Remembering A Dear Friend
I was hitting the keyboard last Monday, working on an article I was asked to review, rewrite and reformat. I was finding it hard to work on something which was somebody's thoughts or ideas and the circumstances of which I had no personal knowledge. Just the same, I continued with my work. Just about this time also, Kelly the Chihuahua was scratching non-stop on a wooden flat surface. I was quick to remember that Kelly was pregnant and was expected to give birth anytime.
Reaching for my San Mig desk calendar, I was doing some calculation. I was positive that it had to be that day which was May 28. I resumed with the task at hand. As I was on my 2nd paragraph, the date May 28 kept coming back. I just could not keep it off my mind. I was asking myself the significance or importance of that day. And the answer flashed through my mind after a few seconds. It was Willie Santiago's birthday. It was Willie's 63rd natal day.
Some may have forgotten. Some may have lost track of some people, of certain events, of some things through the passing of the years. But I am still blessed with a clear memory, so vivid that I can still recall both significant and insignificant details about anything and about anybody. And why, of all people, would I not remember Willie Santiago? He was my best friend in our grade school days and remained a chum till the early years of high school.
For some, the name Willie Santiago may ring a bell. They may have heard the name before. Not surprising. Willie Santiago was one of the 23 boy scouts and scouters who perished in a plane crash off the Indian Ocean enroute to the World Jamboree in Greece on July 28, 1963. It was a sad day for Philippine scouting. A sad day for LSQC. A sad day for his family. And a sad day for me.
Here again, I am turning back the hands of time. Which I like doing. Didn't I tell you before that I like dwelling on the past? Of recalling the happy times of my youth? I still recall that time when Troop 66 camped out at Forest Hills in Novaliches, which then was really a thickly forested area and undeveloped. Relatively far from the city. A true blue scout, Willie was complete with what was required of us to bring-- tent, pegs, thick blanket, canteen, eating utensils, hunting knife and flashlight. They were the expensive ones. And Willie's blowlamp was different from our flashlights. It had a radio and a mini fan attached to it which you then could only buy at Dao in Pampanga.
During a lull in our scouting activities, Jimmy Tiangco was demonstrating to us the proper use of the Jim Bowie Knife. Which, by our standard, was acceptable. Then another scout, Jessie Zapata, took the knife and began telling his story. Willie was listening. I was listening too. "Minsan, hinagis ko yung hunting knife ko pataas. hinihintay ko bumaba, Pero di bumabagsak. Nung paalis na ako, pag angat ng paa ko, bumagsak yung hunting knife at tumusok sa tsinelas ko. Muntik na ako." Willie was laughing out loud and blurted out: "Incredible yung story mo !! "
For some who still cannot recall, Willie Santiago was the only grade school student allowed by the Capuchin Fathers to wear long khaki pants. It was a special privilege solely extended to him. When I asked, he disclosed that his father, Eduardo Santiago, who was a civil engineer, had a contract with the Capuchins to build LS schools and churches with Mr. Viola as architect.
The Santiagos then were maintaining two houses. One in Forbes Park and the other near Gagalangin where his Uncle later on became congressman. I remember Willie's complete address: # 42 Pili St. Forbes Park. With a driver and a bodyguard, Willie would pick me up at our Sta Mesa Heights residence to watch a movie and then we would proceed to their Forbes Park house. There were times when Manny King would join us. One time, Willie talked to my mother by phone, asking her to allow me to stay overnight in their Forbes Park house. When my mother said "no", Willie cried.
Now, everytime I am in the vicinity of Quezon Blvd extension or Timog Avenue, I make it a point to pass by Scout Santiago St. which was named after him. It is the only way I can think of to be able to relate to him. One time I tried to find my way to the Scout Memorial inside the North Cemetery but I could not locate it. Perhaps the best way is to remember him every May 28th, drop by Lourdes Church and say a little prayer for him. For Scout Willie Santiago. For my dear friend.
- Konted
Note: Kelly the Chihuahua gave birth to two female puppies. Not on May 28th but on May 29th, Right after the Corona Impeachment Trial. I named the two puppies as Little Lady and Amlac.
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| BSP Badge |
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| Camping is a much awaited Boy Scout activity |
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| Jim Bowie Knife |
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| Knapsack or backpack |
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| Eating Utensils |
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| LSQC Boy Scouts. Scout Willie Santiago is at front row, right most and next to the Scout Master |
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| The BSP delegaton to the 11th World Jamboree in Greece. Willie Santiago is at rightmost of front row |
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| Departure Time |
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| The Bad News |
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| BSP Memorial at the Timog Rotonda |
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Dambana ng Laging Handa, a memorial to 3 Letranites who died in that plane crash. Scout Santiago was already then a 2nd year high school student of Letran
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| While surfing, I luckily found this pic showing Scout Willie Santiago and the BSP Cenotaph inside the Manila North Cemetery. |
*most pics from google
