Love in the Islands: Margarita and Benito Burgos

Margarita Almendros Almeria, was born on August 27, 1943.  The daughter of Vicente and Rosalia Almeria,Margarita grew up to be a serious and joyful young lady. She was always very attentive in her studies and very courteous to others.

Benito Alli Burgos was born April 1st, 1946 to Angel and Consejo.  He was a soft spoken, confident and handsome young man.  

They both were from the same town in the Philippines and shared some of the same friends in the community. When he was in his early 20’s Benito injured himself and the Almeria family, who were family friends, was filled with nursing and health care students. Benito decided it would be a good idea recover at their house, and get well before he headed back to work.  

During his recovery at the Almeria house, many different suitors dropped by and courted Margarita, who was a very beautiful girl.  She did not pay them too much attention, as she was more concerned with her schoolwork and helping her family.  Benito could not agree more! He thought the other boys were not good enough for Margarita and that she should not waste her time.  Little did she know he had other intentions for pushing away the local boys.  He also wanted to court Margarita - once he was well again.

Benito, being the noble man he is, knew he must financially provide for his lady and his future family before Margarita took him seriously, a trait that he also instilled in his children. So, he joined the US Navy, which was offering US citizenship to its recruits at the time. He knew the far away land would provide many opportunities that were not available locally. Little time was lost before he was being shipped off to boot camp.

Shortly before he left, Benito told Margarita of his intentions, but wanted to ensure a stable career before pursuing her. So, while abroad in the US, he sent Margarita many letters of his adoration and how he was going to love and support her and as soon as he could, marry her. The letter writing was a lesson Jerome also learned. Many years later, Jerome took his fathers idea and slowly used the letter writing as a strategy in his marriage proposal to Andrea. After Benito got back to the Philippines, he and Margarita were in a blissful relationship and got married on April 1st, 1970.  April 1st is also Benito's birthday, which is also another similarity to Jerome as his wedding is September 22, a day after his birthday.

Benito and Margarita had their first son, Jeffrey Almeria Burgos later that year.  Benito continued his Navy career and was often in the US and apart from his family for long periods of time. At the urge of Margarita's father-in-law Angel, Margarita and Jeffrey moved to the states on Jan 9, 1974 to be with Benito. They moved to Alameda, CA and Nevada before ending up in San Diego, CA where Benito was stationed for most of his career. They gave birth to two more loving boys, Jonathan and Jerome later in the 70’s. Benito and Margarita still live in the same house where they raised the boys in Pauma Valley, CA.