Fil-Am veteran to celebrate 100th birthday

SEVERO B. Sobrevilla, better known as Uncle Sam, will be celebrating his centennial birthday on November 1, 2009 at Congregational Christian Church at 2400 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA. 90026.

He was born on November 1, 1909 at Barrio Bautista, Caba, La Union in Northern Philippines. His parents are Mr. Santiago Sobrevilla and Mrs. Catalina Bautista-Sobrevilla. Caba is a coastal town facing the China Sea, so the youthful Severo developed his liking for fishing, which he still engages in this activity in such places as Redondo Beach and Venice Beach.

“Uncle Sam” immigrated to US in 1930 at age 21. He said his port of entry was in Seattle, Washington, but California was his real destination. Since 1930, he has been living in Los Angeles. His stay in L.A. was only interrupted when he joined the US Army in 1932, and then was assigned to New Guinea.

According to his vivid account:

“I first came to the US in 1930 with 15 Ilocanos from La Union, two of whom are from my hometown. We took the boat called McKinley. That was the time when the Wright Brothers were still working on their airplane.”

He served the US Army up to 1943. He recalled that the bombing of Pearl Harbor triggered the beginning of World War II which saw the Philippines siding with the Americans in the fight against Japan.

While in the US Army, he staunchly proved his loyalty and faithfulness to the service. It was during his stint in the military that he earned the distinction of being called “Uncle Sam.” He did not reject nor detest the moniker but accepted and maintained it with pride and honor.

It was also in the military that he developed and nurtured self-discipline. He abhorred all vices and followed regimen that resulted in stamina and strength. His being an Ilocano, known for partiality for vegetables, all the more contributed to his physical well-being. How does he maintain and sustain his stamina, strength and longevity? He gave this advice: “Avoid stress. Develop self-discipline. Don’t indulge in vices.”

But above all, he said: “Turn to God. Accept Jesus Christ as your Savior.” The man called “Uncle Sam” practices what he tells others what to do. On Sundays, one can find him attending Bible study and joining worship in the Congregational Christian Church. He still memorizes Bible verses and challenges young people to do the same.

Uncle Sam will make history as he celebrates his centennial birthday in Historic Filipino town with Ester, his loving wife of more than 25 years. Uncle Sam and Ester request that instead of gifts, donations be made to flood-damaged churches in their native Ilocano communities. They are sponsoring the repairs of Community Christian Church in Bauang, La Onion and other churches in the Ilocos Region.

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