Tita Aning

January 6 this year marks the 14th death anniversary of Dr Aniceta "Tita Aning" Albano, Papa's first cousin and an aunt that I haven't really known save for some letters, photos, and stories such as this one that my father has kindly shared with me.

She was the one and only daughter of Epigenia "Lola Pihin" Albano-Jamias (Lolo Paul's older sister), the eldest grandchild of the Estavillo-Albano clan, schooled at UST, became a registered and worked as a pharmacist at St Rita Hospital, thereafter, pursued medicine at the insistence and prodding of Lolo Paul and Lola Piling, practiced her craft at St Rita Hospital before moving to New York (Internship at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx and Anesthesiologist at Brooklyn VA Hospital until retirement).

One side note that Papa mentioned was that Lola Pihin had the best house in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte - few creature comforts to be found there, but such a beautiful abode in a sleepy town. It is gone now but Papa's memory of the property is so vivid. He promised me that some other time, we'll talk about this. Maybe he'll do sketches of the cottage.

Another side note: Tita Aning and Candida "Lola Candi" Albano (another older sister of Lolo Paul) made the best beef tapa and pork sausages. They'll hang these meat products to dry and Papa, his brothers and cousins would sneak to steal some (They all suffered the consequences when caught!).

Growing up, Tita Aning was the best one around in the following aspects:

In mental health - When Papa and his siblings were growing up, she always exhorted them never to be close to temptation and to be on guard to maintain one's virtue: in Ilocano, "Agsa-iro ka!" translated to: The devil himself will enter your mind if you are not careful and will thus allow him to influence your behavior.

She maintained that the nearness to seemingly innocuous and innocent behavior or engagement in pleasurable and sensual things, e.g. attending group activities like party dances with friends or relatives (boy or girl), drinking liquor, beer or wine on occasions, watching movies rated X or reading literature and books considered risque and wearing clothes or dresses that expose body surface more than decency allows, may be causes of bad things, criminal things, or evil things. She smiled at you while she said these things.

In housekeeping and financial management - There was nothing fancy in her style; if bought, it is not wasted, especially food and left-overs. You have to be clean if you want to impress her. She was not a fashionista. Only at a time of her preference, she bought good quality clothing. She'd buy clothes usually a year (maybe more) after that item was introduced. She'll take you shopping to New York or New Jersey only if there is a sale going on (Papa moved to New York in 1982 and would have been with Tita Aning on a number of occasions.). Over the years, she was one, if you asked her, who would show you what she accumulated and saved. She owned a Mercedes Benz, but used a Chevy Nova instead. She also grew vegetables (tomatoes, okra, cabbage, eggplant, and peppers) in her backyard. If push comes to shove and you need a thousand dollars, just ask for her help and she'll give, not loan you $800.00. She'd visit us every week and bring meat, chicken, fruits, and vegetables to stock up the fridge. And she may cook chicken adobo and pinakbet (Ilocano vegetable pot) before she leaves for the Bronx and Montefiore Hospital.

She would say a few things to you, but never showed anger if you screwed up. She'd shed tears because she's been hurt and you'd be hard of heart if you did not feel the same.

***

Thanks, Papa for sharing the above anecdote on Tita Aning. There were 2 instances that I came across Tita Aning, both of which happened during the Christmas season. Many years ago, a neighbor migrated to New York who kindly brought some Christmas cards to my folks there (Tita Aning included). A few weeks later, someone flew back to Manila and gave us some pasalubong from New York - one was a Christmas card from Tita Aning. It was addressed to all of us 5 siblings. Enclosed were some money that she asked me to share with my brother and sisters. A weeks before she died, I received a short note from her (given by an uncle who was a balik-bayan). There were some money again. The very last words on her note were "Remember me in your prayers." I am not touched with the money she gave, but the thought that went with it. The sweet and heart-warming thought that I'll keep in my heart forever.

You will always be remembered, Tita Aning!