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| Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion |
It was an evening filled with nostalgia and remembrance when ABS-CBN recently held its “27 Years of Shining Moments” at L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.
The occasion was to honor the newsmakers of Negros Occidental, who made their mark in the province for the past 27 years. These were the people we often saw on the station's news programs and various talk shows. People who stood out in the crucial pages of our province's recent history.
Old friends and comrades greeted each other with laughter and bear hugs after a long absence. There were 15 honorees and some, who had since passed away, were represented by members of their family.
The first honoree was the late governor Joseph Marañon, who was represented by his wife, Aida. He was remembered for his steadfast political will that resulted in dramatic changes in the province.
Oscar “Dodong” Bascon was awarded for his brilliant contribution to sports in the province; former mayor and Rep. Romeo Guanzon, who was represented by his son, Monju, whose thank you speech quickly turned into a lengthy political endorsement for DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for president, to the amusement of the crowd.
A big surprise was the announcement of General Miguel Coronel's name and an elderly balding gentleman slowly made his way up the stage. There was a collective gasp from the audience as they remembered “Mike” as a robust, macho hunk, who looked so fit in his uniform then. He was honored for his implementation of the Bac-Up police outposts which gave a big boost to the peace and order situation and which was highly praised and appreciated by the locals.
Former Bacolod police chief, Col. Nicolas Torres, was represented by his wife, Elsa, who accepted her late husband's award with tears of pride and joy as it was announced that her husband, who was in prison for years, was exonerated by the Supreme Court after his death.
Bishop Antonio Fortich, popularly known as “Komander Tony”, who had fought long and hard for the poor, was represented by Monsignor Vic Rivas, who revealed some heretofore hidden vignettes of this colorful character.
Other honorees were Dr. Patricio Tan, Ely Santiago, former vice mayor Kenneth Barredo, former mayor and governor Alfredo Montelibano Jr., Atty. Rimatche Parreño, Edith Villanueva, Lito Coscolluela, Bitay Lacson, and Brig. Gen Raymundo Jarque.
Oh, what stories they could tell about the history of NegOcc during their time. Lito wished someone could write this story for future generations. Any takers?
