(9th of a series)
Uy…mag-aasawa na ‘yan
Palasig, a self-confessed good Christian believed in the power of love and kindness. He introduced Alejo to a certain Ligaya – a mentally challenged woman roaming around ‘Labak’ asking for food. To cut the long story short, the two became partners and lived together as husband and wife happily in a makeshift house near the riverbank of Brgy. San Jose (Malamig) in San Pablo. Palasig would always see Alejo collecting junks in the neighborhood as a source of their livelihood and he would extend help if needed. When Ligaya passed away, Alejo was never seen again in ‘Labak’ but their love story shall continue to be remembered in the poems and short stories written by Palasig.
There were a lot more beautiful and inspiring stories done by Palasig which are worthy of emulation i.e., the Japanese who was cheated by his Filipina wife from Sta. Elena, San Pablo City, whom he fed for months. With the help of his writings that appeared in various local newspapers; the banner headline made by Laguna Courier and the letter he sent to the Japanese Embassy in Manila, said Japanese was saved and brought back to Japan wearing his pants, shirt and a waistcoat with the name Palasig printed at the back.
So, how did I end up marrying the guy? It all began one summer afternoon when we were having dinner at home. My grand daughter Cyrenne who was four years old then blurted from out of the blue, “Mama, ampunin natin si Lolo Romy”. Everybody at the dining table looked at me with a naughty smile so I retorted back, “Who gave you the idea that we could adopt him? He is already old and only kids like you can be adopted!” She looked at me and said “Sige na po Mama, ‘kakaawa naman”. I replied “No! Continue eating!” Both my son, Mike and Jeff chanted in unison, “Uy…mag-aasawa na ‘yan”.
The following day, I talked to Palasig about the dinner incident and he simply smiled and professed his willingness to marry me anytime. I told him he needed to seek first the approval of my parents who were both in the United States. He insisted that the approval of my kids were enough because we’re not minors anymore and that there was no legal impediment for us to marry each other. Testing his patience and fortitude in the face of challenges, I told him to at least convince two of my trusted friends to give their consent – Atty. Amy Melba S. Belulia, our Clerk of Court at the San Pablo Regional Trial Courts and Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Florante D. Gonzales. Palasig approved of the idea and set a lunch date for us at the Starlake Resort & Restaurant in Brgy. San Buenaventura.
We arrived at the place as agreed upon almost simultaneously with Romy who was with his eldest daughter Ronalyn. I was with my eldest son Michael. Rona and Mike occupied the upper deck of the dining room just above the lower area where the four of us were seated. While waiting for the food to be served, preliminary talks about the sought-after consent commenced.
(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.
