Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Politics Rocks Papa's and Our World.

Taken during New Year 2000.
(A year before Papa took the plunge and joined the crazy world of local small town Pinoy Politics)
I love this picture of my Maming and Paping. They look super happy and stress-free here. . . I hope they're feeling that way everyday. Problem free. But, who are we kidding? With Papa in politics, stress and problems abound. I feel like it's robbing them and us, the entire family, the comfort we all deserve. Papa always tells us though, that, this is how public service is. It is not always glamorous. It is a lot of sacrifice. It comes with so much intrigues and disagreements. You can never please everybody. No matter how pure your intentions are, there will always be doubting Thomases and people who refuse to see the good in you. Many would even try to pull you down, if not bury you alive.
I do understand that once you join politics you kinda end up becoming public property, because you are a public servant. But, still, it just pains me to see people betray my father; to hear people question Papa's sincerity to serve; to know that many are out to destroy him and every project he has for the town. It's just not right. He deserves appreciation and respect. A man who aims to serve to the best of his ability and a man who wishes to leave a beautiful legacy should get support and respect. But, no, in our country, those people are booted out, pushed away or forced to leave so that all the "trapos" and crooks could run the show. We, the kids, have selfishly begged Papa a dozen times, to give this up. We told him he could now relax, perhaps travel, and still help Mainit in his own little way as a private citizen. The fighter in him, tells us though, "I am not giving up. I am not letting these bad elements win. If all the sincere, hard-working, honest people in the community give up, then, what will happen to the rest of us? I know it's hard for everyone in the family right now. But one day, you will see clearly and understand." So here we are, supporting him all the way. We are all behind him in this fight. We believe in him. We know that he truly cares about finishing his projects. I just hope one day, those who block his proposals/projects, would get their senses back and realize that these are all for the betterment of all Mainitnons. It would be a really great news if one day, they would cooperate and stop thinking about their own egos, pride, ambitions and self interests. Our town would surely benefit and progress shall come fast. At the rate they're going, this may sound unachievable. . . but we are made of those people who never lose hope and who continue to dream. ALL THESE CHAOS SHALL PASS. ONE DAY, ALL THINGS WILL BE SWEET AND ALL DREAMS WILL COME TRUE. Because we believe and we got the faith.
Photo by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

"Partners In Crime"

Ann G and Babyrose G (aka Saling and Asyang)
Biologically, I am the youngest among the siblings. But, technically, it's really my cousin, more like my little sister, Babyrose or Rose Cubelo Gatpolintan, who is the youngest sis. She is the daughter of Evangeline Cubelo(Auntie Nene) and Raul Gatpolintan(the late Uncle Langlang). Babyrose was born without knowing her Dad. Auntie Nene was pregnant with Babyrose when her husband, Uncle Langlang passed away. So, when Babyrose was born she automatically became everybody's baby in the family. Everyone was her Mama(Mama Rina, Mama Ruth, Mama Ramie, Mama Eden, Mama Tess, and of course her Mama Nene). Everyone was her Papa(Papa Roger, Papa Quintin, Papa Onyot, Papa Pepe, Papa Hector). Babyrose is everybody's baby in the family. All are concerned about her. All are watching her. And, to everybody's delight, she has grown into a very fine and responsible young lady. She has not failed the family and she continues to make us all proud.
Babyrose is my sis and partner in crime. We both know each other a little too well though. Hehehe. . . We both know what is going on inside our crazy heads and beautiful hearts. Sometimes we still get in each others' nerves but at the end of the day, we both know that we'll always have each other. We are sisters and "partners in crime" for life.
Photo by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Teacher(Ma'am) Eden

Mama, doing what she does best, teaching the young ones.
Photo by Eden Mozar Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Friday, June 23, 2006

Randy Roger Gatpolintan's Family

Sarah, Kat, Randz, Kyla.
(2004)

Kyla, Sarah, Randz, Kat

(2002)


Photos by Randy and Sarah Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Aine Karrie Mendoza Gatpolintan


The Third Grandchild of Roger and Eden
Born: May 17, 2006

Baby girl Aine Karrie, the newest addition to the Gatpolintan Family.

Our Little Angel.

"Hmmmm. Whose features do I have?"

Karrie swarmed by Daddy Randz, Ate Kat and Ate Kyla


I think she is a good mix of Randz and Sarah

Photos by Randy and Sarah Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Aine Kathlyn Mendoza Gatpolintan

The Second Grandchild of Roger and Eden
Born: June 6, 2001
"I'm a girl!"

Daddy Randz with his babies, Kat and Ky.


At a beach in Surigao


Opening her gifts on her first birthday.

Tita Ann's "Mini Me!"

Photos by Randy and Sarah Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Aine Kyla Mendoza Gatpolintan

The First Grandchild of Roger and Eden.
Born: October 1, 1999
Daddy Randz with his first baby, Aine Kyla Gatpolintan

"New Parents"

Proud parents, proud aunties, proud grandparents with Baby Kyla

Mommy Sarah with her first baby, Kyla
Photos by Randy, Sarah and Ann Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Randy and Sarah's Wedding

Randy Gatpolintan and Sarah Mendoza
Wedding Day
(welcoming the guests, Auntie Leby, Lola Pasting, Uncle Anton, etc.)
Photo by Ann Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Bing and Melchie's Wedding

Maria Rodena Gatpolintan and Melchor Madria
(on their wedding day in Mainit, Surigao Del Norte)
Photo by Melchor Madria and Bing Gatpolintan-Madria
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

When I was Two

At a playground in Surigao City.
Ann G. (2 years old)
Photo by Roger and Eden Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

May Flower King and Queen

Queen Maria Rodena G. and King Jesus Roland G.
Prince Randy G., Princess Cherry Mozar, and Prince Jonathan Mozar
(Cherry and Jonathan Mozar are cousins from both sides. Their father, Jose "Pepe" Mozar is Mama's half brother and their mother, Rochelle, is Papa's sister! Amusing huh? )
Photo by Roger and Eden Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Public Speaking Showdown of the Boys

I guess the boys in the family are no strangers to public speaking. . . Heheheh.
The Head of Family, my Paping, Roger Gatpolintan
[as Mainit Citizens Civic Action for Progress(MACCAP) President]

The Eldest Son, Manong Roland


Paping, way way back(as a young municipal councilor)

The Youngest Son, Manong Randy

Manong Roland, The Boy Scout.

Manong Randy (second from left)with his classmates(Manong Sotie Libarnes, Rachel Pelingon, Manong Elmer Villamon and Del Canangcaan)

Photos by Roger and Eden Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Proud Lolo and Lola

Lolo Tonio proudly pinning a ribbon on Manong Roland (with equally proud Lola Pasting at the background)
Photo by Roger and Eden Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Mama, The Graduate

Eden Mozar, receiving her diploma on her graduation day
Photo by Eden Mozar Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Papa, The Graduate

Papa with cousin, Atty. Rufino Gatpolintan Flores(Uncle Pinong) of San Fernando, Pampanga, sister Regina, and brother in law, Atty. Quintin Alaan


Rogelio Gatpolintan, receiving his diploma

Photos by Roger Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Monday, June 19, 2006

Rosalina Francisco Mordeno - The Feisty and Kikay Lola

She is the Lola known for her "kikay" ways. Everyone in the family associates the colors red and green with her. And every granddaughter inherited the same penchant for the color red. We all have this thing with the red bag, the red shoes, the red dress, the red top, the red pants, the red everything! Red is part of every Saling descendant's wardrobe. We call it the "Saling factor" in us. Lola Saling loved dressing up and wearing make up. She always had lipstick on and was always presentable. She loved looking pretty all the time. And she also enjoyed seeing us in beautiful gowns and outfits. She was proud to see her granddaughters as queen or princess of any fundraising/mayflower/fiesta event.
Known to be always out and about she never stays in one place for a long time. She could never stay put in the house. She used to say that during her heydays, "wayay maskin isa ka dangaw na waya ka tamaki!" One day, she'll go to Surigao City, then to Auntie Ramie's in Samar, then to Lola Lucy's in Paranaque and jump from one daughter's place to another son's place in Manila. She'll be restless if she is not able to go somewhere else. Sounds familiar? Yes. . . almost all of us, the Gats, are quite the "lakwatseras and lakwatseros."
Lola Saling was not your typical grandmother. She was never the "lovey dovey" lola to her grandchildren. She was very strict, stern, and different. I could not remember a time at all when there was any cuddling between her and the grandkids. It was weird because my memories of her do not include a doting lola. It seemed like she always saw us, as pesky kids who needed to be controlled and disciplined. For her, we were lucky, spoiled kids whose presence spelled trouble in her household. . . And we were out to prove her right too! We would play with her shoes, bags, her treasured gowns or clothes. We would rip off her books and magazines. We would steal her chocolates, cookies, peanuts and malt drink. We would climb her lanzones, mandarin, guava and balimbing trees and eat all the fruits she forbade us to pick. It was sort of an adventure for us to do all those things to her. It was like our way to connect with her. . . We get her attention by doing the things she hated! Then, she'd get mad and we all hide and stay away from her house for awhile. We had a pretty dysfunctional relationship with her I guess. It was kinda, like a love-hate relationship.
Lola Saling, may not be the sweetest lola there was, but she was somebody we all respected. She is truly one feisty lady who would never back down from any fight. She was always there for her siblings and helped them stand on their own. She raised her kids and sent them all to college on her own. She survived the loss of her husband and moved on as a single parent pretty fast. She was a strong determined woman who did everything she could to provide for her children and siblings. She was a woman full of pride and confidence. She was a woman made of the hard stuff, both inside and outside. And, she was pretty successful with her siblings and her children. They all turned out well.
When Lola Saling passed away, the "oldies"(her children and siblings) cried a river, knowing that she has done so much for them. . . We the grandchildren, were sad, but did not really shed much tears . . . However, we all have fond memories of our Lola. We all agreed that she was a hilarious character who made our growing up days fun and very interesting. Despite her seemingly anti mushy personality, we know that she loved us and that she would do everything that she could to fight for us. . . and we feel the same towards her.
In my family, everyone has a Saling in her/his personality. I am proud to be called, one of the Salings. . . feisty, determined, and kikay. And, YES, my favorite color is also RED.
Rosalina Francisco Mordeno
Lola Saling to us

Lola Saling with Auntie Ramie (Papa's youngest sis)

Photos by the Gatpolintan Family

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Pastorcita Monton Mozar - My Super Lola

I remember my Lola Pasting to be very mellow and super generous. She was a very good wife and mother. And, of course, the best grandmother in the world. She is the type who'll sacrifice everything for her loved ones. My Mama and my aunties, shared with me, what she went through for the love of her life, her family and her kids. Learning about her story, made me admire her even more. She may have seemed meek, to the point of appearing weak. . . but she was not. By enduring all the hardships during the war and in raising the kids. . . by enduring the harsh judgments heaped upon her for being the second wife. . . by giving up her charmed life to be with the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Lola Pasting has shown us all that deep inside she was made of steel. She had a very strong heart and she knew how to fight and survive. And, inspite of everything that she had to put up with and all the struggles she had to go through, she never became a bitter person. Instead, she remained very loving and giving to her husband, her children, her relatives, her friends, and even to those who hated her. It's truly astounding to know someone like her, a woman who has the biggest heart there is. . . someone who knew no hatred. . . someone who only had love, understanding and care inside her.
I spent a lot of time with Lola when I was growing up in our home town in Mainit. At times, when I was in grade school, my Mama needed to fly to Manila to visit my Papa, Manang and Manongs, and she would leave me with Lolo Tonio and Lola Pasting. It was of course, always a pleasure. . . a grand vacation. When I was with her, it was always about me. . . what I wanted to eat, wear, watch, etc. She would always go out of her way to give in to my every whim. And, I was free to do whatever I want. No household chores. . . and I could play outside as long as I wanted. I was spoiled rotten. Truly every child's fantasy come true especially if you have a serious disciplinarian for a mother like mine. I only have fond memories of my Lola Pasting. Thinking about those good old days, always makes me miss her. Lola Pasting passed away when I was in college. It was heartbreaking for me and my siblings. We all cried buckets for the grandma who showered us with everything she got.
Auntie Leby with our dearest Lola Pasting
Photo by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Papa's Parents

Rosendo Yamson Gatpolintan and Rosalina Francisco Mordeno
Lolo Sendong and Lola Saling to us
Photo by the Gatpolintan Family
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Mama's Parents

Mr. Antonio Grecia Mozar and Pastorcita Monton Rosales(Yu)
Lolo Tonio and Lola Pasting to us
Photo by the Mozar Family
Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Rosendo Yamson Gatpolintan - My Lolo Sendong

The Lolo I Wish I Knew.

I heard a lot of anecdotes about my Papa's father, Lolo Sendong. He was the Kapampangan School Principal who went to the promise land, a.k.a. Mindanao, to teach. There, he fell in love with Rosalina, a native of Mainit, Surigao Del Norte. Later on, he also fell in love with Rosalina's home town and decided to settle and raise his family there. He was known to shout "Sinverguenza!"(meaning, "Shameless!" or more like, "Chickenshit!") when he gets dismayed or upset over something. My Papa and his siblings also remember him as a very doting father. He was always good-natured and generous. He took care of his family and made sure of providing them all their needs, to the point of spoiling his wife, Saling. He even helped out Lola Saling's family. Lolo Sendong was also known to be a food lover. They said that the Gatpolintan home was always abundant with food. . . and there was always an air of freedom. The kids were free spirited and encouraged to be themselves.
Lolo Sendong seemed like a very amiable and loving person. Too bad, we, the grandchildren never got to know him. He died of a Heart Attack at a very young age, probably because of his love for lechon and adobo. I wish I got to know him. I'm pretty sure, he would have also spoiled me to death if he was still alive while I was growing up.
Rosendo Yamson Gatpolintan
(as school principal)

Lolo Sendong at one of his sisters' wedding.

Photos by the Gatpolintan Family

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Antonio Grecia Mozar - My Lolo Tonio

Antonio Grecia Mozar
(as the first mayor of Mainit)
My Lolo Tonio, is the only grandfather that I got to know. He was a no nonsense man, an intellectual who knew a lot of things and about life, a great leader who had a very strong presence. He was a man who commanded respect and focus. There was something about him that exuded power and greatness. He had an air of authority about him and he was always fighting for what is right, just and fair. He was always known to be very strict and a strong disciplinarian. His children, all have the tales to share, all the things they had to endure under his corporal "Katsila(Castilian?)" style of raising his family. He was pretty hard with them that if his method be applied to kids nowadays, I'm pretty sure he'd be reported to Bantay Bata.
However, to us, his grandchildren, he was the gentlest and the sweetest! He was a great storyteller. I remember how as a young kid, I would sit on his lap and listen to bible stories, legends and his stories about the old days, as a young boy being a sacristan for Spanish friars who were also his teachers, his exploits as a young man, being an A-athlete (softball) in Mindanao, his travels to Davao, Agusan, Manila etc. and travails, the war, his guerilla days and how he got that bullet wound on his foot, as a young politician, his family, bothers, sisters, life in Mainit in early times, during the "logging"period , the "gold" period and so on and so forth. It was amazing to hear his stories. I wish I had some kind of a voice recorder during those times.
He was also deeply religious. He would lead us in praying the rosary at 4 or 5 in the morning, everyday(complete with singing of hymns, with Lola Pasting doing the "second voice"). At meals, he would assign one of the grandkids to lead us in saying grace before and after! On Sundays we always had to get up early and put on our Sunday's bests for the Lord's day. The whole family would all walk up to the church at the same time. So no sleeping in on Sundays and no one is to tarry and be late for the mass.
He was a wide reader and newsradio avid follower. He would be today's equivalent of a news and political junkie. He always had his transistor radio next to him and always tuned in to news and political commentaries. Auntie Leby and Auntie Elma supplied him with newspapers, Newsweek(or was it Asiaweek?), and Time magazines. He also read other books but mostly the Bible constantly. I remember him having this very old old bible(I think he gave it to Auntie Leby before he died) and also a New Testament in the Mamanwa language.
He also loved to debate and encouraged us to do so. At times, he would discuss social issues, and politics with me (he was fond of the late Sen. Ninoy Aquino). I was required to discuss it with him in English. He didn't care if it was "Carabao English," as long as I talk to him using that language. He was also fluent in Spanish and Mamanwa languages. He loved public speaking. We did not see him speak a lot in public anymore, as he was well into his retirement when we we're growing up. But even when he was already retired, young politicians would often consult him on speeches(aside from seeking his advice on political strategies). He took pleasure in coaching us how to deliver speeches and enthrall audiences. So at a very young age, I would be a "debater" or "speaker" with my Lolo. My Lolo Tonio was the very first person who opened my eyes to the world of analytical thinking. He was the very first person to make me voice out and speak up. He made me the opinionated person that I am today.
He was a people-person, the consummate politician(in the truest sense of the word). He was at his brightest and happiest when he was around a lot of people. People from all walks of life. He was just as comfortable when he was surrounded by Mamanwas (visiting his house bringing him gifts, ; my Lolo was revered as some kind of a champion of the tribe's welfare and recognition) as when he was with religious leaders or big-time politicians (I remember, the late Gov. Roling Geotina, for one) who always made it a point to pay him respect and visit him when they're in Mainit, even when Lolo was already retired from politics.
Above, all he was a loving Lolo. He lavished us with his immeasurable love and care, that it would be impossible to enumerate and describe all those loving moments and memories here. Suffice it to say that we never lacked in reminders and lessons on honesty and integrity; respect for other human beings even if they're of different color, religion, poltical belief, economic or political status; respect for elders; excellence in whatever you do; value for education; love of parents; love of country; simplicity and humility; sharing; fairness; love of nature.
As an aside, when my older siblings were still small, Lolo Tonio took them out to our backyard in our old home and with them planted each a coconut tree for all three of them. He told them that the trees will remind them of him even when he is already long gone. The coconut trees have grown big and to this day still stand witness to his love and always remind us how special our Lolo was and what a foresight he had!
When I was 8 years old, my Lolo Tonio, passed on to the next life. I cried a lot at the hospital in Surigao City where he had his last breath. It was a great loss for the whole family. And I remember the whole of Mainit mourned for his passing too. Personally, it was hard to lose a loving grandfather who has made so much impression to me and my siblings. But, I guess it was time for him to go. He was 86(?) years old. But I'm glad I had the chance to get to know my Lolo. It is a great honor and privelege to be his apo. I am truly proud to be a descendant of Antonio Grecia Mozar. I feel lucky to have his genes in me, knowing that I have a bit of my Lolo's greatness in me.

Lolo Tonio with Lola Pasting

Commanding attention at a Nacionalista Party convention(1957)

Boys Scouting (also in the picture is Uncle Maning Relliquette)

The doting Lolo, carrying my brother Randz on his shoulders

Lolo is pinning a ribbon on my brother Roland

Photos by the Mozar Family and Eden Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Mama's Family


The Family of Pastorcita Monton Rosales(Yu) and Antonio Grecia-Mozar
Fernando (Uncle Nanding), Eden(my Mama), Baby JR(Manong Roland), Elma(Auntie Elms), Leby(Auntie Titing), Antonio Jr.(Uncle Anton), Lola Pasting, Lolo Tonio, and Baby Rodena (Manang Bing)
Mama with her siblings and kids
(Uncle Nanding, Mama, Uncle Anton, Auntie Leby, Bing, JR, Auntie Elma)

The Mozars

(Papa, Mama, Ann(me!), Auntie Elma, Auntie Leby, Auntie Mely(Uncle Anton's wife), Baby Ailyn, Uncle Anton, Uncle Nanding, Manong Roland, Manong Randy, Lolo Tonio, Antonio III/Nonong, Lola Pasting, Manang Bing)

Photos by the Mozar Family

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Papa's Family

The Family of Rosalina Francisco Mordeno and Rosendo Yamson Gatpolintan
Top: Manang Rosing (the nanny), Lola Taray (great grandmother), Auntie Rina (papa's sis)
Center:Roger(my papa),Lola Saling(pregnant with Auntie Ramie),Lolo Sendong, Auntie Ruth(papa's sis)
Bottom: Uncle Onyot(papa's bro), Uncle Langlang(papa's bro)



Papa's Fam, this time with the youngest, Auntie Ramie

Uncle Raul "Langlang", Uncle Rosendo "Onyot", Auntie Rina, Lola Saling, Auntie Ruth, Auntie Ramie

( I don't know why Papa is not in the picture)

Photos by the Gatpolintan Family

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan