Son of the Orient Seas provides a telegraphic history of the Philippines and brings light to the oppressive Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II. The author shares his own childhood experiences during such times of upheaval as well as his struggle to achieve a decent early education. Perseverance wins him a world-class education and an academic profession that most have only dreamed of. Complete with charming tales of a personal "love boat" meeting, long distance courtship and lucid memories of strange dreams, de la Cruz provides a window into the life of his hard-working and determined immigrant family. Though written as a tangible legacy for his family and friends, Son of the Orient Seas offers interesting, amusing and even heart-warming stories of one remarkable man's life. About the Author Armando A. de la Cruz, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences at Mississippi State University. He was born in the Philippines and obtained his early education from Ateneo de Cagayan and the University of the Philippines. He received his M.S. degree from The American University in Washington D.C. and his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. Dr. de la Cruz is the recipient of numerous awards and recognition for his academic, professional, scientific, community, and volunteer services including the Faculty Achievement Award for Research (1979), for Teaching (1998), and the Paideia Service Award from Mississippi State University; the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Fellow, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, T.E. Veitch Community Service Award, Southwire Community Environment Award, Starkville Education Hall of Fame, Mississippi Governor Distinguished Accomplishment Award, President's Lifetime Volunteer Service Award, Jefferson Award for Public Service, and the DAR Americanism Medal. He has been listed in the Congressional Record of the 109th Congress of the U.S. House of Representatives as per citation of the Honorable Charles W. "Chip" Pickering on December 8, 2006. He is married to the former Ruth P. Mendoza. He and his family immigrated to the United States in 1970 and subsequently naturalized as American citizens in 1982 and 1985. Dr. and Mrs. de la Cruz reside in Starkville, Mississippi. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.