The ORDILLAS' - Meliton Jr and Erlinda

Mely, our only brother, and the youngest in the family would he expected to be spoiled but he was not. He was uncomplaining. Even as a child, his needs were simple preferring to be in the house, poring into books and magazines or playing with his cousin, Vido, just across the street.

In the elementary grades, he was among the youngest and smallest. He would have graduated with top honors had not his grade in Industrial Arts pulled down his average. He finished second though. At times, if he could not do a shop project, his teacher would compromise with five whole-length bamboos which Father easily sent the next day.

Going through the agricultural curriculum of the Zambales Rural High School for his secondary education toughened Mely’s resistance to illnesses. Although still lanky, he didn’t fall ill from the strenuous farm work required. He still recalls his memorable days with his group, living in a cottage they built themselves, and cooking their meals farmer style. Their cottage was the consistent winner in cleanliness contests. The members of the group have gone separate ways surely with memories of their camaraderie.

Mely, after finishing his secondary course at the Zambales Rural High School, went to the University of the Philippines. He finished his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the Philippines on the education grants given to beneficiaries of World War II veterans. Father was happily receiving the rewards of his guerilla services. On one occasion, he and I went to visit Mely bringing some goodies from the province. We had difficulty in locating the Quonset hut where he lived dormitory style with nine other students.

After a brief stint as a mechanical shop entrepreneur, he got a position as instructor in U.P. while taking up courses in Metallurgy. Through his determination and intelligence he went on to achieve his Master’s at U.P.

During this period, he decided to start his own family and married Erlinda Arcelo, a townmate and a nurse. When Lyndia, their first-born was three years old and Rex, their son,was two, the couple went to the U.S on a scholarship grant to Mely at Case Western Reserve, a prestigious technological college in Cleveland, Ohio. The two children were left in the care of their grandparents - Lyndia was left to the Ordillases while Rex stayed with the Arcelos.

When Mely and Erlinda returned to the country, Mely became a Professor in Metallurgical Engineering at University of the Philippines becoming the department’s dean later. He retired from the department but continued serving the university for more years as professor emeritus.

The young Ordillas family bought a lot at the as yet undeveloped Don Antonio Subdivision, a stone throw from the U.P. campus. They built a spacious bungalow which was their home ever since. That home was where anyone in the family could be assured of welcome when a stay in Manila was necessary. It was also the place to run to for medical, education and travel advice and help.

Of the two children, Lyndia was observed to be more aggressive, more strong-willed—a flow from Apong Meliton coming down the line. An incident revealing this trait is long remembered. At one meal, the whole family was eating around a long table when Father noticed that the younger ones were not eating vegetables. In a stern voice he told everyone to do so. Father’s word is law; so, every one began taking the viand to his plate, except Lyndia. In a soft but slightly tremulous voice, Father said, “Anyone who will not take vegetables, leave the table.” We continued eating, eyes only on our plates, but saw Lyndia slide from her seat; go out the backdoor, down the backstairs. No one moved until Cela dared to leave the table, go after Lyndia who was already walking down the street. We left the table one by one, leaving Mother talking softly to Father.

When Mely and Erling returned, the two children were ready for Pre-school. Now with a Ph.D. in Engineering, Mely became Professor, later a Dean in the College of Engineering. He was well-known for his high standards on scholarship and discipline. In recognition of his invaluable contribution to the college of engineering, the University and to the Profession, he has been the recipient of awards from the University and Professional Organizations.

Lyndia, now a practicing Physician in Miami, Florida, lives with husband, Julio Jorge, also a Physician, and their children, Alexis and Nikki.

Rex and and his wife Elvira have lived in Cleveland, Ohio since they moved to the U.S. Rex is a metallurgical engineer and Elvira is an industrial engineer. She took up a nursing degree and now works at Metro Health Hospital in Cleveland. Their five children are Abigail, Michelle, Daniel, Joseph and Timothy. Their Auntie Cela lives with them.