Posted by BG RM Ong (Ret) on July 20, 2012:

Vicente Lim Jr. was one of the last members of the Hidalgo-Lim clan that I had a chance to meet. From my earliest childhood recollections, our families knew each other quite well. My parents knew his Mom Pilar as well as his brother Bobby (the USNA grad). My sister and Bobby's daughter were close friends and long-time classmates since their Maryknoll Grade School days, and even had the same first name - Adelaida. Ting had another brother, a priest who was fondly called Father Pat, and I knew him from my days at the UPSCA or University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action, where he was our mentor. Last, but not least, Ting has a first cousin named Tony Hidalgo, who was my classmate at the Ateneo de Manila from Grade One up to High School. It took many, many years and well past my retirement from the Army, before I finally had the opportunity to meet Sir Ting face-to-face. My first impression was that he was a bit different from the rest of the Hidalgo-Lim clan. This guy had a lively sense of humor, as opposed to the rest of the clan, who I considered (rightly or wrongly) were on the serious side. Since then, I have met a few more members, and I know now that my previous impression was indeed partially wrong. To know Sir Ting is to know a man with a zest for living. To him, life was fun in all its aspects, especially its ups and downs. The members of the WPSP (West Point Society of the Philippines) enjoyed his participation in our Forum on the Internet. He was an active member with so many comments that showed his active mind and irrepressible wit. It was a rare occasion when reading his post did not bring a smile to my face, and I suspect the other members of our Forum reacted in the same way. The frequency of his activity on the Internet slowed down abruptly, when his loving wife Nita passed away. I think that all of us perceived that Sir Ting was a different man after that. And we knew the reason why - that he had lost a part of his life, his heart and his soul. I shall always carry with me the memory of our final meeting; Sir Ting sitting in a wheelchair, a tired old man, whose eyes lighted up when he saw me, and who offered a firm handshake and showed the same sincere smile that I knew of bygone days. Goodbye, Sir Ting, it was great fun for me too, getting to know you these last few years. I rejoice that Nita and you are together again, maybe even with a few of your puppies. And now, my final salute to you, Sir! Ramon Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA 1963

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