Man From Bailen

by Tatay Jobo Elizes Pub, Emmanuel Ikan Astillero

Abstract Bailen, in the upland district of the Province of Cavite, is its smallest town - a rural, farming, mountainous town hidden within lush forests in the western slopes of Tagaytay. It is always cool in Bailen. In this lovable mountain town, I was born, October 6, 1939: the 4th of five boys. Our mother, Emilia Redruco Ikan, then 32 years old, died from the birth of Zenaida, the 6th child, who died two weeks later. My brothers were: Rossini, Ernani, Teodoro Jr., and Angel Rodante. Only myself and Teodoro Jr. have survived. I married Dolorfina Castillo Bautista, a medical doctor, also from Bailen. We have five children: Marnie, Iriz, Mon, Tristan, and Jeo. (MORE INSIDE) + + + Preface My life was not a struggle against odds. Nor was it a challenge to overcome difficulties. Looking back, it was a continuous acceptance of opportunities: hawking newspapers in Taft Avenue, Manila; shining shoes where PhilAmLife now stands; walking the distance from Sta. Ana, Manila to the Luneta Park selling balut eggs; waiting on restaurants; cleaning toilets as a janitor in a factory, etc. I regarded them as natural events of my life. As the French would say: "Je suis content". (I am contented.) I was on a roll, earning. What more could I wish for? As I took them on, I was a happy boy; never a sad moment. In my travels with the United Nations, and being sent on consultancy trips in the Philippines and abroad, the travel, food and accommodation were free! Looking back, I seldom, if ever, paid for my air fare. Thus, travelling free, I was a tourist visiting places, meeting people, learning languages. Thrown into the free package were visits to the by-ways to see a temple, a vineyard, eat exotic food. These were the peaks and valleys in my life. I hiked the humid and tropical valleys of my rural beginnings; crossed the war zones and the waterless deserts of my U.N. postings. Gradually, I ascended the foothills and scaled the peaks of my professional career. Scrambling on the ledge, I scanned the plains of my experience. With the wind against my face, I felt fortunate that I had them! Thank you! (MORE INSIDE)