Farewell, Dr. Bobong, the people’s doctor!
Bobong, the doctor and personal friend has passed on to the Creator.
Here’s a piece from his daughter Sarah Yap Salise, fondly called Saisai Vivien, another daughter, posted on FB that if anybody wishes to share his/her stories about Dr. Bobong, the family would surely welcome such stories.
So, Vivien, these are my stories about your dad, Dr. Bobong.
BOBONG AS A YOUNG BOY
Bobong grew up a privileged child, but never as a spoiled brat. In those days, the family of his father, (the late Metiong Yap), owned the Bohol Technical Institute (BTI). Aside from the school, the family also owned and operated a sound system business which included a generator for its power requirement.
Hence, cultural activities, then, were serviced by this sound system business. Some of the activities were held in the market place, outside of market day since during those times, the market was the only place where a large crowd could be accommodated. These activities included benefit dances (we called bayle), coronation pageants, political meetings, and inaugurations of new local officials.
As a young boy, Dr. Bobong was the only one in our locality, who owned a Kodak camera with a flash. This is as far as my knowledge is concerned. It was not an ordinary Kodak camera. And we would know that the young Bobong was already around during activities because we could see the camera and its light flashing for every click of a photo. He was clad in a pair of shorts with a matching shirt. Sa among kabatan-on kaniadto, motungtong gyud mi sa mga gipang balit-ad nga mga lamesa aron makakita mi sa programa, sa bayle ug sa batan-on nga si Bobong Yap ug sa iyang camera.
He also had his “vroom, vroom”. Yes, that’s how we called his big motorbike which was a rarity during those days when Honda and Suzuki were still unknown. He used to pass by our town as he drove his motorbike. Siya ra gyud ang ga motorbike adtong panahona nga batan-on pa kaayo ang panuigon. He was a friend to our neighbor, Dale Pacaña, who was studying in the school owned by the Yap family. This was St. James College.
Then he would be seen either in his jet ski or his speed boat traversing the Tagbilaran, Dauis, Baclayon and Albur seawaters. We could see him, then, from our Baliaut spring and the Baclayon “Baluarte” promenade.
There were times when he would speed off with his jetski off the waters of Laya, Baclayon, Bohol and when the picnickers at Laya beach would see him, they would, in unison say, “Anak na ni Metyong!”
Nong Metyong, Dr. Bobong’s father, was a friendly man. Nong Metyong was like his brother, Sosing Yap. At a young age, I came to know Sosing Yap, the lawyer who ran for a political post. In his campaign speech he would say: Ang akong apilyedo Yap. Ug balihon pay. Ako si Susing “Pay” nga mobayad gayud ug maayong serbisyo sa katawhan. He had his house to house campaign. During these campaign sorties, we came to know that his wife was a Jala and a relative of my father.
BOBONG AS HUSBAND AND FATHER
For Bobong and Daya, they have attained the pinnacle of self actualization. I asked them once how they were able to raise children who are respectful, peace – loving, and focused on their studies, and thereafter. You cannot hear anyone of them into a mischief despite their status in life. Their answer was: prayer and much, much prayer. I think Bobong was so involved as a father that he really took care of his children well. Si Daya igo ra kuno mo-otong inig panganak aron mugawas ang bata gikan sa iyang sabakan. Pag gawas sa bata, si Bobong na kuno tanan ang bahala. Though said in jest, yet, it was a reality. Tinuod jud. Liwat gyud si Bobong ni Nong Metyong pagkabata.
BOBONG AS A DOCTOR
You cannot see him in the white doctor’s gown. As much as possible, he went to his clinic casually. After managing the family owned Englewood hospital, he went into private practice in a clinic inside the pharmacy owned by the family. His patients were common folks from all walks of life.
He maintained his consultation hours, regularly 15 patients in the morning and 15 in the afternoon. Consultation fee was very minimal and could not be found anywhere else. Dili gyud ka makatoo nga mao ra to ang iyang consultation fee. But that was Bobong as the doctor. He chose to be a family physician than a specialist which made him endearing to his patients.
BOBONG AS A FRIEND
I quote a verse from the poem “IF” to aptly describe him as a friend: “If you can walk with kings and never lose the common touch.” That’s Bobong through and through. He grew up privileged but he was most happy with his classmates from way way back. He visited them in the towns where they lived. He was always there to attend celebrations and wakes of former neighbor’s along the CPG, Visarra, Del Pilar block. This is the block where the following families live: Zapatos, Digal, Yu, Bustrillos, Sarabia.They were neighbours of old Tagbilaran and this is the block where Bobong’s beautiful childhood memories became the anchor of his life.
We became close to each other because of his wife Daya, a high school classmate at the then St. Joseph College. Daya was our class valedictorian.
Yes, Daya (Virgilia in real name) was our class valedictorian and president. She led a project, then, to raise funds and to build the school gate along J. Borja St. She and we raised the funds by doing Christmas carolling. Bobong and Daya are really a duo and they are leaders in and out of school. We of batch 1958 and 1962 are glued together because of their leadership and compassion. Their daughter Girly, Vanessa that is, has become our coordinator.
To Bobong and Daya: How could I ever forget your thoughtfulness? You were there in our parents’ golden wedding anniversary when my mother was in and out of Englewood Hospital. You were there during her wake, 25 days after their golden wedding. You visited me twice after my hip surgery at home on Holy Thursday. On my birthday, you brought with you our high school classmate Lourdes Cemini whom I’ve never met for quite sometime. You sent in a sack of rice for my Christmas cheer. And you were there on Roger, my husband’s 80th birthday chatting joyfully with friends.
To the children: Valerie, Vanessa and Vivienne, Simon Vincent, and Saisai, your father was greater than life. And such was a beautiful life. To Daya, thank you for the friendship.
We miss you my friend, Dr. Bobong. This is a statement, especially from my sister Corazon whom you have treated since 1994 until you left us forever. For this we are forever grateful.
Thank you to you and your staff, for their continued concern even days after you have passed on.
Farewell!!!!
Dr. Simplicio “Bobong” L. Yap, Jr.
Dr. Bobong Yap (extreme right) and wife Daya Virgilia Lim-Yap (2nd from right) with the author (extreme left) and the author’s husband, Roger Ocampo (seated, facing camera). This photo was taken during the 80th birthday celebration of the author’s husband Roger, a couple of months ago.