Trish, like other members of her family, was born in Manila, in the Philippines. Her family shared the characteristics of most Filipino families they were close-knit, Catholic, and surrounded by relatives. Her father developed and managed several successful small businesses. Her mother worked as a chemical engineer. Trish and her two younger brothers grew up in an atmosphere of love and enjoyed the blessings of being relatively wealthy by Filipino standards.
People are either rich or very poor.
My family wasn t extremely rich, but we were well off since both of my parents worked. My brothers and I had the benefits of a Catholic education and private schools. All that was threatened after Trish s father became active in local politics and became openly critical of the Marcos dictatorship. My father had a radio talk-show, Manila Hotline, and also published a newsletter of the same name which pointed out the failings of the Marcos government to respond to the needs of the Philippine people especially the poor. My family routinely participated in demonstrations and handed out literature, says Trish.