You have left footprints with your dreams,
Your visions of Zamboanga,
Of Basilan, Jolo's sunbeams;
Mindanao's flora and fauna.
You went away with the lifeblood
Circulating in our strong veins,
With a smile on your face as you trod
Along the uncanny terrains.
Gentle hug that exudes friendships.
This sincere and lasting tribute,
Of love from the heart and the lips,
A hand that gives you a salute.
I found you a sincere, dear friend
In my odd world of wanderlust,
Of the islands that you have gained
Their support, their love, and their trust.
This handwritten letter that grips
Great heart and mind with an aura
Of affections and of friendships:
Abe Sappal, Barjamin Jubaira,
Rommel Corro, Ceasar Aquino
Zamboanga -this rings a bell;
Ibrahim Albar, Reid Tallow,
PMC's Rodolfo Canivel.
Dave Reyes' friendly persuasion
Of Claret College vacancy
Taking the bar is your mission
Manila is not far away.
I came to Basilan to teach
Instead, you let me cherish life
The yarn beyond Malassa beach
Of unity, of love sans strife.
The bond was a bloodless compact
Of God, country, and people.
The mighty press and love's impact
Guide us to be out of trouble.
You are a fighter like "Christine"
In the land of blessing and grace.
A bamboo of love will be seen;
Perched on its branch, a dove of peace.
You will feel the breeze of freedom
As the vinta sails on the calm sea,
In the cool of the night the drum
Beats the sound of mercy and plea.
This land is yours to till and settle.
You have fought for it for some reasons
And this will be known by the people
That you stood firm in all the seasons.
The day turned into a lovely night
On the island the turtles' asleep;
While the birds of prey were in flight
School of fish undisturbed in the deep.
You left a seed of love to grow
For your endeared posterity
Watered by island springs to flow
And anchor into eternity.
Farewell, my friend, the learned one!
(N.B.) On Dec. 11, 1979, Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung, took the oath of office as Chairman of the Regional Executive Council- the highest public official of Western Mindanao. On Nov. 22, 1986, he was gunned down by an assassin's bullet at Hotel Aurelio in Ermita, Manila, Philippines.
I met Bob Tugung at the Claret College of Isabela, in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippines when he took a leave of absence in preparation for his bar examination. I filled up his vacated position through the information of his friend, Mr. Dave Reyes of Bongao, Sulu, Philippines, whom I met in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines during my first teaching stint in high school and college at the Philippines Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu. Bob, then, became my best friend and like a brother instilled in my psyche' the quintessence of life, brotherhood, neighborliness, and trust. Bob Tugung is companionable, compassionate, a prolific writer, and a powerful speaker.( Greg In. Trabanca)
Ibrahim Albar, Reid Tallow,
PMC's Rodolfo Canivel.
Dave Reyes' friendly persuasion
Of Claret College vacancy
Taking the bar is your mission
Manila is not far away.
I came to Basilan to teach
Instead, you let me cherish life
The yarn beyond Malassa beach
Of unity, of love sans strife.
The bond was a bloodless compact
Of God, country, and people.
The mighty press and love's impact
Guide us to be out of trouble.
You are a fighter like "Christine"
In the land of blessing and grace.
A bamboo of love will be seen;
Perched on its branch, a dove of peace.
You will feel the breeze of freedom
As the vinta sails on the calm sea,
In the cool of the night the drum
Beats the sound of mercy and plea.
This land is yours to till and settle.
You have fought for it for some reasons
And this will be known by the people
That you stood firm in all the seasons.
The day turned into a lovely night
On the island the turtles' asleep;
While the birds of prey were in flight
School of fish undisturbed in the deep.
You left a seed of love to grow
For your endeared posterity
Watered by island springs to flow
And anchor into eternity.
Farewell, my friend, the learned one!
(N.B.) On Dec. 11, 1979, Ulbert Ulama "Bob" Tugung, took the oath of office as Chairman of the Regional Executive Council- the highest public official of Western Mindanao. On Nov. 22, 1986, he was gunned down by an assassin's bullet at Hotel Aurelio in Ermita, Manila, Philippines.
I met Bob Tugung at the Claret College of Isabela, in Isabela City, Basilan, Philippines when he took a leave of absence in preparation for his bar examination. I filled up his vacated position through the information of his friend, Mr. Dave Reyes of Bongao, Sulu, Philippines, whom I met in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines during my first teaching stint in high school and college at the Philippines Muslim College, Jolo, Sulu. Bob, then, became my best friend and like a brother instilled in my psyche' the quintessence of life, brotherhood, neighborliness, and trust. Bob Tugung is companionable, compassionate, a prolific writer, and a powerful speaker.( Greg In. Trabanca)
