Metro Infanta Foundation

More scholars and projects receive grants

By Mila Glodava

Thanks to our ardent supporters, the 2007 fund drive exceeded last year's regular collection by $524. This year's total regular collection was $32,099.71 as opposed to last year's $31,575.71, and exceeding our goal for 2007 by $7,848. This was made possible by Infantahins responding to the Challenge Gifts, which this year was a total of $13,500. the rest of the funds came from a new donor, the Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, which donated $3,000 for scholarships, and the rest came from friends of Metro Infanta Foundation. Thank you donors! Your support means more scholarship grants and more projects supported by you.

To date we have a total of 27 high school, 11 college, and 2 post-graduate scholars. In addition, three families -- Garcia, Garcia and Reyes -- have pledged to help cover the the cost of three friar rooms. This year, the second Garcia family completed its pledge and the third--the Reyes family--is still making payments toward their pledge. We should be able to send final payment for the second room soon. The Prelature of Infanta also receives funds for various causes designated by donors. Likewise, the Northern Quezon Cooperative College received a $2,500 grant frrom one of the MIF major donors. The Socio Pastoral Institute receives funding, too, for distributing funds, monitoring the MIF projects and for collecting and preparing reports to MIF.

Of course, it goes without saying that this website could not have been possible without the support of our donors. You have seen the impact this website has on our kababayans scattered around the world. Relatives have found one another; even mourned the passing of loved ones. Movements to save the very existence of our hometowns found a voice on its pages. Kababayans, who were touched by the inspirational articles by Amb. Arizala, exchanged ideas and expressed opinions. The MIF website also has become a source of news for the Philippine dailies.

In addition to the above, Metro Infanta Foundation also serves as the conduit for the Carmelite Friars of the Philippines, which conducted a mission appeal in the Archdiocese of Denver. Carmelite Father Arnold Boehme, who spoke at weekend Masses in three parishes in 2006, received a total collection of $35,427.08.

Furthermore, once again, in July 2007 the Foundation initiated talks with Mayor Grace America and the Infanta town officials to resurrect the Gabaldon Project. At the same time, we requested the Board of Directors to approve launching a fund campaign for said project, at least quietly. Such efforts generated in nearly $50,000 in pledges, with at least $26,000 in cash and stocks. An anonymous donor donated the stocks (to address various causes in the Philippines), which, to date, remain unsold due to fluctuations in the stock market. We hope our new Board of Directors will bring new ideas to realize our dream "to resurrect the Gabaldon" and officially launch an all-out effort to make it happen. But you donors will make it happen, once again, as you have done the past 12 years. Thank you!

Indeed, you, our donors have "touched hearts and changed lives." To all of you, a big "thank you" for your support. Of course, we cannot rest on our laurels. There's much more we can do, and we can use all the help of other Infantahins whose names have not appeared on our donors' list. I hope their hearts, too, will be touched so that we can change more lives. As Chairman of the Board, Pol Derilo said, "Let us not relent on the challenge that awaits us in the coming year and beyond. With the new board and officers, let us go on and nurture the mustard seeds endowed upon us in the good soil. "

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Sally and I wish you and all the new board members
and officers congratulations in accepting their
position with MIF.

As it is for us, it is a real privilege to serve this
organization whose ever going commitment is proving
the difference between fence sitting and positively
doing something. Consistently advocating the power of
responsible stewardship, MIF was able generate
significant funding for education in Metro Infanta.
We also wish to express our thanks and gratefulness to
everyone who continuously support the Foundation in
every way they did, to make that difference.

Let us not relent on the challenge that awaits us in
the coming year and beyond. With the new board and
officers, let us go on and nurture the mustard seeds
endowed upon us in the good soil. Welcome all.

Pol & Sally Derilo, Board Members
Round Rock, Texas

Posted by Mila Glodava at 07:01 PM | Permalink

By Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile 30 December 2007

Our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, in the foreword of his novel "Noli Me Tangere" (literally means "Touch Me Not"), compared our beloved motherland to a patient suffering from a cancer "so malignant a character that the least touch irritates it and awaken in it the sharpest pains", thus, as the practice in ancient times, she should already be placed "on the steps of the temple so that everyone who came to invoke the Divinity might offer a remedy."

Will that patient be like the dying unknown character in Rizal´s "Noli Me Tangere" found by Basilio in the forest? It may be recalled that the last words of that dying man after turning his head toward the East were: "I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native land! You, who have it to see, welcome it - and forget not those who have fallen during the night!"

Curiously, those were more or less the same words in Rizal´s "Last Farewell" written by him before he was shot to death by musketry at Bagumbayan Field at about 7:00 a.m., on 30 December 1896: " I die just when I see the dawn break, / Through the gloom of night, to herald the day;"

Rizal foresaw through one of his characters in his novel that he would die without seeing the dawn brighten over his beloved land?

We say Rizal, our national hero, is a great man of the Philippines, even “the pride of the Malay race because of his love of country and aspiration for universal freedom and understanding among nations. Therefore, wherever we are, we commemorate his death anniversary every 30th of December.

It would just be fitting and proper if Filipinos or Fil-Ams who are in New York City and in nearby tri-state area would make a trip on 30 December 2007, to the Toy International Center at 200 Fifth Avenue, corner 23rd Street, New York City and view the Dr. Jose Rizal Marker installed in one of the walls of said building at the lobby, as homage to our national hero. That Toy International Center building is located where the former Hotel Fifth Avenue stood and Rizal stayed when he was in New York from 13 to 16 May 1888, on his way to Europe.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Rudy A. Arizala
30 December 2007

Every year since 30 December 1896 up to the present, we commemorate the death of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. I will not, therefore, repeat here what he did on the eve of his martyrdom, why he was sentenced to death by musketry, how he was shot, what happened to his remains afterwards, and the impact of his death to the Filipino nation. Suffice it to mention here that in an old photo of the scene at Bagumbayan shortly before Rizal was shot, there appeared among the crowd a mascot, yes a pet dog on leash which look like the dog trademark of RCA hard disc record for a phonograph. Whose mascot or pet dog was it, nobody knows or ever found out or discovered. Definitely, it belonged to one of the onlookers, probably belonging to a high civil society of the era. But what was the name or identity of that curious onlooker to witness the execution of Rizal? That's for our historian or pet-loving readers to find out.

On this 111th death anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, allow me to dwell on one of the aspects attributed to him; that of his ability to foretell events or tell a prophecy. According to some historians, Rizal was a prophet because he foretold the coming of the Americans to colonize the Philippines and cited as their source of information an essay written by Rizal entitled "Filipinas, Dentro de Cien Años" or "The Philippines, A Century Hence" which was first published in the Filipino newspaper La Solidaridad, in Madrid on 15 December 1889.

Rizal wrote as follows:

"Perhaps the great American Republic, whose interests lie in the Pacific and which has no hand in the spoliation of Africa, may some day dream of foreign possession. This notion is not impossible, for the example is contagious. Covetousness and ambition are among the strongest vices, and Harrison manifested something of this sort in the Samoan question. But the Panama Canal is not opened nor is the territory of the States congested with inhabitants, and in case America should openly attempt, it, the European powers would not allow her to proceed, for they know very well that the appetite is sharpened by the first morsels. North America would be quite a troublesome rival, if it should once get into the business. Furthermore, this thought is contrary to its traditions."

From the foregoing, it is true that while Rizal mentioned the possibility of America developing an interest in the Philippines as a colony in the Pacific, he also expressed doubt about it because the United States territory is not yet "congested with inhabitants" to warrant territorial expansion; the European powers would not allow such venture into the Pacific by the United States; and such having colony on foreign soil "is contrary" to American traditions.

However, if ever such dream to have foreign possession on the part of America would come true, Rizal wrote that such attempt would be resisted by Filipinos even at the cost of their blood. Thus, he wrote and made his analysis on the future of the Philippines in the following words:

"Very likely, the Philippines will defend with inexpressible valor the liberty secured at the price of so much blood and sacrifice. With the new men that will spring from its soil and with the recollection of its past, it will perhaps strive to enter freely upon the wide road of progress; and all the Filipinos will labor together to strengthen their fatherland, both internally and externally, with the same enthusiasm with which a youth fails again to tilling the land of his ancestors, which has been so long wasted and abandoned through the neglect of those oppressors who have withheld it from him."

Rizal dreamed that with the development of our mines such as gold, iron, copper, lead and coal; the revival of our maritime and mercantile life, the Philippines "will recover the pristine virtues that are gradually dying out and will afresh become addicted to peace - cheerful, happy, joyous, hospitable, and daring."

More than a Century had elapsed since Rizal wrote his essay "The Philippines, A Century Hence." It is up for the readers to judge which dreams or predictions of Rizal have come true and which are yet to be accomplished by succeeding generation of Filipinos for which our heroes like Rizal have struggled, made sacrifices and died.

Shall we have to undergo another "Cien Años de Soledad" (One Hundred Years of Solitude) narrated by 1982 Nobel Prize Awardee Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his book before we attain a Philippines "addicted to peace cheerful, happy, joyous, hospitable and daring" dreamed by Rizal in his "The Philippines, A Century Hence"?
E n d

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Labayen Hall improvement complete
MIF donation at work

By Mila Glodava

On behalf of Mt. Carmel School of Infanta, Ms. Belen Foronda, principal, reports that the renovation of MCSI's Labayen Hall is now complete thanks to the $10,000 donation from Metro Infanta Foundation.

Ms. Foronda also reported a breakdown of construction costs: 368,231.15 pesos for materials and 131,768.85 for labor for a total of 500,000 pesos.

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Labayen Hall before the renovation


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Labayen Hall after the renovation. Please note the new ceiling and stage area.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Mila Glodava

In the spirit of Christmas and of thanksgiving, a number of the Metro Infanta Foundation scholars have sent thank you notes, cards, letters and even photos to their respective sponsors.

Rolando Eresmas, who graduated with a BS degree in secondary education from Mt. Carmel College of Casiguran, writes, "I would like to express my unending thanks for giving me this great opprtunity in life, in giving me scholarship."

Jessa Hertez, 4th year student at Mt. Carmel High School of Burdeos, not only thanked her sponsors, John and Joni Sanderson, but also promised to pray them. "I will always pray for you so that the Lord may givfe you both stength, good health and happiness."

Sharmaine Eranista was proud to inform her sponsors, Romy and Julie Coronacion, that she's an honor student at the Mt. Carmel School of Infanta. Sharmaine's mother, Mrs. Agnes Eranista, also wrote a thank you note to the Coronacions for their support of Sharmain.

Fenela Jane Ecleo, a 14-year old 2nd year student at St. Patrick's Academy in Dingalan wrote her sponsors, the St. Thomas More youth, that she wants to become a 'well-known athlete." And she's on her way to realizing her dream, by earning a gold medal for the long-jump event at their district and division meet in 2006 and a silver medal in 2006. She also wants to be a cartoonist or a cartographer and wants to go places to pursue her dreams. "Someday, I want to go to Tokyo, Japan, to meet a producer of well-known cartoon movies."

Sponsors were equally touched by the letters their scholars sent them. Colleen Smith, our newly elected member of the board, has supported Paymard Huerto since first year at Mt. Carmel High School in Burdeos, wrote back to us after receiving the thank you note from Maynard. "That card from "my" student really made my Christmas spirit soar! how dear! and he's so artistic."

Please check the "Scholars" category on the left of the homepage or click here to see our growing MIF scholars list.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Mt. Carmel High School, Infanta
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Anonymous
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Kelly and Annabelle Icasiano Clayton
Sharmain Eranista, 3rd year (2007-2008), Romy and Julie Coronacion
Ben Gurango, 3rd year (2007-2008), Romy and Julie Coronacion
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Romy and Julie Coronacion
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Romy and Julie Coronacion
June Pauline Pasion, 3rd year (2007-2008), Kevin and Trish Glodava

Mt. Carmel College, Baler
Ron Mark de la Torre, 2nd year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Youth
Jandle Lumasac, 1st year (2007-2008), Glodava's in tribute: Melecia Garcia

Mt. Carmel High School, Burdeos
Paymard Huerto, 4th year (2007-2008), Colleen Smith
Jessa Hertez, 4th year (2007-2008), John and Joni Sanderson
Liezel Supat, 2nd year (2007-2008), In memory of Jack Green and his wife Wilma)

Mt. Carmel College, Casiguran
Lady Diane Castillo, 2nd year (2007-2008), Melecia Garcia
Noemee Tatel, 1st year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Religious Education

St. Patrick's Academy, Dingalan
Erika Mae Santor, 1st year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Religious Education
Fenela Ecleo, 2nd year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Youth

Mt. Carmel High School, Dipaculao
Sienalyn Manzanillo, 2nd year (2007-2008), Rudy and Bennie Garcia
New, 1st year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Religious Education

Mt. Carmel High School, General Nakar
Nino Niebres, 4th year (2007-2008), John and Joni Sanderson
Marben Marte, 2nd year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Youth

Mt. Carmel High School, Maria Aurora
Benji Minor, 2nd year (2007-2008), Melecia Garcia
New, 1st year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Religious Education

Mt. Carmel High School, Polillo
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Kirsten Glodava
Carmela Curia, 2nd year (2007-2008), St. Thomas More Youth

Mt. Carmel High School, San Luis
Julius Herminigildo, 2nd year (2007-2008), John and Joni Sanderson
New, 1st year (2007-2008), Kirsten Glodava

Posted by Mila Glodava at 03:00 PM | Permalink

Metro Infanta Foundation currently has 11 collegiate and two post-graduate scholars sponsored by the E.M. Weckbaugh Foundation, Our Sunday Visitor, Cavan Corporation and a number of individual sponsors.

College 2007-2008:
Ma. Teresa Cordova, 1st year, Nursing
Elaine Cruz, 3rd year, Secondary Education
Leomar Eusebio, 2nd year, Secondary Educaiton
Rodel G. Formaran, 3rd year, Business Administration and Management
Lydwyn, Icasiano, 3rd year, Computer Technology
Michael Icasiano, 3rd year, Radiologic Technology
Rosechelle Lagao, 2nd year, Secondary Education
Judith Esther Padua, 3nd year, Secondary Education
Johnson Palmeres, 1st year, Accounting
Ronnie Quiambao, 2nd year, Secondary Education
Kaci Sequito, 2nd year, Nursing

Post-graduate scholars at the Lyceum University: Amb. Arizala Diplomacy Scholarship
Major: Foreign Service
Frederick Rili
Manette Mandario

Posted by Mila Glodava at 01:05 PM | Permalink

By Mila Glodava

The current Board of Trustees voted to approve the new slate of officers and trustees to serve on the MIF Board of Directors for the years 2008-2010, as follows:

President: Mila Glodava
Secretary: Dolly Banzon
Treasurer: Amelia Ashmann, M.D.

Trustees
Apolinar Derilo
Salvacion Derilo
Melecia Garcia
Kirsten Glodava
Joanne Horne
Colleen Smith

Auditor: Romeo Coronacion

As you can see, this writer will remain as president and two regular MIF supporters, Dolly Banzon and Amelia Ashmann have agreed to serve as secretary and treasurer respectively.

In addition, three new board members came from the MIF donors' list -- Kirsten Glodava, Joanne Horne and Colleen Smith -- all from Colorado. This will ensure regular communications and meetings among board members and officers.

"I'm honored to be asked to join your board," said Colleen Smith, who has been, not only a regular supporter of Metro Infanta Foundation, but helpful in developing the MIF logo and its description. "I look forward to working with you again."

In addition, we were able to convince current board members from Infanta -- Pol and Sally Derilo and Melecia Garcia -- to continue serving on the board and representing the interest of Metro Infanta. Also, as he has done in the past 12 years, Romy Coronacion will continue to serve as auditor.

The new board will bring new vitality and new ideas for the Foundation to carry out its mission to address the needs of Metro Infanta. Certainly the last 12 years have been very productive, thanks to all of you! Thank you for all your support. But -- we can do more, with your help!

In an earlier correspondence, current chair, Pol Derilo wrote:
"Sally and I wish to express our appreciation for all the MIF accomplishments. Through your dedicated stewardship as well as those who keep the foundation alive, no other foreign organization was able to link Infanta with her families on a worldwide basis. MIF was able to reach almost everyone in many ways over the years. It is still going strong amidst the weary, active among the bystanders and faithful even among the skeptics.

Although Pol and Sally initially wanted to relinquish their positions, we were able to talk them into staying on the board to carry out and oversee our mission more effectively during their temporary stay in Infanta.

"It was a privilege to be with the Board of this Foundation and proud of its services to Infanta and others," said Pol.

We wish to thank the previous board members for their service to Metro Infanta Foundation. Without their help, the Foundation could not have accomplished much. We hope, though, that they will continue to support our mission to address the needs of our beloved town and beyond.

Please join us in thanking the following:

Treasurer: Emilie Gurango, M.D.
Secretary: Sally Derilo

Trustees
Thelma Telan Coralde
Marilyn Bunag Ibanez
Carolina Rutaquio Nido
Mita Recio Pasia, MD
Divinia Azcarraga Tingzon
Amor Penaverde Santiago
Frederick Villamayor

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Metro Infanta Foundation has helped 14 students complete their college courses. Most are now fully employed as indicated below. We are still awaiting information on employment of the rest.

Beulah Axalan, Batangas University, BS Nursing, Batangas
Mary Grace Balico, College of the Imaculate Conception, BSE, Dingalan, Teacher, N. Ecija, CIC
Charito Bargues, Mt. Carmel College, Baler, BSE, Baler, Teacher, Baler, MCC
Renee Rose Cabasag, National Teachers College, BSE, Casiguran, principal's secretary, College of the Holy Spirit
Cherilyn Calangi, Batangas University, Nursing Aid
Raymond Paul Coralde, Philippine Marine Institute, BS Marine, Polillo
Rolando Eresmas, Mt. Carmel College, Casiguran, BSE
Mark Kristian Espinosa, Mt. Carmel College, Baler, BSE, San Luis, Teacher, Gen. Nakar, MCHS
Abegail Hernandez, Mt. Carmel College, Baler, BSE
Lala Prudencio, Polytechnic University, Philippines, Banking and Finance
Nomie Pujeda, Polytechnic University, Philippines, BA Office Admin, Infanta
Mary Jane Talento, Mt. Carmel College, BSE, Baler
Marisol Vergara, Chinese General Hospital, BS Nursing, Quezon City
Jocelyn Villamar, Mt. Carmel College, Baler, BSE, Baler, Teacher, Baler, MCC

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

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From the Board of Directors of Metro Infanta Foundation

Posted by Mila Glodava at 10:40 AM | Permalink

By Henry Huerto

I am presently preparing for my upcoming tests in a course where I am currently enrolled in when my attention was caught by Amb. Arizala's latest piece on Christmas. His article has evoked memories about my own Christmas experiences as a boy in Infanta - recollections so strong and fond that I had to break my self-imposed rule of not letting anything aside from my normal home or office chores to get in the way of my current preparations.

I have always looked back to that period in my young life with such cherished thoughts to say that they have been one of,if not the happiest moments in my life. And this is despite the fact that unlike most of the other children then, I was never sure to have new clothes or pair of shoes to wear on the Big Day because our family was really hard-up to afford them.

On this and to veer from my topic a little bit, I used to wonder that despite their very meager income, our parents had always managed to buy us new wears for the Yuletide season. For one thing, maybe this was because like any other parents it was their joy to see us happy during Christmas. Another reason was that at the very least, they did not cherish the prospect of seeing us left out while other kids were basking in their new attires. I only realized later how many months Nanay would have to bleed through just to be able to pay the 'hulugang damit' which I and my other sibling had worn!

I am never embarassed to admit that I grew up without having seen, least of all tried, a real hamon or experienced a sumptuous meal of Noche Buena after attending the Misa de Gallo. Sta Claus was fiction to me because I did not remember receiving even a single gift coming from him. Or maybe it was because we did not have a chimney for him to sneak his gifts through in the first place.

Yet despite the things we lacked or did not have then, I would not say now that those days were not as happy or memorable as those of the other kids who grew up with me. On the contrary, I maintain that they may be the best Christmases that I ever had. For the simple reasons that as a child, I saw this time as one when better off parents would let their own children share toys with less fortunate kids like us. It was also a time when even the normally condescending neighbor would transform into a most gracious host to poor kids in the neighborhood. But best of all, the thrills of my early Christmases came when I and my youngest sister would hop from house to house and kneel before the owners in order to earn that much desired 'cinco or diez' na papasko.

To a child especially, the joy that Christmas brings is that which comes from within. Certain ciccumstances may have changed in my life that have placed my two young children a lot better off than where I had been as a child. All their lives, they have known Santa Claus and always looked forward to receiving their gifts from him. Despite these, I have always nursed this secret wish that my children will also experience the joys of my childhood Christmases in Infanta - which until now to me have been the truest and purest.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 10:31 AM | Permalink

By Rudy A. Arizala
Samtiago, Chile
December 2007

Every time I hear “Silent Night”,”Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer,” and other similar melodies, I know that Christmas is coming near – we Christians celebrate it on the 25th of December.

But another song, not really connected at all with the birth of Jesus Christ, reminds me also of Christmas, especially how that blessed day is celebrated when I was a growing up kid in Infanta. It is the song “Oh Joseph, Joseph.”

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In 1969 Rudy visited, and prayed at, the spot where Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
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I remember in my youth, there was always that young girl, two years older that I, with beautiful eyes and dimples on her cheeks who after Mass on Christmas Day comes to the house in her best Sunday dress, with a red ribbon on her curly hair and wearing a pair of white shoes.

Upon arrival at our house, she would kneel in front of my mother; get hold of Nanay´s right hand; place it on her forehead and say: “Mano Po! Ninang.” And mother would hold her tiny hands to help her get up and say: “Siya Nawa. Kaawaan ka ng Diyos.” Then Nanay would give her a 50 centavo silver coin; guide her to the table laden with foods and tell her: “Ling-ling, kumain ka kahit na anong gusto mo.” But the girl would not touch any of the native cakes such as “pasingaw”, “tamales” and “kinakaw” which were among those Christmas foods on the table saying: “Mayroon din po niyan sa amin.” But she would pick up an apple and several pieces of grapes and eat them with gusto.

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Filipinos abroad celebrate Christmas with songs and folk dancing. In this photo, circa 1987, Rudy's daughter Ale dances the tinikling.
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Before Ling-ling could say goodbye to her “Ninang”, Nanay would tell her: “Sigue, Ling-ling” kumanta ka muna at magsayaw.” And Ling-ling would oblige singing “Oh Joseph, Joseph won´t you make your mind up” and dance, her tiny finger gesturing and pointing at an imaginary person called “Joseph”.

The same ritual is repeated every Christmas even up to the time that Ling-ling grew up and became a public school teacher. And mother has always a silver 50 centavo coin as “Aguinaldo” to her. Ling-ling is always attired in her best Sunday clothes and wears her pair of white shoes even during the Japanese occupation everytime she goes to our old wooden house on Christmas to say “Mano Po, Ninang.” (See photo of old wooden house with a lone star at the balcony).

The repetition of such Christmas ritual every year made me remember some lines up to now of the song “Oh, Joseph, Joseph” which go like this:

“Oh, Joseph, Joseph, won´t you make your mind up
It´s time I knew just how I stand with you
My heart´s no clock that I can stop and wind up
Each time we make up after being through.

“ So listen Joseph, Joseph time is fleeting
And here and there my hair is turning grey
Mother has a fear wedding bells I´ll never hear
Joseph, Joseph, won´t you name the day.”

Many years later, when mother was already bedridden and I was in Infanta, one late afternoon, we heard a knock at the door of our old house. When I opened the door, I saw an old woman with a familiar smile and glint in her eyes: “Nariyan po ba si Ninang? Nabalitaan ko po na may sakit raw, kaya dinalhan ko siya ng prutas. Mabuti rin pong makain ni Ninang,” handing to me a pandan bag with bananas and other fruits.

I let her in and before I could ask her name, my sister “May” came and said: “Ah, Kuya, siya ay si Ling-ling na ina-anak ni Nanay sa binyag.” So, we guided her where Nanay was lying on bed.

“Nanay”, I gently whispered to her: “Narito po si Ling-ling na ina-anak mo sa binyag. Yon pong palaging namamasko sa inyo, kumakanta at sumasayaw ng Oh, Joseph, Joseph. .” When Nanay heard the words “Oh Joseph, Joseph,” she opened her eyes, looked at Ling-ling, and smiled saying “Mabuti at ako´y na-ala-ala mo.” “Mano Po Ninang”, Ling-ling said as she held Nanay´s frail bony hands. “Ikaw po ay di ko nalilimutan. Di po ako nakadalaw kaagad dahil simula noong ako´y magretire sa pagtuturo, ako ang siyang taga alaga ng aking mga apo.”

“Tinuroan mo rin bang kumanta at sumayaw ang iyong mga apo?” Mother asked her. And Ling-ling said “Opo.” Then mother smiled, try to lift her frail bony arm as if to give Ling-ling her usual blessings during Christmas, and then closed her eyes saying “Kaawaan ka Na Diyos, Ling-ling”(May the Almighty Bless you, Ling-ling).

When Ling-ling bade goodbye and I was guiding her to the door, she asked: “Di po ba ikaw ang anak ni Ninang na Consul?” “Ako nga, ang anak ng Ninang mong layas,” I replied.

Ling-ling smiled saying: “Ikaw po ay laging binabanggit sa akin ni Ninang”, and then departed as if the very same small girl leaving our house every Christmas after saying “Mano Po Ninang” to my mother.

Why did mother has special love and consideration for Ling-ling among her numerous godchildren in baptism? I remember Nanay told us that Ling-Ling was her godchild in baptism when she (Nanay) was still a young lass of seventeen. And since then every year on Christmas Day, rain or shine, after mass, she always go to Nanay and say “Mano Po, Ninang”, dance and sing “Oh Joseph, Joseph”.

Christmas during our childhood is Prayer, “Mano Po, Ninang”; Song and Dance.

E n d

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Researched and compiled by Rudy A. Arizala
Santiago, Chile 16 December 2007

As Christmas Day draws nearer, it is worthwhile remembering how Christmas was celebrated during the time of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal and compare it with the celebration of today. To do this, we have to read some of the letters of Rizal and his two novels - "Noli Me Tangere" ( The Social Cancer) and "El Filubusterismo" (The Reign of Greed).

On 25 Dec. 1886, when Jose Rizal was in Berlin, feeling homesick and lonely, full of nostalgia, (like any expatriates Filipino today), wrote his mother as follows:

"My dearest mother:

"Today, Christmas, I take up the pen to write you a few lines. I want to devote a few hours this morning to a mental conversation with you while I think constantly that probably at this time the little grandchildren are bustling to kiss the hands of the grandparents to received the expected Christmas gifts. Above my room the boys of the carpenter are running around and enjoying themselves blowing a cornet, which probably was given to them last night, which was the children´s day."

On another Christmas, while already exiled in Dapitan, in a letter to T. Alonzo Rizal dated 5 January 1893, Jose Rizal described how he spent Christmas in December i892, as follows:

"I have not spent too bad a Christmas or New Year´s Eve here; no doubt I could have had a better time under other circumstances, but in those in which I find myself I could not have wanted more. . Three Spaniards came from a neighboring town and together with the local commander, another Spaniard, and a Frenchman, we had a gay Christmas Eve dinner We went to hear the midnight Mass; for you must know that I hear Mass every Sunday."(Pls. see Leon Ma. Guerrero´s book, "The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal", p.342).

In Rizal´s book: "Noli Me Tangere" (The Social Cancer, Chapter LVIII, p. 486), translated to English by Charles E. Derbyshire, he described Christmas Eve at a little town in the Philippines in the following words:

"The north wind whistled by, making the inhabitants of San Diego shier with cold. It was Christmas Eve and yet the town was wrapped in gloom. Not a paper lantern hung from the windows nor did a single sound in the houses indicate the rejoicing of other years."

Describing Christmas Eve in the same town of San Diego in Rizal´s second book "El Filubusterismo" (The Reign of Greed), Chapter V, p. 45, "A Chochero´s Christmas Eve, Rizal wrote:

" The only house wherein there seemed to be any mirth was Capitan Basilio' s. Hens and chickens cackled their death chant to the accompaniment of dry and repeated strokes, as of meat pounded on a chopping-block, and the sizzling of grease in the frying-pans. A feast was going on in the house, and even into the street there passed a certain draught of air, saturated with succulent odors of stews and confections."

In the same book of Rizal, "E Filibusterismo" (The Reign of Greed, Chapter VIII, "Merry Christmas!", pp.70-71, also translated to English by Charles E. Derbyshire, he described Christmas celebration in the Philipines during his time as follows:

"Christmas day in the Philippines is, according to the elders, a fiesta for the children, who are perhaps not of the same opinion and who, it may be supposed, have for it an instinctive dread. They are roused early, washed, dressed, and decked out with everything new, dear, and precious that they possess - high silk shoes, big hats, woolen or velvet suits, witout overlooking four or five scapularies. . . . Afterwards they are dragged from house to house to kiss their relatives hands. They they have to dance, sing, and recite all the amusing things they know, whether in the humor or not, whether comfortable or not in their fine clothes. . .Their relatives give them money. . ."

In all the above Christmas celebrations either as experienced personally by Rizal or narrated by him in his two books or novels, one essential factor should not be forgotten.. The true meaning and significance of the birth of Jesus Christ as observed also in contemporary times by another Filipino, a Jesuit priest Rev. Fr. Horacio de la Costa in his poem: "The Star of the Kings". He wrote (as I have told you before), that to most people, "Christmas is merely a feast", a time to dine with western wine and dance with western music. We have lost or forgotten the Child Jesus because a huge neon sign has blotted the Star of the Kings.

"But if through the quiet evening streets
We follow the wise Kings´Star
Where it beckons and swings
From the sills of the poor,
It may lead us yet through a low church door
Where we may kneel,
As the Kings long before,
Where the Child and Mother are."

Rizal, our national hero, did not forget the "Child and Mother", as we have seen when he was exiled in Dapitan After a "gay Christmas Eve dinner" with friends, he "went to hear the midnight Mass"in commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior!

E n d

Posted by Mila Glodava at 01:44 PM | Permalink

Arizona
De Mayo, Ruth Iris Azcarraga*
Duty, Mila (Jaen)*
Gazo, Pepito & Marina (Ocampo)*
Reyes, Nelda Flores (Ollet)
Yngente, Luis

California
Abuel, Iner & Inez
Acaylar, Rolly & Delia
Agustin, Pio & Ampy (Ofreneo)
Alegado, Rey & Elvie (Sollano)
Almazan Kay Barretto
Alteza, Jhun*
Argana, Alex, Tony & Ariel (Azcarraga)*
Arizala, Octavio
Atendido, Feliz (Fortunado)
Aumentado, JBA*
Aumentado, Alberto and Yoly*
Avellano, Rogel & Dora
Azurel, Samuel*
Babas, Menard*
Babista, Amado & Herminia
Baluyot, Nery (Macasaet)
Baluyot, Tony*
Barlongo, Protacio & Dolores (Establicida)
Buñag, Hector & Fabbee
Burgo, Tarding & Gloria*
Cabrera, Ned & Abegail (Villeno)
Cailipan, Norman & Adelaine (Villeno)
Azcarraga, Cristina (Poblete)*
Calzado, Liezl (Aztoveza)*
Calderon, Noel & Rhea (Catbagan)
Casibang, Bon & Mercy*
Catbagan, Romy & Rudy
Coronel, Rene & Norma (Leynes)
Cuento, Melvin
Detera, Rodney
Diestro, Jr, Manuel Buerano
Ebron, Sonia (Poblete)*
Escarra, Melvyn & Fely
Fortunado, Totoy & Lourdes (Ruidera)
Gaffud, Jun & Michelle (Catbagan)
Garcia, Buenaventura*
Garcia, Diego & Viola (Sollesa)
Garcia, Rudy & Benny
Garcia, Shirley (Buñag)
Gonzales, Val & Mellie (Babista)
Guerrero, Lydia (Rutaquio)
Guillermo, Ruben & Merla
Gurango, Edward
Hernandez, Izar & Deanna*
Ibañez, Manny & Marilyn (Buñag)
Ison, Tito & Alice (Meraña)
Jacobe, Solita (Gurango)*
Lucero, Fred & Ellen
Lucero, James
Meraña, Pio Michael & Josie
Meraña, Quin & Carol (Pujalte)
Medina, Ronald & Melca*
Adora, Miras*
Miras, Julio
Miras, Victoria
Morga, Edwin & Mila
Morilla, Christian*
Morrilla, Milo*
Mosses, Teddy & Lillian (Flores)
Nakar, Delano*
Nebres, Lucy*
Niebres, Jose & Ada
O'Keefe, Michael & Josefina* (Corsilles)
Ofreneo, Louis Loy M.
Ofreneo, Amparo
Orantia-Guiang, Adelu*
Orantia, Isabelita
Orantia, Mil
Orantia, Ason
Orozco, Beato & Pina
Orozco, Pablito & Imelda (Orantia)
Orozco, Romy & Yoly
Ortiz, Val, Lucy & Leila
Ortiz, Ladell*
Pablo, Leony (Rivera)
Pandy, Joan N. Ocampo*
Peñamante, Ulysses & Lilybeth (Sollestre)
Plaza, Ma. Cristina Ruiz*
Poblete, Caridad
Poblete, Lino
Portillo, Ed & Cecilia*
Potestades, Liberato & Lydia
Pradillada, Rolando A.
Protesta, Roland & Neneng (Establicida)
Pujalte, Judy
Pujeda, Joe & Lonching (Morilla)
Quinto, Manny & Ming
Rada, Henry & Tita
Regacho, Danny & Mercy (Turgo)
Remoroza, Mamerto C.
Resplandor, Joe*
Resplandor, Tinoy & Norma
Reyes, Nelda Flores (Ollet)
Reyes, Roger & Zorina
Rinen, Berta
Ruanto, Leandro
Ruidera, Dora*
Ruidera, Emma*
Ruidera, Irma*
Ruidera, Julian*
Ruidera, Joel*
Ruidera, Lucila*
Ruidera, Luis*
Ruidera, Minio
Santiago, Tomas & Susana*
Santos, Dulce (Resplandor)
Sarmiento, Idalia (Macasaet)
Sollesa, Norma
Sollestre, Connie
Sollestre, Manny & Aida
Solte, Armando & Cora
Solte, Bong & Nori*
Solte, Estanislao & Villa (Poblete)
Suria, Consuelo
Tapang, Elizabeth (Penamora)
Tapang, Jojo
Turgo, Arturo
Victoria, Rafael & Vilma (Sollesa)
Villaflor, Carlito & Miriam
Villamor, Bill & Irene (Sollesa)
Villamayor, Ed& Mari
Villeno, Julius & Maribel
Villeno, Leo
Villeno, Manny & Fe
Villeno, Maria (Gurango)
Yu, Antee

Colorado
Aldea, Amerigo & Marcela
Aldea , Ernesto & Susan
Glodava, Mark & Mila (Garcia)

Florida
Alo, Lawrence
Diaz, Bobby & Bessie (Rutaquio)
Fausto, Fernando & Aurora
Maderaso, Theresa (Ruanto)*
Mandigma, Judith leynes*
Orquia, Nanding*
Telan, Ruben & Grace
Telan, Nonong
Monreal , Ramon & Myrna (Crisostomo)
Peñaverde, Jose
Ramirez, Linda
Villeno, Roger & Norma

Georgia
Ricardo "Jun" Garin Jr

Hawaii
Marilyn Durante*

Illinois
Alea, Imelda (Evangelista)
Alvarez, Myrna
Azarias, Isidoro
Azcarraga, Isagani & Teresita*
Cabiltes, Puring (Riña)
Cease, Edwin & Clarita (Gutierrez)*
Gurango, Bedeo & Elma (Buerano)
Llorico, Amor*
Nacorda, Peter & Baby (Gusilatar)
Ofreneo, Danilo & Irma
Orozco, Osman (Meraña)*
Ovalles, Sister Evelyn
Pagana, Carmen (Riña)
Peñamante, Edwin & Maricar (Cailipan)*
Revita, Leonides & Lolit (Azcarraga)
Tingzon, Marwen & Divinia (Azcarraga)

Kansas
Cuento, Ading & Tinay

Maryland
Azcarraga, Sammy & Gina*
Dayrit, Jesse & Ellen (Sura)
Espinosa, Jinggy & Marilou (Leynes)*
Espiritu, Marites
Garcia, Melecia

Michigan
Alonzo, Dennis & Rea (Sollestre)*
America, Virgilio
Avellano, Vary & Lucy
Buckner, James & Maricel (Gusilatar)*
Clayton, Kelly & Annabelle (Icasiano)
De los Reyes, Rene & Cely (Sollestre)
Derilo, Salvacion & Pol
Flores, Sergy & Lucy (Sollestre)
Finn, Bill & Gloria (Gusilatar)*
Hernandez, Noling & Letty*
Icasiano, Armando & Flor (Gusilatar)
Leodones, Mario & Norma
Mitchell, Steve & Penny (Lipio)
Ocampo, Jures (Boiser)
Patacsil, Paz (America)
Santiago, Jon & Amor (Peñaverde)
Sollestre, Eva*
Sollestre, Greg & Annie
Sollestre, Rey & Liza*
Sollestre, Roy & Bebe*
Valentino, Jovy (Sollano)
Vallester, Letty

Minnesota
Costumbrado, Noli*

Missouri
del Carmen, Evelyn (Recio)
Gonzales, Leticia (Recio)
Marquez, Jose & Malou
Pasia, Ebello & Norma (Recio)

Nevada
Cuento, Melvin
Escolano, Carmelo
Escolano, Nilo & Tessie (Flores)
Legaspi, Carmen Portelo
Nicomedes, Corazon
Purisima, Benjamni & Guadalupe (Astrera)
Wolf, Kurt & Dhessa

New Jersey
Alo, Erlinda
Araña, Evelyn (Peñaverde)
Arizala, Pamela
Asis, Artemia
Asis, Benjamin
Aveno, Arturo*
Babilonia, Lydia*
Bitara, Marianito
Borreo, Gil*
Borreo, Paring*
Buerano, Romy*
Bustonera, Lydia*
Capili, Lynn*
Carandang, Efren & Beth (Villafor)*
Coralde, Noel
Crisostomo, Rex*
Corcuera, Marith*
Cua, Nilda
Cua, Eddie
Dumaua, Emelita
Gargoles, Elsie Borreo*
La Torre, William
LaTorre, Edna*
Legaspi, Marlet (Portelo)*
Llorico, Ismael*
Nakar, Esing*
Ocampo, Alice (Asis)
Olimpo, Jeanne (Moriones)
Peña, Lita*
Peñaverde, Vincent
Recio, Sandra
Romantico, Reagan*
Trinidad, Ofelia (Cua)

New York
Almira, Vilma
Amarga, Ding & Evelyn (Ruzol)
Anquillo, Ludema
Austria, Alfonso & Lulu (Potes
Bueno, Lolita (Peñaverde)
Cervantes, Jose & Yeye (Macasaet)
Rev. Armando Crisostomo
Coralde, Thelma (Telan)
Coronacion, Romeo & Julie
Garcia, Flordeliz
Garcia, Sophia
Gochuico, Norma (Ruzol)
Leodones, Pope
Leynes, Monette
Miras, Nely
Morilla, Carlito & Alice*
Nuguit, Jun & Josefina (Leynes)*
Nuyda, John & Imelda (Mercado)
Pagalilauan, Oscar & Tessie (Leodones)
Peñaverde,William
Prado, Romy & Nena (Morilla)*
Rodriguez, Ben & Leony (Leodones)
Rutaquio, Ted
Shah, Araceli (Garcia)
Telan, Cesar
Telan, Mely
Yu, Teresita

Ohio
Aguillon, Lud & Monina (Utulo)
Azcarraga, Alice*
Briones, Rudy & Letty (Juntereal)
Carpo, Alice (Argana)
Gurango, Emilie
Harris, Elizabeth (Gurango)
Ignacio, Paul & Mercy (Macasaet)
Irons, Ellen Mercado*

Oregon
Garcia, Greg

Pennsylvania
Aveno, Rey*
Boiser, Nita & Daling
Boiser, Olindo & Lovie*
Boiser, Sheila*
Bustonera, Erlinda & Juanita
De Castro, Annie*
De la Cruz, Rusty & Nessie (Juntereal)
Fornilda, Emerita Carlay
Jaug, Celso & Conching (Fornilda)
Juntereal, Bladimer (Steve) & Angelita*
Juntereal, Consuelo*
Juntereal, Josefina*
Juntereal, Anita (Coronacion)*
Juntereal, Redentor & Espie
Juntereal, Rowena*
Juntereal, Rigoberto & Trinidad*
Juntereal, Romulo & Femy
Recio, Rolando

Tennessee
Funderburk, Marpet Evardome

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

Virginia
Bueno, Veronica
Macasaet, Francisco & Evelyn
Nido, Romy & Carol (Rutaquio)
Rutaquio, Letty

Washington State
Atendido, Fred
Coronacion, Alan & Geraldine
Labayen, Louie
Navarro, Reinelda (Macasaet)
Orquia, Julito
Solema, Nilda (Avenilla)*
Vargas, Felino & Choleng

Washington, D.C.
Tena, Junlo & Rowena

West Virginia
Pia, Felipe & Zeny (Potes)

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

Australia
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

Austria
Juntereal, Simplicio
Leynes, Marcelo Jr. (Jun)*

Canada
Abaya, Henry & Imelda Ofreneo
Adapon, Kevin & Eric*
Adapon, Buddy & Fe (Gurango)*
America, Percy & Aurora*
America, Elma*
America, Edsel & Rowena*
Arevalo, Gil & Levy (Orantia)
Astrera, Cesar & Tessie
Baldovino, Grace (Quinto)
Barcena, Danny*
Barcena, Fidel Ferreros
Barcena, Grace*
Barcena, Shella (Crisostomo)
Bustonera, Nelsie*
Bustonera, Sogo & Elie*
Canlas, Fedeline (Barcena)*
Castro, Nanette
Conchada, Maricris*
Damaso, Gloria S.
De Coste, Rey & Marites (Ofreneo)
De Lara, Jun & Cleofe (Gurango)*
Enverga, Angel & Enone*
Evangelista, Ailene Damaso
Gasse, Bernie & Luy (America)*
Guinto, Fe (Escobido)*
Gurango, Armando & Nenita*
Gurango, Cynthia & Noah*
Gurango, Gener & Jonah*
Gurango, Lando*
Gurango, Mario & Minda*
Gurango, Pacing & Maila
Gurango, Rollie & Mayette*
Huerto, Henry *
Jimenez, Ding & Linda (America)
Lebrias, Mike & Eden (Orantia)
Lemieux, Lani (Leynes)*
Macalinao, Ven & Zeny (America)
Marasigan, Wally & Chary (Nakar)
Marquez, Manny & Norma (Orantia)*
Meraña, Yoly & Marlene*
Meraña, Robert & Fely*
Morilla, Fabian & Delsa*
Ofreneo, Elmer & Lea*
Orantia, Boyet & Cora*
Orantia, Claro & Conse*
Orantia, Shyren*
Orantia, Susan*
Orejola, Boyet & Irene (America)*
Palanca, Andy
Peralta, Penny & Susan (Orantia)*
Poblete, Nieves & Carmela*
Pope, Sonia (Astrera)
Quilatan, Francis & Remy (Quinto)*
Quinto, Marlon & Chit*
Quinto, Honor*
Remoroza, Mila*
Revellame, Carmen*
Reyes, Orly & Socorro (Poblete)*
Sollano, Wilson & Marie*
Suaverdes, Edison*
Tan, Jun & Yoly (Bustonera)*
Tena, Claire*
Unana, Fred & Beth (Meraña)*
Valenzuela, Pat*
Valenzuela, Lani*
Valenzuela, Sam & Leila*
Villabroza, Jun & Gloria (Poblete)*

Chile
Arizala, Rudy & Maria Loretto
Arizala, Ma. Alejandra

England
Pujeda, Macwaine
Ravago, Eranio
Waters, Evelyn Ravago*

France
Leglise, Anne Magallanes*

Germany
Avenilla, Laura*
Lampe, Mercy

Guam
Portelo, Carmen*

Italy
Avenilla, Ollie
Poblete, Albert*

Japan
Bustonera, Antonio & Janeth*
Horiuchi, Marites (Pujeda)*
Johnstone, Lally (Moises)*
Plaza, Azenith Agnes*
Purisima, Benjamin*

Libya
Dulce Babia Bustonera*

Malaysia
Gelmar D. Aguilon*

Middle East
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 Netherlands
Pulmano, Josie Morilla*

New Zealand
Coralde, Anita*
Coralde Siegfredo*
Coralde, Efren *
Coralde, Larry*
Coralde, Victor*

Norway
Borreo, Homer*

Poland
Suria, Eugenio, Jr.*

Singapore
LaCuesta, Athan Cuento*
Turgo, Carmelita Ruidera

Switzerland
Coralde, Gil & Ofie*
Ruzol, Cornelio and Marilyn

Thailand
Eras Magallanes

Venezuela
Lucelyn Aumentado-Gumabay*

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Rudy Arizala
In response to Pol Derilo's comment on the erosion of moral values in t he Philippines

Thanks for your comments on my analysis on the present situation in our beloved country. You are absolutely correct. The root cause of our problems is due to lack of morality. And that lack of morality is due to declining, if not disappering influence of religion in our lives.

As a social scientist and historian wrote many years ago when there was a great debate raging in our country whether or not to teach religion in public schools: "WITHOUT RELIGION, THERE CAN BE NO EFFECTIVE MORALITY; AND A DECLINE IN MORALITY, IS THE DECLINE OF THE WHOLE NATION."

More power to you Kuya Poling in your endeavor to help improve the lives of our people, especially our beloved kababayans in Infanta-Real-Gen. Nakar areas.

Neneto and I wish you and Kaka Vacion a Blessed and Merry Christmas as well as A Prosperous New Year!

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

Thank you for the series of insights on the governance of the Philippines. In light of current times and events that seemed to be constantly sending messages, the state of morality of both the governor and the governed was so apparent.

You know one of the things I noticed since returning and staying longer in the country is the erosion of the moral values that used to be engraved among the mainstream of Filipinos. Disappearing are some of the good practices, customs and traditions that exhibit deep expressions of reverence to elders, words of honor and delicadeza that you talk about in your articles. It is really sad to see them happening. The family and religion are two institutions where we can trace for the breakage and weakening of moral values. The thrust for material survival that resulted from population explosion contributed to the mishap. The church I thought also was kind of complacent, unduly passive in asserting the responsibilities that accompany the free will of its flock. As a result, one can observe today that religious teachings lack their consumation in the very lives of the laity in their everyday living. People tends to leave what they heard from the pulpit and return into their unreformed old self once they step out of church yard. It simply means lack of strong moral conviction, understanding and application.

So what does everybody needs if I may be asked the question? Perhaps we have to go back to the basics. We have to rethread our moral fabric so that they become more sturdy and strong. Thus we can resist the short and long strains of our lives and thus avoid the short and temporary conveniences of compromising our belief over the long and much more rewarding response to our faith, the teachings of our church. And this applies to all ladders of society since we are all accountable. Perhaps the "have nots" will be more blessed since that is what has been declared in the beatitudes. The Lord is more compassionate with them.

But what about the "have all" segment of society? Is it not also a reminder of their chance to partake in whatever means they deemed appropriate so that they stripped of themselves the unnecessary burden in meeting their Creator? They are likened to camels that ought to pass through a needle eye in order to deserve eternal destination.

I'm afraid that I've shifted my arguments more on the religious aspect. But if we come to think about it, is this not supposed to be the guiding principle of how we have to tread our lives. If it is, then we may still have time to change our behavior and reform the country as a whole. We just need to start very soon and with every tiny step patiently, everyone may contribute to a real nation building, morally strong and lasting. This may go on for a long, long time but if we fix our vision with our faith, we will get there in time, though remote in our own lifetime, but we have started.

We still need a lot of prayers, sacrifices and every bit of help from everyone to make up for our negligence. It does not seem easy at all but there should be joy in doing it for the right hope and faith. May we not take off our eyes on the right vision.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Rodolfo A. Arizala

At these diffucult and trying moments in our country either due to natural or man-made calamities, it is relevant to have strength of character, self-reliance and abiding faith. And this could be made possible by observance of a code of moral conduct in our daily lives. In other words, a moral conscience.

We have to remember, however, that the Oriental concept of morality differs from those observe in the Occident. In Oriental culture where "loss of face" is important, when word of honor is held as sacred as life itself, there is that "command responsibility" and failure to assume such responsibiity or fulfill a mission for whatever reasons deserves atonement. In Japan, for example, "hara-kiri" was resorted to in the past. And recently, a form of atonement is observed by making public confessions of their guilt and they either go to jail or temple to undergo a sort of "retreat" as practiced by the Catholics during Holy Week. The readers may recall that when a bridge collapsed in one of the Southeast Asian countries, the official responsible for the construction of such bridge made a public confession of guilt, assumed responsibility and resigned from his position.

We Filipinos on the other hand have a different attitude from our Asian brothers. We don´t have only the tendency to deny the obvious but even adopt a "kapit-tuko" (hanging on like lizard) attitude by clinging desperately to positions held. And when caught in a corner and have no other alternative, that is the only time that we resign. We also have the tendency to blame others for our own mistakes.

It is likewise observed that we announce to the extent of bragging that we have adopted the Amercian brand of democracy having copied their Constitution and system of government. Yet, while an American Republican will die a Republican, or a Democrat will die a Democrat, we have seen Filipino politicians change political parties as often as they change their clothes. And to justify such political "acrobatic act" we invented all kinds of political alliance such as the "rainbow coalition" of recent vintage. There are also instances when leaders and their followers behave like rats on a sinking vessel. When their boat is about to sink, the officers and crew members start jumping overboard to save their own lives and hang on to their life-vests unmindful of the safety of the passengers. The captain of the vessel by naval or marine tradition is supposed to sink with the ship. However, it is not uncommon to read these days stories of captains of vessels disappearing like mists to surface alive several days after the boat sunk.

In other words, faithful observance of duties is gone; the Spanish "palabra de honor" (word of honor), is gone as well as "urbanidad" (civility) and "delicadeza" (above reproach). Regretfully, the age of loyalty seem to disappear also and replaced by the age of perfidy. Even the "chivalry" of a Don Quixote is gone. Of course, we may still find in our midst "Sancho Panzas" with loyalty but of another type - that of "canine devotion".

This recall to mind what is stated in the "Bushido" - the Warrior´s Code whereby a soldier pledged to four solemn oaths: to be second to none in the performance of duty; make himself useful to our Lord; be dutiful to parents; and attain greatness in charity. And according to "Bushido" we have to remember that "Time changes. Each age has ideas of morality which are no more

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink

By Shelley Ortiz

Our neglect is like spitting at the face of God! He gives us marvelous gifts and we destroy it. Lack of gratitude and neglect are testimonies of our sin of selfishness. We live for the here and now and do not care about what we will leave behind. It takes individual then corporate discipline follows. If we truly worship the Creator, we will cherish and care for His creation. However, many do not believe in the creation account and therefore they probably leave it up to "mother nature" to take care of itself as they continue to plunder...No wonder God is angry with the wicked everyday! Make money now as if money will add a day to their lives? No, God has already assigned those days way before we were born. But people continue to defy God and raise their fists at Him and say, we can do better so therefore leave us alone!. Well, our work is right in front of us (and around the necks of the poor creatures underwater).

The world authorities cannot even protect us from the drug smugglers, they use the Pacific (via Infanta shores and the neighboring towns) waters to ferry their poison, and it is illegal, we have lots of laws against it, but seems like a losing battle, illegal logging is - yes - illegal, yet people (in authority or blessed by those in authority) do it. The Pharisees wrote up hundreds of rules for the Jews to follow, yet God sent down only 10, a simple list to follow, yet always broken. Rules and laws help drive the point across, but it takes individual action and personal sense of responsibility to fix things.

Let's be the 10 righteous (who follow as Jesus leads) and we know that God will respond to Abraham's plea and spare the new "Sodom."

I applaud all those countries whose people are trying to do what's right.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 06:55 PM | Permalink

By Rudy Arizala

Editor's Note: The NASA PowerPoint of Planet Earth is too large to post on the website. We'll be happy to send it to you. Just let us know if you're interested. Editor

The NASA PHOTOS of planet earth as seen from outer space reminds me of two fundamental things: 1) The Genesis; and 2) What Philippine Delegate to the first 1945 UN Conference in San Francisco, U.S.A. proposed.

1.Genesis
!n the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upn the face of deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.
And the evening and the morning were the first day.

2. What Philippine Delegate CPR said.
When the UN was being organized and an emblem for the world organization was being designed in 1945, Gen. Carlos P. Romulo of the Philippines proposed that the Philippines be included in the map of the UN for the World. The U.S. delegate said: "General, if we include the Philippines, it would be a mere dot on the world map." Romulo, replied: "Then let us have that dot on the map of the UN." And so the Philippines was included as a mere dot in the UN emblem .

If you view closely and carefully the NASA photos taken from outer space, you would see that the Philippines is visible or could be seen as a mere dot. How lucky we are that our country is one of those countries of the world visible geographically from outer space! The truth and validity of the words of Gen. Romulo were confirmed by the recent NASA Photo.

After viewing the NASA photos, wonder how and why we earthlings blessed by the Lord with such beautiful and bountiful planet earth could be destroying it, polluting it and worse of all, fighting and killing each other when we, out of love, are all creations of the Lord.

Editor's note: On a more personal observations, the ambassador notes:

The beautiful sceneries in the attached video clips - blue or emerald sea, seashores with fine sand and swaying green coconut trees - remind me of our Bayang Magiliw, especially, the seashores in Real- Kapalong - Tignoan route. Also, the Binulasan - Dinahikan seashores and, of course, the Gen Nakar, Catablingan-Ikdan- Tamala seashores.

What made me very sad is when my brother Dading and I together with our pamangkins in Infanta went on a picnic at a beach resort owned by Pareng Pied Magallanes. On the shores of Dinahican, we found lots of "basuras" most of them plastic bags, bottles and bottle-caps. Nobody in Brgy. Dinahikan nor in Infanta-Real-Gen. Nakar seem to seriously care to keep our place free from those "non-biogradable" materials or waste which we
carelessly throw away.

We live on "plastics" including "plastic money"; why feed those marine animals with deadly plastic wastes or basuras by carelessly throwing them away? Why not collect those plastic materials or wastes for re-cycling
process as done in other countries? We no longer save our virgin forests by indiscriminate cutting of trees or illegal logging. Now, we no longer save marine life by throwing carelessly plastic wastes and materials.

If there is in Infanta a "Sierra Madre Task Force" to take care of our forests and waters in the Sierra Madre mountains, why not a "Pacific Ocean Task Force" to keep clear our shores and seas from deadly non-bigradable
"basuras" such as plastic wastes ?

Or, why should not the Philippines join the movement of clearing oceans, rivers and lakes started in Brazil and now in Chile of plastic wastes and basuras?

We proudly say our Bayang Magiliw is comprised of 7,107 islands and islets floating or nestled on the blue or emerald waters of the Pacific. Let us keep our shorelines, seas, rivers and lakes clear of plalstic materials and other garbage. Join the crusade started in Brazil. If they take care of their shorlines, islands and waters in the Atlantic, why not us in the Pacific?

Posted by Mila Glodava at 07:02 PM | Permalink

By Pol Derilo

Laiban Dam is still in REINA's mind and heart. The process of binding the 40,000 signatures from the three towns is in process and will be seeking delivery within the next month or so dependingon local conditions and availability of GMA.

Another issue that took precedence was the logging concession of Wilson NG. Real, Infanta and Gen. Nakar (REINA) are seeking cancellation of his IFMA application with DENR. This is another issue that took our focus on Laiban and Kanan B1 dams.

Posted by Mila Glodava at 04:35 PM | Permalink

Dec. 1 - Sheila Crisostomo-Barcena
Dec. 1 - Emmanuel Garcia
Dec. 1 - Cheren Prohibido
Dec. 4 - Dolly Banzon
dEC. 4 - Melecia C. Garcia
Dec. 4 - Henry B. Huerto
Dec. 14 - Moneth Caderma
Dec. 16 - Steven Caderma
Dec. 17 - Tess Espiritu
Dec. 24 - Analee Coralde
Dec. 25 - Jess Crisostomo
Dec. 25 - Roger Villeno
Dec. 25 - Rev. Alan Rieger, OCD

Posted by Mila Glodava at 12:00 AM | Permalink