Florinda Baena Villanueva and David Rubio Larena

Florinda Baena Villanueva and  David Rubio Larena 

 

A Cultural Beacon of Dumaguete: The Legacy of Penn T. Larena

In the Field of Arts,Culture and Heritage 

In celebration of Dumaguete City's 75th Diamond Jubilee, Prof. Josefino “Penn” Tulabing Larena Jr. was rightfully nominated for the Most Outstanding Dumagueteño Award—a recognition befitting a man whose life and work have been passionately dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the city’s arts, culture, heritage, tourism, and civic pride.

For more than two decades, Penn Larena has stood as one of Dumaguete’s most tireless cultural champions. Through photo exhibits, heritage seminars, festivals, mural installations, historic clean-up campaigns, and educational initiatives, he has led efforts that strengthened local identity, bridged generational knowledge, and illuminated the rich soul of the city for locals and visitors alike.

His notable achievements in the field of arts, culture, and heritage include:

1.      Chairman of the “Handumanan sa Dumaguete” Photo Exhibit (2012), a signature cultural event for National Heritage Month that captured and celebrated the timeless story of Dumaguete through powerful visuals.

2.      A vital member of the Heritage Exhibit Booth Committee at the Buglasan Festival (2006–2014), where he brought the city’s past to life at Negros Oriental’s grandest cultural showcase.

3.      President of the Negros Oriental Alliance of Culture & Arts Advocates (NOACAA-INC), a dynamic organization committed to regional cultural advancement.

4.      Delegate to prestigious cultural gatherings including the 10th International Conference on Philippine Studies (2016) and the 2017 West Visayas Regional Museum Congress, where he carried Dumaguete’s cultural voice to national and international forums.

5.      Organizer and lecturer at the Second History of Dumaguete Seminar (2015), fostering public understanding and pride in the city’s heritage.

6.      Key member of the Organizing Committee for National Heritage Month in Dumaguete (2011–2015), aligning local celebrations with the national heritage movement.

7.      Spearheaded clean-up and preservation efforts for Dumaguete’s monuments and public plazas since 2014—ensuring that historical landmarks remain living testaments to the city’s past.

8.      Philatelic Exhibit Lead for the Dumaguete Stamp Club (2021), where he curated rare stamps featuring Filipino and American themes, linking global narratives with local history.

9.      Provincial Coordinator for National Indigenous Peoples Month (2005), honoring cultural diversity and uplifting indigenous traditions across the province.

10.  Instrumental in the beautification and restoration of the American Cemetery and the annual celebration of Philippine-American Friendship Day—a solemn tribute to shared histories.

Beyond these core achievements, Larena has continuously extended his influence:

·         First Chairman of the City’s Historical & Heritage Committee, where he authored the key communication that re-established the City Heritage Council.

·         Served in the Dumaguete City Tourism Council from 2001 to 2018, playing a crucial role in major cultural and tourism initiatives.

·         Founded the Buglas Reading & Writers Club, now nationally affiliated with NARA (National Alliance of Reading Advocates).

·         Vice President and former Assistant Treasurer of the Dumaguete Festival & Arts Society Inc.

·         Active in Flores de Mayo / Santacruzan from 1999 to 2008.

·         Delegate to the CCP Regional Dance Workshops in 2003 and 2005, supporting the flourishing of local dance traditions.

·         Member of the Kalsa Restoration Committee under the Perdices Administration.

·         Current moderator of the Paulinian Arts Society, Dumaguete’s oldest art club.

·         Curator and host of Art Talks with local artists, creating platforms for dialogue and creativity.

·         Committee member of the 2024 Capitol Building Centennial Celebration.

·         Longtime member of the Silliman University Church History Committee (2002–present).

·         A restablished founding member of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in Negros Oriental, perpetuating national values in local contexts.

Through his unwavering devotion, Penn T. Larena has not only safeguarded Dumaguete’s cultural treasures but also ignited a collective passion among citizens to honor their heritage. His legacy is written not only in documents, exhibits, and restored landmarks—but in the very heart of Dumaguete itself. 

Negrense Poet

20 years as a Social Sciences Professor

27 years as a Heritage Tour Guide

27 Cultural Heritage Advocate 

27 Civic Leader

Fourth Degree KGOR -Order of the Knights of Rizal 

Negrense Historian 

 

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. 

Brigida first husband Diego Garcia Baena

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.

Enrique Teves Villanueva

 Enrique Teves Villanueva and Francesca Gomez Baena, my great-grandparents, hold a significant place in the history of Negros Oriental, Philippines. Enrique, hailing from Bais City and belonging to the prominent Pinili, Villamil, Teves, and Regis clans, was a notable Filipino politician. He served as the Governor of Negros Oriental from 1916 to 1925 and represented the second district of Negros Oriental in the House of Representatives from June 2, 1925, until his death on October 12, 1930. His tenure was marked by remarkable infrastructural contributions, including the development of Rizal Boulevard, Quezon Park, the Provincial Capitol, and several bridges. Additionally, the town of Enrique Villanueva in Siquijor stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the region.

Francesca Gomez Baena, Enrique's wife, came from the distinguished Gonzales, Garcia, Gomez, Baena, and Abilla families from Bais City . She was celebrated as the first Miss Negros Oriental Carnival Queen, underscoring her prominence in the community. Through her marriage to Enrique, she played a crucial role in supporting his political career and contributing to the region's development. Their union not only brought together influential families but also left an enduring legacy marked by public works and infrastructural advancements that continue to benefit Negros Oriental to this day.

Photo from my second cousin Wojapi Twobulls

All reactions:

78You, Niño Galera Baena, Flory Villanueva Escobido and 75 others

Tribute to David Villanueva Larena Jr.

1938-2016

Died : Mar 13,2016 Bais City ,Negros Oriental

So heaven has received another angel
The night sky another star
Your life has become a loving memory
I know you will never be far.
I knew you'd soon be in a happier place.
Rest in Peace

Pino and Ganda

If mama & papa were alive Today they will celebrate there 50th wedding anniversary, i am so lucky to have a caring and lovely parents We love u so much and thank you for love that you have given to us Dec 231965- Dec 23,2015

Mama favorite quote

Pino Villanueva Larena, & Ganda Hermoso Tulabing

Notable Baisanons

Notable Baisanons

• Jose Romero, former Philippine Senator; Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James; former Secretary of the Department of Education
• Eddie Sinco Romero, National Artist of the Philippines for Cinema and Broadcast Arts.
• Demetrio Larena Sr. -first Governor of Negros Oriental
• Meliton Larena- Board member during the American era
• Vicente G. Sinco- UP President and founder of Foundation University
• Josefa Villanueva Perez -Historian & Visual Arts
• Francisco Villanueva- Politician & Visual Arts
• Trinidad Teves -Sagarbarria- Founder of Sans Rival Cake house
• Anselma Pinili Teves Villanueva- Founder of la Liga Negrense
• Jean Henri Diago Lhuillier - President & CEO PJ Lhuillier Group of Companies
• Josefino T. Larena Jr. -Educator, Artist, Consumer Advocate Tour Guide and Cultural Researcher
• Emmylou Villanueva P. Violeta- Art Teacher and Cultural Advocate
• Angela B. Vicente- children advocate and Civic Leader
• Edna Villanueva Diago Lhuillier - Chairman PJ Lhuillier Foundation

Villacampa Clan of Bais City and Tanjay City Negros Oriental

Villacampa Clan

Pedro Villacampa (1810) - Martina Jamito (1812)

I. Ma. Lourdes Canuta Villacampa (1837) - Jose Antonio Zoilo Rubio (1835)
     1.0 Braulio V. Rubio (1860)- Bonifacia Sanchez
     2.0 Carmen V. Rubio (1862) - Juan Saavedra
     3.0 Maria V. Rubio (1864) - Juan Montenegro
     4.0 Faustina V. Rubio (1866) - Manuel Gonzales
     5.0 Josefina V. Rubio (1868) - Demetrio Larena

II. Martin Villacampa (1852) - Lorenza Villaflores (1855)
     1.0 Severino V. Villacampa (1882)
     2.0 Maria Nieves Villacampa (1884) - Guillermo Pastrano
     3.0 Adriano Villacampa (1886) - Rufina Garcia
     4.0 Avelina Villacampa (1888) - Villaflores
     5.0 Eliuteria Villacampa (1890) - Villaflores
     6.0 Inocentes Villacampa (1892)
     7.0 Joaquin Villacampa (1894) - Eufemia Adana
      8.0 Hilarion Villacampa (1896) - Leona Zerna

III. Juan 'Antoy' Villacampa (1855) - Filomina Teves Villanueva (1858)
     1.0 Ricardo V. Villacampa (1895) - Elinag Toledano
     2.0 Ramona V. Villacampa (1897) - Cayetano Tibay
     3.0 Josefina V. Villacampa (1899)- Celso Prospero
     4.0 Isagani V. Villacampa (1901) - Leoning Gallerina
     5.0 Estrella V. Villacampa (1903) - Henry Klinger
     6.0 Alex V. Villacampa (1905) - Grace Peredo
     7.0 Sofia V. Villacampa (1907)


I. Ma. Lourdes Canuta Villacampa (1837) - Jose Antonio Zoilo Rubio (1835)

1.0 Braulio V. Rubio (1860)- Bonifacia Sanchez
2.0 Carmen V. Rubio (1862) - Juanito Saavedra
3.0 Maria V. Rubio (1864) - Juan Montenegro
      3.1 Maria Montenegro - Pedro Orozco
          3.1.1 Jose Orozco - Pearl Gayo Bulado
               3.1.1.1 Jose Marie Orozco
               3.1.1.2 Alfonzo Orozco
               3.1.1.3 Lito Orozco
               3.1.1.4 Angelo Orozco
4.0 Faustina V. Rubio (1866) - Manuel Gonzales
     4.1 Rodrigo Gonzales - Maria Orozco
     4.2 Maria del Carmen Gonzales - Jose Diaz
          4.1.1 Maritina Diaz
          4.1.2 Joseph Ryan Diaz
          4.1.3 Maricor Diaz
          4.1.4 Rodrigo Diaz -Mayette C. Base
5.0 Josefina V. Rubio (1868) - Demetrio Larena
      5.1 Demetrio Juan Faustino Jr. Larena (1910) - Carmen Baena Teves (1914)
          5.1.1 Josefina Isabel Larena (1944) - Martin Juan Fernando Valdivia
               5.1.1.1 Juan L. Valdivia III
               5.1.1.2 Carmen Milagros L. Valdivia
               5.1.1.3 Demetrio Juan Vicente L. Valdivia
          5.1.2 Demetrio 'Puroroy' Larena III (1946) - Milagros Antonia Villegas Pastrano
               5.1.2.1 Rey Antonio Larena
               5.1.2.2 Angelique Mae Larena
          5.1.3 Carmencita Larena (1947)
          5.1.4 Verzamina Larena (1949) - George Ponce de Leon
               5.1.4.1 Menka L. Ponce de Leon
               5.1.4.2 Popong L. Ponce de Leon
          5.1.5 Faustina Larena (1951) - Nito Longa
          5.1.6 Emma Larena (1953) - Boy Flores
     5.2 Enrique Larena - Trinidad Patero
          5.2.1 Jose Larena
          5.2.2 Jocelyn Larena
     5.3 Mariano Larena - Mercedes Saavedra de la Pena
          5.3.1 Angelina Larena - Herminigildo Duhaylungsod
          5.3.2 Leandro Larena - Vitillana Pael
          5.3.3 Romeo Larena - Josephine Dizon
          5.3.4 Agustin Larena- ______ Artes
          5.3.5 Paz Larena - Silverio Magallanes
          5.3.6 Maximiana Larena
          5.3.7 Ely Larena - Corazon Andaya
          5.3.8 Mercedes Larena - Jose Torres
          5.3.9 Mariano Larena Jr.
     5.4 David Larena - Florenda Baena Villanueva / Librada Arnaiz
          5.4.1 Manuel V. Larena - Patricia Olam
               5.4.1.1 Flory Larena - Julianing Teves
               5.4.1.2 Dale Larena
               5.4.1.3 Rey Larena - Maritess Ramirez Rosales
               5.4.1.4 Lilian Larena - Archie Alcazar
               5.4.1.5 Gemma Larena - Felipe John Reambonanza
               5.4.1.6 Evelyn Larena - Johnny Palacios
               5.4.1.7 Rosanna Larena - Arnold Saycon
               5.4.1.8 Manny Boy Larena
               5.4.1.9 Malton Larena
               5.4.1.10 Manuel Larena - Constancia Tagulo
          5.4.2 David V. Larena Jr - Myrna Ollandesca
               5.4.2.1 Rosemarie Larena - Jessie Filosopo
               5.4.2.2 Eustaquio Larena
               5.4.2.3 Horacio Larena
               5.4.2.4 David O. Larena III
               5.4.2.5 Angie Larena
               5.4.2.6 Lourdes Larena
               5.4.2.7 Daniel Larena
          5.4.3 Josefino Vicente V. Larena - Leonaga Hermoso Tulabing
               5.4.3.1 Joseleo Larena -Rhyna P. Pascual
               5.4.3.2 Josefino 'Penn' Larena

II. Martin Villacampa (1852) - Lorenza Villaflores (1855)

1.0 Severino Villacampa (1877)
     1.1 Romana Villacampa - Miguel Alivio
          1.1.1 Basilio V. Alivio - Conchita Sinco
               1.1.1.1 Jessie Alivio - Romualda Acabonillo
               1.1.1.2 Robin Alivio - Consolacion Ibasan
               1.1.1.3 Dioscoro Alivio - Elisa De Guilo
               1.1.1.4 Joseph Alivio - Celia Mongcal
               1.1.1.5 Teresita Alivio - Hector Doria
               1.1.1.6 Elena Alivio - Generoso Vocal
          1.1.2 Felisa V. Alivio - Jovito Ferolin
               1.1.2.1 George Ferolin
               1.1.2.2 Carmen Ferolin
     1.2 Evaristo Villacampa - Juana Adana
          1.2.1 Jose Villacampa - Leonarda Balauro
               1.2.1.1 Jhonny Villacampa
               1.2.1.2 Cristy Villacampa
          1.2.2 Bernardino Villacampa - Celia Teves
               1.2.2.1 Sammy Villacampa
               1.2.1.2 Leticia Villacampa
          1.2.3 Andres Villacampa - Gloria Vailoces (Zamboanga)
               1.2.3.1 2nd Lt. Robinson Villacampa
          1.2.4 Restituto Villacampa
               1.2.4.1 Arnold Villacampa
          1.2.5 Leopoldo "Lading" Villacampa
          1.2.6 Rosita Villacampa - Ricardo Tan
          1.2.7 Pering Villacampa - Dagooc (Cebu)
               1.2.7.1 Ruel Dagooc
          1.2.8 Betty Villacampa
          1.2.9 Besing Villacampa
     1.3 Gregoria Villacampa - Villanueva
          1.3.1 Elvira V. Villanueva
     1.4 Antoliano Villacampa
     1.5 Rafael Villacampa
2.0 Maria Nieves Villacampa - Guillermo Pastrano
     2.1 Filomina V. Pastrano - Pio Robillos
          2.1.1 Rosita P. Robillos - Luis Miguel Romero
               2.1.1.1 Miguel    Mike Romero
               2.1.1.2 Edwina Romero
               2.1.1.3 Mary Ann Romero - Orosa
               2.1.1.4 Catherine Romero - Alano
          2.1.2 Sis. Nieves P. Robillos
          2.1.3 Fidel P. Robillos
          2.1.4 Anselmo P. Robillos
          2.1.5 Milagros P. Robillos
          2.1.6 Evelyn P. Robillos
     2.2 Jose V. Pastrano - Josefa Banogon
          2.2.1 Marcelo B. Pastrano - Josefa Colina Villegas
     2.3 Dolores V. Pastrano - Jose Longa
          2.3.1 Antonio P. Longa - Virginia Arnaiz Garcia
               2.3.1.1 Chichu Longa
               2.3.1.2 Antonio Longa
               2.3.1.3 Milagros Longa - Godinez
               2.3.1.4 Maria Isabel Longa - Manuel Sagarbarria
     2.4 Anselmo V. Pastrano
     2.5 Roberta V. Pastrano - Gabriel Roces
          2.5.1 Paquita Roces - Armando Revilla
3.0 Adriano Villacampa - Rufina Garcia
     3.1 Jesus 'Samuel' Villacampa
          3.1.1 Roger Villacampa
     3.2 Buenaventura Villacampa
     3.3 Ambrocio Villacampa
     3.4 Jose Villacampa
     3.5 Alfonso Villacampa
4.0 Avelina Villacampa - Villaflores
     4.1 Concepcion V. Villaflores
     4.2 Maximino V. Villaflores
5.0 Eliuteria Villacampa - Villaflores
     5.1 Pedro V. Villaflores
     5.2 Procesa V. Villaflores
6.0 Inocentes Villacampa
     6.1 Cresencia Villacampa
7.0 Joaquin Villacampa - Eufemia Adana
     7.1 Gil Villacampa
     7.2 Ebang Villacampa - Bangcairen
8.0 Hilarion Villacampa - Leona Zerna

III. Juan 'Antoy' Villacampa (1855) - Filomina Teves Villanueva (1858)

1.0 Ricardo V. Villacampa (1895) - Elinag Toledano
     1.1 Sally Villacampa (1924) - Jerry Serdena
          1.1.1 George Serdena (1944)
          1.1.2 Tony Serdena (1946)
          1.1.3 Starly Serdena (1948)
          1.1.4 Jun Jun Serdena (1950)
          1.1.5 Josephine Serdena (1952)
     1.2 Eilen Villacampa (1926)
     1.3 Romeo Villacampa (1928)
2.0 Ramona V. Villacampa (1897) - Cayetano Tibay
     2.1 Teddy Tibay (1918) - Irene Gutierrez
          2.1.1 Arthur Tibay
          2.1.2 Dick Tibay
          2.1.3 Ludy Tibay
          2.1.4 Belen Tibay
          2.1.5 Doloy Tibay
     2.2 Greta Tibay (1920) - Dominador Acerden
          2.2.1 Henry Acerden
          2.2.2 Steve Acerden
          2.2.3 Monet Acerden
          2.2.4 Wilma Acerden
     2.3 Herminia Tibay (1922) - Tony Lipa
          2.3.1 RG Lipa
          2.2.2 Becket Lipa
          2.3.3 Chinky Lipa
     2.4 Manuel Tibay (1924)
          2.4.1 Lance Tibay
          2.4.2 Oliver Tibay
     2.5 Lily Tibay (1926) - Arthur Cuyugan
          2.5.1 Angelo Cuyugan
          2.5.2 Achian Cuyugan
          2.5.3 Ditto Cuyugan
3.0 Josefina V. Villacampa (1899)- Celso Prospero
     3.1 Helen Grace Prospero
     3.2 Gigi Prospero
4.0 Isagani V. Villacampa (1901) - Leoning Gallerina
     4.1 Rico Villacampa
     4.2 Nora Villacampa
5.0 Estrella V. Villacampa (1903) - Henry Klinger
6.0 Alex V. Villacampa (1905) - Grace Peredo
     6.1 Alex Villacampa - Grace Perez
          6.1.1 Dada Villacampa
               6.1.1.1 Inigo Villacampa
               6.1.1.2 Inno Villacampa
          6.1.2 Aries Villacampa
          6.1.3 Miles Villacampa
          6.1.4 Ina Villacampa
          6.1.5 Alvin Villacampa
     6.2 Billy Villacampa - Myra Asa
          6.2.1 Barbie Villacampa
          6.2.2 Myrna Villacampa
          6.2.3 Dimple Villacampa
          6.2.4 Justine Villacampa
          6.2.5 Christina Villacampa
          6.2.6 Emma Villacampa
          6.2.7 William Villacampa
     6.3 Christian Villacampa
     6.4 Hedy Villacampa - Teddy Ramirez
          6.4.1 Ted Ramirez
          6.4.2 Johan Ramirez
          6.4.3 Paolo Ramirez
          6.4.4 Rita Ramirez
     6.5 Sandra Villacampa - Roland Egglie
          6.5.1 Vanessa Egglie
          6.5.2 Anna Egglie
7.0 Sofia V. Villacampa (1907) - Prospero