PARTY AT BOSS EDWIN

Boss Edwin tender a party during the last week of December 2008 at Martinneli Speech Center, we were there from 11AM until midnight. On that same day, Rene de los Reyes' house was blessed, and have a party on that same day, ang nahitabo, nagtabok-tabok lang ko sa duha ka imbetasyon, so as not to disappoint one of them, ug para way mahay...

Beer literally spilled and overflow on that day....and we really enjoy. Thanks to Boss Edwin.

Gerard, with staff of Congressman Codilla, and Festejo Sounds owner, Mr. Yon Festejo during that party at Martinneli Speech Center, December 2008.

Nagbaha ang Beer, og nalingaw ming tanan.

Tope, Benie, Mr. Lee, staff at congressional's office

JANUARY 2009

The front of the Municipal Hall in Kananga, Leyte

The perimeter fence of Kananga Central School- beautifully designed by Mayor Eming Codilla himself, who finish his course on architecture.

My officemates at the Office of the Municipal Mayor, (l- r) Roberto Dikit Borela, Maam Luz Fin, Maam Joy Fontanoza, incharge of the tourism programs, administrative assistant V and secretary to the mayor, Maam Marilou M. Aseo, Sheena Fuentes, Vincent Jun Jun Haliclic, Ritcho Limgas, and Gerardo C. Reyes Jr.

Last week of December 2008, few days before my transfer to Kananga LGU. We have some good time at the Congressional Office with Junel, Boyet, Benjie, Pareng Rodmar, Rambo, Tope, Mr. Lee, and others.

My wife, Cheng and my sis, Genim, do the shopping on the day before New Year.

CHANGE took place during the very first week of the new year, 2009.

We, together with my daughter, Angel, wife Cheng, sisters, Mae and Genim celebrated the New Year in our apartment in Bagong Buhay, in Ormoc. Unlike Christmas Day, my Mama was not able to join us. As usual, the start of the new year was done with some ceremonies since my Mama, and my sisters knows a little about Feng Shui, and I really enjoyed it.

I was there at Ormoc Superdome to attend Cong. Codilla’s birthday, and it was also my last day in the Congressional Office. I was there to spend some memorable times with my officemates, Orly, Boyet, Rodmar, Jonel, Tope (Christopher), Rambo (his real name is Randolf Mangle). Kim was also there, I called her ma’am. She is my colleague in media, 8 years younger than me. She is my closest friend in the industry, and we enjoy spending time with each other. More than 5,000 attended the birthday of Congressman at the Dome.

January 5, Monday, is my first day in Kananga –LGU. At first I feel an alien in the office. Kaila nako, gamay pa lang. We have our lunch at Barangay Lonoy, and then at 5:00 PM back to Ormoc again. My first two weeks in Kananga was indeed difficult for my part. I need to wake up as early as 4:30 in the morning so that we can have our breakfast by 6:00 AM and then ride a bus bound for Kananga at 7:00AM, but this did not happen. I can catch a ride at already 7:30 or worst, 8:00 AM, and arrived there at past 8AM or 9:00 already, which is always embarrassing. I need to adjust, and I need to solve this problem the soonest.

Another thing that needed my attention is to open a BPI account as required by our bureau chief of BusinessWorld. It was last November 2008 that I started writing for national paper and I love it. I earned P 5,000 for my first month, and the following month was already fruitful. I was able to open and I received my first honorarium last January 16, I think.

Saturday, Jan. 17 I together with Cheng and Angel was in Kananga, and look for a house. It was rainy and we have no other choice but to decide at once. We spotted a good place at Conejos house along the highway but the landlady later changed her mind. So we opted to choose the house of Alex-Helen Montesclaros along Pablo Tan St. in Poblacion. It is an old house across the house of Darayday Osmeña-Dacurawat, a known caterer and businesswoman here.

January 18, we finally transferred to Kananga on board Elmer’s multicab. Elmer is the son of our landlady in Bagong Buhay (BLISS) in Ormoc.

The fish in Kananga is cheaper compared that in Palompon and Ormoc. Dinhi makapalit kag hasa-hasa nga tag-50 o 60 lang, or bariles nga 80 lang or isda nga tag 30-40 lang. I learned that the supply came from Carigara and Leyte, Leyte. Sa Palompon mas mahal, I don’t know lang ngano. To think, Kananga is a landlocked town, Palompon on the other hand is a coastal town, pero ang isda ngadto, (in my hometown) is more than 100 gyod. Naay less than 100 kadto na gyung mga di na maayohon.

Pork also is cheaper compared in Ormoc. Tag -140 lang diri while in Ormoc 150 or 160, I don’t know tag pila sa Palompon.

Our rented space is only a walking distance from Municipal Hall. Duol ra gyod kaayo. I learned that our neighbor Darayday is from Palompon, sister of Benjie Osmena, our neighbor in Palompon.

September -December 2008

At work: at the office of Cong. Codilla

With friends and colleagues at the Congressional Office, Orly, Boyet, Randolf and Benjie.

Inside the office of my boss, Congressman Dodong Codilla

My wife, Cheng and daughter Johnill May (Angel)

Ormoc, December 24, 2008

My return to Ormoc was indeed satisfying. I reported at Congressional Office on the 18^th of August, while my officemates in Palompon-LGU are not aware of my plans. I will not divulge to them my plan to look for another job---until I am already settled, I mean working well and satisfied.

I left my wife and daughter in Palompon. We rented a space in Ipil I along Zamora street at the house owned by Ogel Arevalo, a close relative, and whose wife, Teresita is a long-time friend. My daughter will celebrate her birthday this September 2, and I need to work double time to raise money for her 1^st birthday.

I sought the help of my best friend, Arnel Villarente, and he agreed to be my co-maker to secure a loan at Pure Cash in Palompon. He is a long-time and trusted friend. We were together when our former boss (the Oñates) was still the mayor of Palompon sometime in 1998 until 2004. I suddenly made a turn when I needed something important in 2004, and choose to support the other political parties. Until now, I cannot think how it happened. I really don’t want to put the blame to our former boss (I was working Palompon LGU in 1999-2004) that I was not able to get an item despite having with them for a long time—but they should be blamed for that. Anyways, all those things are already part of history….

The loan was approved a day before my daughter’s birthday and the following day was indeed very memorable. We have a celebration. It was a children’s party and everyone enjoyed.

After the birthday, I reported to Ormoc. I spent some of my idle time at night at Ormoc City Food Park, they call it, Parola or payong-payong, spending good times with friends and women. It really ease my loneliness since I missed my family so much. I want them to be in Ormoc this time, but I want them to be here if I already have an item/ plantilla at the City Government which is I think not attainable as of this time. The Municipality of Kananga, instead whose mayor is also a relative, Mayor Eming Codilla, offered me for a position in the LGU, which I am also very interested. Maybe I can work there if my chances are slim in Ormoc LGU.

I talked with Papa J and I told him that I already decided to transfer to Ormoc since I want to finish my studies and definitely I am looking for greener pasture. I find it difficult to talk to Palompon officials, or to Herville about this, so I just decided not to report in Palompon LGU. Anyways, there no need for me to tender a resignation since I think I am not in the Plantilla, and I am just a mere JO. I loved my work so much, as Budyong writer, but I have no other choice but to give my family a bright future.

During a news coverage in Western Leyte College, I was introduced to a young reporter of Ormoc Cable, Kimberly, later on I knew her well, we become close friends, and we forged that kind of bonding. Kumbaga, mas suod nako siya compared to other reporters and colleagues in media.

The middle of September, my family is in Ormoc and they stayed with me in Can-adieng at the house of Jun Tarroza, a colleague in media and city govt. They enjoyed their three weeks stay in Ormoc, going to plaza, church, Centrum, Gaisano, the newly-opened store—The Point, and other places. Then they returned to Palompon on the 1^st week of October.

I went back to Ormoc alone. I know that I am lonely if my family is away. No one will cook for my food, no one will prepare for my clothes, I eat my lunch late, and sometimes forget to eat my supper. Most of the time, I choose to buy goto at the terminal and then have some bottles of beer at payong-payong while exchanging pleasantries with some friends there. I used to go at Charo’s place, she sells beer, and everytime I went to her place, she introduced me to some beautiful ladies. And that was it. Ing-ani jud ning kinabuhi nganhi sa payong-payong.

The mood was festive around the City, as the LGU will celebrate the 60^th charter celebration of Ormoc. Secretary Yap visited few days before the 20^th of October. He inaugurated the bio-ethanol project in Ipil, Ormoc City, in Leyte Agri Corp. which is the first and only bio-fuel plant in the country.

Escudero, who is rumored to run for President visited Ormoc, and after the press conference at Sal’s Bar, he distributed gifts for the newsmen and reporters. I attended a Civic Journalism Seminar at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban for three days and I was informed that my daughter was not feeling very well. Our speaker was Vergel Santos of BusinessWorld, Isagani Yambut of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Yvonne Chua of PCIJ and other known personalities in the field of journalism. It was very fruitful.

Then back in Ormoc, I spend time for CFD and we have our fellowship at beach of Jovenal Alesna, my colleague in CFD, located in Brgy. Macabug in Ormoc. Two days later, I decided to go home to Palompon even if it was still Tuesday. My daughter was sick. Pagbalik nako nawala ang iyang hilanat. Gimingaw ra diay nako. So I decided to bring them to Ormoc on the first week of November. But our stay in Can-adieng will be only until the middle of November, so we look for a new place, and we find a good one in Bagong Buhay, some 4 kilometers from the city proper. Good that the fare is only P 6.

I was among those who covered the visit of former President Estrada, Jojo Binay, and other opposition leaders. They visited Kananga, Palompon, Isabel and other towns of 4^th district. The Codilla’s accompanied them. As early as November, I was informed that I will report to Kananga the soonest time possible. I decided to have it by January. During this month, I was accepted as one of the correspondents of BusinessWorld, a national newspaper and I am very happy for it. I was told to open a BPI Savings Account for my honorarium.

My decision to transfer to Kananga was finalized. Mayor Eming and Maam Rowena requested me on the phone to work with them. And the offer was good. But I am still contemplating if I will stay there or I will commute everyday to report for work. Ako pang gitimbang-timbang kung di ba ko maglisod kung mag byahean ko everyday.

December 2008, I was not able to go home to Palompon during the Fiesta on December 3, but I was there when Ambassador Peter Sutter visited the town on the second week of December. We celebrated Christmas in Bagong Buhay together with Mama, my sisters, Mae and Genimae, my wife Cheng and my daughter Angel. Our Christmas Party became controversial when some of our names did not appear in the list of DPWH-4^TH LED.

I immediately texted Kim and informed Ormoc Cable about this and it was aired on TV. The officials of said agency reacted, and they looked for me. I was also awarded as one of the top-10 as best feature writer sponsored by Express It At the Park. The awarding was held at Leyte Park Hotel.

The old church in Palompon

For more than forty –years, early Palomponganons labored for the construction of this towering structure.

Some 300 native forced laborers including skilled mason Balarisay, Tumbalasay, and Alha constructed the church from coral stones, which they took from the sea, cut into square blocks, and piled on to each other. They used bamboo to move and lift the stones in position, and used the white of a million eggs as to cement them together.

A walled stone was built around it. And the belfry was separate from the church (near the present location of the acacia tree). It has big and small bells, that were heard even to faraway villages then. Here, the Spaniards were said to be collecting taxes from people who were very poor.

The church, when constructed was buttressed by artillery pieces in defense against the Moro raiders (pirates). The weapon is now prominently displayed at the plaza, to remind us that long time ago, our forefathers fought against the invaders and generously shed their blood to protect this place from the invasion of the Muslim bandits many hundred years ago.

The church was finally completed in 1784, the same year, Palompon gained parochial independence from its mother parish – Hilongos.

It housed many important relics, like the century-old statue of St. Francis placed in a wooden and glass urn brought by the Jesuit missionaries in 17^th century.

Unforgettable stay in Manila

I sometimes (or oftentimes) eat goto along the sidewalks for only P 12, just to save some penny.

Roaming around in this crowded city

It was four years ago when I visited Manila for the fourth time, and this time at the age of 24 I am already finding my luck in this big and crowded city.

I first visited this place in 1988, when I was still 8 and no other things in mind but to roam around and made some lakwatsa and pasyal elsewhere in Big Bang sa Alabang, (No SM in Las Piñas at that time yet), RFC, Uniwide, Sangley Naval Base in Cavite where my uncle, Papa Juan worked as soldier, Manila Zoo and many other places of interests in this beautiful place? (that was my first impression of this city, some hundreds of miles from my hometown in Leyte).

All that I’ve seen in Manila was the imposing structures, sophisticated vehicles and machines, everything that is high –tech (at age of 8 I have not visited the places which is the other face of the city). I thought then that Manila is all beautiful and all people living here were rich and riding in their cars.

My uncle, Daddy Vic has his own car, (he is a bank executive in Makati) and he drove us to Jollibee or Mac Do or anywhere we wanted to.

1995, I am back in Manila, with my family. I am already in my highschool but since our relatives live in a posh subdivision in Moonwalk Village, I have not (again) seen some other places in this city where ordinary folks live and work. All that I see is the grandeur and spectacle in this lively place on Earth. I’ve heard about traffics, brownouts, no water, or flooded places in this city, but did not care to listen since I didn’t experience those things in this place. We live in the house of an affluent family and we have everything in my uncle’s house.

In 2002, we made a short visit again in Las Piñas for two weeks and our activities limited only to visits of our relatives and some shopping at SM Southmall.

But my most unforgettable stay in Manila was in 2004. At this time, I am no longer accompanied by my Mama or any of my brod or sis. I travel alone and stayed for few weeks in a military camp in Sangley Air and Naval Base in Cavite City.

I meet the woman whom will be my life’s significant other, the 18-year old Ritchel “Cheng” Caabay from Palawan (who is 6 years younger than I am). We’ve met some three or four years ago, and it was just a simple, unfussy acquaintance. Now she’s is our house taking care of our one –year old baby girl, Johnill May (Angel).

The tragic twists of events and the indifference of my relatives in Manila compelled me to stand on my own feet. I don’t want to be enslaved anymore by anybody or I don’t want to be hurt by a relative, if they discriminate us of being poor then I’d better find a way to survive here in this city.

It was truly very unexpected. My Mama and her siblings were very close. We received any gifts (almost everything) from them without knowing that they have hidden agenda against us. I must admit that they accommodated me in their house, where I stayed for weeks or even months but instead to hear pleasant things from them, it turned out to be a disaster. I pray to the Lord that I can forgive them, so that I will be forgiven too.

They did not help me to find a job instead they used me in doing everything (errand) and pressured to do what they wanted. I cannot rest, I spent some sleepless nights, and I am depressed. Wa ko kahibawo sa akong buhaton.

In those troubled times, I frequently visited the Baclaran church with very small of money on my pocket but I spend time in praying and asking for God’s guidance. I asked the Lord for his grace, I prayed and told Him that I am about to surrender, I did not know what to do, and I am nothing without Him.

During noontime, I will spend P 8 for my lunch of goto or any streetfood in Baclaran and along the sidewalks in Las Piñas. Sometimes, fishballs, or squidballs would be enough for my lunch or dinner. Nag practice ko nga mag tipid because I know that sooner I will leave the house of my uncle. His son (my first degree cousin) has already packed his bags and I did not where he is. Those difficult times were spent in reflections and prayers. I roamed around the city by foot looking for any job hiring posted on the walls, but it often ended in nothing.

This things lurked in my mind, I been helping my uncle in their house and whatever he instructed me to do, but he did not bother to help me in looking for a job. He has the connection, and friends ang nakapait kay iya ko gisultihan, kaya tika nga pasudlon sa kompanya sa akong mga amigo, pero dili ko kana buhaton.

It turned out that going away from this palatial house would mean blissful freedom on my part. I did not depend from anyone else’s help I do my own work and ask some help of my friends. It was my first time to do such thing in my entire life. I live in a friend’s house, I help them in household chores, and earn some few barya for a living.

My sorrows then turned to joy. My friends shared with me their angst and sentiments in daily lives. We eat together, drink together, sing at the videoke, and talk everything in this crowded place and the houses are dikit –dikit. Garbage are everywhere in this place, the old dumpsite was cultivated for pechay production and the people here plant camote and other vegetable.

I was happy, but my concern is that I don’t have any money. How can I survived. For several days I was given food by my friends usahay kung asa ko agdahon adto ko mokaon, unya anha ko matulog sa gawas sa balay, sa bilyaran (outside their house) nga gitabilan ug trapal.

Pagka pait sa akong kinabuhi. I left my uncle’s house with only P 20 on my pocket. The good thing is that Cheng helped me and we shared our meager resources, since she also packed her bags to escape her boss’ (a lady physician) maltreatment. We stayed in one house, there in the squatter’ area where I live (in Pulo, I forgot the name of the barangay I think it was Talon 2, near BF homes). We rented a room in a very crowded, messed up neighborhood near the creek. And since then we live together in one house, and the rest is history.

I find a job as merchandiser/ management trainee in an international company DS Max and we sell imported merchandise at very low price. But since it involves house-top-house selling di gyod ko kaagwanta, dili sab ko mahalinan, naay higayon nga nahalinan ko ug more than daghan my commission reaches more than P 200 pero kausa ra to mahitabo. The rest of my experience was really a disaster. Alkanse gyod. You need to spend your own money for the fare going to the area (sometimes Cavite, or Muntinlupa, one time we were in Bicutan, and then we also have some house-to-house in BF, Parañaque), then spend some money again for the lunch and pamasahe bound to the company’s office in Las Piñas and then pamasahe again for the homeward bound –PUJ. Usahay alkanse gyod kay ang gastos nako all in all let’s say P 40 unya kung ang commission nako inig ka hapon is only P 30 how can I recover that. I left because of the unfair practices and violations of our rights (gihurat pa ko sa among boss) his name is Ramon, I forgot the family name somebody from Zamboanga.

Looking for a job in this city was never easy. Pagkapait gyod sa akong kinabuhi pero ing ani man gyod ni. I and Cheng was planning to go to our home provinces pero unsaon man? We have meager resources nga igo lang gani sa among pagkaon.

I got sick in Pulo (still in squatters area) and was in bed for almost two weeks. I did not know what happened to me. But I suspect napasmo ko kay magpalipas man ko sa gutom o basin sab overfatigue. I thought it would be my end. But thanks God, He gave me another life.

My second work in Manila, as agent of Powerex energy saving device has saved me. I worked in Las Piñas for more than 1 month and I tried to perform well to become close to our boss, Sir Wayden and Mr. Dee. Then since the group will go to a provincial sortie (caravan) in Biliran and Leyte towns, naniguro ko nga makakuyog.

It was also during this time, when Cheng discovered the address of her elder sister, Liit in Zapote and we live there for few weeks. When I have already earned some money in the caravan (siguro mga 5,000) ako na siyang gikuha sa Manila and I brought her to Leyte this time.

My childhood days

I grew up in 1980’s in Palompon, which was a small coastal town some time ago. My father (Gerardo) and my namesake was a teacher first in Lomonon national high school (7 kilometers from town proper) then transferred to Colegio de San Francisco Javier (CSFJ) and finally in Northern Leyte College (NLC). My mother (Nimfa Molon Codilla) was an engineering student in Arellano University in Pasay but chose to stay at home as plain housewife, taking care of my Papa and the six of us (I am the eldest of 6). We live beside the ancestral house of the Codilla (My mother was the eldest of eight siblings, and the rest of them are studying and working outside Palompon) My grandfather (Papang Juaning), a retired soldier, was left alone at the ancestral home, my grandmother (Mamang Leoling) died in 1982, when I was still two years old.

The town was dusty and full of holes (libaong) almost in all streets of the poblacion, with exception of the main thoroughfare, known as Rizal street, where the terminal, public market, municipio, sentro, was located. Other known landmarks in this town during my younger days were the big house of Chinese businessman Diyong (Chiong) in Rizal street (still existing today), Kadiwa, near the public market (a coop operated by the government), the Lampakanay (floating restaurant near the wharf), ABC building adjacent to the municipio, another is Sentro (health center) near municipio, I could no longer recall its exact location, the store of Insek Jose (Soy Tsan, also known as Jose Sanchez) which was burned down in 1984 fire. Most of the businessmen in this town are of Spanish and Chinese progeny, like Hoga Lim, Bernardita (Liok), Byawha (is that the correct spelling) An Kok Yu (who own as bakery), Diyong (Chiong) owner of sea vessels, and many others.

There are old houses in Palompon during 1980s, some of those have already perished to this date (either gutted by fire, demolished, renovated or abandoned by owners). During my childhood, we can still see that this place is really a colonial town and the Spanish leave its mark on some of the structures here. The house of Esperanza Marilao (Tacan) was built before 1900 (still existing today), another old houses of Salvino in Ipil and one in Zamora (which is influenced by Hispanic architecture).Other old houses are in Libertad and Arellano streets, the Delgados house, Eamiguel, and the other one beside it (atbang ilang Dodong Selpa). Although there are existing old houses here, most of the residential buildings are built after the war (some others built before the war was spared from Allied bombings in 1944).

Riding in a pot-pot is indeed a bumpy and bouncy ride since the holes were filled with stones and gravel especially during rainy days (aron way pita nga maglatak sa karsada). Very few people ride on potpot and most of these vehicles preferred to traverse the concrete pavement along Rizal street. I remember walking from our house to the house of my grandparents, Tatay Oloy (Rufino Reyes) and Nanay Tesia (Patricia) in Washington corner San Francisco street (known then as Ipil, today Ipil was divided into 3 barangays).But people of Palompon before refer the southern part of the poblacion as Ipil while the northern part of the town proper as Guiwan and Look (now San Isidro). People as far as Guiwan preferred to walk in going to church and market (merkado) than to ride potpot.

Today, potpot were still there, but no longer traversing a muddy and rough road, the streets are already concreted and Palompon has changed a lot from my childhood days up to now. Daghan na kaayo ug kausaban. And I know that it will be a positive change as this town faces a bright future.

Palompon was a simple town then. And as I grow up I witnessed how it metamorphosed into a bustling town in this part of Leyte.

The acacia tree

The 225-year old church in Palompon and the acacia tree is a landmark in this place since I was a child. I grew up in Libertad St. Central III which is walking distance from the church and the acacia tree. (photo from Pa J, Palompon.multiply)

The church and the acacia tree. (pics from palompon. multiply.com)

(picture from Papa J)

The acacia branches spread far and wide to cast their willing shadow on a larger area. The tree has been there for more than sixty years. The old photograph of Palompon dated 1944 proved that acacia tree has been there even before the war era. The tree is less than twenty meters from the church, but the elderly recounted that the place where the old belfry of Palompon church is located is near where acacia tree stands today. The church in this town, which was constructed more than four hundred years ago is a mute witness of the town’s colorful history.

The church was partly destroyed during the conquest of Leyte of the USAFFE Liberation Forces in 1944. The belfry was smashed, and a part of the structure was reduced to rubble. The acacia tree was spared however. The bomb almost hit the young acacia tree then, but the tree survived and grows taller, and sturdier, becoming the brawniest trees hereabout.

After the war, the church physical appearance has changed, and yet the acacia tree is still there becoming more sturdy as the years past by. Transient vendors displayed their novena booklets, statues, rosary beads, necklaces and other wares under the acacia tree. They built their umbrellas and tents under it, especially during fiesta. Every churchgoers are familiar with the tree, and almost all people in this town. This is the only acacia tree within the poblacion, the other one is outside the town proper, in San Isidro (Lo-ok) one kilometer from here. It was believed that the priests or somebody from the church planted the acacia tree.

Today, the church details were very visible-its imposing stone façade and magnificent design that made compatible of its original architectural make up. Its antique characteristics was masterfully restored during the time of Msgr.Cesar Petilla, H.P. now in the United States, who was the parish priest in Palompon until 2005.

The church looks mysterious and magical. Unknown to many, it has been the place of refuge of the Palomponganon forefathers who was spared by the onslaught of Moro raids in the 16th and 17^th century.

My memory of acacia tree was when we celebrate the Biernes Santo. We gather at the tree in decorating the carro (carriage) of the Santo Entierro (Jesus of Nazareth) during that celebration. We look for flowers and lukdo-lukdo around and then helped other in decorating the carro. After that, Arroz Caldo is served or landang, which is common during Holy Week in this town.

Until now the acacia tree is still there, and it looks greener and greener. I hope that people will not remove or uproot it, whatever development that the Church will introduce in that area.

Playing at talisay tree

Outside our house, in Libertad Street, in Palompon town was a young talisay. A tree that usually thrives in coastal areas but it survived in our place, though some few hundred meters from the shoreline.

It has been our favorite place during my childhood days when I was only two years to twelve years old, perhaps.

Our parents has been strict and disciplinarian. They barred us in mingling with other street kids in our age, my siblings too. They said that they were bad influence to us and going with them would be disastrous, our parents described them as “maldito”. I could still recall our neighbor who often plays outside their house, anything they could do in the streets playing takyan, luksong tinik, tubig-tubig, dakop-dakop and other games. But since we are prohibited by our parents, we could only watch them under the talisay tree. I hold its trunk and feel its coolness while under it. I could not feel the intense heat of the sun because I am under the tree.

But the most memorable of all was playing with Japanese beetle (bakukang) every afternoon. I enjoy playing these little creatures and tied them with thread (tanud). And oftentimes, I look for bakukang and played them inside the house.

I cannot climb the tree, I cannot attempt to climb as well. My parents or my grandfather would reprimand me if I do so. My grandfather (Papang Juaning Codilla) was as strict as my parents, he is a retired air force sergeant and a pensioner at that time (he died at the age of 73 in 1996). He used to give me P 1 everytime he was from the public market (mercado). He is using hock and line fishing as his pastime and oftentimes has panghalwan or timbungan as his catch and we have it for lunch or dinner.

The talisay tree where I used to play was pulled out after my father’s death in 1991, when major renovation was made in our house by my uncle, Vic Codilla, my mother’s younger brother, who is working as bank assistant manager.

Now, the talisay tree is no longer there.

The tree on my way home

“Diha lang sa may dakong punoan sa kahoy”, this is always my instruction to the tricycle drivers everytime I am riding a homeward bound to my rented house in Barangay Can-adieng in Ormoc City.

The robust tree within the Tarroza compound in Rudy Rivilla Avenue in the said place is one of the common landmarks here. Whenever, my friends asked about the location of my rented house, I always answered “diha sa may dakong punoan sa kahoy sa may highway”, which is obviously visible even if it is within the wooden fence (inside the compound of the house). The tree is beside a steel electric post but is towering compared with other structures and old houses in the place. It even surpassed the tallness of two-storey residential buildings around.

Nery Tarroza, the owner of the house, who is already 75 years old said that it was her late husband Cesar Sr. who planted it after the flash flood in Ormoc way back 16 years ago. He got the seedling from Bantigue or Ipil, which is just 2-3 kilometers away, but she could not ascertain to the species or local name of the said tree.

It is already strong, stout, vigorous and visibly sturdy, its braches are extending outside and inside the house moving its way upward. Its’ lively dark green leaves proves that the tree is still full of life. Unlike in the nearby house, where it is always humid during sunny days, it is cool and breezy beneath the said tree. It is always a comfortable place because it certainly provides shelter, shed and coolants especially these days when trees are already disappearing.

Trees are definitely beautiful and attractive sight along the highway. It made the thoroughfare scenic and charming. I can see huge trees arrange in a line along the national highway near Leyte Park Hotel within the vicinity of UP Tacloban College and Provincial Capitol in Tacloban City, and it was truly a nice place to visit. In Ormoc, I like the setting near Codilla’s guest house in Toog (now Domingo Veloso highway) going to the Mother of the Redeemer Parish Church (they also call it, as Fatima Shrine) in Barangay Cogon. The trees there really beautify the surroundings, enamored and captivated every onlooker that passes through the said place.

From afar, you can have a glance with the said tree that is still towering and lively as ever. Whenever, I am already reaching the Tulay de Perdon in Malbasag river (near the Agua Dulce artesian well) I can see the said tree and then I whisper to the tricycle driver “dia lang ko ihunong sa may dakong punoan sa kahoy”.

September 3, 2008

Now I made up my mind.

My decision to resign as JO worker at Palompon –LGU has been final. Though I have not tendered my resignation yet (but it will be very soon) but definitely I am going to resign and transfer to Ormoc for good. I have been working in Ormoc for more than two years before I transferred to Palompon last January 2008. But since it would be more gainful on my part to be in Ormoc (so I made this decision) and I know God will never leave me.

My friend Arnel Villarente, (my co-worker at Palompon –LGU, who has been a close friend for ten years already) told me that I made a good decision. While others said I am about to be appointed to a position at Palompon-LGU (the one that I am applying, perhaps Draftsman or other available positions). But it was Arnel who again advised me not to be swayed by rumors, the hearsay about the appointment of Draftsman and other position is not certain or wa pa gyuy klaro, niya pa hanap pa sa alkitran.

I was saddened since I love my job at Mayor’s Office so much. But I need to consider the future of my family first, than any other things. Kumbaga kung akong gihatag ang akong pagsakripisyo, talento, ug kahago alang sa munisipyo ug sa Budyong, ako sab angayan hunahunaon akong kaugalingon. I worked because I want to survive and I want to give my family the brighter future. And if I might missed many opportunities, it would be disastrous. Manga-regular na lang silang tanan ako na lang ang mahibilin.

I already passed the Civil Service Commission, Career Service Examination (Professional) but I realized that I still need to complete my course in college, or else I will be left behind. I am planning to enroll this coming semester, and I always hope and pray that God will help me and my plans and ambitions will be fulfilled.

February -August 2008

With Whiskey Mike & Pa J and friends from Rizalist group at Whispering Beach

with Budyong staff, SK, Mariette Remonde, Manila Times columnist and wife of Secretary Cerge Remonde, and PASAR President Ric Santiago during Earth Week Celebration in Palompon.

Launching of Anti-Dengue campaign spearheaded by LGU, RHU, February 2008 at Municipal Session Hall.

Reading my statement of commitment/ support to LGU programs during the workshop at Juan Titang Resort, with department and section heads and key employees of Palompon LGU

Assisting Raymund R. for the powerpoint presentation during the workshop.

Starting then, my work is on covering activities of the LGU which will be published in Budyong, including E-SWAMP, LRED, Business Forum, OTOP, fishermen’s forum, NGAS seminar, public hearings, etc, it will also includes activities in the brgys and in schools.

E-swamp is a joint project of Swiss Embassy, Pasar Foundation, and LGU Palompon to 10 poblacion brgys in Palompon from Mazawalo (Lilion, kaniadto) to San Isidro (Lo-ok) including Guiwan 1 and 2, Central 1,2,3, and Ipil 1,2,3. The project is good since it will teach people to take care of the environment by disposing waste properly, and most importantly how to make money out of waste.

LRED on the other hand, is a GTZ project assisted by DTI and this was the SMEDSEP before during the previous admin, that PALOMPON has reapplied. I was also one of the participants of the LRED workshop, particularly in tourism promotion with Chedna, Rosette, Wojtek, Hazel, Rudy and etc. Because of its LRED approach Palompon hit more than 600% increase in its collection in 2008. OTOP on the other hand is One Town One Product in which Palompon is promoting boneless danggit. Our town is the main supplier of DANGGIT because of its wide shoal (hunasan) and being a coastal town, yet it was Cebu nga maoy ningsikat sa boneless danggit said LGU Consultant Herville.

And that was the cycle of my work in every month. Coverage, took pictures for Budyong, gather data, info, and then encode it, prepare a dummy, and lay-out before its printing. Maam Rachel Costelo, my teacher in 1^ST year HS in PIT was once our proofreader but when she went to Israel, Maam Sonia, also my HS teacher in PIT, took her place. We increase it to 10 page on the month of March and then 12 page on April.

But was not an easy task. It took us some time before it will be finally published. We verified facts, info, and other details to make our stories, newsworthy, concise and complete details gyod. Pa J help me in doing these. He even offered us to use his own resources at his house for Budyong. He prepared food for us, and other Budyong staff whenever we stayed there in his house until wee hours in the morning. Amo gyod gisakripisyo ang among kinabuhi kay nahigugma man mi sa among trabaho ug sa Budyong.

We spend sleepless nights, travels in Ormoc even without money, kay dili mohatag ug kwarta ang silong kay ipa-reimburse na lang kuno (pero nganong ang ubang mo travel maka CA man dinagko pa gani). I remember one time, when Pa J sandals was soaked to the paint scattered along Aviles St. kadakong disgrasya!!! He found out pag abot namo sa may Dunkin donut nga naay pintal iya sandals ug medias, hehehe. We went directly to Gaisano to buy a pair of socks. AT Jojo’s house in Agua Dulce, I myself experienced sleeping the sofa while waiting for the lay-out, or sleeping at the printing plantsite didto sa may bodega, just to wait for the copies of Budyong, since the mayor will need the newspaper the next day for his travel in Naval Biliran. The printing was finished at 2:00 AM, and at 3;00 AM gihapit namo si Pa J sa Friendly Inn, while taking a nap. It was not easy. Unya ang nakasakit pa jud kay pasanginlan ka nga nag fabricate ug mga stories sa Budyong, especially sa mga oposisyon.

Mayor Tupa went on vacation to US in April 2007. Vice Mayor Lloyd Surigao was the acting mayor until June 30, 2008.

The LRED workshop was conducted in session hall and PACCI and I was one of those who actively participated. There was also series of activities spearheaded by LGU thru ESWAMP like the Earth Week celebration with Marit Remonde as guest and other officials from DENR, PASAR like Ric Santiago, Ruben Cahigas, then there was mural contest, walk for a cause, etc. waste market fair and other activities that happened for the first time in Palompon.

Mayor Tupa was still in US
But there are many things that happened on this time. May 2008 Residents of Liberty protested against Pheschem, they put barricade at the brgy. road to prevent Pheschem from entering their quarry site, Pheschem on the other hand presented a petition, urging the town officials to resume their operation. THEN there was a passionate and emotional confrontation between vice mayor Surigao and Pheschem workers at the session hall. And many other things happened.

May 2008, the fiesta season, of all of the fiesta Tinabilan ra ako natambungan sa ilang Arnel. The Congressman sponsored the livelihood training program last May 25 at social center participated by more than 400 participants. Edwin Codilla and San Mig, Magnolia has also its Cooking Demo, I was also invited by Sir Boy Pajaron during the Agro Industrial Fair in Tinabilan, few days before the fiesta, and it was very successful.

Unfortunately on May 2008, we have this travel ban, for reasons until now unknown to us. It was a difficult time for us in Budyong, since lay-outing will be done in Ormoc and we need to sit beside the lay-out artist to finish the work immediately. The May 2008 issue of Budyong was released on June 28.

Cheng, is keep on asking me if when can I have an item at the LGU, and I told her nga sige lang kay mangaplay lang ko. Ang akong aplayan kanang ubos lang nga posisyon para sigurado ko makuha. It doesn’t matter for me, ang posisyon what is important is the Item and its benefit. This is the reason why I transferred to Palompon from Ormoc kay naay chance nga magka Item ko diri compared sa Ormoc and I am confident that I can have one.

To be honest, ang akong gi-apas sa item ang GSIS contributions nako mahibalik. I have contributed with GSIS when I worked in LGU during the time of the previous mayor from 2000-until 2004 when I resigned. Another thing if I will become a regular employee, I will receive benefits such as clothing, productivity, bunoses, etc from the government, ug ang pinaka lami kung ma regular ka sa munisipyo kay pwede na ka maka utang sa PNB, Blamci, OCCI, etc. and other financing institutions, dili pareha aning JO pa ta nga dili-dili an ta sa mga lending companies. Paita oy! But I also told her that if I cannot have an Item before the end of this year it would be better for me to return to Ormoc and work there.

First week of June, I was interviewed for Administrative Aide III (Utility Worker II) which was posted by HRMO as one of the vacant position of the LGU.

June 13, Feast Day of St. Anthony of Padua, I received this good news that I was among the passers of the Civil Service Commission –Career Service Examination (professional) last July 22, 2008. In short, eligible na ko, and there’s no reason nga dili ko ma regular nganhing munisipyoha. I been working here since 2000 until 2004 and now from January 2008 –until karon (June 2008)

But I was only saddened when the PSB told me that I am overqualified as Admin Aide III, because I am the writer of Budyong. I told them that I want a regular position (any regular position) they insisted that AA III is not for me.

Karon ang akong nalibgan kay kung anhi ko mo apply sa lain nga posisyon dili sab ko qualified, kung sa ubos lang nga posisyon dili pwede kay kuno overqualified. I did not know what to do, and how to interpret these things. DILI KO MAKASABOT NILA, SIGE LANG.

So again, I applied as Draftsman, (gipili nako ubos lang nga posisyon, ang qualification ani HS graduate lang) para lang gyod sigurado nga ma appoint. LET’S SEE

Palompon was hit by TYPHOON Frank on June 20-21. our small hut in our house was damaged. We need to transfer to another location. We temporarily stay in the vacant commercial space, para duol gihapon sa ilang Mama.

Relief goods were distributed to affected brgys, especially in along the coast. Pa J and WM and other employees, Mayor Lloyd, and other officials stayed at the municipal hall and they slept there during the time of calamity. They responded to the call of the diff. brgys. Teams of officials and employees were dispatched there to help those who are in need.

On the third week of June
We were planning to put up a house in Km 2 in the land owned by my grandfather Tatay Oloy (my Papa’s father) para naa miy kaugalingong balay, but Cheng was not amenable with the idea, because of its distance and the place is isolated located on the hill, although duol sa buwangan ug sa karsada pero morag layo gihapon kay tagsa ra man ang byahe didto.

My Birthday, June 30 was just like any other day
Simple lang
But what was most devastating is that …..I was not chosen as AA III. It was a good decision for me not to report on the afternoon of June 30, because I was not included among the employees to take oath before Acting Mayor Surigao.

MAYOR TUPA returned on July 2, and then again our travel ban to ORMOC was lifted. We worked hard for Budyong and for Website. But deep inside of me, wa na koy gana. Ako lang ning gitago tagoan. I am always short in finances. I keep on borrowing Pa J, naikog na ko pagmaayo niya.

I can no longer concentrate on my work. What is on my mind is on what to eat, and where to get money for the next day, for me and for my family. My 135 pesos is not enough since I spend an average of 190 a day, and Saturdays and Sundays are not included, I don’t know what to do and where to go.

I receive some (ZTE) so to speak from my sideline but still it’s not enough. Besides what I am receiving from Ormoc newspaper is only less than 1,000 in one week. Maayo kung tua ko sa Ormoc kay mas makakuha kog dako-dako.

August, nothing has changed. And my problem grew bigger. The treasurer was suspended on the second week of August ( perhaps it was 7) and that means no salary for August 15. It’s a good thing that the good mayor made some initiative to solve this.

But still I am contemplating to resign at the LGU. Morag wa koy paglaum diri sa Municipio. Im planning to go back to Ormoc City to work and live there with my family for good.

January 2008

SOTA in Palompon

I spent my new year in Palompon. But since I am not in good mood, (because of financial problem and shortage of budget) so as my sweetheart nangatulog lang mi even during midnight (Media de Noche) unta.

Psagdan lang namo ang buto-buto sa gawas and we slept that whole night nga mora rag dili new year. But still there’s many reason to be happy, the fact that God gave us another year, but my decision to leave Ormoc was already final. Nahiubos gyod ko nga wala ma plantilla nagpabilin nga JO.

I told myself nga bahala na. Mohawa gyod ko didto. On that next day, I did not report to Ormoc. But on that New Year’s Day I am supposed to be in Ormoc being the birthday of our boss Cong. Codilla and there are activities at Superdome like medical mission, and etc.

Still on the following day, wa gihapon ko mosulod, and my co-staff at congressional office kept on texting me. But I did not reply. Morag ang akong hunahuna nga mobiya sa Ormoc, mao na gyod din a gyod ko papugong.

January 3, I went to the municipal hall building and meet my friends there. Mayor Yoly Tupa is about to deliver his state of town address on January 9, and I am supposed to cover that event being a news reporter of Express, local newspaper here. I come to know that one of our close friend, Pa J (Jose Pajaron) kauban namo sa Hot FM before during the time of former Mayor Baloy Oñate was already working at the mayor’s office.

At the first floor sa municipio, I talked with Whiskey Mike and he encourage me to work again at the LGU. Which I answered “ako una huna-hunaon”. During lunchtime, I go with Pa J, Brgy Capt Koko Ellorango of Cambinoy, and former Board Member Herville Pajaron, now LGU Consultant.

I told them that I am planning not to return to Ormoc for a while, kay mopahuway pa ko sa Palompon, until I told them nga nahiubos ko sa ako gitrabahoan kay way siguro ang JO this January 2008, and that means nga wa miy sweldo for several quencina.

Herville then offered me, “unsa man rard, pag klaro kay akong sultihan si Mayor” he said. Which I answered “sige, ok man ko”. Herville told me nga sugot lang una ma-JO sa LGU even for six months lang una. We have our lunch at Jayenbee, at the marketplace.

The following day, I was in Ormoc to tender my resignation, but I change my mind. I instead wrote a letter to Maam Bebeth about my decision. And that I want to look for greener pasture in other places like Palompon.

But prior to that, she assigned me to gather data and prepare the outline, including the speech for the State of the City Address of Mayor Eric Beboy C. Codilla, which I am the one who prepared the previous year, 2007. And I must say (modesty aside) one of the best SOCA of Mayor Beboy, prepared not by an Ormocanon but by a Palomponganon, hehehe!

My decision to leave Ormoc was final. Nahiubos gyod ko ug maayo. I am planning to go back to Palompon to asked Mayor Tupa nga moapply ko sa Municipio.

January 7, Mayor Eulogio S. Tupa delivered his State of the Town Address. The Social Center was jampacked with people from brgys, civic society, religious groups, nalukop sa mga tawo ang PSC, nagpunsisok.

It was both bad news and good news, about the state of Palompon. The bad news is that the municipal coffer is not in pink health because the previous admin has left “millions of pesos of obligations” from the market building loan amounting to P 40 Million, and other …hmmm.

Good News is that Palompon will soon have its multi-purpose bldg. at the old ABC building and other projects. The new administration is also aggressive in implementing KAUSABAN in this town. Programs that is more responsive to the needs of every Palomponganons and many more. Cong. Codilla was also present during the said affair.

January 9, from Palompon I went directly to Tacloban City to attend the party at the Provincial Capitol Bldg. Medyo na late ko kay 1:30 na man ko nakasaka sa Governor’s Hall. The worst is that pag abot nako kay nagsugod na ug panghatag sa mga regalo. Maayo na lang gani kay nahatagan gihapon ko ug P 1,000 from Gov, TSHIRT, Ham, Red Wine, Payong, bag, etc.

Also present was media colleagues from Ormoc, and other towns, Jun T. ruby. Maridel of Isabel, Leyte’s Star Weekly Tribune, Sir Felix, Nong Obet, and many others. Tacloban media was also in full force kumpleto gyod sila ang Gov. called the name of the media men one by one, aron hatagan tagsa ka libo. Hehehe. Thanks Gov and Maam Matin.

January 11, I went to the office of Mayor Tupa to personally asked him for my application. I told him that I am receiving more than 200 pesos salary in Ormoc but since I am still a JO worker there, I prefer to work in Palompon for the mean time.

He said that he consider my application and I am assigned at the Mayor’s Office effective January 16.

The second half of the month of January was indeed eventful. Mayor Tupa assigned me to be in-charge of a monthly publication of the municipality. Gilbert Manongsong will be the editor and Hervil will also work with us as consultant. I and Pa J were looking for names unsay pangalan nga ibunyag and on some other details of the project. Finally it was Pa J who named it Budyong but later on, add the name Budyong sa Palompon to make it more specific.

It will be an 8-page newsletter, the LGU will shoulder its printing cost at 9,000 initial budget. I am the one who prepared the dummy and the outline of the news and everything. We have digital camera and some other logistics. RR and WM is with us also, as support staff. Finally on the second week of February, the maiden issue of Budyong sa Palompon went out of press. Daghan nga mga Palomponganon ang nalipay!

December 2007

Three days before Christmas, Dec 22, I and Cheng decided to celebrate it in Palompon. So we pack our bags and ride a van at 2:00 PM, with my cousin Francis EJ Codilla Masias, who was from Bacolod, Negros Occidental at that time. He arrived at Ormoc in his via Cebu trip at 1:30, so nagdungan na lang mi padung sa Palompon.

It was an unforgettable experience. A bunch of Christmas goodies was left at the terminal in Ormoc that afternoon. Nawala ang pang noche Buena namo, My God!!!. The bunch has 1 big can of Todays Fruit, Spaghetti noodles, ham, creams, and other pang Christmas from Transco, and 4^TH LED DPWH.

During the 24^th, we celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ with full of merriment. Bisag way bunos malipayon gihapon. Ang importante nga we celebrate this wonderful time of the year nga kompleto ang pamilya, unya most of all in good hearth kaming tanan, especially Cheng and my cute baby, Angel (Johnill May)

It’s still Christmastime. December 26, 2007. I left my sweetheart, Cheng and my three-months old baby in Palompon, while working in Ormoc during weekdays and back in Palompon again on weekend. I have heard that Congressman, our boss at the congressional office in Ormoc will give us the pinaskuhan. The reason nga nagdali jud ko ug sakay sa van padung sa Ormoc, hehehe. Kinsa bay di ganahan og pinaskuhan!!!.

Cong. Codilla gave us 1,000 sa mga staff sa office. But still there are many things that bothered me. Our contract as Job Order (JO) at DPWH -4^th Led is about to end this December 31, 2007. And the worst is, dili pa basta-basta maka renew. Sus! Paita oi. But the most devastating news was : ang among sunod nga sweldo sa March 2008 pa. and that is three months pa gikan karon.

These questions lurked in my mind. Nganong mag antos man ko pagka JO nga kung buot hunahunaon maka survive man ko ug mangitag laing work in Ormoc or in Palompon, my hometown. And why I remained a JO until now, nga nagwork man sa city as contributor/ writer sa website sa Ormoc, but when the Ormoc employees received P 15,000 each for the bunos, wa gani koy ako nga nadawat. I felt betrayed, and I have to ask myself why these things are happening.

Then I made a sudden decision. Mohawa ko sa Ormoc mobalhin ko sa Palompon.

The Xmas party of Peryodiko at Sir Jojo’s house in Agua Dulce St on the 29^th December, It was really very memorable. Enjoy mi tanan,,….and nagbaha ang beer ug tuba, pili lang ka asay imo. Naay videoke, naa say contests.

Peryodiko writers from Baybay also attended I forgot her name. Also staff of Printshoppe, one of them si Honey Lyn. Also present were Felix, Dante, RL, Edgar, Ruby, nakalimot na ko sa uban,,,,Tungod sa kahubog nagpabadlong sa plaza during that night, particularly near parola, and cant recall, unsay mga sunod nga nahitabo during the wee hours in the morning of Dec. 30.

The following day, the Christmas party of Express was held in Brgy Linao at Melendres compound. Nong Nards Melendres the owner of the compound is also a Ludabi member, a known writer of Bisaya, Alimyon, etc. and also a multi-awarded vernacular writer and poet. Present didto was Rene de los Reyes, now a member of RDC –Region 8 representing the labor sector who sponsored the said activity, our editor Felix Codilla, Nong Fidel Banson, Nong Dong Arañez, Jun Tarroza and his family, Obet Dejon and his family, Joy Dacillo and his husband, Dodong Mangubat, morag tan aw nako kompleto jud. Alain was there mga early pa. And there was a lot of singing, drinking tuba, food, and most of all, nag enjoy mi. until such time nga nangahubog na. We ended before 12:00 MN kay nangahubog na man.

Indeed it was the time when Nong Fidel offered reconciliation with Nong Jun, nga dugay na niyang gikabungol. Pag-uli nako sa Can-adieng, I accompanied Nong Jun, mihapit mi sa may paying-payong near food park.