A SHORT VISIT TO SUBIC BAY  - (Part 3)

By Rene Calalang
Scarborough-Canada
May 11, 2018




MY SECOND TRIP, in the company of some relatives, was a bit different as we were able to see other places inside the former military base and discover what was there that, at one time, we were not allowed to see them.

VISITING my old place of residence was, I thought, though indirectly, should also be a part of my homecoming to Subic Bay.

It would probably be also my last chance to see some good people who were part of my life for four years as I don’t know if I will come back here again as living thousands of miles apart is quite a distance to travel considering I am not getting any younger. Or if ever I come back, there is no guarantee that any of these people would still be around because of migration.

IT was late in the afternoon when we exited the Freeport and it was the end of the work day for many Subic Bay Employees. Consequently, traffic was bad.

Getting stuck in the traffic was indeed not a pleasant experience and for me, one way to fight it out was to use the idle time. Such condition resulted in some discussion between me and my nephew about Subic Bay then, and now.

“Would you rather see Subic as a military base for the United States Navy, or the way it is now, a commercial Freeport,” asked my nephew, who has some leftist leaning.

I thought for a moment and after a few seconds and without hesitation, as for me the question was as easy as 123, I answered,” I wish it is still a Naval Base for the US Navy.”

My nephew seemed surprised with my answer, “Why is that?”

“For our country’s defense. Any country, especially a poor country with a weak military like ours, needs an ally. It is also a deterrent.”

“What do you mean deterrent?”

“If it’s still a military base for the US Navy, the Chinese wouldn’t dare occupying some of our islands.”

“How about our sovereignty? You are not a nationalist, aren’t you?”

“I am a nationalist, but I am also a pragmatist.”

“So if America is involved in another war in the Pacific, we will again get involved?”

“What is the alternative?”

“Make our country a non-aligned country.”

“And you think if we are non-aligned, we won’t get involved?”

“That’s why we are non-aligned.”

“In paper, we won’t; but in reality, we might.”

“What do you mean?”

“The world is not perfect. Not even close.”

“Nobody is saying its perfect.”

“Do you know the history of World War II?”

“Which theatre?”

“Europe.”

“Why? What happened in Europe?”

“Do you know that in April 1940, before the Nazi invaded France, there were five neutral countries namely: Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Luxemburg, who were, because they were on the way to invading France and were on a strategic location, had to be destroyed or invaded by the Germans; and yet six months before the invasion, Hitler promised them they won’t be touched as some of them had a non-aggression pact with Germany.”

“I do not know that.”

“The lesson here is: any powerful country who has a goal to be a world power, or rule the world, will do everything to accomplish that goal. To them, any agreement is nothing but a piece of paper.”

“Thanks for telling me.”

End of discussion.

Reaching the rotunda where the Victory Liner station is located, I instructed the driver to continue driving east on Rizal Avenue. I then told him to make a left turn on 20^th St. West Bajac-Bajac, which is one block east of the rotunda. Past another main street, and on the left hand side, I told him to park in front of a compound, which is home to rental properties.

Here, in this compound, in one bedroom I, together with six other young apprentices temporarily lived. Here in a single room, seven of us lived as brothers, laughed a lot together, shared among us whatever we had and sing, even if I cannot sing. But who cared, as everything was for fun.

What made it extra special was the owner of the property have children of three boys and three girls; with some, almost the same age as us, or if we were older, it was not very much. Friendship was easily developed among us.

My stay in this compound was probably where I spent some of the happiest time of my younger years; for here, I was able to enjoy and experience some social activities not too long before I only dreamt of experiencing.

It was then the disco generation, and with their company, we went night clubbing - dancing the disco and the maski paps (anything will suffice). Of course, we cannot help but admire those bands and combos providing the music and the grace and beauty of the A-Go-Go dancers.

In the neighboring town of Subic, home to many beautiful beaches, we, and also in their company, spent many weekends having picnics and enjoying the water.

I rung the buzzer and one of the sons came out. There were screams of excitement when they realized who I am. It’s amazing that after those years, the bond was still there.

We were asked to come in and we obliged.

Like a prodigal son coming home, we recalled the good old days. Ah those were the days but life must go on. I asked where the other members of the family are, and was told most of them had migrated to the States, in San Francisco to be specific.

Similarly they asked me what happened to the others. I told them what I knew; but sadly, I also had to share with them the sad news that two of them are now deceased.

As time was a factor, sadly, I had to say goodbye. I took their United States phone number and contacted them, and told them how I appreciated their generosity, as well as the family’s companionship.

MUCH had changed to Subic Bay from the time I was employed there to the present - from a military base supporting a war in Vietnam, it is now a free port, host to hundreds of businesses, both foreign and local, including the fourth largest shipbuilding company in the world, The Hanjin Heavy Industries and Constructions.

Subic Bay is still there, sprawling as usual, but with different tenants now. She is clean, beautiful and orderly as ever, with policies inherited when it was a military base especially related to traffic rules and regulations and garbage disposal being enforced as if it is still a military base. The tenants are different now, but memories of her will always remain – in my heart, in my mind, and in my soul.

See also:

A SHORT VISIT TO SUBIC BAY – part 1

A SHORT VISIT TO SUBIC BAY - (Part 2)