Maria Elena Santos

Maria Elena Santos was the heart of our family — a teacher, a cook, a storyteller, and the strongest woman any of us ever knew.

Born in Tondo, Manila in 1945, she grew up during a time of rebuilding and hope. She put herself through school, became a public school teacher in Quezon City, and spent 35 years shaping the minds of young Filipinos. Her students still write to us.

Nanay loved three things above all: her family, her garden, and her adobo. Every Sunday, our house smelled like garlic and vinegar. Every birthday, she baked bibingka from scratch. Every problem, she solved with a cup of coffee and patience.

She raised five children mostly on her own after Tatay passed in 1989. She never complained. She just worked harder, loved louder, and prayed longer.

In her last years, she would sit on the porch and watch the sunset. She said it reminded her that every ending is also something beautiful.

We miss her every day. But she is everywhere — in the recipes we cook, the values we carry, the stories we tell our children.

Mahal ka namin, Nanay. Forever.