Brigida Gomez Baena-Abilla

 Brigida Gomez Baena-Abilla, born around 1865 in Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines, had a life that was both vibrant and layered with historical and familial significance. Her roots traced back to Spain, as her family originally hailed from Ávila, Spain. Brigida's father, Lorenzo Bruno Gomez, and her mother, Ramona Ramos Gonzales, were both 27 years old when she was born, raising her in a time of great societal change and economic development in the Philippines.

Her first marriage was to Diego Garcia Baena, a Spanish Navy officer and widower from Cádiz, Spain. Diego's previous experiences and his role in the Spanish Navy likely exposed Brigida to a life of adventure and cultural richness, while her connection to him anchored her firmly in the Spanish heritage that would influence her path forward.

However, Brigida’s life was not confined to one union. In 1898, after the death of her first  husband she remarried Eleuterio Quiterio Pileo Abilla, a prominent Spanish haciendero, and first cousin to Don Manuel Abilla, a well-known sugar trader in the region. This second marriage further solidified her position as an influential figure in Bais, Negros Oriental, as she became part of one of the wealthiest families in the area. Eleuterio’s business dealings, primarily in sugar, contributed greatly to the region's economy and allowed Brigida to thrive as a haciendera. Her role in managing the family estates and navigating the complexities of both local and Spanish cultural expectations was vital to her standing in the community.

Brigida’s legacy is carried on through her children, who reflect her vibrant and colorful life. She had several children from her first marriage to Diego Garcia Baena:

• Francisca Gomez Baena (1883–1932) married to Enrique Teves Villanueva
• Diego Jr. Baena (1885–1950)
• Antonio Baena Gómez (1885–1955) married ) Dolores "Loleng" Teves. Villanueva
• Isabel Baena (1885–1960) married Jeremias Alcon Teves
• Bruno Vicente Ezequiel Mateo de la Santa Trinidad Baena (1894–Deceased)
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From her second marriage to Eleuterio, Brigida had:

• Rafael Gomez-Abilla (1899–1985), who married Rosario Mapeso  Pinili
• Hortencio Abilla, who married Rosario  Villanueva 

Through her two marriages, Brigida’s life was woven into the tapestry of both Spanish and Filipino cultures, navigating the dynamics of both colonial and local societal expectations. As an influential figure, she managed the family’s vast agricultural estates and participated actively in the social and economic life of Bais, Negros Oriental.

Brigida’s colorful life as an haciendera and her passionate love life left a lasting mark on her community. Her keen intellect, grace, and business acumen allowed her to thrive in a male-dominated society, securing her legacy as a strong matriarch and businesswoman.

She passed away in 1945 in Bais, Negros Oriental, at the age of 82, and was laid to rest there, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and influence that continued to reverberate through the generations. Brigida’s story is one of personal triumph, cultural fusion, and the enduring power of love and family across both continents and time.