My Pioneer Grandfathers

by Ranolfo Ugalino Sr

In the early 30’s, three of my grandfathers joined the wave of young Filipinos who braved the uncertainties of immigrating to the land of opportunities (as perceived by many) the USA. Their names were Juan, Florentino and Virgilio Ulibas. There were five siblings in the family. My grandfather, Francisco Ulibas (eldest), Juan, Florentino, Virgilio and the youngest sister Albina Ulibas.

Me in my younger years

My mother was only 7 or 8 as was recounted to me by her. She could barely remember their faces then. As years went by, the three brothers never communicated with their loved ones left behind, even though only Lilong Florentino was married and had a son, my uncle Irenio Ulibas, the other two were single and left no family behind. My grandfather and grandmother always wondered how they were doing in their newfound country…whether they were doing alright or were still alive. There were no letters or news about them…even from returning town mates who might have had any contact with them.

And so World War II came and go. Still no word from them. Were they drafted into the US military to fight its war or were they still around…perhaps hopping from one place to another looking for a seasonal job? These were the questions my grandfather and grandmother Albi always had in their mind. By this time, my mother was married and had me…who sometimes hear about the story of my lost grandfathers. So I vowed that if I ever go to the USA, I will go find my lost grandfathers for them.

Florentino, Virgilio, friend and Juan Ulibas...my lost grandfathers

So in 1967, I immigrated to Hawaii,. USA and my vow to find them is one step coming to reality. On October 10, 1968, I got drafted by the US Army. The Vietnam War was in the midst of either go for broke or get the hell out of there. I had my basic training at Fort Ord in California. After basic training, we had time off that we could spend with our relatives. Not much time but 2 weeks was enough. I remembered my vow to find my grandfathers. Lucky for me, my cousin  Pete Ugalino, Sr. who lived in Stockton at that time had heard that my grandfathers were in Sta. Rosa, California. Hhem…that was the best news of the day…and so I set out to find them. My mission was about to come to an end.

I had no idea where Sta. Rosa, California was…nor how to get there…since I didn’t have a car then. But the adventurer in me took over. I had to find…for my grandfather Faran and grandmother Albi and mom and relatives back home as well as for my sake. I took the bus and set out to find them. No address and phone numbers. When I got to Sta. Rosa, I scrolled the yellow pages for their names or any familiar names…until I saw the name of another grandfather, Santos Udarbe. I was already excited to find his name…but wait, what if he doesn’t remember me? I was probably 9 or 10 when he came home for vacation. He was in a US Army uniform because he just came from Korea. BAHALA NA. Luckily he was home and he remembered me when I mentioned my mom’s name. They were cousins. He told me to wait for him at the bus station. Ahhhh! I was relieved…my anxiety was gone… I told myself…good job your mission is almost done.

me with the Ulibas and Udarbe, Unciano clan

He took me home…and to my surprise…he was having a party. I almost couldn’t say anything…out of my excitement to not only find my lost pioneer grandparents but also a lot more of my grandfathers (Carlos Ulibas, Santiago Ulibas, William Ulibas , Johnny Udarbe, Santos Udarbe (birthday celebrant), Unciano family and a lot more from Magsingal).

My pioneer grandfathers explained to me that because they used to follow the seasonal jobs from Bakersfield to Fresno, Salinas and finally stuck together in Sta. Rosa… they didn’t have time to write or go home to the Philippines. For me, I didn’t care what their reasons were…I was just happy to find them.

I was single when I found them. When I had my family and moved to Stockton for good, we were always invited to their parties…in Sta. Rosa, Hopland and Ukiah! I will never forget these places because they were part of my families history. And a lot of my relatives still live in these wonderful places.

Me with three of my grandfathers I found

To me, I will cherish these memories for as long as I live. To my pioneer grandfathers, I salute you all. I will always remember what you told me. You prepared the way for us to follow…and I thank you for that and the memories we shared together for even a brief moment of time will always be in my heart. God rest your souls!

BUSSAWIT MAGSINGAL