September 13, 2003 was a special day for the man who thought of bringing Romblomanons together through the Internet with a mission to make a difference in the lives of their poor kasimanwas left behind. In his honor, the listers of Chicago threw a belated surprise retirement party for him. The celebrant, Mr. Ish Fabicon, a.k.a. Doc Simp, Executive Founding Director of RDL-CLEAR, retired on June 7. He busied himself upon retirement by going to Romblon to oversee the implementation of the 2003 Sanrokan Projects.

Doc Simp was honored by the following listers and supporters with the following greetings:

Chu Mangoba wrote:

Toast To Doc Simp

When one retires he may either be old or bored
Like tires he may either be bald or holed
To retire is not to be junked like the old tire
But to set back or stand by while others perspire.

Some people retire because they are sick and weary
Others are simply prosperous and have security
Or they have to go when they reach mandatory age
To receive a fixed income and take care of their grandkids.

Congratulations to DocSimp on his early retirement
He is tired of office work but now he finds enjoyment
Being a housekeeper and a full time gardener
Being a part time cook and a part time waiter.

He enjoys working for the good of Romblon
Bless him and the SANROKAN MISSION
We wish him good health in the years ahead
TOAST TO MR. ISH FABICON AND GODSPEED!

Bob Gabuna wrote:

THE ENDURING FRIENDSHIP OF DOC SIMP

If you're ever in a jam
here "I am"
If you're in a mess
send me S.O.S.
If ever you land in a jail
"I am your bail"

My friendship is perfect friendship
When other friendship forgot
"Mine" would still be hot.

If you're on top of Mount Guiting-Guiting
send me a celfon ring
If you're down the deepest well
blow the budyong ang ring my bell
If you lost your teeth but wish to dine
Don't use Tang Ponso's, you could borrow mine

For my friendship is perfect friendship
When others forget
Mine is still at it.

HAPPY CELEBRATION ISH!!!
May the soft wind blow behind your back and may the
road rise to meet you as you embark on another journey.


From Nic Musico:
Aloha Uncle Ish,

From the middle of the Pacific Ocean, we send you Greetings of Warmest Aloha and Happy Retirement Celebration.
May you enjoy many years of Healthy and Happy Retirement.
Keep young and active...as they say, life is short...Enjoy.


From Max Fabella
Only for Ish:

You have made a niche among the Romblon greats. You always have a COMMUNITY AGENDA. A known writer, poet, community activist. We are just glad to a part of your cast of "supporting" characters.

Selling the RDL-CLEAR idea, I am sure was not initially easy. You gave up other commitments. I go back to the concept LEADERSHIP is loneliness. You cannot be a leader, if you are not willing to be LONELY. You have made Lonely decisions. Am glad your family, relatives, friends are very supportive.

Tang Imong