Family Influences and Values

Aurora grew up in a very formal yet caring environment. Her parents - Lauro Palisoc Soriano and Andrea T. Guzman Soriano saw to it that their children are neat at all times,dressed appropriately, eat together as a family - breakfast and dinner, say or sing a prayer before meals, hold healthy conversation while eating, share positive experiences,and friends are always welcome to dine with the family. The children have to go to school on weekdays (no absences or truancy), work at home on Saturdays and go to church on Sundays. Although, responding to invitations and attending social gatherings was mandatory. "It is an honor to be invited. It is a social obligation to attend." One has to be appropriately dressed as a way of honoring your host. The Soriano family was not financially well-off, but there was an ambiance of formality and professionalism within the family and yet one can feel a common bond of love and respect towards each other.
Nurtured by a retired Justice of the Peace and a pro-active public health nurse, Aurora grew up in an atmosphere where helping others was a way of life. Social justice was a common household word. Health for all and democracy for all were not slogans but action words that prodded her parents to work and serve others even beyond retirement. The pursuit of college education was a MUST in the family. Hence, every member of the family graduated from college and all of them were in the "helping" profession.