20 July 2011, Masaguisi, Bongabong, Or. Mindoro. Right after my classes at ICCM on July 18 and 19, I proceeded to this homevillage in Mindoro to pay tributes to two of my beloved ones - Salvacion S. Bariata and Evelyn M. Santiago, who both died on July 14 and 17, respectively. The two are very close to my heart, they being my dearest niece-cousin and aunt, respectively.
Salvacion Santiago-Bariata, or Tia Vacion as I fondly called her, is a public figure not only in Masaguisi but also in the entire Philippine churches of Christ, especially among the "Dorcas", the association of Christian women under the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches in the country. She is the better-half of renowned Filipino evangelist Artemio Bariata. She died at 84 leaving behind three grown-up children Raquel, Dina and Artemio, Jr. and six grandchildren.
Tia Vacion is an epitome of a typical wife of a pastor - soft-spoken, always-ready-to-help-others, devoted Church worker, healer-therapist - a talent which the Lord gave her to enrich her ministry, educator and a perfect mother. During her younger years, Tia Vacion was a good horseback-rider, having travelled to and fro Orconuma and Masaguisi due to her work assignment then as school teacher. On a personal level, I've known Tia Vacion as a very loving and fair aunt. She did not play favorites to us, her nephews, nieces and even children. For instance, if I had misunderstanding or quarrel with my cousins Rachel, Dina or Toto, she exercised impartiality in decision-making, meaning if her children erred, they will receive due punishment. I can vividly remember the parting words of Tia Vacion (together with my Fourth Year High School teacher then Mrs. Entera) when I left Masaguisi in 1971 to study in UP Los Banos. Those words of encouragement served as my inspirations to complete my degree in that state university. Indeed, she is an aunt worthy to emulate.
Meanwhile, another beloved relative who passed away was Evelyn Mapacpac-Santiago, who is both a "niece and a cousin". Belen, as I fondly called her, which later became Ate Belen, is a niece by my father's side, having her mother Manang Mina as my cousin. She was married to another cousin by my mother's side Manong Yoyong Santiago. Thus, by consanguinity Belen is junior niece by blood, but by affinity, she is senior to me, thus I have to address her Ate (by local tradition). Having grown in Masaguisi, until later on their family migrated to Orconuma, I have many fond memories with Ate Belen. She was sociable and very friendly. She has a genuine concern for her fellows. She served her community as barangay kagawad and social worker, thus, the entire Brgy. Orconuma gave official tributes to her before she was finally laid to rest in Bongabong Memorial Park.
I was able to join in the interment ceremony of Ate Belen on Thursday, July 21. For Tia Vacion, I had the opportunity to join two-night vigil on Wednesday and Thursday before she was laid to rest on Saturday, June 23, 2011.
To the two beloved ones, have a peaceful and glorious reunion with our Creator. We will certainly see you there sometime, somehow. All praises be to our Creator. (JSF Blogs)
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