Leonora was born August 13th, 1957 to Juanito and Teresita Monares on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao. Michael was born April 3rd, 1958 to Ruth and Clifford McDermott in Pasadena California.

Mike and Nora met in December 1978 in Angeles City, Philippines while Mike was serving in the US Navy. Mike and Nora were married on May 20th, 1980 by a justice of the peace in Angeles City, Philippines. Nora immigrated to the US in December 1981 and became a naturalized US citizen in November 1999.

Mike and Nora have two daughters and one granddaughter. Michelle was born 14 September, 1979 in Angeles City, Philippines. Rushelle was born 16 August, 1983 in San Jose, California. Zariah Jaide McDermott was born to Michelle and Ruben Plaza on April 8, 2003 in Sacramento, California.