Juliet Payabyab: Busier Better Life After Retirement

By Marivir R. Montebon

New York City – Life after retirement could actually become more hectic. Such is the one lived by Filipino community leader Juliet Payabyab whose presence in the growing community of Filipinos is quite indomitable.

“There is a really enjoyable life after retirement. It is a matter of choice,” she said in an interview at the Astoria Park’s track and field where she regularly runs as part of her ‘for fitness sake’ advocacy. The busy lifestyle for community involvement has gained Payabyab several citations from community organizations.

Of late, she was among the three Filipino educators who were recognized for their dedication as teachers by a nation-wide Filipino teachers organization UNIFFIED on July 1, 2017 at the Astoria Manor.

The first Lampara Awards was given to community leaders and teachers as the UNIFFIED celebrated its third year.  

As a former teacher, UNIFFIED accorded Payabyab as well as Fe Cabactulan, wife of Amb. Cabactulan and PACCAL’s Linda Mayo the citation.

Payabyab was born and raised in Calapan City, province of Oriental Mindoro and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of the East.

Payabyab with Phil. Consul General of New York Tess Dizon de Vega. At the back is UNIFFIED pres. Ronnie Mataquel.

Right after graduation, she was accepted as a college lecturer at the Lyceum University of the Philippines in Intramuros and Santa Catalina College in Mendiola before she migrated to the USA in 1975.

Payabyab worked at the financial district here, starting out from the entry level rank up until a managerial post in 2008 when she retired early at age 59.

She has become more active as a community leader upon her retirement, citing that life was more fun and meaningful then. Payabyab has received various citations such as the TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Award in NYC), PACCAL Women Achievers, Unsung Heroes from the group Friends Indeed, Adviser Award from the Mindoro Association, the Lions Club International, the KIDS Philippines to name a few, for her relentless community work.