Back to our Roots: Mighty Magulang Encourages Members in Santa Cruz Laguna to Get Involved with Geneology

To strengthen family history work (geneology) and motivate others to submit names of their ancestors, Santa Cruz Laguna Stake (diocese) members conducted an event called "Back to our Roots" on Saturday, September 3. They invited genealogist and social media influencer Mona Magno-Veluz, popularly known as "Mighty Magulang" as the guest speaker.

Mona Magno-Veluz has become known for her witty, informative, and engaging content, mostly focusing on history and genealogy. She has over half a million followers on various social media channels. 

"When the activity was conceptualized, inviting Mighty Magulang instantly came to our minds," said President Arvee Buenaventura, 2nd counselor of the Stake Presidency. "If a non-member with limited access to resources came to love family history, she could inspire us to do the same," he exclaimed.

In her talk, Ms. Mona revealed that her journey as a genealogist began through the Family History Center just across from the Manila Philippines Temple. She said of the experience, "It is my quiet time, where I calm my heart, and how I find peace as a library person in doing ancestry work in the small room inside the [Family History Center]." 

She discussed how she found compassion for her family and relatives through learning about her ancestors. "I was able to find love and understanding in all the decisions my parents are making," she spoke.

She recalled an experience where she discovered that one of her ancestors collaborated with the Japanese during World War II. She admitted that at first, the discovery made her uncomfortable, but eventually came to terms with it as she realized how her ancestors' decisions have led to where she is now. 

“Kung hindi nila ginawa iyon, malamang pinatay sila ng mga sundalong Hapon. At kung ganun, wala ako ngayon dito," she remarked. (If they didn't do that, the Japanese soldiers would probably have killed them. And if that's the case, I wouldn't be here now.) “Dahil sa mga nadiskubre ko, mas nagkaroon ako ng empathy sa mga ninuno ko, at ng pang-unawa sa mga bagay na ginawa nila at sa mga desiyon nila noon," she continued. (Because of what I discovered, I had more empathy for my ancestors, and an understanding of the things they did and their decisions back then.)

Furthermore, she expressed how working on her family history has helped her find pride in her nation, share her knowledge through technology, and inspire the youth.  

Ms. Mona extended the invitation to all members to take advantage of their access to the resources and enjoy the same blessings she received from family history work. She capped the talk by asking everyone in attendance to join her in her trademark "Meow, meow!" tagline, for which she was well known.