(6th of a series)
In 1999, Nelia had a serious attack of asthma that ultimately led to her death. Palasig confessed to me later that he cried a river when he lost her. Alone with his kids and confused, he dedicated most of his time assisting people who needed help from the local government. During that time, you would see him walking to and fro from one office to another carrying documents for signature. He was always busy as a bee and even if he was telling jokes, you can see the sadness in his eyes.
Sometime in April of 2000, during the seminar-workshop sponsored by San Miguel Corporation for local media practitioners, Palasig was formally introduced to me by Ruben E. Taningco – a licensed Geodetic Engineer working with the local government. Instead of a handshake, he simply vowed his head slightly as a sign of respect. Later during lunch, he offered me his food which I graciously declined because I already had mine.
After a barrage of exchanging pleasantries among the participants, my Publisher Dinah M. Carabio invited him to write in our paper, Laguna Courier, the Voice of the People to which he immediately said yes. At first, there was only one column – the TKO (Talinhaga, Kwento at Opinyon) but due to insistent demand from his followers, another column was allowed to him – the ‘Biro Lang Po ni Palasig” – a little green and titillating but everybody’s favorite. He also wrote for other local papers upon request like Wednesday Herald and Monday Mail.
Still craving for an outlet of all his ideas that were hampered by time and family obligations in the past, he created another column for Laguna Courier which he titled “TIKBALANG HOROSCOPE” – a kind of funny horoscope using signs totally different from the zodiac signs we are accustomed to. Because of this column, our paper sold like hotcakes especially among jeepney and tricycle drivers parked in front of San Pablo City public market, the City Mall. SPLGU and court employees were talking about it not because they believed in what was written about them but because the predictions made them laugh.
Palasig used his funny horoscope as a tool to convey sensitive messages to people who cannot accept open criticisms at the same time utilizing his poetic prophecies and flowery words to patch up unresolved differences between allies. That’s the beauty of being a writer! You can be what you wanna be without much fuss. I know because I’m a writer.
TIKBALANG rose to fame for a while and its membership ballooned in a short span of time because everybody wanted to be a member. Strangers and some ‘enterprising’ politicos entered into the picture each with their own personal agenda trying to outsmart the original members. Some wanted this, others wanted that and so the saying “too many cooks spoil the broth” happened – the young and still fragile organization collapsed like a sandcastle.
(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.
