Alben G. Santos

Alben Jose Gonzales Santos was born on September 24, 1948 in Quezon City. He was the first child of Alfonso Santos and Benigna Gonzales. He has a younger sister, Alma Gonzales Santos – Gerardino. His childhood was interesting. He went to the University of the Philippines Elementary School in Diliman, then transferred to a nearby school in High School - San Francisco High, to be able to take care of his ailing mother. San Francisco High was just a stone throw away from their house, a big contrast from having to travel 30 minutes to get to UP. In College, he went to UP Diliman and took Mass Communications. He had different jobs – from a High School English teacher in Castillejos, Zambales, to a member of the Accounting Department in NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) to a Disc Jockey in DWAD, to a staff member under BSMM (Bureau of Standard in Mass Media). He also worked as a Sales Representative for Addison Wesley, then worked in Sales for PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company) then as an Insurance Underwriter for NLIC (National Life Insurance Company). That was the end of his career in the Philippines. In 1991, he decided to look for greener pastures and went to the US to try his luck. He worked in Dunkin Donuts, Target, a Video Store, and a few more. As for his married life, he met Rene Comfa Ramos in 1971 and eventually got married on April 9, 1973. They have 2 living children – Mark Albren and Luvimia Rose. This coming April 9, would have been their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Three things to describe Alben. He was a devout Catholic. When he was in the Philippines, he went to Church every Sunday to attend mass with his family. He also observed church activities / celebrations. He was a music lover. He had his turn table with his cabinet full of Vinyl records, apart from his collection of cassette tapes. He could literally listen all day and not get bored. He loved to write. He was an editor-in-chief for their school paper back in high school. 20 years after, he volunteered as a Parent representative in his daughter’s school and was eventually appointed as the editor-in-chief for the Family Council’s paper. The world is a sadder place without Alben in our lives. But he touched each and every one one of us and has left us with memories we will cherish forever.

Tributes

Alben G. Santos

September 24, 1948 - November 22, 2022