Julaton traces Pangasinan roots, reunites with relative

POZZORRUBIO, Pangasinan, Philippines – Pangasinenses Wednesday rolled out the red carpet as they celebrated the homecoming of a native daughter who brought honor to the land of her ancestors for her international exploits in the field of boxing.

World Boxing Organization and International Boxing Association super bantamweight champion Ana “The Hurricane” Julaton blew into town in the wake of Typhoon Basyang to reunite with her last surviving relative from this town and retrace her roots in the ancestral home of her grandfather.

“My first time here and everything is just beautiful. Everyone is heartwarming and we feel like we’re perfect family. I feel a lot of strength from here, something I will take with me when I go back into the ring,” she told local reporters.

Julaton, who hails from Bgy. Villegas in Pozzorrubio, had to delay her trip by several hours after Typhoon Basyang, the first typhoon to hit the country this year, hit the countryside.

Still, Pangasinenses gave Julaton “an amazing warm welcome” in Pozzorrubio where she was reunited with her Amang Pedring (Julaton), her grandfather’s only surviving brother in a brood of 13.

She said Amang Pedring is the closest person to her grandfather.

Gov. Amado Espino Jr. gave Julaton, who showed him her three championship belts, Pangasinan-made souvenir items and a plaque of recognition for her numerous achievements in the field of boxing.

He later tendered lunch which included sinigang na malaga, pancit, shrimps and bangus for Julaton, her entourage plus other guests.

“Talagang Pinoy na Pinoy siya. Gustung-gusto niya yong hipon (She’s really a Filipino. She loved the shrimps),” a waiter who served the food on Julaton’s table said.

While dining, she was serenaded with Ilocano and Pangasinan songs by the provincial government employees, who also sang a birthday song for the boxing champ who turned 30 years old last July 5.

She said she is aware she is a Pangasinense as her grandfather, Cesario Cariaso Julaton, would talk about her roots all the time when he was still alive. Her grandpa migrated to the United States and joined the Army when he was barely 16. Her grandpa and her grandma met each other in Barangay Villegas. Julaton’s parents are Cesar Julaton and the former Amelia Bonifacio.

Julaton said she had wanted to come to Pangasinan to be reunited with her family in Pozzorrubio but she wanted to do it at a proper time, when she already had something important to bring for Pangasinan and her countrymen.