TBTK (Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan) is a concept that defines the Boholano's love for their heritage, culture, and tradition – their roots. Beyond comprehension by people whose value systems have been utterly westernized, this “umbilical cord” that binds the Boholanos to his land of birth makes him distinct from the rest of mankind. Considered as a concept that propels the tourism industry, TBTK binds Boholanos from all the far-flung corners of the world. And this is what matters most. The mind behind TBTK is Dr. Nicanor Kamantigue Lopez (NKL) of Loon, Bohol. A well-admired and respected practitioner of health care, he spent 28 years of his career as an ER Doctor of New Jersey and Philadelphia before he retired with his wife to sunny Florida. Yet, even in retirement Dr. Lopez pursues his philanthropic projects relentlessly. The latest he had, which became final last May when he visited Bohol, is the building of comfort rooms in Sityo Napo of Poblacion, Loon. Years ago he had other projects through CONBUSAC (Confederation of Boholanos in USA and Canada), like scholarship grants to poor but deserving students, and donation of computers.

This last conversation with him was at lunchtime last May at Gerarda's Restaurant.

LMP: Now that you are retired, what is the feeling?

NKL: I feel very comfortable. I can go to places that I want to visit with no hindrances; unlike before wherein I had commitments towards my work and family. Now, my children have their own lives already, so it is time for me to travel and enjoy.

LMP: Do you mean you did not enjoy your life before?

NKL: I did, but I have obligations to be done first.

LMP: So, you feel free now?

NKL: Yes, I can already do everything. I can even stay longer here in the Philippines, if I want to.

LMP: I heard about your project in Loon, what is it?

NKL: I funded the construction of the public toilets. As of now, there are already two public toilets available in Napo, Loon.

LMP: Is the funding of the project from your own pocket?

NKL: Yes, and a few friends who chipped in. Our plan is to continue the project, coordinate with the Loonanon organizations to help us identify more possible areas and, maybe, we could tie-up with other Boholano organizations.

LMP: Why did you choose Napo for this project, why not the upper part of Loon?

NKL: It was very clear that even before, they already have problems on sanitation. Not all the inhabitants in that area have their own toilets, and those who already had were destroyed by the quake.

LMP: How about the maintenance?

NKL: I already talked to the Barangay Captain and to the Vice Mayor on how to run these public toilets, as far as maintenance is concerned. I asked them what they could contribute to address that matter. This project is just the start.

LMP: Meaning to say, you are still planning to have more projects?

NKL: Yes. As long as I am here, I would always be of help to my fellow Loonanons.

LMP: Let's talk about TBTK (Tigum Bol-anon Tibuok Kalibutan). What inspires you to hold TBTK? Why did it come to your mind to have TBTK?

NKL: I have observed that the Boholanos in the US wanted to have this kind of organization. At that time, there was already an existing Boholano organization in California. My main purpose was to improve the number of Boholano organizations. And then, I became President of CONBUSAC (Confederation of Boholanos in USA and Canada). In our convention in Houston, Texas, in the year 1997, we invited the Government Officials of Bohol. Since we have this Biennial

Convention every two years, Congressman Rene Relampagos proposed if we could have it in Bohol the next time around. So, I talked to the Council of CONBUSAC, and they too agreed with the proposal. I also suggested in making it an international convention, and invite all Boholanos in the other parts of the world. Their response was positive, so the CONBUSAC Convention in the year 1999 took place in Bohol. The result was good, and so, we came up to an idea to have a homecoming every three years. That was the birth of TBTK.

LMP: Who were the people helped you in making decisions?

NKL: The officers: Rene Rocha, Narding Mag-aso, Carlos Cagaanan, Lito Dano, Nonoy Garcia, Betty Garcia, Rick Borja, Flor Gulle, Flora Libay, Lito Magallanes, and many others.

LMP: Meaning to say, this particular proposal also got the acceptance of the Boholanos in your group.

NKL: Yes, no objection. In our meeting, I brought up to them TBTK. We proposed different activities like, the Ten Outstanding Boholanos Around the World (TOBAW), Miss Bohol-International, youth activities, sports, and many more.

LMP: Do you believe that this is a kind of movement/project that should go on?

NKL: Definitely, because it gives us a close relationship between Boholanos here and those around the globe. And also, to extend a helping hand to Boholanos all over the country, especially in times of disaster or emergency.

LMP: You have been with TBTK for 6 years, two terms, right?

NKL: Yeah, 1999 and 2003.

LMP: Another person who has taken over TBTK for another 6 years, what is the difference between the two?

NKL: In my observation, the participation is quite dwindling. I want the enthusiasm to be back because it is very important. I am expecting the new Chairman, Dr. Neil Bonje, to make TBTK active and alive again. I see him as a good leader, because he became President of CONBUSAC.

LMP: How was he in the last convention?

NKL: The convention in Chicago was very, very successful. I was surprised to see about 300 participants, which is not usual. I think, Dr. Bonje will be coming here in July to meet the officials of the Province, City Government, and the Diocese of Bohol.

LMP: Will you be here in the next TBTK which is in 2015?

NKL: Yes, definitely. As I told you, I am already free. I can go anywhere that I want to.

LMP: If you are going to compare your life before, especially the struggling years, what is one thing that you miss most, if there is any?

NKL: I missed my work as an Emergency Room Specialist. For 28 years, I have seen all types of diseases because we were the first line of defense. (Laughs) We diagnosed and decide whether to send the patients home, or let them stay in the hospital. It was very stressful, but I was able to handle it well for such a long time.

LMP: How are your children now?

NKL: They are doing very well on their respective careers, and living blissfully with their own family.

LMP: You met Mayor Baba Yap earlier. What is your first impression to him?

NKL: His personality is good and very receptive. When I opened to him our plans for TBTK, I saw his willingness and commitment to support the event. Hopefully, our goals will be achieved.

LMP: You were involved with TBTK, at the moment when you were at the prime of your career. How did you manage your time?

NKL: I am a kind of person that is very flexible. I can handle things that would come-up along the way, plus a little sacrifice, and perseverance.

LMP: I don't think it was a little thing. You go around the world, around the Philippines in order to invite them to come to Bohol, that's not just a small thing.

NKL: I guess, my aspiration to help Bohol in some ways, drives me to do these things. The homecoming of Boholanos would definitely boost the economy of the Province. They could also help reconstruct, rebuild, restore houses damaged by the quake.

LMP: Now that you are retired, you have all the time to help.

NKL: Right from the very start I am always here to help my fellow Boholanos.

LMP: When is the next CONBUSAC?

NKL: Next year, also in July, but it will be held in New Jersey. As of now, part of my plan is to reach these Boholano organizations in the different Provinces here in the country. Years ago, I went to Davao, Agusan, Cebu, Manila, and many others. They even had their representative for the Miss Bohol-International. Now, I am thankful that Governor Edgar Chatto and Mayor Baba Yap are committed to support the upcoming TBTK in the year 2015.

A couple of years ago I visited him in Florida, and I was awed by the beauty of the village he had decided to enjoy much of his retirement years. The homes were spread far and wide, with well-manicured lawns and all amenities life can offer: a golf course, a country club, uniformed guards with modern gadgets, and well-heeled neighbors. Other Boholanos who plan of retiring have decided to join him. Like magnet, he attracts people around him, especially his friends.

Even in his golden years, Dr. Nick Lopez and his sense of social responsibility has not dimmed a bit. A generous man with a generous heart, his love for his fellow-Boholanos is deep and unfathomable. Asked whether he has plans to enter into politics – because, for some, he is a great leader – he dismissed the question with a smile and said simply: “I can serve the people without being a politician.”

(Website: www.loypalapos.com ; Email: loy.pal@gmail.com ; Cellphone: 09981701129)