By BINGO P. DEJARESCO III
Editor In Chief
Bohol Chronicle
Devoted wife that she was, Rosario "Charing" Pernia-Dejaresco, 85, bade farewell to her charmed life to gift her beloved departed husband - Zoilo "Jun" Dejaresco, Chronicle founding publisher-editor - the best present there is.
"Charing" joined her anxiously-waiting "Jun" - just in time for them to celebrate "Father's Day" today. This time, the soft-spoken Matriarch of the Bohol Chronicle enterprises showed some flair for drama. A blessed reunion made in Heaven.
When the Patriarch Chronicle Editor "Jun" wrote his last on June 8, 2002 - the critics thought the enterprise would crumble and die. They underestimated the understated but powerful presence and the diligence she poured her energy into some of the facets of Jun Dejaresco's management repertoire that held the employees glued around the emblem of the Dejaresco enterprise.
She was not just a symbol but an extension of "Jun's" dedication to the twin media facilities.
Six years and 6 days unto her role as Matriarch of the ship, "Charing" was allowed to give up the ghost mid-morning yesterday at the Ramiro Hospital as she succumbed to medical complications abetted by the weakness of old age.
But her anticipated reunion with Jun will be a fitting reward - their second honeymoon in Heaven - after ably holding the fort while he was away.
SURROUNDED BY FAMILY
"Charing" was surrounded at her death bed by the very people who witnessed her legendary compassion and warmth "up close and personal" - her nine children and some of the members of their immediate family. They came far and wide - the United States, Manila, Cebu, Dumaguete and this city to stand by her up to the last breath she took.
When the competent and amiable team of doctors at the hospital, namely, doctors Bong Angelito Lechago, Napoleon Nazareno, Mayda Ybañez, James Sombrio, Reuel Relampagos, Edgar Pizarras, Romualdo Ruiz and family friend visiting doctor Claver Ramos allowed the family members their "private moments" with the ailing Matriarch Saturday dawn, we all knew the end was a matter of time. Individual prayers were said for her.
The final alarm was set at Saturday's breakfast time, when the Code DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) was in play and the maximum medical dosage was in progress. All nine children were able to deliver their "farewell" piece. They are: Ely, Chato, Bingo, Malou, Bobong or Luis, Peter, Milet, Mamel and Kathy. A niece Kathlyn practically grew up under her wings for many years. After a nephew Atty. Jay Dejaresco and daughter-in-law Zarah spoke, she peacefully faded to her Creator and those who went ahead of her to a Blissful Place Beyond - secured in the thought that she left behind a united clan - ready to build years of the enterprise's fabled history - dating back 54 years ago.
CIVIC LEADER
Dejaresco capped her years of conscientious civic leadership when she was awarded during "Mother's Day" on May 14, 2006 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Manila as the Ulirang Ina Awardee given by the National Mother's Day and Father's Day Foundation Inc. led by the Honorary Chairperson Chief Justice Consuelo Santiago.
An avid supporter of the Sunshine Home, she was President of the Catholic Women's League from 1994-1996 and 1996-1998 as well as Tagbilaran City Host Lioness Club President 1975-1977.
A member of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP), she also served during World War II at the Women's Auxiliary Service (WAS). The RP tri-color wraps around her casket as a tribute to her courage and service during the last war. Her demise came after being able to send some seminarians to priesthood which brought her closer to the church.
Some of Tagbilaran residents became her student since for years she was a piano teacher and a teacher at the then St. Joseph Academy.
Interment is set on Thursday right beside the tomb of her beloved Jun at the Dampas Catholic Cemetery. A requiem mass and necrological rites at the St. Joseph Cathedral, 1 p.m. on Thursday precede the burial.
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