Remembering “Mons”

Today is the birthday of the late Bishop Antonio Y. Fortich of Bacolod, who would have been 99 years old had he continued to remain in this valley of tears. Despite the fact that it has been several years since his death, “Mons” as we used to call him affectionately, continues to be loved and remembered by those who knew him well. He was one human being who may have been the object of envy or intrigue during his very dramatic leadership of the Church in Negros, but he himself was never touched by them.

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My family and I can hardly recall any time in our lives when we were not under the guidance and protection of Bishop Fortich. Much of the major incidents in our lives had been influenced by him, or had his participation. Our baptisms, confirmations, first communions, he had a role in most of them. In fact one of us, my brother Bing, who is now mayor of Bacolod, was baptized, confirmed, had his first communion and was married by Bishop Fortich, who continued to be his adviser and protector, especially during his early days in politics.

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That is why, today, we will remember him in our prayers and in thanksgiving for all he had done, not only for our family, but mostly for our people in Bacolod and Negros Occidental. We in the DAILY STAR also benefited so much from his guidance and encouragement. Always, always, he prayed for us and listened to our woes, especially during our earliest days. If there was any official or leader in the province who was the inspiration of the media, I think I can say without much contradiction, that it was “Mons” – a name we gave him when we were still students at La Consolacion and which had stuck all those years. I hope you are enjoying your birthday in heaven, dearest Mons.

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Also marking his birthday is Monsignor Vic Rivas, another icon of the Diocese, who, like his mentor and guardian, Bishop Fortich, is also leaving the marks of his dedication and commitment on the Diocese. The two of them have served together for so long, it seemed so much has changed since one of them had gone. But “Mons Vic”, as he has also come to be known, is continuing his mission for the church, in his own distinctive way. A very happy birthday to you, dear Mons Vic, from your kin on both sides. We hope to celebrate more with you and will continue to pray for you always!

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Meanwhile, it is saddening to realize that tomorrow, the wonderful Olympic event being held in London, is coming to an end. What a wonderful fortnight it has been, as we watched the most amazing displays of human efforts and abilities in the field of sports. How can we wait for another four years before seeing another one? And will the next one be as efficiently and competently hosted as this one?

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Let’s hope so. The London affair was unique in that it had combined a learning activity – about the country and its history – and its capacity to entertain and provide the most outstanding venues for the various disciplines in sports being presented and contested. What if our country never shone in any of the events it attempted to compete in? The failure may just prod our top officials to the realization that it is high time that we look for other sports officials to handle such international participation as with the Olympics. Let’s cross our fingers that they get the message.

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Meanwhile, it was very touching to see the rejoicing of the people of Jamaica when their runners won over all the others in the contests. Their attitude, as they jumped around in their streets in joy, reminded me of our happiness when our Manny Pacquiao conquered the top boxers of other countries. The most astounding for the Jamaicans was the victory of three of their athletes in one race – gold, silver and bronze – which made them shout “Jamaica one-two-three” all over town.

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I am sorry, though, that I missed seeing the most important basketball games, as all the events usually shown were only the swimming tilts, the boxing, jumping and throwing. But I think the most beautiful and exquisite were the synchronized swimming presentations which were captivating and entrancing, one would have given them all gold medals, if that were possible. Well, let’s watch the closing rites tomorrow, and say goodbye to one very memorable happening this year.*

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