Lolo "Buddha" Hector Hipe

Uncle Hector Hipe with Kathlyn Gatpolintan, Toffee Mozar-Carcellar, and Kyla Gatpolintan

(May 2004)

Uncle Hector is the husband of Auntie Ramie(the youngest sister of Papa). He is our "waray waray uncle." As the former Mayor of Catubig, Samar, he was known to be strict but always fair and just. He has a reputation of being a serious disciplinarian as a leader, as a father and even as a doctor. He doesn't tolerate incompetence and he pretty much shows it if he does not approve of something. Nobody could ever bully him. And, no one ever dares to pick a fight with him. He's a tough one to beat. He is a very good ally but also a very bad enemy.

He is a no nonsense-person whose humor is infectious. During family gatherings, he is a joy to be around with. He is always jolly and fun. I especially enjoy his karaoke performances and his "hirits." He is also very fond of the kids who in turn love him and love to play with him. Uncle is someone who's tough and strong but definitely has a "softie" big heart inside (especially with the grandkids).

Uncle Hector is currently in Mainit, serving as the community doctor at the health center (and Auntie Ramie is the physician counterpart at the adjacent Medicare Hospital). This is part of his and Auntie Ramie's promise to help Papa in improving the delivery of health care in Mainit. Kudos to both of them for their commitment and sacrifice. They could have chosen to work in the big cities where they could be earning more money and be with their children at the same time . But they chose to go where their services are valued and needed most - in "less-doctored" areas like Mainit. Nowadays, doctors like them, are hard to find. In my book, as dedicated rural physicians, they are two of the few unsung heroes of the country.

Thanks also to their children, Howell, Ricci and Jan Hero (amazingly down to earth, hardworking and fab cuzins), for being such good sports and for being very understanding and supportive of their parents' decision to serve in Mainit and for being willing to share their parents' time with the people of Mainit.

Photo by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan

Posted by Ann Mozar Gatpolintan