‘Si Ako’ finally laid to rest

LAOAG CITY — Laoageños showed their affection for Maria Teresa Carlson when they came out in droves during her funeral yesterday.

Her husband, former Ilocos Norte Gov. Rodolfo Fariñas was visibly moved and voiced his gratitude to those who condoled with him and his family.

"God will reciprocate your kindness," he told sympathizers.

Fariñas has been besieged in the week prior to his wife’s burial by news reports on television and national dailies about his alleged maltreatment of his wife when she was still alive. He denied the allegations and appealed for sobriety.

Carlson was laid to rest yesterday afternoon at the Floral Garden, a private burial ground in Laoag where the Fariñas mausoleum is located. She was buried beside her father-in-law Don Federico Fariñas who founded the Fariñas Transportation Co. whose fleet plies the Laoag-Manila route.

Residents trooped to the St. William’s Cathedral where final rites were accorded to the former movie star, and joined the funeral procession to her final resting place. More people lined up the roads where the procession passed through.

Fariñas was joined by his brother, Laoag Mayor Roger Fariñas, other relatives and other local officials.

Carlson’s mother Zenaida and other relatives flew in from the US straight to the cathedral for her daughter’s funeral rites. With her were her other daughter Joanna Bronson, Joanna’s husband Breth, and Giget Cruz, who is allegedly Maria’s sister-in-law.

In his remarks during the burial rites, Fariñas offered his apology to the media for being overbearing at times, and expressed his love for his wife.

He reminisced how their being together as a family with their six children made him and his wife happy, saying their occasional trips abroad had enhanced their bonding. — Teddy Molina