The School, which was founded by Lolo Ego (circa 1960) and painstakingly elevated to its current level of quality education by my cousin, Jojo, was for many years an integral part of Dad's work. I recall visiting CLEC (as it was formerly known, which is short for Central Luzon Educational Center) with Dad as a young boy. Today, under the innovative and tireless leadership of Dr. Joseph L. Gallego, MVGFC proudly builds on the legacy of our grandfather. Jojo has infused the constructivist approach to teaching and learning in all facets of the Institution, encapsulated in the ancient Chinese proverb:
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| Dad and the MVGFC Team with Lolo Ego at our side |
As a young boy visiting CLEC, my personal recollection is rather mundane. I remember preferring to visit CLEC in Cabanatuan (instead of Rancho Caridad in Nampicuan, which was quite spartan compared to CLEC) because it had creature comforts like the air-conditioned room of Lolo (where we would sleep overnight) and the delicious local fare at the school cafeteria (e.g., dilis, fried eggs, fresh diced tomato and sinangag for breakfast, native chicken adobo for lunch and so on). This was the time I distinctly remember Lola Ego playing majong in what appeared to be a gazebo in the middle of a water lily pond, while puffing an unfiltered cigarillo with the burning-end inside her mouth! What a gal!
After our warm and meaningful reception by the MVGFC team, we proceeded to Dingalan Bay, Province of Aurora. Dad mentioned that he employed a secretary many years ago (possibly even before I was born) by the name of Malakias Guerrero, who hails from Dingalan Bay. This was a time when there were probably no concrete roads leading to this place. Yet, Malakias apparently made an impression on Dad. I surmise he was a competent secretary. Dad said Malakias eventually left for the US, then returned to the Philippines. We did not have time to look for Malakias (in case he has retired in Dingalan) but I will attempt to find him on my next visit.
We stayed overnight at the Cave Beach Resort (owned and managed by Terry and Lea McLennan). It's the nicest resort / bed and breakfast in Dingalan, no doubt due to the hands-on style of the proprietors--a very hospitable couple with an attention to detail. They have good food, a fully-stacked bar and a great collection of music videos to keep you entertained while shooting the breeze with a gorgeous view of Dingalan Bay.
Weather permitting, there is local fish catch daily just down the road from the resort and you can have them prepare the fish the way you like or cook it yourself outdoors!
This place is secluded and NOT yet commercialized. It probably won't stay that way for long.
The fresh outdoors and the sea breeze (even the long drive) seemed to work well for Dad, as he appeared to have a bit more appetite and rested well. He slept shortly after a mixed seafood dinner. Woke up at around 8 am with a pinkish complexion, sat under the morning sun for a while and had a leisurely breakfast of corned beef and eggs. He rested for a couple of hours after breakfast before we returned home.
