SCUTTLEBUTT: Memories of my yesteryears
Memories of my yesteryears
I first visited Olongapo when it was still part of the US Naval reservation sometime in 1957. My recollection at that time was stopping at the Roosevelt Park checkpoint in Bataan as you enter the area and when you depart. The checkpoint were manned by US Marines.
Scrip money was the currency in use at the main commercial of the reservation community as the Philippine peso was not in use. It was a quick trip to just visit my Auntie Sion Escalona who migrated to the controlled US ruled community.
It took more than four more years when I returned to Olongapo, already converted to a municipal town site after the United States government decided to return the area to the Philippine government fold due to the agitations and campaign of local residents who after so many years under prolonged US rule, sought independence.
The local community leaders sought the assistance of Philippine media to expose the Ugly Americanism of US Navy officers and civilian hired personnel on local residents. It took the succeeding series of articles on these issues by then Chronicle senior reporter Jose Balein of the Manila Chronicle. Notable figures that aired their anti-American sentiments were names like Jose Pacheco, James Gordon, Ching Arriola and many more whose names escaped me.
After Olongapo became a Pilipino town and most of the local officials were political protégées of old time politicians of Sambals including those charged of maintaining the peace and order sector, Olongapo was reportedly a “wild wild west” type of community.
It was a perfect wheeling liberty town as newly opened bars and nightclubs sprouted along the main streets along Rizal Avenue. Magsaysay Drive was not yet open and the main music was provided by jukeboxes.
I recall that my second visit to Olongapo was to accompany a town mate whose line of business was selling floor wax products which was done on “door to door” system.
Under our set up I played the role of the son of the product owner and conducting a promo campaign. In our sortie, we were attracted to too many women wearing short shorts as we demonstrate the cleaning and shinning power of our floor wax products.
In Manila I was already writing for some tabloid publications. But when the Evening News was acquired by a new owner and Felix Bautista of UST became its Editor in Chief, I took advantage of the new management and applied to become its correspondent in Zambales and Olongapo which include coverage of the US Naval Base.
I was just 17 years old then, yes, a teen-ager and when I finally referred to the publication Publisher Mr. Tordesillas, his first impression was that I was too young but my quick reply was “Sir, Young looking but capable in reporting news.”
I was given a trial appointment and off I went to Olongapo and stayed at my Auntie’s house. The Escalona business then was Ice distribution.
More on this on the succeeding issues.
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