September 1-15, 2014 1

Vol. XXIII, No. 20 Online: www. manilamail.us September 1-15, 2014

Vargas fi les for DACA Page 3

PH-US train for riots Page 10

Reid apologizesPage 5

UN peacekeepers Page 19

Roldan gets life term Page 20

Priests, nuns back in streets vs pork

MANILA. The infl uential Roman Catholic Church appears to be back on the streets, spear-heading a nationwide campaign to collect 10 million signatures for a bill to abolish the pork barrel, using a yet untested peo-ples initiative provision in the countrys Constitution.

The Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Phil-ippines (AMRSP) kicked off the campaign at the Rizal Park on

National Heroes Day last Aug. 25. A Peoples Congress of more than 1,000 participants from church, political and civil society groups formally launched the bill in Cebu City last Aug. 23.

The campaign is part of an effort needed to enact a law drafted through peoples ini-tiative that would prohibit all forms of pork-barrel budgeting,

New primate found in Dinagat island

MANILA. An international team of biologists announced recently the discovery of a new genetic primate type theyve named the Dinagat-Caraga tar-sier thats helped expand scien-tifi c knowledge of the furry crea-tures.

The tarsier (big-eyed noctur-nal animal about the size of an adult mans hand) is known to live only on Dinagat Island and parts of the adjacent northeast

MANILA. The Presidents allies in the House of Represen-tatives have started fl oor debates to push constitutional amend-ments, ostensibly to change the charters economic provisions but administration critics warn it could be a ploy to extend term limits of incumbents, including that of President Aquino.

The measure, principally authored by House Speaker Feli-ciano Belmonte Jr., was intro-duced last May but deliberations were started only last Aug. 25.

Even then, Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello questioned the move. Contrary to the initial claim of the proponents, a con-stitutional ban on ownership of foreigners but also individu-als and Chinese nationals the state is the owner and the state may give leases and other types of arrangements to various own-ership, he said.

Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales said this is the fi rst time the House will tackle on the fl oor actual amendments to the

Constitution.Previous Cha-cha attempts

in Congress were either bills call-ing for a constitutional conven-tion or a constituent assembly (con-ass).

In 2009, then Speaker Pros-pero Nograles led the approval of HR 1109 to convene a constit-uent assembly but this was shot down in the Senate.

This comes amid fears by many of the Presidents crit-ics that the Belmonte initiative,

Continued on page 22

Continued on page 21

Continued on page 21

Pacquiao helps sell Algieri fi ghtMANILA. Manny Pacquiao

and Chris Algieri are on globe-trotting tour to promote their Nov. 23 fi ght in Macau.

The unbeaten American pulled off a major upset in his last fi ght, outpointing Ruslan Provodnikov last June to earn a shot at Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title. Algieri over-came two early knockdowns and fought with a badly swollen eye for much of the fi ght.

I saw his fi ght with Ruslan, Pacquiao said. He took a lot of bad punches from Ruslan

Continued on page 21Dinagat tarsier Manny Pacquiao back to back with upcoming foe Chris Algieri.

A Catholic nun helps gather signatures for a peoples initiative to outlaw the pork barrel system after politicians fail or refuse to do it. (Photo courtesy of Roy Lagarde/National Catholic Reporter)

Kababayans shaken but unhurt in Ca. quakeSAN FRANCISCO. No Fili-

pinos were reported hurt in the Magnitude 6 earthquake that struck the Napa Valley north of this city last Aug. 24.

According to our Consul-ate General in San Francisco, they have not received any report of Filipinos affected by the earthquake in California, Phil-ippine Foreign Affairs spokes-man Charles Jose said in Manila.

The quake, the biggest in California in 25 years, was cen-tered 6 miles (10 km) south of the city of Napa. California is home to one of the biggest concentra-tions of Filipinos in the US, espe-cially in the Bay Area that also felt the earthquake.

The San Francisco consulate has activated a 24-hour emer-gency hotline.

We encouraged every-one to practice extreme caution during an earthquake or its ensu-ing aftershocks in order to reduce the risk of injury or death, the consulate said.

At least 33 buildings in Napa, a city of 77,000, had been red-tagged as unsafe to enter, said Napa Community Devel-opment Director Rick Tooker. About 200 people were injured from the quake.

California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emer-

Continued on page 21

September 1-15, 201422

September 1-15, 2014 3

Vargas asks US govt for protection vs deportationWASHINGTON D.C.

Undocumented Filipino immi-grant Jose Antonio Vargas sub-mitted last Aug. 20 his papers for President Obamas deferred action that could shield him from immediate deportation.

Vargas is hoping the Department of Homeland Secu-rity (DHS) will grant him and the 10 other undocumented immi-grants who now form the center of a nationwide 1 of 11 Million campaign, to a 4-year deferral on deportation by exercising pros-ecutorial discretion.

In the past, immigration offi cials have deferred the depor-

tation of undocumented immi-grants who do not pose imme-diate risk to Americas national

security.Deferred action is a tem-

porary solution, so I wouldnt be deported for four years. I can get a work permit, said Vargas. I have caused my grand-mother a lot of stress, more stress than she deserves, so this will be some sort of peace of mind.

V a r g a s helped launch the 1 of 11 Mil-lion campaign at the National Press Club in Washington to highlight the

stories of the 11 undocumented last Aug. 20.

Defi ne American and the National Immigration Law Center hope this would push people to keep talking about immigration.

We want to humanize the

debate on immigration, said Eduardo Samaniego, of the 1 of 11 Million campaign. We speak about why were here, what our families are going through, why it is necessary to be relieved from deportation.

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Immigration reforms advocate Jose Antonio Vargas launches in 1 of 11 Mil-lion campaign in DC.

September 1-15, 201444

China dismisses PH, US protestsMANILA. China has dis-

missed Philippine complaints about the presence of Chinese survey ships in the country mineral-rich exclusive economic zone as tensions fl ared anew fol-lowing a dangerous encounter between a United States patrol plane and a Chinese fi ghter jet last month.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Jeff Pool said the incident took place 135 miles east of Hainan Island when a Chinese J-11, a version of the Russian Su-27, came within 20 feet of a U.S. Navy P-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

The intercept was aggres-sive and demonstrated a lack of due regard for the safety and well-being of the U.S. and Chi-nese aircrews and aircraft, Pool said in a statement, noting it was one of the most dangerous aerial encounters with the Chinese since the April 2001 EP-3 mid-air collision with a Chinese J-8.

According to the Pentagon, the latest encounter is part of a rising trend of nonstandard, unprofessional and unsafe inter-cepts of US aircraft that began in late 2013.

One expert said the incident should convince the Pentagon to start deploying aircraft in the Philippines which recently signed an enhanced military

access agreement with the US. Meanwhile, President

Benigno Aquino III said two Chinese survey vessels had been sighted in part of the disputed South China Sea also claimed by the Philippines called Reed Bank.

In a statement faxed to the Reuters news agency, Chinas Foreign Ministry said that Reed Bank was Chinese territory.

Survey activities being carried out by Chinese survey ships are appropriate, legal, and beyond reproach, the ministry said.

Tensions between the Phil-ippines and China began in 2011 when Chinese patrol boats harassed a survey ship hired by Anglo-Filipino Forum Energy PLC which won a contact to explore the Reed Bank.

Another two to three Chi-nese ships have been seen regu-larly on patrol around Scarbor-ough Shoal, another part of the disputed South China Sea.

Defense offi cials said the latest encounter highlights Chi-nas continued aggressiveness in the region.

The P-8, a new, militarized Boeing-737 anti-submarine war-fare aircraft, was conducting routine surveillance of the Chi-nese coast over the South China Sea.

Chinese military offi cials have said they oppose all US electronic surveillance fl ights and described ship-based moni-toring of their facilities and ter-ritory an encroachment of sover-eignty.

US military offi cials have said the monitoring is carried within international airspace and thus does not violate inter-

national or Chinese law.The P-8 that was intercepted

by the Su-27 is part of the Navys fi rst squadron of new submarine hunters deployed to Asia.

Six P-8s, that can fi re both missiles and torpedoes, are under the command Navys Sev-enth Fleet and are based at Oki-nawas Kadena Air Base. They support the fl eets maritime sur-

veillance operations as part of the U.S. pivot to Asia.

The Navy has described the P-8 as the most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. The jet also conducts maritime intelligence, surveil-lance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

Pinoy lesbian couple weds, fi nallySAN FRANCISCO. Filipino

lesbian couple Jay Mercado and Shirley Tan tied the knot on August 19 after years of fi ght-ing deportation and testimony on Capitol Hill, until the United States Supreme Court recog-nized same sex marriage.

The ceremony was offi ci-ated by California Congress-woman Jackie Speier and wit-nessed by the couples 18-year-old twin sons, Jashley and Jori-ene.

Its truly an amazing day to fi nally see our parents get recognized for their marriage, Joriene said in an ABS-CBN Bal-itang America report.

Over fi ve years ago, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) placed Tan under house arrest after the government denied her request for asylum and faced deporta-

tion back to the Philippines.

She was allowed to stay

with Mercado and her sons

through a special humanitarian

legislation, with aid from Speier and California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.

The Supreme Courts repeal of the Defense of Mar-riage Act (DOMA) last year paved the way for the wedding.

The United States govern-ment has now said that there is a pathway to getting a green card, remaining in this country, and actually become a citizen if you want, Speier said in an Asian Journal report.

For 28 years our dreams came to its fi nal fruition; we thought it would never happen. So thank God for everything, that we were allowed to marry the person we love, Tan said.

I hope someday to be at the swearing in ceremonies when Shirley becomes a US citi-zen, Speier declared.

Jay Mercado and Shirley Tan

September 1-15, 2014 5

PH consulate seeks aid for stranded mariners

NEW YORK. The Philippine

Consulate General here is negoti-

ating with authorities to allow 17

Filipino seafarers to disembark

from their Greek-fl agged cargo

ship that has been stranded on

the Delaware River near Phila-delphia for the past four months.

Offi cials from the consulate said in a statement Aug. 20 that the Filipinos were in good spir-its and receiving pay despite not being allowed off the vessel.

The 700-foot-cargo ship, Nikol H, unloaded its cargo of cocoa beans in Philadelphia in April. But it reported some mechanical problems.

The United States Coast Guard ordered it to make repairs before sailing.

But court documents revealed the vessels owner, Derma Carriers, hasnt paid for the repairs or wharf fees since docking which now amounts to $1.2 million, prompting vendors and others to sue to recover costs for providing fuel, food and sup-plies while the ship has been here.

On May 23, federal authori-ties detained the ship, including its Egyptian captain and two Ukranian crew members.

US customs offi cials wont allow seafarers to go ashore without proper visas.

But one report claimed some Filipino crew members have returned home and been

replaced.An ABS-CBN News report

said the Filipino seamen, whose ages ranged from 23 to 54, are asking US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) for humanitarian parole to leave the ship for even for a few hours.

The Seamans Church Insti-tute, which is also reportedly assisting the seamen to obtain humanitarian parole, has pro-vided the Filipino crews with a cell phone and Internet connec-tion to communicate with their families.

Reid apologizes for Wong joke

WASHINGTON D.C. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has apologized for a joke that didnt go too well with Asian Americans.

The apology was prompted by remarks he made at the Asian Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas and after video was posted by conservative trackers.

The Asian population is so productive. I dont think youre smarter than anybody else, but youve convinced a lot of us you are, Reid said to applause, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

After a man was intro-duced to the podium, Reid said: One problem Ive had today is keeping my Wongs straight.

Reid offered a mea culpa the next day: My comments

were in extremely poor taste and I apologize. Sometimes I say the wrong thing.

Its not the fi rst time Reid felt compelled to apologize for something he said about race; most notably he was quoted in Game Change describ-ing President Barack Obama as having no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.

He later said he deeply regretted using such a poor choice of words.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

The Nikol H on the Delaware River.

September 1-15, 201466

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PH honors US Marine squadron after 23 years

CHICAGO. A Marine Corps helicop-ter squadron that swung into action when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in June 1991 fi nally got a formal thank you from the country they risked their lives for.

Consul General Generoso Calonge led Philippine offi cials in giving a long-overdue recognition to Marine Reserve Squadron HML-776, a unit that was once

posted at nearby Glenview Naval Air Sta-tion, at the Philippine Consulate here.

Its a job that needs recognition, its a recognition that must be put on the record, Calonge stressed.

I think in our hearts we all know what we did, but its always nice to receive a nice Atta boy or Atta girl, said then squadron commander Lt. Col. Robert Monfort.

Calonge gave the Marines the Philip-pine Military Civic Action Medal.

I remember having a few beers with my offi cers, singing, Where will you go when the volcano blows, by Jimmy Buffet, and just having a blast, never once realiz-ing we were about to embark on an eight-week nightmare, Monfort reminisced in a report on ABCs WLS-TV in Chicago.

HML-776 was initially deployed to Okinawa to fi ll the gap for other combat forces that were moved to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm in 1990.

The rocks were coming down and they started getting bigger and bigger, and I came in and I said, Theres going to be some people who die today, lets all get prepared, said then-Maj. Tom Hayhurst, HML-776 Operations Offi cer, in the same TV report.

The squadrons 104 offi cers and men, fl ying six Huey helicopters, swooped down on ash-buried Central Luzon, air-dropping badly needed supplies to people isolated by the 2nd most powerful volca-nic eruption of the 20th century.

We went out, grabbed some shov-els, started digging out the town, because at least we had our equipment, the towns folks had no equipment, former Marines Cpl. James Villa said in the WLS-TV inter-view.

More than 800 people died from the eruption, damaging 200,000 acres of farm-land and displacing over 2 million people. Severe ash and lahar fl ows forced the US Air Force to close down Clark Air Base as well as a major Philippine Air Force base nearby.

Video grab from ABC News-Chicago report on US Marines during Pinatubo volcano erup-tion.

September 1-15, 2014 7

September 1-15, 201488

COA orders Enrile, Reyes to return P345-M porkMANILA. The Commission

on Audit (COA) has ordered detained Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and his former chief of staff Gigi Reyes to return the P345 million of his pork barrel funds that went to Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged brains behind the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

In testimony at the Sandi-ganbayan (graft court) Aug. 22, COA Assistant Commissioner Susan Garcia, who also heads the special audits offi ce, revealed that a notice of disallowance was sent to Enrile last January.

Asked by state prosecutor Anne Cabelis to explain what the notices meant and why they were issued, Garcia said the personalities to whom the docu-ments were addressed were ordered to return the amounts to the state treasury.

She said notices were sent to these personalities because based on our special audit, there was no project implemen-tation at all because of the spu-rious documents which covered the projects.

The Department of Budget

and Management (DBM) issued several special allotment release orders (SAROs) to Enrile between January 2007 and June 2009 amounting to P375 million to fi nance the livelihood projects that were supposed to have been carried out by the foundations identifi ed with Napoles.

Garcia also noted that P30 million of the P375 million went to a non-government orga-nization (NGO) that was not included in the plunder charges against Enrile, Reyes and their co-accused.

Garcia revealed the COA sent out separate notices to former Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya, current Budget Under-secretary Mario Relampagos and Director Carmencita Delantar, the head of the DBM budget and management section.

Enrile, 90, has been on hos-pital arrest in a private room at the Philippine National Police General Hospital at Camp Crame since his arrest last July 4. He is accused of pocketing almost P173 million in alleged kickbacks from Napoles.

Meanwhile, the Sandi-ganbayans Third Division has junked Enriles appeal to reverse a July 24 order placing him on preventive suspensing while he is being tried for plunder. Its now up to the Senate to imple-ment the courts decision.

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is ordered to return P345 million pork funds.

September 1-15, 2014 9

September 1-15, 20141010

US Marines, Pinoy troops train riot controlFORT BONIFACIO, Taguig.

Filipino soldiers and policemen got a chance to trade riot con-trol skills with the United States Marines civil disturbance unit as part of a Non-lethal Weapons Executive Seminar (NOLES) last Aug.6.

Members from the Philip-pine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philip-pines (AFP) taught US Marines how to use batons and shields to effectively control unruly crowds and the martial arts called Pekiti Tirsia Kali.

The main purpose of CDM (civil disturbance management) is crowd control, explained Rafael Muchuelas, an instructor of the PNPs National Capital Region Police Offi ce (NCRPO)

that has jurisdiction over Metro Manila.

Rallies, demonstrations, or anywhere here in the Philippines where crowd control might be needed, this is perfect to use in those instances, he added.

The Pekiti Tirsia Kali is indigenous to the Philippines as it is the martial arts adopted by Philippine armed forces, and police. It is a strictly combat-oriented system that has been around since 1897.

I spoke to the instructors and they say its similar to the Marine Corps Martial Arts Pro-gram (MCMAP), but theirs is more based on the Taekwondo, instead of mixed martial arts like ours, said Sgt. Timothy Brown, platoon sergeant with the 3rd

Law Enforcement Battalion (LEB), III Marine Expeditionary Force.

During the martial-arts ses-sion, Marines trained with mock daggers and kalis, a Filipino double-edged sword that plays a large role in the martial art.

The Marines in turn taught the Filipino soldiers and police-

men on how to use the X26 Taser as part of Non-lethal Weapons (NLW) training.

The NOLES exercise pro-motes awareness and effective use of non-lethal weapons to maintain order in low-intensity confl icts or civil unrest.

The effective use of non-lethal weapons can be extremely valuable during rescue missions, for force protection in civil dis-turbances, while controlling rioting and prisoners of war, for checkpoint or convoy opera-tions, or in situations in which civilians are used to mask a mili-tary attack.

Taser training is very important. If you fi nd yourself in a situation where youre needing to use this weapon, you need to

know how it feels, how it func-tions, the good, the bad, the dos and the donts. That way you can employ it safely, said Sgt. Timo-thy Brown, a NLW instructor with the 3rd LEB.

As part of the training, some participants were shot by the Taser, receiving a drive stun. Both are pain compliance tech-niques causing bodies to seize up, and comply with the orders given by their instructors.

Its my fi rst time Ive had pain like that, said Police Offi -cer 1st Class Francis N. Javellana.

The Filipinos are extremely motivated, and now know what it feels like to be hit by a Taser, Brown said. If I had to rate the way our day went on a scale from one to ten, this is an 11.

Police probes Pinay housewifes death in homeJERSEY CITY, New Jersey.

A 34-year-old Filipina housewife was found dead inside her coun-try village home last Aug. 18 and her husband was taken into custody as authorities ferret out what happened.

Monica Garcia-Montones death, which has been ruled sus-picious, is still being investigated by the medical examiner.

Her husband Kevin Mon-tone was taken away by police

after her corpse was found in their home and charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of school property. Montone has not been charged in connection with his wifes death.

The couples 3-year-old son was taken from the crime scene and is now being cared for by relatives.

The Jersey Journal reported that a neighbor saw Montone

placed in a police car without handcuffs but was laughing uncontrollably.

Montone was a former city employee who worked as a civilian police dispatcher until he was terminated for cause a year earlier, according to city spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill.

In a separate report, Mon-tones aunt Nierva del Rosario Casten said she believed it was a crime of passion.

In the end, I believe that

Monicas downfall was her

intense need to keep her young

family intact, she said.

Montone, the son of a retired

Jersey City police offi cer, faces

separate charges for possession

of a prescription drug that was

obtained without a valid pre-

scription. Bail for his temporary

liberty was set at $35,000.

Filipino and US Marines practice subduing rioters (Photo by Lance Cpl. Alexandra Gwin, USMC)

Slain housewife Monica Garcia-Montone with husband Kevin Mon-tone.

September 1-15, 2014 11

September 1-15, 20141212

Solon urges Pinoy nurses to look beyond USMANILA. One ranking

congressional leader is urging Filipino nurses to fi nd jobs in the Middle East or other coun-tries that need foreign healthcare workers aside from the United States.

House Assistant Majority Leader and Cebu Rep. Gerald

Anthony Gullas Jr. suggested that foreign-bound Filipino nurses continue to concentrate on the US despite dimming pros-pects.

A total of 1,951 Philippine-graduate nurses took the US National Licensure Examination (NCLEX) between January and

June this year, he revealed.The number is little

changed when compared to the 1,944 Filipino nurses who took the NCLEX for the fi rst time, excluding repeaters, over the same six-month period in 2013, Gullas said.

The test is by the US

National Council of State Boards of Nursing Inc. (USNCSBN).

Gullas said about 7,000 US hospital workers were laid off in July, based on the latest report of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

We remain positive that the situation will eventually improve as the US economy

starts to recover. But right now, a number of US hospitals and nursing homes are still laying off workers, Gullas said.

He pointed out that this was clear indicator of the number still trying to practice the profession in outside their native Philip-pines.

Line-dancing championship at Asian Festival

FAIRFAX, Va. With summer swiftly passing, one activity that could draw the Pinoy crowd at the upcoming Asian Festival in Fort Washing-ton, Md. will be the line-danc-ing competition.

The Migrant Heritage Commission (MHC) is organiz-ing the line-dancing contest on Sept. 13 & 14 at the Rosecroft raceway in Fort Washington.

Line-dancing has become as much a regular fare in Fili-pino gatherings here as the Vid-eoke sing-off. This years event is expected to be the biggest line-dancing contest yet.

According to the MHCs Grace Valera, the competition is open to any group (minimum of fi ve persons per group with-

out a maximum limit), orga-nizations, institutions, family members or even barkadas irrespective of age.

These groups will be required to perform at least two types of line-dancing for no more than four minutes.

Theres a $20 registration fee per group but Valera said theyll waive that requirement for their partner organizations or for anyone whos been to one of the MHCs events.

Would-be participants can email migrantheritage@gmail.com or call 202-247-0117, 202-631-8856, 703-273-1196 for more information. Its going to be fun, fun and fun! Valera prom-ised.

September 1-15, 2014 13

September 1-15, 20141414

If you would like to include your organizations event, send information to Maurese Oteyza Owens at mpapoose@aol.com.

Sept 5- 14 ASEAN WOM-ENS CIRCLE sponsored by ASEAN Film Fesitval.Philip-pine entry is I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! on Friday, Sept. 5 at 5:00pm at CSIS Build-ing ADDRESS. Free event but registration required online to get tickets at http://aff. usase-ancreativeproject.org/ fi lms/index.html. Other ASEAN coun-tries participating are Cambo-

dia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myan-mar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet-nam,

Sep 6 (Saturday) Philippine Nurses Association of MDC: 8:00 a.m. 3-K Family Fun/Run/Walk Tucker Road Community Center Park, Tucker Rd, Fort Washington, MD. $30. To benefi t PNAMDCs Wellness Initiatives. 11:00am-3:00pm Picnic and Gen-eral Assembly. Mrs. Philippines Home. Mrs. Philippines Home for the Seniors, 6482 Buck Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Contact: Nora Mendoza at norrad72@

verizon.netSept 7 (Sunday) 10:30-

4:00 Migrant Heritage Commis-sion Kainan, Sayawan, Basket-ball, Atbp , Marcey Park And Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2800 N Marcey Rd, Arling-ton, VA 22207. RSVP to 202-247-0117or migrantheritage@gmail.com

Sept 13 (Saturday) 11:00 a.m. until dusk. Marinduqueno Asso-cation of the Capital Area, Inc. (MACA) Annual Picnic, Black Hills Regional Park, Shelter C, 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD 20841. Free. Contact macasecretary@gmail.com for further details.

Sept 13-14 (Saturday) 11:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m.- (Sunday) 10:00 a.m-4:00pm: Asian Fes-tival, Rosecroft Raceway, Ft. Washington, MD. All-day Asian concerts and shows, as well as Asian crafts and cuisine, sports

competitions, games and con-tests, A Childrens CArnival, and raffl es with major prizes. Participating countries include the Philippines, Thailand, China, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Contact: Bing C. Branigin email: bing@asianfestivaldc.com

Sept 13 (Saturday) 6:30 pm La Salle Philippines Alumni Association Bente Berde (LSPAA Turns 20) Crys-tal City Marriott Hotel, 1999 Jef-ferson Davis Highway, Arling-ton, VA 22202. $75 per person includes dinner-dance and chance to win a cruise for two to the Bahamas.Restrictions apply. Checks payable to LSPAA with memo Bente Berde Gala and mail to: Aurora Arellano at 6615 Burlington Place, Spring-fi eld, VA 22152

Sept 13 (Saturday) All Saints Filipino-American Ministry Monthly Rosary and Meeting.

9300 Stonnewall Rd. Manassas, VA 20110. Contact: Conrad 703-909-6454.

Sept 20 (Saturday) 7:30pm. Monthly Filipino Mass. St. Bernadettes Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfi eld, VA 22152.Mass Sponsor:. Sponsored by Filipino Ministry of Northern Virginia in cooperation w/ the Diocese of Arlington, Offi ce of Multicultural Ministries

Sept 27 (Saturday) 10:00am Birhen ng Anti-polo, USA, Inc. Devotional Mass. Basilica of the National Shrine, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC 20017 tel (202) 526-8300. Contact: bnantipolo@gmail.com

Sept 27 (Saturday) Philip-pine American Chamber of Com-merce withFilipino Young Pro-fessionals. A Night in Manila Its More Fun in the Philip-pines, Tysons Corner Marriott. Details to follow.

Sept 27 (Saturday) Filipino Young Professionals 2nd Annual Fil-Am Community Fair, George Washington University. Event will focus onconnecting the local college Fil-Am student organizations and professionals with local Fil-Am, Asian Pacifi c Islander (API), and community partner organizations with the goal of building a stronger Fil-Am community. See http://fyp-dc.org/2014 -fi l-am-commu-nity-fair/

Oct 3 (Friday) 4:00pm -10:00pm Bicol Association of Metropolitan Washington DCs Summer Hawaiian Luau Tiki Jam Session. Lincolnia Recreation Center. Donation $25.00. 4710 N.Chambliss St, Alexandria VA 22312. Tel 703-914-0223. Hawiian costumes, Dancing, Food and Fellow-ship, Fun for the whole family. Free parking. Childrens rate available. Contact: Pam Belmes at 240-401-8020 or p_belmes@yahoo.com. Write check to BAMWDC and mail to BAMWDC-17 Shipwright Ct. Gaithersburg MD 20877

Oct 4 (Sat) Philippine Nurses Assn of MDC Educa-tional ConferenceLight the Fire Within Part 2: Empower-ment and Engagement through Policy, Collaboration and Prac-tice. Springhill Suite, Alexan-dria, VA. Contact:Joy Arellano - mjarellano19@yahoo.com

Oct 5 (Sunday) PAFC Dakila Achievement Awards: Recog-nition of outstanding Filipino Americans based on nomina-tions and selected by a panel of judges. Marriott Key Bridge, Arlington, VA. Contact: Mitzi Pickard atmitzip888@gmail.com

Oct 18 (Satur-day) UP Alumni Association DCMDVA 40th (Ruby) Gala Ball, Tysons Corner Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, VA. Contact: Liza Virata-Theimer at lizavirata@yahoo.com

September 1-15, 2014 15

September 1-15, 20141616 News in Pictures

Mia Padro, 16, a Filipino Ameri-can Puerto Rican lass is the offi cial state fi nalist for the 2015 Miss New Jersey Teen USA Pag-eant whch will be held Oct. 17, 18 and 19, 2014 at the Hilton Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey. Miss Padro, as junior high school stu-dent at the Egg Harbor Township High School., is the daughter of Luisa R. Alfaro and Jose Padro of New Jersey.

The Filam online magazine featured the opening of Josie Natoris fi rst-ever U.S. store with a pajama party Aug. 5. Sleepwear will remain the core busi-ness of The Natori Company. The store is located on Elizabeth Street in Nolita in Lower Manhattan. (Photo by Elton Lugay)

Mark Bustos,30, a Filipino-Amer-ican hairstylist at celebrated New York City salon Three Square Studio, cuts a homeless persons hair in Long Beach, California. He does it every Sunday, the day of the week when hes not styling the hair of athletes, fashion designers, models and the well-to-do, when he roams New Yorks streets wanting to make a homeless persons day. He was recently the subject of a Huff-ington Post story after he started posting Intagram photos of his little, weekly project doing free haircuts for the poor. Bustos movement started in 2012 during a visit to the Philippines, where his family mem-bers live.

Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. (7th from left) joins Filipinos and Filipino Americans August 22, 2014 at the Philippine Embassy to mark the 31st Anniversary of the death of former Senator Benigno Ninoy S. Aquino, Jr., father of current Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III. Monsignor Mariano Balbago celebrated Mass at the embassys Romulo Hall. Others in photo are (l-r) Michael Reyes, Anya Plana-Hutt, Regie Plana-Alcuaz, Vi Baluyut, Filipino Family Fund (FFF) founder Eileen Cosby (with husband Joseph G. Cosby, Esq. and their son Thomas Cosby), Joyce Saito, Thryza Navarrete, Pablito Alarcon, Gigi & Timothy Gopiao, & Tessie Sison. Second photo shows guests who gathered around Ninoys memorabilia. They are Thryza Navarrete, Eric Lachica , Ador and Nanneth Carreon, Angelita Boots Felixberto. (Photos by Angelyn Tugado-Marzan)

September 1-15, 2014 17Around DC in Pictures

Philippine Amb. Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. attended the 9th annual Filipino Fesstival at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Richmond last month and possed for picture with festival performers. The ambassador and his wife also met with some government offi cials, Filipino American community leaders of Central Virginia and urged them to help promote the Philippines. He also briefed them about the economic growth of the country and other topics. Before returning to Washington D.C., Cuisia took a tour of the church, met with volunteers and festival attendees and chatted with students.

Meet the staff of the consular section of the Philippine embassy in Washing-ton D.C. They are, from left, Larry Sumando, Eden Regalario, Lyra Ocampo, Louie Remulla, and Joey Macatula.(Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin)

Maj. General Antonio M. Taguba (Ret-Army), was the keynote speaker during the fourth Annual Multinational Forum for Filipino Young Profes-sionals, students and youth at the Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro) meeting held at the Fashion Institute of technology, New York City last May 31. (Photo by Bing Branigin)

The Filipino American World War ll Soldiers Recognition and Education Project Executive Committee held a national meeting at the Philippine Embassy last August 23. Attendees includes: Maj. Gen. (Ret) Antonio M. Taguba, Maj. Gen (Ret) Delfi n Lorenzana, Jon Melegrito, Erick Soriano, Eric Macalma, Jude Saunders, Erwin De Leon, Hector Vargas, Bing Branigin, Dr. Colleen Woods, Gem Daus, Ron Sagudan, and on the phone various Filipino Aerican leaders across the US.

Volunteer members of the Asian Festival slated at the Raceway at Rosecroft, Maryland are shown during their weekly meetings. They are, from left Charles Caburian, Michael Rogers, Galen Tobias Dawson, Herman Ayayo, and Eric Macalma. Featured artist for the Saturday concert is Filipina international performer Lani Misalucha, The Speaks Band, Kirby Asunto, Tata Kay Habana, and many more.

From left are Bing Branigin, Christopher Wycoco, John Eda, and Justin Alvarez, at the Northstar Restaurant and Catering at its new location near the Philippine Cultural Center, Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Nikki Bo turned eleven years old last August 23, at their home in Alexan-dria, Virginia Also in the photo are her parents, Jun and Eda, sister Nikki and brother Ryan.

Ramon Talusan (far left), and Yambi Yambao (2nd from left), were joined by friends during their joint birthday celebrations at the Talusan residence in Silver Spring, Maryland last August 25.

September 1-15, 20141818

Cuisia urges young Fil-Ams to pursue rootsBy Kimberly Hayes

RICHMOND, Va. Going back to ones roots needs com-mitment and engagement, Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. told young Filipino Americans at last months 9th annual Filipino Festival here.

It was the Ambassadors fi rst time to visit the festival at Our Ladies of Lord church.

There was a message that everyone involved with the festivals success was in agree-ment with and that was to bring awareness of the Filipino culture and help the people of the Rich-mond area understand more about Filipino Americans.

It doesnt matter how young

or old you are, awareness is awareness. Ambasador Cuisia had a special memo for the 2nd and 3rd Filipino generations because its always important to learn and remember ones roots.

To understand their roots and culture; I want young Filipi-nos to be involved and engaged in their parents and grandpar-

ents motherland, he said.I want to encourage them

to become dual citizens these young Filipino Americans are smart and maybe they could help Filipinos with choosing to elect the right offi cials, Cuisia added.

Maria Cielo, one of festival organizers, said it was important to share the Filipino culture with the Richmond communities and

thus help promote the Filipino heritage to the younger genera-tion.

My favorite part is seeing volunteers coming from all cul-tural backgrounds appreciate the Filipino culture, she said.

Its amazing to hear how

much hard work actually went into the whole process of making sure the Festival was perfect.

The food was good, the entertainment was great, Ambassador Cuisia said, but most importantly it was a chance to meet warm people.

ABOUT THE WRITER. Kim-berly Hayes is an up and coming writer currently studying at the University of Virginia (UVA). As a multi-ethnic student with a passion for writing from a multi-cultural perspective she hopes to pursue a career in journalism.

Slain Fil-Am girls parents fi ght of custody of their children

SEATTLE, Washington. The parents of six-year-old Fili-pino American Jenise Wright are fi ghting to regain custody of their other children who were taken by the state after she went missing and later found dead.

The victims mother Fil-Am Denise Wright and her hus-band James are headed to court in October to get their 8, 12, and 16-year-old children back after a suspect was arrested for the rape and murder of young Jenise last month.

A 17-year-old family friend, Gabriel Gaeta has been arrested and is undergoing mental eval-uation at the Western State Hos-pital to determine whether hes fi t to be tried.

Child protective services

removed the Wright children

from their home when police

began searching for 6-year-old

Jenise after she was reported

missing Aug. 2.

The other Wright children

are currently staying with their

maternal grandparents.

Thank God theyre with

family. If they were in a strange

home, I would be even more

concerned than I am now,

James said in an interview with

a local TV station after attend-

ing a family court hearing last

Aug. 18.

Manila Mail volunteer reporter Kimberly Hayes interviews Amb. Jose L. Cuisia Jr.

Fil-Am Denise Wright with husband James and at right, their murdered daughter, 6-year-old Jenise Wright.

September 1-15, 2014 19

Pinoy UN peacekeepers ordered home MANILA. The Philippines

has pulled back hundreds of peacekeepers operating under the umbrella of the United Nations in the Golan Heights and Liberia because of mounting risks, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced Aug. 23.

There are 331 Filipino peace-keepers manning the UN buffer zone between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights, and 115 more who help preserve peace and order in strife-torn Liberia that is now being ravaged by the Ebola epidemic.

Amidst the volatile secu-rity environment in the Middle East and North African region,

the Philippines prioritizes the safety and security of its troops, but remains committed to the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations, DND spokes-man Peter Paul Galvez said in a statement.

The Philippines deployed troops and policemen to the Golan Heights and Liberia as part of its commitment to help the UN maintain global peace.

Galvez said the pullout order does not cover the 156 Filipino peacekeepers currently deployed in Haiti.

He said peacekeepers in Liberia would be quarantined for 21 days before they will be fl own back to the Philippines and an additional 21 days after

they get home.The Filipino UN troops in

the Golan Heights will be sent home after their tour of duty ends in October while those in Liberia will be repatriated as soon as possible.

In March 2013, Syrian rebels seized 21 Filipino peacekeepers and abducted four others two months later. They were all sub-sequently released. The govern-ment threatened to pull out the Filipino troops at the time but relented after the UN promised to provide them more protective equipment.

The Philippines has been sending peacekeeping contin-gents to the Golan Heights since 2009 and to Liberia since 2003.

FilVet Conrado Damasco, 96WASHINGTON D.C. Fili-

pino American World War II veteran Conrado Andamit Damasco, a longtime resident in the nations capital, passed away from natural causes on August 22, 2014, a few days after his 96th birthday.

Damasco was a retired grade school teacher from Malaybalay, Bukidnon province in Mindanao, Philippines.

Since the 1990s, he regu-larly sang in his church choir and during veterans protest ral-lies and community events.

In 1997, Damasco was arrested by the Capitol Police in the Cannon House Build-ing when he refused to remove the masking tape covering his mouth to protest the decision of House Veterans Affairs Com-mittee chairman to block hear-ings on Filipino Veterans Equity bill.

The bill would have fully recognized the U.S. military service of the Philippine Com-monwealth Army in WWII for

the purposes of benefi ts.Wearing his khaki uniform,

Damasco frequently joined his Washington comrades during lobby visits in Congress and in demonstrations at the White House waving American and Philippine fl ags with banners demanding honor, recognition and VA benefi ts for his aging comrades.

Damasco received partial benefi ts: VA healthcare in 2003 and a $15,000 one-time lump sum in Filipino Equity Compen-

sation in 2010. He also received Supplemental Security Income because of his low income and age.

Damascos fi nal wish is for him to be buried at the Quan-tico National Cemetery with his long-time Washington DC com-rades and housemates, Joaquin Tejada and Tomas Culanag, who were also arrested at the White House demonstrations.

Conrado, a life long bach-elor, is survived by his younger brother, Gelacio Damasco and nieces Norma Prejan and Wilma Sambas, in his hometown in Mindanao.

In recent years, Damasco was taken-in and cared for by Noel Lisay, a good Samaritan and fellow church member in Greenbelt, Maryland.

According to Lisay, a memorial is scheduled at 5 PM on Saturday, September 6 at the Filipino American Capital Seventh Day Adventist Church at 4216 Powder Mill Road in Greenbelt, Maryland.

PH imposes checks vs Ebola spread

MANILA. Health offi cials in the Philippines assured there were enough safeguards to pre-vent the spread of Ebola in the country after a Filipino seafarer in Togo came up negative for the virus after showing its symp-toms.

Dr. Rose Capeding of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) said authori-ties are prepared to detect, iso-late and manage possible cases of Ebola coming from affected countries.

The unnamed Filipino in Togo, West Africa turned up neg-ative, according to the Depart-

ment of Foreign Affairs. The seaman was diagnosed instead as suffering from the common fl u, reports said.

Ebola has killed 1,350 people this year, with most deaths in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Nigeria is the fourth country with known cases.

The DFA hoisted crisis alert level 2 last month in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone because of the Ebola outbreak. Filipinos there have been told to avoid non-essential movements, public places, and take extra pre-cautions.

Conrado Damasco

Filipino United Nations peacekeepers have been ordered home due to mount-ing security and health risks.

September 1-15, 20142020

Roldan gets life without parole for boys kidnapMANILA. Former bas-

ketball star and Congressman Dennis Roldan has been sen-tenced to life imprisonment with no chance for parole for the 2005 kidnapping for ransom of a then three-year-old son of a wealthy Filipino-Chinese businessman.

The verdict by Pasig Trial Court Judge Rolando Mislang was immediately hailed by the Fil-Chinese community as well as crime watchdogs that consid-ered Roldans case as a litmus test for the prosecution of kid-nappings in the country.

Roldan, Mitchell Gumabao in real life, was convicted with

accomplices Rowena San Andres and Adrian Domingo. The judge sentenced them to reclusion perpetua with no parole recom-mended. They were also ordered to pay P300,000 ($7,400) in dam-ages to the family of the kidnap victim.

They were ordered to be delivered immediately to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntin-lupa even while they appeal the verdict.

Roldan, a former basketball player, entered show business before venturing into politics. He was elected congressman of Quezon Citys 3rd District in 1992.

He later became a pastor of Jesus Christ the Life Giver Minis-try based in Quezon City.

This is our benchmark, said Teresita Ang-See of the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO), Dennis Roldan is a powerful fi gure with connections.

It was important to show the Fil-Chinese community that it pays to fi ght back and it doesnt pay to keep quiet, Ang-See explained, noting the reluc-tance of the community to report kidnappings because of percep-tions that nothing will happen to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Fan Page

Dawn clarifi es ties to Bamboo

MANILA. Actress Dawn Zulueta took to social media to deny rumors that she and The Voice judge Bamboo Maalac are siblings.

Zulueta denied that Maalac is her brother, but she was quick to add that she has high respect for the singer.

The actress said she and her brother, George, are the only children of her parents, Jose Fazil Tahanlangit-Taleon and Maria Cleofe Soleta-Salman.

Her father remarried and she only has two half-brothers, Jed and Josiah.

Apart from all of us, both my parents can attest to no other offsprings, she said.

In the end, Zulueta urged the public to help her in putting an end to the said issue. She also requested Maalac to release his

own statement as a courtesy.

But he has remained silent

on the issue.

DC stages Asean fi lm festival

WASHINGTON D.C. The Asean fi lm festival kicks off next month showcasing movies that features some of the top stars from Southeast Asia and offers a glimpse of representative coun-tries.

The fi lmfest is presented by the Asean Women Circle and will be held Sept. 5-6, and on Sept. 11 and 12. Ten fi lms from the Asean region are fea-tured in this years festival. The event is free of charge and open to the public (tickets have to be reserved online).

Asean (Association of South-east Asian Nations) groups the Philippines, Indonesia, Malay-sia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

The Philippines entry is I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila!, a 2012 musical comedy that stars Sam Concepcion, Ogie Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, comedienne Eugene Domingo and introducing Tippy Dos Santos. The scheduled 6 PM screening on Sept. 5 is sold out; another screening is scheduled for 8 AM Sept. 14.

Rock Polotan (Concepcion) and Tracy Fuentebella (Dos Santos) are teenage sweethearts and both nursing students in a

university in Manila are in love and full of dreams. A youthful indiscretion leads them to early

parenthood, a situation they face squarely, and quite maturely, by planning to get married.

They shortly realize, how-ever, that the problem behind their wedding plans has less to do with themselves than with their own parents. (Sept. 5 & 14); Center for Strategic and Interna-tional Studies, 1616 Rhode Island Ave. NW - M.R. Greenberg Con-ference Suite.

Noli wins raves, opera to open in ManilaMANILA. Noli Me Tan-

gere: The Opera, the fi rst Filipino opera to be staged in Washing-ton D.C. fl owed with passages reminiscent of Mozart, Rossini, Puccini and Wagner under con-ductor Benjamin Dias baton, a Washington Post critic said.

It was staged for two his-toric nights at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington last August 8 and 9, 2014.

The production was able to

bring together a cast that per-formed proudly and conveyed a love for libretto and music, said reporter Grace Jean in the August 10 issue of the Washing-ton Post.

Directed by Anna Etsuko Tsuri, produced by Jerry Sibal and Edwin Josue and presented by the Mid-Atlantic Foundation for Asian Artists, Noli Me Tan-gere: The Opera tells the story of a nations suffering and fi ght for freedom.

Sal Malaki, one of the most seasoned artists of the Los Ange-les Opera Company, reprised his role as Crisostomo Ibarra and according to The Post, anchored the opera and sent it soaring with his golden tenor and expressive singing.

Meanwhile, Brittany Palmer, who played Ibarras beloved Maria Clara, performed with vocal clarity and fragile stage presence befi tting a tragic hero-ine, Jean said.

The rest of the main cast, Roberto Perlas Gomez as Elias,

Antoni Mendezona as Sisa were likewise praised for their perfor-mances.

Baritone Roberto Perlas Gomezs Elias embodied brav-ery and righteousness, while Antoni Mendezona turned in a captivating performance as Sisa, the mother of Basilio and Crispin who disappear, prompting her derangement.

In September 2014, Philip-pine audiences will have the

chance to witness fi rst-hand, the beauty and splendor of Jose Rizals 19th Century novel as a grand opera production to be directed by acclaimed theater director Freddie Santos.

The Manila production of Noli Me Tangere: The Opera will be headlined by two world-class talents: Sal Malaki, as Crisos-tomo Ibarra, the liberal-minded, outspoken and idealistic youth whose eyes were opened to the harsh reality of revolution, and Rachelle Gerodias, as Maria Clara, Ibarras sweetheart whose birth is a crucial part of the nar-rative.

Gerodias received her Mas-ters Degree in Vocal Perfor-mance and Vocal Literature from the famed Eastman School of Music, in New York and gradu-ated Cum Laude from the Uni-versity of Santo Tomas Conser-vatory of Music. She is also an awardee of The Outstanding Women in the Nations Service.

Malaki is one of the most sea-soned artists of the Los Angeles

Opera Company, housed under the general direction of world-renowned tenor and conduc-tor Maestro Placido Domingo. He has performed in more than 105 Los Angeles Opera produc-tions since joining the company in 1995.

Spearheaded by Fil-Am phi-lanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis and supported by Jerry Sibal (Executive Producer), Edwin Josue (Assistant Executive Pro-ducer) and, Mark and Christine Manalang (Ultimate Shows, Inc.), Noli Me Tangere: The Opera will run for a limited time from September 12 to September 28 (September 11 Gala Night) at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

I truly encourage our fellow Filipinos to see the Opera not just for themselves, but also to sponsor shows and subsidize students. Seeing the opera will enhance their love for the art, literature and country, Lewis said.

This is truly once in a life-time because they may not see Felipe de Leons Noli Opera again since the last time it was presented was 27 years ago, in 1987. In addition, they would be exposed to Opera akin to what they would experience in New Yorks Metropolitan Opera, she added.

Lewis said audiences will see an aspect of our past in a beauti-ful art form of opera, reminding them of the Filipino adage, Ang hindi maraming lumingon sa pinangalingan, hindi makakarat-ing sa paroroonan.

Tickets are available at www.ticketworld.com.ph. For group ticket sales, contact Mark Manalang at 0917-825-3489, or Dennis Villaluz at 788-9108 or 0916-857-1553.

For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/nolioperamanila and @NoliOp-eraManila on Twitter and Ins-tagram, email nolimetangere@gmail.com or call 899-7938 to 39.

Dennis Roldan

Dawn Zulueta

Scene from Noli Me Tangere: The Opera.

The Philippines entry in DC fi lm fest is sold out.

September 1-15, 2014 21

while enjoying support from various sectors including the infl uential American Chamber of Commerce in Manila, might be used to prolong the stay of cur-rent elective offi cials.

President Aquinos failure to come out categorically to deny this has fueled speculations.

One congressman identi-fi ed with the Presidents Liberal Party has vowed to fi le a resolu-tion to lift the six-year cap on the presidency.

Members of the LP in the Senate and at the House of Rep-resentatives will support moves to extend the term of President Aquino, predicted Congress-man Edgar Erice.

Congressman Ben Evardone has promised to campaign for Aquinos re-election once the resolution is approved. Six years is too short for a good pres-ident. He should remain in offi ce to sustain the momentum of our economic growth that we have achieved, he said.

One of the authors of the

1987 Constitution and staunch supporter of the Presidents mother, former President and Philippine democracy icon Cora-zon Aquino, warned the younger Aquino against toying around with term limits.

Pahinga ka na (take a rest), Fr. Joaquin Bernas exhorted the President. There are other good people.

In a statement, the Inte-grated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) described as implausible and ridiculous President Aqui-nos basis for saying the Consti-tution needed revisiting because the Supreme Court over-exer-cised its powers.

The group added he risked repudiating the legacy of his mother, under whose watch the 1987 Charter was framed, hence its tag, the Cory Constitution.

The IBP reminded the Presi-dent his mother had resisted Charter change that is meant to serve vested interests. Before her term ended in 1992, allies of Mrs. Aquino tried to persuade

her to sanction Charter change but she rejected this, the lawyers reminded the son.

But President Aquino sounded defi ant. When I took this offi ce, I recall that it was only for one term of six years. Now, after having said that, of course, I have to listen to my bosses [the people] he said in to one audi-ence, adding, It does not mean I would automatically go after an additional term.

Gonzales said their charter change measure may have to be passed quickly to avoid inser-tions on political amendments.

MANILA. An apparent gaffe by the chief spokesman for President Benigno Aquino III in an Aug. 23 press briefi ng has fueled speculations the 2016 elec-tions may be scrapped or post-poned, prompting the Palace to later issue a categorical denial.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda urged TV reporters to wait for the presi-dents anointed candidate but inserted a puzzling qualifi er kung sakaling itutuloy ang 2016

elections (if the 2016 elections pushes through).

The remark came in the wake of allegations President Aquinos inner circle was craft-ing an alleged No-El (no-elec-tion) plot to extend his tenure. The Philippine Constitution bars the president from re-election after fi nishing his six-year term.

The President himself has given credence to the specula-tions by declaring he was open to extending his term and clip-ping the powers of the judiciary through a constitutional amend-ment.

Later in the afternoon, Laci-erda issued a clarifi cation: The President has neither decided on term extension nor endorsing a candidate. In both instances, 2016 elections will push through.

Lacierdas made the con-troversial comment after a ques-tion on what bearing the support of the Presidents siblings and uncles will have on Vice Presi-dent Jejomar Binay, who has declared his intention to run for president in the 2016 elections.

Former Sen. Agapito Aquino, the presidents uncle, has publicly expressed support for Binay.

Lacierda said the Presi-dents endorsement will have a signifi cant effect on whoever he endorses in 2016, despite a public approval rating that has steadily plummeted from a peak 77 percent trust ratings to just 56 percent today.

Lacierda noted that the Pres-ident is chairman of the Liberal Party (LP) and the party has a process in choosing their can-didate. Binay, who belongs to a different wing of the Presidents political coalition, will most likely be pitted against Interior and Local Governments Secre-tary Manuel Roxas II, an LP stal-wart.

But while Binay is a family friend of the Aquinos, the Presi-dent already dropped hints and has indirectly taken a swipe at the Vice President over what he observed as premature cam-paigning despite the numerous problems the country is facing.

Cha-cha moves on... from page 1

corner of Mindanao according to the National Geographic Com-mittee for Research and Explora-tion which funded the search.

With its giant eyes, fuzzy face, and prominent ears, the discovery will no doubt attract attention as an adorably cute new ecotourism focal point much like its furry cousin on Bohol Island, said a statement from the Biodi-

versity Institute of the University of Kansas.

The fi ndings will restruc-ture conservation targets in Philippine tarsiers, placing much greater urgency on the populations of Dinagat Island, and nearby Mindanao Islands Caraga Region, in addition to the already protected populations in other parts of the species range,

predicted Rafe Brown, National Geographic grantee and project leader from the University of Kansas.

Discovering and docu-menting Philippine biodiversity has become an exercise in inte-grative, multidisciplinary studies that take advantage of multiple sources of data, like genetic and acoustic information, in addition to traditional studies of animals

physical characteristics, added Cameron Siler of the University of Oklahoma.

University of the Philip-pines biology professor Perry S. Ong noted that in the past tarsi-ers from the Philippines tended to be lumped as a single species wherever they were found and thus received the same conserva-tion attention.

With the results of this

study, the survival of the three genetically distinct variants of the tarsier needs to be ensured through targeted conservation programs, including the estab-lishment of critical habitats, he explained.

Tarsiers generally are under pressure from degraded habitat. There have also been reports of tarsiers being hunted for bush meat.

but hes tough. Some ring pun-dits predicts that Algieri will be hard pressed to keep up with the worlds only eight-weight class champion atop the ring.

He can box. Im not saying hes really good but hes not bad. Hes okay, Pacquiao said.

A media event in Macau last Aug. 25 kicked off a two-week promotional tour that would take them to Shanghai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.

It is a real honor to fi ght a

future Hall of Famer like Manny Pacquiao and I am looking for-ward to being introduced to a whole new market and fan base in the Far East, said Algieri

I underestimated Algieri when he faced Ruslan Provod-nikov in June but I wont make that mistake again, said Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.

Algieri has a Bachelor of Sci-ence degree in Health Care Man-agement, a Masters Degree in Clinical Nutrition and a Ph.D.

But theres something else

on Pacquiaos minds these days other than the elusive Floyd May-weather Jr.

At the Aug. 24 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie draft, expansion team Kia Motors formally selected its player-coach. The plan all along was for Pacquiao to take the dual role but needed to go through the draft to make it all happen.

Kia Motors also selected the coachs cousin Rene Pacquiao in the 3rd round. He played at South-western University of Cebu and spent time in the minor leagues.

Pacquiao didnt actually

make the selection because he was traveling to promote his fi ght with Algieri.

The Filipino champion also recently bought into mixed mar-tial arts after purchasing an undis-closed number of shares in the Asian-based One Fighting Cham-pionship, CEO Victor Cui revealed in an interview with Yahoo Sports.

There are a ton of reasons why Im pretty excited about this. Obviously, Manny Pacquiao is a global sports icon and having him as a part of our organization as a shareholder and promoting One FC and promoting the sport is

huge for the sport in the region. It promotes awareness and growth, he explained.

Cui described Pacquiao as a relatively new MMA fan. Pacquiao has a series of gyms he owns in Asia and all of them offer MMA classes.

Awareness in MMA in the Philippines has been steadily increasing, aided by the recent signings of ex-UFC contender Brandon Vera and womens boxing star Ana Julaton, both Filipino-Americans, to One FC contracts.

New primate found... from page 1

Pacquiao helps sell... from page 1

PH has lowest direct investments in regionMANILA. Despite the

Aquino administration rosy reports on the Philippine econ-omy, the country still has the lowest Foreign Direct Invest-ment (FDI) among the countries in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), according to 2014 United Nations Human Development Report released Aug. 20.

Only 1.12 percent of the Phil-ippines gross domestic product (GDP) came from FDI compared to 2.26 percent in Indonesia, 2.35 percent in Thailand, 3.66 percent in Laos, 4.17 percent in Malaysia, 6 percent in Vietnam, 7.03 per-

cent in Cambodia, 7.39 percent in Brunei, and 20.62 percent in Singapore.

But Socio-economic Plan-ning Secretary Arsenio Bali-sacan said it is not surprising for the Philippines to have low FDI compared to neigh-bor Asean countries.

If you look at our neigh-bors in Asean through the last 30 years, these countries have consistently been growing at a rate of 6 to 8 percent annually, he argued, adding the Philippine economy was growing consis-tently only in the last three years.

Balisacan said that busi-

nessmen would tend to go to countries which have achieved sustained growth. The chal-lenge for us is to make sure that our growth is sustainable, he averred.

Aside from FDIs, the Philip-pines also ranked as 2nd lowest in international trade with 64.79 percent of GDP.

The lowest ranked is Indo-nesia with 50.07 percent, then Philippines, followed by Laos with 82.27 percent.

If a country is known for corruption, power shortages, lousy infrastructure, these will reduce the productivity of capi-

tal and therefore the profi tabil-

ity and earnings of businesses,

Balisacan explained.

However, the Philippines

continued to rank highest

in Asean in foreign remittance

infl ows with 10.25 percent of

GDP.

emergency, putting all state resources at the disposal of his Offi ce of Emergency Services.

Its very devastatingIm just glad that no major build-ings had fallen down. It looks like (the damage) is structural. But it looks like everybody will be able to rebuild again, said Fil-Am Mary Payomo Barna-chea in a Balitang America interview.

Im still thankful that nothing happened to me, that Im still alive. Im still in shock, said another kababayan, Hazel Bell.

They have prepared for the predicted aftershocks by stock-ing up on emergency kits and supplies. Experts said some aftershocks could hit Magni-tude 5.

Kababayans shaken ... from page 1

September 1-15, 20142222

explained Sr. Mary John Manan-zan, co-convener of Abolish Pork Movement.

Article XVII of the 1987 Con-stitution and an implementing law passed in 1989 provide that constitutional amendments and laws, that could apply at both local and national level, can be enacted directly by the people through a petition by at least 12 percent of the total number of registered voters and by at least three percent of each legislative district across the country.

Even when the court declared that legislators Priority Development Assis-tance Fund (PDAF) or President Benigno Aquinos Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP)

unconstitutional, the offi cials can put in the budget millions of pesos of discretionary funds by other names, Mananzan explained.

We defi ne pork barrel as any undesignated lump sum amount that would be placed under the discretion of one to three persons, she added. We do not like this because this is the source of corruption and irregu-larities, political patronage and other problems.

The campaign has report-edly been endorsed by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). More than 70 members of the CBCP voted to promote the movement, Mananzan revealed.

She pointed out that AMRSP has access to convents, schools and institutions around the country, so they can mount a truly grassroots campaign to gather the signatures they need.

We try to hold activities in schools for students to appreci-ate and learn that this pork barrel system causes corruption that is not acceptable for us Catholics who value honesty and sincer-ity, explained Sr. Cecilia Espe-nilla.

But Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, Dean of San Beda Law Graduate School, cautioned groups push-ing for the peoples initiative not to include language that would put them in a collision course with Malacanang and the Con-gress.

Section 10 of the draft legis-

lation provides that the act can only be repealed, modifi ed or amended by a law that has been approved by the people under the system of initiative and ref-erendum enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Col-menares pointed out that the Constitution specifi cally states that legislative power shall be vested in the Congress except to the extent reserved to the people by the provisions on initiative and referendum.

Colmenares said that with such constitutional provision, Congress cannot touch the anti-pork barrel act.

But Aquino said nowhere do I read in this provision any entitlement on the part of the people to limit the legislative

power of Congress, and the legislative power of Congress includes the power to repeal or to amend law, whether the law be passed by Congress itself or introduced through initiative.

The petition asks the Com-mission on Elections to conduct a referendum on the proposed Peoples Initiative Bill titled An Act Abolishing the Pork Barrel System.

The last time the Catholic Church was at the forefront of a nationwide movement was the failed bid to stop the Repro-ductive Health bill in Congress. That campaign strained its rela-tions with President Aquino, a stark contrast to the close ties his mother, the late former President Corazon Aquino enjoyed with the nuns.

Priests, nuns back... from page 1

PH brass mull dyipmobile for Pope visit MANILA. When Pope

Francis visits the Philippines next year, he may be riding in a special vehicle that has come to symbolize the common peoples favorite mode of mass transit.

Organizers of the much-anticipated papal visit next year are seriously thinking of offer-ing the countrys original King of the Road as a mode of trans-portation for the Pope who, during his recent trip to South Korea, had opted to ride com-pact, locally made cars instead of luxurious vehicles befi tting his station.

The jeepney is just a sug-gestion since in Korea, the Pope rode small, Korean-made cars. So maybe its good to let him use the jeepney here as well, said former Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Henrietta de Villa De Villa.

The jeepney was introduced after World War II after a Filipino

entrepreneur converted surplus American jeeps into what would be the most popular public trans-

portation for Filipinos.Pope Francis ditched the

luxury vehicles offered to him during his 5-day visit to Seoul

earlier this month, riding instead on the compact Kia Soul and Hyundai Santa Fe during his

fi ve-day trip to South Korea last week.

The Pope is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Jan.

15 and fl y to Leyte province on Jan. 17 to visit survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

He will hold an open-air Mass at the Tacloban airport and later dine with the poor at the archbishops residence. After-

ward, the Pontiff will bless the Pope Francis Center for the Poor, a project fi nanced by the Vatican for the care of the elderly, the orphans and the less privileged.

After the blessing, Pope Francis will go to Palo Metro-politan Cathedral to address the clergy and the religious congre-gations. He will also bless the newly refurbished Palo Metro-politan Cathedral of Our Lords Transfi guration, which was ruined by Yolanda.

The rest of his visit will be spent in Manila.

Among the organizers for the papal visit are the Archdio-cese of Manila, led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Car-dinal Tagle, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Phil-ippines (CBCP), under the helm of CBCP president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Maid stopped for bringing gun to Malacanang PalaceMANILA. A 36-year-old

domestic helper was stopped at the gates of Malacanang Palace after she tried to enter the presi-dential complex with a 45-caliber pistol.

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) said Flora Pineda tried to enter the presidential palace through the Arias Gate on Jose Laurel Street before she was disarmed last Aug. 21.

The Arias Gate is usually used by visitors going to the New Executive Building. The building houses the offi ces of the Presidential Communications Operations Offi ce, the Presi-

dential News Desk, the Media Affairs Relations Offi ce and the Press Center.

Pineda said she had no intention of harming anyone. Upon interrogation, she said she carried a gun only to scare President Aquino into stepping down to end poverty in the Phil-ippines.

Reports showed that Pineda was a domestic helper in a home in Signal Village, Taguig City. She reportedly became hysteri-cal after being detained but later calmed down.

The pistol taken from her was traced to her brother who

is an active-duty Marine. Police said the gun was fully loaded

when it was confi scated by

palace guards.

Pineda said she wanted to

tell the President, So many are

sleeping on the streets but you

are sleeping on a soft bed.

I am poor, too, and I want

all, not only the President, to

know that I want change, she

added.

The PSG assured the Presi-

dent was never in any danger.

Pineda was fi rst taken to the

Ospital ng Maynila for a mental

evaluation and later detained at

the Manila Police District head-

quarters jail.

Pope Francis aboard the specially built Kia Popemobile during visit to South Korea.

Manila policemen escort suspect after arrest in Malacanang Palace.

September 1-15, 2014 23

Ninoys undelivered speechSen. Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr.

(Upon his return from the United States of America on Aug. 21, 1983)

I have returned on my free will to join the ranks of those struggling to restore our rights and freedoms through nonvio-lence.

I seek no confrontation. I only pray and will strive for a genuine national reconciliation founded on justice.

I am prepared for the worst, and have decided against the advice of my mother, my spiri-tual adviser, many of my tested friends and a few of my most valued political mentors.

A death sentence awaits me. Two more subversion charges, both calling for death penalties, have been fi led since I left three years ago and are now pending with the courts.

I could have opted to seek political asylum in America, but I feel it is my duty, as it is the duty of every Filipino, to suffer with his people especially in time of crisis.

I never sought nor have I

been given assurances or prom-ise of leniency by the regime. I return voluntarily armed only with a clear conscience and for-tifi ed in the faith that in the end justice will emerge triumphant.

According to Gandhi, the willing sacrifi ce of the innocent is the most powerful answer to insolent tyranny that has yet been conceived by God and man.

Three years ago when I left for an emergency heart bypass operation, I hoped and prayed that the rights and freedoms of our people would soon be restored, that living conditions would improve and that blood-letting would stop.

Rather than move forward, we have moved backward. The killings have increased, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and the human rights situ-ation has deteriorated.

During the martial law period, the Supreme Court heard petitions for Habeas Corpus. It is most ironic, after martial law has allegedly been lifted, that the Supreme Court last April ruled it can no longer entertain peti-tions for Habeas Corpus for per-sons detained under a Presiden-

tial Commitment Order, which covers all so-called national security cases and which under present circumstances can cover almost anything.

The country is far advanced in her times of trouble. Economic, social and political problems bedevil the Filipino. These prob-lems may be surmounted if we are united. But we can be united only if all the rights and free-doms enjoyed before September 21, 1972 are fully restored.

The Filipino asks for noth-ing more, but will surely accept nothing less, than all the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the 1935 Constitution, the most sacred legacies from the Found-ing Fathers.

Yes, the Filipino is patient, but there is a limit to his patience. Must we wait until that patience snaps?

The nation-wide rebellion is escalating and threatens to explode into a bloody revolu-tion. There is a growing cadre of young Filipinos who have fi nally come to realize that free-dom is never granted, it is taken. Must we relive the agonies and the blood-letting of the past that

brought forth our Republic or can we sit down as brothers and sisters and discuss our differ-ences with reason and goodwill?

I have often wondered how many disputes could have been settled easily had the disputants only dared to defi ne their terms.

So as to leave no room for misunderstanding, I shall defi ne my terms:

1. Six years ago, I was sen-tenced to die before a fi ring squad by a Military Tribunal whose jurisdiction I steadfastly refused to recognize. It is now time for the regime to decide. Order my IMMEDIATE EXECU-TION OR SET ME FREE.

I was sentenced to die for allegedly being the leading com-munist leader. I am not a com-munist, never was and never will be.

2. National reconciliation and unity can be achieved but only with justice, including jus-tice for our Muslim and Ifugao brothers. There ca be no deal with a Dictator. No compromise with Dictatorship.

3. In a revolution there can really be no victors, only victims. We do not have to destroy in

order to build.4. Subversion stems from

economic, social and political causes and will not be solved by purely military solutions; it can be curbed not with ever increas-ing repression but with a more equitable distribution of wealth, more democracy and more free-dom, and

5. For the economy to get going once again, the working-man must be given his just and rightful share of his labor, and to the owners and managers must be restored the hope where there is so much uncertainty if not despair.

On one of the long corridors of Harvard University are carved in granite the words of Archibald Macleish:

How shall freedom be defended? By arms when it is attacked by arms; by truth when it is attacked by lies; by demo-cratic faith when it is attacked by authoritarian dogma. Always, and in the fi nal act, by determi-nation and faith.

I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only deter-mination and faith to offer faith in our people and faith in God.

Why Ninoy risked his life to go home to PHBy Alberto Alfaro

One of the principal rea-sons Sen. Benigno Ninoy S. Aquino, Jr. decided to risk his life by going home to the Phil-ippines in 1983 was his fear of a bloodbath if President Ferdi-nand Marcos died and Imelda Marcos assumed power. He believed that by going home, he might be able to seek a meeting with his University of the Philip-pines brod (Marcos) who was seriously ill from the incurable lupus ailment. He said he will try to convince Marcos to leave a lasting legacy to the country by calling for a clean election and restoring democracy.

During his frequent calls to me in Virginia and in New York, Ninoy expressed his growing concern over the pos-sibility of a bloody revolution if Imelda grabbed power. He said Imelda, with the support of Gen. Fabian Ver, were prepar-ing to take over if Marcos died. There will be a bloody revolu-tion, he said. This was among the scenario he expressed when I talked to him at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. in the summer of 1980, a few months after his successful heart surgery in Texas. He then said that he no longer had any politi-cal ambitions after the sufferings he endured in prison. Through-out his three-year stay in the US, Ninoy vowed to devote his time into convincing Marcos to restore democracy by holding an honest election.

When he was in Boston, he frequently called me at home in Virginia where I had my Philip-pine News Agency offi ce and later in New York at the Philip-

pine consulate or my apartment in Queens. Whenever he was in Washington to deliver a speech, he would invite me to be present.

Ninoys concern about the situation in the Philippines intensifi ed when Marcos secretly began receiving blood transfu-sion because of his incurable ail-ment- lupus.

During the state visit of Marcos to the US in 1982, Ninoy cornered the journalists accompanying him to get more information about his ailment. Despite attempts by Ambassa-dor Kokoy Romualdez to stop the media from seeing him,

Ninoy managed to meet them, including then top columnist Doroy Valencia.

Early in 1983, Imelda met with Ninoy at the Philippine

consulate in New York. The consulate was then led by Amb. Ernesto Pineda and his assistant, Minister Willy Gaa. Ninoy a few days after the meeting told me that Imelda warned him against going home saying that there were elements who wanted to kill him. There were also reports, unconfi rmed, that Imelda also offered to give him money so he could remain in the US.

Starting in January, 1983, Ninoy kept telling me that the end of Marcos was near and that he was getting information directly from former Rep. Car-melo Barbero, a friend of Marcos.

Padre, Nino said in one of his calls, Marcos is dying. If Imelda with the help of Gen. Fabian Ver will assume power, the Philip-pines will explode in a blood-bath. The urgency in his voice increased following reports that Marcos was very sick in July, 1983 and underwent a secret transplant operation in Mala-canang.

He called me later at home to say that he had decided to go home and try to convince Marcos to restore democracy before he dies.

When I told him of the dan-gers he faced, Ninoy said he was certain his University brod would not have him killed. The most that he could do would be to send me back to prison. In July he sounded more fran-tic because he said Marcos was in and out of consciousness. He said he was getting this informa-tion directly from Malacanang. Padre, I have decided to go home without any visa, The con-sulate does not want to give me any papers. When I said this was practically impossible, he said he would assemble a group of American and other reporters to accompany him on the plane.

This will be my protection, he added.

On the afternoon of Aug. 13, Ninoy called me at the Philippine consulate in New York. Padre, I did not tell the operator who I am. I just called to say goodbye. I will be leaving tonight from Boston.

Aware that my phone was tapped, the only words I could blurt out were Good Luck, Padre. After I hanged up I told myself I would call him in Boston when I returned to my apart-ment in Queens. But that night some colleagues invited me for dinner and drinks and I did not return to my apartment until 1 a.m. and was unable to call him.

Eight days later, the shock-ing news came about his assas-sination as he arrived with a group of journalist aboard China Airlines on August 21 at the Manila International Airport. But his death was not in vain. Three years later, the election that Marcos called resulted in the People Power revolution that made his widow, Cory Aquino become the President who lost no time in restoring democracy in the country without blood-shed.

p23NINOY PHOTOS.tif

September 1-15, 20142424

No to a second Aquino term

MANILA

A second six-year term for President Benigno Aquino III is currently the talk of the town here even though the Philippine Consti-tution allows only one term. In any case, a second term for Mr. Aquino, or any president, wouldnt work.

Manila Observer has been supportive of Mr. Aquinos reform agenda. No other Presi-dent has embarked on a sweep-ing effort to make things better for the Filipino people.

The economy has been growing and has attracted posi-tive reviews from foreign gov-ernments and global observers (although the growth needs to fully reach the poor). Social services have been upgraded, including the cash transfer pro-gram looking after the very poors health and childrens edu-cation. The reproductive health law is meant to help child-bear-ing women and check unwanted births.

The bureaucracy has received attention, includ-ing support for the police and the military. After a slow start because of an effort to scruti-nize ongoing projects for corrupt practices, infrastructure projects, particularly key roads, have been going full-blast lately.

Mr. Aquino initiated a cul-ture that frowns upon abuse of authority among public offi cials with his no wang-wang policy (sirens used even by private vehi-cles) which, if the metaphor is interpreted broadly, is an injunc-tion against those who throw their weight around because of their positions. No one before him acted to moderate the arro-gance of the privileged.

The proposed peace agree-ment for Muslim Mindanao is potentially a major breakthrough for a large region that hasnt fully exploited its vast resources.

Overall, the Presidents Cab-inet is capable and upright. And Mr. Aquino himself cannot by any means be accused of being personally corrupt. That, in itself, is Aquinos most commendable contribution to Philippine poli-tics. (Manila Observer thinks the countrys luck in having a chief

executive whos personally not corrupt may be a one-time occur-rence for the nation.)

There have been missteps and miscalculations, but more on being not up to the tasks involved than on intentional inaction or wrongful intent. Gov-erning the Philippines is a hercu-lean task. The President and his men and women arent superhu-man after all.

Mr. Aquino should survey whats hes done for the country and be happy with the thought that hes done well and, while many Filipinos arent fully sat-isfi ed, that hes done more than the others who held the offi ce before him.

And then walk quietly into the sunset. Going for another term would be a major mistake.

First of all, theres no time for a plebiscite for the people to approve a Constitutional amend-ment to allow the President to seek another term. It would just mess up all of the Commission on Elections preparations for the 2016 elections.

Second, the President must keep his word to step down from offi ce the moment his term ends. Otherwise, all the talk and praise about being a man of his word would go up in smoke and ruin his reputation forever. He would smash into smithereens the good name that hes cultivated all his life.

But for all the reasons why a second term wouldnt be a good idea and benefi cial, this is the most important: fatigue.

Second terms are notori-ously ineffective because every-body in the executive depart-ment by then already suffers from fatigue, both physically and intellectually. Its very diffi cult to maintain a level of stamina, perseverance and concentration over a long period of time.

Two six-year terms can sap all the physical energy and intel-lectual stamina of key players in the government, including and especially the President.

Mental and physical las-situde will set in. No more new ideas will come from tired minds, it would be like coaxing blood from stone. Ennui will turn once-

On Laughing with Our HumorIts September, summer is ending, the crystalline joys of sun and heat begin to show cracks for sputtering rains and falling leaves, the time when mens souls supposedly begin to turn gray. It is on the coming days, from September to Novem-ber, occurring year after year, that memories of my deceased father would haunt me like a prick on the skin. Fall here in the United States and my father there then in Manila, Philippines will always provide the link of my remembrances of how the remaining months of the year would give way to my fathers passion for the performing arts.

My father would spend the weekends with my mother going either to a movie or to a stage play of drama, sometimes a Fili-pino version of a musical, the zarzuela. In my young tender age of six, when consciousness of my surroundings was taking shape and unravelling meanings, he took me with him to a movie house to see Romeo and Juliet, my very fi rst introduction to a fi lm version, in black and white, of Shakespeare tragic play, Law-rence Olivier in the lead role. This was followed by other fi lms, in other movie houses, memora-ble by the swashbuckling per-formances, in some, of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Some weekends, breaking his routine, he would take me to stage plays.

There is one stage play, we saw at the then Metropolitan Theater in Manila, which will always pose a challenge to my recollection skills. The play was Ang Prinsiping Hinding Tuma-tawa (The Prince Who Never Laughs). I remember the faade of the theater; it was then under-going renovation from damages caused by mortar shellings of the area during the liberation of Manila by the US military forces at the latter year of World War II. But my memory of the play fails me. I cant recall how it begun or ended, bits and momentary glimpses of scenes, but never the whole.

However, the title of the play is intriguing. How could a man, in his position as a prince, not afford the luxury of a laugh? Laughter caused by any action or spoken word is a commodity readily-available for the taking. One doesnt need to be titled to enjoy an embarrassing act or a word which to us look or sound funny. Either one tickles us to show mirth because we are humans, the only animals that laugh. Hyenas, in spite of their reputation, do not laugh; they