LOLA MEDING'S FATHER

Post 29: Lolo Ramon's Story


I used to ask my Lola why we seem don't celebrate her birthday and tells us she doesn't know her birth date. Her parents were illiterate(how she worded it)unable for them to note it down. She would only estimate that she's around seventy years old when I was at the age of ten. She always tells us that she can't remember much what happened most of her adult life but if you ask her about her childhood, its vivid and all the memories seem had just happened yesterday. "Its very clear and I can almost feel how was it to be that young and adventurous. I close my eyes and I can see me and my father, my friends and our horses", she always starts.

"My father is tall. 'Mestizzo numan'(half breed) with the lightest brown eyes which at times I knew I saw it somewhat brownish green. People called him Ta-ao. He would always tell us about his mother whom people of Buguias would rather call 'Sagit'(Sun) because her hair makes her illuminate. Specially when the sun strikes those long shinny strands."

"Being the youngest, I think I was his pet. Every time he goes to 'Canaos', he always takes me and I end up taking him home when he gets drunk from drinking too much 'tapey'. With his big built, makes it difficult for me to do the job", my grandma recalls his Papa.

"I don't have much memories with my Mama. Maybe because I always stick around my father. I really love it when he'd carry me up on his shoulders, seems I'm on top of Buguias seeing everything on higher ground".

"Onetime, I did not go to school with two of my friends and we went to a neighbor's 'uma'(slash and burn farming) and steal some camote. We just dig and ate it raw. I was thinking of bringing home some for my mother to cook but dismissed the idea. It would just let them know I missed school".

"As we were up the tree after eating too much camote, we saw the owner of the 'uma' coming. He was furious of the grim sight and moved around looking for a stick or something to bash us with. Scared, we jump off quickly from the tree as he advanced towards us with his found weapon waving on air."

"We all run for our dear lives and I was the first on the "line of escapees". As I ran, I keep looking back to how far the mad man was chasing us. First I saw him reached one of my friend but he ran passed her. Then again, my other friend was safe because the owner just kept running. Clearly, he's only up for me! I got away with the fastest speed in my entire life. He didn't catch me!".

"I was not completely saved, the owner came to our house. My father was very sorry and I was on the corner while they spoke. The man left and gave my father the fat and sturdy stick. Then I knew I got away again with my misdeed. That is so because Papa never laid hands on me nor whip or hit me with anything", Lola Meding laughs like the little girl as she tells us. "Ngem ag yu am-amagin ima inamag mi tep lawa(But, don't do what we did because its not good/right)...", my grandmother said with her most serious face.

During my cousin Sony's wake, Auntie Juaning whom most people knew as "Mrs Bay-an", recounted the story of our great-great grand parents. I never heard of this till my cousin Susan related the story when she came back here in Italy. She said my Lola Meding's great-great grand mother was got pregnant by a Spanish priest. A Buguias local married her regardless of her state. A real man to save her from shame. Then 'Sagit ' was born, my Lola's great grandmother.

When my cousin told us the story, I wondered why my Lola Meding didn't tell us about this. Did she knew about it? While writing this, I know she did. She just didn't think our young minds were ready for such a story. She had kept it. One of the many reasons why I want to go home, I'd like to know more about my Lola's Papa...her father Ta-ao.

MEDING'S TAPEY

Post 28: Lolo Ramon's Story

If I would be asked of things I remember most about my grandmother, it would be her tapey(rice wine), her childhood memories, her cooking and her great faith in God.

Back when I was eleven years old, My Lola Meding found me sited on the bench near the "dalikan" or "pugon" (where to cook making use of fire-woods) as she enters her kitchen backdoor. She just came from helping my dad in putting the chickens into their cages. She also made sure that my dad had sent all of us kids to go and play elsewhere away from her house.

"Ngantoy wada ka dyay"(why are you here)?", she calmly asked. I was expecting her to get angry at me for sneaking into her kitchen when I was suppose to be with my sisters. I didn't answer but stubbornly sat there and firmly showed her I'm not lifting my butt away from her bench. "I-aagit mo ngarud"(be quiet) and just watch she told me as she added more wood into the fire.

After neatly tucking in her hair into her knitted brown cap, Lola started to boil the red rice for the "tapey"(rice wine) she's going to make. It is for the canao (a traditional Igorot feast) we're soon going to have. This specific traditional feast we call "panayaw" is for my Mama who just died few months ago. Its our way of having our "babang luksa" (end of mourning) where we butcher pigs, cows or carabaos. The highlight would be for our departed to have "tayaw" (Igorot dance) performed by any of the immediate family. It is our belief that in doing the "panayaw", we're helping our newly departed's soul cross over into the next life.

When the red rice almost lost all it's water, my grandma poured it into the "bigao"( winnowing basket-tray ) to cool down. She then sprinkled the pounded "bubod"(local yeast)on it and mixed it thoroughly with his two big wooden ladles before the rice finally lost all it's heat. Then she covered the mixture with the banana leaves she had soften earlier by burning it a little directly into the fire. When all was set, she brought all the "bigao" inside the spare room where it was cool and dry. After four days, she will fill all the "coli"(jars) with the "sinaig"(the mixture:3 to 5 days old ) and seal it tightly to ferment further. After two months, these would be opened serving as our wine for the said Canao.

When she came back from the room where she stored the "bigao", I asked her, "Ngantoy kailangan yu a ikulong idama manok?" (Why do you have to cage all the chickens?). She explained that no one must fight, animals and people alike nor make some loud noises when she's making the rice wine so that when during the canao, there will no fights and all would be serene.

My father also added during my last call yesterday that during the tapey making, there should be no love making for the chicken nor dogs. And for the house hold members, no sex till the "coli" is sealed. It is an old belief that when this is not followed, any spouse member of the household might commit adultery.

DOES DOING DID DO?

Post 27: Lolo Ramon's Story

When people believe in what you do more than you do, you ought to give them back the benefit of putting that confidence in what you can do. "I must be doing something good", animates you sometimes and nothing is better than to just accept that - you really are doing something good.

I've started to write about my grandfather's stories and stopped when I was feeling the pressure of writing the next page better than the other. Its hard to maintain a pace where every reader must walk with you, talk with you and worst, feel you.

Call it a losser for ending up a story so as to be freed from the responsibility of "continuing". A coward for seeing it as a burden. It shamed me to know - I have become.

Had it not been for the constant emails and private messages of those people who responded with my grandfather's life, I would be at a lost. Lost in empeding what and where these stories would lead me and the next generations of my family.

Thus, while I still have the grace, I concur to the will of fighting my demons and start doing what(after all) I love to do - Indulge in reminiscence. Then My Lola Meding shines, the wife of My Lolo Ramon.

HANNAH'S SAY

Hannah is my sister's batch in high school and our team mate, UNIT 4, in volleyball when we became the champion of San Jose High School Intramural 90-91. Her comment on My Lolo Ramon's Story: The Story Continues, deserves a space on this blog. I am grateful for what she wrote;

Hi Lovelyn,

Pasensya kan(Sorry). I took so much room in your comments section. Your post got me worked up gamin. Hee hee. In fact, I have a couple of quotes more that I want to share with you by Terry Pratchett’s “A Hat Full of Sky.”:

“We ARE history! Everything we’ve ever been on the way to becoming us, we still are.”

“’I’m made up of the memories of my parents and grandparents, all my ancestors. They’re in the way I look, in the color of my hair. And I’m made up of everyone I’ve ever met who’s changed the way I think. So who is ‘me’?’‘The piece that’s truly you.’”

We are everything that our family has always been, but we are also a product of our own time. We each love our unique footprints, and it is for the coming generations to decide whether or not to follow according to the context of their own time. Your post is an intensely reflective one, and I thank you for it. :)

~Hannah

P.S. You’re welcome to post this to your comments section, if you don’t mind losing a few more inches of room from your comments page. ;)
----------------------------------------------------
HERE'S HER COMMENT:

There's an unforgettable moment between Frodo and Gandalf in "Lord of the Rings" that comes to mind: Referring to the ever growing threat of the Shadow, Frodo said he wished the dark days of Middle Earth didn't happen in his time. "'So do I,' said Gandalf and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'"

We don’t live in such dark times, but we do live in a different slice of time than our forebears had. Not only are our challenges different, but so are our opportunities---all of which ultimately contribute to our life decisions. Yours brought you away from home. There is no shame in that nor should it cause you to doubt its worth. Life goes on and so your story continues. Continue what you have been doing; that is, making the most of the time that is given you to shape your own story while keeping alive the legacy that your forbears handed down to. Reserve judgment of your own legacy to posterity, and I have no doubt that your own pages will be full of extraordinary stories in the continuing saga of your heritage. :)

I’d like to add that perhaps your grandfather and your other "apongs" are marveling at your extraordinary life now. It is, after all, not ordinary to let yourself be a part of the larger world and still embody the hearts and minds of those who went before you. :)

THE STORY CONTINUES

Post 26: Lolo Ramon's Story


So how will this story end? I honestly don’t know. There are still so many events to narrate on how my grandfather’s children weaved their own unique web. Like when my Uncle Eddie earned his millions from hard work then had lost everything. But in losing all, it had brought him home and in nothingness he lived in the bounty of peace.

Another is how my Auntie Juling and Uncle Arsenio lived an early marriage to how they had managed to send all their nine children at SLU. To their travels at Kabayan Benguet and how they were known there specially by the farmers. How they started the Trading Post in La Trinidad. Then what was life after being with each other to finally one must join His creator and the other would stay to wait for her time to be with his love again.

It would also be worth telling how my Auntie Mary made a struggling business man in the person Of Moses Baking or the once known business tycoon MB11- Sto. Christo Vegetable Dealer came into existence.

The fourth child Auntie Betty’s story of why she came to Venice Italy. Then she went back home to teach at Little Angels (prep school of SLU) near the Cathedral till she became the Principal and was called Ma’am Beatrice Gragasin. This petite girl who once sings like an angel. To how she became the commentator or conductor to every mass held at the Cathedral till she finally stopped to battle her ailment.

And of course my Dad, Danny, on how he continued my grandfather’s leadership. How he served as a politician for more than twenty years and being our town’s Vice mayor. It would also be nice to compare what was politics during my ‘lolo’s’ time from my Dad’s. Another is how my father stood for his principle to serve Tublay. It would have been a chance to tell the real story about our struggles to pay from our meager earnings just for him to continue his fight against graft and corruption.

My Uncle Alex’s reason for leaving the seminary a year before he was to be ordained would also be very interesting to know. Then his reason of turning down SLU’s offer to be one of their proffessors and preferred to be a mere farmer. His days as one of the pioneer presidents of BIBAAK when the said organization was still starting. He is the kindest, most honest and wisest man I’ve ever known. Add his sensitivity and affectionate heart. He gave me a Louise L’moure book when I was still a groping 10 year old reader, a book I hardly finished and can’t remember what was it all about. I will surely miss his hugs and the comforting kisses on the forehead the next time we’ll go home. He died last Christmas when we were there. A Christmas lunch, an idea he gave to gather the whole family but wasn’t able to attend because he had a stroke.

The seventh child, Uncle Roger’s story as the Union Leader of Sto. Nino Mines after his cousin was shot to death - Their battle with the mines in making Ambassador people as their priority for job hiring is a good story to tell. And, how Uncle Roger died from a car accident just to shield his son.

The youngest, Auntie Gloria – how she had come to settle in Davao to why she eloped with Uncle Fando till they made it big in that City. How she had come to discover why a shipping magnet of Visayas and Mindanao was bearing my grandfather’s name. She may had opened my lolo’s long lost love back in the ‘hacienda’ – but our family decided to put an end to that. Introducing who we are might make them think we are after their money. If they wanted to know their roots, they would have done it a long time ago.

Most of all, it would have been a long story to write about my Lola Meding. Not only she had been a good wife, the best mother but also the super lola. She was suppose to enjoy her old age with the comfort of her rich children but no – she stayed and be the maid to her less wealthy ‘apos’(grandchildren).

Lanog was never found. Fontano’s children and the descendants of my great-great grandfather’s relatives are holding a yearly reunion. Last two years ago, it was held at my father’s house and I think the last one was in Nueva Vizcaya.

I have to end my story for now. My sister told me, How about us, don’t we have our own stories to write? What she asked left me wondering for days now. I’ve been thinking what extra ordinary there is to tell about us - the third generation. I seem can’t think of any and it even caused a blank thought on how will I continue my story.

Is it us or the world had changed? Is it wrong for most of us, the apo’s to be working away from home? We are here where everything you do is controlled by TIME. Its like we are only working for our family’s survival and we can’t help other people like Ramon did. What will my grandfather be proud of with today’s generation? Again, I honestly don’t know.

But deep inside me, my story will continue, it will never end. I have my children, nephews and nieces, they'll live to fill and write the next pages of my Lolo Ramon's story. To quote my father in law’s words, Children are constant reminders from God that life must go on. From this quote, I see the smile on my grandfather's face. " I lived a beautiful life", he said!

As I was writing this, my four year old son was also scribbling jumbled letters on his pad. He must have heard me telling his father early this morning that I have to end my story. Tonight my son Lukie told me, "Mama, I have to end my story". After writing some words he asked, "Mama, how will I write ‘The-end’?" and I started spelling the letters as he writes it one after the other.

This was how I ended this story on the forum where I first started to tell my Lolo's adventures. Weeks before I gave birth to my second son Dylan. I hope to write the coming chapters as I nurture this blog. THE STORY CONTINUES HERE...

THE FUNERAL

Post 25: Lolo Ramon's Story

"A big spider was carefully knitting it's web. Up, side and down it goes with passion and elegance as it inter tweeds it’s white thread in coming up with it’s masterpiece. A day of labor, it was done. The spider built it’s home like a crown above my father’s casket. A web that awed if not puzzled the people who came for my Papa’s wake". Daddy remembers.

"People kept on coming saying they came as far as Tinoc Ifugao, Nueva Viscaya down from Pangasinan. People who wept more than us telling how grateful they were for your lolo’s help and how their lives were touched and changed by him."

"One chanted during the ‘Day-eng or 'Ba'dew'(Igorot chant) that Ramon was the only mayor he knew who had a house with the ground (soil ) as the flooring, walls and post so black made by the smoke from the ‘pugon’(where to cook with fire woods) and a roof partially ‘kugon’(kind of grass) and rusted ‘si-sim’(galvanize iron). A pauper, you are indeed but a man with a rich soul, his song ended."

"It was a funeral Ambassador Tublay witnessed with so many people from different places. Others camped and slept outside and some were accommodated by our neighbors to be with us during Papa's last days. Their company alone was so heartwarming. Most of them brought foods, kamote, rice, pig to butcher and anything we would all share during the wake. "

Another man’s ‘Day-eng ‘, This is not to mourn your death but the celebration of how you lived life. A life full of giving with no expectations for anything in return.

"Aaahh' the spider web", Daddy continues.The ‘mambunong’(pagan priest) said in his ‘mad-mad’(prayer), 'Panswerti-an adi na, Idawdawat mo ay Ramon di pansangbua-an di an-an’ak mo. Sya san inka ipatawed in dae da' (This is a sign of good luck. Ramon, you are giving your children something meant for a ritual (‘sangbu’or a ritual with a pig to butcher for receiving good luck). This is the inheritance you want them to have)."

Then another ‘Day-eng’ was sang. This crown above you shining so proud are your children and children’s children. ‘Matagu- tago da et dae’day mangibangun sin ngadan mo.’(They will live and raise your name).

"Papa now laid to rest. It was our tribe’s tradition to bury our dead underground and just the soil to cover the coffin. But the people insisted, he was not a common Igorot. He deserved a tomb - a monument . We had followed the tradition yet welcomed his people’s request. We buried Papa in the ground and above was a white huge rectangle cement with a cross and there it simply said – ‘A FATHER’.(The cement was taken off during the 80's because of some Igorot beliefs and a Canao was held after doing so.)

I asked Daddy on my recent overseas call, "Sipa ngay e naala yu ni pagka-noble nen lolo (So what did you get from lolo’s nobleness)? Then he kept quiet for a while. I thought the telephone line was going crazy so I said, "Hello dad! Can you hear me?"..." Yes, you’re clear !", he answered and he told me these, "Nothing I guess if we speak of material wealth. Look, you have to go far leaving home and you have to work hard just to go on".

Then I tried to redirect him to my original question because I know he will be nostalgic again and he said...."I guess aside from ‘dayaw’(honor), it had kept our feet on the ground. Your lolo taught us to understand others, seeing the kindness in them - forgiving and staying good as much as possible. He made us work for the enrichment of what matters most – THE SOUL - and that’s where the real happiness is. If you seek and long for more than that, there will never be peace and contentment"... and the line went off leaving me digesting what Daddy had just said.

RAMON'S FAVORITES

Post 24: Lolo Ramon's Story:

"I am old and I had my place in time. How can others prove themselves if they were not given the chance to show their worth. I believe in the youth's strength and their fresh minds. In them is the burning enthusiast to pursue change with their new idealism." Ramon Pontino

When my grandfather's term ended, people were convincing him to run again but he declined. He retreated to civilian life, his coffee plantation and to helping his place preserve what he introduced-"UNITY". Among all the 'barangays' of Tublay, Ambassador has the widest scope, thus, having the most number of voters. Whoever their candidate for any local position would be the sure winner.

Before, if the old folks would say zero for a certain candidate, then the result after would really be zero. That made them occupy either of the two top local seats since then.

1964 My Lolo Ramon's health started to deteriorate. My father said his boxing before might have contributed to it. He had been having mild strokes that made his memory poor. Bad times were when he can't remember people and where he is. A snap lost of memory. But, most of the time he goes back to reality easily.

"When your grandfather started to lost his memory, my interest of finishing my course wasn't there anymore. The lack of money to support my studies made it even harder. One semester, I stop and the next sem I'll continue then stop again. I left the convent after high school so my college was supported by my older siblings but they also had families of their own. Most of the time , it was Manong Eddie. Being the eldest, he became the provider. He worked for the the BIR( Treasurer's Office) before." Danny relates."

"1968 - After Liberal Arts, I took up Political Science. Manong Eddie came to SLU one morning and asked me to take him to the accounting office. He paid my tuition fee in full and also my younger brother, Roger's remaining balance. Before he left, he gave me money. I thought he might have won the lottery that time."

"After two days, Papa came to Manang Juling's place, the Sunny Side Apartment where we were all boarding. He told us that the BIR, where Manong Eddie works were looking for him. They audited the office and they are in short of two thousand pesos(2,000). I told him about my tuition fee and he just sat down. Until now, I could picture Papa's face that very moment - It showed love, pity, worry and hurt."

"Your lolo was so preoccupied about your Uncle Eddie and never stopped looking for him. His friend Bado insisted to pay Eddie's short at the BIR and Papa couldn't refuse it. My brother had been missing for a month and my father had his worst stroke. He was paralyzed all over that had left him bed ridden. Its good his mental state was still ok.

"July 1968, Papa died and Manong was already back home after hiding in Nueva Viscaya"....

To hide my Daddy's sad emotion, he ended this part while laughing and said, "You know your lolo? During his last days, he keeps on asking, "En tu las Danny?"(Where's Danny?) and when they feed him, he would request, "Si Danny ga-ay."(Let Danny do it). It made my other siblings say, "Apay si Danny bangat e anak mo?(Why, is Danny your only child?). I was his favorite 'met a'."

MOUNT MARY (DANNY)

Post 23: Lolo Ramon's Story

"Hoy Igoy!" never failed to make my ears hot when I hear it from my classmates before at SLU Boy's High. Its true I am one but they say it like its a disease. The distinctive height, the way we dress or maybe, how we talked made this imaginary bold letters, "IGOROTAK" written on our forehead." my Dad expressed.

"During flag ceremonies, usually the first seven boys in the line are full blooded Igorots. We were the easy prey for the bullies. If not because of my free schooling I would have joined my cousins and friends going to the public schools, the treatment might be different there. Most of the rich kids were mean and so with the other half breed Cordillerans who think they were the 'improved race'. But I would say, being a "native" made us knew each other. It bonded us and taught us to be tough."

"I was always fighting other's fight before. If an Igorot was bullied, they come to me and the feeling of being the defender made me rush to their rescue specially when I was in my junior and senior years. I find it funny when I think about it now - "the valor of being young or the gallantry of youth". Danny said as he grins. "Oh, it will change as you grow older."

"Alex came to me during a recess and he was crying. His classmate Anthony punched him and had done it so many times before for no reasons. I went to see this boy and asked, "Sino ti Anthony ditoy?" (Who is Anthony here?). Then a tall big built almost a man answered, "Siak, Apay ya pandak?" (Me, Why you shorty?). My he was big and I almost regretted Alex was my brother. "Apay nga dinanug mo ni ading ko?" (Why did you punch my brother?) I said. Then he asked me if I wanted two more of what he gave Alex. With so many students listening, I will not hide my tail. I told him to pick a place and time for us to fight. "Sport ta!"(let's fight) were our term for it. "Mount Mary's, 'nu bigat, nu' dismissal!"(tomorrow, at Mt. Mary's after class) Anthony answered and I left while we stared at each other like hawks."

"The duel was spread all over the campus. A cousin told my father and the next day I found him in the convent during my lunch break. He asked me about the fight and I told him everything. "It will be at 3 PM this afternoon." I said.

"Then Papa told me, "I bought you some chicken from the restaurant. Before you eat, I'll give you a massage first." and my father did."

"He asked if he could come and watch me take this boy and I told him he better not. He is a parent, a mayor even and it was just not right for him to be there which he also agreed to. "Well, I'll wait here till you get back from your fight then." he said.

"Before I left him, he made a fresh beaten egg mixed with milk and I drunk it all even if the taste made me want to throw up."

"3 PM, on my way to Mount Mary's, I saw my much older and goon like cousins, Pangkoy and Joseph. They told me that my father asked them to be around in case my opponent will also have his escorts. When we got there, almost all the students of Boy's High were already on their most comfortable side to watch the action unfold. There were also teachers and priests who were pretending not to be there."

"The fight ended and left Anthony with a bloody face. I defeated him and even me, was amazed how I did it. Alex told me that I was like a speeding crazy bull throwing punches every where."

"When blood was starting to show on Anthony's face, the teacher's and priests hurriedly left." Pangkoy added.

"It was true, my father waited. As I got in the Father's Convent, he was so elated upon seeing his son. He came to me putting his arms around my shoulder saying, "Ket kumusta?"(So how was it?). I told him how it went and he was so happy and proud. He can't take off the smile in his face and it was the loudest laugh I heard from him when I told him about the teachers leaving."

"When he left, I can't contain my tears anymore and I let it go. I kept saying to myself, "he is going to walk home because of me". Picturing him walking from Acop to Ambassador because he missed the last six o'clock trip(bus) for Ambassador and he will be home by nine in the evening made me sob more".

"That day I came to understand my father. He may have his strange ways in showing his affection but the warmth, the massage, the drink and his protection made me feel so secured. How it gave me the strength and the power to believe I can be a 'Superhero'. Hayyy, Papa did love me after all."

DANIEL: Ramon's Son

Post 22: Lolo Ramon's Story

" 2 pesos was our monthly allowance when I was a 'sakristan'(altar boy). It was an amount for our food except for the rice which is provided by the convent. The second month I got hold of my 2 pesos, I asked my brothers Alex, Roger and Kay-kay(still in elementary that time) to come in Baguio. I bought each one of them a pair of jeans then took them to Burnham Park. We had a photo of them wearing their new pants and I think Mary has it now. Then I bought two kilos of pork (the head part because its cheaper) for them to take home for my Mama. That month, I was able to live on rice and rice coffee." narrates my Daddy Daniel.

"Every time I receive my allowance, I never failed to send 2 kilos of pork's head and sugar at home."

"Before going to school, we are to prepare the priest's breakfast, clean the Father's Convent, clean the Cathedral and assist in the early morning mass. We have our free time in the afternoon but most of the time, I spent it working as a 'shoe shine boy'. Whatever I earn, I keep it for home. Then before six, back again serving the needs of the priests."

"It was a treat for us 'sakristans' when it is the month of the rosary. The priests were invited to the homes of the rich for the rosary and it was always a feast after the prayer. Free food that never in our lives we thought it actually exists. If there's Pamisa (requested mass) or blessing of the dead, those were the days you are blessed being with the priest."

"On Sundays, counting the collections from the mass were one of our tasks aside from our daily routine. The priests will be there watching us while we count the money and a visible stick was with him. Ready to be of use that sometimes lands on your head for no reason."

"Hard work and being a mere servant is nothing but an obligation I am willing and happy to do. What I can not understand was how these foreigner priests treated us. In the morning, they wake us up by pouring ashes on our faces while we're still asleep. Ashes from the 'pugon'(where to cook making use of wood) near our room."

"Their left overs such as meat and fishes would be for their dogs and cats. What's more insulting is they look at us while they feed it to their pets."

"My children have heard this a thousand times. I am not proud of it but its something I will never forget. During recess in Boy's High School (SLU), I envy those students who had the money to buy their snacks. I don't have that luxury so what I did was get a bread displayed on the counter. Since there are so many students flocking, the sellers would not notice those who paid or did not. I would sneak and eat my unpaid bread outside. I was caught onetime by a teacher and he told me, " I keep seeing you stealing food from the canteen and I can't let it pass any more. I am asking you to stop because it is wrong." I was thankful he did not report me. If he did, I would be expelled and I can't bare my family's disappointment specially my father." Danny remembers while tears are again ready to drop.

Daddy was treated unkindly by 'these priests' but he did not fail to let us, his children, believe that God exists. He was the one who taught me my first prayer and this prayer is what me and my sisters still pray till now. The prayer my son learned from me and hope he will also pass it to his children someday. Dad once told us, "These priests are humans too. My faith was from what they preach and not from what they do."

These are my Dad's recollection that had stayed in me. Something that quality time had done to bond us. The advantage of no computer, less time watching TV, long days of brown out because of typhoon . Stories that made us value simplicity, honesty and the importance of family. Above all, it had given us most of the reasons to always go back to the place we always call home - even just by merely remembering these stories.

RAMON 1959-62

Post 21: Lolo Ramon's Story


"Carlos P. Garcia (1957-1961) and Diosdado Macapagal (1961-65) were the presidents during my second term as the town's representative, 1959 to 1962."

"Ramon P. Mitra Sr. who was the Congressman before was introduced by Bado and he became an instant friend. He was a regular guest at home who said, "Ramon, Meding's coffee is what makes us visit you!" and we often burst into laughter when he says it like he meant business. Bado, Ramon Mitra, me, Meding and other friends usually go to the mountains for a shooting contest. We used bottles or bottle caps nailed on a tree as our target. Meding, the only woman joining would always win. She would jokingly say, "My father taught me how to shoot to make the men behave!" and we all agreed with her on that."

"The former Ambassador Mines that was started by Amekano was opened again under Bado's financing on 1956. It was managed by his assistant (name concealed) who works for him in his bus company. Net from the said mines were corrupted by this assistant that made Bado close the mines on the early 60's."

"One of the advantages of being a mayor and knowing people gave me the opportunity to help people from my town get employments. The Department of Public Highways never failed me when I send them my recommendables. Many from Ambassador became 'kamaneros'(work as road maintainers) because of the department's generosity. Another is Bado's bus company - jobs were always available for my 'kaili-ans'("people from my town)".

"I never had the income to sustain my family specially their education. I would have all the power to use my position in making my self rich but I never considered that. Its just wasn't me. Many times our table would only have 'camote' and I could see that my children are not happy with it. It hurts me but I am a proud old man. I'd rather feed my family with what we worked for rather than feasting on a stolen meal."

"My children except the two youngest were all studying in Baguio. It would have not been possible if the Catholic Jesuits had not helped. In 1958, these priests had come to Ambassador to spread the religion. We offered our home as the place for the Sunday Masses. Meding loved cooking for these priests specially if they praise her brewed coffee. And for me, I would always be in debt to them for my children's education".

"Only Eddie attended high school at the Eastern Philippine Colleges. For Mary and Betty, in exchange for free board and lodging at the girl's dormitory in SLU, they are in charge of cleaning the whole dormitory. Only their tuition fee was what I have to pay."

"Juling married at the age of 16 to Arsenio and they're living with us in Ambassador."

"Danny had a full scholarship since he went to SLU Boy's High-1957-61. He became a 'sakristan'(altar boy) in return for his free schooling. He was to clean the Baguio Cathedral and to attend the needs of the priests."

"1958, Alex entered the the Saint Francis Seminary. Aside from he wanted to become a priest, the tuition fee would be free in Boy's High so, he joined. I was thankful that his cousin Felix Cabading, Meding's nephew was with him in the seminary . They later organized their little group of Igorot boys, 'The Pangit Squad'. Francis Boliyat, Joseph Patnaan, Willy Domingues along with others whom I forgot their names were among the members".

"I never asked or dreamed for it but during my second term, I was awarded The Most Outstanding Mayor Of The Philippines. A memento hanged on the wall that will always remind me of my flaws as a provider."

TUBLAY'S FATHER

Post 19: Lolo Ramon's Story

According to my grandmother Meding, my Lolo Ramon was a stubborn man. There was this notorious thief (name disclosed), who was once feared of and even the police were scared to catch and put him to jail. “Your Lolo thinks he could catch a bullet with his fingers, ‘naturod kuno et inkulong tu met numan inusar tu bagat ket asel’(he thinks he is brave and maybe he was, he had put the thief in prison just by merely talking with him.)”,my grandma said.

Lolo Ramon continues, "Meding was so scared when I brought home our first adopted prisoner. She's a kind hearted woman but when it comes to our children's safety she was like a hawk. I never believed in putting an offender to jail would make him better. So what I did was get most of them and let them stay in our home. I eventually had proven my wife that they too could change if they are given that chance. These prisoners were a great help and never caused any harm."

"Kay-kay, a motherless boy who was being beaten by her stepmother, became one of my sons. He was the favorite of my children as an addition to the big family."

"Some of Meding's cousin also stayed with us. Many of them were her nephews and nieces who instead of going home to Buguias during school break, preferred to help in our new coffee plantation Dr. Dacanay made me start."

"After my first term , I did not run for the office. I gave it back to the giants who also became my good friends. They served their years then the people of Tublay gave it back to me, 1959 to 1962" ...

LEGACY CONTINUES

Post 18: Lolo Ramon's Story

The nearest primary school for Ambassador children before was Poad Elementary School which is located in Acop Tublay Benguet. Its an everyday morning walk of four kilometers for my aunts and uncle, Eddie, Juling, Mary and Betty just to attend school. Then another 4 km going back home.

"Daniel 'Danny', envied his siblings who were leaving the house everyday. He convinced Meding first before my wife convinced me. I was not in to it because he was only six years old. But, he went anyway. Danny was always crying when he comes home from school. He was always bullied by his much older classmates. They even eat his lunch and worst put cow's dung into his lunch box after. He stopped going in the middle of the school year." Ramon smiles as he tells this.

Ramon being the mayor made a proposal to his colleagues to build a school in Ambassador. He volunteered to donate a part of his land for it. The 'Munisipyo' has no money for this project but they agreed to work for it's legalities. My grandfather presented this to the residents of Ambassador and they immediately started to work.

" First, we have to level the mountain and we don't have any equipments such as bulldozers like they use today. We did it with our bare hands. Old and young , men and women were all helping. I could not forget what we did before we put up the long, high ceiling-ed and big 'inatep'(nipa hut). After loosening the soil manually, we have to flatten the land. We did this by tying ropes in both ends of a huge long log. Then we pull the rope while others were pushing it."

"Its worth remembering the oneness and sincerity of every person who helped in putting up this school. All you see were smiles on their faces no matter how hard the effort they have to give. Being there was like a feast or being in a party. Even if the sun had set, it seems no one likes to end the day"

" It was 2 years of hard work from a scratch before it was finally completed on 1951. The first students were the old people so that they could at least learn how to write their names. Meding volunteered to be the first teacher because the government could not provide a teacher yet."

" The next year, Grade One formally started then Grade II the next year with a real teacher now. Grade III and so on. Danny's batch was the first elementary graduate of Ambassador Elementary School on 1956."

When my grandfather died, the people in his town requested for the name of the school be changed. It was later granted and changed into Pontino Elementary School in honor of my 'lolo' Ramon Pontino. It was where me, my brothers and sisters graduated elementary.

The location of the school is the best part of my grandfather's inherited land. The scope extends to almost two hectares. It was just below our house, a minute walk and its where I spent most of my childhood. Hide and seek, 'pinal-paltugan'(shooting), playing under the rain and throwing hard cow's poop to our 'kalabans'(opponents) were what we used to play. Then volleyball, basketball and soccer as we grew up.

Now, the number of Ramon's grandchildren is rapidly growing. Each one of us dreams of putting a house of our own close to our known home. His land is no longer enough for all of us. And, since its close to the highway, now the price of that land is worth millions.

The site of the school could have accommodated us - the 3rd generation and even three succeeding cluster of great - grandchildren. But, my 'lolo's' effort, our education and our childhood memories will never be replaced by a house, wealth or any material possession. 'What inheritance could be better than that?'

TUBLAY- "ATHENS OF BENGUET"

Post 17: Lolo Ramon's Story:

Tublay started its township year 1900. Ora Juan Carino was the first Governor of Benguet on the said year. His brother, another son of Tublay, who helds in Baguio, Mateo Carino was the first representative of the Chief Executive of the American Insular Government 1902.

Bangilan Acop is the father of Fernando Cosalan, both former town representatives (mayor) of Tublay were the roots of Andres Cosalan who represented Baguio and Benguet in the Batasang Pambansa 1965 to 1984. Ronald Cosalan his son, also became the Congressman of Benguet 1995-2001. Just to name among the many Tublay breeds and with it's continues production of political leaders, Tublay was then dubbed as 'The Athens Of Benguet'. (Source: Tublay History: http://elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/tublay/index.php?cat1=2 and http://72.14.221.104/search?q=cache:1FFmmyU2czoJ:elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/benguet/index...

"1949, election for town representative (mayor seat) was held. The 'Lalakay' (elders) leaders of Ambassador gathered to encourage me in joining. Since the government was put up, my 'barangay' was never given a chance to occupy a seat. I never wanted that responsibility because Ambassador alone was hard to keep. But to their insistence, I gave in. " Ramon continues.

"Politics was dominated by the Carino-Acop-Cosalan clan since 1900. They were the giants in the political arena. They were my co-contenders aside from three other locals who were also their relatives. We were all 6 candidates compiting for mayorship."

"The voting system before was through "colors" because most voters can't read nor write. From a box, we the candidates will randomly pick a paper and the color that we got will represent us. The people would then cast into the ballot box their choice of color that represented their candidate."

"On the stage at the 'poblacion' during the election day. The six of us were seated with our respective color pinned on our chest. A white ribbon was so proud and brightly stuck on my left chest. I won at the end of the day. All the total votes of my 5 opponents added, would not beat my gained support. 1949 to 1952, I gave Acop's and Carino's a time to rest. I owe it to the Kankana-ey's stealing, the Ibaloi's would have not voted for me if not because of them."

"I then understood what my dream was telling me. It wasn't death after all but the beginning of me to stop driving the roads of Kabayan. It was for me to take the white feather and give a ride to the passengers of my hometown - Tublay"....

THE DREAM

Post 16: Lolo Ramon's Story

"Bado had again bought animals for my family to raise- sheep, goats and cows. Only this time he gave more than 15 cows. I did not accept it at first because I don't want to take advantage of his kindness. But, he convinced me saying it is not a gift. He told me, "You will be just my keeper Ramon, my co-owner to help raise and breed these beasts". I then took it to 'Nalseb', a four hours walk far from our home. My eldest son Edward and some of my nephews helped me look after these animals."

"1947, I started to drive again. I worked as the first driver of Dangwa Bus for Baguio - Kabayan Benguet route. The road was narrow, rugged and a steep. A simple mistake would send the bus down the cliff. It was a dangerous job but a great help, financially. Specially so that my three older children were going to school and Meding gave me two more sons, Alexander and Roger after Daniel."

"I had a dream one night that the road to Kabayan was cut and I couldn't see the other half of it. Then a white feather fell from the sky and landed on my palm. When I woke up, it dawned on me that my dream was a sign that I am going to die. The white feather is death and I took and accepted my fate".....

'NUNTA' LIBERATION

Post 15: Lolo Ramon's Story

"After the liberation, it was a difficult time for us. everything was in the process of rebuilding and Ambassador was not spared of the recession. Food was scarce. Kaingins and fields were to be revived and it takes time before we could harvest what ever we planted. Animals were all consumed during the war. With five children to nurture, it made the situation even harder." recollects my grandpa.

Ambassador is the only 'barangay' of Tublay Benguet whose main population consists of the 'Kankana-ey' tribe. Only Ramon's family injected 'Kalanguya' into the place.

After the war, these 'Kankana-eys' became notorious thieves. They stole animals and crops from the 'Ibalois' who were situated in the lower part of Tublay. Such as Acop-Caponga, Ba-ayan, Daclan etc... These people from Ambassador were even hooked to gambling and stealing made them lazy to cultivate their own land. They were feared and disliked by the other tribes back then.

Ramon was determined to stop this abuse. He then gathered all the 'lalakays'(old folks) and and came up with set of rules and punishments for gambling and stealing. With the support of his brothers and his cousins, they became the implementers of these rules.

Any one caught with the crime would be sent to leave Ambassador or will be forced to work in the communal forest.These communal was picked and decided by the old folks under the leadership of my grandfather as a site owned by everybody. Its thickly forested with Pine tress. Trees were only allowed to be cut when someone died and they need it for his 'lungon'(coffin). Another is when a family is to build a house, they are allowed to cut not more than five trees provided they are to plant in exchange.

Below this forest is an abundant source of water supplying most part of the community. Aside from being a former boxer, these made Ramon a popular figure in his place and had been the long awaited help for the Ibalois.

"Your Lolo had a charm that makes a crowd listen. He was also a brave stubborn man who was feared of because of respect", my Dad continues.

DANIEL

Post 14: Lolo Ramon's Story

" July 12, 1944, Daniel, my fifth son was born. We evacuated Ambassador and we're on our way down to Itogon. We have to leave because many Japanese were going to Saddle(km 26 Halsema Highway) on to Ifugao. They were running away from the American soldiers. Desperation and frustration from a foreseeable defeat, they kill every Filipinos they come across with."

"We could see the Japanese from the other mountain coming towards our way. Baby Daniel was crying so hard and Meding could not pacify him. I would not let my wife, my other four kids and my relatives die, we have to leave the baby. We covered him with grasses and left."

"We avoided the Japanese's path and we could see them pass by where we left the baby. We were suppose to go on walking but I could not take Meding's sobs and she was pleading for us to wait till the soldiers would go. They were gone. I hurried back to take Daniel and Meding was behind me."

"We couldn't hear anything, no noise and the grasses weren't even moving. I took off all that covered him and there he was so cold and blue. Meding took him in her arms. He was so weak but opened his eyes. After her mother rubbed him, he gave us a loud cry. I was very thankful to God for that burst or I will forever regret what I have done."

Daniel is my Daddy Danny. Our Dad who also became our mother when my Mama died. He was left with six girls. Me being the eldest was only twelve years old back then and our youngest Ica was only two.

Had my grandparents left or baby Daniel cried louder when the Japs passed by, I wouldn't be here relating this story.

The picture above is Daniel's first baby."BABY LOVE-Lovelyn" was written by her Mama Normie at the back of the photo.

WORLD WAR II

Post 13: Lolo Ramon's Story

"1939, Me and my cousins who just came from Tinoc had dug a tunnel from our house down to the abandoned mines Amekano made. Then we continued digging the old "usok"(tunnel) to make an exit to Babatan. It was an everyday hard work for almost a year."

" Bado that time joined Dennis Molintas and both led the 66th infantry Battalion, Igorotlandia. He had let all his buses to be used by the Filipino and American soldiers that made him the Japanese's most wanted head in the Cordillera."

"1942, We hid Major Bado Dangwa and his soldiers. If the Japanese would be near Ambassador, Bado's troup goes to Babatan making use of our tunnel. If the enemy goes to Kapangan, Bado will go up to Ambassador."

"Bado and his troop stayed most of the time in Babatan and all our animals were butchered for their food. There was a time when his men went on a mission and he was advised to stay. We hid him in a pothole only to see him when we bring his meal."

"Meding was pregnant with Beatrice that time. We were always evacuating and it was difficult to do it with 3 children but, the 'usok' made it easy for us."

"1944, the Japanese were being defeated and they became more cruel. They take it on us the civilians. One of my nephew was killed and they unmercifully ate his poor heart."

BACK HOME

Post 12: Lolo Ramon's Story

"I built Meding a house in Ambassador (Boted) just in time for Edward's birth. Then Julia came next . I was already the leading boxer of Northern Luzon when my second child was born."

"1936, the fight I am to defend my title before Manila. It is not a difficult fight but on the third round, I hit my opponent's head so hard. The impact had fractured the joint between my shoulder and my arm. I could feel my my bone gritting when I try to move it. The bell rang and Bado told me to give up the fight. I hesitated. Round 4, I could no longer move my right arm and my opponent was taking advantage of my agony."

"My manager seeing my wife crying, threw a white towel into the ring. He stopped the fight and that was my second to the last. 4 months after, I thought my arm was ok, I was again defeated. 39 wins, 1 draw and 2 loses was the end of my record."

"We stayed in Ambassador for good. Planting rice in Babatan and Meding's 'Uma' (Kaingin) of kamote were able to sustain us. I raised chickens and Bado bought us a couple of goats, 2 pairs of sheeps and 2 pairs of cow. Meding was a very hard working woman and a perfect mother to Edward and Julia. She never gets tired. She made everything easy for me."

"Before my mother, Sagay, died, we divided our land between all my seven siblings. I kept Babatan because nobody wants it. I was also given our original home and 10 hectares of it's surroundings. One of my brother married and settled in Kapangan Benguet so he did not take part of the partition. Now each of us has his own mountain."

"One of my father's sister and her family were able to find us, they came all the way from Calasan Tinoc(I'm not sure of the spelling) . I let them build their house near us."

"1939, the war was starting and my third child, Mary, was only six months old."

MEDING

Post 11: Lolo Ramon's Story

"Bado was persistent for me to make it big. He arranges my fights and got me a trainer. He became my friend more than a manager. There wasn't enough money from boxing so he got me a job as a driver at 'TI Truckings'. I did not drive one of his buses so I could stay near Baguio for my training."

"Then I met Aquilip, a co-driver. He too belongs to the Kalanguya tribe but from Buguias Benguet. Though we speak the same dialect, there are slight differences. Their's are more like a mixture of 'Kankana-ey' and 'Kalanguya'. One time, I went with him to visit her sister who is staying with their aunt in La Trinidad Benguet."

"It was a love at first sight. A Spanish beauty, brown eyes, auburn hair, a perfect nose but taller than me. Her name was Remedios "Meding" Ta-ao. She belongs to the Ta-ao, Cabading, Bay-an and Olsim clan of Buguias Benguet. We were introduced and I could tell instantly that she doesn't like me. I'm short and stocky, my nose was merely for breathing and no wealth to show."

"She gave me back the inspiration to pursue the future. I made it sure to win a title so that Meding would have at least "a reason" to like me."

"I courted her religiously. During week ends, she's selling banana in Baguio City to help support her studies at MSAC, La Trinidad ( BSU now). I will be her first and only costumer. I'll buy all her bananas so she'll have time to talk to me. That went on for a year."

"Aquilip was so supportive of my intentions, He invited me to go home with them to Bugias Benguet and visit their father. It was Meding's school break. I accepted it just to be with her. There was no ride that time so we walked from Baguio to Buguias. We passed by Tublay and I introduced them to my family. Then we continued our travel."

"Maybe Meding saw my sincerity through the long walk I had with them. When we came back to Baguio, she became my girl. I took her to one of my fight, of course I won. And the next month, Bado got us married."

SMALL PONTANO - TIGER OF DANGWA

Post 10: Lolo Ramon's Story

"During the 1920's, the foot trail made for Baguio-Bontoc route was actively in use before Eusebius Halsema officially opened it on 1930. It was first called Mountain trail before it was changed to Halsema Highway. This was one of the reason why my ancestors kept 'Boted' and marked 40 hectares of land as their property- to be near the trail.

From Visayas, my grandfather stayed home for three years to help the family in extending the land. 1924, He later set off to Baguio and stayed with his Kalanguya kins who are settled in Pacdal. He and his cousin Mencio gathers 'sakati'(grass) and sell it to their costumers, mostly Americans with their loved horses. Some were also sold to cattle raisers.

"Boxing was the most popular sports back then. Mencio and I never miss a fight whenever there is one. They hold amateur fights regularly and when a talent emerge they then set fights against boxers from other regions. To Manila was the biggest break. That was the time when Pancho Villa from Iloilo was every Filipino boxer's hero." Ramon continues.

"Every time we go home from our job or from watching a fight, We were like crazy throwing punches imagining we were on to the ring. I remember Mencio who doesn't mind a bloody nose when we do our make believe fights real. Her mother stopped asking about the blood on the third time he saw his son with the mess."

"We were always watching those fights very far from the arena. It was the year 1927 when during a set fight, we heard that one of the boxers did not show. Mencio who wants to experience watching near the boxing ring boasted my ego to volunteer and take the place of the missing boxer. Out of luck and my 'sakati'(grass) training, I knocked my opponent down on the first round."

"After the fight, a man approached me and introduced himself as Bado Dangwa. He offered his service to manage my boxing career. I didn't know who he was but accepted him mainly because he was decently dressed."

Bado Dangwa was the original owner of Dangwa Tranco, the first Igorot owned bus company first called as 'Adawi Transit. He was a significant political figure of Benguet and played a great role during the World War II.

"That started for me to be known as ''Small Pontano, Tiger Of Dangwa''. Bado changed my family name from Pontino to Pontano, he said that it would be more intimidating. I didn't really like it at first. It felt like it just made emphasis on how short I am." says my grandfather.