Profiles: Juan "Aning" Relampagos (1918 - 2002)

Aning was born on July 12, 1918 at Catagbacan Norte, Loon, Bohol to spouses Pedro Papeleras Relampagos and Luisa Libadisos Morastil. His brothers and sisters include Apolonio (+Onyo), Victoria (Balay, soltera), Eudosia (+Dosing Emnace), Crispiniana (+Manyang Mesina), Jesus(+) and Bernardina (Bening California).

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, Aning was an officer of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). He held the rank of Lieutenant and was commanding officer of the "C" Company, 1st Battalion, 84th Infantry. Pursued by the Japanese, he traveled incognito to Negros, Leyte, Cebu and Surigao as a trader of sugar, salted fish (bulad) and other household commodities. In Surigao, he met 'paisano', Major Vicente T. Cubero (a.k.a Capt. Francisco Salazar) who went with him to Bohol, landing at Catagbcan in the early part of 1942. Salazar led the local forces in victorious encounters against the Japanese including the very successful Battle of Moalong on September 27, 1942.

Aning served as Mayor of Loon for two consecutive terms from 1951 to 1959. On his second term, he married Esperanza 'Nene' Camantigue Lopez whose father Rosendo or 'Tan Sendoy was also a town executive of Loon, the last to hold the title 'President' and first to be called 'Mayor' (on his second term). Aning also served as Provincial Board Member for two terms - - during the administration of Gov. Esteban Bernido and Gov. Lino Chatto.

Aning and Nene have been blessed with five children, namely, Maria Socorro 'Acor' R. Gonzaga, Asst. Vice President for External Affairs of the Philippine Airlines (PAL); Dr. Maria Asuncion 'Achu' R. Navoa, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiology Consultant of Lourdes Hospital, Sta Mesa, Manila; Elvi Peter, associate of the Dionido and De Guzman Law Office, Makati; Maria Concepcion 'Emma' R. Casenas, Manager of PAL - Tagbilaran Office and Rene the youngest governor of Bohol ever had.

Profiles: Andres Relampagos - The Last of the Mohicans

The passing away of Inco Andres Papeleras Relampagos, the last to survive among the originals of the Fabiano Relampagos Clan, was a great loss beyond retrieve. His departure of no return came as his chest heaved, and consequently exhaled the last thinning air from his lungs.

It was May 11, 1995, the eve of the Catagbacan,Loon (his birth place) Fiesta when Inco Andres eventually reposed in tranquility. He was at his ripe age of 86.

Within a haf decade of lingering physical immobility. he was not verily concious much less aware that the Fabiano Relampagos Clan he had conceived and forged, has started bearing fruits out of the seeds he strewed two scores and five years ago. He was the sewer but not the reaper.

Inco Andres as he was then respectedly called, was and will remain the undisputed PRIME MOVER of the Fabiano Relampagos Clan. He labored for it.

Out of love coupled with instinctive generosity, his solomonic brain unceasingly pondered on how to reconcile and retrieve, between and among scions of the greatest great, great grandparents of all times - Fabiano Relampagos and Marcosa Papeleras.

His initial call for reconciliation was made in 1950, when there were still leaving co-originals, like Inco Into (Jacinto), Tiyo Vidal, Manoy Ejan (Aniano, his first wife Telesfora Caminos was this writer's auntie), Inse Coning (Cornelia), Nang Ena (Lucena) and herein writer's grandmother in-law, late Nanay Diday (Hilaria). All of them witnessed the emergence of the Fabiano Relampagos Clan.

In sum the formation of the Fabiano Relampagos Clan could have hardly been possible were it not of the inceptive move taken by the late Inco Andres. As a result, produce by concious mental and physical exertions, Fabiano Relampagos clearly came into view in 1951.

Notwithstanding the unsolicited efforts Inco Andres has exhaustively expended in order to accomplish an objective, nothing is heard much less overheard, that a move has been taken to bestow even a little honor, by way of posthumous recognition to the departed prime mover of the clan. Granting there was, how soon will it take place is the biggest question. Very soon? It is hoped.

Putting Inco Andres similarly situated to the last of the Mohicans, he lost the battle but won the war. Great men does not die in vain. Indeed he had done a MAGNUM OPUS WORTHY OF RECOGNITION.

In passing, a passage by Abraham Lincoln (Gross, Lincoln's own stories) pertaining ancestry, is hereunder quoted, and I quote:

I don't know who my grandfather was;
I am much concerned to know what his grandson will be"

Each man meets its final destiny with God.

By: Jovencio Caminos

Inco Andres - The Man I Will Always Remember

I stumbled upon this article on the Relampagos Clan Directory and Souvenir Book 2002. It's worth a read - a good testament to the greatness of our Inco Andres,

Andres Papeleras Relampagos (Died: May 11,1995)

While each of my uncles and aunts have left imprints in my memory that have helped in the shaping of my future, the memories from Inco Andres are the ones deeply rooted in my mind.

Inco Andres was the youngest of my uncles and our ages were not far apart. A bigger portion of my life's time was in close association with him, specially during my school days. For a while, I stayed with his family in a small rented house in the poblacion of Loon, Bohol. With me were two other cousins, Jesus and Bening and my sister Sencia. It was in this house that Inco Andres encourage us to study conscientously. He gave us incentives, in kind, when ever our names appeared in the class honor roll. He taught us the value of time. "Time is Gold" he kept on repeating to us. Every minute must be made productive. This was the challenge that inspired us to work even harder.

While in college, my having to take up Civil Engineering was Inco Andres' choice. My preference then was to take up commerce as I was more indulged in Trading. However, Inco Andres and my cousins Miguel and Jesus were already taking up Commerce. So Inco advised me to take up Civil Engineering instead. As a bright and upright man, one just can't resist and follow his advices. Thus, I have become an Engineer.

While very active and progressive in nature, Inco had also encountered obstacles in his desire to rise. As a career man in the government service, his growth was somewat stunted. He was no doubt honest, diligent and sincere in the service but he was not given due merit by his superiors. His obstacles became an eye-opener for me to reroute the path of my ventures in life. Thus, instead of seeking for employment, I ventured to enterpreneurship where I am now.

Two major decisions and a lot of minor ones in my life were influenced by Inco Andres. Without him, I could not imagine where I woukd be now. His influences does not end with me; for sure there are many of us, nephews and nieces, even grandchildren who owe what they are now to our beloved Inco Andres. May he rest in peace.

By: Engr. Pablo Relampagos Sr.

Davao Reunion - May 2005

Here's a slideshow recap of a previous Relampagos reunion in Davao, back in May 2005