A Trip to Reality: an Autobiography
MELCHOR F. CICHON
May 10, 2005
Revised February 6, 2019
(for continuation)
Chapter 1
My Childhood
I was born in Sta. Cruz, Lezo, Aklan on April 7, 1945. I am the youngest of eight children of the late Jose N. Cichon and Desposoria Francisco of the same place. My elder brothers and sisters are the following: Pablo, Manuel, Alfreo, Ramona, Liberata, Jose, Jr., and Lucia. Esteban was born between me and Lucia but he died during the war.
My father is the son of Esteban Cichon and Juana Nuo. Our Lolo Esteban was a native of Sta. Cruz, Lezo, Aklan, while our Lola Juana was born in Burianga, Banga, Aklan. My grandfather on my mother side was Empoy Francisco and Yoya Filomeno. They were both natives of Lezo, Aklan.
I do not have much memory of my childhood days. What I remember however were some incidents that I could not forget.
One Sunday afternoon, a male friend of my elder sister visited her in our house.
At that time, one of our hens was brooding.
The problem was her nest was near the roof. I had to climb it through our wall made of nipa tatches. Suddenly, I slipped down. Because of my weight, and because our bamboo floor was old enough, I passed through it. And down to the ground I went.
When my elder sister saw me, she immediately stood up and went downstairs to help me. Her suitor followed her. And they helped me got up and they brought me upstairs.
I also remember that when I was drowsing while taking my supper, my father would tell me: Manduyog eon si Itsong.
Manduyog is a hill in Banga, Aklan. At the foot of this hill is the Aklan Agricultural State University.
Of course, what he was referring to was duyog, sleepy.
Chapter II: My High School Days
After finishing my elementary grades at Lezo Elementary School in Lezo, Aklan, I stopped for one year because my parents could not afford to send me to school.
Fortunately, my elder brother, Manuel, came home from Zamboanga City for a vacation. He suggested to our parents that I continue my studies in Zamboanga City.
But he went back to Zamboanga City earlier, so I just went to Zamboanga City together with Nong Alfring and Nong Rudy Cichon, my first cousin from Banga, Aklan.
Through the suggestion of my uncle, Atty. Prudencio N. Cichon, the younger brother of my father, I studied at the Mindanao Regional School of Fisheries in Rio Hondo, Zamboanga City.
My uncle, Atty. Prudencio N. Cichon, worked at the Bureau of Lands.
Zamboanga City was the first city that I went into. Its language, Chavacano, is very much different from Aklanon. I could not understand any Chavacano word. So I communicated in Tagalog or in English with the Zamboangeno.
This school is located along a seashore, and very near to Fort Pilar.
It is also in this area where one can see the houses of poor Muslims. But there is also a mosque. There is also a small pier here where barges stay.
When I was a freshman, I was assigned in Section 2.
But I almost always topped our exams. My favorite subject was biology.
It was here where I noticed that I could write well in Tagalog.
But my English was not good enough.
In our first year, we were required to repair dikes of the fishponds of the school. At times too, we had to harvest bangus as part of our subject in fish culture.
One of our teachers was a male professor from Ateneo de Zamboanga. He taught in our school as a part-time teacher.
He was an English teacher. And he was assigned to be our adviser in our school paper.
I was one of the staffers.
But I noticed that he was writing the contents of our paper. In short, we staffers were just there, in name.
But that event somehow encouraged me to write especially when I enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
During summer or Christmas vacation, I would spend it in Diplahan, Zamboanga del Sur. It was there where my elder brother, Alfreo, resided.
It was in Diplahan where I saw squirrels and the Clock of the Mountain, the Kalaw. It was also in Diplahan where I saw big logs. A truck could only carry three cuts of logs.
It was also in Diplahan where I saw coal. If I dug the ground near the house of Nong Alfring, I could already see coal. This is the kind of fuel that is used for cooking.
Since I was away from my parents and other elder brothers and sisters who would do laundry and cook for me, I had to learn all these things.
It was there where I learned to wash my clothes and cook rice, and sometimes our viands.
I graduated as First Honorable Mention.
I was not happy though. Only my brother Pablo was around when I received my medal.
Chapter III: My College Days
From Mindanao Regional School of Fisheries, I went to U.P. Diliman to study fisheries.
It was in UP when I realized how little I knew about mathematics and English.
The first time I enrolled in English I, I dropped it. I was not really ready for it. My grammar was terrible.
I met my former classmate in Zamboanga City. We had the same problem.
We discussed what strategy we would take to solve this problem.
First we bought the book, English for Filipinos by Jean Edades, an American grammarian and married to a Filipino painter, Victor Edades.
We studied the book together. This book gives ample examples on how to use prepositions.
Then we decided to send letters to the editors of the different newspapers and magazines published in Manila. We also sent letters to the editor of the Philippine Collegian, the official student publication of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
Some of our letters were published in the Manila Times, Sunday Times Magazine, and Weekly Graphic. Later I sent articles to the Philippines Free Press. One of my articles was published in this famous magazine. Later one of my poems was also published here.
I also sent poems to the Philippine Collegian. My first poem in this famous newspaper was You. It is a translation of Ernie Macahiya’s poem Ikaw.
My other poems published in the Philippine Collegian were Inay. and Oysters. Inay is the first ever Aklanon poem in the Philippine Collegian. It is still the only Aklanon poem to be published in this newspaper.
While in UP, I also published the translation of Teo S. Baylen’s Tagalog poem Talaba. It was published in Baylen’s Kalabaw at Buffalo. That was my first poem published in a book. Teo Baylen was a poet laureate from Cavite. One of his famous poems was Tinig Ng Darating. This poem influenced my writing style.
With these little successes, I thought I had improved my English.
The teacher who really encouraged me to write was a certain Ms. Agbayani. I forgot her first name.
Because of poverty, I decided to work first at the UP Canteen, then at the University of the Philippines Main Library as a Library Assistant. I will talk more about this later.
But I continued my studies.
Before I graduated from the College of Fisheries, I took a BSE degree at Manuel L. Quezon University where I majored in Library Science and minored in English.
So while I was studying at UP, I was also enrolled at the Manuel L. Quezon University. Because I was only then working on my thesis in fisheries, I graduated earlier in UP than in the MLQU.
Later, I finished my Master in Library Science at the Institute of Library Science, U.P. Diliman as a United Nations Development Program fellow. It was also there where I took a one-year diploma course for the Post Graduate Training Course for Southeast Asia Information Specialists together with other Filipinos and scholars from Red China, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Turkey, Korea, Fiji.
In 1977, I transferred to the University of the Philippines in Iloilo, now the University of the Philippines in the Visayas. Later this institution was changed to U.P. Visayas.
Because of my desire to get a master’s degree in management and because of free tuition for UP employees, I enrolled at the UPIC College of Management for a Master in Management degree, but while I was taking this degree I was also enrolled at the Certificate in Governmental Management.
I finished my Master in Management and my CGM at U.P. in the Visayas in Iloilo City at the same time.
Some of my classmates were Atty. Quirico Defensor and a certain military coronel from Aklan.
After I graduated from MM and CGM, I attended a one-month training on computer science at Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, sponsored by the UNDP. Five other Filipinos attended this computer training. Our training focused on Word Star, and other computer programs.
It was in Malaysia where I saw computer generating translation of books. It was also in Malaysia where I learned that when you eat in the restaurant, you are not given water unless you buy it.
This system of not giving free drinking water to restaurant customers in the Philippines later became part of the Philippine culture. This happened when bottled water became a by-word.
Chapter IV: How I Solved My Food and Book Problems
When I was studying at the state university in Diliman, I had two big problems: food and book.
How I solved them is something which I always tell my friends or those who are willing to listen to me.
Since my father was not earning enough to support my studies and my stay at the university, I always have to wonder where I would get money for my next meal.
One lunch time, I was eating my meal at the cafeteria at Vinzon’s Hall, it came to my mind that since my problem is food, why should I not work part-time at the cafeteria.
After my class, I decided to meet the supervisor of the cafeteria. I told her that I wanted to work part-time at the cafeteria so I could continue my studies. She first looked at me. Since I was only about 100 pounds at 5’5” tall, she told me that she would hire me.
“But I you will not receive any monetary compensation, she said.
“OK with me, Maam, I said, provide I get free meals
Yes, she said free meals a day, Monday to Sunday, plus two meriendas per day.
But she said I have to work for three hours from 5 pm to 8 pm Mondays to Fridays. My job is to serve rice to clientele. After supper time, I have to mop the floor.
OK, I said.
That’s how I solved my meal problem.
But the other problem on book was another problem.
I like to read and write poems.
But I do not have money to buy books on poetry.
As a student, I of course have access to hundreds of books, but I could not select those books I really wanted.
One afternoon, I passed by the bulletin board at the Vinzon’s Hall. An advertisement was posted there: The University Main Library was in need of a Library Assistant. The position did not require any units in library science.
The following day, I went to the University Librairan’s Office and told the Librarian’s Secretary that I was interested in their vacant position. Fortunately, I was taken in.
But the secretary said that I had to undergo a one month apprentice period.
No problem I said. I told myself that that would be the answer to my prayer to have access to many books on literature.
After month of apprenticement, I was hired as a regular library employee.
But I said I could not leave my other work at the cafeteria because I did not have money to buy my meals yet. "OK", the secretary said, "once you receive you first salary, you immediately resign from your other job."
I complied.
I did not know that work in the UP Main Library would become the stepping stone for my career as a librarian and a foundation for my becoming a poet.
Chapter V: Women in My Life
The women who influenced my life were: Baby Esmerna Fernandez, Thelma Leuterio, Lorna Restar, Gloria Ibesate, Elvie, and Pilma Dollolasa,
I am married to the former Pilma Elbanbuena Dollolasa of San Remigio, Antique, with whom I have four children: Melchor, Jr., Vanessa, Ranel Vincent and Eugene.
But before I met Bing, I had some girl friends, not really girlfriends.
Baby Esmeria Fernandez was my close friend when I was in the elementary pupil at the Lezo Elementary School, Lezo, Aklan. She was my classmate in the elementary. We used to play together in the streets at night, especially when the moon was bright.
But when we reached Grade V, I was left behind because I did not pass.
That failure changed my attitude towards my studies. I decided to really spend enough time for my assignments and so I was able to graduate. By then Baby had left for Manila. It was there where she continued her secondary and her tertiary studies.
Now she works in the United States of America as a nurse.
While she was in Manila for her high school, I was also studying in Zamboanga City.
At times on summer, I would go home to witness our barrio fiesta. It was also this time that Baby would go home to Lezo.
As usual, Baby and the rest of our barkada would meet again and talked endlessly. Some of our barkadas were Melin Rivester, Josefina de los Reyes, my first cousin, Senia Felomino, Manuel Beltran and his elder brother Jose.
But we would no longer play tinubigan at night.
At times we would go to the poblacion of Lezo where we would buy buti or ampaw. Ampaw is a native delicacy made of popped rice with red sugar.
When I continued my studies in Diliman, I would also go to Pandacan, Manila to visit my relatives. At time, I would also visit Baby’s house just to say hello. Their house was also in Pandacan, just a few meters away from the house of Nanay Rosal Leuterio where I used to stay. Nanay Rosal was a cousin of my mother.
I could not stay long at Baby’s house because each of us was busy. Beside, I was not that really important person.
As we went on our separate ways, I forgot about her.
After her studies, she went to America. She is married to a guy from Poblacion, Lezo.
Lately, (2004), Ms. Estela Pador, my co-employee in UPV, visited USA. There she met Baby. Her husband happened to be the uncle of Estela.
Estela told me that Baby has two children. And she has gained weight.
The second woman in my life was Lorna Restar.
I do not know how we met. Perhaps it was one of those fiestas in Cerrudo, Banga, Aklan. I used to go with my elder sisters in Banga to attend a fiesta and perhaps it was there where I met her.
I can not really remember.
But she had been a part of my life.
I was still studying in Zamboanga City then, and sometimes I would go home during summer for a vacation.
After graduation from high school, I proceeded to UP Diliman.
Even there I would still write to her.
And she would also respond to me.
Later, while on vacation, I would go to Banga to visit her.
But I could not tell her what I felt about her. I was that stupid. I wanted to tell how I felt about her, but then I just couldn’t say a word. I would then talk about our studies.
But it was her who first inspired me to write poems.
It was in this situation where I would compose love poems. It was also then that I practiced writing love letters and essays.
When I noticed that she was no longer responding to my letter I stopped writing to her. I did not know why.
Then I met her cousin, Gloria Ibesate.
I really courted her.
But my courtship did not last a year because I learned that my letters to her were being stolen by her suitor who happened to have some connections at the Banga Post Office.
I learned later that Gloria married that suitor. But someone told me that she did not really love that man.
When I was in Diliman, I met Elvie, my neighbor in my boarding house. She was working at the Registrar’s Office of UP.
But I did not really love her.
I just love her company. Her parents were from Pampanga and her mother was a Baloga.
At that time I was enrolled at Manuel L. Quezon University in Quiapo, Manila.
In one of my subjects, I learned that one of my classmates was a Visayan. I talked to her. She told me she was from Antique. We became friends.
She was majoring in Mathematics with minor in History.
Later, I courted her.
One evening, I waited for her at the Library. It was raining. She had an umbrella.
On our way home, we shared her umbrella. While walking, I put my right arm on her shoulder. She did not remove it.
By then, I knew she was not against my courting.
I would sometimes accompany her to her residence in Makati.
Before I graduated from my library science degree, Bing and I got married at the Quezon City Hall.
After our wedding, we proceeded to the cafeteria of Aling Mercy where I used to take my meals.
I remember that when we married, one of the rapists of Maggie de la Riva was put to death by electric chair in Munting Lupa.
Bing went home to Antique after her graduation.
She told me to go to Antique to meet her parents. I did.
It was raining when I reached Antique and there was no jeepney to bring me to San Remigio, This town is twenty kilometers from San Jose, the capital of Antique. Actually the complete name of this capital is San Jose de Buenavista.
I enjoyed my stay there. I ate a lot of camotes, There were so many sugar canes, And I noticed that the mountains were not planted.
After the typhoon, Bing and I went back to Manila, actually in Diliman, Quezon City and lived as husband and wife.
Chapter VI: My Children
Melchor
Four years after Bing and I got married, Toto Mel was born. That was May 2, 1974. By then we were living in Bagong Silang, Baclaran, Paranaque. So he was born in San Juan De Dios Hospital, in Pasay City. It was the nearest hospital in our boarding house.
Our boarding house happened to be a house of Bing’s uncle.
Bing’s mother, Nay Nunsing, was living with us. So we did not really suffer much in rearing Toto Mel.
In 1977, Bing and I transferred to Iloilo City.
Toto Mel studied at Iloilo American Memorial School at Aurora Subdivision, Iloilo City. On his graduation, he received a Loyalty Award for having been a pupil since his kindergarten.
He continued his studies at the University of San Agustin for his high school diploma.
After graduation, he enrolled at the same university. He was enrolled as a Medical Technology student.
But he transferred to Manila because he wanted to study aeronautics.
He graduated there.
But he was not able to find a job.
I advised him to come home to Iloilo City and study computer. He took several short courses in computer. His knowledge in engineering has helped him a lot in his computer subject.
I provided him every help he needed just so he can earn money. He first worked with his friend and put up MR, a computer service. But this did not last long because his friend was not really working with him.
Then he worked with another friend from Miag-ao. But then this business did not last long too. He also worked with the Kaunlaran Elementary School inside the UPV grounds, but he resigned. He said there was no opportunity for growth there.
He became jobless for several years. Then he worked with the UPV Cooperative. But the Bytecape was closed, due to low income. However as Toto has said the computer business was earning enough money. However, it was not enough to maintain the business.
Again Toto became jobless.
Meanwhile, he took a Caregiver Course hoping that he would find a job abroad.
And he got married to Jennifer Andrin, his schoolmate and from Barotac Viejo. They now have one child, Sean Marie, a healthy baby girl. Sean is our first apo or grandchild.
Early 2005, Jen had to be treated at the PGH for her goiter. Toto went with her.
While in Manila, he applied for a job in Taiwan. He passed the exams. Now he is preparing for his paper requirements.
By the time Bing came to Iloilo she was already conceiving to Vanessa.
Vanessa was born in Mandurriao, Iloilo City on February 18, 1978, at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital.
But Inday did not stay long with us in Timawa, Iloilo City because she was brought to Antique. We had to deposit her to her Lola in Antique because nobody would look after her as Bing and I were both working. She stayed there until she reached six years old. So she took her kindergarten at Iloilo American Memorial Elementary School, Iloilo City.
But she transferred to the SPED Iloilo. She graduated her elementary education there.
She continued her studies at UP High School Iloilo. She then proceeded to UP in the Visayas where she took her BA Literature and Management.
While studying, she became the head of the Apha Phi Omega, UP Chapter.
After graduation, she worked at the Robinsons Place, a department store in Iloilo City. But she resigned thinking that she would get a job in a cruise ships where her supervisor was also applying. So she and her former supervisor took subject in seamanship.
And she went to Manila for the interviews.
But the job was not for her.
While waiting for that elusive job, she applied and was accepted in one of the call centers in Makati.
Now she is still working there.
Our third child is Ranel Vincent. He was born in San Remigio, Antique on April 25, 1981.
Ranel studied at the Iloilo American Memorial School where he said he wanted to become a doctor.
After graduation in the elementary, he took and passed the entrance exams at the UP High School Iloilo, where he became a UP Alumna.
He took an entrance exam at UP for his college degree but he did not make it. Through our encouragement, he enrolled at the University of San Agustin for his library science degree. After four years, he finished the degree. The following year, he passed the board exam for librarians. He thus became the third librarian in our family. His mother is also a librarian like myself.
Just after he passed the board exam, Ranel worked
at Saint Therese College as a librarian.
Our youngest child is Eugene. He was born in San Jose Antique on October 14, 1982.
Like his brother, Eugene studied at Iloilo American Memorial Elementary School. For his secondary education, he first studied at San Agustin University High School, but transferred to the Iloilo National High School, where he was a cadet officer.
He enrolled at the University of San Agustin for his degree in Architecture. He graduated in April 2005.
Aside from designing houses and buildings, Eugene also paints and draws.
He likes mountain climbing.
Eugene is a silent type, unlike his elder brothers and sister.
But when it comes to architecture he is very talented.
Chapter VII: My Work
Because of poverty I had to find a job. And since I was an undergraduate, I had to find a work that would satisfy my physiological needs, no matter what.
When I noticed that some of my schoolmates were working as a student assistant at the UP Cafeteria, I talked with one of the supervisors if I could work in the cafeteria.
I was accepted. But I said I could only work in the evening.
I was told that I could work for three hours a day from Monday to Friday, with free breakfast, lunch, supper and two merrienda, from Monday to Sunday.
My duty was to give rice, after which I had to mop the floor of the dining room.
I would start my work from six to eight in the evening.
That work of mine in the cafeteria solved my primary needs: foods.
I worked there for one semester, then I transferred to the UP Main Library as Library Assistant.
That work in the library became my career, instead of becoming a fisheries technician or a fisheries scientist like some of my classmate in fisheries.
Chapter VIII: As A Library Assistant
While studying fisheries at the College of Fisheries, UP, I happened to see an announcement at the bulletin board at the Vinzons Hall. It said that the UP Main Library was in need of a Library Assistant.
I had no idea on what kind of work I would have since I did not have a background in librarianship. The only experience I had, if that could be called an experience, was my constant visit to the library.
When I had no class, I would frequent the library to read just anything. But I always looked for journals and magazines that featured poetry and short stories. I preferred literary criticisms.
When I approached the secretary, Beth, of the University Librarian, and told her that I was applying for the library assistant position, I was immediately accepted.
But I had to work for two months as an apprentice, without pay.
I accepted the offer. But I told her that I still had to continue my work at the Narra Residence Hall where I worked as a student assistant. I was allowed to continue my work at the residence hall.
At the residence hall, I had to work for three hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, without monetary compensation. But I could have free three meals a day, Monday to Sunday.
My work there was to give rice to the buying students. After supper, I would mop the floor, then I could eat my supper and go home to my boarding house at the White House located at the back of the UP College of Fisheries Building. Or I could first take my supper then mop the floor.
At the UP Main Library, I would shelve the returned books, or locate the requested books at the Stack Area. I therefore worked as a shelver and Pager.
I must have been very effective in this work because I always get a salary increase.
But later on when I started to question the policies of the University Library, especially when I became the Editor in Chief of the Moog ng Aklatan, the official organ of the UP Main Library employees, Miss Marita Dayrit, the University Librarian froze me. I was even transferred to the Institute of Mass Communication so I would be far from my close friends at the UP Main Library. Later, I was transferred to the UP Manila in Padre Faura. I do not know if Miss Teresita Ledesma had a hand on this. At that she was the librarian in charge of the library at UP College Manila.
But I liked my works at these libraries because it gave me a chance to widen my knowledge in library works.
Immediately after I received my first salary at the UP Main Library, I told my supervisor at the UP Narra Residence Hall Cafeteria that I was resigning.
My supervisor at the UP Cafeteria offered me to live in their house, free of charge, But I turned it down. I did not know what kind of life I would have there. Anyway, I was already receiving a salary.
My salary? One hundred forty pesos a month! But then the jeepney fare then was only ten centavos, and my boarding house fee was only fifteen pesos a month.
I continued working at the UP Main Library.
In 1972, I got married.
At that time, I was assigned at the Technical Section of the UP Main Library.
At that time too, Ms. Ledesma was already working at the UP in Iloilo.
One time, she came to the UP Main Library. I talked to her on the possibility of transferring to UPIC. She must have talked with Ms. Dayrit. Later Ms. Dayrit asked me if I wanted to transfer to Iloilo. And I immediately said yes.
By then, Bing was teaching at Raja Soliman High School as a mathematics teacher. I requested that she be given an appointment at UPIC Library. My request was granted.
Part II: In Iloilo: Librarian
When Bing came, we stayed at Infante St, Molo in one of the houses there.
After working for almost ten year at the various units of the UP Main Library in Diliman, Quezon City, I transferred to the then UP in Iloilo City Library (UPIC). UPIC later became the UP College Iloilo, then UP in the Visayas.
I came ahead of Bing. I came on June 12, 1977. Bing came in July of that same year.
I was assigned at the Reserve Section. Then at the UP High School Library. Then back at the Reserve Section.
I liked my work at the Library. I met many students who are now successful professionals.
But I did not like the behavior of Ms. Felicidad Hortillo. Perhaps because of jealousy, she would always contradict me. So I did not mind her.
There was a time when I she complained to Ms. Teresita Ledesma.
There was these pamphlets on agrarian reform. Since these were for use by the students, I allowed the students to bring them home.
Edad knew about this. She complained to Miss Teresita Ledesma that I should not allow those pamphlets to be brought home because the copies she had at the UPV High School Library were for room use only.
Ms. Ledesma asked me about this. So I told her about it. And what was her concern about my decision at the College Library. It was not within her territory.
In 1988, the UP Main Campus was transferred to Miag-ao. And the U.P College of Fisheries was transferred to along with the CF Library. I was assigned as the College Librarian. By then I was already a library science degree holder. I stayed there until I retired in 2010.
Part III: Trip to Malaysia
One day, my supervisor told me that I would attend a one month computer training in Malaysia.
I was excited of course. That would be my chance to see other places outside of the Philippines.
With the help of Danny Walo, of the UP Liason Office in the Diliman, I got my visa.
When I was about to board the plane for Malaysia, I was told by the inspector at the Ninoy International Airport that through their scanner, they found that there was a pair of scissors in my bag. I did not deny it. I told them that I would need it for emergency purposes, especially that I am a librarian. Since the scissors were not pointed, I was allowed to bring it.
Then one of the inspectors asked me how much money I was carrying. I told him that I had five thousand pesos.
I was about to change it to US dollars when my fellow Filipino participant told me that since we had no allowance yet, I would need that money.
Luckily, I was allowed to bring it with me.
It was evening when we reached Kuala Lumpur. but we had to change flight yet to Penang. So we waited for some time in Kuala Lumpur. Then we took another plane to Penang.
When we reached Penang, some people from the Universiti Sains Malaysia were there to fetch us. We rode in their wagon, and we proceeded to Marlin Hotel.
I found out that there were four other Filipinos who were attending the training. Two from Manila, and two from Iloilo.
We were given one thousand and one hundred Malaysian dollars as our allowance. But we had free breakfast, and lunch, from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, we had to spend our money for our food. We also had to buy our supper.
I did not spend my money other than food. So I was able to save some amount when I reached home in Iloilo.
When I was in Malaysia, I noticed that there were many Indians and Chinese.
But most of the people holding high positions were the Malays. The Chinese were in business, while the Indians were holding lower positions.
There were many Indians there because long time ago, the Indians were hired as laborers. But many of them stayed on in Malaysia.
At times, we the participants were given a chance to see their tourist spots. One weekend, we shuttled to Cameron Highlands. The place is like Baguio. With cold air.
It was there where I saw tea plantation.
The whole mountain was planted with tea plants. The young leaves were cut and sent to the machine, still fresh. But after passing through the machine, it can already be packed and ready for selling.
In one of the sites at Cameron Highlands was a Butterfly Farm. We toured the farm, I noticed that the whole area was fenced with wire. Its perimeter was surrounded with plants that served as wind breaker. In the middle of the farm was a lagoon, also with plants. All over the farm were flowering plants for the butterfly to hop from one plant to another.
It was also in Malaysia where I learned that when you eat in the restaurant, you also have to buy water.
Bottled water was not yet popular then. But there in Malaysia, they were already selling water to their customers.
This was not practiced in the Philippines then.
But now, you have to buy bottled water. And the cost of bottled water is higher than that of the gasoline. This is something Dr. Jose Rizal did not think of.
When our training was about to finish, the count down started. Each day was really counted down.
How I missed my wife, and my children.
We learned computer there. But I also learned their culture.
Part III: Lecturer
Armed with a Master’s degree in management, I applied for a teaching position at the UPV College of Management. For more than five years, I was a lecturer at this college. I taught several courses: human behavior, introduction to management, personnel management, management and society, etc.
Chapter VI: As a writer
It was during this period that I met Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada, multi-awarded writer. It was me who first called him as the Father of the Western Visayas Written Literature. It was through his tutelage that I learned much techniques on writing poems and other forms of literature.
I am now working as Head, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences Library, U.P. in the Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo.
Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada calls me as the present leading Aklanon poet.
I attended the U.P. Miag-ao Summer Creative Writing Workshop, the Cultural Center of the Philippines-Liwayway Publication Creative Writing Workshop in Baguio City, the National Summer Creative Writing Workshop in Dumaguete City and the Third Iligan National Writers Workshop and Literature Teachers Conference in 1996. I attended in all these workshops as a fellow. I represented Aklan in the 1995 and the 1998 National Writers Assembly in Intramuros, Manila. I attended the UPV Centennial Creative Writing workshop in UPV Tacloban, Tacloban city on November 30 to December 6, 2008. There I met 13 contemporary Visayan writers and the famous F. Sionil Jose, a national artist in literature. I also met my former panelists in Iligan and in Dumaguete creative writings workshops: Marjories Evasco and Linda Alburo.
Some of my poems have been published in Hiligaynon, Yuhum, Philippines Free Press, Philippine Graphic, Home Life, Ani, Philippine Collegian, Aklan Reporter, Philippine Panorama, Pagbutlak, Dagyaw, Bueabod, Banga, Patubas, Busay, Media Watch, and Mantala. I won first prize in the first Home Life poetry contest in 1994. I also became the first Aklanon CCP grantee for Aklanon poetry in 1994. I won third prize in the Sentro Ng Wikang Filipino U.P. essay writing contest in 1994 and won second prize (Aklanon category) and third prize (Filipino category) in the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts. I won third prize in Hari/Hara Sang Binalaybay (King /Queen of Poetry) in 1998 poetry contest sponsored by U.P. in the Visayas Sentro ng Wikang Filipino. In February 2002, I won first prize in the written category in a regional poetry writing contest sponsored by the Sentro Ng Wika, U.P. in the Visayas, Iloilo City. The title of my entry is “Si Ambong, Ati”. This poem describes the sad plight of the Ati in Iloilo City.
On August 25, 2001, I was a recipient of the 2001 Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas Award “for his outstanding achievement and pioneering work on poetry in Aklanon that have marked his considerably significant and permanent contribution to Philippine literature. Using the peculiarities of his mother tongue to its full potential, he has, in articulate poetic terms, expressed the lamentation and celebrations of his fellows, transcending the local milieu to become one of the country’s esteemed poets.” The award was presented to me by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Filipinas (UMPIL).
On April 1, 2000 I was the guest speaker of Lezo Elementary School were I graduated for my primary education. I was also its most outstanding alumnus for 2000.
I edit Bueabod, the poetry journal of Aklan Literary Circle, together with John Barrios and Alex de Juan. I maintain the website, Aklanon Literature (http//www.geocities.com/aklanonliterature.com) where some Aklanon oral and written creative works are featured. My electronic book Philippine Oddities was published by Electromedia, Makati City, in July 2001. My book of poems, Ham-at Madueom Ro Gabii (Bakit Madilim ang Gabii) was published in 1999.
I also edited the Ilonggo Literature Archive booklet in 2002. In 2003, I privately published Love Can Find A Way and Other Proverbs on Love. This is a collection of proverbs on love.
Elbowing with Literary Giants
by Melcichon
Revised: October 10, 2014
It was in college where I started to read poems, short stories and novels written by Filipinos.
In short I was introducing myself to Filipino literary giants like NVM Gonzales, Leopoldo Yabes, Edith Tiempo and her husband Edilberto Tiempo.
Later, I read the works of Cirilo Bautista, Teo Baylen, Jaime Ann Lim, Raul Ingles, Leoncio Deriada, Hermie Beltran, Merlie Alunan, and others which at the moment I cannot recall.
As time went by, their names, not necessary their works, stuck to my mind. And obviously, I admire them. At times, I wanted to see them personally and shake hands with them. There were times too that I wished my name would also be included in the card catalog of the University of the Philippines Main Library along with these great Filipino writers.
But that dream remained for more than two decades.
But I wrote my piece of literature: poems, and short stories, never mind whether they are poetry or not. Some were published but many were rejected, especially in the Philippines Free Press. Some of my works were published in the Philippine Collegian, The Quezonian, Weekly Graphic, Philippines Free Press, and even in a book of poems along with two other translators of Teo Baylen's poems in Kalabaw at Buffalo.
Then I decided to transfer from UP Diliman Library to UP in the Visayas (UPV) Library in Iloilo City. UPV then was called UP in Iloilo City (UPIC).
It was also my turning point in my literary career.
I met Dr. Leoncio Deriada, the Father of Contemporary Written Literature in Western Visayas. I was then the OIC of the UPV Library when he came to me asking if his wife could work in the library, while he would be teaching literature in UPV. Upon learning this, I told him that I am also writing poetry. Really he said. He asked if I could show him some of my "best works".
The next day, I brought my notebook filled up with "poems".
After scanning my masterpieces, he told me if I wanted to have a one-on-one workshop with him. With some hesitations, I agreed.
The first word that he told me on poetry writing is to create tension in the poem. And the second one is to use words that create pictures.
These two words remain in my mind until today.
The next few days after that workshop were busy days for me.
I wrote poems, revised them again and again until I was sure that they would be acceptable to Dr. Deriada.
I showed some of my works to him. One or two were Ok, but the rest needed more revisions. Or be thrown to the waste basket.
Then one day, he told me to submit a poem for Home Life magazine where he edited the poetry section.
I did.
The title of the poem I submitted is A Letter.
Here is the poem:
A Letter
John,
I will definitely go home
To our house
Where we can see the clouds
Through the roof.
I'm fed up
With the twinkling neon lights,
But I have not yet paid
For the earrings that I got
From Mama San.
I need them so my tinkling
Will be louder and my hips
Will be heavier.
Don't worry, John,
This Christmas
You and I will create a moon
And through the roof
We two alone
Will grasp its light.
Ana
And that poem was the first major poem that I wrote that won a prize, first prize in a national poetry contest.
With that award, I was able to attend national poetry workshops, national writers conferences/assemblies.
And it was during these meetings where I elbowed with Filipino literary giants.
I shook hands with them. I shared dining tables with them and discussed with them the various aspects of Filipino literature.
Now my name appears in the virtual catalog of the UP Library System.
And in the U.S. Library of Congress.
Kangga ni Tata Goloy
In February 2004, a certain Tata Goloy posted an invitation in my.akeanon.com a website devotedly on Aklanons who are staying around the world.
A week after, I posted my answer. I told him that Aklan has a lot of natural resources but these have not been properly exploited.
As time went by, more and more topics were posted. One of this is on poetry writing.
Through my encouragement, some Aklanons abroad and in the Philippines posted their poems in this thread. Without their knowledge, I gathered their works and late asked them to help me publish the book—Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanons. The cover was done by Eugene, my son.
Chapter VIII: Creative Writing Workshop in akenaon.com and the book, Haiku, Luwa and Other Poems by Aklanons
Chapter IX: Contributor in goodnewsphilippines.com
Chapter X: A Historian of Sort
Chapter XI: Death of Nong Peping and my Travel to Zamboanga
My Retirement
When I reached 65 years old on April 7, 2010, I had no other choice but to retire from U.P. in the Visayas in Miag-ao, Iloilo City. That is the retirement age for all government employees, although any government employee can retire at the age of 60. I did not like to retire early for two reasons: I will be bored staying at home and second I wanted that my monthly pension would be higher when I retire at 65.
My works after retirement
Great Saviour College Library
St. Therese - MTC College-La fiesta Site
Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan
St. Paul University Iloilo as Chief Librarian
Chapter XII. My books.
2021--The re-emergence of Aklanon literature. Iloilo City: The Author. Printed privately by Mej Print & Office Equipment Repair Services. 117p.
2019--The Katipunan
in Aklan. John E. Barrios, Melchor F. Cichon, and Dominador I. Ilio, 2nd
ed. Kalibo, Aklan: Aklan Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. Printed by
Kasingkasing Press.
2019--Mga Luwa ni Tatay Itsong with English translation by Melchor F. Cichon
and Charlie I. Ureta. Guimaras: Kasingkasing Press.50p.
2018--Raya Rang Pasasig, Parayaw. Melchor F. Cichon and Sharon C. Masula. Guimaras, Kasingkasing Press, 117p.
2017—Eangit; mga sobra katag-od nga sugilanon sa Akeanon. Guimaras,
Kasingkasing Press. 23p.
2017—Mga Bueawanon
nga Hueobaton in Aklanon. Guimaras, Kasingkasing Press. 89p.
2016---Ham-at
Madueom Ro Gabii. 2nd ed. Guimaras, Kasingkasing Press. 142p.
2012—Siniad-Siad
nga Kaeangitan.(Strips of Heavens). Iloilo City: Libro Agustino University of
San agustin. 94p.s
2011--Editor,
Matimgas nga Paeanoblion; anthology of Poems Written by Aklanons. Lezo, Aklan:
Tierra Alta. 103p.
2009—Editor, When I
Fall In Love: Haiku, Luha, Tongue Twisters and Other Poems by Mila De La Serna.
Lezo, Aklan: Tierra Alta. 72 p.
2009—Editor, The 32
Best Aklanon Poets. Lezo, Aklan: Tierra Alta Publications. 64 p.
2008 --Bigkas
Binalaybay: Kritisismo at Antolohiya, ed by John Barrios, Melchor F. Cichon,
Jonathan P. Jurilla, and J. I. E. Teodoro. Iloilo City, Unibersidad ng
Pilipinas Visayas-Sentro ng Wikang Pilipinas.
2007--Filipiniana
Theses and Dissertations On Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Volume I: 1977-2001.
122 leaves. Unpublished
2005--Haiku, Luwa
and Other Poems by Aklanon, edited by Melchor F. Cichon, Edna L. Faral, and
Losally Navarro. Kalibo, Aklan, Published privately by the editor and others
and was printed by Macar Enterprises.
2005--Web sites on
fisheries. 26p. Unpublished.
2005--Philippines
First Facts. Published serially in Panay News,1988.
2005---Mga
Patugmahanon in Aklanon. (Aklanon riddles) 2005. Unpublished.
2003--Love Can Find
A Way And Other Proverbs on Love. Privately published. Iloilo City, 2003.
2001--Philippine
Oddities. Electromedia, Makati City, 2001. In CDs and in the internet
www//http.ebookspecials.com (no longer posted)
1999--Thesis
Abstracts: Food Technology (1984-1999). Compiled and edited by Melchor F. Cichon,
Ninfa L. Bandorio, and Mara M. Posecion. Miag-ao, Iloilo: College of Fisheries
Library and SOTECH Library, U.P. in the Visayas, 1999. 62p.
1997--The Katipunan
In Aklan. John E. Barrios, Melchor F. Cichon, Dominador I. Ilio. Manila:
National Centennial Commission, 1997. 87p. 1996--Research Abstracts 1982-1994.
Editors; Liberato V. Laureta, Liah C. Catedral and Melchor F. Cichon. Miag-ao,
Iloilo: Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries, U.P. in the Visayas,
1996. 107p.
1994--Ham-at
Madueom Ro Gabii? (Bakit Madilim ang Gabii?) Kalibo, Aklan: the Author. Printed
at Macar Enterprise, Kalibo, Aklan. 92p.
1994--University of
the Philippines in the Visayas Research and Publication Abstracts
1987-1993.Editors: Augusto E. Serrano, Jr. and Melchor F. Cichon. Miag-ao,
Iloilo: Office of research Coordination, University of the Philippines, 1994.
82p.
1993--Ani Aklanon.
Edited by Leoncio P.Deriada, Melchor F. Cichon, Pett R. Candido, Joeffrey L.
Ricafuente, Nady M. Meren. Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines. December
1993.
