Lolo Gusing, as we lovingly call him, was a simple and silent man. Yet when he speaks, his words would etch its way into one's system. When we moved from Gagalangin to Kawit in 1984, I was reluctant to attend a new school. I had that fear of getting adjusted to a new environment. He wasn't really happy with how I was feeling. He called my attention to the potential I have, a potential that was nurtured in Angelicum, a potential that needs to shed its wings elsewhere. I took his advice seriously. True enough, I have been an honor student during my two year stint at the St Mary Magdalene School.
Having been used to pray in English, our family rosary in his house was a way for me to get used to Tagalog. As I don't know the "Hail Holy Queen" in the vernacular, he wrote it for me to memorize. Years later, in Letran, my Filipino teacher asked me to recite it which I did alright.
In 1986, he turned over the Musical Director post to Manong Bob. In spite of his old age, he still joined the Maytinis procession during that year. After the event was over, he told others gleefully how Manong Bob 'defeated' him. It's like John the Baptist giving way to Jesus Christ when it was time to do so.
Though he had retired from active work in music, music seemed to have a strong attraction for him. When an uncle (one of his sons) died and we were getting ready for the Mass in church, the musical band started to play before the crowd as it normally does whenever there is a burial. Lolo Gusing who, at first, was seated to listen to the performance, suddenly stood up to conduct the band! From a feeble octogenarian, he became an energetic youth. That was the last time I saw him conduct a band.
In Summer 1989, he became bedridden. As we were then living in Manila I pay him a visit from time to time. The last time I saw him, he told me, "Happy birthday!"It surprised me that he still remembered my natal day. A few months later he returned to his true home. I must admit that I feel sorry for not taking or making the time for him during his last few months. I was so engrossed with church activities as I was a newly elected president of a newly established group then. I know that my tears and wails during his funeral will never bring him nor the time to be with him back.
This coming Sunday, 19 August, is his 100th birthday celebration. I'm grateful to have him as my grandfather. A man with few words, just music.
Birthday blessings too to my uncle and godfather, Edgardo "Eddie" Samaniego this coming Monday, 20 August. Apart from Lolo Gusing (Ninong Eddie's Itay), he has been one of the 'father figures' I have looked up to since my childhood. Many thanks for all the love and support you have given us! Hope you enjoy the party!
Please include in your prayers Samuel "Soc" Madamba II who is due for a coronary bypass operation on 22 August. Ninong Soc is one of my godfathers when I was baptized. He is my father's first cousin.
