The late Dra. Mira Oca-Bunye with her husband Toting Bunye.
By Toting Bunye, News Reporter and War Correspondent
I was moved by the heartfelt tribute to Dr. Miraflor T. Oca-Bunye by my uncle, Atty. Ignacio “Toting” Rivera Bunye—former Press Secretary, Muntinlupa City Mayor, and Congressman. Before entering public service, he was a news reporter and war correspondent in Vietnam.
He wrote:
“Two years have passed since my beloved Mira returned to her Creator, and yet, the light she brought into our lives continues to shine with quiet grace. Mira lived her life with a rare blend of brilliance and humility, strength and tenderness.
As a pediatrician, she cared for her young patients with the same devotion and warmth she gave our three children—Trisha, Dondi, and Frannie. To generations of families in Alabang and beyond, she was more than a doctor. She was ‘Tita Doctor,’ a constant, healing presence whose wisdom and gentle hands brought comfort—and often, laughter—even in the most trying times.”
He fondly reminisced:
“In the early days of our marriage—two idealistic students dreaming big—Mira had just finished her board exams while I was wrestling with law school and final exams. Somehow, we made it work.
In fact, ‘somehow, we made it work’ would become the refrain of a marriage that endured for more than five decades—through babies and campaigns, hospital rounds and house calls, home-cooked meals and ballroom Mondays. Mira led me in dance as gracefully as she led me through life. Even amid adversity, she found ways to love deeply.
Mira endured a heartbreaking illness in her final years, one that stole her voice, her mobility, and her memories. And yet, I will always remember the day she looked toward the television and mouthed, unmistakably, ‘popcorn.’ A simple word—but in it, a whole world of shared meaning. Proof that even when words fade, love speaks clearly.”
He continued:
“One of our proudest moments came not in a grand ballroom or a church filled with guests, but in a quiet condo with our closest family, where we renewed our vows. Mira received Holy Communion for the first time in years. I believe she knew exactly what was happening—just as she knew, 50 years earlier, standing in front of the altar of St. Thérèse, that our story would be one for the ages.”
It is an honor to have been her husband—her partner in public service and private joys, in quiet moments and extraordinary miracles. In loving her, and caring for her, I found not only purpose—but God’s presence.
“The certificate of our renewed vows bore the line: ‘Valid for another 50 years.’ I smile now, knowing that love like Mira’s has no expiration. She remains with us—in every quiet morning, in every laugh of our loved ones, in every life she touched.
Thank you, Mira, for loving all of us so completely. And thank you, Lord, for the priceless gift of her life,” he said with a sweet, wide smile.
His mother, Sofia V. Rivera, was a pre-war movie actress known by the screen name Gloria Imperial. Her younger sister, Mila del Sol, was also a beloved movie star of her time.
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Career Executive Service Board’s Paglaum Batch 13 Class.
The tribute brought back fond memories of my training with the Career Executive Service Board’s Paglaum Batch 13, alongside government executives.
Paglaum—the Visayan and Bicolano word for “hope”—aims to rekindle optimism and help rebuild the lives of survivors of calamities and disasters. It is a three-day experiential learning program designed to equip participants with the skills and competencies needed to provide psychosocial first aid to survivors. Graduates are called “hope-bearers,” symbolizing their new calling after completing the training.
The Paglaum Training Workshop has since been enhanced to better support the personal healing of its participants and to strengthen their capacity to bring hope and recovery to others.
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The “Likha” Exhibit, through the indefatigable efforts of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, continues to make a significant mark in its fourth year. This year’s showcase features over 30 new artisans, LIKHA graduates, and local designers from across the Philippines.
It is a celebration of Filipino craftsmanship and artistry—aimed at empowering local artisans and preserving the richness of Philippine cultural heritage. The exhibit provides a platform for artisans to display and sell their creations, highlighting the ingenuity, resilience, and creativity of the Filipino spirit.
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Belated birthday greetings to fellow Kapampangan Claire Beltran of Hiddenbrooke, Vallejo, California.
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Congratulations to Christina U. Aliada, president of the Rotary Club of Manila Villamor, for being named United Chosen President for Rotary Year 2025–2026.
She also serves on the Board of the FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) Awards—the oldest existing film industry award-giving body in the Philippines and one of the oldest in Asia.
Established in 1952, the FAMAS Awards represent the highest honor a filmmaker or artisan can receive in the Philippine movie industry.
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Many thanks to Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino of Amsterdam, New York, for the T-shirt and stickers. I love them!
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
