Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Where are You From?

This is the natural first question when meeting someone surnamed Ginete. Seems like there's an instant need to connect. My side of the Ginete is from Bulan, Sorsogon where our family has lived at least since 1800's. My father, Manuel Gueta Ginete, used to tell us that his grandfather is someone named Victoriano Ginete. He was a cabeza de barangay during the Spanish times and he would usually be on his horse patrolling the village of Gate, then a prominent trading post between Filipinos and Chinese.

Victoriano, according to my father, was quite a personality. He carried a whip and would not hesitate to cane anyone found drunk and disorderly. He was upright and had social manners, urbanidad, as they would say then. One of his sons, Geronimo, apparently took after him in being upright and strict. Geronimo's reputation among his brothers was that nobody could talk while having dinner and everyone was on their toes at all times. I couldn't imagine how this would work today.

So if I am from that branch of Victoriano, where are you from?

Will continue this later. In the meantime, appreciate your comments.

Monday, November 12, 2007

How this Blog Works

This is a blog that's open to all members of the Ginete family - whether from Bicol, Batangas, Negros, Brazil, USA or wherever. Post your thoughts on just about anything - what's it's like to be a Ginete, what you are doing to have fun and purpose in life, or just anything you'd want others to know. The only limit is the language and tone - we encourage everyone to use good language and cultivate respect for opinion of others. Say your piece in English, Filipino, Tagalog, Bicol, or any language you want (just make sure we can understand it:-). Have fun!