Jaime Escandor Escober - Samasa Alumni

Jaime “Bong” Escandor Escober

June 1, 1964 – October 9, 2012

Sa Maynila
Jaime Escandor Escober

May taong nalunod sa baha ng ulan —
Basurang tinangay sa agos ng syudad.
May taong naglakad sa gitna ng daan,
Sa inip ng lungsod, binundol ng bakal.

Trahedyang balita, aliwan ng lahat—
Sa tiyan ng syudad, silang nabibihag
Ng luntiang papel at mansyong pangarap,
Sa gising na buhay, karamay ay hanap.

Lahat nagaganap sa ilaw ng lungsod,
Gabi man ay ginto, hindi natutulog.
Mga taong hubad na umiindayog,
Huwad na pangarap sadyang nililimot.

Sapagkat ang lupa ngayo’y pag-aari,
Halaga’y katumbas ang buhay ng hari.
Sa lungsod kung saan tanging palamuti,
Mga kartong bahay takip ay gusali.

Mangarap ka kayang tunay kang malaya,
At para sa lahat, lupa ng Maynila.
Hindi ka tornilyo, ika’y manggagawa,
At huhubugin mo, panibagong diwa.

Bong, as he was fondly called, hailed from Gubat, Sorsogon. He initially studied Fisheries, but when the course was transferred to UP Iloilo, he decided to shift to a BS Education degree, majoring in Social Studies and English. He came from a family of activists, with Dr. Juan Escandor as the most prominent among his relatives. At UP, he became very active in the League of Filipino Students and the Sigma Kappa Phi Fraternity.

After college, he worked mainly with non-government organizations such as Ambagan Udyok ng Sandiwaan ng mga Congregasyon may Ugnayan Lingkod sa Taong Aba (AUSCULTA), the Philippine Peasant Institute, and the Tambuyog Development Center. He was an integral part of these organizations and also contributed to the work of the Southeast Asia Fish for Justice Network and the Federation of Philippine Industries. He was at home with his family when he died of a heart attack.

Ten months before he died, Bong posted an English version of Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios on his Facebook account.

Historical timeline and milestones

Studied BS Statistics
Entered UP to take up Fisheries before moving to the College of Education
Associations:
- Member, League of Filipino Students
- Member, Sigma Kappa Phi Fraternity
Congregasyon may Ugnayan Lingkod sa Taong Aba (AUSCULTA)

As remembered by family and friends

“There’s no such thing as love taken for granted when it comes to my father. I always remember him every day. It was hard for me as a 10-year-old boy when my father passed away. He was a strict, loving, and caring father. He was a good provider as well.

There are so many things that I admire about him, but I’ll only put the things that I remember the most about my father. First is his singing ability, I love to hear his voice when I’m sick, he loves to sing around me, so he could make me feel comfortable.

Second, the way he takes his job seriously. As a kid, it was a funny thing for me because he can’t work well without his gin. I was asking myself if this guy is even serious with his work. Well, the outcome was great, and he got paid. There are so many things running in my mind but these are the things that I always remember about him, how loving and caring he is as a father for us. I love him with all my heart!” — Bong’s Son

******

“When asked how we met, Bong’s favorite joke was “You should love your neighbor!” He bragged to his playmates and cousins that he will marry me when he was in Grade 3!

He was a loving husband, a good provider, and a great cook! He would always insist on cooking our favorite dishes like sinigang na maya-maya.

He loved singing so much that he will not hesitate when asked to render a song. One time, people gave him a standing ovation when he sang at Cafe Aurora in Cubao. — Bong’s Wife

******

“He was also one of the few who could give our very own chess master (Art Non) a run for his money. Bong quietly earned the respect of those who got to know him. He remained steadfast in his beliefs, all these years and even until he breathed his last.” — From his fraternity brothers

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902 Filgarcia Tower
140 Kalayaan Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Address Line 03