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Joey Bonifacio's posts with tag: general isleta
 With the news inundated with headlines exposing corruption and unfair play it is so easy to lose hope on honor and dignity. Does it even exist? Being in government is almost synonymous to unfair play and the abuse of position for personal gain.
Tonight my hope and faith in honor was not only rekindled but was inspired and strengthened. All because of a birthday party held for a 75 year old Army General who is a member of Victory Fort. That man is retired General Honesto Isleta. Picture on the left is with his wife Pat, an equally amazing woman of strength, dignity and honor.Genreal Isleta turned 75 years old today. I watched a parade of men and women who not only s poke highly and affectionately about the general but testified to a life of service, humility, sacrifice, honor and dignity. Picture on the left is with one of his grandsons (Joshua) admiring one of the gifts given to him.
There were too many pictures shown, too many citations, promotions and accolades to mention here. But what stuck to me were the stories that many of his well wishers told about him. From a younger brother who followed his footsteps and became a general himself, to in-laws, children, friends and colleagues.
If the Gen eral's name sounds familiar that's because he was one of the unsung heroes of the EDSA Revolution. The one who convinced the surrounded leaders at Camp Crame to read and pray Psalm 91. Heaven alone knows what could have happened to our country if this man had not insisted on prayer.
  The most unforgettable story told this evening was told by former Armed Forces Chief Renato de Villa. It happened in the 1968 when a strong earthquake rocked Manila and a building (the Ruby Tower) collapsed killing over 200 people. 
He shared how a bus load of young officers and soldiers were sent to help in the rescue mission. Among them was young officer named Honesto Isleta.
In the course of the operation it was discovered that some of the walls of the build ing were inbedded with gold bars. Come to think of it the weight of the bars may have had something to do with the building collapsing. The young officer insisted on securing the recovered bars and made sure that every single one was surrendered to the proper authorities. Hearing that among the many stories of servanthood and everyday heroism was inspiring. It pays to name your child Honesto.
Add to that the fact that the good general is a great hus band and father made the evening something worth blogging about.
For my part I can only testify to the humility exemplified by General Isleta. He has served our church as an usher and disciple maker. Unmindful of recognition, he sports a smile, exuding the coutesy of a gentleman and always had a warm greeting. Most impressive are his 2 sons Chad (who is an officer the Philippine Military Academy) and Dennis (who is a colonel turned pastor). Needless to say these fine men came from a good source.
When asked to say something about the General, this was my short story: In 1984 (I was 26) I was invited to attend a class on spiritual living. At the class in the Intercon Hotel in Makati I sat right behind my clasmate then Colonel Isleta. I could tell that the Colonel was not very happy at the start of the seminar. Looking back I can't remember the reason why that was my impression.
Towards the end of the seminar, an inivitation was given for the attendees to receive the Lord Jesus as their Savior. I, in my own arrogance and self-centeredness was oblivious to the offer being presented to me. At the time I was remotely interested.
The next thing I saw was the fidgidity military man in front of me along with another man found themselves in front of the room humbly acknowledging their need for God and receiving Him as their Lord and Savior. I, on the other hand was not ready to do such a t hing. While I did not recieve the Lord that day, I will always remember how the Colonel humbly offered his life to God. It was a glaring testimony of simple humility and acknowldeging "I can't make life work, I need God". A few weeks later I too would give my life to the Lord 24 years ago.
Happy Birthday General Isleta - You're a REAL HERO!!!
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1
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