Martes, Agosto 11, 2020
I made a larger portrait of my great-grandmother Remedios Lopez Cuenco as reference. I had made a smaller study a few days ago. https://ceciliabrainard.com/portrait-of-remedios-lopez-cuenco-by-cecilia-brainard/
Here is an excerpt from my grand-uncle’s biography that touches on the life and background of Remedios, who inspired me to write my third novel, The Newspaper Widow:
“From Archbishop Cuenco Autobiography, pages 1–3:
I was born in the little town of Carmen, Cebu province on May 19, 1885. I received Baptism in the same Church on May 27, 1887, and was confirmed by the Spanish Bishop, Most Rev. Martin Alcoser of the Franciscan Order. My parents were Mariano A. Cuenco and Remedios Diosomito. They did not enjoy a long and thorough education in the school as we understand it today. My father attended classes at the Normal School for teachers in Manila just for one year. This school was directed by the Jesuit fathers. My mother was no more fortunate than my father. While a young girl, she studied in Cebu at the old Inmaculada College run by the Sisters of Charity. There she learned the three R’s. For one reason or another she quit schooling. Hence she just stayed at school for one year. But both of them were gifted by nature with natural talent and ability. They specially possessed a tactical and common sense.
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