Julius, there is no describing the feeling of finding one's identity. The history of it all concerning.
Here I was traveling back to Bohol , Philippines for the first time in 12 years. And this trip was a much-needed one after taking my United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). The goal of the trip to the Philippines was to visit my family in Bohol (my mother's side and also my father's immediate family). Traveling around Bohol by myself and driving from my beloved Valencia to Jagna, Garcia Hernandez, Guindulman, Ubay, Loon etc, I was able to witness the landscape of the island and meet the people. Why i even experienced my first 'Sabong Derby' in Maribojoc (which i stayed for 12 hours. My uncle, Dr. Renee Lucino, was the guest of honor and brought with him 3 of our family's fighting cocks--which we won 2 out of 3 fights; not bad).
Traveling around Cebu and Bohol opened an idea within me. 'Why not visit Leyte?'
So at this thought, I followed through, which I usually do (considering my personality of planning things out and regimentally following through. with the plan). While I was in Bohol, I contacted my father and mother (both in the 'states) as well as my aunt and uncle (both of in the united states) and told them of my recent epiphane. TO VISIT LEYTE. They were all escstatic at it, my father and aunt especially considering they grew up with relatives from Leyte. In fact, my late grandfather, anhing Mr. Rustico Aray Lucino, who was from Panaon Island, Southern Leyte, would do business all over Leyte, Samar, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao. And he used to bring my father with him along (many of the stories were relayed to me when i was in Leyte by way of my grand-uncle, my aunts, extended cousins and distant relatives (yet all who knew of me). lol.
The plan was organized and the trip consisted of myself, my auntie wella, uncle ray, uncle roger, cousin jing, and our house helper, aurora. We took with us our Isuzu Crosswind.
Our journey to Leyte started in the wee mornings and drove from Tagbilaran to Ubay. From Ubay we borded a barge (which also brought my Isuzu Crosswind) that took us to Maasin, Southern Leyte. When we arrived in Maasin, Southern Leyte we had to take a little detour. It was noticed that our left rear tire needed changing, so we made the necessity plans to replace all the tires there.
I remember the man who was some sort of manager of the enterprise. We both talked and he asked about where we were from. Bohol. I told him. However I told him that i was here to visit my Leyte as well. Its always interesting to see the reaction of people when I switch from speaking in Americanized-style English to fluent Binisaya. His facial reaction was priceless. "Kahibalo diay ka binisaya?", and I responded with the assertive, "Kai bao gud!". We laughed and exchanged familiar stories. I shared with him the story of how my grandfather, Papa Titing, left Pintuyan on a banka (he was a stow-away, luoy kaay..) when he was only 8 years old. He survived and worked as an aide in Cebu, then started a business (due to his strong business practices and efficiency in networking) which blossomed. I told him how he then moved to Bohol with my Mama Luz (my grandmother, who was also from Padre Burgos, Leyte).
This man, whom I've never met before responded in such a way that made me want to cry. I had to hold back my tears for I was laughing with him (i was so happy just to be in Leyte. This was my first time in my island. and he was the first Leyteno in Leyte that i had talked to face to face in my life). He said to me, "Na pasalamat gyud ka naka balik ka dinhi sa Leyte. Leyteno man diay pood ka dong! Ahong ngalan ay...." He extended his hand for a handshake. I gave mine back. Firm. Memorable. His eyes were light brown, his shirt covered in mechanical grease, and his smile was resilient and beautiful. His face is forever imprinted in my mind. A hospitable man, religious man, and a welcoming one. A True Leyteno, indeed.
We then drove from Maasin and passed Bato, Sugod, and a plethora of other barangays and towns. Until we made it way to my grandmother's hometown of Padre Burgos. A quiet yet productive town.
There I was greeted by my extended paternal side (my father's mother's side). Over 30 of them. Many of the little children when seeing me came to give me the amen-bless. To my surprise! These were my younger cousins, all of whom had the resemblance of my Mama Luz's face. Ebuenga and Torrerro beauty. Leyteno beauty. I then was introduced to my aging Lolo Nono (my late grandmother's younger brother; to whom he shared the same smile as my mama luz). I was reduced to tears in seeing him. I felt that I was seeing the face of my mama luz (who passed away in 1995). He came to me , nay, he ran to me. He took his two hands and brushed my face, my beard multiple times and said, "Rico kaayo!Rico kaayo!" we were both laughing. Apparently , as he would tell me, i reminded him of my father when he was my age. When my father came back from Saudi (he worked there as a civil engineer) when he came to visit them in Leyte he also had a beard just like mine. Katawa jud ko. Being introduced to family, friends, distant relatives at that so short time was very shocking, warming, and heartfelt. I really felt like being in this situation was akin to Jesus CHrist's parable of the Prodigal Son.
I felt that I was the prodigal son, who was lost, but was found again. And the Father in this case was my family from Leyte. There was so much food , so much nokos, fish, kinilaw, lechon, pancit etc.
I don't even know how they knew that I was coming to visit them, since we only gave them a day's notice that we would 'maybe' be visiting. I guess word spread like wildfire. LOL!!
Leyte is so Beautiful. So Beautiful. I cannot believe that I did not visit this wonderful island before. I felt really at home there.
Whoa!!! Kamote!!! Nangatagak ako kamote! Hehehehe... treasures.....