manilamail - july 16, 2014

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July 16-31, 2014

XXIII, No. 17 Online: www. manilamail.us July 16-31, 2014

noys fear war with ChinaWASHINGTON D.C. About

out of every 10 Filipinos areed that the territorial dis-with China will lead to mili-onflict, according to a Pewrch Center survey released

uly 14.ven in China itself, pollinged that 62 percent of thec worried that territorialtes between China and itsbors could lead to an armedct, the study revealed.This year in all 11 Asian

nations polled, roughly half or

more say they are concernedthat territorial disputes betweenChina and its neighbors will leadto a military conflict,” the studyfound.

At 93 percent, Filipinos weremost concerned, followed bythe Japanese at 85 percent, Viet-namese at 84 percent and SouthKoreans at 83 percent, accordingto Pew. The Pew Center survey

longe new Chicago

Con-Gen Page 6

Aussie ‘terrorist’

nabbed 9

US troops leaving

Mindanao Page 18

Fil-Am in steamy

movie Page 22

Piolo’s son tries US

band Page 22

Noli’ the opera

goes to DC’s

ennedy CenterDino dela Rosa

WASHINGTON D.C. Thebased on the classic novel

ed by Philippine nationalDr. Jose Rizal, goes to the DC region when it plays

wo evenings at the John F.

edy Center for the Perform-rts on Aug. 7 and 8.roduced by the Mid Atlan-

oundation For Asian Art-nc.(MAFFAA), a Maryland

performing and visual artsization, the opera “Noliangere” is expected to stir

wed interest on Rizal and histhat inspired the establish-

Vargas’ arrest focus on plight of the undocumented in USWASHINGTON D.C.Undocumented Filipino immi-

gration rights activist Jose Anto-

nio Vargas was detained and

later released by the United

States Border Patrol on July 15 in

Texas, sparking an outcry online

and among fellow immigration

activists.Vargas, an award-winning

former reporter for The Wash-

ington Post and other news orga-

nizations, made news when he

revealed that he was an undocu-

mented immigrant from the Phil-

ippines.

Carrying only his Philippinepassport for identification, he

was stopped by Transportation

Safety Agents at the McAllen-

Miller International Airport as

he was trying to board a plane

back to Los Angeles, where his

documentary “Undocumented”

was to be screened.The incident elicited diffeent reactions from two Califonia-based Filipino America community leaders.

“I think it would be good fVargas to go back to the Phili

MANILA. Over a dozenpeople were killed as a powerfultyphoon called Glenda (interna-tional name Rammasun) racedsouth of the capital on July 16with 250 kilometer-per-hourgusts, triggering storm surgesand spreading panic amongtraumatized residents of Taclo- ban hundreds of miles away.

It was the strongest stormto hit the country this year sincesuper typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan

killed thousands in the EasternVisayas region last Novemberand where people were stillstruggling to re-build and restorenormalcy.

Offices and schools in MetroManila and surrounding prov-inces closed for the day. Morethan 370,000 people, mostly resi-dents of coastal and riverside

Continued on page 21

Continued on page 20Continued on page 20


P-Noy vows SC fight over

banned budget schemeMANILA. President

Benigno Aquino III has vowedto fight the Supreme Courtruling that voided a controver-

sial budget scheme that crit-ics claimed usurped Congress’power of the purse and put con-stitutional safeguards againstautocratic rule in peril.

“We did not transgressthe law when we implementedthe Disbursement Accelera-tion Program,” Aquino said ina 24-minute televised speech on

July 14.“We do not want two equal

branches of government to gohead to head,” he added, a mes-sage that some say was a veiled

warning against the SupremCourt, which Aquino had tagled with once before early in thpresidency, accusing then Ch Justice Renato Corona of corrution and lawyering for formPresident Gloria MacapagArroyo, herself on hospital arrepending her trial for plunder.

Corona was impeached bthe President’s allies in Congres

His comments came afttwo polls yesterday showed tpresident’s popularity fell record lows amid an outcry ovthe P144 billion ($3.3 billion) pr

ration rights activist Jose

io Vargas is handcuffed at

airport.

President Aquino


Powerful typhoon “Glenda” wrought havoc on a nation still traumatized by last year’s killer typhoon “Yolanda

(Haiyan).

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World Bank chief sees PH as next ‘Asian miracle’MANILA. Visiting World

president Jim Yong Kimbullish about long-termects for the Philippines,cting it would the next“miracle”.

He noted that while thed Bank downgraded itsall global [economic]

th forecast from 3.2 percentpercent” it maintained itsoutlook for the Philippinese the forecast remainednd 6.4 percent with a lot ofe going into the future.”So I will just say againain these reforms, continue

e path that you’re on, and I

think the future is very bright forthe Philippines,” Kim said.

He was on a two-day visitto Manila to attend the DaylightDialogue in Malacañang, amongother engagements.

Kim also announced that

the World Bank was providing$119 million for the construc-tion of new roads, bridges andirrigation systems in MuslimMindanao in support of effortsto promote peace and economicdevelopment in the region.

Kim later offered a toastduring a luncheon in the Palace,

saying to President Aquino that“each of those things you’redoing are not only the rightthing to do but they’re laying thefoundations for your economicgrowth in the future.”

“Can the Philippines bethe next Asian miracle? [After]coming here, I think there is no

question that is the case,” theWorld Bank chief said.

Kim heaped praise on Aqui-no’s anti-graft campaign, notingthat it has led to the impeachmentof Chief Justice and bringing upcorruption charges against threesitting senators.

“Among the most importa

things you can do is tackle co

ruption and . . . that is one of th

things that the [Aquino] gover

ment is doing frankly better tha

any government in the world

Kim said.

PMA unveils memorial to PH-US allianceAGUIO CITY. The Philip-Military Academy (PMA)uilt a Philippine-Americanorial inside Fort Del Pilarnor Filipino and Americanrs who fought togetherg World War II and cel-e the enduring military tieseen the two allies.he memorial was put up

y on the efforts of US Ser-Academy graduates whoroposed the memorial.ormer President Fidel V.s, an alumnus of West

was the guest speakerg the unveiling. The USepresented by Capt. Johnton of the Joint US Military

Advisory Group (JUSMAG).“The combined experiences

over the years illustrate thattogether both countries can over-come challenges and bring peaceand hope to those in need,”Cranston said.

He added that “the ability ofPhilippines and US armed forcesto work together to confront any

difficulty…is a path throughwhich we will make a strongpartnership even stronger and aclose relationship even closer.”

The US remains a principal benefactor of the Philippine mili-tary, providing millions of dol-lars in defense assistance eachyear, including the turn-overrecently of two former US CoastGuard cutters to the PhilippineNavy.

Also gracing the event werevarious alumni of the US Mili-tary Academy at West Point, theUS Naval Academy at Annapo-lis, US Air Force Academy inColorado and the US CoastGuard Academy in Connecticut.

WB chief Jim Yong Kim with Pres.

Aquino

Philippine American Memorial at

the PMA.

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July 16-31, 2014

Pinoy chauffeur’s killer still roaming freeNEW YORK. Investiga-

have ruled out hate crime

random attack that killed

no private chauffeur Robert

res last June 24.

Martires would have turned

t July 14. The unidentified

who punched him, whose

was captured on surveil-

video, remains at large.Chief of Detectives Robert

said the NYPD doesn’t

any belief that it was a

rime at this juncture.”

A report by the Filipino

ter, said police suspect it

could have been related to ten-

sions surrounding a June 21 tele-

vised World Cup match.

Martires reportedly came

out with a friend from late night

eating at Krystal’s Cafe when

a man approached them and

asked Martires if he was Filipino.

The friend said the man threw

a punch even before Martirescould answer and hit the victim

in the face.

Martires reportedly fell back

and hit his head on the pave-

ment.

He was brought to Elmhurst

Hospital Center in critical condi-

tion and died in the morning of

June 24.

Another Filipino, multi-

awarded journalist Randy Gener

was attacked while walking

home from a party last January

17. Gener survived after being at

an intensive care for a long time.

His assailant was never pros-

ecuted.

A makeshift memorial was

put up near the site of the attack,

and had grown to include a flag

of the Philippines, flowers andcollection baskets to help pay for

Martires’ wake and funeral.

Assemblyman Francisco

Moya (D-Jackson Heights) has

urged the public to share any

information they may have sur-

rounding the assault.

“Queens, the borough

diversity and community, w

not tolerate such hatred and vi

lence in our midst. An attack o

an innocent person is an atta

on all of us,” Moya said.

The Philippine Consula

General in New York said it

conducting its own inquiry

coordination with law enforc

ment authorities “to ensure

speedy administration of ju

tice.”

Robert Martires

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PH lauds US resolution on South China SeaWASHINGTON, D.C. The

pine government said it

mes a United States Senate

ution urging China and

parties to the Declaration

nduct in the South China

ot to undertake new uni-

l attempts to change the

quo prevailing in the dis-

areas since 2002.

hilippine Ambassador

L. Cuisia Jr. said Resolu-

412, which was passed by

enate last July 10, also reaf-

d Washington’s strong sup-

or freedom of navigation in

outh China Sea and, more

rtantly, its Mutual Defense

y with the Philippines.

n his report to Foreign

s Secretary Albert F. Del

Rosario, Cuisia said the reso-lution was introduced by Sen.Robert Menendez (Democrat,New Jersey), Chair of the SenateCommittee on Foreign Relations,and co-sponsored by SenatorsMarco Rubio (Republican Flor-ida), Ben Cardin (Demo-crat, Maryland), John

McCain (Republican,Arizona), James Risch(Republican, Idaho), andPatrick Leahy (Demo-crat, Vermont).

“We welcome thepassage of Senate Reso-lution 412 and expressour gratitude to Chair-man Menendez and hiscolleagues in the SenateForeign Relations Com-mittee for their supportof the Philippine posi-tion,” Cuisia said.

The resolution

also “urged all parties torefrain from engaging indestabilizing activities,including illegal occupa-tion or efforts to unlaw-fully assert adminis-tration over disputedclaims and ensure thatdisputes are managedwithout intimidation,coercion, or force.”

In its resolution,the US Senate said thePhilippines properly

exercised its rights to peaceful

settlement mechanisms in filing

an arbitration case against China

and expressed hope that Beijing

abides by the ruling.

The resolution, which came

a few weeks after Manila pro-

tested the reclamation activities

being undertaken by China in

other disputed areas in the South

China Sea, also reaffirmed the

strong support of the US govern-

ment for freedom of navigation

and other internationally lawful

uses of sea and airspace in t

Asia-Pacific region.

Cuisia also noted that sa

Senate Resolution 412 reaffirme

the US’s long standing policy o

Article 5 of the PH-US Mutu

Defense Treaty.

obert Menendez

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July 16-31, 2014

Cruise liners keen on PH products on voyagesMIAMI. Cruise line passen-could soon savor Filipinoties like the malunggay tea,tes like the coconut sugareven the world-renown

Miguel beer on their next

ge, the Philippine Embassyvealed.hilippine Ambassador. Cuisia Jr. said officials ofval, Royal Caribbean, andegian Cruise Lines whom

et during a recent economicmacy mission in Floridaall expressed serious inter-carrying products from thepines in their cruise ships.The cruise lines welcomedroposals for them to carrypine-made products suchuvenirs and furniture asas other alternatives thatould offer their health con-

scious guests such as coconutsugar and malunggay tea,” theenvoy said.

Agriculture Attache Josy-line Javelosa, who accompaniedCuisia in the mission, said coco-

nut sugar and malunggay tea areamong the products that haveproven to be promising in termsof consumer reception in UnitedStates-based trade shows such asthe Natural Products Expositionsand Kosherfest participated in by Filipino food manufacturersduring the past few years.

In addition, Javelosa saidthe cruise companies were alsourged to consider San Miguelproducts as well as fresh Philip-pine mangoes and bananas.

Commercial CounselorMaria Roseni M. Alvero, whowas also accompanied Cuisia,

said that food products offeredto the cruise liners go through astringent pre-qualification pro-cess but she is confident thatPhilippine food products havea very good chance of being car-ried by the cruise liners.

Alvero said Philippinemainstreamed products likedried and processed fruits, sea-food and beverages will benefitnot only cruise guests but alsothe large number of crewmem-

bers who favor ethnic foods andcondiments.

Alvero said the PanamaCanal expansion project, whichwill be completed next year,would also be advantageous toPhilippine companies willing topenetrate not just the cruise shipmarket but also South America.

“The expansion of thePanama Canal will also resultin greater trade with the US andSouth America as it will take a

shorter time for Philippine foo

exports to reach their destin

tions,” she said. “This is som

thing the Philippines should ta

advantage of.”

According to Eric Olafo

Port of Miami Cargo Develo

ment Manager, the Panam

Canal expansion will minimi

travel time of goods from thPhilippines to the Port of Miam

from over 21 days to 18 days.

Calonge is new PH ConGen in ChicagoAmbassador Generoso

Calonge, former Philippineenvoy to Israel, is the newConsul General in Chicago.

He took over the post last July 8, replacing AmbassadorLeo Herrera Lim who has beenreassigned to the Philippineconsulate in Los Angeles.

Calonge is a career diplo-mat whose service spans almostthree decades. He has served inPhilippine diplomatic and con-sular missions in WashingtonDC, Moscow, Abu Dhabi, Dubaiand Saipan.

He also worked in variouscapacity with the Departmentof Foreign Affairs’ Office ofthe Undersecretary for Policy,Undersecretary for InternationalEconomic Relations, Under-

secretary for Special Concerns,

Office of Legal Affairs, Office

of Intelligence and Security Ser-

vices, Office of Middle East and

African Affairs, and Office o

Asia and Pacific Affairs.

He earned his bachelor’

degree in Economics from th

University of the Philippine

in Manila 1976; a law degre

from the University of the Phil

ippines in Diliman in 1985; and

capped this with a Masters o

Laws from Harvard Law Schooin 1988.

Calonge also attended th

Officer Cadet School at Portse

of the Australian Army as a Mil

itary Science scholar from 1978

1979 under the Philippines

Australia Defense Cooperation

Program.

The Calonges have thre

children, Golda, Nikki and

Joshua Benedict.

ar Filipino fare could soon become regular offerings aboard cruise

Ambassador Generoso Calonge

with lawyer-wife Gloria

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July 16-31, 2014

Dr. Carag leaves legacyWASHINGTON D.C.her pillar of the Filipinoican community hasd away after a gallant fightcancer, leaving behind a

egacy of service.Dr. Ellen Regalado Caragd many roles throughoutlmost 65 of life (July 17,

– July 9, 2014): Loving andg wife. Devoted and nur-g mother. Savvy businessr. Health educator. Com-ty servant.

Upon earning her medi-egree from the Univer-

of Santo Tomas in 1974,practiced anesthesiology

Manila Doctors Hospital,pine General Hospital,

other Metro Manila hospi-before immigrating to thed States with her husbandhree children. Settling in

hern Virginia in 1986, Ellened her career and volun-

work to helping people whon need. She persevered tonvolved in the Washing-D.C. metropolitan commu-o foster the health care ofwith special needs and they.llen was a fellow of theington, DC Area Geriatrication Centers Consortium,Certified Retirement Coun-of the National Associationtired Counselors. Nation-he actively involved herself

in launching the Medicare Part Dprescription program. Locally,she co-chaired several events forsenior citizens in the Metro DC

region.Since 2006, Ellen served as

Vice President of the DC Metro-politan Asian Pacific AmericanMarrow Network, and spear-

headed efforts to increase aware-ness and provide education tothe local community about theneed for Asian American bonemarrow donations, and to dispelmyths about the process.

With a passion for educat-ing the next generation of healthcare professionals, Ellen servedas a professor at the PerpetualHelp College of Medicine and atthe University of Saint AnthonyCollege of Nursing, Philippines,as well as an instructor at the

Medical Education Campus,Northern Virginia CommunityCollege, Everest Colleges, andthe Virginia University for Ori-ental Medicine.

In her final years, Ellenfounded a non-profit organi-zation, AACEES, which pro-vides scientific, educational,

spiritual, social, cultural, andhealthcare services, in order tomake a difference in the lives ofothers. Many community members received benefits throughher non-profit organization, andit was her vision for AACEES tocontinue beyond her earthly life.

B e y o n dher work inhealth care,Ellen was anactive memberin the localCatholic com-munity. Sheserved, among

others, as Par-ish-Based Mis-sion Coordina-tor for BukasLoob sa Diyos(Open in Spiritto God) Cov-enant Commu-nity, a Catholicc h a r i s m a t i ccommunity offaith seeking to be living wit-nesses to the

Word of God, and actively par-ticipating in the life and missionof the larger Catholic Church.

With a deep love for herFilipino roots, Ellen joined theMovement for a Free Philip-pines, which sought to restoredemocracy to the country after ithad been under Martial Law.

Ellen also served as officer ofseveral local Filipino AmericanAssociations and joined the Phil-ippine American Foundation forCharities (PAFC) and NationalFederation of Filipino Ameri-can Associations (NaFFAA) tosponsor programs for the seniors

wellbeing and mental healthShe was a founding member the Philippine American Cham ber of Commerce of the MetDC.

PAFC President MGrossman remembers her an active volunteer, “We havknown Dr. Ellen Carag as

long-time fearless advocate fthe seniors, a courageous soand ally to the depressed, ana consistent giver and receivof courage. The Lord used hto encourage and strengththe people she touche

Dr. Ellen Regalado Carag

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July 16-31, 2014

Grandfather gets jail after pit bulls kill toddlerMARTINEZ, California. Aar-old grandfather whose

ulls fatally mauled his two-old Filipino step-grandsonentenced to a year in prisonhree years of probation, butstay free until a pendingl is resolved.teven Hayashi is married topina, Leticia. In 2010, two-old Jacob Bisbee, reportedlyered into Hayashi’s garagewas mauled to death byshi’s pit bulls.

Leticia’s son, Michael Bisbeeand his two boys, Jacob and Jeremy, were living with theHayashis at the time of Jacob’sdeath.

Both Jacob’s father andHayashi reportedly left thehouse, leaving the two young boys home with Leticia, who wasasleep.

Hayashi was convicted ofinvoluntary manslaughter andchild endangerment in April andDistrict Attorney Mary Knox

urged Judge Kennedy to hand

down the maximum sentence of

10 years in prison.

During the hearing, Hayashiwas allowed to speak by the judge and he expressed deepremorse, saying he would havedone anything to save the tod-dler.

“I don’t think justice evercould have been served in this,”said Knox. “It was entirely anavoidable tragedy. A two-year-old is dead. So quite frankly, nosentence, no punishment brings

justice.”

Hayashi’s attorney Dav

Cohen said, ”I just think this

one of those things where the

isn’t going to be a satisfacto

solution but as I was arguing

court this family needs to he

and it doesn’t help this terrib

situation to prolong the matt

and for Steven Hayashi to spentime in state prison.”

Trial for Pinoy murder suspect delayedREMONT, Ohio. The start

l for an undocumented Fil-

charged with killing three

including an off-duty cop,

March has been postponed

e his lawyers more time to

r evidence that may exon-

him.

gmidio Mista, 33, is thepal suspect in the deaths

-year-old off-duty Elmore

Officer Andy Chavez,

ar-old Ramiro Sanchez

4-year-old Daniel Ramirez

g a shooting spree inside

ast Call Bar in Fremont,

last March 9.

udge Barbara Ansted

ed a motion by Mista’s

el David Klucas to move

art of the trial from Aug. 4

to Sept. 8.

Mista is charged with three

counts of murder, one count of

attempted murder, one count of

felonious assault and one count

of possessing a firearm in a bar

which could net him up to 75

years in prison.

The court has imposed extra

security for the trial because of

heightened passions, including

the death of a police officer.

After initially allowing

Mista to wear street clothes to

the trial, Ansted decided he

would continue wearing his

prison jumpsuit to pretrial hear-

ings and wear restraints under

his clothing.

His lawyer was worried

about Mista’s appearances in

local media, suggesting poten-

tial jurors could see photos of

his client in a jail uniform and

restraints and assume guilt.

Steven Hayashi

Pinoy in triple murder

asks for public defenderSAN DIEGO, California. A

Filipino American murder sus-pect has been allowed to get apublic defender after dismiss-ing his previous lawyer, setting back the long-awaited trial.

Carlo Mercado, 30, has been indicted for the shooting

deaths of Salvatore Belvedereand Ilona Flint at a MissionValley shopping mall park-ing lot last Christmas Eve, andGianni Belvedere, Salvatore’s brother and Flint’s fiancé, whowas found dead inside thetrunk of his own car about 100miles away almost a monthlater.

His previous lawyer,Michael Berg told reporters thatthe defense team has not beengiven any details or evidence

on what led police to suspecMercado is responsible for thtriple homicide.

Investigators found “substantial probable cause” linking Mercado to the slayingsSan Diego police homicidLt. Mike Hastings said. H

declined to elaborate and provided few additional details

Mercado, who is reportedly a gun aficionado, is also being held on separate guncharges after two pistols and anassault rifle were recovered inhis car on Jan. 18.

The victims’ families hadhoped the trial would reveathe motive for their deaths.

Mercado faces a 25 years tolife prison sentence.

Igmidio Mista

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July 16-31, 2014

Pinoy overseas voters breach 1-M markMANILA. The numbergistered overseas Filipino

s breached the one mil-mark for the first time this

h, less than two yearse the next presidential elec-in May 2016.

The preparations by thertment and the Commis-

n Elections led to a success-art for the registration pro-

cess,” Foreign Affairs SecretaryAlbert del Rosario said in a letter.

The number of applicantsincreased by 7.5 percent from the

midterm elections last May 2013.“The challenge for OV regis-

tration is to maintain the momen-

tum by keeping the overseasFilipinos interested and engaged

in this democratic process,” DelRosario said.

It was the first time in the11-year history of the Philippine

overseas voting that it hit themillion-mark.

The OAV registration will

run until October 2015.DFA Undersecretary Fred

Santos of the Office of ConsularAffairs said newly registered

voters will have access to thePassport Division’s Courtesy

Lane for faster passport renew-als, among other consular con-

cerns.“If said registrants need to

renew their passports, they no

longer have to set an appoint-ment to apply for renewal. Their

overseas voter registration stubissued by the OVRC will allow

them access to the Passport Divi-sion’s Courtesy Lane,” Santos

said.

Another DFA official Rafa

Seguis predicted that at t

current pace of registration,

was possible to reach the tw

million-mark for the 2016 pre

dential elections. “Attaining th

goal can definitely be a gam

changer,” he opined.

NAIA asks travelers torn on laptops, phones

MANILA. Taking theirrom security officials in

United States and Europe,rities at the Ninoy Aquino

national Airport (NAIA)begun requiring all passen-bound for abroad, regard-f destination, to switch onelectronic gadgets before

e allowed to board flights.he Department of Trans-tion and CommunicationsC) issued the verbal orderparting passengers to turn

eir gadgets after these passgh x-ray machines.f the gadget fails to work,em will be confiscated andarer will be detained forioning by security officerse airport, according to the

Ninoh Buhay, shift super-

visor at NAIA’s Terminal 1,revealed that prior to the neworder, they were inspecting allelectronic devices through x-raymachines and scanners.

The move comes in the wakeof a new regulation by the USrequiring travelers bound therefrom Europe and the Middle East

to submit to closer inspection ofelectronic items such as laptopsand smartphones over fears thatmilitants linked to al-Qaeda aredeveloping new explosives thatcould be slipped onto planesundetected.

The Philippine Airlines isthe only carrier at NAIA that hasdirect flights to the US.

Delta Air, Cathay Pacificand China Airlines have stop-overs in other Asian countries before proceeding to the US.

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July 16-31, 2014 1

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July 16-31, 2014

US school picks Fil-Am for top journalism postNEW YORK. Filipino-

ican journalist Andrew

gal has been named the first

of Journalism Innovation

Civic Engagement by the

ersity of Oregon.

DeVigal, 45, had previously

ed a multi-media editor of

ew York Times.Aside from being inaugural

he will also be the first pro-

of practice in the School of

alism and Communication

(SOJC). He will begin his new

duties in September.

Julianne Newton, interim

SOJC dean, said they chose DeV-

igal for his “dynamic history of

developing innovative, award-

winning journalistic projects for

national and global communi-

ties.”According to the University

of Oregon, funding for the new

chair position and the Center for

Journalism Innovation and Civic

Engagement was made possible

through a $5 million gift from an

anonymous donor, with $2 mil-

lion given to endow the faculty

chair and $3 million donated

toward the $25 million dollar

endowment goal for the center.

The Center for Journalism

Innovation and Civic Engage-ment is expected to develop new

models of journalism that engage

citizens and build stronger and

more effective communities.DeVigal said he was draw

by the opportunity to co

laborate with the faculty an

develop journalism educatio

Prior to his appointment in th

University of Oregon, DeVig

was director of content strateg

at Second Story which is know

for interactive storytelling.

DeVigal is a self-describe“natural organizer” who lik

to divide information into buc

ets to understand the differe

pieces of the story. In doing th

he will ask himself such que

tions as, “What is the informatio

about?”, “Who does it affect

and “What is at stake here?”

The “true craft of a journa

ist,” he said, was to make thin

clear for the viewers and reade

Andrew DeVigal

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July 16-31, 2014 1

f you’d like your organiza-events to be included, pleaseyour information to Mauresea Owens at mpapoose@aol.

ul 19 (Saturday)m. Monthly Filipino

St. Bernadette’s Catho-hurch, 7600 Old KeeneRoad, Springfield, VA

. Contact rsaldana at [email protected] 20 (Sunday) 3:00pm La

Alumni Assn and thepine American Founda-for Charities, “Welcome

Reception for the First Fili-pino Astronaut,” Chino Roque(part of a 22-person contingentselected from 60 countries, tofly into space next year, aboardthe XCOR Aerospace Lynx Air-craft). Luciano’s Pizza and Res-taurant. Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax,VA. $5.00 for pizza an drink.Contact: Rolly Saldana at [email protected] or MaureseOwens at [email protected].

Jul 20 (Sunday) Bicol Asso-ciation of Metro Washington,DC2014 Penafrancia Nove-nary. Nativity Catholic Chuch,

6001 13th St. N.W., Wash-ington D.C. 20011. Novenaat 1:00 o’clock pm; Mass at2:00pm;Fellowship 3:00pm; Pot-luck 2 liter of soda per family.

Jul 20 (Sunday) 10:00am-dusk. UP Alumni Assn AnnualPicnic, Rock Creek Park PicnicGrove #24. Contact: Liza Virata-Theimer at [email protected]

Jul 27 (Sunday)

10:00am Birhen ng Anti-polo, USA, Inc. DevotionalMass. Basilica of the NationalShrine, 400 Michigan Ave NE,Washington, DC 20017 tel (202)526-8300. Contact: [email protected]

Jul 27 (Sunday) 1:45pm Fili-pino American Basketball Assn.Semi-Finals and Finals. SouthCounty High School, CentreCourt, 8501 Silverbrook Rd.Lorton, VA . Check http://www.fabametrodc.org for

detailed schedule Jul 28 - 31 Philippine Dept

of Foreign Affairs and Dept ofTourism “Ambassadors, Con-suls, General and Tourism Direc-tors VIP Tour,“ Annual programopen to all. Three-night stayin Dusit thani Hotel in Makati,with meals and entertainment,wreath-laying ceremony at RizalPark, tour to villa Escudero inLaguna, visits to special sites

in Manila and Makati. Led byAmbassador Jose Cuisia, Jr. Forinformation, visit www.acgtdt.com or contact the PhilippineDepartment of Tourism Officein New York at 212 575-7915or [email protected]; or the Phil-ippine Embassy in Washington,D.C. at 202 467-9398 or [email protected].

Aug 8-9 (Fri-Sat) Mid Atlan-tic Foundation For Asian Art-ists, “Noli Me Tangere” (TouchMe Not) as an opera, based on

Jose Rizal’s novel of the samtitle. Kennedy Center Eisehower Theater. Tickets at $6$80, and $100 Proceeds fMHC’s Project “RebuildinLives, Building the Futurof typhoon “Haiyan” victimBenefactor: GPARCC. Cotact: www.maffaa.org or 44240-8734.

Aug 7-10 (Fri-Mon) NationFederation Filipino America

Association “National Empowerment Conference.Town County Resort and ConventioCenter, 500 Hotel Circle N, SDiego, CA 92108. Details, cotact: empowerment.naffaa10.or

Aug 9 (Saturday) Philipine Association of Metrpolitan Washington Enginee(PAMWE) 34th Annual Fudrasing Gala Fairview Marrio3411 Fairview Park Drive, FaChurch, VA 22042. Formal. $7Contact Hazel Russell 703 69925.

Aug 9 (Saturday) All SainFilipino-American MinistMonthly Rosary and Meeing. 9300 Stonewall Rd., Manasass, VA. Contact: Leila 571-241984

Aug 16 (Saturda8:00am. ANCOP Walk for tPoor (5K). Jones Point Park Point Jones Drive), AlexandrVA. To register: ancopusa.org

Aug 16 (Saturda7:30pm. Monthly FilipinMass. St. Bernadette’s CathoChurch, 7600 Old Keene MRoad, Springfield, VA 22152.

Aug 23 (Sunda10:00am Birhen ng An

polo, USA, Inc. DevotionMass. Basilica of the NationShrine, 400 Michigan Ave NWashington, DC 20017 tel (20526-8300. Contact: bnantipologmail.com

Sep 6 (Saturday) Philipine Nurses Association MDC 3-K Family Fun/RunWalk. Tucker Road CommuniCenter Park, Tucker Rd, FoWashington, MD. $30. ContaNora Mendoza at norrad72verizon.net

Sept 13-14 (SaturdaSunday) Asian Festival, Ros

croft Raceway, Ft. WashingtoMD. Contact: Bing Branigin [email protected]

Sep 13 (Saturday) 6:30 pm LSalle Philippines Alumni Assciation “Bente Berde” (LSPATurns 20) Crystal City MarrioHotel, 1999 Jefferson Davis Higway, Arlington, VA 22202. $per person includes dinner-danand chance to win a cruise ftwo to the Bahamas. Restrtions apply. Checks payable “LSPAA” with memo “BenBerde Gala” and mail to: AuroArellano at 6615 Burlington PlaSpringfield, VA 22152

Sep 27 (Sunda10:00am Birhen ng AntipoUSA, Inc. Devotional Mass. Basica of the National Shrine, 4Michigan Ave NE, WashingtoDC 20017 tel (202) 526-8300. Cotact: [email protected]

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014News in Pictures

Philippine Assistant Secretary for

the West Philippine Sea and Consul

General of the San Francisco Con-

sulate Henry S. Bensurto, Jr. (top

left) spoke at the 2-day annual South

China Sea conference of the Center

for Strategic and International Stud-

ies in Washington D.C. on July 10.

Fellow panelists are, from left, Dr.

Vu Hai Dang (Vietnam), US law

expert Jerome Cohen, Dr. Bing Jia

(China) and CSIS senior fellow

Murray Hiebert. In attendancewere government officials, mem-

bers of think tanks, and diplomats.

Also in attendance is MGen. Delfin

Lorenzana (Ret) of the embassy’s

Philippine Veterans Office (right,

foreground). Bensurto briefed the

meeting about the Philippines’ arbi-

tration case before the UN Tribunal

at The Hague. (Photo by Angelyn

Tugado Marzan)

Meet the new labor attaché in the Philippine embassy in Washington D.

He is Angel Bora (right) who replaces Labor Attache Luzviminda Padi

who returned to the Philippines to assume her work at the Overseas Worke

Welfare Administration. (MC Branigin)

n. Hernando Iriberri, Commanding General of the Philippine Army,

ne 30 visited Washington DC upon the invitation of US Army Chief of

Gen. Raymond Odierno. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown

r at the Arlington National Cemetery, met with Gen. Odierno at the

gon and paid a courtesy call at the Philippine embassy where he was

ed by Deputy Chief of Mission Ariel Penaranda . (Phillippine embassy

.

MHC’s youngest envoy 2 1/2 year old

Milo Lopez, the only child of Manny

Lopez and Mylene Manawis, proudly

waves US and Philippine flaglets at

the Migrant Heritage Commission-led Fil-Am contingent at the 4th of

July US Independence Day Parade

in Philadelphia, the birthplace of

American Independence . Little Milo

in igorot costume, was the darling of

the crowd, the most photographed

and the most applauded participant

at every block of the parade. This

year, the “Thank you America and

the World banner” was displayed by

the Migrant Heritage Commission

(MHC) (MHC ) co-Executive Direc-

tors Grace Valera and Jesse A. Gatchalian together with the other MHC Envoys/friends and volunteers includin

ISA’s 2014 MISS TEEN PHILIPPINES-AMERICA BEAUTY queens Angela Dizon, Chaee Remigio, Isabelle Garci

Donna Escorpeso, Susan Hoffman, Jessica Tardencilla and Sunshine Hassell. Photo by Manny Lopez

GOPs go all out to win Fil-Am voteshe following photos, sub-

d by Manila Mail national

Bing Branigin and Ninio

vo of the Republican

nal Committee in Wash-

n D.C. , show how active

candidates are wooing the

no American votes nation-

Cong. Scott Rigell (R-VA

, Virginia) with members

e Fiil-Am CAG-NaFFAA

g the Fil Am Friendshipheld last July 5 at the Red

Park, Virginia Beach, Vir-

The annual event attracts

and appointed officials

rginia as well as Filipino

icans from as far as North

ina and Northern Virginia

sts were welcomed to the

ican-style cookout with

ar Filipino food that local

izations prepare for the

on. At the big tent, local

Filipino personalities pro-

entertainment with tradi-

Filipino dances, Polyne-hip hop, ballads, and many

(Photo by Bing Cardenas

gin)

econd photo submitted by

RNC in Washington D.C.

s Virginia Republican sena-

torial candidate Ed Gillespie par-

taking Filipino food at the July

5th celebration in Virginia Beach.

(GOP photo)

Congressman Mike Coffman poses with Marelyne Chung, president of th

Philippine American Society of Colorado and Nelle Strasheim, presiden

of Filipino American Community of CO during the recent visit of the US

singers in the state. (GOP photo)

Mayor Will Sessoms waves at the crowd during the opening ceremonies

Filipino American Friendship Day in Virginia Beach on July 5th. Driving t

car is Filipino American State Delegate Ron Villanueva. (Photo by Juli

Legara)

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 1Around DC in Pictures

ts joined Fil-Am group pushing for the grant of Temporary Protected

for undocumented Filipinos in the US in demonstrating in front of

hite House on July 4th. Among those in the group are Jon Melegrito

FFAA, Arnedo Valera of Migrant Heritage Commission, Mr. and Mrs.

Baesa, Pilar Walsh, Steve Hermosisima , Dr. Carolyn D. Castro and

yn and Rico Marzan. (Photo by Eric Lachica.

Jon Melegrito “serenades” Dr. Mody and Mady Rivera (2nd and 3rd from left) during their joint retirement par

at their home in Maryland last July 5. Also in photo are Dr. Mitch Lopez and Myrna Lopez, Manila Mail columni

More than a hundred guests attended the party. (Bing C, Branigin)

and Delegate Kris Valderrama, her father Judge David Valderrama

d), husband Abe Lobo and her kids, pose during the Appreciation Day

tendered by supporters at the Multicultural Center, near the National

r on July 13, 2014. Shown are Immigration Attorney Miriam B. Ried-

(with hat, extreme left) and her mother, Mrs. Avelina Bustamante,

me R) presenting a painting to Kris as a gift to her and to her con-

ts at the 26th Legislative District of Maryland.

LA-based Filipino American fashi

designer Puey Quinonez was o

of the eight international designe

to present their collection at the

Summer Fashion Show at the O

World Trade center in New York C

last June 25. His collection was t

favorite at the show and New Yonews broadcast featured him

their newscast the next day. Pho

shows Quinonez (4th from le

with glasses) posing with, from le

Momar Visaya, Bing Branigin a

local Fil Am fashion watchers in t

greater New York City.

More than one hundred Filipino and

Asian Americans attended the day-

long Town Hall meeting of the Asian American Pacific Islander Associa-

tion (AAPIA) and the White House

Initiative on AAPIA at the Munici-

pal building in Philadelphia last

month. Photo shows, from left, A.

J. Macarma, Brad Baldia, president

of the Filipino American Chamber

of Commerce of PA and southern

New Jersey; Nina Ahmad of the

President’s Advisory Commission

on Asian Americans and Pacific

Islanders; Susan Lusther, Advisor,

WHIAAPI; Sara Manzano Diaz,

Regional Administrator, US General

Services Adminstration, and Eric

Macalma, Firestarter Group. (BingCardenas Branigin)

Marilou Padilla Gallardo poses with the special awardees of the Maril

Padilla Gallardo Piano/Organ/Keyboard Studio after the successful “Mu

Magic” piano concert held June 21, 2014 at the John Addison Concert H

in Fort Washington, Maryland. In photo are Gabriela Ruhlmann and Lau

Ruhlmann (Outstanding Piano Studio Awardees, Jonathan Jeter (2014 S

dent of the Year) and Mrs. Gallardo, Studio and Concert Director.

ae B. Burgos, daughter of Mr. Rommel and Mrs. Maricel Burgos of

ia who recently marked their 25th wedding anniversary, smiles as she

ly displays her diploma after graduating from Tuscarora High School

e 16, 2014.

What’s up, coz? This photo of t

2-year old cousins seated on a cu

in Vienna, Virginia has elici

smiles and praises from those w

saw it on Facebook and elsewhe

The kids are Eva F. Flores, daug

ter of Ian and Vanessa Flores of S

Jose, California and her cousin, G

F. Andres, son of Eric and Cin

Andres of Vienna, Virginia. G

laughs as he sits beside Eva w

is sucking her thumb. The Flores

flew to Virginia last month to c

ebrate Eva’s birthday with cousand other relatives. (Photo by E

Andres)

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

S military winding down in MindanaoAMBOANGA CITY. The

d States is pulling out of its

ies inside the Armed Forces

Philippines (AFP) Western

anao Command headquar-

where most of the US special

tions in Basilan and Sulu

run for over a decade.

Col. Erik Brown, team under

int Special Operations Task

-Philippines (JSOTF-P) has

tedly told local officials,

y Zamboanga City Mayor

Isabelle Climaco-Salazar,

were in the process of scal-

ing down and eventually ending

their activities at the Philippine

Army camp.

Since the JSOTF-P was estab-

lished there, about 600 American

military officers and servicemen

were rotated every six months.

They improved existing facilities

inside the camp, including new

structures to house troops and

provide for recreation.

The US Embassy in Manila

recently reported that the US

Pacific Command has deacti-

vated the JSOTF-P, which was

established in 2002 to help train

and equip Filipino troops to fight

the Abu Sayyaf and other terror

groups in the country.

‘Resurrected’ baby is buried, finallyAMBOANGA DEL SUR. Ababy that allegedly moved

r own funeral and becameubject of a video that wenton social media, was finallyd last July 15 after doctors

the corpse had alreadyd decomposing.

Wena Romarate finallyted the fate of her 2-year-aby, Sydney, but only afterck doctor told the familyby’s spirit would no longerck to her body.he story of the “resur-

d” baby made the roundse after family membersed the little girl had comerom the dead while a priestdministering last rites.

A video showing the baby’sgrandfather lifting the baby out

of the wooden coffin and carry-ing her out of the church, believ-ing the girl’s head moved wasposted on Facebook and quickly

spread on the internet.Family members then

brought the girl to the hospitalagain to confirm her alleged res-urrection.

Doctors, however, con-

firmed that the little girl wasreally dead. Her family buriedthe baby at a local cemetery inAurora town.

Romarate said she is nowconcerned for her two other chil-dren who are presently confined

at Zamboanga del Sur MedicalCenter. She said she does notknow what ails them.

The US is winding down operations from Zamboanga City headquarters.

Viral video shows grandfather carry-

ing baby.

Pacquiao’s next opponent

has Master’s degreeMANILA. Boxing promoter

Bob Arum inked the deal for Fili-pino boxing champion MannyPacquiao’s next bout, a Novem- ber clash with Long Island’sChris Algieri in Macau.

The Top Rank Inc. executive

said Algieri and his promoterswere able to work out the differ-ences within their camp and hasaccepted the terms of agreementfor the November 22 (November23, Manila time) bout.

“We have a deal,” Arumtold Dan Rafael for a report onESPN.com

The New Yorker will report-edly earn a career-high $1 millionfor the welterweight title clashwith Pacquiao, a huge jump fromthe $100,000 he received when heupset Ruslan Provodnikov last June.

Algieri said he felt rewarded by the opportunity to fight oneof boxing’s biggest stars, addingthat he had no problem climbingup weight just to square off withPacquiao at 147 pounds.

“He wants the fight andhas no problem going up inweight. He wants the welter-weight championship. He wantschallenges. He loves the idea.He wanted to fight for anotherchampionship and he loves thathe is fighting Manny Pacquiaofor it,” said Joe DeGuardia of

Star Boxing and Banner Promtions.

“He looks as Manny as aelite of the game. He wants climb another mountain. If wins this fight, you have the staof another era,” he added.

The 35-year-old Pacqui(56-5-2, 38 KOs) has won wortitles in a record eight weigclasses. In his last fight last Ap12 in Las Vegas, Pacquiao oupointed Timothy Bradley Jr.

regain the welterweight tithe had lost to Bradley in a cotroversial split decision in Ju2012.

Algieri is a former kickboxwho grew up in a middle clafamily, went to college and evetually earned a master’s degreHe says he wants to go to medcal school when he is done wihis boxing career. He also woras a nutritionist.

“I think it’s an interestinfight between him and MannyArum said.

Manny Pacquiao and Chris Algie

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 1

Australian nabbed in Philippines over alleged Isis linksCEBU. Authorities have

ed an Australian Islamic

her who has allegedly been

g for “jihad” and recruiting

no Muslims to fight in Iraq

yria.

olice arrested Melbourne-

e Robert Cerantonio, 29,

goes by the alias of Musa, inLapu City, Cebu last July

Australian federal police

been reportedly tracking

ntonio for months and is

ted to take him back to

alia for more thorough

ogation.

His arrest has been lauded

as a sign of major gains in Philip-

pine-Australia security coopera-

tion. It was the first known link

between Islamist militants in the

Philippines and foreign jihad-

ists who support conflicts in the

Middle East.

Cerantonio is considered by

terrorism experts to be one of theworld’s most influential “inspi-

rations” for militants in Syria

and Iraq, according to Australian

media.

He is said to have a huge

online following and is sus-

pected of using social media to

recruit militants and urge Mus-

lims to kill western leaders.

Cerantonio had report-

edly given lectures in support

of the Islamic State of Iraq and

Syria (Isis) in Basilan and Sulu

and is suspected of distributin

an online video showing wh

appear to be militant Filipin

prisoners inside a top-securi

jail supporting Isis.

Filipino Muslims have a h

tory of taking part in conflict

the Middle East, with some mi

tants fighting in Afghanistan the 1980s.

Australia recently listed Is

along with the Islamic State

Iraq and Levant (Isil) as a terro

ist organization and warned th

those who have fought with

financially support a listed te

rorist group can be jailed for u

to 25 years.

16 killed in clash of NPA, Manobo tribesmenCAGAYAN DE ORO. At

16 people were killed in a

between tribesmen andmunist rebels in a remote

of Prosperidad, Agusan del

st July 15.

About 100 New People’s

(NPA) rebels attacked the

of Manobo chief Calpito

but the tribal leader and his

wers fought back, said mili-

pokesman Major Christian

The datu (tribal chief) did

give in to their extortion

demands,” he told reporters. The

battle site was just three kilome-

ters away from the provincialcapitol in Prosperidad and the

headquarters of an army combat

battalion.

Thirteen rebels, two tribes-

men and a soldier from a mili-

tary unit that went to help Egua’s

men were killed, Uy said.

Egua, the local leader of the

Manobo mountain tribe who

turned to mining, and a soldier

were also slightly wounded in

two hours of fighting, he added.

Just days earlier the NP

overrun a municipal police st

tion in Alegria town in the adjcent province of Surigao d

Norte, killing two policemen an

holding 4 others hostage.

NPA guerrillas also kille

two Mindanao mayors

ambushes over the past tw

months.

Small clashes and raids fr

quently leave small numbers

people dead, but the recent figh

ing was among the deadliest

the past decade. NPA fighters have hands full against tribesmen.

Australian Islamic preacher Robert Cerantonio after arrest.

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

of the first republic in Asia.A major sponsor of the

here, the Migrant Heritagemission and its brain trust,er Arnedo Valera, Gracea and Jessie Gatchalianin a combined essay, “Few

s have made a more shat-impact on our society than

two novels. And no novel-

id a higher price for self-ssion. Rizal was executedfiring squad mainly becausese two books.Filipinos, inspired by theses, initiated the first nation-evolution in Asia in 1896,ished its first democraticlic, which survived untiland in 1946, exactly half ary after Rizal’s execution,

me the first Asians to win

independence from Westerncolonialism.”

The novel was first pub-lished in 1887. Two men, Felipede Leon who composed themusic and Guillermo Tolentino,who wrote the libretto, later became National Artists of thePhilippines.

MAFFAA exists to propa-

gate, perform and present therich and diverse cultural artisticworks associated with the Philip-pines and Asia.

A compelling novel aboutlove, betrayal, oppression, ven-geance and hope, it’s an ador-ing love story set against a repul-sive political backdrop of tyr-anny, torture and murder.

“Noli Me Tangere (TouchMe Not) depicts the abuses suf-

fered by the native Indios at thehands of the Spanish tyrants.Rizal took the collective experi-ence of oppression and gave thata face, through the characters inhis “Noli Me Tangere.”

The story of “Noli” is onethat Filipinos all too well, fromCrisostomo Ibarra’s discoveriesafter his return to the country,the sad fate of the unfortunateSisa, to the truth about Crisos-

tomo’ love, Maria Clara.Rizal’s novel tells of the

cancer that plagued society, andwhat actions can spark a revolu-tion for change.

Loida Nicolas-Lewis, whospearheaded the idea of bringing“Noli Me Tangere” to the stage, brought the production last year,along with executive producer,costume and set designer JerrySibal and assistant executive

producer Edwin Josue. The NewYork production sold out thethree days that it ran and waseven reviewed by New YorkTimes.

The team will next stage theproduction in Washington D.C.’sKennedy Center. This operaticrendition breathes new life into Jose Rizal’s masterpiece. “It’s anopera made in the same spirit ofVerdi, of Puccini, of Bernini.

Grand opera in the Italian style,”Lewis said.

The difference? It issung entirely in Filipino.

The MHC observed that,“This opera is not only a retell-ing of Rizal’s Noli but also show-cases the richness of Philippineculture. This is artfully donethrough the melodies and tonesthat composer Felipe de Leoncreated, as well as the rendering

of period costumes.

“Noli Me Tangere enthraand enchants as classical operdo, but also highlights artis

elements that are distinctly Fipino. The interplay between eaand west is both quaint and br

liant. It sets itself apart, aesthecally and culturally, from typicwestern operas.”

It also intends to showcase the world-class talent of

Filipino cast. The saga contiues, be inspired by the novel Dr. Jose Rizal that sparked tPhilippines revolution! Dai

Tucay, president of GlobAdvocates on Philippine Retirment and Counsel (GPARCC

will be the benefactor and host this highly anticipated opera. Ftickets, call the Kennedy Cent

at 202-467-4600.

respondents from 44 coun-

China has seen tensions rise

Japan and the Philippines,of which claim Beijing has

inappropriate steps inast and South China Seas,e claims of several island

s are under dispute.

According to the report, Japan, the Philippines and Viet-nam see China as the greatest

threat, while China as well asMalaysia and Pakistan list the

United States as the biggestthreat.

Every other Asian nation

surveyed, including Bangladesh,

India, Indonesia and Thailand,see the United States as theirgreatest ally -- although Indone-sia also sees America as its great-est threat.

Among citizens of the 44nations surveyed, 40 percentsaid they believe the UnitedStates was the world’s present-day super power, compared to49 percent who said so in 2008.

The number who consid-

ered China the leading super

power, meanwhile, rose from 19

percent six years ago to 31 per-

cent today.

Fifty percent of respondents

said China would eventually

replace or has already replaced

the United States in that role,

compared to just 32 percent wh

said China would never do so.

Across the nations su

veyed, excluding China, 49 pe

cent of people expressed a favo

able opinion of China, compare

to 32 percent unfavorable.

oys fear war with... from page 1

oli’ the opera goes... from page 1

munities, were brought toation centers.

Manila’s power distributor,co said 5.3 million homesost electricity in the capi-

nd surrounding provinceshat it could be days beforees were restored to some

Commuter train servicese capital were suspendedse of the lack of power asinter-island ferries, includ-o the holiday island ofay where 300 tourists were

ded.ublic Works and High-Secretary Rogelio Singson

etired Admiral Alexander, the executive directore National Disaster Riskction and Managementcil (NDRRMC) said casual-

ties were relatively light.“I am happily surprised

because of the minimal casual-ties and damage,” Singson said,adding the typhoon had passedthrough the most populated areaof the country, with about 17 mil-lion people living in its path.

“We fled our home just before dawn when the waterstarted rising up to our ankles,”said housewife Dayang Ban-suan whose shanty home alongManila Bay was completelydestroyed.

“I was really frightened,they (neighbors) were sayingthe winds were getting stronger.

They were telling us to evacu-ate,” she recalled.

Still, others ignored thewarnings and almost paid dearlyfor it.

“I thought I was going todie. I went out to look for gaso-line in case we needed to evacu-ate, but it was a mistake,” said

tricycle driver Pedro Rojas, 35,as he nursed a cut head whilesheltering at a town hall on theoutskirts of Manila.

“My tricycle rolled overtwice after I slammed into sheetsof rain. It was like hitting a wall...huge tin roofings were flyingeverywhere.”

It was the first major stormsince Super Typhoon Yolanda(Haiyan) devastated the easternislands of Samar and Leyte inNovember last year, killing up to7,300 people in one of the Philip-pines’ worst natural disasters.

Those areas felt only lightrain and winds on Tuesdayand Wednesday, but that wasenough to send panic throughsome Yolanda survivors who are

still struggling to rebuild theircommunities.

That crisis spawned a mas-sive relief effort that continues

today. Filipino Americans in theMetro DC region recently held a benefit concert at the KennedyCenter in Washington DC fordisaster victims in the Philip-pines.

“They are scared becausetheir experiences during Haiyanlast year are still fresh,” SocialWork Secretary Dinky Solimanexplained.

“I feared we were going torelive our nightmare, when wehad to swim for our lives,” saidfisherman Alfredo Cojas, 49, wholeft his shanty home in Tacloban,

Leyte for an evacuation center.Tacloban bore the brunt of thedeath and destruction fromsuper typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan.

Soliman said many went

back to the city’s Astrodomwhere thousands sought sheter and dozens drowned durinstorm surges in the Novemb

disaster.Singson and Pama said th

government was more preparthis time, after the devasttion caused by super typhooYolanda/Haiyan, evacuatinpeople at risk in coastal and lanslide-prone areas well before ttyphoon made landfall.

The storm brought storsurges to Manila Bay anprompted disaster officials evacuate slum-dwellers on tcapital’s outskirts.

The Philippines is hit babout 20 major storms a yea

many of them deadly. The Souteast Asian archipelago is oftthe first major landmass to bstruck after storms build abothe warm Pacific Ocean waters

res killed in first big... from page 1

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 2

” said Rudy Asercion inerview on Balitang Amer-

but I’m happy he’s getting

ue, he’s getting his day in”I hope that whatever comesf these proceedings will becedent so we can have arehensive immigration

m,” he added.awyer Rodel Rodis notedhe Fil-Am community haspressing the White Houseant Temporary Protecteds (TPS) for Filipinos in thed he said they sensed “thathappen”.

He said the grant of TPSenefit at least 200,000 Fili-

who are in a similar condi-with Vargas. “Jose Antonioas is providing the face forhousands of faceless Fili-

as well as non-Filipinosht in this vortex of thisn immigration system.”

In a statement, U.S. Customs& Border Protection said Vargaswas detained “after he stated

that he was in the country ille-gally” and that he was releasedon his own recognizance.

The incident immediatelyturned the spotlight on deporta-tions of immigrant youths in aregion where tens of thousandsof unaccompanied children areflooding in from Central Amer-ica.

“I’ve been the most privi-leged undocumented immigrantin the country,” Vargas wrotein an article posted on politico.com in which he contemplatedthe possibility of being detained

in Texas. “The visibility, frankly,has protected me.”

Vargas, 33, was brought tothe US at age 12 to live with hisgrandparents and didn’t knowhe was undocumented until hetried to get a driver’s license four

years later.He visited the Texas-Mexico

border to help raise awarenessabout the plight of undocu-mented immigrants.

“I cannot fully imagine thetreacherous, dangerous, desper-ate and long trek to safety, free-dom and some kind of peacethat these children are goingthrough,” Vargas told a crowd inone gathering earlier.

“Like a lot of people in ourcountry, I have been very angryand lost and confused watch-ing television and looking atwhat’s happening,” he said. “Allof these politicians are basicallyplaying political football withour lives.”

The arrest immediately

drew national attention, inpart because Vargas, who onceappeared on the cover of Timemagazine, has so publicly calledfor an end to the policy of deport-ing young undocumented immi-grants who, like him, grew up in

the US and consider themselvesAmerican, LA Times reporterMolly Hennessy-Fiske wrote.

US Immigration and Cus-toms Enforcement (ICE) said

the agency had not previouslyencountered Vargas and hadnot previously issued an orderfor his detention. The agencysaid it was focused on promot-ing border security and remov-ing “criminal individuals whopose a threat to public safety andnational security.”

New York City Mayor Billde Blasio also weighed in onVargas’ detention in Texas.

“Jose Antonio’s detain-ment today at a Texas airport,close to where he was workingto document the plight of refu-

gees, shows how our immigrantenforcement agencies are fail-ing to use their discretion anddetaining long-time immigrantswho do not pose a threat to oursecurity,” he said in a statement.

“Jose Antonio has spent

most of his life in the Unite

States, he was educated b

American schools, went on

receive a Pulitzer Prize whworking as a journalist at th

Washington Post, and eventally disclosed his undocumente

status to advocate for a mucneeded debate around citize

ship. He exemplifies what Ame

ica is about,” the mayor addedCristina Jimenez, managin

director of United We Dream

said Vargas’ arrest highlighte

the struggles many undocmented immigrants face.

“We stand in solidarity wi

Jose Antonio and demand for h

immediate release, but we muremember that there are tho

sands of people along the bordthat live with this same fear eve

day,” Jimenez said. “Once agaithe Border Patrol has proven

be a rogue agency after arrestin

Jose Antonio, a low-priority cafor detention and deportation.”

rgas’ arrest focus... from page 1

known as DAP. The con-rsy threatened to tarnishno’s anti-corruption creden-nd side-track the country’smic growth, expanding 7.2nt last year.he Philippine Stocknge Index fell by one per-he same day, the biggestsince May 29.

he firestorm over the DAPs amid the closely-followed

and prosecution of threeinent senators for their rolealleged scam involving P30n of the Priority Develop-

Assistance Fund (PDAF),known as lawmakers’

barrel.Aquino pledged to stamp

out pork-barrel budgets lastAugust after thousands turnedto social media to criticize thesystem. Civic groups took tothe streets on June 12 to seek theremoval of politicians embroiledin the scandal.

The DAP approved in2011 fast-tracked infrastruc-ture spending in the three years

through 2013 and gave perks tosome lawmakers.

The Supreme Court on July1 voided parts of the program,months after stripping lawmak-ers of their discretionary budgetpower.

“DAP follows the law andadheres to the mandate grantedto the executive branch,” Aquino

insisted, arguing that “We didthis to properly allocate funds,and by so doing maximize the benefits that the people mayreceive.”

He said the program ben-efited education and electrifica-tion, while helping an economythat was suffering from publicunderspending.

“DAP is good,” Aquinostressed.

“Our intentions, our pro-cesses, and the results were cor-rect,” he said, adding that thefunds were used “for the benefitof Filipinos…and not for later,not soon, but now.”

The president said his gov-ernment would appeal the deci-sion so the high court can “morefully and more conscientiously

examine the law.” He also saidhe would seek a supplemental budget from Congress to ensurethat all benefits are delivered.

Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and BongRevilla, now detained whileawaiting the start of their trialfor the pork barrel scam, wereamong those who received DAPfunds for various projects in2012, according to a statement

from Budget Secretary ButchAbad.

Aquino on July 11 turneddown the resignation of Abad,one of his top economic officials,after 15 groups filed a plundercomplaint against the budgetsecretary.

The groups includingKabataan Partylist and Youth

Act Now alleged that Abad “sy

tematically misappropriate

converted, misused, and ma

versed public funds” throug

the spending program.

The Philippine Dai

Inquirer exposed the so-calle

pork barrel scam in July last yea

sparking a government inves

gation that focused on busines

woman Janet Lim-Napoles the alleged mastermind of t

scheme.

Lim-Napoles, who is

jail for a separate criminal cas

linked at least 120 sitting an

former lawmakers to the scand

in a May 26 affidavit, includin

some of Aquino’s allies.

Noy vows SC fight... from page 1

Priest’s words to unwed mom stirs protestCEBU. A Catholic priest

berated an unwed teener at her child’s baptismalwas forced to resign afterncident spread throughmedia, triggering an angry

ash.ather Romeo Obach of theregation of the Most Holy

emer said in a statementhe deeply regretted “thes I said and rude attitudeshowed” before performingatholic baptism on the child7-year-old single mother atacred Heart chapel in Jag-, Mandaue City last July 6.I am now making a publicgy to the mother of theand her immediate family,”iest said.I deeply regret that I havethis,” Obach said, addingd only belatedly realized

cruel ways to educate and

rt lessons”.he child’s grandmotherDaitol Frias had caught

him on cellphone camera seem-

ingly humiliating her daughter

in front of friends and family.

“How shameful. You come here

to have your child baptized

without a husband,” Obach was

heard saying in Cebuano.

“You slept with a man who

is not your husband. Do you hearme, girl? Aren’t you ashamed,”he appeared to harangue theyoung mother.

The priest then went on tosay that while the baby had notsinned, her mother did, after sheslept with a man who was nother husband.

Obach also warned themother that the consequences ofher actions may be passed on toher child, as her child was borndue to sin.

The video spread quicklythrough social media. The pub-lic’s angry reaction promptedchurch officials here to orderan investigation and assuredthat “appropriate sanctions onthe part of the involved will beapplied once the investigation iscomplete so that justice may pre-vail.”

The public’s ire only grew

when it was later reported thatthe child was born out of wed-lock after the young mother’s

boyfriend left her for anothgirl. The young mother repoedly attempted to kill herself blater sought psychological intevention.

“As a religious communiwe do not condone such an unaceptable act,” said leaders of thRedemptorist order, to whi

Obach apparently belonged. FAlfonso Suico Jr., the groupmedia liaison, said in a statemethat they were deeply saddene by the incident.

“I am deeply sorry to thmother of the child, her relativethe sponsors and the witness the incident. I am sorry to thinternet viewers, to the medlisteners and the viewers for thmistake. I personally admit. I adeeply sorry and I humbly ayour forgiveness,” Obach said his statement.

Pope Francis had earli

told priests to baptize children unmarried women to pass on thChristian faith.

Video grab of controversial baptism by Fr. Romeo Obach.

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

Fil-Am stars in steamybook adaptation

HOLLYWOOD. Pinoy

e goers will have another

n to catch “Addicted”

h features Filipino-Ameri-

ctress Sharon Leal when it

in October.

ased on the steamy novel

ane, the story centers on

Leal), a woman in a per-

quaint marriage who with

nd (Boris Kodjoe) are busy

g three children while

ed to their careers. How-

it’s not enough to fulfill all

e’s desires as she soon finds

f satisfying her addic-

o sleeping with other men,

h puts her on a dangerous

that may cost not only her

onship but her life as well.

Hollywood is currently on

with movies geared for

audiences and “Addicted”s ahead with the highly

cized “Fifty Shades of

” film adaptation.

Leal was born in Tucson,

Arizona to a Filipina mother,

Angelita, and an African-Amer-

ican soldier who broke up withher mother before she was born.

Angelita later met and married a

sergeant in the US Air Force who

was posted at Clark Air Base,

and legally adopted Leal.

She lived in the Philippines

until she was six years old when

her family moved to Fresno, Cal-

ifornia.

Her big break came in

2006, when she co-starred with

Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson

in the smash hit “Dreamgirls”.

She was also with Soulmen with

Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jack-

son.

She was also part of the

ensemble “Why did I get Mar-

ried” and its sequel.

On TV, Leal was in the

cast of the critically acclaimed

Boston Public for four years. She

also joined fellow Fil-Am actor

Reggie Lee in NBC’s Grimm for

a recurring role.

But having the starring rolein “Addicted” is her biggest chal-

lenge so far to make it into Hol-

lywood stardom.

Piolo’s son auditions

for US boy band Actor Piolo Pascual has

revealed this his son Inigo hasauditioned to be part of anAmerican boy band.

“International, not badright?”, the proud dad pro-claimed.

“So they’re going to house

them, teach them so he’ll getfree lessons for voice, for acting,for dancing,” Piolo said in a TVinterview.

He said he was reluctant toallow his son to join showbiz butfinally relented after seeing howmuch Inigo wanted it. His onlycondition, he said was for Iñigoto finish high school.

Piolo also said that he wants

him to be based in the Unit

States first.

“I was hoping that he

make a name for himself in t

States first, so he won’t have

be in my shadow. People won

have to compare himself to me

he said.

Aside from auditioning

the US, Iñigo has reportedly fi

ished an indie movie and h

also appeared in a commerciwith his dad.

Iñigo has posted on Yo

Tube his video singing cov

songs such as Michael Jackson

“Beat It” with his friend Le

Mitchell.

Legal Wife’s Locsin set to play ‘Darna’MANILA. After playing the

ry’s most famous super-

ne “Darna” on TV, actress

l Locsin is getting ready to

the beloved comic charac-

the big screen.

Appearing on “Kris TV”

n said she is starting her

rations for the movie by

g weight and some heavy

workout that includesThai, although actual

ng for the movie won’t start

September.

he revealed that she a

ed disc. “Rather than get

surgery, I need to strengthen

my core so the workout,” she

explained.

Fresh from the successful

“The Legal Wife drama series,

Locsin said she and co-star Maja

Salvador are still in awe over

how well the show fared, espe-

cially the way how it dominated

social media trends during its

run.The new “Darna” movie

will be directed by Famas-win-

ning director Erik Matti.

The movie is based on the

character created by Mars Ravelo

and artist Nestor Redondo.

“Darna” which first

appeared in “Bulaklak Maga-

zine” in 1950, first made it to the

screen through “Darna at ang

Babaing Lawin” in 1952, unveil-

ing the red bikini through its star

Rosa del Rosario. The characterhas since been portrayed by the

country’s top actresses from Eva

Montes in 1964 to Vilma Santos

in the 1970s to Sharon Cuneta in

1986.

Pinoy group vies for hip-hop

honors in Las VegasMANILA. Legit Status, a

hip-hop dance troupe madeup of the country’s best young

dancers has earned the rightto represent the Philippines inthe Varsity Division of the 2014World Hip-Hop Dance Cham-pionship in Las Vegas on Aug.5 to 10.

The group held a fund-rais-ing concert last July 20 and 27at Ateneo de Manila Universityin Quezon City for the group’shotel accommodations, cos-tumes, food and other expenseswhile they’re in Las Vegas.

Representing the coun-try abroad is not new to LegitStatus, which is composed

of Corinne Catibayan, BillieLorenzo, Gab Garcia, JustinLu, Rock Monreal, Tol Zarcal,Macky Manlutac and Samantha Javier.

The group representedthe country in the Varsity and

Megacrew Divisions of theHip-Hop International DanceCompetition in Las Vegas 2012.In 2013, the group again repre-sented the country in the Var-sity division of the same inter-national competition in Las

Vegas.They will be competingagainst top dance crews fromover 30 nations via a two-minute routine choreographed byoriginal Street Dance CoachVimi Rivera.

Sharon Leal

Piolo Pascual with son Inigo on Instagram

Filipino hip-hop group “Legit Status”

Locsin

Fan Page

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 2

oin the army and become US citizens

Maj. Gen. Antonio

Taguba (ret.)

or my father and me, as

many thousands of Filipi-

who have served in the U.S.

d forces, one of our major

butions to this country was

ilitary service.

My father fought in World

II in the Philippines, as a

te in the Philippine Scoutsbruary 1942 under the com-

of the United States Army

Far East as directed by

dent Franklin D. Roosevelt

y 26, 1941.

He was captured at Bataan

with 72,000 troops. The

ners endured the Bataan

h March where many died

the way. In July 1945, he

repatriated into USAFFE

mand. He was offered the

opportunity to become a U.S.

citizen, an opportunity he honor-

ably accepted.

Like many immigrants in the

United States, my father wanted

a better life for his family, and he

happily served the country that

provided those opportunities.

He retired from the Army in June

1962 as a sergeant first class.I came to the United States

through Hawaii in 1961, and

became a naturalized citizen in

1962. Following in my father’s

tradition, I joined my high

school’s Junior Army ROTC

program for three years, and

continued through college for

another four years. In May 1972,

I was commissioned as a second

lieutenant in the U.S. Army. I

served in the Army for 34 years,

deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in

2003-2004, served at every level

of command and staff positions,

and eventually retired as a two-

star general in January 2007.

A few months ago, Repub-

lican leadership refused to allow

a vote on the ENLIST Act as

an amendment to the National

Defense Authorization Act, andit’s unclear whether leadership

will allow it to come to the floor

as a stand-alone bill. For me, this

is a personal issue, not a political

one, and it goes to the core of our

values as a nation — patriotism,

honor, courage, integrity and

selfless service.

For those of us who have

served this country and continue

to answer the call to duty, those

willing to fight for our freedom

should be allowed to be United

States citizens.My father and I proudly

served our country with honor

and dignity. The ENLIST Actwould provide a path to citi-

zenship for dreamers — youngundocumented immigrants —

who are willing to serve andfight. Like my father and I,

dreamers came to the UnitedStates from another country, and

like us they want to give backand help protect the country

they call home. We are willing to

serve in uniform, to protect ourway of life at home, and sacrifice

our lives for others. Serving ourcountry in

uniform means guarantee-ing our mission with our lives.

It’s been a year since theSenate passed a bipartisan

comprehensive immigration

reform bill, and Republicans inthe House remain hell-bent on

blocking any kind of progress onreform.

Republicans keep sayin

they support fixing our brok

immigration system, but they’

more interested in catering to th

far-right Republicans than doin

what’s right. Republicans’ ina

tion on this issue is outrageou

and their rhetoric is insultin

and distasteful.

I see immigration refor

as a nonpartisan but importa

issue to all Americans who

immigrant ancestors came

America looking for a better lif

The ENLIST Act is the baminimum we can do on this issu

and there is no reason Repub

cans shouldn’t move at the ve

least that piece of legislatio

(Reprinted from Army Times)

----

Retired Gen. Taguba is t

chairman of the Pan Pacific Ame

can Leaders and Mentors, a no

profit that fosters profession

development of military and civili

leaders.

Soldiers take the Oath of Citizenship during their naturalization ceremony at

the United States Embassy in Kuwait. (Photo by Sgt. William White)

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

Key Difference

May asim pa, then-89-year old Senator JuanPonce Enrile said with

k . He scoffed at “romantic to his then chief of staff:Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes.

However, English fails tore the nuances of JPE’s Pili-wisecrack. Loosely trans-JPE’s remark claims his

was still on overdrive,you.ut what a difference aailable plunder charge

make. JPE’s counsels sub-d three medical certificatesenator is ailing. He gobbles23 pills., No. Viagara is not

ded. Confinement in evenr officers’ room would bereatening.hilippine National Police,

ved a room at the PNPral hospital. It measuresers by 4 meters, has bath-and shower, a large glass

ow without bars. It .is airtioned.All animals are equal,”

ge Orwell wrote in his

allegorical novel: “Animal”. But “some animals are

equal than others.”. Theenators Benigno Aquino, Jrose. Diokno could have toldmuch.oth were secretly heli-red to Fort Magsaysay ins a Nueva Ecija. They wereis solitary confinement in

ped cells, shut from sun-with potties for toilet needs.asses were taken, so weren a dictatorship where JPE

main enforcer.What’s so special about? Other elderly prisoners

n regular jails,” Michelleof the Scrap Pork Networks Enrile himself who saide remains strong after stemeatments” Was JPE’s state-he was “ready to die in jaila?orn in Cagayan as Juan-uragganan, JPE took oname of his father: lawyerso Ponce Enrile. He gradu-rom UP, then Harvard lawl. His career oscillated fromof the Marcos dictatorship

ne of 1986 People Powerrs.

resident Corazon Aquinod him for plotting coups.

Save the Queen” wouldinstalled JPE as president.umped into disgrace as the

crumbled. He toweredthe impeachment of Chief

Justice Renato Corona. And in June last year, he was toppled asSenate president.

JPE turned 90 last Valen-tine’s Day. Do “intimations ofmortality?” haunt him, an editor-friend asked. He needs to rewritememoirs launched in 2012, before the inevitable curtainsfall. Titled “Juan Ponce Enrile,”this 754-page book glowinglydetails his relationship with thepast six presidents.

But it smudged key inci-

dents, like shaving votes in 1995to grab a winning 11th Senateslot. The Electoral Tribunal con-firmed, years later, that Sen.Aquilino Pimentel won. JPEslumped into the losers club asNo. 15.

That decision was overtaken by events. Pimentel won thenext elections. And the Court,seven years later, ruled the caseas “moot and academic.” How-ever, Pimentel wedged into thepolitical vocabulary a new termfor vote shaving: dagdag-bawas.

“Can JPE rewrite his flawed

memoirs before his term petersout in 2016?” Like all of us, ourfriend didn’t foresee today’s brawl to stave off arrest. Arewrite of JPE’s memoirs wouldcall for end-to-end revisionof what Rappler editor ChayHofileña calls a tale of “hypoc-risy and contradictions.”

In his book, JPE claims hewas surprised that Marcos usedhis alleged Wack-Wack sub-division ambush as trigger formartial law imposition. Yet, theOfficial Gazette quotes Enrile,after the People Power I, saying:

“it had been staged by Marcosto justify martial law.” So didInquirer on Feb. 23, 1986 and theAge of Australia.

“People have differentimpressions about me,” Enrilewrote. “So let it be.” Hofileña,however, wonders: “Questionis, will the truth-tellers just let it be?”

*** Ferdinand Marcos Jr mean-

while inserted himself into themedia saying he’d considerrunning in 2016. Imelda Mara-cos says nothing better could

happen to the country. Do theythink people. engrossed with theSandiganbayn trials. forget that$354-million contempt judg-ment, slammed by US Courtof Appeals (9th circuit) againstthem.

PNoy’s

Trophies

If you’ve seen pictures ofthe trophy room of wealthysportsmen with the stuffed

heads of wild game mountedon the wall, you know what I’mtalking about. They are trophies.Proof of one’s hunting skills.

Three senators indicted andincarcerated for plunder aremajor trophies too, along withminor trophies like Napoles,Gigi Reyes, etc. Proof of NoynoyAquino’s Daang Matuwid.

As will likely be announcedin his forthcoming state of thenation address, the trophies areintended to show the Filipinopeople and the world that hehas delivered on his vow to ridthe government of corruption.Whatever his detractors mightsay, that’s much, much morethan past presidents can claim,

going back to Emilio Aguinaldoand Manuel Quezon.

Of course, Aquino is notsupposed to rest on these lau-rels. In an ideal world, he andthe entire justice system are sup-posed pursue every single alle-gation of plunder and corruptionand see them all the way throughto conviction or acquittal.

But ours is not an idealworld. You can almost hearAquino snapping, “Aren’t youhappy enough with the headsof three senators, plus a formerpresident, a Chief Justice and an

Ombudsman. What more do youwant????”Depending on whom you

choose to believe - Napoles, Luy,De Lima or Lacson - there aremany other senators, congress-men and assorted civil servantswho deserve to be indicted andincarcerated, in addition to bignames in the executive office.But don’t hold your breath ifyou’re hoping to see their vir-tual heads mounted on Aquino’swall.

In fact, they may not even be mounted on the wall of thenext president or even the next.

Aquino’s trophies are probablyas much as we can expect. Andwe may all have to make do withthat.

There are several reasonfor this. First of all, in ourcountry, the wheels of justiceturn veeeerrrrry slowwwww-wlyyyyy. Secondly, governmentprosecutors are not famous for building airtight cases, whether because of incompetence or because of entrepreneurship.And thirdly, it is doubtful thatAquino is motivated to go afterofficials who are close to him or

are political allies.There is a fourth reason.

Mababaw ang kaligayahan ngPinoy. As a people, we are easyto humor and to satisfy. Half aloaf for us is better than no loafat all. And while this principle

works to the advantage of thosewho are diligent enough to goafter the other half of the loaf,the average Pinoy doesn’t care orcan’t remember.

Take the classic case (orcases) of the Marcoses. Peoplein their mid-30s will likely haveonly a vague idea of the PeoplePower Revolution of 1986. I’mnot sure this part of our coun-try’s history is even a requiredsubject in Philippine schools.

For this reason, it wouldn’t be surprising if most youngpeople do not realize that over 28years ago, the Marcoses – the late

President Ferdinand Marcos,Imelda Marcos, now a memberof Congress representing IlocosNorte, Bongbong Marcos, now asenator, Imee Marcos, now IlocosNorte governor, and anotherdaughter, Irene – were forcedto go into exile, kicked out ofMalacañang by a Filipino peoplethat had had enough – “Tama na!Sobra na!” – of their two decadesin power.

They were subsequentlyallowed to return to the coun-try and consequently brought tocourt on charges ranging from

dollar salting to graft to humanrights abuses. One would havethought that these were “slamdunk” cases, to use the color-ful language of Justice SecretaryLeila de Lima, but the facts tell usotherwise.

According to Wikipedia,“(Imelda Marcos) was acquittedon March 10, 2008 by the ManilaRegional Trial Court Branch 26of 32 counts of dollar saltinginvolving Swiss bank accountsdue to reasonable doubt. Imelda,in reaction to her acquittal, said:‘First of all, I am so happy and I

thank the Lord that the 32 caseshave been dismissed by theregional court here in Manila.This will subtract from the 901cases that were filed against theMarcoses.’ Imelda still had 10pending criminal cases remain-ing before the SandiganbayanCourts.”

Did you get that? 901 cases, by Imelda’s count! And not a dayin jail for her or for any memberof her family. And, irony of iro-nies, they are still in power andare aggressively trying to revisehistory.

Another seemingly “slamdunk” case was the Hello Garcielectoral cheating allegedly com-mitted by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Comelec Chair-man Benjamin Abalos, formerComelec Commissioner Virgilio

Garcillano and accomplices.Guess what. Sixto Brilla

tes, the current Comelec chaman, has announced that hoffice is no longer pursuing tcase because it may have alreadprescribed, with the governmefailing to put together enougevidence to swing a conviction

How could that have hapened? Well, in our countranything is possible. Did I sthe wheels of justice turn veslowly? In fact, sometimes, thdo not turn at all. Or they tuin reverse once they reach thSupreme Court.

At least Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo, accused of severcounts of plunder and electorcheating, is “languishing” in tridiculous Philippine equivaleof a “jail.” But that hospitalnay, hospitable - “incarcerationmay not even be for long.

Recent developments haseen the dismissal of “slam duncases (there’s that De Lima teragain) filed against Arroyo, suas her alleged involvement the P728-million fertilizer funscam; the plunder case involing anomalous projects in Cam

rines Sur that reportedly cost thcountry P700 million; and, soothe Hello Garci case that mademockery of the presidential eletion. And what about the PCSplunder charges?

In dismissing the fertilizscam case, the Ombudsmadecided that there was “no proable cause to file charges againArroyo due to lack of evidence

Given these precedendo we actually believe that thAquino government, in its latwo years in office, will senanyone else to jail for involv

ment in the pork and Malampaya scams?

Do we actually believe thAquino will have any motivatioto even order a serious investigtion of allegations against ButAbad and Proceso Alcala?

Do we actually think that aaffidavit of Janet Lim Napolasserting that she personalgave money to such holier-thathou personalities as Alan PetCayetano will ever gain any tration – especially with Cayetansinging hosannas to Aquino?

And, even assuming th

the improbable will happen, dwe actually believe that goernment prosecutors are competent enough to build airtigcases based on allegations whistle-blowers and affidavits Napoles?

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 2

Letters to the Editor...

Error in jump pageSir:

May I just bring to yourattention the confusing jumppage note on your July 1-15 issue.The articles on opinion page 22(I.e. “A Tribute to Cora” , “Mis-carriage or Justice?”, and “Who’son Trial?”) are supposedly con-tinued on Page 30. In no way doyou have page 30 because yourpaper only has 24 pages with thelast page featuring an advertise-ment for a supermarket. Rum-maging over the pages of yourpaper, I realized that the contin-uation of these aforementionedarticles/opinion page are actu-

ally on page 23.Please notify your layout

artist and copy editors to proof-read the paper over and overagain before final publication.Typographical accuracy helpsedify the integrity of your well-esteemed paper.

Please take this feedback asconstructive comment. I am anavid reader of your paper.

FRANCISCO MACOROL-RENION, JR.

Prince George’s County, MD__________

Thank you for calling our

attention to this error. When thepaging error was discovered bythe layout artist of the ManilaMail, the newspaper was alreadyprinted and distributed.

Our apologies to Mr. Renionand to others who noted the

error.

THE EDITORS

Factual errorDear Editor,The caption of a picture

published in the June 1-15, 2014issue of the Manila Mail aboutDaisy P. Tucay, president of theGlobal PH Advocates of Retire-ment Care Counsel, contains afactual error.. Mrs. Tucay DOESNOT provide Medicaid to retir-ees who plan to retire in the Phil-ippines.

Mrs. Loida Nicolas-Lewisis a valued adviser of the GlobalPH Advocates of RetirementCare Counsel.

DINO DELA ROSAVirginia

--------------The caption was written by

one of our volunteer photogra-pher.

THE EDITORS

‘Funny Wives’?I’m writing about your

recent Manila Mail June 16-30,2014, specifically the Joke section by Mr. Oscar S. Bunoan titled “Stupid Wife”. I enjoy a good jokelike the next person but I find

this to be offensive even in jest.These women in our lives havesacrificed a lot and should never be called stupid. Would you callyour mother stupid? If this isan ongoing title, please correctthis “stupid “mistake and per-

haps change the title to “Funn

Wives”.EMAIL: ‘NICK

------Although there was a cave

in the column “to proceed one’s own risk,” I still would lito say “Sorry” to Nick.

OSCAR BUNOANVirginia

Volunteer copyreaderSir:I am a retired Filipino Ame

ican schoolteacher who was fotunate enough to get hold ofcopy of your newspaper, th

Manila Mail.Your newspaper is ve

good. It’s different from tscores of Fil-Am newspapethat are being published in thUnited States. It’s obvious thit’s being run by real journalist

However, I have noted a fetypographical and grammaticerrors in the issue that I haveam willing to volunteer my sevices as your copyreader to futher improve the already higquality of the Manila Mail.

Thank you.A READER IN NORT

CAROLINA---

Thank you for your offeUnfortunately, because of timconstraints, we are unable furnish you with a draft of t

DACA

renewal

The Secretary of Home-land Security Jeh Johnsonannounced last month that

USCIS will start accepting appli-cations for status renewal of indi-viduals who were granted bene-fit under the Deferred Action for

Childhood Arrivals (DACA).This program grants discre-tionary relief to defer removalaction against certain aliens whoarrived in the US during theirminority for a period of twoyears with work authorization.Individuals who meet the DACAeligibility requirements and havenot yet filed may still apply.

DACA status holders areadvised to file their renewalapplication approximately 120days before the expiration oftheir status.

Applicants must establishthat he/she: (a) did not departthe United States on or after Aug.15, 2012, without advance parole;(b) have continuously resided inthe United States since they sub-mitted their most recent DACArequest that was approved; and(c) have not been convicted ofa felony, a significant misde-meanor or three or more misde-

meanors, and do not otherwise

pose a threat to national security,

or public safety.

The renewal process

involves the filing of Form I-821D

“Consideration of Deferred

Action for Childhood Arriv-

als,” Form I-765 Application for

Employment Authorization, an

the I-765 Worksheet, accomp

nied by documentary eviden

to establish eligibility. The filin

fee is $465.00.

DHS has disclosed that as

April, 2014, 560,000 individua

were granted DACA benefits.

VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 2014

• FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES

First: Unmarried sons/daughters

of US citizens Jun. 01, 2003

Second:

A: Spouses/minor children of

permanent residents: May 01, 2012

B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 yearsof age or older of permanent residents Aug. 15, 2003

Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Mar. 22, 1993

Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Jan. 01, 1991

• EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES

First: Priority workers Current

Second: Professionals holding advanced

degrees or persons of exceptional ability Current

Third: Skilled workers, professionals Jan. 01, 2009

Other Workers Jan. 01, 2009

Fourth:

Certain Religious Workers Current

Fifth: Employment creation/

(Million or half-million dollar investor) Current


Hair coloring and cancer

But our genes, nomatter how good theirsources are, will not

ct us if we abuse ourselvesallow environmental fac-o hurt our body and causese. It is a well known medi-ct that environmental risks

times outweigh positiveitary traits.

What causes pain and ten-ss in the testicles?

One of the commonest

s of pain in the testes isdymitis, an inflammationwelling cause by infection.

ma can cause the same typein. If the pains persist forthan 3 days, with or with-

lump, medical consulta-should be sought to rule

more serious conditions likelly transmitted venerealse, or cancer.acterial infections canbe treated with oral anti-

s, pain pills and warmaths. The predisposing or

pitating factor, if known,

poor hygiene, etc. shouldminated to prevent recur-s.s egg white safe to eat?es, egg white is, but notg yolk (yellow center). Egghas B-complex and ribo-(B-2), and no cholesterol.

poor in Vitamin C and cal-Egg yolk has iron, some

ine (B1), riboflavin, andn (B-3), vitamins A, D, E, B6-12. However, it contains acholesterol, which is bad

ur heart and blood vessels..ge egg has about 252 mg of

sterol and the maximummmended cholesterol intakehigher than) 300 mg per

That is why if one has to eatat all, it is best to eat onlyhite part of it, and prefer-

not fried. Abstinence froms healthier for us, becauseis already too much choles-n our ‘normal” diet.

My father is 64 and hadness of one eye for a fewds a week ago. What could matter?

Amaurosis Fugax, transientness of one eye because ofed carotid (neck) artery

to the brain, is a possibil-iny clots in the tight areaartery could also dislodge

go to the artery of the eyee brain to cause this visualem or even a stroke.

Whether it is accompanied

by other symptoms, such as tem-porary weakness of the oppositearm/leg, slurred speech, theonset of blindness, no matterhow transient it was, is a seriousmatter. Permanent stroke mightwell follow this warning sign. Atleast a doppler ultrasound test ofthe carotid arteries on both sidesof the neck should be done. The best is for your father to see hisphysician before a catastropheoccurs.

Will my parents’ good genesprotect me from diseases?

Your certainly have anadvantage over those with badgenes. But our genes, no matterhow good their sources are, willnot protect us if we abuse our-selves and allow environmen-tal factors to hurt our body andcause disease. It is a well knownmedical fact that environmentalrisks many times outweigh posi-tive hereditary traits. You arelucky to have parents like yours, but this does not automaticallyguarantee you good health and

longevity. What will eventu-ally happen to us tomorrow willmostly be due to what we do toourselves today.

Is formula (bottle) feedinggood for the baby?

Bottle-feeding babies isgood and an accepted practice,especially in the west. However, breast-feeding is better, and, asa matter of fact, the best for the baby and the mother. Breast-feeding confers on the babyimmunity from certain diseases.The motherâ ™s milk has theperfect natural proportion of

constituents for better absorp-tion and digestion and, in 99.999percent of cases, does not causeallergy. It is inexpensive, alwaysavailable wherever the motherand the baby are, and does notentail much time to prepare com-pared to bottle-feeding. It evenmakes maternal-child bondingstronger. Some “modern” moth-ers may feel this is less conve-nient, but formula-feeding isseverely outweighed by the tre-mendous advantages of breast-feeding for the baby. The startingtrend today, even in the UnitedStates, is towards the good old

time natural breast-feeding.What causes painful heels?Painful heels are usually due

to plantar fascitis (some precipi-tated by bony spurs in the heels), brought on by repeated traumaof weight-bearing and jarring.

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

PEACH, KIWI, APPLE AND

AVOCADO VERRINES

Verrines means “glasses”in French. WheneverI prepare the verrines

y guests and family, they

me the center of attraction,

esistible and exciting to eat

y are to look at. Sometimes

I have more time, I fill my

glasses, or even some other

of nice glasses, with dif-

fruits arranged in layers,

kled with my favorite nuts,

h may include tiny diced

mbers or pickles-- anything

armonizes and tastes good

her.

edients:peaches

kiwis

gala or red apples

avocadotablespoon honey

uice and zest of half lemon

inch cinnamon

Garnishing: Mint leaves or

ey

Needed: 4 to 6 wine glasses

Methods:

Wash all the fruits. Peel the

peaches, kiwis, and avocado and

dice about a quarter of an inch

sizes. Do the same for apples but

keep the peels on. Combine all

the ingredients in a large bowl

and mix gently with a spatula

and keep in the refrigerator for at

least half hour or overnight.

Fill the wine glasses halfway

but no more than two-thirds.

Garnish before serving.

Editor’s Note about Master

Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential

Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009,

Filipina Women’s Network; MHC

Most Outstanding Migrant Award

in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFDakila Special Achievement Awar

2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine O

ental Market & Deli, Arlingto

Virginia; Founder and President

CHEW (Cancer Help – Eat We

Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) pub

charity formed to help and cook p

bono for Filipino-Americans w

are afflicted with cancer and oth

serious illnesses; Culinary writ

Member, Les Dames d’Escoff

International, Washington D

Chapter; Member, Internation

Cake Exploration Society, Memb

Culinary Historians of Washingto

D.C.; Master Chef, French Cuisi

and Patisserie, Le Cordon Ble

London.

FIRST WORDS

One day there were threenuns standing outsidethe gates of heaven wait-

enter. St. Peter approachedand asked the first nun,

you know who the firstwas on earth?” She said,

mm that’s tough... Adam?”rang, angels sang, the gatesd, and she walked in.hen St. Peter went to thed nun and asked, “Do youwho the first woman was

rth?” She said, “Ummmm...Bells rang, angels sang, the

opened, and she walked in.t. Peter then asked the thirdast nun, “What were the

words Eve said to Adam?”hird nun said, “Hmmmm,

a hard one.” Bells rang,s sang, the gates opened,he walked right in.

AKERSA guy stops by to visit hisriend. They talk for a whilehen the friend asks, “Myre cold. Would you be soas to go upstairs and get

my sneakers, please?” Theobliges and goes upstairs.he sees his friend’s daugh-both very good looking.the adventurous and quickng kind, he says, “Hi,! Your daddy sent me hereke love to both of you.”hey stare at him in disbe-

nd say, “That cannot be!”He replies, “Okay, let’s!” He shouts at his friendthe stairs, “Both of them?”he father shouts back,both of them!”

SACKED

Returning home from work,a blonde was shocked to find herhouse ransacked and burglar-ized. She telephoned the policeat once and reported the crime.The police dispatcher broadcastthe call on the radio, and a K-9unit, patrolling nearby, was thefirst to respond. As the K-9 offi-cer approached the house withhis dog on a leash, the blonderan out on the porch, shudderedat the sight of the cop and hisdog, then sat down on the steps.Putting her face in her hands, shemoaned, “I come home to find allmy possessions stolen. I call thepolice for help, and what do theydo? They send me a blind cop!”

THE EMAILA Minneapolis couple

decided to go to Florida to thaw

out during a particularly icywinter. They planned to stay atthe same hotel where they spenttheir honeymoon 20 years ear-lier. Because of hectic sched-ules, it was difficult to coordi-nate their travel schedules. So,the husband left Minnesota andflew to Florida on Thursday,with his wife flying down thefollowing day. The husbandchecked into the hotel. There wasa computer in his room, so hedecided to send an email to hiswife. However, he accidentallyleft out one letter in her email

address, and without realizinghis error, sent the email. Mean-while, somewhere in Houston ,a widow had just returned homefrom her husband’s funeral. Hewas a minister who was calledhome to glory following a mas-

sive heart attack. The widowdecided to check her emailexpecting messages from rela-tives and friends. After readingthe first message, she screamedand fainted. The widow’s sonrushed into the room, found hismother on the floor, and saw thecomputer screen which read: To:My Loving Wife... Subject: I’veArrived... Date: July 12, 2014...I know you’re surprised to hearfrom me. They have computershere now and you are allowed tosend emails to your loved ones.I’ve just arrived and have beenchecked in. I’ve seen that every-thing has been prepared for yourarrival tomorrow. Looking for-ward to seeing you then! Hopeyour journey is as uneventful asmine was. P. S. Sure is hot downhere!

LOSTMister: Kalokohan! Di

ako naniniwala! Walang taongganun kataba!

Misis: Saan ang balitangyan?

Mister: Dito sa dyaryo.Sabi; ‘British tourist lost 5,000pounds.’

HAYOPIsang araw, nagtanong ang

anak sa kanyang nanay...Anak: Nanay, anong klaseng

hayop si tatay?Nanay: Naku anak, hindi

hayop ang tatay mo. Mabait siya.Saan mo ba narinig yang salitangyan?

Anak: Narinig ko po si yayaat si tatay sa kusina kahapon.Sabi ni yaya “Hayop ka, Raul...hayop ka talaga!

Nanay: Hayop nga talagaang tatay mo... kakatayin ko ang baboy na ‘yan!

TAPEMisis: Tuwing naririnig

kitang kumakanta, para banggusto kong i-tape.

Mister: Ang sweet namanang misis ko!

Misis: Gusto kong i-tape ang bibig mo!

PAGHIHIGANTIIsang gabi, naglalakad ang

isang lalaki sa may tulay nang

may makita siyang babaeng nasataas ng gilid nito at magtatang-kang magpatiwakal.

“Huwag,” sigaw ng lalaki.Sa kabutihang palad, nakumbinsiniya ang babae na huwag ituloyang binabalak.

Lalaki: Ano bang problemamo, miss, at gusto mong mag-pakamatay?

Babae: Kasi, nahuli ko ang boypren ko na may ibang kina-huhumalingan.

Lalaki: Ganun din angginawa ng girlfriend ko sa akinpero hindi ko naisip na magpak-

amatay.Babae: Ano ngayon ang

dapat nating gawin?Nag-isip sandali ang lalaki...Lalaki: Kung gusto mo,

maghiganti tayo sa kanila.Babae: Paanong paghihi-

ganti?Lalaki: Alam mo na ang ib

kong sabihin... (Nagkaintindihang dalawa.)

Maya maya’y nasa isankuwarto na sila ng motel nangyari na nga ang ‘di dapmangyari....

Nang makaraos si lalaknagsindi siya ng sigarilyo. Nanhalos filter na lang ang natira biglang nagsabi si babae: Maghganti ulit tayo.

Medyo pagod, pero pina bigyan ulit niya si babae. Nan

matapos sila, nanigarilyo ulit lalaki. Nasa kalahati pa lang anyosi nang...

Babae: Maghiganti ulit tayMedyo nangangatog n

ang mga tuhod pero dahil hilig, muling pinagbigyan nisi babae. Muling nakaraos andalawa.

Nagsindi ulit si lalaki nyosi. Unang hitit pa lang niay...

Babae: Ganti ulit tayo.Talagang lupaypay na

kaloy pero para huwag maphiya ay pinagbigyan niya an

kahilingan ng babae.Pagkatapos kumuha siy

ng yosi. Sisindihan palang nan biglang:

Babae: Ganti ulit tayo.Lalaki: (Pagod na) Puwed

ba... patawarin na lang natin si

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 2

pen letter to Sen. EnrileMANILA

hree high-profile senatorsin the Philippines havebeen charged by the Office

e Ombudsman with plun-ver alleged misuse of theirbarrel funds amounting toreds of million pesos. Sens.Revilla and Jinggoy Estradaalready detained (plun-s a non-bailable offense),everybody’s waiting if the

ar-old Juan Ponce Enrileikewise be detained pend-ial. Below is an open letterrile from Manila Observer.ir I am not a fan of yours.nonetheless I would likely to offer some personalhts of mine to you.he news tells us that yousking government to be

nt to you with regard tolooming imprisonment.

s, as everyone knows, overon-bailable plunder chargembuds(wo)man has lodgedst you in connection with

ork-barrel scam.Reportedly you are askingnment to consider your agetate of health in deciding

her to incarcerate you. Youd like to be spared the phys-hardship that that wouldupon you.his is understandable. Andhumane under normal cir-tances. Indeed the stategrant your wish under theiling circumstances. Youyears old.ut my concern for you ishat would not tally with

macho image. You’ve

ys been a sort of swashbuck-personality in Philippinecs and society. You’ve beeng while others are mereueaks who couldn’t hold ae to your aura. You’ve beenverick in the midst of con-sts who don’t have even agen of your image of ar (even though I personallyyou fought for the wrong

s).or these reasons you haveyour share of admirers,

others (including thisle writer) never held you

gh esteem for ideologicalpolitical reasons. You’veed many in the militaryivilian sectors who’ve thenout their fantasies of beingg men of destiny.ou’ve been a poster boy for

those who are guided by idealsthat you’ve personified. They’veidolized you over the years andhave patterned their own careersand exploits after your style.Wouldn’t they now be so disap-pointed by your appeal to gov-ernment to spare you jail time?

I’ve written before that oneof the lasting images of politicaliconography lodged deeply inmy mind is the photograph of

President Salvador Allende ofChile when he was besieged by acoup d’etat on Sept. 11, 1973 andwas in the throes of imminentdeath.

(An aside: what is it with thedate 9/11 that it keeps poppingup in the annals of history?)

There he was at the Palaciode la Moneda in Santiago, stillattired in a business suit, with asemi-automatic weapon in hand,daring death, surely with fear but also with courage.

I have no doubt sir that youare familiar with that iconic pho-

tograph of Allende. It could even be one of your favorite images,even though you and Allendeare poles apart in your respec-tive ideologies, he having been aMarxist.

Sir, this was the image thatinjected itself into my mindwhen your friend, then President Joseph Estrada, was in a similarpredicament. When a throngof militants broke away fromthe tumult in 2001 at “EDSA 2”on Ortigas Avenue in QuezonCity to bring about a final con-frontation with Estrada, in mymind I was urging Erap to doan Allende, to bravely facehis accusers as they marchedtoward Malacanang to storm thepresidential palace and do himextreme violence.

I hadn’t been an admirer ofErap then (or now) either. In factI had been very critical of himin my writings. But, as you wellknow, we Filipinos are a senti-mental and romanticist lot and Ihad wanted the then president tofight for not only his political life but literally his own life.

As Erap faced his dilemma, Ithought of Allende at that point.

Not wishing for Erap to lose hislife the same way Allende haddone but to see him guts his pre-dicament out with aplomb andintestinal fortitude. After all, his

On Our Rites

of Passage(We are reprinting the column

of Mr. Federigan because it was

inadvertently cut in the July 1-15,

2014 issue of the Manila Mail. Our

apologies to the writer. THE EDI-

TORS)

If you-yes, “you”-are my age, born in the years immedi-ately preceding the Second

World War, with the caveat that

you still have the fondness for

remembering, let us, you and

I, tell our children’s children in

this coming sweltering heat of

summer our own days of bygone

youth. Only to our grandchil-

dren, for our own children must

have heard our recollections

hundreds of time.

You must have the courage

and pride to tell them. In the

present climate of technological

wizardry and endless wonders,

recounting how we spent our

years of puberty may sound and

appear too primitive and dark to

their inquiring minds, but to our

generation born in the prover-

bial age of transitions the times

were full of colors, bright shades

of awes, daring, and discoveries.

This was the period of testing

our so-called mettle, our limits,

and what boundaries to cross

in order for us to “arrive.” What

and where it was, we never both-

ered to know; we just did what-

ever our emotions dictated.

So, what anecdotes can you

tell them, these grandchildren

the bloods of your blood? You, I

am sure, have many, lurking in

the bends of your memories. I

too have one to share.

Living with my parents and

siblings in the almost secluded

hamlet in central Manila con-

jures a pamphlet pages from

which I still have to secure for

posterity. Picture a small village

of about one hundred houses

where families share only one

street for the easy access to shar-

ing each other’s needs, com-

fort and conviviality, a street

ending to a protrusion of a land

mass around which the Pasig

River flows. Because the place,

viewed from above, looks like a

pan handle it was given the geo-

graphical, postal name of Punta

(point, in English), a parish dis-

trict of Santa Ana.

And yet, because of the easy

access to Pasig River, Punta was,

during my young years, home to

the Philippine Match Company,

Swedish-owned-and-operated in

the manufacture of chemically-

tipped matchsticks; the Atlan-

tic, Gulf and Pacific Company,

owned and managed by a con-

glomerate of Norwegian, British

and American investors engaged

in ship repairs and waterproof-

ing of timbers; and the National

Shipyard and Steel Corporation,

operated by a Japanese company

in ship repairs and dry docking.

Pasig River then sustained Pun-

ta’s economy.

The river was the lure

to young boys of Punta. The dis-

tance across from Punta’s shore

to the edge of Santa Ana town

was about the length, in my pres-

ent age, of a football field. Thecommon way of crossing it was

paddling on a banca, an inflated

rubber tube of a discarded air-

plane wheel, or on a bamboo

raft. A tributary flowing from

Manila Bay, the water was cool

and the current was foreboding

during rainy seasons. During

summer and dry weather, the

water looked greenish and

tasted salty and warm, a happy

time for swimming on the shore,

for grabbing clusters of passing

water-lilies (known as Quiapos),

knowing that underneath, cling-ing to their roots are edible baby

crabs, and watching older boys

performing their summer rituals

of swimming across and back.

For a third grader in the ele-

mentary school like me, swim-

ming across the length of Pasig

River was a feat I had yet to

accomplish. I had been warned

by my father, himself a good

swimmer, that swimming across

and back, alone and warding off

the strong current flow, would

take a few more years of prepara-

tion. To me, it sounded like I hadto wait for another two or three

years before he could buy me my

first pair of long pants to replace

the shorts I had been wearing.

The urge to belong, to be treated

as equal by my playmates was

persistent. It haunted me.

I cannot recall completely

what made me do it at that par-

ticular moment. The day after

the school bells sounded the last

hours of my third year, I went, in

the heat of the afternoon sun, to

the shore of the Pasig River and

without letting anyone knowtook off my shirt and shorts

and in my underwear made the

sign of the cross, plunged into

the water, and started the kick-

ing strokes I had learned from

my playmates. The current, as

expected was strong and it w

hard maintaining a parallel lin

After countless minutes (to m

it felt like hours) of arm and l

strokes I reached the other shor

but not on the spot I had aime

for.

After resting to slow dow

the beat of my hearts, I walke

back to the spot I had focus

on, mentally adjusting the arm

and leg strokes I had to make

ward off the strong current pu

in swimming back. Making th

sign of the cross the second tim

and plunging again into the sal

water, I started the count of ar

and leg movements I had me

sured to check off the strong cu

rent flow. Midway across, sen

ing that I was not making th

desired headway, I suddenly fe

an unusual sensation in my rig

leg, like a pinprick going into m

veins. I prayed silently for a l

cramp to disappear, envisionin

myself lying in a coffin with m

playmates paying homage to m

dead body.

It was a frightening momen

But all of a sudden I could he

shouts from the shores, loud

encouraging me to swim on

the home shore. Without m

knowing it my playmates ha

decided as a group to swim

the river but held off the mer

ment when they saw me despe

ately maintaining the intende

parallel line. They all embrace

me after I reached the shore.

Of course, my parents wou

later hear about it. I dreaded th

admonitions, the anger from n

heeding their advice, the punis

ment meted out for my escapad

risking my life for self-satisfa

tion. When I was summoned

their bedroom, I had padded m

bottoms for the spanking I w

expecting. Instead, my fath

informed me that coming Sa

urday, he and I would go to th

town’s tailor for measureme

for a bespoke pair of long pant

I was one of the boys

summer. Young girls had the

own experiences that needed

be told later. But for us boys,

our tender age, the borders, th

limits, or the invisible lines we

there for us to be crossed; on

in doing so that we could fe

counted, to be in, to belong.Continued on page 31

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

ate Bloomers

Azaleas go aplomb every-where with their showyand bursting colors

nk (light and dark), red,

e, lavender, white and

e, always a delight to look

proud of their splendor in

onth of May. We see them

rdens and front yards of

s along the way and even

dewalks. The saying “April

ers bring May flowers”

true. They bring a lot of

ent beautiful flowers and

ms, azaleas included. But I

a thing about my azaleas.

are late bloomers. I have

nk ones lined in front of my

en windows facing the front

and stretched to the side of

ont door.

n May, my neighbors are

dy enjoying their beautiful

olorful azaleas, but mine

till all green with leaves.

come out in June withbuds on the first week and

ually in full bloom by the

week. My favorite chair in

tchen nook happens to be

one by the window which

s me to be at a vantage

t of view”. Inside, I could

and see them very well

e able to tell how long the

ms will last. By then, other

as are long gone replaced

her flowers like the hydran-

roses, sunflowers, etcetera.

een itching to visit one of

ommercial gardens alongway to the grocery store to

bout this variety of azalea

s that I have. I wonder what

s said plants different from

hers of their kind in terms

layed blooming. Does it

something to do with the

ss of pollination or this spe-

variety has been a product

me floral experimentation to

op new varieties. I am sure

are other late bloomers

where, but in the subdivi-

where I live, the azaleas are

al bloomers, unlike mine.At their peek, my late

mers are showy not the

double petals variety, but

produce thick and burst-

bunches with protrusive

th, almost luxurious. It is a

pink flowers with not one

petal showing. Oh sure

command attention, which

r wanting to be noticed.

e summer, this is a family

te spot for picture taking.

s another saying goes, “All

things must come to end,”

prolific and showy flow-

e gone in about two weeks.

catch its splendor while

ts.” Now they go back to

g normal green leaves for

ear and in time, come back

other glorious opportunity

to show-off.

A spur of the moment flash

in my head: There is a similitude

or semblance of characteristics

between flora and humans in

terms of being late bloomers.

It was said that by nature, late

bloomers try to compensate with

what was lacking early on when

opportunity comes at a later

time, by luck or otherwise. Their

acts and activities become a bit

different from what they are nor-

mally perceived to be, thus, odd

behavior. This was what a pro-

fessor in Psychology at a univer-

sity where I worked before told

me. Of course, she was referring

to human behavior. She added

that being depraved of attention,

opportunities or anything that

boost the morale of a person will

surface in later years in form of a

rebound, rebellion or sometimes

disregard for standard behavior.

Some are subtle, but some are

more brazen and acted in impu-

dent manner. In other cases, the

transformations are focused on

more acceptable actions to com-pensate for the unfortunate lack

in the past. The latter are made

of stronger fibers in their bodies.

Going back to my late

bloomer azaleas, based on my

observation, they have mani-

fested a surfeit show of abun-

dance with excessive growth,

probably because they have

waited so long to finally show

what they’ve got. Why did they

not bloom early on? Why are

they a little different in repro-

duction from the others of their

kind? These are just a couple of basic questions I wanted to ask

the flower consultants at the local

commercial gardens. But, don’t

take me wrong, I am not com-

plaining about this explosion of

luscious beauty. They definitely

added colors and vibrancy to

our front yard even in short two

weeks in summer.

Recalling my casual conver-

sation with that 501 Psychology

professor after her presentation

on higher psychology, cemented

my claim that there is a simile

in characteristics between flora

and humans, overt or incog-

nito. Our informal conversation

touched on the more basic topic

on why people act as they do.

She said that it is challenging

to really understand the behav-

ior of people in a workplace or

everyday life. It is complicated

and challenging. Each one has a

unique personality, past expe-

riences, upbringing, education

and genes. Psychology has been

fascinating to me. Had I not

taken a Masters degree in Educa-

tion, I could have pursued Psy-

chology.

The professor had cited

examples of odd as well as

normal behaviors of late bloom-

ers. Now they are coming back to

me. I see real persons around and

sure some of them exhibit, true

to what were cited, odd behav-

iors. Lucky are the people who

grew up in normal environment,

receiving proper guidance from

parents, well grounded families,

normal acceptance in school,

with peers, friends and others;

having opportunities to be a part

of groups, gatherings and events,

and getting proper recognition

for given talents, achievements

and successes. Only professional

psychologists, psychiatrists or

even ordinary persons with verykeen sense of observation will be

able to tell who these people are

with recognizable odd behav-

iors. Some are manifested with

pretentious and aggrandize

manners to cover up with the

hidden deficiencies and wants

in early life. Others are subtle

and creative in approaches. The

professor also told me of some

others who are just quietly posi-

tioning themselves. Truthfully,

many of us exhibit quirk and

unique behaviors, but they are

different from the real point ofobservations here.

My hypothesis on the topic

may be flawed, but I will still

consult with a professional hor-

ticulturist about cultivation of

this particular flowering plant.

On the other hand, of course,

I don’t expect him to give me

some insights on connecting

cultivation with the human psy-

chology regarding late bloom-

ers. My husband, as in the past,

has asked me about the topic I

was writing on. As usual I told

him. He retorted: Why do you

choose topics which are chal-

lenging to write about? Pati ba

naman yung pag-bubulaklak ng

azaleas ay may comparison pa sa

tao? I chose not to answer. I had

enough justification for the day.

Ole Ole Ole Ole – A

Soccer Mom’s Refrain

“Lola, I had ELEVENgoals! No, you didn’t!YES I DID. You

weren’t there!” My youngergrandson was incensed. I believed in his claim but his older brother was skeptical especially because he could only boast ofone goal that same afternoon.

This exchange between

them brought me back to myyears as a soccer mom. My sonwas also an enthusiastic soccerplayer when he started playing“futbol” two decades ago. At onegame, Monching scored morethan 9 goals. The referee stoppedcounting after goal number 10.

One of his early coachesapproached me, pointed at myson, and said, “I am confidentI will see him play long afterthis peewee stage.” And he wasright. Ramon went on to becomethe co-captain of his high schoolvarsity soccer team at Gonzaga.But I’m getting ahead of mystory.

My three children arespaced years apart. There is anine-year difference betweenthe oldest and the youngest. Mydaughters did ballet and cheer-leading. I had more than enoughtutus and cheerleading uniformsto fill several closets. By the timemy son was ready for his after-school activities, I was ready toembrace male-oriented sports.

He was a growing boy withan unbelievable stamina. Welooked for an avenue to channelthat energy. He tried basketball

and handled the ball with ease but his medium height madehim a bench warmer, asked toplay only when it would haveappeared petty and spiteful notto. Baseball didn’t interest him.When we introduced him tosoccer we immediately knewit was going to be a good fit forhim.

Our two daughters contin-ued their ballet lessons. And theircheerleading. Piano lessons wereadded at some point. Sometimesthe practices for the three of themoccurred at the same time and

at opposite ends of the county.I became an expert logistician,able to plan a week’s worth ofconflicting schedules with analmost computer-like efficiency.But last minute changes mademe cross-eyed with vexation.

I was logging about 1miles per day, and had to fill uthe gas tank three times a weat minimum. Lucky for me gasline prices were way below thdollar per gallon mark at thtime. Nevertheless, a quarter our budget went to the tank.

Monching showed uncommon talent for spati

judgment, able to visualize tneeds on the field. That spatacumen was a source of bopride and frustration. He deperately wanted to be placeas a center or a striker. Thoplayers received the most praiand attention. But he was moeffective as a stopper, the findefender before the goalie. H barked commands which hteammates followed.

I will never forget the firtime I learned what “offsidmeant. It was at a particularpartisan game between h

Junior Varsity team and a perenial opponent. You see I counot bear to watch his gameswas too nervous to stay seatewithout embarrassing my famiwith screams befitting a shreor worse, a banshee. So at evegame I paced behind a wall spectators until the final whistl

That day I decided to plagrown-up and vowed to sthrough the entire game. WhI saw Monching step back anordered his teammates to do thsame, I was filled with panic. boy from the other team raced the goalie with purpose. “Whare you doing?!” I screamed anwas about to rise. Just as quickthe momentum was halted byloud whistle.

I felt a hand tap me fro behind. One of the fathewalked me through the mechaics of an “offside” and how mson used it to our advantage.

Since my husband workon Saturdays as well, chauffeuing the kids to their weekenmeets was left to me. Monchinteam belonged to the top travsoccer group. Most of their tounaments required driving lon

hours along the south-easteseaboard. That was before GPwas invented. I was both drivand navigator. I planned routand wrote them by hand.


7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 2Editorial

DC 2nd drunkest in US

No, this report did not come fromany of the Tsismosos in the Dis-trict of Columbia. DC, as every-

one knows, is the seat of government, thehotbed of uncompromising politicians.This probably explains why DC is ranked

second to New Hampshire as the drunk-est state of the Union! Perhaps politicians,unable to reach a compromise, spendmost of their time in bars. As expected,Utah came out as the state with the leastdrunken population. This ranking is listcompiled by a group called The Street(Kanto Boys?) in New York. It says the listis based on statistics of the 2010 Bureau ofCensus report.

In contrast, people in Maryland cameout not only as the richest and (third)smartest in the US, they don’t imbibe theagua pataranta as much as other states.

Dumbest is West Virginia , The Streetadds.

As expected, The Street is earningkudos from states that are painted in agood light, and condemnation from thosewho are way down the list.

Predictably, Pinoys in Maryland arethumping their chests with their “I toldyou so” remarks while those in Virginia just keep their silence. “Pare,” said onePinoy to another, “mali talaga ang per-ception ninyo that we in Prince GeorgesCounty are poor and dumb. Rememberthat this is the bailiwick of the Valderramadynasty…oops, just Valderramas – Daveand Kris.

***The drunkest list is topped by New

Hampshire followed by DC, Nevada,North Dakota, Wisconsin, Alaska, Mon-tana, Vermont and South Dakota, indescending order. Least drunkest state areUtah as Number One followed by Arkan-sas, Kentucky, West Virginia, Kansas,Oklahoma, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio andNorth Carolina.

Based on educational attainments,the research group said the dumbest stateis Arkansas followed by West Virginia,Mississippi, Kentucky, Louisiana, Kansas,Alabama, Indiana, Oklahoma and Ten-nessee in descending order. Topping thesmartest state is Massachusetts, secondis Colorado, followed by Maryland, Con-necticut, New Jersey, Virginia, Vermont,

New York, New Hampshire and Minne-sota.

Incidentally, many do not believeTsismoso’s report in the last issue of theManila Mail. “Incredulous,” “unbeliev-able,” and “hinde totoo,” were amongthe reactions of Pinoys to the selection of

Maryland as the richest state of the UnioThey also discount the report that Marland is also among the smartest.

***Quizzes that will determine your ag

and dumbness.

Who was the US ambassador the Philippines when the United Statrestored the independence of the Philipines in 1946?

Who was the President of the UnitStates at that time?

When did the Japanese bomb PeaHarbor in Hawaii?

Who was the US general who led the liberation of the Philippines from th Japanese?

Who was the Philippine presidewho changed the independence day of tPhilippines from July 4th to June 12?

Who is the first Philippine presideto be convicted by the Sandiganbayan

plunder?What is the full the name of the “di

tator” of the Philippines?Who replaced him in 1986?Who was the first mayor of Maka

city?Who is the predecessor of Preside

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino?If you got 10 correct answers,

means you are smart even if you are oto remember everything.

If you got 8 to 9 correct answers , yoare in 60s.

If you got 6 to 7 correct answers , yoare in the 40s.

If you got 5 correct answers, ymust be in the 30s.

If you got less than 5, you are dumtanga.

(Tsismoso composed this test…hha, ha)

***Here’s good news for the Balikbaya

who always suffer from “jet lag” after viting the Philippines.

Some Filipino Americans claim ththeir frequent visits to the Philippinhave turned them into short sleepers. Anthey brag about it.

Well, according to researchers, “ShoSleepers” need less sleep. You know thopeople who claim they can get by on le

than six hours of sleep a night? ABC (nnot the Virginia liquor stores) says a feof them might be onto something. Anwe mean a few. “They never use an alarclock, they rarely yawn, don’t need cafeine, and no naps.”

Averting a constitutional crisisThere appears to be another crisis brewing in Manila,

it’s not about the state’s storm response. Presidentuino, catapulted to power behind a platform of honesternment, is challenging a recent Supreme Court rulinginst his pet Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).The fear of a constitutional crisis does not rise from the

sident’s dissent to the unanimous decision but frommanner it’s been done. In a televised monologue fromacanang, he hurled what some saw as veiled threats

inst the High Tribunal while trying to rationalize theefits of DAP.

The Philippines borrowed heavily from the Americanem of government: three co-equal branches that ensurevided government. It’s a difficult, often unwieldy wayunning government but America’s founding fathersectly surmised it’s the only way democracy for to sur-

e.President Obama has vowed to maximize his executive

wers to go around the opposition-dominated House ofresentatives.

President Aquino has threatened to mobilize hisllow army” against the Supreme Court.t is one thing for a president to question or even protestactions of the other branches of government, but it’s anrely different matter to publicly declare he was usurp-the authority of the others, powers that were vested on

m by the Constitution.Divided government relies heavily on the mutualpect of one branch for all of the others. The minute that

ts down is the moment when democracy becomes trulyeril.


7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

Duty first

Here’s a thumbs up forthe Philippine SupremeCourt. In a 13-0 decision,

the highest court declared uncon-stitutional the DisbursementAcceleration Program (DAP)concocted by the administrationof Pres. Noynoy Aquino. DAPis believed to be the creation ofthe Budget Secretary Butch Abad

purportedly to jump start eco-nomic growth using unallocatedfunds from various governmentagencies.

The Aquino administrationspent billions of DAP moneyfor projects not provided for incongressional appropriations,including allotments to Senatorsfor their designated projects. Thispractice ignores the constitu-tional authority to make budgetappropriations that belongs toCongress.

The decision was a shocker.After the impeachment of former

Supreme Court Justice RenatoCorona, Pres. Aquino picked thenew Chief Justice and appointedthree others. One would thinkthat in political cases involvingthe administration, it would getthe benefit of the doubt from itsappointees to the bench. To theircredit, they have demonstratedthat their independent judgmenthave not succumbed to Filipinomoral value of “utang na loob.”

Integrity trumped loyalty. Ear-lier, the administration also lostwhen the court declared the Pri-ority Development AssistanceFund (PDAF) unconstitutional.

Malacanang tried to miti-gate the political setback byclaiming that at least 91% of DAPfunds were not wasted but spentfor infrastructure and other realproject that benefited the people.Senator Jinggoy Estrada who isnow facing plunder and graftand corruption charges claimedin a privilege speech that themonies distributed for disburse-

ment to Senators supposedly fortheir pet projects were intendedas reward for the impeachmentand removal of former SupremeCourt Justice Renato Corona. Isthis enough smoke to say thereis fire?

There are calls for theimpeachment of Pres. Aquinofrom the militant sector. ThePresident has taken an oath to“preserve and defend its consti-

tution and execute its laws.” His subject to impeachment fculpable violation of the constution. This however requirthat the wrongful act be willful manifest intentional disregard the fundamental law of the lanAquino is trying to hide behinthe shield of good faith and doesn’t look like the people wspill into the streets as there not even a hint that he paddehis pocket. So, Pres. PNoy cahave a sound sleep without tsword of impeachment hanginover his head.

My wise barber howevwarns that PNoy risks impeacment for in your face insult millions of Nora Aunor fanHe dropped the name of thsinging idol and movie supestar from being considered fNational Artist Award despi being nominated by reputabcultural organizations. This h

Speaking of

VargasT

he arrest last July 15 ofarguably America’s mostwell-known undocu-

mented immigrant, Filipino jour-nalist Jose Antonio Vargas, hasre-ignited debate on the urgentneed for immigration reforms.

The incident comes at a timeof mounting political pressureon both Democrats and Republi-cans, either to push forward withimmigration reform or try to putit in the backburner, at least untilafter the November elections.

Both groups are under tre-

mendous heat from their respec-tive constituents, the tug from both ends creating a situationwhere there’s a lot of noise butnothing actually getting done.Vargas, sometimes accused ofnarcissism, has parlayed his pop-ularity (or notoriety, dependingon who you’re talking to) to fuela nascent civil rights movementfor millions of immigrants eagerto build a new life in the UnitedStates.

The immigration debate isundeniably one of the most divi-sive issues in America today. The

schism is often wide and deep,cutting through racial, genera-tional, ideological, economicdivides. Still, it is a debate thatcan’t be ignored, and if recentevents are an indication, can’t bedelayed.

The Republican-led Houseof Representatives has report-edly shelved the immigrationreform bill this year. Congressio-nal districts are not arrayed in away that races can be influenced

by the Latino or Asian immigrantcommunities. Some pundits saythe GOP is eager not to rock their boat, convinced they only haveto stand together to win backCapitol Hill; tackling immigra-tion reform before Novembercould fuel just enough tension todisrupt that, they argued.

Now 2016 is an entirelydifferent game; they will needto win the immigrant vote justlike what President Obama didin past elections. The GOP willhave to woo them, mainly bypassing an immigration bill that

will be palatable both for theirconservative constituents as wellas the bulk of the immigrantcommunity.

Some have asked if Vargas’detention and subsequentrelease was not a political stunt

to embarrass the Obama WhiHouse and push Congress to aon immigration reform soonthan much later, as in, after thNovember polls.

The Pulitzer Prize-winnin

journalist claims ignorance abothe realities surrounding undoumented people in America borders. He said he discoverethis only after he had arrivein McAllen, Texas to help draattention to plight of over 50,0children from Central Americwho’ve poured across the bordin recent months.

Whether by design or bchance Vargas has truly becomthe voice of the millions undocumented immigrants the US. He’s been elevated froa simple poster boy to a symb

of resistance, a rallying point fthe many in America who donhave papers, don’t have a voiand struggling to earn their plain this nation of immigrants.

The call for the Obam


A Family Gathers

On the last weekendof July, our extendedfamily on my mother’s

aunts and uncles, siblings,ns and their children – willrge here for our biennialy Reunion. As hosts, Elvieand cousins Celi and Davidver Spring, are expected toabout 60 adults and 20 chil-properly housed and fed,

ged and entertained, ando each other.

Which means, politics and

on are banned from con-tions. That’s because, likefamilies, we are a diversehanks to mixed marriages,-cultural predispositions,ng temperaments and otherations.amily members of the

n Clan - named after mynal grandfather, take turns

ng these family gather-typically a long weekend

of heavy feasting, chatting,kan or just simply foolingd. And lots of ribbing and

mbering.We come from all over: Cali-

, Colorado, Florida, Guam,s, Minnesota, Missouri,York, New Jersey, North

ta, Ohio and the Philip-

We are four generations ofers, soldiers, politicians,rs, lawyers, ministers,

rs, social workers, nurses,rs, domestic workers, engi-

secretaries. Aunts and have won beauty pag-Uncles endured the Bataan

h March and served timed bars.

Our family history is a story

ts and grits, glamour andscandal and struggle.

My uncle Gil of Guimba,a Ecija, escaped the Deathh and later led a guerillato fight the Japanese occu-His courageous and daringof enemy-controlled rice

ries earned him notoriousas the Filipino Robin Hood.called him “Tapok” (dust)se that’s all his enemyers would find when theyht they’ve cornered him.ud of dust. My uncle Gil

me mayor of our town for

years, trading his horsefancy car, always movingwith heavily-armed body

ds. But he was more of aor than a politician. Hed the last years of his shorthe died at 45) serving time

in Muntinglupa, the notoriousnational jail known for its violentprisoners. He was charged withmurdering his political oppo-nent. He remains a legend in ourtown.

My great grandmother -Lola Lelang - was the mistress ofthe Spanish Governor-General ofAbra. And so I’ve learned frommy aunts who were research-ing our family history. She wasa burlesque artist entertainingthe elite class of Abra when she

caught the eye of the Spaniardwho apparently admired her beauty, singing voice and danc-ing figure. I’m imagining allthis now: they had a tempestu-ous affair, a love child followedanother and another and that’show the Dizon clan started. Ican see Lola Lelang in my sisterMimi and in my aunts, uncles,cousins, nephews and nieceswho are all talented musicians,dancers and artists. Sometimeswe kid ourselves: we may be bastard children but thank Godto Lola Lelang for passing ongood genes.

I always look forward tothese reunions for stories aboutancestors -- especially theirsecrets, their sins and scandals.I like to know them as human beings, not only for their heroicdeeds but for their extraordinary blunders and fatal flaws. Mymother may have been a saint,in the memory of relatives whoknew this patient, acquiescentand God-fearing woman. But to be sure, she was far from perfect.Her brother may have been acorrupt cop who was abusive tohis wife, but I’m sure there was

some redeeming grace some-where.

Today, the oldest survivoris Aunt Adela, who is 98. Theyoungest are 6-month-old twins,grandsons of cousin Linda ofWest Orange, NJ. Born to a Cau-casian-American mother and aFilipino-American father, thetwins are the typical “mixed up”kids among the third and fourthgeneration of Dizons - thanks tointer-racial and inter-ethnic mar-riages. We’re now a family ofAsians, Germans, African Amer-icans, Hispanics and Caucasians

- in addition to being Ilocanos,Tagalogs and Cebuanos.When American missionar-

ies came to the Philippines in the1920s, the Methodist Denomina-tion was assigned to evangelize a

Continued on page 31Continued on page 31

Opinion

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014 3

ignited a word war in the inter-net and legions of Noranians areup in arms. My wise barber fur-ther warns that Filipinos can tol-erate energy shortages but willimpeach a President for failureto solve the garlic shortage thathas deprived Pinoys of their fun-damental right to cook paksiw.

***

Here a recent report fromManila of a possible miracle. TheBureau of Customs (BOC) at thePort of Clark had in its custody156 drums of seized diesel fuel.Sometime ago, it discovered thatsome of the drums had their con-tents substituted with water. TheBOC then changed location ofthe storage. Then it was discov-ered again that more drums wererefilled with water. Anotherchange in storage arrangementsdid not stop more drums from being refilled with water. Of the156 drums, 135 turned diesel intowater.

When somebody turnswater into wine, it must be amiracle. When somebody turnsdiesel fuel into water, it must be theft. Given ample warningof the initial pilferage, the BOCstill could not see things hap-pening under their noses. That’s

what happens when the fox

are tasked with guarding the h

house.

***

Golf tidbits: Week 1 – Juliet

Romeo rechristened as JR h

the jackpot with Mr. T pla

ing second fiddle. Visiting Kin

George, King Arthur, Everead

Freddie, Englebert H and Kilabsettled for fried wings an

salami. Week 2- Englebert H too

the honors with JR sharing th

bounty. The rest donated to cha

ity, including Don Alex. Week

Mr. T took collected enough wi

Englebert H to serve everybod

fried wings. Eveready Fre

die could have earned braggin

rights but he refused Mr. T

offer of one stroke. Hencefor

he will be called The Alamo f

his never say die spirit. The ori

inal Kilabot blew into town. H

gave and he received.As for my godfather, h

provided me insurance fro

loss in week 1, but then he aske

for refund of the premium ne

game. Then he became genero

again but drew even in the la

game.

nistration to deport himto the Philippines will

y get louder, just as ther for him to continue theon US soil. Vargas has

d up passions that can onlyup for as long as Congressnues ignores the urgentto fix the country’s brokengration system.

While I may not agree withthing he says, there is nong the need for reforms.

And you can’t help but admirehis passion, zeal and courage.

There is no doubt he willcontinue to speak and act force-fully and probably with greatcreativity, in the weeks andmonths ahead to press his case.He has received a summons toappear before an immigration judge. Vargas is a man who

never misses a platform forespousing the rights and visionfor America’s undocumented

immigrants.

Vargas has entered a peril-

ous chapter in the struggle for

immigrant rights. More than

ever, he needs the protection of

all decent, open-minded Ameri-

cans, even those who may dis-

agree with him; to keep his voice

alive and strong because more

than being a nation of immi-

grants, America’s strength has

always been nestled in its free-

doms and its ability to change in

peace.

aking of Vargas... from page 30 Duty first... from page 30

n of Central Luzon, whichded Guimba. With the coun-educational system run bymericans, my grandparentsheir children - includingwn parents - were trainedprecepts of U.S. education

he spiritual traditions of thed Methodist (UM) Church.explains why my parents,and uncles all came to the

o study under UM scholar-Many of us remain faithful

odists to this day.hey first came as students1950s. My parents, aunts

uncles went to religious-ted schools in Missouri.

Their children followed. By 1965,with the passage of the landmarkimmigration reform bill, many inour clan - including myself andmy siblings - all came to the U.S.to study or to work as teachersand nurses, later applying forpermanent residency and subse-quently taking the oath as natu-ralized American citizens. Withmarriages and intermarriages,families grew, and grew. Today,all four generations of Dizonsand their relatives number closeto 200.

Like most immigrants,we came to the U.S. for highereducation, for employment and

for a better life for our families.

Despite the differences in ourpolitical outlook (a majority inour clan identify themselves asconservatives and Republicans),our strong family bond has keptour relationships alive all theseyears.

For this year’s reunion, weare going to do something dif-ferent from previous gatherings.

We’ll pitch a huge tent in mycousin’s backyard and spendthree days in July filling a sharedspace with our songs and stories,enchanted and enlivened by thespirit of our Lola Lelang.

Send your comments to [email protected]

newspaper before it is printed. Ifyou are living in the Fairfax, Vir-ginia area, it would probably befeasible.

The editorial staff of the

Manila Mail are all volunteers.Some are working and at thesame time helping write andedit the newspaper in their sparetime. The rest are retired FilipinoAmerican journalists from thePhilippines.

THE EDITORS(The Manila Mail has been

bombarded by press releasesfrom both the White House andthe Republican National Com-mittee. From time to time we willpublished some select releasesfrom these two entities- The Edi-tors)

Worst PresidentSir:Good morning, President

Obama’s approval ratings con-tinue to fall. The economy hasnot improved under the ObamaAdministration, and all of usdeserve better. Asian Americansand Pacific Islanders (AAPIs)will not support 2014 Demo-cratic Senate candidates becauseof their support for Obama’sfailing policies, such as Obam-aCare. The Democrats continueto be in disarray, and AAPIs willshy away from Democrats in the

upcoming election.A new Tumblr post by theRNC Research Departmentshows that voters are givingObama poor ratings across the board. Some of the highlightsinclude:

53 Percent Of Voters Diapprove Of Obama’s Hadling Of His Job As PresidenCompared To 40 Percent WhApprove. (Quinnipiac Poll, 14

RV, MoE 2.6%, 6/24-30/14)55 Percent Of Voters Disa

prove Of Obama’s Handling OThe Economy, Compared To 4Percent Who Approve. (Quinipiac Poll, 1446 RV, MoE 2.6%6/24-30/14)

o 77 Percent Of VoteDescribe The State Of ThEconomy As “Not So Good” O“Poor,” While Just 23 PerceDescribe It As “Good” Or “Excelent.” (Quinnipiac Poll, 1446 RMoE 2.6%, 6/24-30/14)

o 74 Percent Of VoteThink The Economy Is “StayinThe Same” Or “Getting WorseWhile Just 26 Percent Say It “Getting Better.” (QuinnipiPoll, 1446 RV, MoE 2.6%, 6/230/14)

Check out the followinarticles:

Politico: Poll: Obama worpresident since WWII

Business Insider: POLObama Worst Modern-Day Preident

Quinnipiac UniversitObama Is First As Worst Presdent Since WWII, More VoteSay Romney Would Have BeeBetter

Many Asian Americans anPacific Islanders have alreadstarted feeling the negatieffects of ObamaCare.

NINA FETALVORNC Communicatio

Research

Letters to the Editor... from page 25

ome of the tournamentsred overnight stays. Thoseparticularly trying. I dis-rooming in with other

e. I insisted on separatemmodations which was

sive.came to hate penalty kicks

oot outs with a passion at

one of those “away” games. Isaw my son miss as he drove the ball to the upper right corner andsaw it bounce away as it hit the bar. The drive home was agoniz-ing.

When Monching became theco-captain at Gonzaga, we sawhow he matured. He developed

a confidence so endearing to our

heart. He developed a swagger,

a mojo.

It was with deep regret

when we declined an offer from

the coach to have Monching

try out for a soccer scholarship.

“Buddy, you go to college to

learn and earn a degree, not to

play.”

Reports so-called “shorters” make up a very smallntage of the population.u think you’re one, you’rebly kidding yourself. ...ust five or six hours’ sleep,e more energized than reg-leepers.”

And less sleep isn’t hurting“short sleepers.”All day long they are very

. They are very optimistic.are go-getters.”

A husband-and-wife teamientists at the Universitylifornia, San Francisco, ising the genetics of sleepshort sleepers.”

Dr. Ying-Hui Fu has discov-ered less than 1 percent of thepopulation is biologically capable of comfortably running onsix hours of sleep or less.

And “biologically capable”is the catch - it’s a genetic muta-tion. “It’s largely genetic, that’swhat researchers are finding.”

According to CNN, Fu’s labhas only found 20 to 30 people

with the genetic mutation thatallows them to get by on lesssleep. Fu told CNN: “It’s hard totell how frequent this mutationis.”

But with time and research,there might one day be a drug

that changes the circadian

rhythm, or internal clock, that

controls sleep.

But the most interesting part

of the research which is making

frequent Filiino balikbayans sit

up and take notice is the Circa-

dian rhythms.

Dr. Fu told The Wall Street

Journal he hopes to begin test-

ing drugs that will alter cir-

cadian rhythms. These drugs

might eventually treat jet lag

and enhance chemotherapy

treatments. Fu hopes to find a

drug that’s better than caffeine

at reducing the amount of sleep

needed.

shington Tisimis... from page 29

Family Gathers... from page 30

Ole Ole Ole... from page 28

e was that of a macho guy.f course we all know howose to handle his situation

And so here we are today.are at the same juncture inpolitical and actual life, atsroads where life or deathons have to be made.ime in jail is now a cer-

for you. The length ofstay depends on whetherwill be granted to you, onher your wish to be spared

jail time based on your age will be granted, or on whether youwill eventually be found guiltyor not. But, initially, it appearsyou cannot escape some time behind bars.

And we come to my humblethought that I wanted to sharewith you.

Salvador Allende’s stir-ring image of guts and glory isagain vivid in one’s mind. Therewas a real man, one has to sayin admiration. He chose death

over escape, the final sacrifice

over surrender, taking his own

life over living in shame and bur-

dened by public ridicule.

I have no doubt sir that

these images and thoughts have

gnawed at your mind. I’m not

wishing you to make the final

sacrifice sir. I’m only hoping you

will not beg the government to

spare you jail time. Because if

you do, it would disappoint your

admirers. And even me, a non-

admirer.

en letter to Sen. Enrile... from page 27

7/27/2019 ManilaMail - July 16, 2014


July 16-31, 2014

manilamail - july 16, 2014

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