By Telly G. Ocampo
Where have all the Young Girls gone?
By happenstance, I had this post from my cousin Sr. Consolata, the younger sister of our classmate, Cristeta Manding, a pink sister.
This is really a good description of our generation.
A young man asked his grandfather,
“Grandpa, how did you live in the past without technology . . .
without computers, without drones, without bitcoins, without Internet connection, without TVs, without air conditioners, without cars, without mobile phones?”
Grandpa answered:
“Just as your generation lives today . . . no prayers, no compassion, no respect, no GMRC, no real education, poor personality, there is no human kindness, there is no shame, there is no modesty, there is no honesty. We, the people born between the years 1930-1980, were the blessed ones. Our lives are a living proof.
- While playing and riding a bike, we have never worn a helmet.
- After school we did our homework ourselves and we always played in meadows until sunset.
- We played with real friends, not virtual friends.
- If we were thirsty, we would drink from the fountain, from the waterfalls, faucet water, not mineral water.
- We never worried and get sick even as we shared the same cup or plate with our friends.
- We never gained weight by eating bread and pasta every day.
- Nothing happened to our feet despite walking barefoot.
- We never used food supplements to stay healthy.
- We used to make our own toys and play with them.
- Our parents were not rich. They gave us love, not material gifts.
- We never had a cell phone, DVD, PSP, game console, Xbox, video games, PC, laptop, internet chat . . . but we had true friends.
- We visited our friends without being invited and shared and enjoyed the food with their family.
- Parents lived nearby to take advantage of family time.
- We may have had black and white photos, but you can find colorful memories in these photos.
- We are a unique and the most understanding generation, because we are the last generation that listened to their parents.
- And we are also the first ones who were forced to listen to their children.~ We are limited edition.
Take advantage of us. Learn from us. We are a treasure destined to disappear soon.”
Yes, we are now very few in our group. In Covid times, we lost Esperanza Fortich, Bobong Yap, Erlinda Pamaong, Carolina Zapatos. And now Caridad Galola Magadan. They did not die of Covid; their “leaving” was more associated with our advancing years.
Caridad who is Babie to most, died of cardiac arrest in Cebu. Her daughter left for Dubai the day before. Her husband, too, died of cardiac arrest while malling at Alturas. At our age we must prepare for our mortality, but there is always that fear and pain of “departures”. .
Caridad was one of those who organized the Dimiao children’s Rondalla. When I was still active with the batch council, we used to be together in different seminar and workshops. She did not lose the common touch. In one of our visits to the Dimiao Ermita, one of the unique features of the town’s old Campo Santo, nakit-an ko ni Caridad. Then se said: “Telly, mangadto ta sa balay kay maglusak ta.” Much as I wanted to eat nilusak, I cannot accept her invite since I was with a group. It was the gesture that was touching. That was also an old practice in our old hometown nga kung panahon sa tingpanglin, adto sa balay magtabirak.
Tomorrow, when our group of classmates is coming home from Dimiao to condole with Caridad’s family and have a glimpse of her remains, it will be my turn to ask them: “Hapit usa mo sa balay aron maka-andam ko ug nilusak. Pero mopalit na lang ta ug nilusak kay nawala naman among lusong.”
Caridad, please watch us from above. We will still be seeing each other in God’s own time.
Caridad Galola Magadan. Now in the bosom of our Creator.
The March 18, 1962 graduates of St. Joseph College (Tagbilaran). Seated on the first row from left are:
Elsie Kudemus, 2nd honourable mention; Erlinda Pamaong, 1st honourable mention; Virgilia Lim, valedictorian; Corazon Gonzaga, salutatorian; Fr. Pedro M. Namoc; Rosita Barol, 3rd honourable mention; and Andresa Malanog, 2nd honourable mention.
Our 2018 class reunion hosted by Milagros Calope Galvan – Septuagenarians all! Seated on the first row from left are: Regina Espejo, Andresa Malanog, Marcelina Lim, Virgilia Lim, Erlinda Pamaong, Milagros Calope, Milagros Ayaay; Standing on the 2nd row from left are: Caridad Galola, Florencia Gawala, Nenita Pamil, Milagros Pagaran, Luisita Garces, Teresita Pernia, Estelita Gonzaga (the author), and Rizalina Andoy.