TBTK 2009: A Call for All Boholanos Abroad to be Home
The apartment unit that our family occupies here in Albuquerque, New Mexico is facing the state’s famous landmark – the Sandia Peak. With an elevation of about 10,300 feet, it is indeed an imposing natural wonder and can be seen from afar. Providing clue to the weary travelers that you are already in New Mexico’s borders. It is more than a thousand feet taller than the Philippines’ Mount Apo, its close counterpart. To the many who aren’t mountain climbers, the Sandia Peak is installed with a tramway cable car. So that those who want to reach its peak with relative ease , all you have to do is pay the $15.00 ticket ride and in a matter of minutes you will be there transported to the top of the world. Have a first hand observation what it is to be there close to heaven. To appreciate the beauty of nature and the greatness of God’s creation.
Personally, as far as this writer and his family is concern, such location scenery of the Sandia Peak reminds us daily of our home so far away. Where it is also surrounded by hills and mountains – that in Maribojoc far north, Cebu.s topography northwest, the Banat-I Hill somewhere east and the Dayo Hill in nearby Panglao island. There in the city by the bay – Tagbilaran, where we saw the light of day. Where our world got used to be confined within the island province of Bohol. Until fate beckoned us to travel across the Pacific Ocean, live in the United States of America, then go on through such an adventure. To live and work in a foreign land, since that summer of 2002. Was it not Helen Kelly who said that life is an adventure, otherwise, it means nothing? So, this is how our story, as well as the rest of the Boholanos similarly situated who are now on overseas assignment , revolve.
In comparison, the city where we now live – Albuquerque, has some commonality to the home where we came from. For we also have a town of Alburquerque situated just 10 kilometers away from Tagbilaran, passing through its coastal road. Both place got its name from the Spanish conquerors after a village in Spain. What more, the native Americans – the Navajo-Indian tribe, the Apaches, Cherokees,etc…who inhabit the State of New Mexico, with the rest of the multi-nationals, as well as the white and black Americans, their physical features are just similar to that of the Asian-Orientals. So adjusting to a new environment and interacting with the local populace is not that hard. What more, New Mexico’s weather temperature is just as hot as in the Philippines during summer- averaging between 80-90* F. Surprisingly, there are also a few Boholano families living in the Land of Enchantment , whom we met and we’re able to get in touch.. Their company provide soothing relief to our loneliness and boredom in a faraway country.
Looking at the vast expanse of the Sandia mountain, from the veranda of our dwelling-place, brings back to life the memories of our childhood days . Where we used to frolic in the shorelines of Tagbilaran Bay along K of C promenade that was once our favorite playground. Where we learn how to swim, go on boat-riding, avail of what the bounties of the sea can offer and bring edible marine products home. In the company of other children of our age. Everytime we look at the horizon, where the sea meets the sky, the lush green mountain of Maribojoc and the distant but still visible landmark of Cebu, respectively, provided the backdrop to inspire us to dream, amid the crimson red color of a setting sun during twilight’s gleaming.
The dream to someday go places. To travel beyond our shores. To Cebu, Manila, and much more – to America. Where they say it’s a dreamland. To pursue a career, make a difference in life. Our expectation follows our life, so said Joel Osteen in his book Become a Better You.. For lo and behold, now that we are already in the middle of our years, God granted the wishes of our hearts and brought us at the other side of the globe. But then again, after staying in the US for this long – nearly seven years, we are terribly homesick. Its high time to start our trek back home in time for the Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan(TBTK) Global Homecoming in July 16-26, 2009.
Man’s longing to be home is just like that of the call of the wild among animal species. Observe the pattern of behavior among migratory birds that fly in unison to distant lands, the salmon fish that find their way into streams, rivers and seas. The diversity of wildlife in the forest co-habited by the predators and the prey. Although it’s a survival ordeal for the hunted so the hunter will live as part of the food chain and circle of life, but as they move from place to place, at the end of the day, at the end of a certain season, they will just be heading home guided by their natural instincts. To resettle once more, to give birth to their offsprings, or just to die in peace in a sanctuary or habitat they call home.
What more for us humans who are rational beings , with emotional cravings and feelings, and whose heart beats for others? What more for us Boholanos who are clannish, who take pride of our people, heritage, culture, history and home-province? Wherever we are in the world, busy and pre-occupied as we might be in our pursuit for a living, yet, we always long to be home. For home is where is our heart belongs. Home is the most important place in the world. Home is what we consider as close to heaven, as if we are on a summit. Hence we who are situated in foreign lands, the sight of a mountain beckons us to look forward to the day when we can be home and be back in the company of our folks, friends and love ones.
We invite all descendants of Dagohoy and Sikatuna, wherever you are situated abroad, or those living outside of our island-province in the Philippines ,to be with us during the two week grand festivity and reunion. Perhaps, just like us, in your moments of solitude, you are also looking at a mountain in your foreign assignment. Perhaps just like us, you too look beyond and dream to be home someday. We will be home this year for the TBTK 2009 revelry. To gather as one. To make us proud of our roots. To renew ties and acquaintances with our long lost friends, relatives and the Boholano folks in the land of our birth.
To serve as inspiration to our young students and professionals that dreams can come true and that going abroad for work, pleasure, or adventure is within reach. For us to participate in nation building and community development. For us to look for viable investments at home in terms of tourism promotions, realty-development, or housing projects for retirement. For us to do something in such laudable projects and concerted efforts to protect our environmental, our natural wonders, the preservation of ecology, flora and fauna, marine life and fish sanctuary in our home province amidst global concerns for global warming, pollution, and ever growing population. . For this is the theme of the TBTK 2009.
See you in Tagbilaran City Bohol for TBTK 09 on July 16-26,2009 for your presence will touch peoples lives back home and make a difference in the global homecoming that is set to break records in terms of festivity, pomp, pageantry and participation. . If foreigners and the rest of our countrymen are carried of our campaign promotions and have acceded to our invitations to go to Bohol for the TBTK 2009, with more reasons for us Boholanos stationed abroad, for this celebration is intended for all of us. Kita Nga Garbo Nato Ang Pagka Bol-anon. Be home, be counted, be involved and we will all be happy together during the TBTK 2009.
For queries and inquiries, visit our website at tbtk.org or get in touch with us thru our e-mail ad: kinaswertihan@hotmail.com or douglashont@hotmail.com.
(Douglas B. Hontanosas)
