TIA VITA Lungay Lim, a retired educator, a well-respected and strong matriarch originating from the Brigido-Carmen-Hilario aka Idong-Mameng-Ayong Lungay subclan of the massive Alay-Ano Clan, another family chronicler belonging only to the leagues of Ninang Nimia Lungay – the first-ever clan historian and archivist, shared with us the history of the clan during the 47th Alay-Ano Clan Reunion held on December 28, 2024, in Tagbilaran City.
First, let us get to know my great grandparents on the Lungay side: “Alay” and “Ano.” Alay (pronounced A.láy – emphasis on the ‘láy’) is the moniker for Evarista Aleman while Ano (pronounced A.nô – emphasis on the ‘nô’) is the nickname of Luciano Lungay, our revered ancestors, whose roots originate in the town of Balilihan, in the island-province of Bohol.
And now from the pen of Tia Vita:
“January 3, 1976, marked the start of the first Alay-Ano clan reunion. It has been forty-seven long years since the conception of the clan reunion, and we have faithfully carried the noble tradition strengthening the bond and fellowship among the grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren of Alay-Ano.”
“The yearly reunions, broken only during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, and the following year, provide the descendants a clear track of our roots and the humble, intelligent, fun-loving, and industrious beginnings of our clan – Alay-Ano.”
I am sure my cousins have their own recollections of the first-ever reunion as do I. I was in Grade 3 then and was spending Christmas – as usual – with my grandparents, Crescencio Lungay and Pateria Calope in Balilihan, Bohol, hence my presence at the historical Alay-Ano clan reunion that year. I would say I formed part of the history, haha!
“Two sons of Alay-Ano initiated the reunion: Mayor Hilario ‘Ayong’ Lungay of Catigbian, Bohol, and Manoy Esteban Lungay, an active school headteacher. Being both visionaries, they thought of gathering their five living brothers: Flaviano, Constancio, Timoteo, Tomas, and Crescencio – my grandfather, and two living sisters: Genoveva and Sofia. They were all nine siblings,” Tia Vita explained.
“On that memorable day, on January 3, 1976, all nine siblings, together with their spouses, children, and grandchildren congregated at the residence of Esteban and Felomina Lungay in Balilihan, Bohol. Aptly, Manoy Esteban Lungay – being one of two visionaries – hosted the historical reunion in his residence. As we progressed with our yearly gatherings, it was agreed by the general assembly during the 10th annual reunion, to move the observance of the clan reunion to the last Saturday of every December, thus, on December 31, 1985, the new schedule commenced,” Tia Vita recounted.
In 1985, I was in third year college, however for the life of me, I could not remember where it was held! I can only recall one clan reunion organized at our Sales residence one December, decades ago.
“From the humble beginnings of this ordinary couple, the clan has produced professionals – educators, foremost; nurses; engineers; bankers; accountants; lawyers; doctors; architects; artists; public servants; among others, from generation to generation; a trademark of the culture of excellence that keeps this clan solidly together,” Tia Vita proudly states.
“Guided by Tatay Ano’s life philosophy: ‘To give education to their children rather than acquire material wealth,’ the best legacy they have left behind can be seen through the achievements and lives of their descendants,” Tia Vita enthused.
From her repository, Tia Vita revealed that Alay was the daughter of Martesana Calope and Claudio Aleman. Her siblings were Cristito, Fermin, Edorejes, and Pelagio. The family eventually migrated to Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, leaving behind Evarista (Alay), to take care of and propagate their property. Soon after, Alay married Ano and gave birth to fourteen children. Meanwhile, Ano was the grandson of Cirilo Lungay aka Capitan Siroy and Gregoria Silagan (Oyeng).
“Alay-Ano together had fourteen children – eleven reached adulthoods, two died during infancy, while one was miscarried. The children, from eldest to youngest: Flaviano-Serapia Madanguit; Constancio-Maria Chatto; Brigido-Carmen Racho; Timoteo-Damiana Tumarao; Hilario-Carmen Racho; Claudio; Tomas-Aurea Racho; Esteban-Filomena Madera; Leonarda; Baltazar-Felipa Bugas; Genoveva-Rafael Batifora, Genoveva-Filemon Paca; Sofia-Joaquin Matig-a; and Cresencio-Pateria Calope.”
In ending, Tia Vita threw a challenge to the huge Alay-Ano lot:
“I challenge you all clan members to hold high the banner we fly: Be the best of whatever you are!”
From the original Alay-Ano beginnings, the succeeding subclans have also evolved: FLASER (Flaviano-Serapia); CONSMARI (Constancio-Maria); IMAC (Brigido-Carmen-Hilario aka Idong-Mameng-Ayong); Esteban-Baltazar; AQUISOF (Joaquin-Sofia); and CRESPAT (Crescencio-Pateria). Remarkable stories are just waiting to be written from the succeeding subclans, but it is up to the chroniclers to decide when to send their narratives, so we can weave them into an inspiring family story.
From the Alay-Ano Clan, we wish the whole country a blessed New Year 2025. May good prevail over evil; kindness over unkindness; generosity over selfishness; love of country over apathy; love for good governance over tyranny; and most of all, love of God, from whom all blessings flow.
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The writer hosts Woman Talk with Belinda Sales every Saturday, 10 a.m. at 91.1 Balita FM Tagbilaran City. Momentarily, Woman Talk is taking a short break. Email at belindabelsales@gmail.com. X @ShilohRuthie./PN
