Dear Sponsors,

Thank you very much for your continuous financial support in my education. It is a big help for me, especially to my parents and to all members of my family. Without your support I possibly would have to stop my studies because my parent’s salary is not sufficient to support my education and our daily needs.

At present I am finishing my third year, going to fourth year this coming June. I am now taking my summer class; we are the first batch of the new curriculum so it is required, because if we did not take it we will adjust one year, it was started last summer when I was second year.

I am hoping for your continuous support for my education and other students like me. Your Foundation serves as my inspiration for me. God Bless you always and may the shower of blessings be poured upon you and to your family.

Thank you and More Power to your Foundation!

Respectfully Yours,
_________________________
JUDITH ESTHER Y. PADUA
Student

I lost your cel fr pete and I could not contact you.

I found this article on the Metro Infanta websiteso and thought it would be nice to send an email to you since one of the content of this blog is regarding the cenro of Dingalan.

Last week I was informed by Joey Blangco, the new cenro of Dingalan, that he needs my help to reach the Task
Force Sierra Madre since I am a coordinator of the Sagip Sierra Madre here in Bulakan.

I was informed byJoey that he is the new cenro of Dingalan and he wanted to coordinate with you , Fr. Pete. I knew Joey since we were together last time he was the cenro of Bulacan, San Rafael and Nueva Ecija in
our forest protection anti-illegal logging operation.

He visited your place the last 4 or 5 days ago but you werestill in Mindanao. I hope you will find him cooperative
in our quest to save our Sierra Madre.

If there's anything I can do I am willing to offer even little coordination.

Thanks for everything,

Bro. Martin
Lake Galilee of Katribu, Bulakan

Ni Rudy A. Arizala
01 Mayo 2008

Isang lumang liham ang natagpuan sa tampipi ni Sebia sa kanyang pinsan na si Ising. Ang kalatas ay may petsang ika 01 ng Mayo 1941. Naito ang nilalalaman.

Mahal na Kaka Ising:

Kumulog na kagabi at pumatak kaninang umaga bago magbukang-liwayway sa Silangan. Ito ang unang ulan sa buwan ng Mayo. Baka nakalimutan mong isahod ang palanggana o batiya upang ipunin ang tubig-ulan. Nalimutan mo na ba ang sabi ng mga matatanda sa una na ang unang patak ng ulan sa buwan ng Mayo ay gamot?

Tiyak rin na mayroon nang maglalako ng kabuti. Sabi rin ng mga matatanda sa una na kapag nakikidlat na at kumulog ay tiyak na susulpot o maglalabasan na ang mga kabute. Mag-ingat ka lang at baka maylahok na “payong-ahas” ang mabile mong kabute ay saktan kayo ng tiyan o malason.

Humanda ka na rin maatasan na maging “hermana mayor”. Mayohan na naman at dapat na mayroon ka nang listahan kung sino-sino ang magpaparama at magpapatapos ng “Mayohan”. Tiyak na mauubos ang mga puno ng saging ni Inang Sela upang ang mga saha nito ay gawing turokan ng mga bulaklak. Sitahin mo na ang banda ni Amang Pepe upang siyang tumugtog sa sayawan pagkatapos ng ramahan, pagaalay ng mga bulaklak at pagdadasal sa simbahan. Nais ng mga kabataan na mayroong sayawan.

Ang mga magrarama (dalaga´t binata) ay hahandaan ng may parama ng mga kakanin tulad ng “pancit”, “chicken salad”, mamon, suman, puto at sinukmani. Magsasaka na rin ang mga “hermanita” at mga “hermanito” sa mga linang (barangay ang tawag ngayon) upang manghingi ng mga bulaklak. Ma-aanit na naman ang mga bulaklakan ni Nana Petra sa Ilog, Inang Kulasa sa Pinaglapatan, Nana Tilde sa Binulasan, Inang Kaludia sa Silangan, Nana Sepa sa Anibong, Nana Epang sa Alitas, Inang Manang sa Tongohin, Inang Pinang sa Agus-agos, at Nana Sabel sa Banugaw.

Kapag buwan ng Mayo ang mga batang nag-aalay ng mga bulaklak sa Simbahan o sa altar ng may pa Santakursan ay ito ang ina-awit nila:

"Tuhog na bulaklak
Sadyang sallit-salit
Sa mahal mong noo
Ay aming ikakapit
Lubos ang pag.asa
At sa iyo ay pananalig
Na natatanggapin mo'y
Handog ng pag-ibig."

Ang buwan ng Mayo ay buwan rin ng bakasyon. Kaya´t ang mga nagsisipag-aral sa Maynila (“Nagkakaleds” ang tawag) ay babakasyon rin at magsisipag-uwian sa Infanta kahit na bako-bako, at madulas ang daan sa bundok ng Sierra Madre. Siksikan na naman sa sasakyang “Raytranco” “L.T.B.” at “E.T. Bus Co.” Halos lahat ng mga Infantahin ay babakasyon maliban doon sa mga nagsisipag-summer at nais makatapos na madali ng pag-aaral o yaong may mga “back-subjects” sapagka´t di naipasa ang eksamen noong “regular school year”. Uuwi rin ang mga “nasisipagbulakbol” sa Maynila na may suot na cinturon ng ang “hebilya” ay may mga titik na “U.P.”, “Ateneo”, “U.S.T.” Ang akala ng kanilang mga magulang ay talagang nag-aaral sila at pumapasok sa paaralan dahil sa panay-na-panay hingi nila ng pera na pambile raw ng libro at pambayad sa “tuition fee”. Ngunit lingid sa kaalaman ng kani-kanilang mga magulang ang mga anak nila pala sa Maynila ay di pumapasok at ang inaatupag ay ang pagbibilyar, pagiinom, “night club”, at ibat-ibang uri ng pag-aaliw.

Siya nga pala, baka malimutan mong manulongan kana Ate Daming na padasal o “Santakrusan”. Ang balita ko´y magbabati raw; maglilitson; magsusuman at gagawa ng kinakaw. Magdala ka na rin ng darak o ipa upang ipaglinis ng pinggan, kutsara at mga tenidor na gagamitin sa kainan. Bumile ka na rin ng gulaman bilang ambag mo o pasalubong kina Ate Daming na “Santakrusan”. Ako na ang magdadala ng sigarilyong “Abutin” para sa mga matatanda at sigrilyong “Piedmont” para sa mga binata. Magpapasadya na rin ako ng “urabay” kay Mang David upang magamit ni Kaka Imong mo sa pagbubukid sa tag-ulan. Yaon palang mga tuyong bulaklak na sinahod ni Endong sa “Osanahan” noong nakaraang Mahal na Araw ay nasaan? Mailahok sa paghahasik ng palay sa ating bukid na dalatan (Upland rice) upang huwag dagain at ohurin ang palay. Tiyak na mag-aani ng mabuti kapag may lahok na tuyong bulaklak galing sa “Osanahan”.

Hanggang sa muli at kumusta na lamang kana Tata Pedok at Nana Karing.

Ang nagmamahal mong pinsan,
Sebia

Ito ang buwan ng Mayo noong tayo ay mga bata pa sa Infanta. Ito ang takbo ng buhay, kaugalian at paniniwala sa ating bayan na ngayon ay baon na sa limot. Isa na lamang lumang ala-ala.

WAKAS

Wedding Anniversaries 
May 5 …Pol & Sally Derilo

The photo on the left was one of the photos I took of Pope Benedict XVI during his historic visit to the National Shrine in Washington D.C. I was lucky to have been invited inside the Shrine. Not many people were invited inside the shrine, althought, many tickets were issued to see the pope on the shrine ground for outside viewing only. The security was tight and we were checked one by one with a picture ID before we can enter the Shrine ground. Then again we were checked if our name is on the list of invited guests before entering the Shrine. Thousands and thousands of people with tickets for outside viewing only were admitted inside the Shrine ground.

The meeting and vespers of the Pope with all bishops were held in the Crypt church while all invited guests were in the upper church. Two big screens were placed for us to be able to participate in the vespers and witness/listen to the talk of the Pope. When the Pope arrived at the Shrine for his Pastoral Visit he went through the Upper Church first to greet the people present. It was here that I took the above photo. Before he proceeded to the Crypt church he prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and then visited the oratory of Our Lady of Altotting (From Bavaria) in the Upper Church.

I was also lucky to get two tickets for the Pope’s mass at the National Park Stadium on April 17 Unfortunately, I was not able to bring a camera for that event. At this event I happened to go to the wrong section of the staduim which resulted my meeting a wonderful mother and her son. I enjoyed talking with them before going to my seat assignment. The mother said that her son just converted to Catholism from Judaism. The son came to the Shrine last Sunday and said hello to me and showed me the pictures of me from his cell phone. Two days ago I recieved from the mother a picture of me with one of my seminarian friend that she took from her camera. Seeing Pope Benedict was an experience I will never forget.

Submitted by Conching Jaug

We, from the towns of Real, Infanta, Gen. Nakar of the province of Quezon and Dingalan, Aurora suffered very much during the 2004 calamity which was made worse by the greed of loggers in connivance with corrupt DENR officials. Thousands of cut logs unleased by the flash flood killed 1000 people and destroyed millions-worth of property. Years before that, concerned citizens have been calling the attention of DENR about its obligation - to no avail. Our experience confirmed our conviction that we could not entrust the future of the environment in the hands of the government alone.

TFSM cooperated with the DENR to help it fulfill its task for protecting the environment since 2006. We believed that DENR people can change but gradually we discovered that we were simply taken for a ride. There is a perfected corrupt system that even good people inside DENR are immobilized. We have numerous experiences with DENR, but we name here just a few more striking examples:

1) Just five months after the 2004 calamity, Sec. Ermita re-instated the 34,000 hectares IFMA (Integrated Forest Management Agreement) of Wilson Ng which was already cancelled by DENR Sec. Guzon after numerous protest from the people led by Bishop Labayen. What did DENR Sec. Defensor do to stop this?

It is common knowledge that IFMA in a forested area is simply a cover up for logging. We raised the issue way back in 2005 - this time led by Bishop Tirona - aa have gathered 20,000 signatures against IFMA. In contrast to the quick approval of IFMA by Sec. Ermita 5 months after the flood! Iis now four years since we have petitioned to cancel the IFMA and we have been given a run-around by the DENR. In the meantime, over the last few months we got reports of more intensive logging in the said IFMA area. These were transported through Dingalan.

A month ago the Philippine Daily Inquirer published reports from Agtas on the continued logging in the Sierra Madre. The DENR responded and visited the area mentioned. The barangay captain asked the Agtas to come down and sign a document that there was no logging in the area! By the time Sec. Ermita cancels the IFMA, there would be no more trees in the said area. A perfect deception which is normal in the country today! Logging continues even as we write this statement.

2) Last Dovember 26, 2007 we trusted that maybe Sec. Atienza was sincere regarding the environment. Hence we attended a dialogue he called and told him of the continuous logging. The PowerPoint presentation by DENR stressed the need to protect the environment. We were elated when he promised that the CENROs of Real and Dingalan would soon be relieved. A big disappointment! It is now April and logging still continuing. While there is a new CENRO is now is Real, the one in Dingalan is still there. He must have a very strong backer that not even Sec. Atienza could remove him.

3) Sec. Atienza also promised to follow up the suspended investigation conducted by DENR-National on DENR personnel in Real last December 2006. Among the issues unearthed in the said investigation was the 15 ten-wheeler truckloads of wood whose papers were not even signed by the requesting person, Nenita Torres, yet they were signed by the DENR officials. It is now April and nothing has happened.

4) There are other incidents that TFSM encountered mind boggling but true how can narra flitches found in Polilio be declared by DENR to be retrieved from the 2004 calamity in Infanta when narra submerges in water and could not float in the kilometers of water separating Infanta and Polillo island. This and other mysteries do happen in the DENR office.

We need a lot of trees to reverse the effect of climate change. We need everyone to defend Sierra Madre if we are to survive. TFSM can only report and alert people on what is happening. We especially need DENR personnel who still can listen to their conscience.

We need an independent investigating committee, maybe from the Senate, to stop the continuing rape of the Sierra Madre. The stumps are there and the Agtas among others can pinpoint where the rape happened. We are aware that what is happening is the Sierra Madre is also a phenomenon in other parts of the country.

May we see Jesus in the person of those who are suffering and will be suffering because of our greed. May God bless us with more Lozada’s, sinners yet open to be transformed and to trust in Him. Jesus is Risen and Triumphant. We should not be afraid. God, the real Commander-in-Chief, will deliver us from the Evil One. He loves the Filipinos very much.

Fr. Pete Montallana, OFM
For Task Force Sierra Madre

First of all, I would like to say Hi and Hello!! I hope that you are in good health and always doing fine. I want also to say thank you very much for your undying support and to extend my sincerest gratitude to all people behind Metro Infanta Foundation with the coordination of Socio-pastoral Institute.

At this point I've already finished my second year in college and am now ready to face new challenges in this college life. I can't believe that I'm going to be in third year college. I stilI remember the first time I went to Manila. I was fearful of possible accidents. I was afraid because I've lived for many years in the province. Then I said to myself, "I have to experience all kinds of things because I know everything happens for a reason, a reason that could change my life. I know I have to overcome my doubts and fears for my own good. And I told myself that I will never be the same again.

In regards to my study, I'm doing well, but it's not easy. Everything is new to me and very different from my entire high school life.My first year was period of adjustment, while in second year was not as difficult. I learned how to earn respect from my co-students as well as my teachers and professors. I also learned how to be a confident students.

One of the most memorable experiences for me was my first practice teaching English. Although I know it was an opportunity for me , I also felt uneasy. I must perform well and I must give my best shot because it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I do believe, however, that God will make me a good teacher. I also know that my fellow students, my teachers and also God trust me. I was pleased that eventually I did well according to my class and also the critics. Indeed it was of the meaningful experiences I ever had.

I am very thankful because there are people like you who are willing to help people who want to reach their dreams and ambitions. In return I want to do well so my family and others. I hope that you will continue your good will and I pray will God bless you always. Happy Summer Vacation. More power and may Almighty Father protect you and shower you with His blessings.

Being a Teacher is like giving food for the whole life of others.

Once again thank you very much for having a good heart.

In Christ,
Leomar E. Eusebio

CD Release Date: April 5, 2008
Will be released at "Bridgin' Tha Gap"
Event will be held at:
Bayanihan Community Center
1010 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

Tracks:
1. Intro
2. Pinoy's Finest - Dj Rebel
Produced by "Dj Rebel"
Cuts By "Dj Rebel"
3. Pinoy Pride - Xplizitz
Produced by "JHaCe"
4. Next Frontier - Native Guns
5. Public Show - Audible
6. Road To The Throne - Nimbusnine
7. Blazin' Mic Remix - PHD
Produced by Chrizo
8. Mikropono Check - Bangketa Krew
Produced by Mr. Rey
9. T.K.O - Bangleta Krew
Produce By Mr. Rey
10.Real Pinoy Fighter - Blacksheep feat. Hotnixx
11.Free Speech (Dj Rebel Remix) - Nomadik Messengers
Produce By Dj Rebel
Original "Free Speech" from The Compass EP
Under the production of Mr. Rey
12.Who Can You Trust - Pikaso & Francis M
13.Liham Sa Pangulo - Stick Figgas
14.We Need Change - Luzon
15.Liwanag - Makatono feat Mr. Rey & Dj Fonzz
Produce by Mr. Rey
Cuts By Dj Fonzz
16.Book Me A Flight - Chrizo
Produce by Chrizo
17.Soul Serenade - Self-Axis
18.New York - Mike Swift
19.Bagong Yugto - God's Will, Nyco Maca
20.So Much Drama - Jo-ill
21.Sumayaw Ka - Sevennes feat Mike M
22.Igalaw Mo - D-Coy & RP
23.Palakpakan Everyone - Death Threat
24.Still Representing - Dizzy D & Freaky Dogg
25.Thump - Mike Swift, Mista Blaze & LondonBaby
26.Dj Rebel Interlude
27.Manila 2 Cavite - Zikk & Dopey from Da Philippikz
28.Welcome To Manila - Pikaso
29.Hanggang Sa Huli - New Elementz
30.I'm A Filipino - Roscoe Umali & Sevennes
31.Tingnan Mo - Pikaso
32.Utak Lapis At Papel - Hotnixx, God's Will B-Roc & A.N.E
33.Lemme Hear U Say - The Expanssion Team
34.Tilt Your Cap - Nimbusnine & God's Will
35.Los Indios Anthem- Los Indios Bravos
36.Wika - D-Coy
37.Gising - Mr. Rey
38.Pangarap - Gloc-9
Produce by BeatMonx
39.Outro

for more info.
myspace.com/theinfamousdjrebel

Dj Rebel a.k.a Leo Resplandor. Born in Manila. Raised halfway in Sampaloc, Manila and San Francisco, California. Half tagalog and half Cebuano. Started Djying in 1998. Active in youth organization and Filipino cultural movement.

Brief Mixtape info:
Pinoy's Finest is an All-Filipino mixtape. A collection of heavy-hitter Filipino artists from around the globe rhyming about life, culture, struggle, pain, sufferings and of course happiness. Lyrics about the Philippines, cities they represent and, of course, about the struggle and corruptions in the third world.

But of course it can't only be just about struggle.
It also has tracks that make you thump and tilt your cap!!

This is a straight up Turntablist mixtape. Mixing, blending, beat matching, remixing, beat juggling and of course...Scratching.,

What more can you ask for?

This Mix tape is dedicated in Loving memory of
Eleanor Resplandor.
October 1, 1936 - January 23, 2008
Born in October 1, 1936 in Infanta, Quezon Philippines
A Loving Lola(Grandmother) and Nanay(Mother) of everyone...
May she Rest In Paradise.