(8th of a series)
God’s childen need traveling shoes
For a while, Palasig and I along with Tony Caballejo, Perfecto “Boyet” Marcelo and some friends from the local media became regular visitors at the house of Venus P. Funtanilla where we conduct brainstorming and sharing of views about the political landscape of San Pablo City. It was during this time that Palasig and his fellow ex-Barangay Chairman organized the Samahang Datu composed of Nonie Mandocdoc (President); Romy M. Evangelista (Executive Vice-Pres.); Pol Pasco (1st Vice-Pres.); Rod Calabia (Sec); Anita Dy (Treas.); Venus Avanzado (Sgt, at Arms); Rolly Vidal; Inggo Ilana; Nick Adona; Danny Bartolome; Raul Pavico; Bayani Anonuevo; Roman Rivera, Pedro Gutierrez, Lucio Gimenez and Ogorio Alcantara as members of the Board of Directors. Flor David was Secretary General and Fiscal Florante D. Gonzales was their Legal Adviser.
The Samahang Datu was organized purposely to bring to the attention of the local authorities the concerns of their respective barangays and their willingness to help in whatever feasible means they could – health problems, lack of job, and extreme poverty in some isolated places. Despite his busy schedule as a writer and local leader, Palasig never missed to see me on weekdays at the office with something to make me smile – candies, flowers or love notes. He was a certified romanticist, not afraid to shed tears when hearing sad country music or stories about heroism and love of country.
Palasig loved little children and those who are mentally and physically challenged and he would not give a second thought giving away his last penny if approached by someone who needed money for medicine even if that someone was a total stranger. This was one of the reasons why Venus told me to be always on the guard as a friend and to remind him to be cautious in dealing with strangers because this world is full of scammers.
There were few incidents that Palasig was easily swindled by some good-for-nothing individuals pretending to be good and honest. He was made to believe that a few thousand pesos he lent to someone purporting to be a rice farmer would be paid to him with a few sacks of rice after harvest season. That someone disappeared on thin air after receiving the amount! Another was an ambulant sales lady whom he paid in full the price of some beauty products intended for me and his children but did not deliver the items. There were a few more incidents that would show how careless he was in dealing with others which for me amounted to abuse of his kindness.
Try to ponder on this. A “Taong Grasa” – a homeless person roaming around ‘Labak’ named Alejo came to Palasig asking for food. Without hesitation, he fed him inside the house, gave him some clean used clothes and a rubber slipper but Alejo refused to accept the footwear and pointed to his shoes instead. A bit surprised, Palasig asked him, “Gusto mo ito?,” pointing to his shoes to which a grinning Alejo nodded successively. He didn’t say a word but took off his shoes and gave it to Alejo who gleefully clapped his hands like a little boy who just won a game of “palosebo”.
(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.
