She dug into her closet and took out one of her prettiest dresses she wears on special occasions. Maybe she wore it only twice. One friend visited her and gave her pretty dress to her. When asked, she replied it's her goodness at heart she did for others.

Meet my Mom, Manuela, the Mother of the Village, maybe the oldest person still alive at SunShine Village. She is known as "Apo Elang" ("Apo" is a respect for elders), with her reputation as always being there when help is needed, even in the middle of the night. She has a big heart in her own way, and always gives a helping hand, even to the extent of risking her own life.

Spared by a typhoid fever that almost took her life at an early age, her immune system is so strong that she was the healthiest person ever alive when cholera plagued the village and neighboring villages. God must have spared her for a good cause. She also survived the inhuman treatment during the Second World War, and left her with a mark (scar) at the left side of her head.

At her few remaining years in this world, I still see in her that kindness of heart when villagers need help, the woman with a Heart of Gold. She brought up five children that occupied her whole life as a very dedicated mother and wife. Her beautiful silver grey hair reflects those years of good life with Dad.

She has that kindness and goodness of heart. She is upfront with people. She does not expect anything back in return from them when she does something. She depends on trust.