Visayan Hatches
- Eager Beaver
- Oct 4, 2009
- 5 min read
They say, we should always grow where we are planted. My four year- well- heeled struggles in the Visayas Region were parallel to taking the first few steps as a toddler. Familiarity with places, culture, and dialect should have boosted over the years…so as that with people.
Being with the Ganzons, I had numerous acquaintances in full swing…this time as their protégé ---no organizations held, no members to head, and finally no accountability to instigate. Apart from my daily Pharmaceutical- marketing routine, my time was served helping and supporting others (and it didn’t need to involve any monetary unit).
Villa Boarders- The Ganzons used to own a boarding house that could accommodate 20+ marine students of John B. Lacson. I knew them in droves as I preferred to stay there at times…whenever school projects had to be pulled off…or boozing to crop up. Some are sailing-some are offshore; one thing I’m certain of… they wouldn’t forget me.
Nang Remia- Tito Dingdong’s helper…has a high-pitched voice as that of a witch’s. A certified “mali-mali” (one who utters repetitive words or phrases when stunned). She took care of my laundry…and just so comfy of my highs and lows.
Gesila Sumcio- My dorm mate… the ever articulate crowd’s ACE…fighter, credible critic, good apple, Jollibee’s big cheese, comrades’ big fish…and somebody who could eat my brains out! Ges is forever missed…you just couldn’t make even to her earnestness as a friend.
John Obidos- My tour-guide…my senior…my territorial counterpart. John is at his peak now that he’s pursuing a career in the USA.
Tiny Alimon- Being her die-hard colleague, she knew these---the beauty, acumen, physical possessions (obviously), big heart, potency, rareness, and bluntness. She’s highly regarded...and has never offered a cold shoulder. You just can count on her come hell or high water. She’s genuinely accessible!
Gold Varca- Vigorously in love then…she’s somebody who would grab me for work and love-chat.
Glo Aviado- single and spirited…trustworthy and trusting…and one who would come out of the woodwork to save a friend and colleague.
Jen Martizano- The modern Maria Clara, the naïve beauty, the bubbly chatterer… my long-time crush and detailing partner.
Paul Padilla- The stout man behind the meek soul. The family-oriented professional who exhibited child-like qualities...like securing himself with pillows and smacking his Nokia 3210 before retiring to bed for safety (against ghost?). Paul was easy to deal with...probably the most principled guy in his batch and one who never ran out of details. In a glance, you would know what he felt due to his transparency...which made him our favorite.
Ian Cruz- Coolest guy in the herd…never seen him flared up. He quitted the job first among fellow Manilenos; I haven’t heard from him until now.
Jane Fuerte- conformist turned ultramodern as she’s UK-based. Tito Dingdong introduced me to her in a party… phonecalls, spinning yarns, and dating followed. Absence just couldn’t make the heart grow fonder. She's just got married!
Paul Conti- That friendship with him wasn’t so common. We met in Iloilo once as he dwelt in the same boarding house where my colleagues were. His tough adjustments provoked him to abandon his job instantly. Somehow, I offered (little) financial assistance (as fellow Bicolano) and the rest is history. He sailed while I flew, we definitely tried harder to meet again.
Floyd Bacabac- We bumped each other in his town during my territorial assignment; we did it again in mine when he was assigned there. So far, I had fun getting along with him and Doc Cachero… communications never ceased.
Doc Cachero- One who offered friendship on my initial dental visit. That same night, we went out together with his good buddy, Floyd. They could just let their cats out of their bags for a trusted friend. I adore his humility and compassion.
Julius Abes- In a level playing field, his dealings were fair and square, too. He looked vulnerable yet the spirit was so determined. We crossed that same line of demarcation when we were qualified for an understudy program.
Edzonn Gallinero- The eloquence in a petite body…the astuteness in an unkind fate. Our friendship started when he applied for a post in our organization; it ended when he chose to venture into something prior to his total disappearance.
Tony Lee Padesterio- The guy who hopped from rugs to riches. I remember those episodes when I had to save him from (almost) famine. I first met him via his application for a job; yet later on found his fortune in his parent’s origin, China. Today, his drive to lose weight succeeds---He's totally changed!
Burn Melendez- Edzonn’s cousin who seems a womanizer… another sailor man who happened to (again) browse elbows with me in Dubai on their unplanned docking. We first and last met over some bottles of beer (glog!).
Stewart de las Alas- The coolest and well-mannered pal I had. Another corporate payback-deprived... thus, I endorsed him to work for our Company. He moved from one continent to another, yet still our friendship days are never numbered.
Analyn Villadares- Tito Dingdong accommodated her for a brief stay (while on mission)... ties (then) followed. One who unselfishly shared what she owned; Ane is unquestionably a friend for keeps.
I miss my “kumpare-ng” Raymund Sia, my counterparts (Rhona, Carol Cortes, Michelle Cruz, Bob Basillote, Oliver Banquicio, Rose Sanggalang, Dothy Mariano, Arnold Famador, Larry Bernabe, etc…).
I believed, a chain was no stronger than its weakest link... and through my superiors’ (Ghit Dublin, Zeph Golozino, Francis, and Arl Gomez) support and tolerance, I learned the knots of leading subordinates in a corporate arena.
COMMENTS:
PAUL CONTI said...Call him "Drew" ... Hey! Wala me masabi sakanya napakabait, matulungin, gud entrepreneur guy, para bang wala cyang problem kapag kausap mo siya espicially kapag "burat" na! i mean "drunk"... Ma uragun ini.. Drew... thanks sa tulong mo before, i really mean! dnt worry magkikita panaman tayo saka me babawi sa imo! ok!! always take care my buddy!! godspeed!!
TINY ALIMON said...Andy is the man! he is very smart, i get intellectually challenged when he starts talking. He likes everything in order, makes me think he is a perfectionist (hmmm...i believe he is), but that works in his favor because in every endeavor that he takes, he always come out very successful. We have fun memories together, and although we don't keep in touch that often he is one cherished possession. Thank you for the person that you are, God bless you! I have come to meet and know very beautiful people through your network of family and friends way back there. Miss you my dear friend....
ANDY SAMSON said...(2004 testimonials for TINY ALIMON:) the living proof of radiance, comprehension & provocative appeal! One of the few sought-after wanderers on the other side of the world, not to mention her tough personality who couldn't help manifesting humility when in love. A sincere sympathizer, generous provider, consistent listener, articulate conversant, sensible doer, woman of words & actions, effective leader, efficient manipulator, affirmative role-model, determined professional, God-fearing creature,voluptuous mammal, classy urban dwellerw/ mind over matter decisiveness, promising singer-dancer, trendy socialite, trustworthy lass, outspoken reactor, supportive significant other & the most you could expect...she's definitely an admirable friend! I certainly attest to several adjectives that would match the personality of my long-lost buddy who deserves nothing but great things in life! MISS HER!)
ANDY SAMSON said...(2004 TESTIMONIALS FOR PAUL CONTI:) my friendly neighbor during his brief stay in Iloilo. Sincere friendship had started when his pocket was broke, so much so for me to go into the rescue. Generosity of the heart certainly won one genuine comrade who's also a Bicolano. I think we both sail the same boat... Of course he's going places and maximizing his youth, however it's definitely essential to still rub elbows with friends and I thank him for doing so. He can count on me beyond the distance it takes. It doesn't really matter if we lose our way now as long as we eventually reach our destination.
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