DURING the death anniversary of our family’s matriarch last December 17, Fr. Bernard OCD, the only priest in the family commented that there is hardly any connection among the younger generations, much less knowing their roots. Most who usually attend these gatherings belong to the third and fourth generations. However, the fifth, sixth, and seventh generations are not even aware that they are blood relations. Women lose their family names upon marriage. As the line goes down with more marriages and new family names surface and the generic name is forever lost.
The plan was to have a reunion of the blue line which we never had or if there was, that must have been a hundred years ago.
The idea did not bear fruit until a month before the decided date. As her birthday falls on July 15, we decided that the one-day reunion be held on the 17th, a Sunday. With an initial meeting handled by a core group, we made an announcement through Facebook and email. A page was created and all blue family members were invited to join the page and the membership swelled as more members threw in names.
We involved the fifth and sixth generations whose young minds were just overflowing with fresh ideas. Thank you so much Nicola, Ginny, Luigi, Marissa, Inah, Anne, Tedi and the many more who put their hearts and souls into this reunion.
Savvy with technology, they decided on a logo that would represent this particular family line. Many interpretations were made to define the family’s roots, its thrust, its lifeblood.
There were 14 sugarcane stalks to represent the 14 children as well as the industry the family is engaged in. The tree is symbolic of family, productivity or good fortune, security, and blessings from nature. And of course, you can think of it as a family tree.
The lizard symbolizes survival, being able to adapt to challenges or situations one is faced with. It also means instinctiveness, hence, being able to move or make decisions according to particular conditions. It also means wisdom and good luck.
The olive tree branches at the sides symbolize peace, both harmony at home and brotherhood towards neighbors. In relation to Christianity, the olive tree is also known as the “tree of life,” its oil representing holy anointing by the Holy Spirit. Again, each olive branch has 14 leaves, still representing the 14 lines in our family.
So aside from just chichatting, what were we to do on reunion day? The program committee decided to feature the lives of the 14 children. So the hunt started looking for photos of the 14. It was like going on a scavenger’s hunt. Pictures were aplenty mostly eroded or flashed out. There was the task to identify them, too. For some of us who have been a part of their lives, we saw them as old and gray. But the photos exuded men and women of grace and elegance. It was only when you take a third or fourth look that you realize that despite the vague recollection, there are indeed facial traces that are projected over time.
Tarpaulins of the 14 children were made with a short history of each. And to further highlight their stories, a skit was performed on each of them. Initially, the idea was an “apo” will talk about their lolo and lola. However, on such a short notice, plus the dearth of thespians in the family, three days before reunion day, students from San Agustin were cast to play the role of the 14 children. Despite the short preparation, the students performed great.
Tito Niting Kilayko, a third generation descendant, in his welcome address called it a “snap” reunion with barely a month of preparation. Even the day’s emcees Bambi Gamban and Cidni Mapa were just notified the day before.
It turned out to be a great reunion. With very low expectations of a rushed gathering, everyone had the surprise of their lives. The most surprising element was the attendance. We were looking at a high of 150, considering the short notice but on the eve of the reunion, the registration numbered 263.
Reunions grand or small are the best way of reconnecting family members. Family despite the distance and generation always have a way of finding themselves back to their roots.