Policarpia Villena Vallero's Obituary
Policarpia Villena Vallero, lovingly called Lola Ling by all who knew her, passed away on October 29, 2025, at the age of 102. She died peacefully in her home while in the presence of her loved ones.
Policarpia was born on July 11, 1923, and grew up in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. She married Antonio Vallero in 1943 and began to work as a private chef for affluent families to provide for their nine children. She became widely known throughout Manila for her famed desserts of brazo de mercedes, sans rival, creme de fruta, and apple pie. In 1977, she immigrated to the United States and continued her culinary legacy by opening the second Filipino restaurant in the Bay Area, Rice Bowl. In the years to follow, she would open another restaurant, Lumpia House, and then run a catering company out of her home in Pacifica so she could be surrounded by her growing number of grandchildren.
Lola Ling will always be remembered for her kindness, her cooking, and her wit. Her signature catchphrase, "Siksik sa tenga!” meant only take the food you need and leave the rest for others or else she would stick the leftovers in your ears. A life lesson that taught her kin about the importance of generosity and compassion. She greeted everyone who came into her home with, "Anong gusto mong kainin?/What do you want to eat?” and she worked hard to ensure that they left with a full belly and a smile on their face. Their warmth you felt in her presence did not only come from the food cooking on her stove, but also from the love that radiated from her heart. She will be deeply missed.
Policarpia was preceded in death by her husband, Antonio. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Ruben and Belen Vallero, Oscar and Sotera Vallero, Emmanuel and Elena Vallero, Rebecca Garcia, Antonio Jr and Yolanda Vallero, Orencio and Cynthia Reantazo, Ernesto and Jane Vallero, Gerardo Vallero, and Victor and Silvia Vallero. She is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be held at Skylawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Half Moon Bay, California. Visitation will be on Monday, November 17, from 3-7pm with Reverend John Jauod. The service and burial will follow on Tuesday, November 18, from 12-2pm with Father Boie Bonifacio Espleta.
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