Clarion 2013 Issue 2
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Transcript of Clarion 2013 Issue 2
Page | 1
SYMPHONY OF DREAMERS
“All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”.
- Walt Disney
Saint Ignatius Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Issue 2_____________ ______________________________ June 2013_
The memory of the very first time my father, the late Brig. General Jesus C. Dela Cruz, brought me to this village way back in the late 1970’s is still so vivid to me. St. Ignatius was then a small and a very simple community with a few houses and a very quiet environment. My father uttered to me that soon we will be seeing ourselves living in this locality as our “NEW” home. First I had mixed emotions, I did not want to leave my friends in Camp Aguinaldo where we practically grew up, but I saw how my dad’s face lit up when he told me this news, that finally he will soon be building his “DREAM HOUSE” for my mom and my 3 siblings. I saw his excitement, commitment and passion while planning and making this dream of his into REALITY.
It is 2013 now and my father has been gone for almost 14 years. The person who started it all may not be with us anymore but yet we are still thriving, living in this house that truly became a HOME; and so we are loving it with ALL the memories.
Like every family in this village, we have made ST. Ignatius a major part of our lives in CONTINUALLY shaping our goals and aspirations, our utmost dreams. Every bit of achievement stems from an ideal imagination we have; we become inspired to live because we want to move forward to achieve what is best for our families. From tiny steps to either tough or easy ones, we must continue to thrive.
This year, the SIVA BOARD chose the theme “DREAM BIG, ST. IG.!” to honor our mission and great desire to motivate the whole community to not be afraid to form BIG DREAMS and GOALS instead of FEARS and DOUBTS. Let us not limit ourselves to whatever we can reach as long as it will BENEFIT our whole community, in the most positive way.
Let this coming FIESTA inspire us all to become great achievers and to celebrate towards a single strong goal- A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY!
So on July 28, 2013, 6:00 in the evening we invite you to our main fiesta event at the Barangay Social Hall – Dinner/Entertainment/Dance… An EVENING OF BEING TOGETHER AS ONE! And be part of this beautiful SYMPHONY OF DREAMERS that make of St. Ignatius Village.
Let us all DREAM with our minds, believe with our hearts, and achieve with our might. LET US DREAM BIG, ST. IG.!
By: AGNES C. DELA CRUZ Vice-President, SIVA Chairman, Social and Cultural Affairs Head “2013 FIESTA TEAM”
Page | 2
Village Fiesta Events
Page | 3
An Author All Her
Life
by Don M. Bulahan
When I first met Almi back in our
mid-teens, she was already a
serious and indomitable girl from
Third Street; the older daughter of
Mr. Amading and Angie Astudillo
and sister of Argel. I recall it was
through the invitation of her
neighbor Cent Sablan that I found
myself in the Astudillo residence,
attending one of meetings of a club
known as S.O.S. I’ve already
forgotten what these letters meant
and, no, it isn’t some dark secret
society. Almi was the founding
president and the youth club was
actually the first I’ve known to
have existed in the village. At a
very young age, I admired her for
successfully getting the youth
together.
Fast forward to nearly forty years
later: Dr. Almira Astudillo-Gilles’
poems, short stories and picture
books have been recognized by no
less than President Benigno S.
Aquino III, who chose her to
receive the 2012 Pamana ng
Pilipino Presidential Award for her
works. Among the other recipients
for 2012 are Allan Pineda (a.k.a.
apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas)
and Eric Spoelstra (a.k.a. the coach
of Miami Heat, the newly crowned
NBA champions). Although I
knew before that Almi was
destined for success, I never
thought she would find
achievement in being an author
and one who writes about the plain
folks in our country.
Before the Astudillos moved to St.
Ignatius Village, Almi spent her
childhood years in Frankfurt,
Germany; hence, English was her
first language. She attended her
high school in Maryknoll College
(now Miriam) along Katipunan
Ave., and then took up AB
Psychology at UP Diliman where
she graduated cum laude. After
working for Sycip, Gorres, and
Velayo for only two years, Almi
left for graduate school in the U.S.,
where she finished a Master’s in
Political Science, a Master’s in
Labor and Industrial Relations, and
a Doctorate in Social Science - all
from Michigan State U. This is
where she also met her husband.
They now have a 23-year old son
who works for Facebook and a 17-
year old daughter who is entering
college.
Almi started writing poetry at
about seven years old and was a
frequent contributor in the school
newspaper. Almi; however, never
thought about writing as a
profession and spent the most part
of her life after graduate school
teaching at campuses all over the
Chicago area. Because of
hypertension resulting from her
hectic schedule, where she would
divide her time between work,
studies and family, Almi decided
it was time for her to quit teaching
and instead try her hand at writing.
Her children’s book, “Willie
Wins”, which focuses on her
Filipino heritage, was published
soon after. Almi became hooked
on writing. She has published
poetry, essays, short stories (one of
which won a national award in the
US), and plays for community
theater. Now that her children are
fully-grown, she has tried
something more adult and that is
her new novel “Tales of Gold”.
_____________(Continued on page 4)
Village People
Page | 4
NBA in Congress
By Lilian Ramos-Yeo
Our very own, a.k.a. St. Ig neighbor, Cong. Bolet
Banal, won for the second time around a seat in the
Philippine Congress. I can boast again to my friends:
Ah si Congressman Banal, neighbor ko siya!:-) Busy
schedules did not allow us to talk in person this time
but the reliable internet fixed the time constraint.
Here is a succinct interview with our very own...
How did you feel of your recent win? Thankful...
Was it an easy win? More than 80% of the barangay
officials were not on our side, so I would say it was
not an easy win.
What are your plans for this term? I plan to
continue supporting PNoy's reform agenda. And I
intend to continue being a team player at the House of
Representatives, to help out Speaker Belmonte and
contribute in whatever way I can. Our district team is
committed to the implementation of meaningful
programs (especially in health, education, livelihood,
peace-and-order) for the benefit of the greater
majority of our constituents.
Do you have any plans specific to St.
Ig? Everything that I / we do and everything that
we've accomplished thus far is for St. Ignatius, the
Third District, Quezon City and our beloved country.
The theme of the upcoming July fiesta is "DREAM
BIG, ST. IG!," In line with this, we would also like to
ask:
What is your dream for the Philippines? For the
Third District? For St. Ignatius? My simple, not-
so-distant dream for St. Ig, our district and our
country is for us to have another President who, like
PNoy, (1) is not a crook, (2) is deeply committed to
doing the right thing as an individual and as a public
servant, (3) someone who will act and work with
fervor to uplift the lives of our impoverished
countrymen.
Any personal dreams you can share with us? My
personal dream is to play alongside Tim Duncan and
Tony Parker (haha) but I will settle for watching an
NBA Finals game live (courtside seats of course).
In behalf of St. Ignatius, we wish Congressman Bolet
another successful term in Congress. We are very
proud to have you as a neighbor. May all your dreams
come true as they are is so much entwined with ours.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An Author All Her Life_____
(Continued from page 3)___________
The novel tells how a poor man’s
discovery of ancient gold in the
Philippine South changes him, his
family, and his community.
Almi has also been very active in
the Filipino American community
in Chicago. When she was the
president of the UP Alumni
Association of Greater Chicago,
they raised funds for a marine
study in UP Visayas. Nowadays,
Almi promotes Filipino culture
whenever she can and gives talks
to students about multicultural
writing.
When she was asked what her
presidential award means to her,
Almi feels that an awardee is
obligated to continue to serve. She
will use the award to open doors so
that she may do more. So far, it has
been very effective in helping her
connect with others whom she
might recruit for her cause.
Village People
Page | 5
A Doctor by Profession, A Beauty Queen by Obsession
By Marivi R. Octaviano
Somewhere along Riviera Street resides a young woman who dreamt of becoming a doctor and a beauty queen: childhood fantasies which at age twenty-five Golda Mae Soller has sweetly turned into reality. Call it determination or call it fate. Her name is now prefixed with the noble title of Dr. (Doctor) – just like her father Dr. Harry G. Soller, a general surgeon and owner of Soller General Hospital in Roxas, Isabela; her mother, Dr. Eden Uy-Soller, an obstetrics-gynecologist; and her eldest sister who is also a surgeon at the Medical City in Ortigas.
After graduating from Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in 2010 and passing the Board Examination in 2011, Dr. Golda pursued another dream by joining the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant in 2012. Though she didn’t win the coveted crown which could have added another title to
her name, Dr. Golda is a winner in her own right.
At 5’5 tall, this slim chinita and morena beauty, who hails from Roxas, Isabela and was born second of five girls on June 25, 1986, looks as pretty in person sans make-up. She exudes the charm and poise befitting a beauty queen.
“I felt pressured,” recalls this be-dimpled doctor, “I didn’t know whether I would act like a prim and proper doctor or be like any ordinary girl. I also thought how embarrassing it might be if I lost.
But it was my childhood dream. So sige na lang. I just tried to be me.” The title of Binibining
Pilipinas-Universe went to Janine Tugonon who became First runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas,
U.S.A. last year.
Dr. Golda was the first and only full-pledged doctor to have joined the Binibining Pilipinas – a feat in itself. The experience brought her new friends and helped enhance her personality even more.
“During the pageant,
I came to realize that the beauty world is not for me. Though I enjoyed it, I thought to myself: if I didn’t become a doctor, ganito na lang ba ang gagawin ko? I cannot go on living the Barbie doll life,” she muses.
Dr. Golda wasn’t new to beauty pageants. She was Miss UST Thomasian Personality in 2006; Miss Isabela in 2008, and Miss Thomasian Doctors in 2009. Her friends and colleagues in medicine called her “The Reluctant Beauty Queen”.
Presently taking her first of three-year residency at the Makati Medical Center, Dr. Golda wants to specialize in Derma-pathology or examining the cause of the skin disease and finding out whether it’s cancerous or not through skin biopsy. She intends to pursue her Diplomate in Singapore and plans to practice her profession in her hometown like her parents, she wants to serve her town mates and return to St. Ignatius Village when on vacation.
“I want to make dermatology accessible and affordable to people in Isabela because many of them are poor,” reasons out this young doctor who has a heart of gold, too. No wonder her name is Golda, which her parents had taken from Israel’s Prime Minister Golda Meir, a powerful woman.
____________ (Continued on page 12)
Village People
Page | 6
YOUR MODERN-DAY CHILD’S iDREAMS
By Bibet Rosales
Everyone has dreams – some are simple, some are
grandiose, some realistic, some impossible. Whatever
they may be, dreams are the stuff that drives a man
forward. Fulfilling these dreams gives one a great
sense of achievement, leaving him with a feeling that
he is, at last, whole.
When I was in pre-school I studied at a Catholic
school run by nuns. I remember saying to myself that
I would also like to be a nun – but not because I’d like
to serve the Lord. I wanted to be a nun because I
didn’t want to go through the pains of child birth.
This made me wonder what kids nowadays dream of
becoming in this age of modern technology. I asked a
few children in the neighborhood and I was quite
amused by their answers. Perhaps, you will be, too.
Richard Singson, II, 9 years old,
Grade 5, La Salle Greenhills. His
parents are Michelle and Richard.
He told me that he’d like to be a
doctor one day like his cousin, Ate
Sam. He’d like to be a heart
specialist (cardiologist).
Ado Imperio, 13 years old, 8th
grader, Ateneo. His parents are
Jan and Ica. When he was much
younger he liked dinosaurs so
much that he memorized all their
names and characteristics. Before
the interview I thought he would
say that he’d like to be an anthropologist like Indiana
Jones. Instead, he said that he dreams of becoming an
entomologist because he thinks that it would help the
human race if man studies the social structure and
survival skills of insects.
Cleome Imperio, 8 years old,
Grade 3, St. Paul College, Pasig.
Omi’s parents are also Jan and Ica
(hitting two birds with one stone,
right? ). She said that her mom’s
baking inspires her. She loves
creating dishes. She said that she
dreams of opening a restaurant one day where she
would work with her cousin, Aji, who will be the
server.
Lance and Sam Ramos-Yeo,
9 and 11 years old, respectively
– These siblings know exactly
what they want – to be rich so
that they can buy all the things
that they like. Sam, though,
has a plan as to how to achieve
this – study hard so that she’ll be an honor student
first. These kids of Lilian and Peter sure have their
eyes on the prize!
Timothy John Macatangay, 7
years old. TJ is Drs. Joji and Ray
Macatangay’s youngest son. I
asked Dra. Joji, if I could interview
her bunso for this article. She
volunteered to do it herself then
sent in this interview. The
dialogue is so amusing that I dare not rephrase it to
retain its humor and essence. Here goes:
DRA.: What do you want to be when you grow up?
TJ: I want to be like "Juan de la Cruz" [portrayed
by Coco Martin in the teleserye of ABS-CBN]
DRA.: Why?
TJ: Coz I want to kill all the vampires and bad
people. Gusto kong maging “Tagabantay"
DRA.: Di ba si Juan de la Cruz is also the "Anak ng
Hari ng Kadiliman"? Baka maging one of the
bad people ka?
TJ: Hindi! Basta hawak ko ang "Bakal na Krus" ...
Di ako magiging bad!
DRA.: Why? Ano ba ang significance ng " Bakal na
Krus " para sa iyo?
TJ: di ba si Jesus ang nasa Krus? Eh, di pag hold
ako kay Jesus, di ako magiging Bad.
DRA.: Eh, why don't you want to be like Batman ,
Superman or Ironman? Isn't it idol mo rin sila?
TJ: Eh, mga Amerikano naman sila!
DRA.: How about you?
TJ: Ako? Filipino ako kagaya ni Juan de la Cruz!
DRA.: Sige Anak, suportahan kita...
The Young and the Restless
Page | 7
DR. MAMENG RIVERA OF FORDHAM MARKED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN HER
LIFE AS SHE CELEBRATED HER 80TH BIRTHDAY LAST JUNE 7, 2013. A SURPRISE
BIRTHDAY BASH AWAITED HER AT GLORIA MARIS IN GREENHILLS LAST JUNE 8.
STANDING: THE CELEBRANT DR. MAMENG RIVERA WITH EDWIN YEE (L- R
SEATED): VILLAGE GUESTS DELY PENA, ELVIE ENRIQUEZ, SOLING YEE, FELY
AND RUBEN MALLARI, MARIVI, DR. CELY AND IRENE OCTAVIANO.
YOUNG ONCE By: Jorge L. Banal
Under the able leadership of Kagawad Luz Corpus, vice-president of the St. Ignatius Village Seniors’ Association (SIVISA), the SIV Barangay Council has sponsored a forum on “Ensuring the financial security of the Elderly during their senior years” with the sub-theme “Dream of enjoyable, stress-free senior years”, last July 3, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Barangay Social Hall. Co-sponsored by SIVISA, the speaker was Ms. Susan Gonzales, financial advisor/consultant and former Asst. VP, Relationship Management, Bank of the Philippine Island.
Aside from our Villagers, Senior Citizen Association presidents from the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP), QC Chapter, also attended, as follows: Romy Alvarez, Silangan; June Veneracion, Bagumbuhay; Andy Mendoza, Escopa 2; Pol Bancuyo, Masagana; Art Verba, acting pres. San Roque; Engr. Pepe Rivas, Claro. Others present were: Eden Ruiz, 1
st VP, board
members Aurora Mison and Jun Nagas, FSCAP QC; and Kgd. Des Sienes of Bgy. Claro, former NBI Director Mariano Mison and Mrs. Shirley de Leon, Caloocan.
☆☆☆ SIVISA traditionally holds an outing in July as part of the monthly celebration of the St. Ignatius Village Fiesta. Generally accepted as a healthful venue is Pansol, Los Baños, Laguna, where the “hot spring” refreshingly warms and soothes the “tired” muscles and bodies of our elderly residents. The major details of the out-of-town event will be firmed up during a general meeting of SIVISA officers and members which will be held on July 11, Thursday, 4 p.m. at the Barangay Social Hall. Thanks to Pres. Dr. Joji Macatangay and the SIVA Board for their financial support to this yearly activity. We appeal to our SIVISA members to attend the meeting and join the outing and other projects of the Association.
☆☆☆ And our appreciation and thanks to PB Edwin and the Barangay Council, most especially to Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay, who sponsored the construction of the multi-purpose building which will house the Sangguniang Kabataan and Senior Citizens’ offices (the Senior Citizens, at times, are fondly dubbed as SKs, too - Sobra Kuwarenta, hehehe)! This new home should inspire, and challenge, the Young Ones and the “Young Once” to join hearts and be more alive with
health and other activities that would enthuse and benefit their members.
On this the 17th
anniversary of the Elderly Filipino Week, October 1-7, thru Presidential Proclamation 470 which was signed in 1996 by then President Fidel V. Ramos, preparations should now be initiated by DSWD’s technical working group to ensure the meaningful implementation of the week-long celebration.
As in previous years, the Elderly Filipino Week commences on October 1 with a “Walk for Life” which is hosted by the Dept. of Health and spearheaded by FSCAP NCR and the Regional Senior Citizens Federation (RSCF) which are both headed by this SIVISA and FSCAP QC president. Other activities include: Dalaw Kalinga (visitation to Golden Acres and other Homes for the Aged, Muntinglupa New Bilibid Prison and related institutions), Holy Eucharist, Medical Mission and Ms. FSCAP Elderly.
Every year, some 1,000 Senior Citizens normally participate in the “Walk for Life” at the Mall of Asia or at Quezon City Circle.
☆☆☆ FSCAP National has this Priority Agenda:
(1) Resolution respectfully requesting His Excellency President Aquino to Certify to Congress as Priority the Enactment Into Law of the following: a) H.B. No. 2292, entitled “An Act Providing for the Appointment/Election of a Representative from the Senior Citizen Sector in Every _Sangguniang ___________________________(Continued on page 10)
____________________________________________________
Vintage Perspectives
Page | 8
When there’s smoke, there’s fire! By Marivi R. Octaviano
nly one and a half year after its renovation, the once white and beautiful house at the right dead-end corner of Harvard Street was suddenly marred by
fire on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at about 9:30 p.m.
Dolores, the occupant of the house owned by her parents Marcelina and Zosimo Cruz (deceased), was out when the fire broke out that when she got home, she could only stare in shock at the sight of their burnt house – a reminder not only of their parents’ legacy but also of a brother’s years of hard work abroad who plans to retire in the same house, too.
“Hindi pa man naluluma, nasira na,” Dolores says weakly; her voice trailing off in distress as the difficulty of starting anew, the financial and physical burdens of another major repair loom up before her.
The ferocious flames left ghastly evidences of destruction: massive soot on all walls with burnt smell; a widely gaping ceiling on their kitchen that now floods when it rains; an eerie burnt garage that has turned their two vehicles into useless junks; a ruined sarisari store; and huge debris of burnt pieces of furniture, appliance and belongings that are mere garbage and ashes now.
The cause of fire is still unknown as the police investigation report has not been disclosed. No one was injured but the damage went beyond Dolores’ house. The ceiling of the adjacent house below the compound, occupied by Dolores’ niece Charlotte Cahutay and family, was slightly licked by fire.
The fire did not initially alarm neighbors, mostly retiring peacefully in their own homes. My youngest brother was in our garden swing when he first noticed the rising smoke. Followed by my other brothers, he went to see if the billowing smoke was really coming from Harvard Street. Indeed, it was! They saw the burning house, but, no Barangay Tanod, Security Guard or fire truck was in sight. The only people desperately trying to extinguish the fire
with a garden hose were Charlotte’s husband Jojo and their front neighbors – the Rayos.
One of my brothers returned home and ordered me to call up the Barangay and a fire station. But the Barangay’s phone just kept ringing; the guard gate’s line was busy; and so was the fire station in Libis.
Luckily, I was able to contact Kgd. Evelyn Sumbillo, who also heard of the fire from another neighbor. She said the Barangay’s phone was out of order.
Help came several minutes after the fire and smoke had grown bigger, alerting nearby neighbors to come out of their homes and call for fire stations. This resulted in a parade of fire trucks trying to squeeze in Fordham as well as in the narrow and congested Harvard Street that is currently undergoing road widening. One fire man commented a lack of guidance as to where they should pass. All three gates of the village were opened for the fire trucks to enter. But no Tanods were instantly deployed to await and direct the traffic of incoming fire trucks. One fire truck reportedly bumped a vehicle parked along Astoria Street while trying to thread the long and uphill road.
The fire scene revealed many faces but I first spotted Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) President Patrick Espinosa busy helping the victims along with her sister. Many villagers curiously came but could only watch helplessly and perhaps, amusedly as the firemen fearlessly battled the raging fire.
Two weeks later, I met Tanod Tony Andaya who confirmed there were only two of them on duty during the fire. His co-Tanod Enteng Gana, then recuperating from a back surgery, even came to help. Tanod Tony learned of the fire when Mr. Jojo Cahutay, resident of the house whose ceiling partly got burned, fetched him in the Barangay to get his assistance.
In an emergency such as fire, that is when the close coordination, presence of mind and speedy response of people in authority (Barangay and SIVA) are put to a serious test. The Disaster Preparedness and Awareness Program of the ___________________________(Continued on Page 14)
O
Insight
Page | 9
TAEKWONDO SUMMER CLINIC …
April 2 onwards
STREET PARTY … KEW GARDEN & THIRD
STREETS, April 6
STREET PARTY … FIRST STREET, May 4
CAMP FREE SPIRIT … May 10
WAVE 89.12/PLDT FIBR 3 on 3 URBAN HOOPS ...
MAY 18
STREET PARTY … PARIS & SECOND STREETS,
May 25
Past Activities
Page | 10
BSI Reports
By PB Edwin Tansingco
In the March 2013 issue of Clarion, the groundbreaking of the Two storey SK Multi-Purpose building was featured. The SK Council of St. Ignatius headed by SK Chairman Patrick Espinosa wrote a project proposal addressed to Coun. Pinggoy Lagumbay, who generously agreed to fund the project. Three months have passed and the building is on its finishing touches. The ground floor will house the Youth Center, wherein activities catering to the youth would take place while the upper floor will be for our Senior Citizens. The Harvard Street improvement which started last March is almost done, thank you very much to Cong. Bolet Banal.
☆☆☆ Upcoming infrastructure projects lined up:
Construction of a two storey security barracks (near gate 3) will start soon, a project courtesy of Cong. Bolet Banal
Renovation of the Social Hall’s comfort rooms, thru Coun. Allan Reyes
Renovation of the Community Center’s comfort rooms, thru Coun. Gian Sotto.
☆☆☆
An unfortunate fire incident happened last June 4 at No.1 Harvard. Around thirty firetrucks from different fire stations and Barangay fire volunteers responded to the alarm. A fire station will soon be put up along Libis. This will be a big help in ensuring an early response to fire incidents to the neighboring barangays considering the traffic situation along C-5.
☆☆☆ FIRE SAFETY TIPS:
1. In case of fire: DON'T HIDE, GO OUTSIDE! Fires are scary, but you should NEVER hide in closets or under beds when there is a fire.
2. To escape during a fire; FALL & CRAWL. It is easier to breathe in a fire if you stay low while getting out.Use the back of your hand to test if a door is hot before you open it. If it is hot, try to use another way out.
3. If your clothes are on fire; STOP, DROP, AND ROLL until the fire is out. Shout for help, but don't run. Running makes fire burn faster.
4. Have an escape plan and practice it with your family. Find two ways out of every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke. Practice escaping by both routes to be sure windows are not stuck and screens can be taken out quickly.
5. Choose a meeting place outside, such as a big tree or the end of the driveway, so you will know that
everyone has gotten out safely. NEVER go back into a burning building for any reason. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They have the clothing and equipment to safely rescue people.
6. Know your local emergency number. Put stickers and magnets with emergency numbers on your refrigerator and every telephone in the house. If there is a fire at your house, choose one family member to leave your meeting place and call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone
7. Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately. Do not try to repair them. Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Major and small appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. Unplug small appliances when not in use.
8. Every home should have a fire extinguisher. At least one fire extinguisher should be installed in plain view above the reach of children in every home. They should be positioned near escape routes and away from stoves or heating appliances. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in an accessible place and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10 B:C on the label. This type of extinguisher can be used on any commonly caused type of fire. Extinguishers should be inspected and serviced based upon the manufacturer's service schedule. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once, then must be replaced.
___________________________________________
Young Once (Continued from Page 7)
Barangay, Bayan, Panlungsod and Panlalawigan”. b) H.B. No. 2293, entitled “An Act Providing for the Establishment of Geriatric Wards in all Government Hospitals”. c) H.B. 2294, entitled “An Act Institutionalizing 1% Allocation of Government Agencies Budget and IRA of Local Government Units for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities”.
(2) Resolution Respectfully Requesting President Aquino III, to issue an Executive Order to Effect the Full Implementation of R.A. 9994, specially on the Expansion of coverage of the Monthly Social Pension”.
(3) Resolution Requesting President Aquino to Issue an Executive Order for the creation of a Commission or a National Council for Senior Citizens Affairs.
(4) Resolution Requesting Congress through Senator Recto for the Upgrading of SSS Pension Benefits for the Elderly.
Village Projects
Page | 11
Dream BIG St Ig…
“Reform Begins With Me”
By Kgd. Tiny Perfecto
Last July 12, 2013, the Barangay celebrated our
nations Independence with a Memorial Flag
Ceremony. It was followed by a dramatical
presentation about “Kalayaan” by the Libis BEC
Youth, a simple breakfast, and later on a dengue
campaign. We had as guests, representatives of the
SIVA Board headed by Dra. Joji Macatangay, and
Michelle Soller; Gen. Roz Alquiza from Riverdale
Street and other neighbors. Noticeable were the new
Barangay T-shirts sported by the Barangay officials
and staff with the quote at the back: “Reform Begins
With Me”.
In line with the SIVA Fiesta Theme: Dream BIG St
Ig, the Barangay’s “Reform Begins With Me” is about
improving oneself to be a better person for others.
Following are some initiatives towards our hopes and
dreams for the community we serve:
The Barangay Council is set to begin monthly training
workshops to better equip itself and its staff to be
more effective servants leaders of the community.
Improving the quality of our BPSOs, by providing the
training and formation. We have begun a joint project
with the SIVA to provide 1 hr. values formation
sessions every Third Wednesday of the Month for the
BPSOs SIVA Security and Eco Aides. For those who
wish to include their house boys and family driver in
the program, kindly register them at the Barangay
Office. We hope to begin the Housekeeping
Workshops (Yaya training, Gardening, Sewing,
Cooking etc.) in tandem with values formation for
Kasambahay.
A Barangay Bulletin has been circulated with regards
to the upcoming July 12, 2013 Kasambahay
processing for SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig
memberships as required by the Kasambahay Law.
We hope this will make things easier for both the
Kasambahay and the Employers. Forms are available
at the Brgy. Office so that processing on July 12 will
be faster.
The other dream we need to organize is the Risk
Reduction Disaster Preparedness teams which will
need the participation of volunteer residents. This
would include the Neighborhood Watch Project of the
SIVA-BSI. This is the hope of the Street Gatherings
(a joint project of the SIVA Board and Barangay
Council), which are street based pulong-pulongs for
leaders of the community to work out problems of
community with the residents.
_________________________________(Continued on Page 15)
Village Projects
Page | 12
I love you, Boy!
By Lilian Ramos-Yeo
"I love you," those were the parting words of Tito Filemon "Boy" Reodica the first time I met up with him for his interview him for the Clarion. I was at a loss for words since that was the first time someone I just met said “I love you” to me. After a long "ahhmmm (that is me thinking)," I shyly responded, "Ah, ok thank you po."
That was the beginning of my short but meaningful friendship with Tito Boy. He would always greet me on the street whenever I see him. And of course, end it with an "I love you." One time, he invited my son and me to watch him fly his RC helicopters in Camp Aguinaldo. He is a very skilled RC hobbyist and he had lots of entertaining stories to share. We then met up with some of his RC friends and I saw how his co-hobbyists regarded him with much affection and respect.
Prior to my meeting Tito Boy as a resident of St. Ignatius, I vividly
remember him in my pre-school years in Maryknoll. His daughter, Karen, is my batch mate. It was a fair day and out of the blue, there was the deafening sound of a helicopter landing right on our grounds. Everybody's jaws dropped in awe upon seeing the pilot - the handsome and dashing Tito Boy looking so Tom Cruise-ish in Top Gun!
It was such a happy coincidence that I met him once again here in St. Ignatius. And in that short span of time I have known him, I have
grown quite fond of him. In retrospect it made me think that meaningful friendships are measured not by the length of time spent together but rather on the sincerity and kindness exchanged.
Asked why he always says "I love you,” he said he began saying that line so he won't regret having not said it. What a wonderful thought he has left us, indeed. And from all the lives you have touched including mine, we say, "We love you Tito Boy!"
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A Doctor by Profession… __
(Continued from Page 5)___________
Asked if her doctor-boyfriend, a Radiologist from Medical City, would allow her to work in her hometown, Dr. Golda confidently says, “We’ve talked about it and
he’s willing to settle there, too when the time comes.”
The road of fortune looks clear and long for this young doctor and though it may take a turn and change her plans, success will still tail this humble and
strong spirit who knows what she wants and follows what her heart longs for. That is Dr. Golda Mae Soller – always aiming for what her heart desires!
Transition
Page | 13
A MOTHER’S STORY
By Bingle Nicolas-Custodio
“There is a story behind
everything. How a picture got on
the wall. How a scar got on your
face. Sometimes the stories are
simple, and sometimes they are
hard and heart-breaking. But
behind all your stories is always
your mother’s story, because hers
is where yours begin.” - Mitch
Albom
Last month, family, friends and
coworkers gathered at Christ the
King Parish to celebrate the life of
Maria Pilar B. Custodio. The
admiration, gratitude, love, and
respect for Mommy were a most
fitting testament to a life lived so
nobly - a life that encouraged,
inspired and lifted other lives. It
was truly comforting and
heartwarming to see the constant
stream of people there not just to
bid Mommy farewell, because she
will always be an enduring part of
our lives, but even more so, to say
thank you.
We usually think of someone’s
legacy as stellar accomplishments
at work or an accumulation of vast
treasures. Mommy’s story is much
more than that. A graduate of a
Foreign Service degree from the
University of the Philippines,
Mommy could have easily become
a career diplomat. However,
Mommy chose to do something
more important in the year 1957.
Even though it was challenging
and entirely new to her, Mommy
was totally committed to being a
faithful and loving wife to daddy,
and a devoted, kind and nurturing
mother to their children.
Mommy’s story? Her family and
all the love, joy, sacrifices, tears,
warmth, accomplishments, pride,
laughter and togetherness that
comes with it.
Raising a family is said to be a
delicate yet demanding vocation.
There is the relentless physical
involvement of the earlier years, at
times exhilarating and exhausting,
the tug-of-war of emotions
whenever a teenager has to be
taught a lesson, the gripping
intensity of our love and pride for
the children we have been blessed
with and the tears of thankfulness
for all that has come to be.
How many times has Mommy
been brought to near tears while
figuring out how to carefully latch
on the safety pins on her
newborn’s diapers in the midst of
his helpless and fragile crying?
How many nights did she go
without sleep just to make sure her
little one is fed, dry and warm?
And how many times did daddy
tell her to rest, when he would find
her on her rocking chair with her
baby in her arms, her face all
aglow with the look of a mother’s
love and wonderment, as she
stared at her sleeping child?
Mommy has had her never-ending
days of bellyaches, diaper rashes,
bicycle accidents, homework to
check, nightmares, carpools, lunch
boxes to pack, knee scrapes,
sleepovers with rambunctious
Bulahan nephews and nieces,
whispered confessions, a warm
cuddle in bed, tapioca pudding for
breakfast, lengthy conversations
with a son, swimming lessons,
pinning of medals, calls to the
principal’s office, more medals,
baking French apple pies for Jet,
two-year old Benjie jumping on
her very pregnant tummy, trips to
Unimart or Tropical Hut for
groceries with young Chip, and
bedtime stories to read.
The journey between the years of
childhood and adulthood did not
____________(Continued on Page 14)
Transition
Page | 14
A Mother’s Story__________
(Continued from Page 13)__________
end when Dondi took on a military
career, when Celine relocated to
the other side of the world, when
Bambi left for graduate school in
Wharton, when Jet studied at the
University of Pittsburg, when
Benjie established himself as a
successful entrepreneur, when
Chip traveled the world or when
Mia had a family of her own. It
continued on full of twists and
turns, detours, and surprises.
It continued with the arrival of
each of her thirteen grandchildren.
As how each of her children
thought of themselves as
mommy’s favorite, her “apos” also
felt they were their lola’s favorite.
It’s perhaps because mommy
treated each of her grandchildren
in a special and unique way.
Surprise trips to the toy stores,
weekend sleepovers, trips to
Baguio, parent teacher
conferences, Recognition Days,
Valle Verde swimming lessons,
afternoon naps and storytelling,
birthday parties, notes on special
occasions, pastillas from Nueva
Ecija, home cooked meals,
Saturday evening mass and get-
togethers. Mommy always looked
forward to Saturday evening
meals. Cooking for the now bigger
family, no matter how tired she
found herself, was always
something she wanted to do. She
always made sure someone’s
favorite dish would be served –
Bambi’s kare kare and crabs,
Darlene’s sinigang na sugpo or
Jet’s apple pie. Dinner would last
until past ten o’clock, as everyone
would take turns sharing his or her
story. A quick glance at Mommy
would reveal the look of joyful
contentment on her face as she
quietly listened in on the
conversation. That looks of
contentment and joy springs from
Mommy’s ability to love – her
love of God, love of family, and
love for others. Mommy’s
undying love for God was so
accurately expressed in her true
love for daddy, her devotion and
love for her children and
grandchildren and her absolute
love for others.
May we remember Mommy also
for what she meant to so many
people outside of her family. We
recall the gentleness of her voice
during dinner conversations, as it
will be a reminder of the comfort
and warmth of family. We
remember her reassuring embrace
and warm smile, as it will be our
guide on how to be kind. We
remember her selflessness and
outstanding service with Buklod’s
Feeding Program, as it will
continue to inspire us to help out
that in need. We will hold dear her
memories in the parish, the
Barangay Council and the SIV
Sewing Group, as they will
continue to bring inspiration,
direction and hope in our lives.
Thank you for the stories,
Mommy!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
When there’s smoke…_________________
(Continued from Page 8)___________________________ Barangay may have fallen short on this occasion, but, similar hindrances in future emergencies can be avoided if only the problems encountered recently would be properly addressed and immediately rectified. I also noticed the Barangay’s absence of mats and beddings (they only have 3 thin cushions) for village evacuees needing temporary shelter in the Barangay Social Hall after a disaster like the family of Charlotte and Jojo Cahutay whose house became unfit to live in for days after the fire.
It would be a welcome relief for the victims, too if both Barangay and SIVA have an Emergency
Assistance Program that can initially address their physical and financial needs after a disaster. Fortunately for Dolores, SIVA and BUKLOD were generous enough to extend their immediate help.
Likewise, it is in times like this that neighborly acts of Bayanihan or tulong-tulong, charity and compassion should manifest the most among villagers. After all, what are neighbors and street parties for?
Note: Dolores Cruz and the family of Charlotte and Jojo Cahutay wish to extend their gratitude to all those who helped them during their most unfortunate time.
Transition
Page | 15
Two from the Ol’ Recipe Box: BACK TO SCHOOL Edition By Bibet Rosales
The kids are back to school once again and by now you must be running out of easy to prepare baon or breakfast ideas. Here are a couple of recipes that I’ve mastered over the years. You can prepare it ahead of time so that you can stay in bed longer.
BEST EVER TUNA SPREAD (If I may say so myself)
Believe it or not, my mom, the very vivacious Cora Imperio, taught me this recipe even before I had kids. It was so long ago that, perhaps, she won’t even remember that she passed this on to me. I’ve tweaked it a bit.
1 can tuna, drain (I prefer Century Tuna Solid in Water)
1/3 to ½ cup Real Mayonnaise (I prefer Best Foods or Lady’s Choice)
1 Small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons cream cheese
½ to 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
Just mix everything. Add more mayonnaise if it’s too thick for you. Serve with bread or salad greens. Enjoy!
(Note: Since this has mayonnaise, it’s not ideal as baon. But you can tweak it as my son, Ken, did – replace the mayo with olive oil. He also added diced apples and pepper to give it more oomph!)
EASIEST EGG SALAD SPREAD
This simple spread was praised by Tito Leo Alejandro when he was still with us. I hope he wasn’t just saying that to pull my leg =)
Hard-boiled egg, mashed or chopped
Tablespoon Real Mayonnaise
Pinch Rock Salt
Pinch White or washed sugar
You must be wondering why there’s no measurement – that’s because the proportions are 1:1:1:1. For every egg, add 1 tablespoon mayo, 1 pinch rock salt, 1 pinch sugar. Just mix everything.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Dream BIG St Ig… (Continued from Page 11)
The Community Center recently had some improvements: Thank you to the Homeowners Association for the repair and repainting of our community center /chapel; and thank you also to Mr. & Mrs. Alex Sevilla (balikbayan relatives of Kgd. Dra Luz Corpus) for donating our second TV monitor.
Of course our dream is not complete without the much awaited Roof Deck Project that will cover the
Basketball court & add much needed gathering space for our Barangay. And finally, we dream for dedicated servant leaders to arise and step up to the challenge of serving in our Barangay this coming October!
“All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully.” – St Ignatius of Loyola
Dream BIG St Ig…Happy Fiesta 2013!
Lifestyle
Page | 16
“ALAY SA MAG-AARAL” By Lolita dela Cruz
Buklod President
Good News – From
the Buklod ng
Panginoon, our
million thanks to
our friends who
donated cash and in
kind like notebooks,
pencils, pad paper,
etc. for our outreach
program “Opera-
tions School
Supply”. A total of
334 packages of
school supplies were distributed to 334 grade school
pupils from grade 1-6. The recipients are from
Barangay Escopa 2, 3 and Libis, and to some children
of our Barangay workers.
HONORING OUR HERITAGE By Myrna Deleña
The Buklod ng Panginoon travelled back in time when
they embarked on a recreational day tour to Las Casas
Filipinas de Acuzar last June 14, 2013. St. Ig’s small
group of ten bounded into a van early on a rainy
morning to endure the two-hour trip to Bagac, Bataan
where the popular heritage resort sits on a 400-hectare
property bordered by rice fields, mountains, the
Umagol river and and the Luzon sea. Each of the 27
heritage architectural treasures in the compound was
brought in from different parts of the country and
painstakingly rebuilt with detailed accuracy in Bataan
to recreate a community reminiscent of typical 18th to
early 20th century Philippines. The sun chose to shine
in Bagac that day as the group waxed nostalgic
walking along the cobblestone streets and exploring
throughout the antique houses. Lunch, at one of
several food and beverage facilities, was a welcome
respite from the walking tour but it became most
memorable for the locally-made gabi or taro ice
cream. Apart from wandering through the picturesque
estate, guests can choose to go souvenir shopping
along their “escolta”, experience traditional hilot at
the spa, get photographed in traditional Spanish-era
costumes, or cool off at the beach or at the man-made
batis or brook. Should guests choose to extend their
stay, they can either book individual hotel rooms or
rent entire houses with up to six bedrooms. Although
the group merely stayed for a day, they vowed to go
back with their respective families and friends to share
the experience of time travel.
MEMBERS OF THE BUKLOD NG PANGINOON STRIKE A POSE IN FRONT OF AN
ANTIQUE HOUSE AT LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR. (TOP LEFT-RIGHT:
CREAM TEAÑO, GENIE BARRIOS, AMADING ASTUDILLO. BOTTOM LEFT-RIGHT:
EDEN ALMIREZ, BABY BANAL, LULAY DELA CRUZ, ANGIE ASTUDILLO, MYRNA
DELEÑA, AND AGNES DELA CRUZ)
The Clarion
Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Brandon Bulahan Managing Editor/ Photo Editor Agnes de la Cruz Associate Editor Marivi Octaviano Layout Artist Brandon Bulahan Writers Ma. Andrea Mendigo Lilian Ramos-Yeo Raissa Rosales Staff Rhea Evangelista Russel Negrete Publisher St. Ignatius Village
Association Board Email [email protected]
Email us your thoughts or reactions. We’d love to hear from you.
Religious Affairs