Saturday, May 31, 2008

ALFONSO IN A NUTSHELL

ALFONSO IN A NUTSHELL


Once proclaimed the Most Peaceful Town in the province of Cavite, Alfonso was the former Barrio Alas-as of Indang until 1859 when it was established as a separate Municipality named after King Alfonso XII of Spain.
It is the home of cultic ritual called “Sanghiyang” (Ancestral Offering) and the Firewalkers known as “Barkos”. It is also where the Old Testament-based house blessing called “Basang-gilagid” is still practiced.
Alfonso is the place where the legendary “alas-as” plant and the delicious “chicomami” grew first, and where the fairy called “Piritay”, who is always wearing red, is seen and known. Symbolic and very significant is its food called “Palutang” which is offered in every important occasion of thanksgiving, from the womb to the tomb. The most delicious “Pastillas”, “Tabliya” and “Achara” are all made in this town. Alfonso is the Flower Center of the upland Cavite.
Through the continous guidance of ts Patron Saint, John Nepomucene, the Alfonso folks are by nature peace-loving, Pro-God, Pro-People, Pro-Country and Pro-Nature. Only a stone’s throw from the scenic City of Tagaytay, Alfonso is a very good tourist destination.

From the book: TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Kegend by jett e. avinante, md.

Friday, May 30, 2008

THE INTERNET

THE INTERNET

It thrilled me no end when I opened the internet and found four of my children on line. Two of them are in Australia, one is in Canada, and one is in BF Homes, Parañaque. Only the one in Caloocan City is not on line. My eldest told me about his newborn son who is suffering from colds. My youngest must be very busy that he did not have time to chat. The one in Canada related to me their different, challenging and intriguing experience while adjusting in a new country with entirely new culture. The one in Parañaque , Metro Manila proudly told me her interesting experiences with her two very smart daughters.

Yes, globalization made it easier for family members to be on different parts of the world but the modern technology made it easier also for everyone to keep in touch with one another. Keeping in touch with one another, I think, is the secret of unity and continuity. It is too good that in spite of my age I am still somehow updated with use of modern technologies like the internet. It is the only thing that keeps me connected with my far away children.

We didn’t talk about anything too important or too relevant this morning but what we did for a few minutes was enough to make my day. I hope that the effect on my children is the same.

When I took up the basic course in computer my intention was only to make revenge with my children who were so impatient to explain to me the many confusing computer terminologies. While taking the short course I was not actually the student because every morning I taught my instructor what to teach me like on the first day I said: “I don’t know anything about this animal”, while pointing to the computer, “First , teach me how to open and close it without danger of destroying it or me being electrocuted”. The following day I told him to introduce me to the terminologies which were all Greek to me. I was so astonished when I learned that Mouse was not an animal, Menu had no reference to food, Hardware was not sold in hardware stores, Icons were not Saints or Great People, Bullets do not come from guns, etc., etc.

When I learned the basic, I surprised my wife and my children when they came home one afternoon and saw me sitting confidently in front of the computer and as people used to say, after that, the rest was history. So I am now computer literate though there are still so many things I should learn to be competent.

There was a time when I used to be the ‘Walking Encyclopedia’ to my children. They approached me for anything they wanted to know. With the computer we are now almost on equal footing, though I have to consult my youngest son for anything that goes wrong with it. With a website, a blog spot, a friendster account, a tagged account an e-mail address and access to MIRC and many more who would like to leave this world soon?

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

AMUSEMENTS IN ALFONSO

L. AMUSEMENTS IN ALFONSO

1. HARANA (SERENADING)
It is very old form of amusement introduced by Godofredo Canlobo from Batangas during the late 1800’s and was adopted by the local bachelors. At night, they gather at a certaion meeting place carrying a guitar. They go around singing kundimans.
Then the group will choose a girl’s house and there, sing their best songs until the family of the girl is awakened who, in turn, invites the sernaders to come in. They chat, play and sing together, at times, ‘till late, late at night’.
During the mid-60s and innovation was introduced. The practice was used in welcoming lady visitors. Occassionally, due to peer or gang competition and jealousy, misundertandings occurred among different groups of manghaharana (serenaders). During the Second World War, the practice became so common that troubles became rampant. After the war, it was temporarily prohibited but later, was revived and activated by the modern generation with multiple variations.
According to Olimpio Ortega, when Godofredo Canlobo introduced harana, he was with is friend named Serafin. They both came from Talisay, Batangas. The reason for their frequent visits to Alfonso was to see Filomena Aviñante (Menang), the pretty daughter of Francisco Aviñante II (IKYONG) and Eusebia Rosanes.
Inspired by Godofredo and Serafin were Esteban Crizaldo, Apolonio Escano, Pablo Rom. Olimpio Ortega, Ignacio Varias and Hermogenes Eroles.
On the otherhand, Anastacio Añonuevo (Tasyong Taba) believed that the Harana pioneers were Pedro Pillerva and Pablo Rom.
Anastacio, later became a member of the ALULONG, together with Ireneo Alano, Juan Aviñante, Olimpio Ortega and Pablo Gloriani.

2. SABONG (COCKFIGHTING)

Like anywhere else in the Philippines, Sabong is also a favorite pastime in Alfonso. I read that sabong has been practiced in the Philippines since the time of Magellan. It is an interesting form of amusement but one could be deeply involved in it. Some businessmen had gone bankrupt due to this gambling habit. Sabong was legalized already but some still insist on doing the illegal tupada.

3. SIPA (Local Football):

It is a kind of ballgame played by the feet and is more commonly played in the Barrios than in the Poblacion. The ball is made of woven bamboo strips. It could be palyed by twos or by teams; the best kicker is of course, the winner. It used to be a very interesting betting game during Barrio Fiestas but with the advent of new ball games, sipa lost its popularity. Very few among the youth today have seen the game.
There are other interesting games in Alfonso, such as hagarang taguan, tumbang preso, tibigan and others.
I can still recall those days when we used to catch kuru-kuruk, hiding backwards through dust mounds; kiskis-kiskisan (toy rice mill), using salagubang, and also gula-gulaman using pakinoy.
We used to gather sapinit (wild berry), among abandoned fences. We made sumpit (toy wind gun) out of usiw and anos from the brooksides. We used tagpo as bullets. We also gathered irok, days before the Fiesta. We made bantay to catch the bird pakiskisi during harvest season; parukot and pakwis to catch monkeys and alamid (wild cat), as well as musang. We caught yayay and kagang using the sticky jackfruit sap (dagta).
Ah, those days when teen-agers palyed bahay-bahayan and took a bath nude at the brook without a tint of malice.
The technological age has corrupted everybody with the ataris, betamax, video, CDs, the computer, and other mechanical devices that entertain the passive viewer.

From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

HELPER PREDICAMENT

HELPER PREDICAMENT

For senior citizens with some children scattered in far parts of the world, living without helpers is difficult. More difficult is finding the right helper for the right job.

Nowadays anybody who has acquired a little ability and have saved or borrowed a little money intends to work abroad. We have to choose our helpers from those left behind because they did not pass the requirements and are actually hesitant to work anywhere. We, who need or depend much on helpers, gamble every time we hire one.

Right now we have four helpers at the house and two farmers. One farmer got sick and needed rest, the other one who is illiterate, lived-in with a widow together with her six children. They decided to move to our farm but we rejected the idea for fear of bigger problems later. Our other helper is a high school graduate that we helped finish a driving course. He learned how to drive but is still confused about the Manila traffic maze after 15 years. In fairness, he is our all-around errand boy as well but sometimes abuses too. He is from Iloilo like the illiterate farmer.

My cook-janitor-gardener who finished the Primary grade from Bicol has to be moved temporarily to the farm together with another high school graduate also from Iloilo. We shall be left only with an 18 year old boy who only learned bits of informal lessons taught by volunteers to the orphanage where he came from.

He was an abandoned child that turned torture victim in the hands of his own illiterate uncle. He stowed away and later found a place at “Kanlungan Sa ERMA”, a shelter for the abandoned children. At his age he is now ready for release that is why he is under observation in our care as his temporary foster parents. Upon hearing his story our hearts were touched and we wished to help him.

After 5 months observation he showed some improvements but the call and influence of the street is still embedded in his system. My wife and I can tolerate all his shortcomings knowing that he has no parents or relatives to turn to while we are also prying and hoping that he will improve and later be our support as we age.

One night while strolling at the town plaza after dinner he was mauled by a group of boys after asking if he came from the orphanage. He said he didn’t know any of the maulers. It was possibly a case of mistaken identity. But he took a kitchen knife from the house and quickly returned to the plaza to get even with the maulers who already fled. We also heard that somebody who thought he was mocked by him wanted to do revenge. Street culture is very conducive to troubles and we cannot blame him for his instinct to fight back but we also cannot be blamed for being afraid of possible consequences of keeping him.

We sincerely want to help as we have dome many times before but we also want to be very cautious especially now when criminality is rampant anywhere. We are now in that predicament. To accept or release the abandoned who already found haven in our care.

Monday, May 26, 2008

ANG SWIKOS NI BARNAY

Here is a very short story using many local terminologies in Alfonso. If you cannot understand please ask your grandparents to interpret. you will enjoy...

ANG SWIKOS NI BARNAY

Si BARNAY ay isang batang KALIKATSAW na lumaki sa PAG –AARMITI ng kanyang ANDA. Nang siya ay bago pa lamang LAGSANG, ang kaniyang inang HALIPAROT ay namatay sa isang DANYONG SAKIT sapagka’t sang-ayon sa mga MAGSASANGHIYANG na NAGLAWIT sa kaniyang ina, ito raw ay NABATI ng mga NUNU ng minsang MANINGKAYAD sa may BALISBISAN ng kanilang bahay. Sabi naman ng ibang ALBULARYO, ang sakit daw pumatay sa ina ni Barnay ay dulot ng MASARGANG AGIHAP noong kaniyang kabataan sapagka’t noon daw bata pa ang nanay ni Barnay ay talagang malimit TAGULABAYIN mula pa ng siya ay makagat ng HIMIMINGOT ng minsang siya’y nanghuhuli ng HINTUTUBING at ALIPARU sa may TALANDIAN, na kapag NAARIRA naman ay PAGKARAKA’Y NATAGULAYLAY at BUMABANAT ng PARAK matapos TALAKAN ang sino mang HAHADA-HADA.

Isang araw, sa paghahangad ng ama ni Barnay na makapag-KAMAL ng MIL-AK-MIL-AK na kayamanan ay inipon ang ibang tulad niyang mga BARIBAT na KADAMPILYAN at sila’y nagbalak na MAMBAYKOT ng kayamanan na diumano ay nakabaon sa dulo ng BALANGAW.

NAGTUTUNGAYAW PA NG UMALIS ANG buturing ama ni Barnay at KARIMUTAN ng takbong lumayo ang lahat niyang ALIPORES samantalang si Barnay ay naiwang LASMID NA LASMID at NGUTO NG NGUTO.

Kaya’t si Barnay ay SINANDUNDO ng kaniyang KAKA na isa namang PUGALSAK at napaka-BURARA. Dahil sa KAGIGIHAN ng kaniyang KAKA ay napabayaan pati ang BASAYSAY sa dahilang PARATI na lamang KATALAMITAM sa mga BURA at TIBAW hanggang sa MAURIPOL sa kareregalo.

Sa KAGALGALAN nilang dalawa ay nagka PIRA-PIRAIT na ang mga gamit sa bahay, NABINGOT na pati mga KAM-AW kung kaya’t nagkalat ang mga PURUNGGO at BIBINGA. NAMULOS na ang mga takip ng bintana kung kaya’t pinapasok ng AMPIYAS kung naulan.

Si Barnay ay NAKAKA-ANI sapgka’t kung MAALIS-IS ang panahon siya ay laging NAKABUYANGKAD at BUNGISNGIS NG BUNGISNGIS sa may tabi ng LATOK samantalang NAGKUKUKOT ng HIMBABAO. Sa KURKULA ng iba kaya raw si Barnay ay PURIL ay sapagka’t nagka SARAMPIYON siya noong bata pa, nakagat ng ULAHIPAN ng lumaki-laki at malimit na BINABALISAWSAW dahil kung maligo raw ay hindi NANGHIHILOD. PIRMI raw siyang kaurupot ng mga GARUTAY na naglalaro sa SILAB at malimit na KAHALIDUTDUT sa pag IISTIMA ng ibang tao. Dahil sa ugali niyang iyon, malimit siyang MAPAGDISKITAHAN pati sa pang UUG-UG ng BAYAG-KAMBING at PAGHAHALIKWAT ng MATITILUS na UTING-KUGON.

Isang araw sa may KASILYAS ng BARAKA ay bigla na lamang may PUMINDOT sa kaniyang ALAK-ALAKAN. NAMAYBAY ang HAPDI hanggang sa kanyang KUYUKOT kaya bigla na lamng uminit ang kanyang KUKUTI. Isang UTO naman ang KUMALIKAW sa kaniyang TABUGI dahil marahil ay sumisige ang PANDARAWISAW. NAKAKA-SORA, subali’t talaga naming URIKIT ang BANDOY na iyon. Masarap sanang BATUKAN pero di man lang MASIKMAT ni Barnay sapagka’t SINGKARA ng KAPAL ang mga NAMAMARAKA.

Napuna ni Barnay na ang lalaking SUMISIRINGGI sa kanya ay BUNGI, BINGOT at may SUMISIBOL sa HINTUTURO. Sa palagay ni Barnay ay kaya niyang ISISI sapagka’t mukha naming MALAROY bagama’t SINGARUNG-SINGARONG lumapit sa kanya.

Naghintay na lamang si Barnay na siya ay GURDUHIN ng PUTRAGIS na iyon. Ibig niyang HUMIYAW subali’t bigla siyang kinagat ng GUYAM na pula at sa kaniyang PAGKARIPAS ng takbo ay bigla siyang SINUGGABAN ng hind MAKALING lalaki na pilit INIAANDOT ang sarili sa kanya. Hindi naman niya matutuhang ibigin sapagka’t bukod pa sa may ANGHIT ay talagang umaalingasaw ang pagka amoy ULBO.

Ng wala ng siyang magawa ay NGINIBITAN na lamang niya ang WALANG HIYANG iyon, nguni’t siya ay INULAUD ng halik kahi’t siya ay may BUNING-MANOK sa may gilid ng liig. Wala siyang nagawa kundi PUMARAK at UMATUNGAL ng UBOD ng lakas. Nang makita niyang NAGDAGISUNAN ang mga taong palapit sa kanila ay kinuha niya ang kaniyang SWIKOS at BINEGWASAN ng isang pukpok na ubod lakas. NAHAKLIT ang kaniyang KAMISON at nag TALSIKAN, NANABOG at nangawala ang mga ABALORYO ng kaniyang NAGIBANG SWIKOS subali’t NATUNGKAB naman ang BATOK ng URNOY na iyon at sa KATULIRUHAN ay nawalan ng malay-tao sa may BUKANA ng KASILYAS.

Hindi pa NATALDAHAN si Barnay. SINIKARAN pa niya ang BASTOS. Dumating ang mga pulis. Si Barnay ay IKINALABOS samantalang ang lalaki naman ay PINULAWAN nuong gabi.

MINUMUKO mo naman ang pangyayaring iyon sa buhay ni Barnay.
Siya ba ay dapat MAKALABOS? Sino ang TUGANG pulis na humuli kay Barnay? Hindi na ba siya NAGMUNI-MUNI?

Noong gabing iyon, ang hindi MAKALING si Barnay ay UMUKYABIT sa dinding ng KALABUSAN. BINIYABIT ang kaniyang mga ARGANAS at KAGAGAUTAN. Sumilip muna siya sa mga naka ANTIWAS na dinding at ng mapunang ULA ang bantay na pulis ay NAGPARAUS-US na pababa. NALABINIT ang kanayng mga GULUGOD at NAMANTOS ang kanyang mga TABUGI.

Lumaganap ang sakit hanggang sa may gilid ng kaniyang PUKLO.Nagpilit siyang DUMAGI-DAGISUN at SINAMBARGA ang TAYUD na may lamang SAMUT-SAMOT. Hindi halos siya maka-UGAGA at kulang lamang ay MAHIRIKLAT ang kaniyang KILI-KILI na MAANGOT na noon. LUMAGOTOK ang kaniyang paa sa PAGTIPAS at ang pulis na bantay ay NAPAMULAGA na lamang sa kanya.

Palibhasa’y may KAHITARAN si Barnay, siya ay GUMIRAY-GIRAY at KINULINGGI ang pulis. Siya naman ay KINUNSINTI ng URNUY na sapagka‘t bagong gising ay naka-SUKANOT . Ang pulis ay mukhang DUSONG kung kaya’t BINANATAN ni Barnay ng isang buong lakas na SAMPILONG. Ang kawawang pulis ay UMARINGKING na parang PAPAGAYO. Ang Hepe ay NAG-URIRAT sa pangyayari subali’t si Barnay ay SINAGUNSON ng kaniyang ANDA at SINAMBILAT na pauwi sa bahay. Sa dahilang si Barnay antimano ay LAHIHI, pinatawad na siya ng TUNGGAK na pulis at binayaang umuwi sa kanilang bahay.

Kinabukasan, samantalang inililibing ang lalaking napatay ni Barnay, siya naman ay HUMAHALIHING HINIHINGUTUHAN ng kaniyang KAKA na walang kasing ADA. Nakasilip siya sa butas ng bintana at habang NANGHIHINULANGOT ay NILILIBAK ang mga kamag-anak ng lalaki na NAGTATAGULAYLAYAN habang lumalakad na puntang PANTIYONG.

Sa katagalan ng mga panahong lumipas ay NATALDAHAN din si BARNAY at 'di nagtagal may isang TUTUGA-TUGANG BARNOY na lumigaw sa kanya, nagpakasal at sila ay nagsama hanggang WAKAS.


Mula sa aklat ng TINGKORAW
Alfonso’s History and Legend
Ni jett e. aviñante, m.d.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

DRESS CODE

DRESS CODE

A wedding was scheduled. The Bridal entourage came on time but the priest won’t start the ceremony. His reason was because many of the secondary sponsors were wearing backless. It was against the new Dress Code of the Catholic Church.

Commotions started and emotions flared. Someone wanted to slap the priest on his face. But cool heads prevailed. But it took quite a time before everything was settled. It was not that easy to find several shawls to cover the backs of those young ladies.

We cannot blame the priest for it has been announced many times that the new Dress Code should be followed. Discipline is important in any organizations and the Roman Catholic Church is the most undisciplined group. Other sects, probably because they are smaller groups are well organized.

Priest have the right to impose discipline among their flock but it is also important that they discipline themselves. For instance, they used very loud speakers to impart their homilies and other notices not aware how they are disturbing other people in their own houses where they need simple silence for whatever reasons.

If the Dress Code should be followed strictly it will result to a very decent group of parishioners going to Church but what is more important is that priests should also be sensitive enough about what their parishioners feel when they give very long homilies and corny presentations during the celebration of the Holy Mass.

Back to the wedding, it was solemnized after a long delay but what the priest did turned out to be the talk of the town with many negative connotations. This should not happen in an organization suppose to praise God.

Some Priests must have forgotten their own "dress code" on wearing the Roman collar when they are not using their habit. Look at some Priests who dresses like a goon...

Friday, May 23, 2008

ALFONSO'S NATIVE DELICACIES

NATIVE DELICACIES IN ALFONSO,CAVITE
1. PALUTANG
In as far as my own personal evaluation and experiences are concerned, I consider Palutang as the most versatile, symbolic and valuable native food.
Palutang is made out of ground sweet rice. The procedure in making it is almost ceremonial. First a good kind of rice is so chosen and ground in a crude-looking stone rice-grinder. The watery by-product is partially dried by putting it in a cloth bag and allowing the water to drip till it becomes sticky. This is called galapong. It is shaped by taking a piece of the dough and pressing it between the palms of both hands to form an oblong-shaped dough.
Water is boiled in a big pan where the oblong-shaped dough is placed. The floating (palutang) signifies that the dough is cooked already, or lutang na. It is now ready for serving. It is usually eaten with shredded coconut meat and a little sugar. It has a bland taste but is a “must’ in many occasions. It is served during the first ‘home baptism’ or Buhos tubig usually performed by a quack midwife (hilot). The idea is to trigger the “floating future” of the child.
Palutang is again served on the fourth day after the burial of a dead child. This is to help the child on his way to heaven. It is also served after the completion of a “novena” or upon arrival from a pilgrimage whether from Calaca, Batangas; Antipolo, Rizal or Ternate, Cavite.
On New Year’s Eve, at about midnight, it is prepared in order that the coming year will “float” with plenty of graces.
Finally on the first Monday of August, it is again on the table because August is a month of hardships and the family is hoping that the palutang eating will in one way or another, ease life and prevent hunger (kawiting palakol).

2. SUMAN (DAPA, SA LEHIYA OR HABA, SA GATA)
Suman is one of the favorites but not as symbolic and significant as the Palutang, although during All Saint’s Day (Undras), suman is the hero of the table in every house. It is made up of malagkit (sweet rice) wrapped in banana leaves and cooked with coconut milk or gata in case of the sumang haba (the long one), or with lehia (an alkali) in the case of the sumang dapa (the flat one). Suman is generally served with native coffee (kapeng barako) or chocolate and usually with other native delicacies such as kusinta, puto (rice cake), sinaing sa gata, or palipad-hangin.

3. KALANGKANG (STEAMED CASSAVA CAKE)
It is made from grated cassava (Balinghoy or kamoteng kahoy) and steamed. A real delicacy when served hot with salabat (ginger ale) or avocado juice. It became popular during the Japanese occupation due to scarcity of food.

4. MARUYA (FRIED GROUND MALAGKIT)
This delicacy is made out of galapong na malagkit (sticky dough) with little sugar. As a variation they sometimes add banana (saba variety), or jackfruit (langka) or both. The pure one is more commonly used as an offering during a ritual called SANGHIYANG (Ancestral Offering. When used in Sanghiyang, it symbolizes the tablet of the ten commandments.

5. BALIKUTSA
It is a kind of candy or dessert made of sugar. It is prepared by boiling panotsang bao until crystal-sticky, then stretching it back and forth in a very intricate style until it cools. It is finally cut into elongated pieces. It goes very well with sinaing sa gata.

6. PUTO AND KUTSINTA
Both made out of ground rice (galapong) by steaming, they are common table courses. Lately, they are served together with maja blanca with latik, and bibingkang kanin, too. They do not symbolize anything in particular but are commonly offered to visitors due to their special taste that always calls for a second serving.

7. PALAROSDOS
Very similar to Palutang, only this Palarosdos is smaller in size and cooked with gata (coconut milk). Later, innovators added sago or langka and even sotanghon. It is served with ordinary native cookies like camachili, palipad-hangin, biscocho, pritong saging na saba or camote.

8. NATIVE “ACHARA”
Acclaimed the best in the whole province of Cavite, the Alfonso “Achara” (pickled papaya) is made from carefully chosen papayang tagalog, shredded in a medium-sized shredder (yadyaran) then squeezed strongly to remove the liquid portion. A concoction of sugar, vinegar, onion, carrots and bell pepper for color, ginger, garlic and ubod are added. The secret: No boiling done.

9. NATIVE “VALENCIANA”
A variation of the Spanish “arroz valenciana’, it is always a part of all big banquets, just like menudo, puchero, mechado, morcon and others copied from the Spanish recipes. Lechon and tinola are still very popular. Lately, however, even the Filipino table has been westernized. You now see hamburgers, hot dogs, cakes roll, sandwiches, spaghetti, lasagna and what have you.

10. OTHER DELICACIES
Vying easily with modern snacks are Alfonso’s other favorites namely: Kalamay na itim, bibingka (of various flavors and ingredients), sinudsod, okoy, pansit, sotanghon, sinaing kanturis, buchi, dul-dul, champorado, balitaw, lapuke (a variations of sinaing sa gata).

From the boook TINGKORAW: Alfonso,s History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

MISUNDERSTANDINGS

MISUNDERSTANDINGS

Misunderstanding has resulted to wars between great nations. It has caused separations, fights and murders. It has triggered jealousies, misconceptions and intrigues of all kinds. Misunderstanding is the root cause of many troubles.

There are leftists and rightists, rebels and lost commands, terrorists and other lawless elements because of misunderstandings. In the absence of understanding, families are broken, communities are in disarray, the world is at a loss. Religious groups and their leaders are not exempted.

Attempts are made to solve the problem. Peace fora and conferences are held; courts are established; negotiations are done here and there but still to no avail. It is because even in the smallest unit of society – the family – misunderstanding is very common in spite of the same blood circulating in their arteries and veins. There is power play among parents; rivalries among siblings and miscommunication between parents and children.

With the advent of new technologies, communication has improved tremendously but for as long as the communicants are not willing to agree on certain point, misunderstanding will prevail. The secret is acceptance and agreement. Anybody can accept and agree on good suggestion and opinion but our stubbornness isolates us from everybody else.

Man by nature is stubborn because man by nature is corrupt. It is because man by nature cannot accept and agree even on what is good. Self-contentedness is the root of all misunderstandings. So when someone appeals for understanding we should understand with no strings attached.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

FLORES DE MAYO IN ALFONSO

FLORES DE MAYO

“Flores de Mayo” in Alfonso, Cavite was established during the term of Rev. Fr. Jose Sta. Teresa (1861). The first big celebration supposed to be headed by Hermana MayoraMaria del Mundo was to take place in the year 1895 but it was cancelled due to people’s apprehension about the impending revolution and many went into hiding.
The following year the festival was done in a very simple way of floral offering at the foot of the Virgin Mary every afternoon during the Month of May. This was preceded by the praying of the Holy Rosary, and then at the last Sunday of the month a procession was held together with little girls carrying the flower-decorated letters that read AVE MARIA PURISIMA. Also following the little girls were pretty teen-agers in their Sunday best.
But the youth were not satisfied with the simplicity of the festival. Cabecillas who offered the food to the participants were assigned daily aside from the grand banquet offered by the Hermana Mayora at the height of the celebration on the last Sunday of May. The preparation for said banquet usually lasted for about a week.
After several years the town ran out of hermanas who could afford to shoulder a grand festival so that in 1923 the traditional May festivities were temporarily stopped. But in the following years, the months of May turned disastrous. Calamities visited the town and a strong typhoon in 1926 blew off the church’s roof.
The superstitious parishioners thought that the Virgin Mary “was angry” because they stopped the celebration of Flores de Mayo. The festivity was resumed in 1927 headed by Miss Rufina Rosanes (Mrs. Gregorio Columna) as Hermana Mayora and president of the organization at the same time.
The role of society entered the picture. What used to be a purely religious matter was adulterated with social color and it became even more grand and noisier than ever before. Many changes happened. This was felt more during the Japanese occupation. People then were forced by circumstances to be in their hometowns and just like what happened in Alfonso, so many civic organizations were organized.
Probably to turn away the people’s mind from the terrors of war, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Pacifico Araullo thought of making the May Festival more interesting and appealing to the young ones… The male population was included in the organization and even a SANTACRUSAN was introduced (another Festival different from “Flores de Mayo” as this is connected to Queen Helena’s search for the cross where Jesus was crucified). Instead of once during the month, the “Santacrusan” was held every Saturday.
To the youth, one month was not enough so they extended the “Santacrusan” up to the month of June and simply called it “SANTA CRUZ DE JUNIO”.
Every new set of officers thought of ways to make the celebration more elaborate to outdo the previous one. “Flore de Mayo and “Santacrusan” were combined to add more SAGALAS.
Not long after, the town again ran out of hermanas. But this was solved when in 1956, the Lady President, Miss Celeniana Varias (Mrs. Apolinar Mojica) also acted as the Hermana Mayora. This style continued until 1960. The following year Miss Norma Rogacion (Mrs. Nestorio Hernando), headed the line up of new hermanas which went on until the time of thiw writing (1999).
Very new set of officers strove to make the May Festival Celebration more meaningful. In 1976, during the time of Rev. Fr. Avelino Sapida, with the help of the research done by the author, a new guideline uniquely for the town of Alfonso was introduced. Sagalas represented the fifteen Mysteries of the Holy Rosary and the different titles of the Virgin Mary in the Litany.

From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH

THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (Aug. 9, 1969)

He was the son of a wanderer from San Antonio, Zambales who turned him over to his grandmother when he was aged three so as not to be an obstacle to his travels. He was born on May 23, 1897, and took his elementary studies in “La Juventud Filipino” a Spanish college then located at Binondo, Manila.

He was ten years old when converted to Protestantism because of his aunt who objected to a certain catholic baptismal ceremony. He studied in several other schools:
1. His secondary grades at Ateneo de Manila.
2. At an English School, he took writing in Spanish, English, and Tagalog.
3. At “La Sale Extension University”, he took higher accounting.
4. Course and studies in Special Journalism.

He joined the Scouting Movement in 1928, married Maria Velasco Madarang on July, 1929. His wife died after a miscarriage.

In 1932 he was awarded the “Eagle” after passing 21 merit badges in land scouting. Then he joined the Sea Scout where he obtained the highest mark, a “Quartan Master”. He traveled much then he worked in a Navy Yard. Afterwards he became a messenger of the Cavite Court of First Instance, then a clerk, then an interpreter.Finally he was appointed Special provincial Sheriff by then Judge Manue V. Moran up to June 15, 1941. He was connected with the Bureau of Immigration when he met with an accident in 1946. While attending a Protestant Service in Balintawak he met Bishop Matias Cuadra who appointed him Superintendent of Sunday School.

In 1947, Bishop Cuadra suggested that he go to Alfonso in order to strengthen his legs while at the same time rehabilitating the Protestant Church in Bo. Marahan under Minister Filemon Rogelio.

In 1957 he was sent to Cebu and other places in the Visayas and Mindanao where he performed many assignments.

Back to Alfonso, Cavite in 1963 to organize a Training School for Evangelists he suffered from retinal detachment which made him blind. The disappearance of his vision did not worry him at all. He kept on going around with the help of a little boy whom he paid to guide him. He talked too much about too many things that later many were turned off by his repetitious stories.

By that time he was completely orphaned with no traceable relative to go back to. So, he decided to share shelter with other Protestants in Marahan. Those living with him started treating him coldly and indifferently, yet he remained faithful and sincere to his Lord. He was uncomplaining but what made him unpopular was his being boastful about “knowing too much”.

All those years of his stay in Alfonso were satisfactory. When asked what made his stay in spite of the offers of Protestants in Manila, he just remarked: “I don’t know really, I just love this place”.

About people that made impressions in his mind, he quickly answered: “The first two were Ciriaco M. Acuña and Lino Salazar, the last two were Doctors Rodolfo M. Poblete and Julian E. Aviñante”.

He first disliked the place because of the unruly Marahan youth but he came back in 1969 after turning down an invitation by another Protestant from Magallanes.
The experience of MR. SANTIAGO CORPUZ ESLAVA is one proof of the magnetic appeal of the town to the visitors. Anybody given a chance to live Alfonso for a certain period always hates to leave the place. If he does, he usually comes back without really knowing why.

______________
Mr. Eslava was reasonable in deciding to stay in Alfonso, for even during his hour of death people helped him and attended to his needs. Funeraria Alfonso offered its place for free during his wake while many Alfonso folks came offering prayers and donations.

From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante,m.d.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Portrait of Peace of Mind

A PORTRAIT OF PEACE OF MIND (Aug. 4, 1969)

He is an old man now. His visions dimmed by cataract, his hair grayed by time and his skin wrinkled by hardships, but still Marcelino Romero is as happy as ever. He doesn’t know where he was born nor does he care when. He is well known, and is even more popular than the town mayor and the parish priest, for no one in Alfonso, Cavite who has reached the age of reason doesn’t know Seling.

When he was young he was energetic. He managed to supply the daily water needs of more than fifty families in the poblacion during that time when the town was not yet provided with faucets. He never had a house of his own, much more a kitchen to cook his foods, yet he eats three full meals a day and even changes his clothes quite often. He doesn’t understand what a headache means as he never experienced one. I never heard him get sick except for a few scattered scabies on the different parts of his body. He seems to be immune to most diseases.

He used to get mad when called “KIRYO”. There are several theories as to the origin of the term. According to Mrs. Cecilia V. Cron, a school teacher, it started when Seling was still young. One time he warned someone by saying “I’ll kill you”, which because he was imbecilic sounded like “kiryo”. People who were present then laughed and Marcelino got mad.

According to Mr. Ramon Orosa, however, it evolved after the killing of Ronquillo during the time of Governor Raymundo Jeciel. Seling enjoyed spreading the news about the death of the notorious bandit. He went around telling everyone that “Kiryo”, meaning Ronquillo, was already dead.

I personally asked Marcelino Romero about it. He just smiled showing his blackish-yellow teeth then explained that it was started by someone named Zoilo. Which ever is which, it sounds like the cry of an oriole (KULYAWAN).
Seling is guest of every affair, both public and private as well as confidential gatherings. He survived the Japanese occupation, by-passed the terrible sufferings brought about by war and is still miraculously alive. He claimed to have fallen in love with Geleng Espineli and yes, he believes in God, but children are afraid of him. He prays in his very own way whenever he “talks” to God.

“Kiryo” has been existing for seventy five solid years and is still on the go. Everyday, he will be seen sitting somewhere around the Plaza with his right leg crossed over his left, his eyes focused on nothing in particular, the arms carelessly leaning on any possible support, his face so ruggedly bright and his dry lips always projecting a happy smile. Every now and then, someone puts a lighted cigarette on his mouth, which he always joyfully puffs. At night he sleeps on any vacant seat in any bus in the terminal. He wakes up in the morning when the bus begin the moving or when riders begin to arrive. He then goes to a restaurant where he is offered a real heavy meal aside from snacks in between. Always full of life and vigor, he has never experienced indigestion.

Seling doesn’t make unnecessary comments or impolite remarks; he only answers when asked. He knows very little about big things and much about little happenings.
Man has invaded the moon in search for peace, but Seling has not changed a bit. The Pope is going around the world in an attempt to unite humanity while Kiryo is just smiling in one corner. Everybody is hurrying, nations are competing against one another, people are getting confused while life is getting more and more complicated. Not Marcelino Romero of Alfonso, Cavite who stays as calmed and relaxed as a newly laid egg. Seling, who, like the “lilies in the field and the birds in the skies” is guided by the Divine Providence. Kiryo who doesn’t possess the wisdom of Solomon and the strengthe of Samson, is the happiest fellow I know, for he maintains PEACE OF MIND.

________________________
When KIRYO died, the church bells announced it with the lonely “AGUNIYAS”. Mr. and Mrs. Jose Rosanes offered their house during the wake. Many gave donations and many were present when he was buried. Buried with him was a memory. The memory of a most envied man during his lifetime when people in trouble used to sigh. “MABUTI PA SI KIRYO, WALANG PROBLEMA.”

From the book TINGKORAW: Allfonso'sHistory and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER IN 1969

THE TACTFUL PEACE CORP VOLUNTEER IN 1969

Tall, dark and handsome were not the appropriate adjectives to describe him best. His height was amazing; his complexion was reddish-white, like a contaminated rice cake and he smiled brightly whenever told he was handsome. He looked like most Americans, only, he was real tactful. I first met him when he was in the very mood (?) to meet practically anyone because he just arrived in our town. He was with Atty. Teresito Rosanes then whose complexion was similar to his but with more contamination. He told me he spoke a “little Tagalog” and he really proved it with all his might: “Kah…unt..teh…lang”, he said, then smiled like a Filipino who didn’t know English and said yes to an American.

Upon mention of his name Robert Taft, I almost saw him drunk and carelessly walking like a drunken American down Taft Avenue in Manila, the street named after his old grand, grand, grand (?) father, William Taft. Immediately, he knew his way around. He laughed even when unnecessary just to be courteous to someone giving an unfunny joke. He gave his jokes too, and expected people to laugh just as well, courtesy aside. He thought he was humorous, for indeed he really was.

He enjoyed Filipino foods very much. He ate with “gusto” but Filipinos eat not without “gusto” but with more guts too. We ate together once in a party and found ourselves full.

Bob is a well-rounded personality not only intellectually but also socially, physically, emotionally, spiritually and yes “peacefully”…qualities that qualified him to join the Peace Corp. Bob was also tactful… he did the right thing at the right time. One time we were caught by the rain in Manila and he walked on water when he realized that everything else was submerged. Isn’t that doing the right thing at the right time?

He could drink beer direct from the bottle when there were no drinking glasses available, didn’t drink wine when offered water and could sing pretty well.
He is tactful too, because he played basketball in the basketball court. He taught Modern math even in a primitive school and claimed to have garnered modern results. He danced like an American even with a Filipina partner who danced like a Filipina…and mind you, in a dancing hall. He was friendly, yet, could be very temperamental at times as when Jaqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Everybody knew him, for he took part in all activities…from a mini fair to a grand wedding. Sponsored anything he thought was worth sponsoring, be it a newborn baby, a black uniform with a question mark or little things like a public library. He was superbly careful in making comments and remarks but his actions spoke louder. Bob was Ambassador of Peace to Alfonso, Cavite which was awarded a citation for being the most peaceful, long before he came.

In a few months, Bob will be returning to his homeland, the United States of America. The town of Alfonso will surely miss him. The old folks shall be inquiring about the “Kanu”, his friends shall be talking about Bob. The children will definitely remember him as they grow up, especially when they are already applying their knowledge in modern math in the modern world. When that time comes, no one could probably pinpoint where Bob would be and only this simple essay may serve as a reminder “that a young American named Robert Taft stayed for two years in this little town of Alfonso, Cavite.

But Bob didn’t just stay in Alfonso. He lived his two years there where he left behind “Peace” in various forms: He presented peace mathematically through his modern math.; he expressed it through his friendliness and actuation in general; he even sang it out during many important occasions, but most of all he left peace in Alfonso, in the form of a “cute” little “Aklatang Bayan”. How can Alfonso therefore forget a man with a characteristic contaminated rice cake complexion?

______________
In 1986, Mr. Robert Taft came back to Alfonso to visit his friends. It is a pity that we didn’t meet for I was then out of town. We missed each other but I hope he didn’t miss the fact that Alfonso is still peaceful, before, during and after the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand Marcos. I could have explained to him what happened to the Public Library. Good he came back to see me in 2007.

From the book TINGKORAW:Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

MY FATHER'S WIFE

MY FATHER’S WIFE

Had Women’s Liberation been a vogue during her time, she would have been not only one of the advocates but a leader. Yes, she was a leader in her own way and a very efficient guidance counselor.

She could have been convinced to practice birth control had it been popular during her time and I wouldn’t have come out of this world as I am the youngest among her brood of ten.

Yet, she too, was a liberator with her own unique style during her own troubled time. That was why she was the most sought-after as adviser of quarreling couples and as effective match-maker too.

She was a very hard working woman with deep insights in life that she carefully expressed during moments of negotiations, whether in business transactions or any reconciliatory moves.

Her favorite dictum to quarreling persons: “You are both wrong and defective; if one of you is OK he will understand and forgive the one who is wrong”. A very good starter indeed in any amicable settlement. No one will accept that he is not OK.
She knew very little about big things and events but was so big with regards to trivial matters. A big portion of her life was spent for little people with little life.

When she was seventy-two years old, a group of medical specialists gave her only three months to live for a non-functioning gall-bladder and other debilitating health problems. I took over and she gained additional 15 years. To me that was a great achievement, for after all not every child is given a chance to take care of his mother.

Her quotations were my daily inspirations and guiding principles in life. Her prayers were simple but forceful.

When she died I thanked all those who came to join the “thanksgiving mass” for her peaceful return to the Lord. I mentioned that in life, my mother worked so hard and was already tired. It was only proper that she be allowed Eternal rest which she very much deserved. MY MOTHER, DOMINGA ESPINELI-AVIÑANTE. Belated Happy Mother's Day!

From the book TINGKORAW: Alfonso's History and Legend by jett e. avinante, m.d.

Monday, May 12, 2008

FLY MARTYR AND OTHER HEROIC INSECTS

FLY MARTYR AND OTHER HEROIC INSECTS

I was having a conversation with a lady octogenarian over a cup of coffee. A fly suddenly came humming to the vicinity and bravely alighted on top of the sugar jar. Then it quickly transferred to the place mat and to the tray in its courageous attempt to reach my cup with still hot coffee. Visibly irritated the octogenarian requested for a fly swapper from her maid so she could finish the fly right away.

But the fly moved and flew so fast tempting the old lady to be more furious and more determined to kill the obnoxious insect. Not long later she was already panting angrily and her temple veins were bloated. Her blood pressure must have shoot up turning her into a mad fly murderer. Yet, the fly looked stronger as it moved and flew around in wild abandon.

“Wait”, I told the old woman, “You better stop hunting for the fly. It is considered a martyr in the fly kingdom and millions of fly are prying for its safety”. For its valor to be able to strut around alone back and fort in front of two aged humans is a heroic feat in the eyes of other insects. When it returns to its ”community” it will be hailed a hero even if it only brings home a taste of that coffee that it finally was able to sip from the left-over drops after I finished my cup.

If some human beings could only be as brave, strategic and daring as the fly, the ant and the mosquito, our world would be more abundant, stronger and harmonious. Look at the ant hives and the bee hives.

Have you ever for a moment stopped to watch the ants as they queue for the food to bring to their storage? They are so disciplined, uncomplaining while carrying their loads sometimes bigger and heavier than themselves. But they don’t stop being friendly and sociable as they always greet their comrades even if they only need to say: “We are going to die”. And the other ant replies. ”I know”. They are not afraid to die.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

OH, MOTHERS

OH, MOTHERS

Mothers are interesting topics. They are like a box of goodies containing everything good and sweet inside. They are also like endless pages of an interesting book full of suspense and climaxes. They are a challenge to psychologists for they could easily shift their existences from fantasy to reality and vice versa.

Most mothers are masochists. They enjoy hardships in serving their family but they could also be the most harmful sadists when scorned. Some of them enjoy being dictators to their children and to their husbands for they also possess messianic complex that keep them feeling they know everything. Her efficiency is based on that and we better not argue.

Sometimes I want to believe that mothers know best except in the case of Eve when she was tempted by the serpent in paradise. Look, what happen to us all. But she wasn’t a mother yet when it happened. She was merely a pampered wife. A pampered wife can always be very harmful but not a pampered mother because she would rather do the pampering and the spoiling of her children.

Considered as the weaker sex, yet, who is the father who could carry a child for nine months with a smile? The light and the heart of the home because no matter how tired, no matter how stressed and no matter what the problem is a mother can always manage to smile to everyone.

Mother is the true name of a woman. Her greatest essence is her capability to bear a child. She may be afraid of a cockroach and fearfully screams at a mouse but look, who tackles a husband as big as a house?

Yes without a bit of objection I agree wholeheartedly with the eloquent tribute of a song to a mother (woman): “Oh woman, ho woman, whatever she is…whatever she is, she’s necessary”.

My way of saying Happy Mother’s Day.

Friday, May 9, 2008

KNOCKINGS !!! Who is there?

KNOCKINGS

They were awakened by loud knockings at the door. It was around 1 a.m. They didn’t open the door, pretended that they were sleeping deeply. The knockings were repeated thrice. No voice was heard and nothing very unusual happened after that.

My helpers reported to me the following morning about the ominous knockings at their shelter that night. If it was a robber or a murderer or just anybody with bad intention, knocking would have been prevented. They would have just looked for any opening where they could have entered inconspicuously. If they were companions in need of help, voices should have been heard and they should have come earlier. Was it the knocking of someone out of his mind? But our gate was closed. The intruders must use the unfenced backyard to penetrate the garden. Someone out of his mind couldn’t think of such strategy.

Who made the knockings then? Search me but I honestly have no ready explanation. That morning an iron bar about three feet long was found in the vicinity. Was it the intruder’s tool intended to harm my helpers? But why did he have to leave it there?

He couldn’t be that stupid if he was brave enough to do what he did in the darkness of the night. Or perhaps that bar has been there all the time lying unnoticed.

It must be my sister (her ghost) who died recently, ventured my wife: A ghost knocking? And why at 1 a.m.? It was a more confusing theory… but still there must be a convincing explanation.

At the nearby school the securities have experienced several incidents of men entering the premises but they were found to be junk-buyers looking and searching among garbage files for their treasures. We don’t expect them to visit us at midnight, much more do loud knockings.

Anyway I just advised my helpers that should something similar happens they could text me and from my bedroom I could quickly open the floodlight to the garden. By the way, was it coincidental that my sensor light was suddenly out of order and wouldn’t light?

Times are uncertain. The best way to prevent unwanted incidents is to be always vigilant. Most ghost incidents were caused by the living.