Asian Journal Dec 24, 2010 edition

Christmas still brings mystery and magic to

those who believe...p. 17

God’s “Foolishness” at Christmas

... p. 15

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(Continued on page 23)

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Isang maligayang araw ng Pasko ang naging saksi ng malungkot na pagkikita ng dalawang pusong ngayo’y mga kalansay na lamang ng isang kahapon.

Sa dulo ng mahaba’t isang tu-nay na “via crucis” na naranasan niya sa kanyang buhay, si Mario Flor ay sumapit din sa isang Sangang-daan. Waring naguguni-ta pa niya ang pook, tila hindi gaanong nagbago kung iyon nga ang panig sa labas ng lunsod, na di miminsang mag-atas sa kanya upang magpasiya kung siya’y kakaliwa o kakanan. Tumigil siya, sandali, inilibot sa paligid ang masid niya, saka, pagkata-pos, ang isang kapirasong kahoy na may titik na lansangan na ibig

Pasko ng Dalawang PulubiKuwentong Pamasko ni Alberto Segismundo Cruz

nang mahulog sa dating kinapa-pakuang tila bahagyang nasunog, ay tumawag sa kanyang pansin. Nguni’t hindi na niya masinag pa ang mga titik — pinawi na ng panahon.

Hindi nga pagod at pagal sa,

kung minsan, ay maalikabok, at kung magkabihira naman, ay sungkal-sungkal na lansangan ang kanyang dinaramdam. Hindi rin ang tigas ng kalooban mandin ng ilang hindi man lamang naha-bag sa kanya na magpasilong o magpainom ng tubig sa kanilang tahananang nakalulunos sa kalu-luwa niya. At, lalong hindi na ang inabot na kapalaran buhat nang siya’y magkahirap-hirap hang-gang sa napilitang mamundok,

nang dumating ang gulo, ang sanhi’t dahilan ng panghihilak-bot niya, noon.

Walang ibang naririnig siya nang mga sandaling yaon kundi sigaw ng kanyang budhi: “Mario, saan ka magtutungo ngayon? May tahanan ka pa kayang mapapatunguhan? May umaasa pa kaya sa iyong ikaw’y magbabalik? Makikilala ka pa kaya ngayon ng dating mayaya-


December 24 - 30, 2010

Ernie DelfinMsgr. Gutierrez Ogie Cruz


Ang bagong ‘Papa’ ni Madam Auring!!!... p. 21

By Tony Meloto

This is my first Christmas as a senior citizen.

Despite back aches, psoria-sis sores and joint pains due to the cold weather and lack of sleep, at 60 I do not consider myself old.

Old age is only for those who cannot think young… or dream of tomorrow… or live for a purpose today.

I welcomed in January this new chapter of my life with kape, pandesal and suman with a throng of well-wishers in the streets of Bagong Sil-ang where my Gawad Kalinga journey began.

With me starting his grass-roots campaign was the reluctant candidate destined to be President in six months.

That moment was totally invigorating for me — the scent of hope in the air and the chance for change and new beginnings.

Hope is energy. It is my fountain of youth.

Since then many things have happened to me during the year — learning more life lessons to keep my mind wiser and younger.

In March, together with that reluctant candidate, Reader’s Digest said we were the most trusted men in the country.

I can travel anywhere to help others because my wife knows that after 32 years of marriage she is the only wom-an who can share my bed.

I gain freedom when I gain trust. I gain trust when I do not covet my neighbor’s goods or my neighbor’s wife.

In June, it miraculously happened. Yellow became the color of hope again. Since 2003 when Tita Cory launched GK, yellow for us is people power over poverty, as pink is to cancer and red is to HIV.

Now with the son, hope-fully yellow is the color of solidarity, of rich and poor working together to banish social inequity in our country.

The reluctant candidate became our bold head of state, the first bachelor President with no First Lady to pamper and no children to spoil with power. With no political debts, armed with the courage and eloquence of his father and

2010 Is The Best Year Of My Life

Rizal Monument at Seafood City National City, CA (Flickr Cre-ative Commons License: Photo by bisayan lady)

By: Ardee Lee

Two separate celebra-tions will be held on De-cember 30, 2011 to com-memorate Rizal Day in National City. Both, coor-dinated by Florfina Arce, are under the auspices of the Council of Philippine American Organizations (COPAO), the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Diego (UPAASD), and the Council to Teach Filipino Language Center (CTFLC). The morn-ing celebrations will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a flower offering at the Dr. Rizal’s bust at the National City Seafood City. The afternoon reception and program will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the FAVA Hall Passco at the corner of Market and 33rd St.

Dubbed The Life and Times of Dr. Jose Rizal –

Rizal Day CelebrationsCOPAO Spearheads Rizal

Day Celebrations

Philippine National Hero, the affair will highlight performances from Filipino students which includes recitation of three versions of Rizal’s My Last Farewell (Mi Ultimo Adios or Huling Paalam), dance numbers, song renditions, and a fash-ion show on the apparel de-

He was awake all night, think-ing that he found the girl of his

dreams. Gradually, he found himself falling in love with her.

The next day, he went unan-nounced to her house bearing

her a gift. Pauline was surprised to see him as she was busy

entertaining their visiting rela-tives. It was Christmas Day. He was in the clouds, in love and

enjoying the sight of her as she moved around and talked to the

other guests.

By Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Asian Journal San DiegoThe Original and First Asian Journal in America

See page 4

A CHRISTMAS STORY

And Love Blossoms on Christmas Day

December 24 - 30, 2010Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.com

Pasko ng Dalawang PulubiKuwentong Pamasko ni Alberto Segismundo Cruz

(Continued from page 1)man at matatalino mong kaibigan? Magpapasko pa naman, ano ang mahihintay mo sa pagngiti ng Tala sa Belen?” . . .

Nakalatag na ang iyong daang ikaw rin ang yumari, sa tulong ng iyong mga inadhika’t naging bunga ng iyong gawain. Kahapon, nang Lumipas. “Magpatuloy ka, Makabagong Belibeth!” ang wari’y patuloy pa ng tinig na makapangyarihang kanyang naririnig. Lakad . . . lakad . . . hakbang . . . hakbang . ..

Nguni’t si Mario’y matatag at handa siyang sumunod sa kanyang layong lalong makapangyarihan. Ibig niyang matupad ang isang bagay, maging ito man lamang ang huling pagkakataon! Ay, ano nga ba kung siya’y upasalain hindi man lamang pansinin! Ano pa rin kung ikamatay niya ang kapanganyayaang naghihintay sa kanya, kung madurog man ang puso niya sa dalamhati!

Sa katotohanan, si Mario, noon, ay hindi na ang dating Mariong minsang kinilalang maginoo sa larangan ng pangan-galakal. Hindi na siya ang dating maganda’t makisig na lalaki, mag-ing sa pananamit at sa kotseng ginagamit, na nakatangay ng maraming puso ng kababaihan. Ni ang kanyang sarili’y hindi makak-ilala sa kanyang ngayon lalo na kung minamasdan ang mukha niya sa salamin, na sa unang pagkakataon ay napanunghan niya sa kristal ng isang batis, matapos na matistis siya sa kabundukan. Ang mukha niya’y nasabugan ng pulbura at salamat at naipikit ang mga mata niya! Gayon man, ay mahina na rin ito sa pagmamasid. At ang mukhang iyon, na dating: kaakit-akit at naglalarawan ng kanyang pagka-maginoo ay wa-lang iniwan na sa isang mukhang salanta na’y nagkapekas pa nang masaguwa, kasabay ng di pagtubo ng buhok sa itaas ng kanyang noo.

Natamo niya ang kapinsa-laang iyan nang ang kanilang pangkat sa kabundukan ay mapasuong sa isang labanan, at sa marahas niyang pagbaba sa libis, siya pala’y natanawan ng nangakakubling kaaway. Salamat at may isang pangkat sa likuran

niya! Kung hindi’y nasira na sana siyang Mario Flor!

Bukod sa kapanganyayaang iyan ay naganap pa rin ang lalong mahayap na pangyayari sa kan-yang bunay, bunga ng pakikitungo sa negosyo. Minsan ay nakipag-unawaan siya sa isang komersyan-teng hindi niya gaanong kilala, ngnui’t umano’y nagsipagbuhat sa Mindanaw, ang napagkati-walaan niya ng dalawang-daang libong piso, bilang bahagi niya sa umano’y bubuksang bakahan sa Bukidnon saka imbakan pa ng karne. Nang lumaon at bago su-miklab ang digma, ang nangakau-sap niya’y hindi na sumilay pa sa Maynila. Ipinahanap niya sa mga tiktik ng konstabularya ang mga mangungulimbat. Nagsimula na sa pangyayaring iyon ang kanyang pagbagsak, sapagka’t samanta-lang patuloy ang kanyang mga kapakanan sa negosyo, ay inabot naman siya ng kakapusan, kaya’t nanghiram sa banko. Ang banko ang umilit sa lahat ng kanyang ari-arian, at bago nagdigma halos ay inibig na niya ang gumawa nang paglabag sa batas at nang makabawi. Dangan at napigil na ang kalakalan, noon.

Datapuwa’t sa ibabaw ng lahat ng ito, ang lalong mapait sa kanyang puso at wari’y dinaram-dam niya ang matinding bigat sa kanyang kaluluwa ay ang pagtat-alo-sira ni Mercy —ni Mercedes Lindafl or — isang marilag na Mutya ng lipunang bigla na ring nagbago ang pag-uugali sa kanya, nang siya’y bumagsak na sa ne-gosyo. Halos ay batid na ng lahat sa mataas at mababang lipunan na sila’y ikakasal, hindi na malalaon, at sa katotohana’y nagkaroon na nga ng pagkakataong sila’y mag-kasama na, palibhasa’y nakatakda na ang kasal, na pagpapatibay na lamang sa kanilang pag-ibig. Subali’t . . . aywan kung bakit nagbago agad ng loob si Mer-cedes, aywan kung bakit biglang nagpasiya ang kanyang kasuyo na lalong mabuting ipagpaliban ang pag-iisang-dibdib.

Saka nang lumaon ay tinang-gap na lamang niya, sa pamamagi-tan ng isang tanging tagahatid, ang singsing na sangla ng pag-ibig gayong nagkakahalaga rin naman iyon nang malaki! At, higit sa

halaga, ay katimbang pa iyan ng kanyang matapat na pag-ibig at pagmamahal!

Natatandaan niyang naging malupit si Mercedes sa pagsasauli ng sanglang iyon ng kanyang pag-ibig. Itinaon pa sa “Noche Buena” na para bagang talagang ang marapat na pamasko nito sa kanya’y ang lahat ng kapaitan sa buhay. Napangiti pa rin siya nang sinagin sa liwanag ang singsing na iyon, ang mga batong angkop sa taguri nitong “rositas”; sapagka’t, naalaalang sa mahigpit niyang pangangailangan ay maisasangla muna ito sa isang “agencia de empenos”. Sumugod siya noon, kahi’t aambon-ambon pa, sa pag-asang magkakaroon siya ng salapi, at sa kinagabihan din, kung sakali mang pinakamalungkot na Pasko iyon sa Pilipinas, sapagka’t nagbabanta na ang pagdirigma, ay maaari pa rin siyang makapag-sinaya sa isang klub na panggabi at makainom, sa huling pag-kakataon, ng alak na pampalimot, ng alak na lunas sa pusong may sugat!

Subali’t sa hangarin niyang iyon — baliw man kung sakali — ay nawalan pa rin siya ng pagkakataon. Nakapinid na ang pinto ng kilala niyang “agencia de empenos”. Ibig na niyang lumukso buhat sa Tulay Jones, noon. Dangan nga lamang at napagwari niyang ang tangka’y isang karuwagan, lalo na kung isasalang-alang na siya’y kailan-gan pa rin ng kanyang bayan. At, sa isang sawing katulad niya’y lalong magaling pa ang mapa-subo sa panganib; mamatay kung mamamatay, nguni’t sa paraang dakila kaysa iuudyok lamang ng karalitaan at ng kasawiang dulot ng makirot na sugat ng puso!

Natapos sa dakong ito ang kanyang mga alalahanin at pag-bubulaybulay, at minsan pang natiyak na siya’y papasok na ng Maynila, makaraan ang halos ay apat na taon. Nagtanong siya sa isang nakasalubong, na mandi’y nagbubuhat ng mga balutan.

-- Ito po ba nama’y patungo na sa Maynila? –

At, bago siya sinagot ay min-sadan muna ang kanyang mukha, na para bagang nahintakutan, bago mabilis na sinabi ang:

-- Opo, makatutuloy na kayo; nagpaparaan na ang mga Ameri-


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

by Atty. Dennis ChuaLegal Buzz

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

The failure of the Senate to pass the DREAM ACT last weekend dashed the hope of many young and talented im-migrants who wish to legal-ize their stay in the country. Most of them have entered the country at a very young age and are not even aware of their current immigra-tion status. With the failed pas-sage of the DREAM ACT, these young im-migrants would now have to wait again and pray that the next Con-gress would be more sympa-thetic to their plight.

These young immigrants would now have to look for other ways to legalize their stay in the country under existing laws and regula-tions. One avenue which they could look into is to ascertain whether or not they are cov-ered by Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Section 245(i) of the Im-migration and Nationality Act (INA) allows persons who are

Section 245(i) As An Alternative to DREAM Act.

the benefi ciaries of immigrant visa petitions or of labor cer-tifi cation applications fi led on or before January 14, 1998, to fi le for adjustment of status in the U.S. despite having fallen out of status or having entered without inspection. A limited extension of Section 245(i) in 2000 covered benefi ciaries

of immi-grant visa petitions or labor certifi cation applications fi led on or before April 30, 2001. However these ben-efi ciaries should have

been physically present in the United States on or before December 21, 2000 to qualify for 245(i).

Even if no petition has been fi led directly for them, these students may still be covered by Section 245(i) as a derivative benefi ciary child or spouse. If he or she can dem-onstrate that a spouse or child relationship existed at the time a qualifying petition or application was properly fi led on or before the cut off dates, then they shall be considered

as a grandfathered alien for purposes of Section 245(i), notwithstanding a subsequent change in the relationship with the principal alien oc-curs. The immigrant will still be considered as a grandfa-thered alien even if a child has aged out or a spouse is now divorced with the principal alien for whom the qualifying petition was fi led.

A separate petition would just have to be fi led for them and once a visa is available for them, they can proceed to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident alien.

Section 245(i) is one of the more signifi cant legisla-tion passed and the law has allowed a substantial number of individuals to get their permanent residence status. People who are covered by 245(i) must take advantage of this law so that they may be able to legalize their stay in the U.S. as an alternative to DREAM ACT.

Atty. Dennis E. Chua is a partner in The Law Firm of Chua Tinsay and Vega (CTV) - a full service law fi rm with offi ces in San Francisco, San Diego and Manila. The infor-mation presented in this ar-ticle is for general information only and is not, nor intended to be, formal legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. The CTV attorneys will be holding regular free legal clinic at the Max’s Restaurant in Vallejo, California on December 27, 2010. Call or e-mail CTV for an in-person or phone consul-tation to discuss your particu-lar situation and/or how their services may be retained at (415) 495-8088; (619) 955-6277; [email protected]

Asian Journal - (619) 474-0588 Visit our website at http://www.asianjournalusa.comDecember 24 - 30, 2010


Philippine Stories

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

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.

“Have you met our new editorial assistant?” his friend Peejay asked Duane. “She’s pretty.”

“No,” the latter replied. “And I don’t care,” he said

to himself.At twenty eight, Duane

was still reeling from his lat-est disappointment in meet-ing a girl. Introduced to him on a blind date, Mitzy at first looked promising. She was very pretty, a mestiza from an elitist family in San Lorenzo Village, an exclusive com-munity in Makati. The daugh-ter of a bank president, she laughed at his jokes and had read a lot of books. She could also describe with ease some of the most notable art works of their time. But during their second date, he saw how nasty and disrespectful she was to the waiters that served them at the Madrid Restaurant, one of the classiest restaurants in Metro Manila during the 1970s. He never called her again.

Prior to her, he had met a lot of pretty girls he found in-teresting at first, only to find a fault with them that had made him lose interest. His friend had warned him that because of his picky attitude, he might wind up becoming a bachelor the rest of his life.

“Do you think she’s quali-

A CHRISTMAS STORY

And Love Blossoms on Christmas Day

fied for the job?” he asked Peejay. The last thing he needed was a pretty assistant who didn’t know what she was doing.

Joaquin, their boss, entrust-ed the task of interviewing the applicants to one of Duane’s associate editors, Marta. Duane had a bad track record of hiring assistants based on

their looks, not on their quali-fications.

“This time,” Joaquin told him, “let us see if it will work out.”

It took two days before Duane finally met the new girl. He went out of town for an assignment and when he

returned, he found the papers on his desk neatly arranged.

“Who did this?” he bawled at his subordinates.

The new employee, Pau-line, nervously walked to-wards him and confessed: “I did.”

She was pretty alright. But Duane was not in the mood to be friendly.

“Next time, wait before you are told until you mess up my files.”

The girl meekly turned around and returned to her desk.

He regretted his rudeness, but he was too proud to apolo-gize. He warmed up to her in the next few days, though, until their relationship became civil enough that they started calling each other by their first names.

“Go for her,” Peejay prod-ded Duane. “I heard Ernie, our accountant, is planning to court her.”

The competitive threat peaked his interest. Duane

didn’t like Ernie who had a penchant for winning many girls’ affection and eventually dumping them for a new one. Out of jest, he wrote on top of the files of papers he assigned to Pauline the following words: “I love you.”

He was laughing at himself

as he waited for her reaction while seated at his desk. In a few minutes, Pauline came back with the same files which she placed on his desk. On the files, were written: “Keep your Mills and Boon mentality to yourself (Mills & Boon is a British publisher of romance novels for teen-agers).” Duane was embar-rassed, He realized his mis-take and didn’t expect his joke to be taken negatively. He moved on, trying to ignore her as much as possible, except during the discharge of their official duties.

IT WAS A FEW DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS in 1976. Their small office organized a game of Secret Santa among the employees. Each one had to write a secret alias in a rolled piece of paper, drop it in a box, from which all pick one out, to know the name of their secret “partner”, the person to whom they were supposed to secretly give gifts to until the revelation time during their office Christmas Party on the 23d of Decem-ber. Duane wrote his alias as “Leslie” and the person he picked as his partner was named “Barok”. “Barok” is the name of a Fred Flinstone-like character in a local comic book. Each one was supposed

to secretly place the gifts in a secluded box so that every-thing would remain a secret. One would not know to whom he was giving his gift and who was giving gifts to him. At first Duane was not interested in participating in what he thought was a juvenile preoc-cupation. But in a spirit of Christmas, he was persuaded to join the endeavor and had initially placed token gifts.

“Malas lang ng partner ko (My partner is unlucky),” he told himself. “He or she won’t receive much from me.”

He was bantering with Pee-jay during a lunch break when he noticed the bubble gum wrapper he gave to his partner in the trash can of Pauline. He realized she was his partner. It peaked his interest in her again, and he decided to give her fancy and more expensive gifts from then on.

During the Christmas Party, the identities of the game par-ticipants were revealed.

Pauline shyly approached Duane and said: “Thank you for the gifts. You are very generous. They’re the most expensive among the ones given.”

“You are welcome,” Duane replied. Pauline was not lon-ger mad at him.

Duane realized that the girl he initially dismissed

as another pretty face was becoming more attractive in his eyes.. He would occasion-ally glance at her during office hours until a genuine attrac-tion developed in him.

“What are you doing on Christmas Eve?” he asked her.

“Nothing,” she replied.“Can you help me pick

toys for my nephews and nieces?”

“How?” “Accompany me during

my Christmas shopping.”She could not answer for a

while.“I will treat you to dinner

and you can eat lots and lots of food,” he joked.

She laughed and said, “Okay”.

On the appointed time, however, Duane had a dif-ficulty starting the engine of his red Volkswagen Beetle; its battery was weak. However, after several attempts, he was able to start the engine. He wanted to cancel their date, afraid that the car’s engine might not start again. But it was the only way he would know Pauline better. She might get mad at him for good, and he might not have another chance to date her. He kept his fingers crossed and proceeded with the date. But instead of parking his car in front of her house, he parked it on the street corner. He kept the engine running to make sure he would not fail in re-starting it again.

“Bakit umaandar pa ang makina ng sasakyan mo (How come the engine of your car is still running)?” she asked after he picked her up at her home.

“I just didn’t bother to turn it off since I will be back in just a short while.”

She didn’t ask more ques-tions although his answer was not satisfactory enough.

On their way to the shop-ping mall, they were quiet.



I want to write something positive and optimistic for the New Year, but I rather tell my readers the truth so they know what to expect in the coming year. I myself was shocked when the January 2011 visa bulletin was published. It shows that most of the family-based categories will retro-gress between one and three years beginning on January 1, 2011. For the worldwide categories, the 1st preference category (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) goes from a 5-year to a 6-year wait. The story is much, much worse in the 2A cat-egory (spouses and children of permanent residents) where the wait expands from a mere 4 months to 3 years, a 9-fold increase. In the 2B category (adult sons and daughters of permanent residents), the wait increases from 5 1/2 to nearly 8 years. For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (3rd preference category) does the wait remain roughly the same: 9 years.

For Filipinos and Mexicans, the January 2011 visa bulletin is not only bad news but their worst night-mare. If you are a perma-nent resident and wish to sponsor your husband or wife who was born in Mexico, be prepared to be separated nearly 6 years. For Filipinos, most of the waiting times

January 2011 Visa Bulletin: the Great Retrogression for

Family-Based Categoriesfor family members will be an incredible 12 to 23 years come 2011. The 1st prefer-ence category (unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens) goes from a 13-year to a 16-year wait. In the 2A category (spouses and chil-dren of permanent residents) the wait expands from a mere 6 months to 12 years. In the 2B category (adult sons and daughters of permanent resi-dents), the wait increases from 9 years to nearly 11 years. For married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (3rd prefer-ence category) does the wait remain roughly the same: 23 years.

The State Department explained the reason for the great retrogression. It said that during the past two years the cut-off dates for most family preference categories advanced at a rapid pace. This resulted in a dramatic increase in the petitions fi led in the recent months. This has required the retrogression of many Family preference cut-off dates for January in an ef-fort to hold number use within the various numerical limits.

The Department of State (DOS) issued a very impor-tant message: “Members should note that immigrant visa applicants who have cut-off dates that retrogress on January 1, 2011, must


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

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by Dr. Ofelia Dirige Founder, President & CEO Kalusugan Community Services

Contemporary Asian American Issues

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

This is it – 2011 is almost here. As usual, many of us will make New Year’s resolu-tions, if for no other reason than to at least feel good until we break them. But this year we should do something a bit differently. Let’s make reso-lutions that we can keep. So to that end, I offer these New Year’s resolutions. Feel free to use as many of them as you like when the big day hits.

New Year’s resolutions (mostly) worth keeping

1. Remember to breathe2. Eat3. Drink plenty of fluids –

of one sort or another.4. Make at least some mon-

ey one way or another5. Spend some of it6. Spend some more of it7. Go somewhere

8. Do something9. Watch TV10. Watch more TV11. Read the newspaper12. Read the newspaper13. Be grouchy14. Be grouchy some more15. Eat breakfast16. Eat lunch17. Eat dinner18. Do not confuse any of

the eating meals above with the general eating mentioned in number two which is there for the snack-food industry

19. Kiss someone20. Kiss someone again21. Kiss someone you

know this time22. Do it again, do it again23. Take a vacation24. Pay for the vacation25. Let someone else pay

for the vacation (see time-share promotions)

26. Take another breath27. Smile at someone

who doesn’t expect it (oh, go ahead, just mess with them)

28. Frown at someone who doesn’t expect it (unless they’re big, have lots of tat-toos, wear chains around the neck and drive a Harley)

29. Make sure your health insurance is paid up (see num-ber 28 above)

29. Explore something... anything

30. Pay the electric bill early (Gotcha! Just seeing if you were still awake. Ignore this one)

31. Go somewhere again32. Do something else33. Stay in bed longer 34. Ignore the laundry35. Ignore the kids36. Ignore your husband

or wife, significant other, boyfriend, girlfriend or me. Heck, just ignore someone – you’ll feel better and after all, isn’t that what it’s all about?

37. Ignore number 36 above

38. Pray for peace world-wide

39. Work for peace world-wide

40. Strive for peace world-wide

41. Decide to do something you’ve never done before

42. Decide to actually have fun while doing number 41 above

43. Be nice to your boss44. Be nice to your em-

ployees45. Be nice to yourself46. Just...be nice47. Decide to vote in the

next election48. Go on a diet (hey,

you’ve been eating for all those earlier resolutions)

49. Throw out that stupid diet idea

50. Worry that politicians are becoming too weird

51. Buy a boat52. Invite me for a cruise53. Hey, that was fun –

let’s take another one!54. Give me the boat (just

kidding, just kidding – where would I put it?)

55. Be glad you’re alive 56. Be glad someone else

is alive 57. Go back to school.

There’s probably no better time than during a recession to get more education, get a new education, or get re-trained. Strive to keep your-self up to date and relevant for jobs and the job market

58. Eat something you’ve never eaten before

59. Create an electronic social identity and use it - make sure you know how to use all the important social media sites to your advantage (employers want employees to be up to date)

60. See what’s out there in this great big world - and enjoy it

Okay, there you go, sixty New Year’s resolutions that might stand a chance of see-ing more than a day or two of use. And please don’t thank me – my New Year’s resolu-tion for 2011 has now been completed.

Happy 2011! I hope that everything is great for you in the coming year and that whatever you dream comes true.

New Year’s ResolutionsHappy New Year – now behave yourself

By Perla Dirige Belo, MRE, MTH

Here’s how a Christian immigrant family from the Philippines celebrate Christ-mas and what Christmas truly means to them.

When a person comes to our home in Seattle during Christmas time, the decora-tions are a fresh noble fir Christmas tree decorated with nativity scenes, stars, bells, hearts, and different kinds of angels, a white porcelain

The Belo Family: L to R; Reverend Perla Belo, husband Gasat, Ariele, Nathan. Front, Ezekiel.

Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

“CHRISTMAS IN CALIFORNIA” MEDIUM: OIL ON CAN-VAS, SIZE: 48” x 30”, PAINTED IN 2008

How our Family Celebrates Christmas

dove, and figures of Mary with the baby Jesus. Multi-colored Christmas lights in the shape of candles adorn our tree. Hanging from the ceiling of our living room is a home made blue and white paper star called “parol.” In many homes in the Philippines, parols are hung both inside and outside of homes. But in rainy Seattle the outside is no place for a parol. The parol is one Filipino tradition that we keep. All around one will notice several nativity and manger scenes collected

through the years and from different countries, and also several wreaths hang in our living room walls.

“Noche Buena “ (midnight meal) is not celebrated in our family anymore, maybe due to the abundance of food in America. When my sib-lings and I were young in the Philippines, we celebrated the Noche Buena at Christmas Eve with a simple meal of “arroz caldo” (chicken soup), “jamon dulce” (sweet ham), apples and grapes. By the time the meal is over, it was past midnight and we greeted each other with “Merry Christmas” to celebrate the arrival of Christmas Day!

As a family, we also at-tended Christmas Eve services in our church, a tradition my family continues to practice in the U.S. Attendance of Christmas Eve service is one major act of remembering and worshipping God to honor the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth as a human be-ing and as Savior of mankind. The name Jesus means “Sav-ior” and Christ means “The Anointed One.” Jesus Christ is also called “Emmanuel” which means God with us.

Our faith in Jesus shapes and influences our practice of Christmas. The reason for this is our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas

as told in the scripture or the Bible. The story of Christmas is the greatest “good news” that the world and humankind will ever get.

The Story of Christmas

In Luke 2:4-19 we read: “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Gali-lee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, be-cause there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord.

This will be a sign to you; you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a man-ger.’ Suddenly a great com-pany of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests. “

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas begins with God. The greatest gift to

human kind is God’s gift of His Son, the Lord Jesus. God gave this most precious gift of Jesus because of His love for us, men and women, and desire to reconcile us to Him-self in spite of our sin. The sin of mankind began when the first human beings, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God’s com-mand not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. From that time when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin became a part of our nature as humans. The only way for sin to be taken away is from an act of God.

So God, who loved us so much, sent His only begotten Son to be a man. Jesus who was both divine and human eventually died on the cross to be our savior from sin. The birth of Jesus as man is called the “incarnation.” God came down in bodily form in the birth of His son, Jesus - this is Christmas!

Christmas is first and fore-most a spiritual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a special time to celebrate Christ as both Savior and Lord, to thank Him for sending His only Son to be born and to die on the cross for our sins, so we can become “partakers of the divine nature” (1 Peter 1:4), following the good and godly qualities of God instead of our evil and sinful nature.

To truly celebrate Christ-mas, is to personally receive Jesus Christ by faith in one’s life as Savior from sin and as Lord to be obeyed, if you have not yet become a true child of God.

One will be delivered from the secular craziness of the Christmas season (shopping, parties, overspending, and overeating, etc.) if the prac-tice of Christmas centers on celebrating the birth of Jesus as the Savior of the world. As one Christian wrote:

“Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart; you will then have a ‘Merry Christmas.’ The joy and peace you will receive will last all year (and the rest of our life) as you look to God (for your life) and for all your needs to be met. “

Reverend Perla Belo is a retired Director of Asian Ministries for the American Baptist Churches. She now resides in Seattle, Washington with her husband Gasat, two children (Nathan and Ari-elle) and two grandchildren (Ezekiel and Jaedon). She is the eldest sister of Dr. Ofelia Dirige.

“JOY to the world the Lord is come......” Christmas song

by Evelyne Dirige Resella

CHRISTMAS DAY Is cel-ebrated around the world dif-ferently. In my former home-land, the Philippines, we call CHRISTMAS “PASKO.” We say both “Merry Christmas” and “Maligayang Pasko.” Although I live most of my life here in the United States and spent more Christmases here, I still have good memories of past Christmases in the

Philippines. I have been away from my homeland for about forty years but our American-ized-Filipino family Christ-mas celebration hasn’t lost it’s Filipino flavor. We learned to adopt the good things from our beloved America and cherished old traditions from our heritage and homeland. By having bi-cultural influ-ences our Christmas celebra-tion is enriched with different flavors and traditions.

DESCRIPTION: This is another painting I did for my art show last September 27, 2008. Here’s my short story behind the painting. One of our greatest blessings when our family immigrated to the United States was having our big family together at Christ-mas time. There were only a few years of separation from one another, and we were all united. Being in a foreign country, we were happy and secure to have our family together. It’s difficult to be happy at Christmas time when one has loved ones left behind in the Philippines. In Cali-fornia, Christmas feels warm compared to other states that have snow and dreams of a white Christmas. Our family continues to celebrate Christ-mas with abundant and tradi-tional Filipino food, but also added American flavors, like shrimp cocktails, champagne, wine, fresh green salad, pasta salad, cookies, pies, rolls, cakes and more. Traditionally, a rich Filipino Christmas has lechon (roasted whole pork), pancit palabok (noodles) em-botido, morcon, fresh lumpia, paella, camaron rebosado (shrimp) and more. Desserts are favorites like leche flan. brazo de mercedes, sweet ube, etc. Because America is a very rich country, part of our festive celebration is having huge, fresh, ever green pine Christmas tree with countless of adoring ornaments and overwhelming presents sur-rounding them.

“Wishing You All A “Merry Christmas” or (“Maligayang Pasko”).

Evelyne Dirige Resella is an artist from Valencia, CA who recently moved with her husband, Rhod to San Diego. Ebb, as we call her, gradu-ated from the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. She has been a com-mercial artist and has retired also just like her husband Rhod. Both are helping KCS on a voluntary basis. Ebb is a younger sister of Dr. Ofe-lia Dirige, KCS’s Executive Director.

Perspectives

ASIAN JOURNALThe first Asian-Filipino weekly in Southern CaliforniaAn award-winning newspaper, it is San Diego’s most

widely circulated Asian-Filipino newspaper!

Ashley SilverioAssistant Editor

In Pursuit of ExcellenceEugenio “Ego” Osin, (1946 - 1994)

Joe Cabrera, (1924 - 1996)Soledad Bautista, (1917-2009)

Dr. Rizalino “Riz” Oades, (1935-2009)

The Asian Journal is published weekly and distributed in all Asian communties in San Diego County. Publication date is ev-ery Friday of the month. Advertising deadline is Thursday prior to publication date at 5 p.m. For advertising rates, rate cards, or information, call (619) 474-0588. Subscription by mail is available for $50 per year (56 issues). The Asian Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs but welcomes sub-missions. Entire content is © 2009 copyrighted material by Asian Journal. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without specific permission from the publisher.

Genevieve SilverioManaging Editor

Simeon G. Silverio, Jr.Publisher & Editor

Miles BeauchampAssociate Editor

Santi SilverioAssociate Publisher

At Large...

Miles is Assistant to the Dean and Assistant Professor in the Shirley Hufstedler School of Education at Alliant International University where he teaches new media and diverse writing courses. He has been with the Asian Journal since the 1990’s.

by Miles Beauchamp


Christmas nears and we are once again reminded of that glorious event some 2000 years ago when a Child was born in Bethlehem. Spiritually, Christ’s birth means our salva-tion. Historically, it marked the beginning of Christianity which would reach the shores of the Philippines some 1,500 years later. Traditionally, it provides us with a reason to share gifts, hold Christmas parties, attend simbang gabi, and eat noche buena with our family.

Christmas or not, the birth of a child is always a happy occasion for all families, including future immigrants who have set their minds in someday leaving the Philip-pines to settle in the United States. But of course, foremost in their mind is to make sure that everyone goes, especially the newest member of the family. How they go about doing it, now that the petition was already filed without the newborn’s name in it?

A family petition usually has what we call the principal and derivative beneficiaries. If, for example, your citizen parent filed a petition for you as a married son (F-3), you are the principal beneficiary, while

A child is bornyour wife and children are the derivative beneficiaries. If a child is born to you or if you adopt a child after the petition had been filed, what you need to do is to register your child with the U.S. Embassy in Ma-nila at the following address:

Operations Unit, Immigrant Visa Branch

United States Embassy1201 Roxas Boulevard,

Ermita, Metro Manila 1000

If you are already in the United States or somewhere outside the Philippines, you should send your letter to the following address:

Operations UnitImmigrant Visa BranchPSC 500, Box 26FPO AP, 96515-1000 USA

All you need to do is to write a simple letter, with your name, case number and contact details, and the name and birth information of your child. Attach a copy of your green card or your latest USCIS or NVC letter showing your case information, and a copy of your child’s birth certificate and/or adoption decree. Send it by ordinary mail only, not

by registered mail because the Embassy will not have the time to collect your mail from the post office.

Remember, even if you are petitioned as a single son (F2B), you must register your children if you want them to immigrate with you. Having children will not affect your qualifications under the F-2B petition, for as long as you remain unmarried.

We always advise our clients to immediately register their children. This will save them the trouble of explaining to the USCIS later on, when they apply for naturalization or petition the children, why they omitted to put in the names of their children when they filled out their DS-230 Part 1. We had a client who did not in-form the US Embassy that he has four children, because he was under the mistaken belief that it might affect his eligibil-ity to immigrate. Years later, when he applied for naturaliza-tion, the USCIS asked him a lot of questions, particularly on how he took care of his un-reported children. Remember, the USCIS will examine your good moral character and part of this is your willingness and ability to provide support to your children.

Now, if you were petitioned as an unmarried son of a citizen parent (F-1), you must also register your marriage if you get married after the petition was filed. Do the same thing – send a letter by ordi-nary mail and attach a copy of your marriage contract. What will happen is that you will be converted from F-1 to F-3, with an additional waiting time of around 2 years. One advan-tage of updating your petition (aside from not committing immigration fraud) is that your wife will be able to join you when you immigrate to the United States.

Again, remember that if you were petitioned as a single son or daughter (F2B), mar-riage will revoke your petition, unless your parent-petitioner was already a naturalized citi-zen before you got married, in which case, your petition will be converted from F-2B to F-1 (after you parent naturalized) then from F-1 to F-3 (after you get married).

Congratulations on your newborn. And a Merry Christ-mas to your growing family!

Atty. Rogelio Karagdag , Jr. is licensed to practice law in both California and the Philippines. He practices im-migration law in San Diego and has continuously been a trial and appellate attorney in the Philippines since 1989. He travels between San Di-ego and Manila. His office address is located at 10717 Camino Ruiz, Suite 131, San Diego, CA 92126. He also has an office in the Philippines at 1240 Apacible Street, Paco, Manila, Philippines 1007, with telephone numbers (632)522-1199 and (632)526-0326. Please call (858)348-7475/(858)536-4292 or email him at [email protected]. He speaks Tagalog fluently. Articles written in this column are not legal advice but are hypotheticals intended as general, non-specific legal information. Readers must seek legal consultation before taking any legal steps.

San Diego – The Metro-politan Transit System (MTS) is expanding Trolley service for the Poinsettia Bowl on Decem-ber 23. Kickoff is at 5 p.m. and fans can park for free at MTS park-and-rides to avoid traffic and save money while enjoying the events.

Lots are likely to fill up quickly and MTS advises fans to travel early. On the Green Line, park-and-ride lots from the 70th Street Trolley Station to Old Town Transit Center are likely to be full by 3:30 p.m. Trolley rid-ers can go east to the El Cajon Transit Center, Gillespie Field and Santee Town Center lots, which should have ample park-ing. Paid parking close to the Trolley is available at San Diego

Ride MTS to the Poinsettia BowlFans encouraged to travel early to see the Aztecs take on Navy

State University. Expanded Green Line:Beginning at 12:45 p.m.

from Old Town, Green Line trains will run every 15 minutes and continue past their normal terminus at Old Town and con-tinue through to the Convention Center and PETCO Park.

Game day travel tips:Travel early to get a spot at •

a free MTS park-and-ride and enjoy pregame festivities.

Buy a $5 day pass before • boarding the Trolley on their way to their event to save time and avoid ticket lines on the way home. Tickets may be purchased at all Trolley sta-tion ticket vending machines or ticket booths. An MTS day pass is good on the Trolley and most

MTS bus routes. Be patient. MTS expects •

almost 20,000 Trolley riders to exit Qualcomm Stadium after the game – all wanting to get on the Trolley. So while a four-car MTS Trolley can hold more people than a Boeing 747, there will be crowds and there will be a line.

For further information on special event services or to purchase tickets visit www.sdmts.com or contact 511. MTS operates a 54.3-mile light rail transit network, 95 fixed bus routes, and ADA Complemen-tary Public Paratransit Service in the San Diego region. In FY09, MTS set a system record by carrying more than 91 million passengers.

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

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By Dr. Cesar D. Candari37th in a series of articles

I was re-elected unop-posed as Secretary of the HOD for another term in 1990-1991. Prior to my being re-elected to the post, and as I stated above, I had drafted and compiled along with the members of my committee the RULES OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES which was ratified in 1989 at the Las Vegas meeting. The Executive Council was appropriately in-formed of the ratified Rules of the House through letters of memorandum by the Speaker of the House of Delegates and by me as the Secretary. In summary, no one in the leadership of the association (including two senior officers) was unaware of the ratified Rules of the House of Del-egates. I mentioned these two leaders because of their denial of the existence of the ratified rules. I will explain this later.

Prior to the annual conven-tion and seminar of the APPA in July 1991, I was encour-aged by many friends and supporters to run for Speaker of the House of Delegates. I accepted their support and finally announced my candi-dacy for the position.

I wrote a letter to the members of the Executive Council and the members of the House of Delegates announcing my candidacy. Mind you, voters for this position are limited only to the members of the House. I stated to them my platform and my last words were; I am not a patrician. You may call me a plebeian, with a pleasant

From Antique to America: Memoirs of a Filipino American Doctor 1990: Re-Elected Secretary Of HOD Unopposed

temperament and long experi-ence have allowed me to ef-fectively relate with everyone and are assets to bring to this organization. I am a fair, firm, and independent-minded per-son. The friendship, camara-derie, unity, and the old spirit of this organization must be preserved. With your support, together we can achieve all of these.

Dr. Edwin Yorobe who was the President of the Pilipino Medical Association of San Diego wrote an open letter to the members of HOD who would be voting for this senior position.

The PMA of San Diego takes pride in introducing to you Cesar D. Candari, M.D., as a candidate for speaker of the House of Delegates of the APPA for the July 1991 elec-tion.

Cesar is very qualified for senior leadership of the HOD. He has been a member of the House of Delegates for 7 years and served in various committees including chair-man of the Constitution and By Laws and the Credentials and Procedures Committees. He is currently the Secretary of the HOD for two consecu-tive terms. He has been active for 17 years in the APPA and served in many capacities.

Cesar Candari will be an intelligent, articulate, forceful and hard –working advocate for all members in the APPA. He has amply demonstrated his organizational and leader-ship capabilities in his activi-ties with local and Specialty Societies, several communi-ties based Boards as well as City and State appointed

public positions. We refer you to his impressive resume. He was a recipient of the very first APPA Community Service Award in 1975 for his leadership and as co-founder of the Samahan Community Health Clinic in San Diego.

We must stress Cesar’s strong credentials in various aspects of the HOD opera-tions and in his firm convic-tion of advocating changes as the need arises. His demon-strated ability and integrity have convinced us that he has the requisite ability, talent, energy, and commitment to effectively lead the HOD. We believe his long experience in the HOD has given him the experience and leadership skills to effectively guide the affairs of the assembly. As chairman of the Credentials and Producers Committee, he has complied and drafted the Rules of the House of Delegates. Our knowledge of and confidence in his abilities prompt us to highly recom-mend him to you for sup-port. Vote for Cesar Candari for Speaker of the House of Delegates.

We feel certain you will agree that Cesar Candari has the qualifications we need at this time.

Thank you for your con-sideration.

JULY 1991: 20th CON-

VENTION AND SEMINAR, TAJ MAHAL ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

CAMPAIGN SPEECH

DELIVERED TO THE

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

You and I know that there is a problem in the APPA today. Problems or not, this House of Delegates must listen to the call of change for progress. If elected as Speak-er of this assembly, I pledge to lead the House to achieve its potential and assert our au-thority as the policy-making body of this organization. I FIRMLY BELIEVE that the Speaker must lead the House to consider policies reflecting the needs and wishes of the members to ensure a strong and effective APPA leader-ship. I FIRMLY BELEIVE that the Speaker must take the initiative to continue to seek and listen to the views of everyone and to continue to inspire the members of the House to exercise their re-sponsibilities as the makers of the policies of this organiza-tion. I ALSO FIRMLY BE-LIEVE that the Speaker must have a thorough knowledge of the operations of the HOD and Rules of the House in order to be an effective leader in this assembly. VOTE FOR CANDARI, AND TOGETH-ER, WE SHALL MAKE THE DIFFERENCE.

Friends, in this difficult

time and trying year for the APPA, I am seeking the high-est position in the House of Delegates as Speaker of this assembly. I believe I am well qualified for this position and today we are here to make a choice and that choice is very important and sometimes a difficult one. However, if you my friends use the yardstick of service to this associa-tion, you will make the right choice. I have served in vari-ous capacities in the APPA in the past 10 years. I have been a member of the HOD for 7 years. I am confident that my

long experience in the House of Delegates has given me the expertise and leadership skills to effectively guide the af-fairs of this assembly. I am a devoted worker in the House of Delegates. I have compiled and drafted, along with my members of the committee, and completed the RULES OF THE HOUSE for your easy reference House manual.

I strongly support the goals and objectives of the past and present administra-tions. However, before these goals and objectives can be achieved, first and foremost, let us go back to basics- UNI-TY! Yes, unity and resolve the controversies pervad-ing in the APPA hierarchy. Please, my friends, no more of the “hard ball politics” that undermines leadership. Let us have more harmony, away with personal ambi-tion and partisan mentality. Friends, crucial as it is, what we need in the APPA today is to relearn the true meaning of BAYANIHAN (working together), the embodiment of what a true Filipino like you and I should be…doctors in this foreign land and not really politicians in the true sense of the word. I appeal to your sense of fellowship and to your kind hearts to share with us the spirit, your spirit of PAGKAKAISA or UNITY to build a solid and stronger APPA. The Filipino doctors in America must simply work together for OUR DESTINY DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO TODAY AND PLAN FOR TOMORROW. The leaders of this organization must simply learn the key elements of the support value system of PAGBIGAYAN. Yes, PAGBIBIGAYAN my friends or MUTUAL SHAR-ING AND TOLERANCE, PAGDAMAYAN or MU-TUAL COMMITMENT,

PAGMAMALASAKIT OR CONCERN AND PAGMA-MAHALAN OR LOVE, THE ONLY BOND THAT WILL HOLD US TOGETHER.

There is an inherent spirit

of man to rise above hostility and arrogance, to survive over potential annihilation and de-struction. The analogy in the APPA is that this organization is threatened to the brink of collapse. However, I predict and I can assure you that you and I, who are champions and defenders of unity and democratic principles and with the courage and wisdom of Lapu-Lapu, shall rise to the occasion. We shall rise with a resolve to restore and preserve harmony, camara-derie, friendship and comity of people the old spirit of this organization for the survival, growth and progress of the APPA.

Lastly my friends, I want you to know that during my long and active participation in the APPA, I had not been overly ambitious in the pur-suit of senior position in this organization. And, as Julius Ceasar was slain by Brutus because of ambition, I pray that you spare me that agony (the audience laughed loudly). I hope that in your collective wisdom you will cross the boundaries of friendship. I know that this is sometimes difficult, and I ask you to award your vote to the best person to lead this assembly. I urge you to vote for Candari and together we shall make the difference. Thank you.

(To be Continued)

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By Sunshine Lichauco de Leon

When the Philippine team came home from the 8th Annual Homeless World Cup’s (HWC) international football competition in Brazil, the Host Cup trophy they carried, stood for more than just football skills – it represented the hope now filling their hearts.

Although the eight young men representing their country had lived in extreme poverty all their lives, they left for Rio de Janeiro for the interna-tional tournament held Sept. 19 to 26, having learned to dream again. And they returned knowing that some-times, dreams really can come true.

This is the third year the Philippines has participated in the HWC (www.home-lessworldcup.org), an annual event held in different cities around the world in order to call attention to the issue of homelessness.

All players must be homeless, marginally homeless, or a recov-ering addict in treatment. HWC founder Mel Young says in the website: “There are one billion homeless people in our world and that is unacceptable and unneces-sary. We can fly to the moon, in-vent the Internet, we just need to focus on creating a healthy world where everyone has a home.”

8 homeless kids winning game of life

This year’s Philippine team was chosen from tryouts orga-nized by Urban Opportunities for Change Foundation in coopera-tion with local football associa-tions.

Its members, aged 18-26, come from Negros, Laguna, Que-zon and Manila. Although they have homes, they live in squatter areas, and spend the majority of their time on the streets.

All team members have lived and trained together since June, and were given full-time con-struction jobs, allowing them to earn money to send home to their families while training.

Team of brothersTeam coach and project direc-

tor Rudy del Rosario, or “Coach Rudy,” describes the effect of three months of intensive, three-hours-per-day training: “The

team is one big family, [they’re] like brothers. Instead of weight training they carried sand and cement. For them it was like a regular job and it promoted team building.”

Arranging team visits to each person’s dwelling is another effective strategy. Bill Shaw, co-founder of Urban Opportunities for Change says: “As the players saw the situations of their team-mates they became more confi-dent and less insecure about their own situation. They bonded.”

The commitment, discipline and focus that each player had to develop to train for this event, has had an enormous impact on each of them.

Before joining the team, Leo-poldo Aragon, 19, was a high school dropout who was into street drugs and drank regularly at home with his father. During one of the team trips, he spent a few days back at home.

Coach Rudy recounts: “When [Leopoldo] was offered a drink, he said, ‘I don’t drink anymore. I am an athlete.’ His parents actually sent us a thank-you note for the changes in their son.”

Self-confidenceAbdullah Pasion, 20,

says football has given him self-confidence: “I can

show my family and friends that I am doing something in my life; I have direction.”

He adds, “My hero now is myself. I worked hard to become a member of this team and I am proud to represent my country. I am proud of myself.”

Coach Rudy, who also coach-es at the International School of Manila, is amazed at the kids’ perseverance and determina-tion: “Because they come from poverty, they give their all during training. They have a lot of heart. It’s everything for them.”

He adds: “I tell them they are already winners even before they get to Rio because of the transfor-mation that has taken place.”

Eight days in RioThis year’s eight-day tourna-

ment was held on Copacabana beach in Rio, where 51 nations competed for six different cups.

Watching the passion and skill with which the Philippine team played football, audiences worldwide never suspected they came from “basketball, and not football” country.

Winning eight consecutive games, they beat Croatia, South Korea, Sweden, Argentina, Germany, Finland and Norway (twice). At the end of the compe-tition, the Philippines ranked 25th out of 65 nations.

Their only losses were to foot-ball powerhouses Brazil, Chile and Italy, two of which were on opening day. Brazil and Chile were in 1st and 2nd place.

No fear, ‘always smiling’Sensing that it was fear and

not lack of skills that caused these defeats, Coach Rudy offered the team advice which restored their confidence and changed the course for the rest of the games.

“I told them the only way to play well is to overcome fear and to start enjoying the game. This is something I cannot teach them, they have to learn this themselves. If they can overcome fear in these games, they can also be successful in the game called life,” he recounts.

Football teams from 48 participating countries lived in five hostels but the members ate meals together, allowing them to share more than just a passion for football.

The “always smiling” Filipino team made friends everywhere but forged special relationships with teams from Finland, Canada, Hong Kong, Uganda and Swe-den.

Members of the Philippine team even took it upon them-selves to try and heal wounds from the August 23 hostage-tak-ing incident in which eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker, a former policeman, ended up dead.

HK team manager Ho Wai Chi says, “We actually had a very good conversation with the Phil-ippine team [whose members] apologized for the hostage crisis. This brought the two teams closer emotionally. We sat down and talked a lot about each other’s background and poverty situa-tion. We also gave them a lantern, which they liked very much.”

To escape poverty cycleHWC studies have shown that

70 percent of those who join the international tournament continue to change their lives in some way. As HWC founder Young says, “The HWC has created a level of change in homeless people not seen before. They move from the margins to the center of a city to a global stage, where they represent their country, stand proud and are cheered by thousands, You can’t go back from that.”


A 20-year-old nursing student from West Visayas State University was named one of the Bayer Young En-vironmental Leaders by the pharmaceutical and crop sci-ence company Bayer and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Christopher Millora won this prestigious citation tell-ing tales about the pressing environmental issues to small kids, and bringing awareness to children in Iloilo communi-ties.

Millora’s short story titled “The Little Green Rangers’ Adventures: Ang Kapirdihan ni Basuramon” (The Defeat of Basuramon) drew the atten-tion of Bayer executives. He also took home 1,000 Euros (P60,000) as support fund to enable him to pursue his project.

“It was a big thing to be sent here in Germany and represent the country, but win-ning the competition felt so surreal,” Millora said after the announcement of the top four

Visayan wins Bayer, UN short story award

Christopher Millora (third from left) [Philstar]

winners.During the tour, he was

given the chance to tell the story before other foreign del-egates and a panel of judges coming from Bayer and the UNEP.

He fi rst let them see the puppets he was using for his puppet shows and proceeded narrating the story while shuf-fl ing the cardboard illustra-tions.

Along with delegates from India, Brazil and Vietnam, Millora was picked from the 50 delegates of 18 countries who participated in the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy

(BYEE) Program, an interna-tional competition of young student leaders who imple-mented projects for protecting the environment.

Other participants came from Chile, China, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Peru, Sin-gapore, South Africa, South Korea, Venezuela and Argen-tina.

The awarding capped the six-day tour of the young en-voys in Leverkusen, Germany, the headquarters of Bayer, where they were exposed to Germany’s modern technolo-gies including the wastewater treatment facilities in the Emscher river system and the incinerator at the Bürrig Waste Management Center.

Other Filipino environ-mental envoys chosen by Bayer were Jovic Maurice Yee of Bicol University, Elizabeth Valencia of West Visayas State University, and Maria Angelica Reyes of De La Salle University in Lipa, Batangas.

Cinemalaya’s “Donor” di-rected by Mark Meily won the best fi lm award in the recently concluded 37th Brussels Inter-national Film Festival (BIFF).

While Meryll Soriano received the best actress award for her role in the fi lm.

“Thank you very much to the jury and to the organiza-tion of Brussels International Film Festival. I’m so proud to be part of this and I’m very honored and I would like to congratulate the whole fi lm ‘Donor’ and to congratulate all the fi lms included in this festi-val,” Meryll said tearfully.

In the movie, Soriano plays Lizette , a woman who sold her kidney in a desperate move to have money which she will use to work abroad.

Marvin Agustin for his part, who was the only Filipino in-vited to be part of the interna-tional jury thanked all Filipinos

Donor bag Best Film and Actress awards in Brusselswho came and supported the Filipino fi lms.

He also hopes that Fili-pinos around the world will support independent fi lms.

“I hope they could recog-nize the independent fi lms be-cause there’s more to it. Mas masarap panoorin. Although commercial fi lms have been always entertaining to us, but independent movies, it’s my fi rst time to join a festival. And seeing and watching different movies, not just Filipino movies, woke me up na there’s beyond commercial fi lms,” he said.

Donor and Soriano weren’t the only Filipino awardees, fi lmmaker Brillante Mendoza received a Visionary Award from BIFF for his innovation and countless contribution to independent fi lms.

“I’m happy to be back here. I was here 2 years ago for the

‘Foster Child.’ Thank you so much for this award. I really didn’t expect this,” he said.

Mendoza, whose fi lms are noted for the harsh realism of the struggling poor, is in Brus-sels for a special screening of “Lola” in Bozaar.

761,258 Readson www.scribd.com /asianjournal


“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

I would have wanted to write about what I remember during my fi rst Christmas in the Philippines but I was only a day and a half young then. Despite some scientifi c stud-ies showing that babies of that age already have cognitive faculties, I must admit that I

could not remember anything that would at least be of inter-est or signifi cance to anybody. All I know is that I was born and baptized as Benjamin “JESUS” Maynigo, two days after my mother celebrated her birthday on the 21st of December and close to that of our Lord’s.

But my fi rst Christmas in America is something I remember and can scribble about as a writer. As a teen-ager living with an American foster family in Seal Beach, Orange County, California as a foreign exchange student under the American Field Ser-vice International Scholarship Program, I got to experience the Christmas of my life.

The Bauchwitz family were devout Catholics who followed most of the tradi-

Remembering my First Christmas in America

tions that go with Christmas celebrations such as going to mass, Christmas parties, family reunions, caroling, Christmas cards and gift giv-ing. Because I was far away from home, my foster family planned our Christmas so that it would be fun and memo-rable for me.

Let me focus on the gift-giving part. I loved it because understandably I was more a lucky recipient of those who

in the spirit of Christmas were very happy to give me gifts. My foster Grandparents, for example, gave me seven gifts. I also received presents from my foster parents, three foster brothers (Harold, Barry and Freddie), foster sister Kay Ann, and foster Uncles and Aunties. Since I was adopted by the 200-member Seal Beach Women’s Club, I should receive a gift or gifts from them, right? Yes, I did. The AFS Club in school and the AFS Committee in the community somehow showed a similar spirit by also giv-ing me gifts. What about the neighbors and my newly-found friends? Of course, they did! It was Christmas time and I was a very willing, thankful and appreciative gift receiver. -- AJ

While receiving gifts was fun and joyful, receiving and reading the Christmas cards from relatives and friends was as satisfying. Leading the way was my sister Manang Perla who was working as a nurse at the Mayo Clinic at that time and who also man-aged to insert a check. I also got cards from sisters Loreto and Nelly. Among my fi rst cousins in the Maynigo side, I still have in my scrapbook the cards from Manang Ruth Maynigo Danao, Manong Manoling Maynigo and Father Vic Maynigo Arenas. From my fi rst cousin on my moth-er’s side Manang Conching Gal-lang Raquel Duran was a memorable card. So were the Christmas cards that I received from friends such as Mrs. Felix Coloma and daugh-ters Nenita, Olga and Bebe, Mrs. Flora Bass who featured me in the Philippines Free Press and town mate Manong Zosimo de Veas.

Christmas is not just about having fun and gift-giving. It is also about giving up some-thing you enjoy for others and meeting your responsibilities. While I could not afford to buy gifts, I remember giving up something which I enjoyed so much in order to meet my responsibilities as an AFS student and as a foster child.Before coming to the United States, I enjoyed playing basketball in the Philippines. I was our high school’s Team Captain of the basketball team. In fact, I made it to the Pangasinan (provincial) Team which became the Central Luzon Athletic Association (ClAA) Champion. My being in the short list for the AFS Scholarship and a strong can-didate to be Class Valedicto-

rian pre-vented me from joining the team to the National Inter-scho-lastic Athletic Asso-ciation Meet.

In Hun-tington Beach-Marina High School, I was recruited to try

out for the Varsity Basketball Team by the one slotted to be Team Captain who played with me during gym class and against me during Intramu-rals. I enjoyed the drill and try-out sessions so much that I popularized the shout, “faster” which is the English transla-tion of “bilis”.

I was told later that I made

the team but I had to join all the practice sessions during the holidays and would have to miss some AFS speak-ing engagements and trips. It would have ruined the vaca-tion plans of my foster parents and disappointed the local AFS Committee. At 5’8”, I would have been the shortest “small forward” but arguably the fastest, having been a one hundred meter dash runner in the Philippines.

I gave up basketball and the company of beautiful cheer leaders that came with it. But to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Sacramento we went and enjoy we did. And more gifts in the process! So I had no regrets.

Pictures are worth a thou-sand of words. So I am reserv-ing part of my space to show some scanned images that illustrate what I wrote above.

Let me end by quoting the words of some famous songs about Christmas:

“What a bright time, it’s the right time; To rock the night away.” (Jingle Bell Rock)

“Long lay the world; In sin and error pining; ‘Till he appeared and the soul felt his worth. The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” (Oh Holy Night)

“Yet in thy dark streets shineth; The everlasting Light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” (O Little Town of Bethlehem)

Merry Christmas and MAyNIGOng Bagong Taon!

complete their immigrant visa processing and have their immigrant visas issued on or before December 31, 2010. DOS cannot issue an immigrant visa as of January 1, 2011, unless the applicant meets the January Visa Bulle-tin’s newly-established cut-off dates.” For most Filipino applicants this message has no use because we are less than two weeks away from January 1, 2011 and it would be nearly be impossible to get a visa is-sued in less than two weeks.

The DOS further stated: Applicants are always subject to the cut-off date that applies to their visa category at the time when visa issuance could occur. Therefore, if the immi-grant visa cannot be approved by the end of December, ap-plicants will need to wait until the priority date is within their established cut-off date to receive their immigrant visas.

Behind the silver lining is: there will be no similar retrogression in the employ-ment-based categories come January 2011. There will be not wait for Filipinos with advanced degrees. For skilled workers such as accountants, engineers, computer program-mers, etc., it’s a 5-year wait while foxr unskilled workers such as caregivers, cook, etc, the wait remains at 7 years.

We welcome your feed-back. If you have any im-migration questions, please feel welcome to email me at [email protected] or call 619 819 -8648 to arrange for a telephone con-sultation.

January 2011 Visa Bulletin:

the Great Retrogression

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Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPasko

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Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPasko

Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPasko
















Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPasko




Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPasko







Mal gayangMal gayangMal gayangPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPaskoPasko







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EntertainmentMovies to Watch

(Following are movies now showing or soon to be shown in San Diego.)

by Simeon G. Silverio Jr.PNS -- IT was our first time to watch Paparazzi and instantly sensed the wonderful bonding among the hosts. It is so unlike The View where the female hosts argue endlessly on top of their voices. There is no upstaging as Cristy plays mother hen to all. Ruffa is more than just a beauty to behold. It helps that Mo Twister has a smiling face to absorb every comment he makes. Dolly Ann reminds us of her mom, the late Queen of Talks, Inday Badiday. No comparison is necessary be-cause she attacks issues on a different level.

Paparazzi played it fair and square on the issue why some Sexbomb dancers left the group. Both sides aired their tampos (if there was any) and all is well in the end.

Money matters were never an issue because what was stipulated in the contract was followed to the letter by their manager. This we have to say though. Whatever Joy Concio does with her money is no-

Talent manager’s woes

Dolly Anne Carvajal

body’s business and to imply that she might have spent the fee of her talents during her casino sprees in the past is out of context.

PNS -- HOW come Nikki Gil is yet to be launched solo by ABS-CBN when she has already proven her act-ing prowess in such soaps as “Pieta,” “Nagsimula sa Puso” and “Tonyong Bayawak”? “I don’t know,” she says. “May-be they feel it’s not my time yet. Kanya-kanyang season naman ‘yan. Or maybe they think it’s not the direction my path should take as I’m a singer. But right now, I can’t accept soaps din as I’ve been busy in the Atlantis Produc-

Nikki defends Billy’s hair

Billy Crawford

tions’ Broadway musical, ‘Legally Blonde,’ which is inspired by the hit comedy of Reese Witherspoon. I’ve been preparing for this for a year with workouts, yoga, voice and dance lessons as the role demands sabay kang su-masayaw at kumakanta. I’ve done ‘Seussical the Musical’ before sa Shangri-La but this one at Meralco Theatre is re-ally much more demanding.”

As Elle Woods, she’s a girl dumped by her boyfriend so she sets out to prove not all blondes are dumb by enroll-ing at Harvard Law School. “There are many big numbers and the most challenging are ‘What You Want’, my song when I get to Harvard, and

‘So Much Better’. We have minimal dialogues, lahat ki-nakanta. I really want to thank our director, Chari Arespaco-chaga, for guiding me well. She really won’t leave a scene hangga’t hindi malinis na malinis lahat.”

Off cam, her romance with Billy Crawford is going strong. How did she feel when some folks criticized Billy’s new hairdo with bangs say-ing it looks like a floor mop? “I might have my own biases about him as I’m his girl-friend, but why focus on his hair when he’s doing so much good work in hosting, singing and acting? I guess you really just can’t please everyone.”

Twenty-two-year-old Aura (writer/director Lena Dunham) returns home to her artist mother’s TriBeCa loft with the fol-lowing: a useless film theory degree, 357 hits on her YouTube page, a boyfriend who’s left her to find himself at Burning Man, a dying hamster, and her tail between her legs. Luckily, her train-wreck childhood best friend never left home, the res-taurant down the block is hiring, and ill-advised romantic pos-sibilities lurk around every corner. Aura quickly throws away her liberal-arts clogs and careens into her old/new life: a dead-end hostess job, pathetic Brooklyn “art shows,” drinking all the wine in her mother’s neatly organized cabinets, competing with her prodigious teenage sister, and desperate sex in a giant metal pipe. Surrounded on all sides by what she could become, Aura just wants someone to tell her who she is. Tiny Furniture was shot in Dunham’s family home on a Canon 7D camera, and co-stars the filmmaker’s mother (photographer Laurie Simmons) and precocious sister Grace.

www.ifcfilms.com/films/tiny-furnitureThis film is Not Rated R by the MPAA.

Running time 99 minutes.Exclusive Engagement Opens Friday, December 10th

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An electronic ankle bracelet and being under house arrest aren’t aboutto stop up-and-coming actress Maggie Chase (Tanna Frederick) fromthe two things she craves the most: real fame and true love. Withmore “Google points” than her Iowa hometown, but far less thanAngelina Jolie, Maggie is desperate to claw her way off the B-list ofaction/adventure pictures and into major movie stardom. With a teamof handlers (Kelly De-Sarla, Zack Norman, David Proval, DianeSalinger and Ron Vi-gnone) to spin her recent drunk driving arrestsinto tabloid gold and bad-boy movie star boyfriend Dov Lambert(Christopher Rydell) on her arm, Maggie’s star is on the rise. Things-get complicated when a trip home to meet Dov’s legendary familyintroduces Maggie to the world of Hollywood Roy-alty (KathrynCrosby, Mary Crosby, Sabrina Jaglom, Peter Bogdanovich,Dennis Christopher and Jack Heller) and to her boyfriend’s brotherAaron Lambert (Noah Wyle), the black sheep of the family, a failedwriter who can actually see who Maggie really is behind her ingénuefacade, but who has dark secrets of his own.... Directed by Henry Jaglom (Venice/Ven-ice, Eating). http://queenofthelot.com/ This film is Rated R by the MPAA. Running time 114 minutes.

Exclusive Engagement Opens Friday, December 10thLandmark’s La Jolla Village Cinemas

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Unholy Allied Mountains

The book “Unholy Allied Mountains” by R.D. Liporada is available from Amazon.com.

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Publisher’s note: The com-plete novel serialized here is on Unholy Allied Mountains by RDLiporada. For those who would want to procure a copy of the book online, go

to unholyalliedmountains.com. In the previous series, an Igorot boy escapes from

soldiers who burned his village. The NPAs set up an ambush against the soldiers.

Chapter 14 continued (Twentieth of a series)

At the ambush line, Maria flashed into Ding’s mind.

How will she know if I die?

He tightened his grip on the M16 issued to him. As he did, his wedding ring slapped on the neck of the rifle. Your love for each other said the priest should be like this ring. It has no beginning and has no end. Your love for each other should be forever.

He loves Maria so much that he married her again in the movement. Their backs then were entwined, blanketed with a silken red flag smacked with the hammer and sickle of the Communist Party of the Philippines. They exchanged bullets pledging that their love should be subsumed within their love and service for the people.

His love for the people, however, had weakened. Her love for the movement seemed to have vanished from when he was incarcerated.

But they love each like forever as symbolized by the ring that slapped on the neck of the rifle.

The rifle was aimed to-wards the river whose ripples flowed in a rhythm of sounds dominating the stillness of the afternoon. The chirps of birds, darting from one twig to another, harmonized with the brass of ripples of the river and the rustle of the branches above as commanded by

swishing mellow winds. The ripples, chirping, and

the rustles hid any of the care-ful sounds guarded by those on the mound patiently wait-ing with their line of fire for those who are about to die.

Ding controlled his breath-ing. He did not want to add to the gentle breeze brushing on the bushes. His eyes waded through the blades of grass which would also help shield him, no matter how flimsy, from those who are about to die.

His controlled breathing, however, could not contain the strong beating of his heart. He was almost afraid that his presence at the mound would be betrayed by the loud thumping of his heart if ever it could be heard from across the mound. He was not used to this anymore. He now won-dered what had provoked him to request that he participate in the annihilation of those who are about to die.

But what if I die, too?

It was not so long ago when he was not reluctant about death. To him then, death had a deeper sense of offering oneself for a collec-tive endeavor to paint what heaven should be like on earth – no oppressors, no oppressed. Blood would be the paint on the brushstrokes of war that would bring forth the beauty of freedom in the canvass of life – even if his blood, too, be spilled. For then, one’s death is felt to be heavier than a mountain when offered in martyrdom for the service of the people and lighter than a feather when spilt in the service of the enemy.

But that was long ago.

Now, close to the death of those who are about to die and with him, possibly dying, too, he thought, why did I really even come back here?

For sure, it was for the cleansing of his soul from his guilt of long time past. But he could have been forgiven, in fact already forgiven even if he did not have to be here. Maybe he really longed to have done this like his life

would not be complete if he never did this. He had pro-fessed to be with them. How could he really be one of them if he does not do this?

A rustle on his right made him glance at Zeny, who was adjust-ing herself on the mound. Like him, she was flat on her belly. Twenty more were on the mound in varying positions behind boulders, bushes and flimsy grass; all taut in anticipa-tion of springing death to those who are about to die.

It was she who positioned herself next to him at the ambush line as she appeared to have always tried to be close to him since she learned that he was back in the mountains.

Does he have to confess to her what happened to him? That he was imprisoned? That he actually quit in the arm struggle and pursued the life of a petty-burgis? But in the whole drama of the revolu-tion, each one had a role to play. Could his role be to contribute just a bit to the struggle for he had other roles to play? Could his wanting to

be on the mound part of his yearning to contribute more and just to show off to her that he actually is still active in the movement?

She was part, no matter how fleeting, of his distant past. She was never really part of his life although she was al-most part of his life. Nonethe-less, in the overall schemes of the revolution, she was really part of his life no matter how distant in the past. Her father had offered her to be his wife

but he had declined because he told the old man that some-one already owns his heart. Somehow, the old man and she could not understand or refused to understand that, in his ways, he could only own one heart.

He tried hard to banish the thought that she could be teasing him now by how she flicked her long thick lashes at him and how the mole on her left upper lip rolled when she smiled at him. She is just good natured and her joviality applied to everyone, he told himself. Yet, whenever their eyes locked, beneath the flick-ers of her eyes, there seems to be a wanting, a longing, an invitation beyond friend-

ship, beyond comrade-ship – a wish of consum-mating what had not been consummated in the distant past.

No, it could not be, he tried to convince himself. She knows the iron disci-pline. One cannot take advantage

of the weakness of a woman especially when one is already tied to another’s heart. It could mean death. Yet, could she be teasing him, taking advantage of a loneliness that he could have, of a loneliness that she assumes he should have?

Lonely or not, he said to himself, I should not even be here.

He had been around here three decades or so ago. He had walked the trails where undulating mountains of varied blue and dark hues swim into the horizons, where clouds pregnant with rain hover below the zeniths of outcropping greens, where the stars blanket the skies giving warmth to feelings even in the coldest nights, where sunrays

slice through the peaks and dales in their mighty fashion to rule over the days, and where the sun gently nestles among the undulations at the close of day.

But that was a long time ago. Now, he kept wondering to himself why he really even came back and now, close to Zeny, ready to spring death to those who are about to die.

But if I die, how would Maria know?

Zeny glanced at Alinew, her eyes piercing through blades of grass and bushes so she could glimpse at the side of his face. His presence back to this side of the moun-tains made her feel buoyant than ever before. She had waited for him, hoping he would come back although she knew he was up there in the echelons. In the hierarchy of their dedication he had to be going far to do whatever must be done. She had asked about him but no one told her where he could be or where he had been. She took it that in the scheme of things, she was only told what she had to know.

She had waited since he had left from the other side of the mountains. She always felt though that he would come back. Many times, she had given up seeing him again for in the struggle, one could die. Maybe he had been dead for a long time back and no one had told her for in the fluidity of the struggle, not everyone re-ally knows what ever happens for the struggle has so many fronts and he would have been in those fronts where she did not have to know where or what could have happened.

Besides, while she har-bored her feelings for him, she was never really sure if he had the same feelings for her. Maybe he had for he appeared to have but before she could know, he had to leave that part of the mountains and he had been gone to somewhere she only knew to be in one of those fronts.

In one of those fronts, her father had died. He had given himself in the service of the people for if he had not, the people would have already lost their lives upon the waves of the Chico River. It was for her father that she had con-tinued on with the struggle. It was for her people that she had continued on with the fight. It was for Alinew that she had continued on, hoping that, one day, they will meet again.

So, where could he have been? Has he met someone else? Would he have still feelings for her? Did he ever have?

Nonetheless, right now, he is here, beside her, patiently waiting for those who are about to die.

Over the years she had sprang death to those who must die and have gotten used to it and the last ones seem

to be easier than the previ-ous ones. The enemy, blind in the terrains, hunt them but, turn, often, as preys to the hunted. Now, on the mound, this would be another easy kill for those who are about to die. Her part of the mound is a safe sanctuary no matter how flimsy the grassy knoll could be. She would be invisible from the river and would be a ghost those who are about to die would not even see as they ebb away from life.

In time, this would be eas-ily over soon and she would have more time to know if he would be back in this side of the mountains. Perhaps, maybe, she will soon know enough if he is back to con-summate what she had long forever longed for.

For now, she gripped her M16 and focused on the river and waited for those who are about to die.

(To be continued)


Spiritual Life

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

by Msgr. Fernando G. Gutierrez

Lower Your Nets Balintataw

Read Virginia Ferrer’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Virginia H. Ferrer

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kano.Sa wakas ay nasa pook na

pala siya na ibig niyang marating, datapuwa’t parang hindi pa niya nakikilala. Maynila! Ibang-iba na ang Maynila! Wasak na ang puso ng lunsod ng dating kaligayahan at pakikipagsapalaran. . . Halos ay kaluluwa na lamang nito ang tumatangis sa kanyang kalansay, sa mga durog at wasak na gusal-ing walang nalabi kundi ang mga sunog at balu-baluktot na bakal sa apoy at dahas ng mga bomba at punglong pamatay ng magkabil-ang panig na naglaban.

-- Magandang Pasko po! – ang narinig niya sa tinig na impit.

--Magandang Pasko po na-man! -- ang tugong narinig din niya sa isang panig ng daan, nang magkasalubong ang wari’y man-gagkakilalang may taglay na mga balutan at ilan pang dala-dalahang mandi’y inihahanap ng mapagla-lagyan.

Samantala, sa ilang panig, ay mapapansin ang masiglang hak-bang ng mga kawal Amerikano . . . at sa ilang sasakyang makabago tanilang ginamit, ay nagkakatu-waan ang marami, samantalang ang ilan ay umaawit pa sa himig “Christmas Carols”.

Noon niya nagunita ang sim-bahan. Noon niya napagwaring dapat niya munang iwaksi ang gu-tom at hirap sa kanyang katawan at kaluluwa, sapagka’t . . . kay tagal nang hindi siya nakalililim sa bubong ng Tahanan ng Diyos!

Natanawan niya ang malalak-ing gusali! Nguni’t mga gusaling hindi na gaya nang dati. Marahil,

Ay ito ang purok ng kalakal. Iyan ang sumagi sa isip niya. Sinundan niya ang ilang tao, at sa palagay niya’y hindi naman siya nagkamali. Sapagka’t iyon ang daang patungo sa simbahan . . . kung Biyernes ay talagang pinag-sasadya niya, palibhasa’y may panata siya sa “senor”.

At, siya’y nalugod nang matanawan niyang buo pa ang simboryo nito.

— Salamat sa Diyos! -- ang namutawi sa kanyang labi, —Makapagpapasko rin ako, pag-katapos ng lahat!

Puno rin ang simbahan, nang siya’y pumasok. Parang walang nababago, bagaman wala na ang dating dingal at ang liwanag ng mga dagitab. Paano’y sinalanta rin ng digma ang dako ng altar, at ang kumbento’y naging abo. Gayon man, ang lahat ay para rin nang

Pasko ng Dalawang Pulubi

Kuwentong Pamasko ni Alberto Segismundo Cruz


dati.Hind siya nagpatumpik-

tumpik. Lumuhod siya. Bagaman ang ilan ay parang nagtatakang

Nasusumami sa kanyang wari’y basahan nang kasuutan. Napuna niyang may ilan ding nag-masid sa mukha niya, at pagkata-pos, ay nagtungo ng ulo, marahil, ay sa pagdaramdam.

Halos ay isang oras siyang na-kaluhod, at naulit na niyang lahat ang kanyang mga ini-usal.

Hindi siya napagal, sapagka’t ang awit ng mga anghel sa Belen ay waring naririnig niya sa koro, samantalang nakapagpaluwag nang malaki sa paghinga niya ang larawan ng Maliit na Mananakop sa marikit na altar, na pinagtiya-gaang mapalitaw na gaya rin nang dati.

Pasko! Nagunita niya ang nakalipas na Pasko sa kanyang buhay. Ang piging! Ang sayawan! Ang palitan ng aginaldo! Ang masaganang pagkain! Noon

siya nagdamdam ng matinding pagkagutom. Ano ang kanyang gagawin! May iba pa kaya siyang tumpak na gawin kung ibig man lamang niyang makahigop kahi’t sabaw ng mga buto ng nilagang karne ? Wala na nga, ayon sa kanyang isipan kundi ang magpal-imos. Magpalimos, yamang wala na namang makakakilala pa sa kanya, noon. Ito ang lalong banal na magagawa niya. At, ang may maiaabot, gaya ng ilang kawal na Amerikanong Katoliko, ay maaar-ing maghulog ng “biyaya”

sa kanyang palad. lyan ang nasa loob niya; sa katotohana’y nababatay din diyan ang kanyang pag-asa nang mga sandaling yaon.

Gayon man ay itinungo niya ang kanyang ulo, na para bagang ikinahihiya niyang isilay sa mga

tao ang mukha niyang pinin-sala ng digma. Napaupo siya sa


©2010 Virginia H. Ferrer. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Virginia H. Ferrer is a Filipino Language Teacher at Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista.

Nais Ko SanaNais ko ay maglakbay hanggang sa kabila ng mundoano-ano nga kaya ang mga matutuklasan kohuwag lang sana nakakatakot na tulad ng multohalika na kaibigan at samahan mo na ako.

Nais ko ay marinig ang mga awit ng diwatasabi nila kasi malalamig daw ang mga notahahanap-hanapin daw ito na tulad ng gayumabaka mabaliw lang ako, siguro ay huwag na.

Nais kong maabot ang mapuputing pumpon ng ulapna wala silang tigil sa masipag na paglalakadminamasdan niya tayo kahit saan ka mapadpadtumigil ka naman at gusto sana kitang mayakap.

Nais ko sanang masalo ang kahit isang bituinkung sakali’t siya ay babagsak ng matulinmabilis na mabilis ko namang siya’y sasaluhinsa altar ilalagay kasama nang aking dalangin.

Nais ko’y maging masaya ang bawa’t isa sa atinsa lahat ng oras at lugar na walang pipiliinkasalanan n’ya kahapon ngayo’y huwag nang isipinmga ngiti sa ‘ting mga labi ang dapat mapansin.

Joke of the week: As the great day approached a moth-er was telling her little ones the beautiful story of Christ-mas. They even tried their voices on some of the usual carols. After one song four-year-old Tommy blurted out, “Mommy, wasn’t it nice for the shepherds to get cleaned up before they went to see the Baby Jesus?” “What do you mean, Tommy?” she asked. “Well,” he explained, “we just sang the song, ‘While shep-herds washed their socks by night” (instead of “watch their flocks by night”).

Scripture: First Reading: Isaiah 52: 7-10. The prophet Isaiah announces the return of YHWH to Zion. This an-nouncement is described as bringing “good tidings,” a Hebrew word that is linked with the New Testament Greek term euangelion, or “gospel.” The “good news” is that the Great One who was with God and was God is directly present in his people. Second Reading: Hebrews 1: 1-16. In Jesus, “the reful-gence of God’s glory” is the glory of the Father’s only Son. Tracing the Son’s earthly existence, the author noted Jesus’ preexistence with God from the very beginning, his assumption of a human flesh (Incarnation), completion of his mission, and finally his

God’s “Foolishness” at Christmas

return at God’s right hand. It is the author’s intention to situate Jesus’ mission within a broader perspective – God’s cosmic plan of salvation. Gos-pel: John 1: 1-18. What has been foretold by the prophets is now realized in Jesus. He is the One who was with God and was God from the begin-ning and is now living among us.

Reflections: Christmas liturgical celebration has three sets of readings: one for Mid-night Mass, another for Mass at dawn, and finally one for Mass during the day. The cus-tom of celebrating these three sets of Masses started in Jeru-salem during the early years of Christianity. The presiding bishop of Jerusalem invited the faithful to go with him in procession to Bethlehem for a Midnight Mass at the Nativity site. After the Mass, they all went back to Jerusa-lem at dawn and the bishop would say another Mass at the Church of the Resurrec-tion, a church outside the city walls and very popular among shepherds and country folks. At noon, the bishop would say the solemn Mass of the day at the cathedral.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta said that peace begins with a smile. If that is so, then God could have smiled at us with delight on Christmas day when his only-begotten Son assumed our human nature. Today, we rejoice and cel-

ebrate that day when God smiled at mankind and sent us the King of Peace,

the Son of God who be-came one of us. What a glorious occasion, what

a profound mystery! Yet this profound mystery – God is our Immanuel, living among us, assum-ing our weak and

sinful humanity – is an utter foolishness to some people. How

could this seem-ingly helpless little Child turn

the world and its values upside down? How could

this virgin give birth to the Son of God made man? Isn’t that utter foolishness?

Yet this mystery of Christ-mas, this “foolishness” is done in the name of love. God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son. This foolish, but immense love of God, beyond what every man can understand and comprehend, is the basis of his eternal compassion and forgiveness for our constant failures and transgressions. This message of foolish love, this smile, and this peace had never been experienced before. So the angels’ assurance to the shepherds and to the whole world, then and now, is “Do not be afraid.” Fear not to be “fools for Christ’s sake,” because he had been a “fool” for our sakes. He left the glory of heaven, became a defense-less Child, led a humble life as a carpenter’s son, and died on the Cross as a criminal.

This mystery or the real-ity of the Incarnation is what inspired St. Francis of Assisi to create a “creche” (French word for cradle) with a real manger, a real ox and ass, and real shepherds. It was Christ-mas Eve 1223. At the appoint-ed time, Franciscan Brothers, men, women and children came with their torches that lit up the dark night. Since then a great tradition was born. The creche is a reminder of God’s everlasting love for us. This is what Christmas is all about. God immensely smiled at us and sent us his only Son to become one of us in all things, except in sin.

Because the world has never seen before this unique way of God - his loving gift of a Child “wrapped” (incar-nated) in human flesh, it raises skepticism or receives cold treatment. It is either that a person does not comprehend this profound mystery or one does not want to accept the responsibility that comes in accepting that gift. To accept that gift would involve a com-mitment to be just as “foolish” as the Gift and the Giver, and many individuals would rather lead a mediocre or uninvolved life with the Lord. Christmas is the time when God smiled at us in Jesus. Let us make him smile again by welcom-ing his Son into our hearts, our family and our commu-nity.

May the Peace and Joy of Christ be in your hearts. May He, together with Mary, the “most blessed among women” and Joseph, His Foster Father, bless you at Christmas!

Quotation of the week: “May each Christmas, as it comes, find us more and more like Him, who at this time became a little child, for our sake; more simple-minded, more humble, more affec-tionate, more resigned, more happy, more full of God.” John Henry Cardinal Newman.



In my recent visit to Manila, I noticed the proliferation of Indie films. I seldom take the time to watch these films, since they strike me as merely platforms for exploit-ing young stars that are all aspiring to be on the limelight. All the Indie films that I’ve heard of often deal with homosexuals – puro “kabadin-gan”. Most of them lure viewers by saying that the movie is a look into a homosexual’s struggle to be free, yet in the end, the movie fails to delve beyond the “gayness” of a gay. I’ve heard of several Indie movies that can not be considered works of art, but more like glorified pornogra-phy. All of my preset notions about Indie films changed, when upon my friend’s suggestion, I watched the film, “Ang Lihim ni Antonio.”

Joselito Altejeros directed the indie film, “Ang Lihim ni An-tonio” in 2008. The story is about a teenage boy whose gay sexuality alienates him from his friends and family. A typical attitude of the Filipinos toward gay people in the ‘50s was that of disdain and con-tempt. It reminds me of how it really was, back in the ‘50s, when homo-sexuals frequently had no choice but to hide their sexualities, for fear of being ostracized by their families and by the society. That is exactly what happened to Antonio, a role played by Kenji Garcia. In the film,

At the set of Lilay

Kenjie in Ang lihim ni An-tonio.

Kenjie with his proud par-ents.

Kenjie Garcia - Rising to StardomHis Movie Career

“Bata pa ako, mahilig na ako sa pag-arte”, said Kenjie. “I re-ally wanted to be a movie star,” he continued. This should not come as a surprise because acting is in Kenjie’s blood. His Lola, Amparo Custodio, is an icon in the Philip-pine movie industry. Amparo Cus-todio’s screen name is “Chichay”, the aunt of Kenjie’s father. Chichay, together with Tolindoy, made mil-lions of Filipinos laugh during her time.

It was Kenjie’ cousin, Katrina Paula, who gave him the tip that a movie outfit was in search of movie stars for “Ang Lihim ni Antonio.” When he auditioned for the part, he thought he was auditioning as a member of the “barkada” group in the movie. Never in his mind came the idea that he would get the title role. “Hindi ko naisip na makukuha ako kasi ang mga nag-audition ay puro gwapo – mga model-modelan,” said Kenjie. “Talagang may mukha at magaling silang umarte. Ako naman payat at hindi gaanong kataasan,” he continued. After the first screening, Kenjie was told to come back for the final screening. He was hesitant to go back because he felt he had no chance to get a part in the movie. But he took his chance and went back for the final screening. This time, Kenjie was accompanied by his mother at Viva Films. To his surprise, he was noti-fied after three days that he will be in the film “Ang Lihim ni Antonio.” Nevertheless, he was happy that he was selected but never thought he will get the title role.

“Ang Lihim ni Antonio” started it all. He had the opportunity to appear in mainstream TV drama anthologies like “Maalala Mo Kaya” (MKK). He became an MKK regular. To date, Kenjie has already done six MKK episodes. He guested in TV shows like Ka-puso Mo, Jessica Sojo. Soon after filming “Ang Lihim ni Antonio”, he appeared next in three other indie films: “Binyag,” “Kambyo,” and the

recently premiered, “Brod.”Directed by Miko S. Jacinto,

“Binyag” is a story about a man who grew up in the province and lived a simple life. His life changed when a talent manager came to his town and convinced him to go Ma-nila to try his luck as an actor.

As we all know what happens to “probinsyanos” who are lured to go to Manila with the promise of a better life, the lead character ended up with all kinds of exploitations. In the process, the character discovered his true self and what his body and soul are yearning for. As the story goes, the lead character goes back to his province with lessons from his escapades in Manila. He discovered the newfound realizations about himself the hard way.

“Binyag” was followed by “Kambyo,” another film dealing with homosexuality. “Kambyo” is the story about a group of friends who went on a road trip north of Manila. The trip began as a simple search for a long lost college friend but later turned out to be something more. The movie ends with the characters discovering fulfillment for their long denied yearnings and discovering the courage to try some-

thing new.After “Kambyo,” Kenjie was

given the lead role in “Lilay: Darling of the Crowd.” Directed by Andrew Kho, “Lilay” is about a young gay hunchback who tries to overcome people’s prejudice through kindness. But kindness is not always repaid by kindness. Al-though Lilay does not mean anyone harm, harm soon comes looking for him.

Although Kenjie had important roles in “Binyag,” “Kambyo,” and “Lilay: Darling of the Crowd,” it is sad to say that these three movie did not meet the audience’ expectations. I read the reviews of “Binyag,” “Kambyo,” and “Lilay,” and there

were a lot of things to be desired in the said movies.

Kenjie’s Ascent To Stardom

Kenjie took a break from his movie makings and continued to pursue his academic dream. After graduation, he was given a come back picture, “Brod.” Directed by Ray Gibraltar, “Brod” is an indie film about fraternity brotherhood. It stars Kenjie Garcia, as Terence, and Ardie Bascara, as Tad, who are playing as fraternity members. The movie poster speaks for itself. “Brod” is a special kind of brother-hood for Ted and Terence.

“Brod” had its premier night in December, 2010 at the Robinson’s Theater. It is an entry to the 2010 Cine Manila International Festival. As of this writing, I have not heard about the results of the festival.

I hope the movie “Brod” gives Kenjie a break that will allow him to enter mainstream acting, which is one of his biggest dreams. He is working hard to improve his acting. In my interview with him, I asked Kenjie what he does to improve his acting. He said he watches the movies of award winning actors, local and foreign, so he could learn from them. He agreed with my suggestion to go to the library and read about acting. In my recent interview with Lito Legaspi, he told me that when he was just an aspir-ing movie actor, he read the book of Constantin Stanislavsky, a Russian actor and theatre director. The book of Stanislavsky is Lito Legaspi’s “bible” when it comes to acting.

Even at a young age, Kenjie can work on his acting by focus-ing on what he can bring to the role to make it “believable”. That is the concept behind the Stanislav-sky System, often called as “the method” or “method acting”. Using a certain technique which Stanislav-sky called as the “emotional memo-ry”, the actor prepares for a role by remembering something in his past that reminds him of the emotion that he is trying to convey. Stanislavsky believed that an actor should draw from his own experiences to bring life to a role, and make it a compel-ling performance.

Like anyone who enters the world of filmdom, Kenjie holds the dream of being a professional actor. It is up to him to improve his craft, but he would surely have an easier task of it, if he will be given a good break. It is my hope that Kenjie Garcia would be given more chal-lenging acting projects in the future that will bring him to realizing his full potential as a competent and accomplished movie actor.

Antonio is a curious 15-year old boy who is just beginning to discover his identity. Antonio’s struggle with his sexual orientation distanced him from his family and friends.

Antonio’s uncle, Jonbert, came to live with him and his mother. Antonio never thought that his uncle would have incestuous intentions toward him. He would suffer abuse in the hands of his uncle, which all ended when his mother killed Jonbert whom she witnessed raping Antonio.

Maganda ang dating ng peli-kula. But I was disappointed as the story comes to its closure. I have to admit, I was not happy with the ending. Nothing was left for my imagination. Nevertheless, I could say that the movie was still an ex-cellent piece, despite the anticipated ending. In fact, “Ang Lihim ni Antonio” won as the 2010 Best Film at the International Film Festival Gay and Lesbian or Festival de la Luna concluded in Valencia Spain. Kenjie, for his part, showed a con-vincing performance considering that it was his first movie. He won the Best Actor Award at the Festival del Sol in Gran Canaria in Spain.

Who is Kenjie Garcia?

Not so many would recognize his face or would immediately as-sociate his name Kenjie Garcia as being a movie actor unless they are fond of watching indie films. After several appearances in Indie films, Kenji started to make a name for himself, and is, undoubtedly on his way to rising as a big star, like those who came before him.

Kenjie is a Bulakenyo. His real name is Ricky Boy Mocaroyo Garcia. His father, Regino Garcia, is from Bulacan while his mother, Aida Mocaroyo, is from Pagsanjan. Of the five children, Kenji is the youngest. He was born on January 21. 1990.

Kenjie completed his second-ary schooling at the Maria Katrina School in Marilao, Bulacan. He graduated with honors and ap-plied for academic scholarship at the Mariano Quinto Polytechnic College in Meycauayan, Bulacan. He completed a 2-year course in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) under a scholarship grant. He stopped studying for a while and started working to support his studies. He worked as service crew in a fast food chain. “Dinaanan ko lahat yang hirap na yan para lang makatapos ako sa pag-aaral,” said Kenjie. He believes in the importance of education for a better future. He was able to earn ad-ditional money when he started in show business through the help of his cousin, Katrina Paula, a movie starlet. He laid low for a while in show business and continued with his studies that lead to a degree in Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.

signs during the hero’s times.The functions will also be

graced by COPAO’s popular queens, City and State dig-nitaries. There will also be a featured game where audience participants could win prizes by answering pertinent ques-tions on Rizal’s life. Refresh-ments will also be served compliments of Seafood City, Conching’s Café, Bread De Luxe, Chowking, Lutuang Best-Saladmaster, Golden Chopstics, Jasmine Seafood Restaurant, Richard’s Bakery, Manila Sunset, JNC Food Mart, Filipino Desserts, Win-love and Aurora Cudal.

Christened José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda, born June 19, 1861, Rizal was a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era.

The seventh of eleven children born to a wealthy family in the town of Calam-ba, Laguna, he attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts; after which, he enrolled in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas.

After his Philippine studies, he traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he con-tinued his studies at the Uni-versidad Central de Madrid, earning the degree of Licenti-ate in Medicine. He proceeded to the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg.

As a polyglot, he was con-versant in at least ten languag-es and was a prolific poet,

essayist, diarist, correspon-dent, and novelist. Belonging to the ilustrado class, he was in the forefront of the Philip-pine propaganda movement clamoring for the Philippines to be assimilated as a prov-ince of Spain. Though he was against the armed revolution mounted by the Katipunan under Andres Bonifacio, Rizal was considered seditious by the Spaniards. His El Filibus-terismo and Noli Me Tangere depicted the oppression of the Filipinos by the Spaniards specially by the friars.

For this, he was briefly imprisoned and on December 30, 1896, Rizal was shot at Bagumbayan by a firing squad from the 70th Regimento de Magallanes composed of indio soldiers. It would seem ironic that while the first hero of the islands, Lapu-Lapu, slew Magellan; a Magellan regiment composed of Filipi-nos killed the ilustrado, Jose Rizal.

Jose Rizal became the na-tional hero of the Philippines when, in 1901, Governor Wil-liam Howard Taft suggested that the Philippine Commis-sion adopt a national hero say-ing (as published in the Free Press of December 18, 1946): “And now, gentlemen, you must have a national hero.” Taft was then addressing Filipino members of the civil commission Pardo de Tavera, Legarda and Luzuriaga. Rizal was selected from among oth-ers including Andres Bonifa-cio, Apolinario Mabini, and Emilio Aguinaldo. Thus, laid the genesis of Rizal Day.

Rizal’s monument at the now Luneta Park in Manila is kilometer zero of the Islands.

Rizal Day CelebrationsCOPAO Spearheads Rizal

Day Celebrations(Continued from page 1)

On Wednesday, the largest bird of the Americas took flight aboard a plane bound from Mi-ami to Bogotá, Colombia. Two juvenile Andean condors will soon spread their 10-foot wing span and soar above the clouds as part of a successful interna-tional collaborative program that has been reintroducing this endangered species for two decades.

One bird hatched at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the other at the Denver Zoo. The pair was being prepared for their release into the wild while at the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida. After their arrival in Colombia, the birds will spend approximately one month in an acclimation aviary before their release into a wilderness area 50 miles northeast of Bogotá.

“It’s an incredible experience to see endangered animals that were hatched through conserva-tion programs in zoos, like the Andean condor, released and flying among the mountaintops in their native habitat,” said Mi-chael Mace, curator of birds for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and coordinator of the condors’ trip to Colombia. “One of the most rewarding aspects for zoos and conservation organizations is to be able to participate in reintroduction programs to aid in re-establishing a species in the wild for hopefully generations into the future.”

The two condors will be received by CORPOBOYACA, a natural resources management agency, on behalf of Parques Na-cionales de Colombia, with the help of the Colombian federal agency Ministerio de Medio-ambiente de Colombia and the private organization Fundación Neotropical.

“Denver Zoo is very excited to be a part of this reintroduc-tion process and we’re happy to contribute to the recovery of this magnificent species in the wild,” says John Azua, Denver Zoo curator of birds. “This is a very important project and we want to continue to see the numbers of these amazing birds climb. We also appreciate being able to work with local agencies to secure a better world for animals through human understanding.”

The Andean condor program is international in scope with assistance from federal and local agencies in North and South America. Forty organizations within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) have as-sisted and 18 zoos in the United States have hatched condors that have been sent to South America as part of this conservation pro-gram. Conservation centers play an important role in rearing and preparing animals for release projects.

“For the past two years the two condors have been living in a large flight enclosure, receiving natural prey diets, and were iso-lated from contact with people, all important factors in creat-ing excellent candidates for the release program in South Amer-ica,” said Mike Taylor, avian collection manager at White Oak Conservation Center.

For more than 20 years, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have been working with South American government agencies and conservation organizations to send Andean condors to both Colombia and Venezuela. Includ-ing these two birds, 82 Andean condors have been sent to these two countries. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have sent 31 Andean condors to South America over the last 16 years, while this is Denver Zoo’s first bird sent to South America.

This species of vulture is found throughout the Andes Mountains from Colombia to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Pri-marily, the Andean condor lives in high mountainous regions and open grasslands.

The Andean condor is threatened in its northern range and has become rare in Venezu-ela and Colombia. These two countries developed the rein-troduction program to release captive-bred birds from North American conservation organiza-tions within AZA.

The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as Wild Animal Park) is operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoo and includes a 900-acre native species reserve. The organization focuses on conservation and research work

Flight of the Condor leads birds from U.S. to Columbia

around the globe, educates mil-lions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Insti-tute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Founda-tion of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

Los Angeles, Calif., De-cember 16, 2010 – As a part of Walmart’s commitment to fighting hunger, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation announced today that the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank received $225,000 grant for its Holiday BackPack and Kids Cafe pro-grams. The grant will provide enough food for 270,000 meals for an estimated 15,000 students in 20 low-income schools and 25 youth program sites in Los Angeles County who would not have access to nutritious meals over the two-week holiday break. This grant will expand the Holiday BackPack program from eight schools to 20 schools.

The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank’s Holiday Backpack Program helps children who reside in low-income neigh-borhoods and who are eligible for free meals during the week through the National School Lunch Program. Many low-income families struggle to provide the nutritious foods chil-dren need during the two-week holiday break and the Holiday BackPack Program is designed to address this gap in services.

“We greatly appreciate Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s commitment and leadership to end hunger in Los Angeles County,” said Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.

Grant will Provide Nutritious Food for about 15,000 Children in Need through the Foodbank’s Holiday Distribution Program

Los Angeles Regional Foodbank Received $225,000 to Provide Needed Food for Children in 45 Schools

and Kids Cafe Sites for the Two-Week Holiday Break from the Walmart Foundation

“Walmart acted immediately when they learned about our immediate needs this holiday season to provide nutritious food to 15,000 students in 45 schools and youth programs who would otherwise struggle to have meals during the two week holiday break.”

Walmart is also providing an opportunity for Los Angeles area “fans” to support their region to receive up to a $1 million grant for hunger relief this holiday season in a Facebook campaign. Through December 31, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are encouraging people around the nation to cast their vote on http://fightinghunger.walmart.

com choosing from a list of 100 communities where hunger rates are the highest. The community with the most online support will receive $1 million in grants and the next five communities with the highest support will receive $100,000 each to help fight hunger.

“We are committed to end-ing hunger in Los Angeles and throughout the country,” said Kimberly Sentovich, Senior Vice President for Walmart. “Through our partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank, we want to provide solutions to kids who don’t have access to healthy, nutritious food.”

The most recent food security report from the USDA depicts hunger as a challenge so signifi-cant that it can only be solved if government, corporations and community organizations work together. Walmart and the Wal-mart Foundation are committed to applying its unique business strengths to address the growing problem of hunger.

Walmart has recently an-nounced a $2 billion commit-ment to help end hunger in America. Through the “Fighting Hunger Together” initiative, Walmart and the Walmart Foun-dation will give $250 million in grants to hunger relief organiza-tions and donate more than 1.1

By Dr. Romy Protacio


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

www.asianjournalusa.com.

by Ernie Delfi n

“An unexamined life is not worth living for.” --- Socrates

This year has brought some milestones and many blessings to our lives. My wife and I also became grandparents when our only daughter, Donna Karen, and her husband Tri Nguyen became proud parents to a beautiful, precocious baby girl Olivia, before Mothers Day last May. Like many of our contemporaries who are “lolos and lolas” (grand-parents) we have also be-come part-time babysitters, a profession that has its own priceless reward during our semi-retirement. Every de-cade or so, it seems, our lives morph into another phase, with different set of activities --- mental, physical, social and spiritual --- and these changes become mandatory imputed by Some Invisible Power upon all of us, homo sapiens. Growing older and going through this life’s metamorphosis, however, have its own rewards and make life worth living.

The period between Thanksgiving and New Year has always given me the most appropriate time to really ponder, evaluate and set my own priorities for the remaining years of my earthly life. For many years now, I have carved one long week-end in early January to go into a spiritual retreat away from home (like the St. Fran-cis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista or the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville, both in North California, or the beautiful Sierra Retreat in Malibu or the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona) and I fi nd it very useful and reinvigorating to start another year on a higher plane. It’s a very inexpen-sive gift but a great blessing

Christmas still brings mystery and magic to

those who believeto have some uninterrupted peace and quiet for sev-eral days for self-refl ection. Consciously planning and balancing life’s activities into all the essential quadrants (physical=to live, mental=to learn, social=to love and spiritual=to leave a legacy) is a must to live a more fulfi lled life.

Along life’s jour-ney, I’ve learned much from countless of books and so many people from all walks of life: from the very successful business people, to PH. D.’s and academicians, social activists, politicians and ordinary work-ing people, as well as those in the religious life. From a distance, I enjoy playing some kind of mental chess-game in analyzing peoples’ their rai’son d’etre, fulfi llment and joy. It’s an amazing revela-tion, and may be ironical to infer that the “material” possessions a person has have little bearing to one’s degree of happiness or fulfi llment. It appears that a person’s detachment to worldly things often means that he or she is attached to something else that is nobler and more impor-tant, which make him or her live a happier, more fulfi ll-ing life. The lives of many saints like St. Francis or St. Ambrose are examples of this phenomenon.

The last decade I have seen this reality more clearly, especially among the reli-gious: priests, brothers, mis-sionaries and nuns, who work daily for others. My entire family and I fi nd inspiration from my sister Letty, who as a Dominican nun for almost 30 years now, has worked since her graduation from U.S.T. not only for her well

being but more so for the well-being and education of others. Just talking to her regularly and mentally comparing what she does in her religious life versus what I do in my business life forces me to refl ect what re-ally matters most in life. She not only thinks of the welfare of others, but walk the talk every working day with-out any complaints. Even the occasional gifts that she receives are often re-routed to the more needy people in the Philippines! Our family is doubly blessed to have her praying for us every day.

This example of generous giving, a genuine Service Above Self attitude inspires me to think and also pray for our leaders in my adopted country, the U.S.A. and my

birthplace, the Philippines, to possess a more servant leadership heart, to prod them to do more for the COMMON GOOD to our society. It’s high time for all leaders to start helping the country to move it forward and not just use their enviable positions to enrich themselves, their families and friends. They should be moved by the selfl ess examples of Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buf-fet, Face Book founder Mark Zuckerman, 26, in sharing their vast wealth and giving back to the global community.

In the United States, I have great admiration and respect for former Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter who continue to serve oth-ers in what they do in their foundations. Not resting on their laurels, they are leading the way selfl essly to make this world a better place. As

there is not a day that I don’t think of the Philippines, I cannot help but compare the Philippines’ living presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Jo-seph Estrada and Fidel Ramos against Bill Clinton and Jim-my Carter. I am praying for these three living Philippine presidents to do what Presi-dents Clinton and Carter and also start giving back to the country (whatever they have allegedly taken away from the people) before they die, which is certain to l happen later if not sooner. Leaving a lasting and positive legacy should be on top of their New Year’s resolution too.

Join me in praying that God strike them with some blindness-causing light-ning like how He did to Saul (renamed Paul) on his way to

Damascus. Before his conver-sion, Saul was a persecutor of Christians; after his conver-sion, however, Paul became a most zealous missionary in proclaiming the gospel of Je-sus Christ. With God, noth-ing is impossible. Arroyo, Estrada and Ramos still have time to share their vast wealth with the poor of the Philip-pines!

* * *

Indeed, Christmas emotes and evokes so many human emotions. Visible manifesta-tions from human actions --- from gift giving to feeding the hungry, from sheltering the homeless to putting up elaborate Christmas decora-tions and expensive Christ-mas trees, adorned with by multi-colored lights ---- are more obvious during Christ-mas time. Christmas makes happy people more happy, grateful people more grate-ful but sad people sadder too. Our sense of spirituality and generosity is multiplied as our hopes for a better year are enhanced. We also become more refl ective and forgiv-ing. Although as adults , we no longer believe in Santa

Claus, yet we still encourage innocent children to believe that there is Santa Claus who rewards them their wishes if they are good, kind and generous to others. Deep in the recesses of our hearts, may be, we long to be like these innocent children again to believe that Santa Claus is real. If we believe that Christ is the real reason for the season , then, we must also believe that Christ-mas still has that myste-rious magical power to change peoples’ hearts.

During the holiday season , it is said that the sufferings and pain-ful struggles of many

people are exacerbated that even lead to more suicides and depression. I pray that families’ burdens and suffer-ings are lightened as I also hope that they remain stead-fast in their faith these things will also come to pass. To give solace to the weary and depressed, a classic book, entitled “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Dr. Victor Frankl, a Holocaust survi-

vor is highly recommended. Writing his personal experi-ences in a Nazi concentration camp, Dr. Frankl concluded that “any person can endure any kind of suffering, physi-cal pains and even torture as long as his mind is focused and attached to a more pro-found calling, a higher cause that is more important than his physical body that will corrupt and eventually return to dust” . Mind over matter . Spirit over body. Substance over form. How true these sayings are!

Like in Christmas past, I thank my Creator and my Savior for the blessings that He has given me, my family and my community. I pray that He give me the fortitude and good health to continue to be His instrument to help spread His “GOOD NEWS” to others as best as I can utilizing my God given talents, time and treasure. I do realize that there is still so much to do, yet so little time left in the “candle of life” that He has given me. The thought of my own mortality is somberly humbling, but it is consoling to remember the words of wisdom of a dear Franciscan priest-friend of mine, Fr. Emery Tang, OFM, who passed away last year. He wrote in his last book, “ Food for the Journey”, “I may not have the time to do all the things I want to do, but God will give me all the time to do what He wills me to do.”

Lastly, may the bright Christmas LIGHT also mean (to borrow from Thomas Kinkade) : Let Inspiration Generate Hope Today!

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous Peaceful New Year to all my readers!

--- 3 0 ---- Email writer to: ernie.

delfi [email protected] or [email protected]


COME JOIN AND ENJOY OUR GRAND OPENING

Bill’s Corner

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

by Bill Labestre, MBA

If you live long enough to figure out what is it that you really want in your lifetime, maybe you’ll be happy when you find it. Some will never be satisfied and will keep looking for more. Others believe that having lots of money can make them feel successful. So, what is it that you really want?

When you look at the mir-ror, what do you see? Do you see lots of gray hair, some bald spots, wrinkles, eye bags or the disgusting turkey neck? If you are happy with your life, all you can see is a reflec-tion of a person who’s been through life’s ups and downs and won. Nobody promised you a rose garden so you per-severed and grew old grace-fully. If you don’t like how you look now, you can have a makeover but, would it make you real happy?

Like most normal people, there are many things that I want but, I always ask myself if I really need them. Its funny to think that when you’re young, you can hardly wait to get older. Now that you’re old, you want to look younger. Like machines, our bodies are subject to normal wear and tear. How we use and maintain it will really matter in later years. We can’t deny the fact that we get older and slower as days go by.

When you’re old, the food you eat maybe limited due to health concerns. How

What do you want?much clothing do you have to own and be comfortable? How big of a living space do you need to make your life easier? Do you really need a very expensive car to move around? What is more impor-tant to you, to maintain a good health or to accumulate more wealth?

In our society, many of us dreamed of becoming wealthy overnight without work-ing hard for it like winning the lottery. It may happen to a very few but, remains a dream to the majority. What would you do if you get lucky and win big? Do you have a plan on what to do with that money? It will change your life forever. How long will the excitement last before you get bored? For sure, it will change your plans and attitude. After buying all the material things and toys you wanted, what else can make you happy? Don’t forget the new friends and relatives that showed up. Even charity groups won’t give you rest.

Without even knowing it, most of us have already won the lottery of life. It may not be in terms of money but, it showed in various forms. You were blessed with successful children. You grew old with minor health problems. You have a spouse that loves you no matter what. You have a decent job that sustained your financial needs. You own a home which is warm and

cozy. Most of all, you have a life which is so much better than what you have before. How much money do you need to sustain a decent life?

Sometimes, we just have to step back and look harder on our current situations. Maybe we just failed to see the real picture. We need to appreciate and utilize the many things we already have. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

Every morning when I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t see an old man but instead, a person who is still alive and ready to enjoy another day.

R. Edna Consing Concepcion, PhilAm BID | SAN DIEGO, 12/4/2010 -- The Honorable TANI CANTIL-SAKAUYE was sworn in as Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger while her hus-band, retired Police Lieutenant Mark Sakauye, held the Bible.

We booked a flight to the State Capitol as soon as we received the invitation from the Director of the Office of the Governor, Retired California Legisla-tor Charlene Zettel, to this event on Friday, December 3rd. We cancelled or rescheduled all the appointments on our Books from December 2nd thru the 4th.

Phil Am BID (Philippine American Business Improvement & Develop-ment) Founding co-Chair Marilyn Mesina and I made sure we were at the State Capitol Rotunda no later than 10 A.M. on this momentous day even though the Announcement/Invitation said “no later than 11 A.M.”. Observing

“American time” versus the usual “Fili-pino time” for this historic event served us well since we were 7th and 8th in the queue that grew from 12 to 300 in less than 12 minutes. A busload of Filipino Americans from San Francisco helped swell the crowd. After security started checking the guests in, we were one of the first to enter the cordoned area. We were seated among the “family members” of the newly elected Chief Justice. Two happy early birds!

The ceremony began with retiring Chief Justice Ronald George introduc-ing Governor Arnold Schwarzeneg-ger. The Governor then honored and thanked Chief Justice George for the 14 years he devoted to the Supreme Court.

Governor Arnold and Chief Justice George invited Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye’s family to join them as they prepared to administer the Oath. So, Retired Police Lieutenant Mark Sakauye, daughters Hana and Clare and Justice Tani’s mother, Mary Gorre Cantil went up the stage.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger administered the oath of office for ap-pellate court judge Tani Cantil-Sakauye in the rotunda of the State Capitol on this cold and drizzly Sacramento Fri-day, December 3, 2010. The governor called Chief Justice Tani a “fine and highly admired jurist” and cited her as an example of the American dream.

The Honorable TANI CANTIL SAKAUYE is the first Filipina-Amer-ican Chief Justice and just the second woman to lead the state’s high court after Rose Bird, who voters ousted from the Supreme Court in 1986.

After the oath, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye, said she’s prepared for the “vertical climb” ahead of her.

“I’m fully aware of the monumental, indescribable challenge ahead of me,” she said. “I also am aware that I am prepared to happily dedicate myself to

this task.”In thanking her family, friends and

colleagues, the Sacramento native said the ceremony has special meaning for her. She recounted how childhood visits to Capitol Hill Park made the swearing in ceremony in the rotunda of the Capitol building so personally moving.

“We lived only a few blocks from here. Sometimes, after church, my mother would take my sister Kim, my brother Mark, my other brother Clem and I here,” she said.

“It never dawned on us to actually enter the building. We were happy to be near it in the park,” she said. “And now, here we are inside, sitting in the front row,” the new Chief Justice said jubilantly. And the friends, family and colleagues gave her a resounding ap-plause indicating how joyful the crowd was for her.

Schwarzenegger nominated Cantil-Sakauye in July and she was confirmed by the three-member Commission on Judicial Appointments in August.

Her nomination was a proud moment for the state’s Asian American, especial-ly the Filipino America,community.

California voters confirmed Chief Justice Cantil- Sakauye to a 12-year term in the elections last November.

Cantil-Sakauye has served on the 3rd District Court of Appeal since Schwarzenegger appointed her to the Sacramento-based court in 2005.

Before becoming a judge at age 30 in 1990, she worked as Gov. George Deu-kmejian’s deputy legal affairs secretary and as a deputy legislative secretary.

Lifted from the Sacramento Voter’s Guide of 2006:

In 1997 Governor Pete Wilson el-evated Justice Cantil-Sakauye to the Superior Court, and in 2005 Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger nominated her to the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District where she was unanimously confirmed by the Commission on Ju-dicial Appointments.

On the Sacramento court, Justice Cantil Sakauye presided over both of civil and criminal assignments.

In 1997, she started the first court in Sacramento dedicated solely to domestic violence issues. Her respon-sibilities on the Sacramento court included: Chair of the court’s criminal law committee, a member of the pre-siding judge’s task force on domestic violence, and a member of the Home Court committee.

Currently she serves on the Judicial Council’s Task Force on Domestic Violence Practice and Procedure and Chair of the Best Practices Domestic Violence subcommittee. She is an advi-sory board member for The Volunteers in Parole program and is also a member of: the Anthony M. Kennedy Inn of Court, Women Lawyers of Sacrament,

the Sacramento Asian Bar Association, and the National Asian Pacific Ameri-can Bar Association.

Born in 1959 in Sacramento, Justice Cantil Sakauye attended C. K. Mc-Clatchy High School, graduating in 1977, and Sacramento City College where she earned her A. A. degree a year later. In college, Justice Cantil Sakauye discovered her interest in debate and public speaking and won many state and national awards. She received her B.A. from the University of California at Davis in 1980. After taking a year off to visit her ancestral homeland, the Philippines, Justice Can-til Sakauye entered law school in 1981. In 1984, she received her J.D. from the University of California at Davis, Martin Luther King Jr. School of Law. In 1984, she became a deputy district attorney for the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office where she prosecuted a variety of criminal offenses. After the District Attorney’s Office, she worked for Governor George Deukmejian in two consecutive capacities -- as deputy legal affairs secretary and then as a deputy legislative secretary.

She has received many awards in-cluding honors from the Sacramento Domestic Violence Coordinating Coun-cil, the 2005 President’s Award from the Sacramento Asian Bar Association, the 2003 Trailblazer’s award from the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association, the Filipina of the Year award and other awards from youth groups.

Justice Cantil Sakauye and her hus-band, police lieutenant Mark Sakauye, who recently retired, have two adoles-cent daughters who are active in church, basketball, scouts and the arts. In her spare time, Justice Cantil-Sakauye enjoys running, reading and, time permitting, golf.

Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye begins her new duties on Monday, January 3 2011.

Good friend Marilyn Mesina and I are very proud to have witnessed this historic event – the swearing in of the very first Filipino American Chief Jus-tice of the State of California.

***HAPPY NEWS!! On Thursday, July

7th 2011, San Diegans will be treated to the presence of Chief Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye. She will be the Key-note Speaker at the StarBlazer and TOP HATS Gala. ACCESS International in cooperation with Phil Am BID (Philip-pine American Business Improvement and Development) will honor Chief Justice Tani with both the prestigious STARBlazer and TOP HAT Awards. It’ll be a red-letter San Diego Day!! -- Reprinted at the request of PhilAm BID. Sned your feedback to [email protected] or call (619) 436 9494

First Asian American Chief Justice of the State of California, Honorable TANI

CANTIL-SAKAUYE, a Filipina-American


Two thousand years ago in the little town of Bethlehem, there was a truly miraculous birth – the Son of God was born. With a Divine Father and a human mother, Jesus entered history: God in the flesh!

The prophecy of Jesus’ coming was foretold seven centuries before the birth the Messiah was born. This prophecy is found in the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament in a chapter entitled “To Us a Child is Born”:

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…

For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the

government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Fa-ther, Prince of Peace.”

Fast forward to 700 years, in the Book of Luke in the New Testament, God sent the angel Gabriel to announce to Mary that she has been select-ed to be the mother of Jesus:

“The angel Gabriel went to her and said: Greetings, you are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was great-ly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greet-ing this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.”

When the Christ child was born, the angels appeared to the shepherds out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. The glo-ry of the Lord shone around them, and the shepherds were terrified. But the angel said to them:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you:

And His Name shall be Called … JESUS

he is Christ the Lord … Sud-denly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

So many things have been written in the Bible about Jesus … pointing out to us that JESUS is the only name under heaven whereby we can be saved. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that who-ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16.

Eternal life in God’s king-dom is promised to all who turns to and accepts Jesus in faith! Jesus Himself said:

“I am the way, the truth

and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:16

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, though he dies. And whoever lives and be-lieves in me will never die.” – Luke 11:25

One more prophecy about Jesus is yet to be fulfilled: His “Second Coming” as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Regarding the time His return (as found in His famous prophecy on the Mount of Olives before His death! – His disciples asked, “When will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and of the end of this age?”

Jesus responded with a description of conditions and events that would lead up to His second coming. He said that when these signs become evident, His return would oc-cur within one generation.

Could this be that gen-eration? We don’t know and nobody knows. Jesus said: “But of that day and hour on one knows, not even the an-gels of heaven, but my Father only.”

What should we do to prepare for the second coming of Jesus? The answer is in the Bible.

mahabang hanay ng mga dungisa’t nanglalapot ang mga damit na pulubi — ng mga labi ng Sangka-tauhan! Sapagka’t siya’y minsan ding naging artista, bago naging mangangalakal na tanyag nang ka-panahunan niya, kaya’t magaang na naganap niya ang papel ng isang tunay na pulubi. Saka, sa katotohanan naman ay talagang nakalarawan ang kanyang pagig-ing salanta sa digma: ‘”sira” ang kanyang mukha, namumutla’t nangangayayat siya, bukod sa marungis na marungis pa ang nalabi niyang damit.

—Tatang, nanang, kaunti pong aginaldo sa pulubi! — at di itini-tikom ang lahad niyang palad.

May ilang nahabag sa kanya at naghulog ng ilang bagol. May isang amerikanong naglimos ng isang kaha ng “Camel”, saka may isa pang naghulog naman ng isang balutan ng “chocolate bars”.

Paulit-ulit niyang ipinahayag ang kanyang “Tatang, nanang” . . . hanggang sa ang katabi ni-yang isang babaing pulubi — ay napalingon sa kanya. Para bagang napapatda sa pagmamasid ang mga matang nangulimlim, nguni’t pinangingiliran ng luha, sa mukha niyang napinsala.

— Mario! — ang wika sa basag na tinig ng babaing nagpa-palimos din. —Ikaw nga ba? --

Narinig ni Mario, ng nasalanta sa digma at sawi pa sa buhay at pagibig, ang tinig na iyon. Hindi niya maipagkakamali, kahi’t basag mang umabot sa pandinig niya.

— Mercy! Patawarin ka ng

Diyos! — At hinagod ang mukha ng babaing pulubi.

— Mario, ang Digma! Ayoko nang maalaala pa. — At ang mga matang iyon ay dinaluyang lalo ng luha.

Hindi nakapagsalita si Mario sa kanyang narinig na pangun-gusap kaya’t nagpatuloy pa ang babaing pulubi.

-- Napopoot ka ba sa akin, Mario? Isinusumpa mo pa ba ako, Mario? — at lalong naging pangit ang mukhang nangulubot at wari’y nasunog pa sa matinding init ng araw, gayong dating dilag na karapatdapat lamang sa dam-bana ng mataas na lipunan.

-- Nabagsakan ng bomba ang aming tahanan! Namatay silang lahat! — at humagulgol ng iyak

ang babae, sa pagpapatu-loy nang di-umiimik pa rin ang kausap. Saka ang mapait sa lahat ay namatay ang aking anak . . . hindi, ang ating anak!

— Mercy! — at nayapos ni Mario ang dating kasintahan. — Hindi namamatay ang ating anak, utang na loob! Huwag mong sabi-hin, sa akin iyan. Halina at hayun siya: kasisilang lamang.

At, ang kahabag-habag na si Mario, anaki’y isang baliw ay itinuro ang Larawan ng Sanggol sa

Belen sa altar ng simbahan. At saka narinig nila . . . ng lahat . . . ang ‘’Gloria in excelsis Deo” . .

Saka pa lamang napapayapa ang kanilang kaluluwa. Sa hanay ng mga pulubi’y dalawa amg tumindig at naglakad . . . aywan kung aling lanidas ang kanilang tatahakin, nguni’t ang mahalaga’y magkasama na sila ngayon! Ibang-iba na ang kanilang anyo at damdamin sa puso’t kaluluwa. Nguni’t, nababatid na lalo ng Diyos kung ano ang kanilang magiging hantungan.

Pasko ng Dalawang Pulubi

Kuwentong Pamasko ni Alberto Segismundo Cruz


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

journalusa.com

Light &Shadows

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

by Zena Sultana Babao

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call: (619) 474-0588

Wife mad at drunk hus-band: From now on, lips that touch liquor will never touch mine...

(Later she said): What are you thinking?

Husband: Trying to decide between 12year old scotch and 50year old lips.

***

Son to dying father: Itay, ano po ang gusto nyo, mag-palibing ba o magpa-cremate?

Ama:Ikaw na ang bahala, anak. I-surprise mo na lang ako.

***

Pacquiao: Honey, boksan mo na yun sweets.

Jinky: Nasan honey? Ang lambing mo naman. May pasalubong ka pa sa akin!

Pacquiao: Yung sweets ng elaw.. Ang dilim kaya!

***

Bisaya: Hulaan mo alaga kong hayop nagsimula sa liter I.

DJ: Isda?

Lips that touched liquorBisaya: Dili man!Dj: Ibon?Bisaya: Lapit na.DJ: Ano nga, siret na!Bisaya: IGOL.

***

Erap disembarked from a PAL flight and was met by reporter who asked, “Sir, what do you think of the econo-my?”

Erap: I don’t know. I was seated in the first class.

*** Misis: Darling, akala ko

ba, mahal mo ako....Mister: Oo nga! Handa

akong mamatay alang-alang sayo.

Misis: Sus! Puro ka naman satsat, hindi mo naman gina-gawa!

***

Tony: Ikaw na naman? Tatlong beses mo na akong na-holdup ngayong taon, ah!

Holdaper: Ganu’n talaga brod. Inaalagaan ang good customer!


Duane was busy thinking of a way he could re-start the engine of his car after he had parked and turned the engine off. He found the answer to his problem when he saw a sloping driveway in front of an offi ce building. He backed up the car on the driveway, lifted the parking brake and turned off the engine.

“Why did you park here?” she asked.

There were plenty of park-ing spaces on the streets.

“I know the owners of this building,” he lied. “The car would be safer here.”

When the building’s security guard was about to approach him to tell him not to park his car there, Duane rushed towards him and se-cretly handed him a hundred peso bill.

“Pare, pabayaan mo na akong mag-park dito (Friend, let me park here),” Duane quietly told the guard.

“You can park as long as you want,” the guard replied with a smile.

The couple went to the C.O.D. Department Store and shopped. He wanted to take her to dinner afterwards as he promised but she refused.

“I am still full,” she ex-plained.

Instead, they went to a Magnolia Ice Cream kiosk for refreshment. He ordered a “Macapuno Cobbler”, made of vanilla ice cream with sweet macapuno strings on top. She ordered a “Merry Martian”, a red colored ice cream with barquillos on each side. The barquillos were sweet ice cream cones shaped like small tubes. When placed on a scoop of ice cream, the ice concoction was supposed to look like a Martian, with barquillos as its long ears.

He was nervous when they returned to his car. He was afraid its engine would not start due to its weak battery. Once they were inside the car, Duane switched the ignition key, stepped on the foot break and the clutch pedals, put the stick shift to second gear and pushed down the hand break,. He shrewdly let the car roll down by releasing the break and once a momentum was achieved, he released the clutch. To his relief, the car’s engine started.

Pauline was puzzled.“Why did you do that?”

she asked.“I was just having fun,” he

replied and quickly changed the topic.

“Are you looking forward to Christmas tomorrow?” he asked.

Whatever other questions she might have in mind, she just kept to herself

He again parked the car on the street corner of her house. Pauline just remained quiet and didn’t ask anymore ques-tions. At that point, Duane had no other recourse but to turn off the engine of his car. His odd behavior was already becoming questionable and he didn’t want to elicit other queries.

“Bahala na (I’ll just leave it to fate),” he told himself.

He stayed in her house for a while and got to know more about her during their conver-sation. He liked her.

The car’s engine would not start when he was about to leave. He walked around the block several times, waiting for the engine to cool down. He was praying that Pauline would not go out of the neigh-borhood that evening and no-tice his car. After two hours, he was able to successfully start the engine and leave.

He was awake all night, thinking that he found the girl of his dreams. Gradu-ally, he found himself falling in love with her. The next day, he went unannounced to her house bearing her a gift. Pauline was surprised to see him as she was busy entertain-ing their visiting relatives. It was Christmas Day. He was in the clouds, in love and enjoy-ing the sight of her as she moved around and talked to the other guests. Finally when he realized there would not be a chance to have a private talk with her, he decided to bid goodbye.

“There will be other times to talk to her, and the next time, I will tell her I love her,” he told himself.

At the gate, Pauline pulled him aside and said: “Can I talk to you in private?”

He nodded and they stood outside the house.

“I don’t know what your intentions are,” she said. “but I would like you to know that I cannot commit to any rela-tionship at this time.”

He was devastated. After a while, he managed to ask: “Why?”

“I will be migrating to America soon, as my mother had petitioned me,” she ex-plained. And then she uttered the devastating words: “Let us just be friends.”

Duane turned around, walked away and felt em-barrassed. This time, his car engine started on the fi rst try. But that didn’t make him happy. Outside the car, people were walking around wear-ing new clothes and happily greeting each other a “Merry Christmas”.

***

Twenty fi ve years later, on a Christmas Eve in San Di-ego, California, he confessed his most guarded secret.

“Do you know why I parked my car on a sloping driveway when we went shop-ping on our fi rst date?” he asked her.

“Why?” she asked. “I was wondering about that.”

“I didn’t want you to know that its battery was weak and I wanted to let it roll downward to make sure it would start.”

He had cracked a lot of jokes, some of them she found corny and a lot she laughed at, but his remark, which was not even a joke, elicited the loud-est laughter from his wife, Pauline. - AJ

A CHRISTMAS STORY

And Love Blossoms on

Christmas Day

Street Poetry

Read about Michael’s upcoming book of poems “Crushed Violets” by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Michael R. Tagudin

©2010 Michael R. Tagudin. All rights reserved. About the Author: Michael R. Tagudin Educated as an engineer in the Philippines, the City of Los Angeles employee hopes his legacy of poems will provoke a dialogue about the human condition. He is donating the proceeds from the book “Crushed Violets” to the “Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Traffi cking (CAST)”, a non-profi t that provides public awareness and advocacy efforts against human traffi cking in the City of Angels. To learn more, visit www.castla.org. To help, call the CAST 24 hour hotline 888.KEY.2.FRE(EDOM) or 888.539.2373. Contact [email protected] for

more information about ordering the book “Crushed Violets.”

reserved. About the Author: Michael R. Tagudin Educated as an engineer in the Philippines, the City of Los Angeles employee hopes his legacy of poems will provoke a dialogue about the human condition. He is donating the proceeds from the book “Crushed Violets” to the “Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Traffi cking (CAST)”, a non-profi t that provides public awareness and advocacy efforts against human traffi cking in the City of Angels. To learn more, visit www.castla.org. To help, call the CAST 24 hour hotline 888.KEY.2.FRE(EDOM) or 888.539.2373. Contact [email protected] for

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LifestyleRead J’Son’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.

asianjournalusa.com

by Joe Son

What is Christmas? Where did Christmas originate... bible or paganism? I believe this is debatable with no posi-tive answer. Let me enumer-ate briefl y what I learned and believed, that the most common justifi cation regard-ing Christmas is people have replaced old pagan customs, traditions and beliefs in ador-ing the sun and other heav-enly bodies, and ornamental fi gures and the new christian world are now focusing on Christ. To most of us, Christ-mas is remembering the birth of Jesus Christ and is usually

associated with Santa Claus, Christmas trees and lights, gift giving and is a very big event for merrymaking in our household.

To date, still numerous publication claims that Christ was not born in December 25 but the Catholics insists and directly confi rms this.Whether or not December 25 is the real birth of Christ, we must abide by the wishes of all peoples and have no reason to doubt by what our parents and fore-fathers have taught us.

Christmas is thought by most to be a wonderful time, focusing on sharing and giving, family togetherness, beautiful music and decora-tions, feasting on special foods and Christmas songs and all these boils down to worship Christ based on what the Bible teaches us. Isn’t it Christmas is wonderful?

Filipinos back home are believed to be really supersti-tious and have strong faith in God, who are also known to be people that are full of hope, to welcome good things in their families and homes and always stay together as a family in good and bad times. Life of average families in the Philippines are really tough. They don’t have enough money for food in a day and have to work hard for another day and the days to come. Against all odds, Filipinos are known to celebrate Christmas the longest, as the “BER” months enter, Christmas spirit among Filipinos are felt from all walks of life. Christmas for Pinoys is very special than any other season of the year.

As early as September, radio and television stations start playing Christmas songs and some household already display lanterns and Christ-mas decors including side-walks and malls. As people full of hope, they anticipate good things are coming their way and because of strong family ties, they love to gather with their loved ones and celebrate the season longer.

Christmas for PinoysFor kids, Santa Claus and his reindeer’s are the symbol of Christmas, whom they be-lieved distributing toys and candies on Christmas eve.

Since the celebration is for the commemoration for the birth of Christ, the faithful gives emphasis on having a nativity set “Belen,” together with Christmas trees and decors. Community organiza-tions and some folks in each neighborhood form groups for Christmas caroling, accom-panied by guitar and other in-struments for fund-raising on certain project. By doing this,

families be-ing caroled give mon-etary gifts in return.

During Christmas season, family members that are working abroad start sav-ing money for fare tickets, to spend the holidays together with their loved ones but for those who could not have a va-

cation from work will just send gifts back home. Most folks believed to complete the nine day midnight mass “MIsa de Gall,” from the 16th of December until the very day of Christmas, so that God will grant their wishes and more blessings will come for the year. While it is customary for Filipinos that on the eve of December 24 there should be food on the table, “Noche Buena.”

Fil-Ams in the US still celebrate Christmas to com-memorate the birth of Jesus Christ in different ways. Some religious and community organizations hold Christmas parties on separate days in December but reserved their observance of “Noche Buena with their own family. The Samahan Senior Center held their Christmas party last Friday, December 17, while the Mc Buddies had their exclusive Christmas party on December 18 at the same venue respectively in FAVA Hall at 30th and Market Sts. in San Diego..

A Christmas Wish

by Joshelle Joyce Son Quimbo

Second graderSmythe Elementary School

Dear Santa,

How are you? I hope you are not too tired from having to deliver so many presents around the world this year. I am writing you to let you know that I have been a very good kid. I have worked hard in school, so I can reach my goals. I know my parents worked so hard, so I can have the things I need everyday. My wish for Christmas, Dear Santa is a Nintendo DSI, a new laptop computer and WII set with games. But my real wish, Dear Santa is peace, love and joy for my family and everyone in the world. Thank you for everything.


End of Freeway (Poem No. 66)

End of freeway

End of freeway 710

Exit Valley Boulevard

Same here

I am tired

I am at the end of the road

Have to make an exit

Away from your world

I am not asking for the Universe

All I am asking is for you to be free

And I realize it is not going to happen!

billion pounds of food from Wal-mart stores, distribution centers and Sam’s Club locations, valued at $1.75 billion

# # #

About Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

The Los Angeles Regional Foodbank is a non-profi t, chari-table organization established in 1973 and is one of the largest Foodbanks in the United States. Through a network of 590 chari-table agencies providing service from 1,000 agency sites, the Foodbank supplies enough food for 800,000 meals each week

throughout Los Angeles County. The Foodbank is a partner with Feeding America. For more information, visit http://www.lafoodbank.org.

About Philanthropy at Walmart Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to sup-port the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neigh-borhoods. The Walmart Founda-tion funds initiatives focused on education, workforce develop-ment, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From Feb. 1, 2009 through Jan. 31, 2010, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $512 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally, $467 million of which was donated in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.walmartfounda-tion.org.

Los Angeles Regional Foodbank Received $225,000 to Provide Needed Food for Children in 45 Schools and Kids Cafe Sites for

the Two-Week Holiday Break from the Walmart Foundation



Showbiz Watcher

Read Ogie Cruz’s previous articles by visiting our website at www.asianjournalusa.com

by Ogie Cruz

AMERASIAN CUISINE

WALANG TAKOT na ibi-nandera ni Madam Auring ang kanyang bagong ‘PAPA’ nung nakaraang Star Award for TV, kaya naging agaw eksena ang naturang pamosong man-ghuhula sa event nay un.

Makki ang name ng kan-yang apple of the eye sa ngayon, 23 yrs old at ayon kay Madam eto na raw ang kanyang true love sa kasa-lukuyan kaya lalong feeling bumabata siya sa ngayon.

Very sweet daw si Makki at agresibo at higit daw sa la-hat medyo tisoy daw ito kung titigan ng husto.Halos lagi raw nakadikit ito sa kanya,lalo na raw yung Star Award ku-lang na lang lagyan ng rugby ang kanilang magkahawak na kamay at hanggang sa makatulog si Madam mismo sa balikat ng binata,natapos na kasi ang awarding halos medaling araw na.

Sabi nga ni Madam Auring kasalanan ba niya kung mahi-maling ang binata sa kanyang kagandahan, pero alam nyo ba na tutol na tutol ang kanyang mga anak sa kanyang kasalu-kuyang relasyon? Ang drama nga nila ay Romeo and Juliet, dahil laging guardiado si Madam at hindi siya puedeng

Ang bagong ‘Papa’ ni Madam Auring!!!

dalawin ni Makki sa kanyang tindahan sa Monumento.Kaya kung nagkikita man sila o nagde-date laging patago parang nakaw na sandali.

Ayon din kay Madam hindi na raw nag-aaral ang binata pero may sarili itong business, kaya huwag isipin na siya ang gumagastos sa lalaki. Basta ang alam niya masaya siya sa ngayon at sagana,tigilan na raw ang paghusga sa kanya kung sakali bata man at sariwa ang nagkakagusto sa kanya.

Dagdag pa ng May Asim pa ( pamosong litanya ni Madam Auring) ,” Mahirap naman kung sa matanda pa ako magkakagusto e matanda na nga ako ang kailangan ko bata at sariwa, para lalo akong lumakas,” . Basta isa lang ang masasabi niya sa mga nan-ghuhusga sa kanyan, mamatay raw kayo sa inggit at mali-gaya siya sa kasalukuyan.

SHARON CUNETA GALIT NA GALIT SA TWITTER NI CRISTINE REYES , feeling daw niya nabastos siya.Itoy tungkol sa iringan nina Sarah Geronimo at Cristine Reyes ,ang gusto sana ng Megastar ay maayos niya ang dalawa.Kausapin ang

mga ito para magkasundo ang dalawa.

Alam nyo naman na close si Sarah kay Sharon, kaya ang nakarating na balita kay Cristine e nagsumbong itong si Sarah kay Megastar.Kaso wala namang masamang intensyon si Sharon kungdi pagbatiin ang dalawa, pati nga si Rayver balak din niyang kausapin kaso minasama ni Cristine.Kaya tuloy nagalit ang Sharon, parang siya ang sinabihan ni Cristine sa mga twit nito na huwag makialam ang iba at hayaan na lang silang mag-solve ng kanilang problema.

Samantala si Rayver Cruz na siyang dahilan ng pag-aaway ng dalawa, dinepen-sahan ang sarili dahil sa pagsusumbong niya na ang mga magagaling na dancer ay habulin ng mga Sexy.Sinabi raw niya kay Cristine ito dahil

mahal daw niya ang da-laga at kara-patan nito malaman ang nangyayari.

DENNIS TRILLO HANDANG MAKIPA-GHALIKAN KAY PIOLO PASCUAL, kung sakal-ing may isang movie offer tungkol sa kabadin-gan.Ayon sa aming nabalitaan, mukhang ire-revive yata yung movie noon na

BER 31, kinausap na raw ang mga cast nito kasama ang mga Hitmakers at Pokwang ng management ng channel 2.Halos maiyak daw si Pok-wang dahil sa pangyayaring ito,pero ang sabi kasama rin siya sa bubuksan na bagong programa kaya natuwa rin ang kamedyante.

Ang klaro, hindi na kasama ang apat na sina Rico J Puno, Rey Valera, Nonoy Ziniga at Marco Sison.Kaya naman may ibang artista at dancers ng naturang show ay nagpa-parinig para makasama sila sa Willing Willie ni Willie Revil-lame sa channel 5 kaso wala ng balak kunin sila ng dating host ng Wowowee dahil sa pang-iiwan sa kanya noon.

Ang nakakatuwa, sinasabi ni Willie Revillame na puede na raw mag-guest sina Rico , Rey, Nonoy at Marco sa kan-yang show sa TV5 sa January.Pati si Valerie Concepcion nagpaparinig na gusto nitong sumama sa Willing Willie at ang kanyang Christmas gift kay Mr. Revillame.

Samantala, tuloy pa rin ang labanan sa korte ng kampo ni Willie Revillame against ABS CBN mukhang matatagalan pa kung anuman ang magig-ing resulta nito dahil na rin sa pagbibitiw na ilang judges na humahawak ng kaso ng dala-wang kampo.Ang maliwanag tuloy –tuloy pa rin ang show ni Willie at malamang daw mapapanood na sila sa buong panig ng mundo sa January via TV5 International.

BANGGAAN NINA AN-NABELLE RAMA AT SEN. MIRIAM DEFENSOR MAL-AMANG NA MANGYARI DAHIL KAY HEART EVAN-GELISTA. Habang may iringan ang kampo ni Heart at Annbelle Rama, kinuha pala ni Heart na maging Atty. Niya si Sen. Mirriam Defen-sor sa anumang mga kaso ang haharapin ng dalaga.

Nakarating naman ito kay Tita Annabelle, ayon sa nanay ni Rufa Guttierrez idol daw niya si Senador Mirriam sana raw huwag ito makialam sa problema nila ni Heart.Paano kung makialam, naku gera patani ito tiyak hindi matatalo si Sen. Mirriam ganon din si Visaya.Abangan na lang natin ang banggaan nila.

SINO KAYA ANG MA-NANALO SA BEST AC-TRESS SA METRO MA-NILA FILM FESTIVAL na magsisimula na sa December 25?

Maraming nagsasabi na si Jennylyn Mercado sa “Rosa-rio”, dahil napakaganda raw ng pagkaganap ng naturang aktres. Nandyan din si Ai-Ai Delas Alas ng “Tanging Ina”, at siempre huwag kalilimutan si Kris Aquino na malakas din ang laban para sa pelikulang “Dalaw”.

Pero sabi nga ni Kris, kapag siya ang nanalo tiyak bibigyan ito ng kulay ng iba. Sasabihin kaya siya nanalo dahil Presidente ang kan-yang kapatid na siyang nag-appointed sa mga opisyales ng MMFF.Pero may nagsabi na binigay na raw ni Kris Aquino ang Best Actress trophy kay Jennylyn, ibig sabihin sur-render na si Ms. Aquino kay Jennylyn . Ewan lang natin, abangan na lang natin kung anuman ang magiging resulta ng labanang ito, sana nga manalo ang karapatdapat na manalo at hind imaging puli-tika ang mangyari.

Sa mga kababayan namin dito sa California,mami-miss ho natin ang taunang Metro Manila Film Festival at mag-ing ang parade ng mga kasal-ing movies na magaganap sa De. 24.Basta isa lang ang masasabi ko sa mga tagabasa namin sa aming column, Merry Christmass To All.

Makki and Madam Auring

“Mahinhin VS Mahinhin” at isa si Dennis Trillo na napu-pusuan para gumanap isa sa mga pangunahing tauhan sa naturang pelikula.

Isa sa mga lumabas na pangalan para makasama niya sa nasabing pelikula ay ang name ni Piolo Pascual at diretso siyang tinanong ng mga reporters kung payag ba siyang makipag- Lips to Lips sa naturang Actor kung saka-sakali.Walang kagatolgatol na sinagot ni Dennis na wala raw problema sa kanya at handa raw siyang makipaghalikan kay Piolo dahil alam niyang magaling na actor ito.Basta raw huwag lang lagyan ng malisya ng iba kung anu man ang gagawin nila sa bawat eksena , dahil trabaho lang daw yun para sa isang role sa nasabing peilkula.

WIN NA WIN MAGPA-PAALAM NA SA DECEM-


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

journalusa.com

1. Look at your zipper. See the initials YKK? It stands for Yoshida Kogyo Kabush-ibibaisha, the world’s largest zipper manufacturer.

2. 40 percent of McDon-ald’s profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.

3. 315 entries in Webster’s 1996 Dictionary were mis-spelled.

4. On the average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily.

5. Chocolate kills dogs! True, chocolate affects a dog’s heart and nervous system. A few ounces is enough to kill a small sized dog.

6. Ketchup was sold in the 1830’s as a medicine.

7. Leonardo DA Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.

8. Because metal was scarce, the Oscars given out during World War II were made of wood.

9. There are no clocks in Las Vegas gambling casinos.

10. Leonardo DA Vinci invented scissors. Also, it took him 10 years to paint Mona Lisa’s lips.

11. Bruce Lee was so fast

Strange but True: All Facts...

that they actually had to slow a film down so you could see his moves. That’s the opposite of the norm.

12. The original name for the butterfly was “flutterby”!

13. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can’t sink in quick-sand.

14. Mosquito repellents don’t repel... They hide you. The spray blocks the mos-quito’s sensors so they don’t know you’re there.

15. Dentists recommend that a toothbrush be kept at least six feet away from a toi-let to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush.

16. The first product to have a bar code was Wrigley’s gum.

17. Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike an-nually than the entire Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined.

18. Marilyn Monroe had six toes on one foot.

19. Adolf Hitler’s mother seriously considered having an abortion but was talked out of it by her doctor.

20. The three most valu-able brand names on earth: Marlboro, Coca-Cola, and Budweiser, in that order.

The Law that Matters

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

by Atty. A. Erwin Bautista

Will your MySpace or Facebook Account Contra-dict your Greencard Appli-cation?

Question: I applied for adjustment of status based on US Citizen Spouse peti-tion, will my Facebook or My Space account which contain information about my chil-dren and former spouse in the Philippines affect my applica-tion?

Answer: Yes it will, es-pecially if information con-tained in your networking sites contradicts a finding of good faith marriage in your adjustment of status applica-tion.

How Networking sites af-fect your application?

The Office of Fraud Detec-tion and National Security or FDNS of the Department of Homeland Security issued a Memorandum encourag-ing its officials to avail of the Networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to look for information that may contradict or lend to claims of fraud in Immigration applica-tion.

Below is a quote from such Memo on how the Depart-ment of Homeland Security particularly the US Citizen-

Immigration: Fraudulent Marriage

ship and Immigration Service Adjudication Officers detect fraud on petitioners and ben-eficiaries’ relationship partic-ularly on adjustment of status application based on marriage to U.S. Citizens.

“The Internet has made it increasingly easier for people to get connected with each other whether that is with long-distance family, friends, or to find new loves and friendships. Social network-ing sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Classmates, Hi-5, and other similar sites are designed to allow people to share their creativity, pictures, and information with others. Sometimes people do this to find romance, sometimes they do it to find friends with simi-lar interests, and sometimes they do it to keep in touch with family.

Narcissistic tendencies in many people fuels a need to have a large group of “friends” link to their pages and many of these people accept cyber-friends that they don’t even know. This pro-vides an excellent vantage point for FDNS to observe the daily life of beneficia-ries and petitioners who are suspected of fraudulent activities. Generally, people on these sites speak honestly in their network because all

of their friends and family are interacting with them via lM’s (Instant Messages), Blogs (Weblog journals), etc.

This social networking gives FDNS an opportunity to reveal fraud by browsing these sites to see if petition-ers and beneficiaries are in a valid relationship or are attempting to deceive US-CIS about their relationship. Once a user posts online, they create a public record and timeline of their activities. In essence*using MySpace and other like sites is akin to doing an unannounced cyber “site-visit” on a petitioners and beneficiaries.” (AILA Document 1010473 published October 14, 2010)

Doubts or Outright Fraud Finding on your Marriage based on MySpace or Fa-cebook Innocent Looking Information.

So if you marry a U.S. Citizen to become a Legal Permanent Resident and then in your MySpace or Facebook Account there is a picture or comments on pictures posted by your children and former spouse in the Philip-pines looking forward to your petition once you become a naturalized U.S. Citizen based on your marriage to a U.S. Citizen then it will contradict a good faith marriage finding between the U.S. Citizen pe-titioner and the alien benefi-ciary.

It will be very easy to make a finding of marriage fraud because such comments support a conclusion that the former spouse alludes to a fraudulent marriage because she does not even consider the divorce and the marriage of her alien spouse (ben-eficiary to the U.S. Citizen petitioner) as real or in good faith because she is already looking forward to her ex husband petitioning her and their children once the alien

beneficiary becomes a Le-gal Permanent Resident and eventually a U.S. Citizen.

It’s an old proverb of counting your chickens before they are hatched. It is a long term plan of marriage fraud involving the whole family which has been revealed in their postings, pictures and comments published in the networking site. How else can the children and the ex spouse look forward to being petitioned if they are not part of the conspiracy to commit marriage fraud.

Beware of any information you may post because it will come to haunt you.

Be careful of innocent looking comments or post-ing from you, your friends and family which may lead to fraudulent conclusions and eventual denial or revoca-tion of your Legal Permanent Resident status because of contradictory information on your MySpace or Facebook accounts.

Better yet do not open an account because even jokes may affect your application and be treated as serious fact that may contradict your ap-plication.

[We invite readers to call Atty. A.Erwin Bautista to set up their initial consulta-tion. Atty. Bautista obtained his law degree from Western State University College of Law, Fullerton, CA and his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of the Philip-pines. Atty. Bautista practices Immigration, Bankruptcy, Family, Personal Injury and Tax Preparation/Audit Repre-sentation. He can be reached at (619) 474 7755 at his San Diego Office located at 550 E. 8th St., Ste.11, National City, Ca 91950 and at (213) 365 7690 at his Los Angeles Of-fice located at 3435 Wilshire Bl., Ste. 2700, Los Angeles, CA 90010.]

by: Rudy D. Liporada

(Publisher’s note: As a way to help promote health for the com-munity, Asian Journal has request-ed the author to write a series of articles about Saladmaster which claims to have cookware systems for the healthiest way of cooking. Rudy D. Liporada is the dealer of Saladmaster in National City. This is second of series)

Before writing this article, the jingle “puputi ang damit kahit hindi ikula…” (clothes will be-come very white even if we do not bleach them under the sun) kept jingling in my ears. This may be a far off analogy but there must be a conduit in my brain where, eventu-ally, a Teflon pot or pan will turn whitish when the black covering will be scraped from its aluminum underlining. For those who want to reconfirm what I am referring to, it is those black lined pots and pans that over time become whitish – and not only because grandma scrubbed them off, washing, but, primarily, the flaking off of those black linings in the process of cooking.

Question is: if those black lin-ings eventually banish from their aluminum beddings, where do you think they’ve gone to?

Ever notice that when you are frying eggs, sunny side up or scrambled, tiny black flakes jump over the whites or yellows? Can you imagine an hour glass with black sand, and, though slower, the black flakes embedding into your body, entrenching themselves in your body systems?

Now, is this good or bad?You be the judge.The black lining I am refer-

ring to is called Teflon. Its cousins are Analon, Calphalon, and (joke, joke, joke – Pantalon).

In June, 2006, Michael D. Lem-onick writes for TIME Magazine, asking “Is Teflon Risky?” Lemon-ick says “the amazingly slippery, heat-resistant plastic known as Teflon was discovered purely be accident by DuPont chemist Roy Plunket in 1938. By 1950, the company was making a million pounds annually as a low-friction

coating for bearing and gear. In 1960 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it for use in cookware…

“Unfortunately, it turns out that when Teflon is heated to over 600 degrees, the coating can break down and release a chemical called perflourooctanoic acid, or PFOA. The fumes can be fatal to pet birds. In humans, DuPont acknowledges, they can cause a reversible flu-like condition called polymerfume fever…In animals, though, PFOA can cause cancer, immune-system damage and death…

“In January (2006), an EPA (Environmental Protection Agen-cy) advisory board labeled PFOA a likely human carcinogen.”

In a 20/20 presentation with Barbara Walters, also in the early 2000’s, the show presented that even if a Teflon pan has not yet reached 600 degrees, fumes are already being emitted by the pan. This could, literally, make you have a headache and flu-like symp-toms.

If you are having frequent excruciating migraine headaches, you might want to check if your cookware is made out of Teflon.

Of course, as I’ve said in the first of this series (The other side of a Rice Cooker), I am not an ex-pert on diseases, so I have quoted those above. What I am is a former engineering student who had to shift to a cheaper course because my mother had a heart attack and could no longer afford my engi-neering dream.

You ask, what does being an engineer have to do with a Teflon cookware?

I reiterate, as an engineering student, I had higher math courses including Calculus and Physics. I also had Chemistry and exposed to the Table of Elements.

So, again, what has this do with Teflon?

Forget parabolas, infinity, vectors, and others. Let’s just be on simple elementary science where all matters (which of course include solid Teflon linings) are composed of molecules. Now, when molecules are heated, they are like tickled, agitated and would

bounce off each other like dancing the Macarena.

Now, in Chemistry, when two elements are combined and heated (like when we heat flasks of ele-ments under the Bunsen burners) the molecules of each element will separate from each other and boogie with the other element’s molecules. Thus, when heated, molecules will quickly jump to the dance floor and do a dizzying frenzy of not only Macarena, but cha-cha, salsa, or even tap dance.

So, what could be happening when we cook, say a beef stew or sinigang with Teflon? Picture this: Our beef, vegetables, and other ingredients will be immersed in water in the Teflon pot. When heated, the molecules of water will be agitated and boil. The food molecules will also be agitated and be cooked. Inside the pot, there would be an orgy of molecules – that of the food, water, and Teflon - dancing with each other, inter-twining, mingling, mixing. When cooked, we ingest the food and I will let you conclude if there are other things, harmful, you could be ingesting.

Am I scaring you? Please blame Barbara Walters and Mr. Lemonick. Please, do not castigate me. I am just a lowly comple-mentary voice to what they have researched on about Teflon.

Am I offering a solution? That would be for another article. Meanwhile, I offer that you do a simple experiment. Mix a spoon-ful of baking soda with a glass of water. Boil the solution in high heat for 10 minutes in a Teflon pot or roaster. Baking soda is Sodium-Bicarbonate. It is supposed to be salty. After the boiling, sip a speck of the solution from a spoon. If the solution is no longer salty, then there must have been a reaction be-tween the solution and the Teflon. If the solution appears more dense and milkish, you might not want to use Teflon ever again.

If you consider changing your cookware, call me at 858-722-1465. With an “if,” I might even have a non-Teflon lined cookware for you, free.

The Dark Side of Teflon’s Black Side


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Consecration To The Immaculate Heart Of Mary * O Immaculate Heart of Mary, full of goodness, show us your love. O Mary, may the flame of your Heart descend upon all men! We love you infinitely! Imprint true love on our heart, so that we may incessantly seek you. O Mary, you who have a tender and humble Heart, remember us when we fall into sin. Grant that through your maternal and Immaculate Heart all spiritual sickness may be healed. Make us contemplate always the goodness of your maternal Heart and convert us by the flame burning there. Amen.___

* Prayer dictated by Our Lady to Jelena (Medjugorge, Nov 1983)

Flame of Love Prayer **Mother of God spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all of humanity now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

___** Prayer dictated by Our Lady to Elizabeth Kindelmann (1913-1985). The Virgin Mary also requests that the Hail Mary be recited as follows:

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee, blessed are Thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, spread the effect of grace of Thy Flame of Love over all of humanity, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

The Virgin Mary said to Elizabeth Kindelmann: “My daughter, I am providing you with so powerful a grace: the burning Flame of Love from My Heart, that has never before been offered as it is now. Ever since the Word became Flesh, I have not undertaken a greater movement than the Flame of Love from My Heart who rushes to you. Till now, nothing could blind Satan as much. And it is up to you not to reject it, for this rejection would simply spell disaster.”

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San Diego’s leading Filipino Newspaper

call: (619) 474-0588

the integrity of his mother, President Noy Aquino vowed to care for the poor and give hell to the corrupt.

Just the possibility of purging corruption from our system is mind-blowing to a nation resigned to it.

Smart politicians in our country are common but an honest leader is rare. I am confident however that more will emerge if the man at the top will show everyone that there is at least one.

I am not naïve to think that we can change overnight, no matter how honest or intelligent our leader is. Our problem is immense, he will make mistakes, his friends can betray his trust and he will be attacked by his enemies even if he does what is right. But if he remains steadfast in six years, great things will hap-pen.

My trust has been betrayed by some whom I thought were true friends and I am not even a politician. But I hold my peace and try to do more good when bad things are done to me and to my country. Now I do not have to defend myself because the good that we do already keep defending us.

A sincere and honest man can sleep soundly like a baby even in the face of difficulty and wake up to find solutions the next day.

Freedom, hope and peace are God’s gift to me for 2010.

I thank God for the gift of country, for the profound af-firmation that it is my privi-lege to be Filipino, that the Philippines is the best place for my family to be at this time when Asia is finally com-ing of age.

I thank God for the gift of family. My wife and I have six beautiful grandchildren who will grow up with honor in our land of great promise where no children have to be raised in slums or beg in the streets.

I thank God for our patriots and friends in Gawad Kalinga who will never abandon the poor. They are transform-ing more communities and breeding more heroes, here and abroad. We have a young leader in GK of great charac-ter, competence and compas-sion who is our bridge of hope to a brighter future by 2024. Luis Oquiñena is our guaranty that more dreams of the poor will be a reality.

I thank God for the saints of the poor and the guard-ian angels of those helping them– Joey Velasco, Nonoy Maloloy-on, Hecky Vil-lanueva and Nong Feliciano — who have shown by their exemplary lives on earth that to love country is holy, that caring for the poor is true spirituality.

The year has been tiring but immensely exciting for me, spreading our good news in North America, Europe and Asia.

2010 Is The Best Year Of My Life


The GK Global Summit in Singapore in June helped us discover our kinship with other Asians and the need to nurture our bond to gain col-lective strength so none of us in the region will remain poor.

What was striking about Europe was that they saw poverty not as a matter of charity but a serious issue of morality. To them the failure to practice social justice is simply wrong — tolerating poverty is not acceptable. I shared with three universities in France and volunteers in Austria that social justice is the first step to progress in our GK villages. More like-heart-ed Europeans are coming next year to express solidarity.

In the United States, hospitality was undiminished despite the bad state of their economy. With recession in their country of choice and optimism in the homeland they left behind, Filipino Americans I visited were restless — their grass was not so green in America anymore — yet also hopeful, with many of them coming home to build their Filipino Dream now that there is a concrete channel that they can trust in GK and the resources to do it. As America has been a good home to 4 million Fili-pinos, we want 350 million Americans to discover that the Philippines is a good home to them in Asia.

The Canadians see Asia as family, friend, partner, resource and market and the Philippines as a main gate-way to it because we speak English, we have nearly a 100 million consumer base and we are a source of educated and skilled immigrants to their country. Helping our country is a wise investment in good-will, not charity.

They can sense that this is our moment.

Asia is the new power-house of the world. There are tremendous opportunities for growth in underdeveloped ar-eas like the Philippines while many rich economies are in the doldrums. We can contin-ue to lament our fate or decide to catch up and even surpass our less endowed neighbors. After hitting rock bottom, there is no place for us to go but up if we decide not to stay down. The key is to discover that love of country is the way to prosperity like the case of Singapore, Korea and Japan.

To grow our economy, we need to make a radical in-novation in human resource development by looking at the poor as family.

That will motivate us to invest our time, talent and treasure in making them un-poor. It is natural for us never to give up on home and fam-ily because they define who we are.

Being a father to the poor keeps me young. Investing in raising them to be produc-tive citizens is gratifying and makes good business sense.

In October, we received another global affirmation that GK is an effective Asian model of wealth creation

with a big social impact. The Ernst&Young Social Entre-preneur of the Year award given to us meant that our model is viable, our cause is noble and our supporters are credible.

It pays to invest more money to do more good.

The big money is now on social business — green bucks for green technology — profit for more community ben-efit — turning trash to cash. Excellent Filipino brands can be produced cheaper locally, give better wages to poor workers, pay higher prices to poor farmers, get more car-bon credits, raise more social entrepreneurs, be more com-petitive globally and create more wealth for our country. The key is less greed, more for others in need.

Our journey from shame to fame can be profitable for everyone.

The key is to think big for our small brother.

The big boys go for the big vision and the big idea that have proof of concept. The GK villages are concrete proof of the power of solidar-ity — of rich and poor, of capitalist and consumer work-ing together to raise human dignity, promote productivity, expand the market base and create wealth for many.

The year 2010 is almost over, the air is getting colder, my tired body is slightly older, yet the spirit does not waiver as the vision is becom-ing clearer, the work is getting bigger and travel for me is more hectic than ever.

Time is precious for the traveler with much ground to cover before the journey is over, not failing to smell the flowers or smile to strangers along the way.

While many people my age think of slowing down for a much deserved rest, I think of accelerating my pace to catch the outpouring of opportunity and grace.

The dark clouds are part-ing, better times are up ahead and there’s no time to waste.

This was the overwhelm-ing message in my recent backbreaking 18-city one month tour of hope in Eu-rope (October 13 to 20) and Canada and the US (October 23 to November 15). Every-where I went it was the same sentiment: our people want to come back and pay back, to build and to produce, to plant and to harvest, to rise with the dawn and set with the sun in the land we call home.

All the effort was worth it — my separation from loved ones, the almost daily packing and unpacking, the endless waiting in airports, half-sleeping up in the air, awaken-ing passion in small and big sessions in town hall settings and formal dinners despite my own need for sleep — just to catch this precious moment of longing to help the country of our deepest affection.

Now I’m in Taiwan upon the invitation of the Jesuit Business School of Fu Jen University to talk about our brand of social innovation. It amuses me that my audience gets younger as I get older, that I can challenge young

minds not to accept stale ideas that do not make life better for the planet that they will inherit. I am also energized by people my age who can remain young and fresh in outlook, who always look forward to a bright new day in the darkest of nights, to spring in the coldest of winter.

The onset of old age to many is like the first snow of winter — white hair for those who are lucky enough like me not to lose them and the dread of cold lonely nights in nursing homes or in big empty nests as grown children get too busy to visit or to call.

I look at mine differently.I will never run out of nests

if I continue to build for the homeless nor will they ever be empty if I never stop be-ing a father to the strays. The buds will always sprout if I continue to plant and turn our barren countryside into fields of abundance to feed the hun-gry. Our country is poor not because we are less endowed but because we have squan-dered our endowment. We are poor because we do not wish wealth for all.

Taiwan for me is beauti-ful because I saw no extreme indulgence and no deep deprivation. Life is busy but there is a sense of serenity and simplicity, of fairness and jus-tice where there is enough for everyone. I walked the clean safe streets of Taipei with two Ateneans in their twenties talking about how good life is when no one is left behind.

Tomorrow I fly to South Korea to keynote the open-ing of the Asian Social En-trepreneurship Summit 2010

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Sim:

Enjoyed your story; although most in Albert’s possition would not have taken back their wife. I have known many navy retirees who have talked about returning to the Philip-pines after retirement, even though many have held on to family property or have had homes built, few have actually returned permanently, and those of by-gone times who have returned were often bled dry by relatives or cheeted by others who no longer looked at the returnees as really being Filipino...

I’m ready to read some more Christmas stories about the little boy who lived with his family above his father’s printing shop.

Have a happy holiday.

Richard JensenSan Diego, California

Letters to the EditorRead previous articles by visiting our website at www.asian-journalusa.com

(ASES). It will be an interest-ing gathering of dreamers, social venture capitalists and bankers who are finally start-ing to see more clearly how money can be the root of great good.

More interesting for me is the fact that our rich Asian neighbors want to hear the Gawad Kalinga story how the

poor can create wealth to help our country join their ranks.

I’m just glad though that there is so much good to do and more people now want to do it. I guess growing old for me can wait.

2010 is the best year of my life. I know that we can make next year even better.


Sim and Gen Silverio, Monsignor Fernando Gutierrez, Virginia Ferrer, Ofelia Dirige, Miles Beauchamp, Eugene De Leon, Romy Protacio, Zena Babao, Conrad Reloj Jr,. Santi Silverio, Ashley Silverio, Rudy Lipo-rada, Bill Labestre, Ben Maynigo, Mike Tagudin, Ogie Cruz, Percy Cruz, Romeo Nicolas, Ernie Delfi n, Jo Son, Liz Venecia, Nanshi Ignacio, Peping Marcial, Ric Mendoza, Chito Pabalan, et al. Our contributors, Atty Rogelio Karagdag Jr, Attys. Dennis Chua, Jean Tinsay and Aurora Vega-Buzon of CTV, Atty Susan V. Perez, and Atty Erwin Bautista

Sim and Gen Silverio, Monsignor Fernando Gutierrez, Virginia Ferrer, Ofelia Dirige, Miles Beauchamp, Eugene De Leon, Romy Protacio, Zena Babao, Conrad Reloj Jr,. Santi Silverio, Ashley Silverio, Rudy Lipo-Sim and Gen Silverio, Monsignor Fernando Gutierrez, Virginia Ferrer, Ofelia Dirige, Miles Beauchamp, Eugene De Leon, Romy Protacio, Zena Babao, Conrad Reloj Jr,. Santi Silverio, Ashley Silverio, Rudy Lipo-rada, Bill Labestre, Ben Maynigo, Mike Tagudin, Ogie Cruz, Percy Cruz, Romeo Nicolas, Ernie Delfi n, Jo Son, Liz Venecia, Nanshi Ignacio, Peping Marcial, Ric Mendoza, Chito Pabalan, et al. Our contributors, rada, Bill Labestre, Ben Maynigo, Mike Tagudin, Ogie Cruz, Percy Cruz, Romeo Nicolas, Ernie Delfi n, Jo Son, Liz Venecia, Nanshi Ignacio, Peping Marcial, Ric Mendoza, Chito Pabalan, et al. Our contributors, Atty Rogelio Karagdag Jr, Attys. Dennis Chua, Jean Tinsay and Aurora Vega-Buzon of CTV, Atty Susan V. Perez, and Atty Erwin BautistaAtty Rogelio Karagdag Jr, Attys. Dennis Chua, Jean Tinsay and Aurora Vega-Buzon of CTV, Atty Susan V. Perez, and Atty Erwin Bautista

Sim and Gen Silverio, Monsignor Fernando Gutierrez, Virginia Ferrer, Ofelia Dirige, Miles Beauchamp, Eugene De Leon, Romy Protacio, Zena Babao, Conrad Reloj Jr,. Santi Silverio, Ashley Silverio, Rudy Lipo-Sim and Gen Silverio, Monsignor Fernando Gutierrez, Virginia Ferrer, Ofelia Dirige, Miles Beauchamp, Eugene De Leon, Romy Protacio, Zena Babao, Conrad Reloj Jr,. Santi Silverio, Ashley Silverio, Rudy Lipo-

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Asian Journal San Diego

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the fi eld, keeping watch over their fl ock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall fi nd the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a man-ger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” -- Luke 2:8-14 (King James Version)

Asian Journal Dec 24, 2010 edition

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