Reynald Torralba Gatal : In Memoriam

The Gatal clan greeted 2014 on a somber mood. You see, the eldest of the Gatal & Torralba Clan passed away last December 27, 2013.

The rest of the holidays were spent either at the funeral home or in between as everyone did his share in the preparations for the final internment

Papa Rey passed away at 7 pm on December 27 after a stroke last December 23.

He was 79 years old

Hundreds of his friends and those who knew him came to pay their last respects and to join the family as his mortal remains were laid to rest at Dampas Cemetery last Jan 3 at 5 pm

Papa Rey as Reynald Torralba Gatal was fondly called was the eldest of Galicano Gatal & Albina Torralba- Gatal’s five children.

 Gatal- Torralba Clan, Circa 1934

 Galicano Gatal& Albina Torralba- Gatal

His siblings included Tita Zaida, the only girl in the brood, Galicano Jr, Papa Roger & Uncle Boy.

He was married to the late Mila Agcaoili.

 Papa Rey & Auntie Mila with Ate Roni

He is survived by his children and grandchildren:

1. Veronica & Madison Geopano

2. Vincent with his children Neiman Flint, Neilton Paolo, Hattie & Alfonso

3. Victoria & Chris Alix with Geraldine, Christian Yves, Christoff & Alexie

4. Victorio & Anevic with Sheila Mae, Christine, Bianca & Anika

5. Rollynda & Kevin Barga with Nicholas & Brandon

6. Milagros Valerie & Erwin Dayan with Ella & Erin

He is also survived by his sister Zaida, brother Wilfrido, in laws & relatives

BOHOL'S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR

DASHING. DEBONAIRE. DAPPER

HE RULED THE DANCE FLOORS  

 Dancing with Linda Garcia while Pres. CPG & the First Lady watch

PAPA REY THROUGH THE YEARS  

Papa Rey, you will be sorely missed  

Here's a music video tribute for Papa Rey:  

Remembering Papa Rey Gatal

Why Summer in Rural Bohol Is More Fun

UNFORGETTABLE CHILDHOOD SUMMERS

I remember vividly how we spent our childhood summer vacations in a small tract of land in Brgy. Ilihan, Ubay, Bohol. 

Lolo Galicano "Nanong" Gatal Sr., the grand patriarch of the Gatal Clan had acquired some hectares of land not only for farming but also as a getaway from stressful urban living. 

IDYLLIC CHARM AND RUSTIC APPEAL

We always looked forward to those amazing summer adventures; picking fruits straight from drooping tree branches that were groaning and straining from the abundance of fruits that were in season, learning how to ride on a carabao's back and swimming at the farm's mini- dam. 

But of course, nothing can ever beat those lazy afternoons spent at the open porch or veranda and being lulled to sleep by the gently swaying coconut palm fronds and the cool summer breeze while listening to those afternoon radio drama series

Imagine my unbridled joy and and pure unadulterated delight when I saw a series of sketches that depicted what I just shared about those simple days of yore. 

BOHOLANO SKETCH ARTIST, ILLUSTRATOR & DRAFTSMAN

Felipe's Family: His World Revolves Around Them

So for this particular blog feature, I will share with you the sketches from Felipe Bautista Acolicol Jr, a Boholano expat who has been based in Saudi Arabia for almost two years now and working as a furniture and interior designer. Felipe's father is Felipe Acolicol Sr. of Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte and the former Cecilia Bautista of Inabanga, Bohol

I am very grateful that Jun, Felipe's nickname by the way, gladly said yes when I requested him for permission to share his sketches to the rest of the world. 

I am sure that it will elicit different reactions from our blog readers and will also evoke some wonderful memories. On hindsight, I also realize that sharing these sketches will also give people from other places a glimpse of our way of life and remind people on the joys from simple living.

Official Corporate Look

Again, my thanks to Felipe Bautista Acolicol Jr., of Del Mar, Mabini, Bohol who finished his BSIT Major in Drafting Technology at the Bohol School of Arts & Trades back in 1995 for sharing his talents. 

Wife Jocelyn Simbajon Acolicol and children Jennifer and Janelle must be proud of Jun

REMEMBERING THOSE CHILDHOOD SUMMERS  

SIMPLE WAY OF LIFE

In a way, this feature on Felipe Acolicol Jr. is also my humble way of honoring and recognizing the lives of fellow Boholanos who are in faraway places for their loved ones and their families 

I just hope that somewhere in the arid deserts of the Middle East, I have made life sweeter and more bearable for one Boholano that I just featured in my blog 

God bless everyone1