Thirty-eight years ago, or to be more precise, on May 2, I978, a descendant of Architect Rufino Antonio, former congressman of the First District of Rizal, was born. Her name is Grace Marie Vera Antonio. Her father Georgie Antonio is known in the national and political arena as the founder of Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, the political party that catapulted Joseph “Erap” Estrada to his presidency in the 1992 national elections. Councilor Antonio was a former American green card holder and a top executive of a BPO company before immersing herself in politics. As a top BPO executive, she handled hundreds of personnel under her team, which until now produces enormous income for the company. Thus, salary wise and other fringe benefits received, she could have enjoyed the luxuries in life. However, Councilor Antonio personally witnessed the sad reality that others enjoy in life while others suffer from scarcity. Public service reins in her blood and importantly, the calling to serve others could not be ignored. Thus, she convinced her father to support her candidacy to run for public office. In the 2013 elections, she ran for the position of City Councilor of Mandaluyong as an independent candidate. The rest is history. Her sincerity to serve and charisma to the masses endeared her to the electorate of the First District of the City of Mandaluyong and landed for her in the top three for the position of councilor in her first political attempt. As an elected city councilor and the only minority in the Sanggunian Panlungsod, she participated in the passage, deliberation and approval of various measures that bene?tted the city and the residents. Likewise, her various projects and programs for the welfare and bene?ts of the city residents, especially the poor and marginalized earned for her several citations and awards. In the 2016 elections, she again landed in the top three for the position of city councilor. Councilor Antonio is humbled by the overwhelming support given to her by the electorate. Thus, she is looking forward for a fruitful second term and improves to be more responsive to the perceived and actual needs of city residents. Councilor Antonio will continue to strive, with trust in God, in order to put into action her commitment to work for the economic, social, and spiritual upliftment of more and more Mandaleños guided by her vision towards poverty alleviation. Councilor Antonio will always be dedicated to public service with, for and towards the Mandaluyong City residents, allowing them to give life to their aspirations through the realization of the potentials that lie within them.