A wedding and a funeral
Prestoline Sistoza Suyat, Kilusang Mayo Uno spokesperson, former College Editors Guild of the Philippines president (two terms), and former University of the East Dawn editor in chief (tikatik) took a bride last March 28. He married the very lovely Aya of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. Yan ang batayang alyansa!
The Catholic rites were held at the Sta. Teresita Church near Welcome Rotunda—a walking distance away from the historic Basilio Street abode where many a YS meeting and EDs took place. This is the area where Presto grew up (medyo).
It’s a wonder these two found time to get married in the midst of social crises grinding us to dust. But, as I always say, love conquers.
Syanga pala, aherm, Best Man ako. Originally, a decade or so back, I volunteered just to be the fotog.
As with most weddings, some cried.
Seconds before the entourage was to march towards the altar, I already saw Mama Pepay’s—sorry, Pepsi’s—eyes misting. By the time the dear mom was marching along with her two sons, it was practically a Maria Cristina Falls already. While we stood watching Aya marching down the aisle, grabe na. Victoria Falls talaga.
(Unfortunately, Pom was seated too far back to snap a clear photo of Pepsi. I would have it framed! While driving the family back to Maia Alta in Antipolo, I was having a good time needling her about it.)
During the reception’s program—which surprised the bride—Aya cried when Presto recited his poem to her. Okey, we have known Presto to turn sappy (extra thick) when he writes love poems or songs, but she was so touched she cried. So in love, so happy.
Not all Guilders Presto wanted to be there were able to make it. Bayan Muna staffmembers had to work for Ka Satur’s release (ninong si SO, but of course wasn’t able to attend, along with Ka Bel and Ka Rey Casambre). But three CEGP presidents were there: Ronalyn Olea, Ruth Cervantes and Teddy Casiño. Secretary generals were there too, including two who served during Presto’s terms—Cherry “Ako’y Anakpawis” Clemente and Jazminda "Ako’y Ibon" Lumang-Buncan. I don’t know if Mai Gile and Mao Hermitanio became SecGens but they were there too. Syempre, may Dawners ding pumunta—that proud and loyal bunch.
Speaking of Mao, KMU’s most eligible bachelorette ended up with the bridal bouquet. Everyone had a hearty laugh over that.
Boss P is now married. He is soon to be a father. Some good things still happen in this country.
= = = = = =
The other day, I belatedly learned Luzviminda V. Galang died. She succumbed from her liver cancer diagnosed only this year. (Parang si Ka Jeng Crisostomo all over again.)
Two weeks ago, I learned Minda was already weak from her illness. The news made me weak then. The news of her death made me profoundly sad.
One of the things I am most grateful of in my seven years as Alliance of Concerned Teachers spokesperson and later secretary general is to know and work with old teacher-leaders like Minda.
She was a character. While other female teacher-leaders spoke in rallies in Batibot-like manner, Minda hated minching words. And she always reserved the most colorful language for education officials and Malacañang. If we were not careful and gave her bullshit, she let us have a taste of them, too. It was always a pleasure to let journalists interview her as she dished certified quotables everytime. It did not hurt that she looked like Ms Tapia, albeit a militant-looking one. Thick glasses, thin frame and fingers perpetually caked with chalkdust.
But, young as I was when I presented myself to her as the new ACT spokesperson in 1997, I never felt she looked down on me because of my age. She listened and asked questions. And shared many a smoke with me. And this was an old teacher (she was 47, I was 25 and a teachers’ movement newbie) who was already a former Manila Public School Teachers Association president. It was such a happy day when she cast her political lot with ACT again, and chose us over dear friends who were at the other side of the fence.
Before I left ACT, Minda and I could share jokes like old friends—usually at the expense of Benjie Valbuena. During boring meetings, we would find each other in a school corner fumbling for a lighter and a smoke.
At the time of her death, Minda was concurrent president of the Philippine Public School Teachers’ Association-NCR and the MPSTA, the two biggest teachers’ organizations in Metro Manila. She was also ACT National Council and a Gabriela member.
As hundreds of teachers celebrated Minda’s life on her wake’s last night at the Rajah Soliman High School in Tondo, a KGM wreath stood closest to her coffin.
Mahusay at matapat na Kasamang Minda, mabuhay ka!
