Frank I.O. Longid (The Sagada Postboy Alumni Edition: People)

People
William Henry Scott
Frank I.O. Longid
Robert L.O. Longid

Greetings All ...

In 1993 I had the good fortune to attend an Igorot Pagan Funeral in Sagada, a very rare event even then. As most of you know, during the proceedings the deceased is placed in his sala and everyone would come to reminisce and share past moments together, for until his spirit is finally released, he was still there among us able to share in, and appreciate, our stories. With the loss of Frank Longid yesterday, this seems an appropriate venue as we bid him farewell on the eve his journey to a better place.

Frank ...

I recall it was in April of 1997 when we first met and chatted when I had registered as a Friend of St Mary's at their Homecoming. While I was somewhat bewildered at the time regarding the issues faced by the school, you took me in hand and helped me grasp the political issues quickly and your warm help assisted me to then assist a little too. We had a few positive exchanges and developed a lasting relationship at the time.

We came together again in 2000 for the next St Mary's Homecoming. We accomplished a lot that time too and moved things forward once more. I poignantly recall that particular session for it was the one in which you had tendered your resignation citing a desire to take a break from being President of the Alumni Association. It was I who proposed a motion to the assembly that was to refuse your resignation and that motion was carried unanimously and enthusiastically leaving you in charge of the Alumni Association once again. In a way I'm sorry now about that motion, perhaps a break might have been just what you should have had, and yet I'm still glad for it too, it left outstanding leadership in place and moved the school forward dramatically again. It also seemed that you were happier helping others than simply taking a break.

I had looked forward to another encounter in Sagada this year but alas, the SARS issue and coming from a hot spot in the world necessitated that I cancel the trip, rescheduling it to another time.

Over the years we've exchanged a lot of emails together and a lot of plans. Your relentless dedication to the St Mary's Alumni Association and the school in general were laudable which makes it unlikely that we'll ever find someone as effective and caring again. But you've taught many of us well so I feel confident by following your guiding principles we will undoubtedly be able to continue your work albeit collectively as opposed to the single handed way you managed to carry those responsibilities so effectively.

You shall remain in our memories as a giant among Igorots, providing us the inspiration we need to move forward once more in shaping a better world for us all. We thank you for that, for your leadership, your warm friendship, and your relentless determination to make a difference often despite horrific odds.

May your new journey be a good one, a journey in which the pain of our day to day existence is behind you, a journey in which you may still guide us albeit perhaps differently, as we carry your legacy forward once more.

Have a super journey!

...Agpad

To the rest of us who toil on now alone, let us take inspiration from Frank to strive ever more towards making a difference. Let us strive towards making ever more mutually beneficial, warm friendships, so that we can live together as a single people, placing the squabbles of the past behind us. Let us strive to continue to make a difference. Frank didn't just help St Mary's, he was involved in many other worthy causes too, I simply knew him best in this role. It doesn't matter what cause you help, it matters only that you try your best to make a positive difference. Through this means Frank will live on in all of us. As he begins his new journey, so we have an opportunity to look at the journey we are on and perhaps change our direction a little to to honour his spirit and carry his legacy forward.

Have a super day.

...Agpad
Claus Nabert

Dear everyone:

No doubt Manong Frank reached out to a lot of our kailians and non-kailians. I was just reading a bibaknet email from someone from Benguet who works for Manong Frank's company. He was appreciative of what Mng Frank did for him and lamented about what he would do now that he is gone. I also read an email from one of the Andawi children thanking Mng. Frank for his generosity.

I too have benefited from Manong Frank's advice, encouragement, and guidance. Years ago, I've written him twice about my plans of going into business. I was boasting to him that I've been a buyer for the U.S. Government and that I was ready to start my own business. He took the time to write me and explained that buying and selling are not the same. Instead, he asked me to start working as a car salesman so that I'd learn to deal and interact with people. In the last four years that I've been running my business, I've asked for his guidance and he was ever willing to share his knowledge.

When Manong Frank mentioned in his last text to me to 'Ipakat yo' - he wasn't only thinking about our prayers for him but for all the things we do especially in our project to strengthen St. Mary's School - a school that he strongly cared for like his own child. I am not surprised then that his wish for any don ation in his name be given to St. Mary's School.

Manang Muriel, like Mng Frank, you are equally as giving and caring. You have helped so many at home and those who are abroad. At the last reunion in April this year, in one of the rooms where they were serving food, when there were not that many people, I watched you and Mng Frank talked to one of the students. Tired as you were with Mng Frank, you two were encouraging this young man to go to school. At the 'crazy night', I watched you and Mng Frank danced the Swing. How lucky we are to have known and loved Mng Frank and to have you as our Manang Muriel. Thank you Manang Muriel for sharing.

To St. Mary's friends and alumni, where do we go from here? Let us stay the course. Mrs. Tocong, Bernice, Alma, and all others, I trust that we will continue what was discussed at the reunion. Ipakat tako. To us here in the States and other places, let us do our part. I have asked Manang Inez if we can send our checks payable to "The Church of the Good Sheppard" and under the memo - write Frank Longid - SMS donation. She agreed. Let us now dig deeper and write those checks and send to Ms. Inez Saley, 760 George St, Teaneck, NJ 07666.

Manong Norman, adiyak am-mo ay men baya-o. Isunga i-kalek laengen. No domateng ka id Manila, ibagam ken Manong Frank ta itul-tuloy na id daya ay mangtulong ken datako tapno tulongan tako abes nan ib-a. Please convey to Manang Catherine, Manang Edith, Manong David, and Ben our deepest condolence. We share your sorrow. But let us not forget what Manong Bishop Bob said during Manong Dick's funeral, "In death, there is life."

Edwin & Mia Abeya
Lani, Edward, Jasmine, Scott, and Amanda