In the coastal community of Alumnos, Basak, one fisherman's extraordinary connection with the sea became the stuff of local legend. Hilario Fernandez Echivarria, known for his remarkable fishing intuition, demonstrated skills that left his fellow fishermen in awe for decades.
The Gift of Knowing the Seas
On one particular morning, Hilario prepared his fishing boat with practiced ease. He untied one of his three boats moored along the shoreline while the two smaller boats remained docked. To any observer, his movements revealed a deep, almost mystical understanding of the ocean's rhythms.
"What a great blessing these danggit fish are today!" Hilario expressed with gratitude as he stepped into his boat. His ability to predict what type of fish he would catch on any given day was legendary among the fishing community. This unique talent made many fishermen eager to befriend him.
As Hilario moved further from shore, other fishermen subtly adjusted their paddling, carefully observing which direction he chose. They watched in amazement as he seemed to possess an innate knowledge of where the fish congregated.
A Humble Instrument of Providence
Hilario was widely known in his area not just as an exceptional fisherman, but as a man of outstanding character. Even cursing was beyond him, according to those who knew him best. His reputation for goodness and humility preceded him throughout the community.
"We came to understand the exchange for being a good and humble person," fellow fishermen would say, reflecting on Hilario's character.
During one fishing expedition, Hilario suddenly changed direction toward the left, making efforts to ensure those following could keep pace. He began singing a prayer: "Accept, oh Lord, these our gifts as a sign of our love, receive and..." His song was interrupted when he heard a distinctive sound—a splash that he recognized as his "friend from the sea" greeting him.
"Here I am again, my friend!" Hilario called back to the ocean before continuing his song. He noticed the fishermen trailing him but paid them no mind, considering himself merely an instrument to help his fellow fishermen share in nature's bounty.
The Legendary Catch and Lasting Legacy
Hilario turned to his followers and called out, "Friend! How are you all there?" A nervous fisherman, caught off guard, stammered back, "W-we're doing fine, friend. Hopefully we'll catch a lot today." Hilario encouraged them: "Just have faith! Continue on!" as he followed the sound that only he seemed to understand.
The eyes of the following fishermen widened with excitement when Hilario finally cast his net. They slowly pulled it in, loaded with an abundant catch. True to Hilario's prediction, the net was filled exclusively with danggit fish. There were even occasions when he would catch nothing but ito fish. The fishermen's faces broke into ear-to-ear grins, knowing their efforts in following Hilario had not been in vain.
From that time forward, Hilario was recognized throughout the area as a fisherman with exceptional knowledge. These wondrous events in the fishing life of Hilario Fernandez Echivarria, native of Alumnos, Basak, became part of local folklore. He passed away on August 21, 1995, but his fishing paddle—witness to approximately 50 years of remarkable fishing—remains as a lasting memorial to his story as an exemplary fisherman in the region.
