[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, CELY MIGUEL

                                 ______


                      HON. GEORGE J. HOCHBRUECKNER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 3, 1994

  Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish one of my 
constituents, a very special woman, Celerina T. Miguel, a happy 
birthday. Today, February 3, 1994, ``Cely'' celebrates her 90th 
birthday. Cely has accomplished so much to modernize nursing practices 
in her native Philippines and as a citizen of the United States. More 
importantly, she has been a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
  In 1904, Cely was born to Leocadio Trinos, a carpenter, and Benigna 
Tanyag, a housewife. She lived with her brother Domingo and father in a 
one floor, one room, bamboo ``nipa'' hut in Cabuyao, Laguna. Her mother 
died of complications in pregnancy when Cely was only 3 years old.
  As a young adolescent, Cely was a tomboy, climbing trees and 
following her brother Domingo around town. In fact, she was once caught 
smoking a cigar. Cely was sent to study at a school in Manila. There 
she lived with an uncle who took care of her in exchange for a little 
housework after school. She took care of her cousins at a very young 
age. She washed their clothes and helped around the kitchen. Despite 
her menial chores, she excelled in school and continued on to high 
school.
  Cely went on to graduate as the valedictorian at the Mary Johnston 
School of Nursing. She was encouraged to go to the United States for 
further studies. Cely received a prestigious scholarship from the 
Daughters of the American Revolution and sadly left her dear brother 
and father in the Philippines for a new life in the United States.
  Upon her arrival to the United States, Cely was met by a 
representative of the D.A.R. Together they went to Chicago and Cely 
enrolled in the Northwestern University. After 2 months she transferred 
to Columbia University in New York where she received her B.A. and 
masters degrees in nursing. It is a little known fact that Cely 
invented the recipe for banana bread. In fact, she wrote her thesis for 
her masters on the role of nutrition and nursing. She cited many foods 
that were highly nutritious and included a recipe for a bread that was 
both high in protein, potassium, and carbohydrates that would become 
popular around the country. After graduation, Cely was employed by New 
York Hospital.
  It was during the Great Depression that Cely met her husband Mauro 
``Mike'' Miguel. She and her roommates, Maring Cortes and Luid Palting, 
and Mike would often go to church dinners for meals that cost between 2 
and 5 cents. These friends were all fortunate to have good jobs to 
support them through a difficult depression.
  In 1934, Mike and Cely were married in Rockville Center, NY. In 1935 
she gave birth to her first child, Bob. Once Mike finished his studies 
in civil engineering the young couple decided to go back to the 
Philippines.
  For the next 10 years, the Miguels lived in the Philippines. In 1938, 
another son, Art was born. At this time they were sent to Takloban, 
Leyte, where Mike was working in the engineering corp of the Philippine 
army. The following year, the family went back to Manila where Cely 
took over as the chief nurse and principal of the School of Nursing for 
Chinese General Hospital. She introduced the hospital to new nursing 
practices, modernizing the nursing care of the hospital.
  During the second World War at the time of the Japanese occupation of 
the Philippines, times were difficult for the Miguels. Cely persevered, 
caring for the many casualties--both civilian and Japanese soldiers. In 
1940, her only daughter, Cecilia, was born. After the war, the Japanese 
surrendered and the victorious United States helped to heal the wounds 
of the Philippines. In 1945, Candido and Luid Palting suggested that 
the Miguels repatriate to the United States. Since Bob was born in New 
York, he was their passport to the United States. In 1945, Cely, Mike, 
and Bob set sail once again, this time on the U.S.S. Noordam. Art and 
Ces, both very young, were left in the care of Cely's brother, Ingo, 
until the family was settled in the United States. In San Francisco, 
the young family was met this time by the Red Cross. They were offered 
a little pocket money and clothing and tickets for a train to New York 
City.
  In New York, Cely and Mike stayed with their friends, the Ligots, 
until they could find jobs and place to live. Fortunately, Cely was 
able to get her job as a nursing supervisor at New York Hospital. In 
1948, Art and Ces were finally able to join their family in New York.
  For the next several years, Cely remained active in the New York 
area. She organized and became the president of the Filipino Nurses 
Association and the Filipino Women's Club. In 1950, the family moved to 
St. Albans, Queens. In 1956, Cely became a member of the Eastern Star, 
becoming a matron of the club. In 1969, Cely retired from New York 
Hospital and in 1971 moved to Stony Brook on Long Island.
  Today, Cely is still an active member of the Eastern Star and the 
Women's Guild of her church, the Orchid Society, and the Senior 
Citizens of Stony Brook. Cely is a renaissance woman who has 
accomplished much in the past 90 years. On behalf of her children, Bob, 
Art, Glo, Ces, and Clem and her grandchildren, Rina, Arthuro, Fernando, 
Christiaan, Erik, and Philip, I wish Cely Miguel a very happy birthday. 
Together with my wife Carol Ann, I am honored to join her family in the 
celebration of her 90th year. We wish for her continued health and 
great happiness.

                          ____________________