Raela Villanueva
Inweekly, 9/7/2006
What is your greatest fear?
Losing someone else close to me to depression and suicide after losing my brother nine years ago. Also, not living out my dream to write a book about surviving the loss to help others (My goal is to make Oprah’s book club).
What is the trait you must deplore?
Dishonesty. You have to be honest with yourself, as well as others.
Which person do you most admire?
Both my parents for leaving their homeland (Philippines) to provide a better life for their family.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Consignment and thrift store shopping. I love finding vintage purses, shoes and everything else for less than $20. It’s the thrill of the hunt!
What is your favorite journey?
It’s a tie between my first trip to the Philippines to meet my grandmother for the first time as an adult in 2004, just weeks before she passed away, and a recent trip to San Francisco to participate in the “Out of the Darkness Overnight.” The latter was my third, 20-mile overnight walk to raise money and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in memory of my younger brother Jr.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Humility.
When and where are you most comfortable?
On the beach anytime of day or night, usually alone but welcome a good friend to watch the moonrise.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Play the violin or mandolin.
Who do want to play you in a movie on your life?
Someone with a nice tan! Maybe Oprah!
What do you consider your greatest failure?
Not being able to help my brother more. I’ve let go of the anger, but sometimes the guilt of not being able to prevent it can resurface.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I was a cheerleader at Catholic High School and at an away game. I realized once we got there that I brought the wrong colored skirt. I sucked it up and went out there anyway!
What is your dream job (not your current one)?
Touring colleges and bringing more awareness about suicide and depression to students. Suicide is the second leading cause of death on college campuses.
What is your favorite song?
Anything by Patty Griffin. “When It Don’t Come Easy” is my latest fave.
What do you most value in friends?
Their ability to be honest about anything and everything, and their ability to confront me right away, when there is an issue that can be resolved.
What do you most dislike?
Infidelity. Karma usually takes care of that.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
My younger brother would still be here today. But if he had to die for a reason, it was to help others.
What have you learned in life?
That you can’t change your past, and to get to your “future” – you have to work on the present.
What is the last book you read?
I just picked up “Dispatches From the Edge” by Anderson Cooper. I’m inspired by his ability to talk about his brother’s suicide for the first time publicly on Oprah and through his book. That’s what it’s going to take to raise more awareness on a national level.
What super power would like to have?
To fly!
What is your motto?
Don’t give up. There is a glorious sunrise following the darkest of nights.