This year marks the 187th founding anniversary of the town of Binalonan. As celebrations were postponed due to COVID-19, this year let us hear how the elders witnessed the growth and transformation of the town and their memories of the town’s fiesta.

One of the few centenarians who recently celebrated his 101st birthday is Mr. Arcadio Andres Bautista. Amang Arcadio is a rare witness of the changing course of our country’s history. Born on February 15, 1920, he spent most of his formative years in Mangcasuy, Binalonan as a farmer and a public servant. During his grade school he studied under the American Public Education System. Despite the common perception that age falters our memory, in his case, he could still enumerate his teachers from the first to sixth grade. His love for learning ensures his attachment to his former teachers namely Mrs. Guillermo, Mr. Bulatao, Mr. Barunggan, Mr. Kihana, Mr. Arenas,Mr. Santiago, Mr. Ganigan- Calimlim (From Lingayen), and Ms. Quintos.

After intermediate school most Binalonians would find the nearest opportunity to Baguio. A usual prospect for his generation which was also done by Apo Carlos Bulosan, Amang Arcadio took the bus and went to Baguio to work in a sawmill factory. When Camp Murphy (present-day Camp Aguinaldo) was established in 1935, Amang Acadio was one of its earliest recruits for logistics as well. From 1935-1937, he served as a foreman B (from which the position of Foreman A was held by his companero from Villasis) and managed thirty warehouses that rationed American soldiers during the time when the United States controlled Philippine military bases.

However that didn’t last long, his love for land reverted him back to his hometown. He came back to Binalonan just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Albeit, it was one of the most gruesome aspects of the locality’s history, Amang Arcadio would still vividly remember how the locals experienced years of Japanese rule. Just like his fellow Binalonians, he would extend his help to the local guerillas by leading them to their kasamas which was headed by former USAFFE guerilla Ramon Guico Sr. The terror of the Japanese rule eventually ended after 4 years and Amang Arcadio was tilling the field when the horror of liberation took place. He saw groups of families, communities, evacuating from their houses to Lubas, American planes being shot by the Japanese, American tanks bombarding Japanese defense lines, fortified buildings pulverized to the ground, and the sight of innumerable corpses of Japanese, Americans,Filipino guerilla soldiers and also civilians who were caught in the war.

When the war ended, everyone returned to their houses and continued their prewar pursuits. Amang Arcadio continued tilling the fields where his heart belonged. The post-war development concentrated on aiding the farmers which also shaped the course of Amang’s career as a public servant. Amang was eventually elected as the President of the Association on Irrigation in Mangcasuy, Capas, San Felipe and San Manuel. He also served as Vice President in the Farmers Association of Mangcasuy and later on he became the first elected Teniente del Barrio of Mangcasuy from 1969-1973.

Growing up in Binalonan, whenever he’s asked about his favourite memories of the town’s fiesta, Amang Arcadio would funnily recall how elated everyone was to do the baile party! Since one would not always expect to have forgiving parents, Amang Arcadio shared, he would sneak out by telling his parents “I’m just going to feed the dogs downstairs.” When they say yes, he would slowly climb down the stairs, carrying his shoes and clothes with him, pretending to call the dog with a few howls then scurry away.

In the late 70s, life was becoming more difficult for farmers in the Philippines and due to the changing market demand in the preceding decades Amang decided to go forth with his fellow Ilocanos to work in Hawaii. From the 1980s to 2005, he proudly worked as a utility man for the Salvation Army in Honolulu, Hawaii. Like his fellow hardworking Ilocanos, Amang Arcadio was able to raise his six children and send them to schools. He currently has 34 grandchildren. In the course of his retirement, Amang Arcadio decided to go back to the Philippines to spend his blissful years with his wife who passed away at the age of 95. He currently lives with his eldest Apo, Teresa and also Rolando, who carefully and lovingly attends to his needs.

When asked, what is the secret of a long life? Amang Arcadio earnestly answered: Apatot! He is addicted to the red flower “Apatot.” He also drinks boiled ampalaya leaves with a pinch of salt and discards “red meat” in his diet. He does not smoke. He drinks moderately. He’s fond of fish, vegetables, and dried tuyo every breakfast. Like a typical Ilocano, he likes his ampalaya bitter and salty! But beyond that, Amang thoughtfully shared, the real secret to a long life is God’s will.