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SYMPHONY OF DREAMERS

“All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them”.

- Walt Disney

Saint Ignatius Village, Quezon City, Philippines

Issue 2_____________ ______________________________ June 2013_

The memory of the very first time my father, the late Brig. General Jesus C. Dela Cruz, brought me to this village way back in the late 1970’s is still so vivid to me. St. Ignatius was then a small and a very simple community with a few houses and a very quiet environment. My father uttered to me that soon we will be seeing ourselves living in this locality as our “NEW” home. First I had mixed emotions, I did not want to leave my friends in Camp Aguinaldo where we practically grew up, but I saw how my dad’s face lit up when he told me this news, that finally he will soon be building his “DREAM HOUSE” for my mom and my 3 siblings. I saw his excitement, commitment and passion while planning and making this dream of his into REALITY.

It is 2013 now and my father has been gone for almost 14 years. The person who started it all may not be with us anymore but yet we are still thriving, living in this house that truly became a HOME; and so we are loving it with ALL the memories.

Like every family in this village, we have made ST. Ignatius a major part of our lives in CONTINUALLY shaping our goals and aspirations, our utmost dreams. Every bit of achievement stems from an ideal imagination we have; we become inspired to live because we want to move forward to achieve what is best for our families. From tiny steps to either tough or easy ones, we must continue to thrive.

This year, the SIVA BOARD chose the theme “DREAM BIG, ST. IG.!” to honor our mission and great desire to motivate the whole community to not be afraid to form BIG DREAMS and GOALS instead of FEARS and DOUBTS. Let us not limit ourselves to whatever we can reach as long as it will BENEFIT our whole community, in the most positive way.

Let this coming FIESTA inspire us all to become great achievers and to celebrate towards a single strong goal- A PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY!

So on July 28, 2013, 6:00 in the evening we invite you to our main fiesta event at the Barangay Social Hall – Dinner/Entertainment/Dance… An EVENING OF BEING TOGETHER AS ONE! And be part of this beautiful SYMPHONY OF DREAMERS that make of St. Ignatius Village.

Let us all DREAM with our minds, believe with our hearts, and achieve with our might. LET US DREAM BIG, ST. IG.!

By: AGNES C. DELA CRUZ Vice-President, SIVA Chairman, Social and Cultural Affairs Head “2013 FIESTA TEAM”

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Village Fiesta Events

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An Author All Her

Life

by Don M. Bulahan

When I first met Almi back in our

mid-teens, she was already a

serious and indomitable girl from

Third Street; the older daughter of

Mr. Amading and Angie Astudillo

and sister of Argel. I recall it was

through the invitation of her

neighbor Cent Sablan that I found

myself in the Astudillo residence,

attending one of meetings of a club

known as S.O.S. I’ve already

forgotten what these letters meant

and, no, it isn’t some dark secret

society. Almi was the founding

president and the youth club was

actually the first I’ve known to

have existed in the village. At a

very young age, I admired her for

successfully getting the youth

together.

Fast forward to nearly forty years

later: Dr. Almira Astudillo-Gilles’

poems, short stories and picture

books have been recognized by no

less than President Benigno S.

Aquino III, who chose her to

receive the 2012 Pamana ng

Pilipino Presidential Award for her

works. Among the other recipients

for 2012 are Allan Pineda (a.k.a.

apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas)

and Eric Spoelstra (a.k.a. the coach

of Miami Heat, the newly crowned

NBA champions). Although I

knew before that Almi was

destined for success, I never

thought she would find

achievement in being an author

and one who writes about the plain

folks in our country.

Before the Astudillos moved to St.

Ignatius Village, Almi spent her

childhood years in Frankfurt,

Germany; hence, English was her

first language. She attended her

high school in Maryknoll College

(now Miriam) along Katipunan

Ave., and then took up AB

Psychology at UP Diliman where

she graduated cum laude. After

working for Sycip, Gorres, and

Velayo for only two years, Almi

left for graduate school in the U.S.,

where she finished a Master’s in

Political Science, a Master’s in

Labor and Industrial Relations, and

a Doctorate in Social Science - all

from Michigan State U. This is

where she also met her husband.

They now have a 23-year old son

who works for Facebook and a 17-

year old daughter who is entering

college.

Almi started writing poetry at

about seven years old and was a

frequent contributor in the school

newspaper. Almi; however, never

thought about writing as a

profession and spent the most part

of her life after graduate school

teaching at campuses all over the

Chicago area. Because of

hypertension resulting from her

hectic schedule, where she would

divide her time between work,

studies and family, Almi decided

it was time for her to quit teaching

and instead try her hand at writing.

Her children’s book, “Willie

Wins”, which focuses on her

Filipino heritage, was published

soon after. Almi became hooked

on writing. She has published

poetry, essays, short stories (one of

which won a national award in the

US), and plays for community

theater. Now that her children are

fully-grown, she has tried

something more adult and that is

her new novel “Tales of Gold”.

_____________(Continued on page 4)

Village People

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NBA in Congress

By Lilian Ramos-Yeo

Our very own, a.k.a. St. Ig neighbor, Cong. Bolet

Banal, won for the second time around a seat in the

Philippine Congress. I can boast again to my friends:

Ah si Congressman Banal, neighbor ko siya!:-) Busy

schedules did not allow us to talk in person this time

but the reliable internet fixed the time constraint.

Here is a succinct interview with our very own...

How did you feel of your recent win? Thankful...

Was it an easy win? More than 80% of the barangay

officials were not on our side, so I would say it was

not an easy win.

What are your plans for this term? I plan to

continue supporting PNoy's reform agenda. And I

intend to continue being a team player at the House of

Representatives, to help out Speaker Belmonte and

contribute in whatever way I can. Our district team is

committed to the implementation of meaningful

programs (especially in health, education, livelihood,

peace-and-order) for the benefit of the greater

majority of our constituents.

Do you have any plans specific to St.

Ig? Everything that I / we do and everything that

we've accomplished thus far is for St. Ignatius, the

Third District, Quezon City and our beloved country.

The theme of the upcoming July fiesta is "DREAM

BIG, ST. IG!," In line with this, we would also like to

ask:

What is your dream for the Philippines? For the

Third District? For St. Ignatius? My simple, not-

so-distant dream for St. Ig, our district and our

country is for us to have another President who, like

PNoy, (1) is not a crook, (2) is deeply committed to

doing the right thing as an individual and as a public

servant, (3) someone who will act and work with

fervor to uplift the lives of our impoverished

countrymen.

Any personal dreams you can share with us? My

personal dream is to play alongside Tim Duncan and

Tony Parker (haha) but I will settle for watching an

NBA Finals game live (courtside seats of course).

In behalf of St. Ignatius, we wish Congressman Bolet

another successful term in Congress. We are very

proud to have you as a neighbor. May all your dreams

come true as they are is so much entwined with ours.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

An Author All Her Life_____

(Continued from page 3)___________

The novel tells how a poor man’s

discovery of ancient gold in the

Philippine South changes him, his

family, and his community.

Almi has also been very active in

the Filipino American community

in Chicago. When she was the

president of the UP Alumni

Association of Greater Chicago,

they raised funds for a marine

study in UP Visayas. Nowadays,

Almi promotes Filipino culture

whenever she can and gives talks

to students about multicultural

writing.

When she was asked what her

presidential award means to her,

Almi feels that an awardee is

obligated to continue to serve. She

will use the award to open doors so

that she may do more. So far, it has

been very effective in helping her

connect with others whom she

might recruit for her cause.

Village People

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A Doctor by Profession, A Beauty Queen by Obsession

By Marivi R. Octaviano

Somewhere along Riviera Street resides a young woman who dreamt of becoming a doctor and a beauty queen: childhood fantasies which at age twenty-five Golda Mae Soller has sweetly turned into reality. Call it determination or call it fate. Her name is now prefixed with the noble title of Dr. (Doctor) – just like her father Dr. Harry G. Soller, a general surgeon and owner of Soller General Hospital in Roxas, Isabela; her mother, Dr. Eden Uy-Soller, an obstetrics-gynecologist; and her eldest sister who is also a surgeon at the Medical City in Ortigas.

After graduating from Medicine at the University of Santo Tomas in 2010 and passing the Board Examination in 2011, Dr. Golda pursued another dream by joining the Binibining Pilipinas Beauty Pageant in 2012. Though she didn’t win the coveted crown which could have added another title to

her name, Dr. Golda is a winner in her own right.

At 5’5 tall, this slim chinita and morena beauty, who hails from Roxas, Isabela and was born second of five girls on June 25, 1986, looks as pretty in person sans make-up. She exudes the charm and poise befitting a beauty queen.

“I felt pressured,” recalls this be-dimpled doctor, “I didn’t know whether I would act like a prim and proper doctor or be like any ordinary girl. I also thought how embarrassing it might be if I lost.

But it was my childhood dream. So sige na lang. I just tried to be me.” The title of Binibining

Pilipinas-Universe went to Janine Tugonon who became First runner-up in the Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas,

U.S.A. last year.

Dr. Golda was the first and only full-pledged doctor to have joined the Binibining Pilipinas – a feat in itself. The experience brought her new friends and helped enhance her personality even more.

“During the pageant,

I came to realize that the beauty world is not for me. Though I enjoyed it, I thought to myself: if I didn’t become a doctor, ganito na lang ba ang gagawin ko? I cannot go on living the Barbie doll life,” she muses.

Dr. Golda wasn’t new to beauty pageants. She was Miss UST Thomasian Personality in 2006; Miss Isabela in 2008, and Miss Thomasian Doctors in 2009. Her friends and colleagues in medicine called her “The Reluctant Beauty Queen”.

Presently taking her first of three-year residency at the Makati Medical Center, Dr. Golda wants to specialize in Derma-pathology or examining the cause of the skin disease and finding out whether it’s cancerous or not through skin biopsy. She intends to pursue her Diplomate in Singapore and plans to practice her profession in her hometown like her parents, she wants to serve her town mates and return to St. Ignatius Village when on vacation.

“I want to make dermatology accessible and affordable to people in Isabela because many of them are poor,” reasons out this young doctor who has a heart of gold, too. No wonder her name is Golda, which her parents had taken from Israel’s Prime Minister Golda Meir, a powerful woman.

____________ (Continued on page 12)

Village People

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YOUR MODERN-DAY CHILD’S iDREAMS

By Bibet Rosales

Everyone has dreams – some are simple, some are

grandiose, some realistic, some impossible. Whatever

they may be, dreams are the stuff that drives a man

forward. Fulfilling these dreams gives one a great

sense of achievement, leaving him with a feeling that

he is, at last, whole.

When I was in pre-school I studied at a Catholic

school run by nuns. I remember saying to myself that

I would also like to be a nun – but not because I’d like

to serve the Lord. I wanted to be a nun because I

didn’t want to go through the pains of child birth.

This made me wonder what kids nowadays dream of

becoming in this age of modern technology. I asked a

few children in the neighborhood and I was quite

amused by their answers. Perhaps, you will be, too.

Richard Singson, II, 9 years old,

Grade 5, La Salle Greenhills. His

parents are Michelle and Richard.

He told me that he’d like to be a

doctor one day like his cousin, Ate

Sam. He’d like to be a heart

specialist (cardiologist).

Ado Imperio, 13 years old, 8th

grader, Ateneo. His parents are

Jan and Ica. When he was much

younger he liked dinosaurs so

much that he memorized all their

names and characteristics. Before

the interview I thought he would

say that he’d like to be an anthropologist like Indiana

Jones. Instead, he said that he dreams of becoming an

entomologist because he thinks that it would help the

human race if man studies the social structure and

survival skills of insects.

Cleome Imperio, 8 years old,

Grade 3, St. Paul College, Pasig.

Omi’s parents are also Jan and Ica

(hitting two birds with one stone,

right? ). She said that her mom’s

baking inspires her. She loves

creating dishes. She said that she

dreams of opening a restaurant one day where she

would work with her cousin, Aji, who will be the

server.

Lance and Sam Ramos-Yeo,

9 and 11 years old, respectively

– These siblings know exactly

what they want – to be rich so

that they can buy all the things

that they like. Sam, though,

has a plan as to how to achieve

this – study hard so that she’ll be an honor student

first. These kids of Lilian and Peter sure have their

eyes on the prize!

Timothy John Macatangay, 7

years old. TJ is Drs. Joji and Ray

Macatangay’s youngest son. I

asked Dra. Joji, if I could interview

her bunso for this article. She

volunteered to do it herself then

sent in this interview. The

dialogue is so amusing that I dare not rephrase it to

retain its humor and essence. Here goes:

DRA.: What do you want to be when you grow up?

TJ: I want to be like "Juan de la Cruz" [portrayed

by Coco Martin in the teleserye of ABS-CBN]

DRA.: Why?

TJ: Coz I want to kill all the vampires and bad

people. Gusto kong maging “Tagabantay"

DRA.: Di ba si Juan de la Cruz is also the "Anak ng

Hari ng Kadiliman"? Baka maging one of the

bad people ka?

TJ: Hindi! Basta hawak ko ang "Bakal na Krus" ...

Di ako magiging bad!

DRA.: Why? Ano ba ang significance ng " Bakal na

Krus " para sa iyo?

TJ: di ba si Jesus ang nasa Krus? Eh, di pag hold

ako kay Jesus, di ako magiging Bad.

DRA.: Eh, why don't you want to be like Batman ,

Superman or Ironman? Isn't it idol mo rin sila?

TJ: Eh, mga Amerikano naman sila!

DRA.: How about you?

TJ: Ako? Filipino ako kagaya ni Juan de la Cruz!

DRA.: Sige Anak, suportahan kita...

The Young and the Restless

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DR. MAMENG RIVERA OF FORDHAM MARKED ANOTHER MILESTONE IN HER

LIFE AS SHE CELEBRATED HER 80TH BIRTHDAY LAST JUNE 7, 2013. A SURPRISE

BIRTHDAY BASH AWAITED HER AT GLORIA MARIS IN GREENHILLS LAST JUNE 8.

STANDING: THE CELEBRANT DR. MAMENG RIVERA WITH EDWIN YEE (L- R

SEATED): VILLAGE GUESTS DELY PENA, ELVIE ENRIQUEZ, SOLING YEE, FELY

AND RUBEN MALLARI, MARIVI, DR. CELY AND IRENE OCTAVIANO.

YOUNG ONCE By: Jorge L. Banal

Under the able leadership of Kagawad Luz Corpus, vice-president of the St. Ignatius Village Seniors’ Association (SIVISA), the SIV Barangay Council has sponsored a forum on “Ensuring the financial security of the Elderly during their senior years” with the sub-theme “Dream of enjoyable, stress-free senior years”, last July 3, 3 to 5 p.m. at the Barangay Social Hall. Co-sponsored by SIVISA, the speaker was Ms. Susan Gonzales, financial advisor/consultant and former Asst. VP, Relationship Management, Bank of the Philippine Island.

Aside from our Villagers, Senior Citizen Association presidents from the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of the Philippines (FSCAP), QC Chapter, also attended, as follows: Romy Alvarez, Silangan; June Veneracion, Bagumbuhay; Andy Mendoza, Escopa 2; Pol Bancuyo, Masagana; Art Verba, acting pres. San Roque; Engr. Pepe Rivas, Claro. Others present were: Eden Ruiz, 1

st VP, board

members Aurora Mison and Jun Nagas, FSCAP QC; and Kgd. Des Sienes of Bgy. Claro, former NBI Director Mariano Mison and Mrs. Shirley de Leon, Caloocan.

☆☆☆ SIVISA traditionally holds an outing in July as part of the monthly celebration of the St. Ignatius Village Fiesta. Generally accepted as a healthful venue is Pansol, Los Baños, Laguna, where the “hot spring” refreshingly warms and soothes the “tired” muscles and bodies of our elderly residents. The major details of the out-of-town event will be firmed up during a general meeting of SIVISA officers and members which will be held on July 11, Thursday, 4 p.m. at the Barangay Social Hall. Thanks to Pres. Dr. Joji Macatangay and the SIVA Board for their financial support to this yearly activity. We appeal to our SIVISA members to attend the meeting and join the outing and other projects of the Association.

☆☆☆ And our appreciation and thanks to PB Edwin and the Barangay Council, most especially to Councilor Pinggoy Lagumbay, who sponsored the construction of the multi-purpose building which will house the Sangguniang Kabataan and Senior Citizens’ offices (the Senior Citizens, at times, are fondly dubbed as SKs, too - Sobra Kuwarenta, hehehe)! This new home should inspire, and challenge, the Young Ones and the “Young Once” to join hearts and be more alive with

health and other activities that would enthuse and benefit their members.

On this the 17th

anniversary of the Elderly Filipino Week, October 1-7, thru Presidential Proclamation 470 which was signed in 1996 by then President Fidel V. Ramos, preparations should now be initiated by DSWD’s technical working group to ensure the meaningful implementation of the week-long celebration.

As in previous years, the Elderly Filipino Week commences on October 1 with a “Walk for Life” which is hosted by the Dept. of Health and spearheaded by FSCAP NCR and the Regional Senior Citizens Federation (RSCF) which are both headed by this SIVISA and FSCAP QC president. Other activities include: Dalaw Kalinga (visitation to Golden Acres and other Homes for the Aged, Muntinglupa New Bilibid Prison and related institutions), Holy Eucharist, Medical Mission and Ms. FSCAP Elderly.

Every year, some 1,000 Senior Citizens normally participate in the “Walk for Life” at the Mall of Asia or at Quezon City Circle.

☆☆☆ FSCAP National has this Priority Agenda:

(1) Resolution respectfully requesting His Excellency President Aquino to Certify to Congress as Priority the Enactment Into Law of the following: a) H.B. No. 2292, entitled “An Act Providing for the Appointment/Election of a Representative from the Senior Citizen Sector in Every _Sangguniang ___________________________(Continued on page 10)

____________________________________________________

Vintage Perspectives

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When there’s smoke, there’s fire! By Marivi R. Octaviano

nly one and a half year after its renovation, the once white and beautiful house at the right dead-end corner of Harvard Street was suddenly marred by

fire on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at about 9:30 p.m.

Dolores, the occupant of the house owned by her parents Marcelina and Zosimo Cruz (deceased), was out when the fire broke out that when she got home, she could only stare in shock at the sight of their burnt house – a reminder not only of their parents’ legacy but also of a brother’s years of hard work abroad who plans to retire in the same house, too.

“Hindi pa man naluluma, nasira na,” Dolores says weakly; her voice trailing off in distress as the difficulty of starting anew, the financial and physical burdens of another major repair loom up before her.

The ferocious flames left ghastly evidences of destruction: massive soot on all walls with burnt smell; a widely gaping ceiling on their kitchen that now floods when it rains; an eerie burnt garage that has turned their two vehicles into useless junks; a ruined sarisari store; and huge debris of burnt pieces of furniture, appliance and belongings that are mere garbage and ashes now.

The cause of fire is still unknown as the police investigation report has not been disclosed. No one was injured but the damage went beyond Dolores’ house. The ceiling of the adjacent house below the compound, occupied by Dolores’ niece Charlotte Cahutay and family, was slightly licked by fire.

The fire did not initially alarm neighbors, mostly retiring peacefully in their own homes. My youngest brother was in our garden swing when he first noticed the rising smoke. Followed by my other brothers, he went to see if the billowing smoke was really coming from Harvard Street. Indeed, it was! They saw the burning house, but, no Barangay Tanod, Security Guard or fire truck was in sight. The only people desperately trying to extinguish the fire

with a garden hose were Charlotte’s husband Jojo and their front neighbors – the Rayos.

One of my brothers returned home and ordered me to call up the Barangay and a fire station. But the Barangay’s phone just kept ringing; the guard gate’s line was busy; and so was the fire station in Libis.

Luckily, I was able to contact Kgd. Evelyn Sumbillo, who also heard of the fire from another neighbor. She said the Barangay’s phone was out of order.

Help came several minutes after the fire and smoke had grown bigger, alerting nearby neighbors to come out of their homes and call for fire stations. This resulted in a parade of fire trucks trying to squeeze in Fordham as well as in the narrow and congested Harvard Street that is currently undergoing road widening. One fire man commented a lack of guidance as to where they should pass. All three gates of the village were opened for the fire trucks to enter. But no Tanods were instantly deployed to await and direct the traffic of incoming fire trucks. One fire truck reportedly bumped a vehicle parked along Astoria Street while trying to thread the long and uphill road.

The fire scene revealed many faces but I first spotted Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) President Patrick Espinosa busy helping the victims along with her sister. Many villagers curiously came but could only watch helplessly and perhaps, amusedly as the firemen fearlessly battled the raging fire.

Two weeks later, I met Tanod Tony Andaya who confirmed there were only two of them on duty during the fire. His co-Tanod Enteng Gana, then recuperating from a back surgery, even came to help. Tanod Tony learned of the fire when Mr. Jojo Cahutay, resident of the house whose ceiling partly got burned, fetched him in the Barangay to get his assistance.

In an emergency such as fire, that is when the close coordination, presence of mind and speedy response of people in authority (Barangay and SIVA) are put to a serious test. The Disaster Preparedness and Awareness Program of the ___________________________(Continued on Page 14)

O

Insight

Page | 9

TAEKWONDO SUMMER CLINIC …

April 2 onwards

STREET PARTY … KEW GARDEN & THIRD

STREETS, April 6

STREET PARTY … FIRST STREET, May 4

CAMP FREE SPIRIT … May 10

WAVE 89.12/PLDT FIBR 3 on 3 URBAN HOOPS ...

MAY 18

STREET PARTY … PARIS & SECOND STREETS,

May 25

Past Activities

Page | 10

BSI Reports

By PB Edwin Tansingco

In the March 2013 issue of Clarion, the groundbreaking of the Two storey SK Multi-Purpose building was featured. The SK Council of St. Ignatius headed by SK Chairman Patrick Espinosa wrote a project proposal addressed to Coun. Pinggoy Lagumbay, who generously agreed to fund the project. Three months have passed and the building is on its finishing touches. The ground floor will house the Youth Center, wherein activities catering to the youth would take place while the upper floor will be for our Senior Citizens. The Harvard Street improvement which started last March is almost done, thank you very much to Cong. Bolet Banal.

☆☆☆ Upcoming infrastructure projects lined up:

Construction of a two storey security barracks (near gate 3) will start soon, a project courtesy of Cong. Bolet Banal

Renovation of the Social Hall’s comfort rooms, thru Coun. Allan Reyes

Renovation of the Community Center’s comfort rooms, thru Coun. Gian Sotto.

☆☆☆

An unfortunate fire incident happened last June 4 at No.1 Harvard. Around thirty firetrucks from different fire stations and Barangay fire volunteers responded to the alarm. A fire station will soon be put up along Libis. This will be a big help in ensuring an early response to fire incidents to the neighboring barangays considering the traffic situation along C-5.

☆☆☆ FIRE SAFETY TIPS:

1. In case of fire: DON'T HIDE, GO OUTSIDE! Fires are scary, but you should NEVER hide in closets or under beds when there is a fire.

2. To escape during a fire; FALL & CRAWL. It is easier to breathe in a fire if you stay low while getting out.Use the back of your hand to test if a door is hot before you open it. If it is hot, try to use another way out.

3. If your clothes are on fire; STOP, DROP, AND ROLL until the fire is out. Shout for help, but don't run. Running makes fire burn faster.

4. Have an escape plan and practice it with your family. Find two ways out of every room in case one way is blocked by fire or smoke. Practice escaping by both routes to be sure windows are not stuck and screens can be taken out quickly.

5. Choose a meeting place outside, such as a big tree or the end of the driveway, so you will know that

everyone has gotten out safely. NEVER go back into a burning building for any reason. If someone is missing, tell the firefighters. They have the clothing and equipment to safely rescue people.

6. Know your local emergency number. Put stickers and magnets with emergency numbers on your refrigerator and every telephone in the house. If there is a fire at your house, choose one family member to leave your meeting place and call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone

7. Routinely check your electrical appliances and wiring. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately. Do not try to repair them. Buy only appliances that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Major and small appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord. Unplug small appliances when not in use.

8. Every home should have a fire extinguisher. At least one fire extinguisher should be installed in plain view above the reach of children in every home. They should be positioned near escape routes and away from stoves or heating appliances. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher in an accessible place and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use it. A multi-purpose fire extinguisher is best. Look for the rating to be at least 2A:10 B:C on the label. This type of extinguisher can be used on any commonly caused type of fire. Extinguishers should be inspected and serviced based upon the manufacturer's service schedule. Rechargeable models must be serviced after every use. Disposable fire extinguishers can be used only once, then must be replaced.

___________________________________________

Young Once (Continued from Page 7)

Barangay, Bayan, Panlungsod and Panlalawigan”. b) H.B. No. 2293, entitled “An Act Providing for the Establishment of Geriatric Wards in all Government Hospitals”. c) H.B. 2294, entitled “An Act Institutionalizing 1% Allocation of Government Agencies Budget and IRA of Local Government Units for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities”.

(2) Resolution Respectfully Requesting President Aquino III, to issue an Executive Order to Effect the Full Implementation of R.A. 9994, specially on the Expansion of coverage of the Monthly Social Pension”.

(3) Resolution Requesting President Aquino to Issue an Executive Order for the creation of a Commission or a National Council for Senior Citizens Affairs.

(4) Resolution Requesting Congress through Senator Recto for the Upgrading of SSS Pension Benefits for the Elderly.

Village Projects

Page | 11

Dream BIG St Ig…

“Reform Begins With Me”

By Kgd. Tiny Perfecto

Last July 12, 2013, the Barangay celebrated our

nations Independence with a Memorial Flag

Ceremony. It was followed by a dramatical

presentation about “Kalayaan” by the Libis BEC

Youth, a simple breakfast, and later on a dengue

campaign. We had as guests, representatives of the

SIVA Board headed by Dra. Joji Macatangay, and

Michelle Soller; Gen. Roz Alquiza from Riverdale

Street and other neighbors. Noticeable were the new

Barangay T-shirts sported by the Barangay officials

and staff with the quote at the back: “Reform Begins

With Me”.

In line with the SIVA Fiesta Theme: Dream BIG St

Ig, the Barangay’s “Reform Begins With Me” is about

improving oneself to be a better person for others.

Following are some initiatives towards our hopes and

dreams for the community we serve:

The Barangay Council is set to begin monthly training

workshops to better equip itself and its staff to be

more effective servants leaders of the community.

Improving the quality of our BPSOs, by providing the

training and formation. We have begun a joint project

with the SIVA to provide 1 hr. values formation

sessions every Third Wednesday of the Month for the

BPSOs SIVA Security and Eco Aides. For those who

wish to include their house boys and family driver in

the program, kindly register them at the Barangay

Office. We hope to begin the Housekeeping

Workshops (Yaya training, Gardening, Sewing,

Cooking etc.) in tandem with values formation for

Kasambahay.

A Barangay Bulletin has been circulated with regards

to the upcoming July 12, 2013 Kasambahay

processing for SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig

memberships as required by the Kasambahay Law.

We hope this will make things easier for both the

Kasambahay and the Employers. Forms are available

at the Brgy. Office so that processing on July 12 will

be faster.

The other dream we need to organize is the Risk

Reduction Disaster Preparedness teams which will

need the participation of volunteer residents. This

would include the Neighborhood Watch Project of the

SIVA-BSI. This is the hope of the Street Gatherings

(a joint project of the SIVA Board and Barangay

Council), which are street based pulong-pulongs for

leaders of the community to work out problems of

community with the residents.

_________________________________(Continued on Page 15)

Village Projects

Page | 12

I love you, Boy!

By Lilian Ramos-Yeo

"I love you," those were the parting words of Tito Filemon "Boy" Reodica the first time I met up with him for his interview him for the Clarion. I was at a loss for words since that was the first time someone I just met said “I love you” to me. After a long "ahhmmm (that is me thinking)," I shyly responded, "Ah, ok thank you po."

That was the beginning of my short but meaningful friendship with Tito Boy. He would always greet me on the street whenever I see him. And of course, end it with an "I love you." One time, he invited my son and me to watch him fly his RC helicopters in Camp Aguinaldo. He is a very skilled RC hobbyist and he had lots of entertaining stories to share. We then met up with some of his RC friends and I saw how his co-hobbyists regarded him with much affection and respect.

Prior to my meeting Tito Boy as a resident of St. Ignatius, I vividly

remember him in my pre-school years in Maryknoll. His daughter, Karen, is my batch mate. It was a fair day and out of the blue, there was the deafening sound of a helicopter landing right on our grounds. Everybody's jaws dropped in awe upon seeing the pilot - the handsome and dashing Tito Boy looking so Tom Cruise-ish in Top Gun!

It was such a happy coincidence that I met him once again here in St. Ignatius. And in that short span of time I have known him, I have

grown quite fond of him. In retrospect it made me think that meaningful friendships are measured not by the length of time spent together but rather on the sincerity and kindness exchanged.

Asked why he always says "I love you,” he said he began saying that line so he won't regret having not said it. What a wonderful thought he has left us, indeed. And from all the lives you have touched including mine, we say, "We love you Tito Boy!"

__________________________________________________________________________________________

A Doctor by Profession… __

(Continued from Page 5)___________

Asked if her doctor-boyfriend, a Radiologist from Medical City, would allow her to work in her hometown, Dr. Golda confidently says, “We’ve talked about it and

he’s willing to settle there, too when the time comes.”

The road of fortune looks clear and long for this young doctor and though it may take a turn and change her plans, success will still tail this humble and

strong spirit who knows what she wants and follows what her heart longs for. That is Dr. Golda Mae Soller – always aiming for what her heart desires!

Transition

Page | 13

A MOTHER’S STORY

By Bingle Nicolas-Custodio

“There is a story behind

everything. How a picture got on

the wall. How a scar got on your

face. Sometimes the stories are

simple, and sometimes they are

hard and heart-breaking. But

behind all your stories is always

your mother’s story, because hers

is where yours begin.” - Mitch

Albom

Last month, family, friends and

coworkers gathered at Christ the

King Parish to celebrate the life of

Maria Pilar B. Custodio. The

admiration, gratitude, love, and

respect for Mommy were a most

fitting testament to a life lived so

nobly - a life that encouraged,

inspired and lifted other lives. It

was truly comforting and

heartwarming to see the constant

stream of people there not just to

bid Mommy farewell, because she

will always be an enduring part of

our lives, but even more so, to say

thank you.

We usually think of someone’s

legacy as stellar accomplishments

at work or an accumulation of vast

treasures. Mommy’s story is much

more than that. A graduate of a

Foreign Service degree from the

University of the Philippines,

Mommy could have easily become

a career diplomat. However,

Mommy chose to do something

more important in the year 1957.

Even though it was challenging

and entirely new to her, Mommy

was totally committed to being a

faithful and loving wife to daddy,

and a devoted, kind and nurturing

mother to their children.

Mommy’s story? Her family and

all the love, joy, sacrifices, tears,

warmth, accomplishments, pride,

laughter and togetherness that

comes with it.

Raising a family is said to be a

delicate yet demanding vocation.

There is the relentless physical

involvement of the earlier years, at

times exhilarating and exhausting,

the tug-of-war of emotions

whenever a teenager has to be

taught a lesson, the gripping

intensity of our love and pride for

the children we have been blessed

with and the tears of thankfulness

for all that has come to be.

How many times has Mommy

been brought to near tears while

figuring out how to carefully latch

on the safety pins on her

newborn’s diapers in the midst of

his helpless and fragile crying?

How many nights did she go

without sleep just to make sure her

little one is fed, dry and warm?

And how many times did daddy

tell her to rest, when he would find

her on her rocking chair with her

baby in her arms, her face all

aglow with the look of a mother’s

love and wonderment, as she

stared at her sleeping child?

Mommy has had her never-ending

days of bellyaches, diaper rashes,

bicycle accidents, homework to

check, nightmares, carpools, lunch

boxes to pack, knee scrapes,

sleepovers with rambunctious

Bulahan nephews and nieces,

whispered confessions, a warm

cuddle in bed, tapioca pudding for

breakfast, lengthy conversations

with a son, swimming lessons,

pinning of medals, calls to the

principal’s office, more medals,

baking French apple pies for Jet,

two-year old Benjie jumping on

her very pregnant tummy, trips to

Unimart or Tropical Hut for

groceries with young Chip, and

bedtime stories to read.

The journey between the years of

childhood and adulthood did not

____________(Continued on Page 14)

Transition

Page | 14

A Mother’s Story__________

(Continued from Page 13)__________

end when Dondi took on a military

career, when Celine relocated to

the other side of the world, when

Bambi left for graduate school in

Wharton, when Jet studied at the

University of Pittsburg, when

Benjie established himself as a

successful entrepreneur, when

Chip traveled the world or when

Mia had a family of her own. It

continued on full of twists and

turns, detours, and surprises.

It continued with the arrival of

each of her thirteen grandchildren.

As how each of her children

thought of themselves as

mommy’s favorite, her “apos” also

felt they were their lola’s favorite.

It’s perhaps because mommy

treated each of her grandchildren

in a special and unique way.

Surprise trips to the toy stores,

weekend sleepovers, trips to

Baguio, parent teacher

conferences, Recognition Days,

Valle Verde swimming lessons,

afternoon naps and storytelling,

birthday parties, notes on special

occasions, pastillas from Nueva

Ecija, home cooked meals,

Saturday evening mass and get-

togethers. Mommy always looked

forward to Saturday evening

meals. Cooking for the now bigger

family, no matter how tired she

found herself, was always

something she wanted to do. She

always made sure someone’s

favorite dish would be served –

Bambi’s kare kare and crabs,

Darlene’s sinigang na sugpo or

Jet’s apple pie. Dinner would last

until past ten o’clock, as everyone

would take turns sharing his or her

story. A quick glance at Mommy

would reveal the look of joyful

contentment on her face as she

quietly listened in on the

conversation. That looks of

contentment and joy springs from

Mommy’s ability to love – her

love of God, love of family, and

love for others. Mommy’s

undying love for God was so

accurately expressed in her true

love for daddy, her devotion and

love for her children and

grandchildren and her absolute

love for others.

May we remember Mommy also

for what she meant to so many

people outside of her family. We

recall the gentleness of her voice

during dinner conversations, as it

will be a reminder of the comfort

and warmth of family. We

remember her reassuring embrace

and warm smile, as it will be our

guide on how to be kind. We

remember her selflessness and

outstanding service with Buklod’s

Feeding Program, as it will

continue to inspire us to help out

that in need. We will hold dear her

memories in the parish, the

Barangay Council and the SIV

Sewing Group, as they will

continue to bring inspiration,

direction and hope in our lives.

Thank you for the stories,

Mommy!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

When there’s smoke…_________________

(Continued from Page 8)___________________________ Barangay may have fallen short on this occasion, but, similar hindrances in future emergencies can be avoided if only the problems encountered recently would be properly addressed and immediately rectified. I also noticed the Barangay’s absence of mats and beddings (they only have 3 thin cushions) for village evacuees needing temporary shelter in the Barangay Social Hall after a disaster like the family of Charlotte and Jojo Cahutay whose house became unfit to live in for days after the fire.

It would be a welcome relief for the victims, too if both Barangay and SIVA have an Emergency

Assistance Program that can initially address their physical and financial needs after a disaster. Fortunately for Dolores, SIVA and BUKLOD were generous enough to extend their immediate help.

Likewise, it is in times like this that neighborly acts of Bayanihan or tulong-tulong, charity and compassion should manifest the most among villagers. After all, what are neighbors and street parties for?

Note: Dolores Cruz and the family of Charlotte and Jojo Cahutay wish to extend their gratitude to all those who helped them during their most unfortunate time.

Transition

Page | 15

Two from the Ol’ Recipe Box: BACK TO SCHOOL Edition By Bibet Rosales

The kids are back to school once again and by now you must be running out of easy to prepare baon or breakfast ideas. Here are a couple of recipes that I’ve mastered over the years. You can prepare it ahead of time so that you can stay in bed longer.

BEST EVER TUNA SPREAD (If I may say so myself)

Believe it or not, my mom, the very vivacious Cora Imperio, taught me this recipe even before I had kids. It was so long ago that, perhaps, she won’t even remember that she passed this on to me. I’ve tweaked it a bit.

1 can tuna, drain (I prefer Century Tuna Solid in Water)

1/3 to ½ cup Real Mayonnaise (I prefer Best Foods or Lady’s Choice)

1 Small onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons cream cheese

½ to 1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Just mix everything. Add more mayonnaise if it’s too thick for you. Serve with bread or salad greens. Enjoy!

(Note: Since this has mayonnaise, it’s not ideal as baon. But you can tweak it as my son, Ken, did – replace the mayo with olive oil. He also added diced apples and pepper to give it more oomph!)

EASIEST EGG SALAD SPREAD

This simple spread was praised by Tito Leo Alejandro when he was still with us. I hope he wasn’t just saying that to pull my leg =)

Hard-boiled egg, mashed or chopped

Tablespoon Real Mayonnaise

Pinch Rock Salt

Pinch White or washed sugar

You must be wondering why there’s no measurement – that’s because the proportions are 1:1:1:1. For every egg, add 1 tablespoon mayo, 1 pinch rock salt, 1 pinch sugar. Just mix everything.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Dream BIG St Ig… (Continued from Page 11)

The Community Center recently had some improvements: Thank you to the Homeowners Association for the repair and repainting of our community center /chapel; and thank you also to Mr. & Mrs. Alex Sevilla (balikbayan relatives of Kgd. Dra Luz Corpus) for donating our second TV monitor.

Of course our dream is not complete without the much awaited Roof Deck Project that will cover the

Basketball court & add much needed gathering space for our Barangay. And finally, we dream for dedicated servant leaders to arise and step up to the challenge of serving in our Barangay this coming October!

“All the things in this world are gifts of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully.” – St Ignatius of Loyola

Dream BIG St Ig…Happy Fiesta 2013!

Lifestyle

Page | 16

“ALAY SA MAG-AARAL” By Lolita dela Cruz

Buklod President

Good News – From

the Buklod ng

Panginoon, our

million thanks to

our friends who

donated cash and in

kind like notebooks,

pencils, pad paper,

etc. for our outreach

program “Opera-

tions School

Supply”. A total of

334 packages of

school supplies were distributed to 334 grade school

pupils from grade 1-6. The recipients are from

Barangay Escopa 2, 3 and Libis, and to some children

of our Barangay workers.

HONORING OUR HERITAGE By Myrna Deleña

The Buklod ng Panginoon travelled back in time when

they embarked on a recreational day tour to Las Casas

Filipinas de Acuzar last June 14, 2013. St. Ig’s small

group of ten bounded into a van early on a rainy

morning to endure the two-hour trip to Bagac, Bataan

where the popular heritage resort sits on a 400-hectare

property bordered by rice fields, mountains, the

Umagol river and and the Luzon sea. Each of the 27

heritage architectural treasures in the compound was

brought in from different parts of the country and

painstakingly rebuilt with detailed accuracy in Bataan

to recreate a community reminiscent of typical 18th to

early 20th century Philippines. The sun chose to shine

in Bagac that day as the group waxed nostalgic

walking along the cobblestone streets and exploring

throughout the antique houses. Lunch, at one of

several food and beverage facilities, was a welcome

respite from the walking tour but it became most

memorable for the locally-made gabi or taro ice

cream. Apart from wandering through the picturesque

estate, guests can choose to go souvenir shopping

along their “escolta”, experience traditional hilot at

the spa, get photographed in traditional Spanish-era

costumes, or cool off at the beach or at the man-made

batis or brook. Should guests choose to extend their

stay, they can either book individual hotel rooms or

rent entire houses with up to six bedrooms. Although

the group merely stayed for a day, they vowed to go

back with their respective families and friends to share

the experience of time travel.

MEMBERS OF THE BUKLOD NG PANGINOON STRIKE A POSE IN FRONT OF AN

ANTIQUE HOUSE AT LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR. (TOP LEFT-RIGHT:

CREAM TEAÑO, GENIE BARRIOS, AMADING ASTUDILLO. BOTTOM LEFT-RIGHT:

EDEN ALMIREZ, BABY BANAL, LULAY DELA CRUZ, ANGIE ASTUDILLO, MYRNA

DELEÑA, AND AGNES DELA CRUZ)

The Clarion

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief Brandon Bulahan Managing Editor/ Photo Editor Agnes de la Cruz Associate Editor Marivi Octaviano Layout Artist Brandon Bulahan Writers Ma. Andrea Mendigo Lilian Ramos-Yeo Raissa Rosales Staff Rhea Evangelista Russel Negrete Publisher St. Ignatius Village

Association Board Email don.bulahan@gmail.com

Email us your thoughts or reactions. We’d love to hear from you.

Religious Affairs