Stories about the Hero Bintao

FOREWORD The life of WENCESLAO Q. VINZONS is a very inspiring story. He was born to die young in the service of his country and people. His story is worthy of remembrance. His life is worthy of emulation. Every young people of this generation and future generations should not forget him. He was well known as BINTAO, which is the nickname given to him while young, and which he continued to use all his life, specially during his guerilla days in Bicol. It's a unique name with no known origin or similarity, but which nevertheless radiates awe and reverence inexplicably. I started the search for stories about him since 2001 and was able to secure some written sketches. I am however very familiar with the name BINTAO because he was a very close friend of my father. My father have always narrated to me their boyhood days up to the time they finished their college degrees at University of the Philippines. I made a written sketch and posted herewith several pictures of him and my father during their UP days. One long narration is the sketch by his youngest daughter under unpublished manuscript of Rannavalona (Rannie) Vinzons. I think she finished her sketch sometime in late 70s. Rannie was 3 years old when his father died and most likely, she collected many stories from family documents, relatives, friends and various sources. It was Dr. Stephen Henry S. Totanes of the History Dept, of both Ateneo University In Manila and Ateneo De Naga University in Naga who furnished me Rannie's manuscripts. Thanks to him. Life sketches by other authors were furnished by the Library of University of the Philippines. More stories about him are still out there and I continue to look for them. I will include them in the future. In my humble opinion, Heroes and Patriots are owned by their country and people. Their life stories must be open to all and must be retold a thousand times over. Tatay Jobo Elizes SKETCH 1 RELATIVELY YOUNG MAN By Tatay Jobo Elizes, 2004 BINTAO died at age 31, well almost 32. So young and to brilliant! What a loss! He had accomplished so many wonderful deeds that would be the envy of older people. He had led many man many times over at that young fresh age. He finished elementary school in Just six years, when the requirement at that time was seven years. On top of that he was Valedictorian. He finished high school in just three years instead of the required four years. On top of that he was the Valedictorian. His extra curricular activities were concentrated on writing and publishing a Journal in his school days. He was literally a young boy in a hurry. From elementary to high school, he was promoted 2 times, as stated above. My father narrated to me that Bintao was his classmate in high school. During the first 2 years of high school, my father was considered number one, until Bintao was promoted to 3rd year from first year, that he encountered a much smarter boy, who became number one, relegating my father to number two positon. They remained good friends. My father finished as Salutatonan only. Bintao finished the law degree in the usual six years course at University of the Philippines, with honors, under batch or Class of 1933. He passed the bar at age 23, and one among the topnotchers. He was very active during his college life, as shown by the following accomplishments: Editor, UP Philippine Collegian paper, age 22 Co-Founder, President - College Editors Guild, age 22 Orator, Debater, Student activist and Leader of Student rallles on several national issues at that time. Many honors and medals during college. After graduation: Co Founder, President - Young Philippines Party, age 24, Just passed the bar. This party opposed President Quezon. Elected, youngest, 1934 Constitutional Convention, age 23 (MORE INSIDE)