Her Story

On July 19, 1966, a star was born. 

Cherished by her father, she grew up idolizing him and decided to follow his footsteps. Inspired by his integrity and love for serving the people, she eventually became a judge, just like him. 

Despite being privileged as a daughter of a judge, she carved her path with industry and independence. Might be hard to believe but she was once a working student, she cooked and sold bihon at the school canteen and even accepted typing jobs from co-students while in college.  After graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, she pursued her Master’s Degree in Business Administration and thereafter entered law school and finished it as an academic scholar. By God’s grace, she passed the bar that same year and started working as a public defender championing the rights of the poor before joining the judiciary and became a daughter her father is proud of, a devoted wife, and a mother adored by her children. In the courtroom she is fairness and strength. At home, she is warmth and refuge.

Her marriage to Julius Nazario is blessed with three extra-ordinary children. Her eldest daughter is a US-RN now married to a corporate lawyer based in Chicago. Their second child is a Public Defender assigned in Dapitan City while their youngest son is a registered Physical Therapist now based in Cebu.

She is blessed with a very loving mother and siblings-in-law who loved and adored her deeply. 

Life has been a whirlwind of purpose, juggling roles as a devoted mother, loving wife, a doting lola, aunt and cousin, guiding light in the church, a passionate judge and a law professor. 

Life has handed her more than her fair share of trials. But she met each one with grace, grit, and quiet faith. When given lemons, she made lemonade — refusing to dwell in the bitterness, choosing instead to sweeten what came next. That is the woman she is today: accomplished in her chosen profession and destined to triumph.

But her story doesn’t end at the bench. 

She is creativity in motion — always dreaming, always making something beautiful out of the ordinary. 

She is versatility personified — just as comfortable in robes of justice as she is with soil on her hands, building, planting, and nurturing life. 

She carries a passion for farming — finding peace in watching seeds become harvest, and teaching those around her the joy of growing what feeds both body and soul. 

She have worn so many hats but her greatest joy lies in the simple thrill of outdoor adventures where her spirit soars and through it all, she’ve learned to cherish every moment, every trial and every triumph — the mountains, the sea, the sunrise. Whether it’s a quiet walk or an adventurous trail, nature is where she recharges and remembers who she is. 

She has a heart for travel — both local and foreign — collecting stories, cultures, and friendships the way others collect souvenirs. Every place she goes, she leaves a little light behind. 

Above all, she has a deep devotion in serving the Lord. Her faith is not just spoken, it is lived — in her kindness, her service, her prayers, and the way she puts others first.

Today’s celebration is not only about who she is now, but also a tribute to those who shaped her journey — her father, husband, children, in-laws, relatives, friends, and colleagues. She has been able to pursue her passions because of the people who encouraged, supported, and stood by her through life’s valleys and peaks.

La dolce vita. The sweet Life she prayed for. 

She lives a sweet life because she chose it — not because it was served on a silver platter. 

And now, at this 60th milestone, she carries the radiance of youth — proof that strength, kindness, creativity, faith and joy are the very best kind of timeless.

Today, she’s enveloped with gratitude - surrounded with her loving family, anchored by true friends and humbled by a calling that allow her to serve humanity in all its beauty and brokenness. A vessel of blessings, entrusted with gifts from God and savoring every whisper of lifes’ goodness. 

She is Deborah, the woman Judge, battered by life’s fiercest storms, yet emerging radiant with kindness and generosity that shatters expectations because she is rooted in God.

She may not have it all, but she’s overwhelmed with gratitude for the life that God gifted her – La Dolce Vita, the sweet life - imperfect yet beautiful and purposeful.

Anchored in God’s love, humbled by God’s goodness, grateful for God’s grace, she now give back all glory to God for His faithfulness throughout her sixty wonderful years as she vows to surrender her all to God.