A Class Picture in Grade V.. and 42 years hence..

Mitzi sent this much-revered class picture to me by mail.. I had always wanted a copy as mine was lost/burnt sometime in the mid-1970s when we had to move (evacuate) so often, like the wandering Bedouins of Arabia, due to the trouble. Thank God that Mitzi was able to keep her own copy of the picture to its pristine original condition. I said, it is still crispy clear and had seemingly defied the wear and tear of time. According to Mitzi, she had it scanned in high resolution with the help of her son so I can have it like the original. That was very kind of her.

What's more significant was not the picture itself.. but the good old memories that was stuck with it.. attached with it.. and lingers with it, for as long as there are classmates left to tell the stories behind it and relate the happy, peaceful and joyful times we shared together and savored like no other.

Mitzi says.. more than 40 years of awesome memories is simply amazing.. I said, its wonderful and it gives some sense of relieving ecstasy to reminisce those rich memories of the past; when every experience was worth remembering and keeping because they are simply devoid of trouble, hatred, polarity and what bad sort of things you might say.. nothing else, but memories of peacful co-existence, harmonious relationships and sharing and caring. If I may say, that was the zenith of love and peaceful co-existence between and among Muslims and Christians in Pikit emulated to its best. I don't recall any happier times than that one.. our time, our past. The glory that once was and Pikit at its best when it truly asserted its rightful place as the pioneering town in the once empire province of Cotabato.

How I wish I have supernatural powers, so I would not only recall those happy times but bring them back to reality.. and forget about every unworthy experiences. I love to dream about it, I love to indulge in it, I wish it can happen again.. but when will that be?.. Only God knows.

From out of childish instincts and excitement, I tried to recall the faces and names of classmates one after another.. playing some kind of game of recall. There are 34 of us classmates in Grade V (18 boys and 16 girls) under the tutelage of our favorite teacher Mrs. Luz Aguilar. I was able to identify 20 (12 boys and 8 girls). Of course Bong and Mitzi supplied the rest and reminded me of some juggled first names and surnames. It was not easy recalling faces and names of 42 years ago!! Now, we are left with 10 (6 boys and 4 girls) whose faces we remember so well but whose names keep lingering at the back of our minds.

I told Mitzi and Bong that in due time we shall be able to name them all. It makes me wonder and ponder how others are so easy to recall while others are not. What could be the factors? .. something of psychology, sociology, economics? .. maybe yes, maybe no.. I just don't know.. being outstanding in class? yes.. I do recall at once all the bright ones.. must I forget myself?.. no, never.. hehehe..! But all of us are relatively bright; what are sections 1 for..?? Yes, during those days, it was not easy to belong to section 1, the creme of the crop, so-to-speak.

Back to the memories and the story behind the class picture.. Oh, i just can't tell them all in a day or two.. from Mitzi's daily routine of keeping the 'palmeras' green and healthy to my faithful and dedicated job of bringing them in and out of the classroom under Mitzi's strict supervision (a replica of Mrs. Aguilar?.. NO, but she's just as good, if not better).

If I can turn back the hands of time, I shall rewind it fast to mid-1960s (minus the gang of Datu Mantil, et al.. hahahahaha!) and keep it stuck just right in there.. never mind the future. I'd love to hear the the blazing sound of music emanating from the only moviehouse in town belting out songs of the Beatles, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Simon and Garfunkel.

I shall reserve the rest of the story to Mitzi, Bong, Pangging and the others who might resurface in time to get in touch with the rest of the members of the family and tell their own stories.. of the class, of yesteryears escapades, or whatever good memories there may be. Yes, I love to imagine that.. that Grade V Class was and is my extended family. I love them all; I miss them all. Kudos dear classmates.. hasta la vista.. sayonara for now.. aregato gusaimas!

---------------------------
Names of classmates we have identified:

Boys: Girls:

1. jose antonio yuson 1. rosenda bragais
2. dilambasen palaguyan 2. ruth tabada
3. maugan mosaid 3. ma. stella de sequera
4. mario lavarias 4. minda tecson
5. emiliano larubis 5. edith catherine santos
6. romeo manonsol 6. felma ong
7. ali sionga 7. sulaya pagadatan
8. edris modale 8. tessie dimaano
9. usop madaliday 9. evelyn ebisate
10. edward hernane 10. marlyn custodio
11. edgar sanz 11. wilma aninon
12. emmanuel ferenal 12. annie matalam

What they say about my new post..!

When confronted with some hard decisions to make, I turn to two of my top confidantes (Cat and Mitzi), who always give me some words of wisdom.. “when I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.. speaking words of wisdom .. let it be..” and so I had it that way.

I know the others are equally capable of giving same words of wisdom but I don’t have to bother them anymore.

When I told them about my acceptance of my new post (as Municipal Administrator of Pikit), there was mix feelings of anxiety and doubts on my part; anxiety, because after mapping out all the odds and challenges, the time has come for me to indulge into it, come what may.. and doubts, not because I can’t do the job, but because when people raise their hopes so high, they get frustrated at the slightest failure, other considerations notwithstanding.

And so, without much ado, here’s what I told them, and how they responded:
--------------------------------------------------

For Gladys and Mitzi:

Thanks for the compliments and good wishes.

Indeed, it was a very hard decision to make on my part.. it has been a long standing offer from the Mayor and it took me 2 yrs and 2 mos. to decide on this one. Something's lost something's gain. Who lost, who gained, it doesn't matter to me.. I know that as you enter the golden era of your life, there are things much better than material considerations that you would opt for because they make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

A lot of people, on many instances, have thought of serving home, hometown and compatriots while maintaining some sense of financial security at the same time. My three children have graduated (two have good jobs), only one is studying.. my wife has a stable job. I have factored in all of these little blessings and came to the conclusion that I already have enough of what most people don't have. I am so lucky.. yet you can only say this when you wallow in humility.. man, by his nature is insatiable.. only those who see themselves as more blessed than the less fortunate majority will have time to think it's time to plough back the dividends in terms of public service with some sense of patriotism. Ultimately, this is what most people desire to be, but it is not possible all the time.. God made it that way.. that there are more people who should be on the receiving end to test the strength of values and virtues of the few He had chosen to give more so they are better situated to sow His love and peace. I feel fulfilled to even imagine that I am one of them.

People are expecting a lot from me, but I am not a superman; I have only the heart and mind and the sincere intention to make things happen. Rome was not built overnight. With a place like Pikit ravaged by war and a people whose psyche is influenced by fear, insecurity and polarity.. it makes tall order for anyone, even with the sincerest of intentions and highest of dedication and ideals, to make a difference too soon. But setting aside the odds, I would like to feel and believe that the little sacrifice is worth the challenge. (Mrs. Aguilar-trained yata ito.. hehehe..!)

I need people like you to rally behind these efforts. Supportive friends and positive thinking can also make the difference. Your prayers and good wishes will certainly inspire me.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mau

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

From Gladys:

I am really happy when you announced your acceptance of the municipal administrator's post in Pikit. I have strong faith in your leadership and credibility. I like to fancy that I am a good judge of character and I am seeing a bright future for Pikit with you in that office. With you beside Mayor Sultan, Pikit is in good hands and heading towards the right path. You both have ties on both the people in power and the "taga sulod" so to speak. You are perfect for the post. I'm sorry about your financial loss that came with the decision to serve our town.. I know that was really a hard one considering the economy of the Philippines but it will pay off in some other ways, I really believe that. You have built yourself well with the expats through the blog and they have long been hopeful that Pikit will finally regain its rightful place and former glory.

Kabalo ba ka nga ang mga nakaila nimo diri sa U.S. especially your former classmates Boy Tordil and Mitzi are comparing you to the well respected S.K. Pendatun and Datu Udtog Matalam? They are always talking about the good old days in Pikit where the Muslims and Christians peacefully coexist under the leadership of these people. It takes a special human being to lead a highly volatile and extremely polarized town like our beloved Pikit. Every expat that I have met and talked with here in the US including Tita Igs of Sweden are very hopeful. I will pray that God will grant you the strength to lead our town out of the ditch where she's been stuck in the last four decades.

I know I'm rambling again and some of this unedited things that I'm saying won't make sense but hey, I'm just happy and excited. Weeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Balikan nato imong initial ugtas sa imong new position, ang kanang blow out. Mura ug mga automatic response kana sa mga tawo labi na sa gobyerno, hihihhihii, di gyud na mawala... You are not obliged to do it apan kanang mga kanahan mangluod ra ba na ug walay "blow out"!!

Ang akong suggestion, hala lutu-i ug dakong kumukunsi nga mura'g bitin nga anaconda kataas unya palinyaha matag empleyado sa munisipyo ug pagunita sa kumukunsi. Unya ug asa ka matunong didto lang ka pwede mu ingkib, tan awon tag di matagam, hehehehehe...(joke~~~)

I will continue to pray and support you. I believe you made the right decision for the sake of Pikit. You were offered a chance to make a difference and you accepted it, so thank you on behalf of the Pikitenos. It's going to be very challenging but there is no other person in that office more fit and deserving to run that Office. To him whom much is given, much is expected in return.

Sa tinuod lang no, before ka pa nag join sa blog, nakadungog na mi sa imong name diri. Dakkie imong klasmit mao man na sige ginasulti, lupig pa si John the Baptist sa pagka advance party para sa imong dramatic entrance, hehehehe. Ingon siya mura ug hayag hayag na daw ang future sa Pikit kay ang iya daw klasmit nga bright ug debater sa klase unya PhD pa gyud sa rural development ang administrator karun, charr~~~. Abi baya gyud namo ug dugay na kang municipal administrator diha!

I told your wife, my ka-friendster, nga naay mga klasmit nimo sa blog nga nangumusta sa imo like Rollie Altea, Bong Sanz, Boy Tordil, Terry Santos Nuesca, Mitzi De Sequera, Jowet Buendia, Joan Yuson, etc. That was the start of our "teamwork" which also helped bring out the Gemini in you as you acknowledge the Christines and Mae's buried deep within your subconscious, WAAAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Perteng lipaya ni,

Gladys

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

From Mitzi:

hi mau,

relax mau.....you are well liked and that's why people are happy that you will be joining the Pikit force...through you we have a voice.. we realize that you cannot do it alone....and your anxiety seems to reflect that... but you listen and you offer explanations behind the scenes which is a luxury for Pikitenos...i must say you have very good insights..and is realistic..tells me your mental health is ok..hahahaha..otherwise if you think you can do miracles for Pikit.. then i'll worry about your delusional mental status.....hehehehe..

here in hawaii..the locals speak broken english which they call " pidgin " and a common phrase they say when asked to do something is " if can..can........ if no can....no can". so mau, just try if "can". :) We are proud of you mau!

mitzi

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

Conclusion: I under-reacted when the offer was made and over-reacted when it was time to accept it.