Celebrating Heritage: How Jiji Shapiro Embraces Her Ancestral Legacy
“Look, they’re wearing clothes!” exclaimed Jiji Shapiro’s young son, nudging his brother as they flipped through the family album. Imagine their surprise learning that, contrary to what they read online, Filipinos didn’t only live in trees and go without attire! This innocent misunderstanding sparked a fire in Jiji, a community leader from Long Island, as she resolved to share the rich history of the Philippines with her family, including her American husband, Robert.
A Connection to History
Jiji embarked on her mission by introducing her family to Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo—the incredible woman who created the official flag of the Republic of the Philippines in 1898. “The Mother of the Philippine Flag” just so happens to be Jiji’s great-grand aunt. A family tree reveals Jiji’s father, Ramiro Lualhati Buzeta, as the son of Ramon Mariño Buzeta, linking her directly to Marcela.
As Jiji shares the story, you can almost feel the pride welling up inside her. Along with two other women, Marcela stitched together the flag based on a design by revolutionary General Emilio Aguinaldo. They crafted this symbol of freedom while in exile in Hong Kong, their dedication immense as they completed it in just five days. When Aguinaldo unfurled the flag for the first time in Cavite, the sound of history echoed through the air—a moment that makes Jiji’s heart swell with emotion every time she sees the Philippine flag raised.
“Pride and goosebumps,” she describes, her voice filled with awe. But she admits, growing up, she didn’t know much about her illustrious ancestor. “I left the Philippines when I was young and only visited Taal during summer vacations,” she shared, candidly.
Childhood Memories and Legacy
Reflecting on her childhood visits to Taal, Batangas, Jiji remembers being expected to pay respects to a long list of relatives. The Mariño family, with its strong Spanish roots, had deep ties to this vibrant community. “I went through the motions as a child, not truly connecting with them,” she recalls wistfully.
Yet there was one lasting impression her father left: “She was a caring woman.” As Jiji learned more about Marcela’s sacrifices and fighting spirit during her struggles, pride blossomed even further. “Now that I’m an adult, I wish I had paid more attention to my dad’s stories about our family,” she admits with a hint of regret.
Keeping the Flame Alive
Jiji’s connection to Marcela goes beyond family lineage; she actively nurtures this legacy for future generations. She has taken her sons to the Marcela Agoncillo Museum in Taal, grounding them in their ancestral roots. They chuckle together about their childhood misconceptions—knowing now that they are descendants of a true hero!
Last February, Jiji had the chance to reconnect with her lineage at a family reunion in Taal. The atmosphere was electric with lights adorning the local St. Martin de Tours Basilica, renowned as Asia’s largest Catholic Church.
A Journey of Migration and Service
Jiji’s journey to America began in 1972 when she followed her parents to New York, just before martial law was declared in the Philippines. Arriving in Flushing with her six younger brothers, she found solace in the company of her mother’s siblings and their families.
After graduating from the City College of New York with a degree in Health and Hospital Administration, Jiji’s life intertwined with Robert in 1986. They married the next year, welcoming two sons into their lives. In 1996, Jiji decided to become a full-time homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her family.
Now enjoying the role of grandmother to two busy grandsons, she lovingly states, “We are truly blessed!” But family is just one facet of Jiji’s fulfilling life—she is actively involved in Filipino American community organizations, holding leadership roles in several groups advocating for Philippine culture.
The Heart of Marcela’s Legacy
Through community service and cultural promotion, Jiji embodies Marcela Agoncillo’s spirit of courage, sacrifice, and love of family. In each endeavor, she ensures that the lessons of the past resonate in the hearts of the next generation. Jiji isn’t just preserving a family story; she’s weaving a tapestry of identity that celebrates heritage and honors the sacrifices of those who came before her.
In a world that often rushes forward, Jiji stands as a testament to the power of remembrance, connection, and pride in one’s roots. As she raises the Philippine flag, it’s more than a mere fabric—it’s a symbol of legacy, resilience, and an enduring love that spans generations.
