Ray was my College friend from Bontoc. We parted after we received our College diplomas as we went to our separate ways.
Decades later, we met again on the Internet. He was already a retired Army Captain, married to a lady from their hometown. They had a daughter, two sons and one grandaughter with their only daughter. There was a Nanny taking care of their lovely and only grandaughter.
When we had a homecoming on a certain year, Ray met us at the airport, and he also brought us to the same place as our holiday ended. On that holiday, we heard from him his wife had cancer and she had a few months to live.
Back to Toronto. Our online communication continued almost daily. He was just a prolific writer as I am although he finished Chemical Engineering. And he retired as an Army Captain from a branch of the AFP that deals with explosives and guns.
He loved songs from the 50s and I sent him MP3s almost daily too which he saved in his PC. During one party, he said, he connected his PC to an amplifier and played his MP3 collection the whole day. He told his guests the music came from his friend in Toronto. His favorite was Paul Anka's VERBOTEN.
Then his wife died. His correspondence never stopped. A year later, he told me he fell in love with his grandaughter's Nanny. She was much younger than him. At first she refused him, but mutual love prevailed and soon she accepted him. But she had to go home by herself first to Bontoc to tell her parents about Ray.
Ray told me that during her long trip from Manila to Bontoc, they exchanged text constantly all the way. Later he said, he learned her parents accepted him, no reservations.They were townmates. He was to follow her to Bontoc, meet her parents, and follow the traditional Bontoc way of asking her hands from the parents.
There was what they called a "Kaniaw" an all day festivity of drinking and eating. They set the wedding day and then he and his new bride to be went back to Manila in his car.
Invitations were printed, the church was contacted and all necessary preparations were made for the great day.
But then something happened and I wished it never did. Ray was crossing Quezon blvd. one day when he was struck by a passenger jeepney. He was brought to the hospital, but he died after one day.
The accident was e-mailed to me by one of our college friends.
Even today, I am still struck by the uncanny incidents surrounding Ray's death.
Was it merely a coincidence, or did a love from beyond reached out to take him away from this world?.
I still believe it was nothing but an accident, but certain events in this world are really beyond our control.
Here is a link to Ray's favorite song. Please copy and paste the link to your tool bar.---#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw5LC0TibYM
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
WHEN I AM 84
One of the perks in our volunteer work is an access to the self-serve coffee shop located in the lobby of the facility. Our sing along session usually starts at 4:00-5:00pm, at the 2nd floor then from 6:30 to 7:30 on the first floor of the LTC ( long term care ) In the 4:00 to 5:00 session, most of the participants have already dementia.
Each time we sit down for a coffee right after the 4-5 session, we talk about our observations, especially how the residents react with us.
Like one time, as I was setting up my keyboard and amplifier., one resident approached me. Then she asked: "How is my car doing? Are you fixing it?"
"Uh-uh.." I would say silently then I would tell her: "Ask that lady over there ( a staff who works in the facility, trained to deal with these situations. I am not!)
There was one lady who has such a wide knowledge of songs. She knows the title of most of the tunes I play. In the beginning, she fancied me. Oh, you can tell, because she would hug me right after the last song, or shake my hand gripping it and never letting it go. She would be telling how marvelous I am, or telling me that she wants to bring me to her home, stuff like that. Well, she does not know what she is already telling..
Lately she does not bother me anymore because she found a partner among the other residents and I am happy for her!
Miggie saw several of these "love-struck" partners. The spouse of one partner is still alive, but she hardly know her real husband anymore. She is more attached to the one whom she see and interact frequently in the facility.
Of course, these residents are never allowed to go out of the wing. Doing so would be disastrous. Not unless a relative would be there to acompany them..
So I joke Miggie."Would you leave me here when I am 84 and be just like some of them?"
"Of course, not" she said.."Neither would I," I would answer."PATIEM!" she would remark and we would both laugh. But we know too well the situation is not a laughing matter once it arrives.
There are some options aside from being confined to a facility. Stay in your own house and let someone visit you regularly, a paid caregiver.
Me?..I can never tell. Who can? Hopefully, I could be like one of my daughter's grandmother in law, a feisty Scottish lady.
At the age of 90, she can still drive, travel and one time, she wanted to learn how to fly a plane. Her mind is still sharp. Her face is already wrinkled but she can still move about with agility. She can converse very intelligently.
In fact she is inviting us to Scotland for her next birthday anniversary.---#
IN PRAISE OF OLDER WOMEN ( AND MEN )
Yesterday, I bade good bye to two of our Music "classes" at the Senior's Home. We told them we are going home to the Philippines for a 6-week vacation.
Maybe God gave me some musical genes so I can serve these people at this point in my life.
When I was still about 10 years old, I have already been listening to different genres of music from an old, battery operated RCA radio in Asingan. Folk songs from different countries ( esp. Ireland, Scotland, England, ) and also the current hits of that era..
Of course the hits then were YOU DON'T KNOW ME by Jerry Vale, QUE SERA SERA by Doris Day, I UNDERSTAND by Julius la Rosa, and other names whom younger readers of this Board would remark "Never heard of them.."
But right now I still know them : ITS A LONG WAY TO TIPERRARY, HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, HARBOUR LIGHTS, LILI MARLENE..etc. My Senior singers love to sing these, every week..They may not remember their room numbers, but they still know the tune and lyrics of these ditties..
We have no piano at home in Asingan. But there was a piano in our neighbour's house, who was the late Fr. Castaneda, a priest of the Aglipayan church. I love going to that church during those days, but only when there was no service. So I sometimes visit the empty church in the afternoon to play with Pete Castaneda, one of the Pastors sons.
Pete was a bit older than me, but he was full of fun. We would play Indians and Cowboys inside the empty church. There were plenty of nooks and crannies where we can hide ( including the confessional box ) which, like the Catholic church in Asingan, was also hardly ever used that time.
He was the one who can piay the piano. So after we played , we would go to his house located behind the church. Then Pete encouraged me to try their piano. I fell in love with the instrument the first time I tinkled its ivory keys. Started playing them then and never stopped playing it ever since.
Now I am using this unique acquired skill, not to earn money but to provide entertainment for the helpless older men and women in the senior home..As a volunteer, of course. There is no pay but I get the feeling of being useful and appreciated by the Recreational Director and the residents themselves. The feeling of self worth is important to anybody's mental health..
In addition, I found a good activity for me and Miggie. She is still working, but after she retires, there must be something we can do together aside from watching TV day and night.
She loves singing to a "captive audience", the residents of this brand new, multi storied facility that looks like a 5 star hotel, from the outside and from the inside .
The building was one time a high school, and then it was bought by a corporation specializing in building Retirement homes.
Thus we found ourselves as "musicians" We sing nothing but the old songs, the ones I heard in Asingan when I was young. I learned their tunes first, and then when I learned how to play the piano, I also learn by memory how to play them without the use of written scores..( to be continued )
next installment: WHEN I AM EIGHTY FOUR..
Monday, March 22, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
ASINGAN WAS OUR STOPPING PLACE...
Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what to be
A resting place along the road, To sweet eternity.
We all have different journeys, different paths along the way,
We all were meant To learn some things, But never meant to stay...
Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know.
For some the journey's quicker, For some the journey's slow.
and when the journey finally ends,
We'll claim a great reward and find an everlasting peace as always.
Anonymous
Asingan is, and will always be
That oasis that lies beyond the sea
The years will drop as dead leaves from a tree
But this town will always be, a part of you and me...
---vic costes
Saturday, March 20, 2010
ASINGAN'S POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Written by Victorio Costes from files by Samuel Soloria, Carl Calderon, Francisco Malala and Celestino Necessito
Asingan has contributed four Congressmen to the political history of the Philippines: Juan Millan, Narcisco Ramos, Justino Benito and Luciano Millan. Juan Millan was a hard working Nacionalista lawmaker who died after the end of his second term. Narciso Ramos, a member of the Liberal Party later became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Then there was Justino Benito, a brilliant lawyer who was chosen as an outstanding Congressman during his term. The fourth is Luciano Millan ( Asingan Public High School eventually was named after him ) a "fighting" Nationalista Congressman. His record was so good that he was selected to represent the Philippines in the United Nations General Assembly with another brilliant statesman. That statesman's name was Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.
It is said that Ferdinand Marcos came to Asingan a few times. Narciso Ramos, the father of Fidel Ramos and Leticia Ramos-Shahani, was his close relative . He stayed then in a stately house that belongs to the Agsalud family. Mrs. Pura Ramos Agsalud is the sister of Narciso. It is said that Ferdinand Marcos came to Asingan during the war, then as a Senator and finally as a Presidential candidate.
Asingan came to the limelight when Fidel Ramos won the Presidential election many, many years later. A month before the election, I was in Asingan to attend the town fiesta. I saw him with many bodyguards and friends participating in the TARAY ASINGAN. Back in Toronto, I was elated a month later when I heard that finally, a townmate of ours became the President of the Philippines. His sister also won a senatorial seat. However, there are a few townspeople from Lingayen, Pangasinan who claim that Lingayen is the true hometown of Pres. Ramos since his mother is from this town and he was born in this provincial capital. Some say Fidel Ramos finished his Elementary schooling in Lingayen and his teachers say he had shown a promising capacity for leadership. I gathered these stories when I visited Lingayen during one of my balik-bayan holidays.
However, the fact remains that Pres. Ramos and Sen. Leticia Shahani have residences ( rather vacation houses ) here in Asingan.And many schools in town are renamed after their parents.
Rafael Colet is another addition to the Who's Who in Asingan's Hall of Fame. Rafael Colet once served as the governor of Pangasinan. Ranjit Shahani, the son of Leticia Ramos Shahani has also served as a Congressman for the 5th District of Pangasinan.
You might have seen ( or heard ) of two towering Narra trees at the Mayor's gate at the south side of the town plaza. The seedlings which grew into these gigantic trees were brought over from Dapitan, Zamboanga by an Asinganian, Professor Jose Blando. It is said that the seedlings came from the narra tree planted by our country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. He planted this tree while he was in exile in Dapitan. The last time I saw the trees, they are already dead but I know they witnessed the unfolding of Asingan from a small settlement into a bustling community belonging to the second millennium. I remember Asingan during the 50's, 60's and '70s. It was a "sleepy" community. Now a days, it seems Asingan hardly sleeps at all. Resorts with modern swimming pools and picnic areas sprung up in the poblacion and in many barrios. Night life in town would be a visit to countless "Karaoke" bars which are open 7 days ( or rather 7 nights ) a week.. Apartels and Hotels are established for transients and visitors. Tricycles come and go out of town almost the whole night. You can even text a tricycle to come to your doorstep if you have a cell phone, assuming the driver have a cell of his own.
Thus the story of Asingan continues with the passage of time and history. Its townspeople come and go like the waves at the beach. But like the beach, Asingan does not go away. It is always there, patiently awaiting for her visiting sons and daughters from all over the world.
THE END.
*******************************************************
#
Asingan has contributed four Congressmen to the political history of the Philippines: Juan Millan, Narcisco Ramos, Justino Benito and Luciano Millan. Juan Millan was a hard working Nacionalista lawmaker who died after the end of his second term. Narciso Ramos, a member of the Liberal Party later became the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Then there was Justino Benito, a brilliant lawyer who was chosen as an outstanding Congressman during his term. The fourth is Luciano Millan ( Asingan Public High School eventually was named after him ) a "fighting" Nationalista Congressman. His record was so good that he was selected to represent the Philippines in the United Nations General Assembly with another brilliant statesman. That statesman's name was Ferdinand Edralin Marcos.
It is said that Ferdinand Marcos came to Asingan a few times. Narciso Ramos, the father of Fidel Ramos and Leticia Ramos-Shahani, was his close relative . He stayed then in a stately house that belongs to the Agsalud family. Mrs. Pura Ramos Agsalud is the sister of Narciso. It is said that Ferdinand Marcos came to Asingan during the war, then as a Senator and finally as a Presidential candidate.
Asingan came to the limelight when Fidel Ramos won the Presidential election many, many years later. A month before the election, I was in Asingan to attend the town fiesta. I saw him with many bodyguards and friends participating in the TARAY ASINGAN. Back in Toronto, I was elated a month later when I heard that finally, a townmate of ours became the President of the Philippines. His sister also won a senatorial seat. However, there are a few townspeople from Lingayen, Pangasinan who claim that Lingayen is the true hometown of Pres. Ramos since his mother is from this town and he was born in this provincial capital. Some say Fidel Ramos finished his Elementary schooling in Lingayen and his teachers say he had shown a promising capacity for leadership. I gathered these stories when I visited Lingayen during one of my balik-bayan holidays.
However, the fact remains that Pres. Ramos and Sen. Leticia Shahani have residences ( rather vacation houses ) here in Asingan.And many schools in town are renamed after their parents.
Rafael Colet is another addition to the Who's Who in Asingan's Hall of Fame. Rafael Colet once served as the governor of Pangasinan. Ranjit Shahani, the son of Leticia Ramos Shahani has also served as a Congressman for the 5th District of Pangasinan.
You might have seen ( or heard ) of two towering Narra trees at the Mayor's gate at the south side of the town plaza. The seedlings which grew into these gigantic trees were brought over from Dapitan, Zamboanga by an Asinganian, Professor Jose Blando. It is said that the seedlings came from the narra tree planted by our country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. He planted this tree while he was in exile in Dapitan. The last time I saw the trees, they are already dead but I know they witnessed the unfolding of Asingan from a small settlement into a bustling community belonging to the second millennium. I remember Asingan during the 50's, 60's and '70s. It was a "sleepy" community. Now a days, it seems Asingan hardly sleeps at all. Resorts with modern swimming pools and picnic areas sprung up in the poblacion and in many barrios. Night life in town would be a visit to countless "Karaoke" bars which are open 7 days ( or rather 7 nights ) a week.. Apartels and Hotels are established for transients and visitors. Tricycles come and go out of town almost the whole night. You can even text a tricycle to come to your doorstep if you have a cell phone, assuming the driver have a cell of his own.
Thus the story of Asingan continues with the passage of time and history. Its townspeople come and go like the waves at the beach. But like the beach, Asingan does not go away. It is always there, patiently awaiting for her visiting sons and daughters from all over the world.
THE END.
*******************************************************
#
A Short History of Asingan (or how Asingan got its name)
a view of Domanpot-Dumakit( behind the tree lines ) from the top of PSU...
Francisco Malala, a retired school teacher and a local writer-researcher from Asingan, provided us with additional materials pertaining to the history of this town. Mr. Malala also worked the defunct HOMELAND NEWS, a Community Newspaper published in Asingan and being circulated in nearby towns of Pangasinan.The editor/publisher then was Nonong Necessito.
According to Francisco, when the revolt against the Spaniards broke out in 1762, only Asingan and Binmaley did not join the uprising. Asingan became the refuge of Dominican friars whose lives were endangered; thus Asingan earned the title of "Most Noble and Most Loyal Asingan."
As early as 1600,Francisco said, Dominican missionaries established religious missions in a place called Caboloan ( said to be the first name of Pangasinan ). One was called SAN BARTOLOME DE AGNO ( 1687 ) the first to be established near the present site of San Manuel. Then another mission was put up in a neighbouring area ( now the present site of Asingan ). This second mission is called SAN LUIS BELTRAN DE SINAPOG (1698). In 1719 some Igorots from the nearby mountains of San Manuel attacked the mission of San Bartolome and massacred some inhabitants. The Dominican friars and some survivors fled to San Luis Beltran mission for safety.
In 1733, the Governor General granted a license to establish a town in the San Luis Beltran mission. This town became Asingan in 1802 and up this day, it is still located beside the Sinapog river.
ASINGAN got its name from an early incident when some visitors cried "Naasing kayo" ( Ilocano for you are hostile ) to some natives who did not want the visitors to hang around. But the present inhabitants of Asingan are now anything but hostile.
If you visit Asingan now a days, you can view the Asingan Catholic Church in its fully restored elegance. Like any church in Pangasinan, it has survived earthquakes, insurrections and other man-made calamities.
On March 16, 1892 an earthquake left the church with some horizontal cracks. But the church was still usable for worship. Then in 1898, General Makabulos of the KKK ( Kagalang galangang, Kataastaasang Katipunan ) organized some secret groups in Pangasinan. It is written that during this year, Binalonan, San Manuel and Asingan were captured by the KKK. It must have been during this period that the Asingan convent ( the biggest convent in Eastern Pangasinan at that time ) was razed to the ground by a Katipunero named Agustin Alejo.
In 1947, Rev. Jose Macaraeg renovated the church in preparation for the second post war celebration of Christ the King in Pangasinan. Thus in October 1947, the faithful from entire Pangasinan, and also the towns of Lupao and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija and other towns like Camiling and Gerona in Tarlac converged in Asingan for a huge celebration. ( at that time, these towns are still part of the Diocese of Lingayen.)
On July 16, 1990, an intensity 8 earthquake rendered the church useless. Whole walls came down. Masses were held outdoors. But Asinganians from all over the world ( even those from other denominations ) pitched in their financial help for the restoration of the church. Thus, on October 10, 1993, which is celebrated in Asingan as the feast day of their Patron Saint St. Louis Beltran, the reconstructed church was opened to all Asinganians for the first time. This first Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Jesus Galang, D.D. Asingan Parish Priest Msgr. Marlo Peralta and assistant Parish Priest Benjamin Mangonon.
The parishioners were honored in April 23, 1995 when President Fidel Ramos came to his hometown to see the new church . Msgr. Peralta acknowledged before the congregation the presence of the former President of the Philippines.--#
---Vic Costes with files by Francisco Malala
**************
How wonderful to have a talented amber who can create a blog line for Asinganians in addition to what we already have here in the AMB.I thought it was creative for Mr. Marinas to set a medium for all Pangasineneses where he can help us touch each other heart while we are away from our home sweet home.
Manong Vic, yours is more intensified as we get to preview pictures of specific topics that can even really really touch not only our hearts but also our souls. Asinganians, keep posting pertinent stories, informations or unforgetable experiences in your life and don't worry about spellings and grammar because Manong Vic will edit and improve your blog entry before posting it.
Thanks Manong Vic!--LINDA
ALWAYS A PLEASURE, LINDA!---vic
******************
MORE ASINGAN TRIVIA--
Even if where you come from is a little bit complicated, it's still interesting to learn that I do have a little affinity with you, Sunrise, Manong Vic and Icarus. Kindly allow me to explain to you how. You and Icarus are from La Union. My late grandmother on my late father's side is from La Union. The thing that makes me sad is I never have had the chance of meeting and knowing any of her kin. Then you and Sunrise are from Pao, Manaoag, Pangasinan. Manong Vic's late mom, Apong Petra, is from Manaoag. The roots of my wife's mother are all in Laoac, Pangasinan. And as we know, Laoac is a former barangay of Manaoag. So there you go! Bale-bale la'tan agi! Am I right with what I said?
I admit, the handicap here is my inability to speak fluently the Pangasinan dialect. I can understand and speak some simple words. But other than that I'm at a loss on what to say when I'm in the company of Pangasinan-speaking people. I really regret it that I never got the chance to learn it and learn it well..Perdona mi agi.--a posting on the AMB from Puna to Madame Ricky
Without blowing his cover, I believe it is safe for me to say here that PUNA is a published writer in Hawai'i.--vic
Francisco Malala, a retired school teacher and a local writer-researcher from Asingan, provided us with additional materials pertaining to the history of this town. Mr. Malala also worked the defunct HOMELAND NEWS, a Community Newspaper published in Asingan and being circulated in nearby towns of Pangasinan.The editor/publisher then was Nonong Necessito.
According to Francisco, when the revolt against the Spaniards broke out in 1762, only Asingan and Binmaley did not join the uprising. Asingan became the refuge of Dominican friars whose lives were endangered; thus Asingan earned the title of "Most Noble and Most Loyal Asingan."
As early as 1600,Francisco said, Dominican missionaries established religious missions in a place called Caboloan ( said to be the first name of Pangasinan ). One was called SAN BARTOLOME DE AGNO ( 1687 ) the first to be established near the present site of San Manuel. Then another mission was put up in a neighbouring area ( now the present site of Asingan ). This second mission is called SAN LUIS BELTRAN DE SINAPOG (1698). In 1719 some Igorots from the nearby mountains of San Manuel attacked the mission of San Bartolome and massacred some inhabitants. The Dominican friars and some survivors fled to San Luis Beltran mission for safety.
In 1733, the Governor General granted a license to establish a town in the San Luis Beltran mission. This town became Asingan in 1802 and up this day, it is still located beside the Sinapog river.
ASINGAN got its name from an early incident when some visitors cried "Naasing kayo" ( Ilocano for you are hostile ) to some natives who did not want the visitors to hang around. But the present inhabitants of Asingan are now anything but hostile.
If you visit Asingan now a days, you can view the Asingan Catholic Church in its fully restored elegance. Like any church in Pangasinan, it has survived earthquakes, insurrections and other man-made calamities.
On March 16, 1892 an earthquake left the church with some horizontal cracks. But the church was still usable for worship. Then in 1898, General Makabulos of the KKK ( Kagalang galangang, Kataastaasang Katipunan ) organized some secret groups in Pangasinan. It is written that during this year, Binalonan, San Manuel and Asingan were captured by the KKK. It must have been during this period that the Asingan convent ( the biggest convent in Eastern Pangasinan at that time ) was razed to the ground by a Katipunero named Agustin Alejo.
In 1947, Rev. Jose Macaraeg renovated the church in preparation for the second post war celebration of Christ the King in Pangasinan. Thus in October 1947, the faithful from entire Pangasinan, and also the towns of Lupao and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija and other towns like Camiling and Gerona in Tarlac converged in Asingan for a huge celebration. ( at that time, these towns are still part of the Diocese of Lingayen.)
On July 16, 1990, an intensity 8 earthquake rendered the church useless. Whole walls came down. Masses were held outdoors. But Asinganians from all over the world ( even those from other denominations ) pitched in their financial help for the restoration of the church. Thus, on October 10, 1993, which is celebrated in Asingan as the feast day of their Patron Saint St. Louis Beltran, the reconstructed church was opened to all Asinganians for the first time. This first Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Jesus Galang, D.D. Asingan Parish Priest Msgr. Marlo Peralta and assistant Parish Priest Benjamin Mangonon.
The parishioners were honored in April 23, 1995 when President Fidel Ramos came to his hometown to see the new church . Msgr. Peralta acknowledged before the congregation the presence of the former President of the Philippines.--#
---Vic Costes with files by Francisco Malala
**************
How wonderful to have a talented amber who can create a blog line for Asinganians in addition to what we already have here in the AMB.I thought it was creative for Mr. Marinas to set a medium for all Pangasineneses where he can help us touch each other heart while we are away from our home sweet home.
Manong Vic, yours is more intensified as we get to preview pictures of specific topics that can even really really touch not only our hearts but also our souls. Asinganians, keep posting pertinent stories, informations or unforgetable experiences in your life and don't worry about spellings and grammar because Manong Vic will edit and improve your blog entry before posting it.
Thanks Manong Vic!--LINDA
ALWAYS A PLEASURE, LINDA!---vic
******************
MORE ASINGAN TRIVIA--
Even if where you come from is a little bit complicated, it's still interesting to learn that I do have a little affinity with you, Sunrise, Manong Vic and Icarus. Kindly allow me to explain to you how. You and Icarus are from La Union. My late grandmother on my late father's side is from La Union. The thing that makes me sad is I never have had the chance of meeting and knowing any of her kin. Then you and Sunrise are from Pao, Manaoag, Pangasinan. Manong Vic's late mom, Apong Petra, is from Manaoag. The roots of my wife's mother are all in Laoac, Pangasinan. And as we know, Laoac is a former barangay of Manaoag. So there you go! Bale-bale la'tan agi! Am I right with what I said?
I admit, the handicap here is my inability to speak fluently the Pangasinan dialect. I can understand and speak some simple words. But other than that I'm at a loss on what to say when I'm in the company of Pangasinan-speaking people. I really regret it that I never got the chance to learn it and learn it well..Perdona mi agi.--a posting on the AMB from Puna to Madame Ricky
Without blowing his cover, I believe it is safe for me to say here that PUNA is a published writer in Hawai'i.--vic
Friday, March 19, 2010
IN PRAISE OF ASINGAN
ASINGAN AS SEEN BY AN EYE IN THE SKY
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
I compare Asingan, our hometown to a big and tall fruit tree. When the fruits become ripe, they drop into the ground where they decompose. Some seeds would remain where the fruits originally fell, but some would run off with the flow of the water especially when it rains. Thus some seeds braving the turmoils, current and shifting of the water will turn out where they will grow robustly.
In real life there's Linda in San Diego, Arsenia in Texas, Manong Vic In Canada, Arsenio in LA and countless Asinganians all over the world. But you know what? We are all brothers and sisters because we all came from a single "tree" which is Asingan. We all love one another but sometimes we argue and even fight but in time of need we forget the petty fueds and we help one another. --Linda
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
Asingan is a place like no other..Steady like a rock, patient like a parent,tall like a narra tree, happy like a child's laughter, sad like the plaza when the fiesta is over..I also compare it to a beach which waits for visits from sons and daughters scattered all over this world. They arrive like waves, linger in the rocky dunes for a while to play, then ebb back to the ocean where they came from.
For any Asinganian who have tasted its waters, will always yearn to drink it again and again and again...Vic
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
SEND ME YOUR SHORT ESSAY PRAISING ASINGAN AND I WILL BE GLAD TO PUBLISH IT IN MY BLOG. AN APPROPRIATE, DIGITAL PHOTO IS MOST WELCOME. HOPEFULLY, TOWNMATES WHO WOULD READ THEM MIGHT BE CONVINCED TO COME HOME FOR A VISIT...
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
I compare Asingan, our hometown to a big and tall fruit tree. When the fruits become ripe, they drop into the ground where they decompose. Some seeds would remain where the fruits originally fell, but some would run off with the flow of the water especially when it rains. Thus some seeds braving the turmoils, current and shifting of the water will turn out where they will grow robustly.
In real life there's Linda in San Diego, Arsenia in Texas, Manong Vic In Canada, Arsenio in LA and countless Asinganians all over the world. But you know what? We are all brothers and sisters because we all came from a single "tree" which is Asingan. We all love one another but sometimes we argue and even fight but in time of need we forget the petty fueds and we help one another. --Linda
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
Asingan is a place like no other..Steady like a rock, patient like a parent,tall like a narra tree, happy like a child's laughter, sad like the plaza when the fiesta is over..I also compare it to a beach which waits for visits from sons and daughters scattered all over this world. They arrive like waves, linger in the rocky dunes for a while to play, then ebb back to the ocean where they came from.
For any Asinganian who have tasted its waters, will always yearn to drink it again and again and again...Vic
OOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo
SEND ME YOUR SHORT ESSAY PRAISING ASINGAN AND I WILL BE GLAD TO PUBLISH IT IN MY BLOG. AN APPROPRIATE, DIGITAL PHOTO IS MOST WELCOME. HOPEFULLY, TOWNMATES WHO WOULD READ THEM MIGHT BE CONVINCED TO COME HOME FOR A VISIT...
MANNY P. FOREVER!
Our hero looks down on Cotto who could not figure out where the blow came from...
It shows that there's a limit for a lot of people. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao should learn from a Waikiki concert flop that everyone will not support him on all the things that he wishes to do. A lot of people tries to ride on his success especially those politicians in our country..
Manny is one of the greatest boxers and one of the greatest person I've read about, but like I said, there's a limit for everything. I still idolize him as a boxer, but I think that would be it...singer-politician---naaaahhh, i don't think so....a boxing fan
************************************
OK, let me make some predictions: Pacman will not win this election..He will lose some money but he has tons of it anyway..Mayweather will NOT meet him in the ring, he is too scared to meet our man Pacman. A day after his last fight, I went to Chinatown here in Toronto to check up the DVD sellers. I bought a copy of the PPV DVD of the night before: I found one. Price: 2.99 $ Can. Beats paying 49.50 for the PPV the other night!
I like the way the announcers described his style: BANG-BANG-BANG!..One writer said, most of what Pacman hit were the leather gloves of Clottey. Such a "dirty" fighter making a mockery of the whole 12 rounds. But I do admire Pacman.
He is a role model. For me, it is the way he prays before and after each bout..He would be able to teach many people the efficacy of prayer in times of need. I would say: if he becomes a Preacher, rather than a Politician, I believe he would win more followers than some of the independent churches here in the outer areas of the Philippines!
He reminds me of an old movie in the 50s. The title is THE LEATHER SAINT. Playing the title role is John Derek. He is a boxer in the movie. His real job during the day is a Catholic priest!..If it comes out on DVD or in the TCM, watch it. It is a quasi religious movie!--Vic
It shows that there's a limit for a lot of people. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao should learn from a Waikiki concert flop that everyone will not support him on all the things that he wishes to do. A lot of people tries to ride on his success especially those politicians in our country..
Manny is one of the greatest boxers and one of the greatest person I've read about, but like I said, there's a limit for everything. I still idolize him as a boxer, but I think that would be it...singer-politician---naaaahhh, i don't think so....a boxing fan
************************************
OK, let me make some predictions: Pacman will not win this election..He will lose some money but he has tons of it anyway..Mayweather will NOT meet him in the ring, he is too scared to meet our man Pacman. A day after his last fight, I went to Chinatown here in Toronto to check up the DVD sellers. I bought a copy of the PPV DVD of the night before: I found one. Price: 2.99 $ Can. Beats paying 49.50 for the PPV the other night!
I like the way the announcers described his style: BANG-BANG-BANG!..One writer said, most of what Pacman hit were the leather gloves of Clottey. Such a "dirty" fighter making a mockery of the whole 12 rounds. But I do admire Pacman.
He is a role model. For me, it is the way he prays before and after each bout..He would be able to teach many people the efficacy of prayer in times of need. I would say: if he becomes a Preacher, rather than a Politician, I believe he would win more followers than some of the independent churches here in the outer areas of the Philippines!
He reminds me of an old movie in the 50s. The title is THE LEATHER SAINT. Playing the title role is John Derek. He is a boxer in the movie. His real job during the day is a Catholic priest!..If it comes out on DVD or in the TCM, watch it. It is a quasi religious movie!--Vic
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Hands Across the River ( Agno, i. e. )
Greetings from the kalapaw across the Karayan Agno! Thanks for all the "padigos" that you have extended to us so far , and we hope you will never get tired doing so...
Heard you're going home this year..Lucky you, and Buen Voyage, hope you enjoy every bit of your time over there! Is Manang Miggie coming home too???? Yes you are right Manong , the internet is becoming to be the most used medium of exchanging messages and ideas so far because you can reach everyone with just one click of a key and voila! a response is right there in front of you, whether it's good or bad hahahhhhh!!
Anyway, regards na lang to the Hufana clan and extend our warmest hugs to Madam Esther, be safe and have a good time!!!!--Mr. Pogi
< Maybe Miggie will just do the hugging for you...:)>--vic
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I thought you are going home to Sta. Maria, too..Umay kami kuma makipalanit..ha-ha!just kidding!!..Yes Miggie is coming too, somebody has to pay the holiday expenses, hardy-har-har!..
I think she has a load of kinfolks there..Edwin Torres, Ms Bustria, etc..We have to visit her Mom's graveyard too..Miggie was the favorite of the clan..Her Mom even named her as her juniora..Miguela became Miguelita...Yes, at least you agree to my perception of the Net..Very good, but also very bad..Depends on who is the one using the keyboard...:)
Thanks for the Bon Voyage...I will think of you when I am chewing the kilawen being washed down with Tanduay..:D---Vic
*******************
Point well taken Manong. Well, guess you are right, I wish my kapitana and I could go home too, but circumstances beyond our reach prevent us from doing it, so we'll just bite the dust and hope the next year will shower us with blessings and be there during the town fiesta too.
Going home to our towns are becoming to be a hot commodity lately but with a price,from someone's bank/wallet pay hahahhhh!! Anyway i will be happy to be with you folks any day, any time, in both Asingan and Sta. Maria when given the chance ..
Maybe someday we will be able to taste the Ginebra San Miguel BLUE(GSMBLUE) which is the best partner for those "kilawen" and 'jumping salad" during the "tagayan sessions"..Please enjoy the trip and don't forget to take photos of everyone we know!!!have a nice day!!!!--Mr. Pogi
##############
Ginebra San Miguel BLUE(GSMBLUE)..Hmmm, never heard of that before, but there is always the first time. Locals say the weather is really HOT in the Philippines right now because of El Nino. No Rain. Grounds are cracking up. I even heard of 2 Balikbayans who died of heat stroke in Manila. Oh well, I guess the beach is the best place to go. We will see! I will let you know!...--Vic
Heard you're going home this year..Lucky you, and Buen Voyage, hope you enjoy every bit of your time over there! Is Manang Miggie coming home too???? Yes you are right Manong , the internet is becoming to be the most used medium of exchanging messages and ideas so far because you can reach everyone with just one click of a key and voila! a response is right there in front of you, whether it's good or bad hahahhhhh!!
Anyway, regards na lang to the Hufana clan and extend our warmest hugs to Madam Esther, be safe and have a good time!!!!--Mr. Pogi
< Maybe Miggie will just do the hugging for you...:)>--vic
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
I thought you are going home to Sta. Maria, too..Umay kami kuma makipalanit..ha-ha!just kidding!!..Yes Miggie is coming too, somebody has to pay the holiday expenses, hardy-har-har!..
I think she has a load of kinfolks there..Edwin Torres, Ms Bustria, etc..We have to visit her Mom's graveyard too..Miggie was the favorite of the clan..Her Mom even named her as her juniora..Miguela became Miguelita...Yes, at least you agree to my perception of the Net..Very good, but also very bad..Depends on who is the one using the keyboard...:)
Thanks for the Bon Voyage...I will think of you when I am chewing the kilawen being washed down with Tanduay..:D---Vic
*******************
Point well taken Manong. Well, guess you are right, I wish my kapitana and I could go home too, but circumstances beyond our reach prevent us from doing it, so we'll just bite the dust and hope the next year will shower us with blessings and be there during the town fiesta too.
Going home to our towns are becoming to be a hot commodity lately but with a price,from someone's bank/wallet pay hahahhhh!! Anyway i will be happy to be with you folks any day, any time, in both Asingan and Sta. Maria when given the chance ..
Maybe someday we will be able to taste the Ginebra San Miguel BLUE(GSMBLUE) which is the best partner for those "kilawen" and 'jumping salad" during the "tagayan sessions"..Please enjoy the trip and don't forget to take photos of everyone we know!!!have a nice day!!!!--Mr. Pogi
##############
Ginebra San Miguel BLUE(GSMBLUE)..Hmmm, never heard of that before, but there is always the first time. Locals say the weather is really HOT in the Philippines right now because of El Nino. No Rain. Grounds are cracking up. I even heard of 2 Balikbayans who died of heat stroke in Manila. Oh well, I guess the beach is the best place to go. We will see! I will let you know!...--Vic
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tracing Family Roots....
a mini album of Icarus' family and friends...
My family tree traces its root from La Union and its very interesting to note that most families in Barangay Dupac migrated from there. In fact, the northern part of the barangay is otherwise known as "Kabalawanan" which roughly translates to "a place for people from Balaoan” which is in La Union.
No wonder, the more prominent family names in that place today are Ordonio, Orpiano, Obra, Orallo, Pascua, etc which are also the more common family names in Balaoan. Notice how almost invariably the names starts with the letter "O".
It is said that during the Spanish times, when the Ilocos was being Christianized, the authorities provided lists of Spanish names to each town from which the people are to select their Christian names. Wittingly or unwittingly, the alphabetical listing was literally divided and torn apart so that each town was given only a part of the list and thus, only certain first letters to choose from.
Thus, the old towns of Ilocos have each a unique first letters to their family names. Balaoan is populated by people whose family names start in "O" as was previously mentioned, Luna town by Nelmidas, Nacionales, Nunez, Nieveras, Navors, Nuvals, Naguns, etc; Tagudin by Lastimosos, Las Marias, Landingins, Laranangs, Lacanarias, etc; Narvacan by Cabbats, Cabebes, Cacholas, Cabanillas, Candelarios, Cabradillas, etc. The pattern, however, do not apply to our Asingan because it was, and more so now, a melting pot.
The central and southern portion of Dupac were peopled by migrants from San Juan and other towns of La Union which includes the Cariazos, Delmendos, Abuans, Solorias, Buccats, Almerols, Baduas, etc. Inter-marriage has blurred the family lines but it is very interesting indeed to know that most of us share common bloodlines and origins. By the way, Eastern Poblacion is otherwise known as “Kalawagan” not because it is the brightest of the barangays, whether true or not, but because it was once the sanctuary of people migrating from Laoag, Ilocos Norte…--Icarus
My family tree traces its root from La Union and its very interesting to note that most families in Barangay Dupac migrated from there. In fact, the northern part of the barangay is otherwise known as "Kabalawanan" which roughly translates to "a place for people from Balaoan” which is in La Union.
No wonder, the more prominent family names in that place today are Ordonio, Orpiano, Obra, Orallo, Pascua, etc which are also the more common family names in Balaoan. Notice how almost invariably the names starts with the letter "O".
It is said that during the Spanish times, when the Ilocos was being Christianized, the authorities provided lists of Spanish names to each town from which the people are to select their Christian names. Wittingly or unwittingly, the alphabetical listing was literally divided and torn apart so that each town was given only a part of the list and thus, only certain first letters to choose from.
Thus, the old towns of Ilocos have each a unique first letters to their family names. Balaoan is populated by people whose family names start in "O" as was previously mentioned, Luna town by Nelmidas, Nacionales, Nunez, Nieveras, Navors, Nuvals, Naguns, etc; Tagudin by Lastimosos, Las Marias, Landingins, Laranangs, Lacanarias, etc; Narvacan by Cabbats, Cabebes, Cacholas, Cabanillas, Candelarios, Cabradillas, etc. The pattern, however, do not apply to our Asingan because it was, and more so now, a melting pot.
The central and southern portion of Dupac were peopled by migrants from San Juan and other towns of La Union which includes the Cariazos, Delmendos, Abuans, Solorias, Buccats, Almerols, Baduas, etc. Inter-marriage has blurred the family lines but it is very interesting indeed to know that most of us share common bloodlines and origins. By the way, Eastern Poblacion is otherwise known as “Kalawagan” not because it is the brightest of the barangays, whether true or not, but because it was once the sanctuary of people migrating from Laoag, Ilocos Norte…--Icarus
a Family Portrait
I lifted this from Linda's FB account...Thanks Linda..:)
One incident in the Dupac Intermediate School was a wrestle match I had with Rodrigo Esperon. I was smaller in height and build than him. Before we went home after class, we usually played first with friends in the wide grassy expanse of the school's back yard. It was then a beautiful open area. ***At first he was winning ( he was strong ) then I managed to pin him down with my thighs around his neck..I let him go after because I noticed his gums were bleeding. I saw this because all the time, he was smiling as if he was enjoying the sport very much.... He had lots of friends during our Gr. 5- 6 years, but I believe our teachers had a hard time asking him to study his books..Well, who would like to study when there is more to childhood days than being a bookworm..:)Me? I hated studying too during the elementary, even high school years. I prefered reading comic books at home or in the school yard..:D
On April 2009, I met Rodrigo after more than 50 years, maybe. We were not paying attention anymore to the ongoing festivities at the Asingan auditorium. We were joined by Rogelio Vicencio, another classmate from Sanchez...I did not see Rodrigo anymore after the Dupac years, but he told me he stayed in Isabela for a bit looking after some family business. He was wearing a hat. Now I saw that his curly hair was shortened by the passing of the years. But he is still good-looking as ever.
He looked robust but he said he is under medical observation. He invited me and Rogelio to see him the next day in his house. I said yes, but I was picked up the next day by a batch of friends and we went up to Baguio.
That always happens during a holiday in Asingan. One day it is so boring and quiet, and the next day 2 or 3 invitations would arrive at the same time.
I went to Baguio but I was promised I will be back so I could visit Rodrigo. We arrived late in Asingan and I had this migraine because of the cold, rainy weather in Baguio.
Hopefully this time, I will be able to see him.---#
One incident in the Dupac Intermediate School was a wrestle match I had with Rodrigo Esperon. I was smaller in height and build than him. Before we went home after class, we usually played first with friends in the wide grassy expanse of the school's back yard. It was then a beautiful open area. ***At first he was winning ( he was strong ) then I managed to pin him down with my thighs around his neck..I let him go after because I noticed his gums were bleeding. I saw this because all the time, he was smiling as if he was enjoying the sport very much.... He had lots of friends during our Gr. 5- 6 years, but I believe our teachers had a hard time asking him to study his books..Well, who would like to study when there is more to childhood days than being a bookworm..:)Me? I hated studying too during the elementary, even high school years. I prefered reading comic books at home or in the school yard..:D
On April 2009, I met Rodrigo after more than 50 years, maybe. We were not paying attention anymore to the ongoing festivities at the Asingan auditorium. We were joined by Rogelio Vicencio, another classmate from Sanchez...I did not see Rodrigo anymore after the Dupac years, but he told me he stayed in Isabela for a bit looking after some family business. He was wearing a hat. Now I saw that his curly hair was shortened by the passing of the years. But he is still good-looking as ever.
He looked robust but he said he is under medical observation. He invited me and Rogelio to see him the next day in his house. I said yes, but I was picked up the next day by a batch of friends and we went up to Baguio.
That always happens during a holiday in Asingan. One day it is so boring and quiet, and the next day 2 or 3 invitations would arrive at the same time.
I went to Baguio but I was promised I will be back so I could visit Rodrigo. We arrived late in Asingan and I had this migraine because of the cold, rainy weather in Baguio.
Hopefully this time, I will be able to see him.---#
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