Tom Tongol Moraleja

Our dearest Deydey was born on the 10th of June 1935 and was actually named Restituto. But for many he was known as Tom. Deydey was third in the family of four. Life was not easy for the young Tom and his siblings. Truth be told, his dad, Lolo Gaudencio, was taken from them by a Japanese soldier. Despite the odds, Deydey, Ninang Auntie Francing and Bapang Pipi, still considered themselves somehow fortunate for they have a very strong woman, Apung Fely, for a mom.

Growing up, we his 10 children, never grew tired of hearing the "tales" of Deydey's struggles and efforts in helping Apo put food on the table. Apo,

herself, told us that Deydey had to wake up at 4 in the morning every single day to peddle "pandesal". As money was a commodity for them, we were even told that Deydey had to dig into other people's trash to see if he can salvage pieces of paper that he can use to write on in school. As he had high hopes for himself, their impoverished condition did not stop him from finishing High School. I remember him telling us that while his classmates strutted shiny, polished black shoes, he had to make do with his old beaten sandals. Unsurprisingly, he finished his secondary school. But unfortunately, fate did not have college written on his slate. His dream of becoming a lawyer remained but just a dream.

Deydey's lack of means did not wear down his confidence nor his skills. He had a wit about him and air of confidence (at time perhaps, "arrogance)

that made him as tall and "handsome" as the next guy. During the town fiestas, it was not the mala-Rogelio dela Rosa or the mestizos that caught

the fancy of the young ladies - it was Tom a Baluga' (black native) who they all wanted to dance with. He was a sleek dancer - he knew his tango,

chacha and the waltz. Perhaps, it is for these very same reasons, why his wife of 62 years, Rasing fell for him.

They made a very odd couple - Tom and Raslng - they are the exact opposites in many ways and form - for one - Deydey is a baluga while

Mommy is a mestiza. I can just understand why his father-in-law, lngkong Luis, with a 'Bolo’ on one hand, had to chase him away.

Deydey has his share of faults and shortcomings. But one thing that he can be proud of was that he was a good husband to his wife and a good provider to his children. Deydey treated Mommy as his queen while he made sure that all of his ten children had a strong foundation - education wise. Here is a high school graduate who was able to put his 10 kids to the only private school in our town.

He was a disciplinarian. There were days when his stare and/or whistle shook the core of us. He had a calendar/schedule of who is assigned to do

certain household chores. He also had a standard we had to meet when it came to our grades. A grade of below 80 meant a blow on our behinds

using the long carved wooden spoons. A grade of 80 and above, however, is equivalent to a peso.

Life came full circle for Deydey. While he was deprived of his academic dream - he took pride in the academic achievements of his offspring's.

Much to his children's embarrassment - Deydey had a wall in his home dedicated solely for bragging rights. He made sure that each of his children

who graduated had a poster framed and all - with their names, degree and honors achieved.

Though not demonstrative of his feelings, Deydey is a very sentimental person. He knew the value of "celebrating”. During one's birthday, he will

make sure that he has birthday greetings written on a paper or Styrofoam plate. This is one trademark of Deydey - that will surely be

Missed.

Unbeknown to his family, Deydey had a journal covering almost two decades of memories. Each page bespoke of events that transpired in the

lives of his loved ones, significant and otherwise. Flipping through the pages, makes one travel through time. Events that would have otherwise been forgotten are relived and joyfully remembered.

Such was his legacy and so much more can be written about him. He was a very colorful person but was definitely a contradiction of sorts. But one

thing that he will always be remembered by is how he loved..... And loved he did.

Tom is survived by his wife Rasing Moraleja, sibling Francing Moraleja, and children Roland, Rina, Rhoda, Rocel, Ruby, Rica, Rose, Rio, Remy and Randy.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Felisa and Gaudencio Moraleja; his brother, Pedro Moraleja and sister, Crispina Moraleja.