REFLECTIONS: FIRST REUNION OF FORMER SURIGAO PHILNABANKERS

By: Norberto Betita

At PNB Surigao Branch

When we left the portals and the borders of Philippine National, Surigao Branch, we were separated from each other by places and continents near and far. We moved away from the confines of PNB Surigao Branch as a result of new assignment for promotions and some transferring from one employment to another, and some finding their fate and fortune in business and other productive ventures. However, memories of those friendship and camaraderie, once developed within the confines of a common work place, remains vivid and clear in the mind which often reawaken feelings of wanting to meet again. While time and work seem to be a barrier, yet when we realized the value of such intimate friendship and the significance of preserving the memories of those pleasantries and fun within the alliance of long ago, no time and resources seem ever lost, neither is distance an impediment. 

Consequently, a reunion was planned with suggestions from Ms. Flora Paler and resources pooled in to initiate for the organization and preparation. Date and time were set and meetings held by the core group and interim officers to make sure the reunion will be realized as planned. A group chat was formed on Facebook and former PNB Surigao Branch personnel were then notified and reached out through the social media about the scheduled reunion. 

At JB Nature Farm Resort

Our reunion theme as conceptualized by former Manager Bonnie L. Estaño of Gaisano Capital Branch revolves around the reality of the circle of life---reminiscing the past, celebrating the present and generating the future. It pivots with the idea as thought by Elton John in his song the Circle of Life which says,

“From the day we arrived in the planet,
And blinking step into the sun,
There’s more to see than can ever be seen,
More to do than can ever be done.”

Indeed, as we round the circle of life we realized that there are still so much beauty and grandeur on the earth that we wanted to see and appreciate and immeasurable opportunities which are open for us which are even beyond our reach. 

At Surigao City Airport

Then we moved on to every cycle in the circle of life, sailing the rough seas of discovery, following the route of personal goals and visions, which were long interwoven in the beautiful tapestry of faith, hope and courage, forward into finding every available open doors for growth and advancement. On our way, we observed what the legendary William Shakespeare found as he wrote:

“All the worlds a stage
And all the men and women merely players
They have their exits and their entrances
And one man in his time plays many roles.”

Soon we found ourselves becoming actors and actresses in this great drama of life played in the world’s immense stage. In due time we landed into the portals of the Philippine National Bank, Surigao Branch to perform different roles on its marvelous platform and remarkably awe-inspiring play. Here we enjoyed the glory of having a banking career that always pays notwithstanding too much work to do without overtime pay. The grand and glorious friendship and camaraderie that our association provides became our undying motivation. 

At Gateway Hotel

Eventually, however, some have to exit to find new entrances of fame and fortune, progress and abundant life. Some stayed with so much satisfaction and joy, just waiting for opportunities of promotions. All along our journey to the circle of life, however, we again find truth in the words of Elton John, “Some of us fall by the wayside; And some of us soar to the stars; And some of us sail through our troubles; And some have to live with the scars.” 

Among the earliest recruit to play different roles at PNB-Surigao Branch was retired Manager Sylvia J. Becina, the only child and daughter of a Government Physician. She entered the bank in 1971, which turned out to be her first and last employment. She rose from the ranks to eventually become a Branch Manager. She’s physically an inspiration even at present, for many us. He was like a mother to us during her managerial stint and she treated us like her children. During those moments of sorrow and grief for losing a beloved husband, she gathered her five children “as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings” (D&C 10:65), and find shelter in the place of her ancestors in Metro Manila until retirement. She served PNB for 35 long years. She now savors the happiness of having her children on their own and the joys and blessings of beautiful grandchildren. Yet as she rounds the circle of life and failed to balance the collections from her Catholic ministry, she realized as did Elton John that “there is still more to find than can ever be found.” She therefore searched for life’s meaning and purpose and soon found herself generating her future by serving in the church with greater fervor and dedication. 

Retired Manager Romeo Kwan is also one boss that has always remained in the memory deep in our hearts and mind, although he was assigned in the branch for only 1 year and 6 months. He acts just like a father to us all during his managerial stint in Surigao. Even his wife Mrs. Rubina Kwan was best respected by everybody like a mother. While still at PNB he already was generating his future by establishing a candle factory which even after his retirement and until now is still providing him with resources. Yet in the midst of flourishing and thriving success, sorrow and grief were yoked together with his emotional anguish and agony of soul as his one and only child and son was summoned back to God’s Heavenly home in the heights of brilliant prospects and impressive expectations. Yet in the emptiness of such a great loss, he fills the void by dedicating his life together with his dearly beloved wife in serving the least of God’s other sons and daughters in Cagayan de Oro City; utilizing their extra resources to feed the hungry. He thought that there is so much more to be done and he is now about to start the establishment of a library for children, where he will use his resources to pay for the librarians’ wages and the building maintenance. In his heart rings the Lord’s words, “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40). 

A Certified Public Accountant, retired Manager Manolito Tayao entered the bank in 1975 and was later assigned in Surigao City. He was transferred to PNB Tandag Branch and eventually was promoted and assigned to PNB Agusan del Sur Branch where he finally retired as Branch Manager. A man of dedicated family orientation, he tops us all with 8 children to hug and cuddle in the circle of home, three of which are now CPAs. He still generates his future even at retirement by practicing his profession as a CPA.

I was to be his replacement in 1983 at PNB-Surigao Branch when he transferred to the Central Bank. As a CPA he had been with several other employments including that of the nationally renowned Sycip Gorres Velayo & Company, before he entered PNB in 1975, a batch of Manager Kwan and Manager Tayao. Although by the time of his transfer the salary of Central Bank employees was at par with PNB, yet he was persuaded by the thought that he wanted to join the Central Bank as being the bank of all banks. He eventually rose from the ranks with salary far above all other government entities. He retired as a Central Bank officer and now relish with grateful satisfaction the very rewarding retirement entitlements that his CB employment provides. He is generating his future by utilizing the remaining stretch of his journey to the circle of life in Christian service. 

She set aside the couch of prominence and affluence and took a humble pew of a Collection Clerk at PNB Surigao Branch. She could have gotten a more relaxed position in the City hall or in any National offices by his father’s connection and influence as the last Mayor of the Municipality of Surigao and the first Mayor of Surigao City. But she instead enjoyed the hard work of going home late in the night as to even experience balancing her transactions once at 12:30 of a weary dawn. She’s always been the PNB Surigao Branch’s singing nightingale and charm. She did not have the opportunity for higher positions in the branch, but she admits that she loved the unity, support and camaraderie that was present in the work place. She transferred to Cebu City and eventually became a manager until she retired to work with the Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) as Assistant Vice President. She was eventually appointed as Vice President and finally as First Vice President, until her retirement from RCBC. She was the first woman to have been elected and served as President of the Cebu Banker’s Club in forty years. Then she was hired back to PNB as consultant for its savings bank. As a management consultant, she is now a member of the incoming management team of newly elected Mayor Edgar Labella of Cebu City. 

He resigned from his banking career and forego his dream of establishing his family home in the metropolis to return to his rural hometown to serve his fellow Bacuaganons. He was inspired by the service of her Physician wife, who out of charity spent her medical practice to provide health services to the rural folks. Three times he was trusted by the people and thus remains for his last term as councilor. The honorable Cedric Romulo M. Tantoy served for 13 years at PNB Surigao Branch before he tried a career in politics. He was instrumental in the success of the reunion as being the interim Reunion President and now elected as Vice President. He is still looking forward to his political career with brighter optimism. 

Manager Bonifacio L. Estaño recently retired as Branch Manager of the PNB Gaisano Branch after serving PNB for 35 years. He rose from the hiring position of Bank Clerk until he attained the coveted position of Branch Manager. Yet, as in the lyrics of the circle of life, he feels that there are still “more to do than can ever be done.” So he engaged and make himself busy doing kind of court counseling and enjoying family life and Christian service. He had been elected as the new President of the Ex-Surigao PhilNaBankers Reunion until 2021. 

She was only 44 when widowed, but she braved her singular and extraordinary familial responsibility of being both father and mother to her three sons---ages 10, 8 and 5 then. At retirement Levie Calipon Lisondra, SSO-Assistant Manager 1 of Gaisano Capital, visited the place of her birth and childhood and again walk on rice paddies, trying once more to mold and throw mud balls, looking far into the horizon beyond the open field where the trailing clouds of yesteryears provided for her the panorama of a silver lining which since then and now has conceptually bridged her way to the realization of her modest goals and her rise to the unadorned expectations and glory she once envisioned. She was the Interim Vice President and now elected as Secretary.

In her personal history is quoted, “By some providential coincidence and good fortune she was invited by Atty. Rocha to work with Mrs. Gloria Rocha at the Philippine National Bank (PNB). She then was employed as Auditing Aide of the Commission on Audit under Mrs. Rocha, the Branch Auditor. There she started to see the conceptual bright sunshine of summer and enjoyed the resplendent beauty of the rainbow after the summer rain made abstract as a backdrop of her life. It was at PNB Surigao Branch where she met the man whose diligence and sincere expressions of love through daily hole-and-corner offering of red roses on her office table eventually touched her heart and led her to say, “I do” to ROMANITO B. MAQUILING in a marital covenant.” She eventually transferred to a permanent government position in the Commission on Audit and rose from the ranks to become an Auditor. After a total of 40 years of government service, she finally retired. She served as our most able interim treasurer for the reunion and now officially elected as treasurer. 

Mr. Romanito Maquiling started as a contractual janitor. In his personal history is written, “He had the ability to handle almost all available positions in the branch. In the absence of anybody he is well ready to replace. He acts as cashier/sales and service officer; sales and service head; from the position of new accounts clerk to analysts, name it and he could handle any assignment. His marketing ability was a potential which was never given a break. For reasons only known to the recommending officers, I found him discriminated in promotions. Yet he remained sober and uncomplaining. He knew “the length of his line, though he cannot with it fathom all the depths of the ocean (John Locke)” he is bound to traverse. Yet he counted the cost and was determined to reach the impossible…As he left the thresholds of his beloved institution---The Philippine National Bank which has been the emblem of his life’s successes…and sits on the couch with his most beloved wife Zita and reflects on the modest accomplishments they together attained---a humble yet comfortable home, a brand new Isuzu, a vacation in Hongkong, Thailand and New Zealand, which he never once dreamed---his heart overflows with expressions of silent gratitude to God for the blessings.” In humility, he served as driver and ferry manager for reunion participants who needed his service. 

In her personal history it was written: “Recently she was hired by Asia United Bank (AUB) as Manager for their newly opened branch in Surigao City which is just across the PNB Surigao Branch. The salary must have been very competitive as for her to readily accept the offer. She resigned from PNB and now sits on the prominent desk as Branch Manager of AUB Surigao Branch. Yet as she left the portals of PNB Surigao Branch her heart brims with gratitude for the institution which helped her triumph over her battles against abject poverty and destitution. She believes the words of Dr. Seuss:

“You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose
You’re on your own
And you know what you know
And you are the one who’ll decide
Where you’ll go.””

She served as the in-charge and contact person for the reunion participants’ accommodations and billeting. 

He is one of my best friends, my clearing and Credit Investigation and Appraisal partner for many years. His life as a PNB employee was filled with wonderful and memorable anecdotes which remains ever fresh in the memory. Mr. Marlo Nambatac availed of an early retirement with a sublime purpose of attending and caring for his special son. He started a hardware business, but eventually stopped because it deprived him of the paramount time that his son needed. He eventually shifted to a real estate business which saved for him more time to be with his son. He is a very active participant in Christian Ministry. He was one of the very active member of our Reunion core group.

As a CPA Ms. Judith G. Pajo was hired by DBP during the time when PNB was in the verge of privatization. She was turned between two choices, especially with the rumors that PNB personnel will benefit so much from privatization. On several occasion, she solicited my advice on the matter. While I advised her to move to DBP, yet I told her to think twice. The rumors about the abundant privatization benefits were yet uncertain. She eventually transferred to DBP leaving no regrets. In due time, she realized her decision was right as she savors the abundant benefits that a government bank provides. She rose from the ranks and is presently the DBP Surigao Branch Manager. She was our interim auditor of the Reunion core group.

How I wish I could write short narratives for all participants. But information, time and space seemed not to give place and allowance. But a list of actual participants is here provided for a remembrance.

Among those who came and enjoyed with us in our 1st Ex-Surigao PhilNaBankers reunion included; Manager Siony M. Uyguico, PNB Butuan Relations Manager; Manager Antonio Supera, Security Bank Surigao; Manager Estrellieta J. Dagohoy, PNB Surigao Branch; Dr. Diana S. Hatague, wife of the late Manager Mario R. Hatague; Jerena A. Hammet, OFW, USA with partner; Yvonne S. Ariar, who as a young widow availed of the early retirement to help care for her ailing mother and be with her only child and daughter; Dr. Amelia R. Nambatac, wife of Marlo L. Nambatac; Jannes B. Cayomo, retired and now in business with husband Nonat Cayomo; Jennifer G. Poblete, retired with husband Captain Norberto Poblete; Sarah B. Carbonilla, PNB Cagayan with husband Engr. Jonel Carbonilla.

Others included; Mrs. Rubina Kwan, wife of Manager Romeo Kwan; Mr. Rolando Lanugon, husband of Manager Candelaria S. Lanugon; Mrs. Annie Estaño, wife of Manager Bonnie Estaño; Mrs. Balagulan, wife of Mr. Leonardo Balagulan; Romeo Orozco, former Janitor; Domingo Gordonas, former Security Guard; Erlinda R. Morandante, former Radio Operator; and Absalon Bolotaolo, former driver. 

At Surigao City Hall

As we listened to the articulations of the memories of our past by our beloved Philippine National Bank and fellow former PhilNaBankers, plus the beautiful language that came from the heart, there echoes the declaration of the wise King Solomon who said, “Words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Then we discovered that those long time memories with friends had turned into priceless treasures.

We are now moving forward to the circle of life---leaving the past behind, enjoying the present, and preparing for the future. We find along the path that indeed, “There are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf). Some of us still have so much opportunity for growth and progress. But for most of us who are now in the December of our lives, we have only the entitlements of retirement on hand to help move us through the circle of life with faltering feet and feeble knees. Yet, we are so grateful that as in the words of James Barie, “God gave us memories, that we may have June roses in the December of our lives.” 

At Surigao del Norte Provincial Capitol

For those of our departed former Surigao PhilNaBankers comrades, we enliven and revive the bloom and blossom of June roses in each of their passing Decembers as we memorialize the treasured memories and camaraderie we once relished and appreciated together when they were yet in our joyful company.

Of course, not one of us wanted to be stranded in this troubled world, and so as we continue to round the circle of life, we should never forget to commune with God---the giver of life---and sincerely convey our sincerest feelings of gratitude for everything He provides us to enjoy with contentment. As we move on, we need to realize that, “Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for” (Zig Ziglar). 

Revisiting the Narra trees planted in 1989 by PNB Surigao Branch Personnel

           
Narra Trees Revisited

During the scheduled tour of the City, the Narra trees which were planted by the PNB Surigao Branch personnel sometime in 1989 at the Surigao City Airport, was revisited. It’s been 30 years since these trees---our National Symbol---were planted under the management of Manager Romeo Kwan by permission from the Airport Management. Such environmental activity won a prize as one best environmental conservation effort by a PNB Branch. Now the trees had grown tall, large, and strong, and withstood the might and intensity of natural calamities, although some died or removed for developmental purposes during their tender years. Presently, these Narra trees stand as treasures and beacons of hope for environmental preservation and protection in the City of Surigao. 

At Mabua CM Resort

Next Reunion – 2021
It’s been said that, “Happiness is being with an old friend after a long time and feeling like nothing has changed.” Indeed, old times and old friends remains the best. Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” Therefore, we invite all Ex-Surigao PhilNaBankers to join with us in the next reunion in 2021 with the dates to be published anytime soon to give place for advance personal scheduling.

We express gratitude to the organizing committee and the participants and guests who came from near and far as to make our first reunion of ex-Surigao PhilNaBankers a wondrous success.

TRIBUTE TO A DEAR FRIEND

by: Norberto Betita

While on board the ship back to Surigao City, I happened to meet the wife of my former fellow Philippine National Bank (PNB) employee who died last Thursday, May 16, 2019, in Cebu City. With her, at the lowest deck of the vessel, was the coffin within which the cold physical body of Sir Jun Pedro Espina was laid and ferried as a delicate cargo back home. At early dawn of such a lonely sea voyage, I was awakened from a dream that I was writing for him a tribute. At home, I tried to scour the words and phrases which were in my dream, dictated by my sub-conscious mind. Then I wrote this fitting tribute to a dear friend.

I was saddened by the news of the passing of my most humble of friends at such an early productive life of 53. He had been living a healthy life style---from choice of food to putting limits and restraints to vices that defeats physical health and vigor. Accordingly, the result of his laboratory showed all vital signs and essential body functions in normal condition except for cancer cells in the spine, as related by his wife. My thoughts then compared him to a young tree which was blown down by the fury of a devastating hurricane---a tragedy of enormous consequence---as for him to have been shattered flat so early in life. Yet, we could not question the wisdom of God and the reason and purpose why Sir Jun was called back home into His presence this early. It was fortunate though that the two fruits of the conjugal partnership he had with his wife---his children---are now gathered in and made ready to face the highly competitive employment square.

He was a tremendous loss to the family, yet to his wife---Rowena---it was such a restful relief from a heartrending experience of witnessing daily her dearly beloved Jun, suffered with so much distress and anguish from immeasurable pain resulting from a debilitating affliction, which only a tender smile, even in agony, provided comfort to her distraught and worried heart and that of her daughters.

To the late Sir Jun Pedro Espina, (I always address him sir because of my highest respect for his noble character and virtue as a person), his demise is a final repose from an awfully painful and excruciating physical condition attributed to a cancer of the spine, to join with his Maker---His Lord and Savior. He died on the exact date of his 53rd birthday---May 16, 2019.

Earlier I was told by Rowena when we meet inside a common room in the ship that before his death, he struggled to write such words as “going to the Supreme Court” and “as a child.” She tried to ask what he meant, but he did not elaborate.

In my dream I was brought to the words of the apostle Paul as he said: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day…” (2 Timothy 4:6-8, King James Version).

Such must have been the meaning of his intuition and premonition of him “going to the Supreme Court,” representing his journey to the judgment bar of the great Jehovah, as did Paul.

His presentiment of his being “as a child,” reminded me of the account of the Lord Jesus Christ where the people, “…brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein” (Luke 18:15–17, emphasis added).

His last words and premonition, therefore, presented an awareness, comfort, hope, and assurance for Rowena and her children that he is going like “as a child,” calm as the early dawn of the May summer, ready and prepared to one day stand before the “Supreme Court”---the judgment bar of God---to be judged by the righteous judge of all, even the Lord Jesus Christ.

I have known sir Jun for several years as a fellow employee of whom I have a supervisory authority. I knew him to be a man of sobriety. He was an honest and respectable man. He might have his weaknesses and imperfection as common to all, but generally, he was a man of virtue and of righteous predilections. He possessed an admirable tendencies of being good and kind to everybody.

As a family man I found him exemplary. He is a loving husband and a very responsible father. He lives a provident life and Rowena can vouch for his being a good provider for the family, that even at his passing he did not leave her so much of financial concerns. According to her, the benefits of his preparations for times of family crisis and tragedies, just came in surprises. His discipline in many aspects of living is a paragon worthy of emulation.

I have the best memories of him as a man of integrity and rectitude, his word is his bond. His gentleness, benevolence, compassion and charity are some of the noble components of his grand character. I have been a beneficiary of such attributes when on many occasions of financial scarcity resulting from supporting my college students in Cebu City, he is always the one gracious person who had an ever willing heart to extend a hand of help by allowing me to use his credit account when mine was already fully availed. He extended the same kind of generosity to others as well, even from the cash reserves in his blessed wallet. His words were soft and his countenance often invited respect and honor.

He was one uncomplaining guy as a worker. He was willing to use of his own personal resources if only to accomplish his assignments. He was a diligent worker and during those long years working with him prior to my retirement, I found him to be one best person to work with. He still have more potentials for growth, but God has his own reason and purpose, He being at the helm of our lives. As in the words of Thomas S. Monson, “Death is not the end. It is putting out the candle because the dawn has come.”

All of us will have our own endless end like sir Jun. Not one of us will be stranded in this troubled world. One day each of us will have our time to slip into the other side of the veil. The stretch of our mortal journey differs from each other and only God knows when our book of life will be closed. Some are summoned to leave this frail existence in the tenderness of childhood; some are called upon during the warmth of youthful summer and glorious expectations; to others are cut short the journey to prosperity and greater success; to the old and weary travelers, the heavy portals of death are opened for their final peaceful rest after a long and enduring mortal journey. But all of us are given the same and common warning to prepare to meet God.

While in this mortal probation we are taught to choose what kind of life we wanted to have in the hereafter when our mortality finally ends and we are carried into the world of waiting spirits. We are here to decide whether to receive a crown of righteousness as the apostle Paul described above and allow God to “wipe all tears from [our] eyes” (see Revelation 21:4), or prefer a day and night of endless torment with the devil as expressed by John (see Revelation 20:10). The choice is ours.

Sir Jun made his most humble choice by living a lifetime of righteous paradigm, and willingly go “as a child” to stand before the “Supreme Court”---the judgment bar of God---and submit himself to be judged by the righteous judge of all, even the Lord Jesus Christ. His most tender smile amidst untold pains, as revealed by Rowena, leaves a wonderful and glorious indication that he had spent his last hours in communion with his God.

I express my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Rowena and her children and the rest of the bereaved family as I conclude my tribute to a dear friend.

Farewell my dear friend, sir Jun, farewell!

ANAO-AON: AKO GIKAMINGAWAN NA LUNGSOD NA NATAWHAN

by: Norberto Betita

Eleksyon na sab! Sugod na sab an bago na hugna pagpili nan mga magdumaya sa ato pinayangga sanan gikamingawan na lungsod na natawhan, para tana sa pagasenso sanan paguswag nan lungsod sa Anao-aon. Pero hantod kuman ya pa gajoy makita na dako na pagkaotro sanan progreso sa ato lungsod.

Isa ra siguro an nakahatag kabantog sa Anao-aon, an pagilis nan ngayan ngadto na sa San Francisco, kapangayan sa bantog na lugar sa California sa America sanan sa iban pa na lugar sa kalibutan na jaoy parehas na pangayan. Sa ato pa entero kalibutan na an pagkilaya sa ato lungsod. Kaluoy sa ato mga unahi na mga kaliwatan na amoy naghatag nan talagsaon na ngayan na way kaparehas, na sumaya pa gani ni Francis Tom Paredes, isa sa mga mayunglaki na manunuyat nan ato Sinurigao na Linguahe, possible na gibasi sa mga nagpalibot na mga katubigan sa ato lungsod. Laong pa ni Tom Paredes sa ija paghalungkat sa possible na kagikan nan sinultihan na Anao, ija nakita na possible na may koneksyon an amo na sulti sa Anao na naggikan sa Autralia na an buot ipasabot tubig kon hamok na katubigan.

Bago pa man noabot an Santos na si Senyor San Francisco sa Anao-aon, sino amoy gibasihan sab ago na ngayan, daan na kilaya an ato lungsod sa amo na ngayan. Gani dali ra sija makilayan kay lagi, waya may kaparehas. Pero sige rakan, jaon na man. Hinaot na dili na gajod tana utrohon pa an ngayan nan barangay Poblacion na Anao-aon, para jaoy gihapon handumanan sa ato mga kapopopopoan.

Trantay singko anyos na an nakalabay, pagplano nako na magbayay an una sa ako hunahuna adto gajod sa Anao-aon ako magtukod. Naghanap na ako didto. An ako nabatian jadto na panahon jaon lupa na natungaan nan kan anhin yo Demo Besario bayay sanan ila Mende kuman. Pero ya ako modajon kay ya may supply nan mainum na tubig sa gripo. Gana tana kay suod ra an iban na mga gamit sanan mabarato ra an pagpanday sa bayay. Kaso lisod gajod kun way tubig para sa ato banyo sanan sa ato hugasan.

Sa kadugayon na nan ako pagkawaya sa Anao-aon, kada jaoy ako panahon na mobisita sa ako lungsod na natawhan amo ran waya gajoy ako makita na asenso o progresibo na kabaguhan. An mga karsada amo ra gihapon kahamok; an kadakon sa poblacion bagan waya gajoy pagkabalhin. Nangutana ako sa ako mga kalumunan kun ya bay mga plano nan mga nag dumaya sa lungsod na mga proyekto para sa pag pagpalapad sanan pagdugang nan mga karsada para magamit jadton mga kalupaan na amoy mahimo na lugar para sa pagimbetar nan mga katawhan paghuya sa Anao-aon. Laong nan ako mga lumon, jaon tana, pero babagan man nan kontra sa politiko. Ka way nada na katarungan.

                 

Kun amo jaon an panlantaw nan ato mga politiko didon sa Anao-aon na an ila partido amoy mas importante, dapat kita na bomoboto pillion rakan an isa ka linya, gikan sa mayor ngadto sa mga konsehalis, para kun sino man galing an makadaug ya nay mobabag sa mga plano nan Mayor para sa kalambuan nan lungsod.

Parehas kuman, kun nagtuo kita na si Mayor Guiea and angay, botaran rakan nato diretso an ija mga kandidato pagka bise mayor hangtod sa tanan mga konsehales. Kun pananglit gusto nato na an ija kontra na si Penat amoy ato botaran, hudton rakan nato an jaon sa ija linya pagbotar. Despwes kun sinoy makadaug, ya nay katarungan na dili malahos an mga plano kay waya na may mobabag. An bantayan rakan wayay kawat.

Inin ako komentaryo ya may gidapigan na partido, an ako panlantaw para sa kinatibukan na pagasenso nan ato lungsod na natawhan, sanan pagusad nan panginabuhi sanan kahimtang nan ato mga lumulopyo.

Kaisa, nobisita ako iban sa ako mga apo, nangadto kami sa baybay dapit sa parki. Ako nakita na jaon nay sinimento na “sea wall” pasingod ngadto sa Banbanon. Ako sab nakita na jaoy estraktura na waya kahuman, na laong pa nila taguli rakan an kwarta sa DTI kay pirme man babagan nan kontra partido na konseho. Ako nahunahuna na pagkagana jaon na lugar pasingod na ngadto sa Banbanon himoan nan “boulevard” labi na kay makita an pagsayop nan suga, amo ra nan sa Manila Bay. Tapos himuan nan mga karsada para hamok na mga katawhan sa iban na lugar na mamuhunan pag mohamok na an mga katawhan.

Jaon sab mga karsada sa lungsod mismo dapat masumpayan jaon ngadto na sa Cayansan diin jadto an dako na kapatagan, tapos koruskoruson jaon na mga karsada sumpay na ngadto sa iban na baryo para modako an lugar para bayajan sanan mahamok an mga katawhan. Sigurado ako na hamok an mobayay didon tungod kay suod ra man sa syudad sanan sementado na man an karsada.

Kun mohamok an mga katawhan sa isa ka lugar sigurado na moasenso jaon na lungsod kay an mga negosyante entresado na man mamuhunan kay jaon na may mamalit. Dugang pa, jaon na may elektrisidad sanan tubig sa gripo.

Sa bata pa ako nasuroy nako jaon tumoy nan punong sanan jaon lugar sa Cayansan. Jaoy didon tuyo ka tubod na way paghubas---jaon sa punong, sa Cayansan unahan sa Anao-aon river na an ija tubig adto manaog sa dako na suba, tapos jaon kabanan hangtod kuman nan imnanon na tubig. Inday lamang kun jaon pa ba jaon sa punong sanan sa Cayansan. Kun jaon pa man galling, pwede jaon sila mahimo na proyekto para turismo.

Jaon ato mga kahumayan didon na gikan pa sa mga katiguyangan, moabot an panahon, gani amo na jaon an nanghitabo kuman, na bisan sa pamilya nan mga kaliwatan, dili na paigo na maka suporta sa ila kaugalingon panginahanglan, kay an sa una isa ka pamilya na tagija nahimo na man na hamok na pamilya pagpangaminyo nan mga anak. Amo na an mahitabo jaon ipamaligya rakan, tapos manhanap nan trabaho sa lain lugar. An magpabilin na way pagkahurot na kapaninguhaan amo rakan an halapad na kadagatan atubangan sa ato lungsod.

Amo na dapat moasenso gajod an ato lungsod para dili na mobija an mga lungsuranon palajo kay makapanginabuhi na man sila mismo didon sa bunsuyan nan lungsod.

Amo na tana kuman na eleksyon maniguro na kita na pillion adton Mayor na tinujod gajod na moserbisyo para sa pagpaasenso sa ato lungsod ngadto na sa kalambuan sab nan kinabuhi nan mga lungsuranon. Tapos ya nay likoliko, diretso na isa ka linya rakan para ya nay babag sa mga plano sa kalambuan. Total jaon may auditor na magbantay para sa sakto na paggamit nan pundo para sa isa ka proyekto. Kun dili gajod mapugngan na jaoy gihapon kawat, diretso na kita tawag sa hotline na 8888 kay sigurado aksyonan gajod jaon nan goberno.

Sa taglaong ko na ya may ako tagdapigan na partido, an ako ra na pilion nato jadton isa ka linya sa mga kandidato na an panlantaw dili para sa ila kaugalingon o sa ila partido, kundili an karajawan sa umaabot na mga generasyon nan mga naghuya didon sa Anao-aon.

O, Anao-aon, an ako gikamingawan na lungsod na natawhan. What a beautiful place! How enduring the cherished and treasured memories of childhood and youthful amusement and laughter of the delightful long ago! How grand are the sparkling reflections of its deep blue sea! How awesome are its beaches with fine pebbles and stones! How wonderful are its crystal clear rivers and springs! How green are its sceneries and the surrounding hills and mountains of its ecosystem! What wonderful picturesque of scenic beauty and splendor that the sunset brings as the day concludes with the super sun slowly dimming its light rays down the verge of the shimmering sea! How peaceful and tranquil the atmosphere of its municipal state of affairs! How hospitable are its people! Indeed, what an inviting place for family habitation! Yet, how sad that progress and development seem to be aloof and unapproachable, notwithstanding its many resources and geographic location and proximity to the nearest capital city.

May those who have the chance to run for public office during this local election, dedicate their hearts and minds to truly perform the mantle of authority that may be placed upon them by the people and serve faithfully without fear or favor and partisan biases. May those who will be elected, initiate pending plans for progress and create new programs for development in one united effort to bring about growth and advancement for the municipality and its people which are long overdue. This they should do in acknowledgement and gratitude for the trust and confidence that the people may give them. May God open the pavilion of His hiding place and distill His blessings and let it flow in gradual stream upon our town of Anao-aon. May it be so!

CHILDREN’S GARDEN: A LEGACY OF LEARNING

By: Norberto Betita 

Teacher Angeline L. Tandan, incumbent Director & the late Teacher Irene L.Tandan, the Founder

The CGL:CI am not sure whether my meeting and shake hands with teacher Angeline L. Tandan yesterday have registered some thoughts in my sub-conscious mind that when I awoke early dawn today, Monday, March 4, 2019, the first thought that entered my consciousness was about the Children’s Garden Learning Center as a legacy of learning for many of the children and youths in Surigao City. 

The thought lingered even after my restroom call and it just didn’t leave as to have me awake until the alarm rings. What was in my mind is a sense of sincere personal gratitude to the founder of one of the pioneering kindergarten school in Surigao City---the late teacher IRENE L. TANDAN-- and those teachers, many of whom were already retired and with some having already slipped into the other side of the veil, in molding and building the educational foundations of all my five children, who studied and finished kindergarten from that beloved institution of foundational learning. It hits me so much that after my regular prayer I was kind of dragged in front of my computer and started to write those inspired thoughts while still fresh in the mind. 

The late Teacher Irene L. Tandan, CGLC founder & Husband, the late Atty. Enrique Y. Tandan

 

The memories of those many years of parent-teacher-institution partnership in molding the foundations and building blocks of our children’s quest for learning and education remains, as its alumni now occupies competitive positions in government and private institutions; and are pursuing private professional advancements in the field of medicine, law, science and technology, engineering and architecture and other progressive professions, during the last 40 years of its existence. I do not boast the fact that from the early foundational learning competencies in communications and mathematical literacy gained by my children from that humble and simple environment of the Children’s Garden Learning Center, four out of my five children had qualified to study in one of the nation’s premiere university---the University of the Philippines---although only two of them survived, the two having relinquished their scholarship in favor of reasonable priorities. Such learning foundations also motivated them to seriously endeavor to earn college degrees.

The founder of the Children’s Garden learning Center---the late teacher Irene---as she is fondly addressed by her pupils, was herself a teacher. She graduated with a degree in Elementary education and with a master’s degree in English. She should have gone far into the leadership hierarchy in the Surigao City Division of the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS), but having herself observed the foundational learning deficiencies in many of Public school pupils, she chose to instead establish a pre-school learning center, which by then there was only one available in the city, with a noble vision to better help prepare children for formal education. 

The CGLC founder as a young educator

       
Although her husband---Atty. Enrique Y. Tandan, a prominent lawyer---had been very supportive of her sublime and admirable vision for the children of Surigao City and the Province of Surigao del Norte, they were not that affluent as to have enough capital. Hence, they started the kindergarten school in a rented building. I knew of several plans of expansion, early on, using their real estate resources. However, according to their eldest son Enrique, Jr., a brilliant young man, who was then a first year college student at UP Diliman College of Economics, during our personal interviews and dialogues, the costs and the plight of the student’s family had always been a consideration and concern of her mother. She always justified her generous and benevolent disposition in favor of the children and their families as a token of affection, because from its inception she never wanted to make business out of the education which the school offered, but to make education its business. Consequently, the expansion plans did never materialize, except the converting of the kindergarten school into an elementary school. But through the years and until her passing, teacher Irene, left an endowment of learning that will forever be carved in the tablet of the hearts of those dearly beloved pupils she helped mold towards success, and the rest of the alumni of the school she patiently established not for material gains, but for a noble vision to help prepare children for better learning. 

Children celebrating Christmas

Therefore and up to this time, the Children’s Garden Learning Center remains to be the cheapest private preparatory and elementary school in Surigao City. Yet, its competitiveness in so far as learning capabilities of its students are concerned, continues to be at par with its sophisticated counterparts.

The school is now headed by teacher Angeline L. Tandan, a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology graduate from the Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan University in Cagayan de Oro City and daughter of the late teacher Irene L. Tandan. It is still housed in the same rented building of long ago. 

Cultural show and recognition

Economic development and progress and the significant appreciation of real estate market values and appraisals, attracted and enticed the owner to take advantage and dispose of the property, and thus threaten the school’s existence. But its grand and majestic vision and mission as enshrined by its founder will surely remain hallowed and consecrated to the same ideals when it was first established. Thus, it will stand on the rock of principles upon which it was built, no matter the storms, and the children will continue to recite the pupil’s creed more loudly and clear:

“We believe in the value of education.

“We thank God for our parents and guardians who care.

“We thank God for this chance to study at the Children’s Garden Learning Center.

“We shall not waste this golden opportunity to improve ourselves and be useful to God and country. We take pride in this school which is our second home.

“For optimum growth, we shall use every moment profitably, we shall obey rules and regulations. We shall respect teachers and all school authorities.

“At all times, we shall behave, upholding the good name and honor of our Alma Mater.

“To Almighty God, we return all blessings and praises.”

Then with greater fervor and solemn conviction, perform their whole-souled cry of the school’s motto:

“In the Children’s Garden Learning Center, we don’t make business out of education. We make education our business.”

In time, a new door will be opened to accommodate its enthusiastic pupils and parents, with renewed vigor and commitment for an enduring parent-teacher-institution partnership. Then the Children’s Garden Learning Center will live on forever as a provider of competitive foundational learning environment for our children and our children’s children. 

CGLC faculty and staff

As a parent, I cherished and treasured the time when I was humbled by the memory of the late Atty. Enrique Y. Tandan, who even beyond the boundaries of his prominence, had to convey our son Robert Sherwin home because we forgot to fetch him at school due to our very busy work schedule. Now as a grandparent, I cherish and love to witness my grandchildren show their respect, honor and fondness, tenderly expressed for their teacher Buding (Angeline), the school director, and other teachers for that matter, wherever and whenever they met, a substantiation of an atmosphere of tender and affectionate relationship in the school room and campus.

Then I am reminded of the words of Daniel Webster (1782-1852): “If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble to dust. But if we work on men’s immortal minds, if we impress on them high principles, the just fear of God, and love for their fellow-men, we engrave on those tablets something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten to all eternity.” I know that such ideals are part of what the Children’s Garden would want to leave as a legacy of learning for its students.

MEMOIRS: REUNION FOR ALL FORMER SURIGAO PHILNABANKERS

by: Norberto Betita

When the realities of waning physical strength lead us down and closer into the borders of life’s ultimate destiny, the chronicles and recollections of those long and wonderful days gone by, enliven back the amazing memories of friendships and camaraderie and rekindle the grand moments of joyful acquaintances. Such memoirs resuscitate the seemingly deflated energy that dwells on the soul of the weary travelers, as to create enthusiasm to reconnect the links and reinvent those memorable fellowship and alliance.

For some real and varied reasons our employment bonds were broken by the upshots of our search for individual fate and fortune. As we are chauffeured into the different boundaries of life’s thoroughfare in search of opportunities for growth and development, we somehow momentarily forget the ties and closeness of long ago. Yet, as some of us now sit in comfortable couches of success and with others on the limiting rocking chairs of retirement---when feet seems hard to steady and hands hard to grasp---the sweet echoes of the jubilant past ring back anew into the ears of our memory those long treasured flashes of gladness.

In plans to physically regenerate and refresh those missed instants of warm employment associations, while time is still available for disposal, especially for those who are already in the twilight of life’s journey, a group of Philippines National Bank (PNB) retirees called for and organized a grand reunion for all former Surigao Philnabankers.

As of this writing the following are listed: 

 1. Nards Balagulan (bxu)

2. Ardon Rasonabe (bxu)
3. Fred Amadora (bxu)
4. Sioney Uygioco (bxu)
5. Dindin Sembrano (bxu)
6. Bal Melgar (bxu)
7. Yanyan Cayomo (bxu)
8. Pensoy Fernan (cdo)
9. Lorna Royo (cdo)
10. Sarah Carbonilla (cdo) 

11. Yvonne Ariar (cbu)
12. Bessie Villamor (cbu)
13. Sylvia Becina (mla)
14. Jennifer Poblete (mla)
15. Manny Llesol (mla)
16. Trif Col (cbu/usa)
17. Jaque Del Carmen (can)
18. Caroline Balaba (can)
19. Lito Fortun (can)
20. Alex Ungab (usa)

 21. Raymund Vissara (usa)
22. Inday Tandan (usa)
23. Annging Alas (usa)
24. Elvie Guazon (usa)
25. Ningning Sering
26. Cholo Bathan
27. Lito Daguipa
28. Nora Bermudo
29. Bersai Ledesma
30. Evelyn Cayasa

31. Ricardo Gonzaga

32. Aquiles Besinga
33. Joane Ferrer
34. Ced Tantoy
35. Levie Lisondra
36. Bert Betita
37. Marlo Nambatac
38. Zita Maquiling
39. Romy Maquiling
40. Ronil Salmayor 

 41. Candi Lanugon
42. Judith Pajo
43. Boy Coniate
44. Bon Estaño
45. Cesar Bagaipo
46. Gloria Rutaquio
47. Virgilio Mendoza
48. Romeo Kwan
49. Nanding Rutaquio
50. Malu Madelo Pilorin

 51. Antonette Roma
52. Floy Paler
53. Gloria Rocha
54. Ospar Ebol

Guests:

1. Romeo Orozco
2. Domingo Gordonas
3. Erlinda Morandante

The organizing committee and conveners of this grand event are therefore inviting all former Surigao Philnabankers to join our reunion scheduled on June 21-23, 2019 in Surigao City. Should you have been missed in the list, please be counted. 

It is unfortunate that some of those who had been a part of such wondrous days---Mario R. Hatague, Eduardo Ajero, Avelino “Jun” Tiu, Dodong Milana, Luis Gomez, Jingjing Felicio, Rey Carbonilla and several others---were already summoned to the other side of the veil and have made the grave their mansions. Yet the nostalgias of them will linger through our lifetime as we try to memorialize the friendships which we shared during the short times we were together as Surigao Philnabankers.

We may have been quiet sentimental and saddened by their passing, but as in the words of the Psalmist, “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5.)

Revisiting the chronicle of my journey into the perimeters of the PNB Surigao Branch, there shines the names of Domingo Gordonas, who was the guard who informed me about the competitive qualifying examinations; Mr. Mario R. Hatague, Chief L & D and Mr. Eduardo Ajero, Credit Investigator, who conducted the character investigation, as a pre-employment requirement, after I passed the test. Their favorable narrative of my character and personality eventually awarded for me a secured PNB seat which to me was like a conceptual beautiful rainbow that forms after a distressing storm, having been without employment for some time.

Personally, I cherished those humorous memories with former PNB Surigao Branch associates. The branch was then housed under the Vasquez athletic field grandstand. It was a small space, which turns like a smoke chamber after all clients are served. Most men are smokers. It seems to be their stress antidote while balancing voluminous transactions using mechanical machines. One of the first funny thing that I witnessed as a newly transferred personnel from Tandag Branch, was when Bessie eventually shouted, “Please stop smoking, my husband is already complaining about my undergarments already smelling cigarette.”

Bessie was the best singer in the group and during bankers programs and parties, she was always one best and applauded performer. I’m grateful that she finally transferred and the performer’s mantle was passed on to me. Nobody could argue with the pictures below as evidence. However, with the original title holder coming back for the reunion, I will be returning the crown. 

I neither drink alcoholic beverages and smoke. But during our parties, they try to gather empty bottles of beer and place it in front of me for a picture. I look like the real drunken master. 

As a current account bookkeeper, it was my charge to make sure that checks with stop-payment orders, which are common during my time, should not be posted. There was this woman supplier of DECS books, whose check for encashment in the amount of P500,000, which signatories acted like table tennis players and used the check as their pingpong ball. They serve stop payment orders and then encashment notices for several times in a row. Until I finally got hold of the encashment notice attached to the check and I immediately have it posted and approved by Chief Alex. The following day, we received a complaint why it was encashed when a hold payment order was submitted. Chief Alex immediately asked for the ledger from me and checked. He found that on top of the ledger was a stop payment order. He was kind of punctured by the sad reality. The amount of P500,000 was such a huge accountability for him as the approving officer and for me as the bookkeeper. But I assured him that there was attached to the check an encashment order and there was no payment order during the day issued for the same check. Concerned about our joint accountability, I carefully checked on the notices enclosed and stapled on the ledgers and arranged those by dates. I found that the latest notice was for encashment. I shouted “Yes,” we were both relieved. 

Indeed, there were many sad and funny experiences which are worth remembering together. Sad when we were short in our cash transactions, because we were required to pay, and even sadder when we are over for we are not allowed to get the excess cash, but are made to explain why.

Boss Ardon was lucky because Miyot did not immediately dispense the content of the trash box into the trash bag for final distribution to the garbage collector. He first checked on the box and found a bundle of P50,000 worth of late deposit wrapped in newspapers.

I am ungrateful should I fail to recognize my mentors by whose managerial authority I was under direct supervision. Of course, I am enthralled by the persistence and perseverance of Manager Bagaipo that I oftentimes found myself late in my central bank clearing waiting for deposits he has to bring from marketing with checks for clearing. I respect and honor the paternal type of leadership and diligence of Manager Kwan. I am fascinated by the wit and brilliance of Manager Madelo, who was also my boss while in Tandag Branch. I loved the strict but straightforward attribute and generosity of Manager Hatague, and I enjoyed the company and leadership of Manager Gomez, Manager Amadora, Manager Melgar and Boss Ardon and his humor, although I am no longer under them during their managerial stint at PNB Surigao, although we were working on the same roof.

But most of all, I treasured the motherly style of management that Ma'am Sylvia Becina---the only woman manager I was under supervision---which she introduced into our team. Her soft and tender voice even in bad mood mirrored a menu which broth is delightful to the taste despite heat and the content tender and soft to swallow. Her profound leadership techniques where like those bits of fatty bone marrow in the same menu which provides energy to the heart and brain as to motivate each to contribute towards attaining the overall goals of the branch. She is very concerned of the well-being of his subordinates. Her motherly leadership even at work, represented the kind of a mother which Victor Hugo wrote in his classic: “She broke the bread into two fragments and gave them to her children, who ate them with eagerness. ‘She hath kept none for herself,’ grumbled the sergeant. “Because she is not hungry,” said a soldier.” “No,” said the sergeant, “because she is a mother.” 

 
I conclude with some funny memories when two of our security guards held hands together like frightened newlyweds, because of bomb scare, and when Miyot revealed in a Christmas Party, with sincere apologies to the late Manager Mario R. Hatague for tasting his coffee by the teaspoon each time he prepares a cup for him. I don’t know if you have ever experienced using a lip gloss as perfume; Miyot had it and later complained to Cholo why her perfume is gluey.

For sure each has his or her own story to tell and it’s worthwhile to listen and enjoy together the wonderful reminiscences of those pleasurable and congenial yesteryears. Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming.” As such it is said that, “No matter how much suffering you went through, you never wanted to let go of those memories.” (Haruki Murakami.)

We, therefore, most cordially invite all former PNB Surigao Philnabankers to come and join our grand reunion on June 21-23, 2019. BE COUNTED AND LET US ENJOY TOGETHER!