Family Oral History Project by Luis Buenavista

February 9, 1979

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 02:23:19 UTC

Vernon Emannuel Villanueva, aka Vern, was born in Westwood, New Jersey on February 9, 1979. He had three older brothers, he being the youngest. As a child, he was very active. His favorite subject in school was PE, so naturally he gravitated towards sports, baseball and hockey being his two favorites. One of his memories he had growing up was walking his dog Butch. He always remembered him running away a lot because he was so big.

1975-1977

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 02:28:06 UTC

Before Vernon was born, his family had previously lived in the Philippines in Quezon City. From what he can remember, his grandparents were pretty rich, but he didn't know much of them other than that. With a large amount money being given to his parents, they set off to New York City in America to start a Filipino restaurant called "Maharlika". His brother would stay in the Philippines a little while longer before deciding to move to New Jersey in 1977.

1971-1973

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 02:48:50 UTC

Bruce Lee was very famous actor and martial artists, and his rise to stardom was at his peak during the 60s and early 70s. He played the leading roll in many movies including The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, and The Way of the Dragon, which all broke box office records. Bruce Lee would end up passing away due to an allergic reaction in 1973, however, he would play a big part in Vernon's life as his idol and childhood hero.

1985

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:03:47 UTC

Pro wrestling was becoming very popular in 80s and 90s, and one of the most prominent and relevant pro wrestling events, WrestleMania, debuted in 1985. Vern became interested in watching pro wrestling during his teenage years and has a long list of favorite matches and wrestlers, including Hulk Hogan, which is who is in the picture.

1997

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:13:49 UTC

As Vern continued to grow up in New York City and New Jersey, he began to think about his family history, as he actually didn't know much about it, rather, he only knew of the American life. During the 90s, Vern saw a lot of people at school wearing stone wash jeans, Jordans, and mini skirts. He graduated in 1997, with plans to possibly go to college in the Philippines sometime soon.

September 11, 2001

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:17:29 UTC

In the early morning of September 11, 2001,

The World Trade Center was attacked. Vern remembers watching the news unfold on TV, and was in complete shock, as he had just flew moved to the Philippines to pursue college.

2001-2003

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:22:58 UTC

Vern attended college at World City College, formally known as Quezon City Medical. He was actually planning to become a radiologist, a person that takes x-rays and examines them. During his time there, he actually hadn't gotten a proper Visa, so he ended up getting deported from the Philippines in 2003.

1945-1991

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:27:04 UTC

The Cold War was a period in time in which tensions between the US and Russia were at an all time high. When Vernon was growing up in America, there was a fear around the idea that the Soviet Union was going to invade the US.

2013

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:34:58 UTC

My oldest cousin Michelle moved in with my family and I in Foster City around 2012. She had known Vern for a while and they had just recently gotten engaged at the time. When I met Vern in 2013, we ended up forming a great relationship. I enjoyed wrestling just like him, so I found it easy to connect with him that way.

2020

lrbuenavista16 — 2024-10-17 03:48:42 UTC

COVID ended up causing the world to shut down and quarantine for a year and a half. During this time, my relationships with my family grew dramatically. I currently live with my parents, my cousin Michelle, Vern, and their child Victoria.