The piano and my past Some people say the best things in life are free. In many ways, I find it true. A few days ago, I dropped the Yupangco building along Buendia looking for an electronic keyboard that a brother-in-law wanted to buy. The Yupangcos, I learned are one of the biggest dealers of musical instruments in the Philippines. Upon entrance to their grand store, what immediately caught my eye was this grand piano, that was extraordinarily large. That was the first time in my life I saw such grand piano of such size, "in the flesh", so to speak. I was so excited I had my picture taken right beside it, like perhaps having my-self photographed with a superstar. In the picture, I thought I looked more like a piano salesman. I interviewed the lady in the store. I was shocked to hear its purchase price: P14-million pesos (US$333,000). Is there a piano costing that much, like that of  a Porsche? The lady responded, its P14-million because it old. The brand new costs P25-million. If you rent it, it  costs P50,000, she added. My goodness, I said. "Will you charge me if I touch it?" I asked The lady responded, "You can play even for free, if you know how." "Really?" I asked, beaming. Go ahead, she responded I lost no time. I sat down and played "How Lovely Is your Dwelling Place by Fr. Arnel Aquino." And I was in awe, listening  to the sound of each ivory key that I pressed. It has been decades since I stopped playing the piano regularly, but I had a kid-feeling that moment, like I have never felt in a long long time. I felt I was in a recital, savoring the sound of that piano reverberating throughout that  sprawling  Yupangco showroom. After I did the piece, the store lady relayed to me the people who had rented and used it in the past, like David Foster and Ryan Cayabyab. It was quite a pleasant afternoon. Even for just a moment, I rekindled one of the nicest feelings of my childhood, which was performing at a piano recital. That elegant grand piano became a time-machine, taking me to my distant past, relieving my musical memories. The bonus part, I played the 'grandest' piano, at no cost at all. Indeed, the best things in life are free.

Mother, the greatest blessing What is God’s greatest, most significant gift to you? To this question, I never hesitate an answer. In my world, the greatest gift God has given me was that which I received the moment I was born--- my mother. My mother is Marlen Icamen Dejaresco, daughter of Christian missionaries, a teacher, government worker, most of all a loving, devoted and faithful wife and mother to me and four siblings. I have had brilliant, learned teachers, mentors all through my life. But none of them equals the knowledge and wisdom imparted to me by my mother. She taught me how to read the Bible at a very early age. The simplest things to learn in life is to know what is right and wrong. We make so many choices in life, some of them good, some bad, some right, some wrong. But that is the essence of our humanity—we are not without sin. Nevertheless, it sure has been helpful that many choices I made are guided by what was taught me by my mother even before I entered kindergarten. I treasure those Bible stories of Joseph the Dreamer, Jacob the Deceiver, David the Goliath slayer, Daniel the lion-tamer Zacchaeus the tree-climbing, reformed cheater. I learned of Jesus calming the storm in front of frightened followers. I first heard those true stories from my mother. I tell you , my mother tells true stories like no media person can. My mother is my greatest advocate. I am confident she would defend me, and be by my side no matter what. I tell you, she would defend me like no lawyer can. My mother is the ever-reliable physician. When I got sick, she was there to take care of me. She ensured I take my medicines. She even bought me an expensive ozonizer so that my family would be as healthy, as we can be. I tell you, my mother cares for her children’s health like no doctor ever can. I was happy growing up with my mother. She bought me new shoes. She took brought me to Maricar’s to eat that unforgettable spaghetti, after her work. We ate ice cream at Dainty (where Jollibee Alfonso XIII is now located). I remember those ice cream pints sliced into half. Or we went to cool off at Snow White (with no dwarfs) beside the bell tower. I’m blessed I felt a mother’s love . She loves us, her children like no person ever can. No doubt, God’s greatest gift to me is my mother. So, it would be fitting to say thanks to my mother for all things good, and happy. Happy mother’s day, mama.

Ageless Jose Mari Chan

The other night, we watched a concert-for-a-cause featuring Jose Mari Chan titled “Constant Care” at the cozy open-air venue of Panglao Nature Island Resort in Bohol.
The affair is a project of the radio network of the Bohol Chronicle, under the flagship of DYRD in Tagbilaran City.
DYRD is marking its golden anniversary after fifty years of broadcast service.
DYRD first went on the air in October 1961.
It has been fifty years of radio activity starting from wirecasting to internet broadcasting.
One of the highlights of the anniversary is a concert for the benefit of Inyong Alagad, the longest running public service radio program of the station providing assistance to indigent residents of Tagbilaran and other Bohol towns.
It was a night of nostalgia.
Jose Mari Chan belted out a treasure trove of his classic hits beginning with “Big Beautiful Country”
This song begins with the lyrics “Welcome world, to this big beautiful country…”
His debut in the recording industry was his first hit single “Afterglow” in 1967.
This was a time when, as a young musical artist, Jose Mari Chan would literally bring a bunch of ‘45’ records (played then on turn tables) and would do the rounds in radio stations pleading to disc jockeys to play his new record.
The concert was also sponsored by Philippine Airlines, so Jose Mari Chan paid tribute to the flagship carrier by singing the commercial of PAL which he composed in the 1970’s titled “Love at Thirty Thousand Feet.”.
Until today, the melodic tune of PAL is played not only in media commercials but as inflight background instrumental while passengers await to soar in the air.
Jose Mari Chan is widely recognized as one of the nations most prolific balladeer.
He is known as Mr. Songwriter. He is engaged by the nation's top advertising companies owing to his ability to create catchy radio/tv jingles and commercials.
He sang one-by-one his music and romance he wrote through the years including Deep In My heart, Tell Me Your Name, Beautiful Girl.
An innovation in the concert was to select local female talents of Bohol to do the duets with Jose Mari Chan.
A talented Tagbilaran pediatrician ably replaced Regine Velasquez in “Please Be careful with My Heart”
A locally-based registered nurse did not lag in musical ability in “You’re my Girl, My woman, My Friend” which, Jose Mari Chan related, he wrote for the wedding of his sister.
The most touching love songs were those that sprang his true-to-life love experience.
In his bachelorhood, he was heart broken when his girl friend left for Osaka to do missionary work.
In his loneliness, he wrote “Refrain” which was a smash when it was recorded and released in the market.
He said he considered “Refrain” as his “winning” song, among his array of hits, because with this song he won the heart of his girlfriend, who later became his wife.
His beautiful wife, who could easily fit the pretty lass, in the song Beautiful Girl, is Mary Ann Chan who was seated at the front row, occasionally signaling him to wipe the sweat off his face in between songs.
When he was about to celebrate his eighth weeding anniversary with his wife, he was suddenly transferred by his sugar trading company from New York to London.
He had heavy feelings about leaving his wife and family in New York.
Although destined to go to a faraway place, he wanted to assure his wife of his lifelong commitment, thus the song “Love to Last A Lifetime” was written, and eventually it became another song for the charts.
Before he sang the song, he recited the lyrics like a poem which I realized can be appreciated as pleasantly.
Capping the concert were the two of his most famous Christmas melodies “Perfect Christmas” and “Christmas in our Hearts”
“Christmas in our Hearts” is a duet with daughter Elizabeth Chan, but that night the audience willingly did the duet part.
I had promised my sister Ellen to call her while she lay in her hospital bed in Manila when Jose Mari Chan sang “Perfect Christmas” and “Christmas in Our Hearts” so I obliged, and “re-broadcast” it to her direct . It was Christmas in the air at that moment.
It was prophetic too, as Ellen would again have another ”Perfect Christmas” in December (Merry Christmas, Len)
I must admit, I have been a Jose Mari Chan fan for a long time.
In the few stacks of cd’s in the car, two of them are albums of Jose Mari Chan.
He is , to me a national treasure.
No one comes to close when it comes to creating ear-catching radio jingles.
He is one of the great modern Filipino musicians because his songs are ageless.
His melodic creations resonate only too well with the Filipino’s musical taste.
"Christmas in Our Hearts” is a classic example.
Many of us watching him live were all the more endeared witnessing his undying passion not only for music, but also his burning desire to share and showcase his abundant talents to his fellowmen.
Young and old, know the lyrics of his creations.
He has a multi-generational following.
He is an entertainer where a grandparent and grandchild can enjoy watching together.
Indeed, Jose Mari Chan, is a musical talent for the ages.

Family roots and reunion

Last December 31, just before the new year dawned, I attended the annual Tale family reunion in Valencia of which I am a member by affinity.
My wife, Ruby is the great-great grand daughter of Policarpio Tale and Lucia Verduguillo, who lived in Dauin, Negros Oriental generations ago.
Yearly, the Tale family rewinds, replays, and rekindles the story of their ancestors Policarpio and Lucia Tale.
Policarpio Tale was born in sitio Kanghangin now Magsaysay, Dauin.
He was an illegitimate son of Nicolas Alas-as and Gavino Trumata of Poblacion Dauin.
As a young boy he spent an austere life with his mother.
An incident in the life of Policarpio carved a path in his life that spelled his destiny.
One day while cultivating the plants in his mother lot, an unusual chicken pecked Policarpio’s hand.
Immediately after the chicken dropped excreta with a ten centavo coin.
Policarpio through this was a good luck charm.
Apparently it did not turn out to be good charm initially, for the carabao he was then tending, went astray and damaged the neighbor’s crops.
This made his mother very angry.
Policarpio was severely punished.
The following day he decided to run away to Sulodpan-Isugan Bacong, where he found a job in the household of the Solamillo. family as encargador.
Seeing that young Policarpio was trustworthy and a hardworker his master prodded him to marry a young lady named Lucia Verduguillo
In the wedlock, they were blessed with eight children namely,
Valentina, Hilaria, Pedro, Bruno, Bibiana, Geronima, Melchor and Nazario.
My wife Ruby Vendiola traces her roots from Bibiana Tale, who later married Aquilino Vendiola.
Bibiana and Aquilino’s children were:
Francisco ‘Kikong’ T. Vendiola who married Felicisma Marino. Francisco and Felicisima were my wife’s grandparents.
Cesaria Vendiola was married to Jesus Tanada.
Gil T. Vendiola married Olympia Monding.
Perfecta T. Vendiola lived and died single.
Another sibling was the late Padre Galo T. Vendiola of Bacong.
Within the marriage of Francisco Vendiola and Felicisima Marino were born the following:
Epifania Vendiola (who married Arturo Baena), Revocato M. Vendiola (who married Isidra Elnar); Marcos M. Vendiola (who married Josephina Tabada), Concordio M. Vendiola (who married Aurora Sun); Maria Vendiola (married to Saludario A. Sonjaco Sr.); Blesilda Vendiola (married to Esdras Init); Rosario Vendiola (married to Antero Bongbong); Constatino Vendiola (married to Teresita Melo) (Ruby’s parents); Arturo M. Vendiola (married to Teofila Banua); Andres M. Vendiola (married to Julitalyn Feraren)
The scattered descendants of Policarpio and Lucia Tale continue to close ranks and organized a board and officers.
The board of directors of the Tale Family Circle are represented each by the heirs of the children of Policarpio and Lucia Tale.
The board members are: Antonio Wenceslao for the heirs of Valentina Tale; Josephina Teves for the heirs of Hilaria Tale; Adelina C. Alcantara representing the heirs of Pedro Tale; Ade Zamora for the heirs of Bruno Tale; Lyndon B. Vendiola representing the heirs of Bibiana Tale; Reiner Sarno Divina for the heirs of Geronima Tale; Estrella Tale for the Melchor Tale group; and Becky T. Bautista representing the heirs of Nazario Tale.
The present officers of the Tale Family circle are:
Franklin Tale, President ; Earl Tale, executive vice president; Jose Tale vice president for Luzon; Saludario V. Sonjaco Jr. vice president for Visayas; Cathrine T. Tan vice president for Mindanao; Edgar V. Init secretary; Fe Nestoria M. Cena, treasurer; Noemi S. Yuag auditor; Florita T. Ornopia, business manager; Fiel Ornopia, P.R.O.; Larry Gajelomo, Eudoxio V. Init, Sgt. at Arms;
The 46th Tale reunion in 2010 was hosted by the heirs of Bibiana Tale.

Message on Josh's first Retreat

As parents we were made to write a message to our son Joshua, who is attending his first retreat. It was to be in a sealed envelope to be opened and read aloud by Josh in one session of the retreat. This is what we wrote:

March 11, 2010

Our Dearest Joshua.

If God were to ask us to name a gift, besides our Lord Jesus Christ, that we are most thankful for, it is God’s gift of bringing you to our lives.
We have become so happy a thousand times over because God gave you to us, Josh.
So we take this opportunity to tell you, that we are eternally thankful that you are our son.
You are God’s blessing to us, your papa and mama.
As your parents, we recognize our role is striving to make you the best that you can be.
We want you to know that as your parents, we will provide you the basic tools for you to succeed in life.
Your teachers too, are there to guide you, to give you the needed instruments to achieve God’s purpose for you.
Eventually, you will be the one to make good use of these tools as you follow God’s instructions.
To us you are like a young carpenter who would one day build a house.
As parents will will just provide you with tools like hammer, saw, chisel, etc.
We, your parents and your teachers, will try to teach you how to use these tools.
But ultimately, it will be you who will build the house.
We hope you will make good use of these tools, learn to use it the right way, so you will build a beautiful house.
We wish to tell you that for us, your success will be measured on how faithful you will be in following the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Success isn't fame, nor fortune. It is not professional titles attained, nor public accolades received.
Success is much more than that.
So our prayer is that each day, you strive to become a better Christian.
It is hard, because many times, you will make mistakes.
We all do.
But it is ok.
Treat these mistakes as a chance to correct your wrongs.
Always do good to your classmates, to your friends, your teachers. Do good to those who will need your help, even those you haven't met.
By doing good, you are following God’s desires.
By doing good, you will make God happy.
You will make us happy.
Don’t forget to thank the Lord for all the blessings that He has given you.
Thank Him everyday when you wake up each morning.
Once again, we say thank you, son, for being who you are.
May God continue to shower you with bountiful blessings.
We love you very much, Josh.

Always,

Papa and Mama

Prayer for Healing

Dear Tito Lourding and Tita Mercia.

I pray that both you and Tita Mercia will recover soon, by the grace of God. I firmly believe in God's infinite healing power. Thanking the Lord for good health is my daily prayer, for He alone controls our health and physical well-being. That we remain in good health is solely attribuable to God's goodness and mercy. That is my belief. I will include you and Tita Mercia in thanking the Lord for giving us good health. I will pray for your healing.
Take care

Picture of Zoilo D. Dejaresco Jr.

Olga emailed me seeking apicture of my grandfather Zoilo D. Dejaresco Jr.
He died June 8, 2002.
I got his book and extracted my lolo's picture.
Here is Olga's email:

Hi!
I found your blog site through yahoo search engine. I am looking for a picture of Jun dejaresco. I can't find any though my ex-boss, aumentado, mentioned before that sir Jun was not fond of picture takng.
My child's assignment is to give 10 great boholanos with their lives background and pictures, and I want sir jun to be included. I hope you can send me a copy. Thanks.
Olga

Valentines Day with family

Last Saturday February 14, 2009 we had a rare Valentines dinner with our parents and sister Mayen and her family.
It was rare because we don't get to spend Valentines day with our parents and siblings these days.
It was good timing they were in Manila so we spent Valentines as family day.
We went to Trinoma in Quezon City.
We had dinner at Fish & Co. at Trinoma.
They had a promo gimmick for Valentines day.
They took pictures for free for their patrons.
Before dinner was done they presented us with a hard copy of the photograph in specialized card of their restaurant.
In the picture are Ruby, Jay, Joshua, MJ, Jeffrey, Mayen, Mama and Papa.

Cafe Lawis in Dauis

In between a very hectic working day today in Tagbilaran city, we had a late afternoon snack in the town accross the island called Dauis.
I went home to Bohol for some legal work for the family corporation.
I took a side trip from Cebu as I was having hearings there.
Anyway it was the first time I visited another restaurant in Dauis called Cafe Lawis.
What a spectacle!
There was an unexpected view like no other.
Cafe Lawis is on the premises of the old Dauis church so nobody can miss it.
My hearing is that Bea Zobel developed the area to the tune of P7M---probably more.
The church was renovated.
Visibly changed was the roof of the church.
The restuarant is both indoor and outdoor.
It's an artist's lair obviously.
Outside, it was a breath taiking view of Tagbilran and the main Bohol island.
Dauis is in Panglao island accross.
I remember Saturday afternoons, my grandfather would ask me to drive him for the 4 o'clock mass at the Dauis church.
But I never thought there was a view to marvel just beside the church.
So if you ever come to Panglao island, try to visit Cafe Lawis.

They got nice food, too.
There this sandwich made out of chicken adobo.
Their dessert is a must-try.
They call it Souffle.
My utter lack of sophistication betrays my ignorance of this term.
Its the first time I've heard such kind of dessert.
Its made of soft muffin served hot, with a creamy liquid like tsokolate, and with ice cream.
Now beat that.
It was what I called a food trip.
We went with my Tita Ito, Tito Jun, Tita Milet and cousin Ating.
We seldom get together nowadays so it was fun to hook up once again.

A different New Year experience

I sent this e-mail to relatives after expeirencing quite a different new year in Bohol:

Happy New Year all!
I hope all is well with you and the family.
We went to Bohol before the new year, on Dec 29. We had planned to come to Tagbilaran for two days and just return to Duamguete on the 31st.
However, we were stranded as the Ocean jet fast ferry ran aground on the 31st.
There was no more ferry to takes us back to Dumaguete on the 31st so we spent the new year in Tagbilaran City .
It has been quite a whale of a difference in celebrating news years day.
The RD home was so unusually empty on new years day.Not too long ago, new year's day was marked with noise and food and gifts and piano and dancing in the RD home.
Children were just running around the house.
There were many people coming and going in the house.
It was a busy sight.
When Daddy was still alive it was their wedding anniversary with Mommy, and after mass at the cathedral there would be beach activities and/or dinner with relatives.
I was able to witness those memorable events.As one who has always spent new years day in the RD home, it has been a heart wrenching experience seeing the home empty of people during the new year.
I experienced an unexplainable emptiness seeing the home itself empty.
I couldn't believe it.
I never imagined it.
On December 31st in the evening, we briefly dropped by the RD home (we were spending the night at Bohol Tropics).The silence in the house was deafening.
December 31st has just gone to extremes. I can't believe a good part of our lives has simply faded away and has left us with only memories.
There is that sad song reverberating in my mind, which is more prophetic rather than romantic: "Some good things never last"
How true.

Joshua turns ten

Today, November 8, 2008 Joshua turns ten.
More than anything else, he's excited on his birthday.
He wants to buy something at a department store.
We treated him at Burger King, a favorite burger store of his.
We ordered one Whopper meal, and shared it among the three of us.
One big burger is enough for us three.
A little later he bought a toy at Landmark.
Then we bought home a chicken for dinner.
In the evening, we watched fireworks display near our home.
We took some pictures.
Surprisingly, our old reliable Olympus delivered interesting shots.

We miss mommy Charing

Today Tita Mamel sent an email informing that its been thirty days since Mommy passed on. She died last June 14, 2008. Tita says "mingaw kaayo". We really miss our lola. She always made her presence felt in our lives by sending us food from Tagbilaran everytime somebody comes to Manila. But now that she is gone, we can only recall and re-live the excitment of receiving those food stuff. My wife Ruby found a photo of her and Mommy taken more than ten years ago, during lolo and lola's golden anniversary on January 1, 1998. We had been married just a few days before before that.

Josh, MJ, Mayen

This picture was taken in front of the FM station in Bohol during our Christmas visit last December. Here Joshua, his cousin MJ and MJ's mom Mayen (my sister) are caught while playing, awaiting the traditional exchange of gifts. It was always fun as children during these times. Its pretty obvious in their faces, I think.

Last outing with lola

We recall our last out of town trip with lola Charing.
It was a time when she could still withstand the difficulties of travel.
It was a sojourn to Mount Samat.
I have blogged about this memorable trip before.
But during our lola's wake, we were able to stumble upon a picture we had with lola while we were at the top of the Mount Samat Cross.
We stole a copy of Tita Mamel's album by taking or re-taking the picture with our digital camera.
So its a picture taken from a picture.

Bye, Mommy Charing

Tagbilaran City Saturday June 14, 2008 ---- This morning my paternal grandmother Rosario Pernia Dejaresco, Mommy Charing we called her, passed away. I am rushing to write but still cannot compose myself emotionally. I decided to just borrow the article of my lone (baptism) "maninoy" Ruben Cal, now the managing editor of the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The consummate newsman that he is, maninoy Ruben immediately produced his piece in time for the Sunday publications of the Bohol Chronicle and Negros Chronicle. Here is his article:

Remember Nang Charing -
By BEN CAL

MANILA, June 14 – Bohol’s media matriarch is dead.
Mrs. Rosario “Charing” Pernia Dejaresco, died in peace at her hospital bed at 10:36 Saturday morning after receiving the Extreme Unction, the last rites of the Catholic Church. She was 85.
I have known Nang Charing even before I went to school way back in 1949 when I accompanied my mother, Mrs. Milagros B. Cal’s regular visit to the Dejaresco family in their rented apartment near the residence of former President Carlos P. Garcia in Tagbilaran City.
At that time, Nang Charing’s husband, the late Atty. Zoilo Dejaresco Jr. was a practicing lawyer but at the same time a professor at the Holy Name College (now Holy Name University).
But in between, Atty. Dejaresco was a correspondent of the now defunct Manila Chronicle.
His passion in news writing gave him the idea to pioneer Bohol’s first community newspaper – the Bohol Chronicle in May 1954. Since then, the Chronicle has not missed an issue to date even during martial law.
Through thick and thin when the Bohol Chronicle was in its infancy, Jun and Charing Dejaresco held on together. They pulled through every obstacle the fledging newspaper encountered with flying colors.
But it was Nang Charing’s perseverance, constant prayer being a Marian devotee and faith in God that made the big difference.
When big problems occurred, Nang Charing was always there on the side of her beloved husband, giving advice to take things easy and leave the matter to the Almighty.
One summer vacation when I was nine years old years old, I found myself as a newsboy, selling Bohol Chronicle, Manila Chronicle and Alimyon, a Visayan vernacular magazine which the Dejaresco family was the exclusive distributor in the province of Bohol at that time.
As a dotting and loving wife, Nang Charing was the treasurer of the Bohol Chronicle, dutifully keeping an accounting of all the sales of the struggling community newspaper.
Every Christmas Jun Dejaresco and Nang Charing would host a Christmas party for the newsboys.
When I graduated from high school, I was employed in the Bohol Chronicle initially as proofreader-messenger in 1963 through the recommendation of my mother.
I was unaware at that time that it was the start of my journalism career.
Jun Dejaresco, the Chronicle’s editor-publisher, and Justino “Ning” Romea, a prolific writer, not only gave me the encouragement to be a journalist, but taught me how to write straight and feature articles.
However, Nang Charing, an English teacher in her own right, was there not as an editor but my unsolicited adviser, giving some pointers of the story I have written.
It was Nang Charing’s friendly coaching that I had to be careful in my grammar and choice of words when I submitted my stories for the Chronicle’s Sunday issue, especially when her husband was in Manila or abroad for a conference or official business.
It was Nang Charing’s dominant presence in the newsroom, her ever smiling face that we, the employees would double our efforts – working overtime every Saturday for the Chronicle’s Sunday issue.
The last time I talked to Nang Charing was in 2004 when the Chronicle observed its golden anniversary.
She was so happy to meet me after years of not having seen each other.
I did not know that it was the last time I would meet her in person.
For me, I would always remember Nang Charing’s big heart, her kindness, always helpful, and her wide smile.
Though she may not be larger than life, but Nang Charing was at the forefront when she and her husband pioneered the press and radio network in Bohol and watch the Chronicle’s growth into a media empire and watchdog of press freedom.
Through the years, Nang Charing was ever conscious of the shortness of life. That way she had gained wisdom of heart for her fellow being.
Goodbye, Nang Charing.

Joshua's contract

My eight year old son just never fails to amaze me.

Whlie I was in the thick of doing some legl stuff, he handed me a piece of paper which turned out to be the first very contract he drafted.

It amazes me because I never drafted a contract in my childhood, but here is my son trying to make a written proposal at such an early age.

I'm sure I never taught him any legal matter, surely not at his age.

I think he has just been observant all along. I noticed that the way his numbered his statements, is exactly my style of writing pleadings and contracts.

In his own contract, Joshua proposed that he be allowed to download a program into my computer so he would be able to apply it. He likewise proposed that he be allowed use the computer, and that he be given the right to his confidential password, and that we, as his parents should not undertake any verbal complaints about what he is going to do. He also proposed that the contract is not subject to amendment.

When he gave the paper to me, I told him of my pleseant shock, and that I would have to study his proposal first.

He thought that having to make him wait was a virtual rejection of his contract proposal.

He silently crumpled the paper and threw it to the waste basket.

When I was done with my work, I asked for his contract and he said "Your answer was a big NO."

I asked him where the paper was, and he said he already threw it to the waste basket.

I retrieved the contract and saw the word "no" on the space for my signature.

I told him that I was agreeable to the contract and had no intention of saying "no" to it.

But he was already half asleep by then, and he seemed to be saying: "whatever."

Spending Fiesta in Bohol

My family and I are very thankful and happy that we were able to spend fiesta in Tagbilaran City this year.

Spending fiesta in Bohol has become a rare experience o for me and my family as well, because we no longer get to visit Bohol, our home province, that often.

The month of May is fiesta season in the province of Bohol.

It is true that everyday during the entire month of May, there is a barangay, town, or city that celerbates a fiesta.

So therefore, even if you have abosolutely nothing to eat, and you happen top be in Bohol in May, you somehow get to eat everyday and will never starve.

On May 1, the capital city of Tagbilaran celebrates fiesta.

May 1 incidentally is a national legal holiday being labor day. But in Bohol, there has been no labor rally, as what usually happens in other cities in the coutnry, as everybody in Tagbilaran is busy preapring for the fiesta festivities.

We spent fiesta with our grandmother, Mommy Charing, where we met our cousins, aunts, uncles and other relatives who also came over, some coming from Cebu.

There is one rare trait among Boholanos. No matter where they are based, Boholanos always find time time to come home in the month of May and join the fiesta activities.

Mommy Charing had her food catered, so to relieve herself of the hassles of food preparations.

We stayed in the family owned beach house in Panglao island and drove to Tagbilaran in time for lunch.
We had the usual lechon, beef, pancit, macaroni.

Best of all, we were able to meet our cousins and aunts and uncles who were also able to come home for the fiesta. We had fun. Mommy played the piano, and uncle Jun Amora, tita Milet's husband, was with his antics.

He joked about how his former classmates in the seminary who had "unusual sexual preferences" shoved off threats they wouldn't make it to heaven. Uncle Jun said the "mahuyang" would be quite comfortable sliding over the rainbow.

Meanwhile, my young cousin Dex Araneta, who is based in Cebu, brought along his Magic Sing Extreme.

This portable karaoke microphone stores around a thousand minus one songs. My son Joshua enjoyed using it, even if it was his first time to ever handle a minus-one microphone.


We are not sure of the next time we would be able to observe fiesta in Tagbilaran City again.
But we are looking forward to next year's festivities.

Mommy Charing is Ulirang Ina Awardee

Bohol's Media matriarch is Uliran awardee

Rosario Pernia Dejaresco was awarded this year's prestigious Ulirang Ina for media and journalism in elaborate ceremonies at the Hotel Intercontinental in Makati City on the ocassion of Mother's day on May 14, 2006.

Rosario P. Dejaresco, mother of nine children who are now professionals, has taken over the reigns of the Bohol's most successful print and broadcast institution, the Bohol Chronicle Radio Corporation (BCRC).

The media institution which operates a newspaper publication, the Bohol Chronicle and radio stations DYRD-AM, DYRD-FM, and DYZD-AM was founded by Rasario's late husband, laywer Zoilo D. Dejaresco, Jr.

Since her husband's demise three years ago, Mrs. Dejaresco has taken active charge in the continuing public service of the family media corporation, assisted by her two sons Zoilo III and Peter, who are occupying the top management positions in the company.


The annual Ulirang Ina Awards 2006 is an initiative of the National Mother's Day and Father's Day Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. which selects outstanding model Filipino father and mothers.

In choosing Mrs. Rosario P. Dejaresco as Ulirang Ina for media and journalism, the foundation stated:

"Life has not always been easy for Rosario, being the wife of an editor-publisher of a local community paper and a crusading radio station in Tagbilaran City, because it meant she has to deal with friends and relations who may have been hurt or slighted with the position her dearly beloved husband Jun Dejaresco took in their media business.

When her beloved Jun passed away, she became the treasurer of the media business, which had evolved into a corporation.

She learned how difficult it had been for her late husband handling the media business as he did.

Through it all Rosario was a mother who tended to her nine children and saw them through school.

While her husband was out running the media business, she was the anchor at home to her nine growing children.

Today at 83, she is still a doting mother to her nine children, her in-laws and three scores of grand children and great grand children.

Rosario contends that her happiest moments are those spent with the family.

Rosario feels that if she was successful in rearing her nine children, this was through the days when she was a music teacher. She is moved by beautiful music and plays the piano well enough to be a teacher.

Rosario was past president of the Tagbilaran Lions club, the Catholic Women's League and the Holy Spirit School Alumni Association which allowed her to perform some of her civic duties to the community in Bohol.

She is also recipient of the 10-year Lion Monarch Award, for her dedication to family and Christian values due to her many civic activities.

She was also recipient of the Outstanding Mother Award from the Tagbilaran Women's Club.

Rosario's greatest joy lies with her family - the moments of triumph and failure that they shared as a united group. As they saw at the end of the day, all we have is FAMILY."

The Ulirang Ina Awards is one of the projects of the National Mother's Day and Father's Day Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.

The foundation's vision is to inculcate in the citizenry both young and old, to respect and honor their parents thereby strengthening their values and family ties.

The mission therefore is to promote these values by paying tribute to model Mothers through the Ulirang Ina Awards.

The other Ulirang Ina awardees in different sectors were Charlene Mae B. Muhlach, Tanyag na Ulirang Ina; Liticia D. Duque, Uliran Ina ng Tahanan; Socorro C. Ramos, owner of National Bookstore, Ulirang Ina ng Tahanan; Juanita F. Concepcion, Ulirang Ina ng Angkan; Eugenia P. Leonida, Ulirang Ina ng Angkan;

Atty. Lourdes M. Bautista, Posthumous; Atty. Luzviminda D. Puno, Posthumous; Dr. Vivian S. Sarabia, Ulirang Ina special citation; Julie Ong Alonzo Ulirang Ina Awardee for Business & Industry; Elmina D. Fernandez, Judge Esperanza F. Garcia (wife of former Cebu Gov. Pablo Garcia), amparo B. Nepomuceno, Milagros T,. Puyat, Aurora Trinidad, all Ulirang Ina for business and industry;

Dr. Mary G. Calalang, Anita P. Rosales, and Vicente O. Torre (mother of chess grandmaster Eugene Torre), Ulirang Ina for medicine and allied sciences;

Mercedes R. Regalado, Dr. Fe C. Garcia, Ulirang Ina for Education; Josefina D. Pineda, Zenaida M. Santos, Ulirang Ina for socio civic and religious sector.

The awarding rites were graced by Supreme Court Assciate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, the honoraqry chairperson of the awards. She was also Ulirang Ina awardee in 1995.

The keynote address was delivered by Ombudsperson Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez, Ulirang Ina awardee in 1995. The response was delivered by acting Supreme Court chief justice Reynato S. Puno, Ulirang Ama awardees in 2005. His wife, the late Atty. Luzviminda Puno was posthumously awarded Ulirang Ina for the judiciary.

Also gracing the affair were Wilfredo M Talag, Foundation President and Leticia M. Talag, Awards Chairperson.