5th of a series
Having retired from work at IRRI after more than twenty years, Romy (Palasig) finally made true his promise to join the camp of Mayor Vicente B. Amante and became one of the latter’s trusted political leaders. He used his acumen as a writer and poet to disseminate important information and programs of the local government and at the same time acted as one of the emcees during election time. He called his group of friends who are loyal to the political cause of Mayor Amante as FAROW (Forever Amante Right Or Wrong) – something that did not fit well to critics but nobody questioned it in the open as it is literally being guarded by the ‘Trespicos’ who were always ready to defend their stand anytime, anywhere.
Romy later became a friend of the local media and started writing short stories and poems using his pen name ‘Palasig’. As a freelance writer, he wrote for Daystar Gazette owned and operated by Ms. Venus P. Funtanilla; for Monday Mail owned by spouses Nelson and Nita Cornista; for the Herald Group of Publications owned by Ms. Nena E. Mallari and later exclusively for Laguna Courier. His romantic and titillating poems were clipped, collected and kept for reference by his readers, one of whom is the famous San Pablo lawyer-surgeon Emmanuel Loyola.
With no permanent office to stay, Palasig became a habitue beneath the shade of the giant Balete tree (Ficus Elastica) beside the Capitol Building along with his friends and other local media practitioners waiting for current news. They stayed there even after office hours telling stories, sharing views and discussing matters affecting public interests. Some passers-by called them ‘Tikbalang’ – a mythical creature of Philippine folklore said to lurk in the mountains and rainforest of the Philippines. It did not end there. Naturally witty, Palasig seized the moment and organized the group as “TIKBALANG” putting meaning to it with the help of then City Councilor Dr. Edgardo ‘Egay’ Adajar, Guardian Federico “Jun” del Rosario and Laguna Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Florante D. Gonzales.
After a series of brainstorming, they finally agreed that the meaning of ‘Tikbalang’ to them shall be “Tagapagtaguyod ng Inang Kalikasan Bilang Anak ng Lupang Ating Nakagisnan at Ginagalawan”. The unusual name of the group spread like fire because it had landed in the pages of the local papers participating in clean-up drives, tree planting activities, seminars, workshops and leadership training with no budget from the city. Had it not been politicized the organization could have existed up to now.
To be continued
Melinda Bagsic Evangelista
I was born to write and I believe that’s my calling. I love writing because it brings me to the realm exclusively of mine. It is also my opinion that “immortality” can be achieved not by searching for the Holy Grail and drinking from it but by living your life worth-writing or writing something worth-reading. Since I cannot promise you a life worth-writing, I keep myself busy writing something worth-reading. I am thankful to God for giving me the talent and skill to see life in different perspectives not seen by many and the courage to share it to my readers. This first ever Tutubi Digital News Magazine is a perfect avenue to bring you the many facets of life that you can ponder upon in this time of the pandemic. Enjoy reading all the articles.
