asian journal december 23, 2011 edition

The Miracle and Mystery of Jesus’

Birth .. p. 4God’s Most Exalted

Decision.. p. 11

Powerful People and a Book They Almost Stopped

My Story… Their Story… Our Shared Story

Tagle: Spend more time in prayer than on gadgets

Teaching the Children the Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened:.I just fi nished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a

noise in the front of the house.I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the

Christmas tree. He placed his fi nger over his mouth so I would not cry out.“What are you doing?” I started to ask him.The words choked in my throat, as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager boisterous soul we all know.He then answered me with a simple statement, TEACH THE CHILDREN!I was puzzled: What did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from

behind the tree.As I stood there bewildered, Santa said, “Teach the children! Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that today’s Christmas has forgotten!” Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it on the mantle. “Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fi r tree remains green all year round,

depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward heaven.”He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR.“Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfi llment of that promise.”He then reached into the bag and pulled out a CANDLE.

“Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.”

(A fi rst person account on surviving one of the country’s worst fl oods)

Zena Sultana BabaoMsgr. Gutierrez Ben Maynigo“Miracles” in the Sin City .. p. 21

December 23-29, 2011

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(Continued on page 20)


Faces of Christtmas. Left: Children enjoying Santa Party hosted by PCI at Jacobs Center. Right: Belen display at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Litte Italy shows a shrouded infant in anticipation of Christmas day. Background: December Nights at Balboa Park



Christmas is Freedom


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Massive Disaster Relief for Victims of Typhoon Sendong is Launched

Rescue in the fury of Typhoon Sendong (Photo courtesy of ABS CBN / AP)

By Helen Flores, The Philippine Star | MANILA, Philippines, 12/19/11 - Ma-nila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle has urged the faithful to spend more time in prayer than on gadgets like cell phones and computers this Christmas season

“We are asked during these days and on Christmas Day to be a worshipping people, to pray, to rest in God,” Tagle said.

He said people spend more time with television, comput-

ers and mobile phones thereby signifi -cantly losing time for prayer.

The 54-year-old prelate said for one to benefi t from God’s salvation, one has to pray. He recalled that the Jew-

ish people have always been faithful to the Sabbath Day spent on prayer, adoration and worship of God “because He truly deserves it.”

He said the Sabbath Day is the time to re-establish the family, “as a family of God, as a family brought together by prayer, worship and adora-tion.”

He added the Jewish people keep the Sabbath Day sacred, a day spent with one’s family “because it is wor-ship day.”


When a Philippine investi-gative journalist revealed the inner workings of her nation’s Supreme Court, the country’s largest book publisher and leading distributor walked away.

Marites Dañguilan Vitug took an oath before a Manila prosecutor when she fi led her rejoinder in a libel case that a Supreme Court justice had fi led against her, related to the publication of her book, “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court.”

By Marites Dañguilan Vitug

When I started to report on the Philippine Supreme Court in 2007 for Newsbreak maga-zine, I was intrigued—and challenged—by its culture of secrecy and its strong system of hierarchy. I couldn’t know then that three years later a book I wrote to help chisel away at the court’s wall of secrecy would confi rm the court’s formidable power and its spheres of infl uence when the publication and distribu-tion of my book were halted.

The entire judiciary, com-posed of about 2,000 judges, thousands of court personnel, and headed by the Supreme Court, is cloaked in this secre-tive culture. It is vastly differ-ent from its co-equal branch-es—the executive department and Congress. In these places, cabinet offi cials, senators and congressmen freely talk to the media. Journalists can cover most of their meetings. Public hearings are sometimes aired live on television. Reporters know most of these offi cials by face and by name. They are elected every three to six years.

The Supreme Court is in a league of its own with justices who are unelected. During the past admin-istration (2001-2010) they’ve been appointed more for their loyalty to the president than merit, and they serve until they reach the age of 70. Covering this court reminded me of my days reporting on the armed forces during the waning years of martial law in the early 1980’s. Under the authoritarian ruler Ferdinand Marcos, it was hard for the press to penetrate the military.

by Fr. Shay Cullen, PREDA

There is a lot about Christ-mas that the world doesn’t know, doesn’t want to know or convenient-ly forgets in its pursuit of pleasure, possessions and power. And that is, that the “Christ” in Christmas was a person, fully human and Son of God, demanding an end to greed and exploitation.

That sweet baby Jesus in the Christmas manger, born in

poverty among peasants and while still in swaddling clothes faced death threats and assassins sent by the corrupt and lust-fi lled

King Herod. Jesus and his parents were refugees and asylum- seekers in a foreign land fl ee-ing certain death. Good his mother Mary and

Joseph didn’t apply to a nation with strict anti-immigration laws and racists attitudes, they would have been deported, expelled,

By Ariel C. Hernandez

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/20 Dec) – I woke up with a sense of panic when I heard the sudden

impact of rampaging fl ood waters entering our room. I was even more shocked when

Redwood City, Calif. (PRWEB) December 20, 2011 -- ABS CBN Foundation International launches an international disaster relief effort for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao island, the southern region of the Philippines, through Sagip Kapamilya. Tax deductible monetary donations are now being accepted to provide immediate aid. Cheques can be made to “ABS CBN Foundation International: Typhoon Sendong” and sent to the nonprofi t’s offi ces at 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, California 94065. Donors can also contribute online via www.abscbnfoundation.org.On Sunday, Typhoon Sendong brought

ABS CBN Foundation International greenlights “Sagip Kapamilya” to provide aid to calamity survivors

more than a month of average rainfall within 12 hours to Northern Mindanao, the Visayas and Palawan. Hard hit are the southern coastal cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Unaccustomed to major storms, river systems and homes specifi cally in these two cities were massively destroyed. Raging waters have put the toll at 927 killed and hundreds more missing, as reported today by ABS CBN News. Most of the dead are women and children.

Typhoon Sendong is now consid-ered the world’s deadliest storm for 2011.

December 23-29, 2011Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

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Christmas is Freedom

(Continued from page 1)

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Read Atty. Aurora Vega’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

kicked out and then caught and executed with the hundreds of innocents in Herod’s slaugh-ter, a horrific crime against children and humanity.

The baby from Bethlehem, became the man from Nazareth who grew up to be the fiery prophet, the calm peace-maker, the loving friend, the healer of the sick, the hope of the hopeless and the shepherd of the lost. He was the bane of the rich and powerful too. He is the young man that was kicked out of his home synagogue in Nazareth and was almost killed for quoting the Prophet Isaiah and taking on his mission as his own. He was a real trouble maker and rebel to some in his home town.

He read the lesson quoting Isaiah (Luke.4;4 -30) from the scripture and he made it his life’s work to bring good news to the poor, telling them in effect that they, the poor, are blessed, precious and the kingdom of God is for them. As if saying: “You are the true children of the father, the inheritance of the land is yours”. To the religious authori-

ties this was heresy, subversion, and close to blasphemy, a crime that carried the death penalty.

In today’s world defending the poor and the environment from the loggers, land-grabbers and the ruling elite also carries the unofficial death penalty. Human rights advocates, en-vironmentalists, journalists, priests and pastors are branded as commu-nists and subversives for speaking out for the poor and they are killed as was my friend Father Fausto Tentorio, last 17 October 2011, for standing with the poor. His friends and fellow priests are still threatened and harassed.

In the time of Jesus of Nazareth, the elite claimed they had the divine blessing and the right to the King-dom. They constantly thanked God for their elite status, ascendancy, wealth and for being the chosen ones. They felt that the carpenter’s son, born of a peasant girl, was chal-lenging them and their system by taking the side of the poor and they were angry when he scolded them as hypocrites.

Yet, he didn’t end there. He contin-ued quoting Isaiah declaring an end to the captive status of the poor and the oppressed, an end to injustice, slavery of all kinds, freedom for the women and children, a new life for the exploited and those unjustly accused, imprisoned, persecuted and harassed. And he declared the free-dom of Christmas so the poor can

escape from the clutches of commer-cial consumerism.

Christmas is about transforming a materialistic world, not joining in the wasteful extravagance. It’s a time for family togetherness and peace-making and making commitments to work for a more just society and continuing the work of Jesus, born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago, but very much alive today.

It’s a time to renew friendship and the values that keep us human and spiritual, united, sane and secure. It’s not enough to admire the child in the manger; we have to imitate him as a man of action.

Jesus was an agent of change, a revolutionary of the spirit that loved as no man had so loved his friends, his people, the poor, the outcasts and downtrodden and died for them. That’s what Christmas keeps alive in us the living spirit of self-giving and caring for others. What we learn from the child in the manger, the man on the cross is that following Christ is to be a washer of feet and an advocate of human rights.

Link: http://www.preda.org/en/news/fr-shays-articles/christmas-is-freedom/

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By Aurora Vega-Buzon, SAN DIEGO, 12/23/2011 --

A child born abroad to parents who are both U.S. citizens (USCs), or to a U.S. citizen (USC) mother or father, has a claim to citizenship ei-ther through “acquisition” (acquiring citizenship at birth) or “derivation” (citizenship acquired after birth). Either parent may report the birth of a child born abroad to the United States Consulate/Embassy, and after verification, the Consulate will issue a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States, and issue a United States a passport.

ACQUISITION AT BIRTH

Both parents are USCs: Child acquires U.S. citizenship at birth if both parents are USCs and at least one parent had a residence in the United States or one of its outlying possessions prior to child’s birth.

One parent is a USC and second parent is a U.S. noncitizen national: Child acquires U.S. citizenship at birth if one parent is a citizen and the other parent is a U.S. noncitizen national; and the USC parent was physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of one year prior to child’s birth.

One parent is a USC and the child was born in an outlying possession of the United States: Child acquires U.S. citizenship at birth provided the USC parent was physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of one year prior to child’s birth.

One parent is a USC, the other parent is an alien and child born in wedlock outside the limits and juris-

diction of the U.S.: Child acquires U.S. citizenship at birth provided the USC parent was physically present in the U.S. or its outlying possessions for a period of five years prior to child’s birth, two of the five years must have been after age 14. In computing physical presence, time spent in the Armed Forces or periods of employment with the U.S. government or with an international organization will to be counted.

DERIVATION AFTER BIRTH

One parent is a USC by naturaliza-tion: If one parent is a naturalized U.S. citizen, a child may acquire U.S. citizenship by derivation if the child is (1) a lawful permanent resident; (2) under the age of 18 at the time one of the parents natural-ized; and (3) in the legal custody of the parent who naturalized.

Child born out of wedlock to USC mother: A child born out of wed-lock to a USC mother, and who has not been legitimated, may derive citizenship through the USC mother provided the USC mother was physically present in the U.S. for a continuous period of one year prior to child’s birth.

Child born out of wedlock to USC father : For births on or after November 14, 1986, a child born out of wedlock to a USC father may derive U.S. citizenship if the follow-ing requirements are met: (1) blood relationship is established by clear and convincing evidence (normally, a DNA ordered by the U.S. Consul-ate/Embassy); (2) father was a USC at the time of child’s birth; (3) USC

Citizenship Of Child Born Abroad To Citizen Parent/S

father was physically present in the U.S. or its outlying possessions for a period of five years prior to child’s birth, two of the five years must have been after age 14 (the rule that time with the Armed Forces or periods of employment with the U.S. government or an international organization will to be counted as physical presence, will also be applied); (4) USC father (unless deceased) has agreed in writing to provide financial support until child turns 18; and (5) before the child’s 18th birthday, either (a) the child is legitimated, or (b) the USC father acknowledged paternity in writing under oath, or (c) the child’s pater-nity is established by adjudication of a competent court.

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

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comDecember 23-29, 2011

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Light &Shadows

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

by Zena Sultana Babao

By Zena Sultana Babao

In a time of great darkness God promised to send a Light who would shine on everything living in the shadow of death. This Light is JESUS CHRIST, whose coming was foretold seven centu-ries prior to His earthly birth.

The prophecy of Jesus’ birth is found in the Book

of Isaiah in the Old Testament, in a chapter entitled “To Us a Child is Born.”

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty

God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.”

This prophecy is also in another chapter of Isaiah in “The Branch from Jesse.” It says that the royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a shoot, a new branch from the old root.

This new branch is the Messiah – Jesus! The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might; and the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

The Miracle and Mystery of Jesus’ Birth: Pulling Aside the

Curtain of Time

He will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but will defend the poor and the exploited. He will live, die, and rise again in obedience to His Heavenly Father. And then He will come back down to earth to rule forever!

Fast forward to 700 years from the time of Isaiah, and a little bit over two thousand years before this Christmas Day 2011 – the prophecy was fulfilled in a truly miraculous birth in the little town of Bethlehem: the Son of God was born.

With a Divine Father and a human mother, Jesus entered history, God in the flesh!

“The angel Gabriel went to her and said: Greet-ings, you are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

When the Christ child was born, the angels appeared to the shepherds out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. The glory of the Lord shone around them, and the shepherds were terrified. But the angel said to them:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord … Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

God came down to earth as a man to save us from sin. At the age of 33, He died in the cross for us all!

The prophecy of Jesus’ death is also in Isaiah, in a chapter entitled “The Suffering and Glory of the Servant.” Jesus, the Messiah, is the servant. He was beaten and bloodied, but through His suffering, He cleansed the nations.

Here is how our Lord Jesus is described in that chapter:

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our in-equities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

In these passages from Isaiah, our Almighty God pulled aside the curtain of time to let the people of Isaiah’s day look ahead to the suffering of His only Son, and to the resulting forgiveness available to all of mankind. Great is the mystery of God manifest – and humanity will forever marvel and celebrate His birth.

If you know that Jesus was born to give life for all eternity, is Jesus born in your heart? Have you invited Jesus to be your Savior and Lord? Have you invited Him to live in your heart? -zsb

Woody & Buzz Will Make Sure That “No Book Is Left Behind” & Bring The Joy of Reading

To Underserved Children & Families...But They Need Your Help!

**Accepting Donations at all FOUR locations from December 19 through January 20**

WHO/WHAT: Everybody’s favorite toys are back in town with Disney On Ice presents Dis-ney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 and this holiday season they are making sure “no book is left behind” as they round up the San Diego and South Bay communities to benefit four local public librar-ies: Civic Center and South Chula Vista Branch Libraries in Chula Vista and READ/San Diego (housed at the Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library) and City Heights/Weingart Branch Library in San Diego, in a fun-filled “Hoedown Throwdown Book Drive.”

Buzz, Woody, and the Chula Vista/San Diego libraries invite you to donate new or gently used children’s books (in English or Spanish) at any of the four locations from Monday, December 19, through Friday, January 20. In apprecia-tion for the book donations, each donor will receive a free ticket* to Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 playing at the Valley View Casino Center (formerly San Diego Sports Arena) January 25 - 29, 2012, or Disney On Ice gifts and family savings coupons.**

*Limit 1 ticket per family, available on a first come first serve basis, subject to availability.

**Available while supplies last.Poverty has a profound impact on literacy

development and a good book can be a good friend, that’s why Disney On Ice and Feld Entertainment supports literacy in an effort to help provide the skills required for learning how to read. The Chula Vista and San Diego libraries are in great need of children's books. Excitement about reading books can be contagious, so this holiday season please donate your new or gently used children’s books to the participating library near you!

WHERE: Four drop off locations:Chula Vista Public Libraries: Civic Center Branch Library, 365 F Street,

Chula Vista, CA 91910South Chula Vista Branch Library, 389 Or-

ange Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911*Chula Vista Public Libraries will be closed

from Dec 24-Jan 2San Diego Public Libraries:City Heights/Weingart Branch Library, 3795

Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105READ/San Diego-Valencia Park/Malcolm X

Branch Library, 5148 Market Street, San Diego,

Everyone’s Favorite Toys From Disney On Ice Presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Are Kicking

Off A “Hoedown Throwdown Book Drive” To Benefit Chula Vista & San Diego Public Library Branches

CA 92114WHEN: Donations accepted December 19

through January 20**Notice: All city library locations will be

closed December 24th through 26th and January 1st and 2nd for the holidays.

About the ShowInspired by the #1 animated movie of all time,

Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, everyone’s favorite characters are hitting the ice in the sensational live production, Disney On Ice presents Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3, coming to Phoenix at the US Airways Center for nine performances, from January 18 - 22, 2012.

About San Diego Public LibraryThe San Diego Public Library serves a

population of more than 1.3 million people. Its mission is to inspire lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other. The San Diego Public Library is a vital link that connects this diverse community to a vast array of free educational and cultural resources that enrich the lives of visitors and residents alike. Learn about other events at the San Diego Public Library’s Central Library and 35 branches, find links to numerous additional resources, or search for materials in the Library’s online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.

About Chula Vista Public LibraryThe Chula Vista Public Library, located in

Chula Vista, California, is comprised of dynamic state-of-the-art libraries delivering informa-tion, books in English and Spanish, videos and CDs, and community programming to the City's residents nearly every day of the year. All Chula Vista Libraries provide access to reference sources and updated information on library events, furthering our commitment to provide users with the latest information through innova-tive technology. The South Chula Vista Branch Library (166,000 volumes) and the Civic Center Branch Library (236,000 volumes) offer full library service in English and Spanish.

About Feld EntertainmentFeld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in

producing and presenting live touring family en-tertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create incredible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! . For more information, please visit www.DisneyOnIce.com or look for us on Facebook and YouTube.


Business News


SAN DIEGO, DEC. 15, 2011 – The holidays are fi lled with family, food and fun – all of which can add up to a bit of a post-holiday surprise on your SDG&E® bill. Being energy effi cient during the holidays doesn’t mean skip-ping out on the fun – it means using energy wisely to make sure your new year starts off on a good note. Here are a few tips to help you get over the river, through the woods and into energy savings!

• Put a lid on it! It traps steam and helps food cook faster. If you’re using an electric range, turn off the burners a few minutes early because the burners retain heat.

• Holiday baking is a great for making tasty treats to share with friends and family. On cold days, it can also warm your home but your oven isn’t meant to be used as a heater – keep the door closed while it’s on.

• Check your vents to make sure that they aren’t blocked by holi-day decorations or guests’ luggage. You can also close vents in rooms that aren’t being used, which keeps more warm air in the areas you need it most.

• Feeling a draft? Your home may benefi t from new windows, insulation and duct sealing. Check out Energy Upgrade California’s incen-tive program that will help make your entire home more energy effi cient and gives you money back! Visit sdge.com/energyupgradecalifornia to learn more.

For more tips and ways to save, visit sdge.com

About SDG&E: SDG&E is a regulated public utility

that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.5 million consumers through 1.4 million electric meters and more than 850,000 natural gas meters in San Di-ego and southern Orange counties. The utility’s area spans 4,100 square miles. SDG&E is committed to creating ways to help our customers save energy and mon-ey every day. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE), a Fortune 500 energy services holding company based in San Diego.

Tips To Save On Your Holiday

Energy Bill

Here’s how a Christian im-migrant family from the Phil-ippines celebrate Christmas

and what Christmas truly means to them.

By Perla Dirige Belo, MRE, MTH

When a person comes to our home in Seattle during Christmas time, the decorations are a fresh noble fi r Christmas tree decorated with nativity scenes, stars, bells, hearts, and different kinds of angels, a white porcelain dove, and fi gures of Mary with the baby Jesus. Multi-colored

How Our Family Celebrates ChristmasChristmas lights in the shape of

The Belo Family. L to R; Reverend Perla Belo, husband Gasat, Ariele, Nathan. Front, Ezekiel.

and from different countries, and also several wreaths hang in our living

candles adorn our tree. Hanging from the ceiling of our living room is a home made blue and white paper star called “pa-rol.” In many homes in the Philippines, parols are hung both inside and outside of homes. But in rainy Seattle the outside is no place for a parol. The parol is one Fili-pino tradition that we keep. All around one will notice several nativity and manger scenes collected through the years

room walls.“Noche

Buena “ (mid-night meal) is not celebrated in our fam-ily anymore, maybe due to the abun-dance of food in America. When my siblings and I were young in the Philip-pines, we celebrated the Noche Buena

Christmas in California” medium: oil on canvas size: 48” x 30”painted in 2008

Only in the Philippines: Municipalities Jointhe 5th Belenismo sa Tarlac 2011

The province of Tarlac in Luzon, Philippines an-nounced another successful launch of its annual Belenismo contest for the various municipalities in its jurisdiction.

According to local resident Teresita Ocampo “This is the fi fth year of Belenismo! There were 148 Entries this year among the 3 categories - Monu-mental, Grand Monumental and Parish. Then there are the dioramas with 50 entries.”

We are proud to be Filipinos. This is how creative we are and show the world how we celebrate Christ-mas.”

“I will never be tired seeing all the beautiful Belens the people

of Tarlac work so hard to put up during Christ-mas. I feel their energy, spirit and love when they proudly present their labor of love. Thank you Tita Isabel and Isa for bringing that spirit to the hearts of everyone who come to see all the Belens. I wish more people could come and see them live and not only in photos.” (More .. p 8)

San Diego, CA - Monday, December 5, 2011 — Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is bringing the Academy Award®-winning block-buster, Toy Story 3 - and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 - to the ice, in this sensational live production coming to your home-town! This all-new ice spectacular visits San Diego from January 25 to 29, 2012 for ten performances at the Valley View Casino Center (formely San Diego Sports Arena). Tickets are now on sale.

Catch all the heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the ram-bunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most dar-ing adventure ever! A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy

bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down on the set of “Woody’s Roundup.” Relive the humor, friend-ship and charm of Toy Story when Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 takes family fun to infi n-ity and beyond!

Tickets for Disney On Ice pres-ents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 are available at the Valley View Casino Center’s Box Offi ce, DisneyOnIce.com, Ticketmaster.com, Ticketmas-ter outlets or call 1 800 745-3000. For group sales information call 619 308-4311. Ticket prices: $16, $22, $40 (Front Row) and $55 (VIP).

Performances: January 25 – 29, 2012

Wednesday, January 25 – 7:00 p.m.Thurday, January 26 - 7:00 p.m.Friday, January 27 - 11:00 a.m. and

7:00 p.m.Saturday, January 28 - 11:00 a.m.,

3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.Sunday, January 29 - 11:00 a.m.,

3:00 p.m. (Spanish language perfor-mance) and 7:00 p.m.

To learn more about Disney On Ice, go to www.disneyonice.com, or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Tickets Are Now On Sale For Disney On Ice Presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 In San Diego Jan 25 – 29, 2012

Just in time for that special child on your gift list!


How Our Family Celebrates Christmas

By Perla Dirige Belo, MRE, MTH

ASIAN JOURNALThe fi rst Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

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

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

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

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

Dr. Rizalino “Riz” Oades, (1935-2009)

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

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

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

by Miles Beauchamp

by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Founder, President & CEO Kalusugan

Community Services. www.fi lamwellness.org

Contemporary Asian American Issues


Follow @asianjournal on Twitter.Facebook at

www.facebook.com/asianjournal or

asianjournal.sandiego


PerspectivesHHS Announces

New National Health Service

Corps Awardees in California

at Christmas Eve with a simple meal of “arroz caldo” (chicken soup), “ja-mon dulce” (sweet ham), apples and grapes. By the time the meal is over, it was past midnight and we greeted each other with “Merry Christmas” to celebrate the arrival of Christmas Day!

As a family, we also attended Christmas Eve services in our church, a tradition my family continues to practice in the U.S. Attendance of Christmas Eve service is one major act of remembering and worshipping God to honor the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth as a human being and as Savior of mankind. The name Jesus means “Savior” and Christ means “The Anointed One.” Jesus Christ is also called “Emmanuel” which means God with us.

Our faith in Jesus shapes and infl u-ences our practice of Christmas. The reason for this is our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas as told in the scripture or the Bible. The story of Christmas is the greatest “good news” that the world and humankind will ever get.

The Story of Christmas

In Luke 2:4-19 we read: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Naza-reth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he be-longed to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby

to be born, and she gave birth to her fi rst born, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fi eld nearby, keeping watch over their fl ocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrifi ed. But the angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you; you will fi nd a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. “

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas begins with God. The greatest gift to human kind is God’s gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus. God gave this most precious gift of Jesus because of His love for us, men and women, and desire to reconcile us to Himself in spite of our sin. The sin of mankind began when the fi rst human beings, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God’s command not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that time when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin became a part of our nature as humans. The only way for sin to be taken away is from an act of God.

So God, who loved us so much, sent His only begotten Son to be a man. Jesus who was both divine and human eventually died on the cross to be our savior from sin. The birth of Jesus as man is called the “incarna-tion.” God came down in bodily form in the birth of His son, Jesus - this is Christmas!

Christmas is fi rst and foremost a spiritual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a special time to celebrate Christ as both Savior and Lord, to thank Him for sending His only Son to be born and to die on the cross for our sins, so we can be-come “partakers of the divine nature” (1 Peter 1:4), following the good and godly qualities of God instead of our evil and sinful nature.

To truly celebrate Christmas, is to personally receive Jesus Christ by faith in one’s life as Savior from sin and as Lord to be obeyed, if you have not yet become a true child of God.

One will be delivered from the sec-ular craziness of the Christmas season (shopping, parties, overspending, and overeating, etc.) if the practice of Christmas centers on celebrating the birth of Jesus as the Savior of the world. As one Christian wrote:

“Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite

Jesus into your heart; you will then have a ‘Merry Christmas.’ The joy and peace you will receive will last all year (and the rest of our life) as you look to God (for your life) and for all your needs to be met. “

Reverend Perla Belo is a retired Director of Asian Ministries for the American Baptist Churches. She now resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband Gasat, two children (Na-than and Arielle) and two grandchil-dren (Ezekiel and Jaedon). She is the eldest sister of Dr. Ofelia Dirige.

“JOY to the world the Lord is come......” Christmas song

by Evelyne Dirige Resella

CHRISTMAS DAY Is celebrated around the world differ-ently. In my former home-land, the Phil-ippines, we call

CHRISTMAS “PASKO.” We say both “Merry Christmas” and “Ma-ligayang Pasko.” Although I live most of my life here in the United States and spent more Christmases here, I still have good memories of past Christmases in the Philippines. I have been away from my homeland for about forty years but our Amer-icanized-Filipino family Christmas celebration hasn’t lost it’s Filipino fl avor. We learned to adopt the good things from our beloved America and cherished old traditions from our heritage and homeland. By having bi-cultural infl uences our Christmas celebration is enriched with different fl avors and traditions.

DESCRIPTION: (Image on p 5) This is another painting I did for my art show last September 27, 2008. Here’s my short story behind the painting. One of our greatest bless-ings when our family immigrated to the United States was having our

big family together at Christmas time. There were only a few years of separation from one another, and we were all united. Being in a foreign country, we were happy and secure to have our family together. It’s diffi cult to be happy at Christmas time when one has loved ones left behind in the Philippines. In California, Christmas feels warm compared to other states that have snow and dreams of a white Christmas. Our family continues to celebrate Christmas with abundant and traditional Filipino food, but also added American fl avors, like shrimp cocktails, champagne, wine, fresh green salad, pasta salad, cookies, pies, rolls, cakes and more. Traditionally, a rich Filipino Christmas has lechon (roasted whole pork), pancit palabok (noodles) embotido, morcon, fresh lumpia, paella, camaron rebosado (shrimp) and more. Desserts are favorites like leche fl an. brazo de mercedes, sweet ube, etc. Because America is a very rich country, part of our festive celebration is having huge, fresh, ever green pine Christmas tree with countless of adoring ornaments and overwhelming presents surround-ing them.

“Wishing You All A “Merry Christ-mas” or (“Maligayang Pasko”).

Evelyne Dirige Resella is an artist from Valencia, CA who recently moved with her husband, Rhod to San Diego. Ebb, as we call her, graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. She has been a commercial artist and has retired also just like her husband Rhod. Both are helping KCS on a voluntary basis. Ebb is a younger sister of Dr. Ofelia Dirige, KCS’s President & CEO.

TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS, DONORS, SUPPORTERS AND

PARTICIPANTS: KALUSUGAN COMMUNITY

SERVICES WISHES YOU“A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR”

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU NEXT YEAR IN ONE OF OUR

EVENTS!

Dr. Ofelia Dirige, Board Members & Volunteers

Evelyne Dirige Resella

Digital Edition880,603 reads

on scribd.com/asianjournal

Asian Journal San Diego

Just a reminder

More than 10,000 Primary Care Pro-viders in the U.S. Supported by Obama Administration Investments in National Health Service Corps -- Largest Num-ber in History

U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced that the number of participants in the National Health Service Corps (NHSC) has nearly tripled throughout the na-tion. Today, more than 10,000 National Corps members – doctors, nurses and other health care providers – care for Americans in communities nationwide. California has 1640 National Health Service Corps approved sites in both rural and urban areas. In 2011, 537 new scholarship and loan repayment awardees were announced in California to further expand the program.

Thanks to investments in the Na-tional Health Service Corps through the Affordable Care Act, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and annual appropriations, the NHSC has awarded nearly $900 million in schol-arships and loan repayment to health care professionals across the country. This funding will help expand the country’s primary care workforce and meet the health care needs of commu-nities nationwide.

Because of these critical investments in our nation’s health care workforce, there are nearly three times the number of NHSC clinicians working in com-munities across America than there were three years ago--increasing access to health care and supporting local jobs. In 2008, 3,600 providers served approximately 3.7 million patients. Now, in 2011 with a fi eld strength of more than 10,000 clinicians, the Na-tional Health Service Corps provides health care services to about 10.5 mil-lion patients.

“Thanks to the National Health Service Corps, more Americans can see a doctor and get the health care they need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius. “The investments we made are improving health and cre-ating access to care, fueling economic activity nationwide.”

Established in 1972, the National Health Service Corps, administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has provided health care to communities across the country through the service of more than 41,000 primary health care practi-tioners over its nearly 40-year history. The NHSC provides fi nancial, profes-sional and educational resources to medical, dental, and mental and behav-ioral health care providers who bring their skills to areas of the United States with limited access to health care.

“Eighty-two percent of NHSC clini-


by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Immigration 911

Read Atty. Susan Perez’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

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IMMIGRATION 911 by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Maria, a foreign national, was an

experienced pre-school teacher in the Philippines and holds a master’s degree in child development. An employment agency found a job for Maria as Preschool Special Educa-tion Teacher. The employer is based in Los Angeles. Maria’s H-1b case was approved with three (3) years duration. Unfortunately, when Maria arrived in the United States, she was informed by the agency that the position was no longer available. Six months later, Maria found new employment for Secondary Special Education Teacher in San Diego. Two years later, Maria realized that her H-1B visa will expire in one year. She asked her employer if they can sponsor her for another three years. Since Maria’s performance has been exemplary, the school is willing to sponsor Maria. Is she eligible for a work visa?

Our immigration laws provide that a foreign national who was provided H-1B nonimmigrant status may begin working for a new H-1B em-ployer as soon as the new employer files a non-frivolous H-1B petition on the nonimmigrant’s behalf, if: i) the nonimmigrant was lawfully admitted to the United States; ii) the non-frivolous petition for new em-ployment was filed before the end of their period of authorized stay; and iii) the nonimmigrant has not been employed without authorization since his or her lawful admission to the United States, and before the filing of the non-frivolous petition. Porting is used when a foreign na-tional changes his or her H-1B em-ployer. In order to port or to change employer, the foreign national must meet these requirements, including the requirement that the new petition must be filed while the alien is in a “period of stay authorized by the Attorney General.”

A foreign national’s H-1B status terminates as of the date the employ-ment ceased or the date the petition was revoked. However, the foreign national has the ability to maintain his status by “porting” to a new H-1B employer, regardless of action taken on the prior H-1B petition

that supported the foreign national’s employment. If the foreign national “ports” to a new employer and ac-cepts employment with the new employer upon the filing of a new petition, prior to the revocation of the H-1B petition filed by his or her former employer, then the beneficia-ry will be in an “authorized period of stay” while the newly filed petition is pending. The period during which a timely filed Extension of Status is pending continues the alien’s period of authorized stay in the United States allowing the foreign national to avoid accruing unlawful presence.

Most of the time, it takes a while for a foreign national to find a new H-1B employer. The most fre-quently asked question in scenarios like these is, “What is the acceptable time frame to “port” to a new H-1B employer”. Currently, statute and regulations do not provide any grace period from the time the foreign national ceases employment until the time a new petition is filed on his or her behalf; however, USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigra-tion Services) may, in its discre-tion, excuse late filed petition when extraordinary circumstances exist. Therefore, an H-1B worker seeking to transfer to a new H-1B employer should maintain employment with their current H-1B employer until the new H-1B has been filed.

Going back to Maria’s case, she is not eligible for a nonimmigrant or immigrant work visa even if the school is willing to sponsor her. When Maria was advised by her agency that the position for which she was petition was no longer available, her H-1B status was terminated. While Maria found a new employer in San Diego, the new employer did not file an H-1B petition. For this reason, there was no “porting” in her case. While the school is planning to file an H-1B petition now, this is too late. While late filed petition can be excused when extraordinary circumstances exist, more than one year is too long. It would be very hard to justify late filing based on extraordinary circumstances.

We welcome your feedback. If you have any immigration questions,

Porting In H-1B Cases

please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call 619 819 -8648 to arrange for a telephone consultation.

cians continue to serve in high-need areas after they fulfill their service commitment,” said HRSA Administra-tor Mary Wakefield, Ph.D, R.N. “These awards help ensure that underserved communities across the country have access to quality health care both today and in the future.”

There are currently more than 17,000 National Health Service Corps sites

across the country. In California, there are 1640 NHSC-approved rural and urban sites (431 sites currently have an NHSC clinician).

In FY 2011, competitive awards totaling $29,818,662 were made to 537 new awardees in California through the following programs:

· The NHSC Loan Repayment Program. 505 new awards were made to providers in California in FY 2011. These awards were funded by the Af-fordable Care Act, Recovery Act, and FY 2011 base appropriation invest-ments. The loan repayment program provides an initial, tax-free award of up to $60‚000 for two years of service in an underserved community and the opportunity to pay off all health profes-sional student loans with continued service.

· The NHSC Scholarship Program. 32 new awards from Affordable Care Act investments were made to providers in California in FY 2011. The scholar-ship program pays tuition, required fees, and other education costs for as many as four years. Upon graduation, scholarship recipients serve as primary care providers between two and four years at an NHSC-approved site in a high-need Health Professional Shortage Area.

The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA is the primary Federal agency responsible for improving ac-cess to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medi-cally vulnerable. For more information about NHSC programs, please visit http:/www.NHSC.hrsa.gov.

For more information about the Department’s Recovery Actå programs, see http:/www.hhs.gov/recovery.

HHS Health Service Corps Awardees in

California(Continued from page 6)


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Holiday Guide


Teaching the Children the Meaning of Christmas

Above: Members of the Blind Community Center of San Diego celebrated December Nights by singing Christmas carols at Balboa Park as a volunteer plays the guitar. Below: Like others in the crowd, Asian Journal author Mike Tagudin, (left) who was celebrating his birthday, sang aloig with the carolers

Once again he reached into his bag and then removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree.

“Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love.

Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of

affection.”He then pulled out from his bag an

ornament of HIMSELF.“Teach the children that Santa

Claus symbolizes the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December.”

He reached in again and pulled out a HOLLY LEAF.

“Teach the children the holly plant represents immortality.

It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior.

The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.”

Next he pulled out a GIFT from

the bag and said, “Teach the Children that God so

loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

Thanks be to God for His insur-mountable gift.

Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the holy Baby and presented Him with gold, frank-incense, and myrrh.

We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men.”

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree.

“Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook.

The crook on the shepherd’s staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the fl ock.

The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keeper.”

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL.

“Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior’s birth.

The angels sang ‘Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.’”

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL .

“Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a bell, it should bring people to the fold.

The bell symbolizes guidance and return.”

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased.

He looked back at me and I saw the twinkle was back in his eyes.

He said, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christ-mas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God.”

Author Unknown

Link: http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2011/12/04/5th-belenismo-sa-tarlac-2011/

Only in the Philippines: Municipalities Join the 5th Belenismo sa Tarlac 2011


Profi les

Using Lines of Credit in your BusinessBy Paul Johnson, Union Bank, N.A.

As an entrepreneur running asmall business, there may betimes when you need to accessshort-term working capital tohelp address immediate businessexpenses. A business line of creditmay offer the convenience ofaccessing cash without having toapply for a loan each time youneed it.

A business line of credit can help addressimmediate business needs such asincreased cash flow, working capital,seasonal purchases, new inventory, tradediscounts or carrying accounts receivable.This method allows a business owner toborrow money against a line of credit asneeded using a checkbook or credit card.It differs from a standard loan in that theborrowing may be done over a period oftime, and interest is paid only on theamount of money that is withdrawn. Asthe money is repaid, it becomes availablefor you to use again.

Interest rates are typically variable ratestied to a specific index. If the index goesup, interest rates will raise with it, whichcan make budgeting monthly payments

difficult. Payment schedules require aminimum payment that can vary monthly,based on the amount that has been drawnin the previous 30 days. Depending on theloan agreement, interest only may be dueor the bank may require interest plus aportion of the principal every month. Theamount repaid may be made available forother cash needs without requiringadditional credit approval. Fees, such as aninitial processing fee, are typically chargedand the bank may charge a fee for eachdraw that the business makes on the lineof credit.

The line of credit can either be secured(the loan is backed by collateral which thelender can claim if you default on yourcredit line), or unsecured (does notrequire collateral). Because an unsecuredline of credit poses a greater risk to thelender, the credit limit offered is typicallyless than that of a secured line of credit.

It may be wise to use a business credit linesparingly, as defaulting can result in theloss of your business or bankruptcy. Itshould be used strictly for businesspurposes, and should not be tapped intofor personal expenses.

Before seeking a business credit line,establish a solid credit and paymenthistory, as one factor lenders look for isbusinesses with a steady financial recordfor at least 24 months.

The foregoing article is intended to provide general information abouthow to using business lines of credit and is not considered financial ortax advice from Union Bank. Please consult your financial or tax advisor.

Paul Johnson is a Business Development Officer for the San DiegoBusiness Banking division of Union Bank. Headquartered in SanFrancisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a financial holding companywith assets of $84 billion at September 30, 2011. Its primary subsidiary,Union Bank, N.A., is a full-service commercial bank providing an arrayof financial services to individuals, small businesses, middle-marketcompanies, and major corporations. The bank operated 404 full-service branches in California, Washington, Oregon and Texas, as wellas two international offices, on September 30, 2011. UnionBanCalCorporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ FinancialGroup, Inc. Union Bank is a proud member of the Mitsubishi UFJFinancial Group (MUFG, NYSE:MTU), one of the world’s largestfinancial organizations.

Visit www.unionbank.com for more information.

Paul Johnson Business Development Officer

San Diego Business Banking

6010 El Cajon Boulevard

San Diego, CA 92115

(619) 229-6467

©2011 Union Bank, N.A.

A business line of

credit may offer

the convenience

of accessing cash

without having

to apply for a

loan each time

you need it.

“IT IS THE LORD!”

by Bishop Luis Antonio G. Tagle on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 5:46pm

Homily of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila

My dear friends, sisters and brothers in the Lord,

We are in the holy season of Advent,

a time to prepare for the coming of the Messiah through prayer, penance and good works. A few days ago a friend told me that my coming into the Archdiocese of Manila as its 32nd Archbishop is truly Advent. “You are the one who is to come,” he declared. The remark made me laugh. It also made me think. Is this occasion really about me? I know many people are asking “who is this new archbishop of Manila? What is he like? What are his vision and plans?” But like John the Baptist I am inviting you to focus on the One mightier than all of us, Jesus Christ, the Risen One and the True Shepherd of the Church. My Episcopal motto says it plainly, “Dominus Est! It is the Lord!”

This exclamation is drawn from the Risen Christ’s appearance to some of his disciples at the Sea Tiberias as recounted in John 21. In a retreat that I facilitated as a priest, this episode im-pressed me deeply. Although it tells of a Resurrection appearance, it is indeed an Advent experience. The Risen Lord comes to his disciples. He reveals who he truly is.

Seven disciples went out fi shing. Five of them are named: Simon Peter the recognized head of the band of the Twelve who denied Jesus, Thomas who doubted the testimony of his compan-ions about Jesus’ appearance to them, Nathanael who questioned if anything good could come from Nazareth, the sons of Zebedee known for their ambition to get the seats of honour in Jesus’ kingdom, and two who remain unnamed. Doubters and unknowns, they represent the Church at its infancy.

Simon Peter planned to go out fi shing and the rest joined him. Together they were the fragile Church embarking on its mis-sion. Into the vast waters of mission they traveled together.

But that whole night they caught nothing. Tired and distraught they returned to shore. They probably did not notice the early morning light. It was still night for them. Standing on the shore was a man they did not know. He asked if they had caught anything to eat. That question could sound pro-vocative to a group that had laboured all night without success. If I were one of the disciples, I would have retorted, “Hey don’t you see that our boats are empty? Don’t you see? Are you blind or are you insulting us?” But the dis-ciples were probably so tired to argue with him. Then the stranger issued a surprising command to cast the net over the right side of the boat. He also promised they would fi nd something. They followed him and had a catch so bountiful they could not pull it in. This stranger was not blind after all. He saw where the fi shes were. What the disciples of doubters and unknowns did not see, he saw clearly.

At this moment the disciple whom Jesus loved exclaimed, “It is the Lord.” The eyes of the beloved disciple were opened. His stare moved from the catch to the loving presence in their midst. This man is not a stranger. He is the loving Lord. The long dark night is over. Morning has come. It is the Lord!

This simple story teaches me valu-able lessons about the missions of the Church and my ministry as a bishop. First of all, the mission of the Church should be wholly directed by the Lord who is always present as Shepherd and guide. Human efforts should continue but unless the Lord directs the catch, we labour in vain. We know that the Lord guards His Church. He keeps watch with us on those long nights of confusion and helplessness in mission. When in spite of our good intentions and efforts there are still multitude of hungry people we cannot feed, home-

less people we cannot shelter, battered women and children we cannot protect, cases of corruption and injustice that we cannot remedy, the long night of the disciples in the middle of the sea con-tinues in us. Then we grow in compas-sion towards our neighbors whose lives seem to be a never ending dark night. But in our weariness the Lord comes. Advent never ends. He is the shepherd promised in the fi rst reading from Eze-kiel. He will come to his sheep where they are scattered when it is cloudy and dark. He is near. He is Emmanuel. But we need to hear his voice and to follow hi direction. We need to see realities with His eyes. We need faith. Without faith fueled by love, we cannot truly be a missionary Church of Jesus Christ. It is only by the vision provided by faith that the Church could meaningfully casts its nets in the vast seas of the world and history. They may be murky to human eyes, but the Lord sees where the fi shes are. The new evangelization requires putting in the mind and eyes of the Lord again, a transformation coming from prayer. Then we see dif-ferently. A child, especially the unborn is no longer seen as a burden but a gift, the youth are not a problem but a promise, women are not objects but persons, labourers are not machines but partners, the poor are not a nuisance but our jewels, and the creation is not an object of manipulation but a sign of God’s sustaining love. These and many more comprise the Church’s miracu-lous harvest from the seas of mission of only we see with the eyes of Christ. Whenever we see as the Lord does, there is hope!

Secondly, we need to follow the Lord in our mission not singly but together as the disciples did. Mission is an

ecclesial event. We will be together in failure, in listening to the Spirit, in beholding the God’s miracles, and in hauling the nets to shore. As it was then, so it is today. The ordained, the religious and the lay faithful, including non-Catholic Christians are called to one mission, though in various states of life and with a diversity of gifts. When we take different boats and even compete against each other to get the better portion of the catch for our own teams, we are not engaging in mission. Divisiveness and destructive competi-tion will only help sink the boat. Let us look to the one Shepherd who gathers his sheep instead of scattering them. It is the Lord!

Finally, let us turn to the beloved disciple, the disciple whom Jesus loved. He was the one who recognized the Lord who had loved them by laying down his life on the cross and now as the Risen On who could turn nights of despair into dawns of hope by the power of His word. We realize that the beloved disciple does not occupy any known rank among the disciples. Peter was clearly the leader and spokesper-son of the group. This episode teaches me that merely assuming the position of Archbishop of Manila does not guar-antee that I will recognize the Lord. If I am not careful it might even blind me to the Lord and others. It is rather by being a humble disciple content with love of Jesus that I would see the advent of him whose love propels us to mission. Notice that at this moment the beloved disciple taught Peter. Later Jesus would ask Peter three time if he loved him more than the others. Love makes one a true shepherd, not posi-tion. I pray that my Episcopal ministry and all ministries in the Church may be rooted in humble and loving disciple-ship. I tell myself as though it were the Lord telling me, “Chito, do not think you have become great because of your new position. Be great rather in being a beloved and loving disciple of the Lord.”

The narrative we have refl ecting on serves as a good description of the mission of the Church: Discerning the

Lord’s presence, following his word, celebrating his love and proclaiming “It is the Lord.” The Church cannot stop proclaiming the Word of God as the second reading says. In season and out of season, we direct people to the per-son of the Lord. Even if it an inconve-nient truth that we are proclaiming, it is always the Lord. “Love your enemies” is inconvenient. “Share what you have with the poor” is inconvenient. “Bless your prosecutors” is inconvenient. But through these inconvenient words, the Lord comes. He speaks. He brings true light.

As I embark on my new ministry as Archbishop of Manila, I feel deeply united with the many beloved disciples who have taught me to recognize the Lord: my loving parents Manuel and Milagros and brother Manuel Jr. They have always provided a haven of love and commitment for me; my aunts, uncles, cousins, and clan who never fail to nurture me; my self-less and caring teachers and mentors in St. Andrew’s School, the Ateneo de Manila University, the Loyola School of Theology, the Catholic University of America and San Jose Seminary; the dedicated people of the commissions that I have been a part of in the CBCP, the FABC, and the Vatican; my former students, seminarians, the religious and the poor who have taught me to be more sensitive to the presence of Jesus who calls me to mission. Your love has enabled me to see the Lord. Thank you. I remember in a special way Bishop Artemio Casas, Bishop Felix Perez, Bishop Manuel Sobrevinas, the clergy, the religious, the seminarians and the lay faithful of the Diocese of Imus. You have loved me. You have directed me to the Lord. Please remember me as loving you.

Now I face my new mission in this great Archdiocese of Manila that is rich in tradition, culture, history and religiosity. I tremble before the love that calls me to lead the people to the Lord. But my poor sinful person fi nds rest in Him who is the Church’s true Shepherd. I am also consoled to know that we would be building on the

legacy of loving service of 31 bish-ops, notably those of the recent past: Archbishop Gabriele Reyes, Cardinal Rufi no Santos, Cardinal Jaime Sin and my immediate predecessor, Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales. As I look at the clergy, the religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese, I feel humbled. There is much that I will learn from you. Teach me. Be patient with me. Let us love one other at all times. Extend your love to all, especially the poor and to the Churches in Asia. As one Church we will journey together even if the night is long and wearisome. We will welcome the ever new dawn who is the Lord, the light and shepherd of the Church. Everyday will be an advent of the Lord.

We are strengthened by the mater-nal love of Mary who 480 years ago appeared to the lowly Juan Diego in Guadalupe. She is the Advent woman who comes to the poor; she walks with them in dark paths; she brings hope. We rejoice to hear again her words to Juan Diego, as though addressed to us, “Do not let anything affl ict you and do not be afraid of any illness or accident or pain. Am I not your mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Do you need anything else? Do I not hold you in the folds of my mantle, there where my arms meet together and I can keep you close?” To you dear Mother I entrust the Church of Manila, the Church in the Philippines, the Churches in Asia, the entire Church and my Episcopal ministry. You come to us, as I have experienced so many times. Bring Jesus to us. Take us to Je-sus. In the never ending advent of life and mission, help us to see your Son coming to us as our loving Shepherd to dispel all fear. We hope for the day when the Church and the whole cre-ation would joyfully declare with one voice, “It is the Lord!” Amen.

Canonical Possession12 December 2011Minor Basilica of the Immaculate

Conception, (Manila Cathedral) Intramuros, Manila

Advent Greetings: “Dominus Est! It is the Lord!”

Homily of His Excellency Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, DD, Metropolitan Archbishop of Manila


Erik de Castro, Reprinted from the The Christian Science Monitor | ILIGAN, PHILIPPINES, 12/20/2011 --

Philippine President Benigno Aquino ordered an investigation on Tuesday into fl ash fl oods and landslides that sent mud and logs crashing down on residents, killing about 1,000 people on a southern island.

The national disaster agency said 957 were killed and 49 missing on Mindanao after Typhoon Sendong (aka Typhoon Washi) triggered the slides. Most of the casualties were in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and tens of thousands remain homeless, many sheltering in evacuation centres.

Aquino met offi cials in the two cities worst hit by the cascades that swept down mountainsides as residents of river-side and coastal villages slept in the early hours of Saturday.

"First priority is to relocate to areas that no longer pose a danger to them," Aquino told a meeting in Cagayan de Oro, issuing instructions to implement disaster mitigation programmes, includ-ing reforestation.

He later told a gathering at a school: "We have no desire to engage in fi nger-pointing or to assign blame at a time like this. Yet, we have an obligation to fi nd out exactly what has happened."

Aquino said he had formed a task force to investigate the reasons behind the disaster and to determine whether a na-tionwide logging ban had been violated.

He declared a state of national disaster,

Typhoon Sendong: Did illegal logging cause fl ash fl ooding in Philippines?

a move intended to release greater fund-ing, and ordered the speedy restoration of power and drinking water supplies in all affected villages.

"If we want this tragedy to be the last of its kind, we need to learn from our mistakes," he said."

National CalamityThe disaster agency said more than

338,000 people in 13 provinces were af-fected by the disaster, with nearly 43,000 still in schools, churches and gymnasi-ums.

More than 10,000 houses were dam-aged by the typhoon and the fl ash fl oods, of which nearly a third were ruined. Many schools, roads and bridges were also badly damaged.

More than 15 million pesos ($340,000) worth of crops, mostly rice and corn, were damaged, but the Agriculture de-partment said losses were minimal as the crops were in the early planting stage.

Aquino said the government can also access funds from multilateral fi nancial institutions, including $3 million from the Asian Development Bank and about $500 million in low-interest loans from the World Bank.

Survivors said huge logs thundering down mountainsides crushed residents. Television footage showed many recov-ered bodies with arms or hands raised as if reaching out for help or clinging on to something.

Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were strug-gling to prevent disease from spreading

Typhoon Sendong: Did illegal logging cause

Community

in evacuation centres, with construction proceeding quickly of burial vaults and plots in public cemeteries to bury decom-posing bodies.

Iligan has started burying truckloads of bodies, with some family members or residents of the same villages entombed in a single sepulchre. A Reuters pho-tographer saw bodies lined up along the highway in Cagayan de Oro outside a small funeral home.

An offi cial of the British-based Chris-tian relief and development organisation World Vision said people were fi ghting for space at evacuation centres.

"It is really overcrowded, there is al-most no space in between people," group offi cial John Salva told ANC Television. "Diseases are starting to appear."

"It's really a struggle to manage those evacuation centres, there's a shortage of water and a shortage of food," he said.

The state-run Mines and Geosci-ences Bureau (MGB) said it had warned authorities in the area last year about the need to relocate families living along riverbanks that swelled after one month's worth of rainfall fell over the weekend.

"This tragedy that happened in Ca-gayan de Oro ... will be repeated in the future. And therefore, there needs to be appropriate preparation to prevent fatali-ties," Leo Jasareno, acting director of the MGB said in a television interview. ($=44 Philippine pesos) (Additional reporting by Manny Mogato in Manila; Writing by Rosemarie Francisco; Editing by Ron Popeski)

“So from prayer, you go into ac-tion because prayer and action must come together,” he said.

Tagle said the nine-day Misa de Aguinaldo is celebrated to prepare for the birth of the Messiah.

According to him, the nine-day celebration symbolizes the nine months Mary carried Jesus in her womb and “every day is an equiva-lent of one month until the joyful event of the birth of her son.”


Tagle: Spend More Time in Prayer ..

by Ardee Lee

The Council of Philippine American Organizations (COPAO) of San Diego, California, held an emergency meeting on Dec. 21, 2011 to consider requesting Philippine President Noynoy Aquino and other Philippine government functionar-ies to consider a moratorium on logging and mining in the archipelago in the wake of the Sendong tragedy. The storm that hit Southern Philippines last Satur-day have killed over a thousand, mostly in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, and causing hundreds more missing and 275,000 homeless.

While the emergency meeting was primarily called to approve sending fi nancial aid to the victims, “it would be more signifi cant for the COPAO to stand on the issues of logging and mining in the Philippines,” said Rudy D. Liporada,

COPAO to ask P-Noy to consider moratorium on logging and mining in the Philippines in the wake of Sendong tragedy

COPAO’s vice president for operations. Logging, especial-ly illegal logging, and mining had been identifi ed as reasons for denudation of forests and have caused fl ash fl oods.

Nedy Lao and the other board members agreed with Liporada’s suggestion recog-nizing that past tragedies in Leyte and Bicol which now pale in comparison to the re-cent devastation had also been pegged to have been caused by denudations.

The board then mandated Liporada to draft the let-ter request for considering moratorium for the board’s approval at its next meeting. Liporada and Nita Bar-rion were also tasked by President Merly Ferrer to coordinate with Gawad Kalinga

on how to effect COPAO’s aid to the sur-viving victims.

Mass graves have now been resorted to for hundreds who perished in the storm.

Tweets and other media and techno sources also abound where Pnoy’s gov-ernment is being criticized for not pre-paring the Southern Philippines populace for the impending storm when satellites had already identifi ed the coming storm. Moreover, the President received fl aks for partying in the palace while the trag-edy raged. It is also reported that now jailed former President Gloria Arroyo had donated her salary as legislature for her province to the survivors.

The next meeting of the COPAO will be on January 9, 2012.

Appalled by the devastating loss of life from fl oods brought about by the fi erce rains of Typhoon Sendong and the denudation of the forests, former merchant marine and retired labor leader, Nelson Agbayani, reports that as a young merchant marine, he was one among many crew members who witnessed the intensive logging operations off Iligan and Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao in the 1960s.

“Marami kami. (We were many). There were about 15 to 16 ships waiting in the

Extensive Logging in Mindanao since the 1960s says San Diego residentbay to load cargoes of lumber off the coast of Cagayan de Oro on a regular basis.”

“This was no ordinary lumber but rare hardwood like narra and mahogany,” he added. “We would haul the cargo to Japan where the lumber would be used for home interiors and furniture. Some of it was probaby sold back to us as fi nished goods,” according to his account.

“Unfortunately, the trees were never replanted. Mindanao has no program for reforestation. This is unusual because

in other countries where the ship I was on hauled the same cargo, they would plant two to three young trees for every hardwood tree that is cut down.”

“You have to write about this issue. The local folks ultimately paid with their lives. We have to do something about what has happened in Mindanao,” said Agbayani in a call to Asian Journal.

A San Diego resident , the retiree turned activist worked at the NASSCO/GD shipyard as a foreman / labor leader for more than 20 years. -- AJ

By Ivana Kvesic | Christian Post Re-porter, 12/22/11 -- Out of the devastating storm that ravaged the southern Philip-pines, a “miracle” baby was born.

The child was born on the roof of a fl ooded health center after her parents escaped some of the worst fl ash fl ood-ing witnessed in the Philippines in recent years.The fl ooding was triggered by the typhoon Washi, which caused major destruction in two southern Philippines cities.

Annaliza Tumanda gave birth to a new baby girl on Saturday after escaping her home by swimming through the fl oodwa-ter with her husband and three children during the height of the devastating storm.

A very pregnant Tumanda went into labor shortly after fi nding refuge in a neighboring three-story home and was brought by rescue workers to the roof of a fl ooded health center.

On the roof, Tumanda gave birth to a healthy 6.6-pound “miracle” baby girl.

The U.N. has compared the Philip-pines fl ood destruction to the likes of a tsunami. Entire villages have been wiped

out due to the fl ooding and over 1,000 people were killed with over 640,000 people dis-placed.

“It was as if the cities were hit by an inland tsunami,” said U.N. humanitarian coordinator Soe Nyunt-U of the storm.

After surviving the catastrophic fl ood-ing, the couple decided to name their child Sendang, the feminine version for the Philippines’ name for the deadly storm.

The couple said they chose to name their child after the storm out of “grati-tude” for the survival of the child and to “never forget.”

“It’s a blessing we all survived and my baby is well,” Tumanda said from an evacuation center in Cagayan de Oro.

“With God’s will, we survived. It was like a miracle,” the mother added.

(Photo by De Telegraaf/mobi)

Miracle Baby Born on Roof in Philippines “Tsunami”

This aerial photo shows thousands of logs swept away to the coastal areas in Iligan city in southern Phil-ippines on Dec. 19, after typhoon Sendong (also known as "Washi:) blew through the region Sunday. - Christian Science Monitor


Spiritual Life

Read Monsignor’s previous articles by visit-ing our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets

Fourth Sunday of Advent

BalintatawRead Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website

at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

©2011 Virginia H. Ferrer. All rights reserved.

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

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Joke of the week: As the great day approached a mother was telling her little ones the beautiful story of Christmas. They even tried their voices on some of the usual carols. After one song four-year-old Tommy blurted out, “Mommy, wasn’t it nice for the shepherds to get cleaned up before they went to see the Baby Jesus?” “What do you mean, Tommy?” she asked. “Well,” he explained, “we just sang the song, ‘While shepherds washed their socks by night” (instead of “watch their fl ocks by night”).

Scriptures: First Reading: Isaiah 52: 7-10. The prophet Isaiah announces the return of YHWH to Zion. This announcement is described as bringing “good tid-ings,” a Hebrew word that is linked with the New Testament Greek term euangelion, or “gospel.” The “good news” is that the Great One who is with God and is God is directly present in His people. Second Reading: Hebrews 1: 1-16. In Jesus, “the refulgence of God’s glory” is the glory of the Father’s only Son. Tracing the Son’s earthly existence, the author noted Jesus’ preexistence with God from the very beginning, His assumption of a human fl esh (Incarnation), completion of His mission, and fi nally His return at God’s right hand. It is the author’s intention to situate Jesus’ mis-sion within a broader perspective – God’s cosmic plan of salvation. Gospel: John 1: 1-18. What has been foretold by the prophets is now real-ized in Jesus. He is the One who is with God and is God from the begin-

ning and is now living among us. Refl ections: Christmas liturgi-

cal celebration has three sets of readings: one for Midnight Mass, another for Mass at dawn, and fi nally one for Mass during the day. The custom of celebrating these three sets of Masses started in Jerusalem during the early years of Christianity. The presiding bishop of Jerusalem invited the faithful to go with him in procession to Bethlehem for a Midnight Mass at the Nativity site. After the Mass, they all went back to Jerusalem at dawn and the bishop would say another Mass at the Church of the Resurrection, a church outside the city walls and very popular among shepherds and country folks. At noon, the bishop would say the solemn Mass of the day at the cathedral.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said that peace begins with a smile.

If that is so, then God could have smiled at us with delight on Christ-mas day when his only-begotten Son assumed our human nature. Today, we rejoice and celebrate that day when God smiled at mankind and sent us the King of Peace, the Son of God who became one of us. What a glorious occasion, what a profound mystery! Yet this profound mys-tery – God is our Immanuel, living among us, assuming our weak and sinful humanity – is an utter foolish-ness to some people. How could this seemingly helpless little Child turn the world and its values upside down? How could this virgin give birth to the Son of God made man? Isn’t that utter foolishness?

Yet this mystery of Christmas, this “foolishness” is done in the name of love. God so loved the world that he gave us His only Son. This foolish, but immense love of God, beyond what every man can understand and comprehend, is the basis of his eternal compassion and forgiveness for our constant failures and transgressions. This message of “foolish” love, this smile, and this peace had never been experienced before. So the angels’ assurance to the shepherds and to the whole world, then and now, is “Do not be afraid.” Fear not to be “fools for Christ’s sake,” because He had been a “fool” for our sakes. He left the glory of heaven, became a defense-less Child, led a humble life as a carpenter’s son, and died on the Cross as a criminal.

This mystery or the reality of the Incarnation is what inspired St. Francis of Assisi to create a “creche” (French word for cradle) with a real manger, a real ox and ass, and real shepherds. It was Christmas Eve 1223. At the appointed time, Fran-ciscan Brothers, men, women and children came with their torches that lit up the dark night. Since then a great tradition was born. The creche is a reminder of God’s everlasting love for us. This is what Christmas is all about. God immensely smiled at us and sent us His only Son to be-come one of us in all things, except in sin.

Because the world has never seen before this unique way of God -

his loving gift of a Child “wrapped” (incarnated) in human fl esh, it raises skepticism or receives cold treatment. It is either that a person does not comprehend this profound mystery or one does not want to accept the responsibility that comes in accepting that gift. To accept that gift would involve a commitment to be just as “foolish” as the Gift and the Giver, instead many individuals would rather lead a mediocre or un-involved life with the Lord. Christ-mas is the time when God smiled at us through Jesus. Let us make God smile again by welcoming His Son into our hearts, our family and our community.

May the Peace and Joy of Christ be in your hearts. May He, to-gether with Mary, the “most blessed among women” and Joseph, His Foster Father, bless you at Christmas and throughout the year!

My prayerful wishes and con-gratulations to my maternal cousin, Dr. Carmelo Garcia and his wife Marietta , on their 50th Wedding An-niversary this Wednesday, Dec. 28th, at Mckinney, Texas. A blessed and happy married life is like wine. Wine gets better as it mellows through the years!

Quotation of the week: “May each Christmas, as it comes, fi nd us more and more like Him, who at this time became a little child, for our sake; more simple-minded, more humble, more affectionate, more resigned, more happy, more full of God.” John Henry Cardinal New-man.

God’s Most Exalted Decision

Friday December 16, 2011 Often hell is portrayed as a place of pun-

ishment and heaven as a place of reward. But this concept easily leads us to think about God as either a policeman, who tries to catch us when we make a mistake and send us to prison when our mistakes be-come too big, or a Santa Claus, who counts up all our good deeds and puts a reward in our stocking at the end of the year.

God, however, is neither a policeman nor a Santa Claus. God does not send us to heaven or hell depending on how often we obey or disobey. God is love and only love. In God there is no hatred, desire for revenge, or pleasure in seeing us punished. God wants to forgive, heal, restore, show us endless mercy, and see us come home. But just as the father of the prodigal son let his son make his own decision God gives us the freedom to move away from God’s love even at the risk of destroying ourselves. Hell is not God’s choice. It is ours.

Text excerpts taken from Bread for the Journey, by Henri J.M. Nouwen, ©1997 HarperSanFrancisco. All Scripture from The Jerusalem Bible ©1966, 1967, and 1968 Darton, Longman & Todd and Doubleday & Co. Inc.

The Freedom to Refuse Love

Kahapo'y mayroong umaali-aligid sa akin isang paru-parong kayrikit na nanunukso mandinpaikot-ikot siya sa aking kinaroroonanat kung saan man siya nagmula ay hindi ko alam.

Lumipad ng paitaas at maya-maya'y bumalikat umikot-ikot sa akin at marahang lumapitat marahil ay nais din niya na kanyang marinigang tunay kong damdamin mula dito sa aking bibig.

Wika ko sa kanya sana ako rin ay makalipadat makadapo at mahagkan yaring mga bulaklaknang ang malawak na halamanan ay aking mamalassubali't di ko magawa dahil wala akong pakpak.

Sadyang hindi ko magawa na ikaw ay 'di pagmasdanhabang ang makukulay mong pakpak 'yong ikinakampayhindi mo alintana init at sikat nitong arawmabusog lang ang sarili ng matatamis na nektar.

Nilalang akong pinagkalooban ng mga paamakalakad sa daan kahit saan ay makapuntasa kung saan mang lugar mabubuhay ng masaganaat pagyamanin ko ang kalikasang ipinamana.

(Reprinted from Asian Journal September 1, 2011 issue)

Usapang Paru-Paro (1)


IW Group80433

80433_L2612.2.11

Newsprint85

ed


Entertainment

Gloria Elizabeth O’Connor -- No-vember 26, 1969 - December 13, 2011

Showbiz Watcher

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

by Ogie Cruz(Continued on page 22)

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By Ogie Cruz

Pasko na naman, pero hindi maganda ang mga nangyari sa mga kababayan natin sa may bandang Mindanao specifi -cally Cagayan De Oro at Iligan City na halos more than 1000 ang namatay dahil sa typhoon Sendong.

Ang hagupit ni Sendong ay lumikha ng ikalulungkot ng sambayanan sa pag-sapit ng Pasko, lalo na habang sinusulat namin ito, nakita namin ang mass burial na nangyari dahil peligro sa kalusugan kailangan ilibing kaagad ang mga nab-ubulok na bangkay.

Nakakadurog sa puso ang mga pictures na nakita namin at napapanood na nagpapakita ng mga namatay sa hagupit ni Sendong.Nakita rin namin kung paano nagtulong tulong ang sambayanan para sa pangangailangan ng mga tao sa nasabing lugar sa Mindanao ,pati mga TV Networks at mga artista nakilahok din sa pagtulong.Napakagrabe ang nangyari,lintek talaga ang hagupit ni Sen-dong, sinira ang pasko ng Pilipinas.

37th METRO MANILA FILM FESTI-VAL OFFICIAL ENTRIES !!! 7 movies ang kasali para 37th MMFF, nandyan ang unang entry na ang pagbabalik ng Diamond Star na si Maricel Soriano , after na nawala sa limelight at ang kaso na isinampa sa kanya ng kanyang kasam-bahay.Drama ang tema nito at kasama niya rito si Gabby Concepcion sa Movie na “Yesterday, Today….”.Dito malala-man kung may lakas pa sa takilya ang naturang Diamond Star.

Medyo tumanda na ang mukha ni Maricel sa ngayon, halatang dumanas ito ng mabigat na problema.

Sumunod ang entry ni Sen. Bong Revilla “Panday 2”, kesyo medyo

kinakabahan siya sa pagbabangga nito sa takilya sa movie nina Vic Sotto at Ai-Ai Delas Alas para sa Top Grosser.Nagsanib puersa kasi ang dalawa para sa movie na “Enteng ng Ina Mo”.Ang tanong kayanin kaya ng Panday ang Enteng ng Ina mo pataubin,puwes abangan na lang natin.

May kasali rin na movie si Kris Aqui-no, isang horror movie “Segunda Mano”.Alam nyo naman tinagurian Horror Queen itong si Tetay, ang wish pa nga ng kapatid ng Pres. Noynoy ay mangalawa sa lakas sa takilya ang kanyang movie entry sa movie nina Vic at Ai-Ai.

Maraming nagtaas ng kilay sa tinuran niya na gusto niyang maging 2nd Top Grosser, nakalimutan niya na may movie pa si Ramon Bong Revilla na dapat niyang pangilagan.Taklesa talaga ang Kris Aquino.

Sumunod ang entry ni Judy Ann Santos with Ryan Agoncillo via “My Househus-band…”, dito malalaman kung may lakas pa si Judy Ann Santos sa masa matapos itong mawala nang matagal dahil nag-buntis at nanganak.Aminado rin sila na medyo kinakabahan ang mag-asawa kung tatangkilikin pa sila ng mga manonood, compare sa mga movies nila na naging entry rin noon MMFF.

Sumunod ang walang katapusang “Shake,Rattle….13th” na pinangungu-nahan this time ni Eugene Domingo. Kesyo huling yusto na raw ito ayon sa Regal Films,lagi kasi kasama ito sa na-turang Festival at may mga tagasubaybay na ito tuwing Festival.

At ang pang last entry ay ang movie na “Untold Story of Asiong Salonga” ni Jeorge Estregan at mas lalong kilala as ER Ejercito.Sabi pinaggastusan daw ito ng 70 Million, at rated A daw ito sa MTRCB.Pang-Best Picture daw ang laban nito, dahil pinaganda ang naturang

movie at balak pa nga na ipalabas ito internationally lalo na rito sa San Diego California sabi ng kanyang PRO na si Jobert Sucaldito.

Eto ang mami-miss natin dito sa San Diego California ang pagdaraos ng MMFF tuwing araw ng Pasko, sana gawin nilang extension ang California tutal marami namang pinoy dito . I mean, sana sabay nilang ipalabas din dito ang mga entries sa MMFF para malaman natin kung anung pelikula ang malakas sa mga Pinoy dito sa Amerika.

2ND VIDEO NI MO TWISTER LUM-ABAS SA INTERNET WITH RHIAN RAMOS !!!Nakaka-shock ang pangala-wang video na lumabas sa mga social networks sa internet, at lalo pa’t kumalat na sa facebook.

This time kasama ni Mo si Rhian Ramos na nagpaalam muna sa showbiz pansamantala dahil sa unang video na lumabas dahil sa abortion issue ang la-man nito.

Sa pangalawang video, laplapan blues naman sila ni Mo ang ipinakita at habang hinahawakan naman ni DJ mo ang dibdib ni Rhian.Medyo agresibo at maselan ang naturang video , kaya tuloy marami naniniwala na totoo nagpa-abort ang nasabing star ng GMA.

Nakarating na rin ito sa Atty. Ni Rhian tungkol sa pangalawang video at hina-

hamon nga si Mo na umuwi ng Pilipinas para sagutin ang dimanda ng dalaga.Nasa New York ngayon si Mo,pero habang

Metro Manila Film Fest sa Pilipinas !

sinusalat namin ito wala pang sagot ang DJ Mo tungkol sa lumabas na 2nd Video.Totoong nakakasira ito sa image ni Rhian, kaya ang tanong may lalabas pa bang videos?

NAKIKIRAMAY KAMI SA PAMI-LYA NI MS. BETH O’CONNOR. Nabigla kami ng matanggap namin ang email sa amin ni Ms. Ava Sevilla Taji ng Harvest Homes, na namatay na si Beth

dahil sa isang car accident sa Northbound I-805 at Telegraph Canyon Road last Tuesday.

Umaten nga kami last Sunday sa viewing nito, siempre nakilala namin ang asawa niya at kapatid.Marami ang mga kaibigan niya at kakilala ang naroon , siempre nakita rin namin doon si Gil

Mo Twister, Rhian Ramos

37th Metro Manila Film Festival entries


Promised L

andSim

eon G. Silverio Jr.

SIMEON G. SILVERIO, JR.

PROMISED

LAND

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now AvailableBooks by Asian Journal San Diego

The Original and First Asian Journal in America

Betel N

uts & O

ther StoriesSim

eon G. Silverio Jr.


BETEL NUTS &

OTHER STORIES

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

Filipino’s experience in growing up in the Philippines.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Promised Land

by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

The inspirational and difficult journey of two Filipino cousins

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

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

the lives of all people.


Philippine Hom

ecoming

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

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

interesting memories it triggered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


PHILIPPINE HOMECOMING’S

CHERISHED MEMORIES

Balik Tanaw:

The Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Volume I

By Dr. Romy Protacio

Excerpts from the book

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

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

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

Philippine Homecoming’s

Cherished Memoriesby Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

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

homecoming to the Philippines and the interesting memories it trig-

gered.


Seeing the Philippines for the first time after many years would

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

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

Balik Tanaw:The Filipino Movie Stars

of Yesteryearsby Dr. Romy Protacio

Lives and Loves of the Filipino Movie Stars of Yesteryears

Tidbits from this book your inquiring mind wants to know:

How many children does Tessie Agana have?

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

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

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

ered as her “little sister” in high school?

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

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

How was Ramil Rodriguez dis-covered?

Who was the movie star brother of Gloria Romero?

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

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

Who was the ambassador hus-band of Gloria Sevilla?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Isang Laksang Tula ng mga Piling Katatawanan

By Joe Cabrera


Mga Kabulastugan

Nung nagdaang buwan, ako’y may nasabat

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

magdamag

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

kuwentoNang siya ay kumanta, sa isang

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

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

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

bahay niyaMatahimik na lang, masayang sabi

paMayrong isang mama, punta sa

agenciaItong saxophone niya, kanyang

binebentaBakit sobrang mura, ang tanong sa

kanya“Yung kapit-bahay ko, baril bumili

na***

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

barrio

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

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

ko!***

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

Na ang hanap buhay, maglabas ng floor show

Minsa’y nag-advertise, ng bihirang akto

Na naiba naman, diyan sa ordi-nario

May isang dumating, nag-prisinta baga

Ang mga ibon daw, kanyang na-gagaya

Kay daling gawin niya, ang sabi sa kanya

Marami na ko nyan, alis ka na muna

Magre-reklamo pa, itong tao sana

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

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

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

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

To order by mail, fill outMail Order Form

(Check quantities in space before book title)

____ Promised Land by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

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

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

____ Complicated Affairs by Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.

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

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

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

____Isang Laksang Tula ng mga Piling Katatawanan ni Joe Cabrera

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

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

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

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

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

______________ Total Cost

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

Full Name: ______________________________

Address: _______________________________

City: ___________________________________

State: ____________ Zip: __________________

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

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

Complicated Affairs


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

cated affairs.

Excerpts from the book:

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

top sprinter in college?Who is the other movie star

brother of Robert Campos?Who was the Manila couturier

that was instrumental in making Charlie Davao a movie star?

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

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

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

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

How did Amalia Fuentes get her last name?

What military outfit Eddie Garcia used to belong with?

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

What other talent does Liberty Ilagan have?

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

What was the first screen name of Mona Lisa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who was the top government official Boots Anson Roa consid-

Nguni’t itong boss, medyo napika pa

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

daka***

Itong si Mang Pedro, hanap ay trabaho

May “offer” sa kanya, Presidente kamo

Hindi niya tinanggap, katwiran ay eto

Pag Presidente na, wala nang asenso

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

reklamoNaging biro na sya, nitong buong

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

plet” kamoNang lumabas ang nurse, at

sabihin ditoHumingi ng “recount”, ng maka-

siguro***

Mayrong isang tao, wari’y nagyaya-bang

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

JuanMagpalit maghapon, kung syang

kailanganWalang kuenta iyan, ang sagot nung

isaYung kapatid ko nga, hindi lamang

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

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

kayabanganIlang taon na ba, ang kapatid mong

‘yanDalawang buan pa lang, ang sagot ni

Julian

HEEEEHAAWWWW!!!

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

pa!***

May isang realto, sobrang “suc-cess” nito

Daming bahay na nga, ang nabili kamo

Daming nagtatanong, kung ano’ng sekreto

Nung ibunyag niya, ‘yon pala’y ganito

Ang suwerte ko aniya, anak kong dalaga

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

siyaSa presyong kay mura, baha’y

binebenta***

Isang piano player, itong nagku-kuwento

‘Yung kumpare raw niya, sobrang religioso

Pag nadinig daw siyang, tumugtog ng piano

“Oh my God,” patawad, sinasambit nito

***Isang tenor naman, ngayo’y nagku-

Com

plicated Affairs

Simeon G

. Silverio Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMPLICATED AFFAIRS


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

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

“Betel Nuts & Other Stories”


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

experience in growing up in the Philippines.


Health and Wellness

Joyce Benavides Medina, O.D.Doctor of Optometry

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Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 9:30 A.M. to 6:30 P.M.Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

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Call for an appointment: (619) 477-9621

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Refreshing News.Blogspot.com 1/22/11 --

1. Worst Classic Holiday Drink: Eggnog

At 350 calories and 19 grams of fat, eggnog--even without the booze--is on the naughty list because it consists of milk, cream and eggs. If you want a festive seasonal drink, choose homemade hot chocolate instead. Just limit how much whipped cream you squirt on top.

2. Worst Holiday Appetizer: Crab Cakes

When crab is blended with mayon-naise and then rolled in bread crumbs and cooked in a vat of bubbling fat, you end up with an appetizer that weighs in at 400 calories and 19 grams of fat. Each. That’s more calo-ries than three dozen shrimp.

3. Worst Holiday Party Cocktail: Gin and Tonic

It may taste light, but a gin and tonic has 210 calories and 22 grams of sugar, thanks to the tonic water. Choose Champagne instead for one-fourth the amount of sugar.

4. Worst Holiday Party Snack: Spinach and Artichoke Dip

In addition to the spinach and artichokes, this dip has mayonnaise, sour cream and cream cheese, which add up to a whopping 285 calories and 17 grams of fat per serving. And that’s without the crackers or chips! If you simply must have some, limit yourself to dip on one cracker.

5. Worst Holiday Entrée: Prime RibThis coveted holiday cut of beef

comes from one of the fattiest parts of the cow, which means you’re ingesting 750 calories and 45 grams of fat with just one serving. Beef tenderloin is a tasty alternative at a fraction of the calories and fat.

6. Worst Holiday Dessert: Pecan Pie

There is no pie that has more calories, fat and sugar than pecan. Even though some of the 810 calories and 65 grams of fat come from the healthy nuts, most come from the corn syrup and sugar fi lling. A better alternative after a fi lling heavy meal is angel food cake. Made from egg whites, it’s virtually fat-free. Better yet, eat fruit!

Posted by pooja at 11:48 PM

The Top 6 Worst Holiday

Foods




From getting the fl u shot to watch-ing your hand hygiene, here’s the lowdown on how to keep you and yours healthy this season

Nix Your Vices As though you needed another reason to lay off the cigs, it turns out smoking actually increases your susceptibility to infections, says Robert Harrison, epidemiologist and pediatric infec-tious disease consultant at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. But that’s not the only vice that viruses love. Knocking back too much booze can deplete your body of immunity-boosting nutrients like zinc and vi-tamin C, and fried foods, which are chock-full of free radicals that dam-age cells, can make you more prone to infection. Sorry, girls. But look on the bright side—you’ve still got sex and chocolate to fall back on!

Get Fit Not surprising but impor-tant enough to repeat—being healthy helps keep you, well, healthy, says Vanessa Maier, M.D., family medicine physician at University Hospital’s Case Medical Center. Liv-ing a healthy lifestyle, from exercis-ing and eating nutrient-rich foods to getting enough sleep, helps your body—immune system included—stay in working order. So when a lit-tle virus comes creeping along, your body sends out this message: Access denied! Plus, if you get sick when you’re otherwise healthy, the ill-ness is less likely to drag on, which means you don’t have to spend all of your sick days being sick.

Go Hands-Free Your derm isn’t the only doc who wants you to keep your hands off of your face. Hand-to-hand contact—touching some-thing (or someone!) covered in viral particles and then touching your

eyes, nose, or mouth—is the number one culprit of cold and fl u infections, says Maier. Try this trick for keeping germs at bay: Imagine everyone has red paint on their hands and all the things they touch get coated. It’s going to be nearly impossible to avoid picking up more paint on your hands, but you can easily keep it off of your face, says Larry Weiss, lead scientist at CleanWell. You just have to put your mind to it. And help out others by sneezing and coughing into your elbow, not your hand.

Take The Shot That one little stick decreases your chances of catching the fl u by between 50 and 90 percent, says Susan Rehm, vice chairperson of the infectious disease department at the Cleveland Clinic. So if you want to stay fl u-free, you better receive the shot, she says. This year for the fi rst time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone older than six months get vaccinated.

Calm Down Whether you zone out best downward dogging in a yoga class or blasting through a bucket of tennis balls, fi nd a way to de-stress this cold and fl u season—especially if you’re feeling extra frazzled. Stress causes your body to produce excess corticosteroid hormones that can seriously cramp your body’s germ-fi ghting style, says Harrison. Plus, if you’re spending all night counting sheep and not z’s, your immune system is worn down too.

Get Scrubbin’ The average American washes his or her hands twice a day, and one of these times is in the shower, says Weiss. Please, oh, please, wash your hands more often—like every time you use the

Don’t Get It, Don’t Spread It restroom, are going to eat or prepare food, or when you just fi nd yourself near a faucet. And when you do, rub them together vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds. If not sink is handy, squirt out a shot of hand sanitizer. It may not scrub off the cream cheese from your morning bagel, but it does the trick on germs.

Keep Your Plates To Your-self Whoever said sharing is caring

probably wasn’t talking about germs. Glasses, plates, and utensils are pretty darn good at carrying viral particles, so during cold and fl u sea-son think twice before sharing your dessert, says Maier. Another hotbed for germs? The offi ce kitchen. Avoid using communal mugs, plates, and utensils. Just store your own in your desk and wash them before and after each use. On the home front,

when you’ve got the sniffl es, you’ve got a guaranteed out from cooking or dish-washing duty: You could breathe, cough, or sneeze viruses all over, spreading them to loved ones.

Have A Staycation Okay, so lying in bed with a fever isn’t exactly a staycation, but if you’re sick, you


Bill’s Corner

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

by Bill Labestre, MBA It was a strictly guarded and fortifi ed camp and the lips of the men in uniform were sealed. Their culture was to follow orders, not to speak their minds. Over time, reporters developed sources within the military, and then the wall of silence cracked, especially after opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. was assassinated in 1983, and a group of soldiers became greatly disenchanted with Marcos.

The book I wrote, “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court,” opened a window on the Supreme Court’s inner workings. It was the fi rst of its kind in the Philippines. The investigative reporting I did to write it revealed the ethical violations of justices and the book examined politicized appoint-ments.

What happened next—the story behind my book’s circuitous journey to its eventual publication by a news organization—tells much not only about the way the court functions but also about Philippine society. Those unfamiliar with the Philippine judiciary might believe that the Supreme Court is the least powerful branch of government because it has no hold over the purse or the sword. Yet my experiences with my book confi rm that the court wields a strong, yet quieter power derived from its mystique, a certain aura of mystery which comes out of its silence. There is power from being the least known branch of government, the least scrutinized, the least transparent. There is power from being at the top of an ex-clusive club, where the public has little access and is given only a rare glimpse.

Another lesson I learned along the way is more about journalism than about the court. Neither independent publishing nor independent journalism has yet taken fi rm root in Philippine society. We have a free and raucous press—until powerful vested interests are endangered or hurt. Then, only a few of those roots turn out to be very strong.

My Book’s Journey

I approached Anvil Publishing, Inc., the largest publishing house in the country. Anvil was going to publish and distribute “Shadow of Doubt,” ensuring that it would be sold through its sister company, National Book Store, the leading bookstore chain in the country. Our collaboration was on As we were preparing to launch ‘Shadow of Doubt’ in March 2010, I received calls and text messages that Supreme Court Justice Presbitero Velasco, Jr. had fi led a 13-count libel lawsuit against me. This may be the fi rst time in the Philippines that a sitting justice has sued a journalist for libel.track—until I fi nished the manu-script. Then Anvil’s lawyers advised them not to publish the book.

They shared this news with me at a lunch meeting at a Mediterranean restaurant. At that moment, my salad topped with feta cheese lost its zing and the grilled chicken suddenly tasted fl at, bereft of all its spices. This was a busi-ness decision; Anvil’s owners are among the wealthiest people in the country and own businesses outside of publishing. Part of doing business in the Philippines means keeping good relations with the courts—in the event that business own-ers get embroiled in legal troubles.

My disappointment, however, was short-lived. Newsbreak, where I was editor in chief, agreed to publish it. This magazine remains one of the few news outlets in the Philippines that nurtures and fearlessly supports independent journalism. (I dedicated my book to the team of colleagues and friends there who stood behind this project.) Since publishing “Shadow of Doubt,” News-break has published two more books about corruption—one on the Philippine military and the other on infrastructure contracts during the presidency of Glo-ria Arroyo. Until recently, book publish-ing is not something our magazine did.

Though no longer the book’s pub-lisher, Anvil had agreed to distribute it. Yet even this promise dropped away once buzz about its content apparently worried some people at the Supreme Court. Anvil then decided it would no longer have anything to do with getting the book into the hands of readers. Losing such a big distributor was like taking away 80 percent of its potential audience. It was also like turning down the volume of my public microphone so that fewer got to hear my voice and the stories I have to tell. Of some consola-tion was that smaller bookstores agreed to sell the book.

As we were preparing to launch “Shadow of Doubt” in March 2010, I received calls and text messages that Supreme Court Justice Presbitero Velas-co, Jr. had fi led a 13-count libel lawsuit against me. This may be the fi rst time in the Philippines that a sitting justice has sued a journalist for libel. His lawsuit had to do with a story published on the magazine’s website, www.newsbreak.ph, about how Velasco was getting in-

volved in local politics in the process of helping his son, who was then running for Congress. This news had become part of the book’s epilogue.

Almost a year later Velasco again sued me; this time, my book was his target. Libel is a criminal offense in the Philip-pines, and my case is now pending in a Manila court. I was scheduled to be arraigned in September, but my lawyers asked for a deferment so that the Justice Department, which is not under the Su-preme Court’s supervision, can review the case. While we wait, I’ve posted bail so that I don’t get arrested.

After my book was launched, threat-ening text messages were sent my way. Whoever was sending them clearly wanted to upset me. In essence they implied that I should have been one of those killed in the Ampatuan massa-cre—but who knows, I may be next. (In 2009, 57 people, including 32 journal-ists, were brazenly killed in the southern province of Maguindanao.)

The Supreme Court spokesman dis-missed these threats as “funny” and “ri-diculous.” He insinuated that the threats were a gimmick to “generate sales for the book.” His reaction and that of oth-ers were also due to this being the fi rst time that a book pierced the cocoon of the Supreme Court. When people, such as these justices, aren’t accustomed to being held accountable, they expect that when they do things that might not look good, such acts won’t be made public. In turn, nothing will happen to them.

When the book was fi nally launched, I remember saying that “if there is any sadness I feel, it’s a tiny core of profound sadness that, in our society, we seem not to understand the meaning of independence, the value of research, and the role of journalists.” Only the presence of Newsbreak—and its independence—enabled my book to be published. For others who lack access to such an alternative, the expanding pres-ence of digital self-publishing platforms offers possibilities that didn’t exist only a few years ago.

On the positive side, I was surprised when my book became a bestseller, by Philippine standards. The Kindle ver-sion was, at one time, among Amazon’s top 10 bestselling books about the courts. Readers told me that my words touched a soft spot in their hearts, reaching the place that a story honestly told can. Clearly there is a longing for honesty and a desire for change in a ju-diciary perceived to have lost its moral rudder.

A son of a judge in a province wrote to me, saying that his father, after 28 years of serving in the judiciary, still lives in a rented house and drives a jeep to work. His only luxury in life, the son wrote, is the printed word. The dutiful son said he was going to give the book to his father.

His letter has helped me get over the initially bruising experience. I’m now starting to work on a sequel.

Marites Dañguilan Vitug, a 1987 Nie-man Fellow, is the author of “Shadow of Doubt: Probing the Supreme Court” and chairwoman of the advisory board of Newsbreak, the independent maga-zine where she was editor in chief for almost 10 years.

Street Poetry

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

by Michael R. Tagudin

Powerful People(Continued from page 1)

I always try my best to be in a good mood and to think of positive things in life but still I fi nd myself grumpy at times. Maybe it’s the old age that’s getting to me.

Normally I’m up very early in the morning. At 5:30 a.m. I start my brisk walking around the neighborhood for about 3 miles except when it rains. Of course I use a safe route and alert for stray dogs and other wild things. The mostly quiet mornings clears my mind. It’s also a good exercise for my heart and leg muscles. In my head I plan what I could accomplish for the day.

My wife complains that I’m always conscious about time but that’s how I am. I like to schedule things and organize my stuff. I want things in good order so it’s easy to locate. I was trained to simplify hard things and not the opposite.

How can you stay calm and in a better mood when people keep driving you nuts? You might be cruising easily on the road when suddenly someone cut in front without giving a signal. You drive carefully but you see drivers talking on their cell phones. Try going to Seafood City store during peak hours and you’ll see Filipinos competing for prime spots close to the entrance. Why can’t they park somewhere and walk a few more steps? Most likely they needed the exercise to burn calories.

Even before the Holiday Season, I seldom shop at Walmart. I liked their lower prices but, I can’t stand people who think that the store is a playground for their kids. Why can’t they control or discipline their young children?

Once in a while I watched The Filipino Channel on TV. I liked to hear

the latest news but, why do these news-casters have to scream or be dramatic? Even the graft and corruptions in the government were being sensational-ized. Besides from pointing fi ngers to each other, are those elected offi cials doing anything for the people? It also seemed like charity organizations help the poor and victims of calamities more than the government.

How come Christmas is so over-rated in the Philippines? Some of us have shipped our balikbayan boxes and sent some money to families and relatives. Did you receive a thank you note or instead you were informed it was not enough? As usual, it is not what they received but, what you have not sent yet.

Probably you have watched those TV game shows offering millions of pesos to lucky winners. Don’t you think these shows encouraged people to wait on “Suerte” (luck) to get ahead in life? More of these poor people are relying on luck alone to solve their problems.

Personally, I’m tired of listen-ing to all their sad stories. We made our choices in life and we should be much responsible for our actions. Why migrate to big cities, live on the side-walk and starve when there’s plenty of vacant fertile land in the countryside?

Same thing here in the U.S. there are people who just relied on govern-ment aid and other charities. Unlike most immigrants, they lack the drive to improve their lives and get out of poverty.

Well, your life is how you make it. The choice is yours.

Grumpy Old Man

Follow @asianjournal on Twitter

come onyou are not going to blame D.L. right?what do you expect from home boy?he’s just fresh from middle schooldidn’t even make it to Potala High!let say even if he got his groupand together they resistthey still and will be overwhelmedoverwhelmed to thy kingdom come!such is the fate...the fate of what D.L. got!better to be aliveand fi ght for another daythan be a dead heroso he can be remembered...like people really care!dudes got to survivecause he is...he is head honcho elite!the route of passive resistancehas its riskit may..it may not workif it does .. it might take...sometimesreally sometimes..just maybe..maybe foreverit worked for Mahatma...in was an in-your-face statement a day of reconning how strong and united...the people power movement from the philippines are!it was copied by the South Koreansimitated by the thais...it met a disastrous result in tiennamen square!but really i think the reason why D.L. runits because he can’t....can’t stand it!specially from M.z. hammer with a sickleit is not even rapits just some bad rhethoricslike a rerun from some old school gung fu moviesfl icking conversation in dubbed englishit is really bad...like...let a thousand fl owers bloom...whoever crosses the straits would be swallowed with fi re...if the talks collapse the inhabitants of the coast should be wary of the

sound of cannons...at last the clouds parted our understanding is as bright as the sun...come on man!the new kid on the block got super power status in the 21st century!fi nally like a craze hound from some junk yard poundit has found its niche like a bully of a beastwith is price collection of bones within its graspwithin its jaws never again to let goless be ripped apart by its arsenal of fearful weaponrybought sold stock else where from every whereready to do battle anytime..the problem is the new kid on the block is so confusesuper power status has its pricethe emblem of a jewelry just like its counter part from the westhas to have an islanda paradise in the middle of nowhere!new kid on the block has found its niche!the island is in the SEA in between A and Na sea in the middle of the nations of ASEAN!so Santai just want to make my christmas list shortgive me a couple of cobra gunship helicopters with stealth capabilityarmed to the teeth with stinger missiles...don’t forget agile fast ships with one hell of a knock out powersurface to surface...surface to air...you know...and .. some radar jamming remote pilotless vehicles for recon mission..ala

predator type toys...but you got to make it fast cause hawaii should be in the middle of the

pacifi cnot a copy cat version in the SEA between A and N in the midst...the midst of the sea among nations of ASEAN!

come on



My Story… Their Story… Our Shared Story





LifestyleRead J’Son’s previous articles by visiting our website at

www.asianjournalusa.com

by Joe Son

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

journalusa.com

ni Audele

I saw that it was coming from the air conditioner which was one foot feet from the floor. It was about 12:30 a.m.

Immediately I woke up my wife Belle and grabbed my son, Kuya Danni, from his bed. I then ran to the room of my daughters, Ate Gabbi and Sammi, who were still asleep. The water inside the house was already knee-deep but it was rising so fast that all the things on the floor started floating and falling. The kids were shouting and I told them to keep silent. I initially asked them to stay on top of our kitchen counter to keep them from the cold water. For-tunately we had a big flashlight with us which Ate Gabbi used the night before. When I pointed the light out-side, I saw how fast the water was rising. With raised voice, I talked to a neighbor from across the road as to our options. He then told us to get out and join them in their place, which was on higher ground. I tried opening the door, but it was meant to open out while the flood current was pushing it in. I kicked it, but I couldn’t open it completely. Some-how, Kuya Danni inserted his body to allow a bigger opening, giving everyone space to get out and swim from our front door to the parked vehicle, and then to the gate. At that time the water outside was already 6 to 7 feet deep.

When the three kids were already in the gate, while Belle and I were still holding on to the car, I told them to swim to our neighbor’s place, where his family was already on the balcony at the second floor. The flashlight gave us a good sight in the midst of strong rains and the cold flood. Without hesitation, the three kids swam with confidence (thanks to their swimming lessons!) and were pulled out immedi-ately by our neighbor. Then Belle and I followed. By then we had to move to their rooftop as the water rose to about 12 feet.

While we gathered at the top, we saw another neighbor with a family of five on top of their house, beside ours. The wife was starting to be hysterical, crying out that they be rescued. I told them to just follow the electric lines, then they can grab the piece of wood I was holding. Before they finally decided to transfer to our position, I

had to tell them strongly that they will die if they will not get out from their rooftop. We grabbed them one by one as they cried and wailed as if they were going to die in that instance.

We were finally settled on the roof-top, five families all in all,

including another family who came from behind. I felt so helpless hear-ing the cry of “Tabang!” (help), or was it “Tabangi mi!” (help us), from everywhere around us. Too disturbing was the wailing of the children who were either too frightened or about to be drowned.

Looking back, hearing the calls for help was the most difficult

moment, even more than the near-death experience as we struggled to open the door to get out and be saved from the floods.

We stayed on the rooftop for two hours hoping and praying that the water will stop rising. By 3 a.m., the water slowly receded and everybody was hoping for rescue. But nobody came until the break of dawn.

By 5:30 the water was already knee-deep so I asked Kuya Danni to come with me and go down to take a look at our house and the whole neighbor-hood. The girls followed and looked for our other homecompanion, our dog Whitey. We found him covered with mud. He had been with us for almost five years already.

Out in the street, people were all around. I saw an 11-year-old girl whose dead body was covered with just a plastic wrap, the scared faces of mothers attending to their sleep-ing children, people from all walks of life looking and searching for missing relatives, clinging on to whatever was left of their belongings. As we walked down further, we met more and more troubled people, many houses (espe-cially those made of light materials) were destroyed, a big red tank con-taining molasses (used to feed cows) in the middle of the street, a number of policemen helping carry the dead. I counted about 10 dead bodies in the street. I was told that many bod-ies were already lined up near Rose Pharmacy, situated in the place higher than our street.

Moreover, I saw one woman crying, asking her neighbors if they saw her daughter. There was also a man sitting on his chair with a blank stare. I saw

What and why do we celebrate Christmas? Christmas is the day that we celebrate the birth of the Christ - Jesus, the Son of God. He is the reason for this celebration and He should be the focus. Santa Claus, gift-giving, Christmas cards, trees, lights and decors are only secondary material things to show our faith and love for Him and to keep the spirit of the season joyous and memorable.

The year 2011 is coming to an end, wishing that 2012 is prosperous and fruitfull. This year, many predictions that the world ends by our would-be present prophets were proven wrong, maybe basing it on the Gregorian calendar, but few people know much more about the ancient Central American civilization, the significance of its complex calendar and history of accurately predicting the future.

According to the Mayan calendar prediction with a frightening accu-racy, we’re one year from the end of the world, December 21, 2012, the “doomsday” is on most everyone’s mind who learned about the Mayan calendar, sensing on what’s going on, the deteriorating global econ-omy, devastating natural disasters amd calamities, and uprisings in the Middle East.

All these are wake-up calls that everybody should be concerned, people need prayers to surpass and withstand all predictions so that God will give all His blessings for us all to continue to enjoy and share His goodness in giving us this world, af-ter all He is the only one who knows when is His secong coming. Praise God and celebrate Christmas with Him this season.

The Mc Buddies celebrated an

early Chirstmas party last Sat-urday, December 10, 2011 at St. Charles Parish Hall from 4:00-10:00 pm with lots of foods and drinks,

gifts, dances, Christmas songs and raffles. The affair was one of the best annual celebration attended by Mc Buddies members, relatives and friends.

Jing Yuson, chaired this momen-tous affair, who hired special caterer to provide good healthy food and music with a paid DJ for a complete enjoyment and satisfaction with all the attendees. The Christmas celebration started with an introduc-tion by Jing Yuson to Tom Malunes, one of McBuddies founders, for the welcome address, followed by invo-cation of Nimfa de Guzman, singing of Christmas songs led by Linda Aquino, highlighted by a fashion show of the Mc Buddies wives and all kinds of dances.

During the affair Jing Yuson made three raffles draws every thirty minutes with gifts donated by some members, then three draws were also made for gift certificates donated by Auring Chua and Efren Tulao, and finally the cash prizes. Bel Alde provided all Christmas lightings and decors, while Auring Palaci made the beautiful and colorfull Christmas banner. Thanks to McBuddies Nick and Nimfa de Guzman, Val Palaci, Titong Vinluan, Jing Yuson, Ric and Susan Liwanag, Fermin Caparas, Cris Mangaliag, Bel Alde, Tonton Son and Joe Son to prepare deco-rations and the hall for the affair. Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year! -- Joe C.Son [email protected], San Diego, CA

Christmas with McBuddiesSaan hahantong ang malubhang iringanNg dal’wa sa tatlong pangunahing sangaySino ang matuwid, sino ang may kat’wiran?Ating timbangin mahal kong kababayan. Sino ang pasimuno nitong sigalotAng pagkamuhi sa puso’y bumabalotKung lalala pa’y ano ang idudulotSa minumutyang bayang naghihikahos? Malaon nang umusbong itong iringanSa pagitan ng peke’t pangulong tunayAng ipinamana ay katiwalianMahirap ituwid ang nakagawian. Ating sariwain ang mga naganapNang bumaba sa pwesto’ng babaing corruptMga galamay itinalagang lahatSa iba’t ibang ahes’ya’y ikinalat. Ang pinakamatindi’y korte supremaTampulan ng batikos at mga punaAng mga mahistradong hinirang niyaPawang bayad-utang ang mga pasiya. Kapani-paniwala o kaduda-dudaPasiya sa usaping dapat ihusgaHindi ba’t laging pabor sa kaalyansaAng nagiging hatol ng Korte Suprema? Balikan natin ang hinating distritoBagsak sa panuntuna’y lumusot itoAng mga itinalagang mahistradoNagkaisang igawad yaong kapritso. Unang binuo ay itong Truth CommissionAng panimulang hakbang nitong si NoynoyNang ang tiwali sa tama’y maiayonHatol ng korte’y labag sa konstitusyon. Kaya’t sinalunga ang unang balakidNaharangan agad ang daang matuwidNagkalat sa daraana’y laksang yagitNa siyang naging mitsa ng pagngingitngit. Tangkang lumayas ng babaeng maysakitNang makaiwas sa kulunga’y mapiitSa bisa ng TRO pwedeng umalisNguni’t nabinbin ni De Limang mabilis.

Iringan!

Tingnang mo nga naman kagyat may TROSa kabutihang loob ng mahistradoKanyang korona at saka silang pitoDapat bang magtiwala sa mga ito? Ngayo’y nabibingit ang isang usapinKung makatarungan ba itong nakahainItong Comelec at DOJ na panelMauwi sa wala’t maibasura din. ‘Pag nagkagayo’y malayang makalayasSa mga kaso’y tuluyang makaiwasPagpapasasaa’y mga nakulimbatYaman ng bansa’y walang awang nilimas. Ang pangyayari na harapang pagpunaSa iginagawi nitong Korte SupremaPulos na pabor sa kanila’y nagnombra‘Yan ang nadarama’t tanging nakikita. Wika ni P-Noy ay walang personalanAng mga puna sa gawai’y kaugnayHuwag maradamin bagkus ay tataganAng isaloob ito’y sa kabutihan. Totoo raw nabastos ang institusyonHindi raw iginalang ang konstitusyonYaong pagbatikos ng Pangulong NoynoyAy pagyurak sa Kataastasang Hukom. Dapat ngang igalang ang Korte SupremaPagka’t ito’ng sandigan ng DemokrasyaNguni’t kung di wasto ang mga pasiyaSino’ng dapat na sa kanila’y pumuna? Ang tatlong sangay dapat ay pantay-pantayUpang mapanatili ang check and balanceWalang mang-aabuso at manlalamangAng may kamalia’y dapat pangaralan. ‘Di rin angkop mamagitan ang simbahanDito sa nangyayaring paghihidwaanTulad rin ng korteng sila’y nabahiranNaipagkanulo yaong karangalan. Kung mayroong dapat na dito’y lumutasSa pagbabangayang ngayo’y nagaganapBuksan ang puso’t masinsinang mag-usapNang ang iringa’y magkaroon ng wakas. Ika 7 ng Disyembre, 2011


President Lino Majeras’s campaign against graft and corruption encoun-tered a stumbling block from an unlikely source: the Fantasy Land’s Supreme Court.

The Chief Justice and majority of the members of the court were ap-pointees of the previous presi-dent to whom they were fi ercely loyal. It was obvious they were appointed not because of their qualifi cations but because they were loyal enough to exonerate the ex- pres-ident from all charges that came before them. At fi rst, the appointment of the Chief Justice was questioned, for it violat-ed the Constitu-tion's provisions of when such appointment could be conducted. It was called a “midnight appointment.” But by having a majority of the members of the court on his side, the Chief Justice was comforted knowing that rules could be broken, and laws could be interpreted differently. It was a blatant disregard to logic and an insult to the intelligence of the people. But the law is the law. What the majority of the members of the Supreme Court ruled held true.

President Majeras could not do anything but accept defeat. Lick his wounds and move on. He may have lost a battle, but he intended to win the war. Then came a series of rulings by the Court favoring the ex-president’s causes. It seemed President Majeras was unable to prosecute the ex-president, for there was always the Supreme Court to intervene and rule in her favor. Eventually, Majeras had enough. He openly criticized the chief justice right before his face during a meet-ing commemorating the Constitu-tion’s proclamation anniversary. The supporters of the ex-president criticized him for it, stressing the Supreme Court was a body inde-pendent from the executive branch. Majeras had no right to criticize the chief justice, they chorused. But be-fore they knew it, his allies launched a coup in Congress. They impeached the chief justice for ignoring the law and consistently ruling in favor of the ex-president.

The chief justice defended himself in public. He delivered a scathing speech criticizing the president, vowing to fi ght and defend himself. But his pleas fell on deaf ears. The people were clearly on the presi-dent’s side, believing they should support the impeachment of his foe. President Majeras initiated his move at the time when he was riding the crest of his popularity. A survey re-vealed he was the most liked among the country’s government offi cials. The least liked? The chief justice.

And so ensued the impeachment trial in the Senate. It was aired live on television and most senators, who acted as judges, sensed they would go against the wish of the people if they cleared the accused. Besides, the evidence presented was clear and strong. Nobody in his right mind would not accept a decision other than guilty. After a long trial, the Senate ruled in favor of the prosecution. But before he could be removed from his post, the chief justice ignominiously resigned.

The other members of the majority that ruled in favor of the ex-presi-dent sensed they were on the wrong side of the cause. Some quietly resigned their post; others opted for early retirement. In the end, the Court was

composed of new members ap-pointed by President Majeras. The Court started to deliver sound judg-ment, not clouded by loyalty to cor-rupt parties such as the ex-president.

With such a scenario, it became easy for the Justice Department to bring erring government offi cials before the court and win convic-tions. The ex-president and her husband, who committed his own crimes while his wife was in power, were convicted. Much of their stolen

wealth was confi scated, although it was believed it barely scratched the surface of the loot taken from government coffers. After all, the ex-president had ruled for ten years,

long enough to enrich herself and genera-tions of her progeny

to live in opulent luxury.

At least the people were content

knowing the corrupt couple were imprisoned the rest of

their lives. In the end they played martyr to their family by refusing to reveal

the location of their stolen loot. They

would rather die in prison, thereby assuring the money they stole would remain with their chil-dren and subsequent generations.

Moreover, the successful convic-tion of the couple and other corrupt offi cials, thanks to the integrity of the new members of the Supreme Court, discouraged others from

following their footsteps. Stealing in the government was no longer easy; the new culture of “crime does not pay” prevailed, and many were forced to follow the rules.

But President Lino Majeras’ vic-tory was not without a casualty. The enemies of the president, those who had committed crimes and were afraid they would be prosecuted next, started training their criticisms against Pablo Nolasco, the chief prosecutor.

“What was he doing all these months he had been in offi ce?” they asked. "He was sleeping on the job and doing nothing," they lamented. The corrupt members of the press, the ones in the payroll of politicians, echoed the same sentiment. They claimed Nolasco lived up to the expectations of many, that he could not deliver on the job.

Even President Majeras started feeling the heat. He too started to doubt the capability of Nolasco to spearhead his campaign against graft and corruption. He had appointed Nolasco to the post despite being a mediocre lawyer who had not accomplished much in life, be-cause Majeras' own father, the mar-tyred Senator, claimed he was the most honest person he had ever met. Though honest, Nolasco lacked the courage and determination to rid the government of Fantasy Land of graft and corruption, President Majeras thought. – AJ

(To be continued)

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

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

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OUR MISSION

Fantasy Land, a novel

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.Read the series by Sim Silverio on www.asianjournalusa.

com

Fantasy Land, Chapter 16

$50

not only physical destruction but also felt the psychological destruction from this neighborhood alone. What more in the other fl ooded parts of the city?

Back to our house that was now full of mud and debris, I told myselfthat I will start all over again as we lost completely everything. While my family will start the year to rebuild the house, which will take a month or two depending on our resources, we will also rebuild our hopes and dreams to become a better family – which I think is clearly here and now! Soon we will be able to buy the basic things to make the house functional, buy things for the kids and all other basic requirements. I said to myself that this is going to be very diffi cult. But when I think of those who had to go through a more severe psychological destruction, there is no reason for me

to complain. It is in fact a challenge to respond to.

There are thousands of families out there still crying, still lost, still hoping their missing family members are still alive. People are lining up for food, medicine and water everyday. Again there is no reason to complain, there is a lot to do even if I myself have suffered and will suffer in the next few days.

And so just like the 2009 fl ooding in the city and in the province,

Balay Mindanaw, which is also our temporary home, transformed itself as a relief center for the victims of the fl oods. While 10 other colleagues suffered badly because of the fl oods, Balay Mindanaw resisted the idea of becoming a victim. As our dear Dekha Ibrahim declared, “I refused to be a victim, I am a resource.”

In the days to come, it will still be a collective stories of despair, death, destruction and hopelessness. But as the local people start to become resources, things will become better. Hard hit communities will be assisted

better not only when they are hungry but hopefully as they rebuild their homes and families. And just like any other crisis, this too shall pass. This is not just my story and their story. It is our shared story.

For those interested resource in the relief efforts, you can reach

Balay Mindanaw:Balay Mindanaw Peace Center,

#53A, 12th Street, Zone 2, Upper Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City

Balay Mindanaw BDO Xavier Uni-versity Branch Peso Current Account No. 1768022630

Balay Mindanaw BPI Velez Branch Dollar Savings Account No. 2044006882 swif code: BOPIPHMM

[Ariel “Ayi” C. Hernandez is execu-tive director of the Katilingbanong Pamahandi sa Mindanaw Founda-tion, Inc., one of the NGOs under the umbrella of the Balay Mindanaw Group. He once served in the House of Representatives under the partylist group Anak Mindanao.]


My Story…

Supreme Court



Don’t Get It, Don’t Spread It(Continued from page 15)

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

Mga Tulang Tagalog

by Romeo Nicolas

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

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Pusoy, A Russian Poker -- Chapter 23

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Kapag batas ay malupit, marami ang matatakotNgunit kapag ito’y BIRO, ‘daming HUDAS ang sisipot.Ang masama’y LUMOLOBO, ‘pag lumaon ay puputok,Kapos po ang ating SELDA’T itong KUWARTA’Y, nakurakot.

Kuro-kuro ni:Romeo NicolasBocaue, Bulacan12/12/2011

‘Pinas, Droga At Ang Tsina (2)

better remain at home in bed, says Maier. Your body needs rest to pre-serve the energy and calories to fi ght the infection. Plus, hiding away is the easiest way to prevent spreading germs to others—especially those for whom the fl u can be dangerous. Each year more than 36,000 people die and 200,000 are hospitalized because of fl u, including young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions like asthma, says Rehm.

Wipe Out Germs As if cold and fl u viruses weren’t nasty enough already, it turns out the scoundrels can live on fl at nonporous surfaces, like kitchen tables, bathroom coun-ters, and sinks or toilets for up to three days! The CDC recommends cleaning hard surfaces daily with a mixture of chlorine bleach—to prepare for germ warfare add one-quarter cup of bleach to one gallon warm water. Let the solution sit on surfaces for 10 minutes before rinsing off with water. The more frequently you bleach, the better, but don’t obsess. Even once every other day will go a long way in prevent-ing the spread of germs. And FYI: Fabrics aren’t as skilled as hard surfaces at transmitting viruses, so don’t worry about slaving over the laundry 24-7. -- Posted by pooja at 10:25 PM http://refreshingnews9.blogspot.com/2011/02/dont-get-it-dont-spread-it.html

Pusoy (A Russian Poker)By Rudy D. Liporada

Chapter 23

Lab-ok and Sim-tak called for a meeting of all the chiefs in the Cordilleras. They called the NPAs to this meeting in the heart of a forest away from peering eyes and ears of government soldiers. They wanted to know what we had to say about the dam project.

By the blazing bonfi re after the singing of the Internationale and waving of the red Communist fl ag, I stepped forward.

“Our revered chiefs of the Cordilleras,” I said. “Thank you for welcoming us tonight. We do come with grim mes-sage which you must already have heard about.” I pushed my glasses up my nose. “This is about why the gobierno is going to dam the Chico and its effects on our livelihood here in the Cordilleras. This is to show you how inconsiderate the gobi-erno is about our plight just to serve the selfi sh interests of their foreign masters.

“Under the guise of development, the gobierno had started to lay the ground-work to construct a series of hydroelectric dams along the Chico River…We are not against development but fundamental questions must be answered before we should develop anything at all if this is really development.

“The basic question is: for whom is development? If sacrifi ces have to be made, are they necessary? Development should have benefi ts. Are the benefi ts for constructing the pingids clearly defi ned? They speak of benefi ts, of feasibility stud-ies and they hide under allusions of being big, incomparable, a big leap for us all.

“For us all?“Does for us all include at least 100,000

Igorots who would be displaced when the dammed waters submerge your villages under billions of gallons of water? Does all here include those who would forever loose their lands, even where our forefa-thers are buried, where our roots will be forever erased from the face of the earth?

“Fertile lands will be deluged. Lands which yield, without exhaustion, bountiful harvests to perpetually feed not only now but far generations into the future will be gone.

“…and the boars, the deer, the birds…when the forests will be gone, they will

be gone.“And for what?“There are projections that the life of

dams extend to merely fi fty years…they would sacrifi ce…they would gamble the perpetual economic livelihood of the Igorots for fi fty years of prosperity.

“Prosperity for whom?“They say that the cities down these

mountains will have electricity and will profi t from these dams. The electricity will generate power to run industries…but most of these industries, the huge ones are owned by foreigners…their mines, their assembly plants…to rake in more profi ts for themselves.

“And while we will be suffering here because we will lose our lands, our broth-ers and sisters in the lowlands will suffer, too. Water there will diminish and plants there will not grow where they used to. More industries will pollute the remain-ing waters. This would mean less produce and become more expensive as supplies become less.

“And are they sure about their longevity projections? Down from our mountains, in Benguet, they have projected that the Ambuclao Dam will have a fi fty years life span. After only twenty years, Ambuclao’s power had diminished considerably. That is why now they need the power of the Chico.

“…I cannot emphasize enough what the sad outcome it was for our brothers and sisters when that Ambuclao dam was built. You know what happened to them. They have been shooed away from their land and have since then become mendicants.

“Do you want this to happen to you?”After the meeting, a fi ery sea of red

globules of mamma sputa shook the grounds of the forest.

The moon had already hidden itself that dawn by the river. Only a kerosene pumped Petromax lamp on a tripod at the center of the camp hissed bright. We counted fi ve tents where we believed engi-neers slept, deep with the liquor, we knew, they had drunk the night before.

Even the soldiers, assigned as body-guards of the engineers sprawled on the grounds snored. Even those by the three tractors’ giant wheels slept cuddling their guns.

The perimeter guards had already had

their throats slashed.At a signal, arrows whizzed through

the dark unto the throats and torsos of the sleeping soldiers who did not even wake before dying.

An almost naked body grabbed the Petromax and fl ung it unto one of the tractors. The kerosene spread to the other tractors which also exploded into fi reballs.

The engineers rushed out from the tents to face guns and arrows ready to fl y.

Gimo instructed them to go home bear-ing the message that the Igorots do not want the Chico to be dammed.

Development? ScienceDaily (Oct. 21, 2011) — Health pre-vention strategies to help Canadians achieve their optimal health potential could add a decade or more of healthy years to the aver-age lifespan and save the economy billions of dollars as a result of reduced cardiovascular disease, says noted cardiologist Dr. Clyde Yancy.

Dr. Yancy, who will deliver the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Lecture at the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Cardio-vascular Congress in Vancouver on October 23, will tell delegates that people who follow seven simple steps to a healthy life can expect to live an additional 40 to 50 years after the age of 50.

“Achieving these seven simple lifestyle factors gives people a 90 per cent chance of living to the age of 90 or 100, free of not only heart disease and stroke but from a number of other chronic illnesses including cancer,” says Dr. Yancy, a professor of medicine and chief of cardiology at the Northwestern Univer-sity’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He is also the past-president of the American Heart Association.

“By following these steps, we can compress life-threatening disease into the fi nal stages of life and maintain quality of life for the longest possible time.” He predicts that, if we act now, we can reverse the tide by 2020.

According to the Heart and Stroke Founda-tion, every year in Canada about 250,000 potential years of life are lost due to heart disease and stroke, which are two of the three leading causes of death in Canada.

Canadians can achieve optimal health, says Dr. Yancy, by following these steps:

1. GET ACTIVE: Inactivity can shave almost four years off a person’s expected lifespan. People who are physically inactive are twice as likely to be at risk for heart disease or stroke.

2. KNOW AND CONTROL CHOLES-TEROL LEVELS: Almost 40 per cent of Canadian adults have high blood cholesterol, which can lead to the build up of fatty depos-its in your arteries − increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke.




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“It is with a heavy heart that I have to send this message at this time.” -- Gina Lopez, Founder, ABS CBN Foundation, December 19, 2011

Dear Friends of ABS CBN Foun-dation in the U.S.,

I know you are probably in the midst of making final arrangements for the holidays. It is with a heavy heart that I have to send this mes-sage at this time.

Today, Filipinos woke up with unbelievable and shocking news: in the early hours of the morning Typhoon Sendong hit Mindanao, specifically the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Massive floods drowned people in their sleep—specifically, 927 Filipinos from some of our poorest families in the area. With more people reported as miss-ing we are afraid that the toll is even greater.

Most of the dead are women and children.

I am especially devastated because this tragedy happened only a few days before Christmas.

Sagip Kapamilya Appeal for the Victims of Typhoon Sendong

Cagayan de Oro is like a mass grave with bodies everywhere; some floating in the rivers. Those who made it through the night are now asking for immediate help to bury their dead and for their own survival. Food, water, medicine, blankets, kerosene lamps, etc. are urgently needed in evacuation centers.

If at all possible, please consider giving one more time this year for the people affected by Typhoon Sendong. Any amount will go a long way. As always, the folks at ABS CBN Foundation International have given their pledge that 100% of donations to Sagip Kapamilya—Typhoon Sendong will be sent to Manila. Donations will be remitted to us within 24 hours of their receipt.

Donations are now accepted through our website at www.abscbnfoundation.org Or checks can be sent to ABS CBN Foundation International, 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065.

Sincerely, Gina

While mass graves are being dug for its casualties, survivors continue to ask for help. Body bags, food, water, medicine, blankets, kerosene lamps, etc. are urgently needed in evacuation centers where the ABS CBN Foundation volunteers are stationed.

“Typhoon Sendong is especially devastating to all of us because it af-fected some of our poorest families just a few days before Christmas,” said J. Robbie Fabian, President of the ABS CBN Foundation Interna-tional. “We will be on the ground until more missing persons are brought to safety and all our survi-vors are given immediate attention. As always, the commitment of Sagip Kapamilya is long-term community rehabilitation.”

The Sagip Kapamilya-Typhoon Sendong campaign appeals to the global community to assist the

Filipino people in this time of dire need. To address the urgent needs on the ground in the quickest possible way, and because shipments of in-kind goods take 45 days to arrive in the Philippines, ABS CBN Founda-tion International will only accept monetary donations at this time. ABS CBN Foundation International is committed to remit 100% of dona-tions to the Philippines within 24 hours of the donation.

ABOUT ABS CBN FOUNDA-TION INTERNATIONAL:

ABS CBN Foundation Internation-al is a 501(c)3 non-profit organiza-tion dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Filipino children and their families in the Philippines and around the world. Its flag-ship program, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), is a child abuse rescue operation that responds to an aver-age of 15,300 calls for assistance a year. The program assists more than 21,000 children and families in relocation communities and feeds at least 4,400 severely malnourished children a year. Its education pro-gram serves 4.2 million elementary school children and their teachers.

In the United States, the organiza-tion partners with Filipino-American organizations and associations in addressing community issues--youth truancy, housing, issues affecting the elderly, health, and emergency needs. For more programs and information, visit www.abscbn-foundation.org. -- Link: http://www.sfgate.cwww.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/12/prweb9057707.htm

Typhoon Sendong




by Benjamin Maynigo

My barber and some friends again had a mixed feeling of envy and joy when I told them that I am now preparing for my annual trip to Las Vegas.

Envy because somehow they think that I am given the license to “sin” especially when I go to the Sin City and Entertainment Capi-tal of the world with a Mission Everything Possible.

They became doubly envious when I said that this year I am attending the International Consumer Electronics Show next month with a Press Pass having been validly creden-tialed as a Columnist, Blogger and Industry Analyst. They know the privileges and perks of being one.

But they are also joyful for me and for themselves. While aware of the rule, “What-ever happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Ve-gas”, my stories and anecdotes after my trip always gave them the feeling that they were privileged and exempted from the rule.

They know that the Pornographers’ Con-vention is being held at the same time as the CES Shows, so as in the past, they expect me to give some report on the former. Again they will be disappointed, but such feelings were always overcome by my narration of the amazing technologies launched at the CES and experiences such as my getting stranded in Las Vegas and winning a semi-jackpot in poker last year.

I am going to Las Vegas a couple of days earlier. I will attend the sessions on the “State of Consumer Electronics Industry”, the “State of the Global CE Industry” and the Official Press Event featuring the unveiling of the new year’s products and sneak peak at the product debuts from the Innovation and Design Engineering Honorees.

A whole day is designated Press Day but press conferences, interviews and demonstra-tions are scheduled daily the whole week.

The biggest names in the consumer elec-tronics industry except Apple are represented in the show. In most cases, the CEOs them-selves come and unveil their new products.

I have been going to this event yearly

since the time Bill Gates, Founder and former Chairman of Microsoft and a Twitter follower of mine started delivering the first Keynote Address of the show. I followed his activities then, now and of course, on Twitter.

We will again see Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer deliver the Pre-Show Keynote Ad-dress. I hope to be able to see, listen and even meet Google CEO Eric Schmidt and the top executives of A T & T, Facebook, Intel, GE, Hyundai, Ericsson, Qualcomm, Nokia, Sam-sung, Sony, Panasonic, Daimler and other technology giants.

There will be 2,700 exhibitors. Since my inclusion as an attending member of the Press, I have already received over a hundred invitations and counting, to schedule inter-views with their CEOs, to attend their press conferences, and to demonstrate their prod-ucts as they host receptions. Many have even promised to provide samples for evaluation.

According to the CES Fact Sheet, the exhibitors, media, industry analysts come from 140 countries. Attendees are expected to number more than 140,000, which is 3 times the number of slot machines on the Las Vegas strip. The exhibit space covers 1.7 million net square feet of space – equivalent to more than 35 football fields. A person walking the carpeted aisles of the CES show floor would walk almost 15 miles – and burn up to 1,500 calories.

The products being exhibited involve different facets of life. They are categorized into: Audio, Automotive Electronics, Com-puter Hardware and Software, Connected Home, Content Distribution, Digital Health and Fitness, Digital Imaging/Photography, Electronic Gaming, Emerging Technol-ogy, Entertainment/Content, Internet-Based Multimedia Services, Lifestyle Electronics, Telecommunications, Video, and Wireless & Wireless Devices.

It would be nice but impossible to attend all the events, visit all the exhibits, see all the demonstrations and to even interview all interested CEOs. Time and human limita-tions prevent them. So I will just do what are

You know you are in a Filipino Party when..

- One is an hour late and still, nobody’s there!

- There’s enough food to feed the nation

- Can’t get through the door due to a pile of 50 prs of shoes blocking the way.

- There’s a giant fork and a spoon on the wall, a framed picture of the Last Supper, a huge Santo Nino, and a barrel man.

- They’re singing “Peelings” (Feelings) on karaoke.

- The piano in the living room is for decoration.

- You are greeted by a Tita Baby and/or a Tito Boy.

- The men are in the garage

playing posoy-dos, poker or 31; the women are in the kitchen gossiping, or playing mahjong. The rest of the guests are in the entertainment room singing karaoke, while the kids are in the streets running around unsu-pervised. Teens fill their plates with food & disappear!

- There’s goat ‘pulutan’ being prepared to go with the beer!

- A camera-crazy lady is snap-ping away and yelling, “Uy peeeek-chuuur! “

- Saying good-bye seems end-less . . . 30-40 minutes, out the door to the car!

- You enter a family party and you “mano” (taking an old hand to ones forehead as a sign of respect) to half the old crowd & when leav-ing, you have to say goodbye to EVERYONE who’s related to you as a sign of courtesy & respect.

- The names . . . JP, JJ, JT, TJ, DJ, AJ, RJ, LJ, Lingling, Lengleng, Bingbing, Bimbong, Tingting, Dingding, Wengweng, Bongbong, Dongdong, Dodoy, Bimboy, etc.

- You know you’re at a Filipino party when very male on the karaoke

tries to emulate Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”.

- Women are still doing the line dance to “todo todo “

- The old aunties and guests waste no time wrapping up food to take home.

- You have the Pacquiao fight on the illegal cable boxes on the 70” LCD in the movie room, the 10 yr old 50” CRT in the living room, the 15 yr old 30” tube in the breakfast nook, the 20 yr old 15” tube in the kitchen, the 30 yr old 13” tube in the garage & the little portable by the BBQ grill! TV sets are NEVER retired in a Filipino household, they are merely demoted to whichever room doesn’t have a TV before it ends up in the balikbayan box to be sent to a relative back home where it ends up being the main TV in the house again.

- The aunties & guests are showing off their “designer” Louis Vuitton and Coach bags that they secretly bought at a swap-meet, or dicreetly bought at the charity shop!

- Someone is always in the kitchen constantly cleaning up, and since not sure whether she’s the maid or a relative, you greet and kiss them on the cheek anyway.

- Relatives/friends will ask you where you work and if it’s a retail job or at an amusement park, they’ll ask if you can get them a discount.

- The lumpia is gone in 5 min-utes and they are frying up another batch.

- They play “Achy-Breaky Heart” over and over again.

- What starts as a religious gath-ering turns into an illegal gambling, set up by the end of the night!

OH DI BA? Proud tayo to be a Pinoy!

ANONG SAY MO!


Today’s Lifestyle

Often,entrepreneurs are characterized as the “rock stars” of the business world. This romantic vision is appealing but, like most stereotypes, a far cry from real-ity. So, what makes a good entrepreneur great? There’s no entrepreneurship gene. But a new Ernst & Young survey shows leading entrepreneurs do share com-mon traits, beliefs and approaches that empower them to drive innovation – and economies – around the world.

1. They’re made, not bornFifty-eight per cent of entrepreneurs

we surveyed have “transitioned” to entrepreneurship, and one-third say their experience as an employee enabled them to build a successful enterprise of their own. You may not be an entrepreneur yet – but you could be one soon. And everything you’re learning now will help along the way.

2. They believe knowledge should be shared

More than three-quarters of Canadian respondents are mentoring other entre-preneurs in some form. They value the lessons learned from these relationships, and they pass that knowledge on. Col-laborating like this benefi ts the teacher, and the student.

3. They know keeping an eye on the cash prize pays off

Accessing funding is the top challenge facing entrepreneurs today, and a real stumbling block to startup success. Those who succeed do so by building strong relationships and thinking outside the fi -nancing box, looking for alternatives and opportunities long after the fi rst “no.”

4. The best realize there’s no I in teamGood entrepreneurs surround them-

selves with good people – who have the technical and business skills to take the company forward, but also share the leader’s values. Survey respondents say fi nding people who share their vision is challenging but critically important.

5. Success can mean choosing between being rich and being king

All founders of growing companies face a central decision: do they desire wealth or hands-on involvement? The ability to make big picture decisions like these makes or breaks entrepreneurs. Successful entrepreneurs navigate this carefully and move according to their ultimate goal.

Ten things top entrepreneurs do differently

6. Some see opportunity where others see disruption

Success lies in the way entrepreneurs view the world. Even disruptions like the fi nancial crisis generated opportunities for entrepreneurial leaders willing to take them. Our survey reveals entrepreneurs have at their core a unique way of view-ing the world around them and acting on that view.

7. Failure is best worn as a badge of honour

The extent to which a culture cel-ebrates or stigmatizes failure can make a difference in how entrepreneurial leaders see risk. Early business failures should be seen as providing vital experience for future successes.

8. True entrepreneurs are architects of their own vision

Seventy-six per cent of those surveyed peg vision as the top quality of successful entrepreneurs. Those who succeed have helped people come together around a common purpose to achieve a goal. This comes from a vision owned not only by the people in the business, but also by investors, customers, suppliers and all those the organization touches. The en-trepreneurial leader must be the architect of that vision to succeed.

9. Entrepreneurs succeed by seeking to be better

Although innovation is important, fi ll-ing niches and market gaps does not need to involve radical new solutions. Often, an entrepreneurial business can simply fi t a better business model or a more effective way of delivering a product or service. Pushing products, services and people to be better is at the core of the entrepreneur’s being.

10. They balance blue skies with the bottom line

To be an entrepreneur, you must not only be an opportunist, but also be an op-timist. The world’s best entrepreneurs see opportunities and truly believe they can create ways to profi t from them. Main-taining a deep-rooted sense of optimism doesn’t mean you are unrealistic. But it does allow entrepreneurs to push their ideas harder, sometimes giving them a competitive edge.-- Posted by pooja at 8:41 AM, http://refreshingnews9.blogspot.com/2011/06/ten-things-top-entrepreneurs-do.html

Do you fi nd yourself constantly doing what others tell you to do? Are you always trying to please others? Here are 8 tips for taking control of your life and making it what you want it to be. You’re an adult, so do what you can to make your future great! I think you’ll fi nd these tips helpful and they might even inspire you to start making changes right away. There’s no need for you to feel like you need to wait on others to make things happen.

8. Make a budgetCreating a budget will help you keep

control of where your fi nances are com-ing from and where they are going to. It’s important to live within your means so you won’t have to depend on anyone else to bail you out or help you make ends meet.

7. Seize opportunities when they come along

Sometimes opportunities knock and if you don’t jump on them right away they slip right through your fi ngers. When you see an opportunity appear, do what you can to grasp it. You never know what it might lead to. This could be the chance you’ve been waiting for or the job you’ve hoped for. Juggle schedules if need be or cancel something that can be rescheduled any old time. You might have to take a loss every now and then in order to take an opportunity when it arises, but it just might be worth it.

6. Say ‘no’ once in a whileHave time for yourself. It’s alright to

tell others ‘no’ every once in a while. I have always had a diffi cult time with this one, but I’ve slowly learned over the years that true friends understand when I can’t drop everything to help them every time they need me.

5. Do things that make you happyI always feel like I have more control

over my life when I do things that make me feel good. When things go wrong, it feels like I can’t do anything right and it makes me depressed. To keep my spirits up, I do what I can to remain optimistic and to keep all the positive vibes sur-rounding me. Happiness is an excellent source for both of these!

4. Address your fearsBeing fearful of people, places, and

8 Tips for Taking Control of your

Life …

things can cause you to feel a lack of control. Address your fears or talk with someone who can help you address them. The sooner you can come face to face with what makes you scared, the better you’ll feel about where your life is headed. You won’t let anything stand in your way once you eliminate your fears.

3. Eliminate stressGetting rid of stressful situations or

distancing yourself from people who thrive on stress are good for both your mental and physical health. Stress causes people to not think clearly about what they are doing or it can cause some to overreact to situations. Once stress is eliminated, you’ll be more inclined to focus on your personal goals instead of being interrupted by others.

2. Think positive thoughtsPositive thoughts generally inspire

good things to happen or they will at least help you to fi nd the good in those around you. Thinking positive makes you feel like you are doing things the right way and this is a great method to use for gaining more control over what happens to you.

1. Make a scheduleSomething as simple as a routine can

help you to feel more in control. Write out a rough schedule for yourself so you can see where all your time is spent. Jot down times for events that defi nitely need to take place. This will give you something to follow so it doesn’t feel like you’re always running around with your head in a daze.-- Posted by pooja at 12:15 AM, http://refreshingnews9.blogspot.com/2011/06/8-tips-for-taking-control-of-your-life.html

Mayo Clinic, 5/19/11 -- Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with stress management. Relaxation isn't just about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. Relaxation is a process that decreases the effects of stress on your mind and body. Relaxation techniques can help you cope with everyday stress and with stress related to various health problems, such as cancer and pain.

Whether your stress is spiraling out of

Relaxation techniques: Try these steps to reduce stress Relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms and help you enjoy a better quality of life, especially if

you have an illness. Explore relaxation techniques you can do by yourself. -- Mayo Clinic Staffcontrol or you've already got it tamed, you can benefi t from learning relaxation techniques. Learning basic relaxation techniques is easy. Relaxation techniques also are often free or low cost, pose little risk and can be done just about anywhere. Explore these simple relaxation techniques and get started on de-stressing your life and improving your health.

The benefi ts of relaxation techniquesWhen faced with numerous responsibili-

ties and tasks or the demands of an illness, relaxation techniques may take a back seat in your life. But that means you might miss out on the health benefi ts of relaxation.

Practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms by:

Slowing your heart rateLowering blood pressureSlowing your breathing rateIncreasing blood fl ow to major musclesReducing muscle tension and chronic painImproving concentrationReducing anger and frustrationBoosting confi dence to handle problemsTo get the most benefi t, use relaxation

techniques along with other positive cop-ing methods, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and reaching out to support-ive family and friends.

Types of relaxation techniquesHealth professionals such as complemen-

tary and alternative medicine practitioners, doctors and psychotherapists can teach various relaxation techniques. But if you prefer, you also can learn some relaxation techniques on your own.

In general, relaxation techniques involve refocusing your attention on something calming and increasing awareness of your body. It doesn't matter which relaxation technique you choose. What matters is that you try to practice relaxation regularly to reap its benefi ts.

There are several main types of relax-ation techniques, including:

Autogenic relaxation. Autogenic means something that comes from within you. In this relaxation technique, you use both visual imagery and body awareness to reduce stress. You repeat words or sug-gestions in your mind to relax and reduce muscle tension. For example, you may imagine a peaceful setting and then focus on controlled, relaxing breathing, slowing your heart rate, or feeling different physical sensations, such as relaxing each arm or leg one by one.

Progressive muscle relaxation. In this relaxation technique, you focus on slowly tensing and then relaxing each muscle group. This helps you focus on the differ-

ence between muscle tension and relax-ation. You become more aware of physical sensations. One method of progressive muscle relaxation is to start by tensing and relaxing the muscles in your toes and progressively working your way up to your neck and head. You can also start with your head and neck and work down to your toes. Tense your muscles for at least fi ve seconds and then relax for 30 seconds, and repeat.

Visualization. In this relaxation tech-nique, you form mental images to take a visual journey to a peaceful, calming place or situation. During visualization, try to use as many senses as you can, includ-ing smell, sight, sound and touch. If you imagine relaxing at the ocean, for instance, think about such things as the smell of salt water, the sound of crashing waves and the warmth of the sun on your body. You may want to close your eyes, sit in a quiet spot and loosen any tight clothing.

Other common relaxation techniques include:

HypnosisMassageMeditationTai chiYogaRelaxation techniques take practiceAs you learn relaxation techniques, you'll

become more aware of muscle tension and other physical sensations of stress. Once you know what the stress response feels like, you can make a conscious effort to practice a relaxation technique the moment you start to feel stress symptoms. This can prevent stress from spiraling out of control.

Remember that relaxation techniques are skills. And as with any skill, your ability to relax improves with practice. Be patient with yourself — don't let your effort to practice relaxation techniques become yet another stressor. If one relaxation technique doesn't work for you, try another. If none of your efforts at stress reduction seem to work, talk to your doctor about other options.

Also, bear in mind that some people, especially those with serious psychological issues and a history of abuse, may experi-ence feelings of emotional discomfort dur-ing some relaxation techniques. Although this is rare, if you experience emotional discomfort during relaxation techniques, stop what you're doing and consider talking to your health care professional or mental health provider. -- © 1998-2011 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).


(619) 474-0588

Simple Lifestyle Changes


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

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

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

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

On the Hail Mary beads say:

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

In conclusion say three times:

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

The Hour of Great Mercy

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

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

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

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

Kowalska

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

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

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

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

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

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

journalusa.com

Miss-Stress

Showbiz Watcher(Continued from page 13)

Santos at Rommel Reyes na malapit kay Beth sa trabaho niya sa Harvest Homes.

Dati rati kapag wala sila Ava at Gill si Beth ang lagi kong nakikita sa opis, kaya naman hanggang ngayon si Ms. Ava hindi pa rin niya matanggap ang pagkawala ni Beth, sa totoo nga gusto pa nga raw niya na magpakita sa kanya eto dahil biglaan ang pagkamatay nito.Baka marami pa itong ihahabilin na hindi niya nagawa dahil sa nangyari.

Basta, nakikiramay kami sa pagkawala ni Ms. Beth O’ Connor at maraming nanghihinayang sa nangyaring biglaan pagkawala niya.

Every Wife is a "Mistress" to her Husband.

"Miss" for one hour & "Stress" for the rest 23 hours!

***There are 2 times when a Man doesn't

understand a Woman.Before Marriage and After Marriage.

_***My Husband And I Divorced Over

Religious Differences.He Thought He Was God, and I Didn't.

***Husband Throwing Darts at His Wife's

Photo and Not Even a Single One Hitting the Target...

From another room wife called the hus-band, "Honey What Are You Doing?"

Husband: "MISSING YOU"... ***

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY...Women are like phones:They like to be held, talked to and

touched often.But push the wrong button and you're

disconnected.......***

Difference Between Complete & Fin-ish...

People say there is no difference be-tween COMPLETE & FINISH. But there is... When you marry the right one, you are COMPLETE.... And when you marry the wrong one, you are FINISHED.....

And when the right one catches you with the wrong one, you are ... COMPLETELY FINISHED!

***Romantic...SMS She sends the following message:"My love if you're sleeping, send me

your dreams; If you're smiling, send me your smile; If you're crying, send me your tears. I love you."

He replied: I'm in the toilet. What do I send?

***There are 3 kinds of men in the world:Some remain single & make wonders

happen,Some have girlfriends & see wonders

happen,The rest get married & wonder what

happened!?***

The A B C...After being married for thirty years a

wife asked her husband to describe her.He looked at her slowly, then said,

"You're A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.... I, J, K."She asked, "What does that mean?"He said, "Adorable, Beautiful, Cute,

Delightful, Elegant, Fantastic, Gorgeous, Honey."

She smiled happily and said, "Oh, that's so lovely! What about I, J, K?"

He said, "I'm Just Kidding!"

Dear Friends and Family, We are deeply saddened by the sudden death

of our dearest Beth. She died on December 13, 2011 in the tragic automobile accident that occurred on the 805, Telegraph Canyon merge. Beth was our family, our friend. She was our assistant, our right hand. She knew the ins and outs of our business here at Harvest Homes/ Harvest Home Lending. She’s been with us over 3 years as a licensed Real Estate Agent, Licensed Loan Originator and Notary Public. She was a dream assistant to both of us. She was very intelligent. In fact, she graduated Cum Laude in her college in the Philippines. She was a licensed CPA before she came to the US. Our relationship was more than an employee employer relationship. She became our best friend and sister. She put her whole being and heart in everything she did and in everyone she worked with. Our clients and colleagues have come to love her as much as we did. She’s been there with us during our highs and lows…crying and cheering with us. We would never forget to thank and appreciate her everyday as she was so much a part of our lives. If I could describe her in one word, it would be…selfl ess.

She just celebrated her 3 year wedding anniversary to her husband Charlie O’Connor.

We called him Uncle Charlie and they were like two peas in a pod…one never without the other. Everyday…like clockwork…when she would leave the offi ce and get into her car, before pulling at she would call him to tell him that she was on her way home. Uncle Charlie would prepare her lunch for work every day enough to share with the whole offi ce.

The night before the accident we had just received an acceptance for her own house. Uncle Charlie and her were buying their fi rst home together.

Life was as good as it could get. We are now mourning the loss of an Angel. She was such a kind spirit. She would openly listen to anyone and you would feel like she was there for you. We loved her so much and it was a blessing to know her. She truly was God sent to us.

One day there was rain…rain took our Beth…the next day there was sunshine.

She is with God now. -Ava and Gillianne “A Blessed thing it is for any man or woman

to have a friend, a human soul whom we could trust utterly, who knows the best and worst of us in spite of our faults.”

You were our blessing Beth. We love you so much.

Beth O’Connor Remembered by Friends

Gloria Elizabeth O’Connor -- November 26, 1969 to December 13, 2011

3. FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET: Healthy eating is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health -- yet about half of Canadians don’t meet the healthy eat-ing recommendations.

4. KNOW AND CONTROL BLOOD PRESSURE: High blood pressure − often called a ‘silent killer’ because it has no warn-ing signs or symptoms − affects one in fi ve Canadians. By knowing and controlling your blood pressure, you can cut your risk of stroke by up to 40 per cent and the risk of heart at-tack by up to 25 per cent.

5. ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Almost 60 per cent of Canadian adults are either overweight or obese − major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Being obese can reduce your life span by almost four years.

6. MANAGE DIABETES: By 2016 an estimated 2.4 million Canadians will live with diabetes.Diabetes increases the risk of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), coronary artery disease, and stroke, particularly if your blood sugar levels are poorly controlled.

7. BE TOBACCO FREE: More than 37,000 Canadians die prematurely each year due to tobacco use, and thousands of non-smokers die each year from exposure to second-hand smoke. As soon as you become smoke-free, your risk of heart disease and stroke begins to decrease. After 15 years ,your risk will be nearly that of a non-smoker.

A call for focused prevention strategiesWhile this goal of optimal health has been

achieved by fewer than 10 per cent of the population, “it demonstrates the striking potential that prevention has if it is broadly embraced,” says Dr. Yancy. “We know how to prevent heart disease and stroke -- we now need to build the tools to empower our citizens to manage their risk and prevent heart disease.”

Dr. Yancy calls on governments to invest in steady and focused prevention strategies. He says that necessary initiatives include a change in current sodium policies, contin-ued progress in tobacco control initiatives, increased green space, and health education.

“Healthy living is key to preventing heart disease and stroke,” says Bobbe Wood, president of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. “The Foundation is committed to raising awareness about heart health and to promoting public policies that facilitate healthy lifestyles and communities.”

She says that the Foundation will continue to build on partnerships and policies that have led to a signifi cant reduction of trans fats in the Canadian food supply; stronger tobacco

control initiatives; healthy community design; and a continued reduction in the amount of salt in our food products, which has been achieved in part through Health Check™, the Foundation’s fl agship food information program.

Dr. Yancy adds that improved access to health care that focuses on prevention and control of important risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes is also key.

Raising the alarm over looming costs of treating heart disease

Dr. Yancy will also raise the alarm over the looming cost of treating heart disease now and in the future.

With predictions that the direct medical cost of treating heart disease in the U.S. alone could climb to $818 billion in 2030, he says there is a health and economic imperative for governments and societies around the world to embrace prevention strategies.

Heart disease and stroke cost the Canadian economy more than $20.9 billion every year in physician services, hospital costs, lost wages and decreased productivity.

“The opportunity for prevention is not an unrealistic expectation,” says Dr. Yancy. “Over the past 40 years the rates of heart dis-ease and stroke have steadily declined.” The rate has declined in Canada by 70 per cent since the mid-1950s. In the last decade alone, the rate has declined by 25 per cent.

Unfortunately, says Dr. Yancy, these ben-efi ts may be short-lived if the burden of risk, specifi cally obesity and diabetes, continues to grow, especially in children. “We need to act now.” --

Link: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021074730.htm

Far into the night, at the coldest time of the year, in a chilly grotto, more suitable for a fl ock of beasts than for humans, the promised Messiah – Jesus – the savior of mankind, comes into the world in the fullness of time.

There are none who clamor around him: only an ox and an ass lending their warmth to the newborn infant; with a humble woman, and a poor and tired man, in adoration beside him.

Nothing can be heard except the sobs and whimpers of the infant God. And by

means of his crying and weeping he offers to the Divine justice the fi rst ransom for our redemption.

He had been expected for forty centuries; with longing sighs the ancient Fathers had implored his arrival. The sacred scriptures clearly prophesy the time and the place of his birth, and yet the world is silent and no one seems aware of the great event. Only some shepherds, who had been busy watching over their sheep in the meadows, come to visit him. Heavenly visitors had alerted them to the wondrous event, inviting them to ap-proach his cave.

So plentiful, O Christians, are the lessons that shine forth from the grotto of Bethlehem! Oh how our hearts should be on fi re with love for the one who with such tenderness was made fl esh for our sakes! Oh how we should burn with desire to lead the whole world to this lowly cave, refuge of the King of kings, greater than any worldly palace, because it is the throne and dwelling place of God! Let us ask this Divine child to clothe us with humil-ity, because only by means of this virtue can we taste the fullness of this mystery of Divine tenderness.

Glittering were the palaces of the proud Hebrews. Yet, the light of the world did not appear in one of them. Ostentatious with worldly grandeur, swimming in gold and in delights, were the great ones of the Hebrew nation; fi lled with vain knowledge and pride were the priests of the sanctuary. In opposi-tion to the true meaning of Divine revelation, they awaited an offi cious savoir, who would come into the world with human renown and power.

But God, always ready to confound the wisdom of the world, shatters their plans. Contrary to the expectations of those lacking in Divine wisdom, he appears among us in the greatest abjection, renouncing even birth in St. Joseph’s humble home, denying himself a modest abode among relatives and friends in a city of Palestine. Refused lodging among men, he seeks refuge and comfort among mere animals, choosing their habita-tion as the place of his birth, allowing their breath to give warmth to his tender body. He permits simple and rustic shepherds to be the fi rst to pay their respects to him, after he him-self informed them, by means of his angels, of the wonderful mystery.

Oh wisdom and power of God, we are constrained to exclaim – enraptured along with your Apostle – how incomprehensible are your judgments and unsearchable your ways! Poverty, humility, abjection, contempt, all surround the Word made fl esh. But we, out of the darkness that envelops the incar-nate Word, understand one thing, hear one

voice, perceive one sublime truth: you have done everything out of love, you invite us to nothing else but love, speak of nothing except love, give us naught except proofs of love.

The heavenly babe suffers and cries in the crib so that for us suffering would be sweet, meritorious and accepted. He deprives himself of everything, in order that we may learn from him the renunciation of worldly goods and comforts. He is satisfi ed with humble and poor adorers, to encourage us to love poverty, and to prefer the company of the little and simple rather than the great ones of the world.

This celestial child, all meekness and sweetness, wishes to impress in our hearts

by his example these sublime virtues, so that from a world that is torn and devastated an era of peace and love may spring forth. Even from the moment of his birth he reveals to us our mission, which is to scorn that which the world loves and seeks.

Oh let us prostrate ourselves before the manger, and along with the great St. Jerome, who was enfl amed with the love of the infant Jesus, let us offer him all our hearts without reserve. Let us promise to follow the precepts which come to us from the grotto of Bethlehem, which teach us that everything here below is vanity of vanities, nothing but vanity.

Appearing in volume four of the Italian-language edition of Padre Pio’s letters, this essay was taken from Padre Pio’s hand-writ-ten notebooks. To the best of my knowledge, it is presented here for the fi rst time in English. -- Translated by Frank M. Rega, December 2005. “Padre Pio da Pietrelcina: Episto-lario IV,” Edizioni Padre Pio, San Giovanni Rotondo, 2002, pages 1007-1009.

Padre Pio's Christ-mas Meditation


To:

From: GEN SILVERIO

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

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

lines, it costs

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

Fax #

If approved please sign and fax back to

(619) 474-0373

__________________

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

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

AJ-CA_12.23.11

Toni Thompson

5x4x10

200

NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego will receive bids for work at the Purchasing and Con-tracting Department, Contracts Division, 1200 Third Avenue, Suite 200, San Diego, California, where bids are to be submitted prior to time specified. Plans and specifications can be obtained from The City of San Diego’s website: http://www.sandiego.gov/bids-contracts. A pre-bid meeting and/or pre-bid visit to the work site will be held, if indicated, at the time and place specified in the contract documents. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend these sessions.It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its construction, consultant, material and supply contracts. Bids/proposals from small businesses, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and local firms are strongly encouraged. Contractors are encouraged to subcontract and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis.Contractors interested in bidding projects over $50,000 must be pre-qualified. Please contact DAVE STUCKY of the City’s Pre-Qualification Program at (619) 533-3474 or [email protected] to obtain an application.Sign language or oral interpreting services are available at pre-bid meetings and bid openings with a 5 business day notice to the Contracting Division at 236-6000.

1. MBC DEWATERING CENTRIFUGES PRLACEMENT DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTBid No. K-11-5573-DB2. WBS No. S-00339. MANDATORY Pre-Bid Date: January 3, 2012 @ 10:00 a.m. Pre-Bid Location: MBC Dewatering Facility 5240 Convoy Street, Large Conference Room, San Diego, CA 92111. Bid Opening Date: January 18, 2012 @ 2:00 p.m. Construction Estimate: $9,500,000. License Requirement: A.FEDERAL EQUAL OPPORTUNITY CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS.PREVAILING WAGE RATES: STATE, FEDERAL, OR BOTH.THIS IS A CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUNDED CONTRACT THROUGH THE CALIFOR-NIA STATE DEPARTMENT.

Al RechanyDecember 16, 2011

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Wanted: Feature Writers, Advertising Sales Representatives (No experience necessary, full time or part time) Call 619.746.3416

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To:

From: GEN SILVERIO

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

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

lines, it costs

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

Fax #

If approved please sign and fax back to

(619) 474-0373

__________________

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

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

AJ-CA_12.02.11

Bobbi JonesCity of San Diego

4x4x10160

City of San Diego Fair Housing Services Provider

Proveedor de Servicios de Equidad en la Vivienda

As an Entitlement Jurisdiction from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City of San Diego is required to affirmatively further fair housing objectives by compliance with fair housing laws.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego will receive proposals from November 25, 2011 through December 30, 2011, to furnish the City of San Diego with Fair Housing Services as may be required for a period of one (1) year from the date of award, with options to renew for two (2) additional six month periods.

Request For Proposal (RFP) packages for RFP No. 10022554-12-G can be downloaded from the City of San Diego’s Bid & Contract Opportunities web page, found at http://www.sandiego.gov under the Business section.

If you are unable to utilize the online option, proposal packages can be requested by calling the Purchasing & Contracting Department at (619) 236-6000.The proposal closing date is Wednesday, December 30, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. PST.

Si gusta obtener una traduccion gratis de este anuncio, porfavor pongase en contacto con la oficina de CDBG al telefono (619) 533-6280.

To order information in an alternative format please contact the City Clerk’s office at (619) 533-4000 (voice) or (619) 236-7012 (TDD/TTY).

PUBLICATION DATES:

DEC 2, 2011 $160 DEC 9, 2011 $160DEC 16, 2011 $160

TOTAL $480

REF: FAIR HOUSING SERVICES PROVIDER / BOBBI JONES

BILLING INSTRUCTIONS: PLEASE SEND INVOICE AND PAID RECEIPT. CARD ON FILE


“Miracles” Sin City

(619) 702-3051

possible!It would take effi cient and effective

management – planning, leading, organizing, and controlling, to maximize the benefi ts that accrue to attending the CES Show as an enthusiastic member of the industry but now of the Press.

Objectives and priorities must be estab-lished. My barber suggests that I should give priority to those who give you samples for evaluation. Another one in the barbershop says, choose those who host receptions, lunch, coffee, drinks and the like. One friend recommends those who could be potential advertisers to the Asian Journal USA (my publisher). Many suggest checking with Fa-cebook friends, Twitter followers, and Asian Journal and Google blog readers as to what would interest them most.

My decisions have always been made on the basis of practicability, necessity and ben-efi ciality. This one should be no different.

The International CES is the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. As stated around 200,000 hours of work are spent to put on the show. It would take more than 25,000 people to produce it in one day.

No wonder that they have provided certain tools for all parties concerned to take advan-tage of their show.

Each one can virtually create his or her chosen show based on what is practical, necessary and benefi cial.

My CES, My Planner, My Schedule are tools I defi nitely will use. I have started fi lling them out. I will wait for other invita-tions that come daily and sort them out later according to some established priorities.

I have witnessed the launching of several new products and technologies that affected people’s lives over the years. From Digital Audio Technology and High Defi nition Television in the ‘90s to the Satellite Radio, Microsoft Xbox and Blu-ray DVD in the early 2000s and to the New convergence of content and technology, OLED TV, and 3D HDTV in the late 2000s. During the last 2 years, I witnessed the emergence of Tablets, Netbooks, Android Devices, Connected TV, Smart Appliances, Android Honeycomb, Ford’s Electric Focus, Motorola Atrix, and Microsoft Avatar Kinect.

All these happened in the CES and in Las Vegas. By the standards of the old and the very old, they would be “miracles” in the Sin City.

In this coming event, I expect no less but wonders!

Small real estate offi ce seeking part time personal assistant. Good comput-

er/phone skills and knowledge of Quick Books required. Real Estate knowledge a

plus. Must have good driving record. Respond with contact info and brief

work/education history. Hourly 20-30hrs per week to start. Interested applicants

reply to [email protected] with your resume.

ROOM FOR RENT Quiet Neighborhood in

National City. No smoking. No drugs. 619.746.3416

asian journal december 23, 2011 edition

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