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

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

Juvenal Villanueva Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City

 A city in Dumaguete is name after him the Route 7 Road of  Daro and Piapi.The   former Mango Ave in  Bantayan Area now known as Juvenal Villanueva-Somoza Ave.

Alpha Omega Academy 

Old Mango Ave now Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave

Old Route now Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave

 

Dionaldo  Apartment

Living World Christian School ,JV Somoza Ave

Silliman University Engineering Compound JV Somoza Ave

Casa Adelina ,JV Somoza Ave

Juvenal Villanueva Somoza Ave 

Col. Roman T. Yap ROTC  Hall,JV Somoza Ave

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City 

Emerald Ville homes,JV Somoza Ave Dumaguete City

Prof. Dionisio R. Flores Archery Range ,JV Somoza Ave

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City 

ROTC Museum ,JV Somoza Ave

Vero Spa, JV Somoza Ave

The Green Chef, JV Somoza Ave 

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City 

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City 

Juvenal Villanueva  Somoza Ave ,Dumaguete City 

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

VALENTINE Dinner & Dance

Pinili Clan Association   Dumaguete City Negros Oriental

Tickets available The Bean Connection Scooby's Sillman Ave, You can call the Pinili -de Mira Ancestral House look for tito Nanen 422-4040 , PCA Secretary Mr. Penn T. Larena @ SPUD 225-1506 LOC 230 OR 320 and any PCA officers or Pres. Rochi Teves Villamil, Lizbeth Villanueva and Hon. Dandan Teves Leon