Parian and Boljoon

Most of my night outs on Saturdays are spent in sporting events or covering awards ceremonies. Last weekend, I did something different and never regretted it a bit.

I attended “Parian Kagahapon ug Karon,” a dinner/show that commemorated the 394th anniversary of the month that the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista was demolished. This church used to be another parish located just in front of the centuries old Yap-Sandiego ancestral home in Parian.

I was lucky to have sat beside my high school history teacher during the event as Prof. Madz de la Cerna provided me some key information that helped me put myself in the proper perspective during the show.

The old parish stood at what is now the Parian Fire Station and the show was truly worth being there even if I had to wear a Barong Tagalog and I have my very good friend Joy Uy of Continental Air to thank for inviting me to be there.

Val and Ofelia Sandiego along with the famous Sandiego Dancers together with the talents of the members of Taytayan, a group of volunteers advocating the primacy of Parian in Cebu’s history, made it a night that those who gathered there will truly remember.

There was one more thing I learned that night – I also have roots in Parian from my maternal grandfather’s side, the Espina family where my Lolo Silverio ‘Siling’ Lebumfacil’s mother hails from.

The Freeman columnist Bobit Avila was there too and his family is also from Parian.

I look forward to the event next year and for the meantime, I’d reminisce that wonderful night of culture and history by listening to the songs from the CD of Paul Melendrez that was sold that night.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who was there for the event along with Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, promised to help in restoring the Parian to become a major tourism destination.

That’s something to look forward too. Maybe we can do some sungka events in the future.

By the way, the night did not exactly end without mention of sports. This is because Cherry Callelero of Continental Air reminded me of their bowling tournament, which will be taking place a few weeks from now.

* * *

If I was not in Parian, I would have been in the town of Boljoon to watch the local boys of the town go up against Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (CECABA) All-Stars led by Chester Cokaliong.

Chester called me up a few days before the game to ask if I was free that day so I could join them for the trip south. 

I saw from the photos that there was a full-pack crowd at the Boljoon town gym for that match and a very elated Chester shared with me how their team felt very welcome in the town.

The CECABA All-Stars may have drubbed the local boys, but the people of Boljoon did not jeer at the visitors and instead cheered for them.

This is one reason why my family, especially my children, like the town so much that they always talk about going back. Boljoon is a friendly town that offers also a great get away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

I’m promising Chester that I’ll drive to Boljoon for their next game, whenever that would be. It’s always a pleasant trip to that town.

* * *

MILESTONES: A very good old friend (not necessarily because of age but due to our years of being buddies) turned a year older yesterday. Atty; Joel Mangubat Seno, who I played soccer with back in high school at UP Cebu and takyan also celebrated his birthday yesterday.

Belated greetings also go to Dr. Emelie Abao-Realiza, another old friend from our childhood days in Toledo City, who also celebrated yesterday.

Happy birthday to Atty. Jovi Neri, Banilad Barangay Captain Malou Inocando-Tabar, Rollen Almedilla and to Sarah Jane Blanco, who are all turning a year older today. Cheers!