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Congratulations to our very own governor as outstanding governor of the Philippines for the Social Welfare and Development. DSWD Sec. Esperanza Cabral bestowed on the governor this award in the presence of his wife, Grace, and various provincial chiefs of office.
Below is a response by Amb. Rudy Arizala to Tony Vera Cruz's short note to him. As usual the ambassador has food for thought for all of us. Editor
DearTony:
Wala pong ano man. Good, if you are bringing your family to Infanta, Quezon, this summer. Please do not forget to get in touch with my sister May (Imelda Leynes), former Asst. Principal of Mt. Carmel High School, but now teaches at NQCC, also in Infanta. You may also get in touch with my cousin Kaka Vacion Azcarraga, married to Kuya Poling Derilo of Pagbilao, and now American citizens. Every now and then they spend their vacation, especially during summer, in Infanta as well as in Pagbilao.
Keep up the good work and I am glad that you try to reconnect your children to their roots in Infanta, Quezon. Visiting Infanta is a good bonding process. When my kids were still growing up, I brought them all to Infanta. They even studied in Infanta for about a year after they were evacuated from Tehran during the Khomeini Revolution in that country. My eldest son, Rodo, who now works at the Department of Foreign Affairs, studied for about two years in Mt. Carmel High School in Infanta. He still retains the Infanta accent in speaking Tagalog, even his English has that peculiar Infanta accent.
Of course, you have relatives in Infanta. The children of Amang Antero Aumentado, the Notary Public and wife Inang Loleng (Dolores Lamina). You may also recall, you have an uncle who was for so many years the Municipal Secretary in Gen. Nakar, Quezon. If I am not mistaken his name is Roming.
By the way, probably you know that now you could go to Gen. Nakar by land without crossing the Agus river via "a bangkero" but through the modern concrete bridge in Bungko, Brgy. Banugao.
I am sure your children will enjoy it as my own children have enjoyed their stay in Infanta, Quezon. My eldest son could not help remarking: "Papa, marami pala tayo ritong kamag-anak."
Rudy
Those who made a donation to Metro Infanta Foundation should get their year-end statements any time soon. Please let us know if you don't get it in time for your tax returns. Those who wrote a check in the amount $250 or more should also get a statement indicating the amount and the date the donation was received in compliance to IRS regulations. Please ask your accountant if there are other requirements for your tax returns.
Thank you for your continued support of Metro Infanta Foundation.
Mila Glodava
President
By Daniel Abcede
I would like to thank you for posting my message sooner than I expected.
In today's edition I was surprised to read Tony Vera Cruz's letter and I was happy that he is doing well now, sending his children to a very prestigious school was even greater. I came to know him when I was in college because I was one of Nana Choleng's boarders,she was a nice lady, always willing to help that was why she was well loved by everyone who knew her. Tony then works at a shipping company and at the same time studying
at the Mapua Institute of Technology. I stayed with them for only a semester because my cousins (one of them is Rodolfo Villaflor, a classmate of yours way back in elementary ) and I found an apartment in Sta. Mesa.
The last time I saw Tony was in 1972 and haven't seen him since the day i left their apartment.He mentioned that he is in Jeddah working as a consultant and I'd appreciate it if you can give me his email address (email forwarded to Tony) so that i'll be able to contact him or even see him because i'm just here in Riyadh.
More power to Metro Infanta Foundation and Mabuhay po kayo.
Editor's Note: Tony Vera Cruz and Daniel Abcede connected immediately. Here's what Tony said:
Thanks for forwarding e-mail address of Daniel Abcede. I've just talked with him a while ago. Really, MIF
website is the shortest way on how you'll get in touch with our kababayans.
By Rudy Arizala
I was deeply touched by the letter-article of Mr. Antonio Vera Cruz. Yes, I know his mother - Nana Choleng - a kumadre of my late mother. Yes, I also know his sister Vener.
Unfortunately, I did not have the chance of meeting personally Tony or Mr. Antonio Vera Cruz. And I did not also know that my late mother was one of his benefactors in connection with his studies for the priesthood.
The fact that he did not become a priest, does not diminish my admiration for his desire to serve God and his fellow being. What he is doing now in the Middle East to earn a living and give the best education to his children is also in the service of the Lord. He deserves congratulations.
I remember Tony´s father, Mr.Vera Cruz. He was one of Infanta´s radio operators who worked before with my uncle Tata Edong or Deogracias Telan, the husband of my auntie Nana Pining Azcarraga. Tata Edong was the Chief Radio Operator and Postmaster of Infanta, Quezon.
Let us hear more from our beloved "kababayans" their respective "success stories" - that poverty is not a hindrance to success so long as one has faith and perseverance.
Below is a letter we received from Tony Vera Cruz. Editor
27 January 2007
Dear Mrs. Mila Garcia Glodava,
May the peace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you and your family!
I am blessed for having a "kababayan" who cares for others. And, I praise and thank God for giving the town of Infanta that "kababayan" - YOU. You have responded to Christ's call for service to other people. God bless you and the Metro Infanta Foundation.
Even though I have not seen Infanta for a long time, the website of Metro Infanta Foundation really updates
me. The article of Ms. Dolly Banzon regarding poverty inspired me to send this e-mail. I agree with her and I am along the same line with her ideas on poverty.
I grew up in Infanta from a poor family. My mother was the late Consuelo (Nana Choleng) Lamina Vera Cruz who did a lot of sacrifice for us. Many old Infantahins can testify. For sure, Ambassador Rudy Arizala knows my mother, Kuya Noli and Ate Vener. Like Mama Mary, I treasure those sacrifices of my beloved mother in my heart. Poverty did not stop me in accomplishing with great effort for my children. My eldest daughter with a master degree in Industrial Psychology from La Salle-Taft now works in Meralco-Ortigas. My second daughter, a licensed civil engineer and also a graduate of La Salle-Taft, is presently connected with Ericsson-Philippines. My youngest daughter ("pahabol") is in Grade IV at San Beda College-Alabang. My wife is a nurse, but, she sacrificed her profession to take care of our daughters. As for me, I am presently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia as consultant for Quality Management (ISO) Systems.
Poverty is never to be an excuse for being dirty, physically and morally.
I am a living witness of God's promise – "Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa". We have to do our part, the best we can, and God will do the rest. Let this testimony be an inspiration.
Ad majorem Dei gloriam! Deus caritas est.
Thanks and best regards,
Antonio L. Vera Cruz
In addition: I was an ex-seminarian of Bishop Labayen. The late mother of Ambassador Arizala was one of my benefactors. I believe God has a purpose why I did not become one of His anointed priests. God sent me, not only to earn money but also to serve Him, in Saudi Arabia, a mission country in the Middle East. I am one of God's many active Catholic servants here as Lay Minister and Community Elder.
From the photo of your Class of '57, I have now just learned that my late brother, Leodosco, was your classmate.
Maybe I can be a starter for our class reunion for a cause, say, be a part of the re-structure of Gabaldon Project. Is it possible to get the e-mail addresses of the following names: Linda Borreo (Valedictorian), Alfredo Asis (Salutatorian), Ernesto Coronacion, William La Torre, Evelyn Ravago. The late Mayor Roldan Velasco was in our batch and I was their 1st Honorable Mention.
Today, Tony Vera Cruz writes to us from the Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. Below are other kababayans serving in the Middle East. They are among those hailed by our country as modern-day heroes, who are making a great sacrifice for their family and their country. We salute all of them!
Middle East: 16
Abcede, Daniel
Caderma, Solito*
Coronacion,Serge*
Cuento, Freddie*
Estacio, Geoffrey*
Gucilatar, Shelly Fortunado*
Gucon, Venchi*
Leynes, Rolando*
Ortiz, Katrina Ann*
Peñamora, Javes, Jr.*
Santos, Guilcor (Budjie)*
Suaverdez, Wilfredo Q.*
Torres, Milo*
Tropicales, Ruel P.
Vera Cruz, Antonio
Villaflor, Mil
The Sampaguita story is getting more mileage than expected, especially after a Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter, Delfin Mallari, Jr., picked it up as a story line for its Global Nation section. Please click ‘Sampaguita blooms in dead of US winter’ -- expatriate" for full story.
Meanwhile, below is a message posted by Daniel Abcede in the Guestbook regarding the article:
I was reading a local newspaper when I noticed an article regarding our sampaguita blooming in Colorado.I'm so glad to find out that there's a website for INFANTAHINS. Now I will be able to greet my relatives whom I haven't seen for years especially to Tita Norma Ramirez ,who is my father's first cousin on her father's side; the late Ambassador Pedro Ramirez whom we fondly called Lolo Pindo. I also want to say hi to my bayaw Ulysses Penamante and his wonderful wife Lilibeth. Kumusta rin kay kuya Benjie Escolano; I hope you're doing well. Hope to hear from my good friend Alfredo Orquia Jr. I'll appreciate if you have his e-mail address.Thanks for the opportunity and more power to the Foundation.
Response: Let's hope those mentioned above will see this notice. Please tell others about our website. Editor
Here's what Shelley Ortiz said about sampaguita and other Philippine products we take for granted in the Philippines::
My cousin Clarita Borreo and her daughter Roselle also picked some sampaguitas from my tall bush by my garage on Christmas day, these sampaguitas are my favorites too. They have survived the freeze last week and not a leaf was bruised (of course, I covered the top of the bush with a blanket, just in case).
Ylang-Ylang is used in the hair shampoo/rinse/conditioner sold by Borghese, my favorite Borghese lady told me so – she said – it contains something from your own country. a small bottle is about $18.00.
Gugo was my first shampoo, I can almost smell the clean fragrance of it this very minute. Just like my Lola Sepa, Lola Pining and Lola Coring, I too, have always had long straight hair. That reminds me, I will try to get some gugo from Infanta when I visit again soon.
By Rudy Arizala
Glad to note that we have now more contributors to MIF Website. I refer to an article by Ms. Dolly Banzon that poverty is not an excuse for being dirty "physically and morally."
I hope and pray we shall have more contributors of articles like the one published by Ms. Dolly Banzon as well as about matters of general interests.
That Sampaguita blooming in winter photo is really something to marvel about.
By the way, the other day I went out to buy toilet articles from a supermarket near our place here in Santiago, Chile. Lo and behold. I saw at the counter among perfumes and bathroom articles a soap brand "Ylang-Ylang." And its fragrance is really like that of our "Ilang-iIlang" in the Philippines. I immediately purchased several of them and brought them home excited like a child, for that toilet soap reminds me of "Ilang-Ilang" fragrance back home in Infanta.
There are many things we take for granted at home until they find their way into the inernational market.
By the way, among our women folks, who still remember the bark called "gugo" used by our grandma and mother as shampoo? The "gugo" keeps their long jet-black hair clean and shiny after a bath in the spring or "bukal" in brgy. Ilog. Remember?
And that goes to show that we Pinoys and Pinays are traditionally clean physically and morally as reminded by Ms. Dolly Banzon in her article.
By Dolly Banzon
It is a welcome relief to learn that the Philippines, at least, is out of the most corrupt country list and Manila as the dirtiest city. Now about being poor. You are right about poverty not being used as an excuse to be dirty - physically and morally. It is strange because I had these thoughts when I was in the Philippines though I have not put them down in writing - yet.
Christmas is a season where I feel that is being exploited by the so-called poor people. It is almost a "business" of making money by the way people come (and even wait for you when you are not home) expecting to be given money for a christmas gift. They give you all the sob story about their lives; but you look at them, they are able-bodied but sloven in appearance (or is this a part of the props?), pasty looking and red-eyed due to alcohol, etc. that I felt most of the time that I was taken in for a ride.
I was uneasy about my feelings because even in the Scripture, God acts justly. His charity required some actions from the receiver. In meditation, I seriously tried to look at the poor from the eyes of God or to understand them by reflecting what the feelings are and actions of a poor person. Somehow, some pictures that I have just do not jibe with some reality I had seen. My parents, too, were poorer than the average poor, but they worked hard, and toiled for the future of their children. Now, you see that being poor seem to be an excuse to be a recipient of charity. It seems like an easier path than working and striving for something.
Even the non-Christians and those who clearly do not believe in God and in Christ come down in troops to "carol" or to beg for Christmas money! Begging has become a business. I do not mind giving to the real handicapped person. Hence, it is really better to give to some recognized and organized charitable and religious foundations like your Metro Infanta and Davao's Maharlika Foundation because you are sure that the money is put into the proper use without condoling laziness on some people who label themselves "poor".
This is one issue that I will be discussing with my spiritual director. I just could not stomach the dependency that the false concept of charity is creating.
Anyway, thanks for the articles. I enjoyed reading them. We are along the same line with our ideas on poverty. Poverty is never to be an excuse for being dirty, physically and morally.
By Rudy Arizala
There are so many legends written or I have haard about Philippine flowers, especially "Sampagita" our national flower. By the way, the Sampagita was declared a national flower of the Philippines in 1934 by then U.S, Governor General Frank Murphy.
Hereunder is what I heard about the legend of Sampagita which could have been adopted from the legend of the Ilang-Ilang, another Philippine flower with some slight variations.
Once upon a time there was a beautiful maiden who lived near the forest. She was very pretty with white complexion like that of a Sampaga flower. So, her parents named her "Sampagita" (which means small or tiny Sampaga).
She had many suitors but she fell in love with a poor woodcutter whom she met one day while fetching water from a spring at the edge of the forest. The two fell in love with each other and often met whenever Sampagita fetches water.
One day Sampagita´s parents discovered about the love affair between the woodcutter and Sampagita. The parents of Sampagita objected to such love affair because they want their daughter to marry a rich man instead of the poor woodcutter. The parents of Sampagita prohibited her from going out of the house since then, not even to fetch water from the spring.
Sampagita became lonely and could not eat, until she became ill and died. Her dying wish was to be buried at a place near the spring where she used to fetch water and meet her lover, the woodcutter.
Her poor woodcutter lover was so sad that he sat day and night near the grave of Sampagita and cried. His tears dropped over the grave of Sampagita.
Several days later, he was surprised to discover a tiny green plant was growing over the grave of Sampagita. He took good care of said plant until it grew into a robust shrub. One day the people of the village were attracted to the sweet frangrance coming from the grave of Sampagita. The plant was in full bloom with white tiny starlike flowers. And they remember Sampagita´s love affair with the poor woodcutter who grieved and shedded tears over the grave of Sampagita. Since then, they also called the flower Sampagita. Symbol of pure, undying sweet love affair.
by Mila Glodava
Incredible but true! My sampaguita plant is in bloom right now, in the dead of winter. That's right! It's winter in Colorado, but much more, we've been in the midst of blizzards, ice storms and bitter cold for nearly a month now. In fact, we have another snowstorm today (January 21, 2007). So you can imagine my delight when I noticed my Sampaguita blooming with its delicate white and star-shaped petals in the dead of winter. It's awesome. And it's doubly awesome because my orchids are blooming now too.
A friend gave me a cutting, along with another from her "Dama de Noche" more than six years ago (2000). When I came home and without much thought to it, I pushed this twig into a flower pot, and it started growing other branches and green leaves. It's not quite bushy yet, even after six years, but I hope to be able to share its branches with others as a gift, especially now that I know it actually flowers. I must admit, seeing the flowers to me is a bit of a miracle, a winter miracle. I really never thought it would grow to the current size, let alone bloom, because I have never seen sampaguita blooms anywhere in the states, not even at my friend's house. So to find this bloom is a real treat during these gloomy days of winter.
I'm sure you all know that the sampaguita is one of our national symbols, along with the carabao and the narra tree. The sampaguita, which has become a subject of legends, stories and songs, is a species of jasmine and is also called "kampupot." I remember when I was young and still living in Batangas, we used to gather kampuput for our "Flores de Mayo" rituals. And how can one miss the fragrant sampaguita lei at church entrances offered to those visiting churches. Indeed, the sampaguita is a symbol of devotion, especially those who have made vows to a particular saint. It is also a symbol of fidelity, purity and dedication.
Do you remember the legends associated with the Sampaguita?
Editor's Note: We have listed at least 35 Infantahin families now residing in Texas. In our continuing efforts to feature our kababayans around the world, we would like to highlight the achievements of Kuya Pedring (as he is known fondly among friends) Villamayor and his family. We featured him and his family in the September 1996 issue of the Metro Infanta News.
Kuya Pedring, 82, was born in Mauban, Quezon. Ate Nora, his wife of more than 60 years, first came to the United States in 1971, and Kuya Pedring followed in 1978. The Villamayors are very active in the Filipino American Socitey of Texas, which recognized their contributions to the organization with the "Founders' Award," for Kuya Pedring, and the "Mother of the Year Award" for Ate Nora in 1994.
Their children -- Louella, Jesse, Ed, Arnulfo, Antonio, and Rosalinda -- are also residing in the United States.
Kuya Pedring recalls that as a new immigrant in 1978, "I was very truthful (while looking for a job) in stating my educational qualifications, and administrative experiences. For several months, no one seemed interested in hiring me. Then Nanding Orquia, a kababayan, told me to put "high school graduate," in my application and asked me to apply with the Park Police of Houston, which I did. I applied on Friday, and was on the job on Monday as a park ranger with the Houston's Park and Recreation Department, of which Nanding was the controller.
Kuya Pedring considers himself a "self-made man." "Having been an orphan at an early age," said Kuya Pdring, "I learned to live under some of the most difficult conditions -- living with other people who supported my education in exchange for my household services for them when I was in high school. Then the war came and I was called to the colors. I was with the death march and became a POW (prisoner of war). After my release, I joined the Resistance Movement. After the war, and with a growing family to support, I still had the courage and stamina to study at night and work by day. These sacrifices culminated in my A.A., B.S.E., LL.B., and MA (in education) -- an achievement of which I am most proud.
What does he miss about the PHilippines? "I miss the smell of wet perspiration of fellow passengers inside an overcrowded bus/jeepney running erratically in the streets of Manila. I also miss the company of friends tossing glasses of lambanog after office hours in the afternooons."
His advise to new immigrants: "Whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you do, always try to do and be the best, and bring honor and glory to yourself, your family, your community and your country.
By Gene Pallugna
The Infantahins in greater Houston are having a "Get Together" potluck party to celebrate our town fiesta in honor of patron saint, San Marcos,on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at Shelley Ortiz's residence.
Through Metro Infanta Foundation, we want toinvite all the Infantahins especially those who might be residing in the greater Houston area that we don't know about, to join us in this fiesta celebration.
Here's the party full style:
Occasion: Potluck Get Together & Fiesta Celebration
Date : April 21, 2007 (Saturday)
Place : Shelley Ortiz's Residence
33318 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Magnolia, Texas 77354
Time : 12:00PM to 5:00PM
Contacts: Gene Pallugna - (713) 571-0991 or (832) 419-3044
Delia Pallugna - (713) 571-0991 or (832) 526-5250
Here's the direction on how to get to Shelley's Place:
1. Go north on I-45 and exit at FM2920.
2. Turn left at FM2920 going west.
3. Turn right at FM2978 going north.
4. Turn left at FM1488 going west.
5. Turn left at Thousand Oaks into the subdivision,
and follow the winding road.
6. The house will be in your left approximately
half a mile from the entrance.
You can also use FM249 North, then continue on Spur FM149, then right at FM1488, and right again at Thousand Oaks.
If lost, please call Shelley at her home number 281-259-9214 or cell number 713-992-1188.
If you're wondering on what to bring, give Delia a call at (713) 571-0991 or just bring whatever is convenient for you. It will be great if you can bring one of the following: pansit, balaw, matalos, tinuto, tapang usa, manok na adobo sa gata, sinantol, mais, melon, and pakwan. The last three will remind us of our town fiesta. Ang kulang na
lang ay peryahan at komedya, fiesta na!
Bring some drinks too, but no lambanog, he-he-he!
Please e-mail me at gpallugna@yahoo.com if you're coming, or if you have any question.
We're looking forward to see you all at the party. It should be fun like the ones we had before.
Texas: 35
Baranek, Marty & Rachel (Derilo)
Bitara, Mario, Huntsville
Borja Lea (Solomon), Spring
Borreo, Clarita and Roselle, Houston
Compas, Louella (Villamayor)
Coronacion, Ernesto & Tessie Cruz
Cua, Sam & Carol
Cruz, Angelita (Mapa)
Fabon, Helen (Solomon), Spring
Gagan, Gerold*
Garcia, Greg and Necie, Houston
Gonzales, Kathryn (Tena), Spring
Mapa, Ike*
Mapa, Victorino & Ducing
Miguel, Rey & Merly (Cua)
Nuyda, John and Imelda, Spring
Orozco, Jane, Missouri City
Ortiz, Shelley Marie
Pallugna, Gene & Delia (Ofreneo)
Pascual, Virgil & Arlene
Penaojas Joel, Spring
Razo, Steve and Arse, Houston
Rivera, Jun and Rona (Recio), League City
Sadsad, Emmylou, Houston
Solomon, Felicidad, Spring
Termulo, Cesar & Melba (Mapa)
Tubo, Clarita Ortiz Borreo
Tubo, Rosalie
Villaga, Pete & Tita (Atendido)*
Villamayor, Arnulfo
Villamayor, Antonio
Villamayor, Frederick & Nora (Garcia)
Villamayor, Frederick, Jr.
Villamayor, Jesse
Villamayor, Rosalinda
Australia: 12
Alata, Bong & Ellen, Woodcroft, NSW
Baluyot , Oscar & Agne, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
Close, Paul & Emmy Tena, Castle Hill, NSW
Enriquez, Francisco & Cynthia, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
Galao, Connie Tena, Harris Park, NSW
Javier, Frank & Carmen, Stanhope Gardens, NSW
Orantia, Cesar & Lourdes, Glenwood, NSW
Orantia, Omer & Maureen, Minchinbury, NSW
Orantia, Rodi & Tammy Orantia, Glenwood, NSW
Tena, Romy & Erma, Carramar, NSW
Tena, Dario & Dory, Chester Hill, NSW
Wyatt, Josie Tena, Seven Hills, NSW
By Rudy Arizala
Let us hope and pray that the comments on Infanta that it has also rare beatiful flowers (not only Thailand) and your piece about that "prayer garden" in Infanta as well as Mr. Ismael Villeno´s farm in Brgy Langgas, Infanta, Quezon, would inspire our kababayans left behind in the Philippines as well as those now residing abroad have their own respective John Keats´ "thing of beauty, joy forever" corners in their yard.
In this highly "technicalized" world, where almost everything is being now done through your thumbs and fingers on the computer keyboard, planting a tiny seed or seedling which later will grow into a living thing with beautiful flowers or fruits, is really a source of "joy forever" for we are reminded of the "Garden of Eden" provided to humankind out of love by our Creator.
It is our avarice and wanting to be God ourselves which drove us out toward East of Eden and must henceforth toil and through the sweat of our brow earn our daily bread. Now the "rat race" to earn a living or survive in this world.
And through the computers and cellphones, we are back to the Biblical "Tower of Babel" speaking in different tongues elbowing out each other to reach the top.
Get a respite from your "Tower of Babel" and go down to earth once in a while.. . Plant something with your fingers.. You will feel humble and good..
By Mila Garcia Glodava
It has been 10 years since we planned a reunion for the Class of 1957 of Infanta Central School. While many other classes have had successful runs with their reunions, this class seems to have no such luck. The last time we posted our call for a reunion was in July 25, 2006. We are reposting said article today just in case the Class of '57 is still interested.
That posting got the attention of Blandino Aumentado. However, because nobody else has shown any interest in getting together with this class, perhaps it about time to put it to bed.
Four of the Class of '57 gathered for a reunion in New York. L-R: Josefina Leynes Naguit, Emilie Gurango, Mila Garcia Glodava and Tessie Leodones Pagalilauan.
At one point in 1996 a few classmates got together for a mini reunion (see photo) After that however, interest has waned. Recently, we posted an article about Emilie Gurango, one of our successful classmates. We thought that perhaps some of our classmates would get in touch with us after reading about her. Nothing. Nada.
For now, unless there's a swelling of interest in this reunion. I'd say, "Forget about it. I've done my part, and I cannot have a reunion of one."
by Mila Garcia Glodava
Editor's Note: This article appeared a few months back in the old site of the Metro Infanta Foundation and again July 25, 2006. We are reposting it as an invitation to the Infanta Central Class of 1957.
Blandino Aumentado just recently sent us an email regarding this reunion and would like other classmates to help us plan it.
Marilyn Buñag Ibañez, who just arrived from the Philippines along with her husband Manny and her mother Dr. Alicia Buñag, reported that the Infanta Central School Class of 1957 is planning a reunion in the year 2007. The class which is shown in the one and only class photo below (Grade 3, with Miss Emelinda Buñag), is the same class that initiated the creation of Metro Infanta Foundation.
For those who are new to the Metro Infanta Foundation, members of this same class planned a reunion in 1997, but it was supplanted by the grand celebration to commemorate the opening of the Carmelite mission in the Prelature of Infanta.
With Metro Infanta Foundation now firmly established, the class is hoping that this reunion will go on as planned. So those of you who belong to this class, please plan on coming to this grand reunion celebrating our 50th year.
We held a contest in 1996 to identify everyone in the photo. Lorna Telan, who works for the Caceres Catechetical Ministry in the Basilica Compound in Naga City, won the contest and received $25 for her efforts.
Seated in front, l-r:
Benjamin Asis and Blandino Aumentado
First row, l-r: Emer Orozco Caliwara, Rebecca Larita, Erlinda Tena, Josefina Robles Ravago, Betty Grajeda Gonio, Marilyn Buñag Ibañez, Emilie Gurango, MD, Brenda La Torre, Lorna Telan, Myrna Eclar, Tessie Leodones Pagalilawan and Carmen Aumentado Galpo.
2nd row, l-r: Carmelita Orozco, Leander Conchada,Naida Penaojas Garin, Rodolfo Villaflor, Melba Flores, Josefina Leynes Naguit, Melvin Aumentado (deceased), Mila Garcia Glodava, Amelia Marasigan Recio and Megele Combalicer.
3rd row:, l-r: Carlito Moises, Bayani Corpuz, Jose Escolano (deceased), Erano Ravago, MD, Pedasor Dimaculangan, Celso Villaflor, Leandro Suaverdez, Leovinio Orozco, Epifanio Crisostomo, MD, Manuel Ruanto, Leodosco Vera-Cruz (deceased) and Nilo Fortunado.
We know that a few of us are residing in other countries including the United States. Marilyn Buñag Ibañez works for the police department in Pomona, California), Emilie Gurango has a successful medical practice in Ohio. Tessie Leodones Pagalilawan is a homemaker in New York, Josefina Leynes Naguit is a school teacher also in New York. Benjamin Asis works as an engineer in New Jersey. Jose Escolano is now deceased. And this writer, Mila Garcia Glodava is director of Communications and Stewardship for a Catholic church in Colorado. Eraño Ravago is currently practicing medicine in London, England. For a while Rogelio Rutaquio (not in photo but graduated with us in 1957), was working in the Middle East.
Carmen Aumentado Galpo, works in the municipal office; Mely Marasigan Recio and Naida Penaojas Garin teach in Infanta Central, Celso Villaflor teaches in Panukulan, Epifanio Crisostomo practices medicine (and dabbled in politics?) in Real, Josephine Robles Ravago still works at the BIR, Manuel Ruanto is in Manila (not sure if he still works for an insurance company) and Lorna Telan, who belongs to the Notre Dame De Vie Institute, is in Naga City. We also know that Myrna Eclar and Emer Orozco Caliwara are in Infanta.
Miss Emelinda Buñag is currently residing in Metro Manila.
Does any one know the whereabouts of the rest of the class. Please share with us any information you have and share this reunion plan with them if and when you see them.
Also, those who are not in this photo but who graduated in 1957, please know that you are included in this plan. Please make all the connections you have to make our reunion a success.
We will sure have a blast at this 50th Anniversary of the Class of '57.
In your revised, updated edition piece re rare flowers from Thailand, you correctly mentioned that we in the Philippines, especially in Infanta, have also beautiful rare flowers. For example, the Ilang-Ilang, the sanggumay, orchids (called dapong tigre), waling-waling, sampaguita, kampupot, etc.,
Several years ago, I visited a brother (Ismael) of the Villenos who opted to stay behind in Infanta (Brgy Langgas) instead of joining his other successful brothers in the States. Mr. Villeno has a mini-botanical garden and his flowering plants are beautiful sight to behold. He told me that people from Manila used to visit him in Langgas to buy flowering plants for planting in flower pots.
Aside from his mini-botanical garden, he has an orchard planted with fruit-bearing trees such as lukban, oranges, kalamansi, santol, etc. and several heads of cattle grazing under the coconut trees. Aside from cattle, he has a piggery and chicken house or coop. for native chickens.
I hope many of our kababayans would follow Mr. Villeno´s example in mini-farming described above. And planting flowering plants could be a good start. I suggested to Mr. Villeno to include in his botanical garden Philippine medicinal plants such as "balanoy," "sampaga Maria," "takig-suso," "takip-pagong", "tala-taladuan," "tubang-Silangan," Banaba, etc. all of these medicinal plants grow wild in Intanta´s rural areas. And to his orchard, to include "parisukit", "amayet," "limuran," "bokinggan", and of course, "lipote" and "katmon."
Editor's Note: For a change of pace (after sharing with you Colorado's Blizzard of 2006), we would like to share with you a thing of beauty, that,"only God can make." An ambassador friend of Amb. Rudy Arizala shared these photos with him and thought of sharing them with us. The Thai flowers remind Amb. Arizala of the "Birds of Paradise" that his mother used to grow, along with orchids and other flowering plants, when she was alive.
These flowers remind us of John Keats' poem Endymion (1818):
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
Its loveliness increases;
It will never pass into nothingness
But will still keep.
In previous Samut-samut, I have wished that Infanta would promote beauty in its surroundings. We have so many beautfiul flowers that can compete with the rarest in the world, such as orchids, lilies, sampaguitas, dama de noche. If we could only have one place such as a mini botanical garden where we can enjoy them in all their splendor. Metro Infanta Foundation has given it a start by way of the Prayer Garden that we built in remembrance of the Carmelite Fathers. I hope beautiful flowers will keep be an attraction for said garden, so that it will indeed be "a thing of beauty," we can enjoy forever.
FLOWER ALL THE WAY FROM THAILAND...THE VERY RARE PARROT FLOWER
By Rudy Arizala
The present "recycled" piece on Emilie Gurango, M.D., as well as that of the Villeno brothers earlier published in the MIF Website show that good education, faith, hardwork, indomitable spirit and concerned for others are the open-secret why some Pinoy expats succeed abroad or in foreign lands.
There is no easy way to success either at home or abroad.
Keep on publishing such kind of stories as source of inspiration and hope to others.
America, as a refrain goes, is not only "a land of the free" but also a "home of the brave." Those who are not afraid to meet challenges, overcome difficulties, for as inscribed in the U.S. dollar bill "In God we trust."
Editor's Note: If you miss the inspirational stories on our kababayans, please click on the "Kababayan" page on the sidebar to read about Emilie Gurango, the Villeno Brothers and Ading and Tiney Cuento. FYI our homepage usually holds only about six articles, which are then distributed to various pages on the website. If you know the month an article was posted, you can check out that particular month. Otherwise, please use the "Search" option at the bottom of the sidebar and search your topic of interest.
We also would like to hear from you. One thing that keeps us from becoming discouraged with our labor of love is if we hear from our guests. Let us know how we can improve this community service, or whatever. Or do you think this is another exercise in futility that we described in one of our articles?
By Poling and Vacion Derilo
We attended the anticipated mass yesterday (Saturday)afternoon. It was quite grand broadcasted Sunday celebration also this morning with Bishop Tirona. Inspite of continuos drenching showers, the church was still packed with overflowing capacity that makes it apparent that the cathedral building (built by the Carmelite Fathers under the late Bishop Patrick Shanley) no longer holds the evergrowing faithful.
HAPPY THREE KINGS EVERYBODY !!! From the corner beside the Infanta Plaza, have a pleasant Sunday. May we always be wise to recognize the bountiful love that drew the three wise men to the true King.
By Rudy Arizala
HAPPY THREE KINGS as a religious event is no longer observed these days. I remember during pre-war era, mother took over from my grand auntie (Nana Sepa) in feeding all the church-goers coming from the town church of Infanta, Quezon, after the Three Kings Mass, bringing the images of the Virgin Mary, Baby Jesus, Joseph and of the three Magi to the ancestral home of my grandparents. That ritual signified the end of the Yuletide and New Year´s celebration.
I also remember the hot "pan de sal," suman, " tamales," other native cakes and the thick "chocolateng frayle" served for breakfast to the people.
By the way, the images belong to various families in Infanta. For example, the Virgin Mary belongs to the Azcarraga Family under the care of Nana Sepa. Lolo "Alos" (Azcarraga) assigned a parcel of coconut land in Brgy. Ilog, the products of which (pinagkoprahan) are devoted to the expenses in the maintenance of the statue or image of the Virgin Mary. The statue or image of Baby Jesus made of ivory belongs to the Gurango family -- Nana Jacoba, the grandma of Pareng Tommy Ramirez. The image of St. Joseph, if I am not mistaken belongs to the Valenzuela family (the parents of "Mias," a WW II Veteran) whose house is next-door to Nana Jacoba Gurango´s home. The images of the Three Kings, I do not remember to whom they belonged.
We kids, Ate Coning, Ate Nemia, Ate Dedin, Thelma, Ate Emma (although not Catholic) and her younger Kuya Carlito and I used to observe closely and marvel with awe at those images placed in an improvised altar at the house of the Azcarraga´s after they were brought from the church. Nana Sepa would caution us kids not to make too much noise but pray.
The following day, those images are returned to their respective owners. They would be publicly displayed again the next Christmas and Three Kings.
Those memories remained etched to my mind up to these days whenever Christmas, New Year and theThree Kings come.
By Mila Glodava
PARMA, OHIO –– One month after she opened her very own “Emilie M.E. Gurango, M.D. Primary Care Inc.” in 1987, Emilie only had about five patients and was anxious to have more. On a late afternoon one day. Emilie heard a knock on her office door, and became excited. “Oh good,” she told her staff, “we have another patient.”
Much to her surprise, the caller was not a patient but a fellow physician, Elena Ceicys, who, she thought was upset with her. Emilie recalls that as a house doctor at Parma Community General Hospital she did not notify Dr. Ceicys on an emergency medical management she undertook on Dr. Ceicys’ patients. Dr. Ceicys made sure that Emilie knew about her displeasure.
Yet there she was in her office, and quite friendly. Dr. Ceicys wanted Emilie to know that she was retiring and was offering her to take over her practice. Taken aback, Emilie’s response was, “You know that I am just starting, and I don’t have the capacity to buy your practice.” Dr. Ceicys response was even more of a surprise. Emilie need not pay her anything for this offer. All she had to do was take care of Dr. Ceicys’ patients. Obviously their early incident, though a blow on her ego, made a positive and lasting impression on Dr. Ceicys. Emilie accepted the offer and her practice has blossomed ever since. “You have to bloom where you are planted,” said Emilie.
Road to success not easy
The road to Emilie's success, however, was not an easy one. Growing up in Infanta, Emilie was a pale and sickly little girl, who, this writer remembers, seemed to have a maid in tow to carry her thermos bottle or her books. “I was overprotected,” said Emilie, laughing. “In fact, all of us - Brenda, the older sister; Elizabeth (Pinky) the younger sister; and Edward, the youngest - were overprotected.”
Her parents - the former Nenita Estrada, a home economics teacher, and the late Amando Gurango, a physician - thought Emilie needed protection. She seemed to be fighting for survival all her life. While only eight months old, Emilie had to be air-lifted to Manila to be treated at UST (University of Santo Tomas) Hospital, where she was given a grave prognosis “at death's door,” said Emilie, who was baptized right then and there. "I'm very grateful to my parents who chartered a small seaplane," to take her to Manila.
Emilie survived the ordeal, but “Growing up,” she said, “was very painful” due to her illnesses - despite her father's occupation - causing her to do poorly in school. No matter. “I decided to be a physician at age seven,” said Emilie, remembering how “I would bring in to my father's clinic some of my playmates with cuts and bruises, to treat them as ‘my patients.’” And she never deviated from that goal. "I stayed focused on becoming a physician," she said, “despite the many obstacles in the form of various illnesses, which derailed my career every now and then.”
Emilie recalls as a high school “interna” at La Concordia College, “I would periodically be rushed to the San Juan de Dios Hospital in mother director's car!” Then it was smooth sailing for her through medical school at the University of Santo Tomas.
After coming to the United States in 1971, however, “I had a replay of my early years,” said Emilie, who had a severe case of chicken pox, while doing her first rotation in pediatrics at Lakewood Hospital in Ohio. After that she had bouts with viral infection resulting in ear surgery due to complications. Recuperating was torture, said Emilie. “Even the sound of flipping newspapers was very painful” Yet she had to perform her duties as an intern, with 24-hour calls every four to five days, and through her three-year residency in general practice.
While she completed her general practice training, she could not do the same with her anesthesia residency. With only a year short of completion, “I had to quit this program with much regret,” said Emilie, because “I developed neuropathy.” Then just a year later, she was diagnosed with pituitary tumor, taking about four years for her to recuperate.
Setting up private practice
It was at this time, however, that Emilie established her own private practice with hospital privileges at Parma
Community General Hospital and the Deaconess Hospital of Cleveland (now P.H.S. or Primary Health Systems) “the fulfillment of my career.” Only a year later in 1988, Emilie would practice for two months on crutches. She had to undergo a knee surgery for an injury sustained ten years before playing tennis. And most recently she sustained a neck injury and “I had to learn how to swim (for the first time),” said Emilie, “and to use various types of exercise equipment with the help of a very patient trainer.”
The indomitable Emilie also would develop other interests - golf in the summer (she has received six tournament trophies since her 1993 surgery), photography (she even took classes), and ballroom dancing in the winter. In addition, she became involved in medical organizations and was recently reelected to a second term on the board of directors of the Advantage Health Partners, a physician-hospital organization of Parma Hospital and its medical staff. Also, she has participated in medical missions to the Philippines.
“Looking back,” said Emilie, “I realized that I was being prepared for my mission - to be a physician with compassion, and to have more empathy for my patients.”
Emilie also recalls being drawn to the church. “I practically grew up with the Carmelite missionaries,” she said. “I remember vividly Sisters Margaret and Josephine, Fathers Dominic, Andrew, Basil, arid, of course, Bishop Shanley, who would visit at home, with his ‘big dog’ - a German Shepherd. It was the first time that I saw a ‘foreign dog.’”
Finding comfort in Scriptures
Today, Emilie's life is guided by the Scriptures including the passage from Psalm 46: 10 “Be still and know that I am God,” and from Psalm 71: 19-21 “... 0 God, who is like you? Though you made me feel many bitter afflictions, you will again revive me; from the depths of the earth you will once more raise me. Renew your benefits toward me, and comfort me over and over.”
She also likes to ponder the words of Abraham Lincoln on class warfare: “You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging hatred. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.”
Editor's Note: To check out stories of other kababayans, please go to the "Kababayans' page in the Sidebar of the Home Page.
Ohio: 9
Aguillon, Lud & Monina (Utulo)
Azcarraga, Alice*
Briones, Rudy & Letty (Juntereal)
Carpo, Alice (Argana)
Gurango, Emilie
Gurano, Nenita
Harris, Elizabeth (Gurango)
Ignacio, Paul & Mercy (Macasaet)
Irons, Ellen Mercado*
In our continuing effort to recognize our kababayans in various parts of the world, we would like to feature in the next couple of days the accomplishments of Emilie Gurango, who now resides in Ohio. The artcle, "A woman's determination to become a physician" was first published in July 1996 in the Metro Infanta News, and again in Oct. 23-29, 1996 in the Philippine News.
If you know of any great stories about our kababayans, please let us know. We would like to recognize their achievements too. Let us not wait until someone has died before we say "Thank you" or "We are proud of you."
Dear Mila:
In your piece appearing on the MIF Website entitled: "IS THERE HOPE IN THE PHILIPPINES?", you discussed among others cleanliness in connection with the ADB Report on Five Dirtiest Cities in Asia. Manila is not included among the five dirtiest cities in Asia listed by ADB.
Nevertheless, we should not be content and should strive to have clean homes, barangays, villages, towns and cities throughout the Philippines. And you suggested the project of "Adopt-a-street Litter Control Program" in every towns and cities as done in Colorado, U.S. A.
The idea is novel and should be encouraged in our country, the Philippines. But first let us start at our respective homes, yards and neighborhoods, barangays, and villages. Then expand cleanliness to towns, cities and provinces all over the Philippines.
If we succeed in making our surroundings clean as well as our barangays, villages, towns and cities, then we could relive the idyllic environment described by writer Charles Lamb in the following lines: "I am in love with this green earth; the face of town and country; the unspeakable rural solitudes, and the sweet security of streets."
Clean surroundings or environment contribute or are conducive to clean hearts and spirits.
The reminder of Mila in her piece "Is There Hope in the Philippines?" is timely and practically costs nothing except our efforts and labor.
Metro Infanta Foundation supported the new Carmelite Seminary through a number of memorials to deceased loved ones of members.
The following have completed or are still making payments towards a three-year pledge. The Juliana I and Recardo C. Garcia (not related to Francisco and Rosalia Garcia) memorial is made possible by the generous contributions of their children, especially Juana Garcia Stewart of Broomfield, Colorado, and Olivia Garcia Dyhouse of Pembroke Pines, Florida.
The Francisco and Rosalia Garcia memorial is made possible by the generous contribution of their daughter, Melecia C. Garcia.
We have informed the Carmelite Seminary of a third memorial just started for the Reyes Family in Fairfax, Virginia.
In addition, Metro Infanta Foundation has facilitated a Mission Appeal in the Archdiocese of Denver. The Foundation also serves as the conduit for funds received from the mission appeal. Father Arnie Boehme, OCD, made the appeal in August 2006 at three parishes in the archdiocese -- Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Mary Magdalene. Early reports indicate that Father Arnie has touched the hearts and pocketbooks of parishioners from said parishes, generating at least $35,000. As the Carmelite conduit for the appeal, Metro Infanta Foundation will receive from the Mission Office the collection less 10 percent. This is indeed good news for the Philippine Carmelites, whose mission, which started in the Prelature of Infanta, continues to grow in the Philippines.
We thank the Archdiocese of Denver for this continued to support of the Philippine mission. Since, 2002 the Archdiocese of Denver has included the Prelature of Infanta, Socio Pastoral Institute and the Philippine Carmelites to participate in the Cooperative Mission Appeal for said organizations.
Positive Reponse: Jan. 2, 20007
Your website is amazing, it truly showcase a noble purpose.
Thanks a lot . I have found the people I've been looking for.
God Bless.
Response: You're welcome! Thanks to Freddy Cuento for making it possible.
Request made Dec. 25, 2006
While in college in Manila '75-'79, I used to have some really good friends from Infanta and had been in their town several times. I wonder if you find some of them for me. Edna (Erlinda) Edralin who used to work at the Health Centre and Romeo Florante.
Response: Sorry we don't have either of them listed on our website. Let's hope someone will recognize them and give us some info for you. Thanks for visiting. Editor
By Mila Glodava
Editor's note: Following is a short profile of Ading and Tinay Cuento we found in the archives of Metro Infanta News.
Ading, along with his wife, the former Cristina Enriquez of Manila, first left the Philippines in 1970. An engineering graduate of National University, Ading worked, until he retired in 1991, for the Southwestern Bell Telephone in Topeka. Tinay, one of the first teachers of Infanta's Mt. Carmel High School and a graduate of Far Eastern Unviersity, worked as dietary manager for the State of Kansas YCAT. A member of the Serra Club of Topeka and the Dietary Association, U.S.A., Tinay was among those who received the Topeka Women Leadershop Award in 1992.
As a new immigrant, Ading liked the friendliness of the people of Topeka. "As I was standing in front of my sister-in-laws house," recalls Ading, "people walking and driving by waved and smiled at us even though we were complete strangers to them." On the other hand, while visiting in Chicago, he noticed the way Filipinos behaved. "We wree in an elevator full of Filipinos and I tried to look and smile at them (men and women), but instead of getting a smile, they turned their faces in different directions.
Ading is most proud of his accomplishments and going up the ranks as an engineer, and of being able to see my parents as often as possible when theywere alive." Ading and Tinay, who never had children, visited the Phlippines often (We also hear that they really love to travel).
What do they miss about the Philippines? "We still miss the season fruits like lanzones, atis and others," said Ading. My wife also misses the face to face tsismis and laughter [with friends]. In here, said Ading, "she does it by telephone."
Any advise to new immigrants? "Be patient, be honest. Also, Ading believes that people should back up with actions what they say about themselves.
Kansas: 1
Cuento, Ading & Tinay
Topeka, Kansas, seems to be a regular stop for Infantahins who visit the United States. One recent guest for the Cuentos was Father Mario Establecida, who visited Ading and Tinay in October, after attending a stewardship conference in Boston. Father Mario quips that although retired, Ading and Tinay seem to be constantly on the go, volunteering in their parish or helping newly-arrived Filipino teachers adjust to life in America.
Please read a short profile of Ading and Tinay following this piece. You can also read other profiles of kababayans in the "Kababayans" page (see Sidebar).
May I share with you what I received from my sister Merle of NDV, Angat, Bulacan re what Fr. Horacio de la Costa wrote about the Nativity.
Happy New Year which means renewed faith and hope.
Rudy / Papa / Tito
- - - - -
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
By Horacio de la Costa
Christmas is when we celebrate the unexpected; it is the festival of surprise.
This is the night when shepherds wake to the song of angels;
when the earth has a star for satellite;
when wise men go on a fool’s errand,
bringing gifts to a Prince they have not seen
in a country they do not know.
This is the night when one small donkey bears on his back
the weight of the world’s desire,
and an ox plays host to the Lord of Heaven.
This is the night when we are told to seek our King
not in a palace but in a stable;
and although we have stood here,
year after year, as our father’s before us.
The wonder has not faded
nor will it ever fade;
the wonder of that moment
when we push open the little door,
and enter,
and entering find in the arms of a Mother who is a virgin,
a Baby who is God.
We were promised a Savior
but we never dreamed
that God Himself would come to save us.
We knew that He loved us,
but we have never dared to think
that He loved us so much
as to become like us.
But that is the way God gives.
His gifts are never quite what we expect
but always something better,
something far better than we hoped for.
We can only dream of things too good to be true:
God has a habit of giving things TOO GOOD TO BE FALSE !
By Mila Glodava
Halleluiah! Manila and the Philippines did not make the top 5 dirtiest city or the most corrupt country, respectively (see box below). Whew! We can breathe a sigh of relief, for now, but not for long. I have not seen the entire list, and therefore, don't know where Manila or the Philippines stand on these issues. What I can see though is that the Philippines did not make the top 5 least corrupt country either. So, is there hope in the Philippines?
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The Asian Development Bank lists the following as the top 5 dirtiest cities in Asia:
1. Beijing (China)
2. Xi'an (China)
3. Kathmandu (Nepal)
4. Dhaka (Bangladesh)
5. New Delhi (India)
The Transparency International lists the top 5 of the following:
Most corrupt countries:
1. Bangladesh
2. Chad
3. Turkmenistan
4. Burma
5. Haiti
Least corrupt countries:
1. Iceland
2. Finland
3. New Zealand
4. Denmark
5. Singapore
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There are two issues about the Philippines that make me hide in shame when it makes the headlines. Let me point out here that the Philippines, or any other Third World country, often does not make the headlines in the United States unless it's about something negative -- calamities, poverty or the two issues that bug me -- the dirtiest and the most corrupt lists.
I often bring up these issues at workshops I conduct on stewardship. I have conducted several workshops for dioceses in the Philippines since 2002, including one for the entire Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in 2005. There's not much we can do about natural disasters, other than to assist in emergency efforts and to bring a sense of hope after a calamity. We have seen what the Social Action Center of the Prelature of Infanta did and is still doing after the typhoons of 2004.
On poverty, I tell them that it doesn't bother me, or other people for that matter, that the Philippines is a poor country. There's nothing shameful about being poor. As Jesus in the Gospel, "The poor will always be with us." The government, church and non-government organizations try to address this issue in many different ways. The Pondo ng Pinoy of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales is certainly making a dent in addressing the feeding and housing projects and educational initiatives for the poor. Filipinos also can be proud of Gawad Kalinga and its desire to eliminate Philippine ghettos in dumpsites. I like to think that Metro Infanta Foundation, which has become an invaluable resource for Infanta and neighboring towns, belongs to this group that serves the community. We know, however, there's only so much we can do, and that we cannot eliminate poverty completely in our midst. We must continue our efforts nonetheless.
Poverty is no excuse, however, for being dirty or being corrupt.
Ambassador Rudy Arizala once noted, "We are clean individually, but do not seem to care about the cleanliness of the rest of the city or society." It seems we have forgotten the saying, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Why have the Filipinos tolerated such an existence? Why is it acceptable to go to unclean, stinky bathrooms? I often ask these questions at my workshops, which promote stewardship as a way of life, including taking care of the earth –– to keep it clean and beautiful, to plant flowers and trees, and to promote the three “Rs” – reduce, reuse and recycle.
I have seen some signs that people get it though. In Bauan, Batangas, I saw a sign in front of stores, "Tapat ko linis ko." (I am responsible for cleaning my area). I have also seen cities and towns making an effort in cleaning their surroundings. Some are making use of old tires from the junk yards as trash receptacles or pots for flowers and trees. I applaud and would like to encourage these efforts.
The last time I wrote about this issue was in 2000, when Manila made the top 5 at No. 4 as the dirtiest and ugliest city in the world. In this particular article I suggested the "Adopt-a-Street Litter Control Program" which is quite popular in Colorado, and perhaps in other states. The Philippines can do this program easily because of the number of schools and non-government organizations that can sponsor a mile or two.
I am happy to say that during my last visit in August, I saw a glimpse of this possibility. On our way home from a conference in Lucena City for seven dioceses of the Southern Tagalog, we saw hundreds, perhaps thousands, of students at each side cleaning up the shoulders of the Super Highway. It was certainly an incredible sight, making me say to myself, "There's hope in the Philippines." Of course, we need to encourage such positive events and activities so that it is not a one-shot deal, but rather a habit.
On the climate of graft and corruption, I have often lamented on the apparent disconnect between the faith and behavior of corrupt Filipinos, who take pride in being a Catholic or Christian country in Asia. While the Church is still “a trusted institution,” according to Mr. Denis Murphy in an article in America Magazine, it also has failed, not only in being the “church of the poor” but also in teaching about morality! The Catholic schools, as well as the public schools and the government, have failed the people. We must teach our children about right and wrong! We must teach them that corruption does not jibe with our faith! Edu Punay noted in an article in Philippine Star (1/1/07) that while in the past the bishops simply issue pastoral messages, they are now taking a more active stand on issues including gambling, mining, sex education, corruption in government and others. That's good news, indeed!
In stewardship spirituality, we teach not only about trusting that God will provide us with everything we need, but also about being trustworthy, about being honest in all our dealings. We must become people of integrity. Corruption, therefore, has no place in stewardship spirituality.
Shelley Ortiz recently opined, "The more I think it (the Philippines) can’t get any more corrupt, current leadership always proves me grievously wrong."
Yet we cannot give up hope! As they say, "it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." Individually, we can light a candle in our own way. Professionally and personally I like to promote the good things about certain subjects (that's why I am in the public relations field) -- Filipinos, the Philippines, Metro Infanta, the Catholic Church or St. Thomas More -- to counteract the negative news about these subjects. Collectively with institutions such as civic organizations, the Church, schools and others, we can do more. Some people have the gift of saving the whole world, but thinking in such a grandiose manner usually is an exercise in futility. What I advocate is for each one of us to find a way to make a difference one person at a time, one family at a time, one community at a time, or one town at a time.
Metro Infanta Foundation believes in this wisdom. Our scholarship program is one way we are collectively lighting a candle. There are a number of institutions and organizations in Metro Infanta working for the common good, and thus lighting their own candle. I hope that, together, we can address the various needs of Metro Infanta.
Can you imagine if expatriates from different towns would concentrate on just their own town; if all of us "light a candle," so to speak, what a difference it would make in the "darkness" in the Philippines. What do you think?
Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!
We wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year!