Biographies

His high school years was spent in Manila. They have a residential house in Manila which enabled them to stay for years there. By the time he was 15 years old, he had showed to be a very handsome guy with magnetic personality. He dressed up well, clean and neat. His brother, once said, that girls goes crazy over him. He was very industrious, always making their house very clean. he became a military commandant of their ROTC in Far Eastern University. According to him, Peter Roa, husband of actress Boots Anson Roa was his classmate and also Paul Lacanilao, popular newscaster of Channel 2 (ABS-CBN) and also Carina Afable, an actress-singer. At that time, he said he was more popular in the campus than these celebrities.

It was when he accompanied his father in practicing lawyer, at the Election Registrar, Concepcion, when he saw me, at that time, I'm the Mayor's Clerk of Concepcion, Tarlac. I am the eldest among the 16 children of Engr. and Mrs. Juan S, Baun. Our names were arranged alphabetically by our father, as if he knew that he'll have many children. Aurora, Benjamin, Crisostomo, Dometila, Erlinda, Felicidad, Gloria, Hector, Imelda, Jasmin, Ken, Leonora, Olivia and Perlita.

I was nicknamed Lora. I was born on April 6, 1939 at Concepcion, Tarlac. I'm fair complexioned, slim young lady then. My sweetness attracts many, but Rudy said I possessed a pair of sexy legs. Don't know if this is true but I was being flattered. I was a Collegiate secretarial graduate at the Feati University. Rudy and I were both product of the Feati University but fate didn't let us meet there. I'm a very religious woman, always trusting that faith can move mountains.

I was a familiar familiar face to Rudy because one of his friends couted me and he, Rudy, was once a companion of his friend when the latter visited me. Meanwhile, I didn't remember anymore Rudy's face. At first Rudy was ashamed to approached me so everytime I attended office, he was just staring at me. For his first move, in courting me, he told his friend Narding Yumul, a Municipal Councilor in Concepcion, that he was courting me already and that he's visiting me in our house. When in fact this was not true. On the other hand, councilor Yumul teased me about this. I always insists that I do not know Rudy. Because of this, my friend Lita Vergara, advised me to sent a cheap Christmas card addressed to Rudy Balagtas to know if there really exists a man by that name. A week passed and we were surprised to received a very big Christmas card that came from Rudy. So the mystery of the name Rudy Balagtas was known and thus the beginning of the Rudy-Lora romance.

Year 1967, Rudy was a candidate for Municipal Councilor, Independent Party. Behind his campaigning, he never missed visiting me. On November 14, 1967, election day. Rudy won even though he's only an independent candidate and also without the approval of the Iglesia ni Cristo of the 8 winners for Mun. councilor, he was the No. 7 Palad became the mayor. I was Rudy's special guest at their inaugural ball on January 1,1968.

On January 22, 1968, Rudy's friend, Ben Maniolit, a U.S. Navy, told Rudy that he wanted him to marry me before he'll leave for abroad. And so Rudy agreed to his friend's wish. he too wanted to marry already only his job is not yet sufficient for a family man. He's waiting for few more years when he'll find another good job with good salary. Because of his friend's wish, he called me up and asked me for a secret marriage. I was convinced and on that date, the civil marriage was performed by mayor Palad, witness by his wife and Mr. Jacobo Pineda. Rudy was with his friend Ben, and I was with my friend, Norma Gamboa. after the ceremony, we have our snack at the bowling building of the Zarate's. Because that was only a secret marriage, Rudy brought me home. But after a week, Rudy fetched me, telling my parents about our secret marriage. because of this my parents let me go with him. On February 14, 1968, valentine's Day, we were religiously married at the Capas catholic Church. Fr. Monico Pineda solemnized the wedding. Our principal sponsors were: Mrs. Consolacion D. Roy, Atty. Carlitos David, Mrs. Perla David, Atty. Amalio De Jesus Jr., Vice Mayor Leticia G. Yumul and Mayor Rafael B. Suarez. Maid of Honor is Corazon Castro. the best man was Norman M. Balagtas. Usher, Clinton Balagtas, Brides Maid, Jasmin Baun.Secondary Sponsors: Candle, Narding Garcia and Jesusa Balatbat; Veil, Rollie Pineda and Josefina Magtuloy.,Cord, Jun Balagtas and Dory Sablan, Ring & Coin Bearer: Mayo G. Dungca. Flower Girl: Frances Marie M. Balagtas.

We were very lucky indeed, that on our wedding day his long time application for a job at Clark U. S. Air base, was approved and that we received the telegram informing him to report to Clark. The next day he began working as a power plant operator with a salary higher than his work in Madera Fil. We stayed for a month at his parents house. Then we rented an apartment in Concepcion so that I'll no longer get tired commuting back and forth to Capas in attending office. After six months of marriage, I conceived with our first child. I felt very sickly and was hospitalized in University if Santo Tomas Hospital in Manila for the surgery of a cyst in my left neck. On March 29, 1969, our first child was born, at the Espinosa Maternity Clinic, Tarlac. She was born at 12:00 midnoon. 6.11 lbs. in weight. Rudy choosed the name Ethel for his eldest. She was baptized at the Catholic Church of Concepcion, that same year 1969 with the following sponsors: Lita Puno, Pining Magtuloy, Miss Buan, Atty. Nestor Tanglao, Mr. Dawson & Mr. Miranda. At her confirmation, the sponsor is Baby Frances Marie Balagtas, her auntie. San Nicolas: Ely Sese.

Because we were not satisfied with the conditions of the owner of our apartment, we transferred to another apartment infront of the Concepcion Catholic Church.Then again, we transferred to another place, at the downfloor of my parents house in Sta. Rita, so that my parents can take care of Ethel when I'm at the office.During those time, the town's condition is very critical due to many insurgents or enemies of the government. Civilians were gunned down without any reasons, so my mother-in-law suggested to us that we might as well stayed in Capas in one of their apartments, so that Rudy will be safe when he was going home at night time. Rudy's work was by shift, sometimes day and sometimes night time. So we transferred again at Sto. Domingo, Capas. I suffered miscarriage to my second child. Borned prematurely for only 6 months. She live for only a week. We baptized her marinon on the year 1971. My third child was borned so small. But thanks God, he survived and was baptized Jonathan, at the Catholic Church of Capas, 1973. Jonathan was borned on November 14, 1973 at Espinosa Maternity Clinic. His sponsor in baptism was Ferdinand Balagtas, his uncle. In confirmation, his other uncle Edgar Balagtas was his sponsor. In San Nicolas, Mr. Soliman. He is the replica of his father. because Jonathan was so small and only 4.5 lbs., we left him at the hospital for the doctor to take care. He was there for a month and then took him after making sure that he was safe to be brought home.

In 1972, another election was held. Rudy run again as Municipal Councilor under the Nacionalista party. He wanted very much to run for Vice mayor but I was afraid for his life. Elections during those years were very critical. The result of the election surprised everyone. Rudy won an overwhelming vote, surpassing the joint votes of the mayor and vice mayor. He was the No. 1 Municipal Councilor. Many said that he really deserved to be the No. 1 for he was so courageous, bright and the only fighter when in sessions as proved during his last term. People loved him for his kindhearted. no one complain without giving them help. He was so dedicated to his duty as a law-enforcing citizen of the town. so many nights that he patroled the town. No one, not even his co-councilors dared walked and see what happened after a shouting spree. He was so inclined in politics that he was aspiring to be a Mayor someday. In 1976, Pres. Marcos, stopped national elections and all municipal officials were only appointed. Rudy again was appointed to remain a Mun, Councilor. His aspiration to be a candidate for mayor was set aside.

Ever since, he joined seriously in politics, his salary was not enough for us. He gave lots to his political friends and sometimes, they even took him to goodtime places. thus, we begun to have slight quarrels but he was so loving that he never let the day passed without reconciling with each other. He always said that his family is the first before anything else. This time, he was transferred from Clark to camp O'Donnell with same position and same salary.

In the year 1980, overseas jobs were offered to many . He was convinced to try his luck and applied at the IPAMS Agency, Manila. With so many applicants, he was one of those who were given applications in Saudi Arabia. He passed the interview and so he was given his passport and visa. His first departure scheduled date was postponed due to his visa's errors. Then on May 21, 1980, he departed for the first time to Saudi Arabia. The day before his departure, he cried. That last night of his departure, he didn't sleep. He was staring at us, at his children, kissing and embracing them while they are asleep. This was the very first time that we'll be far apart. This will really be a great sacrifice for him, to work in a far away kingdom, unknown to him. While at the ramp of the plane, I remembered his lonely face. Even I can't hardly believed that he'll decide to work abroad. He's a very jolly fellow who doesn't like lonely places and yet here he was going away just to see us, his family to have a good standard of living. I really admired my husband for this heroic task, just for his beloved family. Politics...he loves it so much and yet he's leaving it. Someday, he said, I'll go back to politics when everything is normal, when there is a clean election. My ambition at this moment, he said is to see you, my family. living luxuriously, we'll deposit money in the bank, build a house and buy a car for Ethel, I remembered him said.

In his letters, he felt terribly homesick and only our letters were his only consolation. The jobsite was a desert, nothing to see except sand. They lived in a trailer house inside the camp site. He had no complain as far as the company was concerned. SCECO was a good company with good benefits. He complained much about the weather. The weather was a very, very hot weather and then very, very cold.

After a year, he took his vacation. Our children enjoyed the different kind of toys he brought. and I was so happy to see him very healthy. He brought dollars for me. My allotment was 30% and he was receiving $1000 a month. His parents and my parents have their own gifts from him. He brought me also perfumes, cosmetics, panties, cassette, tapes, towels, etc...He brought so many things that everybody including my in-laws have their shares. In his first vacation, he spent it in helping repairing our house. He sprayed the house with insecticides. But there was always a time for our good times in Angeles City. We spent nights going to different disco houses and eateries then sleeping in motels. We went to fiestas in Sta. Rita, San Miguel and others. We attended the Carinosa Club of Concepcion Annual Ball, dancing with our friends. With him it's really heaven.

May 1981, he went back to Saudi, for the second time. Same company, SCECO, same position as power plant operator with increased salary. Again, he had to sacrificed being lonely and homesick. Dollars and letters were his only consolations. It's good, his brother Clinton also worked in an establishment in saudi. Rolly manipon, a townmate also worked with him. His salary was increased and this time I received 50%. I received my allotment at the Phillipine Island Bank, Tarlac.My parents have a share of P100.00 a month. His parents P200.00 plus P50.00 fruit allowance for his father, who became paralytic after a heart attack.

He again have another month vacation. and once again, he brought so many packages. he completed our household utensils such as pressure cooker, knives, ice cream maker, rags, carpets, and more. He brought toys again for the children, guns, cars, airplanes and many more with batteries. dolls, jewelries and walkman for Ethel. jewelries again for me. colored TV with Betamax. within two years, all what we need in life was fulfilled.

Year 1982, for the third time, he went back to Saudi. This time, he said, he'll no longer buy any accessories. He'll just bring lots of money to save. Another come back means another increase in salary. This time I'm receiving more than P5,000.00 in the bank. But he ordered me to withdraw only P3,000.00. The remaining balance will be saved for our dream house's carpentry. I obeyed him so faithfully because I know it's for our own good. Besides I know he's risking his life in that hot desert for us alone.

Then another vacation arrived. Even tho he had said that he'll no longer bring any, still he brought more things like typewriter, dresses, 3 watches for the children when they growup. According to him, he had to buy thenm already these watches, because there'll come the time that he'll no longer go back to Saudi. He brought different kinds of cassette, Sabsui,Pioneer, Sanyo,Sony brands. Someday, he said, this cassettes will be my remembrance in working in Saudi. I'll put these cassette in every room of our house, he said. He gave watches to his friends and shoes to my in-laws. He also gave wines, lighters, cigarettes, soaps to all our friends. He brought also packages of candioes. He even brought grapes for his sick father.Ah....all the goodness of my husband. No one can ever surpass the goodness of my husband. Sometimes, I pity him for sacrificing so much for us. I've always said that he no longer go back to saudi but he told me, his coming back there this year will be the last. I'll stay longer there around 16 months, he said so that we have money for our dream house to be build and a car for Ethel. our money in the bank will not be withdrawn, he said. On this vacation, he took us to Baguio City. Ethel and I, because we have not seen yet Baguio.

Again for the fourth time, on May 22, 1983, he went back to saudi, promising me that this will be the last. in his letters, he said that the company was surplussing and requested mus to pray that he may not be included. besides, he said, that they"ll be transferred from their dwelling inside the camp to a nearby villa. They'll have to cook their own food. laundry their clothes. The company was now treating them strictly. he said, sometimes I go to work even tho I'm sick afraid I maybe included in the surplussing. many already resigned including Rolly Manipon, his townmate. When I received another letter, he told me, they have transferred already to a villa. They've repaired it. The villa was one and a half kilometer away to the campsite. so he decided to buy a bicycle to ride. He also bought a mini-refrigirator for his foods. Once he said there was a sandstorm on my way to the camp, my foods were thrown and I can no longer eat them so I just asked my co-workers for some food. I cried terribly upon knowing that.

On Oct. 24, 1983, he was on an emergency leave because my father-in-law died. He had 14 days leave. Among his brothers who are abroad, he was the first one to arrive. He appeared slimmer than when his last vacation, when he was so fat. As soon as he saw me, he was complaining of headache. We then went home and rested for awhile. People said that he seems to look the loneliest among his brothers on the daeth of his father. He mingled with all the sympathizers and only get amused if politics is their topics. A few more years, they said that an election will be held and that they vowed to support his candidacy for mayor when that election will be held. He was willing and he'll surely win, said one of the top political campaigner. Everybody said that Rudy alone is their hope for a very good Mayor of Capas. His friends were already dreaming that they'll have their jobs here when he'll be the mayor and no longer go to saudi or elsewhere. He was the one who responded in the necrological service of his father, who was also a Mun. Councilor once. In responding, I could feel that he no longer used to in public speaking. he seems to feel nervous. After the funeral, he again complain of feeling dizzy. But when I asked him to lie down, he said he was okay. a few minutes, I could see him well again. He even took the colored TV from our house to their house. I never think that he's sick cause he was so strong and healthy.

Nov. 5, 1983, he paid the lot infront of my mother-in-law's house owned by his brother Henry in the amount of P20,000.00. In this lot he'll build his dream house. We're also buying another lot but one of his brother complained that the lot will be sold to him. So he agreed. He's such a loving brother, a loving son, a loving friend, and a loving family man. people often said that he was the most approachable. He loved to mingle with the poor rather than the rich. That day also he called on Cot salak his best friend, to help him canvass hollow blocks so that he already want that it's better to stock earlier cause prices goes higher everyday. Unfortunately the owner was not around.

Nov. 6, 1983, we went to attend the first Holy Mass for it was Sunday. This was the date of his departure. He cannot extend his vacation due to the strictness of their company because we cannot use the auto of my mother-in-law. Clinton, his brother will use it in the christening of his son, so I decided not to go with him anymore. Only Cot will go with him. he agreed that I no longer go with them for he'll also get worried when we'll go home as soon as the plane will depart. But as he left our house, I felt something different, something I've never felt before when he departed. I want to go with him but it's too late. I just cried and prayed for his safety. In Manila International Airport, according to Cot and Rad, they could feel his loneliness. They said, he became so silent unlike before when he was so talkative.

Nov. 23, 1983, Rad arrived with my parents at the old house of my mother-in-law. I was surprised to see them around with my parents. I thought something wrong happened to my father or to my brothers or to anybody else in Concepcion. My father was crying and Rad was so pale. Then he broke the news that Rudy, my beloved husband, died of heart attack at the Fuod Hospital, Alkhobar, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The SCECO in Saudi telex IPAMS then IPAMS informed Rad. I just can't believed it, I just can't accept it.......My husband, who's so strong and never complain of heart failure died. How can I believe it? But Rad showed me the telex. I'm still hoping that the agency was mistaken, that he was not the one. that night, i cried bitterly. I remember his last goodbye. he advised Ethel not to make me angry, to obey all my orders and to help clean the house. to Jonathan, he told him not to roam around, just stay at home. To Kenneth, keep up the good work in your class, he said. he was so happy when Kenneth presented him his testpapers when he arrived during his emergency leave, it seems my son is very good, he said proudly. And tome, he told me not to overworked myself for I was operated , gallbladder operation at the UST Hospital last July 29, 1983. to our maid, he requested her not to leave us because I'm very sickly. He promised to buy her a watch and lots more and increased her salary if she'll not leave us. Now, he was gone forever......

We waited for his remain for two weeks. He died Nov. 18,1983 and his reamin arrived Dec. 1, 1983. He was my husband....I was praying that he was not the one inside the coffin, but he was the one....He was just like sleeping. His eyes were nicely closed. He looked like he was resisting death with the wrinkle in his forehead. From the airport to Capas, his brothers escorted him. They said he arrived like a package in a Saudi coffin and when they opened the coffin, his remain was neatly wrappped like a mummy of the Egyptians. They took video of his arrival to his last funeral. But up to the present I didn't have the nerve to see the video coverage.

Dec. 3, 1983, is the day of his interment. Ever since, he arrived, people from all walks of life come and go to view his remains. Many told me also that day when he was here in capas during his emergency leave, he had showered money to all those who beg him. Many shed tears of sorrows.. He was given a necrological service at the municipal hall and Ethel, our eldest, responded, with so much regrets on the death of her Daddy and give thanks to all the sympathizers. Everybody said, she had the category of her late father.many condoled with us even after the burial. His friends in Saudi told me that've lost a real very good friend. In Saudi, they callled him Mayor. He was just like a bank to them, always lending them money. They too were shocked to know that he was dead. Mr. Edgardo Pasaoa, a roommate wrote me that htey brought him to the hospital very strong. He was just complaining of a slight chest pain.So he decided to be checked at the said hospital on Nov. 17, 1983. On Nov. 18, 1983, he died according to the hospital. Why did he died for just less than 24 hours, when they said he was not serious and in fact very strong when they brought him to the hospital. Something puzzled me behind my husband's death. I know I can't do anything about it but I know God will give justice to my husband's death and condemned those who did it, in case of foul play. But I have a feeling they gave him drug and that he fell asleep and never woke up. maybe the drug is not appropriate for his heart or something like that. In short the hospital were very careless and their medicines are too strong or rather high dose. So many thoughts lingered in my mind. is my husband, a sacrificial lamb for everybody so that no one will ever go to that hospital for medical check up?