Three significant factors that shaped Aurora's life

There are three significant factors that shaped Aurora's outlook in life: Religion, Education, and Relationships. Lauro Soriano was one of the first judge who embraced Protestantism. He was the only Soriano among the many Sorianos, who read the Bible and who translated his faith into action.
One morning, her half-brother Arturo approached her father. She was six years old then and they just left her on her own. Arturo started by saying, "Papa I would like to get married. But my fiancee, Martina don't want to be married to a non-Roman Catholic. She wants me to be converted to the Catholic faith." His father's response left an indelible mark on Aurora's mind. He said, "my son, religion is not going to church or being identified with a certain church. Religion is a way of life. If you are a Roman Catholic be a good one. Help others in need. Your life should manifest Christ in your life. He gave his blessings to Arturo, a budding politician, and the first graduate of law from the University of the Philippines. In due time, Arturo married his betrothed, Martina (Nena) Untalan.
Aurora recalls that the wedding was well- attended. Nena was a devotee of the Virgen Mary and she goes to church every Sunday and during days of obligation wearing a white dress with a long blue sash around her waist and with a lengthy strip of blue cloth. She was also the best dress maker in town. In today's world, she would be a couturier par excellence. After Nena became a part of the Soriano family, Aurora became one of the best dressed girls in San Carlos. Nena saw to it that Aurora has a new dress for church almost every week. She continue to grow up in an atmosphere where religion is a way of life. Ecumenism was not popularly known but she already knew what ecumenism is all about - respect for the religious beliefs of others.
Education is an important family value. Aurora' parents saw to it that every member of the family, including the cousins and household helps who were frequently around the house obtain an education. Tomas, the eldest was one of the first social workers, Arturo became a lawyer, Josefina graduated at the top of her class in the elementary, high school, and college. She graduated from the Philippine Normal School as valedictorian. Araceli also became a teacher and later on shifted to personnel management. Manuel, considered as the most intelligent among the Sorianos floated from one course to another, from a pilot to agriculturist, but later on became a chief of security at the Veterans Memorial Hospital. Laureano "Jack" Soriano graduated from the College of law, Far Eastern University and passed the bar exams with flying colors, obtaining 100% in criminal law, a signal honor which set him toward the political arena. He became a Congressman of the Second District of Pangasinan and the Mayor of San Carlos City for almost 18 years. The drive for education and the pursuit of excellence rubbed on Lauro, Jr. who became the City Fiscal of Quezon City, Dewey who became a practicing lawyer via the excellent police detective work he did, Alfonso became a medical doctor, aurora became a public health educator, and Jesus graduated from law school but found himself as the Manager of the San Carlos Water Works and Sewerage System.
Aurora grew up in an atmosphere where religion was integrated into all facets of life, reflected in love for neighbors, service to others, and the golden rule. Lauro's mantra to his children was: Do unto others what you would like others do to you. The loving and caring relationship of the children from two nuptials were blended into a seamless relationship. Religion, as a way of life, Education as a key to open doors, and Relationship based on the golden rule permeated Aurora's life and profoundly influenced her attitude towards life.