Think about it
So long, Alice!
By Jun Velasco
“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body,” Seneca
THERE are shocking incidents in our lives that we have to grapple with and face with equanimity.
It was former Gov. Vic Millora who broke the news that former Anda Mayor and Board Member Alice Jimenez-Pulido has died.
Our friendship with the Pulido couple, Nestor and the former Alice Jimenez, dates back to pre-martial law community journalism.
Nestor, then editor of Resty Basa’s Agno Valley News, and this writer would down a couple of San Mig wondering at the lack of depth and the humanities in community journalism. Our regular meeting coughed up a discussion group, which we named New Pangasinan Alliance in 1971. The authorities wouldn’t believe it had no link with the New People’s Army.
Which was one reason we were clamped in the Lingayen Barracks and later in Camp Aquino for 30 days.
Tragedy strengthens. It must be our detention that sealed a friendship. Nestor and Alice became ninong and ninang of our first-born Junjun, while we of their talented daughter Maki of GMA 7.
How come Alice (we fondly called her “our Cumadre of Wonderland!), who was super strong, would die so soon?
Nestor, could only mumble “ it was cardiac arrest.”
When faced with an awesome fact, we could only reach out to God for enlightenment. We request the reader to pray for her eternal rest.
Rest in peace, Alice!
* * * *
Pangasinenses led by Governor Spines had a first-hand view and ear of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala at the Sison Auditorium last Wednesday.
A former congressman, Alcala fired up Pangasinenses’ hopes when he said that the province could reclaim its pre-eminence in rice production, as he cited the role of Rey Mencias’ Agno River Irrigation Project’s Re-regulating Pond. As of now, first honors in rice production belong to Nueva Ecija followed by Isabela. Pangasinan is 3rd.
Alcala paid tribute to the governor, his classmate in Congress, for turning a new leaf in his political life that has immensely benefitted the province.
It struck us earlier as strange how and why the innocent-looking Alcala would be charged with plunder linked to the hated pork barrel scandal.
Alcala, the charges say, has tie-ups with many non-existent non-government organizations including Janet Lim-Napoles’ NGOs.
Alcala is one of public officials in the path of a political storm that’s shaking – and sinking — the country.
* * * *
Another pall of gloom descended on the family of former City Engineer Alfredo Tangco.
We were uplifted by the homily of Fr. Luis Ungson, who described the beloved husband of former education official Lydia U. Tangco as “ the best of the best” in ugali and love for the faithful.
At his wake at the St. John’s chapel, we had short chats with our high school teacher Reveriana E. Guadiz and activist, social and development worker, columnist Lina Melecio Tan, and others.
Because Kuya Al left without any baggage on his back, his trip to God’s kingdom should be nice and easy, as Father Ungson said. Let’s wish him “happy trip.”
* * * *
We just received a text message from former City Market official Ding M. Gomez: “I always read your ‘Think about it’ every Sunday. It invigorates my spiritual faith in God Almighty. Thank you.”
Ding quotes the wisest king Solomon; “No matter how valued you are, life without God leads to emptiness.”
Amen.
* * * *
At our DCNHS Class 63 Sunday meeting at the Abong na Alumni, our indefatigable Alumni Association prexy Ope Reyna enjoined members to go all out to make our Golden Jubilee celebration and DCNHS homecoming on December 28 “the grandest.”
To bring the group back to earth, we said we have to prioritize the big event because “this meeting and the big December event could be one of the few times we could gather as a group.”
We salute Ope’s dynamic spirit.
A confidant of our reformist mayor, Belen Fernandez, he, too, heads the city’s NGOs (no relation to Napoles’ NGOs) and the City Fiesta Executive Committee.
He, too, was behind the completion of the Alumni Center’s construction that was begun by younger brother Ramon.
Class association prexy, Engr. Jaime Siapno, Brenda Manese and Perla Abreu Esteves are in charge of the nitty gritty, concededly a very exceptional tough job.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
