Astorga Clan of Barugo (Leyte)

In the beginning there were eight.

We still do not know their father’s name but he was an Astorga. He sired six sons and two daughters. Their names were Ramon, Tomas, Salvacion, Gertrudes, Segundo, Juan, Vicente and Agustin; not necessarily in that order.

They are the known first generation Astorga of Barugo, Leyte.

All we know of Ramon as of yet is that he stayed in Barugo. Of Juan, we do not know anything.

Tomas went to Zumarraga, Samar, and begat three children that we know of: Francisco, Isidro and Benito. Isidro and Benito remained in Zumarraga but Francisco went to Alangalang, Leyte, and became Capitan del Pueblo. He was otherwise known as Capitan Engkoy.

Salvacion stayed in Asog, Calingcaguing, a barangay of Barugo. She is most likely the ancestor of the Astorgas in Barugo who own land in and originated from Asog. Itay Albino (Aruta) told me that the mother of his grandfather (Apoy Poroy) was an Astorga from Asog. Their family has landholdings in Asog, Calingcaguing.

Gertrudes had an illegitimate child named Gregorio. Gregorio had a son, Valentin Astorga. Valentin’s daughter, Ramona Astorga, married Lucas Acuin.

Segundo went to Calbayog, Samar. Only one of his children is known, a certain Dinay who married a De los Reyes.

Vicente married a Decena. We only know so far of some of his grandchildren: Antonio, Vicente Jr., Jose, Julian and Takoy. Antonio is the father of Aning (Tarzan) and Atty. Sabas Astorga. Vicente Jr. was the father of Encarnacion Astorga Espos, mother of Dr. Robert A. Espos Jr. Jose Decena Astorga was most likely the father of Nicomedes Astorga and grandfather of Trinidad Astorga (Jezza Astorga Penaranda’s lolo Trining). Takoy was the grandfather of former Manila vice-mayor Herminio Astorga.

Agustin is my third (great, great, great) grandfather. He also married a Decena, the sister of Vicente’s wife. Agustin had five children: Anunciacion, Prudencio, Adoracion, Eugenio and Josefa. (I come from the Josefa Decena Astorga lineage.)

Nothing is known of Eugenio. Of Adoracion, we only know that she married an Alcober.

Anunciacion married a Ponferrada. They bore four children: Pedro, Cristito, Ambrosio and Maria Astorga Ponferrada.

Pedro Astorga Ponferrada married Joaquina Candaza. They had three children, namely; Emilia who married a Cubilla, Carolina who married an Estil, and Gonzalo.

Cristito Astorga Ponferrada (wife not known) had four children: Engracio, Tomasa, Isidro and Ambrosio Ponferrada.

Another son of Anunciacion, Ambrosio Astorga Ponferrada, married Maria Ariza. They had six children: Domingo, Jose, Matilde, Victorina, Conrada and Antonia Ponferrada. Domingo Ariza Ponferrada is the father of Dr. Virgilio Ponferrada and Judge Rodolfo Ponferrada.

Anunciacion’s daughter, Maria Astorga Ponferrada married Amboy “Calamay” Penaranda and they had four children: Potenciana, Bruno, Rafael and Restituto.

Prudencio married an Avestruz (first name unknown). They bore three children: Josefa Avestruz Astorga, Marta “Mantay” Avestruz Astorga and Eugenio. One of Prudencio’s grandchildren (Josefa’s son) was the late Juan “Anit” Astorga Tiu, in his time one of Barugo’s prominent citizens and businessmen.

Josefa Decena Astorga (my great, great grandmother) married Rufino Astilla Avestruz. They had nine children: Apolonio, Rosalia, Gavina, Justino, Santiago, Jose, Dominga, and priests Mateo and Alejandro. All of Josefa’s children carried the surname Astorga instead of Avestruz. Anecdotal accounts have it that in their time something despicable was associated with the name Avestruz.

One of Josefa Decena Astorga’s grandchildren was a very prominent Barugon-on, Emilio A. Astorga. He was a pioneer educator and philanthropist. He founded or co-founded three private schools - Leyte Colleges (Tacloban City), Samar College (Catbalogan, Samar) and Leyte Institute (Barugo, Leyte). A Street in Barugo is named after him. He was the only child of Justino Avestruz Astorga who married Juana Acuin.

Dominga never married and there is no evidence that Rev. Fr. Mateo and Alejandro sired any children.

Apolonio Avestruz Astorga married Juana Ayaso Ponferrada. They had three children: Lucia, Rufino and Basiliso Astorga.

Lucia Ponferrada Astorga married Francisco Bunales Cabanacan. They begat six children: Vicente (my father), Natividad, Gloria, Maria, Angeles and Alejandro.

Atty. Rufino Ponferrada Astorga married Manuela Ruiz and they had five children: Josefa, Rufino Jr., Manuela, Rita and Juana.

Basiliso married Prima de Veyra and had two daughters, Milagros and Ma. Jesusa.

Rosalia Avestruz Astorga married Miguel Alcober. Their children were Caridad and Esperanza.  Caridad married Evangelista de Guia and produced four children: Anita, Faustino, Rosalia and Gloria.  Esperanza married Cirilo Escober and had six children: Mateo, Eriberto, Loretta, Estelita, Macario and Elnora. 

Gavina Avestruz Astorga married Pedro Apostol and they had four children: Eduardo (married Otelia/Lucia(?) Veloso), Segundo (married Mercedes Salas), Dr. Silvestre (married Sofia Villasin Penaranda) and Rev. Fr. Gerardo Apostol.  Corazon Apostol Moya is the daughter of Eduardo.  Segundo had four children; Arturo, Segundo Jr., Lourdes and Artemio.  Dr. Silvestre Apostol did not survive the Bataan Death March; he had a daughter (Consuelo Apostol Regino) with Sofia.

Santiago Avestruz Astorga had seven children with Justa Penaranda: Teresa, Asuncion, Santiago Jr., Rev. Fr. Manuel, Pedro, Pablo and Filomeno.  Teresa and Momong Neri had three children: Renato, Estelita and Norma.  Asuncion married Amado Tiu and had two daughters: Elena and Regina.  Santiago Jr. married Sofia Villasin Penaranda, the widow of his cousin Dr. Silvestre Apostol.  They produced two children: Victoria and Eduardo.  Rev. Fr. Manuel Astorga sired a son named Santiago.  Pedro was married to Ma. Lourdes Ponferrada Urmenita.  They were the parents of Alvin and Edwin Astorga.  Edna V. Astorga is the only child of Filomeno and Patrocinio (Villaflor).  Pablo died young and had no child.

Jose Avestruz Astorga was married to Juana Ponferrada and they had a son, Filemon. Jose also had a son (Deogracias) with another woman.  Filemon's children are Lesmes, Elvira, Erlinda, Milagros, Jose, Gemma, Manuel and Febes.  Deogracias had three children: Jose, Rev. Fr. Aresio Astorga and Lydia.

For the sake of brevity, I left out most of the details from the list that I keep. On the Agustin Astorga lineage my list goes all the way to the 8th generation.(1) I belong to the 6th generation.

For the young Astorgas who are not able to trace their lineage to any of the first generation ancestors and feel they are at a dead end, despair not for this is a work in progress. There are a few of our first and second gereration ancestors we know nothing about.  I am sure one of them is yours.  It has taken me several years to get to this point and it is still far from being complete.(2) There are a lot of missing links. Every answer generates more questions. It is hoped that some of you will be able to provide some of the missing links to this living document.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(1) I use a computer software program, RootsMagic, to store all the information I gather from interviews. The program can generate different types of detailed reports. Please email astorgaclan@gmail.com if you want a copy of a detailed narrative report sent to you.  It is about 30 pages long.

(2) Over the course of several years many Astorga clan members have helped me with my family-tree journey. But I would like to give special mention to three individuals whose help was vital. First is my late father, Vicente Astorga Cabanacan, whose pride in his heritage inspired me to search. Second, my aunt, Manuela Astorga Laure, who initially provided me with a lot of names from sheer memory. Last but not least, Manuel ‘Tito Marny’ Astorga, who, unbeknownst to me, for years held the critical list of names of the known first and second generation Astorga of Barugo. Something that was as close to the Holy Grail as there is.

To Where I Am

It was still dark outside on that April morning but from our bedroom window I could see, just a few feet away, the leaves of the mango tree giving contrast to the lighter shade of darkness.  My deep slumber must have been interrupted by the silent trees trying to capture the sporadic noise from the distant roosters’ crow.  Ten after four, as I glanced at the clock.

By the time I pedaled my mountain bike outside the gate, through the long driveway towards the narrow road, weak sunlight had permeated the horizon intimating the break of dawn.  Against this backdrop I could barely see what remained of the rice stalks from the recent harvest. And, oh, the ever so pleasant smell spawned by the gleanings bathed in early morning dew was unmistakable.  Some things are priceless.

Eighteen months prior I grabbed the opportunity knocking on the door.  A friend was selling this property in Cabarasan, a small farming village just outside my home town of Barugo on the north coast of Leyte province.  I saw an island in a glimmering sea of green.  Six months later we started to build a small octagon-shaped, three-bedroom house with yard space aplenty.  Rice fields all around.  Maybe in five years or so we would permanently call it home.  This time is supposed to be a trial balloon.  Four months, April to August this year.

It was early October the year before in “the land of milk and honey.”  The splendor of fall was becoming evident, autumn leaves changing color to shades of yellow, red and purple as the days started to get cooler.  I noticed the white oak tree in my front yard just beginning the process as I drove away.  Just shy of eight o’clock, I’m in the midst of morning rush-hour traffic in suburban northern Virginia.  In my car on the way to work, with the radio tuned to the traffic station, I can only listen to my own thoughts.

Eleven years now in the corporate world.  Twenty-one years in the service of my adopted country as a hard-charging Naval Officer.  I enlisted in Subic Bay as a seaman recruit; a young man lost, perhaps in a hurry but unsure of where to go.  Seven years later, I was commissioned an Ensign.  In Navy lingo, I was a “mustang” – the moniker for those who jump from enlisted rank to commissioned officer.

I had made it to Lieutenant Commander before l’affaires de coeur cut it short.  A few more years and I could have stitched four gold stripes on the sleeves of a Navy Captain’s uniform. It was not to be.  Cliché or not, they say things happen for a reason.  But that is another story.

So I pick up the pieces and before long, I find relative success.  In one company, I became vice-president for government services.  Director of Program Control is the label I have now, whatever that means; and I do independent consulting work on the side.  My two children are on their own, college education and stable employment under their belt.  There is also this bundle of joy from my son, a lovely granddaughter – Colombian-Filipino by blood, American by birth.  Simone Kyra is her given name.

My thoughts incessantly hounded me as I inched along heavy, nerve-racking traffic.  Why am I doing this?  When do I stop this madness?  How big a house and how expensive a car?  How much more money to make, to save, to pay the bills?  Save for the grave or spend to live for the day?  Someone said wisely that money imparts value only in parting.  I adjusted the rear-view mirror, looked into my own eyes and asked myself:  What makes you happy?  Methinks this is a simple question with no simple answer.

I figured four months would help me find the answer, enough to savor the good along with the bad.  In five years or so, we would be ready.  Proper planning always helps, so I thought with a tinge of pride.  Thus the trial balloon would be suitable this year as house construction was finished.  We had just missed the rice harvest by the time we arrived in mid-April.

So here I am.  From the grass and gravel driveway I turn left and start the uphill ride towards the junction a half kilometer away, where the barangay road meets the highway.  I then turn right towards the town proper.  Maybe I’ll visit mother when I get to town.  She lives in the same house she and my father built.  Father died six years ago.

I see friends and familiar faces every day.  I wake up early in the morning because I want to, not because I have to.  Vegetable plants in the garden are plentiful and fish comes fresh every day.  A thirty-minute leisurely walk leads me to the seashore.  Fruit trees, including mangoes and dwarf coconuts, provide shade and nourishment.  All around me is green and the air that comes in a breeze is cool and pure.  It seems like I am in the middle of nowhere, far enough for solitude yet close enough for solace.

When the days of August came, I had this indescribable feeling.  I cannot say that it was loneliness, fear or despair.  Maybe it was all of those, and more.  I will not attempt to describe what it feels like to face imminent death, but if I were to venture a guess, the very thought of having to leave so soon was pretty close to it.  I desperately wanted to stay put in the same place I so eagerly left 33 years ago.

“Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to.”  Pulitzer Prize winning journalist John Ed Pearce captured it so well.  Now I know what he meant, precisely.

We left for Virginia in late August not long after rice planting.  I continued searching for what was really in my heart.  I may have found the answer to my question.  I was right, there is no simple answer.  I cannot find the exact words to express it.  But I know it.  And I feel it.  After four months, yes, the answer was not that simple but the choice was rather easy.

At 54 I’ve decided not to wait five more years.  The decision was made swiftly.  Trade my pseudo-comfort zone for the price of happiness.  The best healthcare system will be beyond my reach.  But if I were to use my mother as benchmark, she has been properly cared for by local doctors, mind still alert and body in relatively good health.  She moves rather slowly now but that is par for her 88 years.

So we decided to sell the house in Virginia.  We lost money on the deal but that’s quite all right.  Too, I’ll be giving up a sizeable chunk of income.  But it is never only about money.  Money may be a factor but not the be-all and end-all of living life to the fullest.  It is but a minor element.  I refuse to be held prisoner of lifestyle convenience.  And when November comes, we will be home for good.

The Waray dialect has no exact equivalent for the English word retirement.  Perhaps the concept is alien.  Maybe I will become a farmer instead.  Gentleman Farmer has a nice ring to it. 

My conscience gave me a choice, die young happy in my motherland or grow old comfortably in some foreign land.

I chose to go to where I am.  And I may yet get lucky and grow old happy.

Assunta’s Dream

Assunta is an underprivileged but bright and ambitious young girl who got caught up in the game of dirty politics, power play, and the insatiable desire of the superciliously powerful to remain in power. This is her story, a very sad story.

I had been back but three days to the place whence I came and the familiar smell of rice fields during harvest season reminded me so. Serenity in all its color green now surrounds me and in my solitude I sometimes hug the wind.

I am at the crossroads of the thoroughfare that takes you to Duka and the narrow barangay road that leads to Cabarasan. Less than a mile to the north is the quiet fishing village of Minuhang, the largest barangay of my beloved town of Barugo in Leyte province. My mother taught the first grade there for a few years. Except for many houses now made of concrete the place have not changed much. I remember the topography for it was here that I spent my pre-school years tagging along my mother. One lazy afternoon while mother was busy with her class I sneaked out and crossed the street towards the shore. Out of curiosity and mischief I walked toward the shallow water as the tide was rising and was knocked down by the waves and almost drowned.

My sluggish motorcycle ride on the coastal road of Minuhang was disrupted by a minor commotion along the shore. My friend and I stopped to find out the cause of the commotion. A wounded dolphin beached. Several villagers were trying to help her get back to deeper water. And in the midst of the commotion and the noisy crowd a small group of teenage girls seemed unmindful of the attraction. As we passed by I overheard their conversation and, again, I couldn’t help but stop. I had to stop and listen some more.

I’ll just say her name is Assunta(1) to protect her innocence. And this is her story. She comes from a poor family. Her father worked as a caminero, the lowest of unskilled temporary workers for the government public works and highways district, the second district of Leyte. Casual worker is what someone like him is called, and he made just barely enough to put food on the table. He couldn’t even afford to send Assunta to the public high school so she had to live with and be supported by her aunt. This year she graduated from high school and wanted to pursue her dream of going to college.

Assunta is a bright young girl with ambition and determination. On her own she found out about Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation, Inc. in Tabontabon, Leyte. Colegio de Sta. Lourdes is not an ordinary school. All students are on full scholarship. Applicants whose parents’ annual income does not exceed 200,000 pesos qualify by passing an entrance examination. It also offers free living accommodation in the school’s spartan dormitory. Sounds like a perfect fit for someone like Assunta. She heard about the entrance examination scheduled on the second Saturday of April 2010. She told her friends about it and they obtained application forms for the entrance exam.

The school is a foundation established by Dr. Rustico Balderian(2), the incumbent mayor of Tabontabon, Leyte. He started the school before he entered elective public office. He is currently a candidate for the congressional seat for the 2nd district of Leyte running against the politically powerful and financially formidable Apostol political dynasty.

The Apostol husband-and-wife team has represented Leyte’s 2nd district for 18 years. The wife is the incumbent representative on her third and last term but she is running for mayor of Carigara, Leyte, where she is from. Before the wife, the husband represented the district also for three terms. He is now running for the same congressional seat. Their daughter is the incumbent mayor of Carigara, Leyte, on her second term but is giving in to mother and is running for the Leyte provincial board as the 2nd district member. In the town of Barugo, where husband is originally from, the wife of a relative, who used to be the mayor for three terms as well and is the incumbent vice-mayor, is running as the Apostol candidate for mayor. You may draw a wiring diagram if you find it a little complicated, as I did. If some alien from outer space were to land in one of the 2nd district towns of Leyte, he would think there is a dearth of capable political leaders in the 2nd district and more so in the towns of Carigara and Barugo.

It’s as if this is all a game of musical chairs and for millions of reasons they’re the ones lucky enough to sit on the chairs each time the music stops.

Apparently, someone heard about Assunta’s plan to take the entrance exam for Colegio de Sta. Lourdes. Somebody told somebody and before anyone could blink, Assunta’s father had been fired from his job. The family, fearful of other repercussions, like compromising the job of a member of the extended family, decided it was to their best interest that Assunta must forego taking the entrance exam. Poor Assunta, she had to miss out on the exam while her friends took it.

It seems like this is someone’s version of serving the public. Anyone gets in the way of someone getting elected to public office must be dealt with regardless of the consequences, intended or unintended. Everything is quid pro quo. This for that; no that, no this. The devil may care!

My heart bleeds not for Assunta because I am confident she will endure and somehow pursue her dream some other way. She has boundless potential and has her life ahead of her. Rather, my heart bleeds for the heartless people who put a façade and pretend to serve the less fortunate. I believe in karma.

Wouldn’t it be interesting if you were a fly on the wall listening to what these people admit as sin during confession? Lest I be accused of claiming to be pure of heart, I admit to being constantly in a state of mortal sin so I don’t bother receiving communion at all. I am WYSIWYG. With me, what you see is what you get.

And in the periphery of Assunta’s dream, others, whose only motive was to do the right thing, have been implicated. The principal of the elementary school that was used as the venue for the entrance exam likewise became the object of scorn. It is said that the queen commanded the rabidly loyal princess to summon the principal and be presented before her court for an inquisition. Of course there was no trial for the only purpose of the appearance was to promulgate the sentence. Guilty as charged, the poor principal was summarily castigated by the queen.

For the venue of the next entrance exam two weeks later, the organizers tried to obtain permission from the principal of the other elementary school. Politely, she refused for fear of incurring the wrath of the queen. Neither the king nor the queen shalt thou displease, or suffer thou the consequences. Public service! The devil may care.

The end of the Minuhang coastal road on the northeast direction leads to the mouth of the Cabarasan River. The place is called Balaurte, well-known as the site of an ambush of a large contingent of Japanese soldiers by a small band of courageous Filipino guerillas during World War II. There is a historical landmark memorializing this famous local encounter.

There is another landmark in Balaurte, albeit infamous and a testament to the arrogance of power and the vindictiveness of the powerful. It is the remnants of the wooden Balaurte Bridge. Across the river is barangay Balud, a few minutes’ walk from Balaurte. Villagers have mastered the art of balancing on wobbly, single wooden planks about a foot wide between each section of the bridge foundation to get to the other side of the river. They make do with what they got. I tried but the balancing act after the fourth plank was too much of a challenge. I gave up and hired a boat to cross the river.

Apparently, the people of Balud have incurred the wrath of the powerful as well because in every election for over a decade now, only a very small minority voted for the powerful. No vote, no bridge. Quid pro quo. This time, as a show of love and concern for the people of Balud and Balaurte, the ever so powerful orders a palliative. Perhaps it is pure coincidence that it is election campaign period. Perhaps not.

It would have been funny if only it is not pathetic and insulting. On top of the wooden planks, a metal frame about a meter wide with a handrail was built on top of the wobbly planks. Two-by-four coco lumbers were used as steps bolted to the frame. The spacing of the steps is dangerously wide you have to look down every step of the way. And it is incomplete, only halfway through. Perhaps the second half will come after the elections, the better to show their "love and concern" for the villagers. To the people of Balud and Balaurte, it is more of a joke and an insult to their intelligence. They wonder what mind would think they would buy the love charade!

My heart bleeds not for Assunta and the people of Balud and Balaurte. They may be downtrodden but their spirit is not broken.

I believe in karma.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(1) Assunta is not her real name.
(2) “Toti Balderian – Change We Have Seen” – www.himanglos.blogspot.com January 2010

The People's Mayor

They call him fondly by his nickname En-goy. They will go as far formally as Mayor En-goy, most telling of his leadership style and the close relationship he has with his constituents. If you hear someone address him as Mayor Avestruz, that someone is more likely not a constituent. Because Barugo’s popular, relatively young mayor is almost never referred to by his constituents as Mayor Avestruz.

Most of them don’t even know his real given name, Alden. But it matters not. They know En-goy, their Mayor En-goy, is there for them, always. As they say, “madali duokon, andam pagbulig, andam pagserbisyo.”

He is an accomplished lawyer by profession, dedicated public servant by vocation. Public service has always been in his heart. He first emerged in the political limelight back in 1998 when at the young age of 28 he was elected number one councilor of Barugo. In 2001 he was elected vice mayor and re-elected to a second term in 2004.

Running as an underdog in the 2007 local elections, he was elected mayor of Barugo. Noteworthy is the fact that his opponent was the candidate of the financially formidable Apostol political empire. It was therefore as much a victory for the people of Barugo as it was for En-goy. He was the people’s candidate, not someone else’s.

Like most Barugon-ons, En-goy is a product of the public elementary school system. He is the youngest child of a dedicated public school teacher and a highly esteemed judge, both now retired. But if I were to venture a guess they will probably prefer to be described as successful parents, having raised their children as upright citizens and successful professionals. Their eldest, Alvin, died of a brain tumor while in college. Closer in age to me than En-goy is, he was a dear friend.

En-goy spent four years at Sacred Heart Seminary in Palo, Leyte, graduating from high school in 1985. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in customs administration in 1989 from University of Cebu, and placed number 15 in the 1990 customs brokerage licensure exam. Four years later he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws from Divine Word University. In 1995, he passed the bar, finally achieving his childhood dream of becoming a lawyer, the better to serve the public.

As a young practicing attorney he realized that serving the people gave him great personal satisfaction. Most of his clients couldn’t afford to pay his fees but he still provided them the legal services they needed. Pro bono publico, as it is referred to in the legal profession. For the public good, translated from Latin, is what it means. Proof positive you see that En-goy has been a public servant in the truest sense of the word even before he entered politics.

In Barugo, legend has it that as a practicing lawyer, En-goy considered any street in Barugo as his office and would sign legal documents literally using the client’s back as his desk.

Pro bono publico - madali duokon, andam pagbulig, andam pagserbisyo. En-goy is the very definition of what servant leadership is – a leader who is primarily a servant.

Among his collateral duties since becoming an elected local official include: 1998 to 2001 - General Legal Counsel of the Philippine Councilors’ League; 2001 to 2004 – Provincial Auditor, Vice Mayors’ League; 2004 to 2007 – Vice President for Admin, Vice Mayors’ League; 2007 to present – Chairman, Electoral Tribunal, Mayors’ League.

Prior to his election as mayor he was a partner of Libanan Tansingco Uy Adolfo and Avestruz Law Firm. One of his partners is former Eastern Samar Congressman and current Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) Commissioner Marcelino Libanan.

Since becoming mayor in 2007, En-goy has ensured the provision of basic services to all barangays, including nutrition, child development, health and protective services. He has instituted several programs and initiated important projects among which include the following: continuing skills development of municipal employees, numerous infrastructure projects for various barangays, improvement of drainage system and roads, youth sports development, cultural activities, potable drinking water for various barangays, and medical missions.

He started the EN-GOY Program, or Enhancement of Skills for Gainful Employment Opportunities for the Youth, aimed at developing the skills of the youth of Barugo to help improve their chances for gainful employment.

He has also led the successful implementation of the farm-to-market roads rehabilitation project under the Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector (inFRES) program of the Department of Agriculture, sourcing counterpart funding from the Office of the Governor of Leyte. This project covers 14 barangays and is aimed at increasing farm productivity and rural income.

There is talk widely spread in Barugo that the town could have received more infrastructure projects through the pork barrel of the second district representative, had En-goy toed the line and switched to the congresswoman’s political party.

If such story is true, what a sad state of affairs it is. For herein lies the acid test of leadership and character. In effect, for the last three years the people of Barugo have been held political hostage and victimized by vindictiveness.

Vindictiveness is never an attribute of a good leader.

En-goy has exhibited good leadership traits since becoming mayor. He put to stop what has been the usual, accepted albeit vindictive practices of replacing temporary municipal employees hired by the previous administration and of requesting the transfer of policemen perceived to have supported the opposing candidate.

That is good leadership. Magnanimity. Tolerance. People first. Character traits rarely seen in politics these days.

Twelve years in public office as councilor, vice mayor and mayor, En-goy has never been a subject of a graft complaint. If it were only money he was after, he could have continued to build a lucrative legal practice. Or he could have been by now a customs official with unexplained wealth. But serving the public is what gives him self-actualization.

Growing up as a young boy in the ‘60s I saw in the flesh most of Barugo’s mayors who served right after World War II through the late 1960s. Laureano Claros. Lorenzo Afable. Mariano Delgado. Marciano Cańeda. Julian Cańeda. They came from different political parties. To this day I do not know if they can be considered among Barugo’s most effective mayors. But, more importantly, they had one thing in common that even my very young mind then could discern. They were of modest means.

This is not in any way to disparage any of Barugo’s former chief executives, living or dead. But in my mind these five aforementioned mayors were highly dedicated public servants whose only motive was to serve the people that elected them to office. As men of unquestionable integrity, they left public office with the same modest means they had prior to being elected. Indubitably true public servants that should be resolutely emulated and gratefully admired!

I am sure that in years to come, when our grandchildren be the judge, they will speak of the name Alden “En-goy” Avestruz in the same exalted mold as Laureano Claros, Lorenzo Afable, Mariano Delgado, Marciano Cańeda and Julian Cańeda.

Toti Balderian - Change We Have Seen!

In the Philippines, most people enter politics then flagrantly enrich themselves. Too, some rich folks enter politics to protect their interests or, worse, to make even more money the easy way. Every now and then, a few who made money the old fashion way (They earned it!), enter politics and serve their constituency in the most effective and sincere manner of public service.

I know of such a person. His name is Dr. Rustico Balderian, Mayor of Tabontabon, Leyte. He also goes by his nickname Rusty or Toti. He is not all talk, he walks the talk.

He is both an optometrist and a physician by profession, a very successful businessman by perseverance. He was elected mayor of Tabontabon in May 2007, defeating the incumbent whose family had ruled this 5th class municipality for over 50 years.

Mayor Balderian did not get to where he is by happenstance.

Here’s an excerpt of his inspiring life story (1). After graduating from high school he went to Manila and worked his way through college, taking odd jobs as a factory worker, cigarette and balut vendor, and driver so as to achieve his dream of a good education. By 1975 he became an optometrist and in 1981 he completed his Doctor of Medicine from Manila Central University. He first ventured into the world of business in 1977 as a chicken broiler contract grower.

In 1983 he migrated to the United States to try his luck in the land of milk and honey. He was first hired as a truck driver in Los Angeles, promoted to store cashier and eventually as store manager making a measly $6 an hour.

He left his job sometime in 1984 and with $1,000 in savings started his own landscaping business. At the same time, he was working as a physician assistant in a medical clinic. The following year Dr. Balderian and his wife, a medical technologist, opened a medical laboratory in Los Angeles, a pharmacy in 1993, and a mobile X-ray company in 1996. In the year 2000, they opened the Ryan Imaging Center also in Los Angeles. During all this time, he was also busy in the Philippines, opening a diagnostic center in Tacloban City in 1990 and the Ryan Anthony Hospital in Cainta, Rizal, in 1995.

So what does a man do with all these successes? Give it back by paying forward!

In 2003 Dr. Balderian opened a nursing school in his hometown of Tabontabon, Leyte. Colegio de Sta. Lourdes of Leyte Foundation, Inc. first offered a four-year nursing degree, a medical transcriptionist course and a computer course. Later on it added an entrepreneurial course to teach young folks how to run a business. Colegio de Sta. Lourdes is not an ordinary school. All students are on full scholarship. Yes, everything is free including tuition, laboratory equipment, school supplies, dormitory and uniform! But the concept is not an indolent dole out.

Prospective students may come from any of the towns in the provinces of Region 8 (Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar), not just from the town of Tabontabon, Leyte. Applicants whose parents’ annual income does not exceed 80,000 pesos qualify by passing an entrance examination. Students must maintain an average grade of 2.0 with no grade below 2.5 in a semester.

Add quality instructors to this body of bright and highly motivated students, you get a sure formula for excellence. It’s not surprising then that in 2009 Colegio de Sta. Lourdes made it to the distinguished list of the Top 20 Nursing Schools in the Philippines(2) with a passing rate of 88.55%. Not bad for a newly minted school in rural Tabontabon, Leyte, being grouped with the likes of University of the Philippines-Manila and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay (UERM) Memorial Medical Center.

The only thing that Dr. Balderian asks of the nursing students, as a condition for their scholarship, is that they send $1,000.00 a month to their parents for three consecutive years once they find employment abroad. He knows that these remittances will help drive the local economy.

Young folks interested in becoming entrepreneurs may apply to take the entrepreneurial course by presenting and defending a project before a committee. If they pass, Dr. Balderian finances the project with the students as industrial partners. But there’s a catch. After graduation the student must set up his or her own business instead of seeking employment.

Since becoming mayor of Tabontabon, Dr. Balderian has been successful in promoting environment and livelihood projects in Tabontabon. They have built 3 prototypes of bamboo cars that run on coconut biofuel. They also built bioreactors for use in the town’s solid waste management, including production of organic fertilizers. Others towns have bought their solid waste management equipment. Too, under Mayor Balderian’s leadership, the town has initiated livelihood projects such as making slippers, bags and bricks out of plastic waste and mushroom growing. Mayor Balderian did all these programs within the first couple of years of his term of office. Imagine…

Imagine if all these things he has done for the residents of Tabontabon, he will do for other towns. Well, it’s closer to reality than you think. He is running for the congressional seat of the 2nd district of Leyte. It could be an uphill battle since he’s running against the husband of the incumbent congresswoman, who between husband and wife has represented the 2nd district for the last 18 years.

I am convinced that after 18 years the people of the second district are ready for change. But not the kind of change that is merely promised, rather change that we’ve seen someone actually deliver. And Mayor Balderian has been there, done that, implementing change in the municipality of Tabontabon through his principal advocacy in education and livelihood programs.

However, the winds of change may not blow fairly for Dr. Balderian. He is running against a politically and financially well-entrenched veteran politician. But with the help of people who believe in him and what he has done, he has a good chance of winning.

Most overseas Filipinos may not have the means nor the aspiration to do what Dr. Balderian and other trailblazers did. But we can stand up and be counted by supporting people like Dr. Balderian. What can people abroad do to help? Well, you can buy votes for him without taking any money from your pockets. Let the money you send to family and relatives speak for your conviction. Tell your family and ask friends and relatives to vote for Toti Balderian for congressman. If other candidates try to buy their votes, tell them to take the money but vote for change. Vote for Toti Balderian. We all know what most of these traditional politicians who buy votes do once they are in office. Toti Balderian is not a traditional politician.

If you are in Facebook, become a fan of LOVE Balderian for Congress. Yes, love means never having to say you’re sorry. But here, LOVE means Leyteńos Overseas Vote to Elect Balderian for Congress.

Personally, I do not know Dr. Balderian. I have not met him nor spoken to him in person. We have exchanged one email correspondence that I initiated. I just know of him from what I’ve heard and read, of the good things he has done, both as a human being and as mayor of Tabontabon. And based on what I know, I can look my granddaughter in the eyes and say, Simone, there is a man by the name of Rustico Balderian who will never steal from anyone.

I’d like to share with you an interesting experience Dr. Balderian had while making the rounds of the barangays of Barugo. He said he enjoyed going around Barugo especially crossing the bridge to Barangay Balud from Barangay Minuhang (Baluarte Bridge). “I thought I could cross the foot bridge but after the third plank my legs wobbled because of the unsteady and narrow wooden plank. I had to go back and use a banca to cross the river. I told the barangay officials in Balud that I will never forget that wooden bridge. Deep inside me I wanted to tell them that I will make sure to fix that bridge once I get elected. But I did not say it because they might think that I was making a promise just to get their votes. I will just have to do it in case I get lucky,” says the very humble and unassuming businessman, doctor and mayor. Your typical, traditional politician would have quickly made that promise! But, as I said, Dr. Balderian is not a traditional politician.

He does not promise. He delivers!

And oh, I almost forgot to mention one other thing. There is another bridge you have to cross, Dr. Balderian. It has narrower, unsteady wooden planks and is more difficult to cross than the Baluarte Bridge. It is the bridge that will take you from Tabontabon to Congress.

But don’t you worry much. A lot of people believe in you and will help you cross that bridge.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:
(1)“Doc shares blessings with Leyte youth” – Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 8, 2008
(2)Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 2009 Board Exam Results, Top 20 Nursing Schools 2009 in the Philippines with 100 – 999 exam takers

Enough Already!

Dear Marlene,

I’m not going to judge you as a mother and on your unconditional love for your son. But please stop it, Marlene, because you’re beginning to look like a nut case, at best. At worst, you’re making Kris Aquino look timid.

If you don’t want trial by publicity, then stop it. Your son is innocent until proven guilty, I agree. So let the wheels of justice grind. Let the courts decide.

You’ve managed to fool some people before your son allegedly shot the hapless Mr. Ebarle, Jr. But let us set the record straight. Gabriela Silang, Teodora Alonzo or Melchora Aquino you are not. Forgive me, Mr. Napoleon Abueva, you’re wrong on this one. Ms. Loida Nicolas Lewis, I admire you no end as a woman, mother, entrepreneur, civic leader and philanthropist but Marlene got you fooled. You said, “The woman is a live wire.” I say, “She may have some loose wires.”

All I know for sure is this. Someone was shot and killed in cold blood because of road rage. Your son is the prime suspect. He fled. You plead on national TV for him to surrender (with a qualified “if you’re guilty”). Twice the authorities went to your house; twice you denied knowing his whereabouts. You also told them that you received an email from him claiming he was in Hawaii. The third and last time they paid a visit, he was found in a secret hiding place inside your house and shot it out with NBI operatives. Fortunately, no one was killed. You professed your unconditional love and that no matter what he did you love him with all your heart and soul, or words to that effect. I understand. You would even take a bullet for him, you said. I say, why did you not? During the shootout, I saw you crawl and run instead, as the footage will bear out.

And you have been hogging the limelight with your posturing and your unbelievably wild conspiracy theories.

In the meantime, another mother is quietly grieving the untimely loss of her only son. She has avoided the glare of publicity with much poise and dignity. (Note: you might want to take this as a teachable moment.) But we can feel her undying and well-deserved unconditional love for her son. Well deserved I say because Renato Ebarle, Jr. probably got some tough love along the way. Did Jason?

Let it play out in court, Marlene, not in the media as if you're promoting yourself and your book. You’ve been hounded by the U.S. Government because of what you wrote in your book, so you claim. And Jason is being framed up as a way of getting back at you. Wow! Well, make sure that his lawyer asks Your Honor to mark it as defense Exhibit G, J or KK. (Sorry, but Sergio Apostol is running for Congress and therefor not available.)

About your book, Warriors of Heaven, is that the one you published yourself? Was it because no respectable publisher would take it? And how many copies did it sell? I’m just curious as to why, whatever it is you wrote, it would be a threat to the U.S. Government, and more importantly, how many read what you wrote.

Lately, you came up with this harebrained concoction of a tale insinuating that your "British bodyguard" is the real gunman. Good plot for your next book maybe but will not likely get your son off the hook. The truth of the matter is, from day one, you have been trying so hard to put the blame on everyone. Everyone except your son. Enough already!

And then you want the U.S. Embassy to take custody of Jason, and protect him as a (U.S.) citizen and soldier who served in Iraq. Last time I checked, the U.S. Embassy in Manila is part and parcel of the U.S. Government. So, Marlene, you want the same folks trying to frame him, for a murder you say he did not commit, to protect him? Hmmm…

Sometimes I think you’re milking the situation for your own media exposure. One of us is sick. Could it be me for thinking it, or could it be you for doing it?

At ang tanong,

“Nanay, ba’t ka nagkaganyan?”

At ang iyong mga mata'y minsan lumuha

Ng iyong pinipilit

'Di ka nagsisisi kahit pa

Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali.

I know the title of this very popular song by Freddie is “Anak.” (1)

Without permission, I’d like to change the title to “Nanay.” Sing it again, Marlene!

Sincerely,

Jesse

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:

(1) The original lyrics of the Freddie Aguilar song "Anak" quoted above goes like this:

At ang tanong,

“Anak, ba’t ka nagkaganyan?”

At ang iyong mga mata'y biglang lumuha

Ng 'di mo napapansin

Nagsisisi at sa isip mo'y

Nalaman mong ika'y nagkamali.

Freddie Aguilar, renowed Filipino singer and composer, is the brother of Marlene Aguilar-Pollard.

But For The Tact of Kris!

Jesse Cabanacan

The latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted during the last week of December 2009 still shows Sen. Noynoy Aquino leading while Sen. Manny Villar, gaining some ground, remains at a not-too-distant second. Aquino was chosen by 44 percent of the respondents, Villar jumped from 27 percent to 33 percent while former President Estrada is still a distant third at 15 percent.

Two candidates who by all accounts with respect to experience, integrity and capability should be elected the next president, namely, former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Sen. Richard Gordon, are at the negligible numbers of 5 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.

That is the funny part, actually, because as in every Philippine presidential election of late the joke is on us.

So let’s have enough of the funny stuff and focus more on the serious side of things. Allow me, therefore, to dissect the national political landscape the better to reveal the gross anatomy of the 2010 presidential elections.

I have always believed, along with millions of others, that Noynoy Aquino was catapulted to his candidacy because of Tita Cory and/or her death. Likewise, I also believe that if and when he wins and becomes the next President of the Philippines it will be because of his parents’ legacy. (Forgive me if I sound like Dick Gordon or C-5 at taga Manny Villar.)

My wife endlessly teases me of following showbiz news religiously. Well, guilty as charged! Unbeknownst to her, however, is the reason I do. While it appears my interest is in showbiz events and happenings, the real focus is politics. You see, it’s a little known secret in the Philippines that showbiz has a strong influence on politics. Trust me, showbiz events will determine who the next President will be.

As Noynoy is likely to win because of Tita Cory, he will lose the race because of Kris. All in the family, isn’t it? I’ve been sure about this since the day Noynoy declared he would run for President but kept it to myself fearing no one would believe. I would have kept my peace until the latest showbiz cum political development came upon us courtesy of the man of a few words, Mr. James Yap. He, who is much better known as the husband of Kris Aquino and who happens to be a basketball star as well.

Apparently, Kris showed up at the gate of the house of a female fan of her husband in swanky Valle Verde and confronted fan and fan’s mother about female fan incessantly calling Kris’ husband. Kris denies making a scene or throwing invectives at fan and mother.

The fan’s family has opted to remain silent over the incident. Of course, Kris will not be Kris if she does not relate her own version. This, according to Kris, as reported today (January 15, 2009) in the Manila dailies:

“In my 25 years of being in the public eye, nobody can ever say that it is in my nature na magmura or gumawa ng iskandalo. I didn’t shout or create a commotion.”

(Note to self: About a decade ago when Kris bared soul and all, including “tulo,” to Karina Sanchez and the rest of the Filipino people about her relationship then with Joey Marquez, true, she was just in tears but wasn’t shouting. And her revelation on national TV of a sexually transmitted disease I suppose did not ignite a national commotion over someone’s leaky faucet. Nothing scandalous about the whole thing.)

She goes on. “Mrs. Austria (mother of female fan of James) graciously came to their gate and we had a peaceful conversation.” She said she was “very polite” when she expressed her “discomfort about (female fan’s) actuations” towards her husband.

(Question to self: Have you seen Kris on TV talk condescendingly to people she absolutely has no reason to be mad at?)

“Mrs. Austria said it was all just a misunderstanding. I told her, ‘I’m sorry to be disturbing you, but I just had to come here. It makes me uncomfortable that your daughter is calling my husband,’” Kris Aquino said.

(Note to self: Refer to “Question to self” above.)

“At this time, (female fan) came out. She said James called her up to tell her that I’m on my way, and to just say sorry to me. She said, ‘I don’t know why I should. I’ve done nothing wrong.’”

(Note to self: If someone, whom you know is calling your spouse for romantic reasons, tells you something like this, remember to be as polite and peaceful as Kris when you confront that person.)

Aquino added: “I told her, ‘As a wife I’m telling you that it’s wrong. Why do you have to cry to my husband about your boyfriend leaving you when the guy is not even a friend of James’?’ I said to the mom, ‘Thank you. I hope your daughter would stop calling James,’ and then I left.”

(Note to self: Of course the written word is bereft of any discernible emotional content. So one can only assume that had one witnessed this particular incident, the softest tone of voice and utter politeness in its delivery would have been observed.)

“I told James that when we were still having problems, I didn’t cry about my problems to another guy, more so to a married guy. I said I would talk with her kasi hindi maganda ang ginagawa. Maybe she thought I only exist on TV,” says Kris.

(Note to Kris: Talk to James instead. Note to James: Ignore her calls.)

Kris says that, like her, any wife would do anything to salvage her marriage. “With my experience while I was still pregnant with Baby James (her second son, with Yap), mas gugustuhin ko nang malaman ang totoo for myself. I don’t want to be the last to know.”

(Note to Kris: You go girl! But don’t go ghetto like Elin Woods who smashed Tiger’s face and SUV with a golf club. Anyway, unlike Tiger’s professional implement, the basketball is less effective in inflecting harm to pretty face and causing damage to property.)

So what’s the political topography at this point?

Well, Kris is quite offended that this incident is being used to attack her brother politically, something that is really a “domestic issue that does not even involve him directly.”

See now what I mean about showbiz and politics being intrinsically linked?

Meanwhile, an uncle of female fan refused to comment on the incident when asked, except to say: “I now know who I will not vote for.” Well, that’s only one vote. Except that his name is Gabby Lopez, though not the same Gabby Lopez who is Chairman and CEO of Kris Aquino’s home channel ABS-CBN. But Gabby Lopez anyway, who could hold sway over the votes of millions of Kapamilya. Didn’t I say all in the family?

(Sad note to self: Kris said she will no longer comment on the issue based on the advice of her sisters and brother, Noynoy. If things would have been totally up to Kris, things would continue to be interesting. But don’t hold your breath as yet. If Kris will be Kris, comment she will further.)

Most people don’t realize how certain little incidents that on the surface appear unrelated to a tangential outcome, like this “confrontation at the gate”, have dominant roles in the concealed drama of much bigger things, in this particular case, the next President of the Republic of the Philippines.

If you don’t agree, I’ll let you in on a little secret that I’ve held for a couple of decades. You’d be surprised to find out what really triggered EDSA I. It’s not what you think it is. I’ll give you a few hints: Binondo Central Bank, Fabian Ver, Roberto Ongpin and Edna Camcam.

But that is for another time and space.

All In A Day

Jesse Cabanacan

Only two weeks into the New Year and within a span of a day we find attention-grabbing headlines that likely validate our blight of “living in interesting times.”(1) That day, January 13, 2010, could be a portent of things to come for the rest of the year. There were four events heralded that day in our beloved Philippines that could affect most aspects of our lives.

Mental health of government workers. Apparently, a survey commissioned by the Department of Health and conducted in 2007 shows that about a third (30%) of government workers has mental health problems. Why this was revealed only now, I don’t know. Probably they assumed this was common knowledge, so no rush therefore to reveal the results. The most common mental disorder was depression and anxiety disorder, this according to the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA).

My question is, were they mental cases prior to being hired by government or did they suffer the disorder as a result of their jobs?

“We think that people are just normal, but they are actually harboring mental health problems,” said a certain Dr. Edgardo Tolentino Jr. of the PPA.

Perhaps this explains some of the things they do!

-------------------------------------------ooOoo--------------------------------

Supreme Courts restrains COMELEC regarding Ang Ladlad. As most of you know, Ang Ladlad is a gay and lesbian organization seeking accreditation from the Commission on Elections as a party-list organization to run in the coming May 2010 elections. The COMELEC denied accreditation based on its conclusion that the group was “espousing doctrines contrary to public morals.” In short, our highly educated and morally upright election commissioners equated homosexuality to immorality.

Since when has the COMELEC been the arbiter of morality? And when will these smart folks come out of the Dark Ages? The smartest of them all declared matter-of-factly that gays cannot be considered marginalized since there are already many homosexuals in Congress. To which I say let’s have a head count!

But let’s go along with the COMELEC’s logic. Homosexuality is immoral. Immorality disqualifies someone from running for public office. Therefore, Ang Ladlad cannot be accredited to run and be voted as a party-list organization in the May 2010 elections. Hello! So how many corrupt and womanizing incumbent candidates for congressman, governor and mayor have the COMELEC disqualified based on immorality? And didn’t they approve the certificate of candidacy of one self-confessed polygamous former president?

Actually, this could be explained. Please refer to survey finding on government workers.

Naturally, Ang Ladlad appealed to the Supreme Court which restrained the COMELEC from implementing its decision to deny accreditation and ordered it to include the name of the group in the ballot printing. It doesn’t mean though that Ang Ladlad can now run as a party-list group. The Supreme Court has yet to decide on that. But it’s comforting to know that, at least for now and for this particular issue, most members of the highest court seem to be within the 70% group of sane government employees.

-------------------------------------------ooOoo--------------------------------

One in 4 Filipino families hungry. Unrelated to the aforementioned survey that revealed the insanity of a significant number of government workers, a recent poll by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that 24% of Filipino families said they are hungry. That’s 4.4 million hungry families. Well, this is proof positive that the Philippines is a rich country pretending to be poor, again.

If you disagree, just look at the profligacy of the Ampatuans, with their stable of armored black Suburbans and their reprehensively numerous mansions. Such ostentatious display leads one to believe there is an abundance of oil in Maguindanao. (And with an army and police at their beck and call, they can annihilate 60 defenseless souls at a snap of a finger!)

Add to that the incredibly huge amounts (yes, in mind-boggling millions of dollars) that high-profile Filipino politicians bet at every Manny Pacquiao fight. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, so says the city’s tagline. If my mother and all of her 87 years only knew, she would in all humility ask, “Where to get?”

-------------------------------------------ooOoo--------------------------------

Marriage Contract Expiration Date. Another aspiring party-list organization, the feminist 1-Ako Babaeng Astig Aasenso or 1-ABAA is advocating in its political platform an expiration date on the marriage contract. Probably an idea copied from a glamorous German politician by the name of Gabrielle Pauli, the group is proposing that a marriage contract, just like a driver’s license or passport, should expire after a pre-determined date, in this case the group is pushing for 10 years. At expiration date, the couple will have the option to either extend or renew the marriage or do nothing and just let it expire. Wow!

I may be a little slow at times but I ain’t stupid. I, therefore, have no opinion on this issue whatsoever, except to say that I love my wife dearly and will never let that love expire.

Interesting that the group’s president, a certain Margie Tajon, when asked if she is or has been married, replied in the negative and added that her marital status was somehow irrelevant to the issue at hand.

And the ever vocal Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, an expert in Canon Law and Chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ National Appellate Matrimonial Tribunal (I didn’t know such a thing was in existence), dismisses the proposal as “some kind of desperate approach to right a wrong by something wrong.”

Two separate positions each at the extreme opposite end of the spectrum. And from persons who have neither been there nor done that!

-------------------------------------------ooOoo--------------------------------
Note:
(1) “May you live in interesting times” is supposedly the English translation of a Chinese proverb and curse.