No goodbyes for Mariquita Castelo

Picture a woman with kindly eyes, a ready smile and encouraging words. Add to these a spirit of conviction. Mix in the essence of volunteerism and what have you got? Mariquita S. Castelo.

To many, she was the founder of Soroptimist International Philippines Region, a world-affiliated organization she helped charter in May 1996. She was also the national executive director par excellence of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, serving in that capacity for over 30 years and giving the best years of her life to that organization. Active in various GSP councils, she still had enough time to lead a recruitment drive for Soroptimist leaders. Empowering women, after all, was her life mission.

Mariquita was a Girl Scout at heart. She believed in sending out the girls to international events to broaden their outlook and learn to be world citizens. Her efforts to raise funds for the Josefa Escoda Memorial Fund allowed Girl Scouts participation in international events to receive a modest allowance for their trip. I ought to know, having been a Juliette Low scholar in 1958. Forty-five years later, I still correspond with my hosts, the Reber family, and still write to my Irish friend whom I met in the 30th World Conference of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) in Dublin.

Mariquita was fond of sending inspiring quotes, personal hand-written notes and letters of encouragement. Her favorite poet Nancy Sims’ A Creed to Live By, in particular, has left an indelible mark: "The quickest way to receive love is to give love; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings..."

Truly, she lived and practiced this principle. She was a role model worthy of emulation; a mentor who suggested, never imposed. She was an educator who taught and continued to learn. The social worker in her remained brilliantly lit all throughout her life. A highly spiritual woman who never skipped daily Mass, she would, on long trips, close her eyes and pray the rosary. She was quick to give praise and appreciation for every kindness or favor that passed her way.

Mariquita was the epitome of loyalty and true friendship. In serving exemplary women leaders – Josefa Llanes Escoda, Pilar Hidalgo Lim, Concepcion Gonzalez, Maria Kalaw Katigbak, Belen Gutierrez, Trinidad Legarda, Josefa Marquez, Concepcion Gil, Helena Benitez, Estefania Aldaba Lim – she taught us how to observe, learn and eventually become teachers ourselves. She knew the value of giving space for growth, innovativeness and creativity, and always encouraged us to go the extra mile. She was all this and more. Her impact on thousands of Soroptimists and millions of Girl Scouts will be forever remembered.

While we will sorely miss Mariquita Castelo – friend, mentor, enabler, educator, confidante, colleague, boss, loving aunt – this is not goodbye.