Five Generations of Lima
503-02/20/2020
The First LIMA
Antonio (王尚檀), the first Lima-namesake of the family was born in China on a Friday, in Jun-13, 18CP, (in the Chinese Calendar, this translates to the 4th Month and 25th day in 18CP in the year of the Zodiac Dog. Our grandfather migrated to the Philippines in his late thirties or early fourties age. He left behind in China, our grandmother– Koh Kiak, his eldest daughter Wong Siok Sin, and his youngest boy, Ong Ha Seng (王夏星). During those times, they call the act of traveling overseas Di-Song. He landed in Pandanan, Sagay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Stories were told about our grandfather’s successful Dried Salted Fish business in Pandanan. He was also good with carpentry works while in China. He passed away in Pandanan on Jan. 26, 1948 at the age of 59 (Chinese age 60.) He left behind a very close adopted son, Fernando Oscares, and 5 sisters, Rose, Delia, Bebing, Lilia, and the youngest Florita. He died broken hearted not seeing his only son, Ong Ha Seng 王夏星, who was not able to join him due to delays in the issuance of his visa to travel to the Philippines.
The Greatest LIMA
Johnny (王夏星) was born in Pia Chiu, Jin Jiang, Fujian, China on August 22, 19RP, (in the Chinese Calendar, this translate to the 7th Month 8th day, with the Chinese zodiac sign of Dragon.) At the age of 19 on June 21, 1948 , he sailed from Xiamen to the Philippines. This was 5 months after grandfather Antonio’s death. Papa’s story is one of rags to riches. As a poor and homeless boy in Manila. He worked his way as a 4th grade elementary school boy in China to become a school teacher, a principal, a businessman, a governor of Lions, and a self-made pastor.
Papa is proud of his name – Lima. He is never shy of repeatedly saying his name out loud in words or in sight. While in Davao in 1970, he contracted a local Davao artist friend “Mr Roxas” to design his logo. The Lima logo is prominently displayed in stone in his Matina home, in Hongkong home, and in his homes in California.
In his Matina home, he had his name molded in concrete pebble stone cut-out with the words – Loyalty, Integrity, Modesty, Always. He lived his life with his LIMA principles. Although at times, he is more proud than modest of his name. A name he cherished throughout his life. Papa passed away in November 21, 2016 in Arcadia, California.
In March of 1976, in appreciate to his contributions to the betterment of the minorities of Davao, he was conferred the title of Datu as “Datu Looc” during the Tribal Festival in Davao City held at the Palaruang Lungsod ng Dabaw.
During the early 80’s, we (511, 504 and 503) gave him a coded name of 501 and Mama as 502.
The Famous LIMA
William (王維廉). Our famous brother, William, is born in the war torn city of Jolo, Zolo, Philippines on June 28, 19OL. In the Chinese Calendar this would be the 5th month and 20th day in the year of the Monkey. Jolo, Zolo is the southern-most part of the Philippines where cultural and religious conflict is a common way of life. Papa and Mama resided in the province for more than a year where William was born.
My favorite brother or or his code name 504 always deliver a 101% dedication to his works (or his plays.) At a young age, he had the drive to rise above everyone.
In his younger days, he called himself “Starsky” and used this as his CB-Callsign in the mid 70s. He is a champion drag racer many times over. He was an avid body builder, his idols included Joe Weider and Arnold Swarzeneeger. He later set up his own gym not for profit, but for the love of body building. Also a Champion Pistol handler, he many times over won the Practical Shooting Championship in the mid 80’s and served as the Vice President of the Philippines Practical Shooting Association. My brother is also a music fan. Among his earlier collections are Lee Ritenour, Carlos Santana, Earl Klugh and Grover Washington.
He is a Harley-Davidson rider and classic car collector. His house in Davao is sometimes described as
“The Garage with a House”. He used to ride his bike with the Mayor-President around the city of Davao.
Looks can be deceiving, his sometimes tough-guy facial expessions can make people uneasy, but deep inside, my brother is one warm, tender, easy to please human being. My brother currently serves as the Philippines Envoy to China.
Everyone’s Favorite Lima
Wishing John (王維生). Perhaps the most hardworking in our family, my dear brother, Wishing is born in Davao on March 16, 19LO. In the Chinese Lunar Calendar, this translate to the 2nd Month, 14th Day, with the Chinese Zodiac of snake.
My dear brother is another 101% dedicated person in everything. He is a little less OC than Ibin and about the same as 505. Always conscientious, meticulous, painstaking, demanding, accurate, thorough, or perhaps in a way sometimes over-over-O.C.
He was codenamed 712 when he opened the first Digos Supermarket in Sep 1987 with Luz Estocado.. Digos was our 7th branch for the chain.
Wishing John spent more than 20 years of his life dedicated to engineering with his works with Caltrans in the Southern California highways and freeways. Whenever you visit San Diego, you have a good chance of riding along the highways that my brother has been involved with. If not at work, he spent most of his time working works remotely. 365 days a year. Speaking of dedication, who can beat that? 🙂
He is an ardent nature lover. Name a forest, a campside, a waterfall, a canyon in this part of the country, and very likely he has been there. He shares his love of nature with his family too, one time in 2002 taking Mama Med by land from California, to Texas, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Nevada and back! The best of all is that he is the most lovable and the favorite uncle of the next generation of niece and nephews!
The 4th Generation Lima
- Eldest of the 4th Generation is Doctor Valerie who is now married to Dr Stephen Hermosa.
- 2nd to Doc Honey is Joshua John who is now married, Mauie.
- Abby is married to Kenrick
- Johnson married Lynn.
- The youngest 4th Gen is Trevin.
The Fifth Generation Lima
On June 7, 2020 we welcomed the first-born fifth generation, Liam Lima (王廉). Born 1:20 pm at the San Gabriel Medical Hospital. Proud parents Johnson and Lin for 4 days finally received the baby boy from God.
Not strange, not coincidence, Baby Liam was born with the special family number of 13. Little Liam will be quick, witty, sharp and resourceful, being the first born of the fifth generation of the Lima Clan in the Chinese Year of the Rat.
