CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Poldo Rola, a grandfather who passed away
BENITO 'JONG' MOLINTAS Jr.

SAN JACINTO, California – One time after my afternoon work, I went alone to Ramona Bowl, a huge place to park, reflect or just listen to songs.

It is on top of the mountain overlooking San Jacinto City and Hemet City. It was an emotional moment for me when the line of the song reverberated “I surrender Lord. I surrender all.”

While I was listening to it, my aunt called me informing that Lolo Poldo Rola of Pasunglao, Tabuk, Kalinga died. Originally, they were from San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, who migrated in Kalinga.

They were the Ilocano pioneers of that place. He was the only “thorn” among the roses of my Lola Erlinda Rola-Molintas siblings. He was once in the military and modeled some of his grandchildren to become one.

I was not that acquainted with him since we left Tabuk when I was young. I was so young then when I last met him in Pasunglao. I gathered more information from my aunt Marilou about him which is an irony since I know more his grandchildren -- my cousins than him, like Engineeer Adolf Carbonel of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways in Baguio City and others.

Indeed, being the only man in the family, he acted as the father of his siblings when their father passed away. My lola Erlinda experienced how his brother Poldo managed the family. As a military man, his discipline was imposed on his children and children’s children that molded the Rolas.

Recalling the stories of my mom, I was reminded when she said, “Your lolo Poldo had an important role when your father died.” I don’t know exactly the details but as a relative, certainly his caring of his nephew’s family would always be treasured.

Maybe my family wasn’t able to attend the wake, since my mom can’t travel that long. Anyway, in behalf of them, I am extending our heartfelt condolences. How I wish I were in the Philippines to pay tribute to him. It is really hard missing a person whom we loved and who passed away with no words of farewell to all of us.

My avowal to the family he left. Despite their being far, I hope that the unity which I once saw, when I was there will be strengthened and would be a catalyst for our bonding even if we are apart and don’t have constant communication. Let my aunties and uncles in Tabuk hand over the tradition which our grandparents did for us, for the younger generation to look upon.

To lolo Poldo, we would like to extend our endless thanks to all the goodness you have done to us and we will always cherish those. In behalf of relatives in United States: Marilou Gamatero-Tumaliuan and family, from the bottom of our hearts -- our condolences.