Huge clan gathers in Davao

SHIRT says it all.

I always knew we came from a big family in Davao City. In fact, the original “Davaoeños” are interrelated, so we are “extended,” indeed. So, the first time I went to Davao in 1963, I was rather overwhelmed by relatives. (I didn’t know how to relate to them, nor did I know how to “mano po” or “beso-beso.”)

After all, the only ones I knew well and felt close to were the Iñigos, who weren’t really relatives. Tio Carling and Tita Rosita were close friends of my parents. I heard that he was the best man at the wedding of my parents, who returned the favor when the Iñigos got married. Both my mother and Tita Rosita were from Zamboanga City.

Naturally, we also became close to the children, whom we called “cousins.” However, when I got to Davao in 1963, I found out that we were also related to the Bangoys, Bustamantes, Alzates, Suazos, as well as the many members of the Cervantes, Pichon, Lizada, Villarica, Nograles, Cabaguio, Castillo and Rodriquez clans, and the many other branches that originated from the four families of Bangoys, Bustamantes, Alzates and Suazos, who are referred to as the “pioneers.”

On December  27, a family reunion organized by Benjie Lizada will be held in the Ateneo de Davao gym. Yes, a gym is needed for the attendees – that is how large the original four families have become!

Historian

According to an amateur Cervantes historian in Bulacan, there was an original Spanish Cervantes who was exiled in Ilocos. He settled in a town that is now called Cervantes.  He married a Singson and, in time, moved to Urdaneta, Pangasinan, where Cervanteses continue to reside.

However, toward the middle of the 19th century, Cervantes “pioneers” migrated to Mindanao, specifically Davao and Surigao.

My father’s family started in Cateel in upper Davao. The late Barbara Cervantes, a former Miss Caltex, came from Siargao, Surigao. Singer/actress Timmy Cruz hails from the Cervantes clan in Bulacan. George Fabros is another Bulacan-based Cervantes.

It’s a small world, indeed. When I go to Davao City for our clan’s reunion this month, my world will enlarge even more! I will also learn to say, “Paryente kadi kita!”