“DO not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day
Rage, rage against the dying of the light”
TO me, nong Nonong (Dr. Andresito Millamena) was a light. I could not find someone who sticks close like a brother. One morning, about 6 a.m. during my morning routine walk around the campus of Central Philippine University, I saw a man in his 60s wearing a glass with yellow and blue shirt, the shirt of the university alumni. He did not know me yet, but I still greeted him when I passed by.
He was hesitant to retort. But he could have asked later who I was—a faculty of the university. So a few days after that, during the same routine, he asked me about my background.
One time, he could have observed me somewhere at the Alumni Promenade doing my Passhoi Sho karate form and kicks. I glimpsed his eyes looking from afar.
From that moment on, he usually asks me to walk with him every time we see each other in the morning exercise.
I could hardly believe I won nong Nonong’s heart. He then became a loyal friend and father figure.
This does not always happen. Few faculty members of Central Philippine University (CPU) can talk, much more befriend, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees.
Nong Nonong was an exception. Not like a wealthy businesswoman. When she attended the opening of my art exhibit, she said, “You know, I am notches higher than you in rank, but I took several steps just to come to you.”
In my mind, I said, “What?!”
Nong Nonong, in comparison, did not make me feel conscious about my status, although he was more distinguished than that former dean. He was a Distinguished Alumni Awardee of CPU before he became a trustee of CPU. He received scholarships, honors, and awards here and abroad. Foremost of his distinction is his appointment to the Research Board of Advisors and Governing Board of Editors of the American Biographical Institute in North Carolina. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees of CPU.
Among others, we distributed Bibles in schools through the Gideons International.
While many friends care on a superficial level, nong Nonong was different. He went to the opening of my solo exhibits at UP in the Visayas Art Gallery and the Museo Iloilo. Fortunately, my paintings and sculptures amazed him and he bought one. He was one of my few friends whom I gave a bigger painting. I also gifted him with a fish sculpture made of nails and wood. Nong Nonong celebrated with me at the Hotel Del Rio when two institutions conferred me with an honorary doctorate degree among the seven Ilonggos.
During one celebration in the house of a friend in Jaro, he noticed me standing alone on a porch thinking deep with lowered shoulders. He came and stood nearby. We did not utter a word, but I got the eloquent message.
One advice I received from nong Nonong was I should build my tribe.
When I came back to Bohol for good, I did not anymore see nong Nonong personally. But two years later, I went back to Iloilo City to attend a conference, and we arranged a meetup at Max restaurant. Upon meeting, he hugged me. When I was about to go, nong Nonong seemed emotional. I didn’t know it was our last goodbye.
I may not have attended nong Nonong’s wake in September 2020, but here is my tribute.
I still know our morning walks will no longer be with palm trees and buildings. We will stroll one day with crowns of life, no more teary memories – there with gem-studded streets.
Farewell and happy hopping, nong Nonong.
