Bibiano B. Arzadon

“Anything is possible.” That is what Bibiano B. Arzadon believed about life. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Bibiano thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. He possessed an inquisitive, confident, and rational nature matched with a versatile and agile mind. Bibiano was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

Bibiano was born on January 2, 1928 at Philippines in Badoc Ilocos Norte. His parents were Felicissima Benemerito and Bibiano Arzadon. Bibiano was raised in Badoc Ilocos Norte,Philippines. He showed his ingenuity even as a child. When he was confronted with a problem, Bibiano could develop an imaginative solution, and he derived satisfaction from knowing he had that ability.

This same talent for finding solutions had a positive bearing on Bibiano's family relationships. Bibiano was raised with Three. He had Pakita (deceased), Leonila, and Othello. When a difficult situation or dilemma arose within the family, Bibiano was always there to help figure out a solution for making things work.

As a young boy, Bibiano could be found building and inventing new and different things. He was curious, resourceful and interested in anything original. Bibiano took part in basketball and tennis. He was a boy scout and member of a choir group. In his spare time he liked playing the piano, cycling, sports, reading alot, hunting, hiking and roller skating. Bibiano's memorable achievements included musical competitions especially piano,and junior scout master.

Endowed with an appetite for knowing how his world worked, Bibiano enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting and probing the unknown. Bibiano was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He graduated from Vigan Catholic Seminary School, Ilocos Sur, Philippines in 1947. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was English, writing and poetry. He was a scout for the Japanese Imperial Army and served as an interpreter during the Japanese occupation.

Because he was a quick thinker and adept at picking up on new things, Bibiano performed well in college. He was always on a quest for knowledge and he relished the experience. Theories intrigued him, and he was good at solving complex problems. He always wanted to understand rather than judge. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics University of the Far East, Philippines. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from University of Kansas and Doctorate Degree in Economics from University of Neuchatel School of Economics in Zurich, Switzerland. Scholarship to Presidency College of India for Statistics.

On November 13, 1957 Bibiano exchanged wedding vows with Nicefora Rubio at Vintar Church of Vigan, Philippines. Bibiano was adept at devising original and creative ways to enhance and improve the marriage partnership. Bibiano was seldom a critical person, but rather the one who was able to bring out the best in others. Bibiano was an entertaining conversationalist who was quick to respond to his spouse’s needs. He was a vibrant personality and he enjoyed verbally sparring with Necy. In fact, those who knew him often remarked that Bibiano loved to argue for argument’s sake. He was very perceptive in recognizing others’ feelings, especially regarding Necy's.

Bibiano's remarkable talent for being inventive influenced his relationship with his children. He would create original, clever and fun games for his kids and had a knack for finding ways to make everyday events, even chores, enjoyable to them. Bibiano was blessed with six, Three sons, Spencer, James, Sigmund and three daughters, Judith, Sylvia and Eunice. They were also blessed with Nine grandchildren, Jaysen, Justin, Neal, Sydney, Christian, Simon, Tyler, Aleksy, and Evan. Someone who was quick to laugh, Bibiano found it easy to spend lots of time with his children, but he was never overbearing or guilty of pushing himself on them.

As a born inventor, Bibiano was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Bibiano was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. He could assess all of the options before him and, using his analytical skills, could comfortably find answers that no one else had even considered. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Bibiano was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. His primary occupation was United Nations Principle Officer as Director of International Trade Division for Economics and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific ESCAP, and after retirement a Consultant to Honeywell Yamatake, Adjunct Professor at University of Houston and Prairie View A & M. He was employed for 28 years by the United Nations. Bibiano always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

Bibiano's passion for finding a better way to do things was often an end in itself for him. In fact, that interest by itself became something of a hobby for this perpetual problem solver. Since Bibiano was always searching for new and unusual activities, he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an “expert” in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Bibiano simply couldn’t be limited to just a few activities or ideas. His favorite pursuits were playing the piano, dancing, writing, composing music, adjunct professor at local universities.

Bibiano's calm demeanor and eternally positive outlook served him well in sports. In high school, Bibiano played soccer and volleyball. In his college years, Bibiano continued to stay active by swimming, dancing and tennis. Recreational sports included tennis, swimming and golf. Bibiano was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were basketball and football.

Bibiano's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Bibiano could bring a breath of fresh air to any organization, simply by introducing his novel ideas and problem solving strategies. Throughout his later years, Bibiano was an active member of the Ilocano, Rotary, Lions, Kinghts of Rizal, Pastoral Council, Senior Citizens Groups/Clubs and Music Ministry at St. Justin Martyr.

Bibiano was continually concerned with the status of local, national and even world affairs. His keen interest and strong values led him to become active in his community. Politically, Bibiano was Republican Party in Houston, Texas.

Faith and religion were important to Bibiano. He was a member of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. During that time, he served with Music Ministry and volunteered to assist the homeless.

With all of his talents, his ingenuity, his solutions and inventiveness, it is no surprise that Bibiano received public recognition for his competence. With the drive and ability to meet any challenge, Bibiano accumulated a long list of achievements throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Knights of Rizal for composing a commissioned march to honor Jose Rizal, International Toastmaster.

Having the opportunity to visit and explore a new place always intrigued Bibiano. Traveling and going away on vacations offered yet another opportunity for Bibiano to expand his ever-growing inventory of knowledge. Favorite vacations included Hua Hin Beach, Thailand and Dubrovnik.

Even while in retirement, Bibiano never stopped exercising his inventive talents, and this new phase of his life provided new opportunities for stimulating his interests. In 1986, his new life involved relocating to Houston, Texas. In retirement, he found new pleasure in adjunct professor at local universities, composing music, volunteering for services at senior citizen homes to play the piano, and writing poety and books. Even in retirement, Bibiano continued to stay in touch with his old friends and while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Bibiano passed away on June 1, 2012 at Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas. Bibiano suffered a major stroke to the brain stem. He is survived by his children Judy, James, Sylvia, Sigmund and Eunice; his grandchildren Jaysen, Justin, Neal, Sydney, Christian, Simon, Tyler, Aleksy, and Evan, and his brother Othello and his sister Leonill. Services were held at St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church. Bibiano was laid to rest in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Bibiano. He met the words “it can’t be done” with the enthusiastic challenge of a “wanna bet” attitude. Bibiano was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Bibiano, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge. For Bibiano B. Arzadon, the fun of living his life could be found in the challenge.