“HOME is a place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back.” Rudy Concepcion, in his younger years, left Saravia (now E.B. Magalona) to find out what God has prepared for him in America.
Determination, hard work, faith in God... and a dream for fortune made him a master of his own destiny alongside with his loving and dedicated wife, Nieva (a doctor of medicine). That impassioned love for each other gifted them with three talented children who grew up with American dream for success and Filipino value for kindness.
In the PAL Interclub Golf Tournament held in Cagayan de Oro in the 1980s, Rudy met Jimmy Golez of Silay and started a friendship that developed close ties between the Concepcion-Golez families. Rudy and his group of doctors and nurses were also here in Silay last year for a medical mission of impressive value.
For the year 2019, Rudy and Nieva, their three children, the grandchildren and some relatives decided to have their vacation in the Philippines to be climaxed with their visit in Silay and other places in Negros. There were 27 of them... and they spent a one-week Christmas break in El Nido, Palawan. On December 27, they were all here in Negros, ‘the land of sweet surprises.’ The Concepcions stayed at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod. On December 28, Rudy and Nieva celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and it was also the birthday of Rosalyn, their daughter.
Jimmy Golez cordially requested yours truly to be a resource person for them in their cultural tour wherein I would showcase the potentials of our hometown Silay and the best of Negros. This group of ‘balik-bayan’ and enthusiastic tourists could bring back good impressions when they return to Washington, DC.
Here we go! Upon arrival, they were given a warm welcome by Mayor Mark Golez who is also a good friend of Rudy. An excursion in Patag was memorable... a river crossing going to the waterfalls, a visit at the organic farms, a view of SORETA facilities and a trek to the hills made all of them look forward to a sumptuous Filipino lunch prepared by Tess (wife of Jimmy).
They ended their day at the fantastic Resorts Negrense of Nene Rojas (another friend of Rudy) in Sum-ag where everybody enjoyed the splash at the foot-shape swimming pool, kid-chase in the playground and again...there was an unforgettable dinner featuring the best of Negrense cuisine at “sala grande” ballroom.
The rest of the days were spent in many ways... the boys played golf, the kids had fun in Campuestuhan, and the ladies went out shopping. Some even attended a portion of Rizal Day Celebration, made a jaunt at the Silay Christmas Village and a visit to Silay City Hall to pay a courtesy call with Mayor Mark in his office.
On December 30, a barrio fiesta Christmas dinner was hosted by Jimmy and Tess at the Silay Civic Center that featured the world-renowned Kabataang Silay Rondalla and the kid folk dancers. Silay is known for its hometown food and delicacies. The Concepcions enjoyed the gustatory delights. Their grandchildren offered cash Christmas gifts to the young cultural ambassadors of Silay.
Important places were not missed. There was a guided tour at the Hawaiian-Philippine Co. (sugar mill) where the visitors saw how sugar is made. There was also a special trip to the muscovado mill, mountain of sugar bodega, and a rare opportunity to taste the manager’s rum. We also visited Msgr. Guillermo Gaston in his manor at Hda.Sta.Rosalia. The accommodating Msgr. G.G. gave an explanation about the ‘sui generis’ (unique) Chapel of Cartwheels.
We say thank you for the visit and kindness to Rudy, Nieva and the children...Carolyn, Rudy Jr., Rosalyn...to their spouses and children. Mabuhay!