Rex Botengan Memorial

March 10, 1930 - December 13, 2004

Dear Husband - Beloved Father - Doting Grandfather 

"The positive influence of Manong Rex to so many, especially to the IGOROT and HTSB community is such that it will never be forgotten."  - Chris Dagan 

"He was a visionary with boundless efforts to promote, preserve and perpetuate anything that is Igorot or Cordilleran."  - Marshall Wandag

Rex Botengan was a key figure in the formation of HTSB.  He was involved in the very early stages in the creation of the Saint Benedict Filipino Mission in the diocese of Los Angeles.  In 1988 the Rev. David Duncan (16 years later it was the same Rev. David Duncan that presided at Rex's Requiem) challenged Rex and other Filipinos during the EAM Consultation in Hawaii to follow the examples of other Asian groups in organizing their own mission congregations.  Rex Botengan, was a key person in response to that challenge.  As the national Convener of the EAM Filipino Convocation, he organized a meeting in West Covina where the initial group of Filipinos that would later become St. Benedict's mission and eventually the parish of Holy Trinity and Saint Benedict, voted to apply for mission status.  Shortly there after, more Filipinos got involved and signed a diocesan petition to apply for mission status.  The petition was approved in September of 1988.  

The following month of October, the Filipino group named its first set of Bishop's Committee members.  Bishop Borsch, then the Bishop of the diocese of Los Angeles, appointed Rex Botengan to be the first Bishop's Warden.  From five suggested names for the mission submitted by the Filipino group, Bishop Borsch chose the name St. Benedict's Mission because "it is a name that is meaningful to many Filipino Episcopalians who trace their spiritual roots to St. Benedict's Church in Kniway, Besao, Philippines."

Details from the period of time immediately following the establishment of the mission of St. Benedict is being researched.  Check back soon for an update on this part of the story.  

Rex continued to be an influential and supportive figure in the life of Saint Benedict mission which eventually found a home in Alhambra, merged with the parish of Holy Trinity and became Holy Trinity and St. Benedict (HTSB).  The HTSB community thanks the late Rex Botengan for his zeal and love to maintain and grow the parish of HTSB.  His strong belief and Christian faith was a needed resource equipping families as partners in Christian life.

The greatest of men and women in the history of mankind are measured much on how they lived their lives, how they touched the lives of others and their great achievements beyond the ordinary.  They are those who are the chosen few from the many called. 

Rex Botengan, Sr. has achieved that iconic stature among the indigenous peoples of the northern Philippines, specifically among those popularly referred to as Igorots and Philippine Cordillerans or those belonging to the B.I.B.A.K. (Bontoc, Ifugao, Benguet, Apayao, Kalinga) tribal groups.

He was a visionary with boundless efforts to promote, preserve and perpetuate anything that is Igorot or Cordilleran. Everyone in this gathering will bear witness to what he has done - he has touched our lives in one way or another- as Igorots and Cordillerans, as brothers and sisters.

Consider the following .. he was:

• The pioneering spirit behind the organization of the Los Angeles BIBAK organization which is now the BIBAK Club of Southern California, a non-profit and tax-exempt association.
• The prime mover in the establishment of the St. Benedict's Mission, mainly an Igorot or Cordillera congregation - now part of the Parish of Holy Trinity and St. Benedict.
• The father of the BIBAK Seniors Club of Southern California. He moved for the creation of the club's death assistance program that greatly helps members in their most trying times. 
• The architect of the on-going Igorot International Consultations. The 6th Igorot International Consultation will be held in Melbourne, Australia, this coming April 2006.
• The driving force behind the formal organization of the Igorot Global Organization, or IGO, which manages the Igorot International Consultations or IIC.
• The founder of the internationally circulated Igorot Quarterly publication - the beacon of Igorot/Cordilleran news throughout the world.
• The organizer of the Center for Igorot Studies (CIS). The move to organize an Igorot Cultural and educational center is a project of the CIS.
• The leader who organized the first youth cultural and educational exchange - of our Igorot youth and the youth of Wydown Middle School of St. Louis, Missouri - the site of the 1904 St. Louis Exposition where our Igorot ancestors were showcased as savages and barbarians of the Philippines.
• The unselfish mentor and counsel to the rising BIBAK organizations around the world - in Europe, Southeast Asia and in the USA, helping them write their constitutions and bylaws.  

Rex Botengan Sr. has enormously impacted many lives and organizations.  He surely will remain in everyone's memory and he lives on in the many organizations and activities we hold.  

/maw

Considering the significant contributions of Rex to HTSB as well as the wider group of Filipinos through IGO, and BIBAK it was clear that he was deserving of something significant to honor his contributions toward the betterment of both the Igorot/Cordillera, as well as Holy Trinity & St. Benedict, causes, aspirations and interests.  

Shortly after his death, members of HTSB began discussing what that significant something in honor of Rex should be.  Lead by Harry Basingat, the idea of a memorial plaque began to take shape, a fund drive was initiated, a committee was formed, the discussions were formalized, and project plans were drawn up.  Many responded immediately to the various solicitations for financial support with donations coming in from the various organizations and individuals that were so positively impacted by Rex.   

After many months of hard work, The Rex Botengan memorial monument and associated landscaping improvements were completed in March of 2006. The memorial was constructed in the church court yard garden between the cathedral and Hultgren hall.  Immediately after construction, the monument was concealed, as shown at right, to prevent enquiring congregants from seeing it prior to the unveiling ceremony.  The memorial project included landscaping, brick planter, and seven decorative benches in the quad area surrounding the memoriam, significantly improving the aesthetics of the parish campus.  These benches are donated by the seven members of the Project Management Committee. 

The pictures shown here were taken shortly before project completion.  

Invitations were sent out to the wider community for the Memorial garden dedication to take place on March 11, 2006 (A day after what would have been his 76th birthday). 

More Pictures

Memorial Garden Dedication Service

At 11:00 am on March 11, 2006, over 200 people from various cities gathered in worship, and recognition to the various ministries of work Rex had given life to. 

The celebration began with a Eucharistic service presided by Rev Rick Byrum with Bishop Zabala, former rector of HTSB, assisting. The service was followed by a dedication, blessing and prayer service in the memorial garden.

The statement of occasion including some history, background, and reflection, were offered by Marshall Wandag on behalf of the memorial project committee.  

Rex Botengan Jr. addressed the community on behalf of the Botengan family and offered some words of thanks and reflection.  

He echoed the theme for the day of running a race for Christ and passing the baton. We are all challenged with taking the baton from Rex and writing the next chapter in the story of this community. 

The rains made the morning a little worry-some, but blue skies dressed us at the proper moment to exit the church, and dedicate the garden and plaque.  

Monument Blessing

The monument was unveiled, blessed, and filled with prayer to welcome our families, strangers, and guests to rest and find peace.  

The Unveiling of the Rex Botengan Sr. Memorial Monument

Click here for more pictures of the dedication service 

Sprinkling of Holy Water

Blessed be this garden. May all our comings and goings be under the seal of God's loving care. May all who enter this to rest, be filled with the spirit of happiness. May no dark powers ever be given shelter within this space, but banished as soon as recognized. 

In Perpetual Memory Of

Rex Botengan, Sr. 

March 10, 1930 - December 13, 2004 

An International Tribute To His Dynamic Leadership Amongst Indigenous Peoples From Northern Philippines And Around the World

His Dedication Kept Us Focused On Our Faith And Heritage

Dedicated In His Honor By Members & Friends of

The Parish Of Holy Trinity And St. Benedict

Alhambra, California

December 17, 2005

Song, Food, and Dance

An informal reception at Hultgren Hall in celebration of his life and achievements followed.

The entertainment program included a presentation of Filipino Igorot native dances by the youth members of the Los Angeles BIBAK Dance Ensemble. They are highly acclaimed for their cultural performances in various folk festivals around Southern California of which Rex Botengan was consistent benefactor and mentor.  

BIBAK Dance Ensemble - Camera Shy. Send picture to The Web Master

THANK YOU ALL

A special THANK YOU goes out to all those who helped create a very special day.  A truly blessed day we had together in prayer, song, food and dance.  - Fr. Rick

The entire parish of Holy Trinity & St. Benedict wishes to express our heartfelt thanks to all who donated funds towards the project.  The list of donors is shown below.  It is great to know that you are always there when needed most. 

The amount targeted by the Project Management Committee was $10,000.00.  At the time of this posting, we have not reached that amount, but donations are still coming in and a surplus is expected. The PMC and HTSB leadership will keep you all informed on the exact amounts and identify how any surplus funds will be used.   

The following donor names are engraved  on the marble tiles that are placed on the sides and stand of the plaque.  This list was last updated on Feb 21, 2006.  We will be posting updates periodically. 

Abeya, Edwin/Mia

Agiao, Albert/Salvadora

Agnaonao, Suzane Kilakil

Agustin, Besley

Aligmayo, Josephine

Alinos, Pancho/Julieta

Ambas, Stanley/Mary

Ambasing, James A. /Cresencia C.

Andaya, Alfred/Hilarie

Anderson, Tom/Annie T.

Anton, Benito/Francisca

Apangchan Family 

Aptimes, Myla A.

Aquin, Alfred/Evelyn

Arcido Robert

Aspillaga, Eliseo "Ching"

Austria/Willie

Bacdayan, Albert

Bagsiao, Andrew

Bagsiao, Beatrice

Baguilat, Ray

Basingat, Arnold

Basingat, Dale

Basingat, Harry & Mary

Batnag, Annie L.

Batong, Maximo

Becasen, Jeffrey/Marilou

Belleza, Marianne Justine

Belit, Teresita

Bernardez, Teogenes, Jr.

Bestoguey, Henry

Bestoguey, Leona

Beswayan, Clare

Biag, Eduardo/Olaria

BIBAK Los Angeles

BIBAK Texas

BIMAK Washington DC

Callagan, Rosalynda/William

Carling, Daniel

Catanes, Fred/Gertrude

Catanes, Thomas

Cristobal, Ed/Eva Isla

Cushman, Ruth

Da Veiga, Carlos/Bibiana

Dagan, Joseph/Christine

Dagan, Nora G.

Diaz, Jose/ Harriet May

De Castro, Reuel/Helen

Dominguez, Pete

Dugui-es, Fausto/Pauline

ECW (HTSB)

Erfe, Edna L. Costina

Esparza, Ron/Estifania

Espiritu, Lourdes

Esteban/ Orlando G./Edith D.

Ferrer, Philip/Fidela

Frazier, Daniel/ Paula

Gaerlan, Lynette

Galas, Angel

Galas, Ben/Violy

Harris, Marvin/Claire

IGO-Australia

Isla, Zenaida

Giles, Imelda Manganip

IGO-Philippines

Kalingas - NA Network 2005

Katz, Sylvan L.

Kawi, Clarice

Kawi, Jennifer

Kawi, Lucian

Kawi, Remigio/Rosalind

Lacerna, Jean Belling

Lubos, Emy

Medrano, Evelyn

Minong, Manuel/Emily

Montgomery, John/Nelly G.

Munoz, Florence

Nabert, Claus/Rose

Noe, Jocelyn

Ocab, Myrna G.

Ocab, Newton/Martha

Omengan, Richard/Evina

Pasiwen, Linda

Pengosro, Victor/Madeline

Prill, Hugo/Grace

Pucay, Julia D.

Quioan, Elfreda

Rosete, Edwin/Velma

Russel, Frances

Sacoy, Keevin

Sagalla, Lambert/Leona

Saoyen, Julian/Rosemarie

Simon, Gloria

Singiten, Aurora

Tade, Doroteo/Helen

Taga, Ernest

Trinidad, Tony/Ching

Valenzuela, Myra Anton

Velasco, Nover/Beatrice

Wandag, Marshall & Adele

Wolfe, Isabel/Ronnie

Zamudio, Gilbert/Trini

Continued Donations

As of this posting, Donations are still being accepted.

Please make your check payable to HTSB (memo: RBMP) and mail to:

Parish of Holy Trinity & St. Benedict
Attn:  RBMP
412 N. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA  91802 

Project Management Committee (PMC)

The Project Management Committee (PMC) members represent a cross section of the Igorot community and that of HTSB:

PMC - Camera Shy.  Send picture to The Web Master

Rex's Requiem Mass

Rex's funeral was held on Monday, December 20, 2004, Church of the Recessional Chapel, Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary in Glendale CA with many in attendance wearing their tribal costumes.  

A description is offered for those who were unable to attend and would like brief synopsis of the funeral and interment. Please visit the following link: http://igorotglobal.org/rex/

At the time of this posting, some photos of the Rex's funeral are shown in Webshots internet community photo Album

Article by:  Brad Sherman
Contributing:  Chris Dagan, Marshal Wandag, and Rev Rick Byrum

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