Rosario A. Rivera

Rosario Albano Rivera was born on September 4, 1957, in Bacarra, 
Philippines. He was one of two children born to his late Father Herminigildo Galapon Rivera & Mother Ines Olivia Albano Rivera, and he is survived by his sister Nena Rivera Lopez. He was blessed with five children with his wife Pacita Regala Rivera: Gerald Regala Rivera, Glady’s Rivera De Fiesta, Girlie Rivera Viloria, Gretchen Regala Rivera, and Glenda Lyn Rivera Johnson, five Grandchildren: Richlee Rivera Viloria, Richlein Rivera Viloria, Richclyde Rivera Viloria, Kaitlyn Rose Johnson, Gillianna Faith Johnson, had a host of nieces, nephew’s, cousin’s, and friends.

Rosario graduated from Bacarra National Comprehensive High School (BNCHS) in the class of 1974. He was a star player in baseball, pitching and catcher positions. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing Karaoke with passion, one of his favorite songs is, “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles (1962).

Rosario began his Military career when he enlisted in the Philippine 
Army, a rifle marksman and a proud soldier fighting for a better tomorrow. He patrolled in a town called Bataan, Philippines that would forever change his life because that is where he met his future wife Pacita Regala Rivera. The two wed in 1978 and moved to Bacarra, Philippines and started their life together.

He is best known for his Lechon recipe throughout Bacarra and made hand crafted furniture out of Narra wood. The Rivera Family Lechon business proved to be successful as well as a sari-sari store proudly serving his community. His famous nickname “Ayong” means agreeable and fitted him because he was so much loved by everyone. He loved to dive in the Bacarra River for fresh Bukto, Tilapia, and shrimp using a sigay. He often would share his catch with his neighbors and friends showing love through food and recipes.

Rosario was a dedicated member at St. Andrew Parish Church in 
Bacarra, Ilocos Norte and a pioneer for Couples for Christ ministry. He believed in sharing, praying and loving one another through blessed times and times of tribulation. He was known to many as an overseer in the town and also believed no one should go without food and shelter especially children. In closing don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard his call. I turned my back and left it all. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.