Thursday, October 7, 2021


 MRS. BUENA


Today, October 8 is World Teachers' Day. One particular teacher I will never forget is my HS principal. Mrs. Apolinaria Buenaventura or "Mrs. Buena" as she was fondly called by her students, was a kind-hearted lady who, though a strict disciplinarian, was always the sweet second mother away from home. But she did exceptionally well by making our school our . A few years back, I had the privilege to reconnect with her again especially after news of her failing health. I was also active in the alumni activities, which had me visit my old high school twice a week for board meetings. I visited her in the hospital one Saturday morning to cheer her up and talk to her. After about an hour and a half's visit, I was the one who was blessed by a frail woman who said her goodbyes to me. However, I could not contain my tears and had sudden flashbacks of the past. I reached down to hug her and whispered "Thank you" to her and said my last goodbye. She promised me that I will always be in good hands with God. 


 LOLO TRANQUE OF SINAIT


My great-grandfather Tranquilino Bocobo was an alcalde of Sinait, Ilocos Sur back in his time. He was a writer who composed deep Ilocano poetry and smoked a wicked cigar. He married Rita Tabago Cleofas who bore him three children namely: Maxima, Ines, and Jorge.

In this photo is Lolo Tranque (center) with grandfather Jorge Bocobo and wife Felisa Zialcita de Castro Bocobo of Orani, Bataan.