Erlinda Panlilio (Enriquez)

Dasmariñas Village, Makati 1222, Philippines

Undergrad college/major: Hotel Administration. (B.S.H.E., major in Foods & Nutrition, University of the Philippines, 1959).

Advanced degrees: M.A. English Studies/Creative Writing, Univ. of the Philippines, 2000

Career/occupation: At present—Writer; Formerly, hotelier-restaurateur.

Honors and awards: “Award of Distinction in Culture & the Arts”—given by the Univ. of the Philippines Home Economics Alumni Assn., 2010; 2^nd Prize for the Essay, Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, 2009; Winner, National Book Awards of the Manila Critics Circle: 2006-- for Best Anthology; Best Food Book--2005 & 2003; Best Anthology of Personal Essays, 2002; Best Travel Anthology, 2000; Best Biography, 2000; Award of Merit—given by the UNIFEM Philippine Committee “for outstanding service as president from 2000-2002”.

Important affiliations: Director, Filipinas Licensing & Copyright Society, Inc. (2009--); Treasurer, The English-Speaking Union, Philippines, Inc. (2005--); Chairman, PR & Communications Committee: Zonta International (2006-2008), District 17 (2010-2012); Treasurer, Likhaan Creative Writing Foundation, Inc. (1998--); Chairman: United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Philippine National Committee (2004-06), President (2000-2002); Member, Advisory Council of the Arts, Port of San Francisco, Ca. (1984-86); Director, Hotel & Restaurant Assn. of the Philippines (1978-1980); Treasurer, Assn. of Tour Operators of the Phils. (1971-72, 1974); Member, Central Board, Girl Scouts of the Philippines (1977-1980.

Published work: Editor, Belonging: Stories of Relationships (Anvil Publishing, Manila, 2008); Ed., The Manila We Knew (Anvil, 2006); Coed., Slow Food (Anvil, 2005); Ed., Comfort Food (Anvil, 2003); Ed., From This day Forward: Widows & Widowers Write (Anvil, 2002); Coed., Why I Travel & Other Essays by 14 Women (Anvil, 2000); Author, Teacher to Tycoon: The Life & Times of Trinidad Diaz Enriquez (Anvil, 2000); Coed., Holding Up Half the Sky: Success Stories on the Economic Empowerment of Women (Milflores, 2001). Essays in published anthologies: “My Confused Eyes” in My Fair Maladies (Milflores Publishing, Manila, 2005); “My Two St. Theresas” in Behind the Walls (Anvil, 2005); “Opening New Doors” in Life on the Cusp (Anvil, 2003); “The Joy of Collecting” in Consuming Passions: Collectors & Collecting (Anvil, 2003). Poetry: “Second Chances” in Love Gathers All: The Philippines-Singapore Anthology of Love Poetry (Anvil, Manila, 2002, and Ethos Books, Singapore, 2002). Editor: The Philippine-British Society Newsletter, 2003-2005; The Makati Zontian, 2004-present, 1984-1988; Zonta Foundation Phils. News (2000-2006). Columnist, Lifestyle Asia Magazine, 2001-2002; Contributor, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2002—present. Solo painting exhibits (oil): 2008 and 2003.

Marital status: Widow.

Spouse: Rebecco E. Panlilio.

Children: Alan, Jose, Katrina P. Craig and Nicole P. Morris.

Grandchildren: Michael, Samantha and Shannon Panlilio; Alex, Stephanie and Christian Panlilio; Isabella and Jack Craig; Noelle and Kendra Morris.

Outstanding Cornell memory: My first winter and my first time to see snow were at Cornell—how lovely in the pristine whiteness; but lovelier still were the students I met and the kind Dean of the Hotel School, Howard Bagnall Meek.

How has your life differed from what you expected? I knew I would be getting involved in my parents’ restaurant business, for which I enrolled in Cornell’s Hotel School. But life has its twists and turns—I married a physician, we both got into the restaurant, later, hotel business, and I am now a writer.

Cornell activities post-graduation: Director, Cornell Society of Hotelmen, Philippine Chapter (1997-98); Chairman & President, D & E Realty Development Corp. (1986--); Chairman & President, Sun & Shade Merchandise, Inc. (1976-2005); Treasurer, Sulo Group of hotels & restaurants (1972-83).

Personal reflections: One prepares for life and its challenges by going to school, getting the education suited to one’s choice of career. However, one doesn’t necessarily end up becoming the professional one has trained for. A psychiatrist I know has become an art historian; a lawyer, the head of a hotel group; an accountant, the head of a not-for-profit foundation. The discipline and resourcefulness developed and honed by years of study in a fine university are the assets that always sustain one in his or her chosen field of work. More importantly, the associations formed in school provide the network one can call on to expand or enhance one’s growth in one’s business or profession. Indeed, who can refuse an old classmate or frat-mate who asks for help or patronage of his/her product or service? At the end of a successful career, one always looks to one’s alma mater for the nurturing it had supplied and the friendships it had engendered. I give thanks for the wonderful memories of inspiring professors and the many kindnesses I experienced from strangers on campus who eventually became my friends. What a privilege to call myself a Cornellian!