Roadtrip to Wao, Lanao del Sur
Last week we had a visitor here at the house, my old friend Bobby Timonera. Bobby has been a friend for about 12 years now, and it’s always a pleasure to see him! In many ways, Bobby has been a mentor to me (mostly on photography), and also he is a trusted adviser when it comes to travel around Mindanao
So, yesterday (Sunday) Feyma and I packed up the car and went for a little adventure. We didn’t head out alone, though, for the trip we brought along Glenda (our niece and employee in our business) and Gladys (our business Manager). Both Gladys and Glenda have not traveled widely, so I wanted to take them along so they could see some new parts of Mindanao where they had not been before.
Going to Wao from Davao is not too far a trip, about 3 1/2 hours or so. The route is through the Marilog District of Davao, on to Maramag, Bukidnon, and you turn left in Maramag to head to the Lanao del Sur border. It’s an interesting trip, the scenery is much different than other parts of Mindanao that I’ve visited. After passing Maramag, and going about 10 to 15 Kilometers, you enter an area that looks very different! It’s no longer jungle type terrain with thick foliage and such, but rather it’s farm land. It looks a lot like you are in the Midwest of the USA or somewhere like that!
The rolling agricultural fields near Maramag, Bukidnon
When we crossed the Provincial Boundary from Bukidnon to Lanao del Sur, the change was immediately obvious! In Lanao del Sur there were Political Campaign posters (there is an election coming up in May) plastered everywhere! We had not seen this in Bukidnon, at least not to the degree of Lanao del Sur. But, even the campaign posters were kind of entertaining and different. Also, just maybe a half kilometer past the border there was a big Mosque, something you don’t see in Bukidnon, at least not often.
Upon reaching the town of Wao, we looked around a bit, saw the scenery there, and shot a few photos. Wao is a small town, but it seemed like a nice and friendly place. As far as religion goes, based on my observation, I would guess it to be about 50% Muslim and 50% Christian. I saw both Mosques and Churches there, and based upon the clothing, the mix of people seemed to be around 50/50. The people seemed friendly, when I got out of the car to shoot photos, each time people would wave and shout “hello” and such. It was a nice place to visit.
After leaving Wao, we took a short trip to Valencia to have lunch at the Roadhouse Cafe (soon to open in Davao!), then headed back to Davao. Feyma and I enjoyed the trip, and I am pretty certain that Gladys and Glenda did too! If you have a chance to visit Wao, don’t pass it up! Especially if you are scared to visit other parts of Lanao del Sur, like Marawi, Wao is a safe place where you can go and at least see part of Lanao del Sur!
[...] of celebrating my Lolo birthday, my Uncle Bob and Aunt Feyma took Gladys and I to Wao, Lanao del Sur. That was my first time to visit those [...]
Hi Bob,
Did you and your group made a round trip, Davao to Wao and back? My, I could imagine how good are the roads now. During the mid 70’s it was so different that we have to travel via Butuan City, Cag de Oro and Malaybalay. Start another day for Wao, passing the towns of Kadingilan, Kalilangan and Pangantukan.I can’t remember now which town is near Wao,
but it was this place where the late President Magsaysay opened a settlement called EDCOR for the landless people. Most of the farmers who got their lands there came from Luzon. At Wao, we were walking as if we were floating in the air, watching our back because it was pretty scarry. After that trip, we were delight to say that at least we have gone to Lanao del Sur and only in Wao.
Hi Robert – Nice to hear from you! Yep, good roads all the way to Wao. I don’t think we hit a patch of dirt road on the whole trip, at least not that I recall. We drove from Davao to Wao and back the same day. Left Davao at 5:00am and were back home by 4:00pm, including making plenty of stops!
It was my second time to visit Lanao del Sur, last June I went to Marawi. Have you been to that part of Lanao del Sur, Robert? Entering Lanao del Sur from the side by Iligan is certainly an interesting experience!
Robert – by the way, we also did pass through Kalilangan and Pangantukan too. The closest town in Bukidnon to Wao is Kalilangan. It was kind of funny, because I lived in General Santos for two years, and they have the Kalilangan Festival there. Also, the main street through town is Pioneer Avenue, which is also the main street in Kalilangan, Bukidnon! Makes me wonder if the founders of Kalilangan dame from GenSan!
Thanks for your reply Bob. I have not gone to other places in Lanao del Sur except Wao because the company I was representing told us to avoid interior places like Muslim areas but Wao was an exception because I know that there are lots of Hilongo inhabitants there and as you said, may have about 50/50% inhabitants.
add: 50/50% Muslims and Christians
Hi Robert – maybe next time you are in Davao, we can make a trip together to Marawi. I am sure you would really enjoy it, because Marawi is a very interesting place!
Bob,
Yes, I am interested to make a trip to Marawi and even around the lake. but that is more pretty scarry. Did you know that the kilometer post number #0 going to, around Mindanao start at Camp Keithley ? I guess it was stablish there being one of the first American settlement in Mindanao.
Hi Robert – Yes indeed, I was aware of Kilometer Post #0 being in the area around Marawi! That is interesting too. There are a lot of interesting places and things to know about in that area. I did not, however, know about Camp Keithley.
Hi Bob,
I was born and grew up in Wao. My parents were two of the pioneering settlers in the place. I haven’t been there for about 16 years and would like to see how the place looks like nowadays. I remember our house was in front of the town plaza by the stone monument. How does that area look like now? Please post more photos, if you still have some. Is the peace and order situation better now? I would like to take my kids there sometime next year.
Hi benelynne – I have posted up all of my photos from Wao. Check in the Photo Gallery, under Mindanao Provinces – Lanao del Sur – Wao and you will find them there. There are not too many, but a few more.
Wao is just a small town, very tiny. The peace and order situation there is pretty good nowadays, not too much to worry about in going there.
Thanks for directing me to the photo gallery. Though photos were few, they certainly refreshed my memory of the place. I admire your sense of adventure in going to places even ordinary Filipinos couldn’t ever imagine going. I’ll be making a trip to the Philippines with my wife and three kids next year. I’ll visit some of the places you have posted here.
Hi Benelynne – Thanks for your comment! For anybody who wants to visit Lanao del Sur Province, Wao is probably the safest destination to go to. I have traveled pretty extensively in LdS though – Marawi, Tugaya and Wao, and all points in between these areas. I have never felt that I was in danger, although I do acknowledge that travel in Lanao del Sur is not for the faint at heart!
Hello there, Bob!
I was very much delighted reading your article about my hometown, Wao. It’s refreshing to reflect that it takes a foreigner to express/appreciate the unique rich treasure and heritage of the town and its people. Others seems to equate it with the word, “Lanao del Sur”, a wild, wild west of the south where carrying guns seems to be the norm among the populace of other municipalities. This is not so in Wao. I have grown up there.
I have been working/living overseas for over 27 years now but I always make it a point to return there, visit it regularly, spend time in the farm and mingle with elder townfolks there.
Things are sooo different now than in my boyhood days (gone are the blue-capped mountain ranges of virgin forests which were denuded by loggers who did not bother to replant trees after making their millions). How refreshing to note that you could now go round-trip from Cagayan de Oro to Wao on the same day,whereas during my college days, it took us two to three days (!) to finally reach Cagayan de Oro as most of the roads were horrible, if not impassable then! Many a times, we found ourselves camping in the national hi-way, cooking food, exchanged adventure stories until the slippery road dried up,then we continued our trip. Think of the pioneering days of the early American settlers when the eagles soared and buffalos roamed freely in the frontier. That is my nostalgic memories of “Wao of yesteryears”… Yes, there was something in that isolated farm-town, something among the rugged, hard-working farmers that made people like me to be strong-willed, determined, ambitious, stubborn, goal-oriented, and yet walk thru life with humility along the way… That peaceful town built by rugged farmers toiling the green farms; the thick woods and forests, the pristine water in the river, the misty, foggy, cold morning, the vast cornfields seen miles after miles…the unique harmony between Muslims and Christians…All these, always form inside me a poetic image and mental picture of a beloved town, causing me to always go back and visit it every now and then. I came from there, that is my roots in life: This farm-town called WAO (Wonderland of Adventure and Opportunity)
Hi Francis – Thank you for stopping by and commenting here! Well, it has been some time since I went to Wao, almost a year now. I certainly did enjoy my visit there, though. Thank you for bringing those memories to the forefront of my mind again!
Hi Bob and Francis,
What a pleasant surprise to read a familiar name reminiscing the good old days about my hometown Wao. As I mentioned earlier in this comment thread, I haven’t been there for close to two decades now. I am planning a visit to the place with my wife and three kids within the year. I want to share with them my nostalgia for the place. I have been very apprehensive that I wouldn’t be able to see a familiar face or hear a familiar name in a place that’s so indelibly etched in my memory as the colorful locale of my boyhood.
Francis, I gather you’re not presently living there, like myself. But this chance virtual encounter really re-establishes that sense of connection.
You are probably more familiar with my mother, Nellie Tutor, who used to teach English at La Purisima High. Back in those days, I was better known as Toto. My mom is now in LA. I am now in Japan but am planning to go back to the Philippines and settle my family in Bohol.
hi benelynne, i would appreciate you will tell us your last name..i believe your family is one of the settlers in wao. i’m too is from wao…i lived and grew up there ’til college that i need to study in cagayan de oro at xu..i believe you’re prety nostalgic of our hometown already. gone are the days of the savaged..wao is already a place of peace and relaxation…there’s a lot of fresh air you can breath there…it’s a total haven there…anyway, our house is also a few steps away from the monument you’re referring to…but it’s sad to note that the spiral towering of the late Pres Ramon Magsaysay been rehabilitated and converted to a small park for everybody…it was really funny and happy those days we used to climb and sort of cliff hangin’ all the way to the towering stone cold image of R.Magsaysay saluting the hospitability and friendly welcome of the folks there… we used to race all the way to the top…i wish i had so much to talk about our homeplace yet till next time..see you soon…welcome home this year i believe you’re planning with your kids to have a warm and summer vacation there…God bless!!!!
hi francis, thanks for getting in here…thanks for the vivid memories of our hometown that i can virtually draw all pictures of your adventures with of all those memories you had with our hometown….though a bit and pieces only but still i can recollect those struggles and adventures you had gone thru!!! anyway i’m younger than your generation…but i had pretty much experience with your family…esp with your mama mayang selling butchi and lugaw, others often called binignit…i used to eat there going home from school…it’s really fun those yesteryears i had…but surely, i have not been to wao for a long time already, still it’s a beautiful place…it’s nostalgic to reminisce the fresh warm air of misty morning in wao..hope you had experienced this too…God bless…
hi bob, i would just like to comment your experience with our hometown…our place is one the best place i’ve ever seen.. i agree it looks like midwest of america..the rolling plains..the cornfields…the ricefields…not so much jungle as what others might have thought of…the friendly people…i wish you had enough time to know more of the folks there…and surely you will enjoy your visit in wao…anyway, may i slightly align the notion of yours regarding the populace of wao esp on religion and domestic distribution…it’s not 50/50..almost 90% of the total population of wao is Christian, mainly dominated by Roman Catholics…the remaining percentage is for Muslims…i hope this would create a much better and peaceful picture for you and your foreign friends next time you visit wao…as i’ve said, our house is just right there at th heart of the poblacion..just like benelynne and francis, we are just few steps away…hi benelynee and francis, anyway my family name is sucaldito…i believe you’re other siblings might be a classmate of my older siblings in high school at la purisima…thanks for meeting us here..nice acquaintances with here and see you soon in wao…God bless and more power!!!!
Hi jong – Thanks for the update. Having a large Christian population doesn’t make me feel any different than if it didn’t, though. There are good and bad Muslims, just like there are good and bad Christians. So, the picture remains unchanged. I feel that Wao is a nice place to visit, a different scenery, and a good way to visit Lanao del Sur without getting into some “no-go” areas.
hi bob, thanks for being unbiased..be it a muslim or a christian…anywhere. elsewhere in mindanao…as long as we live peacefully and working harmoniously for the good of all, great things work for us…actually i just posted the comments cos as i was browsing into your site, it makes me feel uncertain if things really goes well with our foreign visitors going into mindanao..it reads in your site, “MINDANAO: Know Before You Go. Read Reviews from Real Travelers.” i hope you won’t mind this…anyway, thanks for connecting us with our “kababayan”…it makes me feel home closer than ever…it’s nice to be back home…there isn’t no place like home!!!!
Hi jong – Ha ha.. the “know before you go” ads that come up from time to time are not warnings and such, they are just information on hotels and other things that travelers might want to know before coming!
Glad to help you feel back home again!
hi bob, yeah, i know it’s just a traveler thing..hotels,reservation etc…it sounds like kidding when somebody reads it for the first time..it seems scarry…a precaution…and maybe i believe it could be part of your adventures going into mindanao…and that when you’re into it, the paradise awaits you…hahaha
hi bob, anyway thanks for the blog…for the site…it’s a real home…i accidentally found this linkage…i never thought i could find more here esp my place…since yesterdy i can’t wait to see your replies and comments..it made me alive and excited…
Hi jong – Well, I am really happy that you felt that you have a home here on my site! Keep contributing, and joining in with the community!
hi bob, how’s your day? maybe you can teach me how to make money online…? i would very much appreciate it….tks…
Hi Jong,
You seem to be just as excited as I am to find familiar persons in Wao. As I mentioned in my comment above, our family name is Tutor. My parents, brother and sisters moved out of Wao in early 90’s and returned to my father’s hometown in Bohol. My parents are now in LA, my sister Nida in Vancouver, and am presently in Japan.
I am contemplating of going back to the Philippines for good within the next few years. The recent political developments worry me a bit. But I figure that if an American like Bob is at home in my birthplace, why can’t I?
Hello There, Toto Edwin & Jong!
Francis here! I had just read a long email from Nono Oliver Ferrarez in Wao(he’s the younger brother of Mae Ferrarez who is now in Vancouver, Canada (Oliver replaced Mr. Absin as the Admin Officer of the Wao Municipal Health Center)and he briefed me about the very successfull celebration of “Araw ng Wao” few weeks back. People as far away as Cagayan, Bukidnon, Davao and Cotabato travelled to Wao to join the celebration and participated in several tournaments/contests like Basketball, best Agricultural/Husbandry Products,etc. The parade was over a kilometer long with participants (students, farmers, local municipal employees) and members of several local organizations participating. The Batanguenos in Kanipisan won in the “Best Delicacies” categories. They showed originality of their “Ube jams” and “Sweet Macapuno”.
For your information, the 50th Anniversary/ Grand Reunion of La Purisima graduates will be in October this year. Already, hundreds of LAPUR alumni, scattered in various parts of the globe,are looking forward with excitement to join this great event. They are inviting some of the old/surviving teachers (particularly our old nun-teachers)to be there for this nostalgic, emotional journey down memory lane.
Toto, of course, I remember you well, your dad and your mom, Nellie. We were classmates in High School, along with your uncle, Edgar de Dios, who was with me for three years in Cebu in our College days in Criminology. I still have the first edition of that NewsLetter, “The Spring”,in 1982,wherein you were the editor while you were still at the Ateneo de Manila. I still remember poignantly the first line of your sentence in the Editorial, “Its beginning was not even grand… when a group of few people gathered to discuss… little did they know it would come to this…” I remember, I wrote and contributed a poem (“An Ode to a Town, the People and the Farm”) which you published there, alongside some lines from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Remember?
Boy! How fast time flies. Its hard to believe 25 years had passed since that time… Am so glad to know Nellie and your Dad are now in the States. My elder brother and I were based in Houston, Texas, and my younger brother, Toto Alberto, was in San Francisco. He passed away there in 2005. I should have called Nellie in LA had I known her address then… Right now, I work in an oil and gas company of QATAR PETROLEUM in Doha, Qatar as the “Corporate Head of Investigation” after I left the NBI,the US Naval Investigative Services (US Naval Intelligence)in Subic Bay and Saudi Aramco in Saudi Arabia.
Like you, I intend to come back to Mindanao in my twilight years, after retirement. Already, I have built my retirement house at Xavier Estates Subdivision in Cagayan de Oro City. This gives me the reason to visit Mindanao/Wao each year during my annual vacation.
Jong, my mom is not “Nanay Mayang”. She’s the mother of my first cousin Nanding, Deding, John, Totong (now in San Francisco), Dodong and Fr. Totet,S.J.,(now a Jesuit msssionary priest in Cambodia). My mom is Mama Rosing, (my dad is Tay Arce Banaynal). She passed away in Cagayan de Oro last December 2007…Yes our parents’ old houses were all near that town’s plaza, many, many years ago…
Its sooo good to hear from, guys. In our life-time, perhaps it will take a long time before we again meet, or perhaps, we may never again, in person, meet. But in this forum, we meet. Lets keep in touch. We now live in a world and time where we could communicate in a flash of seconds. By the way, my email address is: banaynal@yahoo.com and my work email is:banaynal@qp.com.qa.
If you have time, do keep in touch with some local leaders in Wao (they all belong to our generations: young, dynamic, innovative and goal oriented- just like us people working overseas). I could give you their email addresses.
Hello there, again Bob!
Am taking a quick stop just to thank you once more for creating this website. How effective it has become as a medium and tool to be reunited with my townmates I havent met for over two decades now.
I have already spread the news to other Waonians based in UK, USA,CANADA and the Middle East to visit your website and reconnect with our townmates thru your sites. I hope you won’t mind us using your site as a link and forum for us to keep in touch again.
Thanks again, Bob!
Hi Francis – It’s my pleasure to provide a place where you and your fellow Waonians can meet and re-unite with each other! Thank you for visiting my site!
Hello there Guys, BoB, Frank, Jong And toto tutor. From our local Dialect MADAMO GID NGA SALAMAT! i will tell Local Government Unit and some other internet users in our hometown that we have a blog and everybody have their comments posted. next time I will give you updates. I am here in Cotabato at Department of health Regional office for staff conference.
Hello there, No Oliver!
Thanks for using Bob’s website as a quick forum to link with us who have been away from Wao and now work/live abroad. We thirst to hear news from our beloved hometown. Like a homing pigeon, at the end of the day, we long and yearn to go back to our old “nest”. Indeed, there’s no place like home, even though the town’s memories are all that exist and remain alive in our thoughts and mind as we work and live in a foreign land. Still, it is all in one’s heart, it is all in one’s mind.
Go, spread the words in town, tell all the passersby that we have a blog to drop by, write small comments and say “hi”.
Hello Sir Bob Martin and to all Waonians!
I enjoyed a lot reading your comments, starting from how sir Bob discovered Wao, the Wonderland of Adventures and Opportunities in the region nowadays.
Actually when i came to Wao last November, 1999 I liked the place since then, its cool breeze and friendly people around. I said to myself oh thank you Lord, this place is indeed your answer to my prayers to have an environment friendly to my health (asthmatic minsan) and at the same time a government employment as compliance to my college scholarship contract.
Yes, I’m selling Wao to the World, if there are unsung heroes, much as there are also places untroden like WAO.
Let’s get connected Waonians. I now work as the Information Officer of Wao, though am not born here, but am a daughter of Pioneer Settler who vacated Wao during the uprising of ILAGA. bye and chat u next moments….
Hi Pearl, Francis, Nono,
We seem to have a growing crowd here. Thanks to Bob’s joyride company of three to Wao, many more Waonians have been led to memorary lane of childhood.
When we get the critical mass, I really wish one of us could start an internet forum for Waonians. Pearl, I guess your position as info officer has been tailored for this. By the way, I am surprised we already have a municipal website. Al Belotindos was my classmate all through elementary school… Extend my warm regards to him.
I wonder how Ma’ams Sumbillo and Algecera are doing? How is Western Wao Elementary School? I am raring to visit the place within the year. By the way, in my earlier posts here, I used the handle benelynne.
hi waonians, especially to Toto:
Ya let’s arrange a 1-day internet forum soon, Godwiling.Kuya Toto, we’re still planning to install wao website soon, and hopefully you waonians could help us financially realize this. Kuya al was so glad upon reading your regards to him,maybe someday he will blog also, here is his mobile phone # 09106040466. Actually, all dept. heads, few sb and technical persons of LGU-Wao are having our session for the formulation of the HRDP. Hopefully the plan would make us more efficient waonian public servants.
Ma’am sumbillo is now the principal of Western Wao “Pilot” Elementary School, in lieu of Ma’am algecera. They happily live together still in their house fronting the school.
By the way Kuya Toto, am just busy these days, but i’ll find time to update you with the latest developments in Wao by providing you its lively pictures at the friendster, hopefully at the YOU tube at its most.
You know our Mayor Elvino Nono Balicao, Jr. will be in Vietnam from April 20 – May 1, 2008 for a Forests and Forestlands Management Forum. Philippine wide, mayor balicao is just one of the few 11 delegates to Vietnam, indicating how known are we internationally when it comes to environmental preservation, conservation and management.
K, so much for the meager info, i need to paark now for our reporting…..see then through the net.
God bless us all.
Hello There, Pearl!
It took me awhile to return to Bob’s web and am pleased to note the Waonian crowd is steadily growing (my apology to Toto Edwin for using his phrase).
Pearl, your surname brings forth memories of my elementary years at the Western Wao Community School. How are you related with Maam Iniego? She was my 5th Grade teacher then. Also, how are you related with my former friend and school mate, the late Romeo (Roming) Iniego (he met that tragic accident while serving the Wao police department)?
I’m happy to note you work as the Information Officer of Wao. The town needs dynamic, talented and innovative young men and women, like you, to lead the folks and make the town keep abreast with the modernity of times.
I agree with Toto Edwin. If we could, one day, start an Internet forum for Waonians, that would be great. Things would surely snow-ball and am certain other Waonians working/living overseas would also jump on the band-wagon and join us. We now live in an era where we could send ideas and messages in a flash of seconds.
In the meantime, lets keep this blog vibrant and alive!!! You take care there and best regards.
Hello there, To Edwin!
It’s good to see your name again in the blog. Somehow, we could link and stay in touch much faster this time than when we last communicated with each other in early 1980’s.
Obviously Ma’ams Algecera and Sumbillo had molded and shaped so many of us, sons and daughters of Wao, in our boyhood/elementary days. Ador Abrogena (he’s still the Senior Vice President of Banco De Oro)told me during our dinner in Manila last July that Ma’am Algecera has now retired and his mom, had also passed away.Ma’ams Algecera and Sumbillo used to stay with Ma’am Abrogena when she was still the school principal in Wao.The three seemed inseparable in those days.They were all great teachers/educators.
So when do you intend to depart Japan and travel/visit Wao? So much have changed there (especially the smooth, concrete road from Maramag all the way to Wao) since you left the town over 16 years ago…If you are going there with your family, I could arrange something good for you. Do send me an email in my private addres: banaynal@yahoo.com.
You mentioned about the Wao website. Yes, I almost forget about it. I have lots of comments to make; but I guess its more appropriate that I pass this on to Pearl, since she is the current Information Officer there now.
Take care and best regards always!
Hi, Pearl!
Its me again. I inadvertently forget to mention this to you: about the published “municipal website of Wao”.
I have actually reacted promptly when I first came across it in the Internet many years ago by sending a letter to then ex-mayor Balicao Sr, to straighten some facts and data on the web but am not certain if my letter was received by him.
It would appear to me that whoever wrote, or was hired to write, those “data and profile” of Wao did not have a cooking clue as to what he was writing about, or could not distinguish his buttock from the hole in the ground.Put simply: he/she never been to Wao.
Consider the following distorted/in-accurate/misleading information about Wao as it appeared on the “official” municipal website:
1) Wao is bounded on the north by the municipality of Malabang, on the west by the municipality of Sultan Gumander and on the south by the Illana Bay.
(You dont have to be a rocket scientist. Even a simple farm-boy from Wao knows that the town is bounded on the north and North-east by Kalilangan and Pangantucan, Bukidnon, on the south by Banisilan, Cotabato and on the west by that high mountain range along the so-called “Honeymoon Hills”). Malabang (where the former Supreme Court Justice,Jose Abad Santos, was executed by the Japanese soldiers in World War II) is too far away from Wao! Illana Bay is also near seafront of Iligan City!
2) Wao could be reached by land and sea transportation (!) and 76 Kms distance away from the Provincial Capital (Marawi).
(This is the most stupid/ridiculous “profile” I ever read about Wao. It gives me a mental image of a sea in a landlocked farm-town having an altitude of 3,907 ft. above sea level!)
3) About 50% of the livelihood of the municipality derived from coconut and cassava plantation, 10% corn,5% rice. Fishing (!) is also one source of livelihood in the area.
(Rice, corn, rubber, sugarcane and banana-planting are the main sources of livelihood in Wao).
4). The people of Wao are about 90% muslims who belong to Maranaw tribe. Other tribes in the area are Iranon…and Maguindanao.
(Boy! the writer sure does not have a cooking clue of what he is talking/writing about).
5) Jeep, boat (!) are the main transport for goods and service in going in and out of this town…which is located in the coastal area (!)of the province.
( I rest my case! I shall tell my Japanese friend to try his jet-ski boat on top of a landlocked farm of Wao!)
Pearl, I suggest the data/information in this so-called “municipal website of Wao” be rectified/amended/revised/corrected to reflect the true and accurate profile of the town and its people. As it stands right now,everything that is written about Wao is wrong/in-accurate/untrue. This website is being circulated and read world-wide. It has to be accurate and correct.
hi francis,
it’s sad to note but we are misunderstood!!!!pls take a look at this site of wao: http://www.yahoo.com
Hey guys!!! i told you i’ll be back.. I am challenge to draft few words/news for you after i read from Pearl’s the information Officer of wao LGU. Wao is too far from the ideal places you have been or where you are now, toto, Frank, bob and jong. However i am happy to know that some businessmen are now in the town for investment. economically, it helps alleviate the life of waonians. Hoping that more businessmen will put up more establishment here in Wao. The UMWAD BANWA where I am a chairman would like to appreciate and thank Mr. FRANK BANAYNAL for his generousity and courage to convince PHP people helping People foundation of Houston Texas to donate 7 balikbayan Boxes of first class books. This could help a lot in terms of education of Youth, Students on their researches. I remember when I was still in Western Wao Elementary School that five of us share in one old text book from central school. This books will be temporarily sheltered in Wao Public library. On April 20 to 27 we are expecting 10,000 visitors coming from different parts of the country as part of the Highway of peace. The Gawad Kalinga will build 500 houses for the indigents both muslims and Christians. The village will be called Darussalam GK Village. This will manifest that the two warring tribes/cultures before will live peacefully in one village. the UMWAD BANWA also will sponsor free eye cataract consultation on April 24 at wao district hospital; doctors from Kabacan will come for this free clinic.
More news soon…..
Hi Francis,
You lost none of the sharpness of mind after all these years. Actually, I also noticed something strange when I breezed through that profile of Wao but had imagined that perhaps Kapigis has been widened and is now navigable by boat…
However, I think you have confused me, Toto Benigno (Tutor) with Toto Edwin (Emborgo). Since “Toto” is really a generic nickname for male Ilonggos, I don’t really mind much. However, you might be surprised if you don’t see a curly-topped Toto but a shiny-head Toto at the next chance we meet each other–which I hope will be soon. My wife and two daughters have already settled ahead of me and my son in Tagbilaran, Bohol. I will accompany my son to join them in May. I will be traveling between Philippines and Japan for the next one or two years, after which I also plan to be in semi-retirement if our livelihood plan pushes through. I really hope to visit Wao with my family within the year. Sure, I’ll buzz you if the date becomes clearer.
Meanwhile, I really feel like we are straddling Bob’s blog space… and I do not know if he is happy with this. Pearl, perhaps you should just add an interactive feature to the Wao website.
hi bob! happy to know you have visited wao, my town. nice memories there. i am now in cambodia. and sorry rob for using your blog for this – to everyone from wao who are here, please connect with me at: totet@yahoo.net. toto tutor, nono oliver, nono frank – nice to know you are here. again, thanks bob!
Hi totet – I am happy that you visited my site – thank you! It’s my pleasure for you and others from Wao to visit and have a discussion here.
Hello There, Totet!
It’s inspiring to note you have joined the small band of Waonians reaching out to the rest of the folks and the beloved farm-town we left behind many years ago. Slowly, but gradually, our number is growing. We owe it all to Bob’s kindness,allowing us to use his blog’s space and interact here…Having been away from Wao for so long makes me feel like a weary bird longing to go back to its nest. Indeed, there’s no place like home.And interacting with other Waonians makes me appreciate better, deeper, my life’s roots.
So how does life go for a missionary Jesuit priest in that part of the world (Cambodia)?
Perhaps, you could convey some important message(s) to the younger generations of high school students in Wao. They need it( some out-of-school youth have resorted to drugs and we are trying to counter it by conducting again an Anti-Drug Awareness Symposium there soon).
Hello Bob thanks for your never ending generosity for allowing us to use your blog to connect wao to Frank, toto, and totet now. Just a latest news for all of you; though wao is currently affected by the rise of rice price increases in the market i think this is a global problem especially in Asian countries where they stopped exporting rice for their domestic consumtpion. Importing countries like the Philippines suffered much for this. Rice prices from 18.00 pesos per kilo before now you can buy 35.00 pesos per kilo. people patiently lined themselves the whole day to avail low rice. here in wao farmers began to plant Upland rice just like before there was a TABUNGOS. The mayor encouraged farmers to plant organic denorado for one town one product program system. The gawad kalinga overwhelmingly a successful activity recently more than 5,000 people from around the country came to the town to build socialize houses for brother muslims. It was a rainy day MALUTAK but people in foot went to the site. Another religeous event was happened here. Seventh day adventist held their Regional conference for the small church area of SDA some of them sleep in a tent on the road. The Public Information officer Ms. Pearl Iniego together with yours truly under UMWAD BANWA conducted for the first time YOUTH summer program to Sanguniang Kabataan and Wao Public Scholars and Msu students. It was a success. we give them Journalism lesson and the mayor committed to support to have a Wao Newsletter later this will become a Wao News Paper. enopugh for now
thanks
hello..
i’m never been at WAO but i lived in MARAWI CITY, LANAO DEL SUR.. our place s safe,people r hospitable..muslim’s specifically MARANAO’S r not Gangster..
Hi, Knyesha!
I agree with you:Marawi City is a safe place and residents there are hospitable and friendly (many Waonians, including my nephews and niece, had studied at MSU) but we can’t blame people from outside Lanao del Sur for their negative impression/perception of the place. Blame it on the media for distorting/exaggerating/sensationalizing news on places, people and events…Years ago, while on vacation in the Philippines, I casually talked with a fellow passenger at the pre-departure lounge of Manila domestic airport. He asked from which province I was. I said, “Lanao del Sur, Mindanao”. His response was: “Di ba nakakatakot don? Lugar ng mga muslims yon ah”. I amusingly asked: “Ba’t mo nasabi yan?”. He answered, “kasi yan ang mga nababasa ko sa diario”. You now see human tendency and inclination? People tend to generalize and make sweeping conclusion (as if to say there are no bad elements amongst the christians)… My closest fraternity brother in college is a muslim from Cotabato and one of my good friends here in the middle east is a Maranaw from Marawi.Our bonding and trust for each other remain solid and strong until today… The world is full of “green frogs inside a small pond”. They look up at the sky and think the sky up there is just as big as the pond they are in because they have never been out of their pond… Ignore those who think of Lanao del Sur and the Maranaws as gangsters. They are “green frogs inside a small pond”…I wish they take courage to visit Marawi City and the small town of Wao, just like what Bob, who is a foreigner, did, and discover things for themselves. Indeed, the best part of education is that which a person learns for himself…
Hello there, No Oliver!
Thanks for the latest news/update about how Mayor Balicao and the farmers in Wao are responding positively to the present global rice problem by planting that organic rice specie/breed of “denorado”. Damo pa basakan kag upland farms nga pwede tamnan sa Wao. Big things come from small things and am always confident that those rugged, sturdy, resilient farmers of Wao (I always draw inspiration and insights from those simple,humble folks) will “ride the storm”, so to speak, and wont be adversely affected by the current rice shortage and supply crisis experienced by city dwellers. Last time I visited the Carmen Market in Cagayan de Oro, I was beaming with pride when I saw those tags/labels: “Valencia Rice”, “Wao Rice”, on different varieties of rice sold there. I told myself, “Sa Wao naghalin ining bugas”. This is one small but very significant contribution Waonian farmers are giving the rest of the world. As the old saying goes, “You and I cannot change this whole world, but we can change (and contribute to) a small portion of this world”. Wao farmers planting upland rice again, and the coming back of those TABUNGOS herald their silent way of making yet another contribution to solving the current global problem on rice shortage.God bless those toiling hands and the sweat trickling down the brows of those hard-working Wao-farmers…
Hello there, To Edwin!
Just received the latest update from the other Toto Edwin (Dr. Edwin Emborgo) from Wao. He just left Arkansas and moved to Texas lately and practices his medical profession there.
What happened to your planned visit in Wao after accompanying your son from Japan to Bohol? Did it materialize?
If you happen to be in town, do visit the newly-built muslim houses at the Honeymoon Hills overlooking Wao from the higher plane of “Manila Group”.These houses were built last April by Christian volunteers. Its very refreshing and symbolic of what we all aspire in Mindanao: Muslims and Christians joining hands and living together in an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood.
Hi Sir Francis,
I’m melody, one of the MayOr’s Office staff..
Ate peaRL uploaded some photos of the Municipal Activities in her friendster, though it is not yet complete but we’re planning to update more photos soon.
Just check her friendster account. Thank you.
Hello there, Melody!
Thanks for the info. Its always good to hear new and fresh ideas from younger generation of Waonians. Please send my warmest regards to Pearl, the rest of the Mayor’s staff and of course, to Mayor Elvino Balicao Jr (his father, the ex-Mayor, is my “suon”/God-brother)…
I will open those photos Pearl uploaded in the Friendster. What name did she use there, so its easy to track it down?
hello there waonians
Recently typhoon Frank struck the country leaving hundreds of death especially the one of the The biggest ship Princess of the stars turned up side down. and putting the country into crisis. a crisis which is mind-boggling severity and indefiniteness. these are food and oil crisis. eventually we are facing third natural disasters, environmental crisis or global warming, envirtonmental degradation, climate change.Its happenning everywhere so to speak.
this is just the beginning. The weather is messed up and has gotten fickle, and life become fragile in all parts of the world. You dont know where the next major disaster will strike. Typhoon Frank has just reminded us at the shape of the things to come., a warning for those who imagine the food and all scarcities are just part of the normal boom-bust cycle of the economy. things are going to get worse unless we move strenuously to avert it. Unless we produce more foods ourselves, change of lifestyle to save fuel or shift to alternatives and do our share in saving the planet.
Our Honorable mayor elvino Balicao Jr. here in Wao shouting the good news to waonians to preserve our denuded forest after his trip to vietnam attended Environmental preservations. the mayor acted to good move after his massive anti drug campaign. He told thisduring his speaking engagement to tell everyone that the Ice in the Southpole is melting if not prvented new york anf china will sink.
oliver
A blessed morn sir Banaynal!
Praise God I’m back. my friendster s same w/ my email add: piniego8317@yahoo.com.ph, password is LIGHTS. if inly the mayor left me our videocam i should have uploaded d fotos of r Sanitary Landfill at Katutungan, Farmers Training Center & Municipal Central Nursry at km 9, Banga. For these, we are being visited in by various cities and municipalities mostly from Mindanao and Visayas bcoz of our environmental commitments which they want to replicate.
Mayor Jr. is now in Malaysia for hs weeklong culmination program of hs Local Administration Development Program, a 2-month course offered by U.P. and sponsored by British gov’t.
When he comes back i’ll surely send ur best regards to him. U know sir, i’ve been in the office of the LCE for 2 administrations now and i can say that r present Mayor is more vigorous, decisive, studious and w/ foresight. How i pray that he would remain as he is now for the Love of Wao and as his servce to r Creator and the Waonians being entrusted to his shoulder.
May i park now and hope for more linking. May God bless you sir, your family and the universe.
Psalm 1:
Shalom to all!
This is Desiree po from Wao! As i have been reading your comments, i can feel everyone’s excitement, especially to those who are now far from here. We are very grateful to sir Bob for coming up with this blog, he is indeed an instrument and somehow an inspiration to us Waonians. My apologies, but please allow me using my native dialect here….
Daw nami gid basahon nga ang Waonians somewhere out there thirsts for updates. Daw kanami lang sad nga makatagbo ka sang kasimanwa mo online, who could have thought nga diri lang gyapon kita magkita-kita. Daw kanami lang i reminisce ang mga experiences ninyo here. Indi na mabiyaan ang Wao, updated na gyapon, hi-tech na gud..hehe. As a member of the LGU family, gusto sad unta namon to come up with a website, since gasugod pa man lang kami, we will try free webhosting. We would be glad to hear any suggestions from everyone…We will keep everyone posted..Godbless to all!!!
Hello there, again Pearl!
I had just browsed thru all your uploaded photos of “municipal activities” in Friendster. Indeed, pictures are worth thousand words and speak eloquently about the collective efforts by Waonians to come up with new, innovative, functional ideas on how more to improve the town and the people there. I was impressed to note that even the method of presentation during meeting goes hi-tech with the aid of Power Point. Desiree Balista is correct in saying, “indi na mabiyaan ang Wao, hi-tech na guid”. By the way, those new houses under construction, are those the ones built by the Gawad-Kalinga volunteers last April at the Honeymoon Hills? How about those green-planted trees, sa diin dapit sang Wao gintanom atong mga kahoy?
Mayor Balicao Jr’s vision for Wao is commendable indeed. Public service runs in the blood of their family. I remember vividly when as a young kid in town, his father (ex-mayor “Bino”), then the Barangay Captain, lead a group of CHDF/local militia magtaklad to sa ibabaw sang bukid ga panglagas sang mga kawatan sang karbaw. I remember vividly too when Suon “Bino” confronted a drunk, armed member of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) nga nangulata sang mga civilian sa mercado kay hubog na. Pareho sila may armas, and that PC guy decided not to shoot it out with “Bino”. Ang kaisog ni “Bino” (that was how the Wao folks fondly addressed him sang indi pa sya Mayor) is legendary. I have always admired him and talked to him each time I have the chance when I visited Wao… I wish the younger “Bino” (the new mayor) could read what I’ve written here about his father. It is my way of paying tribute, respect and admiration to one of the fiercest, brave, Barangay leaders of my boyhood days…
In a personal note, it is refreshing to note (in your Profile) that you too, graduated from UP (Los Banos). I graduated from UP-Manila when the NBI Headquarters sent me there as its govt scholar to take my Masters Degree in Public Administration (MPA) many, many years ago. Oh well…
Please upload some more photos there, Pearl. We, oversea-based Waonians, find it easier to reconnect ourselves with our roots thru photographs.
This is just to inform everybody that ALL La Purisima Alumni is invited to attend the Grand Alumni homecoming on October 2008. Thius is to celebrate th Golden Anniversary of our dear Alma Mater. Sponsoring batch will be the Dekada 60.
Damo nga salamat.
Oliver
Hello Waonians,
What a small world!. All these years been wondering someone would write about Wao, Lanao del Sur and my alma mater La Purisima High School. I was fortunate to visit this site and here it is!…found co-Waonians and perhaps schoolmates in LPHS (circa 1960). It is indeed our golden anniversary and never been to the homecoming since. Let’s continue to connect thru this site or at ice@msrlegal.com
(ICE-SF,CA USA)
Thank you Bob for this site and more power.
Hi, Fr. totet,
I’m glad to read your name in here. My brother toto told me about this website. I am currently residing in Vancouver, WA with my husband and two children. I’m really missing Wao. My brother and I are planning of visiting Wao in the future.
First and foremost thanks again Bob for this site!
Hi mga taga-Wao,
Ari naman ako diri, kumusta na lang sa mga classmates namon dira in the 60’s kon ara pa sila and their families,kag mga classmates/friends sang mga utod kong si Myrna,late Eduardo kag Wilfredo Combatir,all from La Purisima; our late father, Francisco was a shop teacher then. Sorry, to just mention surnames only like Bacerra, Iniego, Panis, Barber, Policarpio, Banaynal, Emborgo,Balicao, Sucaldito,Padernal,et al..in mid 60’s kag damu pa! I missed to mention. Ti, kumusta kamo dira tanan ha! imagine I’ve never been for 43 years!. Hope to visit Wao and Kalilangan in the near future. Warm regards to all! Ida
Hello Waonians,
Wao now soaring high for its tremendous development under the leadership of our very active, young and talented mayor Elvino Nono Balicao, the son and unyok ni Tatay Bino. When you left wao perhaps you could reached cagayan for almost 2 days. but now you can travel all the way from Cagayan, Davao and cotabato to Wao for almost 5 hours because of its concrete highways. you can see and feel the difference of wao sa kabugnaw pagtaklad mo sa Kilikili makita mo nga tanan puro green despite sa bukid sa una nga makita mo ga fogs pa ang lasang kag damo kahoy. Investors keep coming for employment. we have no a bank. almost all the corners are schools.
hi nono, ida, francis, benylene, et. al,
it’s nice getting me back here in the loop…anything new???>>> i believe we were all essentially clued-up and aware au fait of the upcoming occasion in Wao..anyways, as one of the thousands alumnus of LPHS i believe it’s my duty and a compulsive commitment for me to mete out the information at-hand especially to all other alumni across the boarders of foreign soil, though i knew fairly well that some of you were already on-top of this special occasion…and now i’m plugging in:>>>fast approaching is the Grand Alumni Homecoming in conduit of La Purisima High School Grand Golden Anniversary this October 08…50 years have passed and our dear Alma Mater is still surviving the odds and even unbeaten by the ends of our dying philippines..soon a new juvenile mindanao will arise…scary and afraid of what might come in the future..God knows we will be spared by His imminent justice…this is now a specific solitary out of few urgent crises especially to the people of Wao concurrently under the regime of PGMA…this is my cry: “flee us from the ARMM and dis-armM us from the bondage of mediocrity for the clamor of peace and to live as one in one nation”… anyways, what a holiday to celebrate and to commensurate the undying and unfailing service of our beloved academe..even todate it untirelessly nurturing and molding minds and creating models far and away…i hope we could all celebrate this one-grand-time event of our dear alma mater…more generations are of service by this all-time-grand-standout institution and more will be of Jesus through Mary…
hi ida, thanks for remembering us, the sucaldito family whom you know well…best regards and God bless to your family and next kin.
tks jong
Hello there Jong, Nono Oliver, Toto, Pearl, Nida & IDA,
I havent visited Bob’s website for over a month and am delighted to see new names (Nida Tutor, Ida Combatir)added to the blog. We’re indeed growing in number here.
Ida, I still remember you,your sister, Myrna, especially your brod, Wilfredo, who was the classmate of my older brod, Eduardo (Boy) Banaynal & first cousin, “Nanding” Banaynal. The three hang around most of the time and I came to be associated with them sometimes. I belonged to school year 1964-1968 with names like Lamberto & Jardie Palencia, Fr. Danilo Bacallan, Esperidion Tanan, Feliciano Caamic, Nestor Celarta, Eliseo Gorgonio, the Carbon’s, Pagayon,Emilio Dorado, Lando Ferrarez, etc. We were a year behind my brod and Wilfredo.
Sa diin na si Willie subong? You’ve been away too long-43 years! How fast time flies! Nono Oliver is correct saying you could now travel from Cagayan to Davao, Cotabato and Wao in hours, not days, as was the trend during our time in 1960’s. Sooo much have changed in Mindanao and Wao’s infrastructure(like the concrete roads from Maramag, all the way to Wao)as well as, the social, educational and economic conditions of the farmers/residents in Wao. When you visit the town, you’ll be impressed by the numbers of high schools, college, bank, etc. The mountain slopes in Balatin, towards Panang and Upperfort, have now been converted into vast hectares of banana plantations by enterprising muslim traders of Datu Paglas/Pendatun clans from Cotabato who supplied the famous brand/variety of Mindanao bananas to Japan, Korea, Middle East & Europe. There’s a 1-km airport strip didto sa kilid sang uma ni “Tay” Dagino (that same old place/airport project which was left unfinished by late Mayor Eleazar during his terms in 1970’s).
Wao has come a long way from the isolated, desolated, remote farm-town we once knew to what it is today. Go, visit Wao with your family members from California before the twilight and the shadows of life lengthen on you in your retirement years. Its a good feeling to be reminded of our roots in life, where and how we started things in life many, many years ago…Best regards!
Francis
Hi Everyone! co-Waonians!
Ida here again, With my deepest appreciation to all of you, putting together and introducing to my mind about the present Wao and its neighboring towns (like Kalilangan, Pangantucan, Maramag, etc…going to Malaybalay, CdeO) and travel is as convenient currently. I’m now vividly imaging in my mind its progress and development infrastructurewise as compared to 50 years ago, Wow!! will surely visit some other time soon!. Really, I have no idea as never been in 43 years to date. Please accept my apology to miss our Alma Mater grand homecoming as too late for my work sked, we’re booked ahead for our annual family holiday vacation in Dec. 2008, peak season you know.
Thank you Francis and Jong for such impressive memory of yours; remembering my siblings during our LPHS days in the 60’s. All the people you have mentioned and enumerated in previous blogs are indeed familiar to me. Kag familiar gid sa akon ang mga Sucaldito kag Banaynal families, your families basi magpariente pa kita no hahaha!. Now I have very interesting stories to tell my siblings during my yearly family holiday vacation to PI (Manila-Iloilo-Gensan-Manila, our itineraries)as we’re booked via PAL(Dec.10-Jan 11, 2009). Our family home is in Manila, same w/Myrna’s, Wilfredo’s in Janiuay, Iloilo, malipay gid sila hearing about you kag mga taga-LPHS, Wao. Late Toto Eddie’s family in General Santos City. He passed away of heart ailment in 2005, a retired police chief, BJMP director, Criminology Professor and was a PCCr graduate/masters in Manila. In the meantime, let’s continue to get connected thru this site or our own e-mails (see previous posts). Okay?
Finally, how can I thank Bob enough for this site bringing us all together globally. Again, my warmest regards to all! Ida
Hillo there, again, Ida!
Yes, let’s stay in touch thru Bob’s site until somebody out there creates a stand-alone/dedicated web for Waonians scattered all over the world.
At least, bal-an ko na karon kon diin si Willie. Sa Janiuay gali sya subong. I was in Boracay last July with my family and took a 4-hour leisurely drive from Katiklan to Iloilo to see the beauty of Panay’s country side. Its a small world, i might see him again one of these days.
Am having my annual vacation with family from Dec.5 until January 5, 2009. I’ll bring the kids to attend the bisperas sang Fiesta of Wao on Dec. 7th kag fiesta on the 8th. Then we’ll drive to Davao and Gensan after the 10th. Basi makitaay ta to. If you happen to be in Cagayan call me at home: 088-858–7036 (I sold my house in Houston, Texas and has my retirement house in Xavier Estates Subdivision)…
Give me your siblings’ number sa Manila kayman Atty. Emmanuel (Nonong) Palabrica, Marilou Palabrica (Costelo) and I have agreed to have a reunion dinner of Manila-based Waonians in January before ako magbalik abroad. I will again call Ador Abrogena (he is now the Sr. Vice President sang Banco de Oro)to join us, along with Joe Sibug (now a superpising Accountant sa Central Bank of the Philippines)and hopefully, Leonor Vergara nga supervisor sa PRC. Would you still be around in Pinas by that date or already back to California?
I never knew that late Toto Eddie was also a Criminology graduate. When I was still serving the NBI HQ in 1970’s, 95% of my peers were PCCr alumni. During my time, ako lang nag graduate from outside (University of the Visayas, Cebu City, Magna Cum laude- 1973). During the house-blessing of my house in Cagayan in 2003, I was reunited with four of my college fraternity brothers,ALL Colonels and City Chiefs of police in various regions in Mindanao who came over.
Tell all other Waonians in California that we have a blog (courtesy of Bob) that they can visit and reach out to those who once came from that “rugged” town which molded and shaped all of us to what we are now…Best regards to you and all the members of your family…
Hello Francis,
Wow! what an inspiring message to all Waonians on the face of this earth reaching further to join this wonderful site of Bob. I would never imagine this will lead me to knowing more LPHS alumni out there. I surely remember Marilou Palabrica and her siblings as Toto Eddie’s friends in the early 60’s and graduated ahead of us w/Sis Myr. We graduated in 1965(you were just starting high school then). You belonged to the younger batch after my brother Willie.
How nice that you’re also vacationing as family in Dec. for the holidays. It’s getting closer as time goes by so quickly!. I remember Wao’s town fiesta is Dec. 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception as we’re busy w/the nuns as members of Church Choir then. Btw, when in Manila, give me a buzz at home @862-0731 to plan on meeting altogether w/my siblings at your convenience or at our home if you like and I’ll have our driver pick you or your family up. And, also please mark your calendars after the New Year as our confirmed return date to SFO is on the 11th, also our shopping schedules before we leave. Hopefully Sis Myr and I will be joining your group for dinner as what you have mentioned along with my other younger sister Julie and possibly Willie to meet you and reminisce our HS days at LPHS and for camaraderie. How’s that for you? Can’t wait huh!….
So you’ll be long driving to Davao and GenSan! Whew! that’s a long,long drive! unless you have an alternate. Anyway here in US, we’re always driving 8 hours one way from SFO to San Diego (in Chula Vista, our newly bought 2nd home) during the long weekends (w/holidays) and another 8 hrs back, not bad for a family of 4 driving. We pass San Jose, LA, Disneyland, Long Beach,etc.,etc. When you’re in Gensan, we just arrived on that day, the 12th (+2 days) in Manila by that time. Leave for Iloilo a week after, then to Gensan for another week and back to Manila.
Anyway, let’s keep ourselves posted as usual nd presumably more Waonians will join us for more kamustahan! Unfortunately, not that I know of from California.
Once again, thank you Bob for this wonderful opportunity for us on your site.
Ida
Hi, Ida!
It’s indeed a small world and Bob’s website makes it even smaller and quicker for all of us to reunite and communicate.
If my memory is correct, your sister, Myrna, belonged to the older generation of graduates that included Marilou Palabrica, Manong Roger Parcon, Ronnie Villalba,Fr. Gorgonio, my cousin,Manong Arthur Demegillio, Mila Ricablanca, Nong Hablo, etc. and were under those great teachers, Mr. Ridao,Mr. Agcarao & Miss Moncada. I wonder if you still remember my older brother, Danny, kay 1966 to sya nag graduate sa La Purisima with Edgar Palencia…
I missed those days when the missionary Jesuits and dedicated nuns were around molding the spiritual side of our character and personality. I vividly remember the “Disciplinarian Principal”:Mother Asuncion Mendiola;the “terror-Nun”:Sr. Consolacion (isog to sya, daw indi madre, hehehe); the very sharp and talented Sr. Loretto,our brilliant history teacher: Mrs. Panis, the “English wizard”: Sr. Teresa, etc. Ahhh, the good old days…!!!
I listed down your Manila’s phone number. I will surely give you a call on January 1st or Jan 2nd. We could have our reunion on the night of either 2nd or 3rd.Our scheduled departure date is Jan 4th… Yes, dalha gid si Willie para magkitaay kami liwat ( his former classmates, Gillie Ricablanca,Math Professor in Xavier University, passed away in 2005(?) and “Boy” Banaynal (my elder brother) passed away in 1977 while serving the Military Intelligence Group (MIG-ISAFP). Bring, too, your siblings, Myrna & Julie. Kon makalugar si Noy Danny (my eldest brother), I’ll take him with me to Manila to join the reunion. I’ll keep in touch. My email address is: banaynal@yahoo.com
Hi Francis and all Waonians,
Firstly, appreciate Bob’s site once again for our convenient quick response to one another and also reaching out to our fellow baby-boomer Waonians. How are you all doing? Hope is well with everyone these days?.
Secondly, stroll down memory lanes…Sis Myr and I graduated same time in ‘65. Previously mentioned were ahead of us, they were my late Toto Eddie’s batchmates, classmates and friends. In short, Parcon, Villalba, Ricablanca,Gorgonio,Palabrica, et. al. Yes, I remember Miss Moncada, our Enlish teacher, Mr. Ridao and Mr. Agcarao (Geometry/Math/Algebra?), Mrs. Sevilla, Science and Mrs. Panis, History,and the rest mentioned. Also, your brother Danilo ahead kami ni Sis Myr one year lang. wow!, what a refresher course reminiscing our high school days at LPHS-Wao.
During those times of the Jesuit Fathers and the carmelite Sisters, I still remember Fr. James Cawley, the founder, Bro. Tino, an Italian Bro. as school nurse/student doctor, I was assisting him in his clinic during weekends for patients coming from poor barrios for free. Mother Superior Asuncion, principal, Sr. Vicenta, cashier, PMT and teacher also Sr. Loreto, Sr. Theresa, they were all very active when it comes to proper order and discipline inside the campus, my sister Myrna and I used to live in the convent after our beloved father, Francisco died in ‘64 and until we graduated in 1965 for a year. Brother Willie lived with the Fathers convent on the other side of the church as assistant to the Jesuit Fathers. I used to accompany Sr. Vicenta marketing during weekends; relieved her in teaching pre-school children or class, (classroom next to the convent) during vacation. We used to pass Palabrica family’s 2-story house on our way to the market. Ahhh…those were the good old days at LPHS-Wao, my high school years. Really, I have good memories and pleasant experience spiritually with the Carmelite Sisters.
Finally, yes, you have my home phone no. in Manila. Will likewise mark my calendars with your scheduled dates and let’s continue keeping in touch as our holiday vacation is fast approaching; meet at a designated venue in Manila with the rest of Waonians. The bigger group the merrier! What do you think?
Cheers,
Ida
hi ida, francis,
we’re glad to note that you’re both enjoying reminiscing the past and your beautiful memories in wao, in lphs, where home still the sweetest home ever. i could never thought and imagine you can still recall and reprint all your beautiful past with the jesuits mentors, with the facade of the old wao and could ever memorise in your head all the names of the people in wao who touched your lives in some ways. how i wish we could all reunite for the next 55th golden anniversary of lphs to witness your testimonies of the beautiful lphs and wonderful wao. i believed not all of us here are attending the golden anniversary of lphs for some reasons and maybe that could be a venue for all of us in the next occasion to come. hope so!
God bless!
jong
Hi Jong and the rest,
Thank you for your thoughts and insights. Good that you also responded and you’re good at inviting every Waonians esp. from LPHS to join our alma mater’s golden anniversary homecoming. Pls. convey my hello to all and enjoy the fun! How I wish!, some other time hopefully. Bay-e bala! my siblings (Myrna, Willie) and I will look for you when visiting Wao if not this year hopefully next year God willing. During our LPHS days I remember my late father always mentioning your family name, can’t recall first names siguro ikaw to or do you have siblings also studying at LPHS? what year?…best regards to all!
Thanks again Bob for this site.
hi ida,
how i wish we could meet too soon, someday…i told my mother about you and she was pretty excited to see you soon too, puhon…anyways, maybe you’re referring to our oldest brother jeff who is now working in dubai for a year already…he was also an alumnus of lphs circa 1982..and me, graduated also at La Purisima High School last 1997 and finished my college at xu-ateneo de cagayan…i am currently working in aboitiz as branch accountant..and my father ( who was commonly known as Nong Popoy in the community) who was a good friend of your late father died last year sep 3 2007 because of diabetes…i knew he has a good life with us as a good husband to our mother and good man and father to our family…God bless him in the new life with our Savior…anyway, it’s good again to see you soon as you return back home to Wao..welome home, kasimanwa…God bless you, too!
tks jong
Hi Kasimanwa Jong,
Ahh…You belong to the younger generation then. I believe my late father was a friend of your parents as sometime in the 60’s he met the Sucaldito family in Wao only and you know those old folks used to hang out together in the market or in some stores particularly the well-known Ravanera’s grocery Store sadto (we left in ‘65 after our father died). Have no idea if still in the same location as it was a long walk for us if we needed some household items since our rented small house was behind the convent and the school (lphs) abd we had to cross the plaza to get to that store. Presumably the roads and streets are all concrete na tanan.
Oh well, it’s really high time for us to visit Wao and will surely see your beloved mother when the time comes God willing. In the meantime, let’s just keep in touch thru this site and exchange some news update about our beloved alma mater and the present and progressive Wao…God Bless!
Kasimanwa Ida
Hi Jong,
Ari naman ako diri and almost forgot. I realized after I submitted my previous post. I’m sorry for your loss Jong…and with my deepest sympathy to your family of the death of your beloved father who passed away last year only. Coincidentally my mom also passed away in Oct., 2007 last year of heart ailment w/complications at 94. It’s about time at her age she didn’t deserve to suffer anymore due to her complicated illnesses. May both of our parents (your father and my mother)rest in peace with the Lord. Amen
Sorry for having been out of everyone’s orbit for a long time. Yes, Francis, I’ve relocated my kids to Bohol and they’re now studying at Tagbilaran’s Holy Name University, just across from the house.
I will certainly bring them to the land of my birth, Wao, one of these days. The exchange of fire between the military and the MILF is a bit worrisome for me. I really wonder how Wao is being affected by the turmoil. How regrettable if the economic and social gains Wao had attained during our long absence would be set back by the resurgence of armed conflict, the bloody images of which still vividly remain etched in my childhood memories. Still, Wao remains the idyllic locale of my childhood which I fondly hold in my heart and wish to share with my growing kids.
For now, my father’s hometown, Bohol, is my home. I still work in Japan, but am praying that the small business I’m setting up in Bohol will afford me enough comfort to enable me to settle there for good. There are astounding developments on this island that truly make this a tourism jewel our country can boast of. Hope you people could find time to visit this island. I will be launching a website that will give you comprehensive information on the place sometime in October.
Am looking forward to more updates from you.
Welcome back, Toto Edwin!
It’s reassuring to note that you have eventually resettled your family in Bohol. You are right, Bohol has now been transformed into a major tourist destination. A very close friend of mine in the Middle East (a CPA) had returned to Bohol and has been updating me about the phenomenal change, growth, development and transformation going out there. He has now expanded his business ( a bakery, called “Mandilicious” (?), outside of Bohol and has even put up a branch in Dipolog City in Mindanao).
With regards your concern about the fighting going on right now in Mindanao, I have this to say: the conflict, or rather, the exchange of salvos between the government military troops and the MILF forces are confined in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and part of Saranggani (also near Cotabato/Davao borders. Those ambushes, going intermittently in the isolated islands of Jolo and Basilan, are too far from mainland Mindanao and dont worry me…
I have been in close contact with reliable sources in Wao and they are of the opinion (and this is my own independent opinion, too), that it is unlikely the conflict will spill-over to Wao. Why? The muslim rebels, basically, attacked those villages and towns in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte because the political leaders in those places were opposed that their towns/villages be a part of the “expansion” list of ARMM/Bangsamoro (they wanted 700 more barangays/municipalities to be attached/become part of their so-called “ancestral domain”). Wao, has long been a part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) since the autonomous region was established in 1996. Hence, there is no logic why the MILF commanders will come down from the hills and attack Wao because it has long been a part and parcel of their Autonomous Muslim Region…
But if they do come down from the hill (halimbawa, kon dito sa Pilintangan or sa Honeymoon Hills or kon didto sila mag-agi sa Bumbaran or Upperfort) to attack the town, they will be in to a big surprise: Wao, which is the only Christian town, in the muslim province of Lanao del Sur, is armed to its teeth!!! The residents there have been undergoing preparatory and “red-alert” drills just in case an attack is imminent… If you remember the violence during the “Ilaga” days in 1972 (I vividly recall those days; I was in my senior year in college), Wao has “hold the line” against perceived counter-attack (that never materialized) by those “Blackshirt” and “Barracudas” groups organized by the muslims to counter the surge of the Ilagas. Wao has never been penetrated once by the enemies… Damo isog nga mga kabataan sa banwa.
In a nutshell, I have this to say: the conflict/violence/fire-fight going on in Mindanao are like “dots” in a blackboard. How many “dots” can you mark/draw in a blackboard? Perhaps hundreds, or even thousands. If only two to three “dots” represent an on-going fighting/conflict/violence between the govt military troops and the MILF forces, hundred or thousand other “dots” in the blackboard are not affected and still safe to visit/travel. In other words,if the fighting is in progress and on-going on the hinterland of some muslim towns in Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato or Saranggani, it is still safe to travel to Wao, or Maramag, Valencia or Kibawe, Butuan, Surigao, Davao, Gensan, Malaybalay, marbel or so many towns (“dots” in the blackboard, so to speak).
As a matter of fact, I am going to Wao, with my whole family members in December and attend the town fiesta clebrations there on 7th and 8th. I will also attend the “Grand Reunion” of the “Sons and Daughters of Wao” which has been scheduled on that date.
I wont blame people making decision/opinion about Mindanao based on the report by the media or what they read on newspapers. Media people tend to “sensationalize” events. But the best part of education is that which a person learns for himself…
Question: Is it still safe to go to Wao at this time? Am I not putting my family members in harm’s way by taking them there?
To me, the answer is: “No”. I see and find the “dot” of conflict/violence/fighting far away from the other “dot” (Wao) in the blackboard that I want to visit…
bob,thank’s for a millions in such a way I could express gratitude of kindness for creating this wonderful site.I live in Wao since I was six yrs. old,my parent were settler back then. Our house before was located in Manila group. I left Wao during the time when first war broke out between the government forces and the muslims.I was a third year high in LaPurisima at that time,as far as I can recollect the events of that day it was happened during the town fiesta.I finished my high school in Digos Davao dell sur,then proceed to Manila . I used to forget the memories of Wao when my attention was focus on my study.After my graduation in college I’ved plan to visits Wao,two of my siblings were still living there until now but something came up that needs immediate priority. Times passed by the longing for a visits was not materiales but I found myself dreaming in the land of the American dream.Year 2006 when I received an invitation from Wao to attend the wedding of my niece.I was excited to go I requested for a one month vacation but it was not approved,the Dept.of Defence just allowed me for two weeks. All airlines were all fully booked,the only chance was to be chance passengers only.Thank’s to heaven philippine airline coming from San francisco had two vacate seat during the stopover in Honolulu. Overnight stayed in Manila,then proceed to cagayan de oro in the morning from that city I started to look around if I can remember the places where we passing by,but everything is not the same as it was.My visits to Wao was not memeorable one in fact I got lost I stayed in the lodging house on my first night.I fell stranger in my own land I don’t knew any body aside from my kin ,classmates from elementary and high days nowhere to be found.Thje environment had greatly change the mountains where we used to go for woods were totally bald only grasses were growing.Thank’s to Francis Banaynal in his blog I used to remember some of my classmates. Your Kuya Danny ( Danilo ) is my classmates in elementary and high school.I don’t know if he still remember me. As far I remembered your family owned a taylor shop infront of the plaza.I think I need to rest here,but I have to blog if needs my comments.You can sent email on my address. demy.varona@us.army.mil
hey waonians’
I feel in seventh heaven after reading all your pleasing thought as regards to our Hometown. WAO. Golden years of memories..good to be shared with fellow waonians especially during the LPHS golden anniversary.. It was before then that you’re dreaming now..Hope we can make it there what you think and supposed tobe wao will be.it sad to note that mr. Varona spent his nights in the lodging house as stranger in his home town.. Wao stands for Welcome All Officers.. Hospitality should be there.. anmyway that was with his description.. a virtual change of the town… Like forest had been bald….next time Sir Pangitaa lang ko diri sa Wao district Hospital..We guaranteed your safety.. We are proud definitely with our peace and order situation.. the only place in Lanao where 2 warring tribes before are now living harmoniuosly. That everybody’s concern now is to live in peace and develop the town. The Municipal Environment and natural resources office trying very hard to execute municipal ordinance of solid waste management. beautification and landscaping is now enforced.
Peace and order is the primary agenda of the executives..Municipal peace and order council was organized and meet every month.both muslim and christian leaders and elders exchaning ideas how to save the town of the MILF scare. kami sa Social organizations paving the way to form PDC Peace and Development Community. Our pilot area is Barangay Western. We have now the SEEd money of almost 100,000 for this project. Well Greening program as answer for the call of Global warming is now implemented . MENRO are giving seedlings to be planted in all vacant and idle lots. a survey in the Forest reserves has been conducted for a community pool.. and hydro electric power.
Hello there, Demuel,
Welcome to an ever-growing forum of Waonians from various parts of the globe, thru the kindness of Mr. Bob Martin.
Reading thru your article brings forth so much childhood memories which remains vivid and clearly etched until today. You are right about the first “little war” that erupted in Wao, causing many families, including ours, to evacuate to other safe areas (we ended up in Don Carlos, Bukidnon).
But yes, I remember how that “little war” started during the Town Fiesta, Dec. 8, 1964. An hour before the first burst of gunfire, my first cousin and I were in the cockpit arena near Kapigis River. Then while we were in the PC barracks (where the MSU high school is now located), we heard gunfire. It lasted for sometime. Each time we heard subsequent gunfire, we ran towards Wao Central Elementary School, docked and crawled, although the scene of fire-fight was too far away. We heard those constabulary men at their barrack shouting to their comrades on board their truck as they prepared to leave and ask for reinforcement from the 10th Battalian Combat Team (BCT) stationed at Camp Kibaretan (few kilometers away from Kalilangan, Bukidnon, “Magdala mog 30 caliber machine gun!”). The next morning, we saw a large presence of military men in full battle gear at the Magsaysay “landing field”. And I saw the Muslim municipal secretary, “Gamon” and the police in-charge, “Mamikal” and another muslim, “Dungka”, lying on the grassy ground,wet and soaked with the rainshower, about 50 meters across/opposite the old municipal hall,and in front of the wooden stage, just above the bank of Kapigis River. I saw the BCT military officer, threw and bounced back and forth the ball on the face/head of the three helpless men on the ground, moaning and asking for mercy.They were identified as the “ring-leaders”/provocators of that “war”. On the afternoon, they were executed by a firing squad, amidst the gloomy weather and little rainshower. Early that day, I saw Fr. James Cowley, that very dedicated Jesuit missionary priest, blessed the bodies of those dead soldiers in various parts of the Magsaysay ground…
Demuel, sorry kung medyo naging “gory details” and recollection ko of that date…
But yes, I remember the “Varona, the “Bacsal” the “Tabada”, the “Corpus” and the “Rivero” families in the “Manila Group” area. Natandaan mo pa ba when the whole members of the Rivero family was massacred/murdered (again sorry for the gory statement), and the lone survivor/orphaned family member (I guess his name was “Domingo”) was adapted by “Seniora Meding” (Congresswoman Remedios Fortich) after the massacre? Kami noon, each time, we climbed up the Honeymoon Hill sa tanghali to gather some toy-clay, we felt that eerie silence and hair-raising atmosphere in front of the abandoned Rivero’s house and we all ran towards the hill and back down again, from the hill after getting those mud/clay..
Honeymoon Hills and the whole mountain-ranges up to Balatin, Panang, Frankfurt, Upperfort,Kiliili were blue-capped then with virgin forests… Now, as you aptly described: kalbo na, denuded and bald. But its not the end of the world, nor a hopeless situation. The new generation of political leaders, the muslim and christian civic and non-governmental organizatins (NGO)leaders there are actively engaged in tree-planting/reforestration projects. In fact, Dr. Marilou Palabrica-Costello (still remember her?) the current president of “Sons and Daughters of Wao” is spearheading a tree-planting project this year…
Am sure my Kuya Danny still remembers you. Hayaan mo, when I see him this December, I will talk to him about you. Take care for now and lets link with those younger generations of Waonians over there..
H!folks, its me again,thank’s Mr.Oliver Ferrarez for inviting on your place,I was touched by your concerned and hospitality,in fact we have planned together with my wife to visit wao soon if God’s well.My wife is not a Filipina( she is white American )but she like to visit the place where I grew up.She is fond of eating pinoy delicasies.Wel,Francis your memories are keen and sharp,you can relate still the events happened long time ago,so far the incident in regard to Rivero’s family was already erased from my memory and just came back until you have mentioned it to me. Our house was a few blocks away from them.You know,I met a certain relative of formerly Marilou Palabrica here in Honolulu she was formerly Elna Ortigosa but now married to Roland Gerozaga,her husband used to live in Kalilangan, Bukidnon before.By the way you had mention Ador Abrogena, (boy) his nickname was the son of Mr and Mrs Calixto Abrogena the Principal of Wao Central Community School and later promoted to district supervisor? I heared that his family both dad and his mom died on plane crushed few years ago somewhere in Butuan,Agusan. It was relayed to me by Mrs Perlita Kalaw one of the retired teacher of Wao during my visit two years ago. I hope its not him. Are you going to attend the golden anniversary of LPHS this coming October 2008,if you, just kindly posted all the happening on that school.Even I did not graduate on that school but still have the forever connection in my life. I have a lots more thing to chat but may be time is up. bye! bye ! hear you soon.
Hi, Demuel, nice to hear again from you!
Mrs. Kalaw did not give you an accurate story about that ill-fated flight of Cebu Pacific Airways that crashed in the mountain of Misamis Oriental (not Butuan), about 15 minutes flight from the Lumbia Airport of Cagayan de Oro. It was not Ador who perished there. It was his youngest sister, Dra. Neneng Abrogena, her husband (Mr. Macalindong) and their kids. Marilou Palabrica’s husband too, Dr. Costelo, perished in that tragic flight, along with other christian and muslim passengers from different places in Mindanao. Their bodies were buried in that sprawling Oro Memorial Garden overlooking the panoramic mountain ranges of Bukidnon. I had dinner with Ador and his wife, Irene, in Asia Mall two years ago. Ador is now a very successful career executive: Senior Vice President of Banco de Oro in Manila. He was the first/pioneer scholar from our town whose college education was financed by that giant Insurance company in Manila. Of course,there were a lot more talented/brilliant students/graduates from Wao who followed the pioneering footsteps of Ador later. I knew many of them.
Yes, Mr. Calixtro Abrogena later bacame the district superintedent of Wao Central Elementary School. He died past the age of 100 (!)years old. His tomb lies beside our family farm fence which is adjacent to the cemetery. I used to walk-by his graveyard (along with the graveyards of other Waonians who departed ahead of us), in my early morning walk in our farm.
Lets stroll down memory lane, up until 1964, the time you left the town (boy, is this how old we are now? Am 56 years old and you must be about 59 now, as that’s how old your classmate,my Kuya Danny, is)….
I vividly remember three famous personalities from your area, Manila Group, in those years. One is “Timmy”, that lead-vocalist/singer/guitarist who was dubbed the “Elvis Presley” of Wao and headed the music band of Tagalog singers. He worked then in that bakery shop sa Mercado (where the present Baldiviso Store stands. That whole block then-now occupied by the Villabas and the Baldivisos- were occupied by the three Palabrica brothers: Tatay Ikoy, Tatay David and Tatay Aurellio. We used to watch them during their musical rehearsal (there used to be weekly contest in that wooden stage at the edge of the bank of Kapigis River with other contestants from Kilikili, Kanipisan,where the Batanguenos are from). Timmy’s group always won. And I still remember and could hum/sing, until now,those songs they sang.
The second guy from Manila Group who was always popular every time there was dance-contest was Rudy Tabada, that lean,skinny guy who belted it out like John Travolta and gyrated/rotated his hips and wobbled his knees like a snake and like Elvis! Boy, I still could seem to see how the dust spewed off from his shoes in that “dance floor” sa Mercado, illuminated only by those kerosene-fed “petromax” (no electricity in those days).
And finally, Cora or Carol (?) the “Celine Dione” of the Manila Group, who always bested other contestants in each and every “Amateur Singing Contest” in town. Remember her?
I like to recall the Wao of our days when there was that regular “Dumog” (Filipino-wrestling) every Sunday afternoon in that Magsaysay ground/”landing field”, across/opposite the old Municipal Building as you climbed up from the Kapigis River. The organizers just lay down a trampoline (“trapal”) mat on the grassy field and young contestants wrestled it out like Greeks and Roman olympians. The famous wrestlers at the time were the two “Baylon” brothers from Barrio Balatin, whose father was also a famous “manog Dumog”. They were both short and stocky with muscled thighs bulging like steel.
And of course, there was that “Paupas sang Kabayo” (Horse Fight) mostly every Sunday, where those stallions dueled it out to get the right to mate that “pretty/sexy” (!) mare tied to a post in front of their fighting arena… This tradition was later re-introduce by the past Mayor Elvino Balicao very town fiesta celebration.
Know what? I always remember that artesian well in Manila Group, just beside the Protestant and Seventh Day Adventist church and behind La Purisima High School. That was where we got water supply during that long months of drought and dry-spell in summer. There were only three artesian wells in town (one in “Extension”, outside the fence of Wao Elementary School, one sa Mercado and one in Manila group). The oldest one, near the house of Major Busran Kalaw, the main source of our drinking/cooking water, had turned murky and non-potable, hence, it was closed, I think in 1962. I remember how those Maranaw kids would aggressively “overtake” our long lines of water cans as we patiently waited in the queue and they came with their long bamboo poles which they used as their water containers/carriers.Funny, they would call us then as “so mga Firipinos” (“these Filipinos”)as if they were of different race. Oh, well…
That’s the “Wao” of our bygone era and generation: poignant, nostalgic yet still sweet to remember…
Hi Francis,
I am really amazed by the lucidity of your recollection of people and events in Wao. I was born in 1964 and some of the historical details that you have narrated transpired before then. But I can still relate to them because I have witnessed similar events (the gory summary execution of captured rebels; the blood-soaked remains of my Uncle Yubing, my mom’s soft-spoken older brother, who was ambushed in Balatin, etc.)
It’s a wonder how we pine nonetheless for the land of our birth despite vivid memories of its blood-stained landscape. I still remember the fresh smell of Wao’s air, the muddy road to the farm, the coffee orchard, the mango trees in Lolo’s farm, the monument at the plaza (is it still there).
I am sure that when I do get the chance to travel there, hopefully with my wife and kids, I will also be a total stranger. I do not know if I will still smell the air, or find the same muddy paths, or feel comfortable waiting for the sun to recede on top of the stone monument. All I know is that Wao is not only a place on the map but most importantly a place in my heart.
Francis, you should compile all your historical tidbits of Wao. It will certainly be a legacy that Waonians will treasure.
Best regards!
Hello there, again To!
Thanks for your kind words. Part of me never grows old. I still, and always, enjoy the simple pleasure and memories of my childhood. They were all molded and shaped in that isolated “shangrila” and paradise of my youth- Wao. I still vividly remember them. In fact, in my hours of lonely vigil and contemplation in a foreign land, always I came back to the town. And always, there appears and reappears images of the farm, of the sturdy farmers, the old farm roads, the sweet-chirping birds early in the morning, the mushrooms (“ligbos”) sprouting abundantly along the road after lightning and fogs, the “balod” and “punay” and “kalaw” birds making that “fixed” loud crows every noon time in Kapigis river, the fishing for “paitan” in Kapigis on weekend, and the fragrance of fresh morning air as we walked our way, barefooted, to school, for 3 years, in my elementary years…
Everyone of us who came from there, has some degree,level and intensity of personal bonding and attachment to the town. it’s subjective and personal to each one of us. In my case, it’s too profound and deep for I have traversed different areas of Wao as I was growing up as a farm boy.
If you remember in 1981, when your mama was still teaching English in La Purisima and the old batch of LPHS alumni decided to have a Newsletter, “The Spring” (of which you were the editor while still studying at Ateneo de Manila), I wrote and sent your mom a very long poem, which she published in that Newsletter. The poem,entitled, “An Ode To A Town, The People and the Farms” was my personal way of paying tribute to the town, the people and the farms that molded and shaped my character and personality into what I am today….
Yes, I remember what happened to Nong Yubing, your uncle, in Balatin. His younger brother, Edgar de Dios (we fondly called him “Abal”, short for “Kabalan”, which means oblivious to corporal punishment and physical pain) was my classmate for six years in the elementary and later in the college of Criminology in Cebu in 1968 and 1969 and he told me more about that ambush…
But Balatin, too, was a source of refreshing memories and imagery to me. There was that big sawmill on top of the bank of Balatin river in late 1950’s and early 1960’s. We used to hike there on weekend, about 4 kilometers from the town, and enjoyed swimming in its deep, cold river while we heard the non-stop sounds of bulldozers’ engine pushing those big lawaan logs and timbers to the edge and bank of the river, far from where we were swimming. There were lots of Kalaw birds and monkeys on top of those big, tall trees then. My mainstay barkadas at the time were Fred Baldiveso, Richie Lizada, Wences Lizada (we jokingly called him then, “Bordigol”, Totoy Celda, my younger brother, Toto Albert. We would climb those wild, thin, tall Lanzones
trees, growing abundantly along the bank of Balatin river and feasted ourselves eating those juicy, sweet (at times, not sweet) lanzones fruits while perched precariously on top of those thin trees which kept swinging and swaying in different directions as strong, cold breeze of wind blew on us. We were young then and filled with adventurous spirits like those pioneer settlers in the wild frontier of old America.
I think not so many kids in the town had the temerity and reckless boldness of my group. We climbed that romantic Honeymoon Hills, overlooking Manila Group and the town proper. There were three (3) types/colors of mud-clay available then that we used to mold into toy-soldiers and other animal figures. Few knew that in that hill were white, red and the “morado” (daw sa ube) or violet colors of clay. We would then looked down at the town proper and excitedly identified the roof of our respective houses, exclaiming, “Ato atop sang balay namon ho!”
And who would ever forget the childhood memories of that “Madalom” swimming lagoon, way, way down from that deep portion of “ilaya” of the Kapigis River that belonged to Major Busran Kalaw (the pioneering head of the Wao Land Resettlement Project, then called as FACOMA, NARRA, LA and later, DAR?). “Madalom” was some hundred meters down the house of “Tatay Kuroy”, where we kids tried to avoid passing by in those days “kay may aswang didto nga ginakadena”- the words would spread around…Reaching the “Madalom” side of the river, we nonchalantly removed our pants and underwear and in our glorious nakedness, started pouring water in that 15 meter long man-made earth “slide” which we carved along the bank of the river. That “slide” ended right at the edge of the river and one goes straight plunging himself in the deep portion of the clear river below. I remember my classmate and closest friend, Dr. Lamberto Palencia, sliding our butt in that slippery “slide” and plunging down, one after another, as we screamed with that adventurous spirit of care-free kids. Lambert and I got reunited when he came home from New Jersey in December 1999 and “Madalom” momories (sliding down there with our butts sometimes poked by those unremoved roots of wild grasses) became one of the favorite topics of reminiscences that evoked laughters and joy.
Ahh!!! those good old days of yesteryears…
To,
I forget to answer your query. That old spiralling stone monument in the town plaza, fronting your house was gone.It was demolished and replaced with a monument of late President Magsaysay who opened that “Land for the Landless” and resettlement project in Mindanao.
Your old house, in the corner of that block is now occupied by (if my memory is correct) the daughter of Mr. Rodas, who, I was told, is a pharmacist and has opened a pharmacy store & a gas station. I remember well, that old house of yours was occupied by the Philippine Constabulary (PC) Investigator, Sgt. Reynaldo (Naldo)Navarette. In one summer in 1969, he, his younger brother, Romy, (who visited from Dadiangas/Gensan) and I practiced Karate in a makeshift gym at the back of our house (behind your house and adjacent to the house of Mr. Pagayon). Their youngest brother, Rolando (Lando Navarette), would join us intermittently. I still have our photo taken then. Years later, while serving the NBI in Manila, I read the name “Lando Navarette” became the boxing champion and later world boxing champion (they even made a movie of his life, “The Bad Boy of Dadiangas”). I smiled when I came to know it was “Lando” from Wao,who was always called by Mrs. Abrogena kag ginabinting dalunggan nya for being mischievous and constantly ending up in a fist-fight in school. Lando should have told the Director to insert a fragment of his life’s story when he was in Wao. That should have put the town in a map that early, the way Pacquiao put the map of Dadiangas/Gensan on the head of every Filipino and boxing sport enthusiasts…
BUHAWE hit Wao left 58 families homeless
a Powerful Buhawe hit Wao yesterday October 9,2008 @ 1:00 in the afternoon. It deserted south portion of Kapigis river where 58 families left homeless. 28 Houses washed out, One Old man believed to be carried by the flood is unaccounted. 17 families were housed temporarily in Wao Gym. Mayor Elvino NONO Balicao’s team rescued 20 people trapped in the island in Kapigis river.
At 11:00 in the morning clouds build up at the western side (Muscrop) of the town. Two hours later clouds turned into extremely ominous, heavy rain followed and water sound of Kapigis river become stone gnashing sound. A buhawe hit muscrop and Pilitintangan. Water tremendously towering and struck low cost wooden houses along th river bank up to the old Bulangan.Residence caught un aware for the swift volume of water. Children were calling their parents and crying. 20 people trapped at the island but rescued by the mayors team. Electric Supplies had been cut off and Water supplies were affected.
17 family evacuess are now housed in Wao Gym and is taken care by DSWD, Municipal disaster Coordinating Team , DOH, PNP and some concerned government agencies. Last Night the mayor and his First lady donated blankets and mats.
Damages on agriculture and properties are still estimated as of this time.
Also today will start a Three month Palarong Pangkawani 2008. Parade will start @ 8:00 in front of the municipal Hall. Parlor games will be followed. The them for this year Palaro is : ” THROUGH SPORT: we Are One.” Participated by all government employees. 8 teams were organized. for the first time the mayor will sponsor the Practical Shooting
NONO ferrarez
Hello there, No Oliver!
Thanks for updating us with what’s going on in Wao.Its heartwarming to note that we hear it firsthand and quickly from reliable sources from the town, rather than receiving a second- hand info from newspapers.
Could you please update us about the forthcoming 50th (Golden) Anniversary of Lapur? How many estimated alumni are expected to come and attend? Are there surviving pioneer teachers and Carmelite sisters/nuns coming over to attend this Big milestone in the history of our dear Alma Mater? Anyone from amongst the so many priests who graduated from Lapur coming over to grace this special event? Keep us posted….
Overwelming success of LPHS Golden Anniversary.
October 27-28, 2008 started by a Grand parade and motorcade around the town, alumni coming from the different part of the country and abroad once again reunited to reminisce their never forgotten alma mater the Lapurisima High School. Early in the morning Tents of every batch erected around the campos. The affair started by the solemn concelebrated Mass presided by Monsignor Pacana and wao Priests. Lots of Alumnus lined for registration with their wives and kids on their sides. both are smiling to meet fellow alumni specially their classmates and former crushes. Alumni were grouped by decades..batch 60’s are were easily recognized for their gray hairs. Everybody wear their gold T shirt as their souvenir for the event. Lunch were prepared by batch..masadya…chatttings… stories of the past and present were shared.. lots of successful alumni also shared their Experiences… Like merlyn Emborgo, the Palabricas, marilou costelo…Banaynals,,ricabalancas…Ranques… Carumbas,,program started at 1 pm but mostly remained at their tents with classmates…Cars of new models parked alongside…the Homecoming garnered more than 250,000 to repair school buildings… batch 60’s suggest that every alumnus will donate 1,000 each to help the alma mater where. its a two days affair…. that alumni cannot will not forget the events in their own life…Wala ako naka adto Nong kay busy akmi di sa hospital.
hi,im meryll i spent more than a year in wao and and i love to come back there but financially to say so impossible because my place that i staynow is so far.im here now in ipil provinceof zamboangasibugay………..i just want to say that woo is so very beautiful and nice place….thanks bye
Firstly, let me thank Bob once more for continuously and generously allowing us to use this blog.
To Nono Oliver, for us who were unable to attend, how can we thank you enough for sending us updates on the recent special event and milestone honoring our beloved alma mater lphs on its 50th golden anniversary. It wouldn’t be a reality if not for the remarkable participation and active involvement of the dynamic officers and members of “Sons and Daughters of Wao” spearheaded by Marilou Palabrica, et. al. I personally congratulate everyone for getting the noble job done without reservation. I salute you guys!.
In addition I’m so glad to learn the memorable occasion was well attended by ever dedicated mentors and students from the 60’s and beyond…such information is greatly appreciated.
Thank you again Nono Oliver!… and Mabuhay and more power to our beloved alma mater, the La Purisima High School!
Hi BOB,
Well, reading all the blogs in this site for my hometown WAO gives me a sense of pride. My mom hales from wao being one of the daughters of the early settlers “the SOLATORIO’s” way back in the 50’s. Living there for a bout 1/3 of my life had been amazing. My childhood friends who up to this time makes a good contact made my stay in wao memorable. I use to wander several barangays during youth camps for the Youth for Christ, who is a dedicated organization in bringing changes not just to the societal paradigm but more importantly on the spiritual aspect of young adults. This makes wao the only dominantly catholic town of Lanao del Sur, with 80% christian and 20% muslim peacefully dwelling for one cause- To UPLIFT the societal condition of the people and cultivate PEACE among diverse culture.
Apparently, alot of NGO’s are into developing the town and I’m proud of the unselfish help that Couples for Christ is initiating in building beautiful villages through Gawad Kalinga, in the recently concluded Highway of Peace in the middle of the year which was participated by almost thousands of people ( Including my parents, who are a certified CFC member) from all walks of life coming from different regions of the country for that ONE remarkable event. Truly the spirit of NATION BUILDING was seen among the partakers. This endeavor allowed our financially challenge muslim brethren to experience hope even alleviating their self esteem and be productive in their own little way. Again my KUDOS to the people of Wao.
Furthermore, I would like to appeal to those who want to experience nature in a different way, try to check us out and will give you the wellness of nature when you take your visit to WONDERLAND of ADVENTURE and OPPURTUNITIES…as we say GodBless WAO.!
@AJ DAWIS: Welcome to the Mindanao Magazine Wao discussion!
TNX BOB!
hello sir francis. im alfred baldeviso son of alfredo baldeviso my father said that your in qatar right now. i am presently working here in qatar as a cad designer its been 2 months since i came here and i dont have any idea if i have a kababayan here in qatar. i haven’t see you mybe i was to young at that time when you left wao. but uncle danny is a close friend of my father an so am I. hope i can see you soon.. and god speed
Guyz,
Check this out! This is a Blog site you can visit and post your comments about whats going on with Wao. http://buday.wordpress.com/2007/04/02/my-trip-to-wao-lanao-del-sur/…Happy Posting!
Hello there, once again thank Bob for allowing us to use his blog.
Viva Immaculada Concepcion! Wao patronal fiest celebrated last december 7-8, 2008. Actually the celebration was started by a 9 days novena mass with different priest from bukidnon were invited. During the Eve parade by government line agencies and diferent schools around the town. followed by the Drum and bugle contest at lapurisima High school Ground. the fiesta was not so much in gusto since the peace and order situation is unpredictable.
Mr. Francisca M. Banaynal is in town spending his vacation with his family. He visited the most important places of the town to reminisce his past. But by his generousity, Frank donated 2 roles or 200 meters of cotton linens for the use of the hospital beddings. Salamat kaayo Nong Frank May the Almighty Lord showers you all the blessings and so with your family… Mr. Francis Banaynal also promised again to donate materialks for our laundry construction.
First, I would like to thank Bob Martin for posting this site. This has indeed provided all Waonians an avenue to meet and discuss fun memories of the past and bits of what going on today. Again, Bob, Thanks a lot!
I spent the whole afternoon reading between the lines of the exchanges above and as always, it has brought me to a different level of excitement…I imagined sleeping in our farmhouse in Ginupukan river, Barangay Banga. I felt relieved of all the pressures and demands of the corporate world whenever I go home. Memories of the past would link back on listening to dramas at high noon while relaxing on a swing made of Uway under the Kapihan. The flowing sound of the river is soothing to the ears as well. (My roots are the CEBALLOS’). Nay Nena is my lola and my grand father is the late Tay Campa (Ono’ to his closest friends) both settlers.
Ten years ago, Wao is not what is right now… It has changed a lot. I am now based in Leyte for almost 8 years and always make it a point to go home at least once a year. Before, it is very difficult for one to traverse the place…no transport, etc. (not imaginably by BOAT either!). Only carabao and sometimes, barely by foot! I used to walk 6 kilometers (3 kms back and forth) from our Uma in Banga to Wao…. It really was fun then… Damo kami sang una ga baklay! Sadya lang… Gahampang sang Giro (looks like tigbaw)… Today, there are plenty of motorcycles for hire… you can go to Kalilangan for a Sunday getaway in Kinura anytime to want, unlike before.
My personal notes on the profile of Wao:
Agree on the comment that the guy who drafted and posted it have never been to OUR place! It’s funny to read write-up like those…but sad to know that some people would just dare post it there without scrutinizing the details and real facts.
The idea of having a site for Wao is great! I have some photos to upload. Any update on it? Regards to All!
….Cool updates… I certainly miss the fun of the patronal fiesta since I wasn’t had the chance to go home… well I’m just thankful that my homegrown friends are still updating me with the highlights of our town everytime they had a chance to…. kip moving wao…
Hi Bob ! thanks for using your website, I would like to give my warmth regards to the Waoians especially to the Duplito’s family
Regards Meriam
25. December 2008 Switzerland
Dear All,
We’re definitely going global here, courtesy of Bob’s website. Slowly but gradually, the number of Waonians interacting thru this forum has been swelling and increasing steadily.
Am delighted to read the latest/newest family names added in the blog (the Ceballos’, the Duplito’s, the Solatorio’s) which I identified outright as belonging/related to, or could claim historical tie with the oldest generation of pioneering settlers in Wao in mid-50’s.
Noy Glenn, how are you related to Teddy Ceballos? I know well your Lola Ena and your Lolo, Tay Campa.They were both comadre and compadre of my late parents, Nay Rosing and Tay Arce Banaynal. Teddy was the classmate of my late younger brother, Toto Alberto, who passed away in San Francisco in 2005.
As to Meriam, how are you related to “Boy Duplito”, formerly with the Wao Police Department, and “Tita”, who was my elementary classmate and hi school mate in La Purisima in in mid-60’s until 1968?
Last month, I was glad to have met in Qatar Alfred Jefrey Baldeviso, son of my childhood contemporary, Alfredo Baldeviso, who is now in New York. I invited him for lunch at home, along with Marlon Aniero (from Paradise) and Joanne Valderama (from Malinao). It was a cheerful reunion of Waonians meeting in a new time and in a new place . Kanugon, wala na kaupod si Carlos Capa and Bobong Loja who left Qatar at the end of their work contract. As you will notice, this is indeed a small world. And you could never tell when and who will be the next Waonian you will bump into or meet in the mall or areas of work in different corners of the world.
Perhaps, we will never, in person, meet. But thru Bob’s website, we do meet. Lets keep this blog active, alive,dynamic and vibrant by posting and sharing our reflections and reminiscences about Wao, the people and events during our childhood and formative years thereat. CHEERS !!!
Hi!
I wish to extend my warmest greetings on this year of the OX to every bloggers here… Indeed this blog is goin global…Let’s all converge here as we diverge in every step we take….GODBLESS…
Hi! its me again Meriam, actually, Boy Duplito is my uncle and Tita is my untie. Is she still married to the guy called Usman? How about my uncle Boy? By the way, I was growing up in Wao.. did my elementary education in Wao Central and graduated in LPHS the same year with father Totet and Benilda Tutor. I left Wao almost 30 years, since then I lost my contact to Duplito’s family. So, anybody knows my uncle would you kindly give my warmth regards and to his family!
Bye …til next time… and happy new year to everybody!!!!
and most of all to Bob thank you very, very much!!!
Regards Meriam
4. January 2009 Switzerland
Hi Meriam,
Bonjour! I know some of the Duplito’s of the latest generations they were my schollmates actually ( JAY and MAC). Well the time I left Wao, about 4 years ago, I can vividly remember the father of te Nening Duplito who was a retired police ran as a municipal councilor of the town. I believe Duplito’s are one of the bigger clans dominating baranggay extension per se’.
Truly Wao has evolved much from a shabby little town to a fast-rising Hub in the Heart of Mindanao… WAy to go…!
Hi Sir Francis! Teddy Ceballos is the younger brother of my Father (Edgar). We passed by your old house in front of Western Wao Elementary School las Vacation and have discussed with lola about this Blog! Best regards to All.
Hi Meriam,
I just thought of updating myself on this lengthening thread tonight and your mention of my older sister Benilda Tutor immediately caught my eye.
I don’t know if you remember me (I was more recognizable by my nickname “Toto”, though there are so many Totos in Wao that it has spawned some confusion here), as I likewise can only vaguely imagine your face. But the Duplitos are of course an indelible name in Wao.
Benilda “Nida” T. Perez is now based in Vancouver, WA, as she herself mentioned in an earlier part of this thread. I was the one who alerted her to this widening global forum of Waonians. I’ll remind her to check out the latest in this thread.
Another reason your comment caught my attention is your present location. My wife and I have a Boholana friend who is also based in Switzerland. We met her through another web forum for Boholanos called “Tubag Bohol.” You see, my family has resettled this year in Bohol. I shuttle back and forth between Japan, where I am slugging it out with a small business, and Bohol, where my three kids are presently studying.
With so many feedbacks to this thread coming in different directions, I just feel that what used to be Mindanao’s unreachable hinterland–dear old Wao–is now the center of the world!
It’s heart-warming to be able to reconnect with you here.
Hi Fellow Waonians! I just felt excited to share to you my experiences last December and some updates and on upcoming events in Wao this month.
Last Christmas vacation was one if not the most exciting vacation I had.
Its nice to walk around the town and reminisce the old times. I was happy to see the developments around the town and excited of whats in store for Wao in the future – - despite of news reaching the national scene — Wao as a war zone! ????
Curious as we were, we (with the 1994 batchmates with our ABS-CBN southern Mindanao news anchor classmate) to stroll around the town by foot from Bliss up to Manila Group and then back of Central school to see the preparations of our Muslim brothers (by the way, we have heard that there will be a gathering of our brother Muslims in Wao Central Community School (now also known as Masiricampo Abantas Memorial High School) and its going to be a HUGE national and international relegious gathering) down to High way then all the way to Barracks to have a short plant tour inside Wao Development Corporation (a pineapple packaging plant/facility of Unifruity Chiquita Japan), then back to Magsaysay Plaza. later in the afternoon, we visited our Alma Mater , MSU-Wao Community COllege, previously Wao Community High School.
During this short vacation, on a personal note, I can say that Wao is still the safest place to live in the part of Lanao. A peaceful place inhabited with people-peace-loving-people (vis-as-vis) abundantly showered with good harvest. Thanks God for this! Lets continue praying and as many have done so, help her grow to become the real (WAO) Wonderland of Adventure and Opportunities by giving back to her part of the blessings which she has imparted to us in our growing years! Charity works for Wao? have read in the first part of the thread about books donations, etc….hehehe…
By the way, come January 19 is Araw ng Wao celebration! Regards to All!
Dear Meriam, Noy Glen, AJ, Toto “Benig” Jr, Nono Oliver, ET AL,
First, to Meriam. Thanks for giving us a quick glimpse of your family roots and history. I haven’t anymore met Boy and Tita for over twenty years now. In one of my visits in town many years ago, I was told that Usman, Tita’s husband from Jolo, allegedly, had passed away.
Second, to Noy Glen. Its warming to know you are the son of Edgar, my former classmate during my elementary years in Wao Central Community School. Our school teacher then was Mrs. Estores or Mrs. Bansa (?). How is he doing nowadays? Is your Lola Ena still active as church choir member? If you happen to revisit Wao, tell her that mama Rosing (her kumare and my mom) had already passed away in Cagayan de Oro last Oct 2007 at age 82 ( she died the same day in Cagayan as Nanay Mercedes, 84 years old wife of Tay Ikoy Palabrica. They were buried the same day at Pryce’s Oro Memorial, fronting that panoramic mountain of Mizamis and had afforded Cagayan-based Waonians to meet and get reunited there).
Third, to Toto “Benig”. I hope all is well with you, your career and your family members after you decided to return back to your dad’s peaceful and beautiful home province of Bohol. Have you definitely decided to come, revisit Wao yet?
And now, my most important message to all of you, and the other Waonians, scattered in various places of the globe but who may have accessed and read this lengthening thread:
I think the right time has now come to translate and put into actions all those beautiful words of aspirations and noble verbal longings we have for our beloved town, Wao. Let me explain further…
There are, at present, two active organizations/associations, organized by professionals from various fields and from various parts of the world, both aiming to undertake concrete projects/agenda/programs for the social, cultural upliftment, progress and developments of the town and the Muslim-christian residents thereat…
One of these organizations is the “SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WAO” ably led and spearheaded by Dr. Malou Palabrica-Costelo ( one of the first, finest and brightest scholars/alumni produced by the town in the 50’s and who now works as a consultant to the government of Nepal). She is actively supported by other visionary and dedicated Waonian professionals ( like Ador Abrogena, another brilliant, talented Wao scholar during his school heydays and now works as a highly-placed Senior Executive Vice President of Banco de Oro corporate headquarters in Manila); Atty. Maning Ravanera, a very successful and prominent practicing lawyer in Cagayan de Oro and former President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Cagayan de Oro Chapter, Dra. Neneng Merlyn Emborgo-Escalante, Nenet Parcon-Yamuta, Connie Fabella- Nunez, Miss Rosal, Nang Inding Laconde-Yutig, Nong Roger Parcon and other professionals from Wao. This organization’s vision/mission include preserving the legacies, the rich heritage and the indomitable pioneering spirits by our pioneering settler-parents (and the Jesuit missionaries) who built the town; and to undertake other socio-economic projects/programs for the benefits and progress of the residents.
The other organization which preceded the “Sons and Daughters of Wao” is “UMWAD-BANWA” which has Nono Oliver Ferrarez, the current Administrator of Wao Municipal Hospital (he succeeded Mr. Absin), as the president and actively supported also by Wao professionals from Wao, Cagayan de Oro and other corners of the world. UMWAD-BANWA had launched the first-ever successful “Anti Drug Awareness Symposium” attended by thousand of high school students in the town’s public gym. I had personally liaised with the PDEA regional office and the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Cagayan de Oro and brought along PDEA agents/speakers and rehabilitated drug addicts as testimonial speakers in that symposium. Consequently, the symposium drastically cut down the sale of “Shabu”, peddled by elements from Marawi amongst youngsters in town. UMWAD-BANWA also boldy marched in the forefront to counter the menacing acts of the town’s out-of-school youths who while away their time smoking marijuana at the municipal cemetery at night, by donating seven boxes of books to the municipal library, courtesy by some of my friends from “People Helping People Foundation” in Houston, Texas. Last year, Nono Oliver toured me around and showed the lamentable condition of the 28-bed hospital with scanty supplies of bedsheets. We responded by donating two rolls or 200 meters of cotton linen/fabrics that could be sewn into urgently needed bed sheets for hospital patients…
In my recent meeting/discussion in Manila last week with Dra. Malou Palabrica, Ador Abrogena and Ida Combatir- Estrada (also a Waonian now based in California), Ador has generously offered their ancestral home in Wao to become a “base center” for the organizations. It was also envisaged to undertake the next project, i.e, greening of the a portion of Honeymoon Hill. I understood that the Municipal government under then Mayor Elbino Balicao, Sr., has alloted 3-4 hectares to be planted with Mahogany trees. I learned from Nono Oliver of UMWAD-BANWA that Congressman Zubiri of Bukidnon is willing to give away Mahogany seedlings for environmental-greening campaign. All we need now is to tap/harness the manpower of the studentry from various high schools sprouting within and around town. It was suggested to liaise/coordinate with various school principals and, on one Saturday morning, we all climb up the hill and plant those mahogany seeds. It would be along and towards the area where members of the GAWAD-KALINGA had buit those houses for our muslim brothers last April 2008. It would be a very symbolic gesture of peace, brotherhood, harmony and goodwill amongst Muslims and Christians to co-exist peacefully and productively!!!
Guys, please give me your individual email addresses so I could connect, forward and share with you the ongoing/continuing email communications/messages from Dra. Malou Palabrica-Costelo, with regards project plans for Wao. WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. We are a group of people gathered together to accomplish things we cannot accomplish alone, singularly, individually. COLLECTIVELY, WE COULD MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. We all need your comments, views, remarks, ideas, suggestions, recommendations from the old and younger generations of Waonians which we later could filter/distill and implement.
Lets strive to be like those “Swans in the Sky”, flying up high in formation and constantly crying out that “quacking” sound to the swans in front and behind the formation, constantly prodding, inspiring, encouraging, motivating one another to continue flying/going/moving ahead and forward to our next destination.
To all of you, wherever you are, my warmest greetings and appreciation.
Manong Francis
email address:
Hi sir francis! I don’t know if your related to tita Nening Banaynal Carumba. Who is an active leader of the prominent Couples for Christ in Wao. Anyhow, she is actually a good friend of my mom and dad as they belong in the same organization. I can recall my mom’s stories regarding her highschool days at LA Purisima where she would buy banana cue at Tita nening’s mom, little store , as she recall ( I forgot her name… hmmp lola mayang?…i don’t know ..heheheh). Well, I look forward to participate in whatever way I can to help Wao be at its best. You can reach me at dawisju@support.earthlink.net or aj_dawis@hotmail.com… count my “QUACK” in the sea of quacking swans in the sky! God Speed….
Hi Sir Francis:
Papa is prefectly fine and now a lolo of 3 Ceballos’
You can reach me at in these e-adds:
gdceballos@pasar.net.ph
glen_ce@yahoo.com
Hello there again, AJ!
Thanks a lot for your quick and prompt response. I admire your sincere desire to be of service to the town and “to help Wao be at its best” (allow me to use your words). You are a star !
I find you a dynamic, committed and an active person, hence, would ask you to become a “facilitator” for other Waonians of your generation ( or others whom you know). Encourage them to visit Bob’s website and speak their mind, too. Better yet, consolidate all their email addresses and send them to my email address: (dont use the old address I posted in the early part of this thread. That has been hacked and corrupted by a hacker from Nigeria). As soon as I receive all the addresses, I will forward to all of you those previous emails/ messages from Dr. Marilou Palabrica-Costelo so you will have a better, clearer, stronger idea and understanding about those planned actions/projects/programs and agenda we envisaged and the ongoing discussions we have for the town and the people. We need as much number of committed, sincere and apolitical Woanians to join us in this noble cause and endeavor.
Neneng Tecelyn Banaynal-Carumba is my first-cousin, the younger brother of Fr. Totet Banaynal, S.J., who is assigned as a Jesuit missionary priest in Cambodia. Her elder sister, Deding Teresa Banaynal-Fernandez, a spirited and outspoken founder/leader of “LIHOK FILIPINA” Foundation in Cebu ( and a nominee to the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her dedicated services to the urban poor) was my classmate for six years in Wao Central Community School and my batchmate for 3 years in LPHS/LAPUR. We graduated in 1968. Neneng Tecelyn and her husband, Tom Carumba, graduated there in 1982 or ‘83, I think. As you can see, we belong to the older generation of Waonians, and in a few more years, will join the swelling ranks of “Senior Citizens”. Oh, well…
*********************************
Dear Nonoy Glen,
Thank you, too, for posting your email address and for conveying my warm greetings to your papa. I will forward those emails I mentioned above, soonest. Take care for now and stay in touch.
Hi Sir Francis,
Tnx for your kind words sir .(“You’re a Star”)! I love to be part of the advocacy that we are establishing for wao’s betterment. I have been spreading the blogsite to all my friends and acquiantances as of this time and hope to ignite insights from them for such cause.
Anyways, I’m not sure if you own the lot near the cemetery where we use to buy sweet rambutan with my high school friends during the week ends. Maam Banaynal of MSU wao is my filipino teacher in my sophomore and her daughter is my classmate too, I don’t know if you’re related to her husband. Hmmp what a good way to reminisce those long forgotten experiences.
TO ALL MY CO WAONIANS.ITS AMAZING…OH HOLLY LORD, ITS MY FIRST TIME TO SEE THIS SITE, NO ONE ANY ONE INVITE ME, TIL I SEARCH I MY OWNED ABOUT WAO,well intruducing myself i am Mae FERRAREZ Dee, an eldest daughter of Gelacio and Matilde Ferrarez, as the call tatay lacio , sister of Oliver Ferrarez, residing now in canada, and working here as a Nurse Coordinator, have 4 kids 3 of them are nurses too and my young son, who is 18 yrs old now is on his grade 12 . here in canada.. i graduated my nursing course in manila as bachelor in nursing i married a dentist from manila who is Dr Arnold Dee, after passing our philippines board exam, our first job is to serve my hometown, we went to the Ministry of Health in manila, asking a nursning job in wao, and a dentist,so the position was never filled up the Rural Health Nurse and the Rural Dentist, we are the first applicant, we applied the position, and in that moment the health director approved our job offer,, and in a week all the papers was ready directed to regional office, in Cotabato City, were i practiced my rural nursing training, since my hubby have never experience traveling to a roughed roads from cagayan to wao his first visit year 1979, riding in a bachelor bus at that time the road is so so so dusty. when we arrived malaybalay my hubby says he wanted to go back since he is not feeling comfortable traveling, but we proceed not any words we talked while we are in the bus proceeding wao , arriving wao we are full of dust our hair turned grays, for dust.. our first night in wao we never sleep together as he was mad about why he comes with me, he is a manila boy and me i am from a remote place of mindanao, but because of love and destined to be with me. everytime i came home in wao my first thing i do is, i go to church thanking Lord for my safe arrival in my hometown, its a nice feeling to start my first day in town visiting the church as i am a devoted mama mary patron saint of wao immaculada. The feeling that i have now is un explainable, tears of joy, and feeling of homesickness, i do know where to start but, i am here sharing to, my experience, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,say Hi to my English teacher Nellie Tutor, i will write more on my next mail , im exciting, im coming home on April with my family my 2 kids This is all for today MAY THE GOOD LORD CONTINUE GUIDING US WITH HIS BLESSING,,,
,Many Thanks BOB,. EXTENDING MY WARMEST GREETING TO ALL WAONIANS,
Hi MS MAE,
Welcome to the blog site….well it’s good to know that your reaping your golden harvest way up there in Canada…By the way, I knew your youngest sister Joan Ferrarez who use to be my classmates in elementary ( WESTERN WAO ELEM. SCHOOL) and college ( XAVIER UNIVERSITY). We are renting a place in Lolo Nino Brey before so I should say that me and Joan grow up together. We used to wait each other during the morning on our way to school together with some of the kids heading for school. We would pass the Magsaysay Park towards our school. We used to hanged out at the kalachuci tree at the back of our make shift canteen to take our lunch with our classmates.
Anyways, it’s good that you have plans of going home… Well you will be delighted of the development our town had for the past decades. Let me use your term “REMOTE” from that state Wao has evolved differently. We have internet cafe’s, cell towers and even fully paved roads from cdo to wao. From a “WARZONE” to a developing town Wao has lots to offer now a days. Not to mention banana and pineapple plantation of Dole spreading all through out the fertile soil of Wao giving local employment and opening doors for other investors to help boost the town’s economy …. truly breathtaking….
We expect to hear more from you MS MAE and again my warmest welcome goes to you and your family… GODBLESS!
Hi sir Francis’
How are you related to Carmencita Banaynal? She was my mom’s classmate in High school.
Good DAY!
Our Felicitation to SIR Bob MARTIN for connecting waonians from the past to the present generation…. KUDOS!
Hi again to everyone,,, Im toooo excited in going home, thinking im going back to the native land i treasured my life experience, in wao, in the nun kinder school, with sister consolacion, my classmate, rexy carumba our singer when we do the parade on holy week, evelyn emborgo , jane aqua,, and in grade one, my classmate is juliet baldeviso, delia baban, my teacher, mrs. estores, in grade 2, miss Cabatbat, in grade 3 . mrs rebocas in grade 4, mrs lungay in grade 5 and grade six, miss algereca,. …………….i communicate with BERT PALENCIA, who is in New jersey and we have a phone chat ,sometimes it lasted an hour talking about our experiences in wao, he said his memorable experience was when he is swimming in kapigis, at grade 6 kag kinakomkom nalang niya ang itlog niya diving in the water, kay uba laba soksok mala the only short he has going to school,.. ha ha haa…sharing our experiences and talking to him my life too we both endeed teary eyes. i really miss my life in wao cos when i was working as a wao rural health nurse we use to go house to house in wao and even go to barrios for our health services,i do our monthly reports in cotabato city and in service training till i meet Dr Annie SILUNGAN.we chatted about evrything related to our job tell she asked me where i came from and where i work. i said WAO she got an enterest and i convinced her that we need a hospital in wao, and health services, doctor like her, and she said might be her luck is in wao. she is single….. at that time we only have doctor GUIAB CLINIC. so cases of emergencies accidents they travel the patients to maramag. i brought up the problem to the regional director,asking about we need a doctor in wao. and it was timely that doctor Silungan is willing to go with me to wao. so she stay for 3 days in wao in my house. and that how she start,….. Hi francis, i send u an email as nono oliver says you just came home for a day holiday in wao. im taking my family to wao for a holiday but seems there is restriction from the canadian embassy that my hubby to be (im a widow for 15 yrs) is not allow to go mindanao, and this is the first time my kids to visit wao. i even wanted my wedding ceremoney in wao, it will be a true happiness to my family relatives and friends sharing to them the joy of happinness, but i do know how this work,,,, i need your advised SIR BOB…..
hello bob.. i have read ur trip to wao and im glad u had a nice trip though…. ahhh.. wao is one of the nicest town in lanao del sur…. its safe to travel here…. there is no conflict between Christians and Muslims here. we live in harmony here… ..Wao is the only Christian Town in Lanao del Sur and its no wonder why we really have a different culture from other towns in Lanao del Sur… well anyway, im glad to know u enjoy ur trip.. then if u want to know what really wao is, u can come to the araw ng wao celebration on february 21 – 22….. we also have Kariyala Festival, a street parade, a celebration through dances… if u wish too, u can come here… its a very peaceful place……. so u can visit us more often… couple of years ago, abs cbn davao, features our araw ng wao celebration… so there’s nothing to worry…. u can come here on february and witness how wao celebrates their festivities…
Wow! How amazing and delightful to have this modern communication connect Waonians from various parts of the world in a flash of seconds; a drastic departure and turn-about from those “RCPI/PT&T” communication technology I grew up with and get familiar in the 60’s and late 70″s.
I take this opportunity to warmly welcome to Bob’s thread my good, old friend from Canada, Mae Ferrarez… Welcome aboard, Inday Mae ! Ngaa karon ka lang iya nag-abot haw? Tell those other Waonians you know in Canada, Hawaii and mainland USA about this popular website of Bob Martin so we could interact here…
As to your statement and concern that the Canadian Embassy, is, allegedly, “not allowing” or imposing a “restriction” on your fiancee not to travel to MIndanao, this doesnt make sense to me. Anyone has the right and the freedom to travel and go wherever he wants to go. What the Canadian embassy and other embassies like the US, the British and the Australian embassies are doing is publish an “Advisory Letter” to their citizens wanting to travel overseas, giving them a list of countries/places they must avoid for their own safety and security (like Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, areas in Indonesia and the Philippines, etc.). The US Embassy does this to me each time I travel with my family . Most often, the advisories are based on media news/reports ( which tend to sensationalize, distort or exaggerate things on the ground ). So, if your fiancee really wants to go with you to Mindanao/Wao, his embassy cannot stop or “restrict” him other than telling, ” we advise you not to go, but should you decide to go, then do so at your own risk”. The question is: “Is it (still) safe to go to Wao?” I would venture to give a big “YES” answer. I just came from there about 5 weeks ago.. The fighting between the MILF rebels and the military are up, up there in the mountain ranges, far away from the lowland frontiers of Wao. Besides, there is a battalion of Army soldiers stationed in town with all their heavy artilley, Howitzer cannons and firepowers… Dalha sya sa Wao, para makita nya guid ang imo gin halinan sa kinabuhi and let him appreciate your rich legacy, family heritage and life’s roots. Then, he, too, could see and judge for himself that some news about the general peace and order condition in Mindanao are exaggerated/distorted by the media.
Hi, AJ! To answer your previous queries: the farm beside the cemetery is our ancestral farm; it was Tatay who planted those 1.4 hectare of Rambutan and I later developed the fertile land into a full orchard farm (with diversified tropical fruit trees) after Tatay passed away. Your Filipino teacher, Nang Delia Banaynal, is the wife of my eldest brother, Noy Danny. Your mom’s classmate, Carmelita (not “Carmencita” as you mentioned) is my younger sister. She now works as the Head of Social Welfare in the municipality of Banisilan.
It sure is an exciting and marvelous experience that we, from the old and new generations of Waonians, could establish links and warm bonding despite time, space and distance separating us all.
Lets keep Bob’s blog alive and vibrant with our exchanges of thoughts, reflections, experiences, reminiscences and insights… My best regards to you all…
Hi sir Francis!
Wow! Nice shot there Sir… With this blog I felt every strand of our linkage, be in what form, is capsulized and strenghten held to be a TRUE WAONIAN. To Bob our felicitation and gratitude, in making this forum a reality… Well I expect more stories to read in the days to come… I welcome ALEX to the thread…. I don’t know if it’s ALEX SUMIDO in the house, but if it’s you lex let’s kip it rockin’…till then fellas!
hi bob,
wow-first word came when i known and saw all familiar names in your site.i dont know how to express my feelings telling you thank you for opening this.im here in israel 4 almost 10years now and i really wanted to go back and visit home.but as of now my visa application s n process waiting 4 good result.by the way i was born n wao and my family owned a small meat business in poblacion.extend my regards to nono ferrarez.f ever nono saw this.no,imiss all of you.kiss me to jr and cj.also a mano for tatay and nanay.bemet meod meod-word from hebrew telling -really really naubsan akong kaminaw sa wao.kamusta sa tanan
Welcome LORETA to the blogsite… WE hope to hear from you more in your adventure in ISRAEL. What’s your last name by the way? til then..
Hi BOB,
I believe ARAW ng WAO is past approaching, it will have it’s launch on 2nd week of FEB, so might as well check it out if your time permits. you might wanna add exquisite photo shots in your gallery ( I’ve seen alot! )… It’s really festive and gay all throught out. Very colorful and loud. We call it the “KARIYALA FESTIVAL” a maranao term for MERRY MAKING.! It highlights on how MUSLIMS and CHRISTIAN dwell peacefully and driving towards making WAO a “HUB of WEALTH” in the heart of MINDANAO.
Hi aj – Thanks for letting me know more about Araw ng Wao. I am going to do my best to come for that.
Hi BOB!
Yeah you’re cordially invited to the said event. It’s a week long celebration which showcase street dancing, sportsfest, cultural presentation, bull fighting and street partying all throught out the week. You can see alot of different things on the said affair. So might as well get loaded with your SLR camera and a whole bunch of stuff to enjoy the whole affair. You can bring with you your family and friends. Way to go and have fun. I wish I can go home by that time.
Hi Everyone, especially to my ever beautiful sis in law LOreta,
Thanks Bob once again, Bless is the Lord for He is Good His love endures forever. .. Last monday Wao ceblebrated 55th year founding anniversary. Highlighted by a traditional parade around the municipality, followed by a program at te Magsaysay monument where the spiral stone monument before located. the guest speaker was no other than the former Governor of Bukidnon Carlos Fortich. Unveiling of the pioneers shrin fronting the Magsaysay statue at the edge of Old tennis court. in the afternoon folk dance competition at the new amphi theater. Wao 2009 foundation daywas not jubilous as 2008 celebrations when the Sons and daughters of Wao came home and have reunion and compare also to Araw ng Wao on february 22, 2009. the event was just formality for the pioneers and to recognized their effort, courage to come to the place and welcomed warmly by the native lead by Sultan Mamaco Saripada. The shrine manifest the that Christian and Muslim in Wao live harmonoiusly and defend each other when there will be bad elements distruct this relationship.
The Johor Izzimah of Muslim Tablig where almost 20,000 muslims gathered in Central school for prayer like Haj culminated last January 18,2009. There were foreign visitors coming from different muslim countries like Palistine, Bangladish, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, saudi etc. It was a 3 day prayer. outside the Central where you can buy Muslim attire sold. Christian women wear muslim customs like kombong just to enter and buy some goods.
Guys you are all invited sa Araw ng Wao on February 22, 2009. The celebration will start on February 8, 2009 lots of Programs and competitions orderly planned by the Committee organized by the mayor. Masadya ini.
Hi there inday Loreta. heres my email add. oliverferrarez@yahoo.com
nono Oliver
My Hometown
A gentle breeze cools this sunny Sunday as I stand my hometown’s landmark they called “Rotonda”. My heart fonder formy yesterdays.I aam reminiscing my past.
My old friends stop by, but notlong enugh for my satisfaction. I filled with so much love for this place and for the peoplewho live here. That’ why GOD’S like me to be here.
My roots, my childhood and most of life’s hard lessons i learned. It is my comfort, and and makes me feel complete. My hometown is incomparable even to the best place in the world.
They say you can never go home again, i say home is on earth where you can go to feel reallove and true frienship.
Let me return again and again and let my family be always there to love me, my friends be there to welcome me, and a small partof heaven be waiting to bless me.
Olivermferrarez1/24/09
it took me more than two hours of reading (including trip-down-memory-lane…visualizations!) all the wonderful stories about my hometown, wao, in this blog. funny………the person who owns this blog is not from wao….hahahaha anyways………thank you bob for the aperture you have created for us waonians to be connected. i am nolly ceballos the youngest son of nena and campa. since college, i visit wao only during christmas vacation. i was then busy doing theater work in iligan city. i am based now in new york city. just like what my nephew glen said, this is a good venue for us to be connected/ reconnected. but i would suggest that the local government of wao or anyone of us will create a website for this forum. ti daw ma huya man ta kay bob abi.
atemae and nono/ by Gods grace im now working inside central bus station in tel aviv/selling all kinds of international cards and computers and kinds of electronics/im njoying it for im always n a large group of filipinos here.im wth mam zuri of owwa phil.embassy,all cebuanos n vis-min got,hold an organization called vis-min org..hope i can publish some pictures from israel but im quite busy as of now.hope to find time seatting n pc and even talking to you/but here my email//// jilfag@yahoo.com…set time so i can call u or talk u thru here.except sat. and sun. medyo d matao ang pwesto d rest of d days/ regards to all.
to the one who ask my family name..abugan before i become ferrarez.the rest history.to all waonians hope i can got chance to know all/Godspeed
Hi Sir Noli,
Welcome to the blogsite SIR!… Hmmp we’re indeed goin global. I could vividly remember the show you spearheaded with the CFC Couples for CHRIST in wao. I was task to choreographed an interpretative dance with ate JUDITH GALUTERA that time. That was truly awesome to work with a highly respected director in your behalf, Sir Noli!. My dear friend ONNAH PIERRE PERALTA, who recently got married, had her fondest memory of you in your IPAG days.
Anyways we hope to hear more from you aeheheh….
Hi Loreta!
Good to hear your fortune in Israel… Joann Ferrarez is my classmates in elementary and college days, who happens to be the youngest among the ferrarez siblings…nice link there! any ways HALONG dra sa Israel, I dont know if you’ve meet the wife of tito Erin Carumba there who use to be a MISS DOSIL before. Anyways, I was the one who ask for your last name. GODBLESS po!
HI BOB!
Wow! this blog is amazing! thanks for introducing Wao Bob..
I cant help but think of my hometown again. Im actually born from Wao and have my grade school in Western Wao Elementary School but, decided to transfer in Palawan at the age of 13..I am now 25 year old and haven’t visit my hometown since we left..I am now working in manila and planning to have a vacation in Wao it’s juat I don’t have time to do it..Thanks to you coz you’ve introduced me again to my hometown and reminded me of those good and bad memories we’ve experienced in that place…But then’ no other place makes us feel at home unless we go back to our hometown..thnks for the blog…cheers
Hi aldin – I am happy to provide this place for the people of Wao, and those where were formerly from Wao too. I hope you make it back for a visit!
WELOME to the thread aldin!
What’s your last name by the way?
Hi All:
Please…. Anybody who can provide updates on the activities this coming Foundation Day “Kaliraya festival”? I believe, there are a lot in store. Thanks and Regards to all! Halong kamo tanan.
hi!
i really miss Wao. Happy araw ng wao to all.
Hi Jriel and NOY GLEN!
Welcome to the thread Jriel… what’s your last name? and to NOY GLEN i’ll try to ask my classmates if they can update me with the highlights of the celebration. but according to my mom the celebration will be launch on FEB 14, 2009 for the KARIYALA FESTIVAL.
Hi aj_d,
thanks.
kalaw is my family name. kmusta na kamo da mga waonians?
hi aj. what is your relation to zoriada kalaw my best friend in high school,mae
Hi Mae, she a relative of my father.
Hi Mae, she’s a relative, on my father side….
sorry ha sanay na sa short cut.
Hi may I know you family.Si Nong Lacio may galingan sa Malaigang. Am I right?
First of all thanks to Bob. As I go through the comments and exchange of memories I notice that the older ones have good memories than the younger ones.Maybe the younger generation don’t bother to look back only those who are going to retire soon. Tood gid ang siling sang mga tigulang nga mabalik gid kita sa pagkabata.Ako Wala nagid ko madumduman kay puro gera lang gid asta karon.
Its good that there are still many people from that place who are peace loving and development oriented. But ask the people of Wao about statistics. How many are starving, how many are engage in drugs.Indi bala sadto nga mga tion wala drug dira.Daw kanami lang sang mga feedback sang atong mga kasimanwa pero wala gid ta solution sang mga gakalatabo sa
Banwa ta. Indi bala obligasyon sang tanan nga taga dira labi na gid sa mga public servan.
hi jesa. yes we have a good memories in wao, where are you in wao..
hi bob is it true camigiun island is a good place
Hi mae ferrarez dee – Yes, I think that Camiguin is a good place.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your Blog, it is really amazing, we meet our kababayan in some part of the world. Before everything else, Bobby Timonera is also Manny Timonera from Iligan City? I knew him 15 years ago in Marawi City. If you see him please extend my warmest regards, we were together in some places in Marawi City and Wao. By the way , I`m Jurie Rosal, I was the Private Secretary of the Former Mayor Atty. Remedios Guiab. Now residing in Germany
Now, if I have time I open this site and read, as if I am also in Wao enjoying the celebration, memories always nice to remembered,
More Power and continue your good work. God Bless
To uncle Francis, AJ, Desiree, Oliver and all my Kababayan:Have a nice day,
Hope to see again, God Bless
Hi Jurie – Happy to have you visit! I am pretty sure that Manny Timonera is Bobby’s uncle. Certainly not the same person, though.
Hi Bob,
Sorry I thoght rhe Nickname of Manny is Bobby.
Hi Jurie – I think that Manny is the nickname of Manuel. Bobby is the nickname of Robert.
No problem!
To all Waonians,
Happy celebrarion for the ARAW NG WAO and Mabuhay. More Power
Hi Jriel,
Hmmp it seems that we belong on the same generation. I ithink I remember you. If i’m not mistaken you are the sister of jeramie, my batch mate in highschool… anyhow, welcometo the thread…
Hi Ms MAe…
My last name is not Kalaw, it’s DAWIS ( Mom is SOLATORIO, she is the one that hails from WAO )…however Tita ZORAIDA KALAW PADILLA, is my moms colleague and a good friend in Couples for Christ… We call her “MOMMY” since she is the mom of my bestfriend Florabelle, who is as well a good friend and classmate of your sister Joann… Well Mommy is connected in the municipal Trial Court as a respected employee with tito TonY his betterhalf. they own a huge house near the office right beside the WAO DISTRICT HOSPITAL. She is blessed with 4 lovely kids,FLORABELL- the pharmacist/Nurse, TONET- the Law student, TANYA – DEVCOM student and CLINTON – in highschool. They live a happy and good life in WAO…
Hi Te JURIE
Good to see your name in the thread!!!! WELCOME ante…. regards ko kay andrea and kay toto… aheheheh
Hi Ate Mae,
I’m from Malaigang, Wao we have also our residence at Eastern near MSU.But right now I’m in Manila.
Toall Waonians,
I have read all the comments, wala na guid ako sang masulat, kay ara na tanan, I am so proud, that all our sacrifices, we reach all our goal, everytime I visited Wao, may ara guid nga improvement.
Congratulation to all our Local officials and employees, and most especially to all the good citizen who supported the government. More power
The younger generation is the future our nation.
jesa. im from malaigang. too my dad is lacio,who own Corn and Rice Milling, whose your dad n mom..
Hello Bob,
Before going further to the innermost of my message, let me express first my great appreciation to your patience and generousity for having such impressive and informative website bridging Wa-onians to get in touch with each other after the Golden years passed.
I happenened to visit your website thru to the invitation of Jurie Rosal, a Wa-onians too, and was been a Mayor Secretary during Mayor Remedios Guiab regime. Thanks to her.
At first I felt reluctant to do so but curiousity occur later and finally I just found out myself starting to read the column related to your experiences in that particular place which is not strange to me ” WA-O” where I was before.
Yes I graduated my Secondary Education in La Purisima High School batch 1964, in Wao. That was the only existing Institution there during 1960´s. We were the second graduates of the said infant school. It was runned by the Carmelite Sisters. Rev. Father James Cawley was the School Director.
I don´t know if where are they now? my batch during calendar year 1964, namely:
Mila Ricablanca, Antonia Sarmiento, Angelita Laconde (Yutig ) happened to meet her once in Shopping Mall together with her children, Arcele Fabella who wrote a beautiful lines in my album before graduation, 2 Angeles sorry I forgot their first name, Ruperto Prangga, Quintin Villarta, Raynaldo Jacustan, Isidro Salvacion, his brother was my tocayo, Jun Muyco, Rogelio Jondonero, Eutique Barrion, Gregorio Palomares, Gil Salle, Gil Pillo, Manuel Maygay, Manuel Regio and many more.Sorry for those I have not mentioned. Remember I´m no longer teeneis, he,he,he, and of course the one who solemnized us in the Altar of Matrimony Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Porras.
I give thanks to Ida Combatir and Francis Banaynal, upon reading their column it inclined me to jot down too my whereabouts.
Ida can you still remember that you and your sister Myrna were titled as a song birds of La Purisima High School? that during school occassion you used to render Vocal duet to gave features to the affair? You were still in the Junior class before we departed LPHS.
Francis where are your brothers now, Boy and Danny ? Hope to meet them soon because I´m planning for Holidays on 27th of April and of course I will be visiting Wao too.
Presently we are residing in Germany. I was married to Nelida Dayaday, I believed mostly of the Waonians knows her too. We have two children all borned in Germany namely Kerstin and Patrick. Kerstin graduated as a Nurse successfully and she is now married, lived in Switzerland presently., whereas Patrick is still studying taking up Sizial Pädagogik.
Now Waonians, this is a GREETINGS FROM GERMANY; hope to meet you someday. However we are easy to locate in the Philippines. We have a residence there as a preparation for our Holidays and for the future sake. It is situated in RER SubdivisionPhase 2, Blk.23,lot 26 , Kauswagan, CDO.
Oh is it still obscure kon sin-o ang nagsulat nga ini sa inyo ? Ti wala lain kundi ang smallest guy sa LAPUR sang una, sa PMT last element sa Company C, under kay Hailey Valeroso.
Taga Malinao ako iya, pero didto nakalooyan ma assigned sa Banisilan High School, National High School na karon. Luckily I was able to acquire a good position there as a School administrator ( Principal position ) during the calendar year 1969-1981. I got married January 12, 1981.
Six months after our wedding I resigned and follow to my wife in Germany. From thereon we are now living here permanently.
To make obscurity more clear, si Santiago Genito ini but nahimo nga Arante after, for some valid reason.Mostly called me TAGOY in short. Ti ano klaro na ?
Now I am Santiago Arante officially.
Ti ginaliwat ko, kumusta na lang sa inyo tanan, kon diin man kamo nga hilit sang kalibutan. Wish ko ang kalipay ninyo upod sa inyo mga mahal sa kinabuhi.
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§ H A P P Y V A L E N T I N E §§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§
Hasta na lang anay diri, may ara pa nga sugpon nga paabuton sini……………..Padayunon
Hi Bob, thanks again for authorizing us to make use of this website.
Santy Arante
Robert -Koch Strasse 39
70563 Stuttgart
14th February 2009
Welcome aboard, Tagoy ! It seems to me, we who belonged to the older generation have more graphic, vivid and vibrant memories and recollection of the town, the people and the events that occured during our time, than the younger generation of Waonians. Damo kag malawig tana aton nadumduman sadtong mga nagliligad nga panahon.
Reading thru your message made me feel nostalgic again and yearn back once more to those good old days in Wao, particularly the bitter-sweet memories in La Purisima High School under the Carmelite sisters, and Fr. Cawley and later, Fr. James Fowlam, all Jesuits missionaries.
Nagkitaay kami nanday Ida Combatir, her sister, Myrna (tahom lang gihapon these Combatir sisters), their brother, Willie, Marilou Palabrica-Costelo kag Ador Abrogena (now a highly-placed Sr. Vice-President of Banco de Oro) last Jan. 2nd didto sa Greenbelt restaurant sa Makati. My elementary classmate, Atty. Nonong (Emmanuel) Palabrica, now a Sports Commissioner, with office in Malacanang failed to attend kay didto pa sya sa Hongkong at the time, same with Joe (Jose) Sibug of Central Bank, Leonor Angeles of PRC, and my high school classmate, Feliciano Caamic of Colgate-Palmolive, Wala tanda ka tambong. Kasadya, reliving the memories of yesteryears in Wao.
These are my recollections about the people you mentioned: Quintin Villarta entered priesthood (seminarian) pero nag gwa sya. Reynaldo Jacustan became a high school teacher sa MSU ( I remember well, kon may saot/bayle sadto sa mercado, petromax lang ang suga, sila pirme ni Rudy Tabada sang Manila Group ang ga paindis-indis/karibal kon sin-o maayo magsaot. Gatap-ok lang yab-ok sa duta kon mapusdakan sang ila sapatos. He he he!). Si Jun Muyco, I heard entered the military with Merlito Ty ( hinablos ni Mrs. Agua), who, I was told, eventually became a colonel, kuno. Manuel (Manny) Maygay, when he was an ROTC officer sa CMU, Musuan, conducted the PMT tactical inspection sa amon sa LAPUR. Eutigue Barrion’s brother, Pol, was the best friend and classmate ni Manoy Danny, my eldest brother. Mila Ricablanca, became a principal of LAPUR, just like Nang Inding Laconde-Yutig who also became principal of MSU. Antonia Sarmiento was teaching at MSU sang 3rd year na ko sa LAPUR. Aracelle Fabella, with her sisters, Remia and Connie, are very successful and prominent businesswomen in town, with their vast business “empire” as suppliers of fertilizers/agri-products expanded to Kalilangan, Pangantucan & Maramag (according to my source). Dako na gid sila. Ruperto Prangga was from Extension, di bala? His younger brother, Bernardo, was my classmate sa Wao, Central Community School.. Ano ni Nilda Dayaday si Ricardo (Cading) Dayaday (that soft-spoken classmate of mine sa LAPUR)?
My elder brod, Danny, was with me for over a year in Houston, Texas then moved to California as the administrator of the 75-apartment owned by our niece, Cynthia Batiller-Brannon (bata ni Preciosa Batiller) who married an American businessman. Noy Dan is now in Wao. My other older brother, Boy, died in an encounter in Valencia, Bukidnon in 1977 while serving ISAFP-MIG (Military Intelligence Group).
Like you, I also built my retirement house sa Cagayan de Oro (Xavier Estate Subdivision) in 2003. Kada tuig, if we dont go to the States, we spend our vacation sa CDO. This social phenomenon is hard to believe: as we enter the twilight years of our lives ( I am now 57 years old), we tend to become like those turtles swimming back thousand of miles to revisit the beach where they were hatched; or we temd to become those birds homing back to their nests at the end of the day. Teh, amo na feeling ko subong. I guess, Ida Combatir feels the same way, that’s why she and her husband, Pol, built an impressive retirement house in Alabang and a condo unit sa Eastwood. Amo gid ni siguro as we grow old. Para sa akon, I have seen the world ( been to 23 countries) and in my old age, after retirement, mabalik ko ya sa Mindanao and spend the rest of my years in the serenity, tranquility and quiet surroundings of our farm. I miss the clear, blue skies, the chirpings of the tiny birds or touching the dew on the tip of a green grass and a leaf in a misty morning. Wao and the farm are my roots in life and that’s where I am going back one day, with a retirement house in Cagayan de Oro.
Teh, sugpuni pa guid abi ang sugilanon mo to sa ibabaw, beh. Give us some more of your own thoughts kag mga handuraw mo bala haw.. He he he. Cheers!
Hello there, Bob,
As I see the thread getting longer and longer, I start to worry that perhaps we are now heavily straddling your blog’s space and this may no longer be favorable to you in the end. Its just that we find it sooo convenient and soo easy to use your blog to interact with those Waonians from different generations scattered in various parts of the globe. For all your kindness, may I say with all sincerity: “Thank you so much…”
Hi Francis M. Banaynal – Don’t worry, Francis. No matter if the number of comments here would be a thousand times more, it would not burden the server, so don’t worry about that.
Actually, I have some good news for you. Largely because of your active community here, I have decided to open up a Mindanao Forum. I will have sections on the forum for any towns/cities who wish to have one. There will be a Wao forum where all of you can participate and know each other better.
Watch this space. It might be a few weeks before I can complete this project, but I will announce it here when it is ready!
Take care, Francis.
Hello,
Araw ng Wao festivities will be on February 22, 2009. The activities started last night Valentines Day celebration, Live band will continue until the culmination on the 22nd day . Several singers were invited..Lots of visitors are expected to come From Marawi and The ARMM. Among those will Mr. Bob Martin. In behalf of the honorable Mayor Elvino B. Balicao I will invite you to grace our Fiest. Mayor will be glad if you can come with your group to cover the events especially during the Kariyala Festival….It is the mayors desire to meet especially when he knew you are opening a forum for waonians in your website.. By the Way the mayor would like or interested to open a website for Wao… if you could help us/…//
Thanks and more power
Oliver
Thank You and more power
Bob,
Once more, thanks a lot for that added service, at no cost to all of us, Waonians. We look forward to the launching of your new project, “Mindanao Forum”. On a personal note, I want to let you know I have privately emailed one local town official to invite you to watch the forthcoming (or is it already “ongoing” one-week long celebration of Wao’s “Foundation Day” from Feb. 14-20 ?) and if you happen to make it, have you introduced to the town mayor and be publicly acknowledged for putting Wao in the world’s map thru your popular website “Mindanao Magazine”. I wish I were there at the time of your visit, so I can grab the microphone and publicly give you due recognition, for and in behalf of a grateful town and farm folks …
BOB,
Sir, In behalf of the earlier generation of our town, my overwhelming tnx for what you’ve done. This is a tremendous effort from someone who is not from the town. May the good Lord will continuously enriched you with your gracefulness and generosity. This blog appealled to me a lot since the older generation who are reaping thier golden harvest in their twilight years ( naming a few…SIR FRANCIS,ANTE JURIE, MS MAE, SIR ARANTE and the like) made us so proud and pushed us to be more resposible and more dedicated to what we are into now. As we wave our own strand of success, this intensifying-life-long-success stories of the townfolks will be our guiding light and inspiration that someday what these great folks have contributed in the present wao will be pulverize and vigorusly cultivate by the present generation to which I belong making a legacy for the future generation. Truly “WE” commend you SIR!
Hi Oliver M Ferrarez – Wow, what an honor to be invited to the Kariyala Festival! Thank you very much. I will contact you privately regarding my attendance.
Hi Francis – Thank you very much. I have been thinking about the forum for some time, and because Waoians are so active here it really made me decide that such a forum would be useful. I think that I would enjoy attending the Araw ng Wao, I’ll let you know.
Hi AJ Solatorio Dawis – Thank you for your nice comment. It is my pleasure to provide a place where Waoians can meet with each other no matter where in the world they may be.
Hello Bob its my pleasure if you could contact me soon to arrange your coming. I already talked to our Information officer regarding you. Inspite of the attacked of the Military brigade in guiling Alamada today and cost plenty of the MILF rebels casualties and wounded the celebration must go on. One of the Highlight is the opening of Philhealth Satellite office here in Wao. We are very grateful for this since the Philhealth members won’t go anymore to Valencia City or marawi to follow up their claims and benefits. The Philihealth will serve the catchment area of of kalilangan, bum,baran Wao and Banisilan. i like also to volunteer as your partner of news gathering in this part of the world. I was a Media correspondence of Mindanao Inquirer in Bukidnon and ARMM before i work as Administrative officer of Wao District Hospital.
Thanks Bob and morepower. God bless
oliver
Hi Francis,
It`s not flattering but I just want to express my reaction and happiness which is unexplicable when I glimpse your name below the message I wrote the other day.
More so wow, how I loved to hear again my old pin name , that such a length of time I´ve never heard from friends around here calling me the same. ” TAGOY “.
Your right, we elders are good thinkers, strivers and resourceful inspite of the very challenging situation we had before. Every angle of our life experiences were being saved, athough we are now in the midst of the modern world reaching one country to another but it will never be vanished.
Its nice to hear about Danny. Ti ara na gali siya dira sa Wao ? Is he not planning to go back to USA anymore ? Sorry to know Boy´s fate, may he rest in piece na lang.
You asked me about my wife Nelida, she is the first cousin of Carding, Generita and Fatima Dayaday. I don´t know kon nakilala mo pa sila, kay separated man abi ang Boys and Girls section, maimon abi ang Madre noh ……… he,he,he.
Ka batch mo man gani siguro si Mrs. kay classmate man gid sila ni Theresa.
She is happy to read your message espacially you mentioned Leonor Angeles her close nga Amiga kaupod niya permi mag escape sa class ni Mother Asuncion and the unforgetable Feliciano Caamic too. Di ba nagsulod ina siya sa Priesthood?
What about my brother Noemi kilala mo pa siya ? Classmate man sila ni Nanding , your first cousin. He is now in Saudi Arabia. Maayo kay may maayo man siya nga position didto, nahimo man nga Supervisor in their Department.
Abaw , nadumduman mo pa si Sr. Consolation sang una ? nga palapamuyayaw kon magginahod na gani ang mga boys. Wala mo pa malipati ang iya hurubaton ?????????????. reserved na lang ini sa next sereis.
Thanks for sharing me the whereabouts of my Co-garaduates( 1964 ) Im happy to hear what they achieved. Thanks to LAPUR and to our mentors before namely:Miss Banaynal I believed she was your Auntie my English teacher, mabuot kag gwapa sayang kay after a year was replaced by Miss Moncada gwapa gihapon pero medyo estrikta, Mrs. Panis, in History, Mr. Camora in Physics, Mrs. Ruiz one of my favorite teacher handling Pilipino Mrs Luchavez, Miss Solibio and of course Mother Asuncion our Algebra and Spanish Teacher who was habitual to sleep during our classes. Ti ano pa abi di masadya ang Cat and Mouse sa sulod sang klasse especially during the exam. ( we termed Periodical Test pa sang una bah ) Nong Dolfing Palabrica handled Agriculture
pero wala man magdugay same ni Maam Banaynal. The latest mentors wala na ako ma under sa ila like Mr. Sadang who wasoftened mentioned my brother Noemi .
Yes, we owe much from them for developing our mind to be knowledgeable and made us what we are now.
Ti kumusta si Inday Lou ( Marilou Palabrica ) She graduated Valedictorian sunod lang sa iya si Pythias Bansa nga bata ni Nong Trining nga taga Extension. It reminds me again another group of singers sa batch nila, ang Lumugdang Sisters together with Jose Lumugdang ( Trio ) nga ang favorite song nila is:
” The Spree of Tulips ” Whereas Mila Ricabalanca was the Validectorian in our batch..
Ano ni Nong Dolfing Si Nonong ? Ti kanami lang noh nga damo na guid ang nagsuccess nga tag-Wao. Di ba Jr. ina si Jose Sibug ? Kay I know pretty well his parents dira sa Mercado sang una malapit kanday Tay Maning,and Nay Moning Braquez
Hi Francis how I wish to meet you personally, siguro masadya ka nga nga kaestorya kon nagaatubangay noh, malipayon na gani kami pinaagi sa message lang ayhan pa kon sa personal na guid ………….
On April I will be in CDO, didto ka ayhan sina nga bulan ?
Oh Sige daw malawig na ining akon nobela, sa sunod ko na lang sabton ang iban mo nga gusto tungkadon sa akon mga handurawan…. may kasugpon
Palagas pa guid, Kabati ka ba kay Paking Dias ?
Hello AJ Solario,
Hi Kumusta ? thank you for including me as one ideal in your commentary. I´m happy Indeed that we were not yet faded in the memory of the young one´s.
Hi, you mentioned the Kalaw family in your page. It reminds me my co-graduate in the High School named Boy Kalaw. Do you know him ? Only I forgot to wrote in my first message ” sorry ”
Hope to hear from you on your next comment.
Greetings and warmest regards to all Waonians.
Hi Jurie,
Thanks for inviting me to Bob´s website. Oh yeah it´s pleasant, interestesting, only I´m afraid in the long run having an Ulcer because my lunch is almost forgotten.
Hello there, Tagoy!
He he he! Naga utoy-utoy ko kadlaw sang ginbalikan mo handuraw ang mga nagakalatabo sa sulod sang classrooms sadto nga panahon : Mother Asuncion Mendiola, sleeping during our periodical test and we started passing around the answers to the questions. Then gulpi lang sya mag mata kag bal-an nya dayon kon diin gahalin ang gahod kag madakpan ang gapangupya. She would call the erring student in front of the class, let him kneel down ( didto bala sa elevated flat-form ) kag pakdulon ang ulo with the tip of her umbrella with her favorite Spanish word of expression: ” Estupido!”. But I have so much to be grateful about kay Mother Asuncion. She forced us to memorize the 14 stanzas of “Me Ultimo Adios” by Dr. Jose Rizal. Sa amon klase, tatlo (3) lang gid kami ang naka memorize sadto: si Dr. Lamberto Palencia (he became our Valedictorian and Human Settlement Commissioner of the First Lady, Imelda Marcos in the 70’s and now works as a consultant in New York); Fr. Danilo Bacallan (nag pari sya) kag ako. Believe it or not, I still recite it from memory up until today ( I was even exempted in the final exams of all my 4 Spanish subjects when I was in College kay sadto nga panahon, medyo makahambal na ko gamay nga “Espanol” based on that so-called “Conjugacion del verbo…blah, blah, blah”, remember? By the way, that famous landmark, “Mendiola Bridge” near Malacanang, was named after the uncle of Mother Asunscion Mendiola who was the first Filipino ambassador to Spain. We were so lucky that she was assigned as the missionary Carmelite Superior in Wao after graduating magna cum laude from UP Dilliman.
Teh parte kay Sr. Consolacion, we always remember her as “Miss Falling Leaves” kay nagmadre sya (kuno) after ma in despair sa iya nobyo. He he he! Pagka estrikta nga madre! But thanks to it and for it, we all became good members of the society and the community, right?
Kon amo, ka batch ko si misis mo kay classmate sila ni Deding Teresa, my cousin, who was also my batch mate. Deding is doing extremely well in Cebu as the Executive Director/Founder of the very respected “LIHOK FILIPINA FOUNDATION” which strongly fights for and advocates the right of those oppressed women and the urban poor. In 2007 she was one of the nominees to that prestigious and coveted “Nobel Prize” for her unflinching dedication, social commitment and services to oppressed/battered women. She is sometimes invited to give lecture at the prestigous Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati. ..I regards ko kay Nilda. Diin na si “Cading” subong?
Feliciano got out of the Augustinian Seminary sa Manila kag nagpakasal kay Heidi (whew! nalimtan ko na apelyedo, taga Wao gihapon). Didto kami halos tanan nga taga Wao sa kasal nya ( Bebz Lizada, Juliet Baldeviso, Connie Fabella, Nenette Parcon, Jose Villarias, et al). Fr. Ramon Pedrosa, also from Wao, officiated the wedding.
Your brother, Noemi, sadto nga panahon, were always with my cousin, Nanding, my brother, Boy, and the sacristan boy, Willie Combatir. Sunod kami sa ila. Batch 67′ sila, batch “68 kami ya.
Baw adtong si Mr. Tito Sadang! Gin pahibi nya sadto si Maam Warminda Magsalay, Tagalog teacher namon. We all know the reason ( I cant print it here kay basi ma acusar ako sang “libel” pag balik ko da sa Pinas. he he he). But this Tito Sadang met his match sa cousin ni Rodolfo Carbon nga gusto nya paggwaon sa classroom. Wala mag sunod sa iya mando. He went to the student’s chair and wanted to physically yank him out. It ended up in a fist-fight! Nag tinapungolay sila inside the classroom. Teacher vs student in a brawl! Could you believe that?
Your English teacher, ( my auntie ) Catalina Banaynal, attended the 50th (Golden) Anniversary of LAPUR last October. Present was Mr. Ridao, the second principal, whom Marilou Palabrica managed to pull out from Cotabato where he is now a Board Member. Miss Moncada (later became Mrs. Apao) became my teacher in Loyola High School in Don Carlos, Bukidnon sang nag evacuate kami didto following that “little war” in town during the town fiesta in December 8, 1964 and a fire-fight ensued between the Christian soldiers of the defunct Philippine Constabulary and those muslim policemen under Mamical and Dunca. I saw them sprawled in the ground in the “landing field”, soaked and wet with the rain (ga ulan ulan sadto), hours before they were executed by the firing squad from the elements of the Army Battalion Combat Team (BCT) from Camp Kebaritan, Kalilangan, Bukidnon… War is always brutal and merciless….
I met the Palabricas ( Nong Dolping, Mila, Perla, Marilou, Neneng and my classmate, Atty. Nonong Palabrica) in their house in Cagayan in October 2007 when their mom, Nay Mercedez, passed away at age 84, the same day my mom died in Cagayan de Oro at age 82. They were buried on the same day (but different schedules) didto sa Pueblo Oro Memorial. It was again a gathering/reunion of Cagayan de Oro-based Waonians.
Everybody in our generation (late 50’s to late 60’s) knew Marilou Palabrica as the first Valedictorian sang LAPUR and she excelled even in Xavier University. Inday Malou was actually my role-model when I was still a student in college. She inspired me to study hard and excell, too, during my own academic years.
Very few people in Wao knew that it was actually in 1973 when La Purisima High School has its “Golden Age” ( suno ini kay Sr. Vicenta, the registrar, when I visited her on that summer vacation). It was that year when four (4) Waonians graduated with high honors on top of their classes: Dr. Lamberto Palencia, cum laude in Agricultural Engineering sa CMU, Musuan, Bukidnon and ranked number 4th, nation-wide, durng the Boad Exam; Fr. Danny Bacallan, cum laude didto sa Cotabato, Jose (Joe) Sibug, cum laude sa San Isidro College, Malaybalay,Bukidnon, and me, magna cum laude sa College of Criminology didto sa University of the Visayas, Cebu.
I hope the younger generations could find some insights, lesson and inspiration on how we lived our lives and how we stayed focused and tenacious in achieving our self-imposed goals and ambitions in life. Yes, it could be done. It doesnt matter who you are, where you are, what you are doing at the moment. You could accomplish things in life for as long as you put your heart and mind in what you are doing. Para sa akon, looking back, nothing was rough or hard. “Rough” is only mental. It is only rough because you think so it is. If you think you can do it, you can do it. A thing is hard or easy in proportion to how you think about it. Mental attitude is always important.
Ma bakasyon kami liwat sa Pinas from June 12 until July 24th. I plan to activate another “drug awareness campaign” symposium para sa mga high school students sa Wao, similar to the first one we organized with Nang Inding Laconde-Yutig in 2004. Inday Malou Palabrica wanted to spearhead the project of “Tree-planting” (of mahogany trees) didto sa area allocated for us by the municipal government. I will coordinate liwat with Nono Oliver, the president of UMWAD-BANWA, to keep the ball rolling again…
Teh, diri lang anay ko. Imo naman turno sunod, Tagoy… Kinahanglan may legacy kita nga mahatag sa mga joven nga generations nga ga sunod sa aton…
Hello Bob,
Once again, I´m thanking you so much for all the privilege you´ve extended to us .
Hello Frances,
Maayo kay nagaulan sang Snow, busa ari lang ko gihapon naga-atubang sang computer, kay unta time na to go out with our little Pet dog.
Gabii na gali dira sa inyo? Alas kwatro pa sa hapon diri sa amon.
Abaw Francis, daw indi man ako ayawan basa sang message mo. 3x ko guid liwatliwaton kay daw nahidlaw man ako magrecollect sang nagliligad. The same nag harakhak guid ako pagkabasa ko sang sang mga experiences naton tanan during our High School days . Kasadya lang ano ?
Ti kumusta si Maám Banaynal , where is she now ? thanks for reminding me about Mr. Ridao, prior to Mother Asuncion he was our Algebra teacher.
Noli Me Tangere ” Mi Ultimo Adios ” Ahay 6 stanza lang guid ang nakaya ko, mabudlay man abi , pero maayo nakapasar man.
I met Fr. Bacallan one time when I was still connected with the MECS. I went to the Division Office in Kidapawan to submit my monthly report and I happened to know that he was at his Uncle´s Residence just adjacent to the house where I was. It was a good oppotunity to met him, and aside pareho kami nga taga Malinao sang una and also related to us. Upod pa guid gani kami sang una maglangoylangoy sa suba kag playmate sa bug-oy, (sigay) pitik-pitik (lastiko)
pitiw etc.
Carding is still in Malinao, kalolooy man kay daw medyo nagkadeperesya ang iya isip sa pagkakaron.
I am now retiree, turned 61 years old last January 12.
If you spent your Holidays on June it is the high time to meet you there. I will be in PI effective last week of June until August. Neneng will follow sometimes on July too.
Ti didto ta na lang naton ipadayon ang sugpon sang atong naumpisahan nga mga estorya.
Hi, Tagoy!
The feeling is mutual. I too found myself reading and rereading your message, over and over again. Katahom. I only stopped to visualize things each time the topic goes back to our dear alma mater: La Purisima . In my hours of lonely vigil and contemplation before in a foreign land, always I come back to the ground and the plains and the classrooms and the church of LA PURISIMA… And always, there echoes and re-echoes the words of wisdoms of the religious nuns, the Jesuit missionaries and those dedicated teachers. We owe to them who we are and what we are today. Like the soft, pliant and supple clay , they molded and shaped us into becoming strong characters that can stand up in the storm and yet compassionate to those who fall… As the old saying goes, “Learning from childhood is like engraving in stone. It will never be erased”..
There was a time when LAPUR experienced its “Golden Era” of having produced the BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST students in Mindanao at the time. There were sooo many bright students then kag halos dumdoman ko pa gid tanan ang mga ngalan sadtong who made the school and the town and the teachers proud. Damo maalam nga nagdako/naghalin sa Wao sang aton panahon ( like Thor Bansa, Adonis Baldonasa, Marilou Palabrica, Mila Ricablanca, Diodato & Glicerio Ricablanca, Dr. Lamberto Palencia, Atty. Maning Ravanera, Atty. Nonong Palabrica, Dra. Merlyn Emborgo, Fr. Danny Bacallan, Fr. Totet Banaynal, Deding Teresa Banaynal, Ador Abrogena, etc. etc, etc. The names are endless).
Abi mo, Tagoy, its heart-breaking to know that the quality of instruction in LAPUR has deteriorated sharply over the years (at least, that’s how I see it ). Each time I go on vacation, I see out-of-school youths spend their time sniffing those drugs and smoking those marijuana sticks under cover of darkness at the municipal cemetery. Ara lang guid ang sementeryo sa kilid sang amon uma and I saw some of those mis-guided youth gapahubot sigarilyo didto kon gab-i. That’s why last 2004, we spearheaded that symposium on “Drug Awareness Campaign” with several thousand high school students converging at the municipal gym to hear speakers from PDEA and Drug Rehabilitation Centers in Cagayan de Oro which we brought to Wao. There was a drastic drop in the consumption of illegal drugs after that. I was told that the current mayor, Elvino Balicao Jr, had fiercely opposed and scared off those drug dealers kag nag tal-as sila sa Wao kag didto na (kuno) ga operate lapit sa Kilikili….Before then, tama sa ila ka supog.
Nasiling ko sa akon kaugalingon: ” I serve other countries, other people, why not serve too, my own town and my own people?” That’s why in my own little way, despite time and distance separating me from the town, I try to reach out there constantly and help in ways I know. NONO OLIVER, the current president of UMWAD-BANWA has been my link in knowing what’s going on there.
You and I could not save the problems of the world but you and I could contribute in improving a small portion of that world.. I wish we could “jolt” and “galvanize” some more of those Waonians now living comfortably overseas, insulated by their airconditioned living rooms and soft sofa, to reach back to the town that once molded and shaped all of us…
Ano ang private email address mo? I’ll send you my house phone number in Cagayan de oro. Tawgan ta guid ka pag bakasyon ko sa pinas in June. KItaay ta to kag ipadayon ta ang sugilanon (which reminded me when Dr. Lamberto Palencia and his brother (also our classmate sa high school), Col. Jardie Palencia get reunited in Cagayan last December 1999. Naabtan mi kaadlawon sigi lang estorya, reminiscing the good old days…
Teh, daw kita na lang duha ang ga monopolize di sang space ni Bob. Lets give the younger generations, all the time and spaces to speak their own mind now. This time, I will talk less, listen more, to them…
Tagoy,
I forget to answer your query about my auntie, Catalina Banaynal. She is now in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. She had retired from teaching ( she spent long years teaching at UP Los Banos and another university in Baguio City).
Hi Uncle Francis
You can look in my friendster, juriebentele@yhoo.de, some photos of Wao before, and the photo of Papa Santy (Tagoy), Ipadayon ang inyo nga mga suguilanon nami guid basahon.My regards to Uncle Danny, Antie Del, Inday Carmelita and Nene. God Bless
Hi Oliver – Thank you so much for extending an invitation for me to visit Wao again. Unfortunately, after checking my schedule, it seems that we have some previous commitments over the coming weekend, and thus will not be able to make the visit for the Araw ng Wao.
I do plan to visit Wao again sometime this year, and when I am coming, I will be in touch with you!
Hi Sir TAGOY(permit me to use the renowned psuedonym)
The Kalaw family is one of the close family friend of my parents. I don’t know if Manong BOY Kalaw is related to Tita Zoraida Kalaw but for sure they still reside in Wao. Tita Zoraida is the eldest daughter of Lola Shirley Hablo Kalaw. Well it’s so touching to hear your stories regarding the past. I felt being brought to the time where deers and townfolks have intimate interaction near the kapigis river. I hardly hear those stories these days. What you become right now is truly something to be proud of and worth emulating with ofcourse some of the many waonians who make it big outside our town. Daw nami lang gid magbasa sang inyo mga sugilanon ba. You can’t seem to see such vivid memories in the later generation, I agree. The advent of modernization made our days of interaction so detached with each other. Though we still observe going to farmlots para mangulabo, magsaka sa puno ka rambutan kag bayabas but our day to day encounter is not that remarkable as you use to before( according to my mom) where you have to hike from balatin to wao barefooted since ang STAKAN perte gid, or do swim the kapigis river without wearing anything and the likes. Perhaps that explains why our recollection of the town is just very shallow…a simple “hi-hello” will do for us. However, we still value what the town have made us and we take the resposibility of living up to what is expected of us afterall Wao will always be where our roots are rooted and we call “HOME”. I really had a fun time going over your tales of the past with SIR Francis , who is really a good storyteller. I’ve known some of the people you’ve enumerated in the first episode of your epistle. To mention a few is maam Antonia Sarmiento Absin, the older sister of uncle GOYO sarmiento, the known sakristan, maam TONI as she was fondly called was our chemistry teacher in high school. She just recently retired from service and devoted her time in the church and travelling. Maam Angelita Laconde-Yutig was our principal way back then. I believed she is on her last year before she retires at MSU WAO Community College. Mila Ricablabca happens to be the older sister of my moms classmate Glicerio, who used to be my teacher in Xavier in Math ( He is very intelligent..truly a legend as we named Him ). My mom would enumerate a funny joke about him ( pay indi ko nalng ehambal dre basi indi joke sa iban…aeheheh). Sir Reynaldo Jecostan who married maam Letecia Heyasa is now a retired teacher who is permanently residing in Cagayan de oro with their son Renan. He used to be my Values teacher in high School. Dumduman ko pa gid ang iya mga pamuyawyaw kag kami maggurutok sa pirtahan para makaguwa kay gin highblood si sir, ara iya pahurabog sang mga galon ahehehe . Sir Isidro Salvacion is a the current MARO of wao . One of his son is my classmate in Xavier – CUPID. Ms Arcellie Fabella , the aunt of my dear classmate Anna Caras, is owning fertilizer business, and is diligently sparing her time taking good care of an elementary school in Serran if I’m not mistaken as a school Principal.
Well Ive heard familiar names like, the Palabricas which I believe owns St. Mary’s Academy, where my ninang diday is working at present is as well a familiar name which left a remarkable legacy for the young ones in Wao. Hahai I could only sigh and laugh as those memories keep flashing back…. I’m in my late twenties and I know I have lots of things to accomplish. Reading upon this great stories and contemplating on it brings out a bright future for us – the younger ones. Truly compelling… Til then… back to work tsktsktsk
Inday Jurie,
It seems something is missing in your email address (spelling perhaps?). I will then open it once corrected. Salamat gid.
Sorry uncle francis the correct one is juriebentele @yahoo.de, I add you as my friendster friend, God Bless
Hi Uncle francis, the correct one is juriebentele@yahoo.de
Hello there, Tagoy, AJ and Jurie,
Indi na unta ko magpadayon, to give the younger generations the full opportunity to write but I cant turn down Inday Jurie’s prodding. So am making an encore.
Toto AJ- I think Tagoy was referring to “Boy Kalaw” of our generation (his classmate in mid-60’s). I know Boy Kalaw. He is the older brother of “Columbus Kalaw”, the fastest Maranaw swimmer during our time didto sa ilaya/ibabaw sang “Trepass Isle” sang Kapigis River, which was owned by their father, Major Busran Kalaw, the first OIC of FACOMA ( the predecesor of NARRA, LA & DAR). Wala sang makadaog kay Columbos sa lagsanay, langoy, salom. Daw sa sili kag pantat sya kon maglangoy. Major Busran Kalaw was actually a bemedalled World War II veteran and awarded a “Medal of Valor” for his gallantry in action against the Japanese occupation forces in Lanao del Sur. Nabasa ko mismo ang iya ngalan didto sa old “National Museum” along T.M. Kalaw street sa Ermita, Manila when I was still with the NBI.
Toto AJ. You too, write beautifully and I see many potentials in you as I read thru your lines. Keep on with it. The name of the game and one of the secret formulas to success is to “stay focus”.
Tagoy, its actually impressive nga nakalab-ot ka sa 6th stanza sang “Mi Ultimo Adios”. He he he! The lines there are touching and moving, as well. I would recite the poem before sa mga hinablos and I got this feedback: “Ang corny, corny naman nyan, uncle. Old fashion na yan”. Sabat ko, “Kasi di nyo naintidihan”. Let me entertain the younger generations with the 6th stanza kay, I think, wala na sang subject nga Espanol sa ila panahon:
“Si sobre me sepulcro vieres brotar un dia
Entre las espesa yerba sencilla, humilde flor,
Acercala a tus labios y besa al alma mia,
Y sienta yo en mi frente bajo la tumba fria,
De tu tenura el soplo, de tu halito el calor”
( “If over my grave, one day, you’ll see appear
A humble flower, amidst the thick grass,
Pick it up and place it near your lips and you’ll kiss my soul
And on my forehead may I feel under my cold tomb,
The gentle blow of your breath and warmth of your tenderness”)
Pero abi mo, Tagoy, if you reach the 9th thru the 14th stanza, manindog balahibo mo if you hear the English translation. They are so touching, moving, poignant, piercing, especially with Mother Asunscion Mendiola giving us the English translation, kay teh, kay man, Espanola/Kastila na siya iya mo. Even her pronunciation was very “castilian”. Kastilaloy gid ang gwa. He he he!
Naabtan mo si Sr. Theresa, that extremely intelligent English teacher who taught us “diagramming” of english sentence sa blackboard.. ? It was like dissecting a frog or a grasshopper and see what inside of their anatomy. She taught us kon diin mo ibutang ang common noun, proper noun, transitive/intransitive verb, adverb, object of the preposition, prepoitional phrase, etc… Whew! Sadto nga panahon, we used to have an annual “diagramming contest” during our “High School Day”. Seniors vs. Juniors. Girls Department vs Boys Department. Si Dr. Lamberto Palencia tana pirmi amon manok. Si Deding Teresa Banaynal ila manok sa Girls Department. Sa Seniors si “Geli” (Glicerio Ricablanca) kag si Nanding Banaynal. Under time pressure ang pag diagram mo sa blackboard, accurately putting each part of grammar where they should belong…. Abi moh, that type of training paid well when I became a professional. Sang didto na ko sa Middle East, or even didto sa Amerika gina supalpal ko mga kano kag British and bluntly told them, “This is grammatically wrong english”. They would, arrogantly, tell me, “Prove to me, its wrong grammar”. Teh, I would grab a pen and a white paper and draw a sraight line across and told them, “See, this is your subject, this is your predicate, this is your direct object, blah blah blah”. Dead silence! Hipos sila! Teh, maano abi sila kay wala man sila this type of training? Didto lang ni ginatudlo sang mga madre sa ibabaw sang bukid sang Wao, inside the wooden “lawaan” classroom. Its like learning a deadly, secret self-defense technique inside an isolated Chinese monastery with an old monk master teaching you, in total secrecy, some deadly fighting techniques….
Teh, Tagoy, sugpuni na ni kay daw nanamian mag basa kanday Inday Jurie kag Toto AJ. He he he…
Hi uncle francis sang guinabasa ko ang inyo sugilanon ni papa santy , it comes to my mind to upload some photos of the old generation, karon guinapanghalungkat ko ang akon nga mga old albums, just give few days to do. So you can give some comment on it. Nagakadula ang akon dire nga kamingaw, hehehe wala na tong huhuhu. More Power
Hi Miriam,
Nice to hear from you. I am a good friend of Neneng Mary Ann. Where are you inSwitzerland? My place in Germany is not far from Basel by this high speed ICE train more or less 3 hours, if you have time I am inviting you to visit us, you will meet some Waonians here in our place and one of them Santy Arante.
Hope to see you soon. God Bless
Hi AJ,
I just called up Nida Hadcan, I asked her if she knew your mom, she told me that your mom was her neighbor in Cdo way back 1980`s. she is extending her regard to your mom. She leave 500 kls. away frm us but we communicate each other more often. barkadahay guid si mama mo kag si Nida. Give my hug to your mom.
Dear Tagoy and Inday Jurie,
I dont want you two to be left-out with regards the latest information on a massive Tree-planting project we envision to undertake on July 4th. We have been moving heaven and earth ( the studentry, the line agencies, the municipal governmentt and other Waonian professionals) to make this endeavor an overwhelming success. The plan is to start planting those Mahogany trees, right after the Maridugao Bridge, separating the border of Bukidnon province from Lanao Del Sur, to Kilikili, and all the way to Wao. That’s a long stretch of 18-kilometes and a long way to go..But as they say, “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step”. It would be very symbolical that right after those travelers cross and traverse that Maridugao bridge and enter the province of Lanao del Sur, they find themselves driving under the shaded canopy of mahogany trees extending 18 kilometers towards the town proper. We will make it happen. This is our vision this year…
Tagoy, Inday Jurie, give me your email address para ma forward ko sa inyo ang latest update/development between me, Nono Oliver , president of “UMWAD-BANWA” and Inday Malou Palabrica, the president of the “Sons and Daughters of Wao”, re: this tree-planting project…
Hello there, Nono Oliver and Pearl,
We thirst to hear feedback about that seven-day long activities in celebration of the “48th” Araw ng Wao. Teh ano, nag tambong gid man si Senator Mike Zubiri and graced the culmination day? What were some of the milestones/highlights that took place? Share man abi ninyo those stories with us who are thousand of miles away from there. Daw nahidlaw man ta liwat mamati sang gakatabo da sa banwa eh….
HELLO THERE , GUYS !!!
I noticed a “mass silence and hybernation” from virtually everyone after Bob, edited the thread/write-ups in the blog. Lets keep an open-mind about it. He owns the website, so he has all the rights to do it. Keep speaking out your mind, guys.
Sa pagkakaron, medyo lainon ko anay ang templa sang mensahe ko di. We have some concrete/tangible projects being discussed/brain-stormed and hopefully, finalized in due time (re: tree-planting of mahogany trees from Maridugao Bridge, to Kilili, to Wao, Balatin and Wao proper. Nono Oliver and I have also discussed conducting a second “Anti-Drug Awareness Symposium” amongst high school students at the public gym to combat the surge and spread of illegal drugs among the youth…If you give me your email addresses, I will link you with Nono Oliver or Inday Malou Palabrica-Costelo. Daw gulpi lang nag hipos ang tanan haw?
By the way, I will definitely join that tree-planting on July 4th. Tagoy, kon ara ka na sa Pinas/Cagayan de Oro on April, dungan ta kadto sa Wao. Hapitan ta ka sa R&R subdivision…Deal?
To my fellow LAPUR alumni and townmates,
Hello everyone!!!. May I introduce myself. Just keep reading please .
I feel guilty for not being active enough as a member of the associations, as I know there are 2 now (Umwad Bayan and the Sons & Daughters of Wao). The activities that you guys are currently doing is great: planting trees, social works, LAPUR rebuilding, etc. All these fall under the umbrella of development planning, which can be broken into various scopes, namely: town/city; regional; and national planning. Its unfortunate that when I was still with the Human Settlements from 1976-79 (remember Imelda Marcos?, she was our boss), I chosed to managed Region III, where I was the regional coordinator/director. Had I chosen Region X (Cagayan De Oro, I forgot if Wao is under this region?), I could have given priority for Wao and made sure that all plans for it where completed before I left Philippines for Hawaii in 1979. We did complete all plans for all the 120 towns and cities of region III, but I don’t know if there was money from the national government released to implement all those plans we recommended. Anyway, I don’t know what happened in Wao at that time, but we are here now in 2009. Seems that nothing had been planned that is why you are having these problems. This development planning business was my major for my Master of Engineering in Thailand, and I feel sorry that I had not helped Wao at all. My doctorate in Hawaii was a concentration on natural resource management, and in fact my dissertation topic was the water supply systems for Metro Manila. So in summary, the blood of a planner and natural resource management specialist still runs in me. Anyway, I am here, and willing to assist if you need to chat about this subject as it relates to Wao, free if charge, just kidding, yes it is free seriously.
I have been a consultant in the field of computer applications for some 28 yrs now here in the New York – New Jersey area, so I will be a bit rusty in the subject of planning. When I retire (3 or 5 yrs from now maybe) I will volunter my services along the field of planning, and I will try my best to help Wao.
Younger generations from Wao may not know me, and I humbly say that I came from a poor family. I am the 4th child of Nang Sabel and Nong Cadoy Palencia. We lived in that little farm by the creek after Kapigis River. I am a first cousins to the Carumbas. Anyway, it is from this extreme training I got from Wao that made me work so hard until I got to the point that I possibly can reach. If anyone of you young guys there want to talk about hardships, hard work, how to get financial assistance for study abroad, anything about travel, about the US, and any subject, academics, personal matters, do not hesitate to contact me if you need someone to talk to or consult. My email is bertofwao@yahoo.com.
I left Wao in 1968 to attend college, but had came home only a few times, so I am the only one among my contemporaries (one of which is Frank Banaynal, my campadre and my idol) who is most unfamiliar about Wao. One of these days, I shall return..
Regards to all, keep working, take care, and keep in touch,
Bert (Lamberto) Palencia
Here is the brief news of 48th araw ng Wao…The activity started on the day of love Valentine where live band entertain the lovers of Wao at the new Amphi theater constructed under leadership of Mayor Nono Balicao and counterpart by Gov. Ampatuan of ARMM. on the eve after the long parade of Various delegations, the program guested by the Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who unveiled the pioneers shrine which he donated. The shrine is a replica of Sultan mamaco Saripada who received the christian settlers and Tay Bino Balicao represented the pioneers of Wao. During the parade Congresswoman Dumarpa and Governor Bombit Adiong joined with their Political Bandwagons from marawi. All sports were have best players like in Basketball where Nelson Asaytono of the Ginebra San miguel in PBa played at Barreto Team. Pangayaws of tennis where more thirty thousand was the beat won by the team from Parang. in the Afternoon Governor Oscar Moreno of Misamis oriental played with his team against Gov bombit adiong and Mayor Balicao Teams. Moreno Won as he gained more fans from wao. All wao 26 barangays displaed their best farm products at the agro fair. their were also seminars for free conducted by the Dept of Agriculture specially on Rubber planting. lots of UKAY UKAY along the streets are seen. Buyers enjoyed the different items low prices. On the Araw ng Wao delegates from diferent schools showed their talent and skills dancing in different indigenous attires. it was ended with a big bang of fire works at 10.00 the evening…
nono oliver
Hello Sir Bert,
i am happy to hear from you. to share your life in this blog. Seldom of waonians like you and Nong Frank planned to retire here in Wao. You are the fruit of the tree, kung mahinog na it falls down just just on the ground where the tree stand. and will be useful to the system of a tree. But others are like leaves Kung malaya it falls down but sometimes blown by the wind and other ground used its productivity…. I will plant a tree for you….on July 4th.. adopt it and we will put your name on it…
nono oliver
Hello Bob,
I want to acknowledge your great work in building this site that serves as a medium for communication for all people with any kind of connection to WAO. You are such a great person. I learned of your site from my compadre and friend Francis Banaynal. Again, thanks so much. Spending time at your site will now compete with my golf time, and that is good because I am a golf addict. I will definitely not get bored during some slack time at home.
Pareng Frank,
Thanks for giving me the info about this site. This is a great meeting place. Regards.
Nono Oliver,
Great to hear from you, and I will check that specific tree when I come to visit in the future. Continue the good work. You are awesome!!!
To all,
Thanks everyone for sharing some memories and news in this site. I love reading them. Good luck and take care.
Bert Palencia
Hi Bert – Thank you very much for your kind words. It is my pleasure to provide a forum here for you and your friends enjoy!
Hello To Frances,
Hey ! I didn´t backout, and in return may I ask an apology for remaining silent for a couple of days due to some valid reasons. I hope you and everybody won`t conclude it differently.
With regards to the Plan on July 4th , I am very willing to participate on this big event only to find out that this date is somewhat conflict to our schedule, however I might be able to adjust it, so that I could avail myself on the said activity . We will just talk more in Pinas sometimes on April / May about this movement.. OK ?
Here is my E-mail Address : thiags48@yahoo.de
( Hey I sent you an E-mai last week, wala mo mabaton )
To Nono Oliver,
Nono Oliver, thank you very much for the information. At least we are also updated on what`s happening there in Wao, especially when I read the name of Governor Oscar Moreno . I knew him when he was still a High School Student in St. Rita`s College in Balinagsag ( barkada siya sang kabataan sang akon guinadayonan didto ). So Congratulation for having a very successful Celebration, above all to Mayor Nono Balicao, who untirely exerts his effort in order to make Wa-o progressive and a peaceful place in general.
TO Dr. Bert Palencia,
” Welcome ”
The way I understand when I read your message you are also a new comer in this Blog like me , but beforehand may I have the favor to ask you to avoid confusion.
Are you the brother of Igsoon Dimpna , who was married to Ronnie Gumban in
Malinao ?
Regards to all,
Tagoy
Hi Guys,
I’m glad i’m back on the thread… I was really so busy at work that I can’t just get into saying hi to the people in the house. I read all the comments posted above, and I as well is apologetic of my silence. But rest assured that I will take part in what ever way I can to bring forth what ever plans we have for WAO…. Reach me in my email aj_dawis@earthlink.net…. Godbless
To sir Bert – welcome to the thread, you’re but an icon for the younger generation…. god bless and we wanna hear much from you as we take this ride… so long….
Hi Tagoy,
That’s right, Nening Dimpna is my sister, and Toto Ronie Gumban is my brod in law. Utod ko si Col.Jardie, Edgar, Anet (ara sa Hawaii), kag half sister ko si Nita ka asawa ni (late) Nong Ulping Dumagpi. Pasensiya ka na. Genito is your last name, but it rings the bell and its familiar. It is my memory that is bad. Taga Malinao or Banisilan ka ba? Sin-o gani ang parents mo ah?
Hello AJ,
How are you? Ano gani last name mo? kag sin-o gani ang mga parents mo ah? Dugay na gid wala ako nakabalik sa Wao. Pasensiya ka na ha?
regards
Bert
Hello Bert,
Now that I am already clarified, may I call you plainly Bert if you won´t mind.
Genito, yes I was bearing this family name when i was still in the High School, and was changed to Arante officially as I started in College for some good reason.
Actually we`re a risident of Malinao, but was known as Banisilanian. When I was still connected by the MECS, in the Division of North Cotabato, I was assigned in Banisilan and taught in Banisilan High School way back 1969 -1981 in this regards I had more time spent in that place.
My parents were Salva and Colasing. Nay Sabel and my mother thru Nang Pina Carumba became good friends, that`s why they had choosen my Nanay as one of the Sponsor when Soon Dimpna and Ronnie face in the Altar of Matrimony.,( please extend my regards if you happened to get in touch with them someday )
Indi bala nga sa Wao man kamo sang una, ano nagtransfer ang parents ninyo sa Malinao in later days ? daw nalipat na ako sang estorya. As far as I knew kami nanday Soon Dimpna in the same genaration. Kay kami pa man sadto ang mga pamatan-on nga mapisan magkadto sa baylehan , belasyonan etc. he,he
If I´m not mistaken nag Miss pa gani si soon sang una sa Malinao sa Barrio Fiesta . We had organized ” The United Hearts Club “too before , focused our attention to help improved our small Chapel near Mr. Calvo`s residence. Ti ano may nadumduman ka na gamay ?
You mentioned Jardie and Edgar, yes I still remember them . What about your parents are they still able ?
In your case, I have heard already many feedbacks thru Toto Frances ( Dugay ka na nga guinasumsuman kag guinadapli in this Blog, but don`t worry all are good, and positive ) he,he,he. So Bert kay karon pa man kita ma reconnect I think it is not yet too late if I will extend my wholehearted CONGRATULATION for all what you`ve Achieved.
Ti hasta na lang anay diri to save time and minimize the space. .. Padayunon
Regards ,
Tagoy
Hi Tagoy,
Of course, pwede bang Bert nalang ang tawag mo sa akon. Ako gani tana ang kinahanglan mag-manong kanimo, kay ka-idad mo si nening Dimpna.
I actually called our “agot” sa Hawaii, si Anecia bala aw, to help me recall things about you. Pag-umpisa niya sang hambal, nadumduman ko na dayon si Nanay Salva kag Tatay Colasing. Permi na sila nagakadto kanday Nanay Pina kag Tay Peryong Carumba. Daw kon kis-a gani naga-inom si Tatay ko (Cadoy) kag si Tatay Colasing sang Kulafo kag Mallorca didto kanday Nay Pina kag sa bulangan sa Malinao.
Ti sadtong kasal ni Nening Dimpna (we call her Marit for Marita kon akig kami sa iya), didto man gali sanday Nanay Salva kag Tatay Colasing sa balay namon sa uma sa Wao. Didto ka man bala aw? Abaw pagkasal, it was first time for me to dance, I was scared like hell. Kag ako ang incharge sang pagpatay sang mga unggoy (amo’) nga dala nila Toto Ronie Gumban.
Danay, ano mo tong classmate ko nga si Naomi Genito? Pakaisa or manghod?
Ti, maayo nga ara kamo dira sa Germany. Congrats sa inyong success. Regards sang mrs mo. Nadumduman ko man siya.
Hasta lang di anay.
paghalong gid,
Bert
Hello Bert,
Glad to hear you once again and if you want to call me Manong as customary respect towards the elders , how I love it too.
You`re asking me me about Noemi, he is my brother. ( classmate gali kamo ? )
As of now is in Saudi Arabia. Sometimes on the last week of May will spent his vacation too. Perhaps I could convence him to go with us to Wao on July 4 , as what Frances told me , to join the Tree Planting activity there. That`s why as of now I am trying to rearrange our iteneraries in order to coup up the aforementioned date of activity.
Ti kami na lang anay didto eh, kay wala ka pa man. Anyway 5 years nga plano mo madali na lang ina.
Hope to see you someday,
Manong Tagoy
SAyang nga indi ka pa
Hello To Frances,
As of now I am trying to rearrange my iteneraries so that your whole expectation will be possible. If God willing we will let the ball continue rolling. I might be able to take along Noemi too , if ever July 4th still covers his vacation.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Regards,
Tagoy
Hello there, tagoy,
My apology for being remiss writing in the blog for over a week. Pressures and work loads were just up to my neck the past few days. Thanks God its, weekend (Fridays and Saturdays are our off-days in this part of the world), i manage to pound the keyboard of my home computer…
It would be a most welcome event if your brod, Noemi, could join us on the D-Day of Magohany Tree Planting from Maridugao Bridge to Wao on July 4th. Inday Lou Palabrica-Costello has requested me earlier to drive with her in a convoy early on that day along with her younger brod, my gradeschool classmate, Atty. Nonong (Emmanuel) Palabrica, the current Sports Commissioner with office in Malacanang. I told her I want to go a day or two earlier to ensure all logistical requirements are anchored on the ground prior to the big event. Pero kon makaupod ka, Noemi kag ang pakaisa ko, si Nono John, then I must just as well join the convoy para masadya ta tanan. The more, the merrier…
By the way, I “cc’d” you an email about the huge logistical requirements we need to tackle prior to the event. Nabasa mo?
Francis
Hello To Francis,
Happy weekend. I think so, trvavelling with the group is more merrier if the string is complete, he,he,he ( I mean if you`re around of course ). I´m counting much on this forthcoming big events.
Sorry, wala ko man madawat ang E-mail mo, I controlled all all E-mail addresses that I have.
If you can resend the update please add to : thiags48@yahoo.de
Thanks in advance if you can send me the so called logistical requierement.
Regards,
Tagoy
Dear Tagoy,
Oh teh sigi na guid lang. Ulolopod na lang guid ta sini eh. Budlay balibaran hangyo me eh. He he he! But you’re right. Its merrier to travel in group and exchange banter and jokes along the way. That’s what I used to do with my Arnis students and Arnis Demo Team before in Houston. The trips to Dallas, or Austin or Corpus Christi flew fast with everyone butting in his jokes and humorous adventures in life.
I checked my email just now. It says I have your right email address. Tanhaga wala mo madawat. Anyway I will resend it now… Take care…
Dear Pareng Bert,
I was damn proud to read your name and your initial write-up in the blog. I have since silently followed your repartee with Tagoy and Toto AJ. As what Tagoy aptly said, “Dugay ka na guinasumsoman kag ginadapli sa blog” (your name has been repeatedly mentioned every now and then). “You are an icon to the new generation”, as what Toto AJ powerfully puts it. A mere reading of your name behind a short message would mean soo much to this generation. You are an inspiring force to them, without you consciously realizing it.
Its indeed a small world, noh? Who would ever think that thru Bob’s wonderful website you’ll get reunited with Tagoy, the God-brother of your sister, Nang Marit, and whose parents were close friends of Nanay Sabel and Tatay Carding… This blog is one good place to meet new and old friends and reminisce the good old days sang naga tiniil lang ta pakadto-pakari sa eskwelahan kag pakadto sa “Madalom”. Kanami kag katahom lang handurawon sang mga nagliligad at our twilight years, right?
Keep writing and we will keep reading. Am glad reading and writing in this blog has now competed with your golf hobby and activities. He he he. My warmest greetings to you, Malou and Stephanie in that bone-chilling New Jersey!!!
Hello there, Tagoy,
I’ve just resent the email to the address you’ve given above. If you still have not/could not receive it then perhaps may kulang sa email address mo. Shouldnt it end up with these words: “yahoo.com”, or something?. Palihug abi check liwat. Thanks.
Hello To Francis,
I have just read your message in the Blog . It makes me wonder why your E-mail fails to Enter. The address is correct where Ida used to send her mails too. OK, try to resend to this add. sn.arante@yahoo.de .
Nakapadala guihapon ako E-mail sa imo , if I´m not mistaken two weeks from now, natingala man gani ako nga madasig ka pa sa kilat to answer when it comes to this matter, but I didn`t received any reply from you.
Abaw Toto, daw indi na guid ako makabuhi sini haw ? The fact that you don`t want to deprive me in return there´s no possible alternatives anymore to retract whatever will be. Hands up na guid ako sa imo bah, he,he,he.
Oh Yeah, paaboton ko na lang ang E-mail mo, I will try to check my mails often too.
Thanks sa pahalipay mo and regards,
Tagoy
Wow! As I was reading your posts, I feel so homesick…Wao is also a very big part of my life….I don’t know if you still rememer me…My name is Jojo Serina…my batchmates wre Bongbong Emborgo, the late Calixto Abrogena and Dionisio Baldeviso, Jr…..I still remeber Ma’am Sumbillo and Ma’am Algecera-they were the one who molded me….I live here now in the States but I have a good memory of my Elementary and High School days in Wao. Though, I graduated from MSU but I have friends at La Purisima HS like Toto Tutor and others…..This is really great! and hopefully I’ll be able to visit Wao one day….
hi manong bert kumusta……….
am happy to get your email from this blog. neneng mary ruth carumba -catalan gave me your cellphone number, pero nabilin ko abi ang cellphone ko sa iligan city tong bagbalik ko dire sa new york city last september 2008. i work with the new york city -department of education. every summer naga uli man ko sa wao. sige lang…..i will email you tomorrow. ciao
nolly
bata ni nay nena ceballos
Hello Nolce,
we are just neighbors. I work here in Princeton, NJ, and I live nearby. I assume you live in NYC, or in NJ side? Ti, paabuton ko na lang ang email mo. Palihug i-send mo man ang phone mo para mag-estoryahanay ta sa Ilonggo ah.
dumduman ko si Nanay Nena Ceballos. Utod mo si Edgar (classmate ko to siya), kag si Nono (the older one). Daw diutay ka pa sadto, amo nga indi ko ikaw madumduman kaayo.
kumusta lang kay Mary Ruth kon mag-hambalanay kamo liwat.
take care,
manong bert
Jojo (Serena),
diin ka nga state man? Few months ago, nag-inom kami (sang tuba, ah sorry wala gali sang tuba diri) nanday Fred Valdevieso, Boy Emborgo, Artem Rey, diri sa balay ni Bong Rey sa Union NJ.
regards,
bert
Hello Bert,
This is to acknowledge the receipt of your E-mail and more details will be sent
separately in order to minimize the space in this Blog.
Nolce, Jojo, kumusta gihapon sa inyo, although wala na ako kakilala sa inyo kay perhaps you were still in grade school or not yet even born sang didto pa ako nagaeskwela sa Lapur. (1964 ), however the family names you were mentioning are all familiar to me, basi batchmate ko pa gani sila eh!
Bert, please extend our warm regards to Fred , ( Igsoon namon siya kon bata man ugaling ni Maninoy Esyong kag Maninay Milag ) and to Boy Emborgo kay didto guid kuno si Nening nagdayon sa ila sang una, and of course to the Rey´s too. May classmate ako sang una nga mga Rey, dira gani sila sang una lapit kanday Mr. Ravaniera but sorry I forgot her first name.
Now may I pause here for a while and please don`t forget to open your E-mail sometime.
Best regards to everyone,
Manong Tagoy
Hello To Francis,
I just want to know if you received my acknowledgment regarding the E-mail you sent me the other day. ( Mahogany tree Planting Activity )
With regards to the preparation you`ve mentioned especially to the needs of the Students / Volunteers I and Nening ( Nelida ) agreed to share a small amount to support this massive program too. ( if you still need it , if not return into the pocket he,he,he)
Please be informed that I got a little Technical problem with my computer that`s why I´m not so sure if my mails has been sent.
Thanks for the info. and regards,
Tagoy
Hi AJ,
How are you now a days, is it still busy ? When are you going to spent your vacation to Wao ? How I wish to meet you there on July 4th if God `s willing.
Regards,
Manong Tagoy in short
Manong Tagoy,
Si Fred Valdevieso, bata ni Nong Isyong kag Nang Milag. Si Artem Rey, brod ko sa frat sa Musuan, kag first cousin ini siya sang mga Ravanieras. Si Bong Rey, bata ni Artem.
take care,
bert
Hi Sir Tagoy.
Hmmp… really busy this time… Loads of work is waiting in my desk aehehehe but sge lang… dalion ko lang ni kay nahidlaw nako sa mga pips in the house it has been a week of neck-to-neck work, I’m a bit exhausted. By the way I’m planning have a vacation on July if God willing. I recieve the email sent by Sir Francis regarding the BIG TIME Tree Planting sa Maridugao. I really am excited of this event and hope to participate. If my work sched permits me of the vacation I will certainly be happy to exchange handshakes with you SIR. It will really be an honor meeting you guys in person.
By the way I read your blog on top about your Classmate na REY. I’m not sure if he is UNCLE TIMYO, ARTEMIO REY. The eldest among the Rey Brothers. She is the first cousin of my aunt who is a Ravanera, who married my mom’s brother. He is a successful Politician having rendered two terms in a row. If I’m not mistaken heis now concentrating on his business as what his son wanted him to do. He used to spent his vacation with his wife in the US last 2006 for almost 32 mos I guess. Well, tupaday amon balay sang ara pa kami sa extension nag estar tupad kanday Lola Soping.
And regarding Uncle Boy Emborgo I believe ara sila sa US karon with his wife. He is my mom’s cousin. I dont exactly know if diin sila sa US banda…
Well asta lang anai dre… I’m really catching up my deadlines… till then and HAlong perme Sir! Regards lang ko kay anti JURIE…
Hi Sir Francis- I did recieve your emails. thanks alot. I’m really battling with my skeds right now. But rest assured I’m just in the back row reading all your emails.
Sir Bert – goin back to your question hmmp…. hapo guid abi ning sched karon ba… Im actually the eldest grandson of Felimon Solatorio who is very close to the Carumba’s. Kumpadre sila ni Ex mayor Carumba nga tatay ni anti Mary Ruth Carumba-Catalan. My mom is the eldest among the 9 siblings. Si Lanie, who married a city boy.
to Sir Jojo Seriña – did I spelled your last name correctly. If yes hmmp you could be our Guest speaker sometime in 1998 at MSU. Well I’m glad you’re in the loop. Welcome….. Are you related to MIZRAIM, I’m not sure of the spelling, she is my aunt’s close friend in high school. Anyways We wish to hear more of you…..
To all….. I’ll be in haitus state fror a week aehehehhe… i’ll get back actively once my sched is on it’s perfect state.. god bless to all bloggers…..
Hi AJ,
Diin ka sa Cebu? Permi ko sa Cebu as I am proximate to the place – I am actually based in Leyte karon. Kita kits ta one of these day. My Cebu line is 2537293. July 4 is a Saturday. Thus, it is very possible na makauli and join in the activity.
As I read through the latest thread above, I remember and happen to have acquaintances with the new names… Si Charlemaigne “Bong” Rey is 2 or just a year ahead of me in MSU. Si Mizraim is hinablos guro ni Jojo Seriña (Jojo is the brother of Hanzel nga ahead sa akon sang 1 year). Uroropud lang kami sina sa Merkado sang una tong wala pa masunog and old market.
Sir Bert,
Edgar is my father. I am happy to know that you were classmates then.
Regards,
Nonoy Glen
Hello Guys,
I am here in Harborlights Hotel Cagayn de Oro for our Health Summit, Lanao del Sur program Implementation Review (PIR) with our theme ” Moving towards a Healthy and Peaceful lanao del Sur through collaboration, convergence and Innovation”. we Received three Plaque of awards best Municipal Health officer Dr. emelyn alvarez, Best hospital, Wao district hospital and best LGU mayor Mayor Elvino Nono balicao. Our Wao is the model of health services collaboration with our Expanded health Board. Wao is the Best.. as I talked to the mayor for the July 4 massive three planting. he approved and will support all throughout this activity. Lets join together for this effort our forest is shrinking, we will prevent more disaster to Happen. The mayor suggessted to us bobs bloggers to stablish and develop a mini park at the approach of maradugao bridge where we will planted the trees. This park will be named after us….
Nono Oliver
Hello Nono Oliver,
Thanks for the new information on what`s happening there in underland. Herewith I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Team of Wao Municipality Headed by an Energetic Municipal Mayor Nono Balicao and to his subordinates as well for having acquaired those 3 venerable Plaque of distinction. ” Congratulation ”
Furthermore am happy to learn an early approval, of course thru your recommendation and the promise of Mayor Nono Balicao to support the Massive Mahogany Tree Planting activity on the 4th of July. It shows a good unity.
Regards to all Waonians, see you soon……
Tagoy
Hello AJ,
Due to circumstances beyond control, I failed to visit the house ( irony ) yesterday.
Yes I understand your situation, always taxed with overloaded works and stress as what you ´ve said almost everyday, ( relax lang, mga spices lang ina sa kinabuhi ) but in return the reward is waiting for you ahead. Like your request for vacation, your aim to participate in the Bigtime Tree Planting, your full excitement ( me too ) to meet old colleague and friends exchanging handshake with each other are not in vain but all in reality kay makitaay man guid kita didto sa Wao indi bala ? Siguro kanami lang noh, and if we still have time upod ta magbisita kanday manag Sofing, he,he,he.
Oh Yeah thanks for your reminders. I got it , my classmate named Lilia Rey. Do you know her ? and if I´m not mistaken they were related with he Palomares family too.
Hi Nono Glen, glad to know you thru this blog and have learned that you will be coming on July 4thb too. Wish to see you both ( AJ and you ) there in Wao personally.
Best regards to everyone.
Tagoy
WOW! Its mind-boggling how Bob’s website has caused us Waonians, from different parts of the globe, to meet here in matters of seconds and now accomplished this over a mile-long thread.
I see new additional names in the blog and would like to warmly welcome them aboard: Jojo Serena, Nolce and Jesa. “Ahlan wah Sahlan” (“welcome” as they say here in the Middle East).
TAGOY-
Thanks for sending those pictures from Germany. As I commented there: you and my high schoolmate, Nening Nelida, are both in the pink of health. I send you too our family pics. Did you get them?
INDAY JURIE-
Yes, I did receive all your pics in your Friendsters. My apology for this late/delayed answer. Just a bit busy these days. Did you receive those pics I sent you in return?
PARENG BERT-
If you happen to see/call again Fred Baldeviso and “Abyan” Alud (Boy) Emborgo in New York, kindly send my regards to them. I plan to invite again Fred’s son, FRED JR. (who also works here in Qatar) to come again at home for lunch this coming Friday, along with REEM, the nephew of Ida Combatir.
NO OLIVER-
We are all proud of the latest achievements of the officers and leaders of the town, receiving three plaque/awards in that latest convention in Cagayan de Oro. You are right: Wao is the best. In the entire province of Lanao del Sur, Wao leads, others merely follow… Once we have materialized that massive mahogany tree-planting project on July 4th, and once the canopies of those sturdy mahoganies begin providing beautiful shades in the highway over a long stretch of 18-kilometers from Maridugao bridge to Wao proper, am sure other municipalities in Mindanao will copy, emulate and emitate us. Our battle song and theme should be: “WAO LEADS, OTHERS FOLLOW….”
TO AJ and NONOY GLEN-
Try to make it to the July 4th activities para magsinadya ta kag mag celebrar tapos ta tanom sang mga seedlings. Inum-inum ta to liwat sang Kulafu, Datu kag Mallorca sa kilid sang dalan while savoring that sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that we have done an awesome services and contributions to the town, the people and the community…..
Sa tanan nga mga taga-wao,
my heart is breaking and my head is spinning because I can’t come home this July 4th. My work schedule/deliverables is just too crazy around this month. I wanted to see all of you. and as Pareng Frank said, I want to drink Kulafu, Datu, Fighter kag Mallorca sa higad sang karsada, kag makanta (ma-uwang) kita hasta sa kaagahon. Manumsoman ta da sang kilawen kag papait.
mangita na lang ko sang proxy drinker for me, kon indi gid man ako makaabot dira eh.
ti, sige, kamo na lang da mag-inom .
bert
basi maka-upod ko sa inyo kay bakasyon ko man na na bulan. kita kits……….
Hello there, Pareng Bert,
Nagharakhak kag utoy-uoty guid ko kadlaw when I read your graphic and vivid description of how we should celebrate our “triumph” and “victory” on July 4th with those bottles of Kulafu, Datu, Fighter Wine kag Mallorca. I like your choice of words (“mauwang” ta nga daw mga ido tubtob sa kaagahon. I just hope indi ta pag pa is-isan kag pagpalagsan sang ido sang mga tigulang who wanted to sleep soundly kag gina esturbo tah. He he he).
I remember one of those nights after we graduated in college from college in 1973(?) and we went on top of that spiralling monument in the town plaza. I dont remember now who brought that guitar there, but we did enjoy singing there and I still vividly remember you rendering your immortal piece, “Greenfield”. Dumduman mo pa?
Whew! How fast time flies! Who would ever think we are now in our late 50’s and soon will join that swelling ranks of “senior citizens”? But we could always sit down in our rickety old rocking chair and reminisce the good old days and tell ourselves we have lived a colorful life… and our boyhood days in WAO would always be a part of those golden memories…
To Uncle Francis.
I did receive your e-mail. the pictures of your very nice house, your beloved family. Pwerte guid kagik-ik ko pagkabasa ko sang madalum nga Ilonggo “Mauwang” it`s a long time I never heard such word. Makaestorya ako Ilonggo when I call Papa Santy. My sweet hugs to Junjun Baldeviso. My regards to your beloved family. God Bless
To Jojo Serina
Nice to see you in the Blog, I hpe dumduman mo pa ako. My best regards to your parents.
Hello Francis, Bert,
I address this line to both of you, while the way I see it nagasugpunanay pa guid ya pusod nyo nga duha.
Same reaction embrace us this morning, harak-hak kag utoy-utoy sang kadlaw hasta na lang nga nagapamahaw na kami.Ang mga terminologies nyo bala nga tama ka halam-otan, nga dugay na guid nga panahon nga wala namon mabatii, gulpi lang magguruwa this morning when I open the Website., Pada-is kag uruwang sang ido naman ang naabutan, ha,ha,ha.
Siguro Francis katahum noh kon makabati man ako sang immortal piece nga ” Greenfield ” ni Bert , luwas abi sa imo kay nakabati ka na sang una.
San-o pa ayhan ako iya ?
Oh yeah ! bisan anhon lang, bisan diin pa magsurohot nga buho sang klibutan
ang pagkalagutaw indi guid malimtan. Ha,ha,ha.
Ok guys you may go on recollecting your past days and as quickly as you can don`t forget to submit, so that the Senior Citizen , tomorrow has something to read.
Hope to read more issues .
grabe gid bah. Mag ururuwangg gid sa inom ka fighter, kulafu,wine . indi na na uso dire uy…mag taga wao dire ga agwanta lang ka fundador, johnny walker kay barato na ini nga ilimnon dire. Ang gitara indi na uso dire may videoke na nga ini lang silingan ang makabati the whole town maestorbo. Well what ever indi lang mag maoy..Guys make sure your yes of the 4th of July mean more. and a must. We will finalize things with the mayor on monday and if Bob Martin can make on that day to come he is very much welcoime to grace that vent unforgettable event. Perhaps the Mayor will open the new Swimming pool on that day for you guys. You will cut the ribbon. Dont forget to bring sadol, pala, piko kag pisaw. Bring also your baon iputos sa dahon ka saging nga gin tuob. Kamatis kag ginamos or bagoong kag magkinamot ta for a lunch..
Hi, No Oliver,
Teh, bay-i na lang kami iya nga mga tigulang from overseas kon Kulafu, Datu kag Fighter ang amon imnon. He he he. We get fed-up drinking “foreign” brand of booze abroad, so every time we come home, we crave, long and yearn for the “native” and “local” product and brand from there. Which reminded me in 2002, I traded my bottle of Chivas with an old friend who brought Kulafu and Datu didto sa uma… You see, there is more to it than just merely drinking, per se, those local, native booze. Kay man, mientras gina dilap dilapan mo kag simhutan ang nabilin nga sabor sang vino sa baba sang baso, nagabalik ang maragtas kag handumanan sang mga nagliligad and this causes you to smile…
Para sa amon nanday Tagoy, Pareng Bert and those “old fashioned guys” from yesteryears, mas manami pamatian kon ikaw guid iya ang mag kuting-kuting sang imo “intro” tempo sa guitara antes mo sundan sang uwang sa higad sang dalan. This is more colorful and animated than those artificial and superficial modern technology of merely mimicking the ready-made refrains and lyrics of the Karaoke songs inside a pre-arranged sittings in a karaoke house… Which reminded me of my kids asking me to buy those “ready-made” toys from the “Toys R Us” store, whereas during our boyhood days, we have that supreme feeling of accomplishment building our own “truck”, “plane” or tirador, o pusil-pusil or wooden boat kag palutawon didto sa Kapigis.
Anyway, if you could bring along a bottle of Kulafu, Datu, Fighter Wine or the local “Lambanog” from the Batanguenos in Kanipisan, I wlll trade in/barter them off with a bottle of Chival Regal and other foreign brands. Deal? “Foreign” brand inyo imnon, “local” brand iya ang amon. Pero basi mauna kamo hubog kag maoy kay tama ka singkal sang espiritu sang foreign wine. Teh, sundan ta lang dayon sang uwang sang mga kundiman songs eh (damo pa ko ya nadumduman nga Kundiman songs).. He he he.
Hello there, Tagoy!
Thanks for your humorus input above. You hit the nail on its head by saying ,”nagasugpunanay pa guid ang pusod ninyo ni Bert”. Kay man, twice, in my life, ginsagop (rescue) nya ako sang una. Mientras indi matubuan liwat sang buhok ang “pal-it” ko sa ulo, indi ko guid malimtan si Pareng Bert. Ha ha ha! Paano natabo? Ari, i estorya ko sa imo/inyo (malawig naman ni nga estorya eh):
The first incident happened when we were in 3rd grade didto sa Wao Central Community School. Ang opisyo namon kada recess kag before the start of the class in the afternoon is to play “Lantyog” (i.e, the team leader dispatched his fastest runner. Then the team leader of the opposite team dispatched his own “warrior” to chase the first runner. Then the “warrior”, in turn, is being chased by the second runner from the other group, and that runner too, is being chased and so on. Linagsanay hasta kalab-ot isa, duha ka kilometro. Kon matandong imo lawas, “bihag”/”dagit” ang guwa mo kag didto ka na sa pihak mahampang). Then the second favorite game at the time was the “Horsie” game (sipaay). Si Bert pirmi ang partner ko (kay niwang pa ko kaayo sadto kag tama ka mag-an dalhon). Maaba ako sa likod ni Bert, then he would separately hold each of my leg, and like the Knight of “Kings Arthur in his Round Table”, galloped at full speed kag banggaon ang iban nga grupo. Daw sa bala “free for all” of those kids driving those electric “bump cars” haw. Na engkwentro namon si Solomon, that sturdy and strong kid from Batanes. Bert’s knee wobbled for some reason and lost his balance. Tumba siya, kaupod ako. Tumupa gid ang akon bagol sa punta sang bato. Nagpiswit ang dugo kag naga agay sa akon ulo kag bayo. Medyo nagdulom panan-aw ko. Bert and the rest of the kids, guin alay-ay nila ko pakadto sa school nurse and was applied first aid. Halin sadto, si “Francis, pal-it” tawag nila sa akon. He he he.
On second incident, we left Wao early morning with senior high schools male students with our PMT commandant , Cesario Evalaroza, and three Carmelite sisters, including Sr. Loretto, Sr. Vicenta. We took the “3/4″ truck to take us to CMU in Musuan, Bukidnon where the joint “PMT tactical inspection” will be held the next morning with all high schools in Bukidnon (including the famous Mt. View College, San Andres High School in Maramag, Loyola High School in Don Carlos, Hi Schools from Pangantucan, Kibawe, Dangcagan kag Valencia).
Pag-abot namon sa Barandias, pwerte ka lutak kag grabe ang estakan. Nalab-utan kami didto tubtob alas onse sa gab-i kag didto kami nanyapon sa balay sang Ilocano farmer with a Samaritan spirit who offered us freshly cooked rice with Bagoong nga ginluto sa gata sang lubi. We finally got out of Barandias, and another estakan didto sa Lantay, finally reaching Musuan CMU almost 2AM. Damo na to mga PMT cadets from various schools. The next morning, at about 6AM aga pa nag bulugtaw ang mga cadets.. Sang Tactical inspection na, Pareng Bert was our Company Commander. He was damned genius in solving those “tactical formation problems” from the Tactical Inspector, like: “From that formation, bring your company, squads in line, platoons in column, facing west”, etc. etc. The Engineer brain of Bert, like the famous American warrior, Gen. Douglas Mc Arthur, made him breeze thru this tactical problems with ease. Then while we were in that formation, nagdulum panan-aw ko kay kulang kaon, kag kulang pa guid tulog. Bog!! Natumba ako sa parade ground! Daw saging nga tinuba! Pareng Bert, broke the military tradition of, “let that idiot, weak cadet die in the ground. Dont leave your post!” Ginbayaan nya iya pwesto, gin-alsa nya ako kag gin-alay-ay pakadto didto sa mga First-Aiders. Daw lipong na pamatyagan ko sadto…Kaluoy sa Dios, nabuhi pa man si Kiko kag nakabalik pa liwat sa Lapur…
Teh, sin-o ang makalimot sang ginhimo ni Pareng Bert sa akon? Talagsahon ang bonding namon noh? Just like that famous story of a Geek warrior who ran back several hundred miles to report to this military commander the fate of his closest warrior friend…. Pareng Bert, if you happen to read these lines, I say again, “Thank you” and as what those blacks used to say in Houston if they appreciate someone’s great deed, “I can kiss your butt, my man!”. He he he…
Hayyyyyy tan awon ta lang sino indi ka isrot ehhh… Mayors wife is a batanguena and we can order the finest lambanog from kanipinsan. They Buffaloo soldiers of mayors like your stateside… amo man lang na pinsar ka taga wao basta Tate the best. Western mentality. pero tilawi niyo man ang katadlas sang wine from the cane. Well ,maayo ini mangita kami di manog gitara kag mag kanta karinyosa kag dandansoy. we will do it after the ground breaking sang mini park kag ribbon cutting ka new swimming pool ni mayor. I heard that roger parcon is also constructing his swimming pool in his farm. Sad news to all. Timoteo Carras theoldest remaining pioneer settler in Wao past away today,…lets pray the eternal reposed of his soul.
Nono oliver
Nono Oliver, Pareng Frank, Manong Tagoy,
I can’t stop laughing while reading your comments here. And, by all means I will defend the senior citizens in all aspects of the forthcoming “feud” between us and the younger “boys”. The events of july 4 will separate the men from the boys.
Before I go to that defense, I want to say that pareng Frank possesses an extraordinary memory just like a computer disk. Pareng Frank, everything you said about the 2 incidents are exactly true. Pare, I was just doing my job, and because of those incidents, maybe you don’t know this, I really feel so comfortable with you, that you are close to my heart just like a brother. Plus those weekends that you and your 2 brothers, Danny and Boy Eduardo (Alberto was still a baby those days) , would spend time with us (me, Jardie, Edgar) in that little farm, and we would just hunt for birds kag manag-a sang isda didto sa sapa. I love you man !!!
Pareng Frank, that trip to Musuan, was a case of poor planning on the part of Commandant and the school. No suppor at all. No concept of planning and solicitation of support from the town. How can they send us to that event hungry, and no sleep. They could have sent us a day before so we are rested for the event. I was lucky I did not pass out myself, because if I did, it would have been a great embarassment. What a shame.
Kon maka-abot ako (am not saying am coming), i-andam nila nga daan ang karaoke kag ang minus-one sang ‘if you go away’ by Jack Jones, then ‘Delilah” by Tom Jones, kag iban pa nga mga famous ballads in the 70’s and 80’s. All these are in additon to the old fashoned guitar.
Kag, sin-o puwede mananggot sang tuba dira. Bisan bahal nga tuba, kaya ina imnon sang mga tigulang.
Lambanog? ginapangalimog ko lang na tong una sa Los Banos. Tikal na ini. Amo nga maayo gid tani nga mag-tililipon kita dira.
Hasta lang di anay ang tikal ko.
bert
NONO OLIVER,
It’s a pleasant surprise to know Batanguena gali misis ni Mayor. That solves the problem of having fresh/abundant supply of lambanog on that day. Speaking of Batanguenos, my mentor sang una on Kundiman songs were the Batanguenos from Kanipisan who worked for Nong Nardo Lizada sa mercado. My other mentors were Suon Nick from Milaya and Peting, from Manila Group. Pamati ka lang bala sa gab-i sang July 4th kay mauwang kag magpalaoy-laoy boses si Kiko sang kundiman. And yes, “You could tell the age of the singer by the song he sings…”. He he he. Pangita ka manog gitara sa banwa ha? Pun-on ta lang ka sumsoman iya pinggan kag stateside drink iya baso para indi nya ta bayaan kag magpuli tana temprano…
Please convey my deepest sympathy to the bereaved family members of Tatay Temoy Caras. He was the first president of the Pioneer Settlers Association of Wao (that included my own uncle, Tay Turin, as member) and I remember him well….
Hello To Francis, Bert , Nono Oliver,
Guten Tag – good day ( your first German lesson )
I wake up early today for we are invited to a 60th Birthday party and I want to cook Pancit para dalhon. But everytime I pass in front of the computer it seems so inviting not knowing that there is something behind hidden.
To Francis, Bert ( The tale of inseparable )
Wow, kanami sang estorya ninyo nga duha bala, while i try to analyze it very well.
Humorous, partly tragic, Touching and with a happy end. so how does the story goes.
As what Bert written in his previous message, you are his favorite idol, and in other side being your savior during those critical moments he was your hero, one reason for being inseparable in thoughts and deeds.
It`s interesting to read and it gave moral lesson sa aton mga pamatan-on if they happened to read it. ” Ang pagtan-aw sang utang nga kabubut-on ”
Abaw guinhimo mo gali nga kurokabayo si Bert sang una ? ha,ha,ha. Siguro To, wala mo pagpaligidi sang langaw ang pal-it mo ano pa wala matubu-i it buhok.
Pero maayo man gani kon indi matubu-an para indi mo guid si Bert malimtan and the title I´ve choosen for both you two will remain forever.
Bert madara mo pa ayhan si To Francis nga kulwon subong kay maskulado na man indi pareho sang una nga daw latoy ( my analysis sa iya estorya ) lang gali siya kahanggud ? ha,ha,ha
Nono Oliver:
Condolence to the Bereaved Caras Family, of Tay Tomoy.May he rest in Piece amen. I knew Tay Tomoy Caras, siya pa sang una ang naghatag sa akon recommendation to Mrs. Eleasar pag apply ko teaching position sa MSU (first opening) wala lang ako magpadayon kay may another offer ako from Banisilan, indi bala nga tatay siya ni Bebina Caras, kay upod kami nga nagapply position sadto.
Bitin naman ang estorya ko kay madigamo pa ako, asta na lang anay di,
Auf wieder ( veder to pronounce ) – till we meet again,
basaha lang it ininlonngo
Hello There, Again Pareng Bert,
Thanks for the kind words. Perhaps, I have the gift of memory. Contrarily, my waterloo, on one hand, is your stongest point, on the other hand. Mahina tana utok ko when it comes to figures, numbers, numerals kag gasuka-kamang tana takon kon may “multiplication” kag “division” problems (okey lang kon “addition”, “deduction” . Mahapos. Kay gina isip ko lang sa punta sang tudlo ko ang answer).. Unlike sa imo, halin sang elementarya pa ta tubtob nag graduate sa LAPUR , ang Arithmetic, Math, Geometery, Trigonometry, Physics ginapang-os mo lang nga daw tubo katam-is kag garagumo nga daw sinugba nga mais sa imo baba… Ano pa, pag graduate naton, siling ko sa kaugalingon ko, maeskwela na lang ko ya sang Criminology kag abogacia (I didnt finish law after I worked with the US Navy in Subic Bay kay tama na kalayo i viaje sa Manila).
I remember well your farm beside the creek didto sa unhan sang Kapigis. Kada kadto namon didto on weekend, si Noy Danny, my oldest brother, gadala gid sya pirmi sang iya tigawnan, bunit, lago kag tirador kay damo pa punay, balod, tukmo kag dikol didto sa layang kag isda sa kilid sang sapa. I like the location of your farm. It was like a hidden “Shangrila” and paradise of our youth. It was like the scene in that old English literature story, “Tow Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn” where kids cast their hook and line to catch fish and jumped naked from the bank of the river…
I remember, too, what Jardie and Edgar shared with us during our night of reunion and drinking session in Cagayan de oro in 1999. Uma lang gihapon ninyo ang topic. They separately and independently confirmed tong pagsulong sa gab-i sadtong masupog nga “aswang” nga ginabantog sa banwa (indi ko na lang pag hinambitan ngalan ya di kay basi i akusar ako sang libel for printing his name. “In libel, truth is not a defense”, eh). Kursunada nya guid kuhaon ang agot ninyo (si Anecia). Maayo lang wala madayon…
But later, Rodney Daguino, told Noy Danny and I didto sa uma nga isa ka vez, gab-i, pagpuli nya sa ila uma sa Christian Village nga may mga kawayanan, gin banggaan sya sining masupog nga aswang. Teh, gin du-do nya sang iya plamengko. Dutlan man kuno kag nag tal-as dalagan (maisog to si Rodney, daw si Tatay ya man ang kaisog. Wala sa iya ining ginasiling nga “Santermo”, “dwende” , “kama-kama”, “kapre” kag “Aswang”).
Baw, Pareng Bert, siguro kon i estorya ta ne sa mga joven kag bag-ong generasyon sa banwa, indi tanda magpati kag magsiling, “Tinikal inang imo estorya, Nong Franz”. Teh, kita na lang enjoy estorya kag mamati eh, each time we revisit and go back to the mystic and enchanting “Shangrila” of our boyhood days….
Hi ate Mae,
May utod ka ba nga Roger? You were not so familiar to me maybe you are older. I think if you have a brother named roger he is of my age. Is Nene Whitie your Aunt? Her husband is my cousin Toto Nilo Guaresmo.
Hello Jesa
I am Oliver the younger brother of Ate mae and next to Roger. Sad to say that our brother Roger rest in peace with his creator on 2005. Aunt Whitie is very much healthy with your cousing Toto Nilo Guarismo in Malaigang.
Hi Nono
I think you know me. As far as I can recall except your elder sister you are all familiar to me as I always at you rice mill before, Ronie, Roger, You and Jun in that order were all known to me.Roger run for Municipal Councilor undo UNIDO in 1987 right.
I very sorry for him. By the way what happened?
Hey Jessa here’s my email add oliverferrarez@yahoo.com what is yours.?
To all residing bloggers whom have become virtual friends, THANKS God I’m halfway to the finish line in completing horrendous deadlines and gladly back on the loop. I did a trip from various places in the country from Baguio down to Manila extending Tagaytay and Laguna for a business trip and half leisure. My consolation was but the enjoyment of meeting people of the same interest and watching the richness of our country. It was really tiring yet I enjoyed my week long sojourn….
Hmmp daw damo naguid mga estorya that was shared here that left a big smile to whoever reads it. I’m really enjoying the recollection of the past. Hearing those gleeful and enlivening stories that made many LEGENDS and ICONS of Wao is but worthy to be told and heard and perhaps be emulated by our generation to prosper the richness that the early folks worked hard for….
July 4th will truly be a culmination of all these exchange of stimulating traditions of the past, present and future which will be solidified by the trees that will be planted and be named. I’m working on with my schedule on that day – I’m not saying 100% YES nor saying NO to it. BuT if time permits I’ll surely be part of the merry-making. Daw kanami lang guid mamati sang kundiman ni Sir Francis kag Sir BErt(if he can make it) with ofcourse Sir Tagoy and the rest of the party goers. I would love to capture it with my DIGI….
Till next time… to all new bloggers in the HAUZ … WELCOME ABOARD….
Sir Tagoy allow me to use your german lesson “Auf wieder”
Hello AJ,
I am very sorry, to misslook the phrase before submitting.
That is ” Auf wiedersehen ” means till we meet again ” wieder ” pronounce – Veeder… W is V in german. ( Goodbye in General.)
Glad to know that you show interest to learn german language and in this case I am willing to help and give you more vocabularies esp. the daily common greetings like as follows :
Guten Morgen – Good morning , Guten Tag – Good Day ( From high noon till the end of the day , ) Guten Abend – Good Evening , Guten Nacht – Good night.
Danke – Thanks , Vielen Dank – ( pron. fielen dank ) – Thank you very much .
In this case V is pronounce as f. The continuation of this ” lecture “- ( unterricht ) will be on the culmanation day in Wao., he, he,he. Abaw daw indi ka niya pagbuy-an haw ? Teh indi ka pa sina nga libre ……………..
Glad to know that you are now halfway with your task, that means till July is still enough time to cleared everything before leaving for merry-making with us .
Auf wiedersehen und guten nacht . Schlaft gut – Sleep well.
Hello Waonians
I am glad to read Bobs website, at last we can also communicate each other wherever we are. I am Nida Hadcan Homer, of course taga Christian Village but now residing here in Germany for 24 years, I left Wao 1985 but not forgotten our beloved hometown labi na gid this time nga improved na gid. my last visit in Wao 2007. Ican say wao is really nice place now and wonderful,My best respect to mayor of Wao and all officials.
Hello Bob
thanks for your blog,your so kind and generous for us Waonians.God bless and more Power.
Hello aj,
Nice to know youre Lanies son as what Jurie told you we were barkada before in Cag.de oro sa nazareth. Send my best regards to your Mom.More power to your job.
Regards,Auntie Nids
Hi Sir tagoy,
Wow! Learning new language is really fun. I have a great fascination when in comes to language. I believe that the more language you learn the more oppurtunities knocks your way. So this is really great! Vielen Dank aehehhehhe…. Huo man I actually am positive I can make it on July if God willing. I can’t wait to learn knew set of vocabularies on that day hahaha… Truly a merry-making much celebrated for an enormous cause….
See you then…. back to work anay ko….. Guten Morgen!
Hello Nida,
Willkommen im Blog und guten Morgen.- (Welcome )
Surprise to read your name in the Haus this morning. Are you the niece of Nong Canor from Tumbao ? am I right ? . Teh diin kamo iya diri sa Germany ?
Hello AJ,
Am happy to note your assurance on the forthcoming Tree Planting Program on July 4th.
Now the reward of your labour is in front of the door, you need only to unlock and see a surprise that you are not wishing for.
See you soon……………
Danke for the E-mail
Hello Sir Tagoy, Wie gehts? yes you are right tatay Canor is my uncle, my mothers elder brother.Our Landkreis is Rhön Grabfeld ( Unterfranken) my address is: Nida Homer, Raiffeissenstraße 11, 97633 Großbardorf. Send my regards to Nang Nelida.
Hi Nida,
Good Morning, mir ist gut und die ganze Familie auch, but to Address mi Sir, I´m no longer used to hear it, ilisi na lang it Manong, he,he,he. daw indi naman uso ina diri sa Germany.
I see, I know Nong Canor very well. He is a good Softball player (pitcher ). Way back 1970`s in Banisilan High School, permi ginagubat sang Team nila from Tumbao ang ang Team ko sa Softball sa Banisilan High School , the only High School Team nga indi nila madali-dali ka buntol, but we were also defeated sometimes of course elders are more experienced compared to my students in the high school.
Ang masadya pa gid, that Big events held in Malinao ( Barrio Fiesta ) . There were many invited Teams from Lapur, MSU , Tumbao and Banisilan, of course Malinao was the host. Lapur and MSU were the strongest team as far as I knew. Indi man sila magpangayaw kon wala sing ibuga di bah ? That was a big challenge in our part Banisilanians, kay gusto gid sang kada Team ang una nila inkwetrohon ang team of Banisilan ha,ha,ha. Teh nagdako man ang atay ko eh, daw ano bala ha,ha,ha. After all as a matter of 1 point we were deafeated by the MSU team , if I´m not mistaken that was headed by Mr. Villalba. As a second placer, my mother donated 1 head pig to be Butchered.
What about on July 4th, the massive Mahogany Tree Planting Activity in Wao, don`t you have any idea to participate to this program ? I will be leaving next month and stay in PI until July so that I can join to this Big events. Nami unta kon ikaw kag si Jurie makauli man noh, sadya siguro. Jurie is 100% can`t go, but she commit something, teh ikaw do you have the possibility to spent your vacation for this purpose ? If God willing, sigurado na kami nga magkitaay ni To Francis sa Cagayan probably on May, kay last week of April pa man ako mahalin,
and of course am happy to meet AJ too whom I knew him thru this Blog only and my old colleague in Wao in general.
Teh wara tinyo maibog nga magkiritaay tamon tuya sa Wao ?
Regards to all Waonians.
Hallo Manong Tagoy, Guten morgen-good morning …. Okey Manong Tagoy mas sweeter to hear mas malambing indi bala? About the event on July 4 indi gid tamon kauli very hectic ang time during summer. Ti sigi kamo lang anay enjoy didto, ma donate lang ko iya,I’ll just send it to you before ka mauli sa Phils. i can just imagine kon magkilitaay kamo didto on that tree planting i’m sure pwerte kamo kasadya. Haaaay sayang i can’t participate on that event. I plan to take my vacation next year pa. God bless Nida
hello to all may kasi manwa.. and to you bob for having this websites. for us…. it was so great. to meet some waonian ….hi Nida i recall you are a best friend of nenita paspe from malaigang. you both study in msu. damo kamo nga barkada. and i recall your borfriend is Rocelier Vocal, my classmate,ang barkada mo sila walter comendador, toto banaynal, danny de dios. totoy. and more other. my best friend is Vida comendador ,jane aqua, evelyn emborgo, ini sila rocelleir naga kadto sila sa christian village just to come and visit you. thye are in a group of rustom celda, boy espinosa. i recall there is a beautiful lady from your place who become a girlfriend of CAPT bacala,.. my name is mae nga taga malaigang tong my ricemill sa malaigang. anak ni LACIO, and be have our house in wao beside Comendador house, and we are all student living there as it is a boarding house at that time… i recall too when its fiesta time me and some family together with my lola we went to visit Nang Salud, who is the best friend of my lola, and we went to the baylehan.. at night..
Hello Mae, thanks you’ve remember me,kamusta kana long time no see,di ba tawag namon sa imo before is bebing? i think the last time we see each other tong naghapit ka kay Odett Paspe sa Cdo sa Nazareth from Manila. dümduman mo pa? nagaeskwela pa ko during that time sa Lourdes College. Do you have any balita about Nita Paspe? Masadya man ta sa una no? I thought kamo ni Boy Espinosa ang magdayunay ,,,,,,haaaaaay ang mga puppy love sa una e recall ta nalang coz our high school days very unforgetable. you see for so many years diri pa kita mag meet in Bobs website. Again Bob thank you so much.
By the way the lady you mean is Wennie Pornea my cousin.
Regards
Hello Nida, Hello Mae,
Hi ! its great for you two, after many years nagkita man kamo but thru Website lang anoh?
Thanks a lot Bob for reconnecting this two ladies, not knowing that they were just neighbors before.
I do believe to the old saying of our elders, ( hulubaton sang mga tigulang ) magakitaay kuno ang Seele ( Al ) kag luwag sa Kaldero . Teh amo ni eh, ari na kita tanan sa sulod sang Kaldero nagkilitaay bisan pinaagi lang to our message submitted in this blog. Have a nice day ……….
Sorry for the interruption sa paghidlawanay ninyo nga duha , while i have only a short message for Nida, and after this mag ckeck out ako muna.
Hi Nida,
In behalf of the Tree Planting Activity Organizers of Wao, I´m thanking you so much for the Donation in advance. This meant a lot to help for the foods and snacks of the Students / Volunteers who will be rendering their free services
on that long awaited July 4th activity .
We will plant a tree for you and Jurie too. Vielen dank nochmal.
Regards,
Manong Tagoy
hi bob thanks for your blog site, dali dali lang ni nidz kay im going back to work again for 24 hours busy lang ko dikaron,, yes we have lots of fun when we where in high school kamo barkada nila fred baldiviso. damo kamo nga taga MSU, yes its nice to recall reminiscing the history in wao.. yes i know.. i recall your nanay potot potot to siya pero gwapa kag may sense of humor.kay kon mahubog gani na sila sang fighter wine sa-ot na sila nga mga tigulang, tapos domdoman ko pa na sila kon mag estoryahanay na nila .. naga mama sila sang apog bunga buyo etc… mapauli kami sina halin sa chtristian village to our place hubog ang lola ko. nagatabok kami sang pila ka sapa . wala na gid kami nag kita ni nita pero ang iya otod nga so carmen ato siya sa wao.. we just came back for a 26 days holiday. feb 6, to march 12. this month amo nga bag o lang kami nag abot. we visited wao for just 7 hours.. it was nice to meet friends and family, sa pito ko ka oras nalibot koman ang mga nearest friends . maayo ang wao.. well yes i support to the tree planting.. mapauli kami liwat sa may 5,2010 hope we can meet waonian unta magtiriringob kita para masadya.. ti nids ano imo natapos.. ako nurse diri sa canada.. ambot tigulang na ta.. pila na lang katuig retired na.. anyway this is life…. life is too short so just be happy and enjoy… im the sister of oliver… my regards to all,, mayang…
Hey Guys,
I have talked to Mam Terry Rosal ( Remember here?) The patriot of Lapur Now. She is also the Vice chairwoman of the Sons and Daughters of Wao since the chairman Marilou Palabrica Costelo is residing in Cagayan de Oro. All are geared up for July 4th Massive tree planting. UMWAD BANWA and Son Daughters of Wao will spearhead this big project with the support of the Local Executive. it Seems Sir Tagoy and the rest who will be coming is excited ready to push in pull there accilerator for this momentous events huh.! This is just a beginning Damo pa ta tamnan since global warming is very alarming.
Hi there.. Te nida,, I hope you still remember me. Am the Ex Franciscan Seminarian Brother of Mae BingBing Ferrarez. Thanks for your donation in advance. Dakua kay Ipahimo ta sang mini park sa Kilikili right after th Bridge. It will be a half way rest park to be put up. this will be named or handog ng balikbayans to the waonians.. Mr. Bob will be invited if he will spare us his time.
best regards to all… ASSALAM ALAIKUM….
U M W A D – B A N W A
United Movement of Waonians for Development- Balikbayans of Wao Association
Wao , Lanao del Sur
March 9, 2009
Hon. Mayor Elvino B. Balicao, Jr.
Municipal Mayor
Wao, Lanao del Sur
Dear Hon. Mayor,
Greetings!
Our forests are shrinking, water is getting polluted, oceans are getting hot and some maritime areas have posed as danger for marine species. The climate has changed with unpredictable weather condition. This almost irreversible environmental disaster and tragedy are of our own making, caused mainly by the reckless imprudence of human beings. Unmindful of environment’s limited resources, mankind continuous with his greedy and lavish lifestyle that ends up damaging the planet earth. Human greed has fumbled the depths of earth more and more.
Today, heads of nations and those who attended the convention on environment in Vietnam call for technical and scientific solutions to remedy the problems of Global warming and ecological disaster.
It is a hightime to start worrying about the price we have to pay tomorrow for our inaction and indifference today. If we dont act now, tomorrow may be too late. In this respect, each of us is responsible in upholding appropriate attitude towards the environment. The actions of individuals, groups and communities are but drops of water in the ocean in comparison with the global challenges we are facing. But the cumulative and collective effect of simple gestures carry weight.
On July 4, 2009 the UMWAD-BANWA and the SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF WAO and some balikbayans will spearhead the massive tree planting along the highway from Maradugao bridge towards the Wao poblacion. This planting and caring for trees on public lands; educating public awareness and concern for mother earth will be our planted legacy for the next generations of Waonians to reap and harvest after we are gone.
For us to successfully deliver the services and accomplish our goals and targets, we respectfully request your favorable endorsement, support and assistance on the following issues:
1). Embarking on a public awareness campaign whereby civic and religious leaders, school teachers, students and personnel of various government line agencies (thru MPOC) join and participate with us on the day of massive tree-planting on July 4th. We can do this by posting announcements, posters and flyers in front of churches, mosques, public markets and school gates.
2) 2,000 Mahogany seedlings from MENRO
3) Trucks to transport seedlings and participants.
4) Bamboo sticks as “Tree guards” for the seedlings. We need to place at least 10 bamboo sticks per seedling or a total 20,000 bamboo sticks (of three feet high) for a total 2,000 seedlings that we plant in a total stretch of 18 kilometers, from Maridugao Bridge to Wao poblacion.
5) Fire trucks to water the planted seedlings.
Generous balikbayans like Mr. Francis Banaynal, Dr. Marilou Palabrica, Mr. Santiago Arante, Atty. Emmanuel Palabrica, Atty. Maning Ravanera, etc, will provide the lunch, snacks and some identified logistics needs and requirements.
We are all committed to make this community project a resounding success on July 4th and we look forward to your favorable approval of our aforestated request.
More power to you, all the officers and staff under your strong leadership.
Respectfully Yours,
OLIVER M. FERRAREz
UMWAD BANWA President
This letter was already approved by Mayor Elvino Nono Balicao. We are preparing all the programs and logistics for July 4 2009
Nono Oliver,
paano gani magpadala sang amot para sa tree planting. Kon may-ara nga bank account, paki email nalang sa akon ang number, para nga more secure.
Pareng Frank,
indi ko gid malimtan tong gin-enumerate mo nga mga pispis: tukmo, balod, dicol, etc. It tickles me sometimes and puts a smile on my face.
may ara ako nga tatlo (at least) ka boxes sang old books. Tong address mo sa CDO indi ko na makita. My senior moment.. Paki email lang naman sa akon liwat para mas secure. Ipadala ko asap ining mga libro kay magarot sa garahe. This is long overdue. Shame on me.
Nong Tagoy,
abaw kaduro gid diri nga gisi sa balay. Nagakadlaw gid ako sang lahog ni Nonok (Hernanito, first cousin ko nga second son ni Tay Peryong kag Nay Pina) nga taga Ontario Canada. Siling niya tong una pa, damo kono siya relief clothes, including used briefs (this just blew me blows me away) nga ipadala sa Pinas. This was few years ago, and I know he was just joking. Ti siling ko sa iya nga indi siya magpadala sing mga coat & tie nga marahalon kay kon gamiton ina sang mga arador, mahoya ang karbaw sina mag-guyod sang arado. Indi maayo ina. Ha ha. Mag-decrease sina ang productivity sang farmers.
regards
bert
Hello Nong Bert,
I have heard so much about you before kay man close friend kami ni Anet during our Elementary sa Wao Central, Please extend my warmest regards to her. I think more than thirty years na nga wala kami nagkita, I’m from Christian Village but now residing here in Germany….Kamusta nalang kag salamat.
Nida
Hello Mae,
Kamusta na ? busy gihapon? I’ve just arrived from Belgium kay nag pilgrimage kami,kay this is the place nga nagmilagro si Mother Mary, it was very enteresting
kay may Pinoy Priest nga nag guide sa amon.
By the way sad to know ,I did not finish my BSE course third year lang ,due to poverty ,you know nanam very poor lang kami,but its life di ba? Here in Germany
poor lang gihapon, I married a farmer, we have 4 children .My eldest son is employed by Siemens, other son is studying Electronics, my youngest daughter is 17 yrs old and in 11th grade.Can you give me your phone or cell # para I can call you up estoya ta inilonggo ah. Here’s my phone 097661655 my cell# 016093750240.Hear you soon and best regards…….Nids
.
Hello Sir Bert,
Our national Hero Dr. Jose Rizal learned his first lessons from his mother.. That time books are limited…And I remember during our Grade school in Western Wao elementary School nagalugdo kami sang libro halin sa Central pakadto sa Western. Sa grade One maestra ko the late Mrs. Masucol mal am ini nga perte ka strikta may dala pimre nga malaba nga stick. Sa isa ka libro lima or anom kami ga share.. hasta mag grade six.. Si Nong Francis Banaynal pinaagi sa People helping people foundation nagdonate man ka 7 balik bayan boxes nga libro.. so inspite sa Computer and internets dire pero mas maayo gid ang Libro… Dako gid ini mabulig sa mga estudyante naton dire sa public library.
Thus, you will be remembered by those student who wish to become you someday.,, So madamo nga salamat Sir…Rest assured I will plant 10 trees for you kay daw indi ka man ka uli.. And to those who would like to donate bisan lago , o trapo nyo da para sa karbaw ayyyy ehhheee para sa mga tapasero nga naga antos ka tun og kag bugnaw kon gab i sa tunga ka tubuhan..
Daad makauli ka ba kay mang uyog ta ka laboglabog kag adobohon,, o mangita ta karopdop,, o mangsag a ka paitan kag mamudyot ka igi…kag mangita ka tugis, hehehehe… pero ari o may apog ako di basi may buyo ka man da o maskada…hahahaha
Regards daw Si Dr. Noeme Calvo- Requilme sa imo kababayan mo sa malinao chief of hospital namon…
Nono Oliver
Hi Nidz. here is my email ad. pls. maedee_2000@Yahoo.com… can i have your email address too pls. thanks.. Mayang..
Hello Mae,
Here’s my email address NidaHomer@gmx.de
Iam also very busy now damo na trabaho gahulat. Have anice day……….Nids
To all WAONIANS:
Greetings!
Its sooo good to be back in the loop after almost two weeks of silence in my part (tama guid abi ko ka sako. Lima (5) ka industrial cities (regions) ang gina handle ko di ).
Hi, there, NIDA-
Your name is the latest addition I noticed in this ever-stretching list of Waonians “sucked” into the wonderful website of Bob. Welcome aboard! Inday Mae (Bebing) Ferrarez stipulated barkada mo anay kanday Totoy Celda, Fred Baldeviso and my younger brother, Toto Banaynal. These people are closed to me (ga tapikay lang balay namon kag Totoy sa Mercado sang una kag ulupod kami gapanirador sang una nanday Fred Baldeviso, Totoy kag Richie Lizada sa Kapigis). Toto Alberto died in San Francisco, CA last May 2005.
Pareng BERT-
Pasensiya ka na for this delayed response to your letter. Sako lang gid. This is my house address in Cagayan de oro: Francis M. Banaynal; Xavier Estates Subdivision, Block 21, Lot 23, Kassod Avenue, Upper Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000, Philippines. house phone: +63-88-858-7036. Just inform me when you’re shipping your three boxes of books (along with shipment number ) para ma avesohan ko ang caretaker didto sa balay to follow-up the shipment with the courier…
Also, I will ask Nono Oliver kon diin naton ipadala ang aton donation.
Nono OLIVER-
Am very pleased to note that Mayor Balicao has acknowledged/approved your letter and fully backs-up and supports the July 4th tree-planting project. This is the first step on the right direction: getting the full support of the head of the local government ( and other line agencies there).
Second, how far are way in terms of meeting all those listed logistical/operational requirements listed above? Nag meeting na kamo nanday Terry (Rosal) kag iban pa nga opisyales sang UMWAD-BANWA, Sons and Daughters of Wao kag mga principals of various high schools and focal points of line agencies sa Wao?
Thirdly, I forget to remind you about the pertinent legal/technical point raised by Pareng Bert in one of his previous emails: kinahanglan ma survey sang mga taga Municipio ang “right of way” of the government in that long-stretch of 18- kilometer hi-way. Are we planting those trees too close to the road or along the demarcated “right of way” which could be up-rooted/cut down later in the event of road-widening/expansion? As far as I remember, five (5) meters away from the edge/shoulder of the road, dira sina, we could safely plant those trees. Am I right or wrong on this, Pareng Bert? Please address this issue from your end, Nono.
Fourth. No, please give us the bank account number where we could send/remit our donations para sa pagkaon/lunch and drinks sang mga volunteer workers on the D-Day (July 4th).
Finally, damo ko di mga uniform long sleeves nga indi ko na magamit. Dalhon ko ni pagpuli ko para mahatag mo sa mga “sacadas”/tapaseros sa plantation sang tubo. Makabulig hatag man lang ni protection sa ila lawas sa tun-og kag katugnaw sang kaagahon kay, huo, nakita ko gid, ang iban sa ila didto na mismo gatulog sa kilid sang katubhan. Kaluluoy sang ila sitwasyon. Let’s help them where we could help.
Dear TAGOY-
Its April na, teh san-o ka mapuli sa Cagayan? June 12th pa ko mahalin di, so one week later pa ta guro magkitaay kay masaka anay kami sa Baguio and stay there for two days before flying down to CDO.
Inday MAE-
Nadawat ko ang latest email mo (and Nono Oliver) to join the UMWAD-BANWA website (at least, aton na gid ni iya). But something goes wrong each time I try to send you and Nono Oliver an email. It wasnt going thru.
***************************************************************
TO ALL OVERSEAS WAONIANS:
Thus far, here’s the partial list of those who have pledged to donate a sum of money to defray the cost of food/drinks/provisions of the workers/volunteers on July 4th:
1. Ida Combatir (San Francisco)
2. Bert Palencia (New Jersey)
3. Tagoy Arante (Germany)
4. Jurie Bentele (Germany)
5. Nida Hadcan Homer (Germany)
6. Francis Banaynal (Qatar)
7. Mae Ferrariz-Dee (Canada)- Inday Mae, could we count on you?
8. Nolly Ceballos (New York)- Nolly, could I include your name here?
Am confident more pledges of donation will snow-ball as the date nears.
Pareng Bert, I know you have contact there with Fred Baldeviso, “Abyan” Aludio (Boy) Emborgo, Manong Arturo Demegillo, Artemio Rey, Inday Emborgo-Caumban dira sa New York/New Jersey areas. Could we ask you to pound hard on their door and prod them to make pledges/donations as well? I know the economic melt-down and recession hits everyone there now in the Great ol’ USA. Pero basi may pila pa man ka dolyares sila nga na set-aside to help this noble cause and project back home.
There’s an old saying, “Whatever I give away is on its way back to me”… ” A person giveth away and receiveth thousand fold in return…”
latest news from here; kalilangan old market was razed by fire. almost 95 percent of kalilangan old market turned into ashes last march 19, 2009. They will be celebrating their town fiesta in honor of their patron sain san vicente on April 25.
Mr. Isagani Isag Baldeviso brother of Fred Nono Baldeviso is now in the ICU of Cagayan hospital. Isag suffered long time of Diabetic until his legs been amputated. but the situation become worse.
Nong Frank thanks again for the long sleeve shirts. Imagine the smile of the Tapaseros when they received your gifts….????? Its like you clothe baby Jesus when he was born in the manger naked/
Just send your cash donations thru western Union to my name.. maayo ang western union kay may receipt for me to be transparent to UMWAD BANWA and Sons and Daughters..
To all Waonians,
Good afternoon from New Jersey.
Hello Nida,
I’m glad to hear from you. So you and Anet are close friends. Ara siya sa Hawaii. Ihatag ko sa iya imong phone number ha para mag-istoryahanay kamo.
Nice to hear about your family. Maayo kay damo kamo da sa Germany. Regards to your husband and family. Na-mention mo ang Belgium. Nakakadto kami da few years ago, sa Brugge with all the old churches, beautiful small city. Then to Brussels and Antwerpen. Also to Amsterdam, Harleem, and Kokenhop(?) where the huge tulips farms/gardens are.
Hope someday we will visit Germany. Take care.
Pareng Frank,
Yes, you are right on the “right of way”. We need to plant the trees on the right spots so we don’t have to re-do them. Make this right the first time.
Thanks for your address and the home phone at your CDO home. Nono Oliver also gave me his home address, so maybe I’ll just send the books to his address para nga indi ka na ma-isturbo ah.
Pang tawgon ko ining mga tagawao di sa New Jersey kag i-encourage ko sila to join this wonderful blog that Bob made. By doing so, the will get involved with what we are all doing.
Nono Oliver,
I forgot to mention and send my condolence to the Caras family. Silingan namon na sila tong una. Nag-estar kami (sadtong ga-eskuela pa kami sa Lapur) sa balay ni Tatay Jose Carumba, next to the Agabe and Caras residence. May God bless Tatay Tomoy’s soul.
take care,
bert
Hi BOB. and to all Waonians, sige planoha lang ninyo and i am one of the donors, only im busy at work. after my holiday. since we buy a property in xavier estate. in preparation for retirement and coming for holiday in philippines.. we are willing sorry if i cant come on this july 4th. i am schedule to go next year on May 5th( francis banaynal birthday) holiday in cagayan. spending in XAVIER ESTATE Villa..
Ikaw guid, Mayang! Guina bandillo mo sa banwa birthday ni kiko ha? Mapilitan na guid ko sini ihaw isa ka karbaw, isa ka baka, lima ka baboy, 2 ka kanding kag 10 ka manok para ipakaon sa tanan tawo sa banwa! Must I tell them too, gasunod lang aton birthday kay May 15th (?) ka iya di, bala?
Well, they say Tauros people are always bold, daring, stubborn, obstinate and strong-willed. And so am sure you will always be bold and daring to donate and give generously. Dako-dakoa ha para mahimuan ka to nila rebolto, monumento kag estatwa sa tunga sang mini park sa Maridugao. Kusog pa sa hagunos sang tubig sa suba sang Maridugao ang dapya sang hangin sa imo rebolto kag statue sa parke. He he he!
hi frank. kita mo limtan mo akon birthday pero ang imo birthday indi ko malimtan, si Neri demigillo ang may birthday sang May 15 sa kadugay naton naga chatting .. seguradoha lang nga maayo ang akon lugar sang akon estatwa, nga indi mapalid sang hangin, well i’m on holiday this coming october in florida. magkita kami ni Mirla. kay naga pang imbita to siya nga mamunit kami , kag magluto alogbati nga may mongo ,kangkong kag takway kay man may tanom siya, im trying to contact Bebing Emborgo my best friend, and Juliet Baldeviso, my classmate, kay ari siya sa new jersey. frank ikaw da ang may damo nga collection sang pone number sang taga wao nga ara sa USA kag canada palihog ko hatag kay ako ang matawag sa ila . i will call kay ang iban wala panahon sa comp. so maayo kon sa pone.
Frank can you send an invitation to my hubby TIm Weldon, and invite him for this tree planting . he has been to our place in wao and he like it.. he will be your good friend too,hes email tim_weldon@hotmail.com. he knows you by name. cos we passby to your house n cag. pero wala sing tao. the guard knows you are our of the country… well he like singing.. were nearly come to WOWWAWIE in manila. so he can sing BOOM TARAT TARAT.. to willie revellame hes just funny.. learning tagalog…
Hello To` Francis ,
Did you read my E-mail last night ? I find out daw nagbisyo naman ang CP ko kay pila ka adlaw na nga wala mahikap abi , ano pa nagsunggud. Kindly checked up .
The content of my E-mail is all about my acknowledgement of the latest photos you sent me, thanks from Patrick , kumusta kay Inday Lou and my suggestion to what Nono Oliver stipulated on the donations.
In our case here 3 Waonians, Jurie, Nida, and me, I think it is wise to bring the cash instead of sending it thru Western Union for three valid reasons :
1. It is safe
2. Save from the charges of the Bank transfer
3. a possibility to find a higher rate from the Money exchange dealer
Ang ibayad sa money transfer yawat pa na idugang para ibakal sang Snacks and drinks indi bala ?
In fact Neng Jurie and Nida promised to send it to me before I leave, may panahon pa man, indi ta lang sila pagsako-on kay basi bala pati adtong cents nga nagapilit sa idalom sang talaguan karipunon pa gid nila kag idugang, ha,ha,ha. Taga-an ta ya duha sang igsakto nga panahon to count up to the last cents, pay kon maakig na sila, adto na lang ang nagakalas nga papelon ya kuoton nila moh! Basi bala green pa instead of brown ang ipadala nila.
Ay tuod gali, am leaving Germany 0n April 27, via Doha. Arriving Doha at around
22;40 P.Pm. on the same date. We have 3 hours waiting time there before flying to Cebu.
Maybe I will stay few days in Cebu, but for sure first week of May , be in CDO.
Teh madayon na gid ang aton handum nga magkita sa Pinas noh ? if God willing.
To. Neng Jurie,
Neng, is it possible for you to contact Geneveve & Criselda in Landau and Rodel as well in Italy ? Abi gamita man inang damang-damang mo or ang tamis ng dila mo ( your convencing power ) basi bala malukmay man sila to give donation for the sake of our beloved Wao.
To Nono Oliver,
Hi No, are you agreeable to the proposal stated above ? With regards to the records purposes we will make it vivid and visible so that your report will not shows obscurity . Kon sin-o man ang In-charge sang collection pwede na nga pick upon at RER subd. Phase 2, Block 23, Lot 26 CDO. On the first week of May.
Pls. contact to this Cell No. 09105294836.
Pero Nono indi takon maghatag kon waay ka it dara nag labog-labog, igi , kag karupdod, ha,ha,ha.
Hello Bert,
Dugay na man ako nagapaabot sang package ka mga sulursihan mo waay pa man makaabot hasta karon . Sige imbitaha sila tanan dira nga taga-Wao dira sa USA kon may mga tarahion, sulorsihan kag turukapan pwede ko ina ubrahon para sa anda tanan garing lang wara tamon gagamit diya ka dollar, ti tuya dulang nanda ihaboy sa Wao eh kay didto ang may nagakinahanglan ilabi na gid sa petsa cuatro ( 4 ) sa Julio. Ha,ha,ha.
Ti kumusta man sanday Nuknok and Arlene dira sa Canada ? pls. extend our best regards if ever you contact them someday.
Manong Tagoy
Hi Nids,
I just want to inform you nga malapit na ako magvacation. Nakabook na tanan, and the schedule of my flight will be on the 27th of April, leaving Stuttgart ca. 9:00 A.M. Teh kon may ipadala ka, para indi ka maglagas sa akon sa Frankfurt I will be expecting it a week before I leave..
Here is our address.
Santiago Arante
Robert-Koch Strasse 39
70563 Stuttgart
Thanks in advance and regards to your family cicle.
Manong Tagoy
Hello Mae,
Thanks for your tip, bay-e lang kay bisan after his Birthday na niya siya mag-abot sukton lang namon siya gihapon sang multa.
Tagoy
Greetings from California
Hello Everyone!
As always, let’s all express our deepest gratitude to Bob for continuously supporting a worthy cause reconnecting us globally through his wonderful site. It’s unbelievably getting enormous now!
Responses regarding the forthcoming massive tree-planting are just overwhelming. Can’t wait that this unprecedented project will come into reality pretty soon. A Big Congratulations! is due to the brain and organizer of this mahogany teee-planting activity and my magnanimous well-wishes and great appreciations to everyone concerned and good luck to all!. This is extremely a brilliant idea!, the mahogany tree-planting as long term project to be empowered by various Waonian generations, different local agencies particularly the Sons and Daughters of Wao and the Umwad-Banwa and definitely the overwhelming support by the local government headed by the ever dynamic Mayor Elvino Balicao Jr. Sounds everyone is willing to contribute in any way: time, effort, labor as well as financial pledges and a hundred ten percent commitment and full support to the project and that believing to get this done is undoubtedly sweet success to all Waonians. True to the famous slogan, ” In Unity, There is Strength”.
Over time there seems to be the compelling force from every enthusiastic Waonian globally to pursue this historic event and with pride I’m one of them. Though originally am not a Waonian but considered myself since, as have lived and spent there my entire four years of fruitful Lapur years (1962-65) with lots of good memories. Hence, rest assured my whole-hearted and full support to this special project will always be there. In this regard, I’m sending my share of financial commitment of $200 as I have indicated in previous e-mails to Francis and Tagoy. Will be sending thru Western Union to Wao c/o Oliver “Nono” Ferrarez. Will follow-up with e-mail and claim number when done expediting. So please continue to stay connected, will you?
Thank you Nono Oliver for initiating to take charge financially!…and as expected my remittance will be received anytime soon this month of April. Additionally, appreciate much for the regular Wao-Kalilangan updates for us globally. I wish and praying for your friend Isag Baldeviso’s full recovery as well as the Kalilangan community to recover from the fire misfortune lately.
Hi Mae,
When you’re in USA feel free to call me @ my home # (650) 738-8623 or my cell (650) 515-2068 in SF bay area. Unfortunately, I don’t know any Waonian from California, there might be some but have no idea really. So just call me in the evening, my most convenient time, pacific time when you’re in US kag magchikahan tayo or mag-estoryahay about Wao and getting to know one another. okay?, since you belong to the Lapur younger generation, mag bata pa kamo ya.
Tagoy and Francis,
Maayo kamo magkiririta gid didto kag sigurado nga sadya lang eh!. sige lang enjoy kamo sa tree-planting activity, indi nyo lang pagkalimtan ang mga wala dira. Also here’s hoping both of you have received my e-mail this morning as I have received yours as well. Still busy with all these newly opened matters/ cases lately regarding mortgage crisis issues.
Bay-e lang kon magretire ako prettty soon (end of 2010 God willing) pirme ako maabot didto kag eventually looking forward in ten or twenty years from now will enjoy seeing those majestic, towering heights of future chiseled mahogany trees lining the highway stretch from Maridugao River to Wao town proper. That would be awesome!. This will also remind us of our overall collective efforts, hard work and cooperation as well as our remarkable commitment of sharing ones responsibilities to Mother nature and greener Earth and the Wao future generation will benefit big time!. Daw kanami lang bala handumon.
Teh ari na ako diri Francis, promised to write, hehehe! daw kalawig na gid ini, good luck Guys! promise to continue keeping in touch thru this blog with fellow Waonians okay?
So, barely three months from now you all will be very busy with this project on July 4th, US Freedom day here will mark the milestone. How I wish to be there personally to experience this historic event and join the excitements, camaraderies, friendships, fellowships and the same time reminisce the past in that special and beloved place Wao so close to our hearts. Cheers!!!
All Waonians:
Hello Ida.
Greetings from the east coast, NJ-NYC area.
Kamusta ka da? I think ka-batch mo si Dimpna Palencia sa Lapur, our eldest sister. Si Wellie, di ba manghod mo? Nakaupod ko siya sa convent ni Father Cawley , mga sacristan kami tong una. Naabtan pa namon sila Rolando Franco, Bernie Bacsal, Ruben Gorgonio, etc., didto sa cottage sa likod sang balay ni Father.
regards and take care,
bert
HI IDA, this is Mae Maygay Ferrarez from Wao , seems your name is familiar to me. diin ka nag dayon sang naga eskwela ka sa La Purisima. im in Canada now. with 4 kids 3 of them are nurses working in Ontario, Toronto. my young son is 19 yrs old and still studying, taking up power engineering, im a nurse working here in Psychiatric hosp. as a nurse coordinator. im married to Doctor Dee who is from Manila but now he is in heaven he died at the early age of 33 due to sudden heart attack MI stage 3. My young son was just 2 yrs old when his dad die. i managed to survived and support my kids and remained single mom till 3 of them done thier nursing. now time for myself to enjoyed. Life must go on.. Habang May Buhay MayPag Asa.. this is really exciting site.. thanks for BOB..everytime i Wao… well its really good that we waonian has a connection though its just a message thru internet but its make us feel updated.. and miss to hear too whats going on.. in wao.. since we waonian has all exciting experiences… me myself i cant even believed what i have when i was in wao.. when i went on holiday on Feb’2009 i said i have to go wao, even my uncle n auntie in manila.a BIR commissioner opposed not to go due to the news of kidnapsputi abi ang akon opod as he said where ever i go he will . so we proceeded to wao, when nono pick up us in cag… just wanted to see wao.. the highways is very good now, ara pa lang kami sa balatin ang akon dughan nagakubakuba sa excited.. kanami lang balikan ang naagyan. i visited the places i wanted. my alma matter La Pur. the Hosp. where nono my brother work as a administrative officer., to the Rural Health Dept. where i work as a first rural health nurse of wao.. to the wao market, where till now my mom has a dry good store. it was a feb, wao fiesta. kaya damo nga tao.. and my ever first time to go in Wao sabungan just we are curious what is inside. kay masadya.. ay abaw.. sa pula sa puti. where i meet Danny Banaynal… we just stay for half hour.. it was full of excitement. my only 7 hours trip to wao and we backed to cagayan de oro. anyway we are booked to go back May 5,2010. as i am one of the ninang to the wedding in Manila, My uncle son,..
Hi toto Benigno Tutor. Kilala kita at naging mag kaklasi tayo sa elementary. Ikjaw nga pinakamatalino di ba. How is your drawing skill? Meantime I can not divulge my identity. Nevertheless, I enjoyed so much reading messages in this site and I recognized most of the participants. I working underground as of the moment.
Hi Mae,
I received your E mail,,,thanks,by the way may address ka ni Bebing Emborgo? last 1995 she sent a xmas card to me and now i could’nt find it anymore. Please extend my best regards to her…okey thanks and keep in touch,,,,,,,,nids
Hello Francis,
I’m very sorry for what happened to Toto Alberto,he was agood friend to me ,we were also classmate in Elementary sa Wao Central.Just say my sweet hello kay Rostum kon magkitaay kamo sa wao ,,,,,thank you
Hallo Manong tagoy,
Don’ worry I’ll send it to you next week . anyway isa ka adlaw ma receive mo na dayon,,,,ti daw pwerte ka na ka excited haw relax ka lang manong tagoy…….
Hello Ida,
At last you`re back home to the Blog. It shows that the string of the Guitar is now complete to give a sweet melody to the music. Welcome home !
Don`t worry indi namon kamo pagkalimtan bisan wala kamo didto although we are in the middist of enjoyment. Could you believe ? basi bala kon makainom na sang Lambanog tupad sang Labog-labog nga sumsuman nga iprepare ni Nono Oliver makadumdum pa ayhan ? he,he.
Hi joke lang, it won`t happened, of course duty first before anything else and I promise to plant a tree for you , in your absence, so that by the time you visit Wao after retirement you will be able to see not yet exactly towering heights maybe but the grown up Mahogany trees along the way.
Regards ,
Tagoy
Hi Nids,
Natürlich, am happy and excited, for such event is very seldom. Gani ang indi maka attend maghandum na lang. ( joke lang sa tanan ). In my case it so happened that my vacation still covers the culmination day , July 4th , at that I could really avail myself on that very special and remarkable activity.
Sige Nids, paabuton ko na lang ang ipadala mo nga donation, nahadlok ka man gali nga iapas mo pa sa akon sa Frankfurt . ha,ha ( tiaw lang ha ) and thanks a lot again in advance in behalf of our organizers.
Lebwohl !
Good Day Bert, Mae!
Hi Bert,
How are you? East meets West gali kita diri in Bob’s site. Not sure, siguro si Dimpna classsmate namon ni Manang Myrna sadto, forgive me di ko na matandaan ang mga classmates namon even Danilo Banaynal kon indi nabanggit ni Francis and other classmates thru Tagoy. amo na ning nagatigulang with senility symptom na abi hehe!
Bert, I know you very well through this blog, as well as your cumpadre Francis talked so highly of you, ginabaligya ka na sina halin sang una pa kaming nagbunguanay online presumably it’s been a year na!. Talagang malalim ang pinagsamahan ninyong magkumpare and close buddies since your younger years pa! Both of you are very intelligent and successful in your chosen careers. Very impressive!
Huo, gali si Willie manghod namon, sa mag-ulotod tatlo kaming magkasunod, si Manang Myrna, ako kag si Wilfredo, magulang namon si late Toto Eddie, ka-batch ni Marilou Palabrica sila ang nauna. But whenever familiar names are mentioned will surely refresh my memory.
Ah…kamo gali sadto ni Willie naabutan mo pa siya, didto sa likod sang convent ni Fr. Cawley nag-estar, my late father Francisco built a cottage for the sacristan with extension behind it converted as shop where my father taught vocational class like woodworking, carpentry, etc. Same cottage we used for cooking class only in girls vocational, sorry forgot our teacher. Nakita ko kamo one time, habang nagluto-luto kami suman, dough nut, palitao, etc. Kis-a ginahulat pa ninyo kami makatapos kay maluto man kamo panyaga kag udto na! di bala. Abi nakon paka-isa mo lang ang upod ni Wilfredo, kay Palencia man, ikaw gali ato!. Yes I remember na kamo gali ni Wilfredo nag-estar didto (daw tatlo o apat kamo didto may bunk beds pa) kag nagsacristan kon magmisa si Fr. Cawley sa mga barrio amo man inyo pas-an sang backpack nga mabug-at no hehehe! . Yes, I also remember Rolando, Ruben and Bernie, mga ulihi sila, gamay-gamay sadto si Wilfredo noh.
Bay-e lang kay mag-estoryahay kita minsan during weekends, pls. take note my numbers in previous e-mail or e-mail me at work ice@msrlegal.com on weekdays, my home pc is extremely busy as my husband doing tax prep.this tax season warm regards….
Hi Mae,
Kumusta na? First of all, sorry to miss your call last night as we’re out for dinner that time and unknowingly left my cell at home. When we returned from dinner, got your message and supposed to call you but you didn’t leave your number. Told myself next time na lang …or how about tonight?
I have known you thru Bob’s site and your brother Nono oliver. Since you belong to younger generation, haven’t had any recollection during your time at Lapur as we left Wao after graduation in 1965. Our late father, a shop teacher then bought us a small house behind the Lapur campus didto malapit sa may artesian well bala, agyan balay namon pakadto kanday Tabada family, Iniego family kag didto sa up the hill ang NARRA office sadto. Four years lang kami sa Wao, four of us siblings; Eduardo, Myrna, Ida, Wilfredo and including our father lived in that small house. We used to go home to Lampanusan ( where our family reside) every Friday pm, cross the dangerous Maridugao River, to work in the family farm on weekends and get our 1 week provision, then back again Sunday pm. ti pirme absent sa mass eh pero excuse lang kami ni Sr. Vicenta sadto hehehe!
I’m so happy for your achivement in life, from your schooling, exceptional work experiences, raising a family singlehandedly with four children and ultimately educate them to have a secured future. As you said, life must go on and you have successfully moved on and still working and looking great!. You’re awesome!
Btw, ara gali dira sa Canada si Mely Baling, younger sister ni Madolin Baling nga classmate gid namon, nagkitaay bala kamo?.
Anyway, let’s try to get connected by phone tonight okay? magtsikahan na lang tayo!
Best…
Ida
Pahabol gali Bert,
In case you’re wondering diin na si Wilfredo karon, sa Iloilo na siya with his family and 5 children, a licensed reflexologist and still working with mostly retirees there in short, gapanghilot siya. All his children are professionals now with two nurses, one in Chicago presently with his wife, also a nurse. The younger nurse works in Iloilo provincial hospital to earn an experience while waiting for her employment here in California. The rest are married with family and the youngest is a seaman. He was with us during our Waonian mini- reunion at Sugi Rest. in Makati with Marilou, Francis w/ Evelyn, myself, Manang Myrna, Ador and Irene Abrogena for dinner, Jan. 2, 2009
Teh tawhay na siya eh amo man si Manang Myrna tapos na tanan, akon iya diri ang youngest na lang next year 2010 pa makatapos sa CSUS-Sacramento God willing.
Malipay gid ina siya kon mabanggit ko ikaw sa kanya one of these days…Best regards to your family…
Hello Bert, Hello Ida,
Para indi kamo magsagad pamangkutanay, patung-an ko na lang kamo nga duha..
Soon Dimpna was belong to the First Graduates of Lapur, during the calendar Year 1962-63. Her Batchmates were Inday Lou Palabrica, Pythias Bansa the Lumugdang`s bros. & sis etc.
Oh sige matulog anay ako kay ala una na . Good night.
HI IDA. very exciting ining blog the bob before i start my day i go online. for this site. to read this messages to see what is new… i recall when i was grade 1 may nagadayon sa amon balay nga taga Lampanusan si Nong Dadoy. ang carpenter sa Lapur nga may anak siya nga babae i forgot her name nga naga eskwela man sa Lapur.. we went to lampanusan naga tabok gani sa maridugao nga naga latay lang sa isa ka kahoy para magtabok.. eh time to go work nah…….
Hi Bob. thank you for this blog. I got a pleasant suprise. This is a very rich source of the whereabouts of the townmates from Wao. I was overwhelmed with the interaction I read…
I did not know about this blog. But some friends asked re some things they have browsed about me.. so this afternoon I browsed my own name: Teresa Banaynal-Fernandez .. and one of the sources in the list was this blog.
Hi Bert, Ning Francis, Fr. Totet, Mae ( I still have the pictures you sent of your family ) , Ida (Melly Baling is regularly writing because she got my address from you) , Tagoy (hugs to Nelida) and Toto (please send me your Mama’s (Nang Nellie) contact address. I am based in Cebu.
Thank you everyone for the gift of sharing , reaching out… After graduation, I have been busy getting involved with the lives of the urban poor, farmers, ip’s, victims of violonce, etc..and raising 8 kids…my interaction with former townmates had been limited to the people I met in the Church every Christmas day in Wao.
I guess it is not too late to reconnect and list down all your contact numbers and email addresses. Every now and then I travel around the country and out of the country . Sayang, I could have called up or met with Nelida when I was in Aachen, or Nang Nelida when I was in San Fran, Mellie Baling in Vancouver, or Bert in New Jersey , etc.
I will try to be there on July 4 ….
As always… Deding Teresa
Hello all Waonians,
This blog now ranks high among all places I want to hang around. It’s just like going back in time and place : mid 1950s-1960s, Wao. Man, this blog is a time machine!!!
Hi Ida,
Nalipay gid ako nga ginsabat mo man ako. Abaw, tatay mo gali si Nong Dadoy (am I right?). I like him, kay damo to siya jokes, and I enjoyed talking to him. Mana-og lang ako sa amon cottage, ara na siya da, naga-obra, and stops when I start to ask him anything.
Am happy for Willie. He was such a hard worker. Bal-an mo, tama gid nang ginsiling mo nga ginapas-an namon ang back-pack ni Father Cawley,. Naga lakat lang kami pakadto sa mga neighboring towns. Father was a true missionary. I learned a lot from Willie, kay una siya sa akon didto, so sort of he showed me the ropes in that cottage and anything around the church, the 4-storey tower bell, etc. Abaw ah, ang bell nga to (empty gas tank), gina hanot namon ina sang metal bar at 6 am kada aga kag hapon, about 30-40 times or so. Daw malupok ang dulunggan mo. Salamat gid sa info on his family. Kon maestorya mo siya, paki regards lang ako sa iya. I am proud of his kids’ accomplishments, and tell him congrats on raising successful kids.
Ti siling ni Nong Tagoy, kay first batch si Nening Dimpna (ka-batch niya si Inday Lou Palabrica), siguro ka-batch niya si Manang Merna mo.
Nadumduman ko tung nagaluto kamo sa convent, kag nagahulat kami sang amon turno. Di ba gani, ang iban bala nga ginluto ninyo sadto gina-baligya sa snack center didto nun’s convent?
Bal-an mo, si Pareng Frank is like my brother, so he knows me. Permi ko na siya gina-aba sa elementary sa among hampang nga sipa-ay. Mamag-an siya kag long legs, amo nga maayo para sa sipa-ay. That was during the time nga tap-ingon pa kami. That is why he is my man, as they say in the US of A.
I will email you at work so we can e-talk more. My cell is 609-903-3757.
Nong Tagoy,
Salamat for your assist in saying that your Soon Dimpna was a member of the Lapur first batch. I need to mention nga Kamo ni Nono Oliver, nagaragumo and inyong Karay-a, kag belib gid ako sa imo, kabalo ka pa iya bisan dugay ka na dira sa Germany. Si Pareng Frank naman, tama kadalom ang iyang Hiligaynon. You three make me feel the need to take a refresher course in Ilonggo. I love reading all your comments in this blog. They make me smile.
Anyway, switch to karay-a, tong mga gisi nga tarahi-on, indi pagbatonon sang US post office kay basi kuno ma-infect ang iba nga mga packages. Kay man daan na ining mga delargo ko, kag siling nila, kahuruya kuno nga ipadara. Amo nga e-mail ko na lang by surface (pa-anod sa dagat). Lahog lang ini. Ha, ha.
e-email ko sa imo ang Kodak (nga kuha sa Grand Hyatt Hotel New York) sang ikaduha ko nga bata (si Lori), upod niya si Pres. Obama sang nagakompanya pa siya last year.
Deding Teresa,
Thanks for getting in this blog amidst your busy schedule.
Writing you reminds me of our elementary days. Pareng Frank (Ning Francis), sent me a copy of our grade 5 class picture (with Mrs Iniego) where Ning Francis and I were in barefeet (and so with the other boys), with our t-shirts and short pants and skinny legs. You were seated at the front. You were always well kept, neat hair, ironed dress, always with a foot wear, etc. I mean, Nay Mayang (your mom) always kept you neat kag gwapa. That’s the Deding I remember. Fast forward to today, we are all in our 50’s, and spread all over the world, and reconnecting here. Wonderful.
I was in Cebu very long ago, in 1977. I was with a team from Human Settlements that did a study for development of Cebu as regional/metropolitan center. One night, we were invited at the San Miguel brewery (Cebu branch) by the manager and we drunk all the beers we could handle. We all got drunk but the manager made sure we were all safe and sound. And I love Cebu. I hope one day I can stop by and say hi.
Of course, please call me (my cell is 609-903-3757) when you are in the East Coast (New Jersey, New York City metro area).
Sending my regards to your husband and family. Take care and keep in touch.
bert
For Mae Ferrarez Dee:
Mae, if you can get chance call me at my home no. (386) 446-0542 or my
cell no. (386) 503-1515 if possible before noon. My husband Bill will anwere
the phone if I am not available. Talk to you soon.
Merla
Like everyone else, visiting Bob’s blog on a daily basis has become a pleasant addiction to me although occasionally, I can never seem to find time writing down my own thoughts due to pressing work priorities.. It reminds me of those “Hiligaynon” series in the “50’s and 60’s, where I always look forward to reading the stories of new contributors and those mainstay novel writers . Ang paborito ko gid sadto were Magdalena Jalandoni and ex-Gov. Conrado J. Norada from Iloilo. I took up Criminology in college because, as a farm-boy, I was fascinated by his detective stories, like “Tatlo Sila”, etc. Whew! That was 1962 to 1968 era, almost half a century ago. Is that how old I am now?.
In a new time, ga pagsik dayon espirito ko kon makita ko ngalan ni AJ, Toto Edwin Tutor, Tagoy, Pareng Bert, Ida, Inday Mae, Nono Oliver, Nida, Jurie, and lately, my first cousin, Deding Teresa, writing in the blog. As what Pareng bert aptly said, reconnecting with various generations of Waonians here is like going back in time and space with the time capsule.
Tagoy-
Yes, I received your latest email, along with Patrick’s reactions. Conforme guid ko sa imo decision nga didto na lang ihatag kay Nono Oliver ang inyo contribution ni Jurie and Nida for reasons you cited therein. Basta kitaay ta to pag-abot ko. Gin lista ko na cell mo.
Inday Mae-
Teh, huo gid lang eh, siguradohon ko nga indi gid mapalid sang hangin ang imo estatwa didto sa ibabaw sang Maridugao. Silinga si Tim, padala siya isa ka supot nga Canadian dollars, kay ako gid ang mangunay mag supervise sa Architecto kag landscape engineer nga butangan gid marmol nga walkpath ang pakadto sa rebolto mo halin sa kilid sang parking area kag butangan pa gid atop para indi mabasa ulo sang imo estatwa kon mag ulan.
Labay man akon, tani kon nag email ka sa akon temprano, didto na lang unta kamo nagdayon ni Tim sa balay kay ang housemaid ko man lang ang tao to kag apat ang kwarto sa balay. The last time nga nagpuli ka sang 2005 didto ka nagdayon sa balay, remember? Anyway, eventually, mangin kaingod ko na gid kamo kay duha gid ka lote inyo gin bakal sa cul de sac sang simbahan. Manoktok ko pirmi sa pwertahan nyo kon lapit na lang tig panyaga para maka libre ha? In exchange, I will teach Tim how to sing Visayan songs. He he he!
I texted Neneng Merlyn Emborgo kaina to send me the number of Bebing sa England. Wala pa sya magbalos. Anyway, I have the number of her siblings, “Abyan” Boy (Alud) Emborgo sa New York (201-803-3207 and 201-638-3501 (kay Celia ni, iya asawa), kag kay Toto (Dr. Edwin) sa Arkansas (870-875-15343 (Home) kag 407-716-9358 (cell).
You were asking for Juliet baldeviso’s number. Ari ang phone number ni Fred Baldeviso sa New York (isa lang sila ka balay ni “Abyan” Boy Alud): 201-993-9613 and 201-332-5079.
Kon magkitaay kamo ni cousin Merla Demegillo sa Florida, send my regards. I will be in Tampa, Florida for a 1-week conference on Forensics and Investigations from August 16-22. Tell her kamusta to the rest of her siblings (my cousins): Wennie, Elde, Bebing, Virgilio and Neri. Ga sulatay kami ni Nong Arthur, their eldest. Also, please send me the addresses of my other relatives in Canada: Mila and Mely Baling. I lost their addresses when my old email add was hacked by tha Nigerian last November.
Nono Oliver-
Kon magkitaay kamo ni Isag Baldeviso, kindly convey my warmest greetings to him. Barkada gid ni sila sang una ni Toto Alberto, my late younger brother, along with Fred, his classmate, since their elementary days.
To AJ-
If you are sure of coming on July 4th, let me know para sugaton ta ka sa pier sa Cagayan kag upod ka na lang sa amon ni Tagoy and my cousin, Nono John and Deding Teresa. You have to arrive CDO on July 3rd, so we drive to Wao the same day and have plenty of rest time and make a last -minute meeting with the officers of Sons and Daughters of Wao and Umwad-Banwa.
Ida-
As i said earlier, my spirit is always bouyed up each time I see your name appearing on the blog and I tend to read and reread your input kay kanami gid pamatian kag basahon and imo estilo pag sulat. Keep it coming and give us some more…
Nida-
I’ve been to Wao for eight years in a row na, wala ko na gid makita si Rostum Celda sa banwa. I guess the family left after the tragic death of his father.
Deding Teresa-
You know, I have been waiting for the day when you too, will write your thoughts in this blog. I say this because I know you possses that enviable deep and wide reservoir of knowledge and talents and could share that in inspiring the rest of the younger generations of Waonians.
Pareng Bert mentioned about our Grade-5 class picture taken in 1963 under Mrs. Iniego. Carlos Honorio, Bert and me had no shoes/slippers/sandals and wore almost worn-out and tattered shirts. You were sitting in front with Erlinda Tabada (also barefeet) Corazon Dinglasan and Diosdada Hempiso. I still have the negative with me kay gin pa recopy ko sa studio when I was in CDO. Its a priceless piece of legacy that I always treasure, framed and hang up in my study room in Xavier Estates. That picture always inspires me to look back and reflect how I started things in life and where I am now. I could print and send you a copy to remind you too how simple and peaceful life was in those years..
Hi frank. good day again. to all waonians,i call last night mirla. almost 12 midnight na her time kay i just came home from work, busy man abi ako pirme 12 hours a day no off sayang abi ang dollar tapos epabuhat mo pa ako estatwa..lol.. amo na siling ko sa imo padala ka email kay Tim kay nakakadto siya sa hospital sa wao kag nakita niya. ang situation nono Oliver my brother said to him this is donation from francis banaynal from saudi.. the bedsheets… ato abi imo ngalan. sa bedsheets… . manito regio, in California, Rosalinda Duterte, in Boston Neri Demigillo , LLolly Baylon, Elsie Daanoy,, in Pittsburgh, they are all my classmates, noted ang mga pone number kay tawagan ko sila.. sonod ang aton b-day. si Neri May15,
From Nening Nelida,
Hello Deding Theresa,
Surprise to hear from you after many years passed and thanks for your warm hug as a greetings, same to you ding.
Anyway just a matter of few months we will be meeting personally while we have learned thru Francis that you will be arriving at CDO on July 3 to join the Tree Planting activity on the 4th day. On this dates I ´ll be there for holiday too gani magkita gid kita to get in touch with hand shaking and warm embraces not only thru mails.
Really sanyang for not contacting me when you`ve visited Aachen, infact Aachen is only 3-4 hours drive from Stuttgart. Nevermind maybe next time when you happened to visit Europe again, am reachable under this Tel. No. 0711-7354649. See you soon.
Best regards,
Nening Nelida
Hello Merla,
I had heard you name long ago when I was still in Malinao, and pressumed to know your brother Neri too. ( Si Tagoy ako nga bata ka Sastre nga si Salva sa Malinao )
Indi bala nga permi ina si Neri sang una didto kanday Manong Ney Demegillo sa Malinao, malahoy-lahoy gani nga pagkabata ? I and Manong Ney were belonged to one District before in Banisilan.
When I read your message in the Blog,Nening Nelida ( Dayaday )told me that you were classmates in the High School so with Deding Theresa . ( still remember her )
Luckily kami man gihapon nga puro Taga-Malinao ang nagkadayon , blessed with two Children 27 & 22 years old and now residing here in Germany.
Please extend mybest regards to Neri ( if I´m not mistaken and he still remember me ) and pocket the most of it.
Tagoy
Hello Bert,
Don`t mention, it is always the obligation of the elders to give clarification to the younger ones at any cause. What are we olds for ?
Thanks hasta karon wala pa gid man ako malipat paghambal sang kinaray-a kay daw sinanlag lang nga mais ina kon akon pamatyagon. he,he ( tikal )
Infact seldom lang kami makahambal sang aton dialect diri kay pati Ido gani namon indi makaintiende kon indi pag Genermanon , pero maayo man kay kon ma switch on gani sa Inilonggo maabtik man kag tayuyon.
With regards to your sulorsihan kag reliwaton, sayang my Swiss knife was long prepared para sa mga tarastason , kanugon lang ya pagbakal ko kadya nga indi man mapuslan dayon. Teh kon e- email mo by surface ya mga tarahion mo it is more terrible kay ang tanan naton nga PC mainfected man gihapon , te ano pa kon mainfected teh mawad-an kita tanan connection. ha,ha,ha.
With regards to thesubstitute you`re requesting me para pagkanta, tagay kag kuratsa, pangitaan ko gid ikaw, kay dilikado kon indi ako makakita basi bala madoble ang akon tuka. Maayo lang kon indi ini ni Frances mabasa para indi matawo sa huna-huna niya. Pero kon wala gid teh bahala nah !
Glad to inform you that I received the Photo you sent . Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Manong Tagoy
To´ Frances,
When I go on reading your latest entry in the Blog, nagayumo-yumo man ako when you mentioned Magdalena Jalandoni, who was a very famous writer during our time . She wrote not only in Hiligaynon hasta pa sa Sagrada Familia
and Almanaque. I still remember one Romance entitled ” Debutante ” was she the one who authored that story ? It seems that I´m now confused. What about Alejandro Caparas ( writer too ) do you still have the knowledge about him ?
Ok thanks To´ that you are also understanding with my plan, and will let you know the development as soon as i receive the donations I´m expecting to make everything vivid.
To pick me up at Doha Airport is a good idea, at least I will not be bored in waiting , but it seems the time is too short, basi bala mabayaan ako sang Plane haw ! So ok lang, and thanks for your kindness. We will make all the plan final to meet at CDO on June, maayo didto bahala bisan abutan it kaagahon.
Pag ayo-ayo lang dira,
Tagoy
Dear Deding Teresa and Pareng Bert,
I mis-identified Rosemarie Dinglasan as “Corazon” Dinglasan in that 5th Grade class picture of ours in 1963.
With us there, too, were Espiridion Tanan, Deodato (Datoy) Ricablanca ( the “math wizard” who like his elder brother, Glicerio (Gili) were both born with the genes of Albert Einstein in them), and the tallest Ilocano guy in the class, Felix Agulan. With you then was Editha (forget her last name now, nakapamana kay Edgar Palencia, brother ni Pareng Bert. Ano gani last name nya, Pareng Beret ?).
Am just wondering why Hatita Corpuz who was our classmate in 4th Grade and Teresita Acuna, who was our classmate in 6th Grade was not with us in 5th Grade? Maalam to si Tessie (along with her younger brother, Ruben, nga na classmate ni Toto Alberto) so she should have been in our group.
I mentioned Hatita Corpuz, kay gin pahibi sya sadto ni Abal (Edgardo de Dios) sang mag-bakal sya “maruya” didto sa tindahan sang iya nanay sa atubang sang gate sang Wao Central Community School. Abal made some sarcastic remarks which offended this pretty girl form Manila Group; Nangakig kag gin buyayaw nya si Abal… In 1970, when I quit college for two semesters for financial reason and worked as “Census Enumerator”, I met Hatita and her husband didto sa Upperport (it was damn cold in that hill in early morning and dusk with those “everlasting” and “sunflowers” seen miles after miles blanketing the prairies and the open fields).
I’m in a reminiscing mood tonite. I try stretching my memory back to as far as 47 years ago before “Alzhiemers” rusts the nuts and bolts of my brain… Pero katahom “handurawon ang maragtas sang nagliligad” as what that famous Hiligaynon novelist, Magdalena Jalandoni, puts it….
Inday Mae-
Relaks lang. Sulatan ko gid si Tim within this week kag silingon ko nga kon magbulig man sya hatag donation, pahimuan ko man sya rebolto sa Maridugao, inang galapitay kamo nga duha nga daw “duha ka gahirupay nga punay nga sa sanga sang kahoy naga handumanay” (these are lyrics of an old, old Ilonggo song which Tatay Arce used to sing in the late 1950’s and early 60’s). You see, you could indeed tell the age of the singer by the song he sings. Tan-awa si Pareng Bert,: “Delilah”, “Greenfield”, “If you go Away” kag mga ballads of the 70′’s iya favorites. Teh, pakot mo gid dayon edad nya di ba? He he he.
Tagoy-
I remember Alejandro Caparas, the novelist from Iloilo, pero si Conrado J. Norada kag Magdalena Jalandoni tana primi ko ginalagas basa kon mag-abot atong mga Hiligaynon nga ginapaarkilahan ni Nong Balting sa iya pwesto sa Merkado, along with the “Liwayway”, “Bisaya”, “Banawag”, “Kislap”, “Hilaga”, “Wakasan” kag “Pinoy” komiks…. Mientras ga pa abot kami sa linya sang naga sag-ob sa artesian well sa merkado, dalagan anay kami to sa pwesto ni Nong Balting kag magbasa. Amo man lang to sang una ang means of entertainment naton. Binulan abi kon may mag pa gwa sine sa banwa kag wala pa mag abot ang black and white TV.
Teh diri lang anay ko kutob. Ihatag ta liwat ang blog space sa mga bag-ong tubo…
hi frank.. thanks for the offer for letting us stay in your place sige lang maabot gid na ang adlaw nga ikaw ang nagakanta karaoke si tim ang naga sa-ot i hear you singing when i was there..
Neri thanks for the invitation, indi pagkalimti ang akon birthday.. abi mo Neri madomdoman ko na sang nagaeskwela pa ta sa la pur,niwang ka nga kulot imo buhok, tapos singkit imo mata, naga agi ka sa amon balay nagalokdo sang isa ka gantang nga bugas nga halin ka sa paradise kon kis a ololopod na kamo ni Antonio Valencia seems that place you have in Guimaras Island is an Island of Paradise dont worry one day we will meet . ang aton mga classmates,Jane Aqua,Manang Linda,Manito Regio,Boy Espinosa,Robert Ceballos,Robert Delfin, Corazon de Dios, Danilo de Dios, Corazon Jagodilla Gatilogo,Lolly Baylon,,Mary Jing Abalos, Evelyn Emborgo Josefine Carumba, Nenet Parcon..Roceller Vocal, sang pag pauli ko i meet some of our classmate,,
.Mirla madamo man nga salamat im excited to meet you we already had a ticket for florida cruise pero wala pa sang exact date kon san -o … kon damo na nang napamunit mo da nga isda kag nabulad na let me know then padal-i ako or just let me know…
Hello there wonderful Waonian people!
Ida here again, first and foremost, hoping everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend…otherwise awfully busy with Spring cleaning on weekends like me!.
It is truly getting exciting everytime we visit Bob’s site. And interestingly enough, there seems to be so much interaction going on among us Baby Boomers lately. Our day is not complete without visiting and read everyone’s input here. I hope you’ll agree with me that we certainly consider ourselves as one big happy family online. So, bring it on Guys!
Plese find below my responses, thoughts and insights to the following fellow Waonians’ recent postings:
Tagoy,
Thank you for writing and clarifying the issue between me and Bert (you have confirmed that Dimpna, Bert oldest sister is late Toto Eddie’s batchmate and classmate like Marilou Palabrica, et. al.). Ginpatung-an mo gid kami dayon, kadasig sa imo magsabat ah! hehehe. Thanks Mr. referee!
Appreciate the fact, and hoping everyone here agrees with me, that you and Francis are two most knowledgeable persons regarding Waonian whereabouts as well as the best sources of information so far. I’m impressed with your photographic memory tantamount also to walking encyclopedia. Damu kamo nadumduman tanan basta sa Lapur lang haw!, kag basta taga-Wao, etc. kag sa elementary pa gid!, including remembering people, places, events, etc..that you willingly share with us here. How amazing!
Sus! kag tuod gid nami pamatian ang garagumo nga kinaray-a gid bala, mabatian ko lang ina sa Janiuay kada puli ko didto. Si Wilfredo amo man kay didto pati mga kabataan niya kinaray-a gid tanan maghambal!. Sample: “Ma-an timo ante, mona mal-am na si Papang, ti mo diya, mo diya, kona-kona! ” ha ha ha!, daw mabuang akon Mr./mga anak gapamati lang sila! kag gayumo-yumo lang, kon ano tong amon halambalon!. Ginabaligya ko kuno sila didto! hehehe!Pati ka amo man ang ila budlay intendihon kay Panggalatok man! (Pangasinan), may tuno pa! daw pispis lang pamatian hahaha!
Teh Tagoy kon magkitaay kita nga mga kinaray-a, taga-Janiuay tatay ko!, sadya siguro noh!, pila ka adlaw bala! basi pitla na ako sadto kay Kinaray-a sa Iloilo, Tagalog sa Manila, Panggalatok sa Pangasinan, English diri sa US kis-a indi magkaintindihan sa balay diri hahaha!. Pati mga anak ko di mabal-an kon ano isabat sa amon, teh English na lang amon ginagamit pero almost naintindihan man tanan. Ang agot lang ang indi makahambal gid sang native tongue naton but he understands well.
Mae,
Thank you for rememering also Nong Dadoy (Diosdado Deatras), friend siya ni Daddy namon kag carpenter man. Nagdayon gali sila sa inyo sadto?. Sila to naghimo ng bridge sa Maridugao sadto kag si Dosa (Piadosa) bata niya nga babae di nakatapos sa Lapur nag-untat man sadto, nabudlayan siguro, neighbor namon sila sa Lampanusan. Kon todo ulan gani nagadagundong ang Maridugao kag pirme naanod ang tulay nga troso latayon namon, kis-a balik kami sa Wao or wait for water to subside kag ginapas-an kami ni Daddy kag toto Eddie kay perti kadanlog. Kita pa namon mga karbaw gina-anod sang daku nga balod sa kabatuhan!. Kaqhalaklok gid iya!. Ina ang mapait nga experience namon basta makaeskuwela lang kami kay wala pa high school sa Kalilangan sadto di bala?.
Teh Mae, nakakadto ka bala didto sa Lampanusan? kabudlay gid kag maayo hindi ka nahulog sa Maridugao noh kag tani nagkilalahay kita eh!. Si Winnie Causing gani nahulog kag ambot kon nakita to siya, kilala namon kag taga-Lampanusan man, dungan sila nina toto Eddie bala sadto. Si Daddy namon ang foreman nila Nong Dadoy kag iban pa nga karpintero sa Lapur. Sila nagbuilt sang convent (fathers and nun), buildings, chairs, tables pati original church and bellfry tower (bagtingan bala) sadto.
Hi Deding Theresa or Tess for short,
Appreciate much for dropping by and visit us accordingly. I love your beautiful family photo that you sent to us (with Mely Baling) thru e-mail attachment sometime ago in 2008. I’m hoping Mely also could visit this site one day. Will e-mail her one of these days.
My younger brother Wilfredo said nice things about you and Mely during Lapur years ninyou. Kilala nya kamo. Mag-classmate sila ni Mely, but her older sister Madolin is our classmate before. You and your husband have raised your children successfully and remarkably well while you’re doing great yourself careerwise. How inspiring! More power to you and your family and in your present endeavor.
Bert,
My father’s name is Francisco, as in your kumpare Francisco? “Francis, Frank, Kiko” Banaynal hehe. His friends and associates then fondly called him “Nong Isko”. Nong Dadoy was one of his workers in Lapur, together they built the entire Lapur bldgs or structures, etc ( as previously mentioned) incl. the orig. church and wooden belfry tower. Baw kadlaw gid ako sang siling mo nga saka anay kamo para magbagting lingganay daw mabuka ang eardrum mo ka bagting 30-40 times ha ha ha! kag lubid lang sang ulihi sadto pero tong una steel bar lang teh every morning mass kag angelus hours di bala. Gin-estorya ko diri sa balay, kadlaw gid si Mr. and my younger childen about their Uncle Willie. Tawag nila kay Uncle Willie eh “Mang Kepweng”, yong manghihilot or albularyo sa komiks gani hehe!
Originally, our father also was a sacristan, worker, helper, assistant of Fr. Cawley when we were still in the elementary hasta nga nag open si Fr. ng Lapur naging foreman siya and vocational teacher. My father was a certified graduate of Iloilo Trade School major in Woodworking and Carpentry. Amo ina nga he’was qualified to teach at the same time worked as foreman also, all around din sa mga Fathers, Brothers and Carmelite nuns as handyman.
Madumduman gid ina ni Wilfredo kon i estorya ko sa iya. Siguro makadlaw man siya and would treasure the work experiences you have shared one another at such young age. Nauna lang siya sa inyo ni Francis ng isa ka tuig.
Francis,
I truly appreciate your kind words about the way I write…but you’re the best yourself!, being a consummate writer and naturally poetic at the same time. I love your poem that you wrote in high school and that you have finally posted in this blog. A must-read poem, your masterpiece, truly inventive and strongly powerful about your intense love for nature. It is fascinating and enormously entertaining!. Francis, you’re one brilliant prolific writer!. I deeply admire you!…and I highly recommend everyone to reread and be the judge for yourself.
Francis and Bert,
You are both the best role models for the younger generation and the future generation to come. Your life experiences and hard work, friendship serve as an inpiration to our youth of today.
I was also mesmerized of your childhood adventures and stories during your younger years or elementary years. Siguro magkasugpon ang pusod ninyong dalawa halin pagkabata pirme magkaupod daog pa ninyo ang tunay nga mag-utod noh! Adtong estorya ninyo tong high school na kamo nga gab-i na ga-uwang kamo sa higad dalan inom sang datu puti, kulafu, shoktong, lapad, lambanog, etc. kaladlawan gid ya! kag iban pa nga escapades during your puberty years!…And you have consistently maintained that friendship and clossness one another over the years. Phenomenal!
Tagoy, Francis, Nono also, teh dali na lang kamo magkririta sini sadya gid sigurado nagabarakang ang mga ilimnon kag sumsuman sini!. Dugangan pa sang karaoke kag kantahan todo hasta nga indi na kaisrot abaw! tani kuhaan kamo litrato noh!
By the way Nono Oliver, didn’t get my best opportune time to get to the western union offfice last weekend but presumably next week or one of these days I will. In the meantime, good luck to all and please stay connected just the same. Please forgive all typos, and…my warm regads to all…
Best…
Ida
Hello Guys,,, Perhaps the best produced of Wao are now in unison to sing “” Together Again” Frank Sinatras best, Fats Dominos hits, Nat King Cole, the Carpenters, Yoyoy villame and max surban… ari gali magbayo naman kamo sing bill bottom.. hehehehehe as my kids said In your Time…
Mayad gid Dumdumon ang sadto. Labi na gid kon may mga nabilin pa nga mga issues nga hasta karon nagpabilin pa nga ginapitik sang kasingkasing kag daw virus ka computer kis a naga pop up sa mga hunahuna bisan pa man grabeh ka sako kag maka yuhum ka kon mahinumduman mo. Kag gusto mo balikan ang lugar, ang siTWASYON kon mahimo hasta ang panahon. hehehee.
But those are the days gone by… layo na naabtan naton…here i will borrow these Ang hindi Lumingon sa pinanggalingan hindi makakarating sa paroroonan..Sa pag halin nyo di sa ga sakay sa mga truck de carga or Mel bus , malutak nga dalan, maundag nga salakyan, kag halos 12 oras ka abot sa pakadtoan. Perte gid Kalipay after high school life nga makaguwa ta sa wao… Byaan ta ang uma, Mga tao kada aga naga sakay sa karbaw kag karosa, biyaan ang waay pa koryente sa una…Pero isa lang gid ara sa pinsar ta.. Nga balikan ang Wao Kag buligan..Indi pa Ulihi …damo pa angayan himoon.. Iam now Strategizing with our muslim brothers.. kay kon nabudlayan kita labi na k\gid sila… being a minority… kag waay mga kakilala sa Cagayan ,, Manila ,,, or gamay ila opportunities.. in terms of academic. Being with Them, is to understand their culture.. and to understand their culture.. will give peace to the Town..And even they will defend the town from intruders.
Nalipay ko kay gina umpisahan na naton… HULAG na kamo.. TANAN PLANO ESTORYAHAN TA SA MARADUGAO…SA JULY 4
Hi All,
Thank you Nono Oliver for reminding us those old favorites in the 50’s, 60’s by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Johnny Matthis, and all those revival hits . It’s so nice to reminisce the bygone days of course…
And speaking of those decadas particularly most of us belong to decada 60’s. Umpisahan ko na diri para mag-arabot kag mainspired magcontribute sanday Tagoy, Francis, Bert, Mae and the rest…to relate their nice experiences in the 60’s, mga hippies, beatlemania, gogo girls, feelin’ groovy or flower power, etc. and the early 70’s kamo ato siguro, Saturday Night Fever, Grease, etc. kung puede lang magkantahan na lang diri kita online hahaha!
Way back, I’m reminded of my Lapur days 1962-65 and my college days 1965-69 in Notre Dame of Dadiangas College (NDDC now NDDU na). Up to now…it’s truly uplifting to follow those hits of The Beatles, Beach Boys, Dave Clark Five, Everly Brothers, Freddie and the Dreamers, the Temptations, as you saId, The Carpenters and my most favorite “The Cascades”, etc, etc…,I still keep the long play albums as souvenirs. Very exciting ang Juniors-Seniors prom namon sadto!
Siyempre pa sadtong panahon wala pa kuryente, kingki nga suga lang, itom pati buho sang ilong mo! wala TV kag radio lang kis-a static pa! hehe, malutak ang dalan, gatiil lang nga may agutang pa!, cadillakad lang pirme. Bisan radio gani daw luxury na sang tao sadto,.. kay kon may drama magtulumpok sa tindahan gani mamati hasta gid matapos, teh ang tag-iya siling ng pauli na kamo kay daw indi pa bala mghalin haw! hahaha! . Madahog ang baterya kag ginabulad lang para magdugay!. Kami sadto bisan radio wala gid!, pihak balay na lang pamati kon gab-i panyapon temprano kag mamati sa pihak, may public movie kon Sabado kag Domingo, mag-libot anay ang Cortal kag Purico nga jeep or truck i-announce nga may libre sine sa plaza. Baw ti nagahalaguyon tanan sa plaza dala patadyong or habol pangontra sa tun-og kay basi sip-onon bala, baw kasadya gid sadto no! haha!. Amo ina amon experience sa Lampanusan sadtong decada 50’s and 60’s.
I have to take the best opportunity to write again as presently the office environment is quite relaxed and surprisingly more resilient. Naturally I’m writing this during my quiet moments and not bothered by anybody…at least temporarily noh!.
Ti diri na lang anay, turno naman nanday Francis, Tagoy, Bert kag iban pa… Kamo naman diri para magsinadya kita diri in bob’s site! hehe! Cheers!…
As always, great thanks Bob!…and please bear with us.
Ida
Hi mga kasimanwa …
Last Monday and Tuesday we had a recolelction with the staff. The basic questions we were ask to answere: who am I, Where am I going, where am I now. “Where am i going brougth me back to childhood days in Wao, htought of which usually brings out a smiale, kamingaw and–playfulness.
It is Holy Wednesday and opening this blog ..is quite overwhelming:.
I see Ida (in white PMP uniform with long hair tied shouting ..Companyyyyy!… and Myrna with her shorter hair.) . and the face of willie who would estambay in the store whenever he could sneak out from the konbento.
Ning Francis and Bert, Of course, I have the class picture in grade 5. And Bert, Nanay would be tickled if she reads Your comment about ” Nang mayang keeping you neat and gwapa” . Well she was/is a martinet on that.
Of course, i would be happy to share… but I am not shore if this is the venue..? daw dyahi kay Bob… Maybe we can create our own blog?
Anyway, I look forward to July 4…
And Bob, thank you again for this space. Godbless.
Advanced Happy Easter to everyone. Deding Teresa.
apologies for the unedited wrong spellings and tenses in the previous note… nagdali abi ako. peru maintindihan an seguro.
Hi Tess,
That’s okay Tess, ako amo man sina kay we’re not getting any younger, our eyesight is not the usual 20/20 as during our younger years…, kis-a gani daw garilibat na lang akon tulok sa mga letra kay working in the computer 24/7 is straining my eyes intensively. A reason why I always bring my liquitears eyedrops to freshen my eyes.
Gratefully, Bob’s site serves as our one means of entertainment and past time per se and; likewise consistently relieves us from work pressures on a daily basis. Occasionally I write my input and responses during my short break such as this and wanted myself to get past before the day ends for everyone’s hearts desire … kag nami lang just to break the monotony of dealing with our everyday routine at work.
Teh diri lang anay and give others the chance to write also, ako iya kis-a wala gid kay kon kis-a may-ara man pirme pares sini daw nawili bala! hehehe. pasulpot-sulpot lang gani… As they say here, ‘when it rains, it pours’!…Have a great one to all!…
Best…
Ida
Hello there, guys!
Thanks God, its Thursday (our last day of work in this part of the world) . We’ll have 2-days off from tomorrow. This gives me ample time to pound again these keys and add to this ever-lenghtening blog…Kanami lang basahon everything written here at the end of the day.So relaxing…
Inday Mae and Nida-
Here, I finally get the phone number of your good friend and classmate, Bebing Emborgo (ginpadala ni Neneng Merlyn Emborgo from CDO thru Loloy, her husband): 447-804-272779. Ari iya email address: mills_evelyn@hotmail.com.
Kon makontak nyo siya, tell her to visit this blog as well kag ang mas importante guid: kablita nyo kilid nya nga mag donar guid para ipakaon ta sa mga volunteers/workers on July 4th. Damo to ya Sterling Pounds si Bebing sa UK. My source told me pwede naton isulod ang bilog nga Wao auditorium sa iya mansion. That how HUGE her castle is, in UK. Teh, amo na isa ka mission nyo when you get hold of her ha? Tell her si Francis ang naghutik sa inyo.He he he.
Tagoy-
Kon wala ka makita nga proxy singer/drinker for Pareng Bert, teh abagaha na lang anay ang tuka sa pag cancion kag uwang, eh. Kon indi mo gid masarangan taklad ang pil-as sang “falsetto”, “tenor” kag “bajo profundo”, i arangkada boses mo sa tersera o cuarta-martsa. Mataklad mo gid na. Kon indi mo pa gid kaya, shift to “dual” gear. If this still does not work, butangi “spike” ang karito sang tutonlan mo. Kon indi pa guid masarangan, teh hingagawon ko na lang guyod sa imo eh. Pirme ko may dala nga toktokon nga kadena for this type of unexpected eventualities kon gatililipon na mga hubog nga cantadores. Duet ta ya…
Lapit na lang guid “lupad” mo sa pinas. Una-una ka lang anay. Maapas lang ko to. Sa kahaponanon sang aton kinabuhi, daw mga pispis kita nga gabalik lupad kag magdapo liwat sa aton ginbayaan nga pugad. Amo gid ni siguro kon ga katigulang na ta. Anyway, didto ta ya lipay-lipay inom, tinikal, sumsoman kag kilaw sa CDO kag dugangan ta uwang sang cancion didto sa Wao.
Ida-
Thanks too for your kind words. The feeling of admiration is mutual. As I told you, I tend to reread your lines kay man they are written beautifully. Writing is an art and like a sculptor or an engraver ,you could express your art in any which way you like.
Speaking of poems, I have written and published countless of them in my lifetime. When I was in Saudi Arabia in 1989, I joined the “North America Open Poetry Competition” and my entry poem became one of the twenty “semi-finalists” out of thousand entries. Three of my other poems were published in the USA, two were included in the “American Anthology: Many Voices, Many Lands” and archived in the US Library of Congress which is the central repository of millions of published books in America.
The poem I published in this blog (” An Ode To A Town, The People And The Farms) was amongst those many other entries/threads edited by Bob in February. Sayang, indi mabasa sang younger generations to inspire them to love the town. I’ve sent a copy to Inday Malou and she recommended keeping a copy of it in our files in the house/”Center” that was pledged by Ador for the Waonians. That poem was written from the heart in memory of the town I have always loved as a growing farm boy and the farmers who always served as my inspirations with their fortitude, tenacity, deligence and being hard-working…
I will give my hat off in favor of Tagoy when it comes to wealth and treasure of deep memories about Wao and its people during our era. Kay man ako iya sadto nga panahon didto lang ga rumbo-rumbo sa sulod sang banwa (pataklad sa Honeymoon Hills kag padulhog sa suba/ sang Kapigis kag sawmill sang Balatin) pero si Tagoy iya, kalab-ot tana hasta to sa Gastav, Malinao kag Banisilan.
But my memories could still take me back into those funny years of mischief , adventures, katontohan and “Huckleberry Finn”-type “actions” of a grade-schooler and youngster. Visualize this: 3rd Grade kami sadto, summer vacation (March until May). Pag sira sang klase, bal-an na namon ya nga wala pa ma harvest ang mga mani didto sa malapad nga mga garden plots sa kilid sang elementary buildings, didto ayon sa Manila Group, west side of school, on your way to Honeymoon Hills. Didto naman sa north side sang new buildings made of lawaan lumbers and slabs (tabok sang sapa/creek with clear water and where we used to carved-out our “toy caves”) we also knew nga damo dito tulubaon nga marbas kag sab-a nga mga saging kag damo bunga ang mallberry trees nga ginhimo kudal nanday Mr. Baldonasa, Mr. Sepe kag Mr. Datu, our Work Education teachers at the time… Gin sera nila ang main gate didto ayon sa Extension side kag sa Manila Group side. So masig suhot/kamang kami sa idalom sang mga alambre. Upod ko sadto si “Abal” (Edgardo de Dios), iya magulang, si “Kuto” (Raul) kag iya pakaisa si “Ungkoy” (Danilo)- whew! very unique ila mga hayo/nicknames no? Anyway, didto kami nagsugod sa kasagingan. Gintuba namon ang mga marbas, dug a hole in the ground, laid the whole bunch of banana fruits, wrapped them with dried banana leaves (ramay bala haw) and covered the hole/ground with soil. Mainit ang duta sa idalom kon udto. So, overnight lang, pag balik namon the next afternoon, yellow kag luto na tanan ang saging. Ano-ano man lang inang artificial nga chemicals sang kalburo man. Teh, paudak kami kaon to… Kada adlaw iya, may ginaudakan gid kami….
After few days, sunod namon gin “atake” ang peanut garden/plantation. Baw, damo na gali to mga kabataan, nauna pa sa amon grupo! Masig gabot sang tanom kag mag sigi pusa sang mani nga daw mga squirrels kag balabaw. Ambot kon may nasobrahan kaon kag naimpatso kag sigi lang utot! Anyway, one afternoon, while “harvesting”, nakita namon si Mr. Datu, gadalagan pakadto sa amon, ga pamuyayaw kag ga singgitan, “Hoy, mga damuhong bata kayo! Tigil nyo yang ginagawa nyo” (or words to that effect, sa Tagalog). Ginlaas kag ginlagas nya kami. Masig kuyampad kami in different directions, ga kilinadlaw, amused and laughed along as we darted away. Waay gid it nadakpan si Sir Datu bisan isa lang sa amon nga kagagmay sa amon! Ha ha ha!!! Paano nya kami madakpan, niwang kami tanan, tama ka mag-an sang amon lawas, daw papel kag baslay lang kon magkuyampad dalagan! Many, many years later, when I already worked overseas, Mr. Datu and my parents became immediate neighbors didto sa PN Roa Subdivision sa Cagayan de Oro. I would visit him and maam Datu and reminisced the Wao days. I asked him, “Sir, naalaala mo pa ba nang hinabol nyo kami don sa garden ng mga mani? Wala kang nahuli sa amin don !!” We both broke into loud laughters…. Ahhh, those golden, good old days….