The 77th Birth Anniversary of former Antipolo Mayor and Congressman Vic Sumulong was recently celebrated at the Victor R. Sumulong Multi-Purpose Hall, Sumulong College of Arts and Sciences.
The event was a commemoration of the life and legacy of the former House Representative and Mayor of Antipolo City with a display of memorabilia chronicling his professional and personal life.
Testimonials were delivered by Sumulong’s son Christopher Emmanuel (Toffee) Sumulong, his eldest daughter Ma. Estrella Victoria (Mia) Sumulong, and good friend Ronaldo (Ronnie) Puno who was former Representative, 1st District of Antipolo and former Secretary of Department of the Interior and Local Government. Youngest daughter Myka Sumulong was also present.
Toffee Sumulong welcomed friends and former colleagues of the man, the congressman and the mayor: Vic Sumulong.
Mia Sumulong talked about her father Vic Sumulong, a heroic, near mythical figure in Antipolo.
“Talino. Talento. Ka gwapuhan. Kasipagan. Ano pa nga ba ang hindi kayang gawin ni Superman? Ang papel niya bilang pinuno. Musikero. Manunulat, Abogado. Ka trabaho. Kaibigan. Kaanak at ama,” said Mia about his father.
Puno talked about his friendship (since first year high school at the Ateneo De Manila) with Vic Sumulong. Puno recalled how Sumulong helped him win his first national office as president of National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP).
Puno also narrated how Sumulong helped transform Antipolo from a municipality into a city; helped Antipolo gain a second congressional district; and helped Puno himself become representative of the first congressional district of Antipolo.
He said everyone attended the 77th birth anniversary celebration of Vic Sumulong, “Para madikit pasandali lamang, para maalala ang magagandang sandali noong nakasama natin si Vic.”
Another highlight was the heartwarming video tribute about Sumulong, in photos chronicling his family life, his every day activities including performing in gatherings with his own band, debating in Congress, meeting with the least-privileged in society, and most of all his happiest time with his wife and children.
Background music was medley of songs by his favorite band The Beatles. (Here comes the Sun, Yesterday, Let it Be)
The Himig Chorale serenaded with a rendition of Sumulong’s favorite song My Special Angel.
Sumulong served as Representative for the Lone District of Antipolo (1998 to 2004) and then Representative, 2nd District of Antipolo (2004 to 2007). He served as Mayor of Antipolo City from 2007 until his death January 6, 2009.
Before that Sumulong was Assistant Secretary for Department of Local Government and Community Development in 1975. He served as Undersecretary for Local Government of the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 1992 to 1996.