Davao reunion enhances clan’s solidarity

SIXTH generation of paryentes.

SINCE I grew up far away from the main trunk of the family tree in Davao City, I was excited when my niece, Rovi, informed me that there was a clan reunion planned last Dec. 27.

My father, Cenon delos Santos Cervantes, was originally from Davao, but after he was assigned to Pangasinan, Lucena, Cabanatuan, Cebu, Iloilo and Manila, he was never able to live among his relatives there.

Planning session

When I was in Zamboanga City for a visit in November, I decided to fly to Davao in early December before heading home to Manila. So, I was able to attend the final planning session for the reunion, ably led by “cousin” Benjie Lizada.

During my stay there, I was coddled by first cousins, Anita Cervantes Villarica and Yolanda Cervantes Sisi, who drove me around the city.

I flew back to Davao on the afternoon before the reunion at the Ateneo de Davao gymnasium in Matina. There were about 700 members from the pioneering Bangoy, Bustamante, Alzate and Suazo clans that had migrated to Davao in 1848.

They were involved in historic events, like fighting beside the Spaniard Uyanguren to quell native unrest and marrying local royalty and thus acquiring land—and they’re referred to as the “original” Davaoeños.

The four pioneering clans branched out into many other families, like the Cervantes, Lizada, Pichon, Castillo, Rodriquez, Nograles, Villarica, Cabaguio, and other well-known clans in Davao. In fact, many have streets named after them!

On the day of the reunion, I insisted on going to the venue early.  But, it took longer to traverse the distance between Samal and Matina.

After the Mass, there was loud but attention-grabbing “music” from native drums. Then, Benjie explained the family tree to the audience—and “oohs” and “ahhs” were heard when they realized how they were interrelated! Then, I was asked to give a short speech on being far from the main trunk.

There was a contest that drew out the eldest and youngest participants. I even won a raffle prize! It was a lot of fun—and well worth the trip from Manila! Salamat guid sa inyong tanan!