Ben and Veekee's love story was definitely not the typical "Love at First Sight." At least, they attest was not the case, but more of an increased admiration and challenge for them both.... Let's turn back the time...long time ago to see their account of how they first met....bear in mind that their memories may have slightly been altered and their youngest, witty daughter is authoring this recollection.... It was the year 1963 when Veekee, a UP student like her future husband, was applying for the UP Chemical Society. Veekee needed the signatures from at least 80% of the members (which she obtained easily) except from one member - Benjamin, who apparently was not impressed by a pretty face and sweet talker, did not give her the time of day. Ben's first impression of Veekee: "Who is this person trying (o so very hard) to get my attention? Can't she see that I am busy with my studies. Apparently, she does not know the dedication and time required to succeed in this course! Just because she is cute doesn't mean I will give her my precious time." Veekee's first impression of Ben: "Who does this Benjamin think he is!? ...and why is he not jumping at the chance to sign my petition to join the society? I am an aspiring student like yourself! Though I am a woman... a pretty and sophisticated one may I add... I am capable of being amongst the engineering elitist!" As we all know, there was a happy ending to their story. Though Chemistry was not in the books for Veekee, as she shifted to Architecture, Ben was! Thank goodness for the Laws of Physics! Opposites do attract and for the better! Who knew if Veekee would have ever finished college if it weren't for Ben reminding her that she needed to focus on her studies instead of socializing ("extra-curricular" activities she says) with her Deltan sisters, UP Filipiniana Dance Troupe and UP Drama Club. 50 years later, they are still happily married with 2daughters, 2 son-in-laws and 5 grandkids.

It was 1964 when Ben & Veekee became sweethearts. This was the same year Ben graduated & passed his Chemical Engineering Board Exam. Soon after, Ben took a manufacturing job with Resins Inc, while Veekee continued to manage her studies & love for social activities. She earned her Architecture degree in 1969. Not wasting any time, they got married on April 5, 1970 at San Augustin Church, Manila. Lo and behold, 9 months later Lyndee, their honeymoon baby was born. For 7 years, Veekee was blessed to be a full time wife & mother. (Perhaps why Lyndee & Veekee have similarities from matching family outfits to their love of vacations!) Veekee then pursued her Graduate Studies, while working at the School of Urban & Regional Planning. Ben, already the Plant Manager, was privileged to assist the start-up of Reichold Chemical Plants in SE Asia & was sent for further studies in Management. In 1981, after 11 years, they were blessed with their second child..the most "Precious" and certainly Ben's favorite-Clare. She must have been Veekee’s lucky baby, since in 1982 Veekee was chosen to be the Philippine representative to the City Planning Course in Japan. She obtained her MS Degree in Community Architecture from UP in 1984 and her Post Graduate Diploma from ITC the Netherlands in 1985. Her career took her to several Asian Countries presenting her research studies. For the sake of their daughters, they sacrificed their comfortable life to migrate to the US in 1989. There were definitely challenges in settling in the US, but found their way. This move was a blessing, since it was in the US when they became active in church activities. In 1995, they celebrated their Silver Anniversary where Veekee wore her original gown. Now that both are enjoying retirement, they love get-togethers & trips with their comrades from UP, Resins, Cursillo, De Colores Choir & Deltan Sisters, who they consider their extended family. Above all, they find great JOY in spoiling their 5 grandkids.