The Reading Glass Magazine (LATFOB 2024 Edition)

her own. Their union, spanning over six decades,
underscores the power and beauty of love in the
face of adversity. Together, they navigated life’s
trials and triumphs, finding solace and strength in
each other’s embrace.
Tragically, Ludy’s beloved Hermie passed away,
leaving a void that could never be filled. Yet, even
in her grief, Ludy found solace in the written word,
turning to writing as a refuge and a vocation. Her
columns in the Philippine News and contributions
to TheFilAm provided a platform for her to share
her wisdom and wit with readers, cementing her
status as a literary luminary of unparalleled grace
and resilience.
Her unwavering commitment to the written
word continues to inspire aspiring writers and
journalists, reminding us all of the power of
storytelling in our lives.
In Lourdes J. Astraquillo-Ongkeko, Ph.D., we
find not just a writer but a beacon of hope in a
world too often overshadowed by darkness. Her
life attests that love can conquer even the greatest
of trials. As we turn the pages of her memoir and
reflect on her remarkable journey, may we be
inspired to embrace our own stories with courage,
grace, and a steadfast belief in the power of love to
transcend all barriers.
But perhaps Ludy’s most profound literary
achievement is her memoir, “A Child of World War
II Writes: LOVE IS TIMELESS IN WAR AND
IN PEACE: A Truth Beyond Compare.” In its
pages, she recounts the harrowing experiences of
her youth, offering readers a glimpse into a world
torn apart by conflict yet bound together by love.
Through her words, Ludy invites us to witness the
triumph that overcomes adversity, reminding us
that love knows no boundaries and that storytelling
can illuminate even the darkest of times.
Today, as a mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother,
Ludy’s legacy lives on in the hearts
and minds of those whom her story has touched.