|
Aahhhhhh, RETIREMENT..how sweet is it ???
Vic and Beth Festin have called Gaeta their home for over 3 years. It is a beautiful town full of culture and history. The dental clinic where Vic works his last days in the Navy, is about an hour drive north of Naples. Gaeta lacks the "big city" bustle that both of them have been accustomed to in the states. He said, "It's an old town, nightlife is so-so, a lot of good Italian restaurants and one really bad Chinese restaurant!" They pass time exploring the local shops and markets, and/or just relaxing on the sun-drenched private beaches, which in the summer, he says, are outrageously expensive, as compared to Sperlonga public. The Festins never had in their wildest dreams that they'll be able to tour European countries, with Italy as a launching pad. They have to thank the Navy for the adventure this side of the world. Early in his career, he was stationed at USS Dubuque, homeported in Sasebo, Japan---pretty much, he's been all over the world. Vic was born in Manila, Philippines on May 25, 1960. His father was from Odiongan, Romblon and mother from Corcuera, Romblon. "My full name is Victor Manuel Perez Festin, I did have a nickname but I cant give you that since I use it as a password for my bank accounts and most of my government /DOD programs. But for now, Vic will be fine," he said. Vic met his wife, the former Elizabeth Quinsay, an Ilocana from Villasis, Pangasinan, while in college. They were both students of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Gregorio Araneta University Foundation at the time. "Meeting her was simply like falling in love with somebody in your fraternity. I was heartbroken with my first love, who happened to be my high school sweetheart. But I'm elated, my wife Beth is a true bestfriend who's always there for me through thick and thin. Even up to now, my love for her has flourished!" Over a few 66 centiliters of Tuborg Beer, here's how our conversation went...
Q: Do you remember where you went on the first date with your spouse?
VF: I hope Im not shooting my foot with this one, since she's in the Philippines. I think we had lunch at a restaurant at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, then we saw a movie at the Paramount Theater in West Ave. The movie was a Sharon Cuneta Movie, co-starring Jackie Lou Blanco. I cant remember the title but we had our first argument then, since I wanted to see a Fernando Poe Jr. movie . (jap: hindi kaya--Ang Pagbabalik ni Tyagong Akyat??? hehehehe, just kidding!) She won... but the next day, we watched the FPJ flick. We had dinner at the restaurant right next to the Paramount. Then I took her home and I went straight to the cockpit arena in Mandaluyong. (jap: Sabong o Fighting Fish??? hahahahaha!)
Q: How long did you know each other before you got married? How long have you been married?
VF: We started dating in June 1982 and officially were sweethearts one month after. We got married on 29 Oct 1985. I was 25 then, but don't ask me how old she was then, ok? We will have 18 years anniversary of blissful married life by, this October.
Q: How many children did you have all together?
VF: None, she has damaged reproductive organs from her lingering diabetes.
Q: How many years of education have you completed?
VF: When I joined the Navy, I was in my fourth year in Veterinary Medicine. Since joining, I have been taking different courses for we transfer from place to place. I am trying to finish my degree in Criminal Justice major in Parole and Probation and a minor in Corrections.
Q: Were there any fads during your youth or college days that you remember vividly?
VF: Yes, the end of bell-bottomed pants. My hair then was shoulder length and I always wore sunglasses. Because I was in enrolled in Veterinary Medicine, we were always in farms (pigs, chickens, etc..) and thats where I learned to ride horses which I havent done for a long time. I might get back to it when we go back to Fallon, Nevada.
Q: Why did you decide to enlist in the military? What motivated you to seek that dental assisting skill?
VF: As most of us probably did, it was for financial security. Back then, I just wanted to be able to give my children-to-be, a better future. For my rating, it was either: be a Mess Specialist (MS) or a Dental Technician (DT). Before I left my home in Manila for Subic Bay, my brother who was in the Navy told me not to pick MS as a rating. I didnt know what his reason was but I have no regrets being a DT. (jap: I apologize for all the MS'es in the audience, Vic has had enough Tuborg already, cafe Kimbo for you Vic from now on?!)
Q: Your most important/proudest accomplishments before or during the Navy enlistment.
VF: We got married in a civil wedding and during our tour here in Italy, I was able to grant my wife her only wish. To be married in a Catholic church. We recently had our church wedding last May and my wife was so happy. I think my proudest accomplishment was the smile my wife had after the wedding. For my Navy career, its the completion of twenty years military service. How many people in the USA can say, "I served our country for twenty years". Thats the value of my citizenship.
Q: You are patriotic indeed...what has been your philosophy of reference?
VF: Smell the roses and enjoy your life. You wouldnt believe how short life is. My parents both passed away by the time I was seven and I have lived an independent life thereon. My brother died 50 days before his 50th birthday. We just dont know when it will end.
Q: What are the personal characteristics and qualities that you would bring to our Fil-Am Naples organization that would be particularly helpful?
VF: During my stay here in Italy, Ive been helping our kababayan nuns in the different convents in the Naples and Gaeta areas. I research on resources to help provide them with their needs. And most of what I do, my command doesnt even know. Helping the orphans and abused children makes me wonder at times why things happen to the innocent. The best treat is when the orphans and children who dont know my name keep calling me "Babo Natale". (jap: translated, Santa Claus!) They remember what I did for them. I look at my membership in Fil-Am as a way to bring us closer to other Filipinos outside our military community.
Q: What professional groups (or Fil-Ams) were/are you a member of, and how active have you been in those groups?
VF: We were members of the Fil-Am in Sasebo, Japan and Fallon, Nevada. Im still a member of the Knights of Columbus in Reno and Fallon, Nevada. Also, the Gaeta First class Petty Officer association.
Q: In the military, what are some aspects of your present position that you like? What are some aspects of your present position that you dislike?
VF: As a DT and the LPO of Branch Dental Clinic Gaeta, it has been quite an experience. We are constantly busy doing many jobs. And there are frustrations in being a senior enlisted person in a clinic where there are only two enlisted. A lot of hands on dental assisting. Anybody wants a cleaning? (jap: can you start on my BBQ grill??? yeeeehah!)
Q: What do you see yourself doing five or ten years from now? OR Where do you see yourself going from here?
VF: Retirement is just around the corner for me. Im waiting to get back CONUS to start the groundwork for a new career. Hopefully, employment in the gaming industry will be temporary. (jap: do you really want to be a casino card dealer or you just want to eyeball...hmmm, don't answer that!)
Q: What does success mean to you? How do you judge it?
VF: I remember a story of a Greek storeowner in New York who was asked if he considers himself a success. His answer was, "When I got off the boat to the U.S., I had less than eight dollars in my pocket. Now, I own this store, my house and cars. My son is a Doctor and my daughter is a Lawyer. And you ask me if I consider myself a success? (jap: put down the beer bottle Vic, it's ok...I'm cool...)
VF: Whatever Ive made of myself after I left the Philippines in 1983, I consider a success.
Q: Who or what in your life would you say influenced you most with regard to your career objectives, role model?
VF: FPJ, the actor. I grew up with no parents and the movies were my only outlet during my early years. I still believe 'good will triumph over evil' and also in Santa Claus even if I have to dress up like him one day in a year. Nothing can replace my memories of the smiles Ive seen when I wear that costume.
Q: What things give you the greatest satisfaction?
VF: Feeling good knowing that Ive done something worthwhile for others and for my family as well.
Q: What have you read lately, and what are you reading now?
VF: I subscribe to Readers Digest, Newsweek, Time and Diabetes Forecast. Also, I receive magazines from the Maryknoll Brothers and the Knights of Columbus. The last book Ive read is "Start Trek: Nemesis". The book is just as good as the movie.
Q: What are your 3 (or more) favorite reference books?
VF: Most of the books I read are Sci-Fi. And I usually read 3-4 a month. Its hard to remember all the titles but the editions from Star Trek and Star Wars are some of them. Tom Clancy is my favorite author, got all his books!
Q: If you can interview one "rich and famous" people, who would you want to it to be?
VF: That would be Mel Gibson. I like action movies and he strikes me as another FPJ...
Q: Special talents you possess, singing? musical instruments playing? oratory, etc
VF: No talent. Im even worse in Karaoke but I try... despite the assurances from my friends that my singing ability does belong in the bathroom.
Q: Can you recall the most fun thing you did this year, Fil-Am or not?
VF: Yes, of course. I'm not that old, most of my weekends are involved helping the different convents (yard work, etc..) This April, Im taking some very senior Italian nuns to Assisi and going camping in Camp Darby. (jap: any nun looking like Sophia Loren??? perish the thought, just joking!)
Q: Who was the person that had the most positive influence on your life? Why?
VF: There are two persons that had a positive influence in my life, my brother and my wife. They are the two people who have always been there for me whenever I need help.
Q: Is there a person that really changed the course of your life by something that he/she did? What did the person do?
VF: Yes, there is. My ex-girlfriend. After she dumped me, I met the woman I ultimately married.
Q: Do you remember someone saying something to you that had a big impact on how you live your life? What was it?
VF: You can ask all the nuns in the different convents Ive helped. They have more to say about it.
Q: As you see it, what are the biggest problems that face the Philippines and how do you think they could be solved?
VF: Corruption is and will continue to be the biggest problem. How can you solve a problem that is endemic in the government and the people?
Q: If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?
VF: My choice of clothes. I have no sensible preference in choosing the right clothes for the time of day or work. I need help. (jap: here's Ted Moneda's number 629-5638, he dresses up like hillbilly, you'll get tips from him alright, hohoho!)
Q: What was the most stressful experience that you ever lived through? What helped you get through it?
VF: The most stressful experience Ive ever lived through was waiting in the emergency room. My wife had the onset of undiagnosed diabetes. Cigarettes helped and sorry but, I dont want to expound anymore on that subject.
Q: What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you personally?
VF: Being in the crossfire during a running gun-battle between the cops and criminals in the Philippines. They even made a movie of the criminal's life and Eddie Garcia played the title role. Cant remember the title of the movie.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do when you were not working?
VF: Right now, watching CNN since I have cousins in Iraq, the Gulf War right now. Usually, I just relax and listen to some music while smoking Cuban cigars. Im going to miss those when I get back to CONUS.
Q: What is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to you?
VF: My whole navy career never ceases to amaze me. Ive served 20 years in the Navy and I havent gone to a war zone yet.
Q: What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?
VF: I want to wait until Ive given my speech on my retirement ceremony before I answer that question. There might be some embarrassing moments there.
Q: Have you ever met any famous people? Describe what happened.
VF: Martin Sheen - I was a DN on board the USS Lexington. His high school classmate was my Chief. He dropped by the clinic while filming on board and I shook his hand when my Chief introduced me to him. It was a few years after he finished filming "Apocalypse Now".
Phylicia Rashad (Cosby show) - USS Lexington -She stopped by the clinic during the filming of Bob Hopes tribute to the 75th year of Naval Aviation. Shook hands with her after being introduced. She was an extremely nice person .
Q: Is there anything you have always wanted to do, but haven't?
VF: Yes, there is. One of these days, I would save enough money for a trip to China and see the Great Wall. There are others, but they are all in France.
(jap: I'll give you that. You can't beat Paris, Nice or other locales south of France for natural beauty, also when it comes to fashion, wine or perfume they're tops, but nowadays, or maybe ever, I wouldn't want to go there...personally, it's just me!)
On July 11, 2003 at about 1200, Vic Festin will finally ride into the sunset, so to speak! Everyone's invited to the ceremony in Gaeta!!! Twenty years of naval service....woheeeee, who'd have thought this from a man who dreamt as a child, of becoming a priest or a fireman when he grew up. Prior to enlisting, he had odd jobs---as a messenger in his uncle's accounting office, as a taxi driver, which he felt was better than working in the office, but then again it curtailed his "nightlife" to sitting in a taxi in front of the clubs. But the one thing that really gave him the impetus to get out of the country was this grim incident at at the checkpoint on Nagtahan Bridge, Metro Manila. As he related to me, he almost got his ass kicked by a couple of Philippine Marines manning the post that night, during a heavy downpour, so hard to see. Vic considered himself lucky since they didnt shoot him and they possibly would've dumped his body in the Pasig River. During those days if you don't stop when the authorities flag you down, they shoot to kill. The Italian lollipop sure wouldve helped here, hahahaha! no regrets though, says he. Vic loves animals, dogs, horses etc...Picture this, after Friday, the 11th, he would go back to Nevada. A few miles outside Fallon, he said there is a little plateau where he and his dog would climb up to the top...and during a sunset, the effects of the sun on the sand create such a multi-colored light show that would amaze anyone about the beauty of nature. Better than any hallucinogens, he claims. With his horse, he would literally (and figuratively speaking!) be riding into the sunset, at the most beautiful place he has ever visited in his lifetime...in his adopted home sweet home!
|
