12/06/2024
Tracing the Roots: The Story of Antonio Sampelo Ingles, Jr.
Antonio Sampelo Ingles, Jr.’s journey of self-discovery began with a simple question: where did his family come from? Born in Manila (Quezon City) in 1968, Antonio knew bits and pieces of his heritage, but it was a conversation with a distant relative that brought his family's history into clearer focus.
Antonio's story starts with his grandfather, Aproniano Ingles, a fisherman from either Mauban or Guinayangan in Quezon Province. Aproniano's journey took him to Kalibo, Aklan, where he met and married Antonio’s grandmother. The couple settled in Boracay, a place known today for its beautiful beaches. Here, Antonio’s father, Antonio Aguirre Ingles, was born. Despite his father's Aklan roots, Antonio had never been to Mauban or Guinayangan.
A chance encounter with Elmar Ingles, a relative, shed new light on Antonio’s family history. Elmar, who was older by four years, had spent his early years in Mauban before moving to Lucena City. Despite their different upbringings, the two discovered they were practically neighbors in Manila, with Elmar living at Legaspi Towers.
Elmar's tales of their family were fascinating. The Ingles clan had deep roots in various parts of the Philippines. Elmar spoke of Ambassador Jose D. Ingles, a significant figure related to their family. The Guinayangan branch of the Ingleses was also closely related, with many migrating to places like Panay Island, Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, Iligan, General Santos, and even remote areas of Mindanao, adapting their surname to Englis or Inglis.
Antonio learned that his great-grandfather might have been Daniel Ingles, a first or second cousin of Don Ezequiel Ingles from Mauban. At 17, Antonio’s father had moved to Mauban, living with his cousins Cayetano and Ramona Ingles. Ramona's children, Marconi, Erlinda, and Sallie, were close to his father. Marconi had even served as a Labor Attaché in London.
Tito Raul owned the Edificio Ingles at Aurora Blvd in San Juan, Manila, and his wife, Tita Chit, maintained a detailed family tree. Their late mother, Lola Genoveva "Bebang" Calleja-Ingles, was the town historian of Mauban, authoring the book *Kasaysayan ng Mauban*.
Antonio’s journey was tinged with loss. His father passed away in 1987 when Antonio was in his second year of college. Reflecting on his father's life, Antonio felt a renewed sense of purpose to reconnect with his heritage.
Antonio Sampelo Ingles, Jr.'s quest to trace his roots became more than a personal journey—it was a way to honor his family's past and ensure its legacy for future generations. Each story shared, each connection made, brought him closer to understanding where he came from and who he was.