(Editor's note: The Al Robles Living Library project honors Manilatown Activist Asuncion Panlibuton, whose long struggle for housing and community justice helped many in the Filipino community. Her work helped give rise to the rebuilding of the International Hotel on Kearny Street. In the words of Poet Al Robles, her heart was the heart of mabuhay. Tony Robles, Co-editor, POOR Magazine)
Asuncion Baguna Panlibuton, born November 5, 1924, died peacefully on December 13, 2011, in her ancestral hometown of Dao, Antique, Philippines.
Asun, as she was affectionately called, immigrated to San Francisco, California in 1959. She was a teacher and became a businesswoman and community activist in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles and Nice, CA. Guided by her prayers of “Dear Jesus, Help me to help those that need most your help…” she began the fight for decent, affordable senior housing in Manilatown, San Francisco – the International Hotel. As an advocate for quality long-term care, Asun organized the Filipino Residential Care Home Operators for statewide training, as well as owning care homes throughout California for over thirty years.
Passionate for social, justice and educational issues of immigrant Filipino families, she became co-founder of the Northern and Southern United Antiquenos of California. Asun was known to have helped countless immigrant families to live economically stable lives while she showed that “wealth is measured by the love, compassion and generosity given to others.”
Asun was preceded in death by her father Higino Baguna, husband Gregorio Panlibuton and son Gregory Panlibuton. She is survived by her children Annie Panlibuton-Barnes and Henry (Cynthia) Panlibuton, grandchildren Matthew (Lilli), Joseph and Sarah Barnes, Nicholas and Oliver Panlibuton and great-granddaughter Isabella Barnes.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:
Asuncion Panlibuton Memorial Scholarship Fund
C/O Annie Panlibuton Barnes
P.O. Box 479
Upper Lake, CA 95485
Panlibuton by Al Robles
The I-Hotel remembers you, Manilatown
Remembers you, in the eyes of
the Manongs & Manangs, in the
Heart of I-Hotel tenants, in
Heart of the community
in the heart of Mabuhay
In the heart of carabaos
in tribal memories & dreams
of long ago & far away
Manang, you are still here
You circled the I-Hotel
with your love, with
Your spirit, rising up
Like the manongs -
Protecting the Manilatown life
Guarding the
old ways, the songs,
Palii - We’re coming
Back home to Manilatown
After all these years
we’re coming back home.
Together- & we’ll
see your face & heart
& love holding up
embracing the Hotel again
Filling Manilatown
with your presence
with your spirit
with your love
The children will
Read Poems & Sing
& dance & bring down
All the stars in your hands
We come, now today
to celebrate your
birthday, your life, your
love, your struggle,
your spirit-
Al Robles
11/5/2004, San Francisco
Given to Asuncion Panlibuton on her 80th Birthday
Note: Written on an 8x10 white envelope