BY GRETCHEN LEONARDIA
I belong to a family of prodigious writers. Our biggest influence was our Tita Ninfa. Her acuminous literary accomplishments traverse decades as a multi awarded journalist and as the co-founder and editor-in-chief of the most respected newspaper in our city, The Visayan DAILY STAR.
As a child, I have vivid olfactory memories of newspapers hot off the printing press… the familiar clickety clack and bell tones of the typewriters. I was there when everything was still manual, then electric. My young eyes would follow the movement of the IBM “selectric” typeball, as it would pivot and type paragraphs by itself, much like how a vintage pianola plays music without a pianist.
These auditory memories stamped in my head are all meaningful cherished ASMR sounds that take me back to my childhood up until I was given opportunities to write tributes to friends who have passed away or spotlight articles of accomplished Bacolodnons and Negrenses who are thriving abroad.
She believed in my creative writing abilities. She helped nurture it. She cajoled the aspiring scribe in me. It’s benefited me tremendously having migrated to the States. Technical writing, creative writing… a book series worth of puns I use to both amuse and annoy friends and work colleagues in messaging chats.
She was my idol. I have so much to be thankful because of her active presence during my childhood to adulthood. This painful realization of her departure has hit me in waves since yesterday. As I write this tribute, my eyes well up.
I have bawled and even howled in pain. Her passing reminds me how limited my experiences with my elders I have left. I have loved and lost five of my paternal uncles and now the 2 eldest Aunts are reunited in light with my Grandparents, first cousins, and my niece.
I will strive to make my journey to the homeland… to my hometown. To pay my respects to those I have not been able to properly say goodbye. I love you Tita, so, so much. I will use these gifts you helped develop.
Pray for us as you take your place in the family round table in heaven with Lola and Lolo, your 5 younger brothers, and your “twin” (and partner in crime) Tita Perla. The family of slow eaters who looooooove to talk and share a tipple or two. May eternal rest and perpetual light shine upon you. RIP.*
