Asian Journal November 25 - December 1, 2011

Bridge to a Better Future.. p. 20

Thank the Lord for He is on His Way .. p. 11

President Noy offers Gloria hospital detentionA Thanksgiving Story: One Man Freely

Gives and Yet He Continues to ReceiveBy Edmundo F. Relucio, MD

by CESAR D. CANDARI, MD’61 FCAP EMERITUS | Henderson, NV

Philippine columnist Jose Ma. Mon-telibano recently wrote his glimpses of his homeland in “How Will We Sur-vive?” He discussed the United States Wall Street Occupation movement, a dramatic moment of unknown long-term effects. His point reminded me of our nativeland, the Philippines. During the tenure of six Philippine presidents since the 1946 Independence, over 17 million Filipinos have populated the country. Sad to say, there has been no change in the gap between the rich and the poor: 30% rich and 70% poor.

Today the populations of 102 million Filipinos are represented by 70%-80% trapped in the vicious cycle of poverty and exploitation. For more

“Occupy” Movement For The Philippines ?

Jesus and Simon of Cyrene

than fi ve decades people have grown poorer and poorer, with a grow-ing number living in abject poverty. Perhaps the greatest consequence is the lack of food and resulting hunger affl icting so many. Today, the Philip-pines’ economy is smaller than Paki-stan’s; a quarter of our 102 million people live on less than $1.25 a day. And our reaction seems to be one of defeat: wala tayong magawa, bahala na (we can’t do anything, so be it).

As a physician, I had participated in a number of medical missions in the Philippines. I had seen enough of the poorest of the poor. Access to medical care for millions of very poor Filipi-nos is virtually non-existent.

THE POOR: Before the medical mission to Pampanga, I joined a tour of Manila observing the slums of the metropolis where six million poor survive — barely. The faces on the city streets told many sad tales. We witnessed the travesty of 30,000 help-less, impoverished squatters living around the waste dump in Payatas, the Manila’s main waste dump; garbage is piled seven stories high. Twenty-fi ve percent of the inhabitants live in informal settlements, often in places

By Amado P. Macasaet, Malaya - ‘But if the court decides to jail De Lima, who will enforce their order?’

SENATE-BOUND Justice Secretary Leila de Lima is ex-pected to be raked over the coals in the Supreme Court today by a majority of Arroyo appointees led by Chief Justice Renato Corona for defying the temporary restraining order (TRO) they issued earlier this week.

Lawyers expect De Lima and others to be cited for contempt with penalty ranging from a fi ne to imprisonment of up to 6 months.

But if the court decides to jail De Lima, who will enforce their order against the alter ego of the commander-in-chief on whose or-ders she seems to be acting? Jesse Robredo’s police? Volt Gazmin’s military?

Unless the order of Corona’s majority can be enforced, it is worth no more than the paper it is made of. To avoid embarrassment due to impotence, all that they can do is to slap her with a fi ne with possibly a threat of disbarment.

De Lima’s defi ance stems from the seeming orchestration that

(Continued on page 17)

Corona’s payback?

On May 2003, as my youngest daughter Kristina was about to graduate college with a Bachelor of Science in History, I started to plan my retirement to start my service as I promised our Lord Jesus Christ. But at that time, I still did not exactly know what specifi c service to the Least of His Brethren it would be. I made the offi cial announce-ment to my parents by letters and in the newspaper. Fortunately, I found an excel-lent physician to take over my practice.

I knew my patients felt very sorry and insecure despite my many reassurances. But they all showed me their love and understanding. Even now, they still con-tinue to thank me for having taken cared of them and their relatives. Ask and you shall receive.

One Sunday on May of the same year, on my way to church, I ask Jesus, Lord, if retire now, how can I fi nance the project? I went to mass and continued to have that question in my mind. The following Sunday at exactly the same spot, I saw a For Sale sign on a farm immediately to the periphery of Coal City. Without hesitation I called the agent to inquire.

About three months after the purchase, I attended the Standard Bank’s picnic and I was approached by the agent’s boss who offered to double my money for the same small farm I just smiled and told him I think it should be four times my money after several calls from him. After several more calls from him, I gave him a proposal to sell him 15 acres at double my money but for him to piggy back the remaining two acres in the development and to return to me fi ve duplex. The leftover land will pay for the cost to develop the fi ve lots. Soon as I received the duplex lots, a builder bought all the lots and thus my money quadrupled in one year with the same money, I bought a bigger farm that is now my source for the scholarships and to help in the missions. One man gives freely and yet he continues to receive.

Although I am not the type who would read a book or an article more than once, I will take exception with the Bible as it is written with a lot of symbolism, allegory and some passages contradicting others. And honestly some of the scriptures I did not understand or did not put much attention to

Zena BabaoMsgr. Gutierrez Ben MaynigoHappy “ThanksGeeking”.. p. 10

November 25 - December 1, 2011


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By Virgilio J. Bugaoisan and Angie M. Rosales | The Daily Tribune-- Following the issuance of a warrant of arrest on former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Ar-royo, Malacanang said yester-day that President Aquino will not object to a hospital arrest on Arroyo if her camp would request it, in effect offering that she remains in the hospi-tal while her poll fraud case is being prosecuted.

At a press briefi ng, Presi-dential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said the Pasay court’s decision has vindicat-ed Malacanang’s position to reject the implementation of the Supreme Court’s tempo-rary restraining order (TRO) on the watch list order issued by the Department of Justice against Mrs. Arroyo and her spouse Jose Miguel “ Mike” Arroyo.

At the same press brief-ing, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the issuance of the arrest warrant by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court against Mrs. Arroyo has ren-dered the SC TRO “moot and academic.”

Presidential Communica-tions Development and Strate-gic Planning Offi ce Secretary Ramon Carandang on the other hand hailed the fi ling of election fraud charges against Mrs. Arroyo and the eventual issuance of warrant of arrest against her.

“We promised the Filipino people her day in court, and now she is getting it,” Caran-dang told reporters at an Asian summit on the Indonesian resort island of Bali.

Prior to the formal issuance of the warrant of arrest, Laci-erda had said that the Aquino administration is hell-bent in stopping the Arroyo couple from leaving the country and is determined to set aside the SC TRO.

But upon learning of the Pasay Court’s decision, Lacierda said that President Aquino’s guidance for them is to “treat the former president with utmost respect.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged Arroyo to face the charges against her, the way his father, former President Joseph



Justice in Crisis

GMA at NAIA

Babe’s Eye View by Babe Romu-ladez, Philippine Star 11/20/2011 --The tug-of-war regarding the Supreme Court’s issuance of a temporary restraining order that would have allowed the former fi rst couple to travel is one of the most dramatic episodes that has ever happened in this country. The Tues-day night media frenzy at the NAIA opened a fl oodgate of debates and legal questions — all of which will have far reaching effects either good or bad in a judicial system that is already riddled with so many infi rmities.

It was clear even to the ordinary “man on the street” that the oppos-ing camps were engaged in legal maneuvers — and it would seem that the Aquino administration

outmaneuvered former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo who her-self is known to be a master “ma-neuverer.” Malacañang suspected that even before she vacated the presidency, GMA has long prepared a strategy — including running for Congress — which would help her avoid facing accountability for alleged past misdeeds during her


November 25 - December 1, 2011Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

(Continued from page 1)

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Married Again? Getting Immigration Benefits Through a Valid Marriage

Estrada did after he was ousted from office.

“That’s the price of committing injustice to the Filipino people. Her happy days are over,” he said, add-ing that the filing of the charges by the Comelec has long been overdue.

Sen. Franklin Drilon, a member of the administration bloc in the upper chamber, defused any issue of irregularity

in the apparent haste by the Pasay regional trial court in the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the former president just hours after the Com-mission on Elections (Comelec) filed an electoral sabotage against the congresswoman and two others.

“It’s not unusual that the judge will now decide whether or not the basis of the evidence presented,” Drilon said when asked by reporters on whether it was a normal court proce-dure or considered a special case.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, another Palace ally, said that with the is-suance of the arrest warrant, the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, “for all intent and purposes becomes ineffectual because of the latest turn of events.”

“This is clearly a victory for justice and public accountability. It is ironic that it had to take a lower

court rather than the SC to ensure that the pursuit of justice and public accountability would not be frus-trated.

“Arroyo should face the music. This is not persecution. This is not a mockery of justice. This is a former President being held to account for her alleged involvement in electoral sabotage. In Taiwan, in South Korea, former presidents have been jailed and held to account for their acts. Regardless of our status in society, no one is above the law—not even a former president,” he said.

Some of their colleagues, however, have their respective suspicions as to the supposed biases showed by the judicial agencies.

Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said the filing of the case against Arroyo and later on, the issuance of an arrest warrant are tainted with indecent haste.

“The integrity of our judicial sys-tem is at stake. The wheels of justice must march to the beat of its own drums and not fanned by political winds. Nakakaduda sa bilis, ayaw ng SC pero pag RTC execute agad,” he commented.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said it’s not remote that the Arroyo camp have their so-called insiders within the SC, the reason why they seemed to be already prepared to leave the country even before the TRO was issued.

Both Trillanes and Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero believe that the

filing of the formal charges against the congresswomen will not resolve the supposed “impasse” between the Executive and the Judiciary and will render as moot and academic the issue of the Department of Justice (DoJ) preventing the Arroyos from leaving the country.

Minority Leader Alan Peter Cay-etano called upon the judiciary to be fair and give due process to all par-ties so that justice will prevail.

“President Aquino promised justice for the Filipino people. Ar-royo symbolized impunity, use of government power and resources to steal, cheat and lie. Now, she is being brought to justice. Prosecuted and not persecuted. The President resolved, principles and political will is much appreciated and will now bear fruit.

“The former president always said she will face charges in the proper forum. Now that the case is with the courts, this is the proper venue, to prove her guilt or innocence. The admiration averted a constitutional crsis while not slowing former presi-dent from escaping, this would be an example to those who think they can steal, cheat and lie and get away with it,” he said.

“We will not object to a hospital arrest,” said Lacierda but stressed that the decision on whether to allow Mrs. Arroyo to be placed under hos-pital arrest now rests on the jurisdic-tion of the court.

He said that under normal pro-

cedures, Mrs. Arroyo can ask the court to allow her to be placed under hospital arrest but nonetheless, he claimed that law enforcement of-ficers were only advised to secure St. Lukes Medical Center where she is presently confined.

Lacierda said there’s no plan to physically take Mrs. Arroyo under government custody as long as “she does not leave the hospital or residence”

“ The arresting officers will just have to secure the area,” Lacierda said as he noted that with the issu-ance of the warrant of arrest, the lawyer of Mrs. will no longer have to put one of his testicles on the chopping board.

Lacierda made the statement apparently to mock Topacio who claimed he is willing to have one of his testicles removed if the Arroyos come back to the Philippines if they are allowed to leave the country.

“Just a short statement. I think the decision in the Pasay City regional trial court has enabled Atty. Ferdie Topacio to save his family jewels. Thank you very much,” he said.

De Lima on the other hand said that with the issuance of the war-rant of arrest, Mrs. Arroyo is thereby “compelled to stay in the country and face the charges of electoral sabotage filed against her, bringing us closer to uncovering the truth behind the

By Aurora Vega-Buzon, Law Offic-es of Chua Tinsay Vega | MANILA | SAN DIEGO | SAN FRANCISCO, 11/25/2011

Julius and Arlene were college sweethearts in Manila. On their third year of college in 1999, Arlene told Julius her whole family was migrating to the United States. Not bearing the thought he might never see Arlene again, Julius asked her to marry him. Arlene agreed but made Julius promise to keep the marriage secret. Both were only 19 years old so they asked someone else to pose as their “parents” and sign the parental consent in their marriage license application. Within the year, Arlene left for the United States with her family. For the first 6-8 months, she and Julius constantly called, skyped and e-mailed each other. The calls and emails gradually waned and before their 2nd year wedding an-niversary in 2001, they lost commu-nication. Julius does not even know Arlene’s exact address in Florida. With a degree and almost 10 years experience in computer systems, Julius came to the United States in 2008 on a work visa (H-1B) for a firm in Silicon Valley. He fell in love with and married his co-worker Gina Miller, in 2010 in San Jose, CA. Without disclosing his “secret mar-riage” to Arlene in 1999 and without terminating it, he filed for his green card based on his marriage to Gina, and got it promptly.

Letty and Mike both worked as pharmaceutical representatives in Manila. After 4 years of dating, they married in 2000. After Letty gave birth to their son Bryan in 2001, she stopped working. Mike, however, always worked late and frequently topped the sales quotas, that he was promoted as Regional Manager for Visayas. It came as a complete shock when a former co-worker told her that Mike has another family in Iloilo and has a daughter who is old-er than her 5-year old Bryan. When she confronted Mike, he owned up and confessed he was already a married man when he married Letty. Letty felt so betrayed to find out she was the second wife but thinking of the shame to her family, she decided to keep quiet. She demanded for financial support from Mike but told him to move out and allowed him to see Bryan every now and then. Letty sold their condominium and other belongings, and in 2009, left for the United States with Bryan. She lived with her aunt in Newport Beach, CA and there was wooed by Tommy Jones, a widower in his late 50s. In 2010, she became Mrs. Tommy Jones, and she and Bryan got their green cards based on Mr. Jones’ peti-tions for her and Bryan.

Are the 2nd marriages of Julius and Letty in the United States valid, such that they are eligible to receive immigration benefits (green cards) as the legal spouses of United States citizens?

The law of the place of marriage generally controls the issue of valid-ity of the marriage. We have to refer

to the laws of the Philippines - where the 1st marriages of Julius and Letty were celebrated; and of California - where both are now domiciled, and where their respective 2nd marriages occurred. Generally speaking, if the prior marriage is void, the subse-quent marriage is legal, inasmuch as bigamy can occur only through a marriage of a person already mar-ried.

Julius’ 1999 marriage to Arlene in the Philippines without valid parental consent is voidable, as both were then under 21 years old (age of majority in the Philippines). A voidable marriage remains valid for all legal purposes until it is annulled or terminated; and under Philippine law, the petition for annulment can be brought by either Julius or Arlene, within five years from reaching the age of 21; and/or by their respec-tive parents, before either Julius or Arlene turns 21. Julius did not get a decree of annulment, or divorce (he was already in the U.S. since 2008) before he married Gina in 2009, and it is not known whether Arlene secured an annulment or divorce in Florida or anywhere else, as her whereabouts is unknown since 2001. If Julius’ marriage to Gina is proven bigamous, it is void, has no legal effect from its inception – and cannot be the basis of granting Julius any immigration benefit. However, his 2nd marriage to Gina may be only voidable (valid, until adjudged a nul-lity) if he can prove that Arlene (a) has been absent, and not known to be living for five subsequent years im-mediately preceding his 2009 mar-riage; or (b) is “generally reputed” or believed to be dead. The action to annul his 2009 voidable marriage can only be brought by Gina or him, before any of them dies; or by Arlene, at anytime, if she re-appears and pursues an annulment case.

Without question, Letty’s mar-riage to Mike in the Philippines is bigamous, both under Philippine and California laws; and a bigamous marriage is void from its inception - it never legally existed. The Cali-fornia case of Marriage of Camp-bell (2006) also states that “A void marriage is invalid for all purposes whether or not declared to be so by a court of law.” Thus, even without getting a decree of nullity of her mar-riage to Mike, Letty’s subsequent marriage to Tommy Jones in 2010 is valid as she had no existing and valid marriage at any time.

Atty. Aurora Vega-Buzon is a partner in Chua Tinsay & Vega, A Professional Legal Corporation (CTV) - a full service law firm with offices in San Francisco, San Diego and Philippines. The information presented in this article is for gen-eral information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-cli-ent relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consulta-tion to discuss your particular situ-ation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; [email protected]

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comNovember 25 - December 1, 2011

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Community

until I read it again, or until I experience its meaning. It was only in the mid-1990s when a patient and her boyfriend were telling their life experiences and giving praises to our God Almighty when I happened to tell the story of the miracle of the fi sh on that Good Friday of 1978. Both were astounded and at fi rst could not fully believe the story. Before we separated, the man emphatically told me Doctor you are supposed to tell that story every chance you have. You are supposed to witness for Christ every chance you get. Look up Matthew 28, 16-20. I went back and read it which says Go, therefore and make disciples of all nations---and know that I am with you always, until the end of the world. And so every time I get a chance I tell the story of the miracle of the fi sh. On one occasion I was reading the Bible, I came across a scripture which says “One man gives freely and yet he continues to receive” and I have to bear witness to its truthfulness. And I believe without reservation that our Almighty Father thru our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed me because of my work with the missions. It was in the late 1990s, I have been

busy pediatrician/ medical director of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital (one of the oldest in Asia, established b the Jesuits) and a noted cardiovascular surgeon from Indi-ana. Marizon told me to send her my message for the souvenir program for graduates and to prepare my speech as I am also the guest speaker You must come to Manila to receive the award and you are the guest speaker, she said You mean I have to close the offi ce another two week, what will my patient say? I replied. Two days prior to the ceremonies, upon arrival in Manila, I was so eager for a romantic interlude with my wife, but she made me dictate my message fi rst as the printing press was waiting for it. But I got rewarded generously for the wait! Prior to the commencement exercises, the high school principal, Miss Juanita Ferido, handed me the souvenir program and by the stroke of luck I opened the page that listed the previous recipients of the award which included a well loved senator, Lorenzo Sumulong, a congressman, a Central Bank governor, several generals of the Philippine Armed Forces, a famous ophthalmologist (Dr Jesus Tamesis), a well known conductor (Redentor Romero),

well know professionals and businessmen. I could not believe I was joining the big league, I thought this was not a big deal so I was going to give an extemporaneous speech to the graduates. I started to sweat; I must prepare a better speech, a more meaningful and inspiring one I said to myself. Because of many alumni arriving and congratulating me, I was not able to concentrate creating the speech. I searched for a room with privacy, nothing available. I decided to enter the non-public restroom, inside the principal’s offi ce. I hurriedly improved and wrote down my speech. Aah, what a sigh of relief, I got it done, I opened the door and walaahh, there were eight to nine people waiting in line for their turn to use the restroom. I must have taken 30-40 minutes inside. I was so embarrassed; they must have thought I solved my constipation problem with the pencil I was holding. Soon after my speech, the principal approached me and introduced a graduate, Beverly Asistio. She should have been in the top 5. Had she not had too many absences, every time she had no money for lunch, she was absent. She and her father, who is a watch your car boy around Santa Cruz Church, lives on the sidewalk

across the church. They have to wake up early so that soon as McDonald’s across the street opens they can use their restrooms and she walks about two miles to school and back, Ms Ferido explained. Four years later, my fi rst scholar, Beverly, graduated from the Pamantasan Ng Maynila, a university for talented kids living in Manila. She majored in sales and marketing, is gainfully employed, married, and has one child. The salutatorian of the Class and her mom then courageously approached me and Marizon. Jenalyn Panti had several medals hanging on her neck so I teasingly remarked, Do not study too hard, you get many more medals and you will end up a hunchback. Her dad works as a tailor and her mom is an on-and-off sidewalk vendor. My second scholar graduated from the University of the Philippines in metallurgical engineering (a fi ve-year course) and it the only metallurgi-cal engineer for a mining company in the Philippines. That year of 2003, we ended with seven scholars which included commerce (2). Electronics and Communications Engineer (1), medicine (1) and education (1). All of these

widowed three to four years, on a Sunday when I was approached by one realtor to join him to go to a nearby town of Gardner IL where a land auction would be held. Nah I retorted don’t know anything about land auction, go ahead. So you will learn, he persisted. I ended buying 90 acres for $3100 per acre and in seven years sold 70 acres for eight times the money. I have exchanged this with two bigger farms (1031 Exchange). Farms have since doubled in prices and rental income is up 50%. I gave thanks and praise to the Lord! Most distinguished alumnus award. After doing the mission in 2002, I went to visit my youngest sister Precy. Soon as I arrived she said I need to attend the meeting of the Arellano High School---the biggest public school in the Philippines, why don’ t you go with me so you can meet some of your classmates (1956)? Nah, I quickly replied I would not recognize any of them and they would not recognize me either. She prevailed upon me and soon as we arrived at the open air center court of the school, she took me to the Class56 alumni who were occupying four round tables and got introduced. No later than 10 minutes, when the lady leader of our Class remarked: “You know doctor we thought only two of our Class became doctors, what is your special-ty?” I replied I am a general, vascular and laparoscopic surgeon and in the Philippines,

also a harelip surgeon, but there is another classmate, Dr Willie De Castro, also in Illinois. A few minutes later she asked “You must be from Section 4 because we could not remember you.”I then deduced that everyone in all four tables were from Section 1-3 (the cream of the crop), and answered, No, I believe I belonged to Section 21. Three months later while in my offi ce I receive a call from Angie Papa in Manila Can you send us your curriculum vitae and by the way you belong to Section 25, not 21. Immediately after the call I dialed my sister Precy’s number and inquired what was that call for. She was not aware. She called Angie and found out that I was being considered as one of the candidates for the most distinguished alumnus award. I told Precy I was not interested and to give the award to the valedictorian of the Class who I knew graduated from the University of the Philippines top of his class, a bar topnotcher and is well known corporate lawyer, or to Rey Puno, another successful lawyer and was an associate justice of the Supreme Court (recently just retired as Chief Justice). Marizon whose visa was cancelled by the homeland security after the 9-11, then called and asked Theresa, my offi ce manager to send copies of all certifi cates in the offi ce. A month after the mission of 2003, Marizon called to inform me I was selected to receive the award and bested a



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Asian Journal San Diego

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Number-ing more than 15 million, Asian Americans are the fastest-growing racial group in the United States and achieve higher levels of education and income than any other group. Yet they continue to be overlooked as a growing political constitu-ency, according to Karthick Ra-makrishnan, associate professor of political science at the University of California, Riverside, who has co-authored a new book about Asian American political behavior. “Asian American Political Participation: Emerging Constituents and Their Political Identities,” published this month by the Russell Sage Foundation, is based on data from the groundbreaking, multilingual 2008 National Asian American Survey of more than 5,000 Chi-nese, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, and Japanese Americans. Ramakrishnan and book co-authors Janelle Wong of the University of Southern California, Taeku Lee of UC Berkeley and Jane Junn of the University of Southern California conducted that study. “There are a lot of assumptions made in the news media about how Asian Americans vote, without any good survey data to provide support for anecdotal evidence,” Ramakrishnan said. “For instance, there was widespread speculation during the 2008 pri-maries that racial prejudice was a

major factor that explained why Asian Americans voted in such low numbers for Obama. We analyzed our survey data and found that racial considerations played a very minor role.” The book also shows that, contrary to the fears of com-mentators, the involvement of Asian Americans in home-country politics is not a drag on their involvement in U.S. civic or political life. “In fact, we fi nd that people involved in their home countries are also more active in U.S. politics,” Ramakrishnan noted. Between 2000 and 2010, the Asian American population grew faster than any other racial group, at a rate of 46 percent, compared to a 10 percent growth rate for the over-all U.S. population. They are also an important and growing political constituency, Ramakrishnan pointed out, as 600,000 new Asian Ameri-can voters entered the electorate in 2008. “The importance of Asian Americans is felt, not only nation-ally but also in various states and localities, including over-50 percent growth in such politically important states such as Florida and Texas,” he explained. “Today, more than 600 municipalities and a large number of Congressional Districts – 103 out of 435 – have Asian American residents above the 5 percent threshold. Given the rapidly growing and changing Asian American population, there is a pressing need to know about

their policy preferences, political attitudes, and participation.” Native-born Asians have higher rates of vot-ing, making political contributions, contacting government offi cials, and working with others to solve a community problem than immigrant Asians, particularly recent adult arrivals who were socialized outside the United States, according to the authors. The exception is protest activity — which is higher among immigrants who maintain connec-tions abroad. Chinese Americans have signifi cantly higher levels of educational attainment than Japanese Americans, but Japanese Americans are far more likely to vote and make political contribu-tions. Vietnamese Americans, with the lowest levels of education and income, vote and engage in protest politics more than any other group, the authors found. Political activity is strongly related to party identifi -cation, the researchers concluded. But, most Asian Americans have not yet made up their mind on the par-ties, making them ripe for political outreach. Among those who have made up their mind, Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than a 2-to-1 margin. “The very clear preference for the Democratic Party among party identifi ers is something that isn’t well known,” Ramakrishnan said. “The high level of support for universal health care,

even among Vietnamese Americans who are Republican identifi ers, was surprising. Our survey shows that even those Asian Americans who are very active in politics are not getting many requests to volunteer or donate by the main political par-ties and candidates. This is a missed opportunity for the political sys-tem.” The Russell Sage Foundation is the principal American foundation devoted exclusively to research in the social sciences. Located in New York City, it is a research center, a funding source for studies by schol-ars at other academic and research institutions, and an active member of the nation’s social science commu-nity. The Foundation also publishes, under its own imprint, the books that derive from the work of its grant-ees and Visiting Scholars. It is best known for its support for research programs on low-wage work, social inequality, immigration, and behav-ioral economics.

UC Riverside political scientist co-authors book about political behavior of the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S. DEMAND AND SUPPLY By Boo Chanco |

The Philippine Star -I was thinking, while watching the high

drama of last Tuesday evening that all that hoopla can’t be good for us. If we can only channel all the energy and passion of that eve-ning’s real life soap opera into something more productive, we will probably become a fi rst world country in no time. Unfortunately, we are having our fun and games at the expense of the nation’s development.

I have two thoughts on what happened. It would probably have been easier for the P-Noy administration to just let her go as the Su-preme Court ruled she could. But that would have made the government look helpless in its drive to make offi cials accountable for their actions while in public offi ce. The judicial bullying of the Arroyos, with the unfortunate connivance of the Supreme Court would have rewarded such unwanted and unwarranted behavior.

As a non-lawyer, it was confusing to listen even to the words of the Court Administrator. Earlier in the afternoon, he said that the DOJ and the Solicitor General’s offi ce would be served a copy of the TRO for compliance. I guess the legalists among us would call media reports mere hearsay and only the actual signed order from the High Court is offi cially actionable.

Later in the evening, he said they failed to serve a copy at the DOJ because they came after fi ve in the afternoon and so he said media reports would serve as suffi cient notice to government of the SC’s TRO. The news about the TRO came out as early as two in the afternoon. DOJ is just a few steps away from the Supreme Court. If the Court Administrator really wanted DOJ to get a copy, they could have done it within the three hours between the news break and close of offi ce hours. DFA used to be in the building now housing the SC and I had no problem going back and forth from DFA to DOJ several times a day as a

reporter when I covered both beats.I think the failure to serve the TRO was pre-

meditated. Even if every media outlet reported the same story, DOJ needed the TRO order in black and white. The position DOJ took that evening would have been more diffi cult to make if there was proper service of the order. I think delaying service of the order and caus-ing the problems that happened was part of a script. The Arroyos must have badly wanted to deliver a strong message to the Aquino admin-istration on who really is still the boss.

It was also unfortunate that media coverage that evening was confused. They had a lot of air time but they were saying the same things over and over and not enough information on the issues at hand. The Arroyos won the propaganda war that evening. They had more air time and the visual of a neck-braced Gloria Arroyo being lifted into a wheelchair from an ambulance was meant to win sympathy as she is portrayed as a suffering underdog. From my many years in media and media relations, it looked scripted… planned by a good director worthy of a FAMAS award.

Media should have provided more context on the issues at hand which could have been provided by the dissenting opinion of Justice Antonio Carpio. But I only heard of the Carpio opinion after the drama was over. The dissent-ing opinion suggests that the Arroyo loyalists in the Court were rather unreasonable to fast track the issuance of the TRO.

In his dissent, Justice Carpio wrote that he is voting “to defer action on petitioners’ prayer for a temporary restraining order until after the Government fi les its Comment and after oral arguments are heard on the matter. This should take not more than fi ve working days, which is brief enough so as not to prejudice petitioners in any way.”

Justice Carpio pointed out that “in fairness to the Government which is tasked with the

More drama than is good for us


Business News

Jim Puzzanghera, WASHINGTON, 11/16/2011— There might yet be an-other casualty in the real estate market: the Federal Housing Administration.

With home prices still seeking their bottom, the federal agency that insures more than $1 trillion in mortgages faces a nearly 50 percent chance that it could need a taxpayer bailout next year, ac-cording to a government report released Tuesday.

If the housing market fails to rebound next year, the FHA would need as much as $43 billion from the U.S. Treasury to stay afloat, the report said. That would add to the combined $150 billion already spent to rescue seized housing finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

The FHA’s projected losses on loans made mostly before 2009 continue to increase, eating away its cash reserves. The agency is dangerously close to being in the same dire position as many homeowners — upside down on its housing finances.

“They have no margin for error right now,” said Richard Green, director of the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate.

Home prices in major U.S. cities rose for five straight months through August, when they ticked up 0.2 percent, ac-cording to Standard&Poor’s/Case-Schil-ler Index. But many analysts predict troubles ahead as foreclosure activity continues to rise, particularly in hard-hit regions such as Southern California.

The median sale price for Los Angeles and Orange counties was $270,000 in October, down 3.6 percent from Sep-tember to the lowest level since January, San Diego real estate information ser-vice DataQuick reported Tuesday.

The drop was triggered by a decrease starting last month in the size of mort-gages that are guaranteed by the FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, part of an effort by Washington to start pulling back government support for the hous-ing market.

But some lawmakers complained that the market in Los Angeles and some other high-priced areas remained too fragile to stand on its own. Pushed by a bipartisan group of California lawmak-ers, Congress is close to restoring the

higher loan limit through 2013, but only for FHA-insured loans.

A provision to raise the limit back to $729,750 in high-cost markets from $625,500 is part of a budget deal the House and Senate probably will vote on before Thanksgiving. But Tuesday’s report on the FHA makes approval of that provision less certain.

“In light of this bleak outlook for the FHA, it makes no sense to increase the size of loans the FHA can insure,” said Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., chairman of the House subcommittee that oversees Fannie and Freddie.

Inadequate reserves

The agency, created during the Great Depression to help revive a devastated housing market, has never required taxpayer assistance.

It has been playing a major role in the housing market since the subprime housing bubble burst four years ago, and most of its losses have come from loans made before early 2009.

The FHA’s annual independent actuarial study showed that the agency’s cash reserves, which are not supposed to drop below 2 percent of projected loan losses, continued to plunge this year.

They are down to 0.24 percent from the already seriously low level of 0.5 percent last year as the FHA’s cash reserves fell to $2.6 billion from $4.7 billion last year.

“The way the FHA is currently operat-ing, I think there’s a pretty high proba-bility they will run out of reserves,” said Anthony Yezer, an economics professor at George Washington University who has studied the FHA. “Their reserves are already pretty inadequate.”

Housing predictions

Under the report’s primary projection for housing prices, which assumes they will drop 5.6 percent this year before rebounding to 1.2 percent growth next year, the FHA would not need any tax-payer money. The reserve fund would return to its mandated 2 percent level by 2014, slightly earlier than projected last year.

“It would take very significant de-

FHA might need a bailout

clines in home prices in 2012 to create a situation in which the current portfolio would require any kind of additional support,” acting FHA Commissioner Carol Galante said. She added that the agency’s reserve fund continues to be “actuarially sound.”

But predicting the fate of the real estate market has proved to be difficult since the crash of the subprime housing bubble in 2006.

Last year, the FHA’s actuarial report projected housing prices would fall less than 1 percent in 2012. Given the volatility of the market, this year’s report warned that there is a “close to 50 percent” chance that a bailout would be needed next year.

Should home prices decline more steeply this year, continue next year and lead to a second recession, the agency probably would need a bailout.

In a mild second recession, in which housing prices drop 13.7 percent this year and 1.3 percent next year, the FHA would need $13 billion. In the worse-case scenario — an 18.4 percent price decrease this year, followed by an 8.3 percent decrease next year — the agency would need $43 billion to stay afloat, the report said.

Under the best-case projection, the report said, housing prices would drop just 3.8 percent this year and increase 1.3 percent next year.

Galante said the FHA probably could withstand an additional housing price drop of 4 percent to 5 percent beyond its primary projection before it would need a bailout. -- Link: http://m.bendbulletin.com/bb/db_/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=zExrMIs3&full=true#display

ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III yesterday said the future of media is unknown, but assured that ABS-CBN will remain true to its motto of being “in the service of the Filipino.”

“I believe it is an honor and privilege to work for a company that puts public service at its center. For me, working at ABS-CBN is not a job. It is a calling,” said Lopez at the closing of his speech at the 22nd Philippine Ad Congress session on the “Future of TV, Future of Media.”

In his speech, Lopez said technology can change the way people consume media but not the human nature to crave for recogni-tion, affirmation, connection, and the inspira-tion to be the best that they can be.

“The future of media would be shaped by people’s needs which at its core is emo-tional,” he said.

As an example, Lopez said ABS-CBN’s teleseryes can now reach every Filipino in the world via cable, satellite, and Internet protocol TV and even catch up on missed episodes via iWanTV, but it is ABS-CBN’s content that truly lifts the spirits that reflect the people’s joys, pains, values, passions, and dreams.

“We all have relatives abroad. Maybe many of them have told you how Filipino dramas on TFC soothe away the pain of hard work and isolation in strange lands,” he said.

Lopez said the huge investments that the company made in technologies would not have succeeded if Filipinos were not burning with patriotism and yearning for redemption.

He cited various examples such as the Pinoy Big Brother being a phenomenal TV hit and the first local TV program to have 26 cameras rolling 24/7 and live streaming on cable TV; Imortal as the country’s first webi-sodes of a TV series; Boto Mo i-Patrol Mo as the first citizen’s election vigilance campaign using technology; and TFC to be the first to hold a Global Townhall with President Beni-gno Aquino III in North America.

At present, Lopez said the company is cur-rently in test broadcast for Digital Terrestial Television or DTT that will give clear digital signals and additional channels to people who can’t afford pay TV.

“We will invest in enabling technologies, but we will continue leveraging our ability to connect to the emotion,” he said. “In this age

of gadgets, we believe that the right buttons to press are those in the hearts of the people.”

Lopez said that in the next ad congress, delegates will be talking about media revolu-tions caused by technologies that are not even viable today, but assured that ABS-CBN will remain “in the service of the Filipino.”

“Over many years, we were able to maintain a meaningful relationship with the Filipino audience, being the media company that connects our countrymen all over the globe through all kinds of media platforms,” he said.

Lopez, who leads the country’s largest multimedia conglomerate that is turning 60 next year, told the Ad Congress delegates that he has been in the media business over 25 years and that is all he ever wanted to do.

“That is all I am ever going to do. I feel like that NBA player who marvels at getting paid for something he would do for free,” said Lopez, who was applauded by the at-tending delegates.

Lopez was one of the three media network chairmen who spoke about the future of the media. ABS-CBN anchor Korina Sanchez also appeared in the session, moderating the question and answer portion with the chair-man of another network. (Kane Errol Choa, ABS-CBN Corporate Affairs & PR Director, Manila)

ABS-CBN’s content connects people in all media platforms

Lopez: People’s Emotional Needs Will Shape Future Of Media

Eugenio Lopez III

The Department of Health and Human Services today released final standards to more consistently measure race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, and disability status, thereby improv-ing our ability to highlight disparities in health status and target interventions to reduce these disparities.

“It is our job to get a better under-standing of why disparities occur and how to eliminate them. Improving the

breadth and quality of our data col-lection and analysis on key areas, like race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status, is critical to bet-ter understanding who we are serv-ing,” Secretary Sebelius said. “Today, through these new standards, we are providing a new set of powerful tools to help us achieve our vision of a na-tion free of disparities in health and health care.”

The Affordable Care Act requires new standards for the collection and reporting of health care informa-tion based on race, ethnicity, sex, and primary language. Making data standards consistent will help identify the significant health differences that often exist between and within ethnic groups, particularly among Asian, Hispanic/Latino and Pacific Islander populations.

“Many racial and ethnic minorities, people with limited English profi-ciency, people with disabilities, and other populations face unique health challenges, often have reduced ac-cess to health care and often pay the price with poorer health,” said Garth Graham, M.D., MPH, HHS deputy assistant secretary for minority health. “Today we are implementing an important provision of the Affordable Care Act that reinforces our commit-ment to reducing these health dispari-ties. These new standards will help us carry forward the HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and our work to address disparities in people with disabilities as well.”

The standards, effective upon pub-lication today after accepting com-ments on proposed standards, apply to health surveys sponsored by HHS, where respondents either self-report information or a knowledgeable person responds for all members of a house-hold. The standards will be used in all new surveys and at the time of major revisions to current surveys.

For more information on the final data standards, visit minorityhealth.hhs.gov/section4302.

HHS Announces New, Refined Survey Standards to Exam-ine, Help Eliminate Differences in Care Based on Race,

Ethnicity, Sex, Primary Language, or Disability



ASIAN JOURNALThe fi rst Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

An award-winning newspaper, it is San Diego’s most widely circulated Asian-Filipino newspaper!

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

In Pursuit of ExcellenceEugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)

Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)Soledad Bautista, (1917-2009)

Dr. Rizalino “Riz” Oades, (1935-2009)

The Asian Journal is published weekly and distrib-uted in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Adver-tising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photo-graphs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2011 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materi-als in this publication may not be reproduced without specifi c permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

Miles is Assistant to the Dean and Assistant Professor in the Shirley Hufstedler School of Education at Alliant International University where he teaches new media and diverse writing courses. He has been with the Asian Journal since the 1990’s.

by Miles Beauchamp

by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Founder, President & CEO Kalusugan

Community Services. www.fi lamwellness.org

Contemporary Asian American Issues


PerspectivesNoy Offers Gloria ..


Finding My Way, My Filipino American Way

We can face the facts: it has been a tough year. Wars continue in too many places; unemployment, while coming down, is still far too high; housing costs are better but continue out of reach for vast numbers of people; and security keeps getting tighter because of terrorists and our own fears.

Everyday we read of more problems, more diffi culties, and

more horrors. Could there still be something to be thankful for?

Of course there are. Many. And here are just a (very) few of mine.

I am thankful for:

1. My family. My wife, son (you should see him in his Naval Sea Cadet uniform)., daughter (no one can make me laugh like she can),

Thanksgiving

Sometimes we have to work at feeling thankful

mother, nieces and nephews are all people I enjoy being with and dearly love. My in-laws are wonderful to me, and my brothers in-law are like friends.

2. My home. Yes, the place is a money pit but I truly like it. The house is quiet, peaceful, and condu-cive to writing. It is my island in a sea of loud, stormy waves.

3. This column. I enjoy this time being able to communicate with you.

4. My friends. Friends I have known for decades, and newer friends I have recently made, are the people who make life warm, full and comfortable.

5. My profession. Nothing keeps me more intellectually alive and more in tune with people than the time I spend in a classroom or buried deep in research on a university campus. Every time I walk in a classroom my pulse increases, and I become sharper. Teaching and research have given me some of the greatest achievements of my entire life.

6. I know that I already mentioned family, but I must single out my wife, Michelle. She is a teacher and she was made for that job. Her entire career has been in education in one form or another, but she is a true leader, she adores kids, she is a problem solver with a silk glove, and she is terrifi c at her position. I am very proud of her.

7. This nation. Living here per-mits me the freedom to teach with-out interference from some govern-ment agency; the freedom to write what I want to write; the freedom to say what I want to say; the freedom to go to the places I want to go; the freedom to see the people I want to see; the freedom to work at the job of my choosing; the freedom to live where I want to live; the freedom to go to the school of my choice; the freedom to attend government meetings; the freedom to participate in those meetings; the freedom to seek election to a political offi ce; the freedom to belong to the political party of my choice; the freedom to vote; the freedom to worship where and when I choose, in any

religion I want; the freedom to walk down a street without fear of being stopped for no reason by the police; the freedom to have police solely for protection, not for intimidation; the freedom to look at a person in military uniform as simply another citizen doing the best job he or she can for my family and my country and not as someone who will appear in the middle of the night and take me away to a prison; the freedom to leave any time I want and the freedom to return; the freedom to disagree and agree with anyone; and fi nally, enough freedom to simply be me.

8. Let me say it again: The free-

dom to vote. We go through elec-tions and whether or not the person you wanted was elected or the issue you supported passed, we actually get to decide it. We, as a people, come together one Tuesday and elect leaders, decide on laws, make deci-sions on taxes. That is important beyond words and I am thankful for it every day.

9. Society. The American society (or actually societies) is made up of remarkable human beings. Where else are this many people, from this many places, getting along? Re-gardless of religion, race, economic status, or any of the other things that separate other nations, we somehow manage to deal with each other. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Of course we have racial problems, of course we have economic problems, of course we have crime problems, of course we have political problems. What matters is that even though we have all of those problems we still manage to get along well enough to create the greatest nation on earth. The United States has been here for over two hundred and thirty years. And we are still getting better.

Where else on earth can you get lumpia in a restaurant next door to one that sells tacos and is down the street from another that sells spaghetti and is around the block from one that serves barbe-cue? The societies that make up the United States are unique, they work, and they bring us together in a way like nowhere else on the planet.

10. I’m thankful that we can wor-ship the way we want, in the places

we want, with the people we want. I’m also grateful that we have the option to not worship if we choose.

11. I’m thankful for this earth. I’m grateful there are unique nations, and diverse populations. I relish the thought of knowing as much of it, and it’s people, as I can.

12. I’m especially grateful for the time I had with my sister and father. They both passed away in the last couple of years and while I miss them, I relish the time we had. My sister was one-of-a-kind. I miss you Jan. My father? You should have known him. What a man. What a man.

Finally, from my fam-ily to yours, Happy Thanksgiving. May your life be fi lled with joy, happiness, wonderment, and the knowledge that there are things to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is worth doing all year long. Sometimes we just need a special day to help us remember that.

controversies surrounding the 2007 elections.”

“Today the Pasay RTC Branch 112 issued a warrant of arrest for rep gloria macapagal arroyo after reviewing the electoral sabotage case fi led by the COMELEC. In light of this recent de-velopment, the issues surrounding the TRO from the SC have become moot and academic,” said De Lima.

“Rest assured, that throughout the judicial process, the govt will exer-cise fairness and impartiality and will uphold every right that mrs arroyo as an accused is entitled to under the constitution. For a legal proceeding that has great implications not just on the integrity of our electoral system but also to the very principles of our nation’s democracy, it is our desire that truth and accountability prevail and that the Filipino people are fi nally given the justice they truly deserve,” she added.

De Lima also dismissed claims by the Arroyo camp that the Pasay court was pressured to issue the warrant of arrest as she noted as a general rule , a warrant of arrest can be immediately issued upon the fi ling of a criminal information.

She also disputed claims that the DOJ-Comission on Elections panel had railroaded the preliminary investigation on the electoral fraud case against Mrs. Arroyo and had denied her due process.

“They were given the opportunity to answer, to respond. They’re supposed to fi le counter-affi davit,” she said.

Basking on her apparent success in securing a favorable ruling from the Pasay court, De Lima said that the gov-ernment can now seek accountability from the former President.

“ This is the real triumph for justice and accountability. This is it. That’s the reason why in the fi rst place we issued a WLO,” she said.

“ We wanted her to be here within the reach of our court system. And that’s exactly the situation we were contem-plating, that’s why we had to issue a WLO,” De Lima said adding:” Justice has been served. It’s very relieving; it’s diffi cult to describe my feelings although nothing personal here. I was just doing my duty.”

More lawmakers yesterday joined the majority bloc in welcoming the issu-ance of a warrant of arrest for former president and now Pampnaga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in connec-tion with the electoral sabotage case fi led against her.

“This is welcome news, long-awaited by everyone hoping to hold former Pres. Arroyo accountable for the mas-sive vote-rigging under her watch. We expect that the Pasay court will issue a warrant for her arrest and a hold depar-ture order as soon as possible,” ACT Teachers partylist Rep. Rolando Tinio said yesterday.

Tinio said that Mrs. Arroyo and her cohorts should be held accountable for the string of criminal cases they were alleged to have committed.

“Seeing her behind bars is the fi rst step in holding her accountable for her vote-rigging, plunder, and human rights violations. The prospect of attaining justice would be a fi tting Christmas gift for our people,” Tinio said.

Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile said that the electoral sabotage case should be

Ethnic or cultural identity is one of the problems that many young Filipino Americans face today. When they are asked about their identity, some have a diffi cult time fi guring out whether they are Filipino, American, Filipino American or Ameri-can Filipino.

Part of not being able to state one’s identity is the lack of knowledge or understanding of the difference between the terms “race” and “eth-nicity.” According to Dr. Kevin Nadal, author of the book, “ Filipino American Psychol-ogy”, race is defi ned as the classifi cation of humans based on a combination of various physical characteristics including skin color, facial form and eye shape or hair texture. Thus, one may be Black, White, Brown, Filipino, Chinese, or Asian. The U.S. Cen-sus Bureau categorizes Filipinos as Asians although their physical characteristics are completely different from East Asians.

On the other hand, ethnicity is defi ned as membership in a particular national or cultural group and observance of that group’s customs, beliefs and languages that are often transmitted across generations. Filipinos or Filipino Americans in the U.S. is Brown or Filipino by race, but ethnically American in cultural orientation so they are called, Filipino American. Identity refers to a person’s sense of belonging in society based on his/her social experience.

Racial identity is the extent to which a person of color perceives oneself to share a

Ethnic Or Cultural Identity:

Guest Writer: Kayla Pegacommon heritage with one’s socio-cultural group. Ethnic identity is the degree to which one views oneself as a member of a particular ethnic group with subcategories

including self-identifi cation, sense of belonging or commitment

in an ethnic group, attitudes towards one’s ethnic group and ethnic involvement. In

previous cases, racial identity is often used interchangeably with ethnic identity and even acculturation. One way to maintain a sense of identity is to defi ne oneself based on ethnic characteristics. Ethnic identity impacts thoughts, beliefs and behaviors and serves as a basis of how a person is viewed by others.

Dr. Nadal identifi ed a “Filipino American Identity Development Model” that is dif-ferent from other Asian American groups. It has six stages that are independent from each other and individuals may fl uctuate between the stages. The six stages are: 1) Ethnic Awareness, 2) Assimilation to a Dominant Culture, 3) Social Political Awakening, 4) Panethnic Asian American Consciousness, 5) Ethnocentric Realiza-tion, and 6) Introspection.

1)Ethnic Awareness occurs in early childhood in which the individual under-stands she or he is Filipino based upon the people one is exposed to, languages one hears, food and music. 2)Assimilation to a dominant culture occurs when a Filipino

American (FilAm) realizes she or he is different from the dominant cultural norms due to meeting with school and neighbor-hood friends or watching televisions shows where FilAms are not represented. The individual may attempt to assimilate into the dominant culture and reject being Fili-pino. 3) Social Political Awakening is when the individual becomes actively aware of the racial and cultural differences from the dominant group triggered by something negative (being discriminated) or positive (learning about one’s history in class).

4) Panethnic Asian American Conscious-ness is a stage in which the FilAm adopts an Asian American (AA) identity. The individual may associate with other AAs and feel a sense of community with them due to similar experiences. 5) Ethnocentric Realization is a stage in which the FilAm may reject an AA identity and may be ac-cepting of a Filipino ethnic identity. This can be triggered by an ethnic slur by an AA or learning of the marginalized experience of FilAms in the AA community. 6) Intro-spection is a stage in which the FilAm has learned to accept one’s role as an AA, while still maintaining a sense of identity.

I asked my students in Asian Studies 460 at San Diego State University to apply the six stages to the development of their own FilAm identity. Below is an account of one student who went through the different stages. Subsequent papers show differences in development. (Dr. Dirige)

KAYLA PEGAThe ability to understand who you are

through race and ethnicity, and knowing the difference is a key in life. Racially, I think I am your “typical Filipino.” I have very dark tan skin, and a very small, fl at “Filipino” nose. Ethnically, however I am defi nitely two things: American and Filipino. I was born in the US and therefore have culturally adapted to my surround-ings, but I have also been brought up in a fairly Filipino household, as well as having made multiple trips to the Philippines. Until my ASIAN 460 class at San Diego State, I haven’t really thought too much about where I necessarily fi t with racial and ethnic development or the comfort level of where I stand as a Filipino American. There are six stages of racial and ethnic develop-ment that is outlined above. After being able to understand the stages, I realized that it did take some time for me to get to where I am today.

Stage One, Ethnic Awareness: I started to

realize I was Filipino because that’s what my family told me. But I noticed the domi-nant culture around me was that of “Ameri-cans,” or whites, which began my journey onto Stage Two, Assimilation to the Domi-nant Culture. Starting from early childhood I had no interest in exploring my “Filipino” identity. Whatever was “American,” was what I considered myself to be. I may have understood Tagalog from my parents but I never really tried to speak it myself. I only ate “American” foods; I actually was very picky and hated any Filipino food because I thought it was weird.

I barely started to acknowledge the fact that I was not just “American” when I was probably around nine years old. My cousin and I were walking around her neighbor-hood eating ice cream we just bought from the ice cream man, when these two girls, a bit older than us started yelling out, “Ching chong chong ching!” followed by hysterical laughter. My cousin and I were both very confused; we had no idea what they were saying nor actually thought those to be actual words anyway. When we got back to my cousin’s house, we told her older brother what had happened and he said that they were probably making fun of us because we were Asian. That’s when it hit me; people actually looked at me not just as a person, but “Asian.”. This was my Social Political Awakening, Stage Three. I was becoming actively aware of the differences I had with the dominant group.

I started to see I was different, especially when I went to the Philippines that same year. The only time I had ever been to the Philippines before that was when I was a baby, so I didn’t remember anything about it. This was a defi nite culture shock to me; I started to see myself as at least “Asian,” if not Filipino. I started to slowly be obsessed about all things “Asian.” I loved Japanese Anime cartoons and anything that had Chinese writing on it, even if I had no idea what it meant. I just knew they were similar to me, so that made me feel comfortable and proud. My trip to the Philippines made me see that I am pretty lucky to live in America. My family over there is not as fortunate as I am. They never buy anything impulsively, if they buy something it’s because they need it. I remember having to shower in cold water because the only way to get hot water was to boil it on the stove fi rst. How they lived was so different, and it just made me appreciate my roots even more. I started to eat more Filipino food, started listening to Filipino music and while I was there I even helped out my Tita

(Aunt) in her store. I really felt at home there. I had found a missing part of me. I went to the Philippines every summer after that until I was 17.

At about 15, I had a boyfriend who was Chinese. He helped me appreciate Asian culture, while “going home” to the Philip-pines every summer made me prideful in being Filipino. I had great Panethnic Asian American Consciousness, Stage 4. I associ-ated myself with other Asians in addition to Filipinos like myself. However when I was about 16 years old, I started to become more ethnocentric, Stage Five. My Chinese boyfriend’s mom was not fond of me at all. She thought I was “ugly,” just because I was dark. When I found out about this I was partially sad but after being consoled by some of my close Filipino friends, I re-alized it was not my fault. My boyfriend’s mom was just close minded, she wanted a Chinese girl for her son but instead what she got was me. I am beautiful as I am. She made me realize that I can never be that Chinese girl she wanted, I could only be who I was and I didn’t care. From that, I started to slowly drift away from looking at myself as “Asian” but specifi cally and solely Filipino. I still loved all my other Asian friends, but I was just very content with being who I was.

Even though I went through that ethno-centric phase in high school, when I got to college I started to see that wasn’t enough. I think in college I have been fl uctuating between Stages Four through Six, Pan-ethnic Asian American Consciousness, Ethnocentric Realization and Introspection. I have joined two ethnic clubs at San Diego State University, AB Samahan and the Asian Pacifi c Student Alliance (APSA). AB Samahan is more Filipino-based, whereas APSA is more diverse. APSA has all kinds of Asians, Filipinos, and even some people who are not of Asian or Pacifi c Islander ancestry. I have friends from both clubs and feel a sense of community with both. But I also realized that I want to be accepting of everybody, I do not want to only be comfortable with those similar to me but all ethnic identities. I have slowly been building friendships with different kinds of people. I want to be able to achieve Stage Six of Introspection, accepting myself as a Filipino American, while maintaining positive attitudes towards all other ethnici-ties. But admittedly, I know I am not quite there yet.

I think the most mentally healthy stage


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allowed to take its course.“As to the filing of an election sabo-

tage case before the Pasay RTC against former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, et. al, we should let the process takes its own course,” Enrile said in a statement yesterday.

This developed as several civil soci-ety groups launched a “Bantay Gloria” move.

The group, called the Bantay Gloria Network also expressed full support for Justice Sec. Leila De Lima.

“Those who are defying the TRO are accused of not following the rule of law. We disagree. It is the issuance of the TRO and the manner with which the SC arrived at its decision that smacks of disobedience to the rule of law. With all due respect, the SC deci-sion to issue the TRO favors neither the

constitutional order nor the rule of law. It favors the abusive and the power-ful,” former Rep. Riza Hontiveros said yesterday.

The group maintained that the Supreme Court decision on the TRO was favorable to the former president who had appointed the eight justices who voted in favor of the issuance of a TRO.

The network said that the eight jus-tices seem to have turned a blind eye to the inconsistencies and apparent lies in Arroyo’s petition.

“She lied when she claimed thatthe Philippines has an extradition treaty with Spain. She was inconsistent with her medical condition, alleging that there’s urgency to her to travel for medical treatment when her own doctor stated that she is on her way to recovery. She said that her condition is so acute that she needs expert treat-ment from abroad, and yet her request for travel authority from Speaker Belmonte included other non-medical reasons, among them her participa-tion in conferences,” Leah Navarro, of the Black and White Movement said. Gerry Baldo

http://www.tribune.net.ph/

to stay in is Introspection because it means you know who you are, and do not neces-sarily put yourself up on a pedestal but rather are very accepting of all other ethnic groups around you. I believe Introspection is good because without it you are pretty oblivious to who you fully are. I think it would be bad to stay in the Diffused stage of Ethnic development because that means you have a lack of commitment and no exploration of your ethnic identity. Ignorance is not bliss in this case. I am working towards Introspection so that I can find positivity in people of all ethnicities. Once I have achieved Introspection I know that I will be able to see my place in my community, as well as including all others in my own community.

Dr. Kevin Nadal’s book , “Filipino American Psychology- A Handbook of Theory, Research and Clinical Practice”, Author House, Bloomignton, Indiana, 2009 can be purchased from Amazon.com

Kayla Pega is a third student at San Di-

Finding My Way(Continued from page 6)

ego State University majoring in Business. She is also a student of Dr. Ofelia Dirige in AS 460, “Contemporary Issues in Filipino American Communities.”

Tampa, Fla. (November 21, 2011) – The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) reminds people who are traveling during the holiday season that taking a few simple steps before you leave can keep your home or business safe while you are away.

“Property protection measures are crucial for unoccupied homes and businesses,” said Julie Rochman, IBHS president and CEO. “Little things that go undiscovered and/or unrepaired because no one is around to notice can quickly grow into serious, much more costly catastro-phes.”

The IBHS brochure “Is Your Home Alone?” outlines things property owners can do to protect their homes while they are vacant. Among the most important things homeowners should do include:

Keep wind and water out – Ice and snow accumulation on tree branches could cause them to break off and fall. You should routinely inspect trees on your property and make sure limbs and branches are cut back 5 feet to 6 feet from roof and wall surfaces. Check for signs of roof leaks and have any leaks fixed. Clean gutters to ensure good drain-age; this will reduce the chances of ice dam formation.

Don’t let it get too cold – Ther-mostats in a vacant home should be set to no lower than 68 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing.

Shut off the water and gas – Water heaters, appliances, and pipes (PVC and copper) can leak or burst, which can cause major damage in an unat-tended home. The best protection is to shut the main water supply valve. When shutting the water off, also turn off power or gas to the water heater (or the gas company can do this for you).

Leave electricity on – Advise util-ity companies of dates that the house will be vacant. Ask to be notified in the event of high usage or an emer-gency. Many utility companies now offer automatic email notification that consumers can receive via smart phones and other handheld devices.

Install exterior and interior motion or timed lighting – This will act to

How to Keep Your Home and Business Safe While You are

Away - From IBHSward off potential animal infestation and criminal activity, and give the appearance that someone is home.

Try to make the property appear occupied – This will help reduce the risks of vandalism or other crime. Have a snow removal service plow your driveway and clear sidewalks and steps. Have the service remove snow off the roof to prevent collapse or water entry as the snow melts.

IBHS’ “Steps to Protecting Vacant Commercial Property” provides guidance on what business owners should do to keep their businesses safe when nobody is there. In addi-tion to the steps listed above, IBHS recommends the following:

Advise local fire and police depart-ments that your building is unoc-cupied, and provide them with keys and/or contact information in the event of an emergency. Advise your alarm company of the vacancy, create new security codes, and update contact information. Ensure pollutants, chemicals or com-bustible materials are returned to and stored in appropriate protective cabinets and containers. Inform the fire department that there are flam-mable or toxic materials stored in the building and their location(s). Visit www.DisasterSafety.org for more information about how to make your property more resistant to a variety of disasters, big and small.

About the IBHS

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organi-zation supported by the property insurance industry. The organiza-tion works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

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San Diego News


Honesty pays: Good Sa-maritan given money he found, turned in to police

Chula Vista Police Dept., CHULA VISTA, 11/20/2011 -- Even in chal-lenging economic times, people do the right thing. On June 30, 2011, a construction worker at Sharp Hospital in Chula Vista found $700 in cash. He brought the money to a hospital staff member, who notifi ed police. Information about the found money was then published in a local newspaper, but it went unclaimed. After the required waiting period had passed, a police department em-ployee notifi ed the good Samaritan that he was entitled to the money, and it was given to him on Novem-ber 18.

San Diego Zoo Global is expanding its conservation focus through the launch of its new Wildlife Conservancy. By bringing the worldwide conservation efforts of San Diego Zoo Global under a single umbrella, the Wildlife Conservancy provides people around the world an easy way to support and become involved with the organization’s efforts to save critically endangered species. Although in its infancy, the Conservancy has already gained strong support from notable personalities and a sizable donation. Celebrities Lou Diamond Phillips and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have been named honorary Wildlife Guardians, helping to encourage others to become involved in this effort.

The Wildlife Conservancy is dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction by helping to preserve imperiled wildlife, bank crucial genetic resources, prevent wildlife disease, conserve habitat, restore nature, and inspire change. For nearly 100 years, San Diego Zoo Global has worked with rare and endangered species, managing them in both captive and wild settings, including more than 15 successful programs where species have been reintroduced into the wild. By sharing groundbreaking work on endangered species such as the giant panda, African elephant, Ha-waiian crow, and California condor, and giving people a glimpse into these animals’ lives and the measures taken to preserve them, individu-als will not only develop a better understanding of these species but will also be inspired to join the effort. With 100 conservation projects in 35 countries around the world, the Conservancy needs help from supporters like Phillips and Ferguson to grow its efforts.

“As part of our vision to bring people closer to wildlife, we often partner with celebri-ties and other key infl uencers,” said Allison Alberts, Ph.D., San Diego Zoo Global’s chief conservation and research offi cer. “Mr. Phillips and Mr. Ferguson have shown a keen interest in animals and their conservation needs. We appre-ciate their support and hope others will join them in supporting our efforts to save endangered species around the world.”

In addition to celebrity support, the Wildlife Conservancy has already received a sizable gift. The donation, made by John and Jill Gartman, designates $10,000 to the Wildlife Conservancy to save the endangered but little-known Southern California mountain yellow-legged frog by reintroducing it back

into the wild. Gartman, who serves as chair of The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego, is very interested in San Diego Zoo Global’s conservation efforts.

“Through their gift, the Gartmans have given the Conservancy the means to make a signifi cant difference for this rare species,” said Mark Stuart, president of the Foundation. “We know their donation will inspire others to become involved in our efforts to save species on the brink of extinction.”

Supporters can become involved in the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy by join-ing as Wildlife Heroes or Wildlife Guardians. Both levels allow people to contribute to wildlife conservation while also signing them up to learn more about these species, the challenges that face them, and the work of the Wildlife Conser-vancy to save them.

More information about the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy can be found on its website, www.sandiegozooglobal.org. In addition to information about the Conservancy’s wildlife conservation work, the website features a live Web camera in a California condor nest. The dynamic content available online at www.sandiegozooglobal.org gives visitors to the site access to content used by conservation research-ers to better understand the wildlife they study, including a comical time-lapse video of a family of nine burrowing owls - seven chicks and the parents - busying themselves at the opening to their burrow.

The San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Con-servancy is dedicated to bringing endangered species back from the brink of extinction. The work of the Conservancy includes onsite wildlife conservation efforts at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and international fi eld programs in more than 35 countries. In addition, San Diego Zoo Global manages the Anne and Kenneth Griffi n Reptile Conservation Center, the Frozen ZooTM and Native Seed Gene Bank, the Keauhou and Maui Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Centers, San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike Breeding Facility, Cocha Cashu Biological Research Sta-tion, the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center, and a 900-acre biodiversity reserve adjacent to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy Launches with

Support From Key Infl uencersWASHINGTON, DC, 11/18/2011

- A greatly expanded website to give small business owners an unprec-edented detailed review of their health insurance plan choices was announced today by the U.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services.

Just in time for 2012, this powerful new tool allows small business own-ers to compare the benefi ts and costs of health plans and choose those that are best for their employees. For the fi rst time ever, it will allow small businesses to research locally avail-able products in an unbiased manner and foster a more transparent and competitive marketplace.

“This new information will help business owners navigate what has traditionally been a complicated and confusing decision,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Both owners and their employees can feel more confi dent that the plans offered will be the best to suit everyone’s needs.”

In addition to the market being

diffi cult to analyze, small businesses do not fare as well large employers when negotiating health care prices, on average small businesses spend 18 percent more for the same health insurance coverage.

This new tool brings needed trans-parency to the marketplace, which will help ensure insurance compa-nies will compete for business on the basis of price and quality.

The tool is located on www.HealthCare.gov<http://www.healthcare.gov/>, which was created under requirements contained in the Affordable Care Act, the new health

care law of 2010. The website is the fi rst of its kind to bring informa-tion and links to health insurance plans to one place, and to make it easy for consumers to learn about and compare their insurance options. The Centers for Medicare &

Medicaid Services worked to defi ne and collect detailed benefi ts and premium rating information from insurers across the country to develop the site.

The new information added gives small business owners access to the following:

* Insurance product choices for a given ZIP code, sorted by out-of-pocket limits, average cost per enrollee, or other factors.

* A summary of cost and cover-age for small group products that shows the available deductibles, range of co-pay options, included and excluded benefi ts, and benefi ts available for purchase at additional cost.

* The ability to fi lter product selection based on whether the plans are Health Savings Account eligible, have prescription drug, mental health, or maternity coverage, or allow for domestic partner or same sex coverage.

More than 530 insurers have provided information for more than 2,700 coverage plans across all

HHS: Tool developed for small businesses to fi nd and compare health insurance plans

Updated website describes local plan benefi ts, pricing for fi rst timestates and the District of Columbia.

“Tens of thousands of small busi-nesses from across America have already logged-on to www.Health-Care.gov<http://www.healthcare.gov/> to see what health

coverage options are available to them,” said Steve Larsen, director of the Center for Consumer Informa-tion and Insurance Oversight. “The new, unprecedented ability to search at this level of detail will bring the marketplace into better

balance by giving insurance pur-chasers the power of information.”

In addition, the website pro-vides extensive information about consumer rights, tips for how to navigate the market’s complexities, and details on how the Affordable Care Act provides new protections for benefi ciaries.

To access the small business Insur-ance Finder, go to the home page of www.HealthCare.gov<http://www.healthcare.gov/> and click on the blue tab at the top of the page.

For more information, visit www.HealthCare.gov<http://www.healthcare.gov/>, or access the HHS Facebook page or Twitter account. To download a www.HealthCare.gov<http://www.healthcare.gov/> Insurance Finder widget visit

www.HealthCare.gov/stay_con-nected.html<http://www.healthcare.gov/stay_connected.html>.

###

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are

available at http://www.hhs.gov/news

PCI “Hands Across Borders” Gala Exceeds

ExpectationsSan Diego’s specialist in global health and humanitarian relief

annual fundraiser celebrates 50 years of live-saving work

San Diego, CALIF.- PCI (Project Concern International) celebrated its 50th anniversary at its annual gala, Hands Across Borders, November 5 at La Costa Resort. The evening included private performances by Grammy-award winning artists Jose Feliciano and Robert Mirabal. Feliciano played crowd favorites Light My Fire and Feliz Navidad, as well as a unique cover of Michael Jackson’s Billy Jean. Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss narrated PCI’s new video, with highlights of its life-saving work around the globe (view here: www.pciglobal.org/videos<http://www.pciglobal.org/videos>). Nearly 600 gala guests enjoyed an innovative menu by San Diego renowned chef Deborah Scott, and a tasting of micro-brews from Stone Brewery. The event exceeded expectations, raising over $400,000 for PCI’s global programs.

Former news anchor Carol LeB-eau emceed the event, which was chaired by San Diego philanthropist Anne Otterson. Major sponsors for the night were Hoehn Carlsbad, Cubic Corporation, Southwest Air-lines, Viejas, and XEWT. Notable attendees at the event included Con-gressman Bob Filner, State Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, former US Ambassador and PCI board member Kevin Moley, Paul, Stacy and Sam Jacobs (Qualcomm), Walter and Ste-fanie Zable (Cubic), Molly, Ted, and Maddy Eldredge (Manchester Grand Hyatt and Grand Del Mar) Bob, Kar-en, Susanah, JoHannah Hoehn, and Hugh and Joy Bancroft (Wall Street Journal). For a picture gallery of the evening, visit here: http://www.


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prosecution of crimes, this Court must hear fi rst the Government in oral argument before deciding on the temporary restraining order which if issued could frustrate the Govern-ment’s right to prosecute. The Government must be heard on how the charges against petitioners could proceed while petitioners are abroad.”

I am sure many fair minded people will agree the concerns raised by Justice Carpio are very reasonable. This is more so because medical experts have already said that there is no urgency in the former President’s condition that makes a trip to a foreign expert a matter of life and death. That being the case, her consti-tutional right to travel is not being curtailed as much as precautions are just being put in place to make sure she will be around to answer charges once these are fi led.

Curiously, SC Associate Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno in her dissent, noted the issue focuses on a Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular (No. 41) issued by the Arroyo administration. “The Arroyo Government must be presumed to have believed in and implicitly represented that it is valid and constitutional. An explanation from her must be heard on oral argument on why this no longer seems to be the case.”

In fact, DOJ points out the Supreme Court

has already recognized its power to issue a watch list order two years ago, when the Court upheld a similar order given by then DOJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez in 2007. Then Justice Secretary Gonzalez placed Fr. Robert Reyes and 49 others under the immigration watch list while they are under investigation for rebellion.

I reject the suggestion that P-Noy was just being mean to his predecessor. Given the many instances wherein prominent personalities have been able to effectively escape account-ability by fl eeing abroad, the Justice Secretary has an obligation to make sure this big one will not be the next such case. Otherwise, she would also be guilty of negligence.

It would have been easier for P-Noy to just let her go and should she and her husband eventually seek asylum abroad, it would be easy to lay the blame on the Supreme Court and delight in an Arroyo lawyer’s promise to castrate himself. In fact, I was thinking that this was the best option for government to take, if the only consideration was public im-age. After all, even with the current Supreme Court’s less than savory image, citizens still want to see everyone following its orders for the sake of having the image of rule of law prevailing in our country. Two branches of government in bitter confl ict cannot be reas-suring.

It is not an easy dilemma the administration faced. The constitutionalist Fr. Joaquin Bernas voiced the opinion that she has the constitu-tional right to travel. Yet, the Jesuit also told

More drama ..

Tech IT From My Barber by Ben Maynigo | MCLEAN, VA, 11/24/2011 -- As a takeoff from my current column/blog, “Take It From My Barber”, I have decided to write a new blog to focus en-tirely on new technologies and scientifi c discoveries that I feel are or should be of great interest and/or of benefi t to people of all walks of life. As in other fi elds, my barber will be consulted knowing that he would be refl ecting the public pulse from the barbershops.

There are now about 7 billion people

in the world. Those aged between 0-14 years compose 26.3%; 15-64 years, 65.9%; while 65 years and over, 7.9 %.

The median age is 28.4 years: 27.7 for male; and 29 years for female. Studies show that the population is also catego-rized into the digital natives and digital immigrants. Those who were born in 1980 or before belong to the former while those born after are categorized as the latter.

Digital natives are naturally techno savvy or almost automatically respon-

sive to digital gadgets. Expose the digital device to them and they would learn how to use it without much effort. Free and affordable applications usually accompany the devices to complement and/or supplement their built-in features.

Digital immigrants are those whose ability to absorb digital knowledge is not necessarily innate or automatic but no less interested or profi cient in the use of the gadgets and their corresponding apps upon exposure to them.

I am a digital immigrant, so I write this column/blog from such perspec-tive. But my exposure to digital natives are extensive and quite often. Added to the feedback from the barbershop, my own experience using and evaluating the devices, plus the usual accompany-ing research that go with my writings, I hope to be able to impart useful data, info, knowledge, intelligence and even wisdom to our reader.

BGM with Digital NativesNo fi nite being on earth is all

knowing. So everybody is ignorant or “stupid” about some things. If one admits being such initially, he or she correspondingly begins the path to being knowledgeable, learned, expert or in

digital parlance, “geek”.Whether as natives or immigrants, we

yearn to learn consciously or sub-con-sciously. It is a process of growth and development regardless of age. Some could be late bloomers but the desire to acquire knowledge is as strong as that of a freshman compared to being a graduating senior more yearning to earn as he joins the workplace.

The fact is the new technologies and scientifi c discoveries have become useful tools in our daily lives; personal,

GMA News, “if Gloria leaves, nothing can compel her to come back. If she doesn’t come back she will never be tried in court.”

It was a calculated risk on the part of the P-Noy administration to take the hard position they did. But if they lost some brownie points for doing that, those are brownie points well spent. It showed the administration had the guts to make diffi cult decisions, even one that may make it unpopular.

What they did was to effectively serve notice that this kind of judicial bullying will not work. The Arroyos cannot hide behind the protective cloak of her SC appointees now or in the future, pitting one branch of government against another. The administration served notice that two can play a game of cat and mouse.

The unfortunate thing is that the drama that unfolded live on television didn’t show us or our government in the most positive light, at a time when some world focus was on us due to US State Secretary Hillary Clinton’s visit. Maybe media can also do some soul searching and think of ways of intelligently covering similar future events with more thought and less melodrama. Media must realize they are there to help form informed public opinion and not to merely satisfy our national craving to be usiseros.

Hopefully, everyone will sober up in the next few weeks, months or years and we can all concentrate on the urgent task of economic development once and for all.

home, work, business, church, gov-ernment, school, neighborhood, car, hospital, etc.

We wish having these tools as we begin to live a quality digital life. The more you get involved with the gadgets and software, the more you desire for more of them and their latest upgrades. Sooner rather than later, you become a geek yourself – a big lift from initially admitting being ignorant or “stupid”.

BGM – the Digital Immigrant

Personal UseI will start in this column by briefl y

describing to our readers the gadgets or tools that I currently use. Therefore, I know whereof I speak. Subsequently, I will go into specifi c details about their built-in features and applications developed by internal and third party developers.

APP APP and AWAYI am writing this with my MacBook

Pro laptop. It has both iWork and Microsoft Offi ce. I installed Boot Camp allowing me to install Windows 7 and Windows XP as a virtual PC. This guar-antees accessibility to all my software and databases that require any of the operating systems. In the 1980’s I had an Apple Quadra that used a combina-tion of MAC, MS and DOS operating systems. So I know the value of fl ex-ibility in accessibility.

It is WiFi ready. It has all the brows-ers: Safari, Internet Explorer, Firefox Mozilla, and Google Chrome. The major search engines led by Google, Yahoo, and Bing make my laptop exponentially capable. Access to data, info, knowledge and expert views are almost instant especially if your network is broadband. My computer has become an extension of my brain. So have all the comput-ers and electronic libraries worldwide that the network browsers and search engines connect me to. I call this local-


This simple Novena is a most generous gift from Our Lord. Jesus gave these extraordinary promises:

“My little one, every time you say the prayers I taught you in connection with My image as ‘Jesus, King of All Nations’, I promise that I will convert ten sinners, bring ten souls into the One True Faith, release ten souls from Purgatory and be less severe in My Judgment of your nation, the United States of America. My little one, this not only applies to your nation, but also all other nations. My child, each time you say these prayers, I will mitigate the severity of the chas-tisements upon your country.” (Journal 41).

The Novena consists of praying once a day over a period of nine days a set of one OUR FA-THER, one HAIL MARY and one GLORY BE, recited along with the following Novena Prayer:

O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations. We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things.

Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth. Guard us, we pray, Most Faithful One! Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment.

Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against You. Jesus, You are King of Mercy. We have deserved Your Just Judgment. Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us. We trust in Your Great Mercy.

O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray; may Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth!

Amen.Jesus said, “I desire that this Novena be

prayed on the nine days preceding My Feast of Christ the King, but I encourage souls to pray this Novena at any time throughout the year. My promises will be granted whenever it is prayed.”

Novena of Holy Communions

This Novena consists of offering nine con-secutive Holy Communions in honor of Jesus King of All Nations. Jesus said, “I desire that the faithful souls who embrace this Devotion to Me make a Novena of Holy Communions. They therefore shall offer me nine (9) consecutive Holy Communions, and go to Confession dur-ing this Novena, if possible, in honor of Me as ‘Jesus King of All Nations’.”

Jesus indicated that by “consecutive”, He meant nine Communions, uninterrupted, one after another, that the souls would receive. They need not be on nine calendar days in a row, just each Communion received, one after the other.

The powerful and unprecedented effects of this Novena were shown to Jesus’ “secretary” in a vision. She saw Jesus gazing up to Heaven. Nine times He gave a command and an angel came to earth. Jesus explained: “My daughter, for those souls who will offer Me [this] devotion I will bid an angel of each of the Nine Choirs, one with each Holy Communion, to guard this soul for the rest of its life on this earth.”

Jesus wants us to pray the Novena for others, and explains its necessity at this time: “This Novena may be prayed with its promises for another soul, and that soul will also receive additional angelic protection. I urge My faithful ones to offer Me this Novena again and again so that I may continue to send down My holy angels for the protection and assistance of other souls who cannot do this for themselves. In these end-times the power of the enemy has greatly increased. I see how greatly My children are in need of My protection.”

In His great generosity, Jesus granted that, in addition to the angelic protection, one may have a separate, unrelated intention for this Novena.

The Novena in Honor of Jesus

as True King

BalintatawRead Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website

at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. FerrerRead Monsignor’s previous articles by visit-

ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets

©2011 Virginia H. Ferrer. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Virginia H. Ferrer is a Filipino Language Teacher at Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista.

Balintataw

Spiritual Life

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Joke of the Week: Shopping early for Christmas. Convict: “The cops put me in jail for doing my Christmas shopping early.” Lawyer: “How could they do that to you?” Convict: “They caught me in the store at 2 in the morning.”

A typical Christmas – American style: the tree is from the US, the ornaments from Mexico, the lights from China, and the idea from Beth-lehem.

Scriptures: First Reading: Isaiah 63: 16-17; 19; 64: 2-7.Biblical scholars say that this passage must had been written by the Levites who were made subordinates to the Zadokite priests. The situation reveals an internal confl ict within the Jewish community. The passage has the elements of a Psalm of Lamenta-tions: an acknowledgment of God’s saving acts in the past, an admission of the people’s sinfulness, and a plea for help from heaven. Moved by the suffering of his people, the prophet prayed for mercy, “We are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.” Second Read-ing: 1Corintihians 1: 3-9. Despite the gravity of the problem that the Corinthians are experiencing, St. Paul does not lose hope because he knows that God will strengthen them. Since they have received the Good News, the Corinthians have been blessed with so many gifts. However, the Corinthians should remember that in the end they have to account for the use or misuse of those gifts. Gospel: Mark 13: 33-37. Just as the death of Jesus, his resur-rection and his other predictions had come to pass, so is his second coming. It is less important to know when he is coming. In the meantime Christ’s followers should continue proclaiming the Good News of sal-vation until his return in glory. The end-time has already come, though it has not yet been realized. We live in a now-not-yet age. We are to use our spiritual gifts as faithful servants during this in-between time.

Refl ections: Today is the First Sunday of Advent. For four weeks, Christendom will prepare itself for Christmas through prayers and fast-

ing during the season of Advent. At all times and in every place, Advent is associated with “coming.” In the Greco-Roman world, coming conveyed the visit and arrival of the emperor or his representative who would confer status and privileges on the city he was visiting. When the church adopted this word, it was translated “adventus” (com-ing). St. Bernard is often quoted as saying that Advent is about the three comings of Christ: on Christmas, to our lives, and at the end of time. We know that the birth of Christ has happened already centuries ago but also it has not happened yet to so many people. The seasons of Advent and Christmas are occasions to receive Christ into our hearts so that when he comes again we will be one with him in glory.

LIKE THE PEOPLE OF ISA-IAH’S TIME, WE WANDER FROM THE LORD AND HARDEN OUR HEARTS. “All our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carried away by the wind.” Our world is polluted with hatred and vi-olence. There is so much selfi shness and envy in the air. Our environment is mired in bigotry and hypocrisy.

Advent is a time to be on the watch for the Lord. We watch not with fear but with hope for eternal life and for the Lord to bless us with his gifts. Now is the time to pray with the Israelites, “Return for the sake of your servants …”

“You do not know when the time will come.” Throughout the ages humanity has been in search for God. This search comes in various forms, through images and rites, superstition and magic. Those forms are manifestations either of one’s longing for God or manipulation of God for one’s vested and selfi sh motives. One of the disturbing phe-nomena of our age is that too many people seem to lose this desire and search for God. This search for the divine is replaced by search for what is tangible and pleasurable, such as money, material possessions, sex and drugs. Most likely, this loss is one of the reasons why some conjure

up immoral and magical rites or have recourse to satanic practices. Part of being human is to lose steam after a long wait. Let us not too get acquainted with earthly life so as to forget the future. Let us not lose steam while waiting for the Lord and also get busy with the mundane. Advent is a time to rekindle our de-sire and search for God so that while we live in the present, we are also joyfully waiting for him. Is there something or somebody that keeps you from experiencing God at work, in your life and in your world?

A teacher introduced a sentence to his students and asked them what they thought of it. The sentence was “Wait for the light.” Some thought it was beautiful, others thought it was a good spiritual maxim to live by. Finally, he told them where he read it: on the corner of an intersection that fl ashed the warning: “Wait for the light.” If we are at a crossroad in life, do we wait for the light, for Jesus? Do we pray to God for light?

Quotation of the Week: “To him that waits all things reveal them-selves, provided that he has the courage not to deny, in the darkness, what he has seen in the light.”

Coventry Patmore.

On Thanksgiving

Joke of the week: Mothers have Mother’s Day to celebrate; fathers have Father’s Day. But Catholic priests have two days to celebrate: Independence Day (Catholic priests are not married) and Thanksgiving Day (the problem doesn’t go to bed with priests and doesn’t wake up with them either).

Refl ections: Some holidays, such as New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, and Halloween, when people traditionally go out some-where to celebrate, HYPERLINK “http://christianity.about.com/od/thanksgiving/p/creativethanksg.htm”Thanksgiving, in comparison, is most usually celebrated at home, with family and friends. Accord-ing to historians, thanksgiving was primarily observed by pilgrims with prayer and HYPERLINK “http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/spiritual-fasting.htm”fasting, not feasting. Though this harvest feast was never called Thanksgiving by the pilgrims of 1621, it is now the model for the traditional Thanksgiving celebra-tions in the United States.

Jesus Christ very often gave thanks to His Father, most impor-tantly during the momentous events of His life. Before his agony in the Garden of Olives, He thanked His Father for His disciples and prayed for their deliverance from all evils. At the institution of the Holy Eucha-rist He gave thanks for the bread and wine. Gratefulness to God for His

love should also permeate the entire life of every Christian who truly fol-lows the Lord.

I Thank TheeO Thou whose bounty fi lls my

cup, With every blessing meet! I give Thee thanks for every drop—The bitter and the sweet. I praise Thee for the desert road, And for the riverside; For all Thy good-ness hath bestowed, And all Thy grace denied. I thank Thee for both smile and frown, And for the gain and loss; I praise Thee for the future crown And for the present cross. I thank Thee for both wings of love Which stirred my worldly nest; And for the stormy clouds which drove Me, trembling, to Thy breast. I bless Thee for the glad increase,

And for the waning joy; And for this strange, this settled peace Which nothing can destroy. Jane Crewdson (1860)

Quotation of the week : “Thanksgiving Day comes, by stat-ute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.” Edward Sandford Martin

Thank the Lord for He’s on His Way

First Sunday of Advent

Ninais mandin ng lalaki na siya’y makagawang ‘sang duyan kung saan ang anak ay makakahigaminabuti na lamang nila na sila’y magtiyagasa sabsaban natagpuan na hindi naman masama.

Tuwang-tuwa ang unang puno sa pangyayaring yaondahil ang kanyang mga dasal ngayon ay tinutugondaig pa ang yaman na sa kanya’y nakahimlay ngayonna nasa kanyang kandungan ang Dakilang Panginoon.

Marami pang mga panahon ang matuling lumipasisang pulutong ng mangingisda ang siyang nagbalak sa bangkang mula sa ikalawang puno sila’y ligtasmanghuli ng mga isda sa dagat napakalawak.

Sa matinding pagod, ang isang kasama’y nakatuloghindi na nga n’ya namalayan mga kidlat at kulogat sa isang iglap malakas na ulan ang bumuhosinakala nga ng puno na baka siya’y tumaob.

At kanilang ginising ang natutulog na lalakikapagdaka’y tumayo at sa langit ay bumatimga kamay itinaas kapayapaan hiningiang nakasakay pala’y ang hari ng mga hari.

Ang Tatlong Puno (5)

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EntertainmentShowbiz Watcher

Read Ogie Cruz’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Ogie Cruz (Continued on page 22)

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SHOWBIZ WATCHER By Ogie Cruz | SAN DIEGO, 11/25/2011 --

Last Tuesday raw pumirma na si Sharon Cuneta ng worth 1 Bil-lion contract sa TV5, at tuluyan na niyang iniwan ang ABS-CBN .Maganda raw ang of-fer ng channel 5, hindi lang dahil 1 Billion Pesos Contract ito na mukhang pinakama-

show ni Kris Aquino.Kaya pala wala si Sharon sa X’mas

tv ad ng Kapamilya Network, dahil alam nilang lilipat na ito ng ibang channel.Abangan na lang natin ang banggaan kung sino ang mas magal-ing si Sharon or Kris bilang Oprah Winfrey of Philippine Tv.Magandang banggaan ‘yan, kayo sino ang mas magaling sa kanila mag-host?

VILMA KAPAMILYA NETWORK PA RIN!!! Kung sina Nora Aunor at Sharon Cuneta ay nasa channel 5 na, at malamang si Maricel Soriano ay papunta na rin sa naturang network dahil si Vic Del Rosario na ang man-ager nito, si Vilma mukhang manana-tili sa ABS-CBN.

Sa katunayan nga naging guest ang Star For All Seasons sa fi nale episode ng ‘100 Days in Heaven at may inihahandang malaking celebra-tion ang ABS para sa kanyang 50 yrs in showbiz siempre mapapanood ito.Tuloy pa rin ang movie niya sa Star Cinema ‘The Healing’ at isang TV show, yes magbabalik si Vilma sa TV kaya lang hanggang ngayon wala pa kaming balita kung anung klaseng Tv show ito.Ibalik kaya nila ang ‘Vilma’ noon, mas maganda di ba para maiba naman ang napapanood natin?

Samantalang si Xyriel Manabat ang bata sa 100 days ay tuwang tuwa sa sinabi sa kanya ni Gov. Vi na maga-galing na aktres siya dahil,hangang-hanga si Vi dito. Kaya lang marami ang nabigla sa last episode ng naturang top nother teleserye ng ABS, nagtataka sila at kung bakit napunta sa langit si Coney Reyes, pero marami rin namang naiyak sa pagtatapos ng naturang teleserye.

7 MOVIES SA METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL !!! 7 movies ang kalahok sa taunang 37th MMFF, ang inaantay ng manonood tuwing araw mismo ng Pasko.Siempre don’t forget ang kanilang parade ay nagaganap tuwing Dec. 24 naman.

Unang kalahok ay ang ‘Enteng ng Ina Mo’ na pinangungunahan ni Vic Sotto & Aiai Delas Alas na tiyak ang magiging top grosser.Pumangalawa ang movie ni Ramon Bong Revilla with Marian Rivera “Panday 2” tiyak magiging mahigpit na kalaban ng En-teng.Pangatlo ay ang movie ng Queen

Sharon Pantapat Kay Kris For 1Billion Contract!!!

Arellano High School Reunion sa Las Vegas

Maricel Soriano

Sharon Cuneta and Kris Aquino

Connie Reyes, Governor Vi Santos, and Xyriel Manabat

laki ever na bayad sa isang TV talent kungdi siya ang gagawing ala Oprah Winfrey ng naturang istasyon.

Ang ibig ba sabihin nito, si Me-gastar ang ipantatapat nila kay Kris

Aquino ng channel 2 na sinasabing Ohpra ng nasabing istasyon.Ito rin ang obserbasyon ng karamihang movie reporters,malamang sa paglipat ni Sharon tiyak magkakaroon siya ng programa na pantapat ng morning

of All Media na si Kris Aquino via “Segundo Mano”, horror ito siempre hindi natin puedeng laitin ang lakas sa takilya ng kapatid ni Pres. Noynoy.Im sure tatabo rin ito ng malakas.

Pang-apat ay ang movie ng Dia-mond Star na si Maricel Soriano na “Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow kasa-ma si Gabby Concepcion.Eto bale ang

pagbabalik ni Maricel kung may lakas pa rin siya sa takilya after na nangyari tungkol sa katulong niya na inirekla-mo ang aktres.Sana naman kumita rin ito para tuloy tuloy na si Ms. Soriano sa kanyang movie career, para hindi na siya ma-depress.Panglima ay ang “Shake,Rattle & Roll” na mukhang wala ng katapusan ang kabanata nito,

pero still malakas pa rin ang hatak ng movie always kapag pasko.

Pang-anim, ang movie ni Judy Ann Santos at Ryan Agoncillo na “Houseband:Ikaw Na!”, dito malala-man kung nawala na ang ningning ni Judy Ann sa mata ng mga manonood


Promised L

andSim

eon G. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.

PROMISED

LAND

“Promised Land” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.PROMISED LAND, the inspirational and difficult journey of two Filipino cousins marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and financial purposes. As a piece of the Filipino-American

experience, this story also applies to the lives of all people.

Excerpts from the book“You must join the U.S. Navy so we can live abroad,” Isabel of-

ten told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weav-ing dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoul-ders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

The clash of two cultures, Filipino and Mexican, had taken its toll. He grew weary of the enchiladas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes she prepared repeatedly. He longed for the Filipino dishes from his na-tive land that he would always eat as a child. Teresa would not let him cook his favorite adobo and tuyo (dried fish) due to their stinking up the house. When he brought her to the Philippines, Teresa refused to stay and sleep in their house in the barrio. “It is hot and there are liz-ards on the ceiling,” she complained. – from Chapter 3 - Trophy Wife

“Let me make this clear with you again,” Ditas once told Romy when he accosted her while tipsy from drinking with friends nearby. “I will never marry you even if you are the last man on earth.” The friends laughed hard and Romy retreated in shame. The next day he left town and she didn’t hear from him until she received a letter from the United States Naval Base in San Diego from her jilted suitor, now a mem-ber of the U.S. Navy. – from Chapter 5 - The Last Man On Earth

One evening, when Romy and his friends were drinking in the house, Ditas showed Andy the photo of Isabel. “Check her out, Andy,” she told him. “She’s looking for a boyfriend here in America.” “No way,” Andy replied. “I know what she’s up to. She will just marry and leave me once she gets her green card.” “But she’s very pretty,” Romy told his friend. “With your looks, you can never have a wife as beautiful as her.” – from Chapter 8 – Pretty Girl’s Photo

“Is this your first time riding an airplane?” her seatmate, a wom-an in her fifties, asked Isabel. “How did you know?” “Because you’re holding your bag tightly and you look scared. And also, that huge envelope in plastic bag contains the x-ray film carried by first time immigrants.” Isabel sheepishly smiled. – from Chap-ter 12 – Land of Milk and Honey

Now AvailableBooks by Asian Journal San Diego

The Original and First Asian Journal in America

Betel N

uts & O

ther StoriesSim

eon G. Silverio Jr.


BETEL NUTS &

OTHER STORIES

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories” by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a

Filipino’s experience in growing up in the Philippines.

Excerpts from the bookOne day, however, the duckling went inside an opening under the house.

Borobot waited for it to come out but it did not. He kept waiting even when it got dark, but there was no sign of the duckling. When his father came home that evening, he told him about his missing duckling. His dad took a flashlight and pointed it toward the opening. He inserted a long stick inside and tried to stir it. They could hear some squealing but no quacking. Finally, his dad told him the bad news: “The rats have eaten your duckling.” Borobot cried and cried for a very long time. – from Chapter 2 – Childhood Tales

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase, “the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second floor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

From where he sat, he could tell Juanita had just bathed. Her hair was still damp and the fragrant scent of her cheap bath soap wafted through the air. She hardly no-ticed him as she was minding her own business. While he pretended to be concen-trating on his reading, he would occasionally take a sneak peak at her, feasting his eyes on all of her seductive beauty. For a hot-blooded fourteen-year-old, she was not just an object of curiosity. – from Chapter 9 – Fragrant Scent of Bath Soap And All

By the time they reached Platerias Street, everything was quiet. There was hardly a soul in sight; it was ten minutes past midnight. Narding frantically ran inside the brothel in search of Clarita, but he was told the Chinese took her just ten minutes before. He ran outside towards P. Paterno Street. Finding no speed-ing taxi, he ran back towards Carriedo Street, turned right towards Rizal Avenue, hoping the taxi holding Clarita had broken down. Finally, a loud, agonizing cry was heard all over in that quiet neighborhood of Quiapo. – from Chapter 11 – True Love

Everyone was looking up at the top of an electric post, where sparks of light shone bright against the dark of the night. When the firemen trained the spotlight to the top of the post, they saw a body of a man lying on a wood across the post. It was Fred, the drunkard pimp. Without anybody noticing, he woke from deep slumber and this time, success-fully climbed the top of the post. He was electrocuted while celebrating his feat. – from Chapter 15 – A Day In The Life Of The People Of Platerias Street

Promised Land

by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The inspirational and difficult journey of two Filipino cousins

marrying U.S. Navy personnel for migration and financial purposes.

As a piece of the Filipino-American experience, this story also applies to

the lives of all people.


Philippine Hom

ecoming

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

“Philippine Homecoming & Other Memories”An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s homecoming to the Philippines and the

interesting memories it triggered.

Excerpts from the bookSeeing the Philippines for the first time after many years would give any former

resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared narrow. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Balikbayan Culture Shock

All of a sudden, the small kids from before were now grown up. Their faces had changed, yet somehow looked familiar. Some of his relatives who lived in a compound beside them had already died. Gone forever dur-ing a span of just ten years were his maternal grandmother, three uncles, two aunties and two cousins. – Chapter 3 – Like A Video Tape Experience

Their vehicle moved towards the man and again they asked: “Boss, alam mo ba ang bahay ni Maning Bakla (Boss, do you know the resi-dence of Maning, the homosexual?)?” The man looked serious and glumly said: “Yes, I am Maning, what do you want?” They were embarrassed as they were sure that Maning did not appreciate the unsavory nick-name. – Chapter 6 – Maning Bakla And the Duty Free Shops In Manila

There was a full moon above, and they could see its reflections on the water as the waves slapped on the sand. They could feel the cool breeze kiss their face, the warm water wet their feet. On that cold December evening in Maryland Beach Re-sort in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines, they wanted to freeze time and enjoy every moment of their stay – Chapter 10 – Nasugbu Market Place And The IUD BBQ

Manila Mayor Antonio Villegas proved to be an innovative mayor; for example, he introduced the free elementary and high school education in the city, the first of its kind in the country. He was also a poet in the ver-nacular; at every opportunity, he would recite or talk in the form of a poem he himself composed. In answer to his critics, he once said: “Marami ang nagtatanong kung bakit ako tumutula, bakit, ang tula ba ay masama (Many are asking why I am reciting a poem, why, is a poem bad)?” Chapter 17 – When “Gatpuno” Villegas warmed his “Salumpuwit” at Maharnilad

Their playmates from the barrio were cautious and made a sign of the cross when passing ant hills, which they would call “nuno sa punso”. They would reverently say, “Makikiraan, po (Please allow us to pass!)!” Chapter 31 - Nuno Sa Punso And Other Weird Provincial Experiences

The boys, usually five at a time, would line up and march without their pants towards the rice fields at the back of the house. They would pass by a guava tree, pull out several leaves and wash them in the artesian well. Once in the field, the quack doctor would hammer a stake into the ground made of a branch of a guava tree with the other end bent towards the boy. – Chapter 34 - Circumcision: Why Do Some Boys Walk Bow-Legged During Summertime In The Province?


PHILIPPINE HOMECOMING’S

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Balik Tanaw:

The Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Volume I

By Dr. Romy Protacio

Excerpts from the book

If there is a person that can aptly be called “the son of a bitch”, which in Pilipino, is synonymous to the phrase, “the son of a whore” (“anak ng puta”), it would be Tikboy. Tikboy was one of Eric’s playmates on Platerias Street where Eric lived with his family on the second floor of his father’s printing business in Manila in 1957. Tikboy’s mother, Purita, worked as a prostitute in a brothel across the street from Eric’s house. – from Chapter 6 - Just Like Any Mother

From where he sat, he could tell Juanita had just bathed. Her hair was still damp and the fragrant scent of her cheap bath soap wafted through the air. She hardly noticed him as she was minding her own business. While he pretended to be concentrating on his reading, he would occasionally take a sneak peak at her, feasting his eyes on all of her seductive beauty. For a hot-

blooded fourteen-year-old, she was not just an object of curios-ity. – from Chapter 9 – Fragrant Scent of Bath Soap And All

Philippine Homecoming’s

Cherished Memoriesby Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

An entertaining and easy-to-read account of a Filipino American’s

homecoming to the Philippines and the interesting memories it trig-

gered.


Seeing the Philippines for the first time after many years would

knew the ice was broken. – Chap-ter 2 : Movie Star

“So how are you doing?” Danny was pleased to hear from Juanita. “I am okay, how about you?” “So-so,” he replied. “I’ve missed you,” his playboy persona took over again. “Really?” she asked. “I have something to tell you.” “What? “ Danny was rejuvenated. He had not dated for a while and was eager to do so. He saw an opportunity with Juanita. “I just gave birth to a baby girl.” “Congratulations,” Danny said. “Are you sexy again?” He was hoping to renew their relationship but was unsure about

Balik Tanaw:The Filipino Movie Stars

of Yesteryearsby Dr. Romy Protacio

Lives and Loves of the Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Tidbits from this book your inquiring mind wants to know:

How many children does Tessie Agana have?

Who are the two movie star cous-ins of Robert Arevalo?

Whose autograph of a famous co-median Perla Bautista sought that led her to become a movie star?

What physical attributes did Ber-nard Bonnie have that made him a

ered as her “little sister” in high school?

What was Susan Roces’ first lead role in the movies?

What kind of business Pepito Rodriguez is involved with these days?

How was Ramil Rodriguez dis-covered?

Who was the movie star brother of Gloria Romero?

What prestigious award Rosa Rosal got for her public service endeavors?

Why was Caridad Sanchez con-sidered not a typical movie star?

Who was the ambassador hus-band of Gloria Sevilla?

In what Manila public market did Luz Valdez sold wares before she was discovered?

What was the connection of Norma Vales with top Hollywood entertainer Mitzi Gaynor?

Who was the famous comedienne and next-door neighbor of Nova Villa who introduced her to the movies?

Who was the top Sampaguita Pic-tures actor and the drinking buddy of Zeny Zabala’s father who was instrumental to her movie career?

What title did Marita Zobel win that earned her the lead role oppo-site Lou Salvador, Jr. in the movie “Bad Boy”?

Get all the answers in this book, “Balik Tanaw: The Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears”!

Isang Laksang Tula ng mga Piling Katatawanan

By Joe Cabrera


Mga Kabulastugan

Nung nagdaang buwan, ako’y may nasabat

Na isa pong tao, na lakad ng lakadAng sarili niya, ay kinakausapAt di man magsawa, maghapon,

magdamag

Di ako nagulat, dito sa nakitaAng hinangaan ko, iyong pan-

kuwentoNang siya ay kumanta, sa isang

konsiertoSa “ending” ay “fine, fine”, sigawan

ng taoLapit ang manager, pinag-multa ito***Mayrong isang tao, may “Mer-

cedes” bagaNguit ‘sang umaga, ito’s nawala naPalit sa saxophone, nang kapit

bahay niyaMatahimik na lang, masayang sabi

paMayrong isang mama, punta sa

agenciaItong saxophone niya, kanyang

binebentaBakit sobrang mura, ang tanong sa

kanya“Yung kapit-bahay ko, baril bumili

na***

Pare ko, pare ko, sabi ni AmbrosioKita ko kagabi, itong asawa moPinipilit hagkan, nitong si ArnaldoDuon sa tindahan, nitong ating

barrio

H indi man nagulat, itong si AntonioEh nagpahalik ba, biglang tanong

nitoAba hindi pare, sagot ni ArnaldoKung ‘di nagpahalik, ‘di ‘yon asawa

ko!***

Mayrong isang tao, ito’y “impresa-rio”

Na ang hanap buhay, maglabas ng floor show

Minsa’y nag-advertise, ng bihirang akto

Na naiba naman, diyan sa ordi-nario

May isang dumating, nag-prisinta baga

Ang mga ibon daw, kanyang na-gagaya

Kay daling gawin niya, ang sabi sa kanya

Marami na ko nyan, alis ka na muna

Magre-reklamo pa, itong tao sana

To order a copy, send $13.95 (mailing cost included) to Asian Journal San Diego. 550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel. (619) 474-0588

In the Philippines, order the book at MEG Silverio Press, 432 Platerias, Quiapo, Manila, Tel. No. 733-5455

For more information, e-mail [email protected] To order copies through the Internet, go to amazon.com, go to

“books”, go to “advance search” and type name of author, SIMEON SILVERIO, and follow instructions.

To order by mail, fill outMail Order Form

(Check quantities in space before book title)

____ Promised Land by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

____ Betel Nuts and Other Stories by Simeon G. Sil-verio, Jr.

____ Philippine Homecoming’s Cherished Memories – by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Complicated Affairs by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Philippine Travels’ Treasured Memories – by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ The Boys of Summer and Other Stories by Sim-eon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Balik Tanaw : The Lives and Loves of Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears by Dr. Romy Protacio

____Isang Laksang Tula ng mga Piling Katatawanan ni Joe Cabrera

____The Rain In Spain and Other Travel Stories by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Philippine Visit’s Precious Memories – by Sim-eon G. Silverio, Jr.

____ Rice Cooker: Writings on Filipino Americal Life, Issues and People by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

____The Life and Times of a Filipino-American In San Diego, California by Simeon G. Silverio Jr

_______ Total number of booksTimes $13.95 each (mailing cost included)

______________ Total Cost

Fill out form below and send it together with check pay-ment payable to: Asian Journal San Diego, 550 East 8th Street, # 6, National City, CA 91950

Full Name: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: ___________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: __________________

give any former resident a “culture shock.” The roads, which looked to be wider before, appeared nar-row. The buildings and the streets, which were dilapidated and dirty before, looked more dilapidated and dirty now. – Chapter 2 – Ba-likbayan Culture Shock

Their vehicle moved towards the man and again they asked: “Boss, alam mo ba ang bahay ni Maning Bakla (Boss, do you know the residence of Maning, the homosexual?)?” The man looked serious and glumly said: “Yes, I am Maning, what do you want?” They were embarrassed as they were sure that Maning did not ap-preciate the unsavory nickname. – Chapter 6 – Maning Bakla And the Duty Free Shops In Manila

Complicated Affairs


The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s compli-

cated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:

How did you know Richard?” she asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie was aghast, but realized he was joking. She hit him on the shoulder. He

top sprinter in college?Who is the other movie star

brother of Robert Campos?Who was the Manila couturier

that was instrumental in making Charlie Davao a movie star?

Who was the top actor Myrna Delgado had an affair with that produced a love child?

Who was the legendary actor who gave Dolphy his first break in the movies?

What is the relationship of Linda Estella to Judge Jose Vera, the fa-mous founder of the Sampaguita Pictures?

Who was the famous Sampaguita Pictures movie star Bella Flores had a rift that led to a hair-pulling incident?

How did Amalia Fuentes get her last name?

What military outfit Eddie Garcia used to belong with?

What prize did Shirley Gorospe win as “Miss Philippines USA”?

What other talent does Liberty Ilagan have?

Who is the legendary movie di-rector who gave Anita Linda her screen name?

What was the first screen name of Mona Lisa?

What was the profession of Liza Lorena before she became a movie star?

What was the first job of German Moreno at the once famous Clover Theater?

What comic strip characters did Oscar Obligacion portray in the movies?

Who was the famous Hollywood movie star Paraluman was always compared with?

Why was Barbara Perez asked by a famous couturier to tone down her attire?

How much was Delia Razon paid for her first dance number in a movie?

Who was the top government official Boots Anson Roa consid-

Nguni’t itong boss, medyo napika pa

Kaya’t itong tao, kagyat umalis naSa bintana’ng daan, lumipad pag-

daka***

Itong si Mang Pedro, hanap ay trabaho

May “offer” sa kanya, Presidente kamo

Hindi niya tinanggap, katwiran ay eto

Pag Presidente na, wala nang asenso

***Mayrong politico, palagi nang taloSa tuwi-tuwi nang, sya’y kandidatoNakagawian nang, palaging

reklamoNaging biro na sya, nitong buong

barrioIsang araw kamo, ang asawa nitoNagsilang ng sanggol, na “quintu-

plet” kamoNang lumabas ang nurse, at

sabihin ditoHumingi ng “recount”, ng maka-

siguro***

Mayrong isang tao, wari’y nagyaya-bang

Sa dalas magbihis, nitong kasuotanFive times a day ako, pagyayabang ni

JuanMagpalit maghapon, kung syang

kailanganWalang kuenta iyan, ang sagot nung

isaYung kapatid ko nga, hindi lamang

limaSa kadalasan nga, pito o walo paSobra ngang magastos, nakakabuisit

naManiwala ako, sabad nitong si JuanEight times kung magpalit, sobra’ng

kayabanganIlang taon na ba, ang kapatid mong

‘yanDalawang buan pa lang, ang sagot ni

Julian

HEEEEHAAWWWW!!!

galawaKina-kausap din, itong sarili niya“But” bawa’t sabihin, ay sinasagot

pa!***

May isang realto, sobrang “suc-cess” nito

Daming bahay na nga, ang nabili kamo

Daming nagtatanong, kung ano’ng sekreto

Nung ibunyag niya, ‘yon pala’y ganito

Ang suwerte ko aniya, anak kong dalaga

Na sa gabi’t araw, hilig ay kumantaItong kapitbahay, pag narinig na

siyaSa presyong kay mura, baha’y

binebenta***

Isang piano player, itong nagku-kuwento

‘Yung kumpare raw niya, sobrang religioso

Pag nadinig daw siyang, tumugtog ng piano

“Oh my God,” patawad, sinasambit nito

***Isang tenor naman, ngayo’y nagku-

Com

plicated Affairs

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.“Complicated Affairs” By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The colorful and incredible story of a Filipino American’s complicated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:How did you know Richard?” she asked. Danny was fast to the draw. “I

produced his shows there,” he lied. He could see Menchie, the movie star, was impressed. “And I can also produce your show,” he continued the charade. She was pleased. “Do you think people will pay just to watch me? “Why, are we going to charge them?” he asked instead. Menchie was aghast, but realized he was joking. She hit him on the shoulder. He knew the ice was broken. – Chapter 2 : Movie Star

“So how are you doing?” Danny was pleased to hear from Juanita. “I am okay, how about you?” “So-so,” he replied. “I’ve missed you,” his playboy persona took over again. “Really?” she asked. “I have something to tell you.” “What? “ Danny was rejuvenated. He had not dated for a while and was eager to do so. He saw an opportunity with Juanita. “I just gave birth to a baby girl.” “Congratulations,” Danny said. “Are you sexy again?” He was hoping to renew their relationship but was unsure about it since she was with her husband. Juanita did not answer his question; instead, she said, “And it’s yours.” – Chapter 3 :Another Child

“This is Mindy,” Diaz introduced a pretty twenty-five year old girl to him when he arrived at the dock. “She’s Digna’s sister.” Mindy shyly extended her right hand which Danny shook. He noticed that Digna was teasing her sister, as though there was a pre-arranged plan between Diaz and the two girls unbeknownst to him. Later on, during the course of the fishing trip, he discovered the plan: Digna wanted Danny to hook up with her sister. “Marry my sister,” Digna told him as they ate lunch aboard the boat in the middle of the bay. “So she can migrate to America.” She knew Danny was a divorced American citizen. – Chapter 5: Gone Fishin’

Danny called up his friend Pepito and asked for ideas on how to best help Kate. Pepito was the brother of his comedian friend, Elvis, one of the top enter-tainers in the Philippines at that time. “Jackpot ka, pare (You’ve got a jackpot, friend),” Pepito told Danny. “She is a gold mine.” “What do you mean?” “We can set her up with rich Chinese men playing at the casinos and charge them at least 50,000 pesos to spend the night with her. I am sure many of them would be willing to spend that much just to be with a beautiful white girl like Kate. We will get our commission afterwards.” – Chapter 8 : Leading Lady

After Danny gave him her name, the clerk spent a few minutes in the com-puter. “That’s it,” the clerk said afterwards. “She has pension due her, and you are entitled to it!” Danny was surprised. He didn’t expect this bounty. “How much do you think you will get?” the clerk asked him. Danny was hesitant to give him an amount. He was happy to get $100 a month. That would go a long way espe-cially if one was living in the Philippines. “One hundred dollars,” he answered. “That’s way too low, make it higher.” “Three hundred?” “Way too low.” “Five hundred?” “Still very low.” “How much?” he finally asked. “Try fourteen hundred dollars.” He could not believe what he heard. – Chapter 9 : Windfall

COMPLICATED AFFAIRS


“You must join the U.S. Navy so we can live abroad,” Isabel often told her boyfriend Lando as they walked in the park, weaving dreams for their future together. He would just shrug his shoulders in response. – from Chapter 1 – Her U.S. Navy Dreamboat

The clash of two cultures, Filipino and Mexican, had taken its toll. He grew weary of the enchiladas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes she prepared repeatedly. He longed for the Filipino dishes from his native land that he would always eat as a child. Teresa would not let him cook his favorite adobo and tuyo (dried fish) due to their stinking up the house. When he brought her to the Philip-pines, Teresa refused to stay and sleep in their house in the barrio. “It is hot and there are lizards on the ceiling,” she complained. – from Chapter 3 - Trophy Wife

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories”


Entertaining and easy-to-read short stories inspired by a Filipino’s

experience in growing up in the Philippines.


Health and Wellness


Minerals are essential for optimum health. Due to the Standard Ameri-can Diet, many of us are lacking in these vital nutrients. Eating too many processed foods or foods grown in mineral-depleted soils can result in a lack of minerals in the body which can lead to an onslaught of health problems as well as food cravings. Minerals help to regulate a variety of processes in the body including helping to create enzymes, hormones, skeletal bones, skeletal tissues, teeth and fl uids. Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, magnesium, fl uoride, sulfur, copper, and chloride are examples of some of the most prevalent minerals you may be lack-ing.

Whenever possible, it is always best to get your vitamins and minerals from actual food. As one of the most nutritious foods on this planet, sea vegetables contain all of the minerals needed for optimum health. Sea veg-etables offer your body 10-20 times the minerals of land plants, plus the added benefi t of a range of vitamins. By adding sea vegetables to your diet, you can help your body meet its nutritional needs naturally. In tradi-tional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, blad-der and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleans-ing properties of sea vegetables are

known to help these organs. There is a great deal of documentation on the health benefi ts and medicinal proper-ties of sea veggies. They are known to reduce blood cholesterol, remove me-tallic and radioactive elements from the body, contain antibiotic proper-ties, counteract obesity, strengthen bones, teeth, hair and nails, aid nerve transmission, improve diges-tion, soften hard masses, tumors and fi broid tumors, and are credited with anti-aging properties.

How can you get more sea veg-etables into your diet?

Sea veggies are highly versatile foods, which can be easily incor-porated into many dishes such as soups, salads, stir-fries and des-serts. Top-quality sea vegetables are grown wild and harvested from clean coastal areas. A second option is to use the high-quality brands found in health food stores. You can also fi nd commercially harvested seaweeds in Asian markets. Here are some examples.

Arame: soak 5 minutes, simmer 5-10 minutes. With its sweet, mild taste, it is delicious sauteed alone or with land vegetables. Also good added cold to salad, rice, or freshly chopped veggies with a vinaigrette dressing.

Dulse: does not require cooking. Try using dulse fl akes as a condiment. Easily sprinkled on top of soups, sal-

6 Sea Vegetables for Optimum Health

ScienceDaily (Oct. 31, 2011) — Social networking sites like Facebook and YouTube can be powerful plat-forms to deliver and receive healthcare information, especially for patients and caregivers who are increasingly going online to connect and share experiences with others with similar medical issues or concerns. However, these sites may lack patient-centered information and can also be sources of misleading information that could potentially do more harm than good, according to the results of two separate social media-related studies unveiled today at the American College of Gastroenterol-ogy’s ACG) 76th Annual Scientifi c

ads and veggies. It’s especially great on potatoes and corn dishes. Slightly salty and smoky in fl avor, it is a nutri-tious alternative to salt for those on low or no salt diets.

Hijiki: rinse, then soak 20 minutes, rinse again; or can be simmered for 30 minutes to 1 hour; expands over 4 times when soaked. One of the most mineral rich of all sea vegetables, high calcium and protein, it tastes great fl avored with toasted sesame oil, cider vinegar and tamari. Add to noodle dishes or stir-fry with tofu, carrots and onions.

Kelp: use as a salt substitute or condiment in powder form. High in calcium and iodine, it acts as a natural tenderizer when added to beans and stews.

Kombu: best used in slow-cooking soups, beans and stews, to both fl avor and tenderize. Add a whole piece about 2 to 4 inches long, remove once tender, chop up and place back in the dish. Can become bitter if rapidly boiled for any length of time.

Wakame: soak 5 minutes before using, then rinse; or add directly to soups without soaking. This is the seaweed most often added to miso soup. With its sweet fl avor, it also makes a great cold salad.

Posted by pooja at 11:44 PMhttp://refreshingnews9.blogspot.

com/2011/11/6-sea-vegetables-for-optimum-health.html

Social Media Has Role in Delivery of Healthcare but Patients Should Proceed With Caution, Experts Saymeeting in Washington, DC.

In the fi rst study, “Social Media for Esophageal Cancer Survivors,” researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Florida found that social media is an important resource for patients and their caregivers who are facing important treatment decisions after be-ing diagnosed with esophageal cancer and managing diffi cult nutritional and lifestyle issues after esophageal surgery. “We have successfully worked with a highly motivated group of 65 patients who have been diagnosed with and treated for esophageal cancer and Barrett’s high grade dysplasia,” said researcher Herbert Wolfsen, MD.

Few patient-centered resources are available for families and caregivers facing important treatment decisions after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, according to Dr. Wolfsen. He said that the project goal was to estab-lish an online community through a Facebook group to assist patients and

families anticipate -- and cope with -- surgical and post-operative challenges after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The group also helps promote disease awareness and esophageal cancer research advocacy in the com-munity.

“Connections facilitated through this group have often lead to more contact

offl ine to share their personal experi-ences and information regarding diag-nosis and treatment from the perspec-tive of the patient and their family.”

Since 2008 Dr. Wolfsen and his team recruited patients and their families to join and participate in the Mayo Clinic’s interactive Facebook group, which was created to bring together a geographically diverse group of esophageal cancer survivors. “Many of these patients do not live close enough to attend the quarterly support group meetings held at Mayo in Jacksonville, so the online group has allowed pa-tients who may otherwise not have the support they need to connect with oth-ers who share their medical concerns,” said Dr. Wolfsen.

Much of the discussion and support revolves around strategies for coping with post-operative changes, especially with daily activities such as diet, nutri-tion, and swallowing and regurgitation problems, according to the study’s fi nd-ings. The group also provides members with many resources including access to new medical information via text postings and links to video content on the Mayo Clinic YouTube channel, schedules of group meetings, treatment options and advice and support for patients, family and caregivers during recovery.

In a second study, “YouTube: A Friend or Foe When You Are Taking Care of IBD Patients,” researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation ana-lyzed the top 100 most viewed IBD-related videos for content, popularity and as a source of patient education information. They found that while YouTube can be a powerful tool for patient education and support, overall Infl ammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) content posted on YouTube was poor. “Clinicians and their patients need to be aware of misleading information posted by patients or particularly by pharmaceutical companies who often post videos to make it seem like they are coming from a patient when in ac-tuality it is a company advertisement,” said researcher Saurabh Mukewar, MD. “These sources are not transparent.”

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the most common forms of IBD, which affect more than 1.4 million Americans. Both conditions

infl ame the intestines, leading to bouts of watery diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps and pain, fever, and weight loss. Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the digestive tract, often spreading deep into the layers of the affected bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only the innermost lin-

ing of the large intestine and rectum.Patients with IBD respond differently

to various treatments and infl ammatory bowel diseases are life- long disorders, so from a healthcare standpoint, dis-ease management is often challenging,


unsuitable for living. Urban poverty is caused by low household incomes and the internal migration of poor rural families to urban areas.

I saw a large slum area near the outlet of Pasig River with shanty houses; somehow 47,000 people live there. The abject poverty lingers as poverty rapes and kills the spirit of the poor. We all too often underestimate poverty’s complexity and cruelty, how it kills, maims and aborts life. But once you see it fi rst hand, you can never forget. I have to look at facts that are, like the sun, too painful for my direct gaze; instinctively, I look away. “The unreported deaths of the poor by reason of their lack of food, shelter, clothes, medicine and simple hope are underestimated” according to a Philippine columnist Motelibano.

In the encyclopedia of nations, the following are very clear. Rural areas mostly remained underdeveloped, thereby leaving most of the peasant communities to subsist on a hand-to-mouth existence. Meanwhile urban areas, especially Metro Manila, cor-nered major infrastructure and social projects, thereby attracting most of the investments and jobs in the manufac-turing and industrial sectors. Among the poorest Filipinos, most family income is derived from entrepreneur-ial activities such as selling food on street corners or collecting recyclable materials to sell at the junkyards. Most of the poor are lowland landless agricultural workers, lowland small farm owners and cultivators, industrial wage laborers, hawkers, micro-entre-preneurs, and scavengers.

Due to inadequate access to commu-nity health centers, members of poor households are not able to maximize health services benefi ts, such as family planning, resulting in larger families with malnourished and uneducated children. The condition of the poor is made worse by a lack of housing, clean water and electricity, especially in the urban areas.

THE AFFLUENCE: For no other reason than to demonstrate the stark contrast in the Filipinos’ strata of life, the wealthy make grand overtures to demonstrate their good fortune. Only a few miles away from barrio San Jose, a venue for our medical mission, a completely contrasting haven of affl uence exist. Once the U.S. Clark Air Base’s 250-hectare lahar-covered landscape, the place has since been transformed into a Mimosa resort.

There, one can see the glamorous Mimosa Regency Casino, with 200 slot machines and card tables of all sorts. Entertainment and revue dancers from Las Vegas come here. For luxuri-ous resort accommodations, a Holiday Inn Hotel stands with 337 air-condi-tioned rooms. The former Chamber’s Hall of the American GI in Clark fi eld is replete with gourmet restaurants, duty-free shops, boutiques and luxuri-ous accommodations. We were in the midst of a 36 all-weather golf course, which acclaimed Honolulu-based team of Nelson, Wright and Haworth had designed. Newly built two-car garage homes and tile-roofed villas were clustered within the premises for long-term vacationers with spacious bedrooms, modern kitchens, tasteful fi xtures and furnishings.

The rich Filipinos used this as a nearby gateway from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The scenery, the aura, the landscape, the ambiance, and the bright neon lights sprouting from tree branches were like the bright-est of day. If I were to compare the beauty and lavishness of Mimosa with the depressed areas of Santo Nino and San Jose, I would fi nd no greater contrast. I was in limbo as to how our government could solve this problem of poverty in our homeland.

SOLUTIONS: President Noynoy Aquino has stated he wants to end corruption and solve our crippling poverty. Yet what must be done? I say stop oligarchy, a huge impediment to the progress of the country, and bring back the billions of plundered dollars stashed abroad. Remove thievery and plunder in government offi cials and cronies. Arrest the crooks, smugglers and tax cheats. Develop infrastructure, fund education, and create employ-ment. Revitalize agricultural and fi sheries sectors to halt the migration of poor farmers to urban areas.

As writer Wallace stated: “If tax ef-fort is brought up to the 17-18 percent as elsewhere in Asia, if tax changes are pushed through could add about P95 billion, that could be put into edu-cation and health.” The money is there – now we just need the boldness.

******

There needs to be a serious recon-sideration of a political culture that

serves itself, not the tens of millions toiling in poverty. We need to combat fi nancial greed, opportunism, and the corruption, scam, plunder, and thievery of politicians. “Occupy Ma-nila” and all cities in the Philippines for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. We must encourage the use of nonviolence to maximize the safety of all participants. Can this be done? Do our countrymen have what it takes to make the neces-sary sacrifi ces to build a real future for our homeland? Or are we willing to accept the status quo and watch future generations suffer through the unacceptable conditions that haunt the Philippines today? Are we not concerned of global recession that will sweep across the globe?

Well, we have seen the unthinkable happen during the spring revolu-tions in Northern Africa, resulting in signifi cant political upheaval in brutal dictatorships. We are witnessing dif-ferent kinds of revolutions at differ-ent stages in nations like the United States, Greece and Syria today. The world is changing, and it is time our country and countrymen change with it. I say we can seek true and everlast-ing reform, that we occupy our cities in a nonviolent manner and demand true, dramatic economic and political changes. A new Philippines begins today!

presidency.Suspicions that Gloria Arroyo was

trying to evade arrest were reinforced even more at the haste by which she tried to leave the country a few hours after the TRO was issued, seemingly prescient by having a ready cash bond of P2 million, one of the preconditions set by the high tribunal in issuing the TRO. How the SC voting went — 8-5 — likewise gave the impression that battle lines were also drawn within the Supreme Court, with the eight justices who favored the issuance of the TRO all appointed by the former president. Supreme Court insiders said the fi ve dissenters — three of whom were appointed by President Noy — felt that government was not being given a “fair shake” by the refusal of the majority to wait until after oral argu-ments have been made before issuing a decision.

What this administration did took a lot of determination and political will, because it could have created a major political crisis with far reaching con-sequences no one would like to see. It was clear that the president knew he had the backing of the majority of Filipinos judging from polls saying they did not want FPGMA to leave the country. Fortunately, the military had also lost its taste for adventurism — with the AFP leadership expressing support for the Commander-in-chief.

P-Noy made it clear from the start that he has a mandate to fulfi ll: rid the country of corruption and make erring offi cials accountable for their misdeeds. Obviously, he has made his predecessor a primary target. That is not to say though that public percep-tion or opinion should have precedence over the law — which this administra-tion was almost at the brink of doing.


Justice in Crisis



Occupy Movement for the Philippines

Read Romeo Nicolas’s previous poems by vis-iting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Mga Tulang Tagalog

by Romeo Nicolas

Mga Tula ng BayanRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

Isang “Kuwentula” ni Audele (Ika 11-21 ng 53 Berso)

Iba na ang kasamaang nagaganap sa paligid,Mga batang menor de-edad sa “sex scandal” sumasabit.At pati ang simenteryo, parausang umiinit,Batang nagdadalantao, magulang ang naiipit.

Si lalaki naglalayas sa edad nyang kamuraan,At ang batang binuntis nya maiiwan at luhaan.Magulang na nagsisikap hirap na ring maigapang,Matulungan yaong anak na nalihis yaong daan.

Iba namang kabataan sangkot na sa pagnanakaw,Sa DROGA ay sangkot na rin at marami pang kasamaan.Sa dahilang ang parusang nilaan sa kabataan,Magaan lang kaya naman ‘di maipasok sa kulungan. Ito ngayon ang problema nitong mahal nating bansa,Pangdagdag sa kasamaang sating bansa’y lumalala.Murang edad sanhi na ring ang pagpatay ginagawa,Na sya na ring mababasa araw-araw na balita.

Sa gawain ng PANGULO, labis akong naaawa,Na para bang bansa natin may BUBONG na SIRA-SIRA.Patuloy ang paglilinis, pagtatagpi at paggawa,Ngunit sa tuwing umuulan, itong bansa basang-basa ,

Ang tanong ko, posible bang bumuti ang ating bansa?Kayo na rin ang sumagot, para sakin, parang wala.Kahit sino ang ilagay sa AHENSYANG sumasama,Mga bulok na kawani tuloy pa ring mag-HIMALA.. Tignan na lang ang resulta, nadiskubreng “container van”ISDA’T KARNENG nabubulok, sige parin ang katwiran.Ang “30 days” na abisong idispatsa yaong laman,Inabot nang isang taon at wala ng pakinabang. Papaano ay umaasang baka sila’y mabayaran,Bayad na kung matatanggap sa bulsa lang ilalagay.Kung ito ba’y inilit na, ibinenta ng mura lang,Kikita pa ng malaki’t gobyerno’y may pakinabang. Four hundred na “container van” siguradong ito’y plano,Na kung kaya ang kawani napalpak na YAONG ULO.Mayrong batas nararapat ipatupad, isaulo,Nagbabakasakali pang makalusot ang… Demonyo! ‘Di ko na rin nalalaman kung paano nga ba ito,Kapwa pulis nagbarilan o pamilya kinatalo.Marami na satin ngayon ang isipa’y nagugulo,Ano nga ba yaong tama at ano ba ang totoo. MILF sumalakay sa may parte ng Basilan Labing siyam na sundalo walang awa na piñatay,Habang “peace talk” ay “schedule” walang awang sinalakay,Ang “out numbered” na AFP, binuhos lang yaong buhay. Si Biazon ay nagagalit at nais ay ang “all out war”Isantabi itong “peace talk”, pulbusin daw ang kalaban.Marami ng mga taon sa tuwing “peace talk” ang usapan,Marami sating sundalo, nagbubuwis lang ng buhay. “Demoralized” ang sundalo, pati mga opisyales,Na para bang ang AFP mayrong tali yaong leeg.Gumagana yaong isip, damdamin ay nagngingitngit,Hindi sila makakilos, ITAAS ang NANAIG. Babala lang sa Pangulo, huwag gayahin ang USA,Kada-patay, paguusap, dinaan sa hinay-hinay.Dumami ang Amerkanong napapatay na sa Vietnam,“Undeclare War” ang naganap at ang US ang talunan. Huwag na huwag magtiwala sa “peace process” MILF STYLE,Ito’y tamis lang ng dila habang sila’y pumapatay.Ganyang-ganyan ang labanan ng Israel at Palestine,Libong taon na usaping ‘di pumayag malamangan.

‘Tandang sabi pa ni REAGAN na sa kanya’y nagpasikat,“Katahimika’y kakamtin kung may sapat tayong lakas”. Kung si PINOY, ala-CARTER at ang MUSLIM magsikalat, Tapos tayo kababayan, tapos na ang PILIPINAS.Batikos ni:Romeo Nicolas10/22/2011

Ganyan Ngayon Itong BuhayBy Audele

11.Si Supremo Bonifacio’y hinatulang ipapatayNahalili si Aguinaldong namuno sa kilusanPanandaliang namayani sa iilang labananKagyat niyang inihayag yaong ating kalayaan.12.Kalayaan nga bang tunay gayong tayo ay sakop paNg Kanluraning mga bansang España’t Amerika?Sa digmaan ng dalawa, itong bansa ang nagdusaPamayanan ay winasak niyong mapamuksang bomba.13.Bagama’t may panaka-nakang labanan pang naganapSa pagitan ng mga Kano’t kawal ng PilipinasSi Aguinaldo sa Palanan, nasukol sa pagtakasNagkanlong ng mga sandata’t digmaan ay nagwakas.14.Naging mabuting kaibigan ang Bansang AmerikaIminulat ang pamahalaang uring DemokrasyaTinulungang makabangong sa hirap ay maialsaKaisipang kanlurani’y niyakap, minana’t ginaya.15.Sadyang hindi mawatasan ang mapanuksong tadhanaSumiklab ang Pandaigdig na Digmaang IkalawaItong Bansang Hapon ang katunggali ay AmerikaPilipinas ay nadamay sa alitan ng dalawa.16.Sa ilalim ng malulupit, sakang na mga kawalMga lalaki’y tinipon, pinahirapa’t binitayAng mga babae nama’y inalipin at hinalayNangyari’y kalunus-lunos sa buhay ng minamahal.17.Dumating ang panahon na si McArthur ay nagbalikUpang tupdin ang pangako noong bago s’ya umalisSa tulong n’ya’y nahango ang kaibigang gumigibikKalagan sa pagkakagapos na pagkahigpit-higpit.18.Noong bansa ay bihag pa kung itaas ang bandlaAng watawat ng Amerika ang siyang nauunaDumatal ang panahong yaong pita’y iginawad naItong ating dinarasal na maging malaya sana.19.Ika-apat na araw, buwan ng Hulyo’y gunitainIsang libo siyam na raan, apatnapu at animAng tunay na kasarinlan nang ito ay ating kamtinSaksi’y bandilang ibininit nilamyos nitong hangin.20.Roxas, Qurino, Magsaysay, Garcia, Macapagal, MarcosSila ang mga pangulong sa bansa ay nangaglingkodSimulang bansa’y mahango ay bantad pang nagdarahopWala pa ring pagbabago, sa lusak ay nakalublob. 21.Itong nanggaling sa Ilokos na pangulong diktadorKilalang matalino at magaling na manananggolSakim at narahuyo sa kapangyariha’y naulolBatas-Militar ay ‘binaba, sa tao’y idinuldol.

Pilipinas…Sa Gitna Nitong Hirap! (2)

Missing a print edition of the Asian Journal? Read the digital edition at www.asianjournalusa.com/digital


attended the hasty issuance of the TRO.

Corona, who was appointed by Ar-royo to his post in defi ance of a clear constitutional ban, fl ew into town on call of duty shortly after the petitions were fi led by the Arroyos.

I suppose that was the least he could do. He then immediately scheduled deliberations on the newly fi led case much like he did on a similar urgent TRO application of former Ombuds-man Merceditas Gutierrez, another Arroyo ally.

After the hastily called deliberations, Midas Marquez came out to announce the issuance of the TRO even before the actual order could be written. Marquez now says his announcement was suffi cient notice to all, including De Lima.

Promulgation of court decisions can now be done through a press confer-ence, it seems. Never mind the actual ruling. It can just follow after offi ce hours. Insiders say that the cash bond of P2 million as a condition of the TRO was actually posted at around 7 p.m. Court staff had to work overtime to receive it. I wish they can be as accommodating to a poor litigant like me.

As if on cue, the Arroyos were at the airport barely an hour later, ready to depart on any available fl ight. They had with them several plane tickets for other fl ights scheduled that day. They seemed to have expected that the TRO would be issued that day. Ironically, the high and mighty former president and her doting husband were denied departure by a lowly immigration bureaucrat. But they played the mo-ment to the hilt in a bid to gain public sympathy.

When former President Estrada was arrested in a similar embarrassing fashion, EDSA 3 followed in a matter of days, I do not see that coming this time. No sympathies here.

The morning after, Marquez was on television sitting next to Arroyo’s lawyer explaining the ruling of Co-rona’s majority. They both telegraphed possible contempt charges against De Lima. How convenient.

The haste attending the ruling of Corona’s majority defi es all logic and smacks of nothing more than a pay-back by a loyal rearguard. All the gov-ernment was asking for was a chance to he heard before the Court ruled on the issue of the TRO. But Corona’s majority would hear none of it.

They have the numbers and they decided to issue the ruling. In doing so, they virtually decided the merits of the case, according to De Lima.

Next Tuesday, the Supreme Court will fi nally hear the government argue its case on a matter that has already become moot with the issuance of the disputed TRO. This is clearly a case of shoot them fi rst, ask questions later.

Is De Lima’s defi ance justifi ed?Unless criminal charges are fi led in

court against the Arroyos or they are subpoenaed or ordered arrested by Congress, a court victory for the Ar-royos appears imminent. The dissent-ers will be denied legal basis to argue against the TRO. Corona’s majority will surely claim vindication/

But not too fast. By then, the fi ght will most likely shift to the House of Representatives. Impeachment cases from both sides seem to loom in the horizon. This remains the only logical conclusion, if the rule of law is to be followed. -- http://www.malaya.com.ph/nov18/edmacasaet.html

Just when we thought Jesus had said it all with the Volumes, He gave Anne more gems from the Divine Treasury. These short, easy-to-read booklets focus on ten different sub-jects, focusing on souls who face a variety of challenges.

AddictionClerical AbuseDivorceYouthsStressDepressionAbortion PrisonersSoldiersPriests & ReligiousRecently released, an additional ten booklets:DyingRejected GodFinancial NeedConsidering SuicideForgivenessExperience TragedyDo Not Know JesusWorry About Children’s SalvationFear PurgatoryAway From The ChurchSomeone you know can gain great comfort and solace

from these soothing pearls of heavenly wisdom. Download all volumes from the online library for free. Please visit the link: http://www.directionforourtimes.com/onlinelibrary.html

“Heaven Speaks” Booklets

Street Poetry

Read about Michael’s upcoming book of poems “Crushed Violets” by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Michael R. Tagudin

©2011 Michael R. Tagudin. All rights reserved. About the Author: Michael R. Tagudin Educated as an engineer in the Philippines, the City of Los Angeles employee hopes his legacy of poems will provoke a dialogue about the human condition. He is donating the proceeds from the book “Crushed Violets” to the “Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Traffi cking (CAST)”, a non-profi t that provides public awareness and advocacy efforts against human traffi cking in the City of Angels. To learn more, visit www.castla.org. To help, call the CAST 24 hour hotline 888.KEY.2.FRE(EDOM) or 888.539.2373. Contact [email protected] for more information about ordering the book “Crushed Violets.”


Featured Books of RD Liporada

Read Rudy Liporada’s previous articles by visiting our web-site at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Rudy D. Liporada

Pusoy, A Russian Poker -- Chapter 19

Corona’s Payback


(Poem No. 29)

I don’t want to be a part of your memory

Just to be forgotten,

Or maybe even remembered.

I just want to be with you

Forever, together

You played your role

I played mine

That is how destiny made us meet.

I have a vision.

You and I are laughing at the past.

All that has happened is just a distant memory.

We are free at last!

Part of Your Memory

ISRAEL TAMAYOLEADERSHIP, COUNSELING & MISSIONS PASTOR

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But seek fi rst his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things

will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

EAD PEOPLE TO KNOW CHRIST AS LORD AND SAVIOUR

NCOURAGE THEM TO GROW IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

CKNOWLEDGE THEIR SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND TALENTS EVELOP THEM TO BECOME LEADERS AND WORKERS FOR GOD

L

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OUR MISSION

Pusoy (A Russian Poker) By Rudy D. Liporada | Chapter 19

After my brief rest, the Regional Party leadership decided that I now concentrate political instructions among comrades in the Cordilleras.

The Cordilleras is a sea of undulat-ing layers upon layers of mountains where it could be raining beneath your feet; where clouds could be fl irting with the mountains at sunset, breaking the rays of the sun to ap-pear like gleaming swords fi ght-ing for the last breathes of day as darkness blanket sovereign over the skies; and where the stars could be like within one’s grasp even in the coldest nights.

It is home to a communal people who did not hurry with time, and, in turn, neglected, not only by time, but by a government which spent no time for their development. It is a sea of cascading mountains with millions of nooks glossed over by the sun and pregnant with people who would use those nooks when they realize that their rights to devel-opment are being trampled upon.

Considering the strategic impor-tance of the ranges’ terrains in the overall guerilla warfare scheme in Northern Luzon, the Party had earlier fi elded comrades to organize in the Ifugao area. Having fresh recruits into the New People’s Army, I would be part of the consolidation process, helping a Ka Gimo, where their theoretical and ideological con-sciousness would be enhanced.

No less than the tribal leader, Lab-ok with a newly formed squad of NPAs, met me and my guide when we arrived at the village. “Wilcam, wilcam,” he said, red saliva fl owing in his mouth. Chieftains such as he prided themselves in their broken English although they may just be in loincloths. Smiling, Lab-ok’s teeth glowed in their crimsonness due to the mam-ma beetle-nut he was chewing. Before shaking my hand, he spat on the ground and the mam-ma splattered in a glob of red sputa.

Lab-ok had his rattan weaved putong on his head with enough chicken feathers to fl utter he was chief. Intertwining tattoos rendered his frail looking torso and arms as canvass that told how many wives he had and children he has sown. They told of how many battles

he had fought against marauding neighboring villages and how many Japanese jawbones adorn his musi-cal gongs.

He had no qualms in inviting the NPAs into his village. Jenny, my schoolmate in UP and coordinator at Room 10 at 4:30 p.m., is one of Lab-ok’s granddaughters. Another of his grandsons, who had explained to him that illegal logging compa-nies would soon trample upon their forests if they do not fi ght with the NPAs, had been massacred in Manila during one of the rallies against deforestation. “It is pity,” Lab-ok said. “We send children to city to make our life better but they learn something else that is true. The gobyerno never cares about us for we are just Igorots. How can they kill my grandson just like that.” Vengeance refl ected in his eyes.

Though tired from the three days hike into the village, I said yes to Lab-ok when he asked if I would want to join him and the squad to a gimong meeting at the neighboring village that night. “Of course, that’s my job,” I said.

Gimo, the NPA squad leader said that the chief had arranged the meet-ing the day before. Although, the two tribes had been warring before, the chief had sent emissaries to the other chief saying that it is to their mutual interest that they should also listen to what the NPAs have to say. The other chief had agreed because he also wanted to clarify whispers from the mountains that he had heard about these “En-Pe-ehs.”

Confusing whispers say that these “En-Pe-ehs” are evil people. They toss babies up high into the sky to be pierced with pointed sticks as they fall down from the air. They make salt out of the old people who they would kill because they are burdens to the living. Some say they are actually good because they kill those who steal carabaos from the villag-ers. They even cure sicknesses with magic needles pierced into different parts of the body.

Of course, not all whispers from the mountains could be true. For one to weigh what is true, the ear must hear and the heart will throb the truth.

A bonfi re blazed at the center of

the village when we arrived. Chil-

Mam-ma

dren in bare loin clothes crowded upon us, musing at the squad’s short guns. One of us also lugged a guitar. Another carried a pole with a red fl ag furled at its top.

The male villagers, in their loin clothes, had spears by their sides. The women had lupeds with most of their breasts, especially the older ones, jutting out. Babies, wrapped in blankets, rocked behind their moth-ers’ backs. Most of the old men and women chewed their mamma, spew-ing red sputa all over the ground.

After pleasantries between the two chiefs and the squad paying its re-spect to Chief Sim-tak, he ordered us to begin. I sat on the ground beside Lab-ok who sat at the right side of Sim-tak.

Gimo called on the squad to stand

in a straight line, oblique to the fi re, in front of the villagers. “Good evening, most respectful Chief Sim-tak, Chief Lab-ok and brothers and sisters of the Hapao tribe,” he said. “You can call me Ka Gimo. To open our program, we will now sing the song of all the oppressed people of the world.”

At a cue, the one who lugged it began to strum the guitar and the members of the squad started to sing in Ilocano.

“Arise…starvation…arise you wretched of the earth…”

From the fi rst note, the NPA with the pole stepped forward and, jut-ting the pole skyward, unfurled and waved the red satin cloth. A golden hammer crossed with a sickle at the center of the cloth glistened as struck by shimmering light from the fi re.

The villagers started to ululate. Even Sim-tak’s face projected awe.

“…Arise…this is the fi nal con-fl ict…”

After the song, the NPAs raised their arms in the air and shouted in unison, “Down with Marcos! Long live the oppressed masa! Long live the villagers of Hapao.”

The villagers went berserk, clap-ping and ululating. They appeared ecstatic to hear the name of their village be part of a program.

After the cheering had subsided, Gimo stepped forward. “As I told you, I am called Ka Gimo,” he said, placing his hand over the .45 hol-stered by his waist. “In the struggle, we address each other Ka for Kadwa or Kabsat because we are all broth-ers and sisters in a bond of being oppressed…”

Sim-tak spat his spent mamma and reached for his pouch to pinch another mam-ma beetle nut. He smacked it into his mouth and started chewing again.

I had learned that Igorots had three reasons why they spit out their gawed ken bua. One, the juice of the nut had been spent. Two, they do not believe you. Three, they are disgusted with you.

“…We are NPAs, short for the New People’s Army or Hukbo iti


Filipiniana Bookshelf: First Among Peers

“I SAW HISTORY UNFOLD” (Part 3)By Arturo G. Valenzuela14th in a series of articles

Tatay Marcial documented signi� cant momentsIn Philippines history � om 1927 to 1968, a span of 41 years

First Among Peers� e O� cial Biography of Marcial Valenzuela

Chapter 9

Aside from Claudio and Tatay Mar-cial, the trail of early Philippine pho-tojournalism was blazed by many of his (Tatay Marcial’s) peers, notable of whom were: Honesto T. Vitug, who became a photojournalist in 1933 (six years after Tatay Marcial’s trailblazing

At right, Romulo is photographed by Tatay Marcial during a presidential sortie in the province when Romulo made an un-successful bid for president of the Philip-pines. Romulo was from Camiling town, an Ilocano-speaking town in western Tarlac. Tatay Marcial and Romulo had a common denominator in that both of them shared so many traditions that are of Ilo-cano origin like the dialect, food and way of life foremost of which is hard work.

Tatay Marcial showcased the lives of the people of the Cordillera in Bontoc, Mt. Province

The photos on the next two pages were reproduced from small 2”x 2” black and white

He Also Shared Great Moments With Great Leaders, Friends And Plain People

WITH GENERAL DOUGLAS MACARTHUR The acknowledged Liberator of the Philippines in World War II, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, with wife Jane, poses with enthusiastic photojournalists who covered his sentimen-tal journey to the Philippines in 1961. Tatay Marcial will not miss his spot and is shown behind the general. Dur-ing his visit, McArthur went back to the “war theatres” in the provinces, particularly in Lingayen, Pangasinan where he presided over the unveiling of a landmark that named the 228-kilometer stretch of the national road from the Lingayen Capitol to the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City as “MacArthur Highway”. It will be recalled that Tatay Marcial photographed the famous military tactician in the mid-1930s many times when he, MacArthur, was military adviser to Pres. Man-uel Quezon. The general died on April 5, 1964, three years after the above photograph was taken.

days in 1927), Manuel Q. Alcantara late 1930s, Marcelo Ablaza 1935, Jose T. Vitug 1937, Dominador Suba 1947, Pablo B. Guilas 1954, Alejandro R. Abril 1947, Jose G. Dungo 1950s, Ben Roxas 1950s, Rodolfo Sakdalan 1948, Gualberto Reyes 1948, Antonio

WITH COMMUNIST HUK SUPREMO LUIS TARUC The Supremo of then Hukbalahap Luis Taruc is greeted by Tatay Marcial upon the former’s surren-der to military authorities in the 1950s. Tatay Marcial covered the military campaign against the communist insurgents as the embedded photojournalist for The Manila Times. “After Huk Supremo Luis Taruc was elected congressman (of Pampanga province in Cen-tral Luzon), he went into hiding because he was want-ed by the authorities. Times Reporter Callanta and photographer Valenzuela scored a scoop and were the fi rst to interview the elusive Huk leader at his hide-out in Lubao, Pampanga. Since the launching of the anti-dissident campaign, Marcial has been in the fi eld several times taking photos of actual combat opera-tions. He was with Major General Mariano Casta-ñeda when the latter was directing the anti-dissident drive in Bulacan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija prov-inces.” (From the interview with newspaper columnist and TV Host Jose “JQ” Quirino. Read the full text in Chapter Two.)

MSV WITH PRES. ELPIDIO QUIRINO Photo above shows Pres. Elpidio Quirino with pho-tojournalists of that time. Tatay Marcial is shown at extreme right. Quirino was a widower when he became president and so her daughter, Vicky, was referred to as the First Lady. Tatay Marcial and the former president were both Ilocanos and, ac-cording to Tatay Marcial, they spoke their dialect occasionally. During the term of President Elpi-dio Quirino as secretary of the interior in the late 1930s, a Japanese smuggling syndicate (north of the Philippines) was busted by Philippine Constab-ulary (then PC and now PNP) operatives. Quirino, accompanied by his PC advisers and my father, in-spected the Babuyan Islands (in Batanes province, the tip of Northern Philippines) and confi scated a Japanese fl ag in the area. The interior secretary also personally investigated the circumstances of the rampant smuggling in Babuyan and questioned some Japanese suspects. All these events were duly photographed by my father

WITH PEERS AND “AMIGOS PARA SIEM-PRE” Right photo above shows Tatay Marcial (center in Filipino business attire, the barong) with some of his peers in front of the famous stat-ue of “The Newsboy,” symbol of the iconic The Manila Times newspaper. I remember very well the masthead of the newspaper carried the im-age of “The Newsboy” every day from the 1950s until President Marcos’ Martial Law shut the presses of the newspaper midnight of September 21, 1972. The very fi rst Dean of Philippine Press Photographers was the amiable and talented Jose G. Claudio, the immediate superior of Tatay Marcial in 1933 at the TVT group of newspapers. When Claudio passed away years later, Tatay Marcial inherited the title and it was no less than his new photo section Chief Manuel Q. Alcantara who called Tatay Marcial, the “Dean of Philip-pine Press Photographers.”

S. Lopez, Jr. 1956, Tony Ocampo, Al-fredo Navales, Amado T. Suba 1940s, Evaristo F. Nievera 1940s, Esmeraldo Z. Izon 1932, Ben T. Santos 1949, Fabian H. Roxas 1946, Elpidio Rustia 1952, Pablo Caliwan 1946, Nonilon So, Bert Garcia and many more. Their right forefi ngers pushed the camera shutter that caught and froze the most dramatic moments in Philippine his-tory.

LONE CRASH SURVIVOR On March 17, 1957, the nation was shocked when news broke out that Pres. Ramon Magsaysay had died in a plane crash on Mt. Manungal in Cebu province after an evening engagement in the city. He was only 49 years old.

That crash left one survivor, newsman and reporter Nestor Mata, who suffered burns on his face and body, as photographed by

my father being wheeled to a waiting ambulance at the Manila Domestic Airport.

My father told us (family) later that before he entered the plane’s door, President Magsaysay looked back and signaled at my father to hop aboard but my father politely gestured that he was staying put. The president was told by an aide that Mata had taken the place of my father at the back seat of the plane.

The drama on the tarmac shows Ma-ta’s daughter trying to reach out to his father even as his wife fl ashes a smile satisfi ed seeing her husband safe and is able to communicate. This is one my father’s best and most dramatic photos. It won a medal in the annual Elizalde Photo Contest.

Quote: I will be your God throughout your lifetime

(To be continued)

WITH THE GREAT CARLOS P. RO-MULO A few years before he retired, Tatay Marcial and Carlos P. Romulo, the fi rst president (later to be called secretary-general) of the United Nations General Assembly chanced upon each other dur-ing a break at the fl oor of the Philippine senate where Romulo spoke earlier. A few years back, Tatay Marcial accompanied UN President Romulo on offi cial visits to Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong, then a British protectorate.

ROOM FOR RENTQuiet Neighborhood in

National City. No smoking. No drugs. 619.746.3416

Kodak contact prints using Plus 1, Plus 2 and Plus 3 close-up lenses which I attached to the lens of my GH Lumix DSLR 14mm to 45mm camera mounted on a heavy duty tripod. Post-edit works were done with the use of Picasa software. )

BEETHOVEN’S SYMPHONY NO. 5 it is not. But this village musician is blowing a soft and folksy refrain from his traditional fl ute. No radio? Say it with a fl ute. In the silence of the night, and in the soft mountain air of Bontoc, the haunt-ing sound of the fl ute

THE FAMOUS UPLAND BLAN-KET The people of the upland provinces of Northern Philip-pines are known as excellent weavers of colorful blankets that are sold in Ba-guio City and as far as Manila. This was how it was done, and this way of weaving

could waft into the farthest neighborhood.

has not changed after 62 years.


kids graduated and are all employed. Still unaware of my purpose and direction and as I was highly cognizant of my promise to our Lord, I asked Jesus Lord what do you really want me to do? Please give me a sign, I prayed. Fifth Station: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross Lent of 2004. On a good Friday, Marizon asked me to join her to do the Stations of the Cross, so I said I don’t know if I can tolerate the heat inside the church (That was the hottest and most humid month in the Philippines), especially with so many religious inside. That is why I never joined my family when they do the passions. She explained to me that the Stations at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Kamuning Quezon City are under acacia trees and so we went. We proceeded to do the Stations and prayed at each station. At the Fifth Station as I gaze at the portrait of Jesus, I felt so warm and felt like goosefl esh on my skin and I started crying and sobbing inexplicably. I could not stop crying and sobbing similar to when I received the news of my mom’s passing away when I was in training. My wife tried to console me, but my sobbing got worse as I read the inscription which states wouldn’t it be great if there are many more Simons of Cyrene who can help our Lord Jesus Christ carry the cross He continues to carry for our poor brothers and sisters. As I pondered on this strange experience, I said to myself I asked Jesus for a sign and He gave it to me. The birth of the Renaissance Simons Charitable Foundation Inc as I put all the pieces together I realized our Father Almighty through our Lord Jesus Christ made everything happens to lead me to this service. I never had a bit of inkling! From my visit to Manila when my mom passed away, my passionate desire to return to help and serve my oppressed countrymen during the Marcos’ dictatorship, my covenant with our Lord, the miracle with fi sh on Good Friday of 1978, the start of the missions, His blessings of prosperity (I asked and I received), the Arellano High School distinguished alumnus award and the start of the scholarship, my emotional burst of agony and crying upon seeing Simon of Cyrene helping our Lord carry the cross---everything was laid for me according to the wish of our Father. And my gift of dreams not to mention even my gifts in the astral plane, i.e., the gift of astral travel, of astral dreams, of extra sensory perception. And My Nine Lives, our all powerful God was saving me for a reason! As I pondered deeper I asked --- Is our Lord telling me to awaken the whole world both believers and non-believers that he used Simon of Cyrene to be his example on how each being should be--- to give a helping hand to our poor brothers and sisters specially to the sick, the hungry, the maimed, the disfi gured? Just think, did he really need Simon of Cyrene to carry the Cross for his sake? He could have just commanded the tree (cross) to fl y and be planted in Golgotha and then meet it there where he can be crucifi ed. ET Fater all Jesus made the ground quake and the day dark (lunar eclipse) when he died. Some would argue that Jesus at that time was Man and that is why he had diffi culty carrying the Cross. Could very well be, but remember He also was doing miracles at that time, i.e., when Veronica wiped His face. Or could it be that Christ was showing His love for us that He was willing to accept the pains and suffering from the crown of thorns, the whippings and the falls and the nailing to the Cross. But at the same time, used the hesitant and involuntary Simon to symbolize us men and that eventual willingness or submission to help would mean a lot for Jesus and particularly the poor? I am convinced and I believe our Almighty Father through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ is telling me to tell the whole world that what

Simon of Cyrene symbolizes for --- we the hesitant, we the involuntary, we the unwilling to help the disadvantaged and the poor and that once convinced to help would make a huge difference! Henceforth, I named my foundation, initially as the Simon of Cyrene Charitable Foundation Inc. However, we found out when we applied for 501-C3 tax exception that someone is already using that name, hence I decided to use Renaissance --- the New, revived and improved version! And in 2006, we received approval as a public charity! To date we have 38 Simon’s scholars: 34 in the Philippines, three in Grundy County IL, one in Mexico. Excluded were three high school dropouts due to pregnancy, and one male who disappeared after one year in college. All our scholars are poor and about 75% have one parent; 65-70% are females. We have a 97% success rate (one college dropout) and 100% employment rate. All our nurse and doctor graduates serve in medical surgical mission I organize! A Simon’s/ Scholar promise --- with God’ s guidance and protection, with hard work and dedication and I succeed in my chosen career, I _____________________ Promise to repeat the work of a Simon--- help carry the cross of our good Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continues to carry for our poor brothers and sisters. Our list of Simons: 1 – Doctors of Medicine: three graduated and passed their medical boards. One cum laude, one had the highest score among his schoolmates but a fraction shy to be in the top 10 in the board exams, one also had very high grades in the medical boards. One is in fourth year medical school. 2 – Bachelor of Science in Nursing: four are registered nurses, one dropped out of the system (got somebody pregnant) but eventually graduated and passed the nursing board. One nursing student from Marseilles IL enrolled at Joliet University. 3 – BS in education: two are teachers. 4 – BS in pharmacy: one undergraduate second year. 5 – Electronics and communication engineers: two employed (one works with a multinational company and was in France in January-May 2011 6 – Metallurgical engineer: the only metallurgical engineer for a mining company. 7 – Accounting: one just graduated in April 2010 and had just passed her board. Another in fourth year, probable magna cum laude, possibly summa cum laude. 8 – Vocational: three fi rst year kids in second semester. 9 – Ra-diology technician: one currently working in Morris Hospital IL. 10 - Priesthood: one enrolled in philosophy in Mexico. One is with the Divine Word Missionary through a perpetual burse. At Morris Hospital, through Relucio Family scholarship for healthcare, a $1000 fund is given to 1-2 deserving student each year. Qualifi cation to be a scholar/ Simon: (a) Must practice belief in God, regardless of religion. If Christian, he/ she must read the Bible; (b) Must be a bright student and must maintain a minimum grade of 2.25 or 85 (GPA 3.4?) (c) Poor, family income of less than P15000 ($375) a month; (d) Must be single and must remain single until graduation; (e) Must not get pregnant; for male must not get someone pregnant; (f) Family must assume some responsibility by either providing for living quarter or allowance and/ or books; (g) Must attend meetings prior to start of every semester and at least twice a year to submit grades to re-qualify and to present any awards received. Besides listening to inspirational talk from me and fellow Simons. (h) After graduation, must continue to attend meetings and to serve as adviser and inspiration/ model for others. Cost of education in the Philip-pines. Tuition per semester: Medicine P60000-80000 ($1500-2000) Nursing P40000-50000 ($1000-1200) Physical therapy P40000-50,000 ($1000-1200) Pharmacy P35000-40,000 ($800-1000) Medical Technology P40000-45,000 ($1000-1200) Electronics and communication engineering

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Employment Agency

Fantasy Land, a novel

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.Read the series Complicated Affairs by Sim Silverio by book-

marking the link www.asianjournalusa.com/complicatedaffairs

Fantasy Land, Chapter 14

A Thanksgiving Story(Continued from page 4)

PREPARING TO GO HEAD-HUNT-ING Back in the early days, it was a traditional practice for Bontoc warriors to go head-hunting from among rival tribesmen. However, when this photo was taken, my father was with the team of gov-ernment offi cials who were negotiating for an end to the brutal way of life through a peace pact called “Budong.”

POUNDING AND THRESHING BROWN RICE The upland provinces are noted for growing the nutritious brown rice up to these days, a variety that sells more than double the price of ordinary lowland rice.

COMING OUT OF AGE-OLD TRADITIONS Continuing our feature on the tribal people of Bontoc, in the late 1940s, my father was sent by the publishers of The Manila Times to join the reportorial team that covered the government-sponsored “Budong” or peace talks among the tribal leaders of the upland Baguio-Mt. Province-Ifugao area putting an end to the decades-old practice of beheadings as a traditional, albeit brutal, way of life. The upland areas have gone a long way since that time rising to become a top tourist des-tination and growers of the popular Baguio vegetables and decorative fl owers sold at a place called “Dangwa” in Sampaloc, Manila.

BONTOC WOMEN SMOKE IT AWAY These old women of Bontoc while the time away in complete abandon, nonchalant of what’s in store for tomorrow. Notice the tattoo marks on their bodies.

Missing a print edition of the Asian Journal? Read the digital edition at www.asianjournalusa.com/digital

Convincing Pablo Nolasco to ac-cept the job as Chief Prosecutor of Fantasyland was quite diffi cult. He and his wife, a well-paid accoun-tant, had already retired and had a substantial nest egg for retirement. Their children were all professionals with well-paying jobs of their own. While money was not a problem, Pablo doubted his own qualifi cations for the job.

“People will mock me,” he told his wife, remembering his failed fi rst try at the bar exam. The post required a top-notch lawyer, one with the utmost expertise in the law in order that his prosecutorial efforts against erring offi cials would succeed.

But President Lino Majeras as-sured him he was fi t for the job.

“You have the moral compass to do it,” the president told Pablo. “Aren’t you the one complaining about corruption in our government? Here I am giving you the chance to get rid of it. If you’re going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk."

Pablo was put in the spot. Still, he hesitated.

“What if people don’t follow my orders?” he asked.

“Then fi re them. I am giving you

my full support.”“What if those I prosecute have me

killed?”“If you are afraid it might happen,

then don’t take the job. You would not be the right man for it,” the president told him.

“Okay, I will take it,” Pablo decided, embarrassed, even a little insulted.

“No,” Lino Majeras replied. “I am now having second thoughts in appointing you. I will give you a week to decide. Think about how it will affect your life, especially your family. But remember, this is a rare opportunity to change the course of our country’s history.”

Pablo Nolasco took the president’s advice to heart. He consulted his family and asked his friends. His friends advised him not to take it, worried for his safety.

“You do not need the money and the stress that comes with the job,” one friend told him. “You can com-pletely enjoy your retirement here in America worry-free.”

But his family had mixed reac-tions.

“Of course we want you safe,” his wife told him. “But we know this is what you have long wanted to do. You are meant to do this job. Don’t worry about us. At this late stage of your life, seek your destiny.”

His children agreed.To accomplish the task, Pablo and

his wife rented a penthouse unit in a high rise condominium complex near his offi ce. He was prepared to place security offi cers on his fl oor of the building in case he received death threats. Initially, however, it was not the threat of deaths that bothered him; instead, it was his relatives and friends seeking jobs.

At fi rst he let them visit his unit. But eventually, fl ocks of them kept trooping to his house despite his message he would not give them jobs.

“This is not an employment agency,” he bluntly told them. “And those jobs are not mine to give. They are the government’s. Even if you are qualifi ed for the job, I cannot give it to you because of delicadeza; it would be nepotism. The other em-ployees in the department, especially the career ones, would be demoral-ized.”

Still, his friends and relatives persisted until he had to assign security personnel in the corridor of his unit to bar anyone from entering

his condo without his permission. Many of them were disappointed by his action.

“Pabling changed,” they told everyone. “Now that he has tasted power, he has forgotten us.”

Pablo soon realized his relatives and friends were the least of his wor-ries. As soon as he assumed his post, he received daily visitors seeking jobs in his agency. All of them had letters of recommendation from high government offi cials, especially sen-ators and congressmen. The letters expected him to give the applicants a job; otherwise, the lawmakers would be a thorn in his side, especially in approving his agency’s budget and confi rming his appointment. But he had to turn the applicants away. He was determined to fi ll out the post with qualifi ed applicants, those with sincere determination to get rid of graft and prosecute corrupt offi cials, those he could use to carry out his noble mission.

“Don’t you know me?” one sena-tor bawled over the phone. “I am very powerful; I can block your confi rmation in the Appointment Commission.”

Another insisted he was entitled to the appointment of his recom-mendees.

“This is my quota,” he told Pablo. “This is how democracy works. People help us get elected and we give them jobs. This is why we are in power! We have to divide the loot among us!”

Still others threatened him.“I will tell the president.` I will

block all his legislative efforts in

Congress and derail his projects if he doesn’t get rid of you.”

The threats bothered Pablo. He was worried he might become a burden to the president.

“Why don’t you talk to Lino and tell him your concerns? That way you can be sure you will be doing what the president wants,” his wife advised him.

“He told me to help eliminate graft, not to alienate him from his supporters.”

Since their cabinet meeting was scheduled a week from then, Pablo did not have a chance to personally talk to the President about the mat-ter. He decided to give him a call but could not get through.

“What is your problem, Mr. Nolasco?” one of the presidential assistants asked him.

Pablo relayed his concerns.At the end of the day, Pablo got the

presidential message: “Do what you have to do!”

The message was so vague Pablo was back to square one. He didn’t know whether the President wanted him to rebuff the presidential sup-porters’ requests or grant them. – AJ

(To be continued)(Editor’s Note: To read the previ-

ous and weekly installments of this series, visit www.asianjournalusa.com. Once there, click the “Editori-als” heading, then click “Fantasy Land by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.” title to see the list of all previous chapters of the series. Click the title of the chapter you want to read and the article will appear.)

NAEP Reports Students' Skills in Math-ematics and Reading from 21 Large Cities

On Dec. 7, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) will release The Nation's Report Card: Mathematics and Reading 2011 Trial Urban District Assessment detailing academic achievement results for fourth and eighth graders from 21 large city school districts.

The Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) allows for comparisons to large cities and the nation, and achievement gap data by racial/ethnic groups, income level, and gender. These results expand on recently released national NAEP data showing the highest average mathemat-ics scores to date, mixed results for read-ing achievement, and states' progress in closing achievement gaps.

Three districts participated in the TUDA for the fi rst time this year: Albu-querque, N.M., Dallas, and Hillsborough County, Fla. Results from 12 districts can be compared with 2009: Austin, Baltimore City, Md., Boston, Charlotte, Cleveland, Detroit, Fresno, Calif., Jefferson County, Ky., Miami-Dade, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and San Diego. Six districts participated in 2002, 2009 and 2011: Atlanta, Chicago, District of Columbia, Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City.

A live webcast discussion of the results by expert panelists will provide insight on the unique demographics of urban districts and student progress toward academic profi ciency in reading and mathematics.

Results of The Nation's Report Card: 2011 Trial Urban District Assess-ment, Grades 4 and 8


Light &Shadows

Read Zena Babao’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Zena Sultana Babao

By Zena Sultana Babao “In life, each of us builds our own bridge,”

Dr. John Maxwell, my former pastor at the Skyline Church in La Mesa and the best-sell-ing author of over a dozen books on motiva-tion and leadership, wrote. “Your bridge to a better future is a lot like the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. To stand strong, it must be anchored to a solid founda-tion, but it must also be fl exible to adapt to changing conditions and reach to where you are going. In life, each of us builds his/or her own bridge.”

Dr. Maxwell has spent almost half a century helping people reach their potential. Among his best-selling books is Your Bridge to a Better Future, one of my favorite books. This book is full of inspiring quotes and ideas that guide his readers as they travel through life.

“Before we can proceed on any great journey,” Dr. Maxwell wrote, “we must have a dream. The promise of the dream helps us take the fi rst step. The hope of achiev-ing the dream keeps us going, day after day, even if we feel too tired, sick, disappointed or discouraged to take another step.”

I have selected two quotes/ideas from each of the chapters in his book, and here they are to help you build your bridge to a better future.

Dreams and Visions “Cherish your visions and your dreams

as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” – Napoleon Hill

In life, we must make many trade-offs to get to the highest level. We trade being ac-cepted by others to achieve excellence. We trade fi nancial gain for the promise of greater potential. We trade security for the hope of increased signifi cance. But we should never trade away our dreams.

“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however.” – Richard Bach

The road to your potential is open and wait-ing for you. It offers you the opportunity to travel to almost anywhere. But just as a trip cannot be made until you take the fi rst step, so your dream can only come true when you start

to work at it. Honesty and Authenticity“If a thousand people say something foolish,

it is still foolish. Truth is never dependent on consensus of opinion.” – Author Unknown

It’s not always easy to stand strong when the current of public opinion is fl ooding against you. But truth will never fail you. It is a solid rock and a safe haven in the river of ever-changing opinion.

“Prefer a loss to a dishonest gain; the one brings pain at this moment, the other for all time.” – Chilon

No matter how appealing shortcuts may look, don’t take them. They never pay off in the long run. The worst of all shortcuts are the ones that chip away at your character. No kind of gain – whether it is a gain in power, re-lationships, possessions, or position – is worth the price of your integrity and authenticity.

Friendships“Your best friend is he who brings out the

best that is within you.” – Henry FordWhat is a “best friend”? Is it the person

who makes you laugh the most? Is it the one who gives you the best advice? Or is it the one who makes you feel good? No, it’s the person who helps you reach your potential. Sometimes that person does make you laugh and feel good. But other times he or she looks you in the eye and tells you what you don’t want to hear. A best friend is willing to do whatever it takes to help you become the person God created you to be.

“Friendship multiplies joys and divides grief.” – Author Unknown.

Friendship is a great gift. Friends help us savor and celebrate our victories. When we fall, they help us up. And in times of trouble, they encourage us and help us carry the load.

Possibilities

“Our only limitation is our expectation.” – Author Unknown

What do you believe you are capable of? How far do you think you can go? It may sur-prise you to know that your attitude does more to determine your future than anything else in life: talent, resources, connections, or opportu-nities. If you believe you can, you can!

“Our souls are not hungry for fame, com-fort, wealth, or power. Those rewards create almost as many problems as they solve. Our souls are hungry for meaning, for the sense that we have fi gured out how to live so that our lives matter, so that the world will at least be a little bit different for our having passed through it.” – Harold Kushner

It takes most people some time to discover what God created them for. But as soon as you’ve made that discovery, change your focus from success to signifi cance. Don’t try to impress, instead, impact. Seek infl uence, not affl uence. Don’t try to make just money, make a difference.

Choices“It’s not hard to make decisions when you

know what your values are.” –Roy Disney Never make decisions outside of the con-

text of your values. Every choice you make must be consistent with your deepest beliefs, or you will erode your integrity and your freedom to make choices for the future.

“Once a decision is reached, stop worrying and start working.” – William James

You can’t accomplish anything of signifi -cance if you’re second guessing your every move.

Contribution“Forget yourself into greatness. Empty

yourself into adventure. Lose yourself into immortality.” – William Arthur Ward

Life can be a great adventure, but only if you make it one.

“When you give your best to the world, the world returns the favor.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

The way you see the world is the way the world sees you. If you think positively, you live in a positive world. If you give your best, others do the same for you.

The Future“The best thing about the future is that it

comes only one day at a time.” – Abraham Lincoln

Don’t allow the future to intimidate you. Meet each day with the best you have.

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have, and take that step into the dark-ness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen – there will be something solid for us to stand on, or we will be taught to fl y.” – Christian Medical Society Journal, Vol. XVI, No. 2, 1985

Never let another person tell you that something cannot be done. God may have been waiting centuries for you to come along so that you could do the impossible for Him. XXX

Bridge to a Better Future


Bill’s Corner

Read Bill Labestre’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Bill Labestre, MBA

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*Former San Diego Regional Coordinator for U.S. Immi-gration Amnesty for Catholic Community Services, Catholic Diocese of San Diego

*Legal Advisor, Los Chabacanos of Cavite CityAssociation, Inc., San Diego, California

*Juris Doctor law degree, University of San Diego (1985),Diploma; Oxford Institute on International and Comparative Law (USD), Oxford, England (1984);Bachelor Degree, University of Southern California (1983);Montgomery High School, San Diego (1979)

*Born in the Philippines (Cavite)

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Pusoy: Mam-ma

Umili. We are new because we are not like the army of Marcos who serve only to protect the rich…the poor must have their own army…we are that army…the army of the exploited Filipinos…”

Sim-tak grimaced and drew a deep breathe.

“…the peasants toil from morn to

dusk…landlords who do not break their backs, enjoy all the harvest…workers receive wages barely enough for them to subsist on and only enough so they could return to work for the capitalists to rake in more profi ts…workers comply because they are afraid to be out of work because of unemployment…”

Sim-tak fl icked his eyelids like he did not understand what had just been said.

“…most miners are Igorots…they mine the gold from the bowels of the mountains which used to be owned by our forefathers…they mine for the foreigners who never had the

rights to any of the gold…”Sim-tak nodded his head.“…We should capture those mines

for our own use…”Sim-tak nodded again.

After Gimo spoke, he called on me, introducing me as a former stu-dent and calling me Alinew. I chose the nom-de-guerre after a tree preva-lent in the forest. Its brown bark had spots of white. Pliant, it bent with the winds without breaking its back.

As I faced the villagers, I noticed Sim-tak snickering. I just guessed that, maybe, he thought, how could I be a fi ghter when I looked so frail.

“I don’t mean to brag,” I said, pushing my spectacle up my nose. “I should not be in the rebolusyon…I should have just stayed in the city to fi nish my studies…here I suffer the cold nights when I have thick blankets at home…here, I don’t know where the next meal will come from…soldiers hunt me…I could just be home, free to roam around…but I cannot accept that we are ex-ploited. I cannot accept that the rich among the Filipinos leech upon us in connivance with foreigners…”

Still Sim-tak snickered. He spat a bit of his mam-ma.

“…the enemies are few but they control us…they have troops with guns…but if we unite…if we all chew mam-ma and spit at them all at the same time, they will drown in a red sea of sputa and the rebolusyon will be over…”

The villagers exploded into ap-plause and ululated. Even Sim-tak’s shoulders heaved as he broke into a guffaw, slapping his thigh in his mirth.

Yet, when Sim-tak’s laughter sub-sided, he spat most of his mamma and reached for another one from his pouch. He did not glance at me when I sat back at Lab-ok’s side.

The next to speak waggled to the front with his short stocky legs. “Like you,” he said. “I am an Igorot.”

Sim-tak spat the fresh mamma in his mouth.

Lab-ok grimaced at his co-chief like asking, why.

Sim-tak’s whisper was loud enough for me to hear. “He is not from our tribe.”

“I used to hunt alingo and ugsa. I shoot boars and deer with this paltog,” the Igorot comrade said,

raising his gauge 12 shotgun. “Now, there is not much to hunt in our forests…profi t hungry companies cut the trees…the animals have ran and the birds have fl own away …because of lack of trees, our river is drying up…the factories and mines pollute what is remaining of the river…fi elds are not watered well and plants are not healthy as before…the gobyerno does not do anything because the companies bribe the politicos…

“…the logging companies are creeping deeper into the forests…soon, they will be here in Hapao to devastate…”

The villagers broke into a buzz.Sim-tak slowed down on his

chewing and held his mamma in his mouth even long after the Igorot comrade fi nished his talk.

The program ended with Gimo leading resounding slogans, the last one being “Down with Marcos.”

Sim-tak and the other old men and women blurted out their mamma, even drawing out those trapped within their throats.

The following day, a group of villagers from Sim-tak’s tribe joined the class I had to hold.

To be continued…

(Publisher’s Note: Pusoy is Rudy D. Liporada’s second novel and third book being serialized in Asian Journal. One can get a copy of the book through Amazon.com – A Russian Poker - or by calling the author at 858-722-1465.)

ROOM FOR RENT. Quiet

Neighborhood in National City.

No smoking. No drugs.

619.746.3416

I don’t know about you, but for me I’m so thankful every time I wake up in the morning. I feel lucky to be alive to enjoy another day. The past is worth remembering, the present can be exciting and we can always plan for the future. Early in the morning is a nice time to walk briskly for a few miles and clear the busy mind. It’s a bit colder now but, we can still break a sweat and burn a few calories. Once you make it a good habit, it’s hard to quit.

Thanksgiving Day should be a time for refl ections on how we appreci-ate the good things that ever happened to our own lives. Nothing is perfect and sometimes things go wrong but, there are still plenty of things and events that we could be thankful for. Family reunion can be exciting as well as frustrating. We can only wish that our love ones in the Philippines could be here to celebrate with us. For most of us who are immigrants, we could eas-ily compare what we use to have then and what we currently have now.

We should give thanks to our adopted country for giving us a chance to show what we can contribute to a democratic society. We also should be thankful for the freedom that we enjoyed even though some of us did not vote during the last election. As a veteran, my heart goes to the men and the women of our military fi ghting for our freedom many miles away from home. Politics aside, we should sup-port our military. We may fully enjoy watching the parade and the football games while these brave young men and women watched their steps to avoid the enemy sniper’s bullets.

On this day why don’t we take a closer look at our own lives. As married couple, do we still appreciate each other and not act like working ro-bots? When was the last time you sin-cerely said “Thank you or I love you” to your spouse? How long ago did you remind your spouse that regardless of the wrinkles and gray hair, he/she is still good looking to you? Life is too short so we should try to cherish the moments we shared together. We can

grow old gracefully by counting our blessings not our shortfalls.

Since food is the big issue on Thanksgiv-ing Day, what did you prepare for your fam-ily? We have adopted very well in the Ameri-can society but, why cook a turkey when we rather eat a chicken? We should be serving food that can be fully enjoyed by the whole

family. Celebration is not an excuse to pig out and punish your old and tired body. Food should be consumed in moderation and please don’t forget your high blood pressure or diabetes.

November is also a good time to reassess your investment in stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Maybe you need to sell some shares of losing stocks and buy some of them back af-ter 31 days to claim a capital loss. For those with large amount of suspended losses, maybe it’s time to liquidate assets with big capital gains to offset the losses. If there was a big change in your income this year, try to check withheld taxes or estimated taxes paid during 2011. If you are still qualifi ed, then maximize your IRA and 401k contributions.

Count Your Blessings


more confi dent in the belief that solu-tions are provided somewhere if you patiently search for them.

I also have an iPhone and an iPod. The former replicates most of the IPAD applications plus the features of a very smart phone. The iPod replicates also many of the IPAD applications and iPhone but without the features of the latter.

I have many other gadgets with dif-ferent systems, features, and uses other than Apple and its Apps. Many of the devices are launched every so often. Software applications are developed, tested, and sold everyday. I intend to discuss some of them in this column at the appropriate time.

The season for giving and receiving is now with us. Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Christmas promotions prove it. The must have gadgets lead in the wish list of both possible recipients and giving donors. GKs such as Geeky Kids, Gawad Kalinga, Global Kalinga (eRotary) and God’s Knights all recog-nize that the Gift of Knowledge could revolutionize one’s life.

Happy ThanksGeeking or Happy ThanksGKing to all! -- From The MACnigo Clan

Novena(Continued from page 11)

Social Media(Continued from page 15)

Laughing MatterRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

Food for ThoughtRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

“The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustinaespecially at the hour of their death (754).” -- Words of Jesus in the Diary of St. Faustina

CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCYUsing the rosary beads, recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one I Believe in God.

On the Our Father beads say this prayer, which was given by Our Lord to St. Faustina (1905-1938).

Eternal Father, I o�er You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary beads say:

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In conclusion say three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

The Hour of Great Mercy

At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion,

particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great

mercy. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in

virtue of My Passion (Diary, 1320). -- Divine Mercy in My Soul: Diary of Saint Faustina

Kowalska

You expired, O Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls and an ocean of mercy

opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable

Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us. O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the

Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You. Amen.

He promised: “What they ask for in this Novena, if it be according to My Most Holy Will, I will surely grant it. Let these souls ask from Me without reservation.”

Consecration to Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace

Jesus asks those who embrace this Devotion to consecrate themselves to His Mother under her title as “Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace.” His secretary recorded Jesus’ words.

“My beloved little daughter, your Lord and God comes to you to give you a message of great importance. I desire that the souls who embrace My devotion to ‘Jesus King of All Nations,’ make a special consecration to My

anyone to others in person or at a distance in prayer. If in person, place your hands on the person’s head with your right thumb on his/her forehead. If at a distance, hold your hands over, or in the direction of, the person or group and pray:

May the Reign of Jesus King of All Nations be recognized in your heart;

May the Reign of Jesus King of All Nations be lived in your heart;

May the Reign of Jesus King of All Nations be given through your heart to other hearts; So that

Most Holy Mother under her title of ‘Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace,’ which it has pleased Me in My great Love for her to give her. People MUST acknowledge her indispensable role as the Mediatrix, the Channel, of all of My Graces to mankind. Only when this dogma is offi cially proclaimed by My Church will I truly establish My Reign on earth.”

Our Lady then appeared next to Our Lord and said: “Daughter, know that I have obtained this prayer for my children from the Heart of my Divine Son.”

Jesus then revealed the Prayer of Consecration to Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace:

O Mary, Most Holy and Immaculate Mother of God, of Jesus, our Victim-High Priest, True Prophet, and Sovereign King, I come to you as the Mediatrix of All Grace, for that is truly what

you are. O Fountain of all Grace! O Fairest of Roses! Most Pure Spring! Unsullied Channel of all God’s grace! Receive me, Most Holy Mother! Present me and my every need to the Most Holy Trinity! That having been made pure and holy in His sight through your hands, they may return to me, through you, as graces and blessing. I give and consecrate myself to you, Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace, that Jesus, Our One True Mediator, Who is the King of All Nations, may Reign in every heart. Amen.

Jesus also gave this beautiful message:“My Children, I desire only your peace and

happiness! My Most Holy Mother has appealed to you time and time again! She still pleads . . . Children, listen to your Heavenly Mother. Is there a more tender or loving ambassadress than My own Mother? You see, My children, if I had come to you in My Power and Majesty before this, before My Most Holy Mother had come to you in great tenderness and meekness, you would not have been able to handle it for fear. The times have arrived, My children. Your Lord comes to you with great Power and Majesty.”

“My Most Holy Mother has prepared My Way, with the greatest of care. My children, you owe much, very much, to your Heavenly Mother.” On December 12, 1993, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke the following about His Mother:

“Mary never Reigns more Queenly than when She Loves most Motherly.” He said, “Make this known.”

The Special BlessingThe Special Blessing of Jesus King of All

Nations was revealed by Our Lady when she appeared holding the Child Jesus in her arms. The Child was plucking roses one by one from His Sacred Heart, kissing them, and holding them to His Mother’s lips. Our Lady kissed each rose, took it from Jesus’ hands, touched it to her heart, then gave it to the “spiritual mother” who placed each rose within Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. From there the roses were distributed to peoples of all nations for all time - billions upon billions of roses. The roses are graces of the Special Blessing, and the passing of the graces from Jesus to Mary to her children illustrates Our Lady’s role as Mediatrix of All Grace.

To Give the Special Blessing:The Special Blessing may be passed on by

Someone had to remind me, so I’m re-minding you, too. Don’t laugh.... It is all true!

Perks of reaching 50 or being over 60 .. And heading towards 70!1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.2. In a hostage situation, you are likely to

be released fi rst.3. No one expects you to run —anywhere.4. People call at 9 PM and ask, ‘Did I wake you?5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.6.There is nothing left to learn the hard

way...7. Things you buy now won’t wear out.8. You can eat supper at 4 PM.9. You can live without sex but not your

glasses

We have 3 stupid stages of life……….. Teen age: Have Time + Energy …but No Money. Working Age: Have Money + Energy …but No Time . Old age: Have Time + Money …but no Energy

***Bigo ka ba sa luv? eto ang mga BEST partners :Kuba: Mapagkumbaba

Pilay: Hindi ka tatakbuhan Bulag: walang paki sa looks mo Pipi: Hindi nagbibitiw ng bad words Duling: Hindi ka hahayaang mag-isa!

***Guro: Sino si Jose Rizal? Juan: Di ko po kilala. Guro: Ikaw Pepe? Pepe: Di ko rin po kilala... Guro: Di nyo kilala si Jose Rizal? Pedro: Ma’m, baka po sa kabilang section sya!

Three Stages Of Life

10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.

11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.12. You quit trying to hold your stomach

in no matter who walks into the room.13. You sing along with elevator music.14. Your eyes won’t get much worse.15.Your investment in health insurance is

fi nally beginning to pay off.16. Your joints are more accurate meteo-

rologists than the national weather service.17. Your secrets are safe with your

friends because they can’t remember them either.

18.Your supply of brain cells is fi nally down to a manageable size.

19. You can’t remember who sent you this list.

And you notice these are all in big print for your convenience.

Perks Of Reaching 50

according to Dr. Mukewar, who says many patients are constantly searching for new information and seek out the support of others with IBD -- and want the kind of fi rst-hand patient experi-ence information that their doctors cannot provide.

“Recent reports state that 55 percent of IBD patients are not satisfi ed with the information provided at time of their disease diagnosis and more than 50 percent of IBD patients turn to the Internet as a source of information for IBD,” said Dr. Mukewar.

Both Dr. Wolfsen and Dr. Mukewar agree that Internet and social media can benefi t patients and enhance their care. But Dr. Mukewar said his fi ndings are concerning to him since IBD patients may get misleading information via YouTube® that could be harmful to their health.

“The success of Mayo’s Esophageal Cancer Survivor Facebook group clear-ly demonstrates how social media can assist healthcare providers in providing patients with a way to connect and get

the support they need that physicians cannot provide because we have not experienced the disease fi rst hand,” said Dr. Wolfsen. “We are also able to provide the latest Barrett’s disease and esophageal cancer research information and emphasize high quality sources of online information such as the Mayo Clinic YouTube channel.”

According to Dr. Mukewar, “one of the best resources for patients ide-ally would be physicians who also have health conditions and who can post a personal experience video on YouTube®, for instance, that would not only be medically correct, credible and trustful but would also contain that fi rst-hand experience that patients with a disease like IBD really crave and search for online.”

“The Internet and social media are not going away -- YouTube is a power-ful platform to deliver and receive healthcare information,” said Dr. Mukewar. “But healthcare provid-ers and professional societies need to provide more educational and effi cient materials using this powerful tool to counteract misleading information.”

the Reign of Jesus King of All Nations may be lived in every heart all over the world. I ask this Special Blessing through Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Grace, who as Queen and Mother of All Nations, has obtained it for you as a tremendous grace from the Sacred Heart of her Divine Son, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Make the sign of the cross on the person’s forehead with your thumb, or make the sign of the cross with your hand in his/her direction.

The gifts of the Special Blessing are the gift

of receiving, understanding, and living Jesus’ Word in Scripture; the gifts of intimacy with Jesus, Mary, and souls as partners in the Body of Christ; and the gift of knowing the secrets of God’s love. The blessing also grants healing and brings unity to the Body of Christ.

Jesus wants everyone to receive the graces of this kingly Special Blessing. Pray for it for your family, your friends, your priests, the lost, the sick, the dying - everyone who is in need of God’s mercy.

Ben Maynigo(Continued from page 10)

Free Divine Mercy Posters for Families (9”x15”) while supplies last. Call 619.851.9547

izing global knowledge and globalizing local knowledge. The Skype app also allows me to converse with anybody in the world live and on video.

It has a YouTube and video down-loader and, of course, a camera that takes and records editable videos and still photos. It has an audio and music recorder allowing me to download mu-sic, speeches, lectures and audio books. I have software that converts texts or documents online and offl ine to audio. I also have one (Dragon Dictation) that converts audio into text.

For web pages that I like to read again in the future, I could either bookmark them or include them in my reading list. Or if I want to preserve them perma-nently, I could copy and paste them into my documents library. My screen capture software can also copy texts and pictures on the screen. Most amazingly, another software allows me to copy and preserve entire websites for easy retrieval offl ine later.

The internal memory of my MacBook Pro, like all laptops, is limited. So I have external hard drives with memories up to 1TB. But if I want some important documents, pictures, videos and other databases accessible and available from anywhere, the iCloud takes care of them. Dropbox allows me to store online as much data as possible depending on the storage capacity that I have reserved.

For more mobility, I decided to get an IPAD2. Now it goes with me wherever I go. With WiFi and a data plan and hav-ing downloaded about 200 Applications categorized into News, Productivity, Education (Books), Finance, Health, Sports, Games, Entertainment, Music, Business, Photo and Video, Reference, Social Networking, Medical, Travel, Weather, Utilities and Lifestyle, I cannot leave home without it. The IOS 5.0 al-lows the use of very powerful applica-tions.

Armed with all these, you cannot help but feel educated, informed, cultured, entertained, boredom-free, productive, smarter, friendlier and most importantly,

Pass the drumstick and wallet: Cost of traditional dinner risesAdd this to the nation’s economic

indigestion: The cost of a tradi-tional Thanksgiving dinner will rise by 13 percent this year, the big-gest increase in the 26 years of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s informal price survey. This year, the average cost of a meal for 10 is ex-pected to be $49.20, up $5.73 from last year, the trade group reported. Turkey gobbled up a good chunk of the price increase. A 16-pound bird will cost $21.57 this year, up more than 22 percent from last year.

Link: http://m.bendbulletin.com/bb/db_270782/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=dgKtE3f1&detailindex=0&pn=0&ps=3

matapos ito mawala sa limelight dahil nanganak.At ang huli ay ang movie ni Gov. E.R. Ejercito “The Untold Story Ni Asiong Salonga”, sabi ng iba tiyak eto raw ang mangungulelat sa takilya, dahil wala pang napatunayan si Gov-ernor sa takilya, naging bida kaagad.Sayang yung movie ni Robin Padilla, iniurong at yung movie rin ni Nora Aunor dahil nagkasakit ito kaya hindi kinaya matapos sa deadline.

Kung napuna ninyo, pinagsunod-sunod na naming, base sa aming forecast sa Box Offi ce return ng mga movies na kasali.Hula namin kung sino ang tatabo sa takilya.Sayang hindi natin ito masasaksihan dahil nandito tayo sa California,pero at least may info na kayo kung anong movies ang mga kasali.

ARELLANO HIGH SCHOOL REUNION AT LAS VEGAS NEVADA!!!AHS Grand Reunion last Nov.13,2011.It was held at Excalibur restaurant in celebration of Batch’71 40th Alumni Homecoming .Organized by Imelda Fleming, Roland Lacanilao, Loi Herrera and Victoria Milan with over 90 attendees from different part of U.S. of America inlcluding Canada.Siempre kasama rin ang ibang batch including batch ’79 na sina Rowena Del Rosario,Tessa Pingol,Elmer Tuesca,Albino Ferrer at Jeanette Hammond na hindi ako nakasama sa kanila.Sayang, very busy kasi ang trabaho namin bilang journalist.

Marami raw na taga-Arellano na nandito sa San Diego, balita namin may meeting na magaganap sa nasa-bing lugar .Happy Thanks Giving Day to all !!!

Ogie Cruz(Continued from page 13)

PCI “Hands Across Borders”(Continued from page 9)

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facebook.com/#!/PCIGlobalThe event celebrated PCI’s 50-year

journey started by Dr. James Turpin<http://www.pciglobal.

org/pci-founder-dr-james-turpin>, a Coronado doctor who founded PCI in 1961 when he volunteered his medical services in the most vulner-able neighborhoods of Tijuana. The largest global charitable organization in the West, PCI operates nearly 100 programs in 16 countries. Closer to home, PCI facilitates programs in eight colonias in Tijuana and operates a national TB prevention program in Mexico. In San Diego, PCI supports low-income women throughout their pregnancies to en-sure the health of their newborns as part of its “Healthy Start” program. PCI’s work around the world focuses on preventing disease, ensuring maternal and child health, improving food security and livelihoods, and providing humanitarian assistance.

#########Celebrating its 50th anniversary,

PCI (Project Concern International) is a San Diego-based health and humanitarian organization, operating over 100 programs in 16 countries. It is dedicated to saving lives and building healthy communities

around the globe, annually reach-ing nearly 5 million people in Asia, Africa and the Americas. Funded by federal grants and private support, PCI has over a $40 million budget and nearly 600 employees world-wide.


Fortunately, it was able to secure a warrant of arrest in the nick of time.

President Noy has also made no bones about his total distrust of the Supreme Court, and this was further reinforced when most of his admin-istration’s initiatives were set back by an unfavorable ruling from the SC — perceived by many Filipinos as an “Arroyo court” because most of the justices, including Chief Justice Corona, were appointed by Gloria Arroyo. There is also no denying that the courts have been suffering from a credibility problem, with the percep-tion especially among the poor that the law favors those who can afford to pay their way. After all, it’s no secret that TROs have been used and abused by many people who can afford it to suit their agenda. As one Ateneo classmate pointed out, in this country, you don’t need a lawyer who knows the law; you need one who knows the judge.

Even former US Ambassador Frank Ricciardone openly criticized our judi-cial system, saying corruption within the courts has been a huge barrier in attracting foreign investments into the country. This sentiment seems to hold true even to this day judging from the recent tagging of the Philippines as one of the worst countries to do business in mainly because the judicial system is perceived to be unstable. No wonder the Partnership for Growth agreement which the Philippines and the US signed during the recent visit of US State Secretary Hillary Clinton stressed the need to strengthen the rule of law and for an efficient court system as parameters that must be met to achieve economic growth — all of which aim to assuage foreign investors that the country has a stable, “stream-lined court system” that can deliver justice and protect businesses.

However, one bad effect that could arise given that the credibility and the authority of the Supreme Court is on the line vis-à-vis the “showdown” with the Executive branch, is that there is always the possibility that people will try to interpret the law the way they want to. In which case, such erosion of belief in the integrity and power of the courts can make people believe what they want to believe. Who knows, they can even say that rape is noth-ing but mere sexual harassment, or murder could be rationalized as just a simple act of mercy killing. The recent developments surrounding the Arroyo TRO issue may give people the im-pression that the Supreme Court is not “supreme” when it comes to interpret-ing the law, and that the Legislative branch is now an “investigative” body since all it is perceived to be doing is “investigating.”

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A Thanksgiving Story(Continued from page 19)

To:

From: GEN SILVERIO

Herewith is proof of your classified ad for publication in the Asian Journal. Please proofread i t and fax back the correction if any or call us for your approval. The ad is tentatively scheduled to be published in the

issue of the Asian Journal if we receive your approval on time. At $4 per line

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$______.00 to be paid upon your receipt of the invoice and tear sheet. Thank you.

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Asian JournalFirst Asian Weekly Newspaper in Southern California & San Diego’s Most Widely Circulated Asian-Filipino Newspaper

550 East 8th Street, Suite 6, National City CA 91950 • Tel. (619) 474-0588 • Fax (619) 474-0373

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGSECTION 108 LOAN AMENDMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing to present an amendment to the Camp Hope Section 108 Loan Application to cancel the Camp Hope Project and replace it with the Green Build Barrio Logan at the San Diego City Council Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 5, 2011 at 2:00 PM or Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 10:00 AM in the City Council Chambers, 202 C Street, 12th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101. To order information in an alternative format, or to arrange for a sign language or oral interpreter for the meeting, please call the City Clerk’s office at least five (5) working days prior to the meeting at (619) 533-4000 (voice) or (619) 236-7012 (TDD/TTY).

Public comments will be accepted during this hearing. In addition, written comments will be accepted prior to the public hearing at the CDBG Program office (1200 Third Avenue, Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92101) or by email ([email protected]) through December 7, 2011. All updates will be posted on the CDBG website (http://www.sandiego.gov/cdbg/general/).

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P30000-35000 ($700-750) Education P25000-30,000 ($600-750) Accounting, business, marketing P28000-30,000 ($700-750) Civil, mechanical, metallurgical engineering P40000-50,000 ($1000-1200) Ho-tel, restaurant management P20,000 ($500) Dormitories for 12 months: (i) one person per room P60000- 70,000 ($1500-1750), and (ii) two persons per room P36000 ($900) Marizon and I meet the scholars in Manila in January or February of each year. I visit them again in the months of May and August or September. During each meeting after the opening prayers, we discuss their grades, awards; interview new applicants and their parent, and analyze any personal problems. In May when they are on summer vacation, I/ we treat them to a resort or at the golf clubhouse for bowling or swimming pool, or to the mall. I often give them inspirational talks and encourage them to communicate in English, besides helping them to develop self-confidence. I encourage them to set their dreams higher and to work hard for that dream and if possible not to get married too soon, not until they have good jobs and have some savings (which does not always work--- three girls got pregnant right before graduation). Oc-casionally, we visit their homes, especially when we perceive problems. Financial status of RSCF Inc. Currently, 80$ of the funding is from my personal account, 10% from EF Relucio irrevocable trust and another 10% from friends and business associates. All monies (100%) received are spent to benefit the missions and the scholars. No money is spent for management (zero administrative cost). An invitation to be a Simon. One can become a Simon by: 1. Sponsor one or more child to college, for one semester or more, or until graduation; 2. Make any amount of donation to Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc; Specify if for scholarship or for missions. 3. Volunteer for the medical surgical mission (Volunteers pay for their own expenses, such as air fares, lodging, etc. 4. Donation in kind such as medicine or drugs, like anesthetics or vitamins, and surgical supplies. One can also find their own scholar, may be from your own town or a poor relative to include into the RSCF Inc. And this will be accepted into the program. Donations will be acknowledged with a 501 C3 letter. Will you remain a hesitant or an involuntary Simon, or a true Simon of Cyrene. Thank you very much, we appreciate your interest and donations!

For Donation Inquiries, Call 619.746.3416 -- Reprinted from: FEUMAANI News, No-vember 2011 issue


Arts & Culture

Film’s lead Pokwang graces fi rst public screenings in Los Angeles REDWOOD CITY, CA, November 15,

2011 – Filipinos worldwide once again witnessed another fi rst in Philippine cinema as TFC unveiled its very fi rst foray into movie production with A Mother’s Story.

Headlined by Pokwang, one the country’s leading comedy sensations in her fi rst dra-matic role, A Mother’s Story had its premiere showing at the Alex Theatre in Glendale on November 6 before enthusiastic crowds in two screenings.

Some 100 TFC subscribers, who were selected randomly, got a chance to have their pictures taken with the fi lm’s lead star, Pok-wang, at the premiere’s venue.

Filipino movie enthusiasts around the world are also getting their chance to witness

Pokwang’s transformation from a comic host to a dramatic actress when A Mother’s Story was shown starting November 11 in major cities worldwide including Calgary, London, Madrid and Milan.

“We at TFC are overseas Filipinos our-selves so we live and breathe in the world our kababayans abroad are in. Thus, it’s not enough to tell stories of Filipinos that come from the homeland through TV programs and movies, but also share those that come from us who have lived outside of it,” said Kerwin Du, TFC North America’s head of theatricals.

Du continued: “Film is one of the essential purveyors of narratives. The journey of the overseas Filipino is among the fi nest and richest sources of compelling stories that need to be told to the world. Hence, TFC’s foray into fi lm production is a natural and relevant progression of our mission to serve Filipinos wherever they may be.”

A Mother’s Story gives life to the story of Medy, played by Pokwang, a make-up artist who dares to make a life in the United States as an illegal immi-grant in exchange for saving the life of her infant daughter.

The fi lm focuses on the everyday sac-rifi ces that millions of Filipino parents make as they leave their homes to fi nd jobs overseas.

“For TFC’s initial offering, we dedicate A Mother’s Story to all the Filipino parents and children who continue to live and love apart,” ex-plained John-D J. Lazatin, the director of A Mother’s Story.

Lazatin embarked on the journey of helm-ing TFC’s very fi rst production as a way to honor his own mother. “She was a widow who also came to America and sought the American Dream to secure the future of her kids,” shared Lazatin as he added that the fi lm, “is very personal to me, having lost my mother during the post-production stages of the movie.”

Beyond the universal themes of a parent’s love and sacrifi ce, A Mother’s Story also showcases both the travails and triumphs of illegal immigrant Filipinos.

Juxtaposed with their humiliation as they suffer from physical and emotional abuse from employers as well as the betrayal they experience from fellow kababayans are the kindness of strangers and the value of treating every human being with decency.

In returning to the Philippines, Medy is also forced to deal with the resentment of her oldest son King, who felt that his mother

abandoned him seven years ago, while her seven-year old daughter Queenie treats her with innocent wonder.

TFC chose host and comedienne Pokwang to play Medy because her own personal life epitomizes the struggles of an overseas Fili-pino worker (OFW). “She does not just know it, she has lived it. She has a full grasp of what sacrifi ce means to the overseas Pinoy,” Lazatin pointed out.

Lazatin praised Pokwang for her “authen-tic” portrayal of Medy. “Her performance in the fi lm is a refl ection of an honest and pure heart. Watching her, what is left is a thin layer between the reel Medy and the real Pok-wang,” Lazatin further shared.

Joining Pokwang are Nonie Buencamino, Daria Ramirez, Rayver Cruz, Ana Capri, Beth Tamayo and child sensation Xyriel Manabat. Screenplay is by Senedy Que, who also wrote the award-winning fi lm, “In My Life”.

A Mother’s Story is currently shown across the U.S.. In San Diego the movie will be shown as follows:

SAN DIEGO November 11-24, 2011 CUA Horton Plaza 475 Horton Plaza,

San Diego, CA 92101 About ABS-CBN InternationalABS-CBN International was created over

15 years ago to be of service to all Filipinos. With the launch of The Filipino Channel (TFC), the company became the fi rst and most successful Filipino content distribu-tion company in the U.S. The company of-fers telecommunication, retail, theatricals, money remittance and cargo services, on-line audio and video streaming, IPTV, On Demand, along with philanthropic support

for Filipinos and the communities they now call home. Based in Redwood City, CA, ABS-CBN International is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest entertainment and broadcasting company, through ABS-CBN Corporation’s wholly-owned subsidiary, ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft. For more information, visit www.abs-cbnglobal.com.

TFC marks debut into international fi lm production with the U.S. premiere of “A Mother’s Story”

Asian Journal November 25 - December 1, 2011

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Transcript of Asian Journal November 25 - December 1, 2011