Memories: "Tata Mando is gone"
Memories
Editor's Note: A few days ago we posted a tribute from the children and grandchildren of the late Dr. Alicia Cailipan Bunag. We would like to continue this column of tributes. Everyone is welcome to send their own tributes of family and friends and will try to accommodate all of them when space allows us.
The following is a tribute to Dr. Amando Gurango from Amb. Rudy Arizala, who said,
"Rummaging over my yellowing file of papers which Neneto jokingly but lovingly calls them "Rodolfo´s bahay ng Ipis," I chanced upon a piece of paper entitled "Message" which I wrote on 08 April 1992, when I was still Philippine Consul General in New York City."
Metro Infanta Foundation has endorsed the nomination of Dr. Gurango to receive the Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan this August 2005.
"Tata Mando" is gone.
by Rudy Arizala
But to his families, relatives, friends, and townmates, he is with us always.
His ready smile, touch of human kindness and concern for the poor and the sick shall forever linger in our memories.
He was not only a family doctor, but a town doctor as well, for all seasons.
While treating his patients or making diagnosis, he would regale them with interesting stories, anecdotes, news of the day, be it politics, cultural, social or economics.
He had always in his heart the welfare and progress of his hometown - Infanta, Quezon. He believed and had faith in the youth of the land. He was active in scouting movement, civic organizations and the education of our youth. He loved Infanta so much that his dying wish was to be buried in a simple plot in his hometown. A small rustic town by the Pacific Ocean, with abundant sunshine, monsoon rains, verdant meadows and the blue Sierra Madre mountains in the foreground.
To us, his nephews, we lovingly call him "Tata Mando" and to our parents or elders, he was "Kang Mando," or simply "Amando." We never call him "Dr. Gurango." And I think he did not mind it, but loved it more if we call him that way.
Tata Mando was a doting father, thoughtful husband and a dedicated physician to all. He scrupulously observed the "Hippocratic Oath."
To me, he is plain "Tata Mando" which includes all his attributes as a Christian, doctor, civic leader, soldier and parent.
Rest, dear Tata Mando and sleep peacefully in the bosom of Our Lord!
(Sgd) RUDY A. ARIZALA
New York City
08 April 1992