RAIN OF FIRE

Flocervinia: A role model
CESAR G. BONILLA

No city or district is completely free of crime, but in progressive countries crime is manageable and when it does occur one can be sure of redness. The law enforcement forces are on the side of the victim. One can lodge a complaint without fear, be listened to and action will be taken. When peace and order reign, one can invite one’s friends from abroad to take a look at the country.

Tourists bring in money, which we need for our balance of payments. Or even better, one can invite friends as investors who are willing to bring in capital to make money but also to contribute to the industrialization of the country. Since we opened up the diplomatic door for sisterhood relationships with our neighboring countries, it is advisable to adapt some of their police measures in order to establish a very strong republic in the Far East.
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Summer is an opportune time to discover the natural gifts of God to man. But the heat, pollution and issues of corruption are stressing us out. To refresh one’s soul, one can visit Ilocandia which has a rich heritage with Spanish and Chinese influences accentuated with the rich culture of tribes of indigenous cultural communities. The Ilocos Region is comprised of the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

These are virtual museums with landmarks and historical structures of beautiful architecture -- a showcase of natural splendor, historical past and unique culture. It is highly recommended not only for those who love the outdoors, but who love the illustrious past. Ilocos Norte has popular beaches like Pagudpud and Currimao. It has also the ecotrails in Adams, sand dunes in Laoag City, world heritage site in Paoay and the historical places where deeds of heroes are available in archives and memorabilias made available for visiting tourists. ***
Just recently, tourists like couple William and Anna Lee enjoyed very much the history, culture and traditions of the Ilocanos. Being successful parents of a lady doctor and a lawyer, they have virtues worthy to be proud of by their children. They were impressed with the windmill farm in Bangui, and the 120 feet cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. The same sentiment was aired by other batch of tourists like engineer and Mrs. Ruben Ang , architect and Gerard Oliver Ang, pharmacist Geraldine “Jen-Jen” Ang and Melita James.

My thanks to provincial tourism officer Rene Guatlo for being supportive and accommodating, assistant provincial tourism consultant Joegie B. Jimenez for being hospitable, giving information about the whereabouts of this enigmatic and mysterious Kapurpurawan in his hometown of Burgos. It was the van owner and my tour companion Howard lee Mariano who brought out in us the enthusiasm to locate the place. My thanks to our foreign and local tourists.
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I would like to extend my condolence to the family and relatives of the late engineer Flocervinia Pascua Romosod-Munio who died April 8. She was an achiever since elementary being class valedictorian, an honor student and scholar at Mariano Marcos State University and a brilliant graduate of electrical engineering at MAPUA. During our elementary days, she was intelligent yet humble, with good manners unlike some of our classmates who were arrogant and mistreated their poor and helpless classmates.

Flocie was the exact opposite of those with negative traits, the reason, I guess why God had been generous to my classmate until the end of her journey on earth. She was born Jan. 14, 1968. A Capricorn, she was the daughter of a military man (Philippine Navy) and educator Florencio Romosod and wife Virginia Pascua-Romosod. Her loving brothers and sister are Joey (and his wife Adela), Alma, Allan and Omar. Flocie is gifted with loving husband Francisco Munio. They were blessed with two children, Rencio Francisco, 3 and Luis Francisco, three months old. After her college education and being a full-pledged engineer, she worked immediately at INNO Data Processing Company, Mitsubidhi, Zastec Philippines, Eurolux, Philip Trigon, Convergys-Mla as a call center agent. Being charitable, God-centered and gifted with philanthropic heart, Flocervinia indeed, was a role model in the community.

With this noble tribute to a good classmate of mine, Flocie will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of all the people who valued and cherished her friendship. Pray for us, Flocie. In the Kingdom of the Almighty God, may you find peace and joy and let the light of Jesus Christ be your paradise of love and glory.