Praying For a Miracle

Tuesday, June 2, 2008

I had a talk with Jack M Arricivita this morning. Jack is son of my Kompadre, Fortunio G Arricivita. From Jack I’ve learned that Tony is in coma. And the sad news about it is that his state could be permanent… From motorcycle accident resulting to head injury.

Actually, what Jack told was just confirmation of what I’ve learned from Fernando Urbanozo some time ago. I’d tried calling Tessie in Mandaluyong for confirmation then, but the phone just kept on ringing. I guessed everyone was in Negros at that time where this accident happened.

Tony’s been running their family farm in Rumirang, Isabela, Negros Occidental for two seasons now. He took over management of farm from younger brother, Cesar A. Very modest farm cultivated to sugarcane and a little rice ever since.

Tony A. is also member, Vice President and Board member actually, of Bayawan Valley Farmers’ Organization. He is member of Binalbagan Catholic College HS Batch 67.

I remember Batch 67 meeting last November 06. I was in Magballo from a visit in Bayawan valley with Herman G Miranda, and I texted Tony about the meeting so he did not forget about it. There is a cell site in Dacongcogon at Brgy Tabugon.

Actually, it was my way of knowing if the meeting was going to be held as scheduled. It was Barangay fiesta in Magballo that day but I guess I’d have to say sorry to Jojo and wife Linda because of Batch 67 meeting in Binalbagan. [Jojo ( Romeo G Riopay) is one of BVFO's Board member and who resides in Brgy Magballo. He is Brgy Kagawad of Magballo.]

Late night and drunk driving!

To my surprise Tony replied that he was in Riverside hospital in Bacolod city then. He was with batch Willie Soltis. He ditched the jeep they were riding and plowed a sugar cane field somewhere between Isabela and Binalbagan nights before. Wellie said he was drunk asleep when the accident happened. He woke up feeling pains all over and being carried by rescuers. Rescuers found them away from the jeep. Whoa! also driving without seat belts! Sugar canes must have cushioned their fall.

Both of them limped in, though, in time for lunch during the Batch meeting. They forced their way out of Riverside just so they attended and didn’t disappoint others!

The latest is not his first motorcycle accident. It must be ump time already! I remember during high-school. There was one time I visited him in Biscom hospital. The hospital was only four houses away from where we lived at Unit 17-B. There he was, with bruises and casts. He almost killed himself by his dad’s big, shaft propelled BMW bike. And tio Jose loved that bike as much as he loves tia Maring!

Hahh…Someone who can’t say no to drinks and many times driving without crash helmet, too!

Haay, Tig-a guid ulo… What a hard headed guy.

Again, this could happen only in the Philippines. Somewhere else in the world where authorities are more rigid of the laws (like health and safety) citizens simply develop good habits.

To komadre Tessie and Family: Pray and don’t lose hope. Miracles did sometimes happen. Rod J