Commentary

Happy bday Auntie Vice Mayor Cynthia dela Cruz

Published

1 year ago

March 21, 2025

newsrepublic43@gmail.com

by: Maria Solita Guzman

I have known Auntie Vice Cynthia Dela Cruz since I was a kid because I was the best of friends with her daughter, JL Cyndi. I was a frequent visitor to their home and always loved their pineapple pie from Bread and Butter during my visits. I vividly remember going on a date with Cyndi at the Bread and Butter Estancia branch, where the canned Pepsi was pure heaven to my delight.

As an adult, one of my cherished encounters with her was during my church wedding with Matt. She took time off her busy schedule to attend, along with Lola Daisy, Tita Chita, and Auntie Lucylyn—the “Titas of Kalibo,” as I fondly called them then.

Though she and Matt started off in opposing political parties, our relationship remained grounded in respect.

Most of our interactions were during local government events, and I always appreciated how she never held back in giving compliments. I was humbled when she once told me that with my amazing writing skills, I could accomplish almost anything. Her words stayed with me, and I admired her generosity in uplifting others.

Now that we get to spend more time together and share the same advocacies in health and education—promoting literacy and play among young children—I am continually awed by her openness to listen to ideas and adapt to circumstances beyond her control.

Auntie Vice, you are a woman of strength, wisdom, and kindness. On your special day, I wish you joy, good health, and all the love you so freely give to others.