. Although he is not
Filipino, Margaret's son, Ray, was especially active within the Filipino American
community and was a member of the Filipino Youth Club at Watsonville High School during
the late 1950s. Benito passed away in 1980.
Raymond Gonzalez interviewed by Una Lynch lynch_gonzalez_ray_2023-2-6.m4a 2023 February 6
In this interview, originally recorded over Zoom, Raymond "Ray" Gonzalez speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member Una Lynch. Ray talks about his mother,
Margaret Sanchez, a Mexican woman who moved from Texas around the country to search
for work. He explains how she eventually settled in Salinas, working in agriculture
and as a cook in the labor camps. Ray goes on to talk about how his mother met his
stepfather, Benito Acosta Nerona, while working in the canneries. Benito immigrated to
Watsonville from the Philippines to work as an agricultural laborer. Ray speaks about
the hardships his stepfather endured while working in the fields, and he describes the
union meetings his parents would host at their family home. Though Ray is not
ethnically Filipino, he shares his feelings of respect and pride for the Filipino
community in Watsonville that his stepfather passed down to him. Ray also reminisces
about being involved in the Filipino Youth Club and the tight-knit Filipino and Latino
communities while growing up in Watsonville.
Tabancay Family Interviews 2023 May
Benny Tabancay was born in the municipality of Bacarra in the Ilocos Norte province of
the Philippines in 1906. The details of his immigration to the United States are
unknown, but he eventually came to settle in Watsonville where he opened a dry cleaning
business called Ideal Cleaners with Ben Ragsac, another Filipino man. Esther Galicia was
born in the municipality of Bacarra in the Ilocos Norte province of the Philippines in
1924, where she worked as a teacher. Through a sponsorship from her aunt, Paula Galicia,
she immigrated to Salinas to attend Hartnell College. Esther attended Hartnell College
until she married Benny and moved to Watsonville. The details of their meeting and
marriage are unknown. Together, Benny and Esther had four kids: Ruth (b. 1951), Francis
(b. 1952), Darlene (b. 1959), and Jerry (b. 1960). The Tabancay family was active in the
Filipino American community in Watsonville. Esther was involved in the Filipino Women's
Club of Watsonville and the children participated in Filipino folk dance classes. Esther
worked at the Green Giant cannery in Watsonville for twenty-five years. Benny passed
away in 1961. After his passing, Ruth helped Esther by taking care of her siblings.
Through her second marriage Esther had a fifth child, Linda (b. 1963), who was later
adopted. Esther remarried a third time to Emilio (Last Name Unknown), who was a father
figure after Benny's passing. Ruth went on to go to medical school and art school. Ruth
is a Bay Area based textile and fiber artist. Francis went on to attend Cabrillo College
and San Jose State University, and she still lives in Watsonville.
Ruth Tabancay interviewed by Maia Mislang mislang_tabancay_ruth__2023-5-21.m4a 2023 May 21
In this interview, originally recorded over Zoom, Ruth Tabancay speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member Maia Mislang. Ruth is a Bay Area-based textile
and fiber artist. Ruth explains how her mother Esther Galicia immigrated to the United
States from the Philippines to attend Hartnell College in Salinas. Esther's
immigration to the US was sponsored by her aunt, Paula Galicia. Ruth discusses
Esther's twenty-five years of experience working at Green Giant cannery in
Watsonville. Ruth also explains that her father Benny Tabancay worked in the dry
cleaning business rather than in the agricultural fields like many other men.
Throughout the interview Ruth reflects on her time growing up within the Filipino
American community in Watsonville, as well as how her identity and experiences impact
her current art practice. She fondly recalls participating in Filipino folk dance
classes, wearing traditional Filipiniana clothing, playing street games with
neighborhood kids, and making decorations Fourth of July parade floats with her mother
and other members of the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville.
Tabasa Family Interviews 2023 February - May
Jesus Torrente Tabasa was born in the province of Aklan in the Philippines. Jesus first
immigrated to Hawai'i before immigrating to Alaska in the 1930s to work in the fishing
canneries. He then moved to Santa Cruz County to work as a farm laborer, first to
Salinas and later to Watsonville. Jesus also worked as a labor contractor for the
fishing industry, canneries, and in fields from Alaska to California. In his free time,
he enjoyed gambling, fishing, and watching cockfights. Rosita Dionisio Tabasa-Estrada
was born on December 25, 1912, in the barangay of Tigayon, in the municipality of
Kalibo, in the region of Aklan, in the Philippines. She partially attended high school
in the Philippines until she immigrated to Seattle, Washington with her mother, Benita
Carpio Dionisio. They reunited with her father, Juan Dionisio, and brother, Juan "John"
C. Dionisio, who immigrated to the U.S. before them. Her entire family then moved to San
Francisco, California where Rosita graduated from high school. Upon her graduation, she
moved to Stockton, California where she attended the University of the Pacific. While
living in Stockton, Rosita worked for her brother's newspaper as a reporter. One of her
assignments was to interview Filipinos at a dance hall in Watsonville. While conducting
interviews, she met her husband Jesus Tabasa. They were married on October 21, 1937, and
Rosita moved to Watsonville. Rosita and Jesus had five children. Their first child was
Jess Dionisio Tabasa born on November 6, 1938. Francine Tabasa-Lopes was born on October
10, 1945, followed by her sister Susan Tabasa-Cruz in 1948. Gregorio Tabasa was born on
May 11, 1952, and lastly, Dante "Danny" Tabasa was born on April 11, 1954. In the late
1950s, Jesus Tabasa passed away. Rosita was later remarried to Ludovico Estrada in 1965.
The Tabasa family was well known in the Filipino community of Watsonville and were
involved in many local organizations. Rosita and Jesus were founding members of the
Filipino Community of Watsonville. They were also both officers of their local lodge for
the Caballeros de Dimas-Alang. Rosita was a founding member of the Filipino Women's Club
and served as president on several occasions. Rosita worked for the city of Watsonville
helping out the elderly through an organization called Project Scout. She also worked
for the Equal Opportunity Commission. In her role, she helped the Filipino community
with voter registration, welfare or social security, gaining citizenship, filing taxes,
finding housing, as well as acting as a translator for government documents. From 1938
until its closing in 1989, Rosita Tabasa owned and operated the Philippine Gardens Cafe
in Watsonville. Originally called Oriental Cafe, Philippine Gardens was a restaurant in
the front and a card room in the back. The restaurant was a central meeting place for
manong and the greater Filipino community in Watsonville. In 1992 Rosita moved back to
her hometown of Tigayon with her second husband Ludovico Estrada. She lived there for
the final ten years of her life and passed away at age 90 on November 3, 2002. Her
eldest son Jess Tabasa was a school teacher at E.A. Hall in Watsonville as well as a
local historian of Filipino labor and culture. He passed away at age 83 on March 25,
2022.
Greg Tabasa interviewed by Una Lynch lynch_tabasa_greg_2023-2-28.m4a 2023 February 28
In this interview, originally recorded over the phone, Gregorio "Greg" Dionisio
Tabasa speaks with Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Una Lynch. Greg begins the
interview by talking about his father, Jesus Torrente Tabasa, who immigrated from the
Aklan Province in the Philippines to Hawai'i and eventually to the Pajaro Valley where
he worked as a labor contractor. Gred also discusses his mother, Rosita "Rosie"
Dionisio Tabasa-Estrada who also immigrated from Aklan and eventually owned and
operated a restaurant in Watsonville. Her restaurant was first called Oriental Cafe
and later Philippine Gardens. Greg explains the restaurant's significance to the
Watsonville Filipino American community. He describes it as a "gathering place" for
the Filipino community to connect and eat together. Greg also discusses his parents'
roles as community leaders and their participation in organizations like the
Caballeros de Dimas-Alang and the Filipino Women's Club of Watsonville. He also
reflects on the personal impacts of his father's and how other Filipino men helped to
raise him and his brother, Danny. He explains that after Jesus's death Rosie continued
community and restaurant work through the 1980s. Greg closes the interview by
reflecting on a housing and public art project titled Tabasa Gardens that honors his
mother and her impact on the Filipino American community. Tabasa Gardens is an
apartment community located on Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville. Half of the apartment
units will be reserved for farmworkers. In addition to being named for the Tabasa
family and their restaurant. The complex features a mosaic mural depicting Rosie
Tabasa and her eldest son, Jess Tabasa.
Francine Tabasa Lopes interviewed by Una Lynch, Christina Ayson Plank, and Meleia Simon-Reynolds lynch_plank_simon-reynolds_tabasa_francince_2023-5-1 2023 May 1
In this interview, originally recorded in-person at Paradise Villa Assisted Living
and Memory Care in Live Oak, California, Francine Tabasa Lopes speaks with Una Lynch,
Christina Ayson Plank, and Meleia Simon-Reynolds, members of the Watsonville is in the
Heart team. Francine shares stories about her parents, Jesus Torrente Tabasa and
Rosita "Rosie" Dionisio Tabasa-Estrada. She explains how her parents migrated to the
United States from the Philippines during the 1920s and 1930s and eventually settled
in Watsonville. Francine discusses Jesus's agricultural labor and the restaurants and
other businesses both of her parents owned and operated in Watsonville. She provides
details about Rosie's restaurant business, Philippine Gardens (originally Oriental
Cafe). She describes the restaurant's various locations in downtown Watsonville and
the gambling operations that existed within the restaurant. Francine also reflects on
her experiences growing up under the care of her maternal grandmother, Benita Carpio
Dionisio.
Tejada Family Interviews 2023 February
Godofredo "Godo" Tana Tejada was born on November 8, 1908 in the municipality of Makato
in the Aklan province of the Philippines. Godo immigrated to the United States from the
Philippines in 1929, joining his first cousins to work in agriculture in Stockton. He
moved across California and Seattle working various agricultural jobs. In Central
California, Godo worked as an agricultural foreman managing crews including Filipino
workers and Mexican braceros. In the 1950s, while visiting the Philippines, Godo met his
soon-to-be wife Meady Dalisay Salomeo through a matchmaker. Meady was born on May 17,
1930, in the municipality of Altavas in the Aklan province of the Philippines. Soon
after their marriage, Meady accompanied Godo to California. Godo and Meady settled in
Watsonville in 1955. God continued to work in agriculture, harvesting strawberries,
lettuce, and Brussels sprouts. Meady worked at the Green Giant cannery and the Colshire
pajama factory. Together, they had six children: Godofredo "Fred" Jr. (b. 1956), Lucy
"Chris" (b. 1958), Frances (b. 1959), Josephine (b. 1961), Anette (b. 1962), and Connie
(b. 1968). While living in Watsonville, the family housed several other Filipino manong
who worked with Godo in the fields. Meady passed away in 2002, and Godo passed away in
2007. Their daughter, Frances passed away in 2013.
Fred Tejada interviewed by Meleia Simon-Reynolds simon-reynolds_tejada_fred_2023-2-1.wav 2023 February 11
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Fred Tejada speaks with Watsonville
is in the Heart team member Meleia Simon-Reynolds. Fred talks about his father,
Godofredo "Godo" Tana Tejada, who immigrated from the Philippines to the United
States. He discusses how his father worked various jobs in Seattle and California, and
he details his father's work as a foreman for the Bracero Program. Fred goes on to
explain how his father met his mother, Meady Dalisay Solomeo in the Philippines, and
how his parents moved to Watsonville together shortly after marrying. Fred talks about
his father's work harvesting strawberry, lettuce, and brussel sprouts, and he
discusses his mom's work in the fields during the day and at the pajama factory at
night. Fred remembers helping his father in the fields throughout his adolescence, as
well as he recalls his family housing many manong while they lived in Watsonville.
Yoro Family Interviews 2023 March
Sabino "Sammy" Yoro Sr. was born in the Philippines on December 25, 1912. In 1942,
Sammy Sr. and his brother traveled via boat from the Philippines to Hawai'i and
eventually to San Francisco. He worked as a cook in San Francisco until 1949 when he
moved to Watsonville to work in the fields. Sammy Sr. worked as a seasonal laborer for
the Crosetti, Dobler, and C&V Farms. In 1949, Sammy Sr. met Gregor "Greg" Otero, a
Mexican American and Native American woman, in New Mexico. Greg was born in Los Lunas,
New Mexico in 1927. She had two children: Peter (b. unknown) and Eleanor (b. unknown),
from her previous marriage. After Sammy Sr. and Greg met, they moved to Watsonville
together to start a family. They had three children: Randy (b. 1950), Samuel "Sammy" Jr.
(b. 1952), and Susan "Suzie" (b. 1956). In Watsonville, Greg worked in the cannery
industry. Greg participated in the Watsonville Filipino American community events and
took her children to participate in the Filipino dance troupe. Sammy Sr. and Greg
married in 1978 in the Philippines. Their son, Sammy Jr., began working with his father
in the lettuce fields while he was attending Watsonville High School. He was involved
with the Independent Farmworkers Union. He eventually sued C&V Farms for breaking
their labor contract and retired afterwards. Sammy Sr. never retired from agricultural
work until he passed away in 1989. Greg passed away in 1999.
Samuel "Sammy" Yoro interviewed by Hana Yamamoto yamamoto_yoro_sammy_2023-3-23_.m4a 2023 March 23
In this interview, originally recorded in person, Samuel "Sammy" Yoro speaks with
Watsonville is in the Heart team member, Hana Yamamoto. Sammy begins by discussing how
his father, Sabino Ivanos Yoro came to the United States from the Philippines and
eventually settled in Watsonville to work in the lettuce fields. Sammy talks about how
he began working with his father harvesting produce in high school and he describes
how working in the asparagus fields helped him become a better track and field athlete
in high school. Sammy goes on to describe how the agriculture industry evolved over
the years and notes the influence of Cesar Chavez on farm labor strikes. Sammy
discusses his involvement with The Independent Farmworkers Union. Sammy also talks
about his mother, Gregor Otero, who came to Watsonville from New Mexico to start a
family and work in the canneries. Sammy reflects on how growing up in a multiracial
community affected his views on his parents' interracial marriage, and he remembers
his mother's involvement in Filipino community organizations.