PRESERVATION AND CHARITY

I cannot express well enough how important I believe it is for Bonito Singson to make it as mayor of Vigan. I have known this man for years, and should my credibility suit me just fine for my recommendation for Bigenyos to elect him as their alcalde mayor, then permit me to trumpet his candidacy. Bonito is a strong advocate for preservation. Historians and architects will find a respectable ally in him because he fully understands the need to preserve our nation's heritage in edifices, art, maps, books, and personal documented accounts of the elderly who have witnessed the unfolding of events in the past. He has transformed his own home in Vigan into a wonderful architectural glory, not to mention the other buildings there which have now seen a major restructuring while preserving the old character. In addition, Bonito has infused several infra-based work in Vigan and in the province of Ilocos Sur while serving as a member of the House of Representatives. When the pandemic struck, he and his team immediately embarked on a feeding program for the hungry, donated tablets for students to continue their online classes, and gave away bicycles to help people reach their destinations anticipating the imminent scarcity of public transport. Bonito's heart beats for the downtrodden. One day, while taking a walk with him in the marketplace in Vigan, we chanced upon a taho vendor. He asked the old man if he already had any sale, to which the man replied in the negative. So he instructed one of his office employees to proceed to the market and buy all the taho the old man was selling. I am sure the man wore a big smile that day. But Bonito's smile was even brighter, for nothing completes a man like the one who has made the burden lighter for someone else even just for a day. And hidden behind my facemask was my smile as well. 

 HB 18657

I have kept an old note dated July 14, 1969 and addressed to my father from then Senator JJ Roy. The brief message is about HB 18657 for which I have yet to find out what is it about. As Legislative Secretary, a position he held for 20 long years, my old man was tasked to serve as a conduit between both Houses of Congress and the Office of the President. There, he rubbed elbows with legislators and Palace big shots. Well, as for himself, he died a poor man suspected of the crime of  "Unexplained Poverty."

What an achievement worthy of emulation.

 MANANG LUZ

Have you ever experienced saying goodbye to your kasambahay of many years? I have, and it does hurt much. Manang Luz has been with the family for 52 long years. She was just 16 years young in 1968 when my mother took her to be part of the household. She was family. When she retired last year at age 72, there was a sudden feeling of emptiness that I felt, for how does one really part with someone who has already been a member of the family for decades? She took good care of me beginning at age 10. She was the best cook and prepared for us delicious meals. Her morcon was one of our many favorite dishes, not to mention the croquetas and almondegas which she picked up from my mother. She would even join the family in the evenings watching television. She was a big fan of local basketball and Ginebra was her fave ball club. In summertime, she would join us for our trips to Baguio City and would do the marketing chores with my mother. Today, a year after she has left our home to return to her place in Capiz to spend her days of retirement, the vacuum still grows even larger. I miss her home-cooked meals and her presence in general. Her distinctive voice and speech carrying a strong Visayan accent is one I shall never forget. So how does one forget a Manang Luz in your life? Never. I pray she is well and strong in her days as a senior citizen and will forever be grateful for the services and care she has unselfishly given to us.