I was born in Cebu City, raised in Manila and lived in Los Baños for about 18 years after finishing my Bachelor of Science in 1974. We built our house in one of the villages in Baranggay Tuntungin in Los Baños. Hence, I refer to Los Baños as my hometown.

Los Baños is a resort town located southwest of Luzon, Philippines. The place was named Los Baños which in Spanish language means "The Baths" because of the many thermal springs that flow from the base of Mount Makiling. With the beautiful Mt. Makiling, lush vegetation and hot spring resorts, the town is a favorite destination of many people from the surrounding provinces and MetroManila, specially during summer.

The University of the Philippines and The International Rice Research Institute, two well known institutions in the world, are based in Los Baños.

Los Baños is a town full of myths and legends. The most popular myth is the legend of Maria Makiling, the maiden who guards Mt. Makiling.