Elias Rol, a Centenarian

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Tang Elias and his immediate family

The Spaniards, through Magellan, discovered the Philippines over four centuries ago by accident.  Instead of sailing to India, they found the land of what the Spaniards called, “The Land of the Indio”.  That was the name they first called our Motherland.  Later on, they named it Islas Filipinas in honor of King Philip or Felipe. Years later the Spaniards made their way deeper into the north.

Parallel to that, the same thing happened in Old America.  Lewis and Clark were sent deeper into the west of the Mississippi to explore more lands. They passed through dangerous territories in order to clear the pathway for more would-be settlers to explore the West.  Because of that, more States would be formed.

If America had Lewis and Clark, Spain had Juan Salcedo, who would sail and explore the North of the Philippines. They later called the North, los Ilocandia where the Rol family originated from.

Tante Urban – Truly Local

by Vic A
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

with his late mother

When we started the Magsingal Virtual Plaza (MVP), we had high aspirations to have it as the virtual ‘tambayan’ of everyone who call themselves Magsingalenos or anyone remotely associated with Magsingal.  Five months on, we could have never hoped for a better outcome - it’s all because of your support and that common yearning to reconnect with our town and its people.  The website has reconnected relatives, rekindled old friendships and even introduced Magsingalenos who are in the different parts of the globe.

Manong Tante is one person I would have never had the pleasure of getting introduced to if not for the website.  It turned out he is a second cousin too.  The way we tracked down Manong Tante is an amazing story on its own.

Sakada....Epifanio Ugalino

by Ranolfo Ugalino, Sr.
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Kas sinalaysay ni EPIFANIO UGALINO
BUSSAWIT, MAGSINGAL, ILOCOS SUR
April 19, 2009

my young parents with me, their first born

Inkakaubingko ti agruruot ket naimula ditoy panunotko ti kinarigat ti biag. Awanto la ngatan apo iti inanam-ayen?, dagita ti linaon ti panunotko ingganat panagbarok. Isu nga idi adda madamdamag a panagayabda no siasino ti mayat a mapan HAWAII, nagiinnapalanmi . Ngem apay ngarud a nagawidka ama?, saludsodmi ken ama DOROT idi. $1 dollar ti maysa nga aldaw ti sueldoda ket narigat ti trabaho ken nauyongda pay dagidiay bo-boss kunana.Uray latta kayatko latta ti mapan, daytoy a rigat ti biag ditoy, kinunak met iti naknakemko.

Atty. Emmanuel S. Tipon: A Top Notch Lawyer, A Magsingaleno

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Do you believe in destiny?  I do.  And I want to share the story of my destiny that led me to meet an outstanding Magsingaleno, most of us probably would have not known as one of us, a son of Magsingal, if not for the way my destiny played out when I returned to Honolulu.  Returning to Honolulu where I lived before I joined the military was indeed my destiny.  The military is an institution where I served for exactly twenty years, plus another nine years of wandering, thinking where the best fit is for a retired military family to live.  One of the many experiences I have gotten since returning to the Islands is meeting this wonderful and very distinguished Lawyer I call a relative.

With wife, Natividad at the Christmas Party of Hawaii Filipino Chronicle

His name is Attorney Emmanuel S. Tipon - a popular, personable and witty Immigration Lawyer in the US who graduated from the University of the Philippines and Yale Law Schools.  He placed 3rd on his Bar Exams and a Fulbright Scholar at Yale as well.  That is a rare feat worthy of admiration.

Our Most Precious Treasure

by Emme Lou Balatero-Pacubas
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Many of us associate the word treasure with gold bars, jewelries, wealth, paintings and other material things. For us, this word is associated with a very special person, Miss Preciosa Lara Tolentino, our Lola Presing.

Lola Presing, who was born on November 10, 1923, is the daughter of the late Roberto Tolentino, an elementary school principal, and the late Pilar Lara, a school teacher. Her elementary years were spent in Magsingal Central School and for her secondary education; she studied in Ilocos Sur National High School. She took her college degree in Education and Home Economics at Philippine Normal School, now known as the Philippine Normal University.

Photo of Lola Presing courtesy of Ronnie

A Special Homage to Mrs. Marina Ugalino Ponce

by Jonathan T. Tolentino
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Besides our dearly loved parents, we are greatly beholden or indebted to our teachers.  Not only do they have an arduous task in educating students, particularly the poor learners (I was a member of this exclusive group), our instructors also, in some measure or degree, are responsible in shaping our future leaders as well as the conformist, reliable, and productive citizens of our country.  Thus, our educators, in my view, are worthy of high regard or true homage.

Mrs. Marina Ugalino Ponce is a retired, noteworthy teacher to whom I am indebted in so many ways.  Therefore, it is a joy for me to write a concise or brief account of her luminous academic career, and so forth.

Mrs Ponce and her late loving husband

Mrs. Ponce received the traditional training and education of Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Paul's College, Vigan, Ilocos Sur, and held eminent positions at Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary prior to her tenure at St. William's Institute as an educator.

Mrs. Lynne Viloria Gutierrez - RECEIVING AND GIVING BACK

by Aurelio S. Agcaoili, Ph.D. (As published in the FilAm Observer)

This is Maestra Lynne’s story—Mrs. Lynne Viloria Gutierrez—of humility, courage, and professionalism. But it is every immigrant’s story as well: the immigrant that knows whereof she speaks in terms of real and honest-to-goodness community service, one anchored not on the self-for-itself but on the self-for-others. If there is one thing Lynne is good at, it is her work with the community, sowing good seeds as many as she can, knowing fully well about trees being planted becoming useful for the next generation. Caecilius said so: serit arbores quae saeclo prosint alteri. The whole of her, from afar as well as in person when you speak with her from the heart is gravitas, that sense of dignity not only for herself but one in which she dreams of the good for others. Here is a teacher; but here is a leader as well, one who has the guts and gumption to show us the way, not from a selfish motive, but from a brew of mixed motives but always—always—the community in mind.

Mindful of her blessings—the multitude of graces she has received through the years, she never forgot to give, and giving she did, and giving she still does, always on the run for something that deals with scholarships for the poor but deserving students, for the medical care and attention of the needy, for sending aids to distressed communities, and for linking up with other organizations and communities.

A Certified Asian Hero

by Fel Gorospe

CANADA – The Southeast Asia-Canada Business Council (SEABC) thru its Charity Arm, Canada – Asia Socio Economic Foundation named this year’s awardees of 2nd Asian Heroes Gala.  Seven (7) recipients were recognized including Chairman Emeritus Mr. Felicisimo P. Gorospe of VGent Group of Companies. Awarding ceremonies was held at River Rock Resort Hotels, River Road, Richmond, British Colombia, Canada on September 17, 2011.

Being the only Asian Hero from the Philippines, Mr. Felicisimo Gorospe or simply known as “FPG,” chosen by the Board of Judges by the award-giving body because of his numerous humanitarian and socio-civic efforts to alleviate the standards of living of the Filipinos. 

Our Magsingal Hero

by Vic A

Another deserving win for a notable Magsingaleno, Mr Felicisimo Gorospe, voted one of 6 Asian Heroes who were recognized by the Canadian version of Asian Heroes Award.

See video courtesy of Balitang America here:  http://www.balitangamerica.tv/balita-sa-canada-092011/

Congratulations Manong Fel for another feather on your cap.  You make us all real proud to be Magsingalenos.

Mr Oderico Garcia

By Vic A


As a tribute to Mr Oderico Garcia, I am re-posting the first feature article we posted on the inaugural issue of MVP.  Last week, Mr Garcia joined his Creator and I know that I speak for everyone who has known him, that he will be greatly missed.  

Mr O some time in 2007

If there is one teacher who is most widely known especially among SWI alumni, I would put my money on Mr. Oderico Dario Garcia or Mr O, as he is more popularly referred to.  His teaching stint spans over four decades and it’s not uncommon to hear that parents of Mr O’s younger students were also his students in earlier teaching years.

When we think about noteworthy Magsingalenos, we almost always look outwardly.  We tend to look for those who moved out of our small town and made it big elsewhere.  We sometimes forget the people who decided to stay back and help in the noble job of community building.  I must admit, even I, am as guilty as sin when it comes to top-of-mind awareness about the great achievements and contributions of many people who have chosen to stay put in Magsingal.