Ninang Aida

Back in the day, whenever we visit our folks in Kawit, Cavite we wouldn’t miss going to and staying at Ninong Eddie and Ninang Aida’s place. Their home was our second home. With both of our parents away, their home became the home for my siblings and me in 1984. Their family of five doubled! 

Ninang Aida was a hands-on mother. Every morning, when I wake up to go to school, she was already up and about preparing breakfast, seeing to it that we have fixed ourselves before the tricycle driver fetches us, etc. Ninong Eddie too was already awake doing gardening or helping with household chores. After school, she would sit next to me to help with my assignments, English and Mathematics especially. (With Mathematics being my Waterloo!) There were also occasions when she would tell us off for being mischievous.

Of course, the house was full of laughter too especially during dinner time when everyone gathered at the large table, which needed extra chairs to accommodate everyone. I enjoyed her cooking especially beef pepper steak.

We enjoyed listening to her playing the piano (with matching singing courtesy of Ninong Eddie!) and watching John en Marsha and other shows on television together. 

How they managed to look after such a big family? I am quite sure that it was because they cared and they loved. Ninang Aida, with a smile on her face, recalled that chapter in our lives to Chiara when we made a video call during Ninong Eddie’s 90th birthday in 2020. Having a family of own, I cannot help but remember and do my best to mirror the love, care, and time that Ninang Aida showered on us. 

Someone told me that Ninang Aida was fond of me when I was a baby. That fondness, I think, remained till her final days, summed up in the word of endearment she repeatedly called me in what would have been our final phone conversation: anak (son).

Ninang Aida, thank you for considering me as your son. Thank you for not hanging up when I called you, to check how you are doing, to have a laugh with (I can’t believe we managed to do that), to be reminded to keep you in my prayers, and to say I love you. It was painful when I said goodbye to you. You have left a void in our hearts, but we will be strong for each other. May you now rest in Jesus’ loving presence. 

To my dear cousins Manang Nanette, Manong Edgar, and Phil and the rest of the Josue-Samaniego clan, my heart goes out to you in this challenging time.

Hairy Issues

Many years ago, we went to the airport to fetch our grandmother who was returning from a trip to the States. As we waited, my aunt told me "There's your Lola (Grandmother)!". I stood up in front of a woman I hardly recognized. She wasn't the Lola I knew of. Her white hair prevented me from recognizing her.   My younger brother had a different reaction. Once she asked my mother if she would also grow old like Lola. My mother gave the affirmative to which my brother cried!

Later on, I have seen my Lola's white hair in her children - my Dad and his siblings.  

(Lola Piling and her sons. Seated: Lola Piling; Standing L-R: Mario (Papa), Ireneo, Laurentino, Paulino Jr., and Alejandro Albano)

When I started to have white hair, an aunt told me "Welcome to the club!".  White hair can sometimes be nasty because,  and I noticed this, they grow faster than the dark one. My wife would cut or pluck them out before, but she seemed to have given up when more and more of them appeared. (I've seen some white hair too in my moustache, nose, and beard!)

If my father's side of the family is known to have white (and thick) hair, my mother's side has (male) members with thinning hair.  

(Samaniego siblings. Seated L-R: Aida (Mama), Aida Samaniego (Mama's sister-in-law; my aunt and godmother), Lilia Samaniego-Reyes; Standing L-R: Edgardo, Luisito, Augusto Jr., and Rustico Samaniego)

Looking at my head, I have the 'best' of both families!

White or thinning hair, both tell us of the reality of ageing.  The Good Book says "White hair is a crown of honor obtained by righteous living." (Proverbs 16:31).  It's nearly Father's Day. I must admit that I am not a perfect father, but at each waking moment, at each time I hear my daughter's voice, my heart leaps for joy. I am grateful to be a father. As I age, I hope and pray that I will grow as a wise and holy father (and husband). That I'll be worthy of that 'crown of honor'.

Happy Father's Day to all dads!

When the Donkey Gets the Spotlight

Part of our vacation in California this Christmas was to participate in the Maytinis celebration in Chula Vista on December 14, 2013.  Kawit natives who have migrated to South California have brought with them cherished home town traditions such as the Maytinis. It is the annual Christmas Eve celebration in Kawit having as its main feature the Panunuluyan - Mary and Joseph's unfruitful search for a place where to give birth to Jesus.  The lyrics of the Panunuluyan are sung by its perfomers - Joseph, Mary, the kaseros (landlords), and the angel.

Chiara was invited by my first cousin Mr. Robert "Manong Bob" Shroder to perform as one of the angels who will sing the "Coros Villancicos" (a Spanish Christmas carol) on stage.  Manong Bob has been the Musical Director of the Maytinis since he moved to the States.  Prior to that, he held the same position in Kawit, Cavite which he inherited from our grandfather the late Augusto “Lolo Gusing” Samaniego Sr.

Months before out trip, I taught the song to my unica hija. It was a bit challenging for both of us because this was her first time to sing in Spanish.  I was amazed that she learned the song quickly!

During the rehearsal at the Rancho del Rey Middle School, I brought Chiara to Mrs. Aida ‘Ti Aida’ Bautista, the Artistic Director.    Ti Aida told me and Chiara to take our seats and she'll call Chiara when it's her time to practice.  While seated I felt that something would happen.  I just don't know what.

Manong Bob arrived shortly and had a chat with Ti Aida.  I was sat next to my uncle Augusto Samaniego Jr. when my cousin called me in front. He asked if I could perform as Joseph because the person who was supposed to do it has been unable to do so.  At first I was hesitant, but through my cousin's prodding and encouragement, I finally gave my fiat.  Ti Aida handed me a copy of the script and introduced me to Miss Ashley Zaveyan who will be performing as Mary.  Ashley was very supportive and easy to work with. I learned that she has been doing this role for a few years already.  

Our rehearsal began.  Although I have learned the tune since I was a boy - thanks to Manong Bob's mom and my aunt, the late Mommy Rosie (who used to be the Cantora Mayor of the Maytinis in Kawit) - I haven't learned how to syllabicate the lyrics properly. Manong Bob patiently guided me. Ashley suggested that I use a pen to highlight lyrics on my script.  After the practice, I asked St. Joseph's help that I may do justice to the role.  I also read through the script and highlighted lyrics where the stress is required.

Then came the big day.  The school auditorium was teeming with life. Manong Bob was already rehearsing with the band when I arrived.  He later asked me and Ashley if we could have a final dry run.  As there were still some song numbers performed before the Maytinis, I sat in one corner internalizing my role.  My wife helped me out with my costume.  A few people approached me to give words of encouragement or appreciation.  I also met some relatives or friends whom I have not seen for ages.  Hours later, it was show time!  

It was a humbling experience to ask for shelter and then to be turned down by the kaseros.  I was about to shed tears.  After being rejected, the angel led me and my partner to a stable. There, we would be in front of a statue of the Baby Jesus.  I fixed my gaze on that statue, thanking the Lord for being born for us and for guiding all performers in this event.  I couldn't see Chiara from where I was located - she was actually just a few steps from me. However, I could hear her wonderful voice and that made me one such proud dad!

Christmas came with a surprise for me.  Portraying the role of my patron saint was too lofty for me. I prefer to be Joseph's donkey (or his toolbox).   During the Mass on the 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 22), the priest mentioned in his homily that we should not be afraid, but believe and trust God (just like Joseph and Mary) in any undertaking He calls us. During the Mass on the feast of the Holy Family (Dec. 29), our parish priest mentioned Joseph's openness and humility to do God's will. Regardless if we are donkeys or whatever names we call ourselves, God believes us! Let's get rid of what holds us back from serving Him. To Him be the glory!

I'm thankful for my family, Manong Bob, Ti Aida, Ashley, and other co-performers for their support to me and Chiara.  This would surely be an event we'll treasure in our hearts forever.

Thank you too Mommy Rosie and Lolo Gusing.  Through the exposure they have provided when I was a boy, they have prepared me for this role.  May God bless their kind souls.  Long live Maytinis!

***

Christmas is a time to be with the family.  We have been blessed this year to have spend it with my mother, my uncle Augusto and his family, and Manong Bob and his family.  The last time I saw my uncle was 15 years ago and we spent a considerable number of enjoyable and fun days in their home in San Diego.  Chiara told me before she went to sleep how she misses them, especially my cousins Zyrille and Melanie Samaniego.  I share the same feeling. I look forward to be reunited with them soon.

I'm also grateful for Jackie and Ernie Rapada and family who have welcomed us in their place in Long Beach and who have taken us to various places during our holiday.  Thanks too to Mama Cora Rapada (Ernie's mom) and family as well as Lyn and Noel Domanguera and family who were our hosts in Las Vegas.  

May God bless you all!  Till we meet again!

***

Happy Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!  May all families possess Jesus' unconditional love and humility, Mary's strong faith, and Joseph's reliable obedience!

Tito Otie

"Maaalalahanin ang kapatid kong yan" (My sibling is really thoughtful.), Mommy Rosie told a colleague. She was referring to her older brother, Rustico "Tito Otie" Samaniego.  She further explained that Tito Otie would often travel from Caloocan (and later from Las Pinas when his brood moved there) to Kawit just to check how his folks (i.e. father, siblings, etc.) were doing.

When we were kids, we feared Tito Otie because he comes across as a strict and serious uncle.  I remember one time we went to Bataan for the town fiesta. He was my room mate.  At the middle of the night, I suddenly woke up because he sneezed.  I laughed until he told me to pack it in.

We used to visit their place in Morning Breeze Subdivision in Caloocan since it's quite near to Tondo.  I think I would spend the weekend with him, Tita Erling, and their kids - Manong Don, Manang Mae, and Manang Ping.  Mommy Rosie and Manong Bob also lived with them.  Christmas is a perfect time to be there, for me, because he loves to display the Belen (Nativity Scene) in their living room.  One could see how creative he is as to how this traditional religious Christmas décor comes alive. I saw Tito Otie's human side when he got sick and told me that he might not be able to put up the Belen.  As a kid, I kept wondering and asked if others could do it.  He did get well and was able to continue the tradition.  In our latest visit at home in 2010, I was happy to see his Belen  when we paid him and Tita Erling a visit.

Tito Otie is not an extravagant type of person.  He once told me that it's not how much you earn that is important; it's how much you save. And that saving will see us through when the going gets tough.

As I see it, he is a faithful lover and disciple of history.  He can trace how we are related to this or that person.  He is affiliated too with the Kawit Historical Society.  He values culture which is why during big events in Kawit such as Maytinis or Holy Week, you'd expect him to be there. During Maytinis, particularly when the Coros Villancicos is sung, he would play his batingting (triangle). 

One can also engage with him in discussions on culture, current events and other issues besetting society. There was a time I heard him sharing his thoughts with the late Fr Luciano Paguiligan (former parish priest of Kawit) on how we could prevent any mishaps in church while the Belen is displayed there - he once had a first hand experience of how the Belen in church would have been razed to the ground had he not seen smoke coming from the stable due to an electrical fault!    

I have developed an interest in a few of his areas of interest (e.g. history, culture, social issues, theology, etc.), except for dancing of which he is the master!

Tito Otie is a conscientious family man.  Together with Tita Erling, they nurtured their children to the best of their abilities.  He also is a doting grandfather and I loved to watch him as he cradled in his arms Abby and Elaine years ago. 

It was his initiative that, every time we gather for the Noche Buena after the Midnight Mass, he would give distribute his pamasko to everyone.  When Lolo Gusing (his dad) was still alive, Tito Otie would ask him to distribute the gifts. When we were in our late teens, I felt a bit ashamed to receive my gift, but Tito Otie made me, my brother Gio, and cousins Erwin and Eldin at ease. 

When I was about to graduate in UST, he paid for my graduation portrait as his gift for me.  I could see the happiness and pride in his face as he shook my hands to congratulate me.  

I later found out how complimentary Tito Otie is.  When he hears how anyone of nephews and nieces were good in school, he would say "(A)ba!" (Wow).  He shows the same attitude to other people.  This affirmation I witnessed again when he made a sign of the cross on Nidz and I a few weeks after our wedding. He did it again when he proudly showed our aguinaldo to others in one our Christmas visits in the Philippines. I felt humbled by his gesture. 

Tito Otie is truly a father who journeyed with me and with the rest of the clan through thick and thin.  I learned a lot from that journey. Disciplining us when we were kids, Tito Otie pruned us. As we grew up, he is still there not as much as a disciplinarian, but as an advocate, an inspiration, a source of strength and wisdom saying: "Be fruitful!".

Happy 82nd birthday, Tito Otie! Thank you for being such a thoughtful uncle to me.  Your words of wisdom and care are much appreciated.  May God bless you always! We love you!

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!

***

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!

***

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!

Tia Lils

June is almost over and, looking back, I found that all my articles this month were tributes to various people very near to my heart.  My first article was on a birthday. With your indulgence, I'll close this month off with still another birthday to be celebrated on June 30.

Lilia "Tia Lils" Reyes is my mother's older sister; the third child (first daughter) in a brood of 10.  When we were kids, we've often visited and stayed in her place in Kawit, Cavite during vacations. Her 3 sons Alvin, Erwin, and Eldin are like brothers to us - we grew up with them! Manong Alvin, the eldest, is our Big Brother if you like.  When my parents went abroad, Tia Lils welcomed us in her home. 

Personally, I learned a lot in their house: how to fetch water from the poso (artesian well) - water pipes were not available in houses during those times (if they do, water in Poblacion then was a bit salty so I have to fetch water from neighbouring Kaingen); how to clean the house; how to go to the market; how to become more responsible in the household, etc.  Some of my classmates would notice how I would go home straight from school and be surprised to see me in Kaingen carrying a pail of water or pumping the poso in a jiffy.  The experience gave me pride in doing menial jobs which is why every time we go to their place, we acted as though we're part of the household!

It was also during our stay with them that my faith took me to another dimension: being an active member in the Christian community. I had my first taste of being part of the block rosary and the Basic Christian Community.  Being religious herself, I imitated Tia Lils' devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St Joseph.  Almost every evening, we gather to pray the Angelus and Rosary. When they would visit us in Gagalangin, I often asked if we could say the Rosary together which she obliged.  I am touched every time she blesses us when we do the Mano Po  (a Filipino custom where people place and elder's right hand on their forehead asking for their blessing).

Tia Lils valued hardwork, thriftiness, prudence, and good relationship with others.  She would always tell us that there is a time for us to work (e.g. clean the house) and a time to relax and have fun.  That's why when it's a weekend or schools are closed, we make it a point in the morning to be on our toes after having breakfast - one's busy with scrubbing the floor, another fetching water, etc. 

As a homemaker, she is excellent in budgeting/saving for the future.  When Tito Jimmy, her husband (who used to live in Gagalangin), was working in the Middle East, she saved enough for her sons' education and managed to have a new house built.  She often told us the importance of saving, otherwise we might end up with nothing when we needed something!

She was careful with her words and would always remind us to think 10 times before we say something.  Kids at that time, I was madaldal and I often caught myself reaping the whirlwind because of the inappropriate words I uttered.

Finally, she fostered harmonious relationship with people around her.  "Sinasayawan ko na lang" was her common expression with people who can be difficult to work with. Her advice to anyone working abroad: "Matuto kang makisama". I often hear her use the word kapatid (sibling) instead of pinsan (cousin) regardless if she speaks to her kids, nephews or nieces (e.g. "Kumain na ba mga kapatid ninyo?").  Incidentally, in Jesus' time (and perhaps now) there is no Aramaic equivalent for the word "cousin", hence, in the Bible you would read the words "brothers of Jesus".  Tia Lils, by the way, is also called Nanay Iya.

 

She always tells me: Ang gumagalang sa kanyang ama ay nagbabayad ng kanyang kasalanan; ang gumagalang sa kanyang ina'y nag-iipon ng kayamanan (Ecclesiasticus 3:3).

Happy 80th birthday, Tia Lils!  Thank you for loving and supporting us all through and through.  Your strong faith, words of wisdom, and gentle care are treasures we will cherish in our hearts.  You are always in my thoughts and prayers.  May God continue to bless you! We love you!

Beauty So Ancient and So New

There have been recent events that have made me realize the Beauty that is God. In his Confessions, St Augustine called God as “Beauty so ancient and so new”.

A week ago, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) concluded its year-long Quadricentennial Celebrations. Looking back from its early beginnings up to the present, I could see how UST has been a reflection and a bearer of God for the past 4 centuries. As Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Soc Villegas would put it in his homily during the Closing Mass in UST: “… our alma mater feeds us Jesus, clothes us with Jesus and teaches us Jesus.”
UST may have been that ancient, yet the beauty it exudes is always new, always fresh – thanks to the abiding presence of Jesus in her.

It may be tempting to rest on one’s laurels, to be complacent, or worse to be falsely proud. A renowned theologian and professor once had a vision of Christ on the Cross and was asked by Our Lord what reward he wanted for all he had done and written. He answered, "Non nisi te, Domine"-only you, Lord. That guy was St Thomas Aquinas, UST’s Patron Saint. If the University remains humble, always seeks the Lord, and always at His service then no amount of calamity or bad publicity can bring it down. It is built on solid ground.

I’m touched that the good archbishop did not only mention UST’s renowned alumni, but also the unsung Thomasians who in their own small way share Jesus with others as well as those “ out there in the dark alleys, inside jails and prisons, in cramped government hospital wards, in unnamed graves in public cemeteries…sons and daughters of UST who did not succeed, dropped out of the way and have faded away in shame and guilt.”

Moving on to the next century, I think UST should reach out to these people since, as the prelate said: “UST will never forget.”

Go USTe!


***

Closer to home, a new member of the Samaniego-Albano Clan was born on Thursday 26 January 2011: Stella Gianna, Gio(my brother) and Marcia’s first daughter.

Every new-born baby is a reminder of how gracious God is (Incidentally, the name Gianna is the feminine equivalent of Giovanni which in turn means “God is gracious”.) and how he entrusts to us mere mortals the precious gift of life. The birth of another human reveals to us the beauty of life, the beauty of its Author. From a parent’s perspective, a baby tells us a new story based on an old one, a sequel to the enduring love of God passed on from one generation to another.

Welcome to the family, Stella! Well done, Gio and Marcia!