International bayanihan spirit

People sometimes talk about a baptism of fire when someone who takes on a new responsibility has to go through trials on their first days. For the new secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, however, it will be a baptism of mud, because his first test may be that of dealing with the devastating landslide that had buried an entire barangay in Southern Leyte on Friday. After dealing with kidnappers, carnappers and all sorts of man-initiated aberrations, former Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes, also a former general, will now be dealing with tantrums of nature.

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In the meantime, just as politicians and ambitious government officials are quick to take advantage of media footages and photo opportunities from disasters and calamities, professional protestors are also just as swift to link their hated leaders to any calamity that may strike. Note how groups bearing placards blaming the President for the Ultra stampede are coming out. Don't be surprised if by this time, such people will be parading against placards saying she caused the mud and flood to come down the mountain.

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While we grieve for the victims, especially the children who were buried alive while they were in their classrooms and pray for them and their bereft parents, let us also be thankful for the spontaneous response of our neighboring countries who have sent over their men and equipment to help rescue survivors, if any, after all the hours that have gone. Even on the international and regional level, we are now practising "bayanihan".

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Meanwhile, those of us who are far from the scene had no inkling of what was to happen next day. Saturday was a very hectic day socially in Bacolod City with so many celebrations going on. At 2:30 p.m. was the long-awaited wedding of Jason Ibañez and Ian Fuentes, only daughter of Terry and Dan Fuentes of Cadiz, but now long-time residents of Vancouver, Canada. Terry is the president of the Negrenses Association of British Columbian Canada, and this was the group that had initiated the celebration of Vancouver's own version of Bacolod's famous MassKara festival. Her only daughter, Ian, by the way, was the first to be crowned MassKara Queen of Canada, and she came to Bacolod as her prize for winning the title.

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Well, the old ties still hold, and on Saturday, she came home again for her wedding to Jason, her childhood sweetheart, and son of Victor Ibañez and his late wife, Estela at the St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Alijis, Bacolod City, where 44 principal sponsors, 18 bridesmaids and eight junior bridesmaids and flowergirls made up her entourage. Bishop Jose Advincula delivered a very appropriate and touching homily which, hopefully, the couple will remember throughout their married life. Reception was held at La Proa Ballroom of L'Fisher Hotel.

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Saturday was also the day when the beloved matriarch of the Lacson clan, Doña Luisa Diaz Lacson, more fondly known as "Tia Luising" was honored by her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren with a wonderful dinner and program at the Business Inn ballroom. Hundreds of Lacsons from all over, and other relatives from the Diaz side, congregated at the party site, some of them coming from Manila, led by her talented and very popular sister, Celia Diaz Laurel, brother Julio from Mindanao, who dedicated special numbers to her that night. It was a most enjoyable and beautifully organized affair, one to appropriate for a 95th birthday!

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Also marking her birthday - they always observe it simultaneously, was the popular civic, religious and former government leader and beauty queen. Gloria Araneta Esteban, whose lovely daughters Miling, Tata, Baby and Nini, and her scores of apos and greatgrandchildren, together with numerous friends had set up a joyful celebration at her columned mansion at Lacson Street. Her fellow members and officers from the various clubs and associations she belongs to or heads, as well as members of the local clergy, had prepared surprise numbers to entertain her and her well-wishers, as they have done year after year, but more so now that she is marking her 93rd natal day.

A happy, happy birthday again, and my prayers for more to come for these two beautiful, caring and well-loved daughters of Bacolod City!*

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