ABOUT THE AUTHOR

by Dr. and Mrs. Florencio A. Hipona

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Marilyn Ranada Donato came to the United States for post-graduate training in Dietetics at Grassland Hospital, Valhalla, New York in 1962.  She was Staff Dietitian at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut from 1963-1968.  Various work experiences include therapeutic, clinic, teaching, administration and consultation at Sinai Hospital in Detroit, Michigan; Hospital Career Development Program in Boston, Massachusetts; Catawba Hospital in Virginia with Hospital Dietetics-Interstate United.  Her professional work involved an independent practice in Nutrition & Dietetics; Nutrition lecturer at Virginia Western Community College Nursing and Dental Hygiene Programs; consulting dietitian at nursing homes and hospitals renal consulting dietitian; and food editor for several Philippine-American newspapers.

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Active and involved in several community, civic, religious and professional organizations, Marilyn was selected an Outstanding Young Woman of America in 1973.  she was president-elect and president of Southwest Virginia Dietetic Association in 1974-1976; president of the Board of Directors of Catholic Family and Children's services of SW Virginia, Inc 1980-1981, and president, YMCA Roanoke, Virginia, 1990; vice president of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Roanoke Chapter, 1993; president elect and president of the Roanoke Academy of Medicine Alliance, 1994-1996.

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In 1982, Marilyn received an award as an Outstanding Woman of Southwest Virginia sponsored by the Roanoke Times & World News.  And in 1992, the Daughters of the American Revolution General James Breckinridge Chapter awarded their Americanism Medal Award to Marilyn.  Likewise, the Virginia Skyline Girl Scout Council selected Marilyn as their 1992 Women of Distinction awardee.

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Marilyn was born in Laoag City, Philippines, the eldest daughter of Judge Santiago Ranada and Mary Javier Ranada.  She is married to Antonio T. Donato, M.D., a thoracic surgeon.  The Donato's are blessed with six children, Mary Anne, Bernadette, Pauline, Jude, Grace and James.

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Marilyn considers this book the first of its kind published in America, a work of art in sharing one's culture and "secrets" so that others may taste and enjoy.

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