My grandfather’s last message to his nine children

In 1983 after Ninoy’s death, millions of Filipinos were devastated. We lost a man who was brave enough to stand up and fight the 20-year dictatorship rule of Marcos. It was so tragic that I think we mourned for so many years. Yes, for Ninoy but more so, for the country’s fate. It was only in 1986 after the People Power revolution that things felt better. What was once a ‘silent’ Christmas during the martial law years, had finally become a happy and joyous occasion for many.

The BBM supporters today do not know what’s to come. They seem to be hypnotized by BBM’s fame in social media. Little do they know the real Bongbong Marcos. I suggest they do more research of his past, especially in the seventies and early eighties.

This Christmas, we feel a double whammy of events that have taken place in the country and around the world – the lingering COVID-19 virus and the thought of having a crazy president running the country once again. I honestly don’t know why Inday Sara tandem-ed with BBM. Is it just to spite her father? Abangan! Anyway, the thought of seeing pink parols in many homes this year is a hopeful reminder that good over evil will reign in our land. And yes, God is definitely watching us!

Typhoon Odette did not spare the Visayas and Mindanao. I guess this is God’s way of cleansing our spirits. Every other year toward Christmas, He sends us a storm not only to hit us physically but more so, spiritually. These series of events in the lives of the Filipinos have made us stronger, resilient and more prayerful.

After the typhoon and the looming threat of Omicron, there was a rumor spreading on social media that Christmas this year would be postponed. Sigh! Was this another BBM joke? Following tradition, many of our countrymen in the South will have no Christmas trees, no parols nor belens.

Holiday food is not even a thought because what they need more are basic things – food, clothing and shelter. Not to mention electricity, fuel and water.

Yet, Christmas this year actually happened. Of course, not in a glitzy kind of way that we have been used to but now in a simpler fashion. We actually returned to the basic idea of celebrating Christmas – away from the glitz and noise but with those closest to our hearts, our family.

My late father, Maximo V. Soliven, once wrote: “The message of Christmas is matchless in its humility and power. Jesus came down from Heaven to be born a babe in a manger of straw in a simple cave. He was attended at birth only by cattle and sheep – the angels singing hosannas came later. The babe grew up to offer His life at Calvary so mankind might live. The Spartan simplicity of Christ’s hidden and public life has been forgotten in this world of whirring computers and globe-girdling satellites, seduced by the idolatry of material success and the pursuit of pleasure.”

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Now, in the spirit of Christmas and rekindled spirits and as we anticipate the coming of the clowns in next year’s political circus, let us take heed of a message given by my grandfather, Benito Tagorda Soliven, to his nine children – Max, Willie, Regie, Manny, Mercy, Teresa, Augie, Vic and Ethel.

It was his dying message to his children in 1943, while the Philippines languished under the heel of a cruel Japanese Occupation. He and his comrades had fought the good fight at Bataan, gone through the Death March and five months of prison camp. He died of malaria at age 44. He dictated this message to my grandmother Pelagia and signed it with a failing hand:

“Love and help each other like good brothers and sisters. Remember that you are the children of the same father and mother and that you have the same blood running thru your veins. You grew up under the same roof, we, your parents, loving and have loved you always and while we could we endeavored to lavish upon you the comfort and even some luxury that was in our power to give.

“But time may change. You may lose one or both your parents and miss the care to which you have been accustomed. So, learn to become more thoughtful about helping yourself and doing things that before you have relied upon servants to do. Do not lose hope because Divine Providence that clothes and feeds the birds and the other living things will not abandon you. Pray to God, place your trust in Him always.

“Walk in the straight path of duty and live true Christian lives. When you will be old enough to work, be on the alert... be hopeful! Be diligent and be honest. Somehow, there is a way. Pray to God and serve Him and trust in His Love and Mercy... obey His Commandments.

“Pray to Virgin Mary, who is also your Mother, and to the Saints to intercede for you.

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of (Tennyson). Live a life of work and prayer. Do not allow yourself to be swayed by the vanities and sinful inducements of the world. To follow them would result in destruction unless the Infinite Mercy of God rescues the misguided one. Work and pray. Love God above all things and for the love of Him, love also and have charity for your fellow men. LOVE your mother always!”

This pandemic had revealed to us our true nature, our true spirit. This is our second Christmas away from the frills the season brings. If we haven’t realized nor felt what is essential in our lives, then something is wrong. It’s about time we check our values and our norms. We need to become a better version of who we are. This simple message my grandfather wrote touches the heart of the innocent and the young. Simple as it seems, the words are meaningful and worth sharing.

Merry Christmas to all!