OVER the weekend, we drove comfortably to Talibon, Bohol to visit my Sales family relations who are residents of this progressive coastal town in the quaint island-province of Bohol. From where we first hit the road, it took us two hours to reach Talibon. It was a relaxing trip and good for the soul – as usual – considering that the last time I went to Talibon was in 2009 when I was still serving the power industry with office based in Cebu City and we had to cover several places in one day! This was also the year that Papa, former Bohol Third District Boardmember and lawyer Isabelo M. Sales, Jr. passed away, which earlier on was the deciding factor why I accepted the job in Cebu – so I can get closer to him as his health had begun to deteriorate.
For a historical revisit, “Talibon derived its name from the word ‘talibong’ which means bolo or spear, the most common household implement in olden times.” According to a government website, “Christianization of Talibon started long before the arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1565. This was gleaned from the archival research of Rev. Fr. Jose Maria S. Luengo, PhD., priest historian and founder of the Mater Dei College of Tubigon, Bohol. In 1852, a permanent church was constructed now known as the Most Holy Trinity Cathedral.”
Back to the pleasurable and comforting weekend in Talibon, I was able to visit the birthplace of the most illustrious son of Bohol, the late President Carlos P. Garcia (CPG), in Sitio Luy-a, Barangay San Augustin, also in Talibon. With CPG, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines, the municipality of Talibon gained its unique space in history as the birthplace of the greatest Boholano ever born.
My aunt, educator Marcelina “Marcing” Auxtero Sales, PhD, who currently serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Talibon Polytechnic College brought me to the well-maintained Carlos P. Garcia Monument and Park; however, it is unfortunate that cruel Odette blew the sculpture away from its rightful place. Still, I am happy to have stepped on the lot. Adjacent houses whose owners are friends of my aunt said that the statue was rescued for future restoration. That’s good to know.
The Garcia house in Talibon isn’t there anymore although there’s a Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House in Tagbilaran City which I had explored in January 2020.
Why the actual visit? There’s nothing like authenticity in one’s story. It’s the best resource for a writer. I also learned that every November 4th, birthday of the former president, the huge space across the park hosted activities to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Commemorations were not done during the two-year pandemic, but it is hoped that this year, commemorative activities will be revived. It must be exciting to watch the event come Nov. 4, 2022! Perhaps I could actually visit and see it up close and personal.
I also made sure to visit the public market and “Bagsakan” since I have been to Baclayon mercado several times, and like any curious citizen, I wanted to compare prices.
I also checked Katedral ng Talibon. Who wouldn’t want to visit these Bohol churches, huh! These imposing church structures are a window into Byzantine and Romanesque architecture. Truly a gem!
I want to thank Auntie Marcing who encouraged me to visit the birthplace of CPG way back in January 2020 even before COVID-19 afflicted our country, my cousin, Junmar “Tata” A. Sales II and wife Brendalou Millan Yosores, kids Phoebe Anne, Tiffany Grace, and Abigail Joyce for graciously hosting us in Talibon. Thank you also Theter Auxtero for the delicious food served during mealtime. Of course, Auntie and Cousin Tata helped in the preparations. Auntie Marcing is the wife of Papa’s first cousin, my late Uncle Atanasio “Jun” Madrio Sales, Jr. of Valencia, Bohol.
Before we left Talibon, I bought some fish and vegetables for my aunts in Balilihan and Baclayon. If only the fish and vegetables in Talibon were as affordable as anywhere else in the province, Boholanos will be definitely happy.
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Food for Thought
There’s always family! No matter what phase in life you are, in the triumphs or upheavals, just remember there’s always family. Let’s enjoy their presence; let’s celebrate their kindness.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
