50 years ago

Ben Contreras

HE is a soldier from beyond our shores but not a stranger. He fights for what is right and just, for good and honest governance, for what is good for our environment and Mother Earth, for renewable energy, for food instead of harmful technology, etc.

His is not a lonely fight. There is a great awakening all over the world with equal numbness as well. And when disaster fell, many will ask, “What happened?” Many more won’t even know what happened, and most won’t have the chance to ask what happened as they die in their sleep.

He was a victim of man’s sin, one among the thousands. It taught him how to survive, to be selfeliant and convert a small piece of land into one which could help everyone sustain a life in the womb of Mother Nature. And he is never greedy with those who help him achieve what he intends to achieve.

But he lacked logistics. Thus, he left to be better prepared and equipped, promised to be back in due time. While at it, he makes himself felt in social media if only to bring his fight before our eyes.

Yes, dentist Bob Ocio will be back and I will look forward to it.

• •

Fifty years ago, there were 20 of us– four boys and 16 girls in our teens. We were in our 2nd year high school in the Chinese department under Mr. Leong. I couldn’t believe one such picture still exists, and a bit tattered. I had it improved and enhanced through computer. And here we were.

Ang Li Huy, she is from the family better known during those days as “Angtico.” She is the aunt of newly elected president Jeffrey Ang of Oro Chamber. Lim Giok Kheng or Josie Lim, better known as the lady behind the famous Yellow Gold. Sia Ging Ging, married to a businessman. Tan Li di or Jane Go, now a practicing doctor in the US, and married to Engr. Melchor Lui or “Amay” to his friends. Ong Siu Ti or Amalia Ong who adventured in Taiwan and made a fortune. Go Siu Tin or Maria Gaw, married to an American and residing in the US. Eden Lim is now in Germany. Go Siu Tsing or Rosita Go never married but is a successful insurance agent in Hong Kong. Eng Choi Ghim or Erlinda Uy, married to Jimmy Ting. Tan Li Tsu or Rosita Tan, married to a very decent man Ah Lak. Go Li Tseng or Le Leng To from the famous Chong Trading. Chiu Le Ing or Victoria Chiu Yap Chai, married and living in the US. Tiu Li Li or Erlinda Tiu, married. She passed away a few years ago. Kho Ah Suan, my, I forgot her Christian name. Ching Di Na or Anita Ching, married and is living in Manila. She is the younger sister of Antonio Ching Reyes. Eng Li Tsu or Lolita Uy, the younger sister of Erlinda Uy Ting.

Four boys: Go Bon Bing or Vicente Tan of Jimar. Eng Hong Pheng or Valentin Uy Locsin, a retired banker. Sin Bing Sing or Leonardo Sia, a successful businessman. He got married in Cebu and established his business there. And of course, Tiu Kong Beng or Benjamin Tiu Contreras.

They were kids once but grannies today, except for those who never married.