Diplomat recalls younger years in Iloilo City
Iloilo City's way of of life has completely changed after more than two decades. Formerly calesas, a carriage driven by horse, dominate the streets. Now they are replaced by cars, yet the Ilonggos' friendly traits remain with the test of time.
This was the observation made by US Department of State Deputy Councilor Economic Section Tim Neely in his recent visit to Iloilo City. A diplomat for 20 years mainly in China and Taiwan, he rekindles his teenage life with his friends at the Central Philippine University (CPU).
In his recent visit to Iloilo City, Neely could not help but compare the situation of Iloilo City now and before when he was still a kid. "I am happy and excited to be back in the Philippines. It was a sort of homecoming. People are still friendly and I hope to come back in January to see if the festival (referring to Dinagyang) is exciting," said Nelly.
Neely joined the Peace Corps and served three-and-one half years in Swaziland, Africa as a teacher in a technical college before reaching his present position.
He said today most houses in the city already have cars and air conditioning units. Before, there was no air conditioning and frequent brownouts and water outages occur. "It was also difficult to buy imported products or to communicate with people overseas," he recalled.
Neely added that Hotel Del Rio used to be the best restaurant in town. After long years, restaurants, cafes and establishment mushroomed in the city.
Iloilo has a soft spot in Neely's heart since he was born at the Iloilo Mission Hospital in 1955. Iloilo Mission Hospital was then the best hospital in the region. Neely's father was a former member of the U.S. Army.
In 1957, the Neelys left the country for the US and did not return until 1967. He was then in the sixth grade. The diplomat spent his sixth grade until third year high school. "It was a big cultural shock for me but I enjoyed the noisy festivals and celebrations."
Neely is so proud of his experiences while in Iloilo City such as making Christmas lanterns out of bamboo and wrapping paper. He also made a drill bit by flattening and sharpening nails. "I learn how to use a bolo to open coconuts and climb coconut trees."
He also loved Philippine fruits. They even planted papaya and banana trees in their own backyard. "I had never seen a papaya or banana tree before. There were so many varieties that I had never seen or tasted before."