The First DAAYQ Grand Reunion

Well DAAYQ is just a short cut for  Don Alejandro Acuna Yap Quina, our Chinese ancestor who donated the land area of where Victorias City stands today.. After so long a time, we, the living descendants are organizing a grand reunion. I belong to the 5th generation already but mostly from the third ones left, even with Dad’s 4th generation, only a few are still here. Anyway, maybe its about time.

Planning a reunion like this is not so hard for me. Everyone allows me to decide on plans and after I come up with with an idea and let them check it. Most of the time, I get approvals. Budget wise, I seem not to find any problem, my relatives are generous , each person wanted to sponsor a meal. Since the reunion is only comprised of 6 meals (for two days) only 6 persons are allowed to spend bigger money. The rest is just required to donate whatever and how much they wanted and they rest will jsut seat back and relax and enjoy the whole reunion.

July is three months from now and everyone is excited. DAAQY has three children so it means there are three clans. Each clan is now preparing special production number and the Acuna have started already.

Anyway, come July, my aim is to reduce 20 pounds for the events we are participating in. So more diet for me.. Religous visitations to the gym and the derma and watch the food I eat!!!

Just an annoucement:

Calling all members of Don Alejandro Acuna Yap Quina, please participate in the reunion!

Acuna family

Palanca family

Palanca Bantug family

Palanca Corona family

Palanca Alonte family

Palanca Mosqueda family

Suncuaco family

Suncuco Mirasol family

Suncuaco De Dios family

Suncuaco Garcia family

Suncuaco Miraflores family

Suncuaco Pabillo family

Masskara 2011

Here comes Masskara once again! Time to party and unwind. Like the previous, I together with my family and my friends were visible on the streets. Friday night, I met my siblings and the kids at Robinsons Place. We ate dinner and then off to the Lacson Strip.

The crowded strip showcased more than five bands playing on every corner. I saw one in fronting PNB, one near Munsterrific, one in Coca Cola old building, another one in Enting’s Special of Sagay and another one in 21 Bar.

My first stop was at Kaisei were I met with friends Dante, Honey and Tisha with their kids, While Joco joined Mike, Dennis and Rico at the Carnival, Princess and Jan Jan with Yayas were with me in Lacson.

That Friday we went home at around 2pm. The following day was carnival time. The kids enjoyed the all the safe rides they took. That night, i partied with friends along the crowded strip.

I’m glad that Masskara has really made a name as one of tourists’ targets when it comes to festivals.I see a lot of Tagalogs, Bisaya and foreign nationals around. I hope the city will continue to improve the events and be more creative so that people will always look forward for it and remember when it’s October, it’s Masskara time!!

When She’s Gone..

It was a few of the days when the City of Victorias was so quiet and the streets looked really sad. It was like a holiday without cars on the road, the flag half mast, the traffic enforcers sad looked, the City hall employees have teary eyes.

The people are crying, the workers are in mourning, the family is in grief. The Mother of Victorias left them. Former Mayor Remedios P. Bantug was a woman that almost everyone knew to be the most generous, religious, kind-hearted and yet strong-willed lady who helped thousands of people. The legacy that she left the City is enormous that thousands of people flock to her wake. The flower shops stopped accepting orders of flowers because everyone was just sending her. People lined up to see a glance of the old lady. The President of the country and some members of the Senate and House of Representative, Public Officials and Officers of multinational Corporations sent their sympathies.

Personally, Mrs. Bantug or Lola Idiong, was the most generous person to have helped me and my family. She shared in our tuition fees, paid some of the lawyers fees, paid some of the hospital bills and medicine, gave work and business to my parents, lend us anything that she had to facilitate relatives. I can hardly remember her saying no to a needy family member. This kind of testimony is not for us but for the people she loved in general , the people whom she saw the need of extending a hand.

Lola Idiong built that Ikaayong Lawas Foundation Hospital or Immaculate Conception Hospital, the only hospital in Victorias which catered the people of Manapla, Victorias and EB Magalona. She spearheaded the Damas de la Caridad and was active in Church activities because of the many donations for the Church. Her family is always involved in medical missions and outreach programs. During her stint as Mayor of Victorias, at the age of 81, she has built the Victorias Rehabilation Center, beautified the plaza, shared in the construction of the Coliseum and many other projects that helped the City to be a better place to live in.

Lola Idiong is survived by her siblings, Atty. Sammy Palanca, Mayor Vero Palanca, Nenita Alonte, Chayong Palanca and Dr. Ernesto Palanca, children, Vicky Hoffart, Armita Rufino, Reynaldo Bantug and Cynthia Regino, her children in law, grand children and great grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her kind heart and generosity, firm leadership, sweet smile, and her smart dresses and jewelries, and her throwing of extravangant parties held in her “punong”.

Farewell, grand matriarch, may your rest in peace!

Dino’s Farewell to Lola Aling

FAREWELL LOLA ALING

MISS ROSALINA J. HAUTEA
February 11, 1927-September 2, 2011

I will miss you my love./Writing a farewell message to you is the hardest thing I could do./ I just can’t say Good bye./ I wish I could change the wheels of time and the shape of our destiny so I can go back to our sweetest moments together./ I miss you/ and I miss everything about you./ I am so lost to know that we will never see each other again ever./ I was not just ready to let you go especially that I am not home./ I thought we will stick to our promise to wait for each other?/ I have asked for March so I can go home to take care of you./ It so break my heart that you had to go and not wait for me./ I had asked for 6 more months, after 4 ½ years of longing to see you./

This is the most painful time for me ever in my whole life./ I know how hard you tried to wait for me so we can fulfill our promise./ I dread for that day,/ but I know, it will never happen anymore. My bags have been packed just as I am ready to go home immediately but it was just too late. Please forgive me for not being able to see you,/ hug you/ and kiss you for the last time./ I failed to take care of you with my own presence and touch./ I am so sorry Lola Aling./ It’s so hard to accept the fact that you are gone forever./ You meant so much to me/ and I love you so much,/ and I love you so much that I had to go/ so I can give you the best./ But that’s what love is really all about./ It means sacrificing your personal happiness and interests for the one you love./ I learned it from you./

Finding the right words to say good bye is difficult./ It will take me a lifetime to recover from this pain./ It breaks me apart./ No words can express how I feel about losing you./

It is my faith in our God that keeps me strong at this point in time./ I know I have no one to turn to especially that I am alone,/ but to hold on to my faith and accept HIS WILL./

Oh sweetest Jesus in Heaven,/ please receive my Lola Aling,/ I trust in You./

Now that you are gone,/ I have no reason to stay longer in the US./ My business here is done./ I will just drain out whatever endurance is left and go home/ to live simple and decent life./ For I know from day one,/ America is not for me, but home/ but because I needed to serve you and ensure your wellness,/ I happily decided to stay./ Because I know I won’t earn the kind of money that we will need for your medical needs, if I were there./ I just hope to myself,/ that perhaps I was able to fulfill my duty to you as a son./ Because I am your son/ and you are my mother,/ and you are my joy./

Two Nights after Lola Aling passed away,/ my real mother,/ Mommy Minda visited me in a dream./ Thank you Mommy for coming to comfort me./ It is indeed true that a mother,/ knows and feels the child’s pain./ In my dream,/ Mommy and I were walking along downtown in Bacolod,/ when an old woman gave me a handful of loose diamonds in my hand./ I did not like it because it got defects and came in different weird sizes and shapes./ When I started to complain,/ Mommy, pat my back and consoled me with these meaningful words,/ “ Just accept it and be thankful”./ Upon waking up, I realized what Mommy was really trying to tell me,/ to accept that Lola is gone and be thankful that she is finally home./

A few days later,/ a small white butterfly touched me in the arm in broad day light here in California./ I surely knew it was my Lola Aling,/ because I felt her presence./ She was visiting me,/ just like when I smelled the scent of fresh flowers when my Mom passed away./

I did not ever imagine that,/ that morning in the airport some 4 years ago on March 9, 2007/ will become our last meeting/ and that kiss would be the last kiss./ I could have given you my hardest hug and my sweetest kiss/ but even so,/ it will not be enough,/ I know./ I don’t know how to handle this because its just too painful./ The ache is constant./ But I know God has a reason for everything that has happened./ I know I should be happy because you are now under His care/ and that could not be any better than any of my own care. /

Every time I wake up/ I see only your face/ and from that face I feel better, knowing that face loves me so much/ and treated me like her own son./

You never gave up on me in all my troubles,/ even though the world was telling you to leave me,/ and for that,/ I say THANK YOU.

Since the time you took me under your care when I was 6 years old,/ I felt nothing else lesser than your love,/ and care,/ and protection./ You are my mother/ and I am your son/ and I thank you for the privilege of being your son./ Thank you for making that decision to raise me./ I owe my life to you./

The retired teacher’s community here know pretty well/ that since then,/ I became like a tail to you./ Wherever you are,/ Dino is following you./ They often would say/ “Ari na ang Bata ni Saling”./ Thank you for caring for me,/ for the attention you gave me./ And for that LOVE,/ that did not recognize limits and boundaries./

We became a family of two./ For many years since I was a boy,/ we lived in one small bedroom in the house in atubang simbahan,/ with our own kitchen,/ dining/ and living area in it./ We lived independently./ We slept in one bed/ and I remember not being able to sleep without Lola Aling by my side./ I was everything to you/ and you to me./

You were a wonderful cook/ and many people remember you for your Valenciana,/ Dinugu-an/ and Pancit Molo,/ I went with you wherever the cookings took place./ As well as your mahjong sessions./ You gave me my childhood experience./ The trips to Bacolod,/ mostly to get loans from Feobit/ or GSIS/ which normally entails eat/ and shop at downtown were one of the bests./ Eating Batchoy in Downtown was your item./ You loved to buy step in sandals for yourself./

In your stronger days,/ you don’t trust others to do my laundry works/ especially my karsonsilyo/ as you call it/ because only you/ can make the best,/ the whites whiter./ When I wake up,/ my breakfast is ready/ and my towels have been prepared./

Each time I complement breakfast is good,/ I will have the same breakfast for the rest of the week,/ until I start to complain,/ then that’s when the menu gets changed again./ All at my convenience./

You know everyone/ including their business/ both good and bad./ I remember as a boy when we walk in a street,/ to go from point A to point B/ which will normally take us only 20 minutes,/ it will get us 3 hours to reach to our destination/ because you would chat to everyone that we meet along the way,/ as a boy I was always there pestering you./ It becomes a sweet memory now./

The prayers you taught me,/ to this day,/ I still pray them each single night./

In all of my 6 years at Victorias Elementary School,/ you were also there as a teacher./ You let me choose who I want to be my teacher for next school year/ and I usually get it./ By the time I graduated,/ it was also the time of your retirement after 38 years of service./ As I went to Don Felix to study High School,/ you went with me when you rented the school’s canteen./ That’s why all of my teachers and classmates from both elementary and high school know who is Tya Saling to Dino./ We lived very simple/ but loved filled life./

Lola Aling,/ I want to tell you how much I love you/ and how much I miss you/ and I wish you are still around to be with me,/ for one,/ to sing with me via skype, our favorite old visayan songs like Felimon and Dandansoy,/ and we would both giggle./

I know that your mission is now over./ You have done your part,/ you have raised 2 sons/ and taught many students/ and loved many friends./ Served relatives/ and touched lives./ God wants you home now,/ so I release you./ In my heart,/ you never went anywhere,/ you are always here with me./ My heart is a safe place where you dwell now./ We are always together./ Farewell,/ but I will never say good bye./

To the Retired Teachers Community who are here today,/ Thank you very much./ You are always very dear to me because you are a part of mine and Lola’s lives./ Each time I will see any of you,/ it will always remind me of my Lola Aling./ Thank you for your love./ I consider you our family./

To all of Lola’s friends and relatives,/ Madamo gd nga salamat sa inyo pag unong sa amon sa sini nga ti-on./ The love you have shown today meant so much./

To my siblings Michael,/ Maricel,/ Maricar,/ and Dennis,/nephew Rico and Niece Princess/ cousins Lara and Andre/ and friends Grace,Randy/ and Ning-ning/ thank you so much for covering for me while I’m gone,/ for making the effort to make Lola Aling feel that she is not alone/ and also,/ for your own love/ and affection/ shown to our dearly beloved Lola Aling./ Words can’t express how grateful I am to you/ for giving Lola the love that she deserves from you./ You have become selfless for her./ I have seen how a family works in us./ THANK YOU.

To the daughters of Lola Pelia Lazalita- Manang Nancy and Manang Echel,/ thank you very much for always being there and checking on/ and giving me advices on Lola’s health condition./ Your love and kindness is sincerely felt,/ SALAMAT GID.

I would like to special mention Tita Ninfa Lajera,/ Tita Myrna De Asis/ and our neighbors/ Tita Loret Palmes,/ Tita Norma/ and especially The Demiden Family/- Tita Didi,/ Tita Lete,/ Tita Mila,/ Tita Annete,/ for always seeing Lola and keeping her in company./ She needed those./

To my 3 other Nanays,/ Tita Lilia Espera/ Tita Pearl Javelosa,/ and Mams Visi Calida/ – For 3 years now—in all my sorrows and griefs—I always found solace and comfort in your words./ Your love is felt deeply./ SALAMAT GID SA INYO.

To Lola’s biological nieces from Iloilo,/ I can’t thank you enough for sharing Lola Aling with us./ I know how much you love your Auntie Saling/ and how much you wanted her to be with you/ but you gave her the freewill to do what she desires./ I will always give you my respects/ and I humble myself to you because you are my Lola Aling’s loved ones./ I consider you a family./

To Manong Jonas,/ madamo gid nga salamat sa imo. You never ceased to help and care for Lola Aling. You gave her your lifetime commitment. I am glad that you and I were able to be with her till the end. She did not die lonely, and helpless.

Lastly,/ let it be known to all/ and I say it with pride/ and honor,/ that in my LIFE, there was once MISS ROSALINA J. HAUTEA, who took care of me like her own child. She will live in my heart forever.

Lola Aling,/ farewell my love./ I promise you/ I will live by the many life’s lessons that you imparted to me. SALAMAT GID KAG PALANGGA TA GID KA./ Till we meet again.

Toto Din-din

Joco in the Metro!

This is a very late post. I flew to Manila last July 12 – 16 together with my son Joaquin. Joco was 4 months old when he was first brought to Manila. Until he was almost 2 years old that he went back to Bacolod. Joco had several trips back and forth to visit me in Manila.

Anyway since he was so little before he really thought it was his first time to ride a plane.

Of course, I brought him to MOA for the Science Center, Manila Ocean Park, were he also had gone way back, MRT Ride which he already did too.
There was one thing though that he was not able to do before, to party with Mom.

It was bff Ziggy’s going away party. The close friends gathered in Garage 88 at the Fort. Joco was also there.
Aside from those, I did not miss to bring him to my favorite restaurants in Manila. Of course, Banapple in Ayala Triangle was a must be, California Pizza Kitchen was one thing too. We also went to Passion Restaurant in Resorts World and feast with some Chinese Food. He also savored the Pancake House’s Classic Fried Chicken and at pasta at Sbarro’s.

Anyway, it was fun and I am so glad I took time to bond with my one and only. Maybe in Novemebr, Joco and I will invade Singapore or HK with the Acuna Sibs!!!

A Heartfelt Birthday

Mayor Palanca flanked in between by Gov. Maranon, VG Alvarez, BM Ko, and Cong. Benitez

During the recently celebrated 78th birthday of Mayor Severo A. Palanca, the Victorias City Coliseum was jam- packed with special guests, VIP’s and the people who love him and consider him the one and only father of Victorias.

Cong. Albee Benitez, his grand nephew told him in his message “ Lolo, I will not be here without you (referring to his political career and at the same time, literally, in the coliseum) and all these people here who love you dearly. This fabulous coliseum will not be standing here if not for you.” He thanked the Mayor for the all wonderful things and accomplishments he did for the City of Victorias mentioning that some years back, it was Mayor Palanca who authored the Cityhood of Victorias.

The Mayor in return, aside from thanking the guests especially the presence of the Governor, Hon. Alfredo Maranon and former Mayor Remedios Bantug who is the sister of the celebrator, thanked the young solon for being there for Victorias stating that Victorias has found gem in Cong. Albee, who happens to be an enterprising genius. Victorias will be going through a lot of evolution because Cong. Benitez will see to it that the city is his priority and that all roads in our city will lead to progress and beyond. He also stressed how proud Cong. Albee has made him because it is the first time the District‘s Congressman is from his beloved City Victorias.

The Governor in his greetings said that the Mayor is a good friend of the Maranon family as he was a best buddy of his brother , the late Gov. Joseph Maranon (my Ninong).

Greeters like his son Dr. Chris Palanca from the US, NOHS classmates and a lot more were shown in the video presentation.

Some of the guests who were there were: Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, former Congressman Kako Lacson, Board Member Manman Ko, Board Member Bading Escalante, Board Member Patrick Lacson, EA to the Governor and Former Manapla Mayor Manolet Escalante, another former Manapla Mayor Edilberto Vocal who is also a relative of the family. Relatives and good friends also came to celebrate the revelry with the celebrator.

Everybody feasted with the mouth watering food on the buffet table with overflowing drinks and cocktails to heat up the party. No tediousness throughout the evening as the guests were entertained by Pinoy Dream Academy Winner, Kulay Pitaka Band and Viva Hot Babes compliments of Cong. Benitez.

The night’s theme was Western so the city employees dig into their closets and wore their checkered blouses and boots. I was the judge for the best dressed and it was Dorlia Bingco who won the prize of the night.

Lolo Vero, you’re such an angel to the people of Victorias, we love you dearly and we wish you long life and good health. Happy Happy Birthday!

Manila in May

I thought it was just one the Manila trips I had in the last couple of years…I was totally wrong. Well, first, my hotel and airfare were free. It’s not rare since it happened in the past but I did not expect it this time.

with Sylvia Amorsolo Laza

Meeting Sylvia Amorsolo, daughter of first National Artist Awardee Master Fernando Amorsolo was just so bizarre. Stories she told of her father were really fascinating.I saw her works as well as her father’s too. They were all totally exquisite.

Although I was alone in my room, it’s ok..it was an executive suite and all I did was sign for whatever I ordered. There was a car who transported us wherever we were going.

Some of the dine outs where either sponsored by a relative or a close friend.

Chancing on two of Manila’s DJ’s and Masters of 80′s Music was also one I could not forget. I had a chat with DJ Jon Tupaz and Dj Boyet Almazan while attending an 80s party at New World Hotel.

.
The following night Friday, was reserved for Jill’s but I had a side trip at Icon Bar in Intercon Makati (the old Where-else Disco).

It was unexcusable not to watch Kaos Musical Acrobatic Show at Resorts World if what’s printed in your ticket are — section: VIP, row/seat: D27-D30, meaning you should seat in the VIP fourth row seats. From there you can feel the trembling of the stage as the acrobats and circus were powerful.If you’re kind enough, good samaritans are just around to give you free tickets for shows like these.

Lastly, these ones are really priceless— my friends. Being with them, chatting about anything in the world, dancing with them, driving and eating with them, sipping a glass of martini or a shot tequila with them is invaluable…those are my therapy.

What more, upon landing at the Bacolod Silay Domestic Airport, somebody says Happy Mother’s Day Mom, with a kiss!!! Life couldn’t be better!!

Boracay 2011

Wow, tourist arrival in Boracay is never decreasing. This year’s visit was just like last year.

We were checked in at La Carmela de Boracay and since the action place is somewhere in D Mall, all we did is walk the shores more or less 3 x a day.

I was with my siblings during this trip and we all had a good time. Of course my little one Joco also had fun. It is his 3rd time in Bora at the age of 3. So meaning every year in his life, he is there.

I really found time to relax and eat. The seafoods are just so tempting, not to mention the alcohol intakes every night.

I really think that it will take years to duplicate Boracay and every year is must place to visit.

Trip Trip Lang!

So here we are again on another trip altogether. The initial plan was bring the car and don’t call anyone on Friday… and just enjoy Plantation Bay Amenities. Unfortunately while on board the Lite Ferries, right in the middle of the sea, the steering wheel broke down; we needed to go back to the San Carlos Port. Unfortunately again, there was no more roro trip so the final decision was to leave the car inSan Carlos Port and take the fast craft.

Good friends are always there for you. My former Boss, PM Oslec Cabrera and wife, Ma’am Julie took care most of the time. We were treated at SnR and brought to Plantation Bay safe and sound.

Wow, I really am so glad Joco and cousins had so much fun in this resort. The bike rides, the different pools designs, the rooms, and the service everything is awesome. Plantation Bay is really a must.

The Cabrera couple toured us around Cebu and Mactan on Saturday. We checked the Lapu Lapu Shrine were we tasted the very popular Sutokil (short for Sugba, Tula and Kinilaw) which by the way is far expensive than our own Pala Pala. We went to Opon to visit the Lady of Regla (where my Mommy and Lolo asked for Mom’s conception of who else but me).

We then checked in at Waterfront Hotel Lahug and met up with cousin Jun Jun Hilay and wife Jomie and kids, who treated us with the best meal in Cebu ever at the Golden Cowry. Afterwards, we chilled out together with the Cabrera and Hilay couples at Pier Uno.

On Sunday, what we did was visited the Taoist Temple, watched Rico and Michael survived the skywalk, ate at the Puso and barbecue in the Fuente Circle and shopped at Ayala. Later on we had dinner and drinks with cousins Ian Orceo and Raymund Muyco.

Anyway the funniest part was when we were about to go home on Monday, the weather was bad and the Coastguard in Toledo decided to cancel the trip. So we had a chance to stay one night in Toledo, hadmassage via room service and pampered ourselves. Naturally it comes out with additional expenses. The trip back home was not so very good, but the lunch treat by Tita Annet and Tito Cip Antonio was all wortthe nervousness and the waves of the trip!

Well, can’t wait for summer, we might invade Baguio!!!

Related Articles

• The Acuna Christmas Escapade (mariceljavelosa.wordpress.com)

The Acuna Christmas Escapade

I am really feeling that I’m kind of broke this Christmas season because I have been spending my bonuses to pay this lot in La Costa Brava in Talisay City. Anyway, my siblings had been inviting me to go with them in Iloilo; it’s just very hard to say no. After all, it’s the first out of town without the folks, so I thought I am required to go.

We left Victorias at around 12:30 in the afternoon on Friday, Dec 17, Maricar was already calling while we were still tied up with Dino in the magik jack. We took the 4:00 pm roro and when we arrived at Hotel Del Rio at around 7pm, we were dead tired already.

The gang was complete except for Dino who is in the US and Dennis, who followed us the following day. Michael, Aging , Gee Rico and Gio, Me and Joco, Agirl, Princess and Janjan just fit right in the Everest.

Our whole stay was consist of a Hawaiian Party on Friday Night sponsored by the Borromeo Group of Companies at the Poolside of Del Rio ( I loved the bartender’s mojito ), the sumptuous sea food lunch at Tatoy’s, the Swimming escapades at El Dorado and the night out at the Small Ville on Saturday night.

All in all, it’s a trip that we all actually needed, to feel that we have each other, and that we have to take care of one another as what Mom and Dad had always reminded us before they left. Thanks to my sister Maricar for initiating trips like this.

Next month, we are vacationing in Cebu and to Baguio in April…At least, life is still beautiful despite the subsequent and painful demise of our cherished parents, and that we still have each other and this pact is for life.