A Loving Tribute: Thank You Mr. Palafox

By Chelit Bataclan (4/2012)

Friday, March 24th, promises to be another sunny day and the weather is fine.   The sky is blue, until what looks like rain clouds hovering above.   Suddenly, lo and behold it was a heavy downpour in March!  What luck!   Some parts of Metropolis get flooded easily and the inevitable traffic can be so bad, the usual scenario when the ground is drenched with water.   I wonder if people will come but at the same time bursting with hope that they all will.

We have whipped up a farewell party for a special person. We didn’t have enough time to plan and prepare so I was hopeful we could pull this through, even if I considered it duck soup.  And thank God we did!  It turned out to be one memorable, pleasant and enjoyable despedida for that someone we were honoring, and for everyone concerned as well.

It was a good number of attendees who brought appetizing dishes, cakes, pastries, wine and soda pop.  They also brought their youthful smiles, their warm and carefree selves, laughter and loads of fun.
How do you say goodbye to a person who has become such a good friend because his persona alone is endearing and likeable.  Although goodbye doesn’t mean forever knowing we’ll see each other again someday, but then again, letting go of something so nice is a hard thing to do.

I was caught in my own reverie, out of hibernation mode and became sentimental about this party.  I anticipated it to be something truly special for an equally special person, so he has a reason to remember us all with fondness – (:-D smile ).

Meeting Manny Palafox, Jr.  41 years later, brought me back to 1969, to a vivid scene of a party at home.  He wanted to dance with me, but instead I asked him to entertain and dance with my cousin (she has polio), which he did for the rest of the evening without nary a complaint.  What a kind-hearted guy!   To this day, his mere act of selflessness inspires me to strive to be better person like him.

Due to renovation being done in the Legacy Room, we used the Audio-Visual Room (AVR) for our venue.  Manny’s favorite color is yellow, and the AVR was painted yellow; for me, that was like a prediction that the party was going to be a success.  Abe Espiritu, Leo Valmorida and myself  went there  early to decorate the hall with yellow balloons, with a tarpaulin (where batchmates would later sign and write their messages), to set up a  table covered with a pretty table cloth (which was later laden with delicious food), and to set up the chairs.   The flat screen TV and sound system came much later.

The honoree arrived early, bringing with him a big basket of Bico.  Other batchmates started coming in, the rain wasn’t a hindrance after all.   Divin and Jimmy Juco surprised us with their presence, as well as Julio Tabije who rarely attends such occasion.  The opening prayer was led by Cristy Icatar,  who also co-emceed the program, followed by the welcome remarks of our newly elected president, Lorna Callanta. 

After a sumptuous dinner, we started the ball rolling with a song number by the members of the Model Platoon serenading Manny with one of his favorite tunes, “The Wonder of You”. 
Participants had fun playing the “Guessing Manny’s Favorites-Multiple choice” game.   Josie Absolon won this round to the question, “Who is Manny’s favorite solo artist?” – Michael Franks was the answer.  Now we know.

I also fondly remember Manny in high school playing the “Sipa” while walking down the street.   So it was just befitting to include it in our entertainment.  Alas, however, most participants could hardly kick  the Sipa to three strokes - blame it to added years cum aging bones. (laughter here).  But enthusiasm and staying young at heart is something years cannot take away from us, plus the “wanting to re-live the way we were and the fun we had “factor.  Shrieks of laughter now filled the musty room, yet, no one minded the heat and humidity.

The “Flash Card” with Manny’s name and corresponding adjectives and/or nouns to describe him was a loving tribute by his batchmates headed by Dorri Santos and finished up by Cecille Cabuhat.  It was a touching segment and they all showed Manny how much they appreciate, respect and like him.   I guess if you are a softie, you can get teary eyed in this portion.  Surge of emotions filled my heart, because they did a really good job with their kind and loving words.

The last game was “Spelling MPJ”, Manny’s initials, by dancing the letters, which was Dorothy Faulan’s idea to include in the program.  It turned out to be the most rowdy, hilarious and boisterous segment.  Each one exhibited their acts, their bumps and grinds with so much zest and childlike gusto, everyone went a-gaga over it. 

Giving credit to each participant like Chuchi Estanislao - we laughed at her appealing tactics; Lorna did it-ballroom style; Dorothy did the small letters thingie.  And then it was Malou Domingo’s turn; she was a revelation!  Her bumps and grinds tickled our funny bones.  She was declared the winner!  An undisputed decision.   It‘s an amusing thing to see batchmates come out of their shells and pull their hair down for gaiety’s sake and all, just to give Manny a send-off party worth remembering.

Wina Illusorio, Manny’s neighbor on Bignay Street, emailed her thoughts and anecdotes which Malou read and other short messages from batchmates abroad.  Lanie Reodica related happy and memorable stories of their friendship way back on the same street.

Everyone became serious as we all gathered closely to sing the song, “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You” over Jose Mari Chan’s voice.  Someone said that she almost got choked up with tears, but somehow managed to contain her feelings.  For a while it was a touching scene, good thing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” immediately followed it.  We all held our glasses up high to toast and cheer the auditor who became our President (and absolutely did a good job at it), who led us to the now most cherishable Grand Reunion in February.

How do you say goodbye?  You can say it in many languages: Tata Hooroo, Ciao,  Auf  Wiedersehen,  Aloha, Adios- Hasta La Vista, Sayonara,  Arrivederci, Adieu/Au Revoir and Paalam.  But really for now, let me just say thank you: Arigato, Mahalo, Denkesehen, Merci Beaucoup, Muchas Gracias, Salamat – to you, Mr. Manuel Palafox, Jr,  for sharing and bringing such joy to our hearts and setting  good example of how a leader should be. 

You made me stick it out when I was about to give up during all our strenuous and stressful Grand Reunion preparations.  Your encouragement, morale boosting and sensible and sound advices, made me rise up to the challenges that beset me and turned out victorious!

Sydney is your new home now, Mr. ex-President, I’m pretty sure that she will be good to you.  May she open many opportunities to you, new experiences and higher level of endeavors, to make you enjoy every minute of your life there.  Seize all the possibilities which will be uniquely yours, bearing in mind that we all wish you the very best.  Our prayers and love go with you to guide your path every step of the way.

Kuya Boyet, as some of us affectionately call you, here’s the song we sang and I believe it’s very appropriate for you.  Carry with you all the wonderful souvenirs; may happy thoughts of our togetherness linger in your heart and promise to think of us too.  You will surely be missed, but hopefully, we will see you again one day soon.  Thanks a lot for the memories!

       May the good Lord bless and keep you,
       Whether near or far away
May you find that long awaited golden day today
May your troubles be just small ones
And your fortune ten times ten.
May the good Lord bless and keep you
Till we meet again                        
May you walk the sunlight shining
Hear the song bird in every tree
May there’ll be a silver lining back of every cloud you see
Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows
Never mind what might have been
May the good Lord bless and keep YOU
Till we meet again.

A belated account  of Manny Palafox Despedida Gig held at the RMCHS Grounds.