Convergence in the nick of time

It’s not that easy to refer to Judge Romulo R. Senining with the cryptic phrase “the late” because he was so convivial in personality. One never once met him without his ready smile and a crack of joke. Judge Moling was always the “life” of the occasion.

Judge Moling, though 79 in age come August 6 – ripe age for ordinary mortals – was to his wife Puring and children, friends, colleagues, and clients, nevertheless lived a life still too short. Perhaps, like the verse “life is short and time is fleeting.”

A few months ago Judge Moling had visited Mandaue’s City Hall. As usual, he was immaculately attired and, when he saw this writer, he was very profuse in his greeting and, reiterated his invitation for one to resume teaching in the UV College of Law. “I’m one year older than you, and look, I’m still teaching Law and still active in practice,” he proudly said.

One didn’t visit him while confined in the hospital because one always get so awkward and in discomfiture before a very sick friend or loved one.

One’s first brush of convergence with Judge Moling was during the ROTC days, especially in his 2nd Year ROTC Advanced Course with now Congressman Eddie R. Gullas as Corps Commander when the unit topped the annual tactical inspection, with the coveted Star. As 1st battalion commander in dapper khaki uniform, sheathed sword on his side, which, until now, memory is fresh and lasting photo in one’s mind. More lasting was his “mixing” with the basic cadets.

The second touch of convergence was when we were both teaching in the UV College of Law under Dean Cecilio Gillamac, also during Atty. Amadeo “Matoy” D. Seno as Dean, and when Judge Moling himself became the Dean. In one’s 7-year stint with the College of Law, Judge Moling became much closer/professionally, but mostly on very friendly basis.

 The third point of convergence came when one landed at the Bench. In a couple of cases of his appearance in court, he never took advantage of our close friendship. As many of his colleagues can attest, Judge Moling was an epitome of expertise, efficiency, and preparedness. Understanding one’s no-nonsense deportment at the Bench, he even shunned any invitation for a cup of coffee, avoiding speculative talks that might “compromise” one’s position.

Incidentally, after viewing his remains, and during the 9-day wake “novena”, one condoled with his eldest son Dodong who had made a short but effusive talk about his father that touched those in attendance, and also with Rey, the classmate of one’s daughter.

 Another phenomenon of convergence in so short a time was meeting at the wake one’s Law classmate, Atty. Patricio “Pat” Morales who, in Senior year was Editor of the “Visayanian,” and when one’s humble collected poems got printed monthly. Pat introduced his pal in crutches, frail in body but mentally alert. Though the name rang a bell, one doubted if Ben Aliño is he who was once the Editor of the “Visayanian” whose writings were deeply insightful. One had a long chat one time with Ben on campus; the more that one got impressed of his sharp mind. One’s busy student schedule and he also that busy, friendship didn’t blossom further.

In that nick of time when Pat made the introduction of Mr. Ben Aliño as one’s campus idol, confided that he reads now the bi-weekly column “It Appears” in The FREEMAN. And when he flattered this humble writer as his present idol, the latter could have melted in embarrassment.  

Indeed time has a way of creating unexpected turns at a drop of a hat. And convergence in the nick of time is likewise unprogrammed and not anticipated.

The stroke of convergence has placed one with Pat and Ben together at the wake of Judge Moling as something beyond expectations. The splice of time has created a club of “mutual admiration”; nonetheless, Atty. Pat Morales with his sharp pen and humor, and Mr. Ben Aliño with his insightful writing and wisdom ought to share their acumen of the art with present readers. As to why they have chosen to be “silent” is beyond one’s guess.