Regarding Robert

  I apologize. I made somewhat despicable report regarding my grandfather. I grew up to have had some un-confirming facts regarding my family history. And realized I needed to go out more often and meet few family members I learned to avoid all these years. I used to a believe he and his family were directly advocates of the Moncadistas in Samal Island. Until somebody in my family corrected this notion of mine.

I was surprised that it was him alone was associated with the group. And, saddened to know that his relationship with them had to do with his loneliness in life. The youngest amongst siblings, his parents passed away too soon for him to recognize. He made his way into adulthood with the thirst of belongingness for his parents. And, without the mentorship of his father, probably explained his later dispositions in life.

The community were somewhat his shelter during those early times and at his young age, he did not falter into corrupt habits as we’ve known today. It seemed like, as if somebody’s hand tapped unto his shoulders and brought him into the fellowship of the Moncadistas. Fortunately, they were his ideal Christian community. He pursuit nautical education though from the continued support of his siblings who back then went on and out of the US. Lolo grew up scarce from a parental support. He was a mentor to himself.

That continued until he got married to my grandmother, Ellenita Pastoral. But then, that is another story. I was told, Lola did not fully supported his belief and despised him eating raw foods for meals. That belief system of his did changed eventually; Even became a butcher during his latter age in which career later shaped his physique and stamina. He aged in the company of vendors in Davao’s major market place – Bankerohan and Agdao. It became his life.

He never grew with his chosen vocation and poverty was married to his household. He was however a supportive father of three and a passionate husband; but difficulties in the home were always inevitable especially when you only have a handful to make ends met for the day.

During his final years, Lolo talked about his times in the island and how fond he was for fish salad we call ‘kinilaw’ sprinkled with known local ingredients. Not being able to utter regrets in his life, I know how he wanted to say how he missed his family a lot. His wife, after all those years he’s not in good terms with her. His children - William, Grace and Jeffrey. Pretty much – his old eyes had spoken it for every glass of palm wine poured into his mouth and for every cigarette smoked.

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