11/14/09

THE ZAMORAS CLAN



Branching of bloodlines is a natural process as a clan expands through generations after generations, through centuries of good and bad times. As one clan increases in number, the more complex it becomes, and the more difficult members relate to one another. Without keeping track of each generation, future clan members lose link of their roots, such that the past generations fall into the vast oblivion. Luckily for the ZAMORAS CLAN, we have Tíu Paquito who painlessly researched the genealogy, impeccably timed to get the chance of asking older clan members just before they passed away. The resulting integration of our bloodlines into the composite Family Tree has become the pillar of strength among us in the present generation. Perhaps one significant factor in our dynamic unity is the convenience of having a large number of clan members in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte. It is always easy to organize the clan members in Dipolog and then invite those from distant places for some important Clan events. Dipolog, which is the home of more or less 3,000 Zamoras blooodlines, is practically the base of the Zamoras Clan. Members dwelling in any parts of the Philippines and abroad are always welcome to visit the home of the Clan.



Interestingly, as we trace our lineages backwards, we come across historical times such as the world wars, the Japanese occupation, the periodic Moro attacks, the American period and the Spanish era. Little do we know how they dealt with those foreign masters, as well as their oppressions, the natural famines, the catastrophes and the epidemics. They surely played some roles in our history although not in the records. When and why did our great, great grandparents switch from Zamora to Zamoras is an interesting historical matter to delve on. Did it relate to the execution of Gomez, Burgos and Zamora in 1872? Silverio and Roman were already grown-up men during this time. Why did most of the Zamoras leave Bohol and settle in Dipolog instead? We know for a fact that the rebellious Boholanons fought the Spaniards for 89 years entailing a succession of at least 20 Spanish governor-generals; all failed to suppress the uprising (1744 to 1829) which was started by Francisco Dagohoy. This prolonged rebellion, one of the worst against the Spanish rule, caused the Spaniards to treat the Boholanons after 1829 with extra vigilance, suppression and brutality. I wonder how such condition affected our ancestors especially during GOMBURZA Execution in 1872. These are tidbits of history that need deeper look to understand how our ancestors dealt with historical times. Despite all these however the wisdom of our ancestors, their great efforts, sacrifices and love, and all the Lord’s blessings brought forth the good genes to present times. We should not forget to honor them for making our existence possible and how they geared the clan members to converge towards unity. With unity we represent a bigger force, making us better equipped in battling challenges, and giving us more confidence in facing the society.

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