My name is Thelma Cabalic Dorig. I was born on August 23, 1953, at Paudpod, Botolan, Zambales, Philippines. My parents, Esperanza Darum and Jose Cabalic had ten children, 5 of which were boys and five girls. I am the 5th and middle child in the family. (You know what people say about the middle child?) hahaha!
I grew up in the same town where I was born. It was also the same town where I completed my six years of Elementary and four years of High School Education. Although our finances were scarce, I was able to complete a 4-year degree from a College in Olongapo, Zambales.
Having lost my father when I was six years old from a tragic lightning strike, I was forced to live with my grandparents together with other needy cousins. Our six months old youngest sister was taken care of by aunts and uncles. My mother had to do whatever she could to support the rest of the family by weaving mats and doing laundry for my grandparents and whoever wanted their clothes washed.
I didn’t know what was going on with the family. What I realized was that I became somewhat of a loner but strong-minded. I’ve learned to do chores in the house, including cooking. As a teen, I was an able cook, even to the extent of chopping a chicken head before cleaning and cooking it.
I have developed a strong desire to learn new things such as sewing (from watching my mother), cooking, and gardening. I also understand the traits of being patient but persistent.
My eyes and mind opened up in High School, where I realized the difficulty of our family’s life. I thought it had to change for the better. I was able to find work after college but not enough income to support myself and the family. I dreamed of marrying a US Navy sailor who would take me to America for the good life. (joke)
The change stroke came when my older brother was accepted into the US Navy.
In 1978, I immigrated to the United States of America via the Family-Sponsored visa category. (Thanks to my brother, who enlisted in the US Navy and petitioned our mother to come to the USA. She then sponsored my three brothers and me).
It was pretty easy to land a job in the ’70s. I secured a clerical position in San Diego while my brothers worked as factory assemblers. Ultimately, all 3 of them joined the US Army. I, too, was going to join the US Navy. I already passed the Navy Qualification Test, but I found a real active Navy sailor instead named Nestor (Tod) Dorig.
I was married to that sailor, and we bear three wonderful children; Adrienne, Ryne, and Richelle. Our two beautiful daughters gave us our most precious grandkids; James, Anya, and Samson whom I dedicate my story.