Aguila Clan

Shrine of St. Joseph the Patriarch

2008-09-14T17:56:00.003+08:00

Come to San Jose and you will see a typical Philippine town layout with its center at the town plaza. There you will see the municipal hall, schools, ancestral houses, all dominated by the church perched on the hill.

A popular Catholic pilgrimage site, the Shrine of St Joseph the Patriach was built by the Augustinian friar Fr. Manuel Blanco in 1812 and is an excellent example of Baroque architecture in the Philippines with its geometrical decorations and flowery capitals on the columns.

Below is an excellent video of the church provided by Nathaniel Ona (thanks Tita Olive for forwarding the link).

We all have a responsibility to preserve our heritage. It is my fervent hope that the succeeding parish priests think well and hard before making decisions which would spoil the very things that make the shrine so special. Come on -- painting certain sections of the church pink???? Planning to replace the floor tiles?????

Restoration, not renovation please!!!!

Regino J. Calbay + 9 May 2008

2008-05-12T22:37:00.002+08:00

Dear fellow descendants of the Spouses Salvador Aguila and AlejandraMasilungan of San Jose, Batangas, Philippines,

We pray for the eternal repose of Regino J. Calbay "Nonong" J. Calbay, husband of cousin Esperanza G. de Villa "Anching" (Tomasa branch). His remains lie in state at their residence inBarangay Taysan, San Jose, Batangas. Interment is tentatively set for Wednesday 14 May 2008.

Nonong was at the Aguila Clan reunion last 26 April 2008.

God bless!

Juan A. Ona (Paterno branch)

2008 Aguila Clan

2008-04-27T21:24:00.003+08:00

Date: April 27, 2008
Venue: Event Center, Lipa City
President: Maria Paz "Ipat" Luna (Irenea)

Some snaps from the event:

Blogs/pics on the reunion:
Leo Ona (Paterno) http://ona3.multiply.com/photos/album/19/Aguila_Clan_2008
Joelle Ona-Horca (Paterno) http://joelleoh.multiply.com/photos/album/76/Aguila_Clan_2008
Ipat Luna (Irinea) http://ipatluna.multiply.com/journal/item/117/Families_and_what_makes_them_keep_going

AGUILA GENEALOGY ONLINE

2008-03-11T20:57:00.004+08:00

Dear all,

I am very happy and extremely relieved to report that our genealogy is UP!!

http://aguilaclan.genealogypro.net/

The intro page is of course Uncle Nitong's article and I still have to figure out how to remove the return tabs. As to the default name on the "individuals" page, it says Jinjin, only because Christine Ejido's spouse, whose last name we do not know, is entered as a question mark and is the first name on the list. So just ignore the default name and proceed to the hyperlink on "individuals". This programme allows you to generate your Ahnentafel Report (and while I pretend to be a Genealogist, I should say simply that that is just a list of ascendants).

I am only human so I am sure there will be mistakes. Since I put the site up, I have FOUND the missing 45 people I accidentally deleted, encoded them, filled in missing spouses (where it said Spouse 1 of so and so) and did a few more minor things. There is currently still a glitch in the uploading of the database -- for some reason, one or both parents of wife or husband show up as parents of the spouse as well. Talk about an incestuous glitch!! It does not seem to happen in my own database file so it is in the upload that it goes haywire. I have reported it to Gpro,net and hope they are able to fix it soon. I do wish it was interactive so you could enter your own data but that would be wishful thinking. I could add users and passwords so that we can make the whole list restricted and have it accessed by only clan members with assigned passwords.
We have to enslave someone every year to patiently encode everything we report. AND (and this is my fault) it has to be someone with a Mac and a Genealogy Pro running on it.

This would have privacy options so those of you running from the law, or whose identity is juicy enough to steal, please email me AT ONCE if you wish for this option for you and your descendants. Meantime, please check the data and submit more information, specifically birth dates, birth places, and if we intend to generate a list of living members, kindly submit dates of death of those who have left us. My email: ipatluna@pusod.org and use the subject line CORRECTION TO AGUILA SITE.

Thanks much.

Ipat Luna
Irinea:Mariano:Benjamin

Recurring reunion theme

2008-01-26T06:26:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I am not sure how many of the golden eagles are reading this blog but this is supposed to be a surprise for them so don't ruin the surprise and tell them about it yet.

I am having gift mugs made for them, but when I saw this design, I thought what a nice souvenir program cover it would make.
What do you all think? This would change the entire look so that it will be sideways, landscape style instead of portrait.

By the way PLEASE ask for essay contributions from the 25 and under set. Submit to ipatluna@pusod.org

Ipat

2008 reunion

2007-11-17T09:36:00.000+08:00

Mga mahal kong pinsan,

Kailangan na nating magplano para sa susunod na taon. Nais ko sanang magtawag ng pulong bago magtapos ang Nobyembre. Para magawa ito, hihingi sana ako ng isang permanent representative nula sa bawat sangay at dalawa pang alternate members para bumuo ng komite.

Kung may interesado, ito sana ang mga imumungkahi ko:

Magkaroon na ng opisyal na structure at paraan ng pagpili ng Presidente at iba pang opisyal gaya ng Ingat-yaman, opisyal na paraan ng pagtatala ng pondo at ng mga nagdedesisyon para rito para madaling ipasa sa mga susunod na Presidente ang lahat. Oakitama lang kung mali ang iniisip ko na wala pang ganito.

Ang souvenir program ay magkakaroon ng CD na may lamang buong direktoryo ng angkan, Aguila song at ilang video na nagawa na, at mga larawan.

Para sa reunion, magsimula na pong mag-isip kung anong booth ang itatayo. walang limit sa biilang ng booth na maaring itayo ang mga pamilya dahil ito naman po ay may bayad -- sa halip na magbayad para sa entrance, pagkakaroon na laman ng booth ang may bayad. Magkakaroon din ng simplemng hapag pero sana ay sa mga booth kumain ang nakararami para na rin magkaroon ng tunay na usapan at hindi kanya-kanyang umpok na pamilya ang mangyayari.

Ilan sa mga mungkahi kung saan gaganapin ang reunion ay:

mga dating napagdausan na nang nakaraang 5 taon
Events Center (wifi dito, maaring maki-usyoso ang mga nasa abroad sa webcam)
CAP, Lipa

Magsisimula po kaming magtawag ng mga tao bago matapos ang buwan.

Paki-email na lamang sa ipatluna@pusod.org kung may iba pang mungkahi. Hanggang sa muli . . .

Paterno: Frances Faye is born!

2007-10-19T16:25:00.000+08:00

Dear Relatives and Friends,

Nas and Sharon proudly announce the birth of their daughter, FRANCES FAYE VERGARA ONA, who made her way into this world by caesarian section at 6:30 a.m. yesterday, 16 October 2007, at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. She weighed in at a hefty 7.3 lbs., just about right for an Ona (a.k.a. a new Kennedy of San Jose).

New mom Shawie is doing very well, albeit a tad unhappy that she couldn’t immediately partake of all the food we were gorging on.

As regards the isyu Trixine is trying to brew, please be informed that the name FAYE means faith, confidence, trust and belief. More importantly, it is actually a variant of the names FAITH, and, of course, FE!

As Uncle Boogle so succinctly put it, “SIPSIP SILAAAAHHHH!!!”

Best regards,Aunt Chrissy

Comments from the MALOCA:

Empress Kathy: My court is complete …

Doc Leo:
…in the Ona Pina Tribe, it is customary for the female grand sibling to be named in a rhyming fashion with Fe.
An example is Frances Faye (Fe) V. Ona

Another example is Sophia (So-Fe-Ya) Joo
As to the other female grand sibling, Jaime, well it is supposed to have a rhyme too, I just dont know which Royal line it is connected to.

Tata: Will there be another christening for Jaime or maybe a new nickname?

Genealogy: Frances Faye Vergara Ona is the great granddaughter of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr., granddaughter of Sofronio "Proning" Ona & Fe Calanog, and the daughter of Sofronio Leonardo "Nas" Ona Jr. & Sharon Vergara.

Paz Panopio de Villa + 27 Aug 2007

2007-09-02T19:24:00.000+08:00

Dear fellow descendants of Salvador Aguila and Alejandra Masilungan of San Jose, Batangas, Philippines,

We pray for another Aguila Clan member Paz Panopio de Villa who joined her husband Jose "Peping" de Villa (Tomasa branch) yesterday 27 August 2007. She died at her home in the "kamalig" of San Jose, Batangas, the building where Mamay Ador stored the coffee he bought for resale in Manila and which is now well known in the town as the repository of the "Santo Entierro", the image of Christ which is used during Holy Week.

Her remains lie in state at the mortuary of the church of San Jose.

Interment will take place on Thursday morning 30 August.

May she rest in peace.

Juan "Nitong" Aguila Ona (Paterno Branch)

Mrs. Luline Manligas Ona + 24 August 2007

2007-08-27T17:56:00.001+08:00

Dear fellow descendants of Salvador Aguila and Alejandra Masilungan of San Jose, Batangas, Philippines,

We pray for Tia Leny Ona (Luciana Branch) who died on 24 August 2007 of lung cancer at the age of 67. With her late husband Protacio Aguila Ona, she was one of the original "Golden Eagles", the grandchildren of MamayAdor and Nanay Andang. When they were still in good health, she and Tio Tacio always attended the Aguila Clan annual reunions. They are survived by five children, their spouses, and six grandchildren.

Her remains lie in state at the Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial Park, Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Sucat, Paranaque. According to her son Eli Boy, interment will take place on Thursday 30 August around 2:00 p.m.

May she rest in peace.

Juan "Nitong" Aguila Ona (Paterno Branch)

Paterno: Jamie's first bday

2007-08-19T22:30:00.000+08:00

A little typhoon was not enough to keep the Maloca's from gathering to celebrate the first birthday of Princess Jamie. And of course.... what Ona gathering would be complete without isyus....

Isyu # 1: Dress Code

Trix: Do we need to dress princess-like?

Boboy: Sa inyo, queen-like for the queens (just like Queen Elizabeth).

Happy compromise: We grabbed the tiaras that Queen Kathy had stashed away. Here we present: Queen Kathy, Princess Jamie, Snow White, Flora, Fauna and Merryweather. =)

Isyu #2: Ang tattoo...

The glittter tattoo table was a big hit for young and old-alike. Even Uncle B couldn't resist its siren song.

Isyu #3: Si Cute na naman...

Trix: Saan manganganak si Tere?

Cute: Sa Alabang....... Alabang Town Center

Trix: Ahhhhh

Isyu #4: The tiaras

Pose for the cameras... hmmm... how to caption?

Beauty Queens?

or Statues of Liberty?

Isyu # 5: Ang pagbabalik si Doc Leo aka. Usbaw Reporter # 1

Isyu #6: Nas in training for a very important new role: Daddy.

Complete pics at http://joelleoh.multiply.com/photos/album/53/Aug_18_2007_-_Princess_Jamies_1st_bday_party

Travelling to San Jose

2007-05-27T15:33:00.000+08:00

Finally got around to taking action to keep our trips to Batangas pleasant. At this time the STAR Tollway has only one billboard and one MSG bottle with another billboard currently under construction. Kindly help keep this road safe and free from billboard blight like North Diversion and SLEX. Please click on the title of this post to go to the petition.

Café Casa Rap, San Jose, Batangas

2007-05-21T21:15:00.000+08:00

Not really Clan related but I love spreading the news about our hometown. Ross Harper-Alonso recently recommended Cafe Casa Rap as a "tranquil stopover.. like chicken soup for the soul". The Cafe is run by Emma Alday and Felma Lagahit. The next time you visit San Jose, Batangas, be sure to drop by.

Details and reservations: 043-7262873; Sister Emma: 0916-212-6685.

Halalan 2007 results

2007-05-15T13:33:00.000+08:00

Dear fellow Aguila Clan member,

I am happy to inform you that in yesterday's elections, two Aguila Clanmembers were elected:

1. Sofronio "Nas" Ona Jr (Paterno branch), as mayor of Calaca,Batangas.This is his second term. Congratulations may be sent to him at "MayorNas Ona" <nasona@globelines.com.ph>

2. Francisco "Don Kiko" de Villa (Tomasa branch), as Councilor ofSan Jose,Batangas. Don Kiko got the second highest number of votes among the eight elected Councilors. Congratulations may be sent to him at"Councilor Don Kiko de Villa" <palindan@hotmail.com>

Three others Jonel Agbing (highest pointer), Gerald Alday, and Godfrey Umali are our relatives on the Masilungan sides. Therefore four of the elected eight councilors are Masilungans. I join you in congratulating them. They continue in the tradition of public service set by our ancestor Salvador Aguila who was 1892-1894 mayor of San Jose, Batangas.

Best regards,Juan "Nitong" Ona (Paterno branch)

Paterno: Announcing the Arrival of Isabelle David Ona

2007-05-05T13:34:00.000+08:00

BOSTON- Finally, the expected has arrived. A healthy baby girl was born this morning (May 3, 2007), 9:30 am EST at the Boston Medical Center Menino Pavillion. Weighing 6.11 pounds and measuring 18 inches, Isabelle David Ona was delivered via caesarian section by Dr. Raja Sayegh. She appears to have inherited the powerful lungs of her Lolo Bursing. =)

Genealogy: Isabelle David Ona is the great granddaughter of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr., the first granddaughter of Leonardo Ona Jr. & Ma. Teresita "Tessie" Ollada, and the daughter of Leonardo "Leo or LeoBoy" Ona II and Debbie David.

Paterno: Hector Martinez Jr. at the Lincoln Center

2007-04-23T19:17:00.000+08:00

On April 28, Hector Martinez Jr. (Paterno) will be performing in a piano concert featuring the Saint Ann Festival Choir and the children's rondalla group, Filipino Artists Musical Ensemble or FAME.

Venue: Lincoln Center , Merkin Concert Hall on 67th Street and Broadway
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Ticket Price: $25 general admission.

To purchase tickets, please contact the Kaufman Center at http://www.kaufman-center.org/tc/0607/aip_042807.php or Annette Martinez at amartinez_md@yahoo.com.

Genealogy: Hector Martinez Jr. is the grandson of Restituta "Resta" Aguila and Arsenio Martinez. He is the son of Hector Martinez & Merietta Pichache.

Paterno: Welcome Wacky!

2007-01-16T00:28:00.000+08:00

The much awaited Joaquin Gabriel Hizon Ona was born on November 11, 2006. Welcome to the family, Wacky! We look forward to meeting you at this year's reunion. =)

Genealogy: Joaquin Gabriel Hizon Ona is the great grandson of Restituta "Resta" Aguila and Arsenio Martinez. He is the eldest grandchild of Norma "Nani" Martinez & Enrique Ona. His proud parents are Gary and Winnie Ona.

Aguila Clan 2007

2007-01-08T21:26:00.000+08:00

Under the presidency of Engr. Edgardo Ona (Luciana branch), the Aguila Clan reunion will take place on Sunday 29 April 2007 at Villa Marines in Ibaan, Batangas, the same venue as the 2001 and 2004 reunions. Registration is at 09:00 and the program starts at 10:00.

Deadline for the submission of materials for the souvenir program is 15 February 2007. The cost per page is still fluid.

December 26

2007-01-03T07:23:00.000+08:00

Ever since I can remember, the Onas have celebrated Christmas with the birthday of Lola Canding. Every 26^thof December, we would all gather at Lolo and Lola’s home in San Jose, Batangas which, in grand fiesta tradition, was (and still is) an open house to all. It is a time to remember the past and celebrate the newest additions to the family.

We had a lot of things to be thankful for in 2006:
Aguila Clan reunion presided by Nitong Ona
Wedding of Takoy and Tere
Births of Martin, Lauren, Princess Jasmine and the much-awaited twins of Cute and Heidi
Successful medical procedure of Proning Ona
Kasalan 2006 – Nas and Sharon
18^th bday of Celine Lejano, eldest great-granddaughter of Narding and Canding

December 26 is also the day when the MALOCAs would hold our annual meeting to finalize our plans for the summer outing, recompute our SJA dues and come up with projects for the upcoming year. 2007 is shaping up to be a great year. =)

Pics taken on Dec. 26 (stills at http://joelleoh.multiply.com)

Seasons Greetings

2006-12-27T07:02:00.000+08:00

May beautiful moments and happy memories with family surround you with joy this Christmas season...

The descendants of Leonardo Ona Sr. and Candelaria Aguila (Paterno branch)

-- 26 December 2006
San Jose Batangas

Kasalan 2006: Nas & Sharon Ona

2006-12-17T04:21:00.000+08:00

Snapshots taken on December 3, 2006.

Click on this link for the stills.

Genealogy: Sofronio Leonardo "Nas" Ona Jr. hails from the Paterno Branch. He is the grandson of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr. and the eldest son of Sofronio "Proning" Ona & Fe Calanog.

Kowsin Mwahahaha : Meet Dr. Sharon

2006-11-11T19:11:00.000+08:00

This is it... the last Kowsin Mwahahah (until the nieces or nephews are ready to brave the Tito and Tita gaunlet). Tonight is the night when Dra. Sharon is put to the test and made to recite the Aguila Clan family tree. =)

[teaser created by Leonardo Ona III]

Paterno: Presenting......Princess Jasmine

2006-09-10T22:32:00.000+08:00

+++++++++++++

August 18, 2006

Dear Relatives and Friends,

Joami is very happy to announce the arrival of his baby sister, JASMINE MARIE FRAGANTE ONA.

Mom Cathy (a.k.a. Empress Catherine the Greatest), who gave birth to baby Jamie at 12:42 a.m. this morning at the Cardinal Santos Hospital, is doing well.

When asked who the baby looked like, proud father Boogle said, "Joami". Cathy added, "Pero super taba si Jamie. Mukhang whole chicken ang kaya kaiinin nito." Showing early traits of a true-blue Kennedy of San Jose, Jamie weighed in at 7.1 lbs.

Questioned about his future plans for his baby sister, Kuya Joami, with a mischievous smile, simply said, "Boxing".

Best regards,
Aunt Chrissy

+++++++++++++++

Jamie was baptised today, Sept 10, 2006 at St. Joseph Chapel, Camp Crame, Quezon City. Lunch was at Windmills and Rainforest (Resort in the City). Princess Jasmine passed her first public appearance like a true Ona - oblivious to the noise and basking in the love of family and friends. =)

Genealogy: Jasmine Marie Fragante Ona is the great granddaughter of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr., granddaughter of Sofronio "Proning" Ona & Fe Calanog, and the daughter of Manuel Sofronio "Boogle" Ona & Cathy Fragante.

Sandiwa: the pledges are trickling in

2006-08-08T20:04:00.000+08:00

The very first post in this weblog was about the task undertaken by SANDIWA to clean up the rivers and creeks of San Jose, Batangas (formerly known as Malaquing Tubig).

It is very heartwarming to note that a number of clan members have opened their hearts (and wallets) for this very worthy cause. Your generosity will go a long way towards ensuring the project's sustainability. My father fondly remembers the days when the water flowing down the creeks was safe enough to drink. My cousins still talk about the summer vacations spent at the Talon. I hope that some day our children's children will be able to say the same thing.

For those based onshore who would like to help, please contact Sr. Emma Alday, president of SANDIWA at (043) 726-2873 or 09162126685. For those based offshore, you may contact me for details on how to effect bank-to-bank transfers.

Paterno: The Onas of Boston

2006-07-15T09:31:00.000+08:00

Leo and Rael left last July 9 to join Debbie in Boston where they will be residing for at least one year. We wish them all the best and look forward to receiving reports of Rael's stateside antics. =)

If you would like to get in touch with the Onas of Boston, please email Leo at leo.ona@gmail.com

Genealogy: Leonardo "Leo or LeoBoy" Ona II is the grandson of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr. and the son of Leonardo Ona Jr. & Ma. Teresita "Tessie" Ollada .

Paterno: Eugenet present Lauren Mattea

2006-07-15T09:04:00.000+08:00

Eugenet (ala new parents themselves, TomKat and Brangelina) welcomed the new addition to their family - Lauren Mattea on June 7, 2006. Congratulations to the proud parents and welcome to the new addition to the family.

Genealogy: Lauren Mattea Alabastro Masilungan is the great granddaughter of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona Sr., granddaughter of Anunciacion "Nuncing" Ona & Julius Masilungan, and the daughter of Eugenio "Luloy or Eugene" Masilungan & Janet Alabastro.

Paterno: Elizabeth Ona and the PerDis

2006-07-08T20:45:00.000+08:00

Elizabeth Ona was recently elected President of the support group for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) of the Barangay San Lorenzo, Makati City. The induction of officers will be on July 17 at the San Lorenzo Barangay Hall. The slogan for the support group is "Together We Are Able".

Cheska Tanada created the logo which won the design contest sponsored by the Barangay.

Genealogy: Elizabeth is an Aguila by marriage. She is married to Juan "Nitong" Ona, son of Candeleria "Canding" Aguila & Leonardo Ona.

Tomasa: Cheska moves to Dublin

2006-07-05T07:42:00.000+08:00

It is hard to imagine having an clan reunion without a souvenir program. This is one item which a lot of clan members look forward to receiving because it updates all of us with what is happening to others in different part of the world. Each year, the program get thicker as the clan gets bigger and more families share their snapshots.

This year, it was quite a challenge to produce a 112 page program within a 2 month timeframe. It was a feat that my dad, Nitong Ona, could not do on his own. Thankfully, we were able to tap the talents of other members of the clan. One of them was Cheska Tanada of the Tomasa branch. She was able to create a cover page which visually conveyed the message we wanted to make for the 2006 Clan reunion. It shows "the six branches of the clan in different colors soaring in an endless juxtaposition within each other as they eventually land together".

Cheska shines a bright light on those around her. A active member of the Regnum Christi Movement, she has chosen education as her vocation. I found out a few days ago that she'll be going to Ireland for 2 years to work as Coordinator of Trips and Clinics in Woodlands Academy, a boarding school for girls which is 35 minutes away from Dublin.

If you would like to know more about the program or would like to wish her all the best, you may email Cheska at francescatanada@yahoo.com. Dublin is a long way from home and I'm sure she'd love to hear from relatives in the area.

Genealogy: Joanna Francesca "Cheska" Tanada hails from the Tomasa Branch. She is the granddaughter of Mariano de Villa II & Julianita Sales and is the daughter of Rhodora de Villa & Renato Tanada, Jr.

Paterno: Buzzie & Jenny Get Hitched

2006-07-02T23:26:00.000+08:00

Cousin Buzzie tied the knot on June 17, 2006 in a beautiful ceremony held at the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati. As his family would probably say... It's about time! =)

Couple of things that I learned from Doodoo's roast, este, toast:
1. Sigurasta si Buzzie, kaya inabit ng 36 bago magpakasal.

2. Buzzie is obsessive compulsive about organization and neatness. I think that he would be very successful as a travel coordinator. =)

3. He's afraid of insects.

The internet is a wonderful thing. Every once in a while, I google the names of people I know. A few days ago, it was Buzzie Ona. To my surprise, I came across an article written about him in the Manila Standard in December 2002. I now know why his family is so proud of him and why there were so many people cheering him on at the reception. There's also another article published in the June 25 Inquirer about the couple.

Jenny, congratulations on a beautiful wedding. May you and Buzzie have a fruitful marriage filled with joy and happiness. Welcome to the Aguila Clan. =)

Genealogy: Arsenio Manolo "Buzzie" Ona hails from the Paterno Branch. He is the grandson of Restituta "Resta" Aguila and Arsenio Martinez and the eldest son of Norma "Nani" Martinez and Enrique "Ike" Ona.

Paterno: Therese of the Holy Spirit

2006-06-15T01:08:00.000+08:00

Folks,

This morning (June 11) your Auntie Beth, Leonid and I witnessed your Auntie Tessie and 15 others making their definitive promise as a Secular Discalced Carmelite (SDC) at Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila. The actual ceremony was done during Mass, after a rather lengthy homily by the celebrant imported from Bacolod and before the offertory.

Some (not your Auntie Tessie) of them were in tears and could hardly speak as one by one they kneeled down before the Carmelite superior and stated:
"I, ______, inspired by the Holy Spirit, in response to God's call, sincerely promise to the superiors of the Order of the Teresian Carmel and to you, my brothers and sisters, to tend to evangelical perfection in the spirit of the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience and of the Beatitudes, according to the primitive Rule and the Constitution of the Secular Discalced Carmelites, for the rest of my life. I confidently entrust this my promise to the Virgin Mary, Mother and Queen of Carmel."

Auntie Tessie's name as an SDC is "Therese of the Holy Spirit."

After Mass, there was lunch with lechon. Auntie Tessie appears in very good health and spirits. An SDC does not live in a monastery or convent, but in her own house and with her family. Many of them are married. Before becoming a perpetually professed SDC, they have to undergo a rigorous formative program of at least six years. According to my observation, in spite of the promise of poverty, some of them dye their hair and sport pearl necklaces and other jewelry. Get in touch with your Auntie Tessie (c/o Trixine Ona) for further clarification or if you wish to follow in her footsteps. There are also male SDCs.

Best regards,

Uncle Nitong

MALOCA: Tere, Meet the Kowsins

2006-05-08T08:12:00.000+08:00

Takoy and Tere (after the inquisition -- note the big smile)

In 1997, we started a tradition of welcoming new members to MALOCA (Mga Apo ni Leonardo Ona at Candelaria Aguila) through the Kowsin Mwahaha. The cousins (or kowsins as we usually refer to ourselves) are a very close-knit bunch who take advantage of every opportunity to assemble and wreck havoc. Our get-togethers are filled with multiple conversations being conducted simultaneously at the top of our lungs, shrieks of laughter (hence the mwahaha) and harassed waiters running to and fro. Our hapless victims are treated to a grand inquisition. Questions range from:

Saan kayo nag-meet?
Anong nakita mo sa aming pinsan?
Saan ang first date ninyo?
Kailan at saan naganap ang first kiss n’yo?
Ilang kids ang gusto mo?

Even Miles had to go through the wringer on numerous occasions.

Seemingly innocuous questions but extremely nervewracking when your every move is being observed by almost 20 people you just met who are taking mental notes to share with those not present. It’s not just the kowsins you should be worried about. The kowsin in-laws take advantage of the forum to exact their revenge.

I actually don’t know who is more nervous, the kowsin, or the kowsin-to-be. We uncover all sorts of interesting tidbits during these gatherings.. such as….

Exhibit A: First date…. Ulo-ulo. Kowsin forgot this wallet so girl had to pay. Girl doesn’t really like ulo-ulo to begin with. [Debbie, you are a saint.]

Exhibit B: Q: Anong katangian ang nagustuhan mo sa aming pinsan?

A: Cute siya
[“Cute” is now the new nickname for this Kowsin. We take advantage of every opportunity that arises to raise our glasses and cheer “Para sa Cute”.]

The Masilungan women
(L-R:Elen, Mariel, Di, Tere, Janet and Heidi, asawa ni Cute)

Exhibit C: Q: Alam mo ba kung sino kami?
A: Aba OO. Ikaw si Trixine, anak ni Uncle Bursing at Auntie Tesi….[then goes on to list the family tree. Na-intimidate kaming lahat kay Queen Kathy.]

Exhibit D: Prospective kowsin-in-law was getting food from the platter in a civilized manner. Comment from the far end of the table: “Bilis bilisan mo, gutom na kami!”

Last Friday, it was Takoy’s turn to introduce Tere to the Kowsins.
Venue: Zhong, Fort Bonifacio
Location of the Inquisition: Towards the end of the restaurant, on the comfy couches.
Chief Inquisitors: Boogle, Trixine, Abogada and Doc Leo who took strategic positions in front of and beside her.

Key findings:
Takoy’s alter ego is Edward. Quotable quote from Bulyot, his brother… “Sino si Edward?”. Takoy proposed numerous times. The most memorable one was when he took a video of himself on his cellphone. First kiss? May 25, 2005 (wedding anniversary of his parents).

Tere was very gracious and most importantly, mapagbigay pagdating sa pagkain (always a plus). While we are slightly disappointed that she is not a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, there is hope that our mental disorders may finally be addressed. =)

Tere, welcome to the family! See you on the 20^th!

Sharon, you’re next. Be afraid… be very very afraid. Mwahahaha!

Geli's fairy godmothers (L-R: Abogada Christine, Trixine, Joelle)

Postscript: Tere officially became part of the Paterno branch of the Aguila clan last May 27, 2006. It was a beautiful wedding. The kowsins were on their "relatively" best behavior and the little ones had a blast (as evidenced in the pictures taken by Dino Lara during the event). Btw, magaling maglihim ang bagong magasawa. We discovered on the day itself that Tere's nickname is "Sweet". Even better, she bakes very well. We look forward to receiving our individual cheesecakes soon. =)

Aguila,Paterno, Candelaria, Ona

Writer Guidelines

2006-05-04T20:01:00.000+08:00

Aguila Clan is a group weblog which connects members of the family through publishing family-related articles, pictures, videos etc. If you can trace your roots to Mamay Ador and Nanay Andang and would like to be part of this experimental project, please do drop me a line at jhorca@gmail.com (state your full name and branch) and I'll add you to the team. If you have existing blogs, drop me a line as well and I'll link you up.

Alternatively, if you would just like to share information or details about key events in your branch of the family, just send them over to me and I'll take care of posting them to the weblog.

Cheers,

Joelle Ona-Horca
(Paterno branch)

P.S. There are branch egroups to which you may subscribe. Note that these are private lists with membership subject to list owner/moderator approval:
1. Aguila Clan. Send email to aguilaclan-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
2. Paterno Branch. Send email to paterno-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Aguila Clan Family Reunions - video

2006-05-04T19:31:00.000+08:00

The Aguila Clan of San Jose Batangas in the Philippines has been holding reunions every weekend after the Easter of the year. It has served as a venue for getting together, checking out one another, helping and bonding as a family. Totalling to 1557 members spanning 7 generations, the clan through its reunions persists and continues to become a much awaited annual activity for the young once and the young ones.

The music fits the image content of this video. Performed by Carole King in Carnegie Hall in the early 70's the song entitled: Song of Long Ago figuratively narrates of the feeling experienced in reunions such as this. In this global world the Aguila Clan clearly and will continue to be a family serving as a "link to our past and the bridge to our future."

[Video created by Leonardo Ona III]

Diwa ng Aguila 2006 - video

2006-05-04T19:26:00.000+08:00

The Aguila Clan of San Jose Batangas in the Philippines has existed for 7 generations holding reunions and keeping ties within the family. This music video shows images of how the clan started and how it is functioning as a family in spite of its growing number. The music entitled "Diwa ng Aguila" was composed by Francisco "Bombit" Buencamino in the early 1980s. The Musical arrangement of this version was done by his son Emil Buencamino. This video was created by Leonardo Ona III.

Sandiwa - Cleaning of San Jose rivers

2006-04-30T22:30:00.001+08:00

Dear Kabayans,

Yesterday 14 April 2006 I got the following letter from cousin Gracia Ona. The SANDIWA Multipurpose Cooperative headed by her sister, former councilor Sister Emma Alday, has embarked on the enterprise of cleaning our rivers. Please give it sympathetic consideration. Since Gracia does not have an email address, I can forward to her whatever you wish to convey.

By the way, I participated in the Good Friday procession in our town. It wound up to the highway in Taysan, back and though the streets of our town. I saw many of our kabayans, some even from abroad. Sadly, some have passed away or are too weak to join the procession and even to view it as it passed by. We pray for all of them and for you, too. Like me, many join the procession until they can no longer do so. May the Risen Lord bless us all!

Thanks a lot.

DEAR KABABAYAN:

RE: REHABILITATION OF SAN JOSE, BATANGAS RIVERS & CREEKS

At the time of its foundation on 26 April 1765, the name of our town was Malaquing Tubig after the river of clear water running through it. Then it was changed to San Jose de Malaquing Tubig after the patron saint of the Fr. Jose Victoria, OSA, the parish priest at that time. Then, it was changed to the present San Jose.

NOW, not only the name Malaquing Tubig, but also most if not all our rivers have been lost. For more than 20 years, our rivers and creeks have progressively become the waste disposal units of most, if not all the piggery and poultry establishments, our town's major source of income. Worse, even household and commercial waste, most of them non-biodegradable, are also being dumped into the nearest bridges and creeks. This is in spite of the five (5) pages ordinance on the Environment passed and approved by the Sangguniang Bayan in 1992.

Last 29 October 2005, our cooperative, the SANDIWA Multipurpose Cooperative, an accredited NGO of our town, launched an environment protection campaign program during a Halloween Party at the town's covered court. We sold tickets and solicited funds from our families and friends to be able to clean the first river of concern, the Kawakawa River in Lapulapo 1.0. On 25 February 2006, to celebrate the People Power Anniversary, we initiated the "Sama-samang Paglilinis ng Kawakawa". More than 200 people from various sectors participated. Since then, activities are going on at the river: clearing of silt and wastes that clog the narrow water passages, water testing, landscaping, irrigating and pathway development. A massive awareness program and monitoring activities are on-going. All these happen because of the small amount we raised during the launching. There are very generous souls who offer their services free.

According to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, after the lab test on the quality of the water at Kawakawa River made last 28 March 2006, no aquatic creature could survive in the water of the said river.

Last April 8, together with some local government officials and environment field workers, the Multi-sectoral Group visited places where wastes are dumped directly into the river. We identified ten (10) livestock raisers and one (1) Chicken Dressing Plant in the area for further evaluation. Sacks of household wastes are being dumped directly in the Aya River. Landowners near and beside the river were notified and hopefully they will join the crusade to treat our watersheds not merely as a support system for our livelihood but as a sacred source of life provided by the Creator.

It is our dream that our efforts to bring back life in our rivers will be self-sustaining. This is where we need your financial assistance. Programs are being developed to assure sustainability. With a little more assistance, it can become an ideal venue for nature trippers, fishing, swimming and laundry. We wish to set-up an open classroom by the riverbank where workshops can be held both for children and adults. The ambience is perfect for art lessons like painting, pottery, art crafts, guitar lessons, environment awareness, solid waste management, etc.

Proceeds from these activities must be able to continuously develop Kawa-kawa River and start the rehabilitation of the next rivers of concern.

This we cannot reach without initial support from friends like you. We appeal to your generous heart and deep respect for the environment to help us realize our vision and mission for San Jose.

On Earth Day 22 April 2006 at 3:00 P.M., a Mass to be officiated by Archbishop Ramon Arguelles will highlight our "Piknikan sa Kawakawa". It will mark the start of the week-long celebration of our town's 241st Foundation Day Anniversary. Please be one with us. Your presence will mean a lot.

Please let us know when and where it will be more convenient to you to send your donation and suggestions. Sr. EMMA ALDAY, president of SANDIWA can be contacted at (043)726-2873 or 09162126685 or you could directly deposit in the Bank of the Philippine Islands, Lipa City Highway under SANDIWA's account with Savings Acct. No. 0883-0680-92.