Virgil "Jing" De La Victoria

Virgil "Jing" De La Victoria, 87, born on September 2, 1937, in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, peacefully passed away on March 5, 2025. True to his nature, he left this world on his own terms, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and children. While our hearts ache with his absence, we find solace in knowing that his final moments were wrapped in the warmth and affection he so deeply deserved.

Daddy was a masterful storyteller, a man with three great passions: family, history, and food—and he had a unique gift for intertwining all three. He often shared with us that his job may not have made him rich in wealth, but it gifted him with the priceless treasure of time—a time he devoted to being with his family. Those precious moments spent together at the dinner table or on weekend outings are now cherished memories. Whether we were discussing the current events of the day (politics, of course, always at the forefront!), hearing his stories from his childhood in Pinamungajan with his ten siblings and countless cousins, or diving into the pages of history, especially Philippine and World War II history, he had an extraordinary way of bringing those stories to life. With every word, he invited us into his world, making us feel the emotions he felt and see the world through his eyes.

As a history professor, he had a remarkable ability to connect with his students. "Sir De La Vic," as many fondly called him, was beloved by his first graduating class, the College of Santa Rita Class of '66, and by countless students at the University of San Carlos. He made history come alive in ways that others could not. He wove the past into the present, showing how events long gone still held lessons for the future. Through his passionate storytelling, he made a subject that might have seemed daunting and distant feel deeply relevant to everyday life.

But above all else, what Daddy held most dear was the family he and Mommy built together. Celebrating 50 years of marriage, their love stood as a testament to devotion and partnership. Together, they raised three children—Tania (Pichie), Francis (Bong), and Livi (Kik). Our weekends were filled with road trips, exploring new Chinese restaurants, sharing books, and in his later years, he reveled in spoiling his six beloved grandchildren. These moments were the heartbeat of his life, and his pride in his family was evident in every smile, every story, and every laugh shared.

Daddy's love for us was immeasurable, and his legacy will forever live on in the stories we continue to tell, the lessons we carry with us, and the love that binds us together. Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him—his family, his students, and his friends.