Being born to both educators, former college dean Teofilo B. Caliolio and retired school principal Leonila Castro, inevitably molded young Olivia’s mind to embrace the noblest profession and be different from the rest of her six siblings who opted to take up medicine (3 among them) and other equally prestigious courses with high-paying jobs.
“Actually, I also wanted to go to medical school but it was impossible for my parents to sustain the education of five college students who were all housed in dorms,” she admitted.
Ollie finished her BSEEd (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education) course from FEU (Far Eastern University in 1968 and immediately landed a teaching job in her hometown, Concepcion, Tarlac, where she taught English.
The following year she migrated to the US and found Mt. Vernon School an ideal haven away from home and a dependable cradle to her profession. Innately a number cruncher aptly armed with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, Ollie enjoyably taught Math and Science subjects.
After being staunchly engaged in the intellectual combat in the formation and development of the physical, mental, and social capacities of children, Ollie reached the point of her professional elasticity and decided to retire after 37 years of active practice (1969-2006).
Her persevering nature, dedicated service, and selfless contributions to the education of the nation’s youths was justifiably rewarded when she was given due recognition and manifestly honored in 2004 as a Distinguished Educator in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and a grandiose ceremony bestowing her with a Loyalty Medal of Excellence for her unparalleled service.
Intrinsically born with adherent concern for humanity while simultaneously involved in various community services and socio-civic activities Ollie, undoubtedly, is a zealous advocate of the principles of humanism or any deed of voluntarism promoting the interest of mankind.
Performing voluntary servitude without expecting anything in return, Ollie has effortlessly distinguished herself through joining medical mission services and earnestly participating in many multi-cultural activities. Her empathetic acts candidly reflect the significant trait of a truly concerned and dutiful citizen.
The exemplary performance and unparalleled execution of her official duties as a member of the PIDCI Board offered her the opportunity to reach out farther to those who need her services. Consistently charismatic while doing her work seamlessly, Ollie is perceptive and committed to the progress of her organization as well as to the proficient growth of her colleagues.
Back in 1999, Ollie was designated over-all coordinator of the Medical and Health Mission in Tarlac City and Concepcion, Tarlac by PMAA and Tarlaqueño –USA Foundation, Inc. There was a noticeable lull after but that didn’t mean she has ceased from doing her noble deed. She actually did related activities on her own sans fanfare.
Later in 2008, the indefatigable humanitarian lady joined FAMMI in their annual Philippine Medical Missions in Pasay City and Angeles City and in 2010, she joined PMAA’s Dental and Humanitarian Missions in Catbalogan, Samar. The following years, 2012 and 2013, she actively participated in PMMA’s Medical, Dental, and Humanitarian Mission in Cebu City and Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
By nature compassionate Ollie is also committed to and supportive of a great number of Fil-Am organizations and for her unwavering deeds, she has been recognized and awarded as follows: 2009 Mrs. Heritage and one of the Most Outstanding and fascinating Mothers by the Filipino Heritage Foundation, Inc.; Most Glamorous Fil-Am Woman (2008) and Most Fabulous Woman (2012) by the Philippine Hearts and Hopes Society, Inc; Most Outstanding Fashionable and Charitable Woman (2012); Mrs. NAFFAA (2012); and Excellence in Humanitarian Service (2013) by PACCAL (Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc,).
A born leader capable of moving and shaking the community, Ollie has chaired (and co-chaired) several fundraising events like: Co-chair and PIDCI parade host; Pageant and Ball Chair of Miss Philippines-New Jersey, USA organized by Federation of Philippine Societies of NJ (1996); Ball Chair of Friendship Night and Coronation Ball of the Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. (1995); Ball Chair of PIDCI’s Grand Marshal Gala (2014 & 2015); and Ball Chair Philippine Independence Day Ball (2014 & 2015).
Her invariable capacity to lead and contribute bright ideas with unprecedented competence to influence people easily facilitated her being elected to office: as PIDCI Board of Director (from 2013-2015); Chair, PIDCI Grand Marshall Search (2013-2015); and as member and PRO of the International Lions Club Medical Chapter.
An adventurous traveler and golf enthusiast, Ollie also loves dancing, skiing, and shopping and filling her closets with the latest fashion finds. Undoubtedly a fashion plate and trendsetter, this amiable lady is a gracious grandmother to four wonderful kids: Matthew David and Caitlyn Olivia courtesy of her daughter Charmain, a Registered Pharmacist married to John Piotrowsky; Maxwell and Leo, sons of her daughter Catherine, a Registered Nurse (MSN/EDU) married to Reynard Manibo.
Ollie’s affiliation with PIDCI as a Board Director more than stirred her interest to extend her service after a brief 2-year term by seeking reelection. Her zealous involvement augustly fueled her instinctive compassionate nature to serve the Fil-Am community and her advocacy becomes more of a challenge than just an exigent organizational job.
“We make a living by what we get…but we make a life by what we give…!” …such great and powerful words from Winston Churchill that efficiently guide Ollie in whatever undertaking she tries to embrace that keep her aligned and on the right track.
She believes that we are not put on this earth for ourselves alone but for each other…to be of value and importance to one another. Service is one compassionate act that could bridge whatever differences there might be between people and it is also this humanitarian effort that could make the ordinary special…simply by way of voluntarism which could make a difference in the life of others while simultaneously adding more zest and vigor to her own.
“In my personal capacity as a volunteer in the annual Philippine Medical, Dental, and Humanitarian missions of the PMAA, I’m constantly certain that my selfless dedication to my advocacy have extensively benefited a huge number of our less privileged kababayansespecially in the far-flung and remote areas of the provinces.There’s that strange feeling of compulsive responsibility engulfing my being… there’s that compassionate sensitivity incessantly fueling me to be much more motivated and driven,” she said.
Mitigating Ollie’s personal issues
Oftentimes misquoted, misinterpreted, misunderstood and misjudged, Miss Ollie would rather play deaf-ears to whatever she hears or ignore whatever picture people try to paint about her than react and defend herself only to create even more detractors.
“As long as my point of view is right and absolutely sure of my stand I don’t care less,” the lady with mistaken superciliousness opined laced with her patented smile. “I don’t expect or intend to please everybody. I am who I am. What you see is what you get. It’s always expected people would say something, whether positive or negative, about you once you turn your back…but as long as it doesn’t malign my reputation or jeopardize my credibility, that doesn’t bother me at all!”
“Whatever they say is fine with me…they’re entitled to their own opinion. But once I hit the sheets and enjoy a restful sleep, my conscience is clear without any feeling of guilt at all,” Ollie expounded such issue with justifiable rationalization.
“I was innately born with genuine fondness for people. I just happened to love and embrace the virtues of ritual propriety that others find it hard to learn or earn. I’m by nature sociable and loved to be surrounded by friends…real friends. Now, it is in my own discretion whether to consider one as true or merely a casual acquaintance,” the well-heeled lady expressed.
Another issue that fails to fade is Ollie’s private status. “Well, at my age I don’t have to take a guy to any social function just to please them seeing me with a man by my side. After I divorced the only man in my life who happens to be the father of my two daughters, I started to love living alone… yes, all by myself with neither any intention of remarrying nor entering into another serious commitment. This kind of set-up featly works best for me. At least I don’t have to subscribe to any adjustment. I’m all free myself from domestic scrimmage and I don’t have to give up some things I love doing just to gratify somebody I’ve never known from Adam.”
Ollie is one honest-to-goodness soul that hates to butter-up or sugar-coat anything just to make it appealing and acceptable. “I am intrinsically guileless and frank …and I like people to be the same to me. During occasions when they feel offended, they can always approach me openly,” she quipped.
“I err and sometimes made false accusations but I could swallow my pride and accept my faults,” she said straightforwardly replied to my query on how she copes with humility. “I don’t intend to bite off more than what I can swallow. I could be ambitious but to some extent… only up to what I know I’m capable of accomplishing. I know my limitations.”
On the premise that she’s a big spender and a compulsive shopper: “I’m not minting money…I just know how to budget what’s in my purse and control my assets to such extent. Unknown to many I also practice frugality when necessity arises.”
Observers thought Ollie doesn’t recycle clothes for she’s never been accused of being a mutton dressed as a sheep. Ollie knows the rules of fashion and how a fashion plate should dress to the nines. “I just love dressing up to please myself and nobody else. They just don’t notice that I also wear gowns worn years ago. I’m a wise investor when it comes to my wardrobes. They’re not only fashionably conventional but timeless, as well.”
On counting her blessings: “There are a lot of things I have been plenteously blessed with and my being hale and hearty is one that I have been most thankful for. I feel I have been bountifully blessed and enjoy more than what I could ever ask for… and I feel great about having to share it with others.“
“At my age I try to lighten the burden of my conscience so come October another significant milestone will be etched in my lifetime and I want to be surrounded by, aside from my family, nothing but all my best friends, people who have directly or indirectly touched my life, people that I’ve worked with, and those that I have made amends with after weathering the storm.”
For true friends are hard to find…just like money that’s hard to earn and keep, Ollie expects for her friends’ presence at Double Tree By Hilton (128 Frontage Road, Newark, NJ 07114) on Thursday, October 24 at 7 PM to join her in the celebration of her _th birthday bash.
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