PinoyBuilt — Stories of Filipino America

Vallejo, CA • October 2026. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Cousin Jun: Remembering Leonardo Rivera Jr. of Chicago. 10/25, 10/9, heavenly birthday, jun rivera, leonardo rivera jr, bernadette rivera, ninong, filipino american family, chicago filipino family, algonquin illinois, blue rock springs park vallejo, in memoriam, kapamilya, fil-am, belated birthday. Heavenly Birthday • October 2026 Happy Heavenly Birthday, Cousin Jun: Remembering Leonardo Rivera Jr. of Chicago On what would have been his 58th birthday, a tribute to Jun Rivera, the Chicago cousin and ninong I call a brother from another mother, and a belated birthday greeting to his wife, Bernadette. Vallejo, October 9, 2004: the Riveras, in from Chicago, at a family birthday party at Blue Rock Springs Park. Jun, Nica’s ninong, stands with his wife Bernadette, baby Kadence, and his brother Allan. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Cousin Jun. Leonardo Rivera Jr. was born on O...

Vallejo, California • August 2025. Happy Birthday, Tony Palisoc — A Friendship Forged in Vallejo. tony palisoc, best friend, hogan high, springstowne, brooklyn bridge, new york city, fil-am, vallejo, birthday, barkada, friendship, best man, ninong. Barkada • August 2025 Happy Birthday, Tony Palisoc 🎉 From Springstowne Jr. High to the Brooklyn Bridge — forty-plus years of brotherhood, adventure, and Pinoy pride with my best friend. 📸 Tony Palisoc on the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City — May 1997. Photo: J.F.R. Perseveranda Today we celebrate the birthday of my best friend since 7th grade French class at Springstowne Jr. High in Vallejo — Tony Palisoc . Through the years, Tony has been more than a friend; he's been a brother. From our basketball days since 7th grade, to that unforgettable night in 10th grade when we found ourselves at Mercy High School's Senior Prom in San Francisco on a blind double date, Tony ha...

HBD Larry! Flashback to July 16, 2004 when you visited Tess in her Kaiser Hospital room and newly born Chesca during your work. Your goddaughter Nica couldn't stand still for a photo. ALOHA!

RIP Ninong Oscar Ocampo When I woke up early this morning, I read Ninong Oscar's youngest Henry's post" My dad, Oscar San Luis Ocampo , passed away today after 4 years of battling cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends - just the way he wanted. Funeral services will be forthcoming. Thank you everyone for your support, love and comfort. Too many years, too many memories... including him being the primary sponsor at Tess and my church wedding. Here was my quick response to Henry's post: I'm so sorry for the loss of your father, Henry. 😥 I, along with so many Hogan friends, have so many memories with your dad and your family. Of course, he and I shared some basketball memories over the years. Tess and I even rented your old house in Ken Ct. when we first got married. I miss your dad. But his laughter, smiles and warmth live on. My love and prayers to you and your family, especially Tita Norma. 🤍🙏  Tito Oscar, I wish we could've spent a few more moment...

Flashback from March 28, 2004 when I flew to Chicago for Kadence's christening. HBD again cousin Marty! 🎉👊🏽 Check out cousin Edgar Allan Rivera in his barong . I got one on too as a ninong . Please click to follow our website/blog PINOYBUILT .

Chesca was our only kid who was baptized in the Philippines. March 27, 2005: Tess & the three kids had been in Valencia, Bukidnon since mid-December. I had just flown into Valencia the day before for what would be over a month-long family vacation. Music: Be Not Afraid Sung by Michael Lupina "Be Not Afraid" was one of the hymns we used to sing when our St. Catherine of Siena Teen Club 'hosted' mass in Vallejo back in the day. One of my all-time favorites. Please drop us a comment below. Help us grow Pinoybuilt to be the number one Filipino-American online community in California, if not the USA. 🇺🇸 Please click this to follow www.pinoybuilt.com . Thank you! Maraming salamat po kabayan. 🇵🇭