Sir Aking, Stalwart in Local Scouting

The training team members of the Negros Occidental Council of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines paid a surprised visit to Sir Aking Torrefranca in his residence at Gan Subdivision, La Carlota City on the following day after they conducted the last camp fire to the late TTM Romeo Toda.

Sir Aking with his fellow Training Team members

Sir Aking beamed upon seeing his fellow scouters in his humble home. Suffering from a stroke, he managed to welcome Sir Bert Maguad, Council Scout Executive; Sir Ben Fundador, Sir Allan Agraviador, Sir Antonio C. Biangco, and the four lady scouters, Mesdames Imelda Escobar, Lynne Brillo, Thelma Lamason Ortencio, and Charit Gangoso.

He moved by the aid of a cane. It was recalled that while he was giving a speech by proclaiming a school queen, he suddenly became unconscious and he was rushed to the hospital. At least he recovered but he couldn't perform his scouting routine anymore. In short, he was out for circulation as far as scouting activities are concerned. He just stayed at home, watching television.It seems nobody remember him anymore, but not his associates in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Negros Occidental Council.

Sir Aking, Stalwart in Local Scouting

Sir Aquino Ignacio Torrefranca, a retired District Ill Supervisor, is a byword among scouts and scouters in Negros Occidental as far as scouting is concerned. Sir Aking aa fondly called by anyone who is well acquainted with him is a close buddy of the late Sir Roming Toda. As one of the stalwarts in scouting and like Sir Roming, he played a major role in training the boy scouts and the adult scouts.

He's well remembered by his signature scouting song, "Luningning". Sir Aking demonstrated it to his comrades in spite of his partial disability. He also did an action song like "I Love Scouting" and more. The following amateur video taken by Mam Thelma Lamaso signified that Sir Aking has stamina, the zest and the vigor of a true blooded scouter unaffected by his illness.

The Video

Mabuhay, Sir Aking.

Credits: Image by Bert P. Maguad; Amateur video by Thelma Lamason, used with permission.