By Telly G. Ocampo
Bedtime stories of my Lola Danday for Cuaresma
I remember one strong typhoon during my childhood days. It toppled down the nipa roof of our karaang balay, ang karaang balay ni Tan Akoy,
Ang balay ni Tan Akoy is just across my grandparents’ house. Most of the things recovered after the strong typhoon were safely kept at our house’s silong. One of those was the portrait of Padre Juan Villamor, the first Filipino parish priest in our hometown of Baclayon. Padre Juan was one of the many children of Casimiro Ynocencio Villamor and Cecilia TalaidH I don’t know where that portrait went but in our celebration of Baclayon’s 400 yrs. I borrowed the portrait from the children of Nong Juaning Caballo and had it replicated for the convent museum. I hope the portrait is still there now.
There are five carros associated with the Villamor families and 3 of these are taken care of by the siblings of Padre Juan.
This is the image of San Juan or Saint John the beloved, the forerunner and cousin of Jesus. He was on Mary’s side in the crucifixion. “John behold thy mother, and to Mary behold thy son.” These words compose one of the seven last words of Jesus. This image now is taken care of by Lorenza Villamor married to Pablo Malon. One of the children is Juan Malon whose descendants are the ones keeping the Malon house and the carro of San Juan.
Santa Maria Magdalena. The adulterous woman who followed Jesus in His ministry. When Mary Magdalene was about to be stoned by the people around her, Jesus said: “He who has no sin among you, cast the first stone.” She was the repentant woman who first saw Jesus in His resurrection. The image of Mary Magdalene is being taken care of by the family of Gregoria Villamor married to Lucas Goyot. The present encargados are the Cuaresma family of Nang Roning in Panas.
Jesus de la Huerta. This is the image of Jesus in His agony in the garden. This is where Jesus asked the Father: “Get this cup away from me.” And it was in this garden where Judas gave Jesus the kiss of deceit. The present encargados of this image are the descendants of Francisco Villamor and Zoila Alarba. Specifically they are the children of Casimiro Villamor and Juana Francisca Villamor Dologuin.
This is the image of Sta. Veronica. It was she who wiped the face of Jesus on His way to Golgotha, carrying the heavy cross. Veronica could not stand seeing Jesus perspiring with blood. She wiped the face of Jesus and on her handkerchief Jesus’ face was printed. The present encargadas of this image are the heirs of Ynocencio Ygnacio Villamor whose wife was Pantaleona Badiang. One of the children, Juana, was married to Catalino Valeroso. The icon is in the house of Paciencia and upon her death, it was entrusted to her daughter-in-law Loretta. Sta. Veronica is the symbol of unity among the Valeroso clan.
Senyor Jesus Nazareno. This is the image of Senyor Jesus Nazareno. The legacy of taking care of this image is bequeathed to the family of Ciriaco Iyog Villamor and Agripina Buhion. Included in this our carro is the Hudejo, that children used to cry with fear if they would look at his piercing eyes and angry lips. Included here is the image of Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry the cross.
Taking care of our carro has become part of our growing up with cousins from the Oppus side. Romana Caballo — Plaza is now the frontliner in the preparation of our carro. Daria and I are just the wind beneath the wings – tagpakaon sa motod sa carro.
This is part of the legacy of Marcelo Tamayo Villamor and Silvina Iyog to our town of Baclayon.
For next week, we will be showcasing the different icons from different generations of families. At present there are 32 in procession, no longer in their carros but in moving motor vehicles plying the whole town imploring for God’s mercy to end this pandemic.
In every holy week, we always remember our ancestors who were steadfast in keeping these family treasures handing them from one generation to the next.
For us, the present generation, we are always thankful to Nong Tekyo Caballo for processions in their time were so orderly providing sacredness to the rituals
At present, we have Joseph Erwin Lagura and Elmer Jamili to thank for as they are taking over the role of Nong Tekyo. My dear readers, the bedtime stories of my Lola Danday continue. There are still 27 stories to tell. The 32 stories do not include the Soledad, Our lady of Alegria and the Risen Lord.