The "Pearl Principle" represents many concepts, including the metaphor of personal growth from adversity. These challenges and adversities in life are used as catalysts for transformation and personal growth.

Such principle has been centered in the life of Perla "Pearl" Monsanto. Born on September 16, 1955, in a small coastal town in the north called Bogo, Cebu, she is the 3rd child and daughter of a brood of 8. Her parents are Gerino Monsanto Sr.(deceased), a legal officer and Anecita Monsanto (deceased), a businesswoman and homemaker.

In its natural state, pearls undergo a process before they become a fully transformed gem. Like that pearl, here is a glimpse of the life of Perla, one that is fully lived. Her Exposure Perla was exposed to hard work and business at a young age through her mother who is a businesswoman. She understood that to be successful, it was important to put effort and grit as nothing comes free. She helped her mother sell assorted goods in the local market and haggle with customers, a life skill that proved to be very useful when she became a working student in the University of San Carlos eventually earning her Bachelor's Degree in Commerce and Accounting and Secretarial studies. She carried this same respect for work when she was employed in the same prestigious institution and when she migrated in the USA in 1988 eventually becoming a medical biller and clinic manager.

Her Transformation. Perla's decision to move and migrate overseas was fueled by her desire to help her family and a strong need to come out from poverty. In fact, her decision to come to the United States have also influenced her sister Minda as she have been insistent and tried to convince her to do so.

So, Perla took the leap and left the Philippines in 1988 and landed in San Francisco, California, her first US State of residence and where she stayed for 36 years – one she considers her second home.

Perla took great pride in being able to buy her own house in California and in the Philippines. This was something she had always dreamed of - the American dream as they say. On top of this, she has been able to help financially her parents, siblings and other relatives in the Philippines.

Perla is the very definition of a self-made woman, she was able to attain all this through her hard work and toil, all without having to change her last name. She is fierce and passionate about the people and things that mattered to her. She also loved her pets that she considers her own kids – Max, a German shepherd and her first love, and then Tiny and Wally.

She loved watching Filipino movies and she was the life of the party with her great sense of humour. She had a strong personality too, built through all the years of challenges, triumphs and failures she's been through. Those who are closest to her understood her and loved her anyway for who and what she is.

Perla has an older sister, Minda, whom she had always considered as her main support. And yes, they're relationship has not been perfect but amidst that, she always had Minda on her side and by her side, until she took her last breath on November 01, 2025.

The perfect pearl is the byproduct of years of challenges from external catalysts, ultimately leading to transformation. Just like the pearl, Perla has come out strong, resilient, fierce and unique in this challenging and competitive world.

For 70 years, Perla has shared her life with us – her friends, sisters, brothers, nephews, nieces and the community. Above all, we give thanks to the Lord for being able to celebrate the wonderful and unique life she has lived, a woman I'm so proud to call my Aunt. The good word speaks to us all through 1 Corinthians 13 – that in the end, these three remain: faith, hope and love. The greatest of which is love.

We love you Auntie Pearl. Until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 3:30 pm with a rosary and funeral liturgy beginning at 5:30 pm at Our Lady Queen of the World Church in Bay Point.