AFTER APO SHOMINGKHIS – the last [or second?] of the four los capitanes del pueblo Ytogon, his son – Fianza (Jose Smith) later took over, that time (1900) as Presidente and under the American flag. (n.b. three other capitanes aside from his father Shomingkis, preceded apo Fianza, they were: Codeng, Guirey, and Maingpes.
THE NAME FIANZA spread like wildfire magnet, manbidangdanga siwisiw: during and much, much later after his term.
HIS FATHER’S KIN to the North – as well as his matrikin to the West and Northwest, were but joyous and enthusiastic to visit him, attend his ‘native’ feasts, and especially: enjoy his Fiestas, i.e. Spanish/Manila-patterned. He was based in Dalupirip.
SOME OR MANY just came to voluntarily work in his fields and/or help in tending to his large cattle and his vast lands.
ORAL HISTORIANS SAY, in his household, there were about 80 individuals who responded to his bells – when they were rung during meal times and special occasions. His presence and era were marked with flourishing plenty and happiness for his people.
HIS POPULARITY AND magnificence of heart likewise attracted those from the South – towards San Nicolas (Pangasinan) and beyond. (Even to this date, there is a Barangay Fianza, in San Nicolas).
EVEN THE EARLY missionaries – they too seemed aware of these. In one of their publications – The Apostle, one writer-missionary wrote: “at age 40, he was the richest man in Benguet”.
HIS NAME AND influence did not end with him. His eldest son – Don Mariano Fianza, took after him. It was during his time – as the 2nd kinglet of Eastern Benguet, when President Ramon Magsaysay of the Philippines and Party came to dine with Itogonians – where they were served on gold plates, spoons, forks, bowls, etc. of the Fianza household, as told and re-told by Informants.
JOSE SMITH FIANZA had other children – one son, Caesario, became a municipal Mayor during the War. He died though of mysterious circumstances. One daughter, Maria, was married to Lauro Carantes of Kafagway (now Baguio City). Ama Lauro also became Mayor of Itogon. Sons Mariano, Caesario, and Antonio as well as daughters Hipolita and Maria’s children – and grandchildren, became high government, as well as non-government, officials and leaders – not only in the municipal level, but also in the barangay, provincial, and national levels. And true, the story does not just culminate there: for among Fianza’s siblings and kin, rose forth too worthy sons and daughters.
TO INITIALLY SUPPORT this observation, let’s cite some present-day examples, to wit:
HE IS A grandson of Fianza (Jose Smith)’s sister. (Let’s keep the initials and names yet, until they give us permission to print them, we understand this, of course?).
THIS GREAT-GRANDNEPHEW of Fianza first started as Municipal Councilor; then, Vice-Mayor; then, Mayor; then, Vice-Governor; then, Governor. Another great-grandson of one of Fianza’s other sister:
THIS GREAT-GRANDSON JOINED the military Service. After retirement, he ran for Barangay Captain, and he won! He is an incumbent at present. Another is a grand-daughter of one of Fianza’s daughters.
SHE WENT TO the medical field – one rare choice of many families – mostly because it involves huge expenses as well as long years of study.
THIS GREAT GRAND-daughter is now one of the highest medical officials of the Province.
AND SO FORTH, the story of one highly-esteemed man and his family and origins – has been carried over, or is being continued by his present ensues up to this time.
SOME SMALL (OR ‘big’) trimmings and/or additions to the details, and we get the end product, i.e. History of the Place and its people – before and now. But this is no ‘magic’ touch. We need to re-search deeper, modify this or that, then re-write, re-word, until we can but say: Eureka! I found it na! Ayuhh2!
April 19, 2024
