How does it feel to be a 4th generation Ablan?

The feeling is beyond the normal, a beggaring description; the prestige of the name
Ablan is a double-edged sword in totality.
I take pride of the Ablan family; my great grandfather Atty. Roque Sr., was the
youngest elected Governor during his time, 9 th placer in the Philippine Bar
Examinations, and a war hero. His wife, Manuela Ablan or Nana Mining continued
the legacy of her husband and even made a name for her for being called as the
Grand Lady of Ilokandia, Mother of all Patriotic Ilocanos and Patroness of Ilocos
Literature. As well as my grandfather, Atty. Roque Jr., who has done tremendously
for the development of Ilocos Norte, and the Nation people just do not know of
how much my grandfather contributed because it is not in the mold of an Ablan to
brag such. He was the 1st district Representative of Ilocos Norte for 8 terms
making him the longest sitting congressman in the history of Ilocos Norte, and if I
am not mistaken, in the whole Philippines. My Uncle, Atty. Kris Ablan, as a neophyte
politician, achieved so much compared that of the old and traditional politicians and
lastly my parents, for bringing me and my siblings normally, not with a silver platter
or having a stigma that I am an ABLAN or that we are far above the ground and
powerful in other words, we were not reared as how stereotypical political families
were. We remained humble despite of what the name Ablan brings in our everyday
lives.
There were a lot of instances where people told me, as I quote, You are so lucky
you are an Ablan, I hope I am an Ablan, Can your family adopt me? and
statements same in nature. It feels awkward hearing these avowals.
Being an Ablan is not all fun, it is also hard work and being responsible in everything
that we do. Yes we do get perks for being an Ablan; people also think that since I am
an Ablan, it equates to being well-off and privileged in reality this is not the case.
Though my grandfather is well-heeled, we were not brought up to think that way
and be dependent in him, instead, we were taught to stand on our own, to work
hard for what we want and be respectable citizens of this country. And that is what
we are doing; at present, I am taking up law in Mariano Marcos State University, my
eldest sister Ella works for Cebu Pacific, Rosanne works for Groupon Philippines,
Triscia works for SM as public relations, my younger brother Nico is a private pilot,
my youngest sister Cassandra is graduating as a Chef in College of St. Benilde, and
our youngest, Justin is in grade school.
Tell us about the mining-roque love story from your point of view?
If Greece has Paris and Helen; Egypt has Cleopatra and Mark Anthony; Rome has
Romeo and Juliet; and One More Chance has Popoy and Basha; Ilocos Norte on the
other hand has Roque and Mining.
Their love story is timeless and immortal.

Roque Sr., was not only enamoured with Mining rather he was more besotted with
public service; if you read the book called The Legend of Roque B. Ablan Sr., it was
mentioned that there was a time when Mining got jealous of the province because
mostly Roque Sr. was away from home serving the people of llocos Norte and when
he is at home, the discussion between the two were about the policies of Roque
regarding the province. Mining grew to understand that Ilocos Norte was the top
priority of Roque Sr., while she and her son were only secondary. This did not lessen
the love of Mining for Roque she supported his husband even more after that.
This was even evident in Roques last words; "How I hate myself for having one life
to give to my country. But don't cry. I will be back when liberty returns to our
people."
Mining on the other hand, when asked about the night when Roque Sr. left them to
defend Ilocos Norte against the Japanese Imperial Army, answered, "If it were
possible, I want to return to that evening and beg him to evacuate with us. As the
truck sped away, my tears fell... Once in a while, I would adjust the blanket that
covered Junior, our only child, who was only nine..."
ROQUE SR. NEVER CAME BACK...
After the war, Mining went around the Philippines and other neighbouring countries
to look for his husband and seek information in his whereabouts she never gave
up, she never lose hope, she was never tired of waiting for the return of Roque Sr.
She was then called the Waiting Lady of Ilokandia. Indeed Roque returned as
promised when the Philippines was liberated from the Japanese invasion because
Mining continued the legacy of his husband, passed it down to their only son Roque
Jr. and the other generation of Ablans.
About your great grandpa, what were you told about him?
That he was a very brilliant man, he had foresight even if the idea was farfetched,
and he didnt stop at nothing. He believed that everything can be solved, and that
all problems can be answered.
What do you think is/are the trait/s you know evidently that youve
inherited from your great grandpa? Grandpa?
Aside from the love for my family and country, I think the most significant trait that
an Ablan has inherited over the years is having a state of mind or a mindset to
never ask and/or expect anything in return if you are of service for anyone, as well
as to never forget the people who has lent you a helping hand in your lifes journey.
That I believe is priceless.
What are your top 5 fave ablan photos?
My top five favourite Ablan photos are:

1. The Bahay Kubo this was the same bahay kubo that the Ilocano people built
inside the Japanese Garrison for my great grandma Manuela and my
grandfather Junior Ablan (so they will be more comfortable inside the
garrison) when they were caught by the Japanese soldiers. I was lucky to be
able to see it when I was young my cousins and I used to play here all the
time, we have a lot of fun memories here. This bahay kubo was transferred
and restored in the Ablan Residence for years, but currently dismantled and
planned to be transferred in the Municipality of Bacarra.

2. Roque and Mining If you look at the both of them, you see simplicity in spite
of their inspiring destinies.

3. Search and Rescue Mission After the war, the search for Governor Ablan
continued for years. This is a photo when a team of 5 NBI Agents headed by
Epifanio Vilegas, father of former Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas were ordered
by President Magsaysay to bring back and look for the missing Ilocano leader.
Mining Ablan seated in the right-hand side of the boat personally joined the
search because she felt that no one could be more interested than her. In this
photo, I felt the eagerness of my great grandma Mining to look for her love.

4. The Legacy Continues, a photo of Junior Ablan with his children (including my
dad who was I think 6 years old in this photo) giving food and basic
necessities to the people of Ilocos Norte. I am proud to say that in my
generation we have our fair share of these humanitarian activities.

5. 80th Birthday of my Grandpa Junior Ablan. This is our first photo with lolo after
his retirement in politics his political career reached early 5 decades. One of
the best blessings we received in 2010 was his retirement because now, he
has more time with us unlike before it was always been about others.
What would you wanna tell the next generation Ablan?
Life with passion will always lead to great things. Never be afraid of taking risks, our
family did a lot of times and it resulted to better outcomes. Soar high and live your
lives in the Gods guidance.