Avelina Bautista Mallari

Life Story

Avelina Bautista Mallari, born on November 10, 1937, is known to us as Nanay, Tita, Lola, Ninang and Sister Belen. She was born and raised in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Makati, Philippines to Santiago Bautista and Rosita Talampas. Belen is the seventh of nine siblings: Rafaela, Soledad, Benjamin, Alfredo, Delfin, Manuel, Celia and Oscar. She was the last surviving sibling preceded by her brother Delfin.

On January 12, 1965, Belen married the love of her life, Isagani Mallari. She was blessed with three children: Ricardo, Alan and Amy, along with their spouses: Bea, Risa and Cary; her grandchildren: Junby (spouse Philina), Juris, Jazzer, Zach, Noah and Josiah, and great-grandchildren: Miguel and Aliyah, along with a host of extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

The Bautista family is an icon in Barangay Sta. Cruz. Belen is known for her “carinderia” with hot pan de sal and “sari-sari” store along Vito Cruz Ext. Her best dishes include “Bopis,” “Dinuguan” and “Suzette.” She continued to make these dishes and shared them at family gatherings.

In 1990, Gani and Belen journeyed to California to pursue the American dream. The couple moved to San Jose in 2000 when her grandson, Zach, was born. In 2009, Belen returned to Los Angeles when twins, Noah and Josiah, were born. She rejoined Gani in San Jose in 2014. Belen was devoted to her family and dedicated her life to helping take care of her grandsons.

Fun facts that you may not know about Belen. She was crowned Ms. Brgy. Sta. Cruz in her younger years. Belen always remembered to call and greet everyone on their birthday. She has reached the 1,570th level on Candy Crush. Belen was a Korean drama fan and enjoyed watching Mukbang on YouTube. She loves taking selfies and saves Facebook photos of friends

and family on her iphone. Her favorite meal is coffee poured over rice, “crispy Tuyo,” “Chicharon,” Tempura Shrimp, Fried Calamari from San Jose, Panda Express Fried Rice, and Queso de Bola.

Gani and Belen’s lives were filled with service to our Lord Jesus Christ. She dedicated her life and accepted her Savior in 1981. They were active members of Makati Baptist Church, LA Baptist Church, Light Bearer’s Fellowship Church, Living Hope Church, and Christian Evangelical Ministry International. Her love for the Lord was exemplified by her kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and love that she shared with all of us.

Throughout her life, Belen demonstrated her unwavering faith and complete trust in God. She faced life with resilience. By God’s grace and mercy, Belen outlived the 18-year life expectancy of surviving a triple bypass surgery in 1998. At the age of 86, Gani and Belen fearlessly and confidently endured the travel to San Jose this past New Year and flew to the Philippines in March to spend time with family and friends. Even in her fragile condition, she made lasting memories with everyone. Belen was dearly loved and cherished, she leaves behind a profound impact on all of us.

We will forever remember the warmth of her smile and laughter, her delightful, sweet scent and most especially the way that she loved each one of us. We will miss you Nanay Belen and we will see you in heaven.