BALILIHAN figured prominently in my childhood as I spent several summers and Christmases with Lola Pateria Calope and Lolo Crescencio Lungay in their green two-story house in del Carmen Norte. I learned how to float in Tampero (I understand from one article and substantiated by the LGU Tourism Office that this is Tan Pero), was bitten by insects causing Lola to start preaching with Lolo gently rubbing my stinging bumps, watched several basketball games and cheered for my idols, appreciated the fishpond of Nang Gloria Bongcaras with its pink water lilies and colorful dragonflies, frolicked when it rained, bought toasted bread at Nong Tiong’s store right across Lola’s house, and simply had a blast like a kid. I must mention that Nong Tiong Lim’s store was the daily trade center of the town at the time. Everybody bought their wares including bread and biscuits from the store.
Balilihan, located in the interior part of Bohol, comes after Cortes when one hits the road from the city traversing Taloto, Ubujan, and Manga. According to stories I heard when I was a kid, it is called Balilihan because of the abundant grass (balili) growing in the environs. This is supported by a government website, balilihan.gov.ph/about-municipality/, that stated Balilihan means “a place where plenty of grass grows.”
Website information provides that Balilihan was organized as a municipality in 1828. Formerly a part of Baclayon, the seat of government was in the then sitio of Bay-sa-Iring but was later transferred to its present site because – and this makes me ponder and chuckle – of water scarcity. Doesn’t this sound familiar?
Moving forward, in 1902, an attempt was pushed to fuse Balilihan with Antequera, but this was opposed by the people – so, Balilinhon really have a mind of their own since time immemorial, huh! They are independent and fearless. The year after, the municipality of Catigbian was annexed to Balilihan under Act No. 370 of the Philippine Commission. What a twist! Balilinhon didn’t want Balilihan merging with Antequera but ready for Catigbian to annex itself to it!
If you thumb through the government website, you will find historical accounts of Balilihan that will make you admire the grit and spirit of the Balilinhon. On several occasions during the Spanish regime, the townsfolk stood up to retain Balilihan’s independence.
The information also provides that two of my ancestors became mayors of Balilihan: my grandmother Pateria Calope’s older brother, Simplicio D. Calope; and younger brother, Atty. Getulio D. Calope. Two mayors in one family are quite a feat!
Naturally, I have visited the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and the Spanish belltower, one of my playgrounds growing up, located behind my grandparents’ house. Accordingly, the belltower or belfry built during the Spanish era – which we then called as “Valdillon Hill” in honor of a surveyor who undertook the massive task of subdividing the entire Balilihan back in the 1960s – and standing on a hill, an unusual location, suggesting “that apart from monitoring the Abatan River, it also served to maintain vigilance over pockets of malcontents in the area (Balilihan had the second largest number of settlers from Dagohoy’s camps in 1829.)” I would say that explains the grit and independence.
Presently, I am relishing my stay in Balilihan in the imposing, but homey House Lungay constructed on the same spot where my grandparents’ house used to stand. It’s restful and good for the heart and soul. I know, I know, I’m just a sentimental fool so every place holds dear to me. Every town has a connection because I grew up here, a genuine Bol-anon who treaded Mindanao for the adventure, growth, and derring-do.
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I met with elementary classmates Dolores “Lulu” Manlupig and Felix Paunat in mid-August and we had a blast reminiscing our young life! There’s nothing like reconnecting with childhood friends and acquaintances. It provides you with a fresh perspective about life and love, and its accompanying drama. Who doesn’t love drama, huh! Don’t look now, but I’m sure your own life has its share of drama as well.
But I guess without the drama, life is so boring and meaningless. So, unless your intent is to live a mediocre life, you must decide to give yourself fully to the moment, commit to your dreams and aspirations, and be done with it. If you regret something towards the sunset of your life, you can pat yourself on the back and say, but I did it anyway! It was worth all the pain, heartache, and joy.
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
