Celebrating the Life of a Working Class Hero,

Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran

Sydney, Australia. The life and times of Crispin 'Ka Bel' Beltran was celebrated in a gathering of 25 workers, trade unionists, community activists and Filipino migrants at the Granville office of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) on Monday 26 May. Two media agencies covered the event.

The participants swapped stories about Ka Bel's inspiring life and dedicated service to the workers of the Philippines, genuine trade unionism and the liberation of his motherland. They also shared songs and poems reflecting the life, courage and commitment of Ka Bel in his over 60 years serving the people and his beloved country. All the participants sang "What Makes a Hero", a poem written by Prof Jose Maria Sison and had been transformed into a song by Danny Fabella.

Office bearers of Philippine Australia Union Links (PAUL) and Migrante Australia recalled his visits to Australia in 1995 and 1997. Special mention was made of the spirit of internationalism Ka Bel brought to his work as a trade union leader and fond memories.

In keeping with the spirit of Ka Bel – who was never far away from sharing a laugh with everyone - amusing and heart-warming anecdotes were remembered, including stories of how Ka Bel loved and cared for his comrades and his family, especially his dear wife, Ka Osang.

Participants remembered how Ka Bel would tell them on picket lines and in protest rallies that they should 'take care of themselves' as they had responsibility to be healthy for the sake of their family, the people and the struggle. Ka Bel was also remembered as a fiery speaker in demonstrations, always urging the police and the military to join the guerrilla fighters and telling them he had application forms with him.

Others told of Ka Bel's great humility and simple life style. He had travelled all over the world – except in the belly of the beast, United States (he is not welcome there) – and his simple ways and open heart won him many deep friendships. People recalled of his frugality and resourcefulness such as the "pot holders" to keep his hands warm ("… but they are very cheap – only one dollar…"), the "moisturising balm" (shoe polish) to keep his lips from drying ("…but don't you have the balm in your room…") and the "suit" (train driver's uniform) that made everyone look and "admire" him when he addressed a conference in Europe.

Peter Murphy, long time unionist and leader of Philippine Australia Union Links [PAUL] told of Ka Bel's courage and how Ka Bel inspired Australian unionists and through example, and made us all better activists and better people.

Roger Jowett, former National Secretary of the Rail, Bus and Tram Union and current Chairperson of PAUL affirmed Ka Bels spirit of internationalism and led a toast for Ka Bel, the KMU and the continuation of the struggle of Ka Bel. Ka Bel's life of struggle and dedicated commitment is one to be treasured, and one that inspired us all to think, "His struggle is our struggle".

As tribute to Ka Bel and solidarity with his family and colleagues, the participants signed 3 banners, one for Ka Osang and their family, one for the KMU, and one for Anak Pawis. The event concluded with the singing of Internationale in English and Filipino.#
 

As tribute to Ka Bel and solidarity with his family and colleagues, the participants signed 3 banners, one for Ka Osang and their family, one for the KMU, and one for Anakpawis.

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