Mrs Villegas

In 1986, the Philippines had its first woman president. The following year, Letran (Manila) High School had its first woman principal in the person of Mrs Lucita Ablaza-Villegas. I was a freshman then. Prior to her appointment, she was assistant principal in the same department. 

A few days before the Christmas break, two sections competed in raising gifts for a charitable institution in Tagaytay. My section won and, as previously agreed with Ms Edna Marco (our Religion teacher), would be bringing the gifts to Tagaytay. Ms Marco told my classmate Gary Ramos and I to see Mrs Villegas to consult her on what we should wear for our trip.

When Gary and I went into her office, she stood from her chair, walked, and sat near us. We felt at ease. When we asked her what she thought would be the appropriate attire, she asked us what we had in mind. I told her, "Well, Ma'am, you're the boss". She smiled and told us that we can wear non-uniform, but would prefer to have us wear our ID. Towards the end of our visit, she shook our hands and I took that chance to introduce myself as Larry Albano's nephew. She was delighted. (In a separate occasion, she told my classmates that my Lola Piling was her "ninang".)

That delight turned into dismay when, a few months later, she went into our classroom to check if all students were wearing their IDs. Her aim was to ensure that the department was consistent with its policy. She asked who was the class president so I came forward. When she instructed me to make a list of those without ID, I humbly admitted that I was one of them. She gave me a tongue-lashing. Indeed, I acted unbecoming of a class officer. From then on, I saw to it that I wore my ID while in school. As a teacher now, I could understand where she was coming from.

In my sophomore year, she became our Philippine History teacher for a quarter as our teacher was on leave. Every week, she would require us to write a reaction on the editorial of a national newspaper. Initially I was lazy to submit the work. Looking back, these assignments challenged me to read and think critically. She also encouraged us to prefer Filipino over imported goods. To demonstrate, she stood in class and proudly told us, while pointing at her flowery pair of shoes, "Itong sapatos ko, yari sa Marikina". Even though an expat living in the UK for 22 years, deep within me is a yearning to do something for the Philippines. 

There was also a time when I interviewed her for an assignment on the use of the national language. I was shy to see her personally so I left a note with interview questions to her secretary. A few minutes later, a security guard came to our classroom to hand in my note with Ma'am's response. She wanted to see me. I complied and she personally gave me her views and feedback. Working in education can be a challenge especially with time management. For Ma'am, it is not having time, but making time that matters. 

By the time I graduated, Mrs Villegas had already been appointed Director for Student Services. Still, she attended my graduation. As my name was called and walked past her on stage, I could hear her giving me a loud applause. Fast forward, when I had a chat with her in social media about fellow Letranite Fr Rufino "Jun" Sescon being named a bishop, she replied, "Yes Arriba Letran! I'm proud of him".

Mrs Villegas had one unforgettable quotation: "You are Letranites!" Letran was then getting ready for the NCAA games and to stave off any unruly behaviour typical of Letran students, she said these words to us. Season or out of season, her saying serves as a wake-up call. 

You are Letranites! Whenever we despair or become presumptuous, let us put on hope on God who "has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and He has not hidden His face from him, but has heard, when he cried to Him..."(Ps 22:24).

You are Letranites!  When we are tempted to be indifferent to the plight of the least, the last, and the lost in our country, let us, as one Letran song goes, "magkaisa't magdamayan".

You are Letranites! When we have lost our identity as such, let the examples of our patron St John the Baptist, as well as fellow Letranites such as St Vicente Liem de la Paz and Manuel Quezon inspire us to conquer new glories for our and Mrs Villegas' beloved Letran.

Mrs Villegas, thank you for your leadership and friendship. Your passing away came as a shock as we were just chatting about you going to the La Naval celebration and me asking you to give Our Lady a flying kiss on my behalf. Thank you for being true to yourself by being such a light to those around you. Thank you for your reminder that I am a Letranite wherever and whatever my circumstances are. May Jesus, the Light whom you strove to mirror, welcome you into His kingdom of peace and happiness. 

To Coach Nemie, Mary Queen, and the rest of the Ablaza-Villegas family, my sincerest condolences. 

Three Celebrants, One Birthday!

Three people share God's blessing as they celebrate their natal day today, July 25.

First in the list is Laurentino "Tito Larry" Albano, my father's older brother.  Tito Larry is the third child of Lolo Paul and Lola Piling.  An excellent basketball player, he used to be the Coach of the Basketball Team in Letran Manila.  Our family would normally watch the games then to give my uncle and his team moral support.  Little did I know then that I would return to watch similar games years later - as a student of that august institution.  Apart from coaching, he was also the President of the family business.  Because two of his older brothers were in the States, Tito Larry acted as the panganay among his siblings in Manila.  Following the footsteps of Lolo Paul, he became Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (St Joseph de Gagalangin Parish) for some time; he was also Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council during the late Msgr Feliciano Santos' time.  

I used to hear people call him "Godfather", but until now I'm still in limbo as to how he got this monicker. I asked folks from the States, but it got more murky as another uncle is called the same from their end. There are still those who call him "Tata Larry" (Tata is an Iluko word for 'father').  Indeed, he was looked up as a father by his employees.

Tito Larry's kids - Banjo, Champ, and Leia particularly - were our kalaro  since we all grew up together.  In the early 80s, Tito Larry and later his family moved to the States. Yet, we continue to get in touch through letters, pasalubongs (of which they are very thoughtful), and e-mails. Tito Larry was one of the first in the second generation of Albanos to go 'online'.  I could feel his fatherly guidance and assurance whenever I read his e-mail, regardless if the message were brief or not.  One e-mail I cannot fail to forget was when I thanked him for his kind words upon hearing the news that Chiara was born. His reply? "But of course she (Chiara) is our grand daughter!". I may be sentimental, but his message was really inspiring particularly that we don't have any family members near us when Nidz gave birth.

Cheers to you, dear uncle, on your 70th birthday!  May you continue to grow in God's grace, mirroring His fatherly care to all whom you meet!

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Second in my list is Sancho "Tito So" Castro.  He is the youngest child of Lolo Tony and Lola Urs.  Like our first honoree, he is also active in church, serving as a Lector/Commentator at the St Mary Magdalene Parish (Kawit, Cavite).  A faculty member at the De la Salle University (Dasmarinas), Tito So is also active in a male chorale group.  We see each other very often in parish celebrations whenever I come home. We also keep ourselves updated from time to time in Facebook.  Tito So as well as his siblings continue to bring the light of Christ to the people of Kawit.

Many happy returns on your special day, beloved Tito! Keep up the good work in the Lord's vast harvest!

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Last, but not least is Hershey Joy Mauricio-Reyes, the newest member of the Samaniego-Reyes clan, the wife of my first cousin Eldin.  I have not yet met Hershey, but I have in touch with her through social networking. Thanks to her, I was able to send a message to Tita Lilia through Voxer.  I was also able to hear my aunt's voice using the same technology.

Wishing you all the best, Hershey! This year is truly a great year - in January you and Eldin tied the knot; this December you will both be welcoming your bundle of joy! Looking forward to see you all soon! God bless you 3!

Mang Dolphy

Dolphy has been in Philippine showbiz since our grandparents’ time I suppose. Known as ‘Comedy King’, he has brought untold laughter to many households through TV sitcoms like ‘John en Marsha’, ‘Home along the Riles’, ‘Quizon Avenue’, and ‘John en Shirley’. Apart from these, he has starred in many movies which my siblings and I watched with glee – thanks to my late aunt Mommy Rosie who, during her days off, would bring us along to the cinema.

Such was my liking for Dolphy’s antics have developed that even now I couldn’t help laugh until my stomach aches whenever I view him on TFC. Although there are new and younger comedians out there, he has a different approach to tickle our funny bones. I suddenly remembered my friend Mike Flores who once tagged me along to watch “Wanted: Perfect Father” in 1994 which starred Dolphy, Dawn Zulueta, Edu Manzano, the late Babalu, etc.

Some were wondering why I like Dolphy when he has been known to have sired children from several women. I like Dolphy’s acting. His personal life is none of my business. I would really love to see him and Zsa Zsa Padilla tie the knot asap!

Dolphy has etched his name in Philippine cinema as well as in the hearts of many, many Filipinos. Perhaps what we could learn from him is his guts to reach for his star coupled with discipline and professionalism. There’s no easy way if we want to reap a good and lasting harvest. And as we strive hard to reach for that star, let’s not forget to have a laugh and share that with others.

Happy 81st Birthday, Mang Dolphy, King of Philippine Comedy, Pride of Gagalangin!

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Speaking of birthday, many happy returns and best wishes to my uncle Larry Albano who, like Dolphy, is also celebrating his birthday on the 25th July.