“For Mama”
This story might have been better timed last May, when the world celebrated Mothers’ Day. Yet anytime is the best time to reminisce about the special woman whom one so much loves and misses. Thus believes Guadalupe Cabahug-Latonio, as she fondly remembers her own mother.
Very little is heard of Vicenta Labucay-Cabahug outside of her family and close circle of friends. She was probably outshone by the man she married—Sotero Cabahug, the brightest star in the local community and even in the whole country, in his time. He was the provincial governor who spearheaded the construction of the massive Cebu Capitol building that we see today, the first non-military man to hold the position as the country’s Secretary of Defense, and justice of the Court of Appeals in
But beyond public view, Vicenta Cabahug was always there, standing by her man, providing him the inspiration, giving him the necessary care and attention so he could pursue his dreams and achieve great things. She cooked – and she was a good cook – not only for her own family but also for her husband’s political supporters who frequently came to their house. Aside from being good in the kitchen, she was brilliant at the piano.
Next to her husband and their children, Vicenta’s biggest love was music. Her parents had earlier sent her to the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion, where she became the school’s very first to graduate with a Degree in Music, major in Piano. Her father, Estanislao Labucay, was a strong influence in her profound liking for music. He was a big music lover himself. Her mother, Anacleta, although not as musically inclined, was equally supportive.
Young Vicenta earned her music degree with the highest honors—“sobresaliente,” equivalent to today’s summa cum laude. On her graduation concert, the Manila Symphony Orchestra had to be brought in to accompany her performance. This was at a time when transportation was difficult, and, for sure, it was so tough a job to be inviting an out-of-town orchestra with many members. Her musical talent must have warranted all that trouble.
In those days, there were no good economic prospects for a career in music. Anyone who chose music as a profession was probably motivated by pure love for the art form alone. But Vicenta did not let her musical skills grow idle. She put it to good use, organizing and training church choirs. She peddled her art around, for free.
Raised as a devout Catholic, her faith was Vicenta’s greatest love of all. She was very active in church, helping raise funds for the construction of churches, like the
The distinguished “Lady Commander” was most concerned with nurturing the budding faith of the young and in helping them to become upright individuals. She believed this could be achieved through education. Towards her later years, the Lady – as those who knew of her standing in the Vatican-based organization would call her – encouraged her daughter Guadalupe and son-in-law Raul to put up a school. The couple took their mother’s wish to heart.
In 1983, the Lady of Mount Carmel Pre-school opened in Mandaue, at their old family residence. The mother’s dream had come true. At the time, the ageing Lady was still very much up-and-about that she, in fact, actively participated in the school’s inaugural activities. Two years later, in 1985, she passed away, at 83. She outlived her famous husband by a good number of years.
Several years passed and the pre-school grew into a full grade-school. The name was changed to Sotero B. Cabahug Forum for Literacy – Forum, for short – to immortalize the memory of the great Cebuano public servant and civic leader, who was also a big believer in education. The school has since expanded to the suburb town of
Forum relentlessly holds on to the ideals of the woman that inspired its existence. While the school does not bear her name, its curriculum embraces the values and qualities that the Lady held dear. The combined examples of Sotero and Vicenta Cabahug are alive in the school’s thrust in instilling in the young minds the principles of moral leadership and good citizenship and the drive for excellence.
Among other things, at Forum they teach arts as a model for human conduct. As arts have rules, human behavior must have limits. Discipline is emphasized. Discipline, not punishment. Students are trained to see the big picture of which they are part. And as they see the whole, they get inspired to do their individual parts well. They know that each one of them matters. They understand that discipline is an integral part of the quest for excellence and a meaningful life. The young ones will want to have it in them. Then they will begin to develop self-discipline.
As Forum celebrates its Silver Founding Anniversary next month, the school is highlighting the memory of Mrs. Vicenta Cabahug. A musical extravaganza is presently in the process of production, to showcase the different facets of Lady’s person: as an artist, as a family woman, as a community prime-mover. Her favorite musical numbers will be performed by several of her former teenage music students, who are now already grandparents. Young people, mostly Forum students, will infuse a modern flair to choice classic numbers.
The undertaking is also an attempt to encourage a revival of the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Mandaue, which Mrs. Cabahug herself had significantly helped to develop. In her time, she provided young people with alternative, wholesome pastime. If they were not playing sports, they were playing musical instruments or singing.
Dubbed as “Tribute to the Lady, Vicenta Labucay-Cabahug,” the show is Forum’s grandest cultural project yet. Only fitting because it’s “for Mama,” explains Mrs. Guadalupe Latonio, school principal. Besides, it’s really a significant thing to be 25 years old. Especially that the seed of the idea that “Mama” sowed is now becoming a tree.
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