Rob & Rose

By Al S. Mendoza

ROB and Rose Dix is a couple of diverse cultures.  But, as always, love finds a way to make the east meet the west.

A Briton, Rob loves Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones.

A Cebuana, Rose loves “latu” and “nocos” (sea green salad and squid).

They both love cars.  Ah, their passion for good rides is endless.

That’s probably the magnet that made their hearts beat as one for decades now.

Rob has a Jeep, a Nissan Patrol and a 1993 BMW.  His liking for the Land Rover though gives him away as a true-blue Briton.

Until she found the latest generation Toyota Hi-Lux, Rose went from one brand to another.

Although Rob’s been here for maybe 20 years now that many consider him as more Filipino than Briton, his origins betray him once in a while.

Thus, Rob had to motor to Dagupan to watch on TV the burial rites of Lady Di some years back.

“She was our Princess and I need to pay my last respects,” Rob said.

He and Rose found my beloved hometown of Mangatarem as their lifetime love nest a dozen or so years ago. 

In 1995, Mangatarem became the recipient of the couple’s generosity when they put up Chix Unlimited, which is now considered the biggest hatchery in Pangasinan providing employment to many of my downtrodden town mates.

Who knows I might end up one of their employees some day.  Maybe as wine-taster for Rob, whose discriminating tongue knows a good wine when it tastes one?

For Rob, only the wines from South Africa matter – especially the Nederburg brand.  His numerous travels abroad had given him the luxury of having virtually tasted every wine the world has to offer.

I had the chance again to drink Rob’s wine collection when he and Rose hosted a party for the Dagupan City Team Selection, which recently retained its IRAA basketball crown.

As you know, Rob and Rose are the managers of the winning squad composed of Roberto Maningding, Harold Deocarez, Robin Padilla and Rister Mamuyac of the University of Luzon; Joshua Gutierrez, Federico Alupani, Raymond Glen Ramos, Elbert Meneses, Art Aries Fernandez, Jim Kharlo Padilla and Barry Jake Carrera of St. John’s Cathedral and Russell Daniel Dix of Mother Goose. Edilberto Abalos is the general athletic manager and Ernesto Cabansag sports coordinator.

Coached by the talented Jon-Jon Tomanan with the super-energetic Ronald Padilla as trainer, the Dagupan City Team Selection defeated Vigan, 86-73, in the winner-take-all, title showdown.

The victory preserved the team’s unbeaten slate, having swept the field this year for an 11-0 winning streak since first winning the championship last year. It likewise gave the champion squad the rare opportunity to represent Region 1 in the Palarong Pambansa beginning April 22 in Koronadal, South Cotabato.

Rose toiled the most for the team as she was mother, teacher, guidance counselor and “budget officer” rolled into one.

“She wakes up four in the morning just to prepare the sandwiches for the boys,” said Rob of his beloved Rose.  “Now, she is resting on her laurels.”

Here’s to a couple whose devotion to everything good is legend.

(For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/general-admission/)

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