By: Norberto Betita
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| 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.
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| 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.
“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.
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| 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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| 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.”
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.”
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| 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).
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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
