| Lawaan At Fifty and what it means to me |
 Sentimental |
As most of us already know, next year will be Lawaan’s half-century anniversary celebration as a township and appropriately so, it will be a grand celebration of all times, very much fitted for this special occasion. The “mother of all patron”!!!!!
I have been out of the Philippines for more than half of my life but deep inside me, it feels like I never left. I have my own vivid recollections of the Lawaan of my youth. The way it was when I was growing up. There is that part of this fifty years that I wish I could go back to. That particular point in time when life was plain and simple. When happiness was define in terms of harmony and peace living with your loved ones and friends. Material things are always a pleasure but not necessary. Back then, I know almost everyone in the community. Where they live, the name of their dogs and the name of the farm that (they own) and till for a living. Chances are one of their kids is my or my siblings classmate or my street playmate in games like “piko”, nupatupahay, sagudida, pitiw , murumbong and the likes.
A vacation in Lawaan is something I always look forward to even though part of my logic says it’s better to go somewhere else in the US, in Europe or an ocean cruise where it’s less expensive and least inconvenient. It always occurs to me how some of us have all the lucks compared to some less fortunate relatives and friends back home, who don’t have this luxury to choose. I’m sure they will be happy to see me after such a long absence, their welcoming smiles and physical presence are more than enough to overcome inconveniences and ordeal endured from such a long trip. Besides, if timing is everything, this could also be the time to catch old acquaintances, transient folks like me, who may also decide to answer their own reckoning, after being away for so long.
Some of my close friends and relatives who go back there every now and then always say that it’s not the old Lawaan that I used to know. I guess they meant is that most of my childhood friends are gone and the old folks I know are dead. But what really is the Lawaan that I used to know? Looking back in the last fifty years, I always like to reminisce the days of my youth. It was the time where there was a big Acasia tree near the present cultural center and the equally huge santol tree in Apoy Tero Gacho’s front yard. In those days, folks gather around it to listen to the news of the day from the radio on Mano Pinong’s store. Politics and heated arguments follows. Few blocks away towards the shore, in the shade of the santol tree, fishing stories and the ones that got away were always the norm of the day. Who can forget the old church, constructed from locally made lumber, a truer reflection of the pious lives of its parishioners. The haunted “home economics” building in the elementary school grounds. I was there when the old flag pole with its concrete foundation was transferred from its original site to the center of the school compound. It toke several “carabaos” and almost all the able-bodied volunteers around to move it for such a short distance.
Likewise, some of the great highlights that I’ll never forget from the last fifty years was the time when then Pres. Macapagal came to visit. The entourage handed out candies to the delight of the spectators along the way, while inching forward among the throngs of people trying hard to catch glimpse of the President, on their way to the municipal building for the reception. It was my first taste of Baby Ruth chocolate bar that strangely enaugh, still remains on my taste buds up to this day. Then there was also that time when Sen. Antonino decided to land his campaign helicopter in Lawaan. The noise stirred up the whole town and the elementary school got empty in a matter of minutes. The students and teachers alike rushed to the town plaza to take a closer look of the aircraft and its occupants. Then there was that wedding of Mana Myrna to Mano Botoy, which up to that time the most elaborate ever that Lawananons have ever seen, in terms of costumes and lavishness equally matched by the beauty and splendor of the celebrants.
The old Lawaan that I used to know may not be around anymore. In its place is a new and modern Lawaan with amenities that were only available in big cities few decades ago. For those of us who grew up without this simple luxuries yet manage to survive with so little, it is such a consolation that somehow we experienced how it is to live in both worlds. With regards to this coming special occasion, it’s hard not to get excited. Fifty years from now, it will be a centennial celebration and most of us in the prime of our lives will not be around to witness it.
 mg |
Edited Jun 17, 2008 11:59 AM
will, I might be standing next to you, wo'll never know ....hehehe
I have not seen Lawaan in so long, I only know what it like by the picture I seen from this tube.
Actully, my family & I visit june 06 for 1 day but we don't have any luck in geatting the flight so we spent most of our trip in the car all day and its raining, that I only have a glemps of the oncean then back to manila to see the whole
family then back to U.S. I'm really going to try to visit in 09,maybe not in feista,but i'll try to spent the time to absorb all the old felling..
 Maria Anano |
Indeed sentimental,a valuable priceless experience I will treasure for the rest of my remaining days.A life I once have,so proud to be Law-ananon protected by our loving parents,relatives,friends,our neighbors who once guided us to be respectable citizens.Those who mentor us with respect,dignity and above all "Love".The untouchable era,mga inugupan permi han mga kag-anak.
Fifty years ago seems like yesterday,so much laughter and fun among the youth,sindol,hula hoop was my favorites.Sasari pa when time permit,he,he,we own the muddy streets.The elders used to shout to us,all of you go home,its time for prayers,alas, the church bell ring,as everybody bid farewell not wanting to end the exciting day.By the way home,"Bandillo" is on process by Tang Isko Dialogo.All listen,amazed with the upcoming rules and regulations by our new town.Eguin papahibaro,nga an mga kabaktinan,pangalaron,kay nahatag hin sakit,ha aton ngatanan.Oli naman ako sumbong kan Tatay,nga may bando "pangalad hit kabaktinan" haruy,waray na daw mahamis hit at libong,sering ni Nanay.he,he,
Youth club was formed by Compadre Naro Inciso,gathering all youth who can carry a bucket.Its goal was to build a road to the cemetery,which still exist as of today,but had been reconstructed.My task was to gather food donations from the neighborhood and to fed the hungry laborers.After months of hard work,it paid off by walking on the coral rocks instead of mud,joyfull that I could watch who was being exume.
I've always been so anxious during Saturdays the highlight of the week "sarayaw" to see Ali Tiozon,Consor Diladia,Ekay,Cita,Digna,just to mention a few,that dances with pride,glamor,dressed so feminine,beauty and style.Beauties of Lawa-an womens those days earned Lawa-ans neckname as "The Town Of Encantada's".These drove men wild that causes traffic from different directions admiring and courting,proposing marriage,and above all,these guests and admirers helped the pintakasi of the church,schools,roads as will.Those days?Wow,Catalina Gacita,walk with high heels on the rocky road,now the highway of Lawa-an,so gracefull as we call her "Tali the beautifull"Alud Diladia with her slender figure earned her nickname"coca-cola body"along with her long black hair to her knees.Womens those days were always dressed in style so glamorous with peticoat and high heels.Our dancing court loaded with beautiful womens while male guests rash in to select their partners.
Harana was a pleasure to listen at moonlight night,the voice and guitar of Ontos that echoe from bereeeeeee to baybay.Sulod was then the voice of Tang Tito Dialogo,while at the river side a popular guitarist the blind Mano Kanor's great voice admired by so many.During christmas was my chance caroling roaming with friends and relatives,my first hard earned money to buy paper and pencil.
I have travelled in so many corners of this world and taste the best foods,deep in my heart,our simple cooking back home is absolutely the best.Healthy foods and natural.The beauty of our island so remarkable,so unique,for fifty years past with running water and electricity ,life had been much easier for our new generation.We the pioneers of the fifties admire our late ancestors who gamble their lives with all their might,who gave us courage and hope so that we can live better than what they used to have.Great,great, great courageous people that left our town to search for a better life earned my respect and admiration and that oneday,we can give our new generation a much better future,therefore Lawa-an will never be the same.
God bless Lawa-an.By: Maria Anano Wetzel
SENTIMENTALITY |
Nice trip to the memory lane Mana MA. It’s nice to have someone like you, who still lives in the past and the present.
I don’t know how it is now but being just across the DCA, Mana Alud’s sari-sari store was a nice hang-around place for the students in between classes and after class. It was there where you can check out beautiful lasses from the barrios, get more personal with your classmates and where puppy loves and “crushes” originated to some couples later on. Her treats and home-baked bread were second to none. Too bad budget was always tight but she accepts local “visa & mastercard” aka “good for” if your credit is good. She was very accommodating being a student once, herself.
The locally- bred musicians of that by-gone era. I remember somebody here referred to Mano Kanor as the Stevie Wonder of Lawaan which makes Mano Ontos our local Jimmy Hindricks. He plays the guitar just like ringing the bell. There was also Mano Omping who plays the sax in the likes of Bill Clinton and Apoy Edot Gacita, with his well-lubricated and always freshly-shined, gleaming in the sun slide trombone. And of course if you think Chuck Mangione is a wizard on trumphet, Mano Dulek Gacho was just as good or even better. I also know that somebody from Butak can strum the banjo or banduria and Apoy Berto Gavan fondly plays the violin in his leisure time.
Considering the remoteness of our town and lack of formal music education, these gentlemen were remarkable in their God-given talent. Apoy Edot, Mano Omping and Mano Dulek were members of the volunteer local band. They were very much a part of the traditional early morning church procession, entertains guests on special occasions and a marching band during PMT pass-in-review parade. The beat of their music playing the kuratsa tune, makes emptying your pocket less painful.
Well, like the song goes, “ those were the days my friends, hope it never end…….
Maria Wetzel |
Yeah,memories from our past,well reserved,well intact very much in my mind.Those were the days my friends an era of joy,excitement,fear,pain and sufferings with sadness and hope.
Typhoon Amy had passed,diseases aroused.Malnutrition,dysentery,cholera,typhoid fever,death so enormous,just about everyday somebody was being exumed.Who would have believed I survived? I was very sick with small pox,pneumonia and high fever at the same time,but was revived with herbs,boilled water to drink,vinegar to bath,camote and bilanghoy to eat? But,with the enormous courageous with miracles of my protective and loving families,our surroundings became much brighter each day.Agonies were much easier to handle knowing everywhere I go,somebody,somewhere in the area watching and protecting us.Ask Cenesio Gavan to guide you wherever you maybe,stated Nanay.It worked with miracles.Dealing and roaming around the forest with dangerous animals,poisonous snakes,wild pigs,agta at that time were everywhere.These dangerous wild animals were all our friends,believe it or not.
Elders gather and plan how they can improve the future of their expanding families under the Acacia tree across the church in the middle part of town,some gathered under a Cayometo tree infront of the house of apoy Dosio Anano in Sulod,elders everywhere re-grouping,decision making,pintakasi for the church,benefit dances,sharing ideas,pintakasi for roads and above all,a school for the growing population.
Adult school open its doors in the house of Tatay Juan Inciso assisted by his loving wife Nanay Macri so courageous mothers formed,she/he can write will be all volunteers for illeterates so they can vote.Men,women formed with might that lead the most historical visit of Pres.Diosdado Macapagal ever done at the island of Samar.Proud Lawa-an people rejoices causing traffic in Lawa-an from different towns with envy and beliefs.His large ship sparkles from Baybay to Kapinis,as we follow him in different direction.As the popularity of our town improved by Senador Antonino landed his helicopter at the plaza so unbelievable,greeted by our late Tang Crispen Gavan shake his hands with great pride and relief.Proud Lawa-an as a sitio,proud barrio,and became the most controvercial town in eastern Samar,due to its inhabitants so generous that when someone knew I'm from Lawa-an,they fantacies that they wish there town was the same to ours.
It was our years of grieving,happiness and cheers for our mothers so kind,protective,talented of recipes shared to all.Miss Wanday Gamalo proudly mentor us with her talent as our Home Economic teacher with,bibingka,guinat-an, tira-tira that was being haunted by the boys leaving the girls behind.he,he,her greatness who could forget? Divided errand among students,Tomasa Heidelberg and I volunteer the most as the cooks.As we ate double servings before our hungry classmates arrived,he,he,they look at as in disgust.Angry boys revenged,ties small mirrors to their shoes,bending their legs under the chairs,so they could announce the colors of our undergarment!!!! so embarrassing.My favorite Katsa inalmidor pa was broadcast by Norman Brown,hated me for overeating ginat-an?he,he,throwing trash to the girls while we sing the national anthym?Cutting the roots of our plants while the boys garden looks so healthy and plentifull.The girls garden,so meticulously clean and cared for were dying? We cling to each other with sadness and cheers.I missed all these,my bratts classmates!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome excitement when our Municipal building was built.I had to see the city hall day in and day out assuring it did'nt get blown by Waning a typhoon that passed through so strong flattened so many nepa huts,crops and starvation sit in.Butig,gaway camote,bilanghoy was served three times daily,anything we could.Sharing all foods,clothing as salvage nga limus was being sold to the needy?My father bought my elder sister karsonsillo (for men) as she proudly displayed with pride to her classmates!!!!!!! he,he,with pockets of course.
Yeah,we own the holes and paddles roads and bridges built from kawayan.Lawa-an river so clean and clear water was our very own swimming pool!!!!!!! consist of assorted fishes that I used to count.Miyapi trees so large on all directions.Enchanted Rawis so inviting with beauty surrounded with Miyapi trees and healthy coconut trees,large rocks,sea shells,cayamas a playground of all.Iraya where I roam the most house a huge croccodile a pet of someone lingered the river at night but danger the masses,dynamited by law-ananons as he passed through the Lawa-an bridge.
Viva law-ananons congratulations to all. By:Maria Anano Wetzel
 WONDER |
Kamag karit hinin aton social thread from long ago now and beyond lawaan must lived on...so much had changes to our beloved town...indeed- from here on--I can only imgine the new generation will carry the torch in spirit with grace, tenacity beyond survive of long ago. One day --I can only dream-- the new generation will bring it home--inconviences of modern lives-- today --we're much closer in a less painful way when vacationing to our beloved town, so much changed happaned to our town even at slow pace in compared to the rest of the world. Nonetheless--our connection to the town brings that spirit--in us to overcome it all-- diba!. Thanks to MA and SENTIMENTAL FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES BRAVO!
I can only imagine what the town will be 50yrs from now. The pico game and sagodida are childhood history of our times, childrens this days are into cellphone doing text messaging relentless, it's no wonder the philippines made the highest scale of text messeging users of the world, computers are becoming a popular past time- not hola hop, ooh the karioke, I believed is the most popular one this days---kahit walang ibibiga hala sigi--it's amazing to see this trend, witnessing our young and old into this-- what a cheerful joy, that i wish i could sing..lol. In the midst of poverty they overcome it all. It's now the karioke that brings their spirit alive --that they too (whom they idolized) can dream to be Sharon Cunita for once and overcome sadness and escape the reality for 5pesos, that is the cost for self therapy--what an ingenous discovery--who would of thought (diba)!.
I for one- always get excited when reading unforetold tales down memory line..(the banda group--who used to do the jana early morning still the favorite, i believed some members are still active of making that happened every fiesta--i can't think of their names, i can only remember their faces--bliss their heart they're still around ) The glamorous of apoy Candy's children, to me still fresh (the sadest part witnesing nanang Mryna's separetion with tatang Botoy, that painful afternoon in baybay still remains missed understood-- and to this days. It was like watching the DAYS OF OUR LIVES for those who knows them well).
The story of apoy Mely Inciso how she fought to apoy Mateo how she wanted her education so badly, a perfect example how one's tenacity overcome, undesirable destiny--i was deeply facinated of her story during social studies class-- her in famous intraduction of self attainment-di classifying her social belonging, the story of the human trafficers (an aton mga ahinti) who brought economics relief to those who needed jobs in the cities, many has benefited and indeed changed the lives to our poor lawaanon (these ladies(aton ahintis)-- need especial town award to honor their contribution, i must say). The story of the first Televesion in town, back then for us was a previllege to be able to watch the show every wenesday (the Linda Carter-guest what show that might be-- if anyone remember?) of course this got me motivated to get my house choires done--heheheh), the first refregirator that sold your first ice candy.... and so.. on, just to mention a few--kay mahalaba na ini nga mesteryo (bangin ini mga saysay mahingadto pa ha kampado--tawaray..madamo kapakli)
To our new generation, and to young and old....I can only share this dreamful spirit that the poverty of our kapwa (sing together now chorus: please release me) lol ... I for one, I can only speak for my self not to give up---must keep that torch lite and keep it shining until we all see the justice of unforgiving lives (hit aton mga kababayans) and we lawaanon to walk side by side (not ingitan-doesn't help in moving forward) lets live by example to others. I'm quite sure we all share the same dreams and deep inside our hearts the thoughts and prayers are the fuels of our relentless spirit flowingly alive like a river of iraya and binakalan--we can all move forward. LoL
PASTALAN INI...TIKA UBOS NA ADA IN AK BALLPEN MEDYO WARAY NA DODOKOT--ata!
Maria Anano |
Tenacity beyond survive of long ago,Miss Wonder? If our great,great ancestors are still around today,imagine what would happened when they see their vanishing effort of growth being tormented by our corrupt politicians,local leaders,that hold powers only thy names,resists its obligations,forget their responsability to the public as they bounced them back and fort with kind words of improvements,better roads,economy,jobs? Roads to the farms to make life much easier for the farmers? The eye soaring sight of the decaying Divine Child Academy in the middle of our town? Where are the profits and labor of love by Fr.Dionesio Chanel ? Our city hall so arrogant fifty years ago ,now neglected appears with loneliness,causes huge embarrassment,unwanted controvercial to the neighboring towns?Who will carry the torch of pride and grace of our town that have not found a local leader who has courage to sincerely develop and fullfill its promise to carry out its responsabilities? Magkarit it aton local leaders,busy socializing,enjoying its said powers,but shows no efforts of utilizing our economy,and forgotten the great efforts of our ancestors who died depending our town?Pahingupa han mga botante nga man motos han election nga waray tumukad ha uma,one ganta of rice and one can of salmon were being distributed to each family.
After the war,distitutions,hunger,confused inhabitants so needy don't knew what else necessary to improve the lives of many as our government formed Ajencia de Empenos,consist of womens in Manila that recruited womens in different parts of the islands.Its goal is to employ,laborers,construction workers,farmers of any kind,with a promise of transportation being paid by the employer upon employment,depending on qualification,how hard one work with no age limit.Nanang Tining Inciso our first agent in Lawa-an recruited Apoy Matilde Anano who both work tirelessly by foot traveling the whole island recruiting those who wanted to work.Men,women and children who can carry a bucket are employable.I was thirteen years old,an elementary graduate,strong much capable of work,alert with hope and full of courage.So many of us gathered by Apoy Tilde and Nanang Tining before departure,reminded us to work hard,don't forget where you came from,send assistant to your distitute families,love us as much as we love you.Ran away if they mistreat you.As my employer arrived with a contract of five pesos per month as sorogo-on,my tears flew down with sadness how life could be so cruel,missing my families I left behind.Years past as I cleverly saved my salary for my family and that oneday,I will go home with gods blessings of victory and success.
Fifty years ago as I recall ,the Gavan family enjoy each others company,family gatherings,fiesta the most celebrated of all help and assist each other in various form,farming among cousins,brothers and sisters,friends (araglayon) and fishing that took the life of Tatang Francisco Gavan (Hiwang) fired the dynamite exploding before it reach the target.The long mourning of his immediate family left Lawa-an without hesitation unknown to their relatives hoping oneday they will appear.Fifty years past,lights upon us,Mindy Gavan's name brighten lawaan.com stating she was the youngest daughter of Hiwang Gavan as I rejoice with relief thanking our lord for her return.
Rumors around our church,gossips among church goers,and those adolesence that roam the approaching night an apparation of a gray headed old man enjoy seating at the main door entrance while he bless some church goers as they enter the door.The last time I heard on his last appearance was when my son Joel Algario ranning and playing around the church playground,that an old man pushed him angryly telling him to go home and not to play in the dark !
Less stress,more conveniences at slow pace changed by our new technologies,modern homes of balikbayans,brighten the futures of our new generation to come.I hope and pray to guide our local leaders strengh,courage,form our local government with honesty and integrity that may lead to a full success to everyone.Mabuhay mga law-ananon.
Maria Anano |
Mga kababayan, (Pahingupa) word became the new thread of (Hukip) which means buying votes is now the answer to win an election,a dream of dirty politicians both corrupted by its constituents.One ganta of rice and one can of salmon served the beginning of bad politics that is very much alived,practiced of all during election.As voters stay awake all night,accepting hukip from different candidates,without realizing the consequences of the voted candidate may revenged by saying ,"I bought your votes therefore,I may sit at the city hall and enjoy my power" . Socializing of thy name ?
Rejoicing votantees lined up the voting places drowsy unable to see nor read who are the candidates? I witnessed last years election with disbeliefs,voters lined up talking who has the most hukip,the most hukipers,whom they are going to vote ,that lead to the winning candidate Nida Gabornes as the mayor and the vice mayor Marilyn.More power to them so as long as they perform and serve our town desently,to the best of their ability as we the taxpayers pay their salary,but how are they today? Lets wait and see.
Are these the role models of society being pass to our new generations to come? These type of leaders that will raise the torch lighted up high with pride ? Desperate and broke voters awaits the said promise projects hoping for employment? How can these all change for the benifit of all.What are we thinking? When is this all going to change? What life do we all want for our great,great grandchildren serve a mystery with their future ahead planned of selfishness?
Fifty years nearly approaching,celebrations that we have survive to all ,evidence to those industreous people that life so precious,can be revived, but one must work hard,forget the nonsense,rejoice that we are alive and well.I may try to reconcille to our leaders ,whats best,as we the people assisted them to what they are today,mistakes are made as we are humans,but try.
By:Maria Anano
Maria Anano |
LCCI sponsors voter's education slogan contest.
First Prize-"Binibiling Boto Mo,Ugat Ng Kahirapan Mo" by Sonny Cajipe of Tacloban city.
Second Prize- "Hawak Kamay,Iwan Kandidatong Pera's Gabay,Ng Maituwid Ating Paglalakbay" by Renaldo Garnas of Tacloban.
Third Prize- "Boto Ko,Dangal Ko,Di Pinagbibili Ito" by Edwin Morales of Tacloban.
The first prize winner won a cash prize of 2,500 pesos,second prize 2,000, and third prize 500 pesos respectively.The cash prizes were donated by LCCI officers.
The winning entries were printed over wide streamers that are now prominently displayed all over Tacloban city for public to see.
According to LCCI President Orlando Uy,the contest was principally intended towards creating an intelligent voting population necessary to promote the goal of electing public officials with the highest moral,ethical and performance standards.It carried the theme "An intelligent,well informed and principled electorate is the key towards ensurring a clean,honest and credible elections"
Leyte Samar Daily News-By Jaime S. Dechos
mindy |
I hear about tatang Crispin puting feista on hold,for some child missing.