Guest blog post by REV. EDWIN LARIZA

Spontaneously three scenarios easily flashed back in my mind.

First, was our heated argument at the Camp Higher Ground early in 1980s (1983 according to a friend who could vividly recall the context) to the extent that I challenged him to a fistfight.

Second was his reported move to disqualify me upon knowing that I planned to run as CBMA president in 2001.

Third, was an undated incident in Bacolod City when he persuaded me to share the generous accommodation of his friend throughout the duration of an event which I could no longer recall.

The first scenario was a Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) business meeting where I lose my cool to his trademark skills (albeit annoying) of raising technicalities, he being well versed in Robert Rules of Order. Subsequently, his good laugh for outwitting his opponent.

The discussion was on pastoral identity whereby issues on involvement on human rights (at that time associated with radicalism subversion) were lumped up to traditional issues like smoking, drinking, immorality. He had outpointed discussants by his knowledge on parliamentary rules.

Being part of a progressive group, I participated in the discussion when acknowledged by the presiding officer. But he cut short my deliberation, insisting that he had still the floor.

In the course of heated arguments, he commented: “Doy, bata ka pa, daw kaisog gid sa imo.”

To which I countered: “Ngaa isog ka gid iya haw, dali sumbaganay ta” gesturing to attack him, if not for the intervention of cooler heads.

Only to hear his big laugh and comment in the end: “Tarso nga mga kabataan, indi na malahugan.”

Of course, the argument was just the tip of the iceberg of deeper reasons as during that period our group was the target for isolation of the CPBC leadership.

The last scenario could have taken place in between the first and second. Yet by the order of spontaneous recollections, the first two appeared to connote antagonistic encounters.

The last was a pleasant one, similar to series of interactions I had with him at his house every time we visited my wife’s hometown where he also was residing.

From these recollections, I would reflect on the life of Rev. Castillon.

The first two are his trademarks which unquestionably many pastors would confirm.

His insatiable and irresistible quest for what is proper and fitting thru argument which most often resulted to tensions, skirmishes or conflict but ending with his big laugh when you get mad at him.

For all these event, he appeared to hold no grudges.

The last were pleasant memories, which includes his generosity to help the young pastors in whatever ways he could, as he shared his past experiences of his painful struggles and persecution in advocating for truth.

Yet when I reflected on all the scenarios objectively, what appeared to be unpleasant are but reflections of his inner self, his true self, his principles, his objectivity.

For as I assessed the first two, he was just being true to himself – to be on the side of truth. He was correct to argue, to suspect, to criticize.

My lifestyle those times did not necessarily fit to what I should be. In 1983, I was not living an exemplary life, despite my principled stance and commitment to serve the oppressed people.

Similarly, he had the reason to campaign against my first attempt to run as CBMA president. I realized it was indeed untimely. After that 1983 event, I became inactive in CBMA for a long period . Then suddenly I surfaced from hiatus to aspire for leadership.

Good, I did not make it, at that time. For I could not imagine what would have happened to the association under my watch.

Analyzing further the two events, I realized the first one took place when we did not know each other personally. While the second after we have already established good relationship .

Here lies the true character of this man, the essence of his principle – to stand for what he believes is right without fear and favor, whether you are friend or foe.

And in the context of the Philippines where pakikisama, euphemism and related values are dominant, one’s honesty would bring him into trouble.

Standing for what you believe is true, proper, and just along with “the way, the truth and the life” here in the Philippines is never fun.

For his being consistent in his search for truth regardless of the cost, I now understand why Rev. Malvar Castillon was often misunderstood. .
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