“If everything fails, don’t stop to pray.”

Kwento ng Ordinaryong Tao

A grandchild got goose bumps after discovering that her Lolo was a former Editor-in-Chief of the Davao Sentinel (the precursor of the Davao Catholic Herald newspaper).
Julie Iris Elorde or “Juris” whose nickname sounds like that of a famous Davao acoustic singer was born last July 29, 1993. She now lives with her parents, Joel and Sandra Elorde in Buhangin, Davao City. A graduating student (Bachelor of Arts major in Communication Arts) of UIC, it was not incidental that she was given the chance to immerse herself to the media apostolate.

What was shocking was the fact that upon scanning through the archives, she discovered that she is a grand daughter of a former editor-in-chief in the 1970s.
Epidio Elorde, Sr. or Lolo Peding is her father’s father (along with 11 other siblings). She had a lot of memories with her relatives since she grew up in Davao until one summer, Lolo Peding opted to adopt her.
Lolo Peding plays a vital role during her childhood years while living at his residence in Catalunan Grande. He is an epitome of peace and gentleness. She was sent to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Elementary School.
She recalled the time when her pencil was stolen by her classmate, Lolo Peding was there as a peacemaker in pacifying an angry mother.
That’s how her Lolo was – settling problems in his best and gentle ways; extending peace until the truth prevails. He manages things while accommodating everyone peacefully. No wonder that her Lolo was awarded the noble title, Lakan.
During the interview, tears rolled down her cheeks as she said, “Dako kaayo ko ug pasalamat sa akong Lolo Peding. I learned a lot of virtues, of being a good person from him. If I will quantify myself, Lolo Peding forms 60% of who I am now. This is how significant he is to me. Di ko alam, dito pala siya nagtrabaho dati. For sure, ako ay may pinakamadaming kwento sa reunion namin.”
She carried with her happiness and pride as she went home after this great discovery. She wanted to inform everybody that the former Editor-in-Chief Lkn. Elpidio Tinapay-Elorde, Sr. is her grandfather! She told her parents about this. Her daddy recalled those days when Lolo Peding asked him and his sibling to become the “delivery boys” of the newspaper. Lolo Peding uplifted her spiritual, mental and physical capacities. She cannot forget her grandfather’s words of wisdom, “If everything fails, don’t stop to pray.”
Lolo Peding joined our Lord when Juris entered her high school on January 22, 2006. (Interviewed by Joseph Nichols O. Magdaherin)