Cecille grew up in the Philippines where family ties are very strong.  Her parents had 10 children (6 boys and 4 girls) who are all extremely close.   She graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in the Philippines, “Saint Louis University” with a Bachelors Degree in Education. She taught English, Tagalog (the national language of the Philippines), PE & Music to high school students in the Philippines for nine years before meeting her American sweetheart “Jerry”.  In 1993 Cecille took the biggest and most memorable step in her life...she moved from her home and her family to the United States to be with Jerry.  The move was not easy for Cecille or her family in the Philippines, however, her husband’s family embraced her as their own and through their love and support the homesickness was easier to deal with. Then to their delight came the birth of their children two and a half years apart.  Cecille and Jerry didn’t think things could get any better so you can imagine their further delight when their petition to have Cecille’s widowed mom move to the U.S. to be with them was approved….and yes, her mom is just as sweet as Cecille!  Cecille talks regularly to her family in the Philippines by phone and visits them as often as possible.

Cecille’s first job in the U.S. was as a contract worker at Raytheon.  When the contract work was done she noticed an ad for an RFS receptionist position. She was hired immediately and our clients fell in love with her vivacious and friendly personality. She said that finding RFS was like a miracle to her and she appreciates Cricket and Dave for having so much faith and confidence in her and her abilities right from day one.  Cecille likes to be kept busy and being the receptionist wasn’t enough so she gradually started taking on more responsibility and was promoted to service assistant and then to senior service assistant.  She assists Sherry with client service procedures and follow-up. Although she enjoys her client service duties, her first love is greeting and visiting with the clients. I don’t think anyone of our clients has ever seen Cecille without a smile on her face.  She will be celebrating her 10th year with RFS in August 2010.

Not only does Cecille devote 40 hours a week to RFS and quality time to Jerry and the children, she is also a member of a non-profit organization called “Philippine Mabuhay Cultural Foundation of Tucson Singers and Dancers”  She has been their Choral Director for over fifteen years now. The group participates in events such as “Tucson Meet Yourself”, “Family Arts Festival”, “Pan Asian Pacific Cultural Performances”, and “Luau Celebrations from the Polynesian Hawaiian Groups. She teaches young performers how to play stringed instruments called Bandurria & Octavina to form a Spanish influenced band called Rondalla. Her group reaches out to other cultures to promote understanding & camaraderie. She is also active in her church and serves as the Choir Director for the “Filipino Choir” and she dances and sings like an angel.

Cecille’s children excel at everything they do. They are both honor students and receive numerous awards for their achievements. Dominic is a freshman at Salpointe Catholic High School and is in both the Jazz and Concert Band playing his trumpet. He is also a student at the Tucson Jazz Institute and plays his favorite instrument, trumpet.  This year will also be his last year to play his trumpet at the U of A Honors Band. He’s been playing there since he was in middle school. His latest accomplishment was passing an audition to play trumpet for a Regional Concert for all participating High Schools in Tucson and played at the Regional Band Concert at Palo Verde High. As for Jecelle, she’s in six grade at La Cima Middle School and is also active in the band where she plays her Clarinet. She joined her brother at the U of A Honors Band last year and plays her Clarinet. Jecelle also plays the piano and has regular private lessons. Both Dominic and Jecelle are active members of Cecille’s Cultural group where they both dance. Jerry plays a very important role as their moral support in all their activities.   

In February of this year (2010) Darlene’s husband Bernie saved a little six week old puppy from what would probably have been a disastrous situation. He brought it to the office along with bottles and formula that he picked up on the way. Cecille took one look and fell head over heels in love. They have named her “Pumpkin” (the puppy….not Cecille).

Cecille and her mom Frances are avid Wildcat fans! And although she takes basketball way too serious….so serious that you would think she was the coach….everyone knows that our tiny Cecille is a very sweet and caring person. We all (clients included) love her big hugs.

Cecille and Jerry live in Tucson with their two beautiful children (Dominic and Jecelle) Cecille’s mom Frances and their newest addition….Pumpkin.

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