Mrs. Thelma M. Echiverri seamlessly bridges meticulous science and living history. A retired pharmacist by profession, she spent decades understanding the precise formulations that heal the body. Today, as an esteemed octogenarian, she channels that same sharp, analytical mind into preserving the cultural lifeblood of her beloved hometown as the Annak Ti Paoay Foundation Principal Specialist for Heritage & Traditions. Serving entirely as a volunteer, Mrs. Echiverri brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge to the organization. Her life’s tapestry is deeply woven into the unique customs of Paoay, Ilocos Norte. Where others see history, she breathes life into living memory, possessing an intimate familiarity with traditions uniquely native to the municipality. She holds the intricate keys to the vibrant, rhythmic, pre-Lenten merrymaking of the Guling-Guling festival, the dawn-breaking brass melodies and bell tolls of the Diana that awaken the town in celebration, and the majestic Tambora—a rare and joyous musical Christmas eve tradition unique to the heritage of Paoay. As the organization’s chief cultural anchor, she does not merely recall history she protects its authenticity. Her role ensures that the youth do not lose the deep-rooted meanings behind these celebrations, the taste of genuine ancestral delicacies, or the pride of local craftsmanship. Mrs. Echiverri stands as a living archive, generously donating her time and wisdom to ensure that the rich cultural landscape of Paoay remains vibrant, unbroken, and beautifully preserved for generations to come.
