A Word From The Hacienda

A family conference was called to discuss the fate of our fiefdoms in the land of Moryonan. Those in attendance were my aging mother, the alpha-female Favorite Aunt, the Businessman-Aunt and Tita Beauty. Another cousin was also sucked into the conversation through a deliberate inclusion of a younger generation to resolve the matter.

The issue rose from a trusted land tenant who phoned a katiwala the previous week. The tenant said the land was being partitioned by the Department of Agrarian Reform without the approval of the heirs of my grandparents. Ruffled feathers lead to a rapid action from my side of the family. A rival stakeholder apparently approved the division claiming the entire realm was theirs for the taking.

The Businessman-Aunt was dispatched. Too bad, she didn't bring her brand new Toyota Fortuner to rub off her newly acquired wealth to the snooty provincials. I was supposed to join the reconquest if not for the four-day absence I would incur at work. At the end of the week, the holdings were secured and the tenants pacified. The land that is my grandfather's stay under the dominion of the family.

Later that day, two distant relatives showed up to coordinate matters with the principal bargainer. Losing control of their stakes, they eventually entrusted the arrangements to my Businessman-Aunt. For the first time in recent memory, I saw the wealth of several families join forces for a single cause. How I wished our fortunes had never changed. We could play our part by placing two gun-slinging bodyguards to escort my aunt. Just the same, our interest lies in the collective decision of the family. Our strength depends on our tight-knit bonds. It will never change.

Concerns that were discussed include the plummeting prices of Copra, the growing resistance from squatters claiming their piece of land and tenants confused as to the right landlord to follow. Maps were laid out on the table, as well as the land titles for better presentation. Word is, the ownership transfer from my forefathers to the heirs were successful. It is the heirs who will in turn bestow what would be left of our fiefdom after land deals were closed.

I know nothing about our the acres of fields we own or the proper management of its resources. Before the reins of power were taken over by the children, my grandmother brought me to our province to bear witness as she inspects the farmlands that was hers. That was a long time ago. If there are any vague memories still left in my head, I could sum it up by three things: coconuts, mountains and carabaos.

I do not know how much have changed.

Earnings were divided equally among the siblings. (save for the Businessman-Aunt who reimbursed her expenses during the four-day trip) My mom recieved a share worth half my total earnings for a month. Informal talks about grooming me to take over my Businessman - Aunt's expeditions in the coming years were also discussed in passing. There was no explicit approval on my part, yet, nevertheless I am keen on returning to the land that once nourished my tribe.