Manila Mail - Nov. 15, 2012 by Manila Mail Desk

November 15, 2012

. XXII, No. 1

Esclamado, founder of NaFFAA, PhilNews WASHINGTON D.C. -- Alex Esclamado, founder and editor of the first and longest-existing Filipino American weekly newspaper “Philippine News” in

Alex Esclamado

Online: www.ManilaMailDC.net

November 15, 2012

By Rodney J. Jaleco WASHINGTON D.C. Dueling Filipino American partisans are closing ranks once more, leaving behind an often bitterly fought election that saw President Obama winning a 2nd term and a Republican Party pondering a path forward based on America’s rapidly changing demographics. A majority of Asian-Americans voted for the President, according to two advocacy groups. “While only 41 percent identified as Democrats, Asian American voters broke for Barack Obama by a huge margin, with 72 percent voting for the President and 26 percent for Mitt Romney,” declared a statement from the National Coalition for

Vice President Joe Biden (left) chats with President Barack Obama minutes after it was announced they were reelected for a second term. Asian Pacific Community Development (CAPCD) and the Asian American Legal Defense & Education Fund. Pre-election polling indi-

cated that nearly half of FilipinoAmericans – the 2nd biggest Asian American group next only to the Chinese – remained undecided weeks before the vote. But

the United States and a staunch advocate against the Marcos dictatorship in the Philippines, died of pneumonia in his native Maasin, Leyte in the Philippines on Nov. 4, 2012. He was 84. Esclamado’s remains will be brought to San Francisco where

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Continue poll reforms -Monsod

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Envoy laud’s ‘Mail’s role WASHINGTON D.C. - Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in a message to the “Manila Mail” which marks the 22nd anniversary of its founding on Nov. 15 the newspaper “has become one of the longest-running and more respected Filipino American news publications not only in the metropolitan Washington D.C. but in the entire United States as well.” (Full text of Cuisia’s message in supplement.) The ambassador said that “for the past 22 years, the “Manila Mail” has, without fail, helped bridge the distance between our

among those who’ve chosen a side, the majority appeared to be leaning towards Romney. Still, of the 29 FilAms who ran in the Nov. 6 elections, all except one ran as Democrats. The only GOP FilAm bet lost. Nimfa Gamez, who spoke for Romney supporters at the only televised FilAm election debate, believes the President will get more cooperation from Congress compared to his first 4 years. “During the campaign, the politicians put a lot of pressure on us, the voters. This time, we the people, should put more pressure on them to pass the bills to help the country,” she averred. Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., who was an ardent supporter of FilAm “get out the

The world-famous Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company gives a splendid performance Nov. 3, 2012 at the fully-packed Terrace Theater of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. where they received a standing ovation. More photos and story on P. 14. (Photo by A. T. Marzan)

Padaca tells ‘Mail’ reason for rap

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WASHINGTON D.C. Concerned Filipino Americans have offered to raise the $1,700 so newly appointed Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca can return the bail that President Aquino paid to keep her free. Padaca, who’s been recognized for her political advocacy

that first gained prominence after she defeated the powerful Dy clan at the Isabela gubernatorial race in 2004, was the subject of an arrest warrant for a corruption case filed before the Sandiganbayan (graft tribunal). The Dy clan ran a political dynasty in the province for over 30 years.

Lugar sees Aquino P4

FilAm MDs hit rule P6

Pinoys in Canada P20

(Before coming to the US, Padaca said that now that she has been appointed commissioner of the Commission on Elections, she can no longer be arrested or tried in court because she is now a member of a Constitutional body. She said that

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A former top Philippine poll official said Filipinos now trust elections more than “People Power” revolts to change the country’s leaders but elections there continue to be also a social justice issue that must be pursued to deliver on the promises of democracy. Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Christian Monsod (1991-95) became the first Filipino to be given the Joe C. Baxter Award by the International Foundation for Electoral Reforms (IFES) last Nov. 5. The award is given to recognize people, whose skills, dedication and sacrifice uphold the principles of local ownership, transparency and electoral reforms. The IFES was established in 1987 to promote free and fair elections in 135 countries, including the Philippines. “Free, fair and regular elections are really about social justice, with the ballot being the only right in a democratic system where everyone can be

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Manila Mail anniversary supplement on page 24!

November 15, 2012

‘Sandy’ draws out best from Pinoys NEW YORK - There’s nothing that draws the best out of Filipinos than being immersed in a disaster and this again became evident in the wake of Superstorm Sandy on Oct. 28. All across the storm-battered East Coast, from Virginia all the way to Connecticut, there was a trove of stories of Filipinos helping not only fellow Filipinos but others hurt by the deadly storm, Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. observed. “We are heartened to know that the bayanihan spirit is alive and burning among our kababayans here in the US,” he averred. “It is in situations such as these that we see the best in the Filipino.” But a few days later, a strong nor’easter lashed the same area, bringing strong winds, heavy rains and snowfalls on the same hard hit areas in New Jersey and New York, hampering recovery efforts. Consul General Mario De Leon said bayanihan was at work during his visit to stormravaged areas in Jersey City that was within the Sandy’s bulls-eye as it made landfall. “The Filipino rose to the occasion and in the true bayanihan spirit has been extending a helping hand to others in need,” De Leon enthused.

In the Country Village section of Jersey City, the almost 2,000 Filipinos there are helping one another emerge from the devastation, he reported. “The few Filipinos who have generators let kababayans who

Filipinos whose houses were damaged by floodwaters, falling trees or violent winds found shelter in the homes of friends and relatives. In Suffolk Country in Long Island, a Filipina said kababay-

The home of a Filipino family, one of a few that still has electricity in stormravaged Jersey City in New Jersey, serves as a charging station for the mobile devices of other Filipinos in the area. (Photo by Philippine Consulate in New York) have no electricity charge their ans can come to her home where mobile devices,” he said. “Fili- they can have hot meals, take pino store and restaurant owners their showers and do their launalso kept their establishments dry. In Manhattan, a family of open despite fears of possible Filipino doctors and nurses has looting.” In Staten Island, where two been volunteering their services Filipino families lost their homes in local hospitals. The Consulate General in to storm surges, fellow Filipinos opened their doors to them and New York itself had launched Operation Kapitbahay that took them in. The same was true in New allowed Filipinos access to Jersey and Long Island where the Philippine Center on Fifth

Avenue where they could charge their mobile devices and connect to the internet. The first to charge a mobile device was Cebuana filmmaker Janice Perez. Like other Filipinos displaced by the power outage in Manhattan, Perez welcomed the consulate’s display of bayanihan as this allowed her and other Filipinos to remain connected with their loved ones in the Phil-

ippines. Filipino organizations have also risen to the occasion. The Oriental Mindoro Association headed by Juliet Payabyab is gathering clothes and water for affected Filipinos in Staten Island, which is among the worst-hit in New York. The Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc. is also mobilizing assistance for relief efforts.

November 15, 2012

PH gives $250,000 to ARC; envoy says ‘salamat’ MANILA - Malacañang said November 1 the government will donate $250,000 or P10 million for the victims of Hurricane Sandy in the United States. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the donation will be coursed through the American Red Cross. “Magbibigay tayo ng tulong through the American Red Cross (We will be providing assistance through the American Red Cross),” Valte said. “(A total of) $250,000 will be given to the American Red Cross.” US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. confirmed the Phil-

ippine flood aid in his Twitter account. “Thank you Gov. of the Philippines who will donate $250 K to the American Red Cross to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. True partners and friends!” Thomas said in his tweet. The hurricane, which slammed the US East Coast on Oct. 29 claimed more than 90 lives in eight states, deprived millions of electricity and from $20 to $50 billion in property damage. “Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario has already conveyed our assistance to (US)

Ambassador (Harry) Thomas yesterday,” she said. Valte meanwhile assured that Philippine embassies and consulates in the United States are open to assist FilipinoAmericans affected by Hurricane Sandy. She noted that Philippine embassies and consulates continue to monitor the situation on the ground. “If you need help, you can contact our embassy and they will be ready to provide assistance,” Valte said. She also urged FilipinoAmericans in areas affected by

Hurricane Sandy to take the necessary precautions and always cooperate with state and federal authorities on evacuation measures and take all measures for their personal safety. Malacañang has conveyed its sympathies and support to those affected by Hurricane

Sandy, particularly in the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. Meanwhile, the Philippine embassy in Washington D.C. is currently assessing the extent of the damage from Hurricane Sandy.

November 15, 2012

Lugar says US to ensure free navigation in SEA MANILA - United States outgoing Republican Senator Richard Lugar, who is best remembered for his role in helping oust former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos from office during the 1986 snap elections, on Oct. 30 reiterated Washington’s position of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Asia Pacific. Lugar, the longest serving senator in Indiana’s history, was in the country for a five-day visit as part of his “farewell tour” as a US lawmaker. The Republican party in Indiana voted against Lugar’s bid for reelection because he frequently voted with Democrats on vital issues. He ends his sixth term in January 2013. The US Embassy said Lugar’s visit was one of several stops in a tour of Asia-Pacific

nations to encourage the expansion of the Nunn-Lugar Global Cooperative Threat Reduction program. The program was expanded in 2003 under the Nunn-Lugar Expansion Act, and is focused on reducing the stockpiles of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, related materials, and delivery systems worldwide to address proliferation threats, according to the statement. Lugar later made a courtesy call on President Aquino III in Malacanang accompanied by Ambassador Harry Thomas. The President considers him a close family friend. During a visit to the Foreign Affairs Department, Department Secretary Albert del Rosario thanked Lugar for co-sponsoring the US Senate Resolution 524, which calls on involved coun-

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) calls on President Aquino III in Malacanang to assure the Philippines of US support for free navigation in the West Philippine (South China) Sea. He ends his term as senator this year.

tries to respect the Declaration on the Conduct of parties in the South China Sea. Lugar’s resolution was in response to Manila’s position to push for a binding Code of Conduct among members of the Association in their dealings with China in light of Beijing’s aggressive claims in the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea. China is at the center of territorial dispute with the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan in the South China Sea, and with Japan in Daioyu Island in the East China Sea. Del Rosario told Lugar that the Philippines remained committed to a peaceful resolution of the dispute with China through the application of international law.

Filipina falls victim to US outsourcing WASHINGTON - A twopart series written by Patrick Winn of GlobalPost and posted on Facebook recently describes how a Filipino entrepreneur lost money after her American outsourcers moved to Cambodia and other countries where daily wages are at rock-bottom. Winn describes how Fely Curameng, a Filipina seamstress in Pampanga province, became one of the hundreds of Asian entrepreneurs who benefitted from the collapse of US apparel manufacturing industry in the 1980s and 1990s. For several years, Winn said, Curameng watched “from her air-conditioned office an army of workers on the factory floor hunch over automatic sewing machines. The staccato of needles firing thread into fabric reverberates off cement walls. Each day, incoming bales of cloth are cut and stitched into signature American brands: Dickies, Wrangler,Lee and more.” Now 57, Winn said she owes her ascent to the exodus of bluecollar garment factory jobs from America to foreign shores. The article continued: Curameng along with others seized the moment and opened a string of factories in the old US military bases. “Those were my golden years,” she said. “I had four factories running, 1300 workers, all of them sewing clothes for Americans,” she said. She was so enamored with her success that she named her daughter “Epza”,after the Export Processing Zone Authority where she built her factories. Outsourcers came to the Philippines when American garment workers were paid the low

wages of $6-$8 per hour while in the Philippnes that was the amount paid for a day’s work.” Winn said that today, after more than 15 years, the wind has shifted to areas where rates are lower. American outsourcers abandoned the Philippines in favor of other places like Cambodia where the minimum wage is $2 per day, Vietnam $2-$3 per day and Bangladesh, where some apparel factories pay a little more than $1 for a day’s work. The result, Winn said, was like what was happening in America, outsourcing factories in the Philippines and other Asian countries were closing, laying off workers and causing huge losses to entrepreneurs like Curameng. It has whittled her workforce to just 500-odd people. The article continued: “I’ve lost 75 million pesos ($1.7 million) in the last 10 years. I’ve lost almost everything I created to the banks. I’ve been feeling like a super dummy,” said Curameng, massaging the stress from her temples. “The American importers now ask us to make shirts for 85 cents now. How can I compete?” Before the downfall of US garment factories, American stitchers making low wages could expect to drive a car to work, return to an air-conditioned home and, with enough financial discipline, send their children to a state university. The Filipino workers who replaced them commute on creaky public jeeps, packed so tightly that passengers’limbs dangle out the back hatch. They come home to hot, concrete hovels. They share squat toilets with neighbors. They hope

to send their children to trade school, perhaps to learn welding or nursing. Is it squalor? No. They call this lifestyle “middle class.” “I’m not poor. I’m not rich, either. I’m right in the middle,” said Evangeline Cabaliw, a 41-year-old garments trade veteran living in Manila’s gritty outskirts.

Ten years of stitching for Timberland, Levi’s, Victoria’s Secret and others have provided her with a few cherished comforts. Cabaliw’s toes twinkle, from weekly pedicures. So does the knock-off Chanel necklace that hangs around her neck. Neighborhood girls do her laundry for $5 a week. She can now afford it: Curameng, her boss,

recently promoted her from stitcher to supervisor. She now works six-to-seven days a week for about $380 per month. Cabaliw, born to a steel worker and a stay-at-home seamstress, is the most successful of her siblings. Her accommodations are basic: a neatly-kept, two-room dwelling where baby geckos crawl the ceiling.”

Cuisia cites Filipino, American veterans WASHINGTON D.C. Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr.on Nov. 11 paid tribute to generations of Filipino and American veterans spanning decades, from World War II to Afghanistan and the war on terror. “Today, we remember the heroism of countless Filipinos and Americans who answered the call to serve and fought side by side to defend the freedoms we now enjoy,” Cuisia said in a statement commemorating Veterans Day in the United States. At the same time, aging Filipino veterans reminded the US government of unfulfilled promises to help them after suffering through the injustice of the 1946 Rescission Act that stripped them of benefits given to other World War II veterans. “We will not be where we are today if not for these brave men and women from our uniformed services,” Cuisia said in saluting not only Filipino and American veterans of the Second World War but also those who have served in other military actions the Philippines was also involved in such as Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.

Cuisia also paid tribute to Filipino-Americans serving in the US military, especially those

Celestino Almeda, 95, visits grave of Jack Tejada, at the Quantico National Cemetery in Virginia. Almeda and Tejada had marched together in front of the White House and in Congress to demand full recognition of their World War II military service. currently serving in Afghanistan, as well as members of the US Special Forces who have served in Mindanao as part of the international war against terror.

The US has about 300 Special Forces deployed in some of the most strife-prone areas of the country like Sulu and Basilan, where they help operate unmanned drones and train Filipino troops. Cuisia expressed the hope that with the campaign over, President Obama can now take a 2nd harder look at the plight of about 24,000 Filipino veterans who were left out of the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) bill which he signed in 2009. “We gladly welcome the recent announcement of your Cabinet Secretary Chris Lu, cochair of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, launching the Interagency Working Group comprised of representatives from the OMB, Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs and the National Archives to review the policies, the approval and denial process of applications from Filipino WWII veterans for this compensation benefit,” officer of the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans (ACFV) wrote in a letter to President Obama.

November 15, 2012

By 2025, 1 in 4 Alaskans will be Pinoys ALASKA - The US Census estimates that by 2025, one in four people in Alaska will be Filipinos, according to the Northernlights.Org. Ed David, a University of Alaska assistant psychology professor, said all it takes is only one Filipino to multiply into dozens of relatives later. Here’s the Northernlights. Org story with photos recently released. U.S. Census figures indicate that there are 19,394 Filipinos in Alaska, with about a 53 percent increase since 1990. They are the largest Asian population statewide. Alaska has the fourth-

largest Filipino population in the United States.

of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Photo shows young Filipino Americans in Alaska. David is part of a group called Alaskero Partnership Organizers (APO), American Filipinos who are UAA faculty and community members focused on increasing vitality and visibility

They are gearing up for their “Alaskero Fiesta,” a celebration of Filipin American History Month set for Oct. 5 in the UAA Student Union. The acronym APO spells out

the Filipino word “apo,” which means both elder and grandchild in the Tagalog dialect. “It’s the whole idea of past and future. We’re highlighting our deep roots and then we’re in the present when we talk about our research and how we are trying to bridge the gap and pave the way for the future,” said Joy Mapaye, UAA assistant journalism professor and member of APO. The deep roots Mapaye refers to is the long history Filipinos have in Alaska and the other United States. Filipinos first came to Alaska in 1788 as crew

aboard fur trade vessels. Filipino sailors first came to the continent in 1587 before the United States was a country. Still, even with a long history in both Alaska and the other United States, some often wonder why Filipinos would leave the lush tropical islands for such distant lands. Simply put, family and opportunity are among some of the main reasons. Some people are surprised to learn that Filipino-Americans have such deep roots in the country. Young Filipinos are as equally surprised to learn this about their own people.

November 15, 2012

FtH’ takes over philanthropy arm of PhilDev By Rodney J. Jaleco ARLINGTON, Va. Local non-profits like the Feed the Hungry (FtH) have helped connect Filipino Americans with their hometowns and even their favorite charities, building a bridge between the Filipino diaspora and the Philippines. Vicky Garchitorena, former president of the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev) cited Feed the Hungry for taking over the group’s philanthropy facility. The Ayala family formed the Ayala Foundation USA in 2000 to provide a channel for Filipinos in the United States to help the country they left behind. “We believed that the FilAm community has the resources and the generosity to make a difference in the social development of their home country,” Garchitorena explained. “The past 12 years have affirmed our faith in the Filipinos in the US. Over that period of time, we have raised about $11 million – for projects in education, in health, in the environment, in disaster relief and rehabilitation,” she revealed. Earlier this year, the PhilDev decided to focus on the Philippine environment, helping to

Vicky Garchitorena build a “robust ecosystem” and develop science and technology in the country. Garchitorena said these areas have long been neglected. “In order to do that, they decided that they could no longer continue to service the charitable donations of about a thousand donors whose donations they have to track to ensure that these are properly utilized,” she explained. The slack will be taken over by the Metro DC-based Feed the Hungry. “I wish to express my deepest gratitude to the leadership of Feed the Hungry for their acceptance of the challenge of taking over the diaspora philanthropy facility of PhilDev,” Garchitorena said. “Donors support about 60 Philippine NGOs who labor

tirelessly to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos all across our 7,100 islands,” she averred. “Those donations of about $1 million a year could mean the difference between life and death, between ignorance and education, between health and illness, between environmental disaster and sustainable development.” “All they needed was a group they could trust to ensure that the funds do get to the intended recipients and that the funds do get used for the issues they are passionate about,” Garchitorena stressed. In 1993, Tessie Alarcon, at the time the president of the

FilAm MDs: Insurance rule on missions will be ‘disastrous’ By Rodney J. Jaleco WASHINGTON D.C. - Some Filipino American physicians have rejected a proposed Philippine law that would require medical malpractice insurance even for vacationing doctors and nurses who might also want to volunteer their services to indigents. In a letter to Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., Fil-Am Dr. Juan Montero warned the proposed bill could backfire and negate the Aquino administration’s campaign of encouraging Filipino professionals living in various parts of the world to go home and contribute to Filipino nation-building. “We are in agreement that a law that will be implemented to mandate medical malpractice insurance to healthcare providers, especially patterned after that of the United States, would be financially disastrous to our country,” Dr. Montero said. “Three days ago, Dr. Cosgrove of Cleveland Clinic said on TV that healthcare in the U.S. now cosumes 24% of the federal

budget. Many economists agree that medical malpractice and defensive medicine issues are the

Dr. Juan Montero biggest drivers of soaring healthcare costs,” he said in the Oct. 20, 2012 letter to Cuisia. “Can a developing country like the Philippines, which only spends 3.4% of its GDP on healthcare, afford such a scenario?” Dr. Montero challenged. But in Manila, Health Secretary Enrique Ona reiterated the need to reform and regulate medical missions. He said an administrative order directing

medical mission organizers to first coordinate with his office has been largely ignored. “There are at least 200 medical missions in the Philippines that are being reported to the DOH and we all know there are more,” Ona said. “I’m not saying they are useless. But certainly, we can reform it so that it can have a bigger impact on the improvement of medical mission. We have to make sure that these missions are not by fly-by-night (organizers) and that it will help strengthen local health systems,” he explained. In 2007, the Senate investigated the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) after it had been defrauded of P4 billion in overpriced and unnecessary medical procedures since 1995. It turned out that some of the fraudulent claims involved procedures done during medical and dental missions. Circumcision and cataract surgeries accounted for a big bulk of reimbursements with PhilHealth involving medical missions.

World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund Filipino Staff Association, and her engineer-husband Pablito Alarcon established the Feed the Hungry Inc. as a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization to help street urchins back home. Over time, their mission grew and with the help of Fil-Am

volunteers in the Metro DC area, FtH became immersed in educational programs, providing scholarships and books, livelihood assistance, calamity relief and emergency medical aid, and constructing classrooms. Feed the Hungry said they have helped over a million people in all the provinces of the Philippines, including Metro Manila. “The challenge to Feed the Hungry is great. But I have no doubt that their leadership has the energy and the passion and the commitment to succeed as Ayala Foundation USA and PhilDev have succeeded in the past,” Garchitorena declared. (RJJ)

Moody’s upgrades Philippines’s investment grade MANILA - The Philippines’ debt rating was raised to the highest level since the start of 2004 by Moody’s Investors Service, bringing the Southeast Asian nation one step away from investment grade. The peso and bonds rose. The country’s foreign and local currency long-term bond ratings were upgraded to Ba1 from Ba2, Moody’s said in a recent statement. That brings the Philippines on par with Turkey and Hungary. The ratings outlook is stable. “The writing is clearly on the wall,” said Roberto Juanchito Dispo, president of First Metro Investment Corp. (FMIC), one of the arrangers of the government’s record retail bond sale this month. “The Philippines is definitely on its way to becoming investment grade in due course. This will bring numerous tangible economic benefits to the country.” President Benigno Aquino has won ratings upgrades as he takes steps to contain the budget deficit and lure foreign investors to spur expansion in the $225 billion economy. Standard & Poor’s in July raised the debt rating to BB+, one level below investment grade, citing improved prospects for growth, while an agreement with Muslim rebels this month to end a four-decade insurgency in the mineral-rich south has boosted the country’s appeal.

Peso Gains The peso erased losses, gaining 0.1 percent to 41.177 per dollar as of 2:06 p.m. in Manila, according to data from Tullett Prebon Plc. It is the top gainer this year among the 11 mostwidely traded Asian currencies tracked by Bloomberg. Philippine dollar-denominated bonds maturing in January 2037 rose after the upgrade, halting a four-

day slide. The yield on 5 percent bonds fell one basis point, or 0.01 percentage point, to 3.78 percent, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. “Improved economic performance and continued fiscal

Bangko Sentral Gov. Tetangco. revenue buoyancy in the face of deteriorating global demand” led to the upgrade, Moody’s said in a statement. “In contrast to similarly rated countries, the country is poised to record a combination of faster growth, lower inflation, exchange rate appreciation, and an increase in foreign exchange reserves, while maintaining trend debt consolidation,” it said. Aquino is taking steps to reduce corruption while seeking more than $16 billion of investments in roads and airports to spur expansion to as much as 7 percent in 2013 to create jobs and reduce poverty. Gross domestic product rose 5.9 percent in the second quarter from 6.3 percent in the previous three months, which was the fastest expansion in Southeast Asia. “This is another affirmation of the economic agenda of President Aquino,” Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said in a mobile text message today. “Good governance indeed is good economics.

November 15, 2012

Old FilAms voted for Mitt, the young for Barack WASHINGTON D.C. - Religion, more than anything else, was the reason why majority of older Filipino Americans voted for Republican candidate Gov. Mitt Romney in the Nov. 6 elections. Recent surveys also said young FilAms, particularly those born in the US, opted in favor of the reelection of President Obama. Several recent surveys have shown that more Filipino American voters are inclined to vote for Mitt Romney, the Republican candidate for US president, while most other Asian-Americans prefer incumbent Barack Obama. Some pundits claim most of these surveys use landline telephones to contact respondents, while most young voters use mobile phones almost exclusively. Thus, the pro-Romney sentiment may be more prevalent among older FilAms. Majority of Filipinos who immigrated to the US for the past several years are Catholics who follow the church’s dictum on abortion, planned parenthood, contraceptions, marriage and other issues that are contrary to their religious beliefs. But the younger generation, particularly FilAm women believe that they have the right to decide what is best for their

bodies while the older generation may readily defer to the teachings of the Catholic church.

According to the NAAS survey, 24% of the Fil-Ams polled said they were registered

those who are home and available to answer the telephone got polled. Most young people

Photo shows young FilAm voters in Virginia Beach who encouraged others to register and vote in the Nov. 6 election. The National Asian American Survey (NAAS) released in October revealed that among likely voters, “43% of Asian Americans support Barack Obama while 24% support Mitt Romney.” The same poll also disclosed that “in a significant shift from prior surveys, Filipinos who identify as Republicans outnumber those who identify as Democrats.” Indeed, a larger proportion of Filipinos now identify with the Republican Party than any Asian American group, surpassing Vietnamese-Americans who were previously the staunchest Republicans.

Democrats while 27% identified themselves as registered Republicans, with 45% claiming to be independent or non-partisan. Another poll survey of FilAms showed that 33% were leaning towards Obama and 39% towards Romney. The NAAS survey report was based on “data collected from 3,034 telephone interviews of adults in the United States who identify themselves as Asian American.” Of this number, 396 Filipinos were interviewed for this survey. One limitation of the NAAS survey is that it was based entirely on “telephone interviews’ which means that only

(below 40) now rely on their cell phones for communication, not on telephones. There is a generational divide in the voting preferences of Filipino Americans. Younger FilAms, for example, have more regular contact with gay friends and are more open and supportive of same sex marriage than older Filipino Americans who oppose the very notion of gay rights. They also support abortions and other forms of birth control. Many young FilAms have friends who were brought to the US by their parents and who are out of status and subject to deportation. They know

that Pres. Obama supported the Dream Act to legalize their status but that it was defeated by filibustering Republicans in the Senate. The anecdotal data would suggest that most young FilAms support the liberal Barack Obama while most older FilAms support the self-described severe conservative Mitt Romney. Even among older FilAms, there is a distinction in their voting preference. FilAm physicians overwhelmingly vote Republican because of fear that Obamacare would cause a drop in their income and a rise in their taxes. That same fear about an increase in their taxes drive many Fil-Am business owners to vote Republican even though 97% of business owners earn less than $250,000 and have received tax cuts under Pres. Obama. Older FilAms who are veterans or who rely on social security support Democrats because it was the Democratic Party that championed the Filipino Veterans Equity Bill which was signed into law by Pres. Obama soon after he took office in 2009. Fil-Am seniors relying on social security remember what Romney said of them at a $50,000 a plate fundraiser for his campaign in Boca Raton, Florida last May.

November 15, 2012

Pinay sues Hollywood boss, girlfriend of racial bias NEW YORK - Former Philippine actress and beauty queen Dindi Gallardo-Mills has sued in Manhattan Supreme Court Hollywood writer-director-producer and “Batman” creator Frank Miller and his girlfriend Kimberly Cox for alleged discrimination and “negligent infliction of emotional distress.” Gallardo, who has been working for Miller as executive coordinator since 2008, claimed that she suffered constant hostility from Cox who, at various points “smeared her work area with feces, destroyed her printer with a hammer, threw phones at her, and even left a used feminine hygiene pad by her desk, according to a report in the ‘New York Post”. Cox was also alleged to have labeled Gallardo an ugly Asian and complained about her accent, as noted in the suit, saying, I can’t understand your funky accent. Speak...English.” Gallardo said she complained to Miller about the hostile treatment she had been receiving from Cox but she was subsequently fired. Cox, according to the report, was “shocked” by the suit because Gallardo refused a hefty

Dindi Gallardo-Mills

Frank Miller

Kimberly Cox

settlement prior. “We didn’t know this was going forward because she was offered a very heavy settlement and declined,” Cox said. Miller is yet to release a statement on the matter. Gallardo first gained notice hereabouts as the Philippines’ representative to the 1993 Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico. She went on to appear in a slew of local films prior to migrating to the U.S. in 2003. She married restaurant consultant Eric Mills last year. The suit noted Gallardo “has lived in the United States for over 20 years, is fully fluent in English, and only spoke English in her professional capacity” with Miller. Gallardo’s work situation

went in the toilet in July 2010, when Cox allegedly threw a phone and chair at Gallardo and “smeared human feces” on

a countertop in her work area in the Hell’s Kitchen living/ work space that Miller and Cox shared, the suit says.

A year later, Cox went on another rampage, the suit says, scattering all of Gallardo’s files across the floor and destroying her printer “with a hammer,” the suit says. Then, Cox left her filthy underwear and ‘used menstrual pad” in her work space, the suit says. After Gallardo complained, Miller eventually agreed to let her work out of her home to keep her away from Cox. She’s seeking unspecified money damages from Miller and Cox for discrimination and “mental anguish.”

SCIS offers relief to Sandy victims WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds customers affected by Hurricane Sandy of certain U.S. immigration benefits or relief that may be available to them. USCIS understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to maintain lawful immigration status or obtain certain other immigration benefits. Eligible individuals may request or apply for temporary relief measures, including:

* A change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even when the request is filed after the authorized period of admission has expired; * Extension or re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS; * Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization applications for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; * Expedited adjudication

of employment authorization applications; and * Assistance to Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) stranded overseas without immigration or travel documents, such as Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards). USCIS and the Department of State will coordinate on these matters when LPRs are stranded in places that do not have a local USCIS office. For more information, visit website.

November 15, 2012

Pinay fights for daughter’s custody, gets U visa NEW YORK - A Filipino mother from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 38, has been given a special visa so she can continue to fight for the custody of her 8-yearold daughter. Carina Barsotti, 38, lost custody of her daughter after she and the child fled China to California to escape from her husband whom she accuses of physically abusing her and molesting their daughter. The father, however, managed to track them down in San Jose and got the court to rule in his favor .. The court gave custody of the child to the custody of the parents of her estranged

File photo of Carina Barsotti. husband and ignored her abuse claims. Barsotti said she and her

ex-husband had been married for nine years and lived together for 15 years. But she said she did not apply for green card because they had been staying overseas, mostly in Asia, where her exhusband was regularly assigned by a large Ohio-based company. With her visa expiring and the child’s custody on appeal, Barsotti in January 2011 sought the help of the Philippine Consulate General in New York’s Assistance to Nationals Unit, then headed by Consul Leandro Lachica, who asked legal support from the Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) led by J.T. Mal-

longa. FALDEF and the Consulate worked together to secure Barsotti a U visa or I-360 special petition under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), wherein abused spouses of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may self-petition to obtain lawful permanent residency in order to seek safety and independence from the abusive spouse. In September 2012, Barsotti’s U visa was approved and she’s now in the process of applying for adjustment of status leading to a legal status to reside and work in the U.S., according to Mallonga.

“Carina is very elated about this latest development,” Mallonga said. “She didn’t want to leave the U.S. because she didn’t want to be away from her daughter.” “If there is anyone most truly deserving of justice, then it is this woman who has suffered so much and still continues to suffer as she still does not have custody of her young child,” Mallonga added. Barsotti disclosed that she herself discovered the alleged abuse in their Pittsburgh bedroom as early as August 2006, when the child was only twoand-a-half years old.

Filipina sues employer for ‘trafficking,’ gets T-visa NEW YORK - Filipino Accountant Jacqueline Aguirre, a victim of human trafficking, has been granted a T-visa by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), according to a statement from the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns or Nafcon. The T-visa is valid for a period of four years, from September 21, 2012 to September 20, 2016, also authorizing her to work in the United States. In addition, her removal proceedings had been terminated by the immigration judge on October

11, 2012. “I am so happy,” Aguirre said. “This is a proof that victories can be achieved if we fight for it.” Based on the lawsuit pending in the Eastern District Court of New York, Aguirre worked as a staff accountant in Best Care Agency owned by Dorothy de Castro and Perlita Jordan in Floral Park starting in 2001. The agency promised to sponsor her as an H-1B worker and to pay her initially at the rate of $19 per hour for a regular 40-hour work week.

Jacqueline Aguirre poses with her Filipino American lawyer. After her H-1B petition was approved, Aguirre was not paid the prevailing wage rate or the

offered wage. Her compensation was cut in half. The agency then represented to her that she would receive the prevailing wage rate once she received her green card, which they likewise promised they would initiate. She was told that if she did not agree to receive the less pay, they would discontinue their H-1B sponsorship and she would become unlawfully present and could be deported. Not wanting to be deported, Aguirre grudgingly accepted the agency’s conditions, and hoped that her green card sponsorship would be

approved soon, as her employers kept on reminding her they had the inancial capability to sponsor her immigrant petition, said the Nafcon statement. Even while her green card application was pending, Aguirre demanded that she be paid the prevailing wage rate. Her employers told her to wait for her green card approval. In April 2009, the USCIS denied Best Care Agency’s immigrant petition for Aguirre after failing to submit sufficient evidence it had the financial capability to pay Aguirre the offered wage.

November 15, 2012

Adobo, lumpia served on ‘George Washington’ MANILA, Philippines Filipino dishes such as adobo, lumpia and pansit have become

Because of the presence of about 800 Pinoy crewmen, Filipino food is often served to the

He added that pan de sal and sisig are also becoming mess hall mainstays. De los Santos, whose parents hail from Ilocos Norte and Manila, was an engineering student from the University of Santo Tomas prior to enlisting in the US Navy 21 years ago. As chief culinary specialist, his job is to ensure officers and crew get the right food. For the Filipino-American sailors serving on the warship, the goodwill visit is a homecoming of sorts, Fenton said.

“I have tried several times to go back home, but actually setting foot in the Philippines has evaded me; I have not seen my sisters in 21 years,” said Command Master Chief Dioscoro Crucillo. Crucillo is the command master chief of the “Royal Maces” of the warship’s Strike Fighter Squadron 27. Sailors of Filipino descent serving on the warship are looking forward to tasting street food and visiting their families. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate

Arman Balbuena, 24, said he wants “to eat fishballs. That’s what I remember during my childhood.” He was born in Los Angeles. Aviation support equipment technician Ryan Regondala, 26, said he wants to eat balut and durian, a delicacy of his hometown, Davao City. Aviation Bosun’s Mate Francis Clarete, 22, said he missed his mother’s cooking, particularly her sinigang. He said he also wants to eat lomi, a type of noodle soup, in Batangas.

Filipino American sailors pose for picture on board the US supercarrier George Washington that visited Manila late alst month. part of the regular menu on the United States aircraft carrier George Washington, home to more than 5,000 sailors, 15 percent of them Filipino Americans. The super carrier dropped anchor on Manila Bay for a fiveday goodwill visit and returned to the US naval base in Japan on Oct. 29. The Filipino crews took time out to meet with their relatives.

crew. Chief culinary specialist Ferdinand de los Santos, who takes orders directly from Capt. Greg Fenton, the carrier’s commanding officer, expressed pride that “adobo and lumpia, including pansit, are now in our regular menu” and are favored not only by the warship’s Filipino-Americans, but also by most of its fighter pilots and officers.

Sen. President Juan Ponce Enrile, (beside Bing Branigin), Emil Jurado, Cecille Orillo, Maloli Espinosa, and other members of the 365 Breakfast Club at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati city, discuss U.S. election matters with Branigin who is the Coordinator of FilVote Virginia, during her brief visit to Manila last week.

November 15, 2012

FtH marks 20th anniversary Washington, D.C. -“Rebuilding Lives” was the theme of the 20th anniversary celebration of Feed the Hungry, Inc. (FtH), a tax-exempt, nonprofit charitable organization based in metropolitan Washington, D.C., last October 20. With its avowed mission of uplifting the spirit and wellbeing of the poorest of the poor through its six core programs, FtH has raised close to $3 million and has implemented projects in all of the 81 provinces of the Philippines. Its all-volunteer Board of Directors (Pablito Alarcon, Tess Alarcon , Gloria Caoile, Celia Donahue, Vangie Ganuelas, Lito Ilagan, Sol Ilagan, Mila Nazal, Dennis Ocampo, Larry Pacis, Ethel Sanidad, Lyta Sese, Bobby Tamayo, Nina Tamayo, Ethel Sanidad, Pepito Solis,

Percy Solis and Solita Wakefield), chaired by Lottie Buhain, repeatedly thanked its supporters, benefactors and friends without whom it would not have attained its success, and invoked their continued support. Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr, was the event’s keynote speaker. He talked of the improving economic situation in the Philippines and encouraged Filipino Americans to empower themselves politically. Special guest Victoria P. Garchitorena, consultant to the Ayala Corporation, announced that Philippine Development Foundation, Inc. (“PhilDev”, formerly called Ayala Foundation USA) has decided to discontinue its general charitable funds operations, to focus solely on

science and technology. PhilDev searched for another 501(c)(3)

friends of the Philippines to support non-profits of their choice

Photo shows, from left, Percy Solis, Vicky Cuisia, Ethel Sanidad, Lyta Sese, Celia Donahue, Vicky Garchitorena, Gloria Caoile, Lottie Buhain, Ambassador Jose Cuisia at Feed the Hungry Handog Gala Ball, Oct 20, 2012. Crystal Gateway Marriott hotel in Virginia. charity organization that could continue its “bridge of hope across the seas” endeavor , which enables Filipino Americans and

Baptism of Filipino-American-Japanese baby

in the Philippines. PhilDev chose FtH who has agreed to take on this new challenge and responsibility while continuing

with its core programs: calamity assistance and rehabilitation endeavors, education, feeding and nutrition, gift-giving, infrastructure and livelihood. The successful fundraising event was co-chaired by Gloria Caoile, Celia Donahue, and Lyta Sese, with Jun Panlaqui and the City Groove Band providing the dancing music. Also featured were a silent auction, and raffle for cash prizes won by Cita Heilkie, Mike Agunod and Ed Buhain. The Handog chairs presented a bouquet of flowers to Tess Alarcon, the Founder and Executive Director Emeritus of FtH, in recognition of her efforts and commitment that brought FtH to where it is . For more information about FtH, please visit its website at http://www. feedthehungryphil.org.

Moneygram gives school supplies to PH kids DALLAS - MoneyGram hopes to put smiles on the faces of 10,000 children around the world, including the Philippines, while bringing them closer to their education goals, through an effort with World Vision to

vices, and especially happy to support education in communities where we work and live throughout the world.” MoneyGram employees in Kenya, Romania, and the Philippines will personally distrib-

provide new school supplies in more than a dozen countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. To kick off the new school year, which begins closer to the start of the calendar year in many countries, MoneyGram (NYSE: MGI) selected World Vision to receive a $100,000 donation in support of education in countries with the greatest identified need. “Education is the first step to a productive life, which is why many MoneyGram customers working in other countries use our service to send money home to help their families prepare for the new school year,” said Juan Agualimpia, chief marketing officer of MoneyGram. “We’re pleased we can bring families closer together through our ser-

ute school supplies to students in need. Children in additional countries where World Vision works will also benefit from this donation, including children in Albania, Ghana, Haiti, Laos, Rwanda and Vietnam. “These areas are in particular need of school supplies, and we are so thankful for MoneyGram’s generous donation. It will give thousands of children the basics they need,” said Jeff Eichenlaub, the charity’s senior director of global corporate partnerships. “We’re also glad to see MoneyGram employees get involved in the distribution of supplies, so they can witness first-hand the important benefit of these efforts and see the difference they’re making in children’s lives.”

Akashi Dio Burgos, a Filipino-American-Japanese baby was baptized on Oct. 28, 2012 at St. Francis Assisi Church in Queens, New York on the eve of the super storm that ravaged the Northeast. Group picture shows, front row, from left: Michele Gujol, Lei Phommasack, Coco and Gigi Burgos and Delon Gujol. Second row, same order: Joe Burgos, Teresa Lopez, Akashi Burgos, Kaiko Burgos, Jen Phommasack and Lizette Gujol. Last row Victor Sira, John Burgos, Ronald Gujol, Cristina Burgos, Souk Phommasack and Jordan Phommasack. Second photo shows the baptismal rite with godparents, from left, Ronald Gujol and Jen Phommasack, Victor Sira and Teresa Lopez. Parents John Alfaro and Kaiko Dio Burgos, the parents.

2012 Global Pinoy USA Singing Idol Finals to be held in Virginia on Dec. 1st ABS-CBN/DZMM’s 2012 Global Pinoy Singing Idol competition in the United States is being co-sponsored with ANCOP USA. The Northeast B ANCOP Region, led by Nap Curameng, is hosting the big event on December 1, 2012 starting at 1:00 P.M. It was learned from Ahwel Paz, DZMM’s Global Pinoy coordinator in Manila, that actor Jake Cuenca and singer Rachel Alejandro will be the featured artists on Dec. 1st. “With God on our side, we can do it,” Curameng told leaders of ANCOP USA during an on-site inspection of the contest venue in Woodbridge, Virginia recently.

The venue of the national singing competition, which, will be participated in by 14 singers who won from various regions of ANCOP around the USA, is the Cecil D. Hylton Events Center, a vast and elegant Christian gathering place with a seating capacity for 3,500 people in pew seating style and six different function rooms. Among those who have performed in this place, which is also known as Hylton Memorial Chapel, are Amy Grant, The Happy Goodman Family, Kenneth Copeland and famed Christian author Rick Warren. Hylton Events Center is in 14640 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192.

The Hylton Events Center where Global Pinoy Contest will be held. Two winners will receive a prize of $1,000 each and free round trip tickets to the Philippines and will represent the United States at the Global Pinoy competition in Manila. For inquiry about this event, including tickets, please call 230-HI-ANCOP or 240-442-6267. Or email at globalpinoyusa@ yahoo.com. You may also visit www.idolancopusa.org General admission tickets are available for $25.00 each and are available at ticketriver.com - keyword - Global Pinoy USA Singing Idol.

November 15, 2012

‘Bayanihan’ regales crowds in NY, DC By Rodney J. Jaleco/ photos by Bing C. Branigin, Angelyn T. Marzan WASHINGTON D.C. Their plane had to be diverted from New York’s JFK Airport, shut down by Superstorm Sandy. They landed over a hundred miles away in Boston instead, chartered a bus which ran out of gas so they had to walk the last mile to perform to a standing ovation in New York City. It seems that’s all part of a day’s work for the Bayanihan dance company. It was a fitting, if dramatic curtail call for the troupe in the United States. Fil-Ams in Washington DC were able to catch the last two performances of the world-renown Bayanihan at the Kennedy Center last Nov. 3 and 4. Because of contractual obligations, they won’t perform again in the US until at least 2015. “They were really fabulous. They brought back just tremendous memories from the time Diana and I spent as ambassador to the Philippines,” said former US Director of National Intelligence John Negroponte. He was America’s chief envoy in Manila in the mid-90s. Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr. said they decided to bring the Bayanihan to New York and the American capital one last time before they are locked out of the US to help the US Philippines Society raise awareness of the country. “Frankly they don’t seem to be aware of Philippine culture and maybe some disconnect after the bases left,” he said. “I think they lost interest in

the Philippines so we thought it might be a good opportunity to get the American community to get reconnected with the Philippines and tonight was a very good example because a lot of them came to me and said it was

although we had a long history in the past, that there wasn’t sufficient appreciation in Washington today of what the Philippines is here and now,” said Negroponte, co-chairman of the US Philippine Society.

Amb. Cuisia congratulates members of the Bayanihan Dance Company after their performance at the Kennedy Center on Nov. 3.

versity. “I joined the summer workshop and it went on from there,” she said amusedly. Despite the long hours of rehearsals and travelling through different time zones (they had come from

US Amb. John Negroponte and Cuisia pose with the Bayanihan performers after the show.

Bayanihan dancers perform tinikling at the Education Arts Center in DC. a fantastic performance and they were so happy to have this kind of cultural activity in Washington DC,” Cuisia enthused. The US Philippine Society, formed by the cream of Philippine business and top American corporations as well as former diplomats, was unveiled during President Aquino’s visit here last June. “I think there was a feeling

“I think this is especially important now that the Asia Pacific region is again becoming a demographic and economic center of gravity in the world and I think it makes enormous sense to devote more attention to the US relationship with the Philippines,” he stressed. “Obviously in addition to the political, the strategic and the economic, a key element is cul-

‘Post’ says Bayanihan must focus on folklore WASHINGTON D.C. The Washington Post says the “Dance troupe Bayanihan of the Philippines should focus more on folklore than history.” Post contributor Pamela Squires said: “Bayanihan has always been as fanciful as it has been substantive. And intentionally so. This national folk dance company of the Philippines has successfully made folklore into grand entertainment for more than 50 years. But more recently, it has moved beyond folklore to anchor itself anew in Filipino history and national identity. “Beyond folklore” is the company’s own phrase, and it is a terrifically good one because it banishes the burdensome question, “How authentic is it or isn’t it?” When you are beyond folklore, it doesn’t matter, and

tural,” he added. “The Bayanihan is here to represent the best in Philippine contemporary culture,” explained former Ambassador John Maisto, president of the US Philippines Society.

that opens up new opportunities for creative growth. But if Bayanihan’s performance Saturday at the Kennedy Center was any measure of this more recent trend, then the new direction has the potential to stunt the company’s creative growth rather than expand it. “Amorsolo,” for example, which was a tribute to Philippine artist Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972), held no creative surprises. The company replicated five of his paintings. The folkloric numbers, on the other hand, still offered up interesting choreography festooned with flounces and bling. Given that the Philippines has 7,100 islands and a host of native and imported cultures (including Spanish, Chinese and Japanese), the company has a vast reservoir of material from

which to draw. From guitars to gongs and skirts to sarongs, Bayanihan knows how to make the most of this dizzying variety. To be fair, the company was at an unavoidable disadvantage. The Terrace Theater is small. Bayanihan’s style of choreography makes individual dancers subservient to patterns and visual effects. It is best viewed from afar. Sitting up close is like seeing pixels and missing the picture. Bayanihan is still grand entertainment. But its wow factor - past and future - lies in continuing to plumb the natural richness of the Philippines’ cultures rather than mounting history as a way of encouraging national identity.

A much-applauded dance number performed by the Bayanihan. “As an American I’d like to think that some of the modernity we’ve seen here is involved but what it comes down to is the very special place that is the Philippines and the very special people who are the Filipinos. And I can tell you that in New York and in Washington the Bayanihan has made an impression,” Maisto declared. “Our job is simply to elevate the profile of the Philippines in the United States across the board so that Americans can appreciate and understand and remember what the Philippines and Filipinos represent to the United States” he added. A former Bayanihan dancer who has settled in the Metro DC region, Carmen Lagdameo stressed they “want to find every opportunity to promote our culture to our American friends and this is certainly one big opportunity we would like to raise the profile of the Philippines.” She paid homage to the new generation of Bayanihan dancers. After recounting their tale in New York, she invoked the performer’s mantra that “the show must go on”. Ina Feleo, daughter of multiawarded Laurice Guillen and Johnny Delgado, said she’s been dancing for the Bayanihan since 2002, the same year she entered college at Ateneo de Manila Uni-

South Korea before flying to the US, and had performances in Toronto, Canada before going home), her stint with Bayanihan was just a “side line”. Her “day job” is as an actress in a new ABS-CBN soap, “Paraiso”. “We usually tape the episodes 3 times a week. Before I accepted the project, I asked permission for me to tour with the Bayanihan so the directors and producers know about it. Our last taping was 2 weeks ago then we left for Korea,” she revealed. Despite the hectic schedule, she insists “this is my enjoyment, to dance. This is my break from acting.” In between their shows at the Kennedy Center, the Bayanihan dancers held a special performance at the Town Hall Education Arts campus sponsored jointly by the Philippine Embassy and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. A crowd favorite, they ended the special show with the “tinikling”, inviting school kids to try out the clacking bamboo poles. “It was amazing,” concluded Julius Ty, “They really showed us a lot about the diversity of Filipino history and culture.” Ty will be leaving soon to assume a new post at the US Embassy in Manila.

November 15, 2012

Around D.C. in pictures

Shown reading the Manila Mail with Father Pete Literal (right), associate pastor of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland, Rev. Oscar Azarcon Solis, the first Filipino American bishop in the United States. The bishop is in Baltimore, Maryland to attend the Nov. 12-15 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB. He heads the subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Islanders. A native of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Bishop Solis is the only bishop of Filipino descent to join USCCB’s annual fall assembly.(Photo by Angelyn Tugado-Marzan)

In Virginia Beach, photo shows FilAm voters Nelia and Medio Gamao patiently waiting in the cold and rain at the Shipps Corner polling center to cast their votes. Scenes like these have been repeated in every part of Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. last Nov. 6.

Virginia Beach FAVCOHR volunteers Jojo Mallari and son Angelo assist voters who formed long lines in polling places all over the city starting at 6 a.m.

The Ilocano Society of America (ISA), Inc., organizer of the longest running Miss Teen Philippines-America Pageant in the capital region, marked its 29th anniversary with a fun fusion halloween masquerade ball. It featured the 2012 Miss Teen Philippines-America Iana Kozelzky with her court and guest singer, 9 yr old Josette Francia, 2012 Little Miss Philippines Migrant Heritage, and with Atty. Arnedo Valera winning the “Best Gangnam style” Dancer title for the evening. Philippine Embassy Minister Andrelita Austria inducted the new officers led by re-elected President Grace Divina Valera, ex-diplomat and MHC director, for another 2 year term. Also in photo are newly weds Dr. Kevin and Ford Ryan, PACC President John Cabrera, who together with 2 others, won the best Halloween costumes while MHC’s Ronald Francia and Mercy Patterson were crowned King and Queen of the Masquerade Ball. ISA made its traditional donation to the Dr. Pedro Jose health research group. (Photo by Rene Abella)

Commission on Election (COMELEC), Commissioner Grace M. Padaca (seated), with Bing Branigin, Thryza Navarete, Mel Odilao, and Carmen Stull, at the Terrace, during the VIP reception for the Bayanihan Dancers, November 3. Virginia Beach Councilman Ron Villanueva raises the hands of Leonard Tengco, newly-elected member fo the Virginia Beach School Board, and Lyndon Remias as city auditor of Virginia Beach. can Councilman, Virginia Beach, raises the hand of Leonard Tengco, newly elected School Board, Virginia Beach, and Lyndon Remias as City Auditor. Picture taken at the Philippine Cultural Center (PCC), where the FilAms gathered to watch the election results. Up for re-election next year, for his 3rd term is Councilman Ron Villanueva. They represent the 2nd generation Filipino Americans in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Julian Oteyza and his Tutubi Band performed at the 70th birthday celebration of Mila Tecala on Nov. 9, 2012 at the Fairfield’s Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia. It was attended by 70 of her friends and her grand children who performed musical numbers a stand up comedy routine. Mila sang some karaoke songs. Photo shows her with the Tutubi band, from left: Ponch Villaflores, Nestor delas Alas, Nicole delas Alas, Mila Tecala, George Gonzales, Vic Galang, Julian Oteyza and Tony Pudukay. For information on the Tutubi Band, contact Julian Oteyza at julianoteyza@gmail.com or check his website at www.julianoteyza.com

Resplendent in their Filipino attire at the Bayanihan performance at the Kennedy Center are, from left, Mrs. A. Patalinghug, Mrs. Maria Victoria “Vicky” Cuisia (2nd from left), wife of Ambassador Cuisia, Grace Valera and Daisy Tucay. (A. T. Marzan)

November 15, 2012

November 17, 2012 (Saturday) 2:00pm-5:00pm. PAFC Jose Rizal Youth Awards, Philippine Embassy Romulo Hall. Contact: Aylene Mafnas at aylene@mris. com November 17 (Saturday (7:30pm) Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road Springfield, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino Ministry of St. Bernadette. Contact: (703) (703) 569-1054. November 17 (Saturday) Philippine Nurses Association

of MDC Dinner Dance Medical Mission Fundraising. St. Columba Parish Hall, Fort Washington, MD. Contact: norrad79@ verizon.net December 1 (Saturday) ABS-CBN/ ANCOP Foundation USA Global Pinoy Singing Idol USA Finals at the Hylton Chapel Events Center in Woodbridge, VA. Showcases 14 contestants from all over the USA. Contact: ANCOP Capital Region at (301)203-9159 or globalpinoyusa@yahoo.com

December 2, (Sunday) 4:006:00pm. Paskong Pinoy. Presented by Embassy of the Philippines, PAFC, Filipino Organization of Catholic University Students. Features the best of Filipino American choral groups from the community singing Christmas carols. Edward Pryzbyla Center at Catholic University of America. Free. Contact: Ador Carreon at adorcarreon@ aol.com or 240-475-2645 December 8 (Saturday) FABA of Metro DC, Inc. Christmas Party, Hilton Dulles, Chantilly, Virginia. December 8 (Saturday) Mabuhay, Inc, Pasko 2012 and Induction of Officers. For more information contact Manny Lopez at mannylopez2@gmail.com or mabuhayinc1985@gmail.com December 8 (Saturday)

Philippine Nurses Association of MDC Christmas Party and Election, Mrs. Philippines Home, 6480, Buck Road, Oxon Hill, MD. Contact:norrad79@verizon.net December 8 (Saturday) La Salle Philippines Alumni Association Grand Laureate Chinese Dinner Christmas Celebration 2012. Members, families and friends invited. Canton Café. Contact (202) 415-8360 December 15 (Saturday) 6:00-12:00pm. Marinduqueneos of the Capital Area, Inc. “Pasko Natin 2012.” New Fortune Chinese Restaurant, 16515 Frederick Ave., Gairthersburg, MD 20877. $50 (adults), $40 (teens). Contact: Ruby Solomon 703-501-0012. December 15 (Saturday) 7:30pm Filipino Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road Springfield, VA 22152. Sponsored by Filipino Ministry of St. Bernadette. Contact: (703) (703) 569-1054. January 21-25, 2013. Philippine Nurses Association of MDC 2013 Medical Mission, Cebu City, Philippines. Contact: norrad79@

verizon.net January 29-31, 2013. Philippine Nurses Association of MDC 2013 Medical Mission, Narvacan, Philippines. Contact: norrad79@ verizon.net February 9, 2013. Fil-Am Association of Manassas and Washington Metropolitan Area Gala Dinner-Dance. Fort Myer Community Center. All proceeds go to “a gift that keeps on giving:” much-needed school classroom construction project in extremely high-student density areas in the Philippines. Details TBA. May 18, 2013 (Saturday) 6:00-11:30pm, Feed the Hungry, Inc. “Spring Shindig.” Fort Myer Community Center, McNair Road, Fort Myer, VA. Contact: Tessie Alarcon 571-243-9525. May 26th, 2013 Miss Teenage Philippines Pageant, Inc. Annual Coronation and Ball. Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202. Contact Trini Padama 301-705-8550

Michelle Nicole Embuscado and Norman Cruz were married October 20 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Herndon, Virginia. Photo shows, from left, Fred and Vicky Embuscado, the bride and groom, and Henry and Norma Cruz, posing for a picture after the wedding ceremonies. Over a hundred of family and friends attended the autumn wedding. Reception was held at the The Woodland Golf Club. (MCBranigin)

Inday Alvir (third from left), president of the Filipino American Republicans of Virginia (FARV), joined some 9,000 others who attended the pre-Election Day rally of Mitt Romney at the George Mason University’s athletic and recreation center in Virginia. Also in photo, from left: Alma Conty, Dr. Rene Alvir, Fairfax Republican Dolores Hollinger and Margie Paglinawan. Members of the nonprofit Filipino-American Basketball Association of Metropolitan DC, Inc. (FABA) enjoy a Halloween night celebration Oct. 26, 2012 at the Café Asia in Arlington, Virginia. They will award winners of FABA’s 2012 Fall League during their Holiday Party Dec. 1, 2012 at the Fort Belvoir Officers Club in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. On the Labor Day weekend next year, FABA will host the Filipino Basketball Association of North America (FBANA) basketball tournament where more than 1100 teams from the United States and Canada will compete. (Photo by Angelyn Tugado-Marzan)

18 U.S. News Briefs

November 15, 2012

Filipino is 1st draftee of NBADL’s Santa Cruz Warriors SAN FRANCISCO - Japeth Aguilar’s pursuit of his NBA dream got closer to reality after he became the first ever Filipino to be drafted in the NBA Devel-

Japeth Aguilar opmental League. Santa Cruz Warriors, the D-League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, selected Aguilar in the seventh round. The 6-9 Aguilar, who sustained a minor hamstring injury heading into the draft that forced him to miss his last D-League workout (with the Iowa Energy), is expected to get a warm welcome from the Filipino community in the Bay Area. “Thank you Lord! God is great,” Aguilar posted on his Twitter account (japethaguilar35) shortly after getting drafted. “God is in control of everything. I will work hard for the next two weeks.” The 25-year old former Ateneo Blue Eagle and Western Kentucky Hilltopper will undergo two weeks of training camp with the Santa Cruz Warriors. The Warriors will play the Reno Big Horns in their season opener on Nov. 30 on the road. Aguilar, who attended a series of workouts with several NBA teams before joining the NBA D-League draft, was described as a “work in progress” by the New Orleans Hornets talent scout Don Sellers. The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) top overall pick now has a chance to further develop his game and prove himself worthy of a call up from the NBA.

■ USCIS offers relief to Sandy victims WASHINGTON D.C. - The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds customers affected by Hurricane Sandy of certain U.S. immigration benefits or relief that may be available to them. USCIS understands that a natural disaster can affect an individual’s ability to maintain lawful immigration status or obtain certain other immigration benefits. Eligible individuals may request or apply for temporary relief measures, including: * A change or extension of nonimmigrant status for an individual currently in the United States, even when the request is filed after the autho-

rized period of admission has expired; * Extension or re-parole of individuals previously granted parole by USCIS; * Expedited adjudication of off-campus employment authorization applications for F-1 students experiencing severe economic hardship; * Expedited adjudication of employment authorization applications; and * Assistance to Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) stranded overseas without immigration or travel documents, such as Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards). USCIS and the Department of State will coordinate on these matters when LPRs are stranded in places that do not have a local USCIS office.For more information, visit our website.

■ ‘Giant’ pitcher shows ‘illegal’ T-shirt SAN FRANCISCO - Filipino Jose Antonio Vargas, an undocumented Pulitzer prize winner, may have set a new public trend. San Francisco Giants pitcher, Sergio Romo, publicly displayed

a T-shirt that said “I Just Look Illegal,” during the truimphant return of his team to the Bay Area. Vargas twitted Romo and said “You cannot tell who looks illegal. No human being is illegal. Thank you, Sergio Romo!” Romo was among the Giants players warmly welcomed by their fans, who came in a sea of orange and black. An estimated one million baseball fans gathered in San Francisco’s main streets for a parade and in front of the city hall for a program recently, welcoming home their beloved baseball team, the 2012 World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants. Hundreds of Filipino Americans were in the crowd that welcomed the team. They also cheered FilAm relief pitcher Tim Lincecum was a starting pitcher for the Giants in the 2010 World Series. But due to an uneven performance in the season, Lincecum was relegated to a reliever position.

■ SC takes up case of lawyer-client ties WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 9 considered whether to extend a rule that requires lawyers to tell clients who are not citizens that they can be deported if they plead guilty to crimes. A decision is significant to non-citizens who had ineffective counsel before March 2010, when the court, in

Padilla v. Kentucky, said immigrants deserve to be told at least some consequences of guilty pleas. Federal appeals courts have since divided on whether the decision should apply retroactively. The recent case involved Roselva Chaidez, a Mexican citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident in Chicago who tried to become naturalized. In 2009, she challenged the government’s decision to remove her from the country for pleading guilty six year earlier of mail fraud. But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago found in August 2011 that the Padilla case introduced a new constitutional rule of law. Under a 1989 Supreme Court decision, such new rules do not apply retroactively.

■ ‘Kabang’ undergoes 2nd chemotherapy session LOS ANGLES - Philippine “hero dog” Kabang underwent a second chemotherapy session last week at the University of California-Davis (UC Davis) in the United States. Kabang gained international attention when she lost her snout after saving two children from being run over by a speeding motorbike in Zamboanga City last year. A group “Care for Kabang” - was formed to raise funds for Kabang’s surgery in the US, initially estimated at $20,000 (roughly P800,000). In an email to GMA News Online, one of the administrators of “Care for Kabang Facebook page, who refused to be identified, said more chemotherapy sessions are scheduled for Kabang. “Her third treatment is scheduled for next week,” the administrator said. “She will most likely need 5 total chemotherapy treatments (one per week) and then they will move on to treating the heartworm.” Kabang arrived in the US on October 10 and underwent her first chemotherapy session on October 24. The “Care for Kabang” page mentioned in a public post that doctors were happy to observe that Kabang’s tumor has shrunk significantly from the previous week.

■ PH prof elected to UN: torture body UNITED NATIONS Noted Filipino professor Dr. June Pagaduan-Lopez has been elected as one of twelve new members of the United Nations Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (SPT). She will serve as expert, from 2012 to 2016, in monitoring detention conditions in more than 60 sixty countries worldwide. The Medical Action Group (MAG), of which Dr. Pagaduan-Lopez is one of the founders, welcomed her election, saying “this will considerably strengthen the mandate of

■ MD FilAm visits Manila, opens pedicap project

Filipino American Michelle Nugent, a Maryland Charles Village resident and community arts student at MICA, visited the Philippines recently and became enamored by the pedicabs she saw in Manila. When she came back, she made a homemade pedicab. She recently drove it through the crowd at the Waverly Farmer’s Market on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 and got the attention of the public.. The goal of The Pedicab Project is to engage with different people and learn about Baltimore, Michelle said. the SPT in torture prevention particularly in the field of mental health rehabilitation of torture survivors and their families.” Dr. Pagaduan-Lopez, is a professor at the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines-Manila.

■ Parlocha family live in CA for century

■ 12 Pinoys receive Tofa Awards in NY NEW YORK -- Twelve Outstanding Filipino Americans were honored at the Carnegie Hall on Oct. 28 with music and dance. Now on its second year, TOFA awardees in the tri-State are Eduardo Sicangco (Arts & Culture); Edwin Josue (Business & Entrepreneurship); Yves Nibungco (Community Service & Advocacy); Agnes Bing Magtoto (Education & Research); Kirby Asunto (Entertainment); Danelle Izza Dungca (Fashion & Style); Anthony and Lisa Siopongo (Food & Restaurants); Jona Jane Tajonera (Health Care); Cecilio Asuncion (LGBT Advocacy); Ryan Songalia (Media & Publishing) ; Mayor Guillermo Udarbe (Public Service & Politics); Advancement for Rural Kids, Inc. (Youth & Sports). They garnered the highest Facebook votes in their respective categories. Five community organizations honored with Heritage Awards for bringing committed service to the community over the years are the Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America NY-NJ; Ma-Yi Theatre Company; Philippine American Chamber of Commerce; the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir of New York and the Philippine Nurses Association.

■ Pinoy Colorado shoot victim sues theater DENVER - Ryan Lumba, the 17-year-old Filipino-American who survived a serious gunshot wound during a deadly July 20 shooting rampage that killed a dozen people and injured 58 others at a theater in Aurora, Colorado, has filed a lawsuit blaming theater owners for lack of security. Lumba’s lawsuit against the

VALLEJO, California -The Parlocha family are known to be the first known Filipino family to settle here 100 years ago. Bob Parlocha, a descendant of the Parlochas, never knew the importance his mother’s parents had to the city’s history.”My mother’s generation referred to my grandmother as ‘The General.’ She had iron braces on her legs, and she would always say, ‘Come here boy,’ “ Parlocha said. This year marks the 100-year anniversary that Parlocha’s grandparents, George Washington Carter Jr. and Maria Martinez, left their farm in the Philippines to seek a better life in Vallejo. Carter was a Louisiana native and a Buffalo Soldier, a member of the African American regiments of the segregated 19th and early 20th centuries. During the Spanish-American War that broke out in 1898, Carter and his regiment were sent to the Philippines. After the United States crushed a Filipino independence movement - Carter found himself in love with Maria Martinez. “After the Philippine-American War, it’s estimated that about 1,000 black Buffalo Soldiers either married Filipina women and lived the rest of their lives in the Philippines, or brought their war brides back to the United States,” historians said. Plano, Texas-based Cinemark USA (dba Century 16 Aurora) was among four lawsuits filed recently in a federal court here alleging that the nation’s third largest theater circuit failed to ensure adequate safety to prevent the shooting at the Century 16.

November 15, 2012

20 Hometown News

November 15, 2012

Tagalog fastest growing language in Canada! Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said

luxury level as Makati. Considered one of the oldest China-

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Carter and his wife Maureen, ride the jeepney in Manila. Nov. 9 that Tagalog is now the fastest growing language in Canada. He also said Filipino communities are growing even in the farthest and most remote areas and making valuable contributions to every sector of the economy. Harper, who is in the Philippines for a 3-day visit, added he would soon have a Filipino cousin-in-law. “I’ll be remiss if I did not take a moment to recognize the particular contribution of our country’s first Filipino Canadian senator, Senator Tobias Enverga Jr. It was my great pleasure in September of this year to name Senator Enverga to our Upper House, and I wish to thank him for his personal contribution to Canada. Indeed, the participation of the Filipino community throughout Canadian society helps ensure our country’s continued strength and success,” he said. President Aquino hosted a state luncheon for him and his delegation Nov. 9. There are around 800,000 Filipinos in Canada.

■ Binay defends poll dynasties in politics Vice President Jejomar Binay has joined critics of pending bills and a people’s initiative to bar members of political dynasties from running for public office. Binay, whose son is the mayor of Makati city and his daughter is running for the Senate next year said: “I don’t believe in prohibiting dynasties. Why should there be a law to prohibit someone who is qualified [from running] when the people want him [elected]? The real spirit of democracy is the will of the people-vox populi,” he told reporters in an interview at Makati City Hall where he attended a mass to mark his birthday on Nov. 11. Binay, who is being criticized for building a political dynasty, asserted that the antidynasty proposals were “only being pushed by people who are perennial losers” in elections.

■ Binondo now rivals Makati luxury level Binondo, Manila’s old Chinatown, is experiencing a boom with rents in the same prime

town in the world, the boom has gotten even more explosive with the opening of Lucky Chinatown Mall. Offering foreign and local retail brands, this shopping paradise has numerous food outlets, clean restrooms, and gives visitors a cultural tour of Old Chinatown. Once parked inside Lucky Chinatown, one can walk to Binondo Church, then head back for shopping. You can also do wholesale shopping at the adjacent 999 Mall or 168 Mall, or at the CityPlace Square, which is connected to Lucky Chinatown by a footbridge.

■ Pinoy wins 8th Ms Int’l Queen title A Filipino transgender, Kevin Balot, 21, was crowned the

Kevin Balot 8th Miss International Queen at Tiffany’s Show Theater in Pattaya, Thailand Nov. 9. She beat 20 other contestants from 15 countries in the annual competition for transsexuals. After getting the title, Balot said “I am proud to present the beauty of the gays back in our country. I hope my dad will accept me. Because in the family I’m the only boy, and my dad has big expectations of me. I made it. I won the International Queen Pageant and I believe that my dad will accept me not only as his son but also as his daughter.

■ Manila Hotel picked 1 of top 20 SEA hotels The historic landmark Manila Hotel, the oldest premier hotel in the Philippines, made it to the list of Top 20 Southeast Asian Hotels in a poll conducted by international magazine Condé Nast Traveler. Earning a rating of 82.5 from the magazine’s 46,476 readers, who “elected 1,306 properties and places” for the 2012 Readers’ Choice Awards,

the Manila Hotel sits on the list’s anchor position (No. 20). The Manila Hotel was designed and built in 1908 on an area of 35,000 square meters on Roxas Boulevard near the Manila Bay, under the supervision of William Parsons. It was meant to rival Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines. It officially opened upon its inauguration on July 4, 1912, the same commemoration date of American Independence. The hotel recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

■ Aquino’s dream of PH link to Visayas, Minda Building a modern infrastructure network linking Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao is among the immediate priorities of President Benigno S. Aquino III to propel the Philippines to become the new tiger economy in the region. The President, in a recent business forum in Sydney, Australia, said his administration is moving to upgrade the light rail system in Metro Manila, build more airports, and expand nautical highways to ensure faster and safer transportation across the country. “In infrastructure, we’re trying to support the tourism venture and also for connectivity we’re improving a lot of our airports,” the President said, when asked by businessmen what he intends to do to elevate the Philippines as the next tiger economy in the region. “There’s a new proposal for a new nautical highway to link Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that will cut down travel time from three days to 15 hours which is presently being studied.

■ For lack of cemeteries, cremation is an option For lack of cemetery grounds, Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz says cremation has become a viable alternative for Filipinos in dealing with their dead because it is more convenient. “It is becoming more convenient to go to a columbarium where the ashes are deposited instead of going to the cemetery because of the traffic and other factors,” Cruz said. But the Manila Mail’s Bing Branigin, who was in Manila on All Saints Day said there’s no shortage of burial grounds for the rich where even air-conditions mausoleums are built. Cruz also believes many Filipinos are concerned that many cemeteries nowadays have limited space. This reportedly prompted some memorial parks to put up multilevel burial lots that would even require the use of a ladder. Cremation is also the preferred mode when a corpse has to be transported from abroad.

■ AFP catches wrong NP leader in QC?

Military officials claimed a major victory last month when they arrested Benjamin Mendoza, the elusive communist leader with a P5.6-million bounty on his head, but his family told the Supreme Court the government had in custody “a security guard, not a communist leader.” The wife and sister of security guard Rolly Panesa, 48, asked the Supreme Court to order the military to produce him. “They have the wrong man,” said Panesa’s wife Josie Panesa, who was accompanied by his sister Marites Choco to the Supreme Court to file a habeas corpuz petition. Mendoza, 61, is a member of the Communist Party’s Central Committee and secretary of the Southern Tagalog Regional Committee. He and his wife and four other people were arrested in a house in Quezon City on Oct. 6. Other than the age difference, the employment, birth and school records showed discrepancies in their identities. Panesa’s relatives claim that Panesa had been tortured to admit he was Mendoza. They told the high court that agents from the National Bureau of Investigation had checked Panesa’s background in his hometown Cadiz City in Negros Occidental and the records show he was not Mendoza.

■ PH one of leaders in microfinance The Philippines was once again named as one of the global leaders in microfinance, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The newly released Global Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment 2012 report rated the Philippines as the best in the world in terms of regulatory framework and practices in microfinance and top four best performing country in the overall business environment. “The Philippines is one the three Asian countries who made it to the top 10 overall best performers,” it added.

■ New PH living Treasures named An inabel (Ilocano traditional blanket) weaver and a tabungaw (native headgear) maker have been named the country’s new National Living Treasures this year, officials announced last week. The two traditional artists -Magdalena Gamayo and Teofilo Garcia - were bestowed the titles by President Benigno S. Aquino III in a ceremony in Malacañang for their artistic excellence and contribution to national heritage. Gamayo, 88, of Pinili Ilocos Norte, was hailed for her contribution to the development of inabel by using traditional designs in her work. She has also perfected weaving techniques

that enhance the uniqueness of the designs. Garcia, who hails from Abra, is a self-taught artist who uses “upo,” rattan, and bamboo to create the traditional headgear called tabungaw. This craftsman is honored for his contribution to the preservation of the tabungaw. The National Living Treasures Award is the highest award given to traditional artists. Recipients are given a grant to allow them to teach the craft to the community.

■ PH math kids win 1 gold, 12 silvers Team Philippines bagged one gold, 12 silver, and 10 bronze medals in the 9th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for primary students held in Lucknow, India from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2. Simon Chua, president of the Mathematics Trainers Guild-Philippines that coached most of the country’s math delegates, said the medal haul was respectable, compared to other nations that participated but did not win any gold or silver medal. Chua, vice-chair of the 2012 IMSO executive board, noted that 23 of 24 Filipino contestants managed to bring home a medal. Shaquille Wyan Que of Grace Christian College was the gold medalist in the Math category. The silver medalists were Tiffany Mae Ong of Immaculate Concepcion Academy-Greenhills; Emmanuel Paulo Santos of Colegio San Agustin-Biñan; Jinger Chong of St. Jude Catholic School; Alyana Zoie Chua of MGC New Life Christian Academy, and Vincent Angelo Suarez of De La Salle-Lipa.

■ PH protects 158 caves in Philippines The Philippine government has put 158 caves under the protection of the environment department to safeguard them from treasure-hunters, vandals and looters, it was announced. It said that the caves, which are scattered across the country, would be protected both by the department and local governments. Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said that caves were a valuable natural resource for their scientific, historical and cultural value. “Yet they are also in constant threat from destructive human activities like vandalism, treasure hunting, pollution and illegal extraction of resources,” he said.

■ Most Pinoys prefer live-in due to cost A recent nationwide Truth Survey conducted by Radio Veritas showed that more than 50 percent of married Filipino Catholics are not married in the church. Another study conducted by the National Statis-

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November 15, 2012

Hometown News... from page 20 tics Office (NSO) data revealed that there were 482,480 registered marriages in the country recorded in 2010. It was fewer by two percent (9,774) compared to 2009’s figure. The idea of having an extravagant wedding is hindering many Filipinos’ desire to get married, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now, the Catholic Church is encouraging livein couples to do away with all the frills of a grand wedding in favor of a simple ceremony in charge. According to Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz, couples who plan to marry don’t have to spend a lot, because some traditional wedding trappings are not really needed.

■ DFA lists passport

offices in capital region The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued a list of websites the public can access to set up appointments for passport applications in the National Capital Region (NCR). These are 1. DFA-OCA Aseana * ASEANA Business Park Bradco Avenue corner Macapagal Boulevard Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City http://passport.com.ph <http://passport.com.ph/> 2. *DFA NCR-East* DFA Megamall Consular Office Floor Megamall Building C EDSA corner J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City http:// megamall.passport.com.ph 3. *DFA NCR-Central* DFA Robinsons Galleria

Consular Office Lingkod Pinoy Center, Level 1 West Lane Robinsons Galleria EDSA and Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City http://galleria.passport. com.ph <http://galleria.passport.com.ph/> 4. *DFA NCR-West* DFA Consular Office Conception Street cor. Arroceros and San Marcelino Manila http://manila.passport.com.ph/ The DFA Appointment System is also available through the hotline (02)737-1000, anytime from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

LUZON ■ Bicol mayor killed in Camarines Sur NAGA CITY --- Gunmen shot dead the incumbent mayor of Lupi town in Camarines Sur, with the local police saying they are not discounting politics as among the possible motives of the killing. Police said Lupi Mayor Raul Matamorosa was shot while he was about to have his television fixed in front of an electronics repair shop on the Diversion Road in Naga City late last month. The victim suffered a lone gunshot wound in the head. The killing of Matamorosa came as the Philippine National Police (PNP)is preparing security mea-

sures for the 2013 midterm elections next year.

VISAYAS ■ Boracay hits !-million visitors this month BORACAY - This island famous for its white sand beaches and amazing sunsets hit its annual tourist target of one million late last month. The millionth visitor is Korean Yuki Mau, who came to Boracay for the first time with her husband and two children, the report said.

■ Armless Ilonggo can shoot, repairs phones ILOILO - Born with a physical defect, Mario ‘Popong’ Lar-

Mario ‘Popong’ Lardera, dera, 26, of Concepcion, Iloilo, has been inspiring a community by showing that he can accomplish any task that a person with complete limbs can do. Popong

has literally turned his legs, feet and toes into arms, hands and fingers. Popong works at a local repair shop and fixes cell phones, rice cookers, electric fans, stereos, DVD players, and TVs using only his bare feet. Popong can also eat, write, draw, shoot a gun, fetch water, cut wooden materials using a saw, pound a hammer, operate a farm tractor, crack open a coconut, and build a nipa hut without arms. “Halin sang bata pa ako, gina hambalan ako nga wala ako pulos kag makalulu-oy ako (Since I was a kid, I was told that I am worthless person),” Popong recalled.

MINDANAO ■ SC ousts Dapitan City Mayor Jalosjos The Supreme Court has ordered the ouster of Dapitan City Mayor Dominador Jalosjos after finding him not qualified to run for any public office as a result of his conviction in a robbery case 53 years ago. A court in Cebu City found Jalosjos guilty on April 30, 1970, for the robbery that took place on Jan. 22, 1969, and sentenced him to four to six years in prison. He is the younger brother of former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos, who himself was convicted of raping an 11-year-old girl and sentenced to life in prison, but actually served only 11 years after completing a commuted 16-year sentence in 2009. In a decision written by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, the high court ordered the Comelec to install Agapito Cardino as the rightful occupant to the post.

■ MILF launches new information campaign DAVAO CITY - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has embarked on an information drive to explain to its members the framework peace agreement it signed Oct. 15 with the Aquino administration last month. At least six groups have been formed to bring the information

Continued on page 22

November 15, 2012

Stronger PH-US security ties seen WASHINGTON - Both American and Filipino officials predict the further strengthening of relations between the two countries following the reelection of President Barack Obama. In his congratulatory letter to Mr. Obama, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he looks forward to continuing working with the reelected President “to further strengthen Manila’s relations with Washington.” The US President has been pursuing a policy of strengthening its presence in Asia, particularly in the West Philippine (South China) Sea, in the wake of China’s increasingly belligerent stance in the region. In his letter to Obama, Aquino said: “My administration is determined to deepen the cooperation between our nations in your second term. As a treaty ally and strategic partner of America, my country looks forward to seeing your administration achieve even greater success in the years to come.” The White House said President Obama personally called on all world leaders who phoned in their congratulatory messages. He is also expected to thank Aquino for his best wishes and reiterate his policy of increased US presence in Southeast Asia. US officials are hopeful that with Obama’s reelection, the Philippines will welcome increased defense and security cooperation to ensure the

peaceful resolution of conflicts and the freedom of navigation in the region. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia Jr. also welcomed Obama’s victory in the elections which he said highlighted the robust character of American democracy with both parties demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding the country’s ideals and providing a better life for all Americans. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the US Government in the context of the strategic rebalancing to Asia which has already shown clear benefits in terms of strengthening defense and security relations between our two countries,” Cuisia said. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila also welcomed the election of President Obama to a second term in the White House. “The Philippines warmly welcomes the successful holding of the recent elections in the United States. The Philippines and the United States share common and deep democratic values, particularly the right of the people to freely choose their leaders,” the DFA said in a statement. “We look forward to continue working with the administration of President Obama in strengthening relations between our countries and in the promotion of peace and progress in our region and the world,” the DFA said.

Hometown News... from page 21 campaign to thousands of MILF members in Mindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan. MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal told Luwaran thatunderstanding the agreement is not easy because it contains

provisions constructed ambiguously to give both parties elbow room or space for movement. Meanwhile, the Philippine government has removed the MILF from its terror list.

Esclamado, founder... from page 1 brought to San Francisco where a memorial service will be held on Nov. 17. He is survived by his wife, Ludy, two sons and a daughter. After dictator Marcos was overthrown in the People Power revolt in 1986, Esclamado channeled his advocacy toward uniting the disparate Filipino American community in the United States. A lawyer and journalist, Esclamado first came to the United States in 1959 as chief correspondent for the U.S. edition of the now defunct Manila Chronicle. In 1961, he established the newspaper to keep the community informed of developments in the Philippines. In an acknowledgment of his fearless voice and enormous dedication to his community, Esclamado became the first and only Filipino ever awarded the congressional Ellis Island Medal of Honor, in 1986. Three years later, he was given the Philippine Legion of Honor Award, conferred by then-President Corazon Aquino. In pursuit of Filipino American unity, Esclamado, along with fellow Filipino-American community leaders, founded the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) in 1997 to expose abuses against Filipinos in the work place, address immigration concerns and fight for Filipino American empowerment. He

served as the NaFFAA national chairman until 2002. Expanding his service to other immigrant communities, Esclamado was also a founding member of (the) New America Media (NAM), a coalition of more than 3,000 ethnic media in the United States. He boasted during its founding lunch that NAM’s ”combined audiences are bigger than the circulations of the local daily newspapers.” Esclamado retired from his work at Philippine News in the late 1990s, and sold the paper to the family of Philippine Ambassador Edgardo Espiritu. As founder and first national chair of NaFFAA, he infused the nationwide lobby to get the US Congress to rescind the 1946 Rescission Act with indefatigable energy and inspiring leadership. At the 1997 convening of NaFFAA, attended by nearly 2,000 delegates from all over the country, he called on Filipino American community leaders to unite and fight together, not against each other. “We all agreed that martial law was a thing of the past and that we should now look forward to being Americans and to fighting for our place at the table,” recalls Rodel Rodis, one of the national leaders who helped organized NaFFAA. NaFFAA National Chair Eduardo Navarra said Esclamado’s “legacy of hope for the solidarity and well-being

Padaca tells... from page 1 before she can be tried, she must be impeached first by the Philippine Senate). In a talk with the Manila Mail, she explained that President Aquino was aware of the circumstances behind the graft complaint, which she alleges was a form of political harassment that she intended to fight in the courts. “It was filed before the Sandiganbayan just before the elections to derail me,” she averred. Padaca blamed former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for sitting on the complaint, while resolving a relatively more recent complaint against a close ally of then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Pampanga. “They sat on the cases of so many people and when they finally moved on those cases, people like me got the short end,” she told the Manila Mail. “I knew they were going to arrest me,” Padaca added, revealing that she had told the late Interior & Local Governments Secretary Jessie Robredo about the paraplegic officials’ intention to be arrested. She wanted to deliver a message, Padaca said, about how vested groups are using existing laws to punish or harass officials

who cross them. “I was ready to be arrested. I told Secretary Robredo not to be surprised if he learns that I’ve been jailed, and he apparently told the President about this.” A short while later, Robredo, who died in a plane mishap last August, spoke with Padaca to relay the President’s message that if ever Padaca decides to post bail, he will pay it. He did, sparking the latest controversy. “People tell me I should have just refused it,” she confessed. That was last May, she explained, and was surprised that no one came around to arrest her. “I was at the mercy of the people who would serve the warrant. I did not expect any special treatment. I think Secretary Robredo and I understood what was involved and it was unthinkable for either of us to use our friendship,” Padaca emphasized. But her position changed when President Aquino appointed her as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last month. She explained it was unfair to drag the agency and its workers to the spectacle of one of their officials being hauled off to jail, even if

of Filipinos in America will be felt for a long,long time.” At its 10th Empowerment Conference in Detroit, Michigan on Aug. 4, 2012, NaFFAA presented a special award to Esclamado on the occasion of the federation’s 15th anniversary, recognizing “his pioneering efforts as Founder of NaFFAA, and his outstanding advocacy efforts toward the advancement and promotion of the interests of all Filipino Americans across America.” Esclamado wanted to attend all of NaFFAA’s national conferences but a slow, debilitating illness prevented him from doing so. “But as long as his health allowed, he was relentless in seeking unity and empowerment for Filipinos,” said Rozita Lee of Nevada, former NaFFAA National Vice Chair. Adds Gloria Caoile, one of the national leaders who also helped organized NaFFAA: “His passion for us to be one - strong and indivisible will always live forever and make me strong. Alex will always be in everything we do and say! Once he got started - he couldn’t be stopped many tried and they all failed. I have been privileged and blessed to know him, learn from him and will always remember his ‘impossible dream!’

this was actually an act of protest. Her predicament could be a source of embarrassment for the Aquino administration, especially when she goes through the confirmation process under the congressional Commission on Appointments. Manila Mail sources said the concerned Fil-Ams from New York, Washington DC and Connecticut had planned to raise the P70,000 bail (equivalent to about $1,700) during President Aquino’s visit in the US capital last June. “There was a miscommunication but the group is now ready to help,” the sources declared even as Padaca insisted she doesn’t believe President Aquino “is someone who makes ‘singil’ from people he helps.” Padaca received the US State Department’s international women’s award in 2007 and the Ramon Magsaysay award in 2008. (RJJ)

November 15, 2012

Asians pick Obama;... from page 1 vote” campaigns, noted that the US is home to the largest concentration of Filipinos outside the Philippines. “Let us use these numbers and play a bigger role in shaping the political, economic and social discourse in this country,” he said in an election eve statement. Cuisia congratulated the winning candidates led by Democrat Rep. Robert Scott, whose maternal grandfather is Filipino, who won an 11th term in the 3rd District of Virginia. “We congratulate our good friend, Congressman Bob Scott, and our other Filipino American candidates for their election victories,” he said. “Their success has brought pride and honor not just to their fellow FilipinoAmericans here in the United States but to the entire Filipino race.” “Slowly but surely, Filipino Americans are making their presence felt in US politics,” Cuisia stressed. “We are confident that in the next elections, we will see more Filipino Americans make successful bids for elective positions that would allow them to not only help advance the interests of the more than 4 million Filipinos in the US but also shape American policy towards the Philippines.” Cuisia said 18 of the 29 FilAm candidates, nearly all Democrats, fared well in Monday’s elections.

The only Republican, Dr. Marisha Agana failed in her maiden run for the 3rd District of Ohio. In California, Vice Mayor Rob Bonta of Alameda made history by becoming the first FilAm to be elected to the State Assembly, representing the 18th District. Other successful candidates were Jose Esteves who successfully ran for reelection as Mayor of Milpitas and Jim Navarro who won a seat in the Union City Council. In Hawaii, nine of 11 Fil-Am candidates were successful in their bids for seats in the House of Representatives and Senate. Former Gov. Ben Cayetano, the first FilAm to be elected governor, failed to get himself elected as Mayor of the state capital, Honolulu. Elected to the Hawaii House of Representatives were: Gilbert S. Keith-Agaran (9th District); Della Au Belatti (24th District); Romy Cachola (30th District); Henry Aquino (38th District); Ty Cullen (39th District) and Rida Cabanilla-Arakawa (41st District). Elected to the Hawaii State Senate were: Donna Mercado Kim (14thDistrict); Will Espero (19th District); and Donovan Dela Cruz (22nd District). Also elected were Kymberly Marcos Pine, Joey Manahan and Ron Menor as members of the Honolulu City Council; Greggor Ilaga

Poll reforms... from page 1 truly equal,” Monsod said in his acceptance speech. “But social justice is also about social reform programs where the goal is not equality but equity to make sure that nobody is left behind by development.” Monsod said he was accepting the award in the “spirit of volunteerism that is the moving force in our efforts at reform as a nation.” Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr., who worked closely with Monsod in the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel), said the award as “well-deserved.” “Chairman Monsod has been a pivotal figure in the development of Philippine democracy and though his career, has worked to build transparent election systems in the Philippines and to ensure that all segments of Philippine society – includ-

ing traditionally marginalized populations – fully participate in the electoral process,,” said IFES President and Chief Executive Officer William Sweeney “Guns and goons kill in elections,” Monsod in his speech, “But poverty also kills.” “Clearly our political and economic development must go hand in hand with social reform. Not only because social justice is a compelling moral issue but also because conclusive empirical evidence tell us that sustained high economic growth is not possible unless we also address the problem of inequality,” he stressed. He admitted that reforming the Philippine electoral system “has been a rocky journey” because it is vulnerable to manipulation “that few politicians could resist doing it.” He said the 2010 poll automation helped boost the cred-

Envoy cites... from page 1 side of the world and the motherland by providing news and other information about the Philippines that are of interest to the Filipino American.” He said that from the start of its first issue to the present, “the ‘Manila Mail’ has been consistent

in performing its role as the voice of Filipino Americans by having their views heard on important issues both here in their adopted homeland and back home in the Philippines.” The Philippine Embassy, he said, is grateful for having an

as member of the Hawaii County Council; and Don Guzman as member of the Maui County Council. In addition, some Asian Americans scored important victories on their way to Capitol Hill. Among them is freshman Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a longtime supporter of Filipino World War II veterans and other FilAm issues. She is part of an unprecedented wave of women joining the Senate. A record-high number of Asian Americans ran for Congress this year, more than tripling the previous record in 2010. That reportedly includes candidates in Southern and Midwestern states. The Obama campaign was able to execute a well-prepared plan that caught their Republican rivals in a virtual daze. Combining a vociferous “air war” with a relentless “ground war” the President’s supporters surmounted initial predictions that Obama would be so weakened by the hobbling economy, stubbornly high unemployment and weakened prestige abroad that defeat was inevitable. But it was precisely that “ground war” that provided the margin of victory for the incumbent. For instance, more than half of the Asian American votes were cast in a dozen states, including the political battlegrounds of Virginia, Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Iowa and Ohio – over 9 ½ million votes altogether. A Pew Research Center ibility of the results because they were reported within hours compared to the days under the old manual counting system. But he said it still needs further refinement. “We know from the lessons of 2010 that the automated system needs major enhancements, especially on such issues as internal rigging, auditability, disenfranchisement. And it cannot be vendor-driven.” “Our systemic problems, which may not be similar to those in mature democracies like the United States, need equal if not more attention. What’s the point of an accurate and speedy count when what is being counted are votes that have been devalued by the improper, even illegal, use of money, including government funds; dysfunctional political parties; warlordism; and entrenched political dynasties?” The Philippines will hold a midterm election next year for senators, congressmen, provinindispensable partner and hopes that in the years to come it would continue to generously lend its pages to allow us to reach out more effectively to our kababayans.

study from over the summer found Asian Americans are less likely to identify with the Republican Party compared with the overall population. Still, polling suggests the GOP lost an opportunity to tap into this well. The CAPCD found that 51 percent of Asian American voters were not asked by any political party or community organization to register and vote. Asian Americans comprised a critical segment of the voting population in a number of battleground states. In Virginia, for instance, 18 percent of voters in Fairfax county are Asian Americans; in Loudon, its 15 percent. “While Obama’s narrative attracted Asian American voters, Romney missed an enormous opportunity to offer a direct appeal to this group,” Lisa Hasegawa, CAPCD executive director, pointed out. “Field operations, they really are looking at each individual state, county, and municipal area, and trying to identify who’s their base of voters,” observed Christine Chenm executive director of APIAVote. “In Minnesota you may be looking at the Hmong community, in Nevada it’s the Filipino community,” she explained. During the ABS-CBN town hall debate last month, participants identified immigration reform, jobs and “Obamacare” as top concerns. A staunch Obama supporter, businesswoman and community leader Loida Nico-

las Lewis is confident the President will finally deliver on his promise to tackle the highly contentious issue of immigration reform, as well as stave off the “fiscal cliff” – the combination of expiring Bush-era tax cuts and huge reductions in defense and Medicare spending – at the end of 2012. The survey showed Asian Americans divided on how to reduce the tackle the deficit – 26 percent favored taxing the rich and 45 percent want a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts. Meanwhile, Cuisia congratulated election volunteers from the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) who were instrumental in ensuring a larger turnout from the FilAm electorate. He cited the role of the nonpartisan Filipino American Vote Coalition of Hampton Roads (FAVCOHR), an ad hoc coalition of community activists, students and business leaders that was formed with the sole purpose of increasing voter participation among Filipinos in the Virginia Beach area. FAVCOHR was able to register more than 1,200 new voters, the third highest in the US, next only to New York and Hawaii, according to the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote), which worked with NaFFAA for this undertaking.

Amb. Cuisia talks to Christian Monsod after the award rites. cial officials as well as hundreds of city and municipal councils. “Our people overwhelmingly prefer elections for choosing or changing their leaders as against a military takeover, a revolutionary government, a self-serving revision of the Constitution or a people power upheaval,” Monsod stressed

“They no longer go to the streets to serve the agenda of politicians. This is the changing paradigm of people power. It’s a good omen for the future, but there is still the challenge to democracy to make good on its promises,” he said.

November 15, 2012

businesses and even politicians

commit to support the publication. It was only when Jimmy Carino of the Forex Group of Companies committed himself to advertise in every issue that Bert agreed to edit the Mail. Assured that the Mail would not end up like other Filipino publications in the DC area that died after one or two few issues, Bert also sought the assurance that he would have full editorial independence. Jimmy agreed to these conditions and I was asked to join and help set up the legal framework of the group. Salakot,

in the Philippines who would

Continued on page 38

By: J. G Azarcon, Esq. On a rainy and cold November in 1991, the first issue of the Manila-US Mail came out in print in Metro Washington, D.C. (See attached copy of front page). Twenty two years later and renamed as The Manila Mail, this biweekly newspaper continues to bring news and tell the story of Filipinos in the nation’s capital, the US and the Philippines. The Manila Mail is a story in itself. It is about volunteerism. It is about doing something good without expecting any applause. It is about commitment to a worthy undertaking. The early issues of the paper were produced when email was not widely available and the speed of personal computers multiplied layout hours immensely. When our first layout volunteer gave up after a year, I didn’t want the paper to die so I forced myself to learn layout work on computer as there was no budget for a layout artist. We had to produce a paper copy of the issue and physically deliver it to the printer. The editor had to retype on snail speed computer articles submitted to him in paper form. The idea of putting out a Pinoy newspaper in Metro Washington was conceived in a friendly poker game. Danny Perico, Jun Fabros, Joe Burgos, Rudy Sinon, Bert Alfaro, and Fred De La Rosa initially thought of using “tong” as the seed capital to start the publication with Bert as the editor. When Bert decided this was not a viable

J. G. Azarcon, esq., president of Maya Media Inc., publisher of Manila Mail. option, the group looked for

Members of the Manila Mail family gather at the residence of Evelyn and Oscar Bunoan to mark the 22nd anniversary of the newspaper. Gathered in front of the anniversary cake are, from left, Rodney J. Jaleco, Lito Katigbak, Bing Branigin, Kevin and Maurese Owens, Bill Branigin, Becky and Pat Pagsibigan, Norma Azarcon, Bert Alfaro, Myrna Lopez, Evelyn Bunoan, Rico and Angelyn T. Marzan with daughter, Warie Azarcon, Dino and Jojo dela Rosa and Rey Fabella.

The ‘Mail’s newest volunteer: Nona Cueva By Rodney J. Jaleco As the Manila Mail marches on another year of service, her loyal readers can be assured that Metro DC’s longest-running Filipino-American paper will never stop working to better serve and respond to their needs. With a competent and dedicated corps of volunteers, the Manila Mail has always been a catalyst for journalists to contribute their unique skills and experience to serve the burgeoning Fil-Am community in the nation’s capital region. The Manila Mail is an embodiment of the journalist’s mantra of selfless service and commitment to the craft. In its relentless quest to serve our “kababayans”, it’s little surprise that the Manila Mail has drawn individuals and groups who share its mission and goals of reaching out to the Fil-Am community in America. It’s our distinct pleasure to introduce Manila Mail’s newest volunteers. Winona “Nona” Cueva was

a respected TV news producer at ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and was part of a pioneering team that helped create newscasts for the network’s 24-hour cable news, the ABSCBN News Channel (ANC). She moved to the Metro DC region a few months ago. Nona, as everyone in the newsroom called her, is an investigative journalist, literary artist, social media junkie, and a self-described “24x7 Vendo machine of ideas and all-around innovator” – and as she may be wont to insist – a Pisces. Her work in Manila has led her to a new branch of specialization – creating web sites. Nona will be taking over the interactive operation of the Manila Mail. We envision this as a tool to widen even further the paper’s readership and better serve them in terms of providing more current and relevant news from both the Metro DC region and back home in the Philippines . With Nona’s help, Manila Mail readers will never be more

Continued on page 39

November 15, 2012

Volunteer Extraordinaire: Bing C. Branigin The ‘Mail’s volunteer extraordinaire is no other than our national editor, Bing C. Branigin. For more than a decade, Bing covered the inaugurations of the second term of President George W. Bush and the historic swearing in of the first Black President Barack Obama in January, 2009 as well as thousands of events in the Filipino American community in the greater Washington D.C. area. She did all these without expecting any remuneration from the “Manila Mail” which is run by volunteers. Bing is fully accredited to cover the White House, the US Congress, the State Department and other government agencies – a rare privilege given to a Filipino American publication. In all these activities, Bing pays for her own transportation expenses, buys the cameras that she uses in her coverage and all the other equipment that she needs in the performance of her duties. Today, she has expanded her coverage to Virginia Beach and in the US. She is an officer of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), led the campaign to make Filipino Americans register and vote in the last eletion in Virginia Beach,

is an officer or member of various Filipino American associations, and a lobbyist in Congress on issues affecting Filipino veterans of World War II. She is married to one of the top editors of the Washington Post, Bill Branigin, who has been very patient enough to let her devote her time to the “Manila

Mail.” The publisher and editor salutes her.

The ‘Mail’s newest columnist In January 2010, I decided to pursue my dream of being a published author one day. I resigned

The editor with Bing C. Branigin (left) and columnist Myrna Lopez.

as my husband’s medical office manager and also resigned as my grandchildren’s part time babysitter. I started working on a manuscript and wrote several poems . Two of my poems are now included in two separate anthologies. I also started a blog, deliciousgoosebumps. I called Bing Branigin of the “Manila Mail” and asked her if the paper could be persuaded to carry my blog on their fortnightly issues. I am a nurse by profession. I have not taken any courses in writing. What I lack in formal ‘journalism’ education I make up for in audacity. I never even entertained the chance of being rejected. I was asked to submit new articles not previously published. That gave me pause but I agreed. I started as a guest in February 2012. Two months later, Bert, the editor, gave me my own column – “Sa Atin Atin”. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and congratulations on your 22nd Anniversary. I wish you continued success. Cheers! (Myrna Lopez)

Our loyal production manager

For the information of our readers and advertisers, the man in charge of preparing every issue

Orlando Remulla, live and work in Wichita Kansas. of the Manila Mail for over 15 years now is Orlando Remulla. And because of the advances in cyberspace, Orlando, whose nickname is Oyie, prepares every issue of the newspaper not in the greater Washington D. C. area but in Wichita, Kansas. And the printer of the Manila Mail for the last four years is located not in Virginia, but in Delaware.

November 15, 2012

Salute to the ‘Mail’ volunteers! Twenty one years and counting, the Manila Mail just keeps going. The longest running Filipino American bimonthly newspaper published in Metro Washington has never missed an issue, thanks to the devotion of the editors and core of volunteers who have taken the publication of a community newspaper as a public service mission. On this occasion, the Manila Mail Communications, Inc., salutes the following volunteers for pushing on and giving its newspaper continued life. Alberto M. Alfaro – This veteran professional journalist

has devoted his retirement time serving as Editor-In-Chief of the Mail since the first issue in 1991. Januario G. Azarcon, Esq. – He is president of Manila Mail Communications, Inc. and has been a columnist since the first issue. A practicing lawyer who is a principled man and a staunch defender of the truth, Warie has been writing 2 columns every issue from day one. Because the Mail itself cannot afford it, Warie occasionally hosts lunches or dinners for the volunteers of the newspaper. Like Alfaro, he is steadfast in his resolve to keep the newspaper going.

Rodney J. Jaleco – ABS-CBN TV reporter and news writer who joined the Manila Mail four years ago. He has a regular job and hopes to assume his post as editor. Lito Katigbak – A veteran reporter of the Reuters News Agency who has served as the Mail’s associate editor. Bing C. Branigin – This roving photo reporter is national editor. She covers events in the Metro Area area and Virginia Beach even though the Mail does not provide her with transportation or photographic equipment allowance. (See detailed contri-

bution of Bing to the Mail elsewhere in this issue.) Jon Melegrito – This top journalist and activist came aboard early on and has never missed an issue. He is also an officer in the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). Rebecca M. Pagsibigan – An indefatigable civic volunteer, she covers the action behind the scenes. Evelyn Bunoan – This master chef brings her culinary secrets for her readers to copy. She has hosted several of the Mail’s anniversary dinner cel-

ebrations. Oscar Bunoan – His collection of Filipino jokes color to the Mail. Maurese Owens – This community activist is a contributing editor. Angelyn T. Marzan – She covers community happenings and helps in the circulation. Jocelyn Porteria – Her column deals in what is real in real estate. Myrna Lopez – a poet-columnist who volunteered to write for the Mail starting in February this year. Dr. Philip Chua – If you believe that health is wealth, then read his writings. Leandro DD Coronel – A former DC resident, this journalist still has not forgotten to share his words of wisdom with the Mail readers. Juan Mercado, a top columnist in Manila who shares his columns published in major newspapers in the Philippines to the Mail. Greg Macabenta – A professional journalist and publisher, he shares his columns with the Mail. Rodney Garcia, Esq. – This lawyer, playwright and composer is a contributing writer. Hermie Climaco who occasionally writes a column and solicits advertisements. Jojo De La Rosa – She directs the circulation of the paper and helps in marketing to advertisers. Dino De la Rosa – He writes a column and helps his mom deliver the Mail when its time. Freddie De La Rosa – A Pastor of a Filipino-American church in VA is helping the Mail in the advertising department. Aurora Redondo, the widow of Frank Redondo, who continues to solicit advertisements. Rey Fabella – He helps in the circulation and advertising department. Orlando Remulla – He produces the computer lay-out ready for printing. Philip Escueta – This business entrepreneur helps in the circulation and solicitation of advertisements. And to the faceless and anonymous tsismosos and tsismosas who have provided reliable and unreliable bits and pieces of rumor and news, Maraming Salamat! Special thanks to the advertisers whose support has been instrumental in keeping the Manila Mail going, going, and going… Many have been advertising with the Manila Mail for 15 years or more They, like the volunteers, are the unsung heroes who have directly helped the newspaper reach its goals.

November 15, 2012

Aquino congratulates Obama President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated United States (US) President Barack Obama on his re-election on the Nov. 6 presidential elections against Republican rival Gov. Mitt Romney. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the President extended his congratulations to President Obama

by sending a letter to the White House on Wednesday afternoon. “In his letter, the President of the Philippines recalled how four years ago, President Obama’s message of hope resonated with the American people and the world, marking the beginning of the long road back for one of the world’s greatest

countries,” Lacierda said. “President Aquino wrote that the American people, in giving a new mandate to Mr. Obama, have trusted him to stay the course, move them forward, and to continue harnessing the voices and ideas of the American people,” Lacierda said. “The President also wrote

that in their encounters, it has been easy for the presidents of both nations to understand each other given the common set of aspirations they have for their respective peoples-inclusive growth and renewed prosperity,” Lacierda stressed. As a treaty ally and strategic partner of America, Lacierda

said, President Aquino told the US President that the Philippines looks forward to deepening the cooperation between the two countries in his second term. “The President closed his letter by expressing best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Obama and their family, and to the American people,” Lacierda said.

November 15, 2012

The ‘Mail’: 22 years... from page 25

File photo shows Bert Alfaro with Jimmy Carino of Forex who honored his verbal commitment to advertise in the “Manila Mail” since its founding in 1991 up to November, 2008. Without his support, Bert would not have agreed to push through with the publication because he did not want to be editor of a newspaper that would perish after a few issues. He also honored his commitment not to interfere in the editorial content of the newspaper. Inc., became the publisher with Jimmy as president. The first issue was formally launched at the National Press Club with the late Ambassador Pablo Suarez as the guest of honor. After roughly a year, some members of the original group walked away due to policy disagreement in advertising. Maya Media, Inc. then took over as the publisher. Bert Alfaro continued as the editor-in-chief. Sometime in 2008, the Forex group discontinued its advertising support and Manila Mail Communications, Inc. was formed to continue the publication. The newspaper relied mainly on advertising and editorial volunteers to keep it going. Bert is a veteran professional journalist who honed his trade in the prestigious Manila Chronicle owned by business tycoon Eugenio Lopez and the Philippine News Agency, a government affiliated service. He was complimented by another veteran writer and cartoonist, Fred De La Rosa. All the staff writers and columnists – including this writer - up to now are all volunteers. Over the years, the Mail has attracted the services of experienced journalists and writers. Jon Melegrito, an award winning writer came aboard as a regular columnist in the late 90s. Leandro DD Coronel also started to write a column in the mid 90’s when he was still with the World Bank.. He still writes a column from Manila where he is now residing. Later, other professional news writers like Jennie Illustre of Malaya newspaper in Manila, former Reuter correspondent Lito Katigbak who is now bureau chief of the Manilabased Philippine Star, columnist Greg Macabenta, publisher of Filipinas magazine, and Rodney Jaleco of ABSCBN offered their pro-bono services to the Manila Mail. And over the years, volunteer National Editor Bing Branigin provided the pictorials and

stories of community events in the greater Washington D.C. area without expecting any honorarium or remuneration. Other writers provide a variety of subjects that make Manila Mail appealing to a readership with varied interests. Maurese Owens covers community issues. Rebecca M. Pagsibigan fills in with happenings in the social circuit. Evelyn Bunoan satisfies the gustatory needs on print. Her husband Oscar Bunoan brings the typical Pinoy humor with his collection of jokes. Dr. Philip Chua writes about our health and well being. Jocelyn P. Porteria deals with real estate. Returning Angelyn T. Marzan also covers community and social issues, while another budding writer who is a nurse by profession, Myrna Lopez the bits and pieces that bring spice to life. Recently, the Mail has found another gem in its volunteer corps. An experienced journalist, Nona Cueva will take over the Mail’s online edition and maintain its website. Behind the scenes, Jojo De La Rosa and her son Dino take charge of the distribution with assist from Rey Fabella and the Manila Forwarders, Inc. and Orlando Remulla serves as the layout artist. The Manila Mail owes its survival only to the income that is derived from advertising.. Monthly earnings, minus commissions for solicitors, are only enough to cover the printing cost, payment to the layout artist and honorariums to the distributors of the newspaper. Part of whatever is left goes to the purchase of office equipment and supplies. Aware of this limitations, the volunteer editorial staffers do it as a labor of love, without expecting any pay.. This is the big reason why the Manila Mail continues to survive even as several Filipino newspapers have popped in and out in Metro Washington. In its 22-year existence, the Mail has covered the terms of

Photo shows then Ambassador Ernesto Maceda conferring an award to Mama Sarah Joaquin at ceremonies held at the DAR Auditorium in Washington D.C. in the late 90s. The Philippines’ foremost singing star, Pilita Corrales, sang on this occasion. With Maceda are Bert Alfaro (left) and Atty. J. G. Azarcon. Mama Sarah was also a volunteer columnist and circulation assistant of the Manila Mail until her passing several years ago.

This is a file photo of one of the anniversary parties hosted by Jimmy Carino at his residence for the volunteers of the Manila Mail.

For the first time in many years, top Manila Mail columnist Jon Melegrito was absent from the Nov. 4 party. Reason: He was actively campaigning for the reelection of President Obama. File photo shows him at the anniversary party last year. six Philippine ambassadors to Washington, D.C., from Emmanuel Pelaez, Pablo Suarez, Raul Ch. Rabe, Ernesto Maceda, Willy C. Gaa to Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and four presidents of the United States, from George H. W. Bush, William D. Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The Manila Mail seeks to inform, advocate, provoke thought and provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas. Since Day One it has remained an independent and impartial newspaper that is beholden to no one except the Filipino community that it serves. As the Filipino World War II veterans struggled for equitable recognition of their services under the colors of the American flag , the Mail kept the issue on

the forefront of the public consciousness The Mail also served as the bulletin board of the community, covering the good, the bad and the ugly. It reported on many charitable undertakings and good deeds of Filipino organizations and individuals, from the work of Feed The Hungry volunteers, the activities of the Philippine American Foundation of Charities, Inc., the Philippine Medical Mission of Mercy and the various medical missions sponsored by different civic organizations. When discord broke out in the Circulo Pampangueno, the power tug of war landed in the pages of the Mail. And so did the fireworks that hit the Philippine Nurses Association in Metro Washington in the 90’s. The scan-

dals involving the casinos operated by the Zambalenos, Inc. and CIPAA were also chronicled in the Mail. Support for political empowerment were advocated by its columnists while its news section covered the splash into politics by a handful of FilipinoAmerican candidates in Maryland and Virginia, starting with David Valderrama, who was the first Pinoy elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, Ron Villanueva who was the first Filipino elected official in Virginia as City Councilor of Virginia Beach and then as a Delegate to the Virginia House of Delegates, Vellie S. Deitrich Hall, who ran unsuccessfully for Fairfax Board of Supervisor, and Kris Valderrama, who succeeded his father as delegate to the Maryland House of Delegates. On a few occasions, the Mail has touched sensitive nerves in the Philippine Embassy. The late Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez and his Consular Officer once invited this writer and the editorin-chief for a lunch meeting after I wrote about a complaint of an Indian national who was critical of the service she got at the Consular Office. The former Ambassador Raul Ch. Rabe also invited this writer and the editor-in-chief for a lunch meeting to dispute a series of news articles involving alleged overpricing in the construction of the new Philippine Embassy building. We told the sad stories brought about by several natural calamities in the Philippines that drew a torrent of charitable giving from the Filipino communities in the U.S. We trumpeted the triumph of Pinoys who have brought honor to their countrymen, from the pound-for-pound best boxer of the decade, Manny Pacquiao, the stardom of Charice Tempenco, the election of Ben. Cayetano as Governor of the State of Hawaii and the election of Steve Austria to the federal House of Representatives. After twenty two years, Bert is turning over the reins of Editor to Rodney J. Jaleco. Bert will assume the title of Founder/Editor Emeritus. But he will continue to directly assist Rodney, who has a regular job, to ensure that the paper will come out on time. Bert will also continue to oversee the circulation of the newspaper and devote some time to get more advertisements.. And this writer who has never missed to put on the Kibitzer’s Corner and Immigration Column will continue to be the principal cheer leader of the volunteers in his capacity as President of Manila Mail Communications, Inc., the publisher of the newspaper. The passion is still there. And so we continue.

November 15, 2012

De la Rosa circulation-advertising team By Dino de la Rosa

Give Me My Freedom During our early family life, when Rey and I had three kids, I was pondering about how to raise our children properly. I was not a religious person and our spiritual life was wanting during those times but deep within me I knew that the way to raise kids properly is to raise them up in the ways of the Lord. I also knew Proverbs 22:6, which says: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Having three little kids during that time those words had magical appeal to me. Only, I didn’t know how to apply them up. But, truly, what the mind conceives the mind achieves. My husband and I were led to Couples For Christ community and by our CFC membership our children automatically became Kids for Christ members. A wish come true. We were led to what can help me apply Proverbs 22:6. But I realized, as I grew in my spiritual life, that God always knows what’s in our hearts. When it’s good, He will give it to us even before we ask Him. He loves to grant our wishes; He leads us to our heart’s desires. We cannot control what path our children will tread but what’s important is that we’ve done the crucial part of planting God’s word in our children’s consciousness. They may lose their way along their life’s journey but the word of God that we have inculcated in their mind will call them forth back to righteousness. A friend has a similar concern as I had. She’s particularly burdened about how to make her son follow the right path amid great influences of school friends and classmates. She lamented about what further influences classmates can play over her son’s young mind, who at fourteen, told her - breaking her heart - “Give me my freedom!” But what is freedom, nowadays? Freedom in a free-thinking society is bound to leave you in bondage, quickly afterwards. Freedom is not the right to do or say anything anytime we want to do or say it. It is not a license to do whatever we want to do, or say. Jesuit priest Fr. Pasquale Giordano said during the evangelization talk he gave in 2008 to CFC community: “Freedom

is not found in prejudice, deceit or ignorance but in seeking the truth that leads us towards the Good. In order to grow we must experience freedom but to experience freedom doesn’t mean we do whatever we want to do. To be free is to do good. To be free is to follow the truth. True freedom comes from doing good.” Fr. Giordano especially emphasized during the talk, that: “Those who thought they have freedom because they are doing what they want to do are walking dead.” “And, we have to wake them up!” he added. It is lamentable what ideas this present world is feeding our mind, and our children’s mind. It is likewise lamentable that prayers were removed in schools. It has put children in great danger as they get exposed to the “anything goes thinking” of these times. With God removed from our children’s life, they have no more means for check and balances as they respond to the many ideas of the world that constantly present before them. When my twelve year old son was in third grade, he said softly during dinner: “Mommy, my classmate don’t know how to pray.” Before I can answer “then, teach him,” he already said, “but he knows already, I already taught him how to.” Apparently, when my son made the sign of the cross during lunch his classmate asked what he was doing; He wanted to do the same. My teacher friend said she talked about Jesus in her class and the children were excited to listen. They wanted to hear more from her about God. Just like my son’s classmate and my friend’s students, the children thirst for God. Too bad they were deprived the primary means of knowing God when God was removed in schools fifty years ago. Since then, several schools have become killing fields (and fighting arenas). Now, many children seem uncomfortable to listen to and follow their parents guidance. I was summoned to juvenile court last July. The school may have made the mistake of reporting my son’s absences whom I’ve started to home school. What I saw in court shocked me. Ninetten, eighteen, seventeen, fourteen, thirteen and twelve

Through the years, the De la Rosa family handled the bulk of the subscription, mailing and distribution of copies of the Manila Mail I started helping out with circulation back in 1993. Back then, the mailing of the Manila Mail subscription copies was done at the United States Postal Service in Merrifield, Virginia. My grandmother, Lola Sarah Joaquin (now deceased), did a database of the more than 500 subscribers through the third class bulk rate. Every two weeks, Lola Sarah printed out the list of subscribers and help me out to paste the labels on each copy. I would then sort out the zip codes as to where they will be mailed and put them in five sacks: one for out-of-town subscribers and the rest for those living in the D.C area. This was a time-consuming and tedious process but as the years went by, I got used to this process. Since it was a third class rate system, it didn’t get to the sub-

scribers on time. So Lola was the receiver of a lot of complaints from disgruntled subscribers, the complaints range from exasperation to the downright inane. But she was entertaining and very patient with each caller, she even found them amusing. A lot were surprised later that they were venting out their complaints to the great icon of the Philippine theater. But when the postage rate increased in 2008, it was then decided that only a handful of subscribers who renewed their subscription would get the Manila Mail and the mailing is still done at the local post office. The Forex Organization was doing the local and out-of-state distribution of the newspaper from 1991until 2008. Then my mom Jojo and I took on this task and still do to this day. Every two weeks, I help out my mom in delivering the papers at the Philippine Embassy and the various Filipino stores and businesses throughout the D.C.-area. Lately, Rey Fabella, Cargo Plus, Manila Forwarders

Corp. and Edwards Travel in Virginia Beach are assisting us in distributing to more places. Every time I deliver at Manila Oriental it pleases very much when the patrons are glad to see the Manila Mail arrives. They look forward to reading it and they give me very good feedback on Manila Mail. I also get the same feedback from the different businesses. I have enjoyed doing the distribution/ circulation for many years now. My mom Jojo has been doing the advertising for many years as well. At first it was a challenge for her to get ads from the local businesses but over the years she has built a base of loyal advertisers who still continue to do so. Bu it still is a challenge for her to get new advertisers sometimes but with her persistence and engaging charm, she gets ads. As the Manila Mail celebrates another milestone-its 22nd anniversary., my mom and I are very proud and honored to be a part of the only Filipino newspaper in town.

Winona “Nona” Cueva, the newest member of the Manila Mail, is shown 6th from left. Others are (seated) Lito Katigbak, Bill Branigin, (standing) Bing C. Branigin, Bert, Myrna Lopez, Nona, Rodney J. Jaleco and Angelyn T. Marzan. than one click away from getting truck to as far south as Florida , the freshest and most reliable Georgia and the Carolina ’s, and points north beyond Baltimore . news that matter to them. The Manila Mail has also He also serves MFC customers secured the help of Rey and all over Maryland , Washington Menchu Castro of the Lorton- DC and Virginia . He’s volunbased Manila Forwarders Corp. teered to drop off copies of the USA to help spread the Manila Manila Mail and liaise with FilMail over a wider swath of Ams in the places he visits. America . Manila Mail is now earRey Castro is the human nestly building bridges farther dynamo behind MFC and is away from the nation’s capital, now also the human dynamo of on the proposition that Filipinos Manila Mail. He will backstop are bound by a common need the Manila Mail’s hardworking and united in their vision of what circulation chief Jojo dela Rosa public service should look like. to ensure the widest possible disBut Nona and Rey are just semination for the paper. two people, volunteers who’ve Rey drives the company committed to serving the needs

of Manila Mail readers and the Fil-Am community – but ultimately, it will be you, our beloved constituents who will carry your Manila Mail forward to the next 2 decades. “I was riding the bus and I noticed how our kababayans kept a copy of the Manila Mail tucked under their arms,” Nona recounted her first “encounter” with the Manila Mail. “They would take them from the Filipino store and into their homes, and I was amazed how that paper would be passed on from one Filipino to another, and I became curious what it was about.” When she got to learn more about the Manila Mail, Nona said she tried to find a way to join it. And now she’s part of this exciting venture. Perhaps significantly, Newsweek Magazine announced recently it was ending its printed version and concentrate instead on their online edition. Nona, who once had a passion for studying the constellation and how they seem to intersect with human destiny, has found another star to pursue and like all the other volunteers of Manila Mail, it is a discovery and a voyage we share with our readers.

year old boys were led by a cop alternately in front of the judge as their case numbers were called, their hands at their back, handcuffed. My heart broke not just for the small twelve year

They wouldn’t be there had they received proper supervision; had they been constantly shown what’s right and wrong they wouldn’t make mistakes that are deserving imprisonment.

The ‘Mail’s newest... from page 25

old boy who was still in white polo shirt uniform, and not just for the thirteen or fourteen year old boys, who looked pitiful with their hands bounded at their back, but for all of them.

November 15, 2012

Public service & social responsibility By Enrico (Erick) C. Soriano, Esq. The election is finally over, and it’s time to focus on nationbuilding and public service. Like many of you, I have always believed that public service and social responsibility go hand-inhand with professional pursuits, whatever those may be. I believe very strongly that those who are in a position to give should give back. There are innumerable opportunities out there—thousands of charitable organizations that need help, hundreds of thousands of worthy causes in which to get engaged, and millions of people who require assistance in one form or another. As members of the AsianAmerican and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community and as Filipino-Americans, there are many ways in which we can become engaged in pursuits that benefit our communities and advance those causes that are critical to our survival and success as ethnic minorities in the U.S. and beyond. We must remain engaged, and we must give back, for our sake and the sake of those who will follow in our footsteps. I remember my first few years as a neophyte attorney working for one of the nation’s preeminent law firms. In the law firm’s D.C. satellite office where I was assigned, there were over 200 attorneys (out of over 1,000 worldwide), yet I could count in one hand the number of AAPI associates, several of whom ended up leaving the law firm after a couple of years because they felt isolated. Later, when I moved to another very large international law firm with close to 700 attorneys, I was aghast to find out that there were no more than two partners of Asian-Pacific Islander descent out of over 150 partners. When I became a partner with another large law firm, I found it disconcerting that I was the only Asian partner in the law firm’s D.C. office. Significantly, throughout the course of my law career, I could not find a single AAPI partner who was in a position to serve as my de facto mentor, so I did it all on my own—and not by choice. It was a very long, lonely climb, and many times I wished I had someone who looked like me who was willing to guide me along the way. This experience shaped my view towards social responsibility, and triggered my desire to become intimately and actively engaged in public service. I promised myself that, if given the opportunity, I would make sure that I gave back so that I could help my own com-

munity. Giving back takes many forms. In my particular case, giving back means providing free (so-called pro bono), legal services to those in need. For example, I provide pro bono representation to several AAPIcentric nonprofit and miscellaneous other charitable organizations in whose missions I believe. I represent the Pan Pacific American Leaders and Mentors (PPALM), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization headed by Maj. Gen. Tony Taguba (a tireless Fil-Am and a great friend of mine) that, among other things, provides critical mentorship to AAPI members of the U.S. military. I also represent the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization of the highest ranking AAPI career and appointed executives, foreign service officers, legislative and judiciary members, and military officers in government—a model organization that is invaluable to those who work in government. Likewise, I am General Counsel to the National Veterans Network (NVN), an umbrella organization encompassing at least 24 Japanese U.S. veterans organization s nationwide, and which is actively engaged in recognizing and memorializing the significant contributions of Japanese Nisei veterans during WWII. There are several other nonprofit organizations to which I provide pro bono legal services, but they are too many to mention here. Suffice it to say that these organizations are all driven by a genuine desire to make this world a better place for our generation and beyond. Public service and social responsibility should have a place in our hearts. In recent months, I saw thousands upon thousands of unpaid volunteers in Virginia, young and old, campaigning, canvassing, and making phone calls on behalf of their presidential candidates— relentless, passionate, and principled people who demonstrated social responsibility in its purest. I saw first-hand FilipinoAmericans that were politically engaged, especially in the Northern Virginia-Norfolk-Virginia Beach area. Now that the election is over with the reelection of Pres. Barack Obama, there are literally countless of opportunities for us to engage in activities beyond political volunnteerism that benefit our people and our nation. Let us be more engaged as AAPIs and let’s give back. We owe it to ourselves and we owe it the next generation who will inherit this earth.

My Pride and Joy HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MANILA MAIL!!! I just can’t believe I’ve been writing my Real Deal column for almost four years. I still remember when I quit my very-good- paying-fulltime-job in 2008 to concentrate in real estate while it’s crashing (yes, that’s how brave and silly I am). I was so scared but ready to conquer the world. I presented a write up to Tito Bert (Manila Mail editor) about short sales hoping he will like my style of rusty Journalism talent during my High School and College days. I convinced him that it was really timely so our “kababayans” will be aware of what is going on in the housing market and take necessary precautions. Yes, my convincing power works and the rest is history. Thank you Manila Mail for this opportunity and to all readers of my column who have consistently following and giving me feedbacks on how I was able to help them. You guys are truly my pride and joy!! Let’s do a little bit of segue in here, since it is our Anniversary issue, I will relax a little bit and talk about my personal pride and joy, my kids. I was blessed to have three beautiful kind hearted kids. My only girl Joyce grew up to be a responsible Ate and it’s been two years when she left the house to start her own life. The two boys are now in the Philippines, the older one Ralph is about to finish College in De La Salle –CSB and playing Varsity soccer under full scholarship. OJ, my Azkals youngest player just graduated HS from Falls Church and have been going back and forth to the Philippines since he was 16 to play for the National Football Team; juggled between SEA games and international friendlies while playing DC United Academy here. The time has come, it was a very difficult family decision but OJ will be frustrated and devastated if we say no. He left right after graduation with a solid promise that he will finish his college there while playing with AZKALS and KAYA, one of the

local teams. For the past couple of years, I shared the limelight with him. I started with an interview from ABS CBN correspondent Rodney Jaleco and that footage was even aired in Balitang America and TV patrol. I was interviewed by local sports newspapers here about how OJ started and just recently, he was featured in Potomac Soccer Wire by Chris Boehm which started: “It’s not often that a player stars for his varsity soccer team while at the same time building a career at the international level, but for more than a year, O.J. Porteria has been doing exactly that – and the national team in question just happens to be halfway across the world.” I used to print all write ups about OJ even if it is just a one liner until I lost track and count. Raymond Torrecampo, one of Sports Analyst in the Philippines compared OJ to some great football players in Europe and he’s hailed as “The Future of the Philippine Football” by Sports Analysts. Coach Michael Weiss, named OJ as one of his two best bet among the young Azkals and described OJ as composed and mature on the field considering he is only 18. OJ receives numerous invitations, honors and recognitions here and even in Cavite to inspire youth in playing sports. I am always the “dakilang alalay” or stage mom however you want to call it. Whenever OJ is on the field just playing or scoring a goal, commentators in the Philippines did not forget to mention my name, Falls Church VA and Gen. Trias, Cavite, our hometown. Friends and families teasing me that I paid them to do that. OJ’s dad is even complaining “may tatay yan bakit laging yung

nanay binabanggit?” My facebook and twitter accounts are full of OJ’s videos and write ups about him. Whenever I see him on TV with a big grin on his face and flashing smile, I remember all those struggling days, trips, long drives, no holidays because of soccer tournaments, doctor visit because of injuries. Everything is paid off; this is what he wants to do, to play for his country and was given to him at a very young age. I know some parents are kind of shy bragging about their kids but I’m not. The pride and joy they are giving us are priceless!! “Di kayang pantayan at di kayang kunin at bilhin.” This is the essence of being a parent and our huge accomplishment because what they are now is how we brought them up. I’m always teary eyed whenever I see OJ on TV and crying every time I step in the house and all of them are not there and starting their own lives. But deep inside me, I am so happy that they grew up as fine young people the way I pictured them when they were babies; and each one of them bring me so much pride and joy. Note: Jocelyn Porteria is a Realtor® licensed in VA. She earned a designation of ABR, GRN Accredited Buyer’s Specialist and GREEN Designation, CDPE Certified Distressed Property and Short Sale Expert, (SFR) Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource. For more info, visit her website at www.jprealdeal. com or call her at 571-432-8335 or email at realdealconsulting@yahoo. com for a free confidential evaluation of your individual situation, property value, and possible options. She is also an accredited agent of Ayala Land, SM Residences and Century Properties in the Philippines.

Manila Oriental, new location Every time you enter the store, you will be greeted by pleasant smiles from “Ate Cristy”; as everybody calls her and her better half, “Kuya Emil”. The husband and wife team who own Manila Oriental Store in Springfield VA. formerly located in Bailey’s Crossroads in Falls Church. Real names Emil and Cristina Zerrudo were already businessmen way back in the Philippines but were employed as a

Projectionist in a movie theater and a Nursing Assistant respectively when they entered US in 1985. Once a businessman always a businessman is an old cliché but goes with the couple. They decided to put up an oriental store called Maharlika in 1995 with other members of the family as partners in Oxon Hill until they were ready to put up their own Manila Oriental in Falls Church. The location was perfect and they even miss that store

up to now after staying there for over 15 years. They moved to Springfield location for a year now. Both devoted Born Again Christians, the couple firmly believe that the Lord leads them to this kind of business where they can share Filipino products, food and entertainment as well as forms of communications not only to Filipinos but also Americans and other nationalities that love Philippines as well.

November 15, 2012

Manila Mail: 22nd Anniversary

T Balou Aquino Ramos Alfafara Hermosisima Montera Lopez

y friends meet Balou. With a name like that how can he win? Because I won’t let him lose. I dreamt of having my own ‘Lassie’ ever since that TV pooch started rescuing everyone in sight. It seemed she was surrounded by danger and bad people all the time. I was disappointed to learn ‘Lassie’ is a feminine nickname and that ‘she’ was a ‘he’ that the producers passed for a ‘she’. That was extremely confusing for a girl from Lipa, Batangas. When our children were growing up, Mitch and I refused to give in to their numerous requests for a pet dog. The flames of my romance with ‘Lassie’ had waned by then, doused by the reality of how lopsided such a relationship could be. Friends and acquaintances were free with unsolicited advice on the vicissitudes of pet-ownership. That ranked just a tad lower than swimming pool- ownership. It was unfair of our son to circumvent that decision by asking his girlfriend to gift him with a puppy on his birthday three years ago. A knock on our sitting room was followed by a pair of arms that cradled a white fluffy ball that wiggled. A small puppy face emerged from under its folded arms and looked straight at me. I must have looked fierce because it whimpered and dug deeper into my son’s arms. We initially named him ‘Blue’ but my son changed it to Balou. Mitch and I were sorely put upon. The first time I carried him, I squelched the urge to fling him from me. The dog fur and the cold wet nose were alien sensations. Mitch refused to touch him without donning latex gloves. If you haven’t raised a puppy, you would not understand the enormous amount of patience extorted from you. You don’t have any say in the matter. It is dependent on you for its very existence. It destroys half of your house, not out of malice but out of the need to scratch and chew in order to exercise its nails and teeth. It is also the way of spend-

ing excess energy and stress, the angst-driven teen-age years. You love it anyway. Balou is now three years old. He is a pure-bred mutt. We have no idea what he is. And we don’t care. He is neurotic and suspicious. Our dog-walker, who also trains him to be less frantic around people and other dogs, thinks he has some personality traits of a herder. His instinct makes him alert to any and all noise and danger. But unlike a herder who tends to nip at heels, Balou is very gentle especially around our young grandsons. He is skittish around unfamiliar people and barks at the oddest provocation. He has definite favorites in our neighborhood. Some he dislikes on sight. Mitch and I are convinced he must have encountered them in a previous life, and that encounter was not a good one. We did not expect to love Balou as much as we have. Now we cannot imagine a day without him. We find ourselves talking to him. He listens and sings his replies. Some days we get a whole aria, and some days we get a cold nose. We don’t know how he senses we hate to be ‘kissed’ (licked in Balou lingo), so he ‘kisses’ the air around our faces instead. We have resorted to spelling some words just like we did when the children were young and we needed to keep some secrets. Nevertheless, our body language must give us away. He is the first to the door, beside himself with excitement even without our invitation, ‘Let’s Go!’ His vocabulary is limited to GO, STAY, DOWN, SHAKE HANDS, SIT; but unspoken words delivered by infinitesimal facial expressions are like bolts of lightning. Balou waits until Mitch finishes with dinner before he goes back to his bowl and finishes what is left from his day’s ration. The final clang of fork and spoon on the plate signals no-you-ain’tgonna-have-any-left-overs. So he finishes his meal of dog food, tuna, napa cabbage, and a whole carrot. It is heart-wrenching to

he Manila Mail has been in existence in the Metro Washington, D.C. area for more than two decades now. It has endured the test of time come rain, come shine, blizzard, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, flood, windstorm, and the likes of Irene, Katrina and Sandy. Not even the horrific and abhorrent 9/11/01 attacks in the East Coast deterred the publication of this newspaper. Editor-in-Chief Bert Alfaro was so determined to meet the challenge, and he did.

After the electric power

has been restored caused by the terrible Sandy two weeks ago, I found the chance to start clipping my articles, the Kutitap. Since I started writing it, I just piled them up away in my computer room. The pile has grown real tall now and has to be clipped, but first the organization: 1) arrange them in chronological order to make sure that I have a copy of every issue; 2) take note of those missing issues and; 3) get copies of them from the MM archive; 4) then, clip them carefully including the dates; 5) re-pile them up in a box; 6) the final stage would be to put them loosely in a scrap book; 7) and the finished product would be in a book form. Three years ago, a friend of mine in the university where I worked offered to help me with this project. She worked in a library before and was excited to do this with me. In the course of organizing this task, I got hold of my very first article. The date was June 15, 2004 and it was about the Philippine Independence celebration in Washington, D.C. I could not believe that I’ve been writing my column for eight years now! How time flies. I actually enjoyed reading the back copies and I was re-living the past. How can I finish the clippings if I read them all? I mused. I then found the one and only that I wrote in Tagalog. It was amusing to me as the reader and as the writer. Living in America for about thirty years now and unaware, the spoken language at home has become real “Taglish.” It was understandable because we were both non- American parents, but with our children around, the communication was almost all English but they have not forgotten their native tongue. They can easily switch form Tagalog to English and vice-versa. However, I am most happy with the outcome of having a convenient culture at home, a fusion of the East and the West in terms of foods and sense of values (fortunately the best from both cultures), the combination in which

see his defeated hangdog attitude but we were cautioned against giving him table food. Of course we sneak him some boiled meats set aside before seasoning.

Balou is now a permanent fixture in the Lopez household, much to the dismay of our daughters. They blame him for the now less-than-perfect home they grew up in. We understand

The Manila Mail was Born The Manila Mail was Bert Alfaro and Bert Alfaro was The Manila Mail. Nothing separated them since its inception in 1991, ill or not. The idea came about while a group of about ten Washingtonians played card games over beer one afternoon in November. Thereafter, they continued to meet to finalize the plans, organization and management of running the bi-monthly newspaper. “The Manila Mail” was born and of course, Bert was unanimously chosen as its editor-in-chief. After all, he was a veteran newspaperman who was on assignment in Washington, D.C. since 1982. The newspaper was to be distributed in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. Call it serendipity the Filipino American community was the recipient of this luck.

Matira Ang Matibay About three other newspapers were at one point circulated in Metro Washington, but one by one they were no longer found in the Filipino and other Asian stores. The nation’s economic instability has hit everyone, personal and business and the cost of everything has gone up including the printing materials. Luckily, our newspaper has maintained its sustainability due to the continued support from the loyal old and new advertisers, volunteer reporters and columnists. The MM has maintained a wonderful symbiotic relationship with the community - we provided them with PH and local news and entertainment that they enjoyed reading. This became their source of information as they look forward to a getting a copy of every issue. Furthermore, it has a professional format with a pack of talented writers. The front page has an attractive appeal, definitely, not the tabloid type. Needless to say, “Natira ang matibay!”

My Project

was priceless. Going back to this project of clipping my articles, see what happens if and when I read my past columns? My mind gets pregnant and the juice from my brains ooze with all the stuff connected to a theme. I guess I am a good example of the book that I read before entitled, “Men are Waffles and Women are Spaghetti.” Based on scientific findings, the brains of women work differently from the men in terms of how they perceive, regard and handle things in everyday life. Just imagine the shapes of the waffles and spaghetti and you’ll get the message here. I often see things beyond a topic or an object but nevertheless, I don’t deny that there are always the pros and cons in this kind of mindset.

What Was my Topic About? Of course, the Manila Mail’s 22nd Anniversary! My mind is still focused on the topic. On this occasion, I wish our amiable Editor -in-Chief, Bert Alfaro the best of everything. His new title now is the Editor-in Chief Emeritus, as announced by Atty. Warie Azarcon, the President of the Manila Mail Communications, Inc. Alfaro is not completely out of sight. His presence will still be much felt within the Manila Mail family and the Filipino American community. I’ve known him since 1982, when I first arrived in Virginia, as a man of substance but was very modest and unassuming. He talked less but when he opened his mouth there’s so much wisdom in his words. All the Ambassador s at the Embassy of the Philippines knew him as he locally covered the media tasks at different capacities and levels since 1982. He truly deserves to have more personal time now and enjoy the bliss of doing anything he wanted most. Even doing nothing is considered as a luxury if one has led a very taxing and busy life. The “I have to” is now replaced with “I want to.” I also want to give Rodney

Continued on page 46 their disappointment, but that’s how it is – Balou is here to stay. And, oh, the latex gloves have been discarded. Send comments to: myrnamlopez2012@yahoo.com

42 Editorial

November 15, 2012

22nd year and running Today, November 15, marks the launching of the longest-running Filipino American fortnightly newspaper in the greater Washington D.C. area – the “Manila Mail”. It was on this day 22 years ago that a group of Filipinos started the newspaper to provide the community with a medium of information and a voice in the nation’s capital. This was the principal mission of the “Manila Mail.” As the editorial in the first issue said, it would be an impartial and independent newspaper that would adhere to all the tenets of journalism and not be beholden to anyone except to the community that it served. Since its start, the newspaper was dependent on advertising revenues to keep it running and editorial staffers who gave their services without expecting any compensation except the thought that they are doing something good for the growing Filipino American community. The “Manila Mail” is proud that its volunteer editors, some of them still involved in its operation today, followed this mission to the letter. The newspaper, unlike other dispenser of news, provided the community not only with information about community events occurring in and around Washington, D.C. but also in the United States and the Philippines. Through the years, the “Manila Mail” has gained the respect of the community and the US government. The latter has given members of its editorial staff accreditation to cover events in the White House, Congress, the State and Defense departments, and other major agencies of the government. The newspaper has been at the forefront of the campaign by the community to help the Filipino veterans of World War II gain recognition and benefits for their contribution to the war effort; to prod Filipino Americans to register and vote in elections; promote the unity of Filipinos in the US and other major causes. It is therefore with pride that we begin our 22nd year of a publication dependent on advertising revenues for its day-to-day operations and editorial staffers who do not expect any remuneration except for the satisfaction that they are doing something good for the community.

Manila Times

Washington Tsismis

The winner is…Barack!

ongratulations to me. Wow, the 22nd anniversary of the Manila Mail on Nov. 15 is indeed more memorable than past celebrations. It was preceded by the hotly contested and most expensive ($2 billion?) campaign spending for the Nov. 6 presidential election and the memorable Frankenstorm, Superstorm, Monster Storm Sandy that wreaked havoc in New York city and raised false alarums in DC, Maryland and Virginia. The anniversary also means that most members of the Tsismoso storm troopers, including yours truly, have added one more year to their already aging frames. But don’t be alarmed, my dear followers. The captain of the Tsismoso Storm Troopers is making sure that more young members will be conscripted or have already joined to carry on the flag and keep it alive for the next several years. *** Tsismoso and his followers congratulate the winners in the Nov. 6 election. Because of our deadline, He, he he to Pinoys who voted for the winner and boohoo to those who campaigned for. Now its time to forget the past and look forward to the future. The much-ballyhooed “deciding” votes from Pinoys and AsianAms turned out to be mere figments of the imagination of which there was plenty. *** And now let’s go to Sandy who for the first time in history led Philippine Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. to issue a statement asking Filipinos to be prepared for the onslaught of Mother Nature. The latest news is that no Filipino Americans, Filipinos or dual citizens have become casualties. For Washingtonians, at least, it was not so bad. In fact, some Pinoys are denouncing the shrill alarums from the media – both TV and print – about the need to stack up on water, food, flashlights, candles etcetera because of the Super Storm Sandy. They warned of 8 to 10 inches of rain which turned out to be less than 5 in most areas. They warned of flash floods that turned out to be a flush on the pan. They warned of high winds

that will top gusts of 70 MPH. An army of tree cutters were assembled to handle the expected thousands of trees that will be felled by the storm. For Tsismosos and Tsismosas who have experienced super typhoons in the Philippines with up to 150 MPH (miles per hour, tanga) winds it was a cakewalk. The media, particularly TV stations, created a sort of panic that emptied the shelves of supermarkets and home depots. Instead of telling people how to cope with Mother Nature, they exaggerated the expected results, creating panic among the people. *** The American electorate picked a number of senators for the incoming US Congress. In the Philippines, the senatorial campaign is on for the May mid-term election that includes congressmen, governors and local officials. As the campaign begun, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago made the following observation in her recent meeting with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines: (For those who do not understand Tagalog, please consult your Filipino friends): or girlfriend to translate). “Ang sarap maging senador,” she said: Maganda rin naman ang naidudulot ng pagiging prangka ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Ayon kay Santiago , marami ang tumatakbong Senador dahil sa laki ng budget na ibinibigay sa kanila kada buwan. Lumalabas na P35,000 ($875)suweldo nila kada buwan ay pakitang-tao lang sa milyun-milyong budget_ ng bawat senador... Kada buwan ay may Fixed Monthly Budget ang bawat Senador ng humigitkumulang P2 Milyon (exchange rate is P40 to $1. Sa opisina pa lang nila ay humigitkumulang P500,000 ang budget nila sa Maintenance and Operating Expenses (Rental, Utilities, Supplies at Domestic Travels) at P500,000 para sa Staff at Personal expenses. Kaya para makatipid ang ibang Senador, kaunti lang ang staff na kinukuha nila.

Opinion 43

November 15, 2012

Morning after pill

O Walking the Talk of Empowerment

heard the news of Alex Esclamado’s death the day before the November 6 Elections, before millions of people across the country went to the polls to cast their ballots. As I had been doing for 60 days since September, I was knocking on doors in Allentown , PA. , urging residents to go out and vote. To those who weren’t too keen on voting at all, I stressed the importance of being engaged in an event that could determine their future. You have power in your hands to make this happen, I tried to convince them. The night before Election 2012, as I reflected on Alex Esclamado’s passing, it didn’t take long for me to realize how this man inspired me to take up his crusade for Filipino American empowerment 15 years ago. Such that I even quit my university job of 27 years, a decision that caused tensions in my marriage but one I never regretted. For it was Alex, the driving force behind NaFFAA’s formation, who made believers out of a skeptical community when he proposed a grand notion that unification behind the idea of political empowerment is possible. It may have sounded like an “impossible dream” then, given what observers call our “fractiousness,” but it’s turning out not to be impossible after all. As I made my last round of door knocks on Tuesday, I felt the toll on my feet and bare knuckles. Miles of walking from street to street in all kinds of weather and knocking on more than a thousand doors in all kinds of neighborhoods, had been hard on this aging body. But the spirit to go on, to engage yet another person with a reminder or a nudge, remained strong. I was, in a positive sense, part of that ground game the pundits and pollsters talked so much about that ultimately made a difference. It was the same spirit that spurred me to walk along Alex Esclamado on the hallways of Capitol Hill during those months when NaFFAA made justice and equity for Filipino World War II veterans a national rallying cry. For several days during one legislative session, we visited congressional offices non-stop,

lugging binders of materials that were carefully put together the night before. I saw Alex up close and personal, driven to engage yet another Senator or House member, urging them to sign on as a sponsor after taking pains to explain why it’s a matter of honor for the U.S. to pass the equity bill. I remember staying up with him till 4 o’clock in the morning after picking up boxes of printed material from Kinkos and then collating them at the NaFFAA office. Alex, who was 15 years older than me, showed more zest and stamina in his dogged determination to get out the votes for the veterans bill. He never slowed down even as I tried to catch my breath. Gloria Caoile, NaFFAA’s first national vice chair, will attest to this. Soon as NaFFAA was formed in August 1997, we hit the ground running. Alex secured the money right away to rent an office near the White House. He grasped how politically essential it was to have NaFFAA’s national headquarters in the nation’s capital, with a fulltime executive director and staff. To be at the table, for all intents and purposes, means having access to those in power. In practical sense, it means being visible in policy-making circles and being able to publicly articulate our issues and concerns. With Gloria’s connections inside the Clinton administration, we were able sit down with high-ranking White House officials. As Gloria puts it, “we were in their radar screen.” It may have taken 12 years after NaFFAA’s formation for the US Congress to finally pass a veterans equity bill, but the seeds of political empowerment sown in 1997 are finally beginning to bear fruit. Throughout our lobbying, we have learned that unless Filipino Americans are registered as American voters, we don’t have any voice as far as politicians are concerned. It’s not enough that Rep. Bob Filner of San Diego championed veterans rights because a large number of Filipinos are registered voters. Our

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n the eve of the elections, a friend of mine who is a true blue Democrat called and proposed a friendly bet. I didn’t bite. I told him that if history were to be the gauge for predicting the winner, the incumbent would lose in a landslide. Voters did not forgive Jimmy Carter and George H. Bush for the dismal economy that hounded their reelection campaign and both lost to their challengers decisively. I expected this year’s presidential election not to follow electoral patterns in the past. We have black American voters who delivered close to 95% of their votes for Pres. Obama four years ago. If you have that close to 100% of a racial group vote for one of their own, it means that the record of the candidate doesn’t matter. Racial pride will overcome misgivings about high unemployment and poverty rate in the black community. That’s almost 13% of the votes in the bag without sweating for them on the campaign trail. Then there’s the Hispanics who also went for Obama in 2008 giving him almost 70% of their votes. Although they are socially conservative, they have

not been receptive to the Republican Party’s emphasis on promoting legal immigration and not providing light at the end of the tunnel for undocumented aliens. Some estimates put their number at approximately 8% of the voting population. The polls put Obama and Romney close within the margin of error. I was afraid that any inroads Romney may have made with independents could be easily neutralized by Obama’s overwhelming advantage among black Americans and Hispanic voters. And so I declined the friendly bet. My heart was with Romney, but my head just could not calculate a certain outcome to support a bet, even for a bitter cup of coffee to the loser musing now for the Republicans? Romney was quoted early in his campaign calculating that if he does not do a lot better with Hispanics than John McCain did four years earlier, he will not

win. Sadly he was right. Republicans must confront the controversial issue of what to do with undocumented aliens as part of a comprehensive immigration reform. It is not as simple as it seems. Granting legal status to undocumented aliens has economic consequences. The public must be made to understand the costs and benefits, including the negative or positive impact on the employment picture. Crafting a solution must start with the acceptance of the reality that the government does not have the resources to physically remove all persons who remain in the US without valid status. Next you consider the humanitarian aspect, that most of these people who have left their homeland and take a chance in America just want a better life for themselves and their families. America is a welcoming society.

good product, a compelling message and a grassroots network. I had told some Republican friends about how impressed I was that a small army of Obama volunteers stalked me and other newly-minted American citizens as we took our oath at an Arlington, Va. high school. They assured me there were also Romney workers there. I relented. I just probably didn’t see them. But they must have been very few for me to miss them. Now, I’m thinking, it could all have been a bluff. In fact, the Obama volunteers seemed to be everywhere and I wondered that if the GOP base was more fired up than Democrats, according to some news reports, why didn’t I see any of them outside Giant stores, in malls, on parking lots and Metro stops like those pesky Obama volunteers? Or why didn’t they call at my home, the frequency mounting as Election Day drew nearer, just like those sweet-sounding

Obama phone-bankers who sometimes spoke English with a faint but distinctive Filipino accent. And on Election Day, why didn’t they have a smartlydressed young man knocking on my door, asking if we’d voted or if we needed a ride to the voting precint, making sure to ask if we’re voting for Obama? They paid a visit three times that day, the last shortly before 7 o’clock when the polls were scheduled to close, catching me getting back in after casting my ballot. They reminded me of cowboys rounding up stragglervoters as if each one was so important, he could well spell the difference between victory and defeat. At Mass on the last Sunday before the elections, the priest read a letter from Arlington Bishop Paul Loverde, reminding his flock to vote for the candidates who embodied the teachings of the Roman Catholic

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It’s ok to get a manicure

asting my first ballot in America was a learning experience, giving me the opportunity to observe up close how what many regard as the world’s most advanced democracy does it. Leading up to Nov. 6, watching one negative ad after another was sheer torture. They were unforgiving, relentless and expensive – much of the nearly $2 billion President Obama and ex-Gov. Mitt Romney went to advertising. If the congressional, state and local campaigns are taken into account, some estimates ran the tab to as high as $6 billion. They don’t call America the wealthiest nation for nothing. We watched the three presidential debates as well as that between Vice Pres. Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan, and went to bed entertained but no more informed about what they’d actually solve the nation’s problems. It takes money to run for office but I’m not sure what those big donors, especially those ROIconscious corporate types, get out of plunking millions of dollars for someone’s campaign kitty. Money talks but so does a

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November 15, 2012 Immigration Notes

By J. G. Azarcon, Esq.

Enrile rewrites history MANILA he principal architect and administrator of Ferdinand Marcos’s martial rule in the Philippines is out to revise history. And he might succeed in doing so. Juan Ponce Enrile, currently the Senate President here, has just written his memoirs. In it, reports say, he washes his hands of all liability for the evils that martial rule wrought on the Filipino people and nation. Like Pontius Pilate during Jesus Christ’s trial, Enrile blames all others but himself. By the way, I say “reports say” in the previous paragraph because I have no intention of reading this guy’s rewritten history. I am a nobody, but I will not soil my hands by holding this guy’s revised account of what transpired before, during and after martial rule, a dark period in Philippine history where many Filipinos gave up their careers and even lives in opposition to Marcos and his henchmen like Enrile. These martyrs of course include Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who was murdered at Manila International Airport in 1983. Ninoy is the father and namesake of the current president, Benigno Aquino III. On the day Marcos imposed martial law on the Philippines, Sept. 22, 1972, an incident involving Enrile helped to precipitate Marcos’s heavy-handed clampdown on civil rights in the country. Enrile, who was then secretary of defense, was ambushed at a swank golf club, his official car sprayed with bullets by unknown assailants. Enrile survived the attack, but Marcos used the incident as a justification for making martial rule the law of the land. Key opposition politicians, again including or foremost of whom was Ninoy Aquino, were rounded up. Publishers of the major newspapers and their senior reporters and columnists were immediately thrown in jail. Other activists were caught in the dragnet too. Many of the imprisoned politicians, newspapermen and activists would languish in jail. Ninoy Aquino rotted in a detention camp for seven years, but was given a medical furlough to seek care for a weakened heart in the United States. Many in

the Washington area remember Aquino from those years when, with Raul Manglapus and other activists, nagged the American government to unlock itself from its unholy embrace of the despot Marcos. Marcos would rule the Philippines with the heavy hand of martial law for another 14 years, on top of the seven years from 1965 to 1972 when he was an elected president. The day Ninoy Aquino was brutally killed on the tarmac of the airport in Manila was the beginning of the end of Marcos. But it would still take another three years and another Aquino (Cory Aquino, Ninoy’s wife and the current president’s mother, would become President after Marcos) to finally get rid of Marcos. In the now-famous People Power revolt of February 1986, Marcos finally turned tail and scurried off to exile in balmy Hawaii, where he would die later. And yet today, Marcos’s chief henchman, his defense secretary Enrile, is alive and kicking. He is today busy rewriting history. Enrile, as martial law administrator, signed all government orders to arrest anyone and everyone that was to be arrested. He signed all orders that padlocked the Congress, newspapers and broadcast stations, and even businesses that didn’t toe the martial-law government’s line. And yet today Enrile claims he was just a minor player following Marcos’s orders. Foremost of his current revisionist handiwork is to deny that his alleged ambush on the day martial rule was imposed was staged by him and Marcos. Yes, it was fake. And Enrile himself said so during the 1986 People Power where he had broken away from Marcos because Marcos at that time had suspected that Enrile was making a move against him and Marcos wanted to preempt Enrile’s moves by getting rid of him first. During those times, getting rid of people literally meant killing them. In his new book, Enrile is reported as saying that the ambush was real and not staged as has been widely believed and, indeed, confirmed by Enrile himself in 1986. Enrile may get away

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Approval of petitions after death of relative

n the past, if the petitioner dies while the visa petition is pending, the beneficiary would not be entitled to seek approval of the petition. The law changed with the amendment of Sec. 204(l) of the Immigration Act in 2009. Under current law, an alien seeking immigration benefit through a deceased qualifying relative may obtain approval of a visa petition or adjustment application and refugee/asylee relative petition if the alien meets the following illegibility requirements: Resided in the United States when the qualifying relative died; Continues to reside in the United States on the date of the decision on the pending petition or application; Is at least one of the following: • the beneficiary of a pending or approved immediate relative visa petition;

VISA PRIORITY DATES FOR THE PHILIPPINES DECEMBER 2012 • FAMILY-SPONSORED PREFERENCES First: Unmarried sons/daughters of US citizens Oct. 08, 1997 Second: A: Spouses/minor children of permanent residents: Aug. 22, 2010 B: Unmarried sons/daughters 21 years of age or older of permanent residents Mar. 22, 2002 Third: Married sons/daughters of citizens Aug. 01, 1992 Fourth: Brothers/sisters of citizens Mar. 22, 1989 • EMPLOYMENT-BASED PREFERENCES First: Priority workers Current Second: Professionals holding advanced degrees or persons of exceptional ability Jan. 01, 2012 Third: Skilled workers, professionals Aug. 15, 2006 Other Workers Aug. 15, 2006 Fourth: Current Certain Religious Workers Unavailable Fifth: Employment creation/ (Million or half-million dollar investor) Current • the beneficiary of a pending or approved family-based visa petition, including beneficiary and any derivative beneficiaries; • any derivative beneficiary of a pending or approved employment-based visa-petition; • the beneficiary of appending or approved Form I-730, Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition; • an alien admitted as a derivative “T” or “U” nonimmigrant; or a derivative asylee. The Immigration Service

defines “qualifying relative” as an individual who immediately before death, was: • the petitioner or principal beneficiary in a family-based petition; • the principal beneficiary in an employment-based visa petition; • the petitioner in a refugee/asylee relative petition; • the principal alien admitted as a T or U nonimmigrant; • the principal asylee who was granted asylum.

deliberated. “Contumacious conduct”, the US magistrate fumed.. It “caused direct harm” to martial law victims The court whacked the Marcoses with a daily fine of $100,000 dollars, When the contempt order expired, the tab totaled $353.6 million. Peanuts for the Marcoses? Yet, it could wrest for this penalty a Book of Guinness Record slot. If so, it’d be a homecoming of sorts for Imelda. Until the early 1990s, she and Ferdinand Sr. were a yearly feature in the Guinness section on theft. Ban bannog ti agdil-dillaw, no cadcadduan ti agtactacaw, an Ilocano maxim says. Would Ferdinand Jr please help citizens who can not follow.. “It is useless to criticize if your companion is the thief.” And theft on a grand scale is what the unanimous Supreme

Court decision of July 2003 was all about.( G.R. No. 152154 ) It directed that Marcos secret Swiss deposits, amounting US$658,175,373, be “forfeited in favor of petitioner Republic of the Philippines”. The Swiss government earlier returned the loot. Until that decision, Philippine National Bank, held the boodle in escrow. Imelda, Imee Marcos-Manotoc, Irene Marcos Araneta and Bongbong tried --- but failed --- to add that to their fortunes. Imelda is Waray and may not be familiar with the Ilocano adage. Ti cuarta isu ti naimbag nga agservi, negm dakes nga mangiturong. “Money is a good servant but a bad master.” Imelda earlier this year bitterly complained she’d been robbed. “The Presidential Com-

Those Pesky Proverbs MANILA o Imelda Marcos and Ferdinand Jr. use the same dictionary ordinary Filipinos work by? Read the senator’s delayed reaction to the $354-million contempt judgment, slammed by US Court of Appeals ( 9th circuit) against them. With Mama, “it is my duty to administer the estate’s assets properly”, he said Marcoses would be decisive, when this case is “ filed in the proper court. ( We’ve ) always wanted closure to issues of ill-gotten wealth and human rights violations... Our family also wants the country to move forward...But ( we’d ) would like to see the process done according to law.” Ti aramid ti mangipakita ti kina siasinom, an Ilocano proverb says. “Deeds tell who you are”. The Marcoses tried to secretly ship out of the US , paintings and other artworks, from the contested holdings for a 25 percent tax free share, the court found. That would sandbag an injunction against tapping estate assets while the jury

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November 15, 2012

RATATOUILLE Ratatouille (“ra-tuh-tooee”), is one of the side dishes I served at the 22nd Manila Mail Anniversary party held on Sunday, November 4, 2012. This dish, sautéed in olive oil, is very popular in Southern France and currently has been a fixed menu every Thursday French day in my deli store and likewise has become a favorite dish among my customers. The good thing about this dish is that it can be served hot or served cold as a salad.

Ingredients: vegetable or olive oil for

sautéing 1 cup diced yellow onion 1 cup diced green bell pepper 1 cup diced red bell pepper 1 cup diced eggplant 1 cup diced unpeeled zucchini (or can be cut into small serving pieces) 1/2 cup tomato concassée (see recipe below) salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon chopped rosemary 1/2 teaspoon chopped thyme 1 tablespoon chopped pars-

ley Salt and pepper

Methods: In a non-stick pan, sauté the onions until transparent. Transfer to a big bowl. Sauté the green bell pepper. When cooked, transfer to the bowl with the onions. Wipe the pan clean with paper towels after sautéing each vegetable. Do the same for the red bell pepper and eggplant, then transfer to the same bowl above. Sauté the zucchini and transfer to the same bowl above.

Return the mixed vegetables into same pan and mix in the tomato concassée and tomato paste and cook for two to three minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and add rosemary, thyme and parsley. Serve hot or cold. Tomato Concassée:

Ingredients: 4 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, diced 1 small onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon tomato paste salt and pepper to taste

Methods: Core the tomatoes and score a cross (or an X) on the bottom for easy peeling of the skin. Blanch for 2 to 3 minutes, remove and then immerse in cold water. Peel off any loosened skin using the tip of a small knife. Cut each tomato crosswise, and taking each half in turn, squeeze out any remaining seeds over a bowl. Remove any leftover core. Put each half tomato cutside down on a chopping board and dice. Repeat the process for

the rest of the tomatoes. Sauté the onions until wilted, then add the tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and set aside until needed. Any leftover tomato concassée can be used for any tomato-based dishes such as beef, pork or chicken stew. Editor’s Note: Master Chef Evelyn: 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., 2009, Filipina Women’s Network; MHC Most Outstanding Migrant Award in Culinary Arts, 2011; PAFC Dakila Special Achievement Award, 2011; Owner/Chef, Philippine Oriental Market & Deli, Arlington, Virginia; Founder and President of CHEW (Cancer Help – Eat Well) Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) public charity formed to help and cook pro-bono for Filipino-Americans who are afflicted with cancer and other serious illnesses; Culinary writer; Member, Les Dames d’Escoffier International, Washington DC Chapter; Member, International Cake Exploration Society, Master Chef, French Cuisine and Patisserie, Le Cordon Bleu, London.

ARMY ISSUE Herman Jones, a mountain man, was drafted by the Army. On his first day in boot camp, the Army issued him a comb. That afternoon the Army barber sheared off all his hair. On his second day, the Army issued him a tooth brush. That afternoon the Army dentist yanked seven of his teeth. On his third day the Army issued him a jock strap. The Army is still looking for him.

SO MUCH A Russian, a Cuban, an American and a Mexican are in a train. The Russian takes a bottle of the Best Vodka out of his pack, pours some into a glass, drinks it, and says: “In USSR, we have the best vodka in the world. We have so much of it that we can just throw it away.” After saying that, he threw the bottle out the window. All the others were quite impressed. The Cuban takes out a pack of Havana cigars, lights one and begins to smoke it saying: “In Cuba, we have the best cigars in the world. We have so much of them, that we can just throw them away.”

After saying that, he throws the remaining cigars out the window. Once again, everybody is quite impressed. At this time, the American stands up and just throws the Mexican out the window.

THE ITALIAN A bus stops in Brooklyn and two Italian men get on. They seat themselves, and engage in animated conversation. The lady sitting behind them ignores their conversation at first, but her attention is caught when she hears one of the men say: “Emma come first. Denna I come. Two asses, they come together. I come again. Two asses, they come together again. I come again and pee twice. Then I come one more time.” “You foul-mouthed swine,” retorted the lady indignantly. “In this country we don’t talk about our sex lives in public.” “Hey, cool down lady,” said the man. “Imma just tellin my friend howa to spella Mississippi.”

IN COURT Attorney: How was your

first marriage terminated? Witness: By death. Attorney: And by whose death was it terminated? Witness: Take a guess.

ANONG GAGAWIN Guro: Ikaw Achiles! Anong gagawin mo kapag nasa kalagitnaan ka ng puno ng niyog? Kung aakyat ka pa sa itaas ay lilingkisin ka ng malaking sawa. At kung bababa ka naman ay kakainin ka ng leon. Pancho: Napakadali po, Mam! Guro: Ano nga ang gagawin mo? Pancho: E, di gigising po ako.

MAY UGALI Pasyente: Doc, ano po kaya ang mabuti kong gawin? Sa tuwing ako po ay nakakainom ng alak, kahit na sinong lalaking katabi ko ay aking niyayakap at hinahalikan? Doktor: Aba’y matindi nga ang problema mo, iha. Sandali lang, may kukunin ako sa opisina ko. (Ilang sandali pa, bumalik ang doktor. May dala itong dala-

wang baso at isang bote ng kabubukas pa lang na brandy.) Doktor: Mag-iinuman muna tayo. Miss, para masuri kong mabuti ang sakit mo!

ANG TELEGRAMA Pinag-aaral sa Maynila si James para mahango sa kahirapan ang pamilya. Ngunit, pagbubulakbol lamang ang inatupag. Na-short siya sa pera kaya nagpadala siya ng telegrama sa mga magulang: “Sell our carabao... need money so badly. No money... no son.” Sumawa na ang mga magulang sa pambobola ng anak. Sinagot ang telegrama: “We cannot sell carabao. Carabao better than son.”

SUBTRACTION Teacher: Boboy, halimbawa: mayroon kang limang kambing,

namatay ang isa. Ilan ang natira? Boboy: Mam, wala po! Teacher: Anong wala, e apat ang dapat matira ‘di ba? Boboy: Paano po may matitira. E iyong apat ay nakipaglibing!

MGA BAYANI Tungkol sa moral development values ang paksa sa klase. Guro: Santos, ano ang masasabi mo kay Andres Bonifacio? Santos: Buo po ang loob at siya ang nagtayo ng Katipunan. Guro: Magaling! Ikaw, Cruz, sino ang tinatawag na Utak ng Katipunan? Cruz: Si Emilio Dizon Jacinto po, Mam! Guro: Magaling! Ikaw naman Sanchez, ano ang masasabi mo sa ating mga bayani? Sanchez: Mam, lahat po sila ay patay na!

November 15, 2012

Morning after pill... from page 43 And then you take into account fairness to those who are following the law in their quest for an immigrant visa. Any benefit granted to undocumented aliens must not allow them to jump ahead of the line of those who are following the law and are waiting for their turn. Lastly, you have to take out politics out of the equation. Immigration reform must not result in tilting the scale in favor of one political party in order to

draw support from both sides of the aisle. For undocumented aliens, their primary concern is to be free from fear of removal and be able to earn a living. Granting them immunity from deportation similar to deferred action status and work authorization would be a humanitarian solution. This new protected status should not automatically lead to an immigrant visa or US citizenship as that would be unfair

Walking the Talk... from page 43 numbers simply didn’t translate into political clout in those districts where a congressman’s vote mattered. But this is changing. In Nevada , where the fastest growing Filipino population is concentrated, politicians are finally paying attention. A massive voter registration and get-outthe-vote drive in Alameda , California led to the historic election this year of Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American in the California state assembly. More Filipino Americans are getting elected to public office – a far cry from when we can only talk of Maryland ’s David Valderrama, the first Filipino American legislator in the US mainland. A huge Asian American turn out in the 2012 elections has been hailed historic. “It is a testament

to the growing political power of minority communities,” says Gloria Caoile, the prime mover behind FilAm Vote. “President Obama’s victory is being attributed to the large numbers of Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans, young people and women turning out for him. The political pundits are now recognizing what we have known all along - that there is a shift in the demographics of America . The face of America is changing. By 2050, there will not be a majority population of whites. I will not be around by that time but today we are seeing the beginnings of that trend. The important message here is that it’s not about whites versus non-whites. It is about minority communities being ready to take on the mantle of leadership, that citizenship is

Those Pesky... from page 44 mission on Good Government stole my jewels. They should return them, instead of displaying them in a National Musuem exhibit,” before the Aquino government auctions them off.. The lady wailed about three batches of confiscated gems: ( a) the Malacañang Collection; ( b ) the “Honolulu Batch and ( c ) the Roumeliotes Set”. People Power demonstrators stumbled across 300 gems in Malacanang closets, hours after the Marcoses scrambled aboard Chinook escape helicopters. In Honolulu , the Marcoses kept what they declared: bearer bonds, cash etc. But US customs didn’t look the other way with 278 crates of art, P27.7 million in newly minted currency. There were over 400 jewels stashed among gold bars, wrapped in diaper bags. Half a world away, Philippine authorities nailed Greek national Demetriou Roumeliotes when he tried to smuggle out

60 gems,. A 37 carat diamond, crafted by Bulgari, .is centerpiece. “They were inside a package addressed to Imelda Marcos when seized, “ Arab News reported.. Roumeliotes denied ownership, and later said they were fakes. Nonsene,the reputable auction houses Sotheby’s and Christie’s, snapped.. Imelda agreed. .”The jewelry was taken out of Malacañang presidential palace without knowledge, much less ( with my ) consent, between Feb. 26 and Feb. 27, 1986,”she said in a court petition . The Malacañang Collection and the Roumeliotes Set are in Central Bank vaults today. “These are all mine,” she stressed. What about the “ Honolulu Batch’? Imelda “signed an agreement, with the US government in 1991, giving up the jewels . In exchange, two racketeering cases against her in Honolulu were dropped, “ Arab

Manila Mail: 22nd... from page 41 Jaleco a warm welcome as the new Editor-in-Chief. He told us that he, too, was a man of few words. He said “he writes than delivers speeches.” He had expressed his initial personal commonality with Bert Alfaro

which I thought was most wonderful. Jaleco was definitely not a freshman in this endeavor. His talent came from a journalist parent with a vast experience in the media. I closely noted the recent past Manila Mail’s edito-

for those who have followed the law and are waiting for their turn. Their only way to obtain an immigrant visa and US citizenship would be through the regular process, by family- based or employment- based petition. In this scenario, there will be no new voters to be counted immediately and the political equation will remain undisturbed. If the process is depoliticized, comprehensive immigration reform may have a chance. required of everyone, and that participation in self-government is necessary. It’s what makes democracy work. We are truly proud that our communities are more than ever involved in the political process. It is very exciting to see this.” We thank Alex Esclamado for laying the groundwork early on. As publisher of Philippine News and as NaFFAA’s founder and national chairman, he championed the cause of building power for our community as the only way to influence public policy. I am both honored and humbled to have walked the talk of political empowerment with him. Send your comments to jonmele@aol.com News added.. As public officials ---- Ferdinand Sr was president and Madame Minister of Human Settlements - were of modest means. At least, that was what their income tax reports claimed, the Supreme Court noted . FM’s networth was aP120,000.00 in December, 1965. Between 1965 to 1984, Marcoses reported joint income of P16,408,442. Official salaraies accounted for 16 percent, farm income 9 percent others: 15 percent. .Legal practice crested at a whooping 68 percent. “There is nothing on record (of ) any known Marcos client as he had no known law office. He was barred by law from practicing his law profession during his entire presidency. “ Incredibly, he was still receiving payments almost 20 years after. There are no withholding tax certificates... The joint income tax returns of FM and Imelda cannot, therefore, conceal the skeletons of their kleptocracy” rials that he wrote and I thought that we are in good hands and to add, his The Pinoy Files column was special in terms of substance and style. Hooray, Rodney!

To: All Readers,Volunteers and Supporters of the

It’s ok to get... from page 43 Church. The pastoral letter did not name any candidate or party, and left to parishioners who are opposed to gay marriage, abortion and other issues preoccupying the clergy. In many ways, the experience reminded me of elections back home. The rancor of political battle, the flow of money from often shadowy big-time donors, the mud-slinging, the difficulty of pegging candidates to the specifics of their often grandiose promises, or the ambiguous attempts of the church to sway voters. I heard that in some places, voters could not find their names in the list. In another, voting had to be stopped momentarily because forms distributed in one

school – with the names of congressmen and school and council members – turned out to be for another district. They sounded eerily familiar. Elections are often messy and imperfect, even for the world’s most modern democracy. But even in the most heated exchanges and with stakes so high, the campaign here is never violent. There is a sense that in the exercise of a citizen’s right to choose his nation’s leader, the vote – and the process that underpins this greatest of symbols of freedom – is sacred. Oh yes, another insight I gained from my first time voting in America is that it’s alright to get a manicure before Election Day.

Enrile rewrites... from page 44 with this act of revisionism if his new account of events in 1986 isn’t contradicted by historians and eye-witnesses. Here’s an excerpt from Raymond Bonner’s 1987 book, “Waltzing with a Dictator”: “As the defense secretary’s blue Ford with tinted windows, accompanied by a heavily armed security detail, rounded the back of the Wack Wack Golf Course, gunmen opened fire. Bullets riddled the right front and back doors of the Ford and shattered the windshield. Enrile, however, wasn’t in the Ford, having decided, miraculously it seemed, to ride in his security car. ‘God saved him,’ Enrile’s wife, Christina, told an American official at the time. But God had had nothing to do with it. Marcos and Enrile had staged the ‘ambush,’ as the final justification for martial law. At 9:00 P.M. the order implementing martial law was signed.” As far as I know, this account by Bonner of the New York Times, wasn’t denied or contradicted by Enrile at the time. And indeed, reports at that time had Enrile admitting that the “ambush” was staged. (One of Marcos’s main claims to justify martial rule was that the Communists had gained so much strength that they were a threat to the government and to democracy. In “Waltzing with a Dictator,” author Bonner wonders why, if the Communists were the problem, why was it that the first to be arrested were politicians and journalists, and no Communists?)

Enrile now claims in his new book that the ambush against him was real. What to believe? Either way, Enrile lied. If the ambush wasn’t fake, then he lied during the 1986 People Power revolt, when he said that the ambush was staged. And if the ambush was faked, then he’s lying today when he says otherwise. The question then is, when did Enrile lie? As Senate President, Enrile presided over this year’s impeachment trial and conviction of then-Chief Justice Renato Corona. For running a tight ship during the impeachment trial, Enrile has won plaudits from the public and is currently enjoying good press. And so, while he’s smelling like roses, Enrile is taking advantage of his revived reputation to strike at history and rewrite it. And he might get away with it. Filipinos have a short memory and in the haze of time they might have forgotten the real story of Enrile’s complicity with the despot Marcos to inflict one of the darkest periods of Philippine history upon the Filipino people. And the younger generation of Filipinos today know practically nothing about the wickedness of martial rule, which took place before they were born. So, will Enrile get away with his historical revisionism of erasing his diabolical role in martial rule? Only if we, Filipinos, allow him.

Manila Mail

ing my column, “Kutitap” and I shall continue to do so with my same style of creating warm connections with you. In celebration of Thanksgiving, to all readers of my “Kutitap,”I say, “MARAMING SALAMAT!”

You are all appreciated. With warm thanks to all for your patronage, we shall continue to serve our community by being the source of information of local and Philippine news and entertainment. I have enjoyed writ-

November 15, 2012