Alimodian Firsts: Rito Tolentino

Rito Tolentino

First Historian

      Without the termite-infested notes of Rito Tolentino, the history of Alimodian would not have been written. Information sources for different purposes including general studies used extensively his notes which covered practically all aspects of life of the people in this community since the Spanish time up to his death on July 22, 1961.

       Rito Tolentino was born to the prominent couple, Tan Marcelo Tolentino and Tana Lorenza Almira on May 22, 1875. He is the 14th child of the 16 children of the couple, seven of whom died in infancy.

       He learned the alphabet and caton from his mother Tana Insay and the rudiments of Spanish from his father Tan Ilo. Father Silvestre Apura gave him special lessons in Spanish and a little English.

       On February 8, 1897 he married Gavina Amarra. They had 11 children, 6 boys and 5 girls. Seven children died in infancy, while Felimon offered his life for liberty when he joined the infamous Bataan Death March on May 20, 1942.

        Rito Tolentino was considered a man of letter during his time. He devoted a great deal of his time jotting down important events in town for which the young generation would be grateful.