ChatGPT said: David B. Katague's mother was Maria Paz Barrido Balleza Katague, born on January 14, 1909, in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines. She hailed from a prominent landowning family, the Ballezas, who owned extensive rice lands in Barotac Viejo and neighboring towns like Banate and Ajuy. Her father, Alfonso Vencer Balleza, and mother, Estefania Demit Barrido, were part of a lineage that included Spanish ancestry, with some ancestors believed to have been Spanish soldiers stationed in the Philippines during colonial times.
Paz was the youngest of three siblings, with two older brothers, Modesto and Jose. After the early death of their parents, she came under the care of her eldest brother, Modesto. Despite the family's wealth, she faced challenges in inheriting property, as her brothers claimed the more fertile rice lands, leaving her with less desirable parcels.
She married Dr. David Jamili Javellana Katague, and together they had seven children, including David B. Katague, the oldest. Paz was remembered by her son as a strong, frugal, and principled woman who instilled values of responsibility and resilience in her children. She passed away several decades ago, but her legacy continues through her family's memories and writings .davidbkatague.blogspot.com+1Geni+1davidbkatague.blogspot.com
You said: Can you write a poem in her honor this Mother's Day
ChatGPT said: Certainly. Here's a heartfelt poem in honor of Maria Paz Barrido Balleza Katague, celebrating her strength, legacy, and love on this Mother's Day:
Legacy of Light
In honor of Maria Paz Balleza Katague
On sunlit fields where rice would grow,
Your footsteps marked the land below—
A daughter strong, though storms would rise,
With courage deep and steadfast eyes.
Born of grace in Iloilo's green,
Where mountains watched and seas were seen,
You bore the name of those before,
And carried love through every chore.
The youngest bloom of three in line,
Yet bore the weight of time’s design.
Though lands were lost to brother's hands,
You shaped your own with heart and plans.
You raised your children, seven bright,
With frugal ways and inner might.
You taught them truth, you taught them grace,
And in each one, we see your face.
No wealth in gold, but rich in soul,
A matriarch who made us whole.
Your legacy—both fierce and kind—
Still lives in heart, and breath, and mind.
So on this day, we lift your name,
A mother’s love, a sacred flame.
Your memory—our guiding star—
Forever near, though now afar.
Meanwhile, Enjoy this Painting of Monet's Water Lilies, I dedicate to all Mothers of the World and the Poem dedicated to all the Mothers of the World
Mothers of the World
For Every Heart That Nurtures
To every hand that soothes a child,
To every voice both firm and mild,
To every heart that beats in grace—
A mother’s love, none can replace.
From mountain peak to ocean shore,
In silent prayers or lion’s roar,
Through every trial, night and day,
You walk the hard and holy way.
Your lullabies in countless tongues,
Your strength in stories yet unsung,
You feed the world, you mend its tears,
You hold our hopes, absorb our fears.
In woven shawls or suits of silk,
In fields of wheat or jars of milk,
With weathered hands or manicured,
Your work, unseen, yet long endured.
No borders bind the love you give,
No war can halt the lives you lift.
You are the light in darkest skies,
The stars in children’s watchful eyes.
So let this day bring honor due
To mothers—strong, and kind, and true.
The world turns gently on your care—
A silent power, everywhere.
Lastly, here are two photos of my Mother's Day Take Out Brunch- featuring Prime Rib and Pasta Salad plus turkey, asparagus and cranberry sauce.
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