pagkagobernador Kaloy Bernad

MOUNT KITANGLAD, CLIMB FOR FATHER BERNAD
(4TH of 12 Installments)

By Anselmo B. Mercado (With Contributions from the “Mag 7”)

Tito Nonon w/ the “Mag 7” (L-R): Paolo, Francis, Mia, Victor, Tito Nonon, Lito, BoyM, & Dave

(at Boy & Celeste’s residence)

(L-R): BoyM, Paolo, Victor, Francis, Mia, Dave, Lito (at the summit)

“The Magnificent Seven”

Mainly by email, the climbers corresponded to one another about the necessary preparations. We asked each other about essential provisions to bring along (e.g., solid and liquid food, proper outfits, beddings, first aid items, basic gears and supplies, etc.). Who would bring what? From time to time we reminded each other about the utmost importance of getting in shape for the climb (more on this later).

First, a brief profile (not by any means a full one) about each of the “Magnificent Seven.

Dave Calabro - He is known in the family circle as “ Dib”, a.k.a. “Shine East”, or “Shine Atlantic”, in celebration of his overcoming an addiction to hair. He is an American of Italian decent. He is married to my lovely first cousin whom I fondly call “Tsikul” (translated as “Chelo”). They have two children, Michelle and Philip. The family lives in New Jersey USA. Professionally, Dib holds a doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. He has worked as a research chemist for ExxonMobil research and Engineering Company for 27 years. Shine Atlantic loves nature, and is an avid biker, mountain-biker, swimmer and an occasional hiker. He has had several experiences in hiking and climbing mountains in the USA and Mindanao, Philippines (It was his “crazy idea” that prompted the famed hike to Lake Duminagat just preceding the wedding of Lulu Bernad and Jun Simbajon). Since learning to swim at the age of 44, swimming laps has been his most consistent form of exercise. Several years ago he started an annual tradition of breaking his personal record for number of non-stop swimming laps on his birthday. In the past several years, Dib has done several long distance bike rides including the “Five Boro Ride” in NY City, The “Hops to Hops” ride (to benefit those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis while satisfying his love for beer), and last August, the “Century Ride” (100 miles). Dib is most gratified by challenging himself and encouraging others. He will be 56 years old on September 29, 2008

Lito Mercado – To his family and close relatives, he is known as “Litoy Itoy” or “Lito Ilo,” or in short just simply “Lito.” To his American and European friends, he is known as “Angelo.” He has three children, Brian (deceased), Jeff and Lori (now Mrs. Ian Goode). A mechanical engineer by profession (a graduate of St. Tomas U. in Manila, and a Masters from Villanova U, Philadelphia) he has worked for 39 years with an American nuclear company (Babcock and Wilcox), which was eventually bought by a global French company known as “AREVA.” With this company he has worked mainly in the USA, but also has had a three-year assignment in Muelhiem-Kaerlich, Germany and a two-and-a-half-year assignment in Chalon Sur Saone, France. He holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) Certificate. He speaks five languages, namely, Visayan, Tagalog, English, German and French). Lito resides in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA. He plans to retire by the end of 2008. In his younger years, he played good basketball. Later in life he shifted to tennis, which till today he plays well and enjoys it. On December 13, 2008, he will be 62 years old.

Victor Paolo Calamba – He is a son of Commissioner Jun (Commission on Human Rights) and Charito Calamba (my sister). He has two siblings, his elder brother “Jol” and younger sister “Carla.” Although they live in Manila where his father works (soon to retire), they really have their home residence in Davao City. Victor has recently passed the licensure exams for nursing. For now he is in search of a good job, or may pursue further studies. Meantime, he does find some work helping his papa and mama on various errands. Victor is an outgoing, fun-loving character who enjoys among other things scuba diving, traveling, hiking and being with his “barkada.” Girlfriends? It’s one after another, kind of a “gigolo kid,” you know. He disclaims this saying: “I don’t jump from one girlfriend to another, but I guess I've had more than most.” He has climbed Kitanglad once in 2006 with a group that included my eldest son “Jay.” He will be 31 on November 18, 2008.

Francis M. Mercado – He is the second of three sons of Boy and Celeste Mercado. He holds a degree of Bachelor of Science major in Biology from Xavier University, Ateneo de Cagayan, Cagayan de Oro City. He once desired to be a pilot, but somehow life (God) had other plans for him, I suppose. He took up a special course on computer programming and became really adept at it. As an employee of the Bank of Commerce in Cagayan de Oro, his co-employees look him up to as “the expert” of computers in his branch office. His Bank sent him to Manila to learn and help install the computer system of the Bank network. Francis used to play tennis, but shifted to badminton. I’ve never seen him play, but they say he is good and smashes that shuttlecock like he is angry at the world. For a gentle and reserved person as Francis, I can hardly believe that. Lately, he has taken a real liking at scuba diving. On May 11, 2008, he will turn 32.

Paolo M. Mercado – He is the youngest son of Boy and Celeste Mercado. He is an engineer by profession, having graduated from Xavier University, the Ateneo de Cagayan with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering. He has also a licensure in that field. After graduation, Paolo has worked with the Airport Transportation Office. His first assignment was in a far-flung unknown small airport in Mamburao, Mindoro. After a year, he was transferred to a bigger airport in San Jose, Mindoro. Two years ago, he was assigned to work in Dumaguete City. When he was a student Paolo was active in the Christ Youth in Action (CYA), a Catholic youth movement, in which he still maintains an active involvement. He learned to play tennis with Francis, but unlike him he continues to play it today. He has added badminton and scuba diving to his sports life. He will be 31 years old on May 19, 2008.

Carmela Regina Bernad – Everybody calls her “Mia.” She is the younger of two lovely daughters of Vice Mayor Kaloy (of Ozamis City) and Nori Bernad. Before she became a teenager, she was a cute and diminutive girl. I called her “Mushi-Mushi.” Today, she has blossomed into a pretty not-so-small girl. Before we know it, she will bloom into a beautiful lady. (“Kaloy ug Nori, bantayi kana ninyo siya!”). After graduating from the high school of Immaculate Conception College-La Salle in Ozamiz City, she joined her sister, Cecile, to study at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. She is going into her junior year as a student of Business Management. Mia is an energetic, bundle-of-life girl, a quality that jibes well with her love for the beauty of nature. Delicately sweet as she is, she is no novice at mountain climbing and hiking and can outpace anyone regardless of gender. She has climbed Mount Lumot in Claveria and Mount Sumagaya in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental. This climb to Mount Kitanglad was her second time. Mia will turn 18 on July 11, 2008.

Boy Mercado – He is the second of five siblings of Ed and Charing (Bernad) Mercado. He is married to a pretty, adorable, petite lady whose name is so heavenly, “Celeste.” They are blessed with three wonderful sons: Jerome (Jay), Francis and Paolo. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Xavier University (XU). After graduation he joined the College of Agriculture XU as an agricultural extension worker. He was sent to Canada for a one-year course in Social Leadership, then later for a Masters’ Degree in Agriculture Extension Education at Virgina Tech USA (1973), then for his Doctorate in Adult Education at North Carolina State U, Raleigh USA (1985). For 44 years with XU he had worn various hats as an extension worker, teacher, dean, director of Outreach Units/Programs of the Agriculture College and its international leadership institute (SEARSOLIN) before his retirement in 2007. Boy is very athletic and sports-minded - plays basketball and tennis, likes swimming, snorkeling, horseback riding. He loves animals, dogs, horses, and does a little gardening and sideline farming. He will be 65 on April 22, 2008.