Once there was a lady in love named Aida J. Virata — so full of exuberance for life sprinkled with healthy heaping of love and laughter. Life seemed like a vacation, she lived to the fullest, moment by moment. Whether she worked or played, she did it with a joyful heart as adoration to her ultimate Lover, the God of Life and Love, Giver of blessings.

Aida was like a magnet as she attracted so many people coming from different classes of life. Even before the social network giant,  came to be, Aida was the epitome of a successful and engaging social networking persona. She had so many friends. She was a caring daughter, well-loved sister, affectionate aunt, trustworthy colleague and loyal friend. Her personal Midas touch blessed all her relationships.

 “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

Although she was a savvy businesswoman and investor, she was also keen in investing in the lives of people. Her real net worth was her people-investments. Aida shared her blessings, supported many causes that glorify her Lord and participated in several acts of service to meet the needs of the needy.

She dreamed of providing educational assistance to the underprivileged children. In Preppi, she saw her dream come true. In 2003, the Preppi Scholarship Program, with her guidance was borne. She was so blessed to be able to expand her giving and be guaranteed of sure returns in the future. Children are valuable investments.

 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” Acts 20:35

She was stricken with cancer of different kinds in the course of many years. And yet, her will to live a fruitful life of sharing and enjoying each moment’s breath did not wane. Twice, she survived her cancer challenge. Alas, on September 23, 2003, a few days after her birthday, Aida Virata drew her last earthly breath to be with her Maker.

True to form, on her final earthly days, while heavily medicated, the fragile Aida gripped my hand with unusual strength for hours as I did a monologue about Preppi happenings. My newspaper published article was on top of her chest like a security blanket. I was amazed that she was still staunchly thinking of others as her life was on very delicate line. She opened her eyes and with remarkable lucidity and focus, whispered her final parting words for me: ”Take care of Preppi.”

It is amazing to see her will to live just to be with her family and friends on her last birthday. Aida was thinking of others even when she was struggling to live. She indulged us with her presence on her final birthday before she took a bow to earthly life.

It is an honor to partner with Aida Janeo-Virata.

I value her friendship,
joyful company
and wise counsel.

I admire her faith,
giving heart,
joyful spirit no matter what the circumstances are,
other-minded perspective and devotion to people.

I salute you, Tita Aida J. Virata. Your physical presence will forever be missed but your generosity lives.

In loving memory to such a generous giver, the Aida Virata Memorial Scholarship Program was created.

“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” ^{John 12:24}

This tribute was lovingly written by: Marita Villafuerte-Pierce