Download - Asian Journal Jul 24 2009

A Review: Fiddler On the Roof

(Continued on page 3)

The Philippine Islands may be grouped into three

or four major regions that are distinguished by different dialects, cus-toms, religious beliefs, and culinary practices.

Such variations have been reinforced by geographic location, foreign infl uenc-es, urbanization, types of commerce and industry, and religious infl uences.

By Riz A. OadesSee story page 6

Filipino Food, Customs and Beliefs: From the Expert’s Mouth

Dr. Virgie Claudio receiving award from Kalusugan staff.

Yolanda Nangpi conducts a food demonstra-tion at KCS’ Filipino Cuisine Extravaganza.

July 24 - 30, 2009

Msgr. Gutierrez EntertainmentWhat Money

Can’t Buy

Miles BeauchampThe future revealed

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- MEMBERS of the House of Representatives yes-terday joined the call of Chief Justice Reynato Puno for the establishment of a moral force against corruption, but one of them has asked him to start eliminating the so-called hoodlums in robe.

Solons join Puno’s call for drive vs corruptionPhilippine Scene

A fruit bat cradles a ripe, succulent mango as it hangs upside down in a butterfl y farm enclosure in Boracay in the Philippines.

The President of the Philippines Madame Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, with Governor of Aklan, Hon. Carlito Marques and Mr. Jose Avacena, Chief Bureau of Saudi Gazzette felicitating Ms. Mary Jane Tupas, Direc-tor of Nursing. MDH.

Red Ribbon Bakeshop, one of the leading Filipino bakeries, has launched two sales promotions this sum-mer: The Big Bread Sale and the introduction of its newest product, Mini Sweet Pork Buns.

The Big Bread Sale and Mini Sweet Pork Buns are some of Red Ribbon Bakeshop’s promotions this summer

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It is the “fi rst-ever bread promotion from Red Ribbon Bakeshop and has become a big blockbuster from its patrons. The Big Bread Sale is for a limited time only, and people are urged hurry and

Around TownBy Conrad I. Reloj, Jr.

So, what’s hot among the Aklanons in San Diego this summer? For one, it’s the Golden Anniversary of Aklan as the 50th Province of the Philippines, the cel-

A Hot Summer to Remember

ebration spearheaded by the current governor, the Honor-able Carlito Marquez. Con-gressman Godofredo Ramos authored R epublic Act 1414 and signed into law by Presi-dent Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, and


There are many reasons why he chose to do so.

For one thing, retiring in the Philippines was less

expensive. The retirement pay of his wife as well as the meager savings they had would be enough to

tide them over through their senior years.

By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

The San Diego Asian Journal

See page 5

A Philippine Tour

Retiring in Naga City

Jeepneys ply the streets of Naga City, Camarines Sur.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno

Zambales Rep. Maria Mi-lagros Magsaysay said Puno should start cleansing his own backyard, the Judiciary

“I agree with him but I think he should start with his own backyard and cleanse the Judiciary of possible corrup-tion because that is within his mandate and control. We all have to start somewhere,” said Magsaysay.

It will be recalled that Puno reiterated his call and asked Filipinos to join hands in fi ghting widespread corruption in government, lamenting that the country is now perceived in the world as a “moral pa-riah.”

Magsaysay has expressed strong belief that Puno’s state-ment will only be a mother-hood one if he will not crack the whip on corrupt members of the Judiciary. “We can all make motherhood statements but putting words into action is another thing. People are tired of lip service. They want results.”

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante a nd Bacolod City Rep. Mon-ico Puentevella said various sectors should rally behind Puno’s call, saying govern-ment cannot do it alone.

“The government and the people should listen to his message since fi ghting corrup-tion will result in a better life for all Filipinos since more resources can be channeled to better public investments in education, health, develop-ment, etc.,” said Angara.

Abante admitted that gov-ernment’s fi ght against corrup-tion is not enough, adding that all sectors must participate.

PNS -- HOW does Angelica Panganiban feel about Anne Curtis’ admission that she and Derek Ramsay, Angelica’s BF now, were almost an item three years ago? Did she get jealous somehow? “Naku, wala akong ilusyon na nang maging kami ni Derek, wala pa siyang ibang naging chick,” she says. “Nor-mal naman ‘yung makipag-date ang isang lalaki sa ibang babae. Ang nakakatuwa nga lang, yung isang dine-date niya nun, close friend ko pala ngayon. It’s not news to me anymore.

Angelica accepts Derek’s past

Derek has made kuwento to me about it na.Kaya hindi ko fi rst time lang na narinig yan. Ngayon nga, dahil single si Anne, madalas na kapag luma-labas kami ni Derek, kasama siya. Sabi niya, siya ‘yung third wheel sa amin at kung minsan nga, pinapauwi na siya ni Derek so we can have time naman for each other.”

She and Derek are doing fi ne and one of their plans is to travel together. “Marami pa lang kami parehong commitments ngayon. I’m doing a new TV series,

‘Rubi’, and then there’s the movie na magkasama kaming dalawa with Gabby Concepcion and Kim Chiu. His plan is for us to go watch the World Cup live at South Africa. Soccer fan kasi siya at noon pa niya gusto ma-

nood nang live ng World Cup matches. As of now, talagang masaya kami sa isa’t isa pero huwag nyo na kaming ibuyo about getting married dahil wala pa yan sa plans namin as of now.”

Angelica Panganiban and Derek Ramsay

July 24 - 30, 2009Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

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Gloria Romero is one of the most durable queens of Philip-pine movies. In her younger days, she was the epitome of the ideal Filipina – dainty, demure, and dignifi ed. Nene Vera-Perez, Sampaguita Pictures’ matri-arch, describes Gloria as having an angelic profi le – “parang Santa”. Movie critics describe Gloria as “mahinhin”. At 76 years old, she was chosen by beauty czar Ricky Reyes as an endorser for his “Ganda ng Lola Mo Noh!” advertising campaign. by Beauty Salon. Her contem-

Gloria, Ang Dalagang Ilocana

Gloria Romero then

Gloria Romero Now

Gloria Romero & Juancho Gutierrez

Gloria Romero & Luis Gonzales

poraries have come and gone, but her illustrious career contin-ues to shine. Nene Vera-Perez remembers very well her assess-ment of Gloria the fi rst time they met, “I already felt that she’s special. Magaan agad ang loob ko. She was only 16 when her uncle accompanied her to the studio. Pangarap daw talaga niyang mag-artista”.

I am a die-hard fan of Gloria Romero --- then and now. I have seen most of her mov-

ies especially the blockbuster movies like Dalagang Ilocana, Kurdapya, and Cofradia. I will always treasure the opportu-nity of working with her in the movie, Tugtuging Bukid, as a dancer under the choreography of Cora Inigo.

I remember going to the mov-ies with my old maid auntie dur-ing my younger days while we were living in Pasay City. To see a movie during my growing years in Pasay theaters like Joy Theater, Cine Rica, Greenline Theater, and Look Theater was quite an experience! I recall going to the movies during those days as “pagdurusa”. Movies of Gloria would always be an S.R.O. (Standing Room Only). During that time, you can watch the movie 3 or 4 times before going home. If you miss the fi rst showing, you have to stand at the back of the movie house because it’s already full house.

Punong-puno ang sinehan. Halos maramdaman mo na ang hininga sa batok mo ng taong nasa iyong likuran. Pag nanuod kami ng sine, laging may dalang aspile ang aking tiya. Pag may dumikit na lalaki sa likuran nya, sinusundot ‘nya ng aspile. Pag labas mo sa sinehan, amoy kubeta ka. Nakadikit sa balat, buhok, at baro mo ang amoy ng sigarilyo. When I reach home, I would run to the bathroom and take a shower. Hindi ako makakatulog sa baho ng amoy ko!

Ang Dalagang IlocanaGloria Borrego Galla was born

in 1933 in Denver, Colorado, to Pedro Galla, a hardwork-ing immigrant Filipino and his American wife, Mary Borrego. When Gloria was 3 years old, her father decided to relocate the family back to his homeland in Pangasinan where Gloria would

spend her elementary (Mabini Elementary School) and high school years (Riverview High School).

She was the second in a brood of four, with her sister Louie as the eldest. Her brothers are the late Tito Galla, who also became an actor, and Gilbert, a doctor, who is now based in the United States.

It was his uncle, Nario Rosales who introduced Gloria to Nena Vera-Perez. Nario was then the Chief Editor at Sampaguita and Gloria would often visit him at the movie set of Sampaguita Pic-tures. Nena Vera-Perez immedi-ately sensed a familiar bond with Gloria the fi rst time she saw her.

She entered the fi lm industry as a bit role player, fi rst in the

movie, Kasintahan sa Pangarap (1951) starring Pancho Mag-alona and Tita Duran and then in Bernardo Carpio which starred real-life couple Cesar Ramirez and Alicia Vergel. More cameo roles followed in Dugong Bughaw starring Norma Vales, Tessie Martinez, and in Rebecca. She fi nally got her speaking part as a nurse in the movie Ramon Selga starring Lilian Leonardo and Pancho Magalona.

Gloria is oftentimes fondly called as Manang Biday, a fi gure from a famous Ilocano folk song. Gloria is a Pangalatok. and an American hybrid. Her exquisite mix of Asian and American genes coupled with her innate acting talent catapult-ed her to stardom.

Gloria’s love lifeMarami ding magagandang

ala-ala ang nagdaan sa buhay

ni Gloria tungkol sa pag-ibig. She had her share of suitors from showbiz, like Rudy Francisco (Fred Montilla’s brother), her perennial love-team Luis Gon-zales, and Tito Garcia, who was proclaimed Mr. Number 2 in a popularity contest where Juan-cho Guttierez won Mr. Number 1. Gloria decided to marry Mr. Number 1 himself, Juancho Gutierrez, her fi rst and only boyfriend.

Juancho and Gloria were wed on September 24, 1960 at the Sanctuario de San Antonio I

Forbes Park, Makati. Both were then at the peak of their careers when they decided to tie the knot. Although their union was blessed with an only daughter, Maritess, the marriage didn’t last. The couple separated, although neither remarried nor was their marriage annulled.

Maritess joined showbiz briefl y before marrying and settling in the US. After an unsuccessful marriage that led to divorce, she eventually decided to return to the Philippines with her son, Chris Gutierrez Balbin.

It was in 2000 that Juancho’s health declined drastically when he suffered a stroke which caused his paralysis from the waist down. The adversity, however, led to his reconcilia-tion with Gloria after Maritess convinced her to reconcile with Juancho. It was a trying time for Gloria who faithfully stayed with Juancho until the day he died of heart failure in 2005 at the San Juan Medical Center in San Juan, Manila. He was 73 years old.

Her Movies & Television Shows

It was in the movie Madam X where she played the role of the

daughter of Cesar Ramirez and Alicia Vergel that she started using her more dramatic screen name, Gloria Romero. She got her fi rst memorable role in Palasig (1952) opposite Cesar Ramirez. It was her role in Monghita (1952) opposite Oscar Moreno that made her popular. In 1953, she played the daugh-

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Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comJuly 24 - 30, 2009

(Continued from page 1)

PHILIPPINE NEWS SER-VICE -- SOME members of Lakas-CMD welcomed the de-cision of former Speaker Jose De Venecia to leave the party.

De Venecia resigned as Presi-dent Emeritus on the eve of the formal announcement of the merger of Lakas and Kampi. He said he will not seek mem-bership in the merged party.

“I shall continue to cher-ish the great moments which attended our establishment of the party which we founded in January 1992 with President Fi-del Ramos and Raul Manglapus and which led to our political victories in 1992, our creation of the

Lakas-led rainbow coali-tion in the early 1990s and the sustained economic gains in the last decade of the last century,” he said in his resignation letter.

De Venecia was ousted as Lakas President after he was unseated as Speaker last year.

Speaker Prospero Nograles said De Venecia made a good decision.

“It was better politically for him to cut his ties and cut clean,” he said.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante agreed it was wise for De Venecia to leave the party. “His stay would be very un-popular,” Abante said.

Another Lakas member, Metro Manila Development Auth ority Chairman Bayani Fernando boycotted the Lakas-Kampi merger yesterday “for its lack of fairness and the preference of party leaders for candidates who are not even

JDV bolts Lakas, BF boycotts merger

Former Speaker Jose De Venecia

Lakas or Kampi members.“I have no intention of attend-

ing my own funeral,” Bayani said in a statement.

He lamented that Lakas lead-ers have lately been trumpet-ing that the merger will help members decide who between Vice President Noli de Castro and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro will be made standard bearer.

“They are conditioning the minds of the public to accept an inevitable De Castro or Te-odoro candidacy,” he said.

“I am being treated as a non-entity by some party offi cials. My party thinks that I am an invisible man. Is this the kind of politics Lakas - Kampi will espouse? I was willing to go through the selection process that Lakas-Kampi will adopt, but on the premise that we are starting with a clean slate. We ought to have, as the popular phrase goes, a level playing fi eld. Doesn’t party loyalty count anymore? Do principles still count in democratic poli-tics?” Fernando said.

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The Big Bread Sale and Mini Sweet Pork Buns are some of Red Ribbon

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by G. Tagudin - Silverio

In Perspective

Read Genny Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

SAN DIEGO, 07/24/09 “When people ask me about the future of the country, I simply tell them to look at Gawad Kalinga,” proclaimed a jubilant Philippine Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, the articulate statesman husband of singer-actress Sharon Cuneta at the 2009 GK Global Summit at Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who lauded the movement as the model for nation building.

“Genuine change is underway and we see it in one aspect in GK,” the senator continued. “What GK is tell-ing us is that with synergy between the private and public sector, we can raise the quality of life of our country.”

The three-day event, held on the eve of the proclamation of Phil-ippine Independence last June, marked the confluence of the country’s emerging think tank and the rising political clout of the four million Filipino Americans who call the USA home.

The locus of power has shifted west, it seems, as evidenced in the work and the pockets of expatriates and absentee voters from the U.S. that funded 48 percent of the 2008 US $16.4 billion money remittance business to the Philippines.

It was the lack of opportunity that forced Filipino Americans, dubbed as the country’s “emerging elite” by GK Founder Tony Meloto during the 2008 GK Global Summit in San Diego, to seek their fortunes in other shores.

In Gawad Kalinga, these expatri-ates see a reason to hope again and to believe they are part of the solution to the ills of the country. Many see GK as a way to satisfy an agenda to help the poor with a zeal that is no one else’s concern but their own.

This time, however, the gauntlet is not about running a GK Isang Milyong (GK1MB) marathon. The

GK 2024: Making Way for the Future

challenge at hand, for the many Filipinos who have succeeded on distant shores, is to rebuild the na-tion in the time it takes to raise one generation into a first world country by 2024.

Dubbed GK 2024, the 21-year plan, which culminates in 2024, is a comprehensive program in sustain-able development that involves pro-viding land for the landless, homes for the homeless, and food produc-tion for the GK communities.

To achieve the goal for GK 2024, Meloto calls upon all Filipinos to “greatness” by building dreams for others. It is a greatness that takes them “beyond the success they have already achieved on a personal and professional level” according to Meloto.

GK continues to attract the best minds in business with its tran-scendent culture of inclusion and empowerment. For Meloto, the path to nation building entails new business models with a bigger social conscience. He aslo called for the political will to rise above poverty and corruption.

The vision resonates with the new leadership of the country’s largest corporations.

“We can become first world if we are able to develop a positive spirit and nurture hope for the many who dwell in slums,” confirmed Gerry Ablaza of Globe Telecom, a confer-ence speaker.

Globe Telecom, which partnered with GK in 2006, has established 35 Globe Bayan Anihan (Nation Harvest) Farms, a program which he hopes will help GK communities become self-reliant by feeding an estimated 500,000 people for life. Globe TM Villages are bringing a new dimension to the GK model by laying down the foundation for sustainable livelihood programs with an eye to turning residents into farmers-entrepreneurs beyond the

subsistence level. Ablaza continues, “We cannot

succeed as an organization if the country fails. We must see the act of raising the dignity of the underprivi-leged Filipino as an act of national-ism.”

With the success of the GK Bayan Anihan farms, GK has gone on to establish partnerships with two leading universities in the Luzon and the Vizayas regions to ensure GK communities are taught farm-ing to sustain communities at the grassroots level. The Philippines is outpacing the world in growth yield at four percent per hectare accord-ing to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap who seeks investments in seed and water production.

Sea ChangeThe confluence of ideas is part

of the sea change Senator Pang-ilinan had perhaps referred to and evident in the company of an unlikely alliance of delegates, which included CEOs of compet-ing corporations. In the crowd were a large delegation of statesmen and governors from the ranks of the political elite, the social action ministry of Couples for Christ, three generations of Filipino Americans, local and national artists, scholars and emeritus professors, and the largest concentration of Boston-based, Filipino American doctorate-degree holders to ever have hosted a summit. The summit also produced an unlikely celebrity in the person of Brigidaire General Ecarma of the Philippine Marines who wore a yellow GK Team Patikul t-shirt that announced a new tack for the battle-weary field commander a mis-sion of peace-building in war-torn Jolo and a battlecry of “Walang Iwanan!”

It was also a time of soul-search-

ing affirmations in response to the question of “Ano Ang Taya Mo?” (What do you pledge to do?)

“There are no differences and acrimony where love of country begins,” declared Secretary of Ag-riculture Arthur Yap, who was one of the speakers at the conference, on the closing day of individual pledges and declarations for nation building. “Join us in declaring in a land blessed with bounty, no one should go hungry!”

The show of solidarity at the conference was like a glaring ex-clamation point that was too large to fit into the newly released book authored by Tony Meloto entitled “Builder of Dreams.” The hard-bound books, signed by Meloto and autographed by a panel of governors and statesmen, sold out during the conference.

At the summit, the delegates were joined by contingents from the countries of Malaysia, Colombia and Singapore who have adopted GK into their own cultural thinking.

Singapore is the host country for next year’s 2010 GK Global Sum-mit. Three Singapore universities have established a GK Youth Lead-ership program to foster social civic leadership among its youth.

Field Lab“GK is not just about building

houses for the poor,” explained Meloto during a separate talk this week at the University of San Diego School of Law before members of two international friendship clubs.

GK has in fact become a field lab for conflict resolution via com-munity development. In Patikul, Jolo, the GK Build Team Patikul braved naysayers to build a village for local residents. As a reward for their act of brotherhood, the team was embraced by the local Tausug

leader and chief a proud war-rior turned ally who enjoined Patikul residents to “remember their faces because the future generation will have a better future because of them.”

The United Nations has taken notice and considering GK for a humanitarian award.

“GK is disruptive of conventional thinking,” observes Meloto. “It is a disruption of all things that have kept us poor.”

Other conflict-plagued coun-tries like Nigeria and Kenya have invited Meloto to introduce the GK model as way to establish a peaceful path to social justice.

Meloto is philosophical. “GK is the gift of the Filipino people to the world.”

Twenty years ago, Meloto, a leader of Couples for Christ, left a ministry in Australia to minister to his own people first. Today, fate

has put him back on the road with a bigger mission than what he started with in the slums of Bagong Silang, Manila. GK, which started out as a squatter development project, has since evolved into a model for na-tion building. It is also on the verge of becoming international.

It is a harvest on a scale no one could have foreseen. Couples for Christ President Joe Tales, who heads the organization behind GK, said “CFC will continue to work with GK. GK has grown in tune with the way the Holy Spirit willed it.”

Tales continued, “What a jour-ney it has been. We believe this is the only way it will be sustained because if we anchor it on anything less than God, it will fail.”

Early this year, CFC turned over part of the governance of GK to new leadership, opening up the board to other members of the community.

GK 2024: Tony Meloto sings “Ang Bayang Kong Pilipinas” with GK youth


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TravelJournal

Read Sim Silverio’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

21st in a series of articles

The day spent at Villa Escudero on the boundary

of Laguna and Quezon provinces brought them deep to the southern tip of Luzon. The following day, Eric and his family went much farther south, into the rarely chartered territory known as the Bicol Region.

Eric’s close friends in San Diego, Joey and his wife Anita, invited Eric and his family to his hometown in Naga, Camarines Sur. The couple, now retired stays on their farm about eight months a year only venturing back to San Diego to visit their children and grandchildren dur-ing Christmas and to maintain their house.

Joey was born and raised in Naga and went to Manila to pur-sue a college degree. He never returned to his hometown, pre-ferring to pursue an accounting career in the capital. A bright, young man, his career led him to Indonesia and eventually to the United States as an immigrant. Upon retiring, he decided to live a simpler life in the farm that his parents left for him and his brother.

There are many reasons why he chose to do so. For one thing, retiring in the Philippines was

Nipa huts in Bicol.

A Philippine Tour

Retiring in Naga CityWith his substantial savings, he decided to cut his

losses and quit while he was ahead. He retired from the rat-race to maintain and save his good health.

less expensive. The retirement pay of his wife as well as the meager savings they had would be enough to tide them over through their senior years.

“In America,” Joey once ex-plained to his friends, “I would need at least $2,000-a-month to live comfortably. But in the Philippines, $500 to $700 would be enough.”

Besides, their family farm was idle. He wanted to develop it and prove to his neighbors and the idle residents in the area that if only one would plant crops and raise animals, they would not go hungry.

Hence, fi ve years ago, he started living and working on his farm for months at a time. He employed workers to plant various crops and fruit trees. He built himself a sizable farm house made of nipa materials with a concrete foundation.

“See these tiles,” he pointed to the broken tiles laid out on the fl oor. “I got them for free because they were broken and about to be thrown away. But by laying them out artfully like a jigsaw puzzle, not only do they look beautiful but also expen-sive.”

Interesting life

Joey lived a colorful and interesting life. When he was brought by his parents to Manila to study, it was the fi rst time he had been to the big city.

“I was so excited because it was a different world from where I grew up in the prov-ince,“ he recalled.

It proved to be a disadvan-tage, because he was not a serious student during his early college years.

“Across the street from our dormitory was a billiard hall where I learned to play and spend all my allowance. By the middle of the month, I already spent most of my money playing billiards.”

It was a feast and famine expe-rience. By the latter part of the month, he could barely eke out an existence until the arrival of his next allowance.

“My addiction to the game came to a point that even if there was a typhoon, I would still play even though the billiard hall was fl ooded and I was knee deep in water.”

Because of his innate aptitude for accounting, however, he managed to fi nish his course. It was during his review for his accounting board exams that he met his future wife, Anita. She graduated from a different university and was also hoping to become an accountant. Joey did well in exams, and despite his poor grades in college, he found the courage to apply for a position at the leading account-ing fi rm in the Philippines at that time, the Sycip, Gorres and Velayo.

“The interviewer was critical of my grades, but I explained to

him that I have the skill for the job as proven by my high scores in the board exams,” Joey said. “I asked for a chance to prove myself, and despite the fact that there were more qualifi ed appli-cants, he bet on me.That was a miracle. It was the biggest break of my life and made my career and my future. I shudder to think what I would have become if I did not get the job.”

Once on board, he worked hard to not disappoint his supe-riors. He rose in the ranks to the level of middle executive. He was rewarded by being named one of the members of a team that would put up the company’s branch in Indonesia. After spending a few years in the Asian country, he moved on and migrated to the United States with his family. It was in the early 1970s, a period when the U.S. opened its doors to the fi rst wave of Filipino professionals, like doctors, nurses, engineers and accountants. He worked in the accounting department of a hospital and eventually became its controller. He and his family were one of the fi rst Filipinos to settle in the Los Angeles area. From the very beginning, he saw the growth of the Filipino community and the opportuni-ties that unfolded before them.

Investment opportunities

In the mid 1970s, he was faced with two investment opportuni-ties: To buy a row of apartments in Encino. north of Los Angeles,

or purchase an oriental store and be the fi rst Filipino oriental store operator in the area. He chose the latter. In fi ve years, his oriental store business lost so much money that he was forced to close it. The Encino apartment on the other hand, had quadrupled in value. It was a bitter pill for him to swallow. He charged it to experience and hoped that he learned a valuable lesson from it. He again made it big, owning a commercial building and an auto repair shop while he and his wife held on to their high-paying account-ing jobs. But lightning struck once more, wiping out whatever small fortune he had built when the recession took over the economy.

With his substantial savings, he decided to cut his losses and quit while he was ahead. He retired from the rat-race to maintain and save his good health. To relieve himself of the pressures of everyday life, he moved his family to an apart-ment near a beach community in San Diego. Every morning, he would go to the pier of Pacifi c

Beach and fi sh. It was where he met and eventually maintained a coterie of friends, fi shing enthu-siasts like him. Occasionally, he would accept some auditing jobs from banks and dabble on net-work marketing businesses. To live longer, he opted to give up his high-paying but high-pres-sure profession and live simply on basic needs and meager earnings. His children fi nished their studies and are pursuing professional careers. Except for one, all are married and raising families of their own. They no longer need the help of their parents, save from occasional baby-sitting chores, which Joey and Anita enjoy.

It was when his wife retired that he decided to go back and retire to their farm property in Naga City. And that was why Eric agreed to visit them that morning and check out their farm, to see for himself how one can retire comfortably and hap-pily, while contributing to the betterment of the society. - AJ

(To be continued)


Perspectives

ASIAN JOURNALThe first Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern California

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

In Pursuit of Excellence

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

Eugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)

Soledad Bautista (1917-2009)

The Asian Journal is published weekly and distributed in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is every Friday of the month. Advertising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs but welcomes submissions. Entire content is © 2008 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without specific permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

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

by Miles Beauchamp

by Riz A. Oades

Voices & Images

Read Dr. Oades’ s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

Dr. Virgie Claudio receiving award from Kalusugan staff.

Yolanda Nangpi conducts a food demonstration at KCS’ Fili-pino Cuisine Extravaganza.

The Philippine Islands may be grouped into three or four major

re gions that are distinguished by different dialects, cus-toms, religious beliefs, and culinary practices. Such variations have been rein-forced by geographic loca-tion, foreign influences, urbaniza tion, types of com-merce and industry, and religious influences.

“Dietetics professionals,” says Dr. Virginia S. Claudio, a nutrition and foodservice management consultant residing in Las Vegas, “should have some background knowledge of tra-ditional beliefs about food and health before working with their Filipino-

The cookbook that will delight Filipinos and non-Filipino gourmets to a journey of healthy living. Over 100 modified choices of popular, native and fusion dishes.

Dr. Claudio talks to part of the audience in a recent “Healthy Eating Campaign” workshop at KCS Center.

Culinary Lifestyle

Filipino Food, Customs and Beliefs: From the Expert’s Mouth

American clients.” “They ought to know what they

ate in their homeland, for this will help them conduct a more effective assessment of their clients’ dietary needs,” she said.

What follows are excerpts of my interview with Virgie, who is an advisory advocate of the ongoing Kalusugan Community Services’ “Healthy Eating Campaign” (HEC) program, which is partially funded by The California Endowment.

Social Customs“In Filipino culture,” says Virgie,

“food is often used as gifts on special occasions and to express apprecia-tion, love, and gratitude.’Say it with food’ instead of flowers is a way of social life among the Filipinos.”

When unexpected guests happen to drop by, serving food and drink is a gesture of hospitality. It is discour-

teous if a visitor refuses all or some of the of-fered merienda (snacks). These snacks often consist of high carbohydrate and/or sweet foods served with beverages high in sugar, Virgie further explained.

A sumptuous array of dishes from soups to sweets are com-mon sight in such oc casions as business

luncheon, lavish dinner or fiesta celebrating the local patron saint, family reunion, wedding, baptisms, birthday, despedida (bon voyage) party, or bienvenida (welcome home) party.

Virgie also indicated to me that: “Dining out is a social way of strengthening bonds, settling

disputes among com-rades (compadres), or carrying out business transac tions. In ad-dition, specific food items carry sym-bolic meanings. For example, glutinous rice cakes made from sweet rice or malagkit represent family co-hesiveness. Kalamay pinipig made from newly harvested, green rice kernels are served to celebrate bountiful harvests.”

She also noted, “Long, uncut noodles signify best wishes for long life and happi ness,

as expressed by the Filipino word Mabuhay. You go to private homes or public parks where Filipinos celebrate fiestas or spe cial occasions, what do you see?” asked Claudio. “Lots of food, of course...lechon, chicken, seafood, salad, and noodle dishes -- Isn’t that so?’

To which I wryly quipped, “What can I say, you’re the expert. And I can’t imag ine how much time goes with the food preparation.”

“Several days before the event!” Virgie excitingly snapped.

Regional Food MapVirgie divided the Philippine Islands

food-wise into four major regions

(i.e., Lu zon, Bicolandia, Visaya, and Mindanao), which are distinguished by different dialects, customs, religious beliefs, and food practices. Culinary practices have been based largely on foods traditionally avail-able in each region.

Adapted descriptions of the re-gions are follows:

Northern Luzon (i.e., Ilocandia, Pangasinan, and Mt. Province) has many indige nous vegetables, such as saluyot (jute leaves); root crops such as yams and cassava; and tropical fruits, such as banana, papaya, mango, and jackfruit. Anchovy and shrimp fry sauces are common ingredients in cooking or are used in dips for steam vegetables and meats.

Pangasinan is known for its fine salt. It is also a major supplier of cultured prawns, milkfish, pompano, and halibut. The province is popular for its fruits, manggang kalabaw, and siniguelas, and glutinous rice cakes like patupat and ingkalot.

The fertile central and southern Luzon is the home of the Tagalogs, a rich agricul tural and industrial area most influenced by the Spanish and American colonialists.

The region is popular for dishes rich in sauces, mostly influenced by Spanish flavorings. It produces many favorite tropical fruits such as atis, guyabano, watermelons, cantaloupes, papayas, honeydew melons, lanzones and langka.

Fresh-water and ocean fishes are abun dant. Meats are also plentiful in the region, with Batangas emerging as the greatest sup plier of beef.

Cuisine in this region can be

identified by the liberal use of desic-cated coconut and coconut byproducts, spices, and sugar. Cooks here prefer to sauté vegeta-bles and meats rather than to boil or steam them. Southern Tagalogs show considerable creativity in sweet rice cook-ing.

Farther south of Luzon is Bicolandia. These Filipi-nos have generally similar tastes and preferences for coconut-rich and spicy dishes. A unique dish is laing, in which gabi (taro) leaves and stems are coddled gently in thick coconut milk and spiced with siling labuyo (hot chillis). Another favorite recipe is kuhol (escargots) cooked with co-conut. Pili nut, used in many dishes, is plentiful in this region.

Visaya consists of several islands (e.g., Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Aklan, and Bohol) that are abundant in fish, crabs, shells, and seaweeds, especially in the coastal towns. Drying and salting fish are the most common methods of preservation. Because fresh fish is always avail-able, kinilaw (raw fish fermented in vinegar) is a favorite food.

In sugar-producing provinces, pastries and fruits preserves, peanut brittle, and rice cakes are the usual snacks and desserts. Paper-thin biscuits and local pastries like ho-jaldres, otaps, and turrones are popular and even exported abroad.

Mindanao and Sulu are homes of Muslim Filipinos, where pork is restricted or limited in some areas. The Koran instructs followers to eat only hoofed animals with horns and only fish with scales, probably except catfish and Mo. Their meals are closely similar to those consumed in nearby Malaysia and Indonesia. People here generously use spices - especially chili, curry, and pepper ~ to give flavor to fish, vegetable, and poul try.

Economic Influences on Cuisine

Filipinos early learned to use all edible parts of a plant or animal product, partly because majorities have low incomes. “When they eat watermelon,” observes Virgie, “the rinds are candied, the mature seeds are dried and salted like sunflower seeds, and the pulp is served as a re-freshing dessert or squeezed to make a drink.” The same is obvi ously true for langka and coconut.

Virgie explains, “Let’s take co-conut; dried copra (coconut meat) is an important export product. Coco juice makes a cool drink and coconut milk, which is richer in fat than cow’s milk, is processed to extract coconut oil. The milk is also used to thicken and enrich vegetable and meat dishes, and serves as a milk substitute in desserts. Grated co conut meat is used as a topping for rice cakes.”

Most of us know that our people also eat the kamote (sweet potato) tops or leaves, cooked as a nutritious salad or mixed with other vegeta-bles. So are the yellow squash fruit, flower, young leaves, and stems. The fruit and leaves of ampalaya (bitter melon), sili (chili pepper plant), malunggay (horseradish plant), and kangkung (swamp cabbage) are popular items.

Likewise, the internal organs of chicken, pigs, carabao, and cows, which may ap pear unappetizing to most Americans, can be made into savory dishes. And who would like Lengua estofada (beef tongue dish), dinuguan (“chocolate” pudding with pieces of internal organs), and adobo (marinated meat pieces with or without gizzards)?

Food & Health Beliefs

The interview with Virgie on cultural belief system was one part I found most fascinating. I asked her whether there exist Filipino health beliefs that are apparently true and valid.

Her response was, “Yes, but these lack scientific foundation of confir-mation. For example, one such belief

that has persisted to this day is that the generous use of garlic in the diet provides a stabilizing agent for high blood pressure and diabe tes...The older generation used garlic as a balm. When rubbed on the temples, it was be lieved to be a cure for head-aches.”

Another example she gave is the belief that a person should feed the nursing mother plenty of gingered broth and malunggay (horseradish leaves) for abundant milk.

She also mentioned the use of sar-saparilla roots brewed as a “spring tea” for in ner strength. The Spanish colonialists introduced the practice to the Philippines. Chinese traders also gave the islands licorice roots for strengthening the body in times of stress.

Banaba bark and leaves prepared as tea also tend to cure urinary prob-lems. Luz Mercer may be interested to know that, “In many ethnic groups, fish heads and onions are considered brain foods,” Virgie said.

Has anyone heard of “Hot” and “Cold” health beliefs? Virgie credited the Portu guese, Spanish, Chinese and Malaysian traders for bringing the “hot-and-cold” food principle to the Philippines in the 15th and 16th centu-ries, saying that its use “could create var ied and balanced diet.”

Filipino regional recipes had both cold and hot or spicy menus. Villa Manila Restau rant’s Nilaga (the best in the West), a meal consisting of boiled vegetable and cuts of meat,” may represent the cold concept. Spicy cuisines, such as Karihan Restaurant’s kare-kare (variety meats and tripe with peanut sauce), fit the hot food concept.

Some Filipinos still believed that certain illnesses, such as diarrhea and fevers, that produced heat in the body, required cold foods (e.g., fruits, fish, veggies, milk, and egg products) as a treatment, accord-ing to Virgie. Whereas, ailments, such as chills that lower the body temperature, require hot foods, such as avocados, coconuts, spices, chillis, and meat high in fat.

But Virgie warned health profes-sionals that, “Although the science of nutrition has paved the way to healthy eating by introducing the idea of basic food groups, these con-cepts need to be applied within the context of clients’ cultural beliefs.” They could help Filipino clients with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, “assess and understand their own food usage,” she said.

Filipino Cuisine Extravaganza Kalusugan Community Services

will be holding the “Extravaganza III: Taste of Healthy Regional Filipino Cuisine and the launching of its trail-blazing cookbook titled, Global Filipino Cuisine: Healthy Recipes on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., The book is packed full of tasty and easy to follow modi-fied recipes – over 100 of them -- that will mark the beginning of a new food trend: the creative use of homeland’s favorites.

It. has already caused a stir, re-ceiving praises from some notable chefs, dietitians, and restaurateurs, many interested in developing a “New Cuisine” with emphasis on using fresh, tasty, local ingredients cooked lightly to preserve natural flavors.

The public is invited to sample and savor dozens of Filipino spe-cialties at the Extravaganza Gour-met Event: Adults -- $10; Seniors & Students -- $5. For reservation or order of the book and other info, call (619) 477-3392.

If you’re like so many other people on this warming, cuddly planet

of ours, you think it would be nice to know what’s go-ing to happen.

That certainly makes sense to me because, personally, I’ve nev-er been all the fond of surprises either and I like them all the less as I grow older.

By some estimates (those I could find with a Google search lasting at least 1-2 minutes) astrology has been around for

The future revealedFinally! A (possibly) real horoscope you can believe in

at least 3000 years and perhaps much longer.

A person’s horoscope, or birth chart, depends on the time of the calendar year that she or he was born. The year is composed of twelve sections which make up the zodiac. Each section is called a sign. The zodiacs correspond to twelve constellations. There’s much more to it than just that, of course, but any more and I’d probably get bored and that’s never good. Then I start to look for chocolate and, well, never mind.

The point of all this (and you were starting to wonder, weren’t you?) is that I’ve been work-ing on something called Miles Astrological Designs (M.A.D.). And M.A.D. is guaranteed (but don’t call me if you have a prob-lem – I’m out of the office that day) to offer you the opportunity to possibly see into your own (or someone else’s) future. Maybe.

So below are the twelve zodiac signs and corresponding months for those of you who may have forgotten what with all the other things going on in your life.

M.A.D. signs of the Zodiac with your horoscope in all it’s glory

Aries: March 21 – April 20You are destined to spend a

great deal of your life looking for correct radiator caps. Now that you know this, you can be on the lookout for the ones you may need. As far as the future goes, well, good luck with that. You will work hard, play occasionally and, if you’re lucky, have a cold beer once in a great long while. Or perhaps weekly – depends on who you hang out with and how often they go to Seau’s. Lucky color: sand

Taurus: April 21 - May 21You’ll spend your life fixing

the world and then breaking it again. You’re strong and people will resent you for that. Get over it; you’ve never cared what the world thought so far, why start now? Lucky color: leather brown

Gemini: May 22 - June 21 You like both cooked food and

raw, but definitely don’t want your ice cream cooked. You’re still undecided on sushi. You want to know why scientists can’t get off their lazy butts and find a way to make chocolate both good for you and a diet food when mixed with sugar and milk. Lucky color: pale sushi brown

Cancer: June 22 - July 22You are still deeply annoyed

at the name of your sign and even more annoyed that no one paid the slightest bit of atten-tion at the petition you sent in to change the name. You’re pretty certain that California Governor Schwarzenegger is behind it because he has a great birth sign so why should he care

about you and your little petition (even though it had a couple of hundred names you got while standing out in front of Big Lot’s) Lucky color: dark brown

Leo: July 23 -August 21You share Gov. Schwarzeneg-

ger’s birthday sign and there’s no doubt that you are both lions – strong lions – and you both also wish all those cancer weirdoes would leave you alone. If they don’t like the name of their sign they should just change it and quit whining to you about it. Lucky color: dark rust

Virgo: August 22 - Sept 23You hated this sign as a kid

because you thought it was ver-tigo and heights didn’t make you dizzy so what’s up with that? But then you grew older, realized the sign was Virgo, and said to yourself, “Well, never mind” and headed for the nearest Starbuck’s for a double latte with whipped cream. Lucky color: Latte brown

Libra: Sept 24 - October 23 You love breathing, eating, and

you love a glass of water occa-sionally. You like people when they mind their manners and no, you won’t watch anyone’s kids. Lucky color: Mississippi mud

Scorpio: Oct 24 - Nov 22 You’ve always been a spidery

kind of individual, great legs, vicious sting, and not one to be messed with. You have danced in the past and may again in the future but that depends on many things. Those things are a secret. Lucky color: scorpion tan

Sagittarius: Nov 23 - Dec 22 Archery? Get real. The only

thing you like to shoot are shooters and even then you’re picky about who you shoot them with. But you’re cute so you can usually get away with it. Lucky color: bamboo

Capricorn: Dec 23 - Jan 20You despise this sign because

you are not a goat; you’re de-pendable only when you feel like it, and stable? Only in the right mood and even then the mood won’t last long. You do make good fudge which keeps you in the family – but only barely. Lucky color: goatskin

Aquarius: Jan 21 - Feb 19Everyone naturally thinks you

love fish but so far you won’t even walk into a store that is

next door to a sushi bar. You are firm in your beliefs. To quote a great American, “How is that working for you so far?”

Lucky color: dirty waterPisces: Feb 20- Mar 20You love this sign because

you love fish in every shape and hue. Unless you don’t, in which case a big mistake was made and someone is gonna pay for this big time.

Lucky color: Clam shell brown

So did M.A.D. nail you or what? I now, I know, you’re sim-ply amazed at my mental ability to transcend space and time. What can I say? Some of us have this remarkable ability and most of you do not. But not to worry: for a small fee I’ll be more than happy to offer a personal read-ing. Please make a reservation, and remember, dollars, yen, pesos or euros only – no checks or credit cards.


Bill’s Corner

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

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For many years they led simple lives forming the typical stories of immigrants in the land of op-portunity. Mostly, the husbands arrived first in the USA, who then petitioned the wives or chil-dren later. Some enlisted in the U.S. Navy many years ago, mar-ried their girlfriends back home or found their better halves here, mostly nurses on working visa.

Almost everybody started liv-ing in apartments or Navy hous-ing. The vehicles were bought based on necessity and got bigger as family size grew. Later parents were petitioned to help with childcare. Income may not be that big but, there were more time spent together on weekends and holidays.

National City was the starting point for most early immigrants. It was close to the military base and various Filipino owned businesses. As family income grew bigger, some bought their first homes and started moving north to Paradise Valley or south to Chula Vista. The homes were basic just to accommodate the expanding family. While the native San Diegans spent their sunny weekends on the beach, Filipinos worked their yards.

When more newcomers ar-rived, the homeowners rented out or sold their first homes then moved farther north or more inland. Equity loans were mostly used for home improvements.

Then the housing boom came and more Filipinos entered the real estate business. They spread the tempting news in the com-munity. Stated income were used to qualify for bigger loans and commissions shared with home-buyers or borrowers.

Those were the crazy years

when temptations and greed took over. People were blinded by de-sire to make more money quick, they never asked why such low mortgage payments for such beautiful big homes. Some were willing to drive 90 miles to work just to become homeowners in Murrieta and beyond.

The simple Filipino couples became rental owners in Las Ve-gas and Arizona with timeshare resorts in Hawaii and Florida. They lived in Mc Mansions and have condos or vacation homes in the native land. Couples worked 2 or 3 jobs to cope up with payments.

Then, you knew the rest of the story. The housing bubble burst and many were left holding ugly loans for the over-priced homes. Mortgage payments went up, rentals went vacant, and property taxes unpaid. Some lost their jobs and portion of retirement funds evaporated. The stress caused health problems too.

Desperate homeowners tried loan modifications to avoid fore-closures or bankruptcy. Some became victims of scams and then lost their properties. Most will end up with income from the Cancellation of Debt. Others finally left their Mc Mansions and went back to the old homes or rented apartments.

It may be hard to swallow but, is any house worth dying for?

It’s normal to dream big. We have to take risks to reap some good rewards but, sometimes we do fail. If that happened to you, then get real and do what you have to do. Be happy that even for a short time, you lived and enjoyed your dream home even if it eventually became the house of broken dreams.

House of Broken Dreams


Light &Shadows

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

by Zena Sultana Babao

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(2009 is the “Year of the Rubaiyat”, celebrating the

150th year of the publication of Edward FitzGerald’s English

translation of Omar Khayyam’s “The Rubaiyat.” It is also the

200th anniversary of FitzGerald’s birth. The Rubaiyat has

infl uenced millions of readers, poets and writers all over the world, and deserves a special

celebration.)“The moving fi nger writes …

and having writ moves on…” is probably one of the most quoted verses in the English language. This beautiful verse came from the poem the Rubaiyat, written by Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet, scientist, astronomer, mathematician and philosopher during the 12th century.

Khayyam was an extra-ordinar-ily gifted and brilliant man. He has mastered philosophy, history, law, mathematics, medicine and astronomy. As long ago as 1079, he calculated the average length of the year to within fi ve sec-onds, as well as the importance of the general binomial theorem. Some mathematicians regard him as one of the top ten intel-lects in all history, and astrono-mers have named a crater of the moon after him.

But his fame as a mathemati-cian and astronomer was later overshadowed by his fame as a poet.

The poem the Rubaiyat is a classic. The word “rubaiyat” (plural for “rubai”) means qua-train, a poem of four rhythmic lines. Khayyam is one of the world’s favorite poets, and his book of poems has been printed in over a hundred languages in more than a hundred lands.

During the 12th century Persia, Khayyam’s bold and contro-versial ideas, as embodied in his quatrains, were sometimes frowned upon because it is fi lled

“The Moving Finger Writes … and Having Writ Moves On…”

with a live-for-today philosophy, a preference for pleasure, and a glorifi cation of love. Just as the songs and poems of today! But behind those bold and controver-sial ideas lie wisdom, a philoso-phy of life, and a code of ethics that contributed to the endearing quality of his masterpiece.

His poems live on through the ages, and will continue to live on, because of its beautiful, read-able, and quotable lines. Con-sider the following quatrains:

“A book of verses underneath the bough,

A jug of wine, a loaf of bread – and thou

Beside me singing in the wil-derness –

And wilderness is paradise enow.

Come, fi ll the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring

Your winter-garment of repen-tance fl ing:

The Bird of Time has but a little way

To fl utter – and the Bird is on the Wing.

Oh threats of hell and hopes of paradise!

One thing is certain – this life fl ies,

One thing is certain, and the rest is lies,

The fl ower that once has bloomed forever dies.”

FitzGerald’s translation is a monument to the great artistry of the translator. The literary world owes him a gift of gratitude! Be-fore 1858, the English-speaking world has never heard of the Rubaiyat.

The technique that FitzGerlad used in his translation is called “free adaptation.” It means that he did not do a word-for-word translation. But he captured the message and the central theme of the original. Thus, the Rubaiyat is as much FitzGerald’s work as it is Khayyam’s, with Khayyan

supplying the substance, and FitzGEerald, proceeding from that substance – gave it polish, as well as unity, beauty and music.

Many readers regard Khayyam’s message as “be merry today for tomorrow we die.” This is gleaned from his lines: “Unborn today, and dead yesterday, why fret about them if today be sweet!” But that is oversimplifying Khayyam’s philosophy. He is not just a poet, but a scientist and a philosopher.

As a philosopher, Khayyam did not advance the theory of abso-lute idealism, like the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. Nor did he expound on existentialism, like Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. Khayyam simply questioned things as they are. In the pro-cess, he introduced a philosophy of life that continues to amaze, bother, and delight both admirers and critics of his time, and of the present.

As I understand it, the Rubaiyat is a satire of the life and times of Omar Khayyam. It is his questions about the facts of life in his native Persia; his quests for the answers to the teachings of the prophets of his time; and his attempt to explain the folly of the people of his days. But with this distinction: he invested these questions with depth. And he wrote them in a beautiful language, almost amounting to a haunting melody.

Khayyam was not content to lift a symbol of life as his theme, and from it, compose his poem. No! He had the whole kingdom of Persia as his scene, and the very question of life and death as his theme.

In spite of the depth and boldness of his message, many readers love his poems … and so do I … because it is everything to everyone. And because there are more ordinary people than there are extra-ordinary ones, the Rubaiyat has universal appeal.

I think his Rubaiyat is especial-ly appealing because it simplifi es the meaning of life, and ques-tions it with these beautiful lines:

“The circle in which we ebb and fl ow,

Neither the beginning, nor an end we know.

The riddle stands as posed long ago:

Where do we come from? Where do we go?”

To me, the appeal of the Rubaiyat is this: It has the ability to stir our minds. It makes us think, it makes us rationalize. Its questions are our questions,

and its answers are our answers. Its hopes are our hopes, and its dreams are our dreams!

During this “Year of the Rubai-yat”, the celebration will consist of readings and discussions of Omar Khayyam and his book of poems. In England, this will be done over BBC, and in univer-sities in Cambridge, London, Oxford, Sheffi eld, Wales, Wood-bridge and Suffolk. In the Neth-erlands, it will be done at the Museum Meermano, The Hague; and in the United States, at the Grolier Club in New York, West

Virginia University, University of Texas and at the Cleveland Public Library.

The rich heritage of the Rubai-yat will be explored: printed versions and manuscripts of the verses, which include a cornucopia of fi ne editions and curiosities, from the jewels of the Great Omar to parodies like the Golfe’s Rubaiyat; visual art stimulated by the Rubaiyat, with illustrative paintings and draw-ings by artists from all periods up to the present day; and the music and drama inspired, rang-

ing from song cycles and great oratorios to modern works and crossover world music.

Issues raised by the Rubai-yat and its history will also be looked at: topical discussions in religion and philosophy, such as why we are here and what happens after death; literature and thought in the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the impact of Darwinism, and the growth of skepticism; and the relations between Iran and the West over a millennium, and how and why they have evolved. - zena


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Read previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjo-urnalusa.com

by Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr.Member, State Bar of California & Integrated Bar of the Philippines

Phil - Am Law 101

Dear Atty. Karagdag,

I recently took my oath as a United States citizen. Now, I am planning to petition my 19-year old daughter (I am divorced from her father) and my parents who are in the Philippines. My daughter has a 6-month old baby although she remains single. I also have an unmarried brother who is only 20 years old.

My questions are:

Can my daughter’s baby come with her as a derivative benefi -ciary?

Can my youngest brother come with my parents as their derivative benefi ciary?

I hope you can enlighten me on these things.

Thank you in advance.

Priscilla

Dear Priscilla,

First of all, it is important to mention that your daughter and parents are considered as your im-mediate relatives under the Immi-gration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 101 (b) of the INA defi nes immediate relatives as the spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen, except that in case of the parent, the U.S. citizen son or daughter must be at least twenty-one years of age. The same Section 101(b) requires that the child must be unmarried and under 21 years old to be considered as an immediate relative.

It is important to lay down the defi nition of immediate relatives because they have the unique advantage of migrating to the Unites States without visa numeri-

Immediate relatives do not have derivative benefi ciaries

cal limitations. This simply means that their immigrant visas are immediately available. In contrast, other relatives such as spouses and children of immigrants have to wait for several years for their visa numbers to become available.

Also, the spouse and child are considered as derivative benefi cia-ries who can accompany or join the principal benefi ciary in migrat-ing to the United States.

Unfortunately, immediate rela-tives have one big disadvantage. They DO NOT have derivative benefi ciaries.

In layman’s terms, your petition cannot include the spouse or child your immediate relatives.

So, in answer to your questions – NO, your daughter cannot bring her baby with her. The same rule applies to your parents; they can-not bring with them your younger brother.

Instead, your daughter will have to fi le a separate Form I-130 petition for her baby once your daughter arrives in the United States. Unfortunately, there is a waiting time before her baby can come here. The baby is classifi ed as an unmarried child of a lawful permanent resident (F-2A). The current visa bulletin indicates a backlog of around 4-1/2 years for F-2A petitions. Or, your daugh-ter can wait until she becomes a U.S. citizen before petitioning her daughter, but this route will mean at least two more years of waiting.

On the other hand, there is no preference category for grand-children under U.S. immigration law. So, you yourself cannot fi le a petition for your grandchild.

As regards your brother, he also cannot come with your parents. But you have two options to bring him here. First is for your par-ents to fi le a separate Form I-130

for your younger brother as an unmarried child of an immigrant (F-2A). However, as mentioned, the waiting time for F-2A petitions is 4-1/2 years so his category will surely convert to F-2B (unmar-ried son 21 years and over of an LPR). Currently, the waiting time for F-2B petitions is more than 11 years. One caution though. Once your brother marries (before your petitioner parent naturalizes), the F-2A or F-2B petition will be auto-matically revoked. As a side note, I sometimes advise my clients to have both parents petition their children, just in case something happens to one of them.

Your second option is for you yourself to fi le a separate Form I-130 petition for your brother under the F-4 category (brother or sister of an adult U.S. citizen). The downside here is that there is a very long waiting time for F-4 petitions (23 years). However, it has one advantage. Your brother can get married and his spouse and children (future children, that is) can accompany or join him as derivative benefi ciaries when the time comes.

We hope we have enlightened you and our readers on these mat-ters. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Atty. Karagdag

Announcement : Consultation in Manila

We will be in Manila for two weeks in August. If your loved ones are interested in consulting with us there, please tell them to contact our Manila offi ce at 522-1199 or 526-0326 to set an appointment.

Atty. Rogelio Karagdag, Jr. is licensed to practice law in both California and the Philippines. He practices immigration law in San Diego and has continuously been a trial and appellate attorney in the Philippines since 1989. His offi ce address is located at 16486 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite 228, San Diego, CA 92128. He also holds offi ce in National City inside the S&S Travel Agency at 2409 E. Plaza Blvd. Please call (858)348-7475 & (619) 475-3262 for your free consultation. Our email is [email protected]. Articles written in this column are not legal advice but are hypotheti-cals intended as general, non-specifi c legal information.

By Stepen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire

WICKED Announces

LOTTERY for $25 Seats SAN DIEGO – A day-of-perfor-

mance lottery for a limited num-ber of seats will be held daily for WICKED, the smash-hit musical. After breaking box offi ce records and selling out in record time for a two-week engagement in 2006, WICKED will return to SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE, playing from JULY 29 – AUGUST 30. Each day, 2½ hours prior to show time, people who present themselves at the Civic Theatre Ticket Offi ce will have their names placed in a lottery drum and then thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of seats at $25 each, cash

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster to return to San Diego Civic Theater July 29 - August 30

only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box offi ce, with a limit of two tickets per person.

In addition to $25 lottery seats, tickets are still available through-out the engagement but fl ying out

the door! Complete performance schedule, pricing and information on how to purchase tickets listed below.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Acad-emy Award-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony Award®

winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues, 9 to 5) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Suc-ceed…).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICK-ED, winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fi ery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

WICKED has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box offi ce




The Aklanons of San Diego photo welcome Mary Jane, L.to R.: Rading T. David, Pat Cordova, Dra. Mercy Templonuevo Timtiman, Lyn T. Prugalidad, Norma C. Capio, Ms. Mary Jane P. Tupas, (seated) Felipe Mationg, Edsel Quimpo Reloj & Nonato Navarra.

The Chairman, and Director General of Mohammad Dossary Hospital congratulating Ms. Jane P. Tupas, Director of Nursing on her Achievements.

Ms. Mary Jane Tupas, Director of Nursing, Mohammad Dossary Hos-pital, Saudi Arabia.

President Gloria Macapagal-Ar-royo presents the Blas F. Ople Award to Director of Nursing.

Director of Nursing, Ms. Mary Jane Tupas receiv-ing the “Blas F. Ople, Natatanging Bayani “award from the President of the Philippines, Gloria Maca-pagal Arroyo at the Presidential Palace; (The Rising New Hero 2007) the highest and most prestigious international award.



fi nally separating Aklan from Capiz. The new province was inaugurated on November 25, 1956 and the Honorable God-ofredo Ramos became its fi rst congressman.

For the other, it’s a well-deserved vacation for Aklan’s new rising star – Ms. Mary Jane Pajarello Tupas who arrived in San Diego last Saturday while on the western leg of her circuitous tour of North America. Jane, along with 27 OFW compatriots from Saudi Arabia has been on separate travel tours of the Phil-ippines, Europe and the United States. San Diego, Las Vegas, and New York City are her last three stops before fl ying back to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She is on her fi fth year as the Director of Nursing at Mohammad Dos-


Around TownRead Conrad Reloj’s previous articles by visiting our website at

www.asianjournalusa.com. Email: [email protected]

by Conrad I. Reloj, Jr.

sary Hospital and has been on a continuous tour of hospital duty in the Middle East since 1988.

There was much rejoicing! “Nagheogyaw ro mga Akeanon sa pagabot ni Ms. Jane Tupas

nga naghalin sa Ginharian it Saudi Arabia”, singhan ni Mr. Felipe Mationg, isaea sa welcoming com-mittee it Aklan Association of San Diego Coun-ty, Inc., led by the energetic Aklan Association of San Diego County President Ms. Hedelyn “Inday” Pfander, Secretary Frauliene Iledan

Reloj and staff. The welcome party was hosted by Nonato & Elsa Tupas Navarra and held at their resi-dence in San Diego

Even in the oil rich desert of Saudi Arabia ‘you only reap what you sow.’ But here Jane really performed well through hard work, love and dedi-cated service by fully embracing the hos-pital’s management motto, “Foot prints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down.” She is obvi-ously doing some-thing extraordinarily right in Saudi Arabia. For 20 years working

in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, her reputation of being a competent leader in both the Filipino com-munity and her profes-sional organization is renowned, a quintessence of the new age in the medical profession con-tinuing in the tradition of Filipino nurses, doctors and other specialties in the medical profession whose main goal is that of saving lives, providing (TLC) tender loving care for their patients every-where.

When she left the Phil-ippines for the fi rst time

to try her luck in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), she said she didn’t expect to be so honored on her return home by just doing what’s expected of her in the best version of herself, her education, training, and the way she was brought by her parents.

Jane was born in New Wash-ington, Aklan, grows up in Kalibo where she completed

records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chi-cago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

Called “one of the most successful shows in Broadway history” by The New York Times and “a phenom-enon that keeps growing” by the Los Angeles Times, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently eight productions of WICKED world-wide, including two North Ameri-can tours, a Broadway production, San Francisco production, London production, a Japanese-language production, a German-language

production and Australian produc-tion. A Dutch-language production of WICKED will open in 2011.

WICKED features set design by Tony® Award winning Eugene Lee, costume design by Tony® winner Susan Hilferty, lighting design by Tony nominee® Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony Meola. Stephen Oremus is the show’s music director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott. Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED, log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.

We also have two San Diego actors in the cast: KEVIN Mc-MAHON and MERIDETH KAYE CLARK!

WHEN: July 29 – August 30, 2009

WHERE: San Diego Civic The-atre, 3rd and B Street, downtown San Diego

PERFORMANCE Tues-day and Wednesday at 7PM note: schedule changes

TIMES: Thursday at 7:30PM; 1:30PM matinee on Thursday, July 30

Friday at 7:30PMSaturday at 2PM & 7:30PMSpecial ASL Interpreted perfor-

mance, 2PM matinee Saturday August 1

Sunday at 1PM & 6:30PM; Sun-day evening perf added August 30

TICKETS: $25--$128 Tickets On Sale NowRecommended for children age

eight and older; children under four will not be admitted; no-one admit-ted without a ticket

TICKET PURCHASE: Civic The-atre Ticket Offi ce, (619) 570-1100

Ticketmaster (800) 982-2787Group Discounts (619) 564-3001THEATRE ADDRESS: 3rd

and B Street, 1100 Third Ave.PARKING: Paid parking available

in the San Diego Concourse Parking structure.

WEBSITE: BroadwaySD.com

Broadway’s biggest blockbuster to return to San Diego Civic Theater July 29 - August 30


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Law Offi ces of Chua Tinsay & Vegawww.ctvattys.com

by Atty. Dennis ChuaLegal Buzz

Read Atty. Dennis Chua’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

A marriage celebrated outside the United States is valid and will

be recognized here in the United States if that foreign marriage was valid in the country where it was cel-ebrated.

Often, we see cases where clients fail to properly have their previous marriage in a foreign country dissolved or terminated before they enter into a subse-quent marriage. This has led to certain complications in their cases which has resulted in the denial of their immigrant peti-tions or applications for adjust-ment of status fi led with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Here are some of the more common scenarios that we have encountered.

1. Pedro was married in the Philippines in 1990 before a Judge in the Regional Trial Court. The marriage was regis-tered with the National Statistics Offi ce in the Philippines. Pedro left for the United States and decided not to return to the Phil-ippines. He met Jenny, a US citizen in California and after a whirlwind romance, they even-tually decided to get married. Pedro thought all along that his marriage in 1990 was not recog-nized in the United States as his previous marriage was contract-ed in a foreign country. After their marriage, they fi led for a concurrent application for adjust-ment of status and immigrant petition with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (US-CIS). The immigrant petition and application for adjustment of status was denied because Pe-dro’s subsequent marriage to his US citizen wife was not valid (in fact, it was bigamous) as he had a prior and subsisting marriage.

2. Katrina was married in 1985 in the Philippines. In 1990, Katrina’s husband abandoned her and was never to be seen again. In 2000, Katrina fi led for a presumption of death declara-tion with the Regional Trial Court in Manila. The Court gave due course to her petition. In 2005, Katrina visited the United States and decided to stay for good. She then met Ethan, a US citizen. Thinking that she was already free to marry because of the presumption of death decla-ration issued by the Philippine court, Katrina married Ethan. After the marriage, they fi led for

Common immigration pitfalls on Philippine marriage

the corresponding application with the USCIS. After their adjustment interview, their case was put for further review. The USCIS forwarded the case to the US Embassy in Manila to look into the whereabouts of the fi rst husband of Katrina. The USCIS discovered that the fi rst husband of Katrina was still alive and residing in Marikina, Rizal. The USCIS then denied the application on the ground that the prior marriage of Ka-trina was not validly terminated.

2. Abigail married Andrew in 1998. Abigail later learned that Andrew was previously married to Anastacia in 1995. Abigail left Andrew and fl ew to the United States. While here in the US, Abigail met Anthony, a US citizen. They had an amorous relationship and eventually got married. Anthony fi led the petition documents for Abigail. After the interview, Anthony’s petition for Abigail was denied. Abigail tried to argue that her marriage with Andrew was null and void from the very begin-ning as Andrew had a prior existing marriage. The posi-tion taken by Abigail was not accepted by the USCIS. The USCIS even cited a Philippine Family Code provision stating that a judicial declaration of nullity must fi rst be obtained by Abigail before she can contract a subsequent marriage.

It is therefore important to assess the validity of a marriage contracted in a foreign country before a subsequent marriage is entered. A simple misstep may have serious immigration conse-quences more so that the USCIS is now issuing Notices to Appear for removal proceedings once the application for adjustment of status is denied.

About Atty. Dennis E. ChuaAtty. Dennis E. Chua is a part-

ner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV) - a full service law fi rm with offi ces in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The information presented in this article is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consultation to discuss your particular situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088 or (619) 955-6277; [email protected].


By Alex P. Vidal/ PNS SAN DIEGO, California – The

best in the East.This titanic title once belonged

to the legendary kung fu maestro Bruce Lee who as the pride of the East even the best boxer in the world dared not to see him eyeball to eyeball in his heyday in the early

Even Bruce Lee would’ve challenged Pacquiao

Bruce Lee

70’s. But after dismantling Ricky “The

Hitman” Hatton in the IBO light welterweight duel dubbed “The Battle of the East and the West” in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2, Manny Pacquiao is now reputed as the best warrior in the East in contact sports—including mixed martial arts and wrestling.

Had Pacquiao lived in the era of Bruce Lee or vice versa, the founder of Jet Kune Do combat form and Chinese’s cultural icon would’ve challenged the Filipino lefty to a no-holds-barred duel to determine the real king of combat sports in the East.

Bruce Lee had humili-ated seven-time world ka-rate champion Ken Norton in their own version of the battle between the east and west.

And although the current darling of the Ultimate Manny Pacquiao

Fighting Championship (UFC) is Lyoto Carvalho Machida who is partly from the East, Pacquiao still stands alone unmolested in the totem pole of prizefighting, making him the most sought-after world champion in any multi-million dol-lar showdown.

Machida, who recently upset Rashad Evans in a clash of unbeaten

fighters in UFC 98 billed as the “Ali-Frazier bout of UFC”, also wants to be known as the best in both the East and West.

Although a Japanese-Bra-zilian, Machida, the current UFC light heavyweight champion and Shotokan karate specialist, claims to be a product of eastern full contact sports institutions hav-ing trained Muay Thai in Thailand and participated in New Japan Pro Wrestling in

Tokyo before hitting pay dirt in the UFC.

As this developed, another pride of the west, Shane Mosley, have also expressed willingness to engage

Pacquiao in a slugfest “in a catch weight”.

MOSLEY’S CHALLENGE Mosley’s challenge came after

light middleweight upstart Julio Caesar Chavez Jr. dared Pacquiao to a showdown before the end of 2009. Top Rank promotion had also mentioned Miguel Cotto’s name as Pacquiao’s possible opponent.

“There are conflicting reports from the Pacquiao camp an upcom-ing fight between me and Manny Pacquiao. I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now. I’m willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen,” Mosley said.

“I know this is what Freddie Roach wan ts as well, as he has previously stated this to press. I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of number one pound-for-pound fighter.”

To end the guessing game, it was the 30-year-old boxer-cum-politician from Gen. Santos City, Philippines who broke the iceberg by declaring he was interested and ready to face flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr. on October 17.

Mayweather, meanwhile, is sched-uled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Golden Boy Promotions announced the win-ner will possibly challenge Pacqui-ao, who is currently the best boxer in the world pound-for-pound.

PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE -- EVEN if there is a strong pos-sibility that Vice President Noli

Binay unfazed

United Opposition president Jejomar Binay

de Castro and Interior Secretary Ron aldo Puno will be the bets for president and vice president of a merged Kampi and Lakas-CMD, Makati Mayor and United Opposi-tion president Jejomar Binay is unfazed.

Binay, who revealed his readi-ness to slide down to vice presi-dent should former President Joseph Estrada decide to go for the presidency, will definitely go head on against Puno, who has announced his intention to run for

vice president in 2010 under the administration ticket.

Puno was the main architect of the successful presidential bids of Fidel Ramos (1991), Estrada (1997) and Mrs. Gloria Macapa-gal-Arroyo (2004).

Binay said that regardless of who Mrs. Arroyo will anoint as her presidential vice presidential bets, they will have to contend with the people’s dissatisfaction with the Arroyo administration.

“We definitely welcome the en-try of Secretary Puno. His loyalty

to Mrs. Arroyo is beyond ques-tion,” he added.

The opposition stalwart said the 2010 election will be a referen-dum on the Arroyo administra-tion.

“What will matter to the people in 2010 is whether or not a candidate can offer them a better 20 government than what we have now, can assure them that government will work to put food on their table and provide jobs,” he said.


Entertainment

3380806/27/09

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By Sim SilverioSan Diego, California

July 16, 2009 There are only few actors who

can completely assume the char-acters they play: Yul Bryner as the King of Siam in “The King and I”, Charleston Heston as Moses in “The Ten Command-ments”, and Topol as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof”.

Last night, we got the chance to witness Topol play his signa-ture character to perfection in the road show presentation of the Broadway hit, “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Civic Theater in downtown San Diego.

It is hard to imagine that it is Topol’s farewell tour. After years of playing the role, he would retire. Anybody who witnessed him perform could swear that he was still at the top of his game. He played the role with zest and enthusiasm, with hardly a hint of getting tired of the gig. The story of a milkman in a Jewish com-munity in Russia could be told all over again, and the audience will always relish hearing the songs and commiserating with the plight of people decades ago that still rings true to this day,

I am particularly impressed with the innovative changing of the sets, as even the actors would act as set assistants moving a piece from one spot to another, with the audience hardly notic-ing the break and the performers continuing to play their role.

The music is written by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The musical is based on a book by Joseph Stein, and is set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. It is about Tevye and his daugh-ters (or Tevye the Milkman) and other tales by Sholem Aleichem.

The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family

A Review:

Fiddler On the Roofand religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives. A review noted that “he must cope with both the strong-willed actions of his three older daughters—each one’s choice of husband moves farther away from the customs of her faith—and with the edict of the Tsar that evicts the Jews from their village”. This story sound familiar to this day.

According to the production notes, the original Broadway production opened in 1964. It

was the first run of a musi-cal in history to surpass the 3,000 perfor-mance mark. For almost ten years, Fiddler held the record for the longest-running Broad-way musical until “Grease” surpassed its run. “Fiddler on the Roof” remains Broad-way’s thir-teenth longest-running show in history.

It was reported that the production was “ex-traordinarily profitable and highly acclaimed”. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, winning nine, including best musical, score, book, direction and choreog-raphy. It spawned four Broadway revivals, a successful 1971 film ad-aptation, and the show has enjoyed enduring international popularity. It is also a very popular choice for school and community pro-ductions

The musical’s title stems from a painting by Marc Chagall, one of many surreal paintings he cre-

ated of Eastern European Jewish life, often including a fiddler. The Fiddler, according to a press note, “is a metaphor for survival, through tradition and joyful-ness, in a life of uncertainty and imbalance”.


Spiritual Life

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

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets

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BalintatawRead Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website

at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

Ang Aking Mga Hiling (1)Katulad ng marami ako’y maraming kahilingantulad ng pagmamahal sa aking mga kaibigansubalit maraming problema ang aking nasuunganna siyang mga nagpatibay sa aking kahinaan.

Ang maging matapang ay isa sa aking mga hilingnang aking malampasan mga panganib na daratingkinailangan ko pa ding mga bundok ay tawirinat maging madidilim na gubat ay aking suungin.

Hindi rin nawala ang hiling ko na maging matibaysa lahat ng pagsubok na sa akin ay naghihintayaking pinagtiisan ang lahat makamtam ko lamangang bunga ng pagsisikap na matagal kong inasam.

(may karugtong)

Joke of the Week: There was this prosperous farmer who decided to go to church one Sunday. After the service, he approached the minister with great enthusiasm, “Reverend, that was a damned good sermon – damned good.” The minister shook his head saying, “I’m de-lighted you were pleased with it, but it would be nice if you didn’t use those terms in expressing yourself.” “Can’t help it, Rever-end,” the farmer shrugged, “but I still think it was a damned good sermon – and I put $200.00 in the collection basket.” The min-ister gulped, “It was a damned good contribution.”

Scriptures: First Reading: 2 Kings 4: 42-44. Elisha’s miracle, the feeding of hundred people with just twelve barley loaves and fresh grain, may sound strange to Western mentality. The Western concept of miracle as an exception to the laws of nature is entirely the opposite of the Mediterranean perspective: it is a sign. Elisha’s story of the multiplication of barley loaves is a sign that God through his prophet sustains his people with satisfying food. Second Reading: Ephesians 4: 1-6. The author urges his readers to put into ac-tion the message of Jesus Christ: the love of God in Jesus Christ. This belief in one God must be seen in the life of the Christian community. Finally, this union with God and with the members of the community encourages all of creation to be one in Jesus Christ. Gospel: John 6: 1-15. John’s version of the multiplica-tion of loaves has similarities

What Money Can’t Buy with the miracle story of Elisha: 1) the objection of Elisha’s servant and the skepticism of the apostle Philip. 2) the barley loaves. Situating the multipli-cation of barley loaves on a mountaintop and at Passover time, John wants his readers to recall the manna with which Moses fed the starving Hebrews in the desert. Jesus differs im-mensely from Elisha and Moses because what he gives is more than manna and barley loaves, but his very self, the living bread, that leads to abundance and fullness of life.

Refl ections: A society that puts high priority on money and economic pow-er runs the risk of falling into error that bread is shared only when there is money. Sharing that is based on money alone, not on love, promotes further the concept that money can buy everything, even love. With this kind of mentality love becomes limited. Unless one has more than enough money to share, he cannot love and he cannot share with oth-ers. So we hear people saying that if they win the mega million or the super lotto jackpot, they will help build a church in his hometown or support a civic or charitable organization. What about sharing even when we have just enough for ourselves? Elisha’s servant had only twenty barley loaves and fresh grain, yet the prophet fed a hundred people

because the servant shared with others the little he had. So was the young boy in the Gospel. He had only fi ve barley loaves and two fi sh, a meal of poor people. Jesus fed fi ve thousand people with these fi ve barley loaves. All had their fi ll and there was even twelve wicker baskets left over. The prophet’s servant and the little boy shared with all everything they had even if that was enough for them. A miracle became a reality, because they were generous.

When money is the only basis of happiness, its abundance becomes equated with faith. Some people consider that more economic gains mean abundant God’s blessings and greater faith, that less money means weaker faith and God’s punishment. This

mentality fuels one’s greed. The few possessions we

have are not

enough, so there is a desire

for more money and to possess more material things. This desire is con- ceived with

the idea

that the more one has, the more blessed he is. Greed for money and material things is committed in God’s name.

The people in today’s Gospel did not see what they should have seen in the signs that Jesus performed before them. They did not go beyond the multiplication

of barley loaves. Like Philip, they were merely concerned with what money can buy. “Two hundred days’ wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little.” They only saw the signs that he did, but did not see the deeper meaning behind them: that he is the living bread that offers abun-dance and eternal life. In their failure to see the deeper mean-ing of the signs, they wanted to make him their king who would continually satisfy only their physical hunger. Because of the crowd’s political and material-istic outlook, Jesus had to stay away from them. Isn’t it true that some of us consider God as a “sugar daddy”? We think of God or pray to him when we are only in need of material help. What about the eternal life he promises to those who follow his

Son’s teachings, in good and bad times?

The story is told of Mexi-can Indians on their way to

market with pottery. Some wealthy tourists stopped them on the way and offered to

buy their entire stock for a good price. The

Indians refused and explained, “Señores,

in my town no one can read or write; there is no electricity,

so there can be no radios. Someone

must go to Nogales every week to get the news of the

world, and without pottery we cannot get a place in

the market to sell. So we can-not sell you all the pottery jars,

for they are means to our end. Señores, we would be disgraced if we should return home with nothing but money!”

Years ago, Pope John Paul II wrote, “Many people now are tempted to self-indulgence and consumerism, and human iden-tity is often defi ned by what one owns. Prosperity and affl uence, even when they are only begin-ning to be available to larger

strata of society, tend to make people assume that they have a right to all that prosperity can bring, and thus they can become selfi sh in their demands.”

Quotation of the Week: “Money is an article which may be used as a universal passport to everywhere except heaven, and as a universal provider of everything except happiness.” Wall Street Journal


Work Visas/Green Cards thru Employment• Family Visas• Student, Trainee, Tourist, Investors, Visas • Reinstatement of Petition • Deportation Defense• International Adoption• Appeals, Motions to Reopen/Reconsider• Battered/Abused Spouse• I-601 Waivers (Hardship)• Consular Support in Manila• Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys are also avail• able in our office.

IMMIGRATION (619) 819-8648Speak directly with an Attorney for FREE

The Law Offi ces of SUSAN V. PEREZ offer the following services:

We also handle ALL PHILIPPINE cases and have an offi ce in Manila to service your needs there.

*Susan Perez is a licensed attorney both in the State of California and the Philippines. She has eighteen (18) years of combined experience in both jurisdictions in the areas of Immigration, Family, Appellate, Juvenile Dependency, Civil, Criminal, Labor, Contracts, Tax, and Business Law. She is also admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit of the Court of Appeals, and the District Courts of Southern California and Central District of California. She is a Certifi ed Public Accountant and pursuing Master’s of Law at the University of San Diego.

Nagsasalita ng Tagalog asin Bicol.

Walk-ins are welcome from 8:30 to 6:00, Monday thru Friday.

San Diego Office: Manila Office:625 Broadway, Suite 1015 Suite 2502-A East TowerSan Diego CA 92101 Philippine Stock Exchange CentreTel. No. (619) 819-8648 Exchange Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig CityFax No. (619) 923-9555 Tel. Nos.: (632) 687-2565 / 687-9851 Email: [email protected] Fax No.: (632) 687-2565

Atty. Susan V. Perez

Visit our website: www.law-usimmigration.com

by Atty. Susan V. Perez

Legal BriefRead Atty. Susan Perez’s previous articles by

visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

The “F” visa is issued to a foreign national who seeks to enter or to remain in the United States tempo-rarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing a course of study at an established institution of learning or otherwise recognized place of study in the United States. The institution or place of study must be approved by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in compli-ance with the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) program. The list of ap-proved schools is available online. The applicant of the visa should not attend a public elementary school or publicly funded adult education program and will not attend a public secondary school unless she or he attends the secondary school for a period NOT in excess of 12 months and shows she or he has reimbursed the school the full and unsubsidized cost of the education. Publicly funded adult education program does not include public community or junior colleges which receives public funds, but charge full non-resident tuition for foreign students. Family may follow to join if the F-1 student is or will be within 30 days enrolled in a full course of study. Family members may not be em-ployed and may not attend school except a child may attend elemen-tary school through 12th grade.

A foreign national entering the U.S. as a visitor or B-2 cannot at-tend school without first obtaining a change of status in the U.S. or an F-1 visa abroad. The change of status must first be approved before B-2 can start attending school. If a request for a change from B-2 to F-1 occurs within 60 days of entry, the Immigration will probably deny the application because the applicant’s admission as a B-2 was improper. It is considered improper because he had the preconceived intent to enter as a student. In one case, the Immigration’s denial of change of status from B-2 to F-1 was upheld where the request for change of status occurred within four months

The “F” (Student) Visafrom entry and the SEVIS I-20 was requested from the school within 45 days of entry.

A student in F-1 status is given D/S (duration of status or comple-tion of educational program) plus 60 days grace period to leave the U.S. after completion of the F-1 status. A student is not required to apply for extension as long as she or he is maintaining status and making normal progress toward the comple-tion of her or his educational objec-tive. However, if the I-20 states

that the course must be completed in two years but the student needs ad-ditional six months to complete the program, he or she must file an ex-tension. The District School Officer or DSO may grant the extension if he certifies that the delays are caused by compelling medical or academic reasons.

The F-1 may change status to H-1B or another status during the 60-day departure period. A student may work but employment authori-zation must be obtained. If the stu-dent works without authorization, or fails to pursue a full course of study, or transfers schools without permis-sion or fails to complete a full course of study in time and is ineligible for a program extension, she or he loses his status and is subject to deporta-tion.

We welcome your feedback. If you have any immigration questions, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call 619 819 -8648 to arrange for a telephone consultation.

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

journalusa.com

FVR, Cory and Erap, are about to be executed in front of a fir-ing squad. Each of them is blindfolded and given the chance to call upon the forces of nature to save them. The executioner starts the countdown: ‘10, 9, 8,….’.

FVR shouts, ‘Flood!’. In a sudden, a big wave came. FVR was able to escape because of the com-motion.

It’s Cory’s turn. She shouts: ‘Earthquake! ‘. The people watching the execu-

tion panicked. She was able to escape.

Erap was wondering what calamity to call. The executioner started count-ing again: ‘10, 9, 8, 7….’.

Erap had a mental block. ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1…’

Erap shouted: ‘Fire!’.

ERAP IN LIBRARY

Erap in Library‘What time does the library

open?’ Erap on the phone asked.

‘Nine A.M. ‘ came the reply. ‘And what’s the idea of calling me at home in the middle of the night to ask a question like that?’

‘Not until nine A.M.?’ Erap asked in a disappointed voice.

‘No, not till nine A.M.!’ the librarian said.

‘Why do you want to get in before nine A.M.?’

‘ha, who said I wanted to get in?’ Erap sighed sadly. ‘I want to get out!’

IN LABOR

One particular day many years ago, Erap’s wife was having labor pains.

Erap panicked so he called their doctor.

Erap: Hello, doc. My wife is in labor!

Doc: Is she in a lot of pain?Erap: Yes, doc!Doc: Is this the first baby?

Some more Eraptions




MEDICAL CLINIC FOR INDUSTRIAL INJURY

ATTENTION

Are You Injured On The Job? Are You Claiming Medical Disability?

Are You Applying For Disability Claims with VA, Social Security Benefits, Worker’s Comp, Job Related Claim of Disability?

Is your disability rating in need of review? Our Clinic Can Help You.

If You Need Assistance for Medical Review and Determination of Your Rate of Disability Claims, Please Call our Office for Appointment.

For Chronic Neck, Shoulder, Back, Knee and Foot Pain, orFor Personal Injury or Vehicular Injury, We Can Help You,

Please Call For Appointment.

Office Phone: 619 477-1700Office Hours: 11:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday to Friday (weekends close)

Address: 3200 Highland Ave. Ste. 203, National City, CA 91950

July 20, 2009

His Excellency Barack H. Obama

President of the United States of America

White House, Washington, D. C.

Dear President Obama: The scheduled meeting of the

Philippine President Gloria M. 0Arroyo with your Excellency on July 30th in the White House, upon your invitation or upon her request, is a BIG news in the Philippines this week. It is also reported that about 100 Congress people are rallying to accompany her, spending taxpayers’ money in a political junket!

As one concerned Ameri-can citizen who was born in the Philippines, a former Republi-can, now an Independent who voted for you last November, I am taking this rare opportunity to write this OPEN LETTER to voice out my strong sentiments, that are shared by millions of Filipinos all over the world who are also very much aware of the many man-made socio-economic and political problems of the Philippines, many of which are caused directly or indirectly by the present political leadership. It is my opinion that because of the great leadership role that the POTUSA has in world af-fairs, your official pronounce-ments, words of advice or admonition can definitely cause some positive changes almost immediately. Your official po-sition on many US-Philippine issues will not be taken lightly by the Philippine leaders who need American support simply because “no country is truly independent without economic or financial freedom”. And the

The officers and staffof the

San Diego Asian Journal

would like to express their deep sympathy to the family of the late

Greg Alabadoa good friend and beloved community leader who passed away at 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 after a long and tough fight with lung cancer at

Scripps Hospital in Chula Vista, California.

Viewing will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as follows: Sunday - July 26, 2009, at Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel;

Monday - July 27, 2009, at Chapel of the Roses (Glen Abbey), Bonita, California with Religious services starting at 6 p.m.

Funeral will be on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 11 a.m., St. Rose of Lima

Catholic Church with Memorial at Chula Vista Golf Club following the burial at Glen Abbey Cemetary.

We request the pious to pray for the repose of his soul.

Erap: No, doc. This is Erap!

ANOTHER EXAMPLE

Teacher: (talking to ERAP) Can you give me an example of a beast of burden?

ERAP: Carabao, ma’am! Teacher: Very good, ERAP. Can you give another example?

ERAP: How about another Carabao?

TESTING

As Erap’s Driver test drive it.Driver to Erap: Sir, pweding

pakitingin kung umiilaw yung parking light as driver switches on the parking light)

Erap: OK, its ON! Gumagana.Driver: Sir, yung headlights,

umiilaw ba? (as driver switches on the headlights)

Erap: OK rin, its ON! Gum-agana.

Driver: Sir yung signal light pakitingin? (as driver switches on the signal light)

Erap: Gumagana, ay ayaw, ay gumagana, ay ayaw, ay gum-agana, ay ayaw…….

WA CLASS

Reporter to Erap alighting from a PAL flight: ‘Mr. Presi-dent, what can you say about the economy?’

Erap: ‘I don’t know, kasi nasa first class ako.’

KAMUKHA DAW

Jingoy: Dad, sabi nila pag-nakaharap ako kamukha ko si Jose Rizal, pag-nakaside view kamukha ko naman si Manuel Roxas. Anong ibig sabihin yon?

Erap: Mukha kang pera.

Some more Eraptions

The MetamorphosisRead Ernie Delfin’s previous articles by visiting our website at

www.asianjournalusa.com.

by Ernie Delfin

An Open Letter to President Barack H. Obama

Philippines sadly still belongs in that category. The United States, despite her own prob-lems, still remains a major force in effecting change in the world.

I am listing just a small sample of major problems out of hundreds of various issues, which I hope that your powerful office can address and/or discuss with the Philippine president in order to alleviate the pains and suffering of the Filipino people during these very challenging times. Your State Depart-ment or the Pentagon or the CIA and our U.S. Embassy in Manila should be very familiar with these problems:

FIRST, and foremost is the perennial issue of graft and

corruption. Graft and corrup-tion are often the root cause of many socio-economic problems, breakdown of law and the bur-geoning poverty.

Transparency Internationaland even the World Bank con-

sider the Philippines to be among one of the most cor-rupt countries in the world, the biggest factor that adds greatly to the costs of doing business in the Philippines. It is a common knowledge that illegally got-ten wealth from the Philippines are also deposited or invested in the United States and in other friendly countries. Through your leadership, Mr. President, these filthy rich politicians, including many who are officially attached to the First Family of the Philip-pines, including military gener-als, can be easily be unmasked by simply disclosing and audit-ing their assets in America. The AMLA if enforced aggres-sively can ferret the truth and expose these ill gotten wealth of many dirty politicians and their

families and if possible given back to the people.

To this date, much of the looted wealth of the Marcoses are still in litigation and that was over 20 years ago!

It’s morally and legally uncon-scionable for any public officials to flaunt or hide their “wealth” in America, knowing pretty well that their legitimate salaries as public officials can not support such acquisition of wealth. Even Philippine military generals or their families have been caught bringing thousands of “stolen” dollars and laundering them here into the United States. Some generals, including the so-called “Euro generals”, were also caught bringing thousands of undeclared Euros by the Custom officials in Russia. The case of this certain Gen. Garcia (who is in “prison” for a much lesser crime) whose family was caught by the US Customs is just a tip of the iceberg of the corruption in the highest echelon of the Arroyo government. Recently your U.S. government deported a former President Arroyo’s appointed Undersecretary of Agriculture, named Jocelyn “Joc Joc” Bo-lante who was the alleged mas-ter-mind of a multi-billion peso graft ridden mess known as the “Fertilizer Scam.” To this date, nothing has been resolved to know the truth as the Executive Department seemed determined to hide what really transpired in this gargantuan scam that hap-pened before the 2004 presiden-tial election.

In preparation for the 2010 elections, IF EVER ELEC-TION IS REALLY HELD, graft and corruption practices are expected to rise to raise more campaign funds to influence the results of the election. In the past, even President Gloria Ar-royo was allegedly involved in rigging the results of her election.

To this date, the “ Hello Garci controversy” where the President Arroyo was allegedly heard demanding that she must have a winning edge of at least a million votes over her oppo-nent has not been resolved.

Too much political spin-ning, obvious lying and lack of transparency from Malacanang Palace are resorted to hide the true picture of the country right now. You can explicitly re-mind the Philippine president

to “behave” or suffer the an-ger of the Filipino people like how Dictator Marcos that was forced to go on exile to Hawaii with the “help” of the USA in 1986.

SECOND, the many pub-lished human rights abuses, disappearance and killings alleg-edly perpetrated by the military continue. An example is a high profile disappearance of Jonas-Burgos, a social justice for farm-ers advocate, where the military was implicated. Like many cases, this remains unsolved after a couple of yearsnow. Just this week, Melissa Roxas, a Filipino American in California has sued the Philippine govern-ment for her abduction alleged by the military of the Philippines. Another unsolved murder was that of a journalist Marlene Esperat in Mindanao who was highly critical of the government officials who were involved in the Fertilizer Scam (Bolante) five years or so ago. Her murder case remains unsolved. There are 1,013 victims of extrajudicial killings since 2001 when Pres. Arroyo came into power and thousand cases of documented human rights abuses according to KARAPATAN Human Rights Organization. Amnesty Interna-tional and the world media also are aware of these human rights violations.

These samples of unflattering reports do not mean that I hate or dislike President Arroyo that much, but writing this OPEN-LETTER means I love the coun-try of my birth much more, and wish that the Philippines also has an opportunity to have a better future for the next generations after us.

THIRD, fighting against “terrorism” in the Philippines, especially in Muslim Mind-anao should be reevaluated us-ing some economic magnifying lenses. Military might alone will never solve these centuries –old-conflicts without economic progress where these poor peo-ple can feed,educate their fami-lies to have a better life. So, in-stead of all those expensive “military exercises” and military budget enriching lucky com-panies that produce armaments and war paraphernalia, the USA instead should assist the Philip-pines to build more infrastruc-ture, factories, better agricultural systems as well as pre and post-harvest facilities especially in the countryside where the “com-munist leaning” groups thrive. Many of these poor people who steal are just bandits whom I brand as “economic mosquitoes” as they also need food for self preservation; they are not neces-sarily communists as the govern-ment always claim.

FOURTH, Medicare benefits for eligible

citizens, especially those of Filipino ancestry, should also be extended to all eligible citizens

or patients although they are treated OUTSIDE the United-States. It will cost the govern-ment less, with proper protocols and internal control, to allow health care delivery to Medicare patients in the Philippines. This is especially applicable to the dying breed of Filipino Ameri-can veterans who might want to spend their remaining years in the Philippines. The primary reason why they are not going back home is that they will not be eligible for their Medicare benefits outside the USA and its territories.

FIFTH, Economic, Education-al, Employment and Entrepre-neurial cooperation between the USA and the Philippines, as part-ner nations, must be enhanced. A lot of opportunities exist in both countries. The Philippines can offer Americans a lot of business and capital opportunities. On the other hand, USA can offer a lot of employment and profes-sional opportunities. However, the immigration process must be revisited and some needed immigration reforms must be implemented. Many quali-fied and eligible Filipinos (and other nationalities for that mat-ter) want to come to the United States to work and contribute to

the good of society as produc-tive professionals and skilled laborers. This immigration pro-cess, however, has too much red tape that makes it very costly to those who want to come to America, like the qualified teach-ers, nurses or doctors or physical therapists. The process needs to be evaluated and necessary steps need to be taken to streamline the process and ensure that it be car-ried out as soon as possible.

LAST, but not the least, as you consider the succes-sor the our country’s Ambas-sador to the Philippines, the Honorable Christie Ken-ney, please choose anoth-er competent,compassionate professional who understands the unique cultural –socio political situation of the Philip-pines as it painstakingly contin-ues to seek its own place in the sun and who can inspire the Filipino citizens like the be-loved President Kennedy who challenged his fellow Ameri-cans “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!”

Today,as USA and the entire world celebrate the 40th landing of American astronauts on the moon, I ask you my dear Presi-dent to lead and inspire us to be-come the instrument of change we want to see in the world.

Yes, as you eloquently wrote in your book ‘AUDAC-ITY OF HOPE’ there is great hope in our country and the world but it is our collective responsibility to work and be-come more responsible not only for ourselves but for our neigh-

bors, locally and internation-ally. As I sign off, I pray that the next leader in 2010, after Presi-dent Arroyo, is a leader like you who can truly inspire and show the people how to LIVE SIM-PLY SO THAT OTHERS CAN SIMPLY LIVE as human beings!

I pray that God bless you with great health and wisdom during your presidency. My best wishes to you, and your lovely family, my dear President!

Respectfully yours,

ERNIE D. DELFINProud Rotarian, Orange

County,CA

District 5320 past Asst.Gover-nor

Small BusinessOwner-EntrepreneurEmail: ernie.delfin@gmail.

com


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ni Joe Cabrera

Ang CasaDoon po sa Ceylon, mayrong isang “casa”Iyan po ay baha, ng mga “paloma”Mga babae pong, katawan ay “venta”Sa mga lalaking, “guerilla” sa kama

Mayro-on po du’ong, ‘sang kapitalistaNa naka-isip ng, ‘sang bagong sistemaSa negosyong itong, mahirap kumitaDahilan sa dami, nitong kumpitensya

Isang bagong “casa”, siya nga’y nag-tayoNa ang laki kamo, hindi biro-biroAng “first floor”, “second floor” at “third floor” may lako‘Gagandang babaeng, maka-akit puso.

Sa first floor nandoon, puro eighteen years oldSa second floor naman ay mga modelong “bold”Sa third floor ay puro ex-teachers I was toldBakit puro gurang, dito ay naka-“hold”.

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A very valuable lesson to learn for married cuple ... prioritizing WANT and NEED!

In most cases, especially in

relationships, you will only get 80% of what you NEED and you will hardly get the other 20% that you WANT in your relation-ship. There is always another person (man or women) that you will meet and that will offer you the other 20% which is lacking in your relationship that you WANT And believe me, 20% looks really good when you are not getting it at all in your cur-rent relationship.

But the problem is that you will always be tempted to leave that good 80% that you know you have, thinking that you will

What Matters Most?get something better with the other 20% that you WANT

But as reality has proven, in most cases, you will always end up with having the 20% that you WANT and loosing the 80% that you really NEED and that you already had.

Be careful in deciding between what you WANT and NEED in your life.

Adultery happens when you

start looking for what you don’t have.

‘Wow, this girl in my office is a real looker. But it’s not her Wynona Rider features that got me. I’m crazy about her because she’s also understanding, intelli-gent, tender - so many things that

my spouse is not’ Somewhere along the way,

you’ll find a woman or a man who will be more charming or sensitive. More alluring. More thoughtful. Richer. Have greater sex appeal. And you will find a woman or man who will need you and pursue you and go loco over you more than your spouse ever did. Because no wife or husband is perfect.

Because a spouse will only have 80% of what you’re look-ing for. So adultery takes place when a husband or wife looks for the missing 20%. Let’s say your wife is melancholic by nature. You may find yourself drawn to the pretty clerk who has a cherry laugh no matter what she says.

Or because your wife is a homebody in slippers and paja-mas, smelling of garlic and fish oil, you may fall for a fresh-smelling young sales representa-tive that visits your office in a sharp black blazer, high heels, and a red pencil-cut skirt Or be-cause your husband is the quiet type, your heart may skip a beat when you meet an old college flame who has the makings of a talk show host.

But wait! That’s only 20% of what you don’t have.

Don’t throw away the 80% that you already have! That’s not all. Add to your spouse’s80% the 100% that represents all the years that you have been with each other. The storms you have weathered together. The unfor-

gettable moments of sadness and joy as a couple. The many adjust-ments you have made to love the other. The wealth of memories that you’ve accumulated as lov-ers.

Adultery happens when you start looking for what you don’t have. But faithfulness happens when you start thanking God for what you already have. But I’m not just talking about marriage.

I’m talking about life! About your jobs. About your friends. About your children.

About your lifestyles. Are you like the economy

airline passenger that perennially peeks through the door of the first class cabin, obsessed with what he’s missing? ‘They have got more leg room! Oh my, their food is served in porcelain! Wow, their seats recline at an 80% angle and they’ve got personal videos!’

I guarantee you’ll be miserable for the entire trip! Don’t live your life like that. Forget about what the world says is first class. Do you know that there are many first class passengers who are miserable in first class -- because they are not riding in a private Lear Jet?!!

The main message???

If you start appreciating what you have right now, wherever you are, you are first class!


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CITY OF SAN DIEGOEngineering & Capital Projects Department

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALFOR

As-Needed Civil Engineering Services (H104862)

The City of San Diego (City) is requesting proposals from highly qualified civil engineering firms for consultant services for As-Needed Civil Engineering Services (H104862).

It is the policy of the City to provide equal opportunity in its civil engineering professional services contracts. Toward this end, proposals from small businesses, disabled owned businesses, women owned businesses, firms owned by African-Americans, American Indians, Asian-Americans, Filipinos, and Latinos, and local firms are strongly encouraged. Prime consultants are encouraged to subconsult or joint venture with these firms. The City endeavors to do business with firms sharing the City’s commitment to equal opportunity and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition or place of birth. This project has a voluntary Subcontracting Participation Level (SPL) goal of 15%. SPL goals are achieved by contracting with any combination of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), Disabled Veteran Busi-ness Enterprises (DVBE) or Other Business Enterprises (OBE) at the prime or subcontractor level. Definitions of MBE, WBE, DBE, DVBE and OBE are contained in the Request for Proposals (RFP). Attainment of the SPL goal is strongly encouraged, but strictly voluntary.

The City of San Diego will ensure that full access to programs, services, meetings and activities comply with Section 504, Title V, of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990, Public Law 101-336.

In-depth knowledge and a strong understanding of the local environment, and a local presence for interfacing with the City’s project management staff are essential to the successful completion of this project. The proposal must address the consultant’s knowledge and understanding of: the City and other local agencies regulations and policies; local environment; and local building codes and other criteria. The proposal must also address how the consultant plans to interface with the City’s project management staff and the consultant’s workforce in San Diego County.

All proposals submitted must be in full accord with the Request for Proposal (RFP) which can be obtained by requesting it by email from John Mendivil, Consultant Services Coordinator, at [email protected] :

City of San Diego, Purchasing & Contracting DepartmentAttn: John Mendivil, Contracting Division

1200 Third Avenue, Suite 200San Diego, CA 92101.

For questions about the RFP please call John Mendivil at (619) 235-5855. When requesting the RFP, please refer to the specific project title listed above.

A preproposal conference will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 2:00 PM, at Comerica Bank Building, Large Conference Room 8A, 600 B Street, San Diego, CA 92101. It is strongly recommended that all interested parties attend. For more information, assistance, to request an agenda in alternative format, or to request a sign language or oral interpreter for the meeting, please contact Steve Frick, at 619-533-3409 at least five working days prior to the meeting to ensure availability.

Proposals are due no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 28, 2009, at the location stated in the RFP. This RFP does not commit the City to award a contract or to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal pursuant to this RFP. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received as a result of this RFP. The City also reserves the right to revise this RFP, including but not limited to the pre-proposal conference date and the proposal due date. If the City revises the RFP, all RFP holders of record will be notified in writing by the City.

Summary Scope of ServicesConsultant shall provide as-needed annual professional Civil Engineering services by Task Orders on an hourly basis. The Contract has a term of not to exceed five calendar years from the award and shall not exceed three million dollars. Civil Engineering Services include, but are not necessarily limited to, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, landscaping, survey, pipe cleaning & televising, pipe design or other services necessary to complete the Tasks. These services will be provided according to City directions and in conformance with the current California Building Code/Uniform Building Code, California Title 24 Accessibility Standards, and the Americans with Disabilities Act/Americans with Disabilities Act Design Guidelines including professional standards of practice established by the City (see paragraph 1-15). This includes all amendments and revisions of these standards as adopted by the City. The remainder of the Scope of Services is contained in the Request for Proposal for As-Needed Civil Engineering Services (H104862), as Exhibit A to the Draft Agreement.

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her education. She attended high school in Aklan College, a Catholic institution, and contin-ued on to college at St. Gabriel College and Hospital where she earned her Bachelors Degree in Nursing. She became a certifi ed Registered Nurse then served her alma mater as a Clinical Nurs-ing/Medical Instructress before she ventured off to the Middle East.

In 2007 she received numerous recognitions and special awards, made headlines in almost every newspapers in Saudi Arabia and in the Republic of the Philip-pines: “Nursing Director sa Al-Khobar, nahirang na ‘Bagong Bayani Awardee 2007”; “Presi-dential Award for top Filipino Worker”; “Palace hails Aklanon nurse na Bagong Bayani.” ap-peared in AKLAN Forum Jour-nal, Dec 17, 2007.

Jane was featured in the Dec 2008 issue of Star Studio Maga-zine (Middle East Edition). Niki Pechuela-Famador described it best: “…And just as the world continues to recognize and ex-hibit preference for the Filipino nurse, the Philippine government has found one of them worthy of the prestigious “Blass Ople Award 2007”, the highest honor in the Bagong Bayani Award category – Mary Jane Pajarillo-Tupas.”

According to Jane, “Filipinos around the world exhibits the best of qualities in terms of their talents, skills and professional-ism; that we are a nation who always choose to see the brighter side of life.” Here are some tidbits of wisdom she’d like to share with her fellow overseas Filipinos:

• There is no instant recipe for success in life. You achieve suc-cess through hard work.

• Be humble at all times. Respect and listen to other’s opinion;

• Be able to accept challenges and learn from mistakes; and

• For those back home, I want them to understand that it is not always ‘bed of roses’ working abroad.”

“My achievements in life drive me to reach more goals, but always staying humble in the process. But there is no better achievement at the end of my day than seeing my kababayans relieved of their physical pain.”


Jane concluded: “For years, through my intercession with the hospital I work with, I was the provider of health needs of those who have no means. This is my greatest achievement.”

“Much as she has given com-fort and solace to thousands of her patients, she likewise fi nds comfort in her fervor for serving her compatriots who are in need, particularly those who have less opportunity in managing their health. In the future, she hopes to continue to empower our nation and the Filipina represen-tation. I am proud of being a Filipina (for having achieved so much in this country), which is indeed rare especially for us in the Middle East." Truly, she is someone special, a humble lady like no other.

ter of Carmen Rosales in May Umaga Pang Darating.

Gloria played against many leading men – opposite Ramon Revilla, Sr. in Apat na Taga (1951) , opposite Fred Montilla in Recuerdo (1953) , opposite Pancho Magalona in Musikong Bungbong (1954), opposite Ric Rodrigo and Luis Gonzales in PIlya (1954), and opposite Dol-phy in Dalagang Ilocana (1954).

Gloria’s multi -awarded career which spans for almost six decades is a history in Philippine Cinema. Among the hundreds of fi lms she has starred in, are: Bahay ni Lola 2 (2005), Singsing ni Lola (2002); Tanging Yaman (2000), Bilangin Mo Ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), Mirror, Mir-ror on the Wall (1988), Con-demned (1984), Mother Dear (1982), Kasal (1980), Daigdig ng Lagim (1976), Sakada (1976), Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969), Kaibigan Kong Sto. Niño (1967), Alaala ng Lumipas (1965), Hamon sa Kampeon (1965), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), Fighting Waray sa Ilocos (1964), Show of Shows (1964), Esperan-za at Caridad (1963), Haliging Bato (1963), Tugtuging Bukid (1962), Apat na Yugto ng Bu-hay (1961), Lawiswis Kawayan (1961), Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (1958),Mga Reyna ng Vicks (1958), Hongkong Holi-day (1957), Sino ang Maysala? (1957), Pagdating ng Takipslim (1956), Bim, Bam, Bum (1955), Anak sa Panalangin (1954), Biyenang Hindi Tumatawa (1954), Pilya (1954), Apat na Taga (1953), Mister Kasintahan (1953), Recuerdo (1953), Ma-

Gloria, Ang Dalagang Ilocana

dame X (1952), Palasig (1952), Siklab sa Batangas (1952), and Sana’y Laging Magkapiling (1994).

Gloria made about 30 movies with her frequent love-team part-ner, Luis Gonzales. like Vaca-tionista (1956), Pitong Pagsisisi (1959), Lupa sa Lupa (1960), Artista (1955), Teresa (1956) Pagdating ng Takipsilim (1956), Colegiala (1957) and Paru-Parong Bukid (1957). She also appeared in Iginuhit ng Tadhana, the President Ferdinand Marcos biofl ick with Luis Gonsalez for 777 Films.

In 1959, she also hosted a radio anthology, “Ang Inyong Lingkod: Gloria Romero.” In later years, Gloria appeared in the long-running television sitcom Palibhasa Lalake (1991) as well as the short-lived Fifty Carats, O Di Ba? (1993). She joined the soaps Familia Zara-gosa (1995), Labs ko si Babes (2002), Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2001), and Sana’y Wala ng Wakas (2003). She ap-peared in horror fi lms like Bahay ni Lola 2 (2005) and Shake, Rattle and Roll 2K5 (2005). Outside Sampaguita Studios, she made Pitong Gabi sa Hongkong (1966), Kaibigan ko ang Sto. Nino (1967), Haydee (1966), Lumuha Pati Mga Angel (1971) with Eddie Garcia and Ronaldo

Valdez, Sakada (1976) co-star-ring Pacho Magalona, Rosa Ro-sal, Hilda Koronel and Bembol Roco, and Bakit May Putik ang mga Bulaklak (1979) with Lorna Tolentino and Rosemarie Gil.

Awards Gloria received the FAMAS

Best Actress Award for Da-lagang Ilocana (1954), Best Supporting Actress for Nagba-bagang Luha (1988). For her role as the Lola suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in Tanging Yaman. she got four Best Actress Awards from the Metro Manila Festival, the FAMAS, Urian, and Film Academy. She also re-ceived a Best Supporting Actress Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) for Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-Ibig? (1987).

In 2002, she was again pro-claimed as Urian’s Best Support-ing Actress for I Think I’m in Love. In 2004, she earned Best Supporting actress trophy from Urian for her role in Magnifi co. She received nominations from FAMAS for her fi lms Ikaw ang Aking Buhay (1959), Condemned (1984) and Bilangin Ang Bituin sa Langit (1989) and the 2004 Best Supporting Actress for Magnifi co (2003). She was hon-ored with the individual Lifetime Achievement Awards by the Gawad Urian, the FAP and the CineManila International Film Festival and the FAMAS.

In 2004, she was recognized by Urian Awards as its Ulirang Artista Awardee. The following year, she was honored, along with Anita Linda and Mona Lisa,

by a feminist movement with the PAMA_AS Gintong Bai award for her outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema.

Gloria in the New Millen-nium

Gloria is still on top of her craft today. Her colleague, Gloria Sevilla says, “She’s a role model to her fellow artists. I admire Gloria as a person and as an actress, because she’s very sweet, napakabait, walang-bahid ng pagkukunyari.”

On June 10, 2009, Gloria won the Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role --- Musical or Comedy for her role in Fuchsia given at the 6th EN-PRESS Golden Screen Awards. On the same night, Anita Linda received the Lino Brocka Life-time Achievement Award.

Gloria still continues to grace recent “telenovela” series like

Crazy for You (2006), Lastik-man (2007), Palos (2008), Betty la Fea – Filipino Version (2009) and lately Nasaan ka, Maruha? (2009). Her recent movie is Ka-moteng Kahoy directed by Mario de los Reyes. Kamoteng Kahoy started showing on June 10, 2009 in selected SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, Robinson’s Galeria, Robinson’s Ermita, ABC Theater in Guadalupe. Since there are specifi c screening hours, you cannot see the movie 3 or 4 times as I did before in my younger years in Pasay City. Also, hindi ka magaamoy kubeta kasi no smoking na sa sinehan ngayon.

Gloria told me that the movie is based on a true story where an old woman accidentally poi-soned about a hundred students from a local elementary school Gloria played the role of Lola Idang, the old woman who acci-dentally put pesticide in her mar-

uya, a snack delicacy. Kamoteng Kahoy is part of the Sine Direk Series of the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. (DGPI) produced by APT Productions.

Today, Gloria is a doting grandma to her only grandson Christopher, now an upcoming teen star on ABS-CBN. She is very proud of Christopher who is leaving in June 2009 for a U.S. tour with the cast of A.S.A.P. Christopher is the son of Gloria’s only daughter, Maritess.

She is indeed the Quintessen-tial Philippine Movie Actress, an inspiration to many young actors who admire her for her dedica-tion to craft, her humility and her unfading beauty. Like the legendary actresses Anita Linda and Bella Flores, she has no immediate plans to retire from acting, but will continue to adorn the fi lm industry with her talent, beauty and grace.


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Post Offi ce

The Law that Matters

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

by Atty. A. Erwin Bautista

The Penalty of Overstaying Will Prevent Your Return to U.S. for 3 or 10 Years?

Question: I left the United States after I overstayed for 1 year and my U.S. Citizen wife has filed a spousal petition in my behalf how do I apply for the waiver of my 10 year bar.

Answer: The Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) can grant a waiver to an alien who is the spouse, son or daughter of a U.S. Citizen or lawful perma-nent resident LPR, if the CIS determines that denial will result in extreme hardship to the U.S. Citizen or LPR parent or spouse.*

Why the need for a waiver of the 3 /10 year bar?

When an alien incurs periods of unlawful presence in the United States the alien is barred from ad-mission for 3 or 10 years depend-ing on the length of the unlawful presence under Section 212 (a)(9)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

The 3 year bar applies when the alien was unlawfully present for 180 days or more but less than 1 year. The 10 year bar applies when the unlawful presence was for 1 year or longer.

Immigration: Waiver of 3/10 Year Bar

The bar is triggered when the alien leaves the United States. If the alien does not leave the U.S. then the 3/10 year bar will not apply.

Is waiver available for un-lawful presence so alien can immigrate?

A waiver is available for unlaw-ful presence under Section 212 (a)(9)(B)(v) of the INA based on extreme hardship to a U.S. Citi-zen or LPR spouse or parent. If the basis of the extreme hardship waiver is the USC or LPR son or daughter of the alien request-ing a waiver then the waiver is not available. Also if the extreme hardship is experienced by the alien the waiver will not be avail-able as well.

So only the USC or LPR parent or spouse of the alien is a qualify-ing relative for purposes of the extreme hardship. In our ques-tion the alien is the spouse of the USC so the waiver’s qualifying relative is satisfied and the only element lacking is the proof that the spouse will suffer extreme hardship if immigration of the alien husband is denied.

How is the waiver applied for?

At the time of immigration

whether consular processing abroad just like in our example or adjustment of status while in the United States, Form I 601, Ap-plication of Waiver of Grounds of Excludability needs to be filed together with the fee of $545 and supporting documents to establish extreme hardship such as letters from the qualifying relative, a doctor who might have examined the qualifying relative regard-ing the psychological impact of separation and how it contributes to the extreme hardship of the qualifying relative and such other letters, declaration that may be applicable.

Should you or anyone you know have incurred unlawful presence and is in the process of immigrating or adjusting to lawful permanent residence you must consult with an immigra-tion attorney to evaluate your situation and find out if there is a qualifying relative and if extreme hardship is present and if a bar actually exists.

*Source of this article “Hard-

ship in Immigration Law: How to Prepare a Winning Case Waiver and Cancellation of Removal” ILRC 9th Edition by Nora Privit-era 2007.

[We invite readers to call Atty. A.Erwin Bautista to set up their initial consultation. Atty. Bautista obtained his law degree from Western State University Col-lege of Law, Fullerton, CA and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the Philippines. Atty. Bautista practices Im-migration, Bankruptcy, Family, Personal Injury Law and Audit Representation/Income Tax Preparation. Call (619) 474 7755 at his San Diego Office located at 550 E. 8th St., #11, National City, CA 91950 and (213) 365 7690 at his Los Angeles Office located at 3435 Wilshire Bl., Ste. 2700, Los Angeles, CA 90010.]

Food for ThoughtRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-

journalusa.com

21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recog-nize a mistake when you make it again.

22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigera-tor.

24. Someone who thinks logi-cally provides a nice contrast to the real world.

25. It ain’t the jeans that make your butt look fat.

26. If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings.”

27. There is a very fine line between “hobby” and “mental illness.”

28. People who want to share

Words of wisdom, part 3their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

29. You should not confuse your career with your life.

30. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.

31. Never lick a steak knife.32. The most destructive force

in the universe is gossip.33. You will never find any-

body who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she’s pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above average driv-ers.

37. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very impor-tant. Pay attention. It never fails.)

38. Your friends love you anyway.

39. Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. .. a large group of professionals built the Titanic.


SUMMER SPECIAL

BAYANIHAN FESTIVAL – Kinding Sindaw Young members of Kinding Sindaw, which literally means “dance of the light”, perform a traditional Maranaw dance at the Bayanihan Cultural Festival in Queens. (Photo: Robert Roy)

By Noel Pangilinan

NEW YORK CITY – The Filipinos’ rich cultural heritage was on full display for one whole day in June, during the Bayanihan Cultural Festival held in the very heart of the Filipino community in this city.

For many Filipinos who have been living in the New York – New Jersey area for some time now, the whole-day festivities on June

Bayanihan Cultural Festival makes Filipinos proud

BAYANIHAN FESTIVAL – Helen Sears: “If only there’s bayanihan in ev-ery country, then there would be world peace,” said New York City Council Member Helen Sears at the Bayanihan Cultural Festival in Queens. (Photo: Noel Pangilinan)

BAYANIHAN FESTIVAL – John Liu – mural: New York City Council Member John Liu tries his hand at mural-painting while award-winning Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva looks on at at the Bayanihan Cultural Festival in Queens. (Photo: Robert Roy)

BAYANIHAN FESTIVAL – BIBAK: Members of the BIBAK Northeast, who hails from the Cordillera provinces, perform at traditional courtship dance at the Bayanihan Cultural Festival in Queens. (Photo: Noel Pangilinan)

21 did not only serve to reconnect them to their native country, but it also reinvigorated their pride in being Filipinos.

Liza Hizon, a mother of two from Pla-inview, NY, has not been to many Filipino events in years but said she felt an instant reconnection with her Filipino roots at the festival.

“It was a wonder-ful experience, it brought back my be-ing a Filipino,” said Hizon, who brought her 13-year old daughter and 10-year old son to the festi-val. “Hearing native music and watching folk dances were very moving. Be-ing with fellow Filipinos made me feel like I was home. We will certainly be back next year.”

An estimated 5,000 Filipinos and Filipino Americans attended the Baya-nihan Festival that

featured a day-long cultural program show-casing Philippine music, dances, songs and martial arts. It was also a day when Filipino culture was literally on display out on Hart Playground in Woodside, Queens; there were tables laden with Filipino food and delicacy; there were native products on sale; one corner was devoted to children’s games, arts and craft; and on one side was giant mural-

painting using a traditional Filipino style. The festival was the first ever celebration

of Philippine Independence Day held in the heart of the Filipino community in Queens. Among the five boroughs of New York City, Queens has the largest Filipino population.

The festival began with an Ecumenical

Service that was designed to reflect the various religious, geographic and political realities in the Philippines. The service was concel-ebrated by a Catholic priest and a Protestant pastor, with representatives from Muslims and non-Muslim, non-Christian ethnic groups participating in the ceremony.

The Prayer of the Faithful was presented in sev-eral of the major Philippine languages, and the various sectors of Philippine society – workers, farmers, youth, indigenous groups both from the northern mountain provinces and in the south in Mindanao – were repre-sented during the offertory.

“That was beautiful,” said Perla Godinez, who came all the way from Central New Jer-sey with her daughter’s family and grandchil-dren. “I like the fact that they said the Prayer of the Faithful in different languages.”

Hilda Mantalaba from the St. Sebas-tian Parish in Woodside, Queens, said she received a lot of positive feedback about the Ecumenical Service. “The people I talked to said it was an inspiring moment,” said

Mantalaba, who was one of those who drafted the lit-urgy for the service. “They said that Filipinos have proven themselves once more that they are united as one people and one nation.”

The day-long lineup of performers was not just a hodge-podge, free-for all program. The performances were carefully selected to reflect the social and histori-cal influences that shaped Philippine culture through the years.

Among the notable per-formers were:

The BIBAK North East, an association of Filipinos from the five Cordillera provinces (Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao and Kalinga) now based in the U.S. Northeast, who performed traditional ritual dances of their region, such as a war dance, a courtship dance and one asking the heavens for rain.

The Filipino American Senior Citizen As-sociation of Woodside, Queens, who danced to Hawaiian ditties “Pearly Shells” and “Tiny Bubbles”, to remind the crowd that the first wave of Filipino migration to the United States were the manongs who landed in Ha-waii to work in pineapple plantations.

Several members of Project YEHEY (Young Educators for Health and Empower-ment of the Youth), who demonstrated the world-renown Filipino martial arts arnis and kali.

While the performances were going on, there was a sizable crowd of Filipinos and even non-Filipinos who took advantage of

the free health screening and free immigration consultations that the organizers offered for the day. “Bayanihan Day is not only a day for celebration. It is also a day for service,” said Julia Camagong, co-exectuive director of the Philippine Forum, one of the organizers of the festival.

Bayanihan literally means being a hero for others but it has also become synonymous with volunteering, lending a helping hand, involvement in community projects or com-

ing together for a common purpose.In one corner of the park, award-winning

Filipino artist Eliseo Art Silva was guiding festival participants in painting a mural with the word ‘BAYANIHAN” printed on it. Silva said the mural is done in the traditional “Le-tras y Figuras” style, which depicts scenes from daily Philippine life sometimes hidden and sometimes emphasized by the letters of the word printed on the canvas.

At around 4:00 in the afternoon, a thunderstorm cut short the program and the

festivities in the park. But it was not enough to dampen the spirit of those who were there. Youth volunteers transported the sound system and equipment to the Bayanihan Fili-pino Community Center a few blocks away and resumed the performances. The night belonged to young Filipinos who danced and grooved to the live music of Filipino Ameri-can rock bands.

For many Filipinos who took part in the festival, what happened that day was not just an explosion of Philippine culture, but also a manifestation of the indomitable bayanihan spirit of Filipinos as a people.

Adel Inez, of St. Elizabeth Parish and one of the lead volunteers of the festival, said it was “a historic event in New York City.”

“It was a fitting tribute to our motherland, whose children come from different ethnic backgrounds, reared in different parts of the Philippines and belong to various religious denominations, and yet deciding to gather together as sanlahi (one race),” Inez said.

“We need to do this as least once a year,” she added.

(Note: For more information on how to participate in next year’s Bayanihan Cultural Festival, contact the organizers at 718- 565-8862 and look for Julia or Cling. You could also send an email at [email protected] or visit the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center at 40-21 69th Street, Woodside, New York City.)

By Noel Pangilinan

NEW YORK CITY – Bayanihan, the indomitable Filipino spirit of coming together for a common purpose, drew praises and admiration both from city officials and U.S.-based Filipinos.

“If only there is bayanihan in every coun-try, then there would be world peace,” New York City Council Member Helen Sears told thousands of Filipinos who took part in the first annual Bayanihan Cultural Festival on June 21 in Woodside, Queens.

The Bayanihan Festival is the first Philip-pine Independence Day celebration held in the heart of the Filipino community in New York City. Queens is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos in the Metro New York area.

Another City Council Member, John Liu, commended the Filipino American commu-nity for introducing to the larger immigrant community in the city the concept of baya-nihan, which literally means being a hero for others, but has also become synonymous with volunteering, lending a helping hand or involvement in community projects.

“This year’s theme for the first annual Bayanihan Cultural Festival -- ‘Building community. Celebrating diversity. Forging solidarity’ -- best captures not only the aspira-tions of the Filipino community, but also the hopes and dreams of the City Council for the city as well,” said Liu in his statement which he read at the festival.

Liu promised to sponsor a resolution in the City Council that would proclaim every third Sunday of June as Bayanihan Day in New York.

Both Council Members Sears and Liu have been supportive of the Filipino American community in the city.

Sears said that having worked with the Filipino community for years, she has seen the Filipino bayanihan spirit at work and that she came away impressed by it. “It is that willingness to work together that has made my work with the Filipino community very productive and highly successful,” she said.

The organizers of the whole-day festivities said they are honored by the city officials’ gesture. “This is a recognition of the Filipino community’s contribution to New York City’s economic growth and cultural diversity,” said Julia Camagong, co-executive director of

New York City officials laud Filipino Bayanihan spiritthe Philippine Forum, one of the organizers of the festival, together with the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center.

At the Bayanihan Festival, a day-long program of performances celebrating the Philippine culture and history kept the audience enthralled. Organizers estimated the crowd of Filipinos who took part in the festival at 5,000.

Among the performers were BIBAK (ac-ronym for the five provinces in the Cordillera region in Northern Luzon), Kinding Sindaw, Blue Sholars, Kadena, John Flor, Paaralang Pilipino, Pinoys of Hunter (POH), Filipinas for Rights and Empowerment (FIRE), Kaba-likat Domestic Support Network, 3421 Band, Young Educators for Health and Empower-ment of the Youth (YEHEY), Stonybrook University PUSO, Taospuso, Andrelie Suarez, Paul Riego, etc.

There were also a lot of people, even non-Filipinos, who availed of the free health screening and free immigration consultations offered by the festival. “Bayanihan Day is not only a day for celebration. It is also a day for service,” said Camagong of the Philippine Forum.

The Bayanihan Cultural Festival was sponsored by Jollibee, Census 2010, Filipino Times, Western Union, RCN and Manila Gorilla.

The Philippine Forum is a not-for-profit organization that provides training, education and advocacy to people of Filipino heritage. It aims to make Filipinos in the United States aware of their roots, rights and responsibili-ties.

The Bayanihan Filipino Community Center is an alliance of several Filipino American organizations. Among its members are the Kabalikat Domestic Support Network, the New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP), the Young Educators for Health and Empowerment of the Youth (Project YEHEY), and Anakbayan NY/NJ.

(Note: For more information on how to participate in next year’s Bayanihan Cultural Festival, contact the organizers at 718- 565-8862 and look for Julia or Cling. You could also send an email at [email protected] or visit the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center at 40-21 69th Street, Woodside, New York City.)