INTRODUCTION

In 1994 I sent Lolo Ferrer and Lola Mecing two booklets-- each containing 30 or so blank pages.

On some of the pages I posted a question or some query to prompt and encourage Lolo and Lola to write down as much as possible and as far as they could recall, the history of our family with in the blank pages of the booklets.

Several years later, the booklets came back to me and it has been the most valuable material possession in my life ever since. 

These two booklets which now contains Lolo and Lolas' memoire followed me from houses to houses over the years as I moved around Sydney to live my own adventure. 

It never left my sight for too long. If I have to leave town or if I go somewhere far, I make sure that I leave it in the hands of a trusted friend or a lover for safe keeping and with instructions that if ever something bad happens to me that it would be forwarded to my mom or my sister Elma.

 You will observe that I transcribed the writing from Lolas' booklet word for word into a blog. I did not alter the flow of her sentences or correct her grammar, spelling, or the structure of her paragraphs, etc. Lolos' writing will also get the same treatment. Notice that my writings are in capital letters while their answers are in lower case. 

The contents of this blog is as how they have written it or the way Lola Mecing have written it (I suspect that Lola Mecing wrote most of this as you look closely on the similarity of handwriting style between the two booklets). And also Lolo Ferrer suffered a stroke at around the time these  memoirs were written. ...you be the judge.

Also in these writings you will find words that are rarely used in modern context. Words like, 'terno', 'cabisa', 'batil' and others which I have written in italics. I left a few blanks with question marks because I could not read the writing.


Of course, this is not the final version of the story of the Teodoso/de Jose clan. One day I'd like to see you guys and our other relatives to add yours and their stories as well..

I would also like to add the names of Lolo and Lolas' siblings as I failed to ask them in the original book. Maybe one of you guys can do this for me as I am far away from everyone and you can post the details to me, then we can add it here later on...any volunteers??


As you read through these blogs you will be fascinated by Lolo and Lolas' story. How they lived their life when they were young, during their adolescent time, the time they met, how Lolo courted Lola, how they escaped the second world war bombing in Manila when tito Bob and my Dad were still in their infancy, and how our family survived to this day.

It contains insights into their lives and our family's' legacy.

It is my pleasure to share this with you.

Bless their soul.

Cover for Lola Mecings' booklet

NOTE: I scanned the photograph together with the cover of Lola Mecings' booklet. This photo came with the booklet that they sent with a simple note which I will publish towards the end of this blog.

page 01

FULL NAME: Clemencia de Jose Teodosio

DATE OF BIRTH: January 8, 1916

PLACE OF BIRTH: Banga, Aklan

FULL NAME of FATHER:  Gregorio de Jose

DATE of BIRTH: March 20, 1877

PLACE of BIRTH: Jugas, NEW Washington

FULL NAME of your FATHERS' BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

                 - Opinia de JOSE

                 - Emilia de JOSE      

                 -  Ubaldo de JOSE

FULL NAME OF MOTHER:  APOLINARIA RAMPOLA RECTO

     Date of birth:  July 17, 1877  

     Place of birth: Jugas New Washington

FULL NAME OF YOUR MOTHERS' BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

               - Inocencio Rampola Recto

               - Pedro Rampola Recto

page 02

NOTE: Lola Mecing wrote this on the front page bacause she ran out of page..FT

My mothers' brother Inocencio used to travel in other countries like Japan. Pedro the second brother became a policeman in Manila.
There was a story that the descendants of my great grandparents are originated from Portugal. We could see it in the features of my grandmothers' brothers who had high nose and light people. They are called 'meztiso'. My grandmother named 'Clemencia' is also mestiza. High nose and light complexion. My grandmothers' other brother went to Manila as musician but never been heard. We learnt that he lived in Marinduque another province, there was no communication before so they didn't know what happened to him.
Now my grandmothers' brothers and their families are members of 'RAMASURELA' who keeps the virgin Mary Nuestra Senora Candellaria whom we celebrate every year.
To the side of my father I do not know how they live. I have not heard stories about them. I know only his brother and 2 sisters. My only story I heard is our Lolo owned a wide tract of land in Jugas and considered a Capitan.
My cousins in my fathers' side are all doing good now. They owned big houses and having good businesses.
 Their children are employed and have abundant money to spend. We only see each other when there is occasion, like wedding parties or someone died in the family.
My grandfather Lorenzo Recto was a respected idle of the place. He is called 'cabisa' or a mayor now. He is intelligent and until now I have writings about former cabisas' belonging to Batan which was the seat of the town during the Spanish regime.

page 03

NAME AND PLACE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD: YEAR 1-7

- Jugas , New Washington

- Poblacion Banga

DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT:

Jugas is a barrio of New Washington. The place is quiet and peaceful. There is no electric lights. We use the oil from the coconut. We also get water from the well. We use firewood to cook our food. When there is occasion like B'days or wedding groups of relatives came and helped what preparations is made. Most of the people in this community are related so there was no trouble at all.

DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE LIVING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT:

When I was age 1-4 I live with my parents in this barrio. Here I enjoy going out with my younger brother Juanito. We gather guavas and ____ fruits to eat. Sometimes we go herding 30 heads of goats in the barn. The people living in this place is helpful. During planting season they helped each other until all has finished  their field. They do not pay labor as they plant by turus. At this age I used to climb trees like guavas and Santol to gather fruits.

LIST OF IMPORTANT AND UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES:

- one time I was carrying my brother on my back when we fell down the stairs.

- There was time when I use bamboo pole (cuhit) to gather Santol that I missed the bamboo and hit my forehead. There was a big deep wound that it took months to heal and until now there remain a scar.

page 04

Year 7-14

DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT:

At age 5 -up I live in the town Banga. My uncle who was then the Mayor of the town got me. The house was big but made of nipa and some wood. The floor is made of wide wood of narra. They own a car and I used to ride in it going to Kalibo to see the cine. Before the cine (cinema) is silent of sound. We only see pictures. But we enjoy just the same. I do not have work to do because we had several maids to do the work.

DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT:

Banga is a town with 30 barangays. The people are simple living. There was no electric lights. People use gas or oil for light. Here people use pumps for water supply. In this town we find the market. People from other places go sell or buy their food stuffs once a week only. They travel by foot. Houses are far apart.

DESCRIBE THE HOUSE YOU LIVED IN:

The house is built with wood, bamboo and nipa. We have no good comfort room. People are not so conscious of sanitation. There was only two big bedroom. The sala is so big without any furnitures except some chairs made of rattan and bamboo. It has no ceiling only the roofing. Later a new house was built made of wood again but the roof is made of galvanized iron.

page 05

WERE YOU ENJOYING YOUR LIFE AT THIS AGE?

At the age 7- I attended my first grade in this town. My classmates and I enjoy playing at school and at home. During moonlight nights we play the game "bong". Our playmates are boys and girls of our age. Sometimes we only wear camison but our boys do not have any malicious act done on us. They are behaved and good. That's my life at my early age. One time I received a love letter from my boy classmates but I tear it and throw away at my friends who were joking me.

DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH: PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

During this time my parents live in the barrio. My elder brothers helped our parents worked in the farm. Later my elder brother Rogelio left for America. My sister Belen and Inrico went to Manila to study high school. They lived with our cousin Salvador Recto. After they finish their studies, they return home. My brother Enrico worked in the municipality of Banga as ticket collector.

Sister Belen stayed in Jugas for sometime. After for some years she got married to Rafael Retamar with whom she had 3 girls and a boy but later the boy died at age of 2 years. During our early days we enjoy with the members of the family especially after harvest time. My father always travel to Masbate another island to buy dried fish to sell in the town.

 

page 06

 

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU AT THIS AGE?

At this age I had been serious about my studies. I never get absent from the class. My teacher who is a fresh graduate is kind to us. Sometimes he would join us in going excursions in a nearby barrios. We would gather young coconuts and enjoy eating with suman and other sweets we bring.

During recess we played ball games untill we get tired. Because I am good in the class especially arithmetic my teacher always call my name to do some job like checking papers of my classmates. My classmates said I am favorite. I have five best friends all girls.We always join together going any where just for fun.

LIST OF YOUR MOST IMPORTANT AND UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES:

When I reach intermediate grade, I'm always a leader in our class. I was one of the softball player untill I graduated grade seven. During my time as an athlete I enjoy much when there is meet in the school and province. Sometimes when we are house in some place like Roxas city in preparation for the provincial meet we have no time to relax cause we practice morning and afternoon. Even during rainy season we have to wade in the deep water in the playground when the meet is scheduled for that date. I'm proud to say that I am a fast runner and a good short stop of our team. We are restricted not to go out at night but we passed through the window to buy some eats outside.

page 07

AGE 14 TO 25

When I was in grade six I am proud that made me happy. You know why? Because one morning when we had our flag ceremony our teachers were gossiping. Later 2 of my classmates were called up stairs. When my name was also called to go up. We learned later that we were promoted from grade six to seventh grade. Because of this I behaved so good and made myself responsible. I studied hard my lessons to keep up my good grades.

DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT:

In grade seven I worked and studied very hard. I memorized the passages of our civics and showed my best in the class. After graduating grade seven I enrolled in the Banga Rural High School now called "Aklan Agricultural State College-ASCA". In the highschool I am still a member of our softball team. With my classmates we enjoy playing. When during meet we have no time to study our lessons. We have to devote our time practicing. One time I got sick of high fever for several days. In school we had good places to study even under the trees that surround the school. The atmosphere is quiet inviting that one feels happy breathing fresh air. 

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page 08

AGE 14 TO 25

WERE YOU ENJOYING YOUR LIFE AT THIS AGE?

Yes! I enjoy life. I reach my high school and graduated at age 18. After graduation I went to Manila. I enrolled at Gregg college of Stenography and typewriting. I did not finish because "Ferrer" your Lolo had been watching me and go with me to school. Sometimes I do not attend class as he would induce me to go with him to the cine. That later on we got married.

DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARENTS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

My father died when I was seven years old. My brothers and sister were all married. Mother stayed in the barrio. Sometimes she also stay in the town with my sister. I was not able to live long with my family. At age 22 I was married. We rented a room in a house in Malate. After a year Bob was born. Later we transfer to a bigger house in Lope de Vega. There we live for a year. We went home to Banga and later we return to Manila. We rented a big house and got 5 borders. They are our relatives studying in Manila. Here I got pregnant to my second child now "Buddy your father". Because I do not do anything in the house as we have house maid, so i decided to go to school taking B.S.E. (Bachelor of Science in Education) in National teachers' College near our place. In 1941 war broke out.

page 09

LIST ALL THE IMPORTANT AND UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES AT THIS AGE:

It was moonlight night when the Japanese dropped the first bomb in Manila that all lights were turn out. It was a total brown out. We all tremble with fear and do not know what to do. We packed whatever clothes we could carry and good there was taxi yet who run near our place. We rode in it and fled towards Calo-ocan further Manila which is their target. In there we could hear planes come in waves dropping bombs here and there. The moment we hear the siren all of us has to run any place for cover. Sometimes I only make the basket "nigo" to cover Bob under the stairs so as not to see the planes. One time I went to malabon to buy our supply of food when I was on my way back home when the waves of plane came dropping bomb near our way, that I jump out of the calesa and hid under the boat parking near the beach. There I saw clouds of shells dropped in the water going toward the city.

The next day we moved again to another place but far from Manila. We asked shelter from a family whose house is very small for us to accomodate. There were 6 of us together. The other borders we had were away in other places they felt safe to hide. While we were in this place Novaliches; the Japanese entered Manila. They passed near the place we evacuated so we again run in any direction of safety. After a few days that the Japanese has settled in Manila and suburbs we again decided to go to Malabon. We had 60 pesos left for our food and do not know what to do.

page 10

AGE 26 TO 50

After Novaliches going to Malabon we have to passed the Japanese sentinel on guards. Good that they did not stoped us. In Malabon there were no Japanese yet. Every day the people seems free so the male ones go gambling. Ferrer often times won in poker that we got plenty of money a month later some one from Banga came by boat looking for their children in Manila who were studying and were caught by the war. We decided to go with them. Our problem is how to pass the many guards from Malabon to Batangas where their boat "batel" was docked. I had hundreds of money and afraid to carry it. What I did was to put it under the cover of my shoes and some were place and sewn it on the hem of my dress. Good there was a Japanese who onece live i Manila who guide our way to Lemery Batangas.

Here we stayed in a big house of Dr. del Castillo to wait for others who were still in Manila. In this place there was no Japanese yet. Gambling is still free here. Ferrer again  was lucky. We answer the fair of others who had no money. It was night time we left for Buruanga the last end of Aklan province. It took us 2 days to reach the place. Good when we arrived we were lucky to get the last trip of the bus going to Kalibo.

We proceed to the barrio where we build a small hut. We planted rice and raised pigs and chicken. A month later I gave birth to Buddy. The Japanese occupied the town so day and night we were alert. There are times for us to slept outside the house. Later on whe we heard the Japanese was looking for the Mayor of Banga my brother and other companions brought a flag..

page 11

AGE 25 TO 50

HOW WERE COPING WITH LIFE AT THIS STAGE OF YOUR LIFE:

(..continued from last page)

..to put it in the boundary of Banga and New Washington. When they saw the group of Japanese going towards their direction they throw away their flag and run back. When they reach our place they made sign for us to run to safety. So each of us has to run any direction with other evacuees. We waded in swamps in the middle of nipa plantation. There we stayed for a day. When we return some evacuees who happen to hide on the way of the Japanese were all gathered in one house and burned them alive. That time many male persons who went to meet them when they enter the town were massacered. One of them was Pael Ferrers' brother. When the Japanese seems calm we return to live in the town. We live in a dug out near the municipal building with other evacuees then. Here I gave birth again to my third child Oscar. Everyday the Japanese soldiers go around the town. At night time the USAFE soldiers would also visit us telling that American aid is coming. We were afraid that when the Japanese might learn about their presence we would surely be liquidated. Then we plan again to go to Manila. We hiked 7 kilometers from Banga to Albasan. here we ride a "batil" again for Manila. we reach Alcantara a village of Romblon. When we learn from people whom we met who came from Manila, they told us that Manila was declared close door, meaning the people could not go out. So we decided to remain in this place. This place is free of Japanese so the people indulge in gambling. Ferrer always lucky so we had enough food to eat.

page 12

(...continued from last page)

In this place we enjoy playing majong with other evacuees. One time the soldiers coming from Panay happen to encounter the Japanese on their way. We have to run in any dirention again not knowing where to go cause' we are stranger to that place. We crossed a lake going to the mountains when dark came we reach a house where no people live cause' they fled also going further in the mountains. we stayed in the house for a week. One day there was heavy rain that made a wide flood that is hard to cross the lake. That day Ferrer went to town to buy us food. He was caught by the rain and got sick. He can't talk with high fever. It's hard for us to go to town to get help. Good there was a woman who happen to pass our way who offered to cure him. She boiled only a young orange and pound and applied to his throat. That made him well. When all was clear we return again to our place in the town proper. Soldiers from Panay go and came to this place. One day there was a Japanese plane that was hit and fell in our area. The pilot was a young boy and he was beaten by the people. Later they brought him to Aklan in Banga where he was tortured and killed in the crossing (Banga) where the Japanese killed many civilians.

Some days passed we learned there was no more Japanese in Aklan so we planned to go home. We prepared our things, bringing cavans of rice, corn and chickens.

page 13

AGE 25 TO 50

..We left Alcantara night time riding batil. That night there was heavy rain, and learned later that there was typhoon. Day came still we are floating in a big sea. Some parts of our boat was broken, water enter the boat still we go afloat. We can't go near the beach. The boat depends on the movement of the wind in any direction to go. Another night came still we float just some. While I was praying hard looking up I saw the image of Virgin Mary. I asked her help and I noticed our boat was carried towards the side of the sea. Later the boat landed on the sandy place that the men who was manning the boat jumped one by one to hold the boat and let us go down. the water was waste deep and boat helpers helped us. It was dark and don't know to what direction to go when we saw a little light ahead of us. As we go near, it is a bahay kubo flat to the ground. In here we slept on the sand until morning. The next day we go inland. We later learned we are in Ondoy a barrio of Ibajay.

page 14

continued from last page..

Along the beach we found the waves of palay and corn we brought with us and some chickens carried by the waves ashore. In this barrio we lived in the house of the barrio Capitan. After a few days we hired 3 men to carry the children in basket and carabao to put and carry our clothes save after drowning. Good I was able to save our money in my pocket that we spend on our way to Banga.

After the Japanese left Aklan we reside in poblacion. here we live peacefully. We had a small store in the crossing of Banga going to Balete. When we heard the landing of American troops we were very happy. Later the Japanese lost in the fight and the Americans occupied Manila. Knowing that Manila is already safe. Ferrer planning to go there passing Iloilo. Months later I followed him with 3 boys to Manila. He worked with the Americans as a clerk in their office. While I worked as clerk in the department of Justice. Years passed we returned to Banga. Here we decided to stay permanently. Ferrer has no job so he decided to go to Manila again. He applied to the American Embassy going to Okinawa, Japan. There he worked as a laundry supervisor with the American troops stationed in Okinawa. This time I decided to continue my course and after 2 years study I finished my Elementary Teachers. I then apply teaching job. My first assignment was in Jugas, New Washington district. After a year I gave birth to Vic. I went on leave and next year I was assigned in....

page 15

AGE 25 TO 50

..Banga district. Because I was only a substitute so I was always out until I passed the Civil  Service exam that I was appointed permanent. Although I was permanent I'm always assigned in different schools. I almost rounded the different schools in the barrios of Banga. I was once assigned in the barrio of Daja. Here I have to cross the Aklan river. At that time the disidents (hukbalahap) were active that every afternoon we go home crossing the river. One afternoon the flood came and there were thirteen of us riding the boat. The current was swift and scared me that I kneel on the boat saying prayers to save us.

In 1963 I was assigned in the central school where I finished my thirty-three years service and reached my sixty-years age that I retired from worked. That time all my six children were able to finished their college studies. So I had been going to different places. To Luzon, Bicol Region, Davao, Zamboanga, hundred island in Pangasinan, batanes and Cebu, Later I went to Australia and in America. I was immigrant in Australia and had been receiving allowance. In 1987 I went home and did not return anymore as I have to attend to my plantation in Banga.

Every now and then I go to the barrio. I have to supervise making copra and nipa thatchets. When I have no work I use to play mahjong with other retirees. This is my only way to relax after my hard worked bringing my big family. I thank god and happy that I reach the age of 80 years last Jan. 8, 1996.

page 16

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO WRITE ANYTHING ABOUT ANY TOPIC

OR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH HAPPENED IN YOUR LIFE..

  eg a birth of a child, the war, a death in the family; feel free to write your thoughts.

The most fearful experienced I had is when we stay in Bacan air raid (shelter). There were no houses left cause when the Japanese occupied the town they burned all the houses near the town. So we had to stay in the dugout air raid. One night the soldiers made assualt , the Japanese _?_ them and it happened the Japanese reached our place. We all gathered in the dugout to hide but they found us. Celing Ferrers' sister who was young put mud in her face and arms. We were afraid they might get her. The Japanese asked where the soldiers go and we made signs that they passed near us but proceed to the other direction. Good there was a boy who was our neighbor whom they got to guide them. They have been asking if Ferrer is a USAFFE. The boy told them he is not. So they drove us back to the town. Right there we hiked going the town carrying some clothes we could carry. We stayed in the municipal hall where the Japanese lived. Every night we hear "pick bong" the sound of shotgun. There were hundreds of us in the building. Every time we hear the bombs we ran for safety in any corner of the buillding. A week later the bolo battalion coming from the town of Libacao came with only bolos as their weapon force themselves to enter the municipal building. There were only 14 Japanese soldiers in Banga but the building is fortified with layers of barbwires...

page 17

(continued from the last page...)

..with layers of barbwires that is hard for them to get in. Some tried to get inside but he Japanese would fire shots that some are caught climbing the fence. The Japanese sent 2 boys to Kalibo to get help. There were boxes of live bullets and they were brave. Some male people of our companions were ready to fight the "bolo batallion" if they happen to enter the building.

 The next morning there were several persons found dead around the building near the sugar plantation and near the fence.

Later we made a dughouse 100 meters long away  from the muinicipal building. There were  many families having this dug out. Months passed and we decided again to leave for Manila.The war ended after 4 years having many dead and homeless. We are lucky that no one in the family was missing except Pael Ferrers' brother whom we did not see him. When all was clear we learned hundreds of Banganhons were dead. You could find their names in a tomb found in the plaza of Banga.

The very sad thing that I experienced is when Ian my grandson was hit by the big truck. He was on my lap going to the hospital when he succumbed to death. How I shouted to the top of my voice crying for help. When we reached the hospital he was really dead. I screamed and screamed hard I didn't noticed what happened, until I recover that I am allready home. From that time I was not able to sleep for many days and weeks thinking of the incident.

page 18

The other incident I experience was when 10 of us left from Australia on vacation to the Philippines. Vic, Joy his wife and 3 children Marivic, Vincent and Vina, Susan Bob her husband and twins Yolanda and Reese and I were riding the plane. When we left Brisbane we didn't know that the wheel of our plane burnt. I noticed that the members of the crew were all busy clearing the exits of the craft. When we were about to land we heard the news that we will have an emergency landing. The pilot was so calm that he had been flying around until the gasoline was used and forced landing. During that time I could see everyone in the plane their fearful faces. We were all alert that in my feeling was our last, and can't see my family back home. The plane landed from a far distance from it used to be. All of us was so happy applauding and shouting and thanking our Lord that we were all safe, you know? What we saw where many fire trucks and ambulances waiting for us down.

Last year another incident I encountered in the plane is from Aklan to Manila. I was with Joy, Vics' wife and Vina her daughter. We left Kalibo airport raining and cloudy. The weather seems o.k. but upon reaching Romblon the wind became strong and heavy rain fall. The aircraft was moving up and down and when we were approaching Manila airport the wind and rain couple together, then we realized it was third signal (typhoon warning). However we landed safe and the water was knee depth that we got down the plane passing a big bus.

page 19

AGE 51 TO PRESENT:

THIS SHOULD BE THE MOST EXCITING PART OF YOUR LIFE.

I WOULD LIKE YOU TO REALLY THINK ABOUT THE THINGS

YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE ON THIS PART OF THE BOOK.

WHATEVER THOUGHT YOU WRITE FROM HERE ON SHOULD

REFLECT AND CONTAIN ALL THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE

YOU HAVE AQUIRED AND GAINED THROUGH OUT YOUR LIFE.

KNOWLEDGE IS ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE INHERITANCE

YOU COULD LEAVE YOUR GRANDCHILDREN SO PLEASE BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR THOUGHTS: SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES TO US.

At age 50 up I became conscious of my family life. It was my ambition to send my children to school how hard our life was(?) I send Bob to Manila to take any course he wanted. He stayed with my cousin Salvador Recto and paid 40 pesos as his board and lodging. I gave him 20 pesos for his personal expences. With this amount he was able to survived and finished his Bachelor of Science in Commerce accounting major. The following year he passed the board and licensed accountant. He then was able to get job and helped his brothers attend school. This I thank God for all my prayers to make my children finished their studies were answered. My second son Florencio "Buddy" took auto mechanic and later studied agriculture. That time the Aklan College of Agriculture was opened right in our town that we were not hard up for he does not spend board and lodging. After 4 years of struggle he finished the course. He then took Civil service examination and passed. He was called to attend training in Los Banos and after a year passed again the examination...

page 20

...after a year passed again the examination as DLGCD officer and was assigned in Tupi South Cotabato. Here he got married.

Next our third son Oscar who was studying in Manila became reluctant to study so he does not attend school. We sent him home to Banga and forced him to enrol in Kalibo to get  4 year course as BSE Ed. We were thankful that he was able to graduate the course. After his graduation he was assigned as Grade one teacher in a far barrio of Banga. After a year he does not like the job so he went to Manila for adventure. Good Tess the wife of Bob is working in the Veterans' office, so he was assigned in Davao. Here he got married to Lilia.

My life during this time make me busy. from school with no many activities as lesson plans and board work still I have to attend to my three other children. I have to attend after them for their clothes food and school requirements. They are young and need my supervision. So this is my life. My only consolation is they are not difficult to handle. They are obedient and never quarrel with other children. I got only one helper for them to look while I am out. Ferrer used to buy them food while I am away from school.

When my fourth son finishd his hifgh school we send him to Manila and lived with Bobs' family. He helped him spend his school expences. With 4 year course he finished Commerce again, accounting as his major. He reviewed for 3 months and took examination. His grades was...

page 21

...good and when he passed the board he was right -away called for work as accountant in a big firm in Manila. At this time our life become easy. Our next daughter Susan who was high school __?__ , studied in Manila. It was the will of Bob to study there under his supervision and expenses. There she enrolled and finished her high school in Manila University. After her graduation we wanted her to take up Nursing, but because of financial reason, we let her take teaching course. She studied in Santo Tomas University and finished Bachelor of Science as a high school teacher. She was reluctant to teach so we let her take Commerce again in the University of the East. After graduation she was employed in a construction firm in Quezon city. She worked for several years but we do not ask help from her. She spend for herself alone.

Our younger son Danilo was our next boy to study. With all the four brothers studied in the Banga Rural High school, we spare Danny not to attend that school cause he is frail and weak to worked in the field as it used to be. We enrolled him in Central Visayan Institute a private school in our town. Here he finished high school.

The next year we sent him to Manila. He took mechanical engineering in Mapua college. After 4 years he finished his course but did not take any examination or board..

page 22

AGE 51 TO PRESENT:

 Later he got employed in the same company where Susan and Bob worked. He was able to overcome his weaknesses and grew robust and healthy. Now we are happy that they were all professionals and earner of their needs in food and clothing. They later lived by themselves renting a house near Bob's place. When I visit them in Manila I am very contented to see them responsible.

Bob worked later in the Central Bank and earned good salary. He got 5 children 4 boys and a girl. Years later he resigned and engaged in business. He put up a small company in construction that elevated him a little from small to bigger earning. Danny joined him in this business. They had several contracts of buildings either putting pipes and fire-fighting units in big buildings.Here they experienced in this line of worked that later made them expert and got several contracts. In 1988 when there was martial law Bob left for America with his family. They lived several years there. At that time Danny and Oscar continued to work with the help of some hired engineers. As they don't have permanent job there they returned to the Philippines when everything was peaceful.

Bobs' chiildren continued to stay in America to study. After Bobit, finished his college finishing commerce with marketing is his major he returned to the Philippines. He helped his father in the company.

page 23

After gaining much experienced in the job, he helped managed the company. Later Gina after graduation in Los Angeles California majoring economics joined them too. She helped in the office with her mother in the accounting section. They already had bigger contracts by the million that leaf them up from poverty to better living. The children enjoy abundant living as they were able to buy a house and car of their own. The boys who were left in America still study until they finished. Ronnie the third son studied engineering and Rex and Ramil still high school. They joined the TFP a religious organisation that keep there although they are tourist. They were members of the band and behaved good that they were able to travel to other states in America and Europe. Now all of them is in the Philippines except Rex who is still in America.

In 1995 Danny left the company and put up his own. Oscar and Vic joined him. Now this company is growing and own some properties. Danny owned a big house in Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinglupa. It has big rooms with bath and toilet. The garden is quiet good with plants around. He got 4 children 3 boys and a girl but one was lost after birth. Now they are happily living in this place. Danny is still helpful. He helped us a lot whatever we need, medicine and etc, etc..

page 24

Here I am going to reveal the life of my children and their families.

Bob the eldest married Teresa Aguilar of Manila with parents from Bicol. Tess is kind and loving wife. During the student days of my children she helped them a lot. of course we also send them help like rice and bananas from the province. Bob worked as accountant in a construction firm and later in the central bank. Tess worked as accountant in the Veterans office as an administrator.

Florencio the second was assigned in South Cotabato. He married Elsa who was a teacher. They owned a house and lot in Tupi and later transferred to Aklan. Later they migrate to Australia for good. They had 3 children, one died of accident.

Oscar who was assigned in Davaomarried Lilia a native of the place. They got a small store while Oscar was working in the government. Later they transferred to Manila when Bob and his family went to America. In Manila they put up a sari-sari store. After several years they were able to buy a lot and a house. Oscar worked with Bob in the construction business. Now they owned a car. They had 2 daughters now studying in college and one a fourth year high school.

Vicente Junior who is an accountant married Marjorie of Toboso negros occidental. Here they met in the office of Lopez Central. They lived there for _?_ years and Vic transferred to Manila in their head office. He was receiving good salary and owned a car.

They had 3 children 2 girls and a boy. While in Manila he applied as imigrant in Australia.

page 25

..after a year he was admitted as imigrant. The family left in 1993. He started as ordinary office boy but because of his good worked he was promoted. Later he bacame chief in the office. Joy his wife worked also as clerk in the same office. After a year I visited them in Australia. That was after my retirement. Susan was with me, my only daughter. In Australia she met Bob Sutton who is her husband now. Susan went home to the Philippines in 1985. Bob followed her and they got married that year in Manila. They then returned in Australia. A year later she gave birth to a twin. A boy and a girl. Years past they sold their properties and reside in Manila. They build a house in Paranaque with 6 bedrooms. It has individual bath and toilet. It is two storey building. Now the twins are in grade V studying in a Catholic school. The husband Bob used to go back to Austalia every year as he is consider an alien.

Next Danilo the youngest of the six children. He married Gracia Buendia a native of Batangas City but is grown up in Manila. The mother is a professor in the University of the Philippines. When Vic went to Australia, he left their house in Paranaque. It was Danny and Susan who lived in the said house.

page 26

Later Danny was able to buy the house and there he lived after marrying Gigi. Danny still worked with Bob in the construction business. He share 30% in the office while Bob get 70%. Gigi is a doctor specialising skin diseases. She got a clinic in Muntinglupa, and Pasay at the same time she is connected as professor in the university of the Philippines teaching anatomy.

When Danny thought he could managed the business by himself he formed another company "Agchem and construction" office the former sister company of "Accicor", Oscar and Vic joined him in the venture. Now their company is getting good. I am proud to see that they could live decently. The children are now enrolled in a private school found in Ayala. When we visit Manila we used to stay with them. Sometimes Bob and Oscar would invite us to dine and sleep with them.

After our retirement we travel back and forth. We stay a month in Manila, back to Banga stayed for two to three months and go to Manila again. Last June we were in Manila. In November we go back again until x'mas time. Our grandchildren always call us by phone to attend their b'days, so this is our life. When we are in the province we attend to our small property. I have a chapel in Jugas in honour of the blessed Virgin Mary called Nuestra Senora Candellaria or Candle Saint. Before when there was no road going there, we ride the boat just to attend the fiesta. You know the patron saint was made or...

page 27

..consumated by our great -great grandparents, where there was epedemic of cholera. It was ordered in Portugal in the year 1700. This was donated to the present barrio of Candellaria named after the saint. There was no town before except Batan where the Datu Kalantiaw hold as their permanent government and Banga was under Batan. That was the time the Spaniards occupied the Philippine islands. They brought us the christian religion that the first people of the Philippines believe up to the present. To me I believe in the miracles of the Virgin. Whatever I asked I am given. So after the second world war the chapel  where the saint was housed, the whole building was toppled down except the altar where the Virgin stood. The people of the barrio seems to abandon it so we decided to get it back brought it to Jugas where our forefathers live before. This is how we own it again. We built a chapel made of bamboo and nipa and hold fiesta every year. The day of the fiesta is every February 2. When the road was built passing our land I decided with our cousins to build a better Chapel made of cement and galvanised roofing. Now the chapel stand in the lot I donated. It is 1,000 square meters big surrounded with concrete fence. Every year we could see the improvement. Every fiesta time we gather and propose what to do for the next fiesta. My grandmother is the oldest of the group so I always led in the movement.

page 28

Last 4 years ago we had pavement where we had our party held every fiesta time. We had games and sort of contest to make the fiesta lively. The next year we donated some amount to build a sort of pavillion where we prepare and served our refreshments years go on and our members also grew in numbers. of course with the 4 brothers and sisters members with several children getting married year by year. It is not difficult for us to asked donations cause the members had good jobs and are willing to help. Those who is well-off donate more than the others. Some private people who ar religious also give some donation. Every fiesta time we discuss what we are going to do for the current year- if you happen to be the sponsor for the coming year you are given assignment what improvement will be undertaken. Donations come  from all members, so everything go smooth. The pavillion now is made of nipa but the floor is cement. It has 4 rooms each of the 4 families and their decendants. It has pump for water supply, it has 2 toilets for boys and girls. This year (1996-1997) is time for our turn. I had the bell tower finished with paints, The walls was renovated and painted. The altar was remodelled with glasses. The sidings were made of steel bars with the door. this coming fiesta I had to prepare pigs and everything to feed the hundreds of people attending the mass. Besides having fiesta in the barrio, the members in Manila...

page 29

..also hold mass and gather themselves celebrating the fiesta every Feb. As there are many members already counting the children, grandchildren, the great-great children, make the affiar a success.

others don't believe about the miracles of the virgins. They don't worship the idols. To me as my experiences I really rely on the help of our Virgin. During my hardships I call on her and I am given what I asked. There were instances that occur during war time. My cousins who was caught by the Japanese whom they brought him to another place carrying their things was able to escape. He said he prayed hard to the Virgin Mary to help him. Another cousin who was run over by a jeep whose legs  were smashed was able to walk after a year. One incident also happen to two members who were riding a jeep when hold-upper held all passengers but they were spared when they call the help of the Virgin.

For your information my grand-parents whose children were Clemencia the eldest, Petronila next Rufo and Claudio. So the descendants of these sisters and brothers posses the Virgin. according to to my mother the Virgin was ordered from Portugal. When they all got married the "RAMASURELA" clan was named after the names of their husbands and wives or family surnames. Nuestra Senora Candillaria is also called the "Candle Saint". She is the bearer of christ who is the light of the world and the candles is the symbol  of light. During the festival we honor and praise the blessed Lady and divine Son..

page 30

We hope and pray that this devotion to our lady of Candellaria will spread and spark love of the God to all our children, great grandchildren and all great-great children continue to worship and follow what we had been doing to celebrate the said "Feast". Those who gave donations get back by folds for what they gave. Mind you one brother of my grandmother whose name is Claudio, whose children do not join the group suffer hardships in their families. Some children had another religion. They don't believe what we believe... now some grandchildren were criminals others suffer poverty.

Please when you are far away think of the Virgin. Say a few words in her honor. She would keep you good and guide you in all your undertakings.

Here is a simple prayer:

 Hail Mary full of grace:

 the lord is with thee.

 Blessed art thou among 

 women and blessed is the

fruit of the womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary mother

of God pray for 

us sinners now

and all the hour

of death .amen..

My last request to all my children, grandchildren , great-great grand children to continue the welfare of the church so it will not lost the name of our families who adore the Virgin and the church that stand now in the lot where it was built.

To all of you, be honest, thoughtful, hardworking, kind, sympathetic, courteous, helpful and above all don't forget the lord our God and your prayers..AMEN.

A letter from Lola Mecing that came with the memoires.

                                                                             June 20, 1997

Dear Fuji,

 How is life now? We pray for your good

health always. For us still the same. Even no

money still we eat three meals a day. Elma

might have told stories about us.

   Sorry not to comply your request earlier.

You know we are already old and our

memories stagnant. Especially

when your Lolo ot stroke that everything

is forgotten. We have to attend to his

needs everyday. Good he is getting better

now. So its apt for you to excuse our

discripancies ok?

We are now in Manila for your Lolo's

check up. Ther was great improvement in his

health and I pray for his recovery.

When you want to send a letter, please

address it in Banga, as we are going home

next week.

Regards and love to every one.

                                           Love,

                                          Lolo & Lola

ps I will collect pictures later.

Cover for Lolo Ferrers' booklet.

This is the cover of Lolo Ferrers' memoire. I left it as is.

page 01

FULL NAME: Vicente Cerrudo Teodosio

DATE OF BIRTH: September 19, 1911

PLACE OF BIRTH: Poblacion Banga, Aklan

FULL NAME OF FATHER: Florencio Teodosio

DATE OF BIRTH: May 1, 1869

PLACE OF BIRTH: Badiangan, Banga, Aklan

FULL NAME OF YOUR FATHER'S BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

1. Andres Teodosio

2.Rosendo Teodosio

3.Francisco Teodosio

FULL NAME OF MOTHER: Rodigondes T. Cerrudo

DATE OF BIRTH: September 19, 1881

PLACE OF BIRTH: Poblacion Banga, Aklan

FULL NAME OF YOUR MOTHERS BROTHERS AND SISTERS:

1. Emelio T. Cerrudo- half brother



page 02



NAME OF PLACE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD: AGE 1-7

 - Bacan, Banga, Aklan 1 to 2 yrs old- two years in Bacan

 - Poblacion Banga, Aklan 3-7 yrs old- four yrs in Pob.

DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT:

Bacan is a barrio near the town of Banga about 1km from the Pob. It's an agricultural barangay. People raise vegetables, fruit trees & farm animals. The poblacion have very few houses made of wood, bamboos & nipas. This was in the early 1900. Roads were made of gravel & sand. The residents depend their livelihood from agricultural products.

DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT:

As a small boy I played and helped my parents in our everyday life like pitching water from a well near our house made of bamboos and nipas. We have no helpers so I am taking care of my brother Rafael & sisters Deling, Delia & Celing from step father Casemino Rigodon. Our neighbours are very helpful and kind. At the age of six to seven we played shells and palmo. At seven i begun to study in the public school in the poblacion Banga. Pupils seldom used slippers during this time.

LIST OF IMPORTANT AND UNFORGETABLE EXPERIENCES:

-when I enrolled in grade one my family was Teodosio. My mother related to me that my present father Casemero Rigodon was my step father & my brothers & sisters are Rigodon.

page 03

YEAR 7-14

DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT:

At the age of seven our house was on San Augustin st. now Poinsettia, corner going to municipal building. The road was made of gravel and sand and lots of holes. The houses were made of wood, bamboos and nipas. No water system and no electricity. The residents used coconut oil or petrolium (gas) for lighting. Our neighbors are helpful. There were about 17 houses in our 1 kilometers st. This was in the year 1918-

DESCRIBE THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING IN THIS ENVIRONMENT:

We live in San Augustin st. for 10 years, life here was simple living because my step father was employed in the municipal government as policeman receiving a salary of 7 pesos a month. So we the children help to pound the rice and pitch water from teh well near the Cupang creek. We used to bathe in this creek especially when it was flooded. At the age of 11 years we transferred to Capitan Tasan Teodosio st. and at the age 15 transferred to tulay.

DESCRIBE THE HOUSE YOU LIVED IN:

Our houses was made of wood, bamboos & nipas. We have transferred two times during my 14 yrs of living with our family because our lot was only leased to us. Our houses was built with a sala and a room. We slept in one room. The roof is made of nipas & bamboos and when its' age was three years, and when it rain there were some holes in the roof & usually leaks.