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* Volume No. I * Issue No. 007 * Date: October 16, 2007 *
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CONTENTS:
*Power Behind the Throne *Arsenic Lacson *Ilonggo Presidentiables *Ilongga
Suffragettes *Dingle-Iloilo *San Joaquin-Iloilo *Romblon History *ABC Political
Empowerment *Imperfection *Announcements & Messages *New INM Members
*Make My Day!*
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THE POWER BEHIND THE THRONE
(By: dinggol a.divinagracia -INM Banwa_Mo *October 15, 2007)
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Behind the success or failure of Filipino Leaders; be it family, friend or acquaintance who have greatly influenced their fate for history … is a Bisaya and/or an Ilonggo!
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* Mactan Chieftain Lapu Lapu
Cebu King Rajah Humabon and Datu Zula, both collaborated with the Spanish “discoverers” under Ferdinand Magellan to kill Lapu Lapu. In the ensuing battle of Mactan, Magellan was slain and Lapu Lapu became our first national hero.
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* Cebu King Datu Tupas
Boholano leaders Datu Sikatuna and Datu Sigala, performed the "Blood Compact" as token of friendship with Miguel Lopez de Legaspi. Thereafter, they assisted the Spaniards to invade Cebu. The Spanish led invasion was victorious and Datu Tupas agreed to pay tributes for protection from the victors. This was the first recorded "Protection Racket" in Philippine history.
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The “El Adelantado” Miguel Lopez de Legspi then established the first permanent Spanish settlement on the island of Cebu. Thus, began the colonization and christianization of the whole archipelago with the sword and the cross.
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* Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal
Graciano Lopez Jaena of Jaro in Iloilo, together with Jose P. Rizal and Marcelo H. del Pilar composed the great triumvirate of the Propaganda Movement in Spain during the late 1800's. Lopez Jaena was the founder of the La Solidaridad, the organ of the propaganda movement --that ignited the spark of the Philippine Revolution.
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* Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio
Candido Iban and Francisco del Castillo, of Aklan (then part of Capiz) donated part of their lottery winnings in Australia to set-up a printing press for the Katipunan‘s “Kalayaan” kartilla. They were commissioned by the Supremo to organize a Katipunan chapter in their home province. Both were killed in action during the early part of the revolution.
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* President Emilio Aguinaldo
Gregorio S. Araneta of Molo, Iloilo City– As Secretary General of the Malolos Congress led in framing the Constitution of the First Philippine Republic under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. He was the first Philippine Secretary of Finance, Justice and Solicitor General.
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* President Manuel L. Quezon
His Vice President was Sergio Osmena of Cebu and Jorge B. Vargas of Bago, Negros Occidental was his Executive Secretary. President Quezon’s daughter, María Zeneida "Nini" Quezon -a widow re-married to Alberto Avancena, son of Chief Justice Ramon Avancena of Arevalo, Iloilo and Proserfina Abad of Leyte.
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* President Sergio Osmena
The post WWII president who took the reins of government on February 1945 is a Bisaya from Cebu of Chinese descent, whose son Serging married an ilongga ..Lourdes de la Rama. The Taipans "Golden Rule" began and gave a shot-in-the-arm to Philippine economy.
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* President Jose P. Laurel
War time President; A risky decision to accept a difficult position in a very precarious situation. His son Salvador "Doy" married Celia Diaz of the Bacolod Locsin Clan. And another son Mariano married Alice of the Iloilo Yulo Clan.
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* President Manuel A. Roxas
A Genuine Ilonggo from the Province of Capiz. The capital...Roxas City was named after him. He married Trinidad de Leon of Bulacan; hence, his Capizena sweetheart --the operatic diva Jovita Fuentes was broken hearted and echoed her sentiments in the immortal ilonggo folk song “Ay ay Kalisod, kalisod ining binaya-an” . President Roxas son, the late Senator Gerardo “Gerry” Roxas married Judy Araneta y Araneta of the old rich ilonggo family in Negros Occidental.
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* President Elpidio Quirino
His Bisaya Senate President, Jose Avelino of Samar, one of the few Filipino politicians at that time censured for his dealings; in reply to question on widespread corruption in government, cynically asked, "What are we in power for? We are not hypocrites. Why should we pretend to be saints when in reality we are not? . . .
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* President Ramon Magsaysay
Was born in Iba, Zambales to Ezequiel Magsaysay, a blacksmith, and Perfecta del Fierro, a schoolteacher of Visayan descent. His daughter Mila married Cezar Infante Valenzuela of Valladolid, Negros Occidental.
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* President Carlos P. Garcia
A Bisaya from Talibon, Bohol. President Garcia’s administration was anchored in his austerity program. His bold attempt to boost economic independence with the nationalistic "Filipino First Policy" caught the ire of Multi-National Giants and he lost the propaganda war against the big global Business interests.
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* President Diosdado Macapagal
Entrusted to Ilonggo Rufino“Fenny”Hechanova the Cabinet positions of: Executive Secretary, Press Secretary, Finance Secretary and Secretary of Trade and Industry... not necessarily in that order. Justice Calixto Zaldivar of Antique, likewise served as his Executive Secretary.
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The family of this Pampangueno who styled himself as the “poor boy” from Lubao, evidently love ilonggos. The low-profile son Arturo married Mariter Lacson Jalandoni of Iloilo City while small but terrible daughter Gloria married Mike Tuason Arroyo of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
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* President Ferdinand E. Marcos
Married to the Imeldefic Bisayan Beauty, the Rose of Tacloban City, Leyte. His son Bong-Bong married Lawyer Liza Cacho Araneta of the Araneta clan-Negros Branch while youngest daughter Irene to Greggy scion of the Araneta clan-Iloilo Branch.
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Under his administration served, the "Yin and Yang" of the Salas Clan of Negros; Roberto "Nonoy Bobby" Benedicto and Rafael "Toto Cay" Salas.
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* President Corazon C. Aquino
When "Ninoy" became a dream and "Cory" the reality --after ilonggo Prelate Jaime Cardinal Sin incited EDSA-I --she depended to ilonggos; Franklin M. Drilon as Executive Secretary; Justice Raul M. Gonzales as Tanodbayan (Ombudsman) and Solicitor General Frank Chavez to face the tentacles of the deposed dictator.
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* President Fidel V. Ramos
Married to the dainty and demure ilongga Amelita "Ming" Jara Martinez of Lapaz, Iloilo City. Mr. "Tabako" was a principal figure in toppling the dictatorial regime of his cousin Ferdy. Inday Meriam and many others, however, are still doubtful of Apo Fidel's "Brown-Out" presidency.
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* President Joseph Ejercito Estrada
His favorite connection, among others is his "Guiding Lady" from Bacolod City --Guia Gomez. Their son J.V. Ejercito, in now Mayor of San Juan City in Metro Manila. Eraps only daughter with Dra. Loi, Jacqueline "Jackie Estrada" Ejercito later married Manuel "Beaver" Lopez Jr. --scion of the super rich ilonggo Lopez family.
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* President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Her first and only Gentleman is Miguel Tuason Arroyo of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. A great grandson of Negros Island Revolutionary leader Gen. Aniceto Ledesma Lacson and Rosario Emilia Araneta. The second wife of Gen. Aniceto L. Lacson was Magdalena Torres.
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Presently, her ardent backers are ilonggo Justice Secretary (On-leave) Raul M. Gonzales and her defenders in Congress, the Defensors of Iloilo. While with "Joc-Joc" Bolante of Capiz .... a thorn in her throat.
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Even Filipino leadership on the opposite side of the political spectrum; NDF-CPA-NPA Jose Maria "Joma" Sison; has the ilonggo conjugal ex-clergy, Father Luis Jalandoni and Sister Coni Ledesma who also literally calls the shots.
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Today, a ray of "Hope" is conspicously glowing along the horizon that might revolutionize Filipino society. This was initiated by yet another modest ilonggo Antonio P. Meloto of Molo, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
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Tony has effectively started rekindle the inherent Filipino trait; the "Bayanihan Spirit" as Founder and Executive Director of GAWAD KALINGA.
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GK is making waves throughout the Philippines and supported not only by concerned Filipino expatriates but also by benevolent groups worldwide.
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There must be something about the Bisaya or Ilonggo that makes them "Click!"
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Ano tana ayhan ?... Ay ma-an timo!.
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(Modified from previous INM Banwa_Mo posting)
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The Fightingest “Ilonggo” Mayor of Manila
(By: Felimon “Monching” Jocson -INM: WoodbridgeVa.-USA)
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Arsenio H. Lacson of Talisay, Negros Occidental was a colorful personality who had been an Ateneo soccer player, a daring amateur boxer, a fearless newspaper columnist, and an “arsenic” radio commentator when he was elected Mayor of Manila in 1951. He was hailed as "the best mayor Manila ever had," and was perceived as a courageous leader and trustworthy elected official, who could rise up to be the country's president but his sudden death in 1962 cut short a brilliant political career. Tough but kindhearted, Arsenio H. Lacson, likewise, could have been; the best President ……….”
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His honesty in public office is beyond reproached. A few years after his death, his family’s residence in Sampaloc, Manila was reportedly foreclosed by the bank due to non payment of loan amortization. A sad ending indeed!
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Yet, this “Ilonggo” Mayor of Manila, shall forever remain in the memories of Manilenos, because of his major projects that included the Manila Zoo, the Quiapo Underpass, the Ospital ng Maynila, Boy’s Town and Girl’s Home, to name a few. The strategic Plaza Martin de Goiti in Manila’s business district center was renamed Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson Park complete with his imposing monument. The Gov. Forbes Street in Sampaloc, Manila was also renamed to A.H. Lacson Street. Likewise, the symbolic bigger than life size Bronze statue seated on a bench while reading a newspaper was erected at Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard in honor of the “Ilonggo” Mayor of Manila --Arsenio H. Lacson.
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Below, an article about Mayor “Arsenic” Lacson of Manila during his incumbency as posted by Philippines free press on line -dated July 9th, 2007:
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Lacson’s defiance (July 18, 1953)
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MANILANS who saw scout and armored trucks menacingly rumble through the streets of the city last Monday evening, with mounted machine guns manned by soldiers in full battle regalia, at once thought that either the Huks had swooped down on the city or a foreign enemy had just landed. Many a city resident was truly scared by the presence of the battle wagons, with soldiers who were armed to the teeth, as they rolled grimly through the metropolis.
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But there was no Huk invasion. Nor was there an invasion to be repelled. They were merely soldiers from Camp Murphy who were responding to a frantic call from their boss—Secretary of Justice and National Defense Oscar Castelo, who was at the Shellborne Hotel.
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Why did Mr. Castelo call for the army and the constabulary at that time of the night? And why so many men in arms and in battle uniform?
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According to the secretary, his life was being threatened by City Mayor Arsenio Lacson and his men, numbering about 40. They were right around the premises of the Shellborne, the secretary said, lying in ambush for him. Castelo felt certain that Lacson was out to murder him that night. Hence, the SOS to Camp Murphy—which was promptly and adequately answered.
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But Mayor Lacson vehemently denied Castelo’s allegation, said he was not at the Shellborne, but in another adjacent place, waiting, for a call from somebody to make arrangements with Florentino “Scarface” Suarez who was going to “spill the beans” that night on the Monroy murder. Suarez’ confession was going to be tape-recorded by the mayor, in the presence of newspapermen, newsphotographers and members of the police department.
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The armed forces were merely obeying Castelo’s order to arrest Lacson. But the city mayor defied the secretary’s order because the arresting officer had no warrant of arrest. “Mr. Castelo should come and personally arrest me and I’ll break his neck,” Lacson is said to have told newsmen in a moment of excitement.
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If Secretary Castelo’s real purpose was merely to have Lacson arrested, why didn’t he do the usual thing under the circumstances: call for a squad of Manila policemen (of whom we have a number) and order the cops to nab the city mayors? And since he is the secretary of justice, although on leave, why didn’t he first secure a warrant of arrest from any of the many Manila judges before ordering the arrest of Lacson? It becomes obvious that in summoning the army and the constabulary to “pinch” the mayor of Manila, Mr. Castelo was trying to impress all and sundry that being the biggest boss of the army, the men in that organization were at his beck and call, and that any time he could summon a battalion to parade before people he wants properly “impressed.”
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Unfortunately, he met one who refused to be impressed—Mayor Arsenio H. Lacson, an ilonggo.
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Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Felimon”Monching”Jocson, is a sportman-
businessman; a sugar cane planter and fishpond operator in Negros
Occidental. Presently, he is the Chairman: Membership Committee of
the Association of Ilonggos-Metropolitan Washington D.C. (AIM) Inc.
and is engaged in automotive parts supply in Northern Virginia, USA.
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THE 2010 ILONGGO PRESIDENTIABLES
(By: dinggol a.divinagracia -INM Banwa_Mo *October 15, 2007)
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When Ilonggo-at-heart incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s term in Malacanang is
over, the following ilonggos are believed to have greater chances of taking over the reins of the
government. (Alphabetical order):
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* Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Morena Lacson
"Ping" was born of modest and humble but upright parentage in Imus, Cavite. His paternal ancestor belongs to the Lacson clan of “Parian” now Molo in Iloilo City.
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In the middle part of the 1800’s, some members of the more adventurous prominent “Pari-anons”; such as the Yulo’s & Yusay’s; the Lacson‘s & Locsin’s; the Araneta’s, Salases and de la Rama’s migrated to Negros and engaged in large scale sugar plantation. Years later, some family members went farther north with the expansion of the sugar industry and establishment of modern sugar mills in Luzon. These are the forebears of the Yulo’s and Lacsons who settled in the Calabarzon Area and Central Luzon, and the Araneta’s and Locsin’s in the Bicol Region.
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Senator Ping Lacson graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1971 and Master in Government Management at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 1996.
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With his outstanding service record in the Philippine National Police, he was eventually promoted as Chief of PNP. As the top Police Officer, he was able to effectively instill strict discipline in the national police force and raised the morale of it’s officers by instituting the “No Take” policy and succeeded in eradicating the corrupt culture attributed to policemen. Thru his efforts, police efficiency greatly improved. Thus, PNP achieved 58% public approval rating --the highest ever in PNP’s history and 78% approval rating for himself. For financial assistance especially to the rank and file in the Police force, he founded the PNP Foundation, Inc.
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Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson was elected Senator in May 2001 and has continually proven himself up to the present, as a no-nonsense legislator and as the fearless voice of the people in the upper chamber of Congress.
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His Personal Dictum: “What is right must be kept right. What is wrong must be set right.”
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* Sen. Loren Bautista Legarda
"Loren's" maternal grandparents belong to the illustrious Gella clan of Antique. She is the only daughter of Antonio Cabrera Legarda of San Pablo, Laguna and Manila and the late Bessie Gella Bautista of Antique and Malabon. She is the granddaughter of one of the late pillars of Philippine journalism, Jose P. Bautista, editor-in-chief of the pre-Martial Law Manila Times. Loren decided to follow her paternal grandpa’s footsteps in the field of Journalism.
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She was cum laude at the University of the Philippines where she obtained a degree in broadcast communication. Loren Legarda soon became an icon in T.V. broadcast media that catapulted her in the political arena.
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Loren’s estranged husband, former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste, grabbed headlines in mainstream media recently for his confessed involvement in shooting to death a company employee.
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As a legislator, Loren has proven herself as staunch advocacte for Law and Order, Rights of Women, Youth and Children, Education, Environment and Employment; and Nationalism.
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Senator Loren Legarda is the only woman in Philippine political history who has topped the Senate race twice, in the 1998 and in the 2007 senatorial elections.
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* Sen. Manuel “Mar” Araneta Roxas II
"Mar" who hails from the Province of Capiz is an Economist. He is the grandson and namesake of past Philippine President Manuel Acuna Roxas of Capiz and Trinidad de Leon of Bulacan.
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He is the son of late Senator Gerry Roxas and Judy Araneta y Araneta de Roxas of the old rich ilonggo family. His maternal grandfather the late Don J. Amado ”Amading” Araneta of Negros Occidental, was the founder of the Cubao, Q. C. multi business empire that includes the world reknowned dome “ARANETA” coliseum. He is a bachelor, who is alleged to be romantically link to one of the most popular ABS-CBN broadcaster Karina Sanchez,
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Senator Mar Roxas a.k.a. “Mr. Palengke” proved his expertise in economy as former Secretary of Trade and Industry and political savvy during his term as Congressman of the first district of Capiz. He ran for senator in the 2004 election and was number one --with the highest votes ever garnered by a national candidate in the history of Philippine electoral process.
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* Sen. Miriam Palma Defensor-Santiago
"Inday Miriam" was born in Iloilo City to Judge Benjamin Defensor and Dimpna Palma . She graduated class valedictorian in both elementary and high school levels. She also graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines. She finished it in only three and a half instead of four years. She made history as the first female editor-in-chief of "The Philippine Collegian" in its fifty years of existence as UP's student newspaper.
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Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, the multi-awarded scholar and public servant and is considered a "Maverick" in the senate is now on her second term as Senator of the Philippines.
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(excerpted from Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago's Biography):
"Miriam Defensor Santiago became globally famous with her courageous and brilliant crusade against corruption in the Philippines. As a result, at 43, she was named Laureate of the Asian Nobel Prize, known as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service. She was cited "for bold and moral leadership in cleaning up a graft-ridden government agency."
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Miriam was widely featured in the international press because of her charisma, flamboyant personality, and her signature witticisms, making her good copy. In 1997, the Australian magazine named her one of "The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World."
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In later years, Miriam was keynote speaker of the international anticorruption conference in Sydney, Australia. As senator, she sponsored and secured ratification by the Philippine Senate of the UN Convention Against Corruption. Miriam ran for President of the Philippines in 1992, and led in the canvass of nationwide votes for the first five days. But she was ultimately defeated by a margin of less than a million votes out of 36 million votes.
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The campaign was reportedly marred by widespread election fraud, notably power blackouts after the first five days. The public outrage over the presidential results prompted Newsweek to feature her and her rival on the cover with the question: "Was the Election Fair?" In another cover story, Philippine Free Press magazine asked: "Who's the Real President?"
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Inday Miriam Defensor-Santiago, "Pride of the Ilonggos".
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* Sen. Manuel “Manny” Bamba Villar, Jr.
This incumbent Senate President, was born in Tondo, Manila to Manuel Montalban Villar, Sr. of Cabatuan, Iloilo and Curita Bamba of Pampanga and Bataan. At an early age, he helped in his parents seafoods dealership business in Divisoria. As a working student, he finished at the University of the Philippines where he earned a degree in Business Administration.
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He was employed in several prestigious Firms for quite sometime, until he decided to engage in gravel and sand business that eventually lead him to establish one of the largest development firms in the Southeast Asian region, the Camella & Palmera Homes. His C & P Homes started as low-cost housing projects that later became high scale under the brand name Crown Asia.
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Senator Manny Villar earned citations as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of 1986, the Agora Award for Marketing Management in 1989 and Most Outstanding CPA by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in 1990. In 2004, he was named the Most Distinguished UP Alumnus—the highest recognition given by the UP Alumni Association --for his exemplary public service and achievements.
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He was already a successful businessman, when he ventured into politics and was elected in a landslide victory as Congressman of Las Pinas in 1992. Later he was chosen to be the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In May 14, 2001 he won in the national election as Senator of the Philippines. On his first day in office, he was selected as Senate President Pro Tempore, the position he held until 2003, that paved the way for his unanimous election as Senate President on July 24, 2006.
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He is recognized as the richest legislator in Philippine history where he was consistently the richest congressman from 1992 to 2001 and richest senator from 2001 until today.
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Senate President Manny Villar, is married to Congresswoman Cynthia Aguirre-Villar, of the wealthy and influential Aguirre clan in Las Pinas. She is the richest legislator in the lower house of Congress, representing the lone District of Las Pinas.
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Ilongga suffragettes
(By: Atty. Rex Salvilla -Iloilo City)
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Last week the 70th anniversary of Women's Suffrage was celebrated which granted Filipino women the right to vote in 1935. However, few Ilonggos are aware that spearheading that national movement 70 years ago were two prominent Ilonggos – Sofia Reyes de Veyra and Pura Villanueva Kalaw of Molo and Arevalo.
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Here are their capsule biographies:
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* Sofia Reyes de Veyra
Sofia Reyes de Veyra had been social secretary in Malacañang of four presidents – Manuel L. Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Manuel Roxas and Elpidio Quirino.
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Born in Arevalo, Iloilo in 1875, she was also prominent as educator, social worker and civic leader.
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As educator, she was co-author of pre-war public schools book Character and Conduct and vice president of the Centro Escolar University. As civic leader, she was officer of the national associations like Feminista which fought for women's suffrage, Philippine National Red Cross and Anti-Tuberculosis Society. As a social worker, she was president of the La Infancia and of the Catholic Women's League.
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In 1907, she married national journalist Jaime de Veyra who was then governor of Leyte and later, Philippine Resident Commissioner to the United States.
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This famous Ilongga died in 1953.
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* Pura Villanueva Kalaw
In 1907, a 16-year old Ilongga was crowned first Miss Philippines at the Manila Carnival. She was Pura Villanueva from Arevalo, Iloilo.
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She was not just a beauty but also with brains and bravery. After studying at Colegio de Santa Ana in Molo, Iloilo she became the editor of the women's page in El Tiempo – a weekly in Iloilo.
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She showed her bravery by fighting for women's suffrage for more than 30 years. In 1906, she organized the Asociacion Feminista Ilonga. In 1912, she co-founded the Women's Club of Manila. In 1937, she spearheaded the national campaign for women's suffrage plebiscite resulting in women being qualified to vote.
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For these, Villanueva received the Presidential Medal as champion woman suffragist from President Elpidio Quirino, Outstanding Woman of 1950 from National Federation of Women's Clubs in the Philippines, Number One Feminist of the Philippines. She was married to national journalist Teodoro M. Kalaw.
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(Source: The News Today -Iloilo City, Sept. 27, 2007)
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Editors Note:
Rex Salvilla is a lawyer by profession and a famed ilonggo
Historian . He is the President of the West Visayas Historical
Research Foundation, Inc.
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Early History of Dingle, Iloilo
(By: Ethel D. Galeno of Ilonggo Taton eGroup)
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Ako taga Dingle ari istorya sang akon banwa.
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I was born in Dingle iloilo and here is the legend of it.
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One version tells of Dingle coming from the word "Dalipe", the soil found along the banks of the Jalaur River. It was said that a group of young women were once upon a time bathing in the shallow waters of the Jalaur River when Spanish soldier reconnoitering the different places of Iloilo came upon them. The soldiers wanted to know the name of the town they were passing through, but the women could not understand Spanish and they thought soldiers were pointing at the bank where the soil was black and hard clay. They answered,"Dalipe" and the soldiers nodded. But because of the strange ring of the word to their ear and tongue, the soldiers forgot the word "Dalipe" and instead gave the name "Dingle" to the town, the name it bears up to this day.
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Another story relates of a group of women bathing in the Jalaur River answering inquiries of the Spanish soldiers regarding the name of the place with "Dingding Maingle", which the Spaniards shortened to Dingle.
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Whether these legends are true or not, they are the only explanations that have in many ways enlivened the imagination of the people of the Dingle.
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The Augustinian priest, Fr. Blanco, first established Dingle in 1593. The town was named Ba-ong because of its shape. The town was named Orvat, a cooking utensil. The community was a part of Pototan until 1611. Later it became part of Lag-Lag, now Dueñas until 1825.
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On August 16,1850, by order of Governor General Urbitondo, Ba-ong became an independent parish and was officially became Dingle. Christianity was Spain's legacy to the Filipinos. In Dingle, Fr. Fernando Llorente ordered the construction of the Dingle Catholic Church. The construction was started in 1865 and was completed in 1886.
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During the Spanish Revolution, Dingle staged the first armed uprising in the province. This occurred in Barrio Lincud on October 28,1898. Adriano Hernandez, Julio Hernandez, Nicolas Roces led the uprising.
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Adriano Hernandez became the brigadier general. He was the representative of the province at the Malolos Congress. Late, he was appointed Secretary of Agriculture. His statue stands at the town plaza today and Dingleanons regard him as their hero.
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The educational system was the United States' primary legacy to the Filipinos with the English language as an enduring heritage from them. The Gabaldon type schoolhouses of the Dingle Central Elementary School and Caguyuman Elementary School are unmistakable signs of American influence.
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Editors Note:
Ms. Ethel D. Galeno, an ilongga in Canada was born in Dingle, Iloilo.
She is the Group Leader, the Moderator of Ilonggo Taton eGroup,
An affiliate of the Ilonggo Nation Movement (INM Banwa_Mo).
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Brief Historical Background of San Joaquin, Iloilo
(By: Migako of Ilonggo Taton eGroup)
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The history of San Joaquin according to Maragtas legend begins in the latter part of the 12th century when ten (10) Malayan Chieftains or "Datus" together with their families, warriors and slaves on board ten "binidays" (boat for sea travel) landed at a place called Andona, near the mouth of the Siwaragan (Suagan or Sugan) River. The Chieftains headed by Datu Puti fled from the tyranny of Sultan Makatunao in Borneo in search of and to establish a new land for the free.
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At that time, Panay Island was inhabited by the "Atis" or Negritoes under the rule of King Marikudo and Queen Maniwangtiwang. Datu Puti and his men, instead of subduing Chieftain marikudo and the lowly "Atis", made negotiations of all the lowlands of Panay at the price of one golden hat called "saduk", a long gold necklace called "Manangyad" and various gifts. Said negotiations successfully took place at Imbidayan Rock, Barangay Sinogbuhan, San Joaquin, Iloilo, now a historical site. After the transaction was sealed, the "Atis" retired to the mountains and the Malays took complete control of the lowland.
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Datu Puti continued his travel and the settlement was left to the able leadership of one of the Chieftains, Datu Sumakwel whose wife was Kapinangan. Later, Datu Sumakwel divided Panay Island into three districts – Irong-irong, Hamtic and Aklan. Irong-irong was given to Datu Paiburong as his territorial domain. It was Datu Sumakwel who decreed the Code of Kalantiaw and Panay Island lived in peace and prosperity for three hundred years until the Spaniards came.
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What freedom our ancestors gained from this "Purchase of Panay" was lost when Magellan discovered the Philippines in 1521. Spanish colonization of the island and gradually under Spanish dominion, developed this settlement into a "Pueblo" that also contributed to a large degree of our town's cultural heritage. As a legacy from this period, the San Joaquin Roman Catholic Church was finished in 1869 and was considered a national shrine on September, 1977.
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About 700 years later, the Treaty of Paris of 1898 ended the Spanish-American War. As a result, San Joaquin was annexed to the Municipality of Miag-ao in 1904 for purposes of efficient administration under American rule. But the annexation was shortlived because when the late Eliseo J. Sanglap, a native of San Joaquin became the Municipal President (now Municipal Mayor) of Miag-ao by popular vote in 1908, he fought for the return of San Joaquin to her former status. And by virtue of Executive Order No. 73, Series of 1910 issued by the American Military Governor General, San Joaquin became a municipality on December 10, 1910.
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BRIEF HISTORY OF ROMBLON
(by Soledad Montiel)
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Excerpted:
“…In 1818 Romblon was incorporated into the province of Capiz. In 1853, the islands were organied into a politico-military commandancia administered from Capiz and continued to be so until the end of the Spanish rule in 1898.
------
When the revolutionary government took control of Romblon in 1898, Colonel Diego de Dias, then commander of the revolutionary forces, ruled the province embracing the municipalities of Azagra, Badajos, Banton, Cajidiocan, Corcuera, Looc, Magallanes, Odiongan, Despujols and Sta. Fe. On March 16, 1901, the American civil government was established and in 1907 Romblon became a sub-province of Capiz. In February 1918, it was again organized as a regular province and it remained so until 1940 when it was organized into four special municipalities under the direct control of the Department of the Interior by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 581, sponsored by the Assemblyman Leonardo Festin.
------------------
Romblon was occupied by the Japanese forces on March 21, 1942. The islands became the center of considerable rsistance movement under the direction of General Macario Peralta, Jr., from his Panay headquarters. One of the most exciting incidents of the Pacific War took place in the waters of Romblon - the naval-air battles between Japanese Admiral Kurita's Fleet from Singapore and Admiral Halsey's carrier planes from the American Third Fleet then stationed east of the Philippines.
-----------------
Romblon was liberated on March 12, 1945 under the command of Colonel Clifford and on January 1, 1947, about a year and a half after the liberation, Romblon was again reconstituted into a regular province by virtue of Republic Act No. 38 which was authored and sponsored by Hon. Modesto Formilleza, then Congressman for the only Congressional district of Romblon.
-----
(Source: www.romblon-isl.com/uebersichtskarte_phil_eng.html )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ABC of Political Empowerment
(By: Perry Diaz -INM: SacramentoCA-USA)
----------
The Filipino-American community's varied reactions to ABC's "Desperate Housewives" racist slur against Philippine-schooled doctors has brought to the forefront of debate the issue of political empowerment or, more appropriately, lack of political empowerment. As one community leader mentioned, this kind of thing will never happen to African-Americans, Latinos, and Jews.
------------
In the "Desperate Housewives" episode, the character, Susan Mayer Delfino, played by actress Teri Hatcher, said: "Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? Because I would just like to make sure they are not from a med school in the Philippines ."
-----
This infuriated Filipinos around the world. An online petition was started saying, "We demand a public apology to the Filipino American community, and we demand the episode be edited to remove the ignorant and racist remark. We will not allow hateful messages against our community (or any other oppressed community) to continue."
-----
Thus far, more than 122,000 have signed the petition. ABC issued an apology and also promised to remove the controversial part from DVDs and rebroadcasts of the episode. But should we settle for that? Hell, no! We believe that that is not enough.
------
In my last week's article, "Desperate Housewives' Wake Up Call to Filipinos," I proposed a win-win solution to the imbroglio created by the episode. I stated that instead of a lawsuit and boycott, as suggested by many community leaders, I recommended that we should be proactive instead -- not reactive -- and put together an agenda that would give long-term benefits to our community such as jobs, education and other initiatives. I indicated that we should convince ABC to open employment opportunities to Filipino-Americans at all levels -- actors, directors, producers, newscasters, and executives at ABC and its affiliates.
------
Jon Melegrito, the Communications Director of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA), forwarded my article to Mr. Robert Mendez, ABC's Senior Vice President of Diversity. Mr. Mendez responded to Mr. Melegrito and he agreed to explore a program that might help increase opportunities for Filipinos at ABC. Mr. Mendez also said, "You asked about the possibility of exploring a program that might help to increase opportunities for Filipinos at ABC. I am wondering whether you might be interested in helping to organize a meeting in Washington, DC, where my staff and I can meet with Filipinos who are interested in pursuing careers in television and want access to direct information about our many talent development programs. It would be a wonderful opportunity for ABC to deepen the talent pool with candidates from the Filipino community."
---------
Mr. Melegrito sent me an email and said, "ABC listened to the points you raised in your column and here are the results: a) written confirmation that ABC has deleted the ugly scene from the DH Sept. 30 episode, b) a long-term relationship with the FilAm community that will open doors to Filipino Americans and enable them access to positions in ABC as writers, directors, producers, including an internship & training program. We expect implementation of this special outreach program within 3-4 months as a demonstration of ABC's commitment."
-------
The name of the game is "win-win" and that's what we plan to achieve. Both the Filipino community and ABC would benefit from it. It would give Filipinos a presence -- and visibility -- in one of the major networks in the United States. And the benefits would be long-lasting and irreversible because once Filipino talents are used in ABC programming, the other networks would follow. However, several community leaders in Northern California, who formed a new organization called Filipino Anti-Defamation Coalition, were not happy with the "win-win" initiative. One of the leaders, an attorney, was critical of the initiative. He insisted that a lawsuit and a boycott are the way to go. Being a lawyer, I can understand where he was coming from. However, in my humble opinion, going to court would be counter-productive and would only benefit those who could prove to a jury that the slur damaged their profession and hurt their practice.
----
A few days ago, I received an email from Atty. Roman Mosqueda. He said: "I am willing to file a complaint for several Philippine-educated physicians in California, who will take time out from their practice to prove their damages (special, general and exemplary) on a contingency arrangement. Each individual physicians (sic) who are filing a complaint in California will have to prove special, general and/or exemplary damages. Thus, I have to get a commitment from at least fifty (50) doctors coming from different Philippine medical schools that they would devote time to this case, as well as share in the expenses of litigation. I cannot solicit clients." He clarified that his attorney's fee is on contingency basis; however, he said that "legal cost such as filing fees, process serving fees, deposition fees, expert fees, subpoena fees, jury fees, are for the account of the client." The question is: Are there 50 Filipino doctors in California who are willing to pay the fees enumerated by Atty. Mosqueda and prove beyond reasonable doubt that their practice has been damaged financially by the slur? It is interesting to note that the Filipino Anti-Defamation Coalition plans to file a $500 million lawsuit as soon as 50 Filipino doctors agree to become plaintiffs. If they win the case, that's $10 million for each plaintiff. The question is: are the doctors going to pocket the money or give it to noble Filipino projects?
----
Paul Dalde, a member of the Filam-Forum in the Internet commented, "Win-win initiative is always better, always. In every negotiation the one that finally carried out is the win-win situation. We should not look for absolute victory in a dispute because that victory will not result to permanency, just a temporary one." Indeed, history has taught us so. But what I like most is what Paul said, "Any day its Win-Win that wins the day!"
----
The ABC incident cannot be reversed. It happened and has left a scar. A wise man once said to me, "Perry, what is important is not how to resolve a problem but how to turn that problem into an opportunity." How true. Years ago when I was working as a computer programmer analyst, I went to my boss and said, "I'm sorry but I have a complaint…" He cut me out and said, "Don't be sorry because you are just about to give me an opportunity to make this a better place to work."
------
The ABC issue could be a grand opportunity to empower our community and improve the quality of our lives. There shouldn't be any problem with pursuing a "win-win" initiative, a lawsuit, and a boycott -- all at once. Why not? In my opinion, these three are complementary to each other; however, they should be pursued with solidarity. And if we can achieve solidarity, then we can say that we have finally matured as a community of kindred people. And that would lead to political empowerment.
------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Perry Diaz, a successful Realtor, Businessman
and Columnist, served as Commissioner of the Sacramento Human Rights
and Fair Housing Commission in California. He is presently the Publisher
and Editor of BALITA-USA an eNews Bulletin with over 3000 readership.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

IMPERFECTION
-------
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole
which she carried across her neck.
-------
One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always
delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to
the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
-------
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and
a half pots of water. Of course , the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.
But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it
could only do half of what it had been made to do.
---------
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day
by the stream "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to
leak out all the way back to your house."
---------
The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path,
but not on the other pot's side?"
---------
"That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your
side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them."
--------
"For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.
Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."
-------
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make
our lives together so very interesting and rewarding.
-----
You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
----
SO, to all of my crackpot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on
your side of the path!
-----
(Shared by: Segunda N. del Mar -INM: SW.WashDC-USA)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A N N O U N C E M E N T/S.... &.....M E S S A G E S

WELCOME! NEW INM BANWA_MO MEMBERS:
--------
*Maria Theresa Escobar -(VirginiaBeachVa-USA)
*Lorie Gayadao -(HimamaylanNegrosOcc.-Phil.)
*Jaruius -New York City Betans (New York City, NY-USA)
*Saul D. Relano -(Dharan -Saudi Arabia)
*Irvin Sto Tomas -(Undisclosed)
=======================================
Ready! AIM! File!
ASSOCIATION OF ILONGGOS OF METRO WASHINGTON, DC (AIM, INC.)
(9678 Ironleaf Trail, Laurel, MD 20723)
----------------
TRIP TO ATLANTIC CITY - SATURDAY, OCT. 27, 2007
LET’S HAVE SOME FUN FOR A DAY AT THE FAMOUS ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY
------------
YOU CAN STROLL ALONG THE BOARDWALK, ENJOY THE OCEAN BREEZE, SHOP AT THE OUTLET MALL, OR GAMBLE, IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD FOR IT!
------------
THIS IS A FUND RAISING EVENT FOR THE ASSOCIATION’S SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT
DONATION: $45.00 PER PERSON * IN RETURN, THE CASINO WILL GIVE A REBATE OF $21.00 (FOR 18 YRS. & OLDER ONLY) & $5.00 COUPON FOR FOOD
-------------
ASSEMBLY TIME:
7:30 AM-GROSVENOR METRO STATION PARK & RIDE-
(ROUTE 355 IN ROCKVILLE & TUCKERMAN LANE)
-----
8:00 AM- ROUTE 197 & BRIARCROFT LANE
-------
WE WILL BE BACK @ 10:30 PM
-------
HURRY! PRE--PAY TO ENSURE SEAT!
DEADLINE: TUESDAY, 10/23/2007
-------
CALL ZENY: (202)409-8836
THERE WILL BE BINGO & DOOR PRIZES AT THE BUS! LIGHT SNACK WILL BE PROVIDED
==========================================

CCTN: TV network from Cebu to the world!
(INSIDE CEBU By Bobit S. Avila Friday, October 12, 2007)
--------------
Last Tuesday, we huffed over to the Archbishop’s Palace for the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Catholic Cable Television Network (CCTN) INTV and Cable Boss, which would now carry the signal of CCTN to all the cable areas that Cable Boss is operating. That means the first and the only purely Cebuano (Binisaya) Television Network in the world that gives you talk shows and drama and comedy entertainment programs about Cebuano culture using the Cebuano language can now be seen through areas where you can also see the famous cable TV programs like CNN, ESPN, Cinemax and HBO movies through AsiaSat 3S.
----------------
No less than his eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal signed this agreement with Nonito “Tatay Dodong” Chua, Timothy Bautista, Mario Parel of Cable Boss. When CCTN opened up four years ago I had two not one, but two television shows entitled, “Traffic Hour” and “Our Journey of Faith.” I turned over the Traffic Hour because of time constraints while we had to stop our TV program on apologetics because our mainstay priest, Fr. Lucas Inoc was given a new job as Parish Priest of Tuburan. But I’m glad that CCTN now has new programs, from Ricky Poca’s morning show “Hello Cebu Maayong Buntag Pinoy” or Manny Rabacal’s “Bullet Headlines” and a lot of telenovelas that you can only see and hear in Binisaya! More power to CCTN, which can be seen from Cebu to Luzon and the rest of the world!
------------------------------------

The Assumption Alumnae Association Abroad
(Washington DC Chapter)
will host the Eighth AAAA Triennial Reunion in 2008
------------
Inviting all former students, graduates and friends of the schools run by
the Religious of the Assumption in the Philippines.
---------------
Join us to celebrate the 21st year of the AAAA existence in the USA.
Save the dates! August 15-16, 2008.
-----------------
Plan to join us and the nuns of the Religious of the Assumption at
Hilton-McLean in Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA
---------------------
Unite with us as we grow in the spirit of the Assumption community.
----------------
For more Information contact
(Chairpersons)
Lina A. Divinagracia, Tel. 202-265-1251, Email Lina@aaaadc.tv or
Marilen Payawal-Abello, Tel. 301-755-4457, Email Marilen@aaaadc.tv
(President)
Raquel Lim-Salientes, Tel. 301-460-7883, Email Raquel@aaaadc.tv
(Others):
Tina Manglapus-Maynigo, Tel. 202-885-3632, Email Tina@aaaadc.tv;
Julie Marfil-Kelly, Tel. 202-321-8385, Email Julie@aaaadc.tv
Luisa Velasco-Reyes, Tel. 703-379-2412, Email Baby@aaaadc.tv
Grace Celis-Keeve, Email Grace@aaaadc.tv
----------------
Additional information will be continually added to this site. Please visit
often or email Eve@aaaadc.tv to subscribe to our alert notifications.
Thank you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Make My Day!
-----------
A sales rep, an administration clerk, and their manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, "I normally grant three wishes, but as there are three of you, I'll give each of you just one wish."
-------------
"Me first! Me first!" says the admin. clerk. "I want to be in the Bahamas , driving a speedboat, -without a care in the world." Poof! She's gone.
---------------
"Me next! Me next!" says the sales rep. "I want to be in Hawaii, relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life by my side." Poof! He's gone.
----------------
"OK, you're up," the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, "I want those two back in the office after lunch."
------------------
Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Woman was out golfing one day when she hit the ball into the woods. She went into the woods to look for it and found a frog in a trap. The frog said to her, "If you release me from this trap, I will grant you three wishes."
------------
The woman freed the frog, and the frog said, "Thank you, but I failed to mention that there was a condition to your wishes. Whatever you wish for, your husband will get times ten!"
-------------
The woman said, "That's okay." For her first wish, she wanted to be the most beautiful woman in the world. The frog warned her, "You do realize that this wish will also make your husband the most handsome man in the world, an Adonis whom women will look to?"
----------------
The woman replied, "That's okay, because I will be the most beautiful woman and he will have eyes only for me." So, KAZAM-she's the most beautiful woman in the world!
--------------
For her second wish, she wanted to be the richest woman in the world. The frog said, "That will make your husband the richest man in the world and he will be ten times richer than you."
--------------
The woman said, "That's okay, because what's mine is his and what's his is mine." So, KAZAM-she's the richest woman in the world!
------------------
The frog then inquired about her third wish, and she answered, "I'd like a mild heart attack."
--------------------
Moral of the story: Women are clever. Don't mess with them.

(Thanks! to Ernie Delfin)
===================================================================

(Date: October 1, 2007)
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Volume No. I * Issue No. 006 * Date: October 01, 2007*
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
CONTENTS:
*Huwag Magpakatuta! * Better Future Ahead *The Language of the Press * The
People Decide* The Ilonggo Languages * Ilonggo Media Moguls * Announcements
and Messages *New INM Banwa_Mo Members * Make my Day! Touch Me Not? *
=============================================
HUWAG MAGPAKATUTA !
(By: dinggol a. divinagracia - October 1, 2007)
--------------------------------
After watching TV Replay of MEDIA IN FOCUS, hosted by Professor Che Che Lazaro sometime ago, the early part of the topic "Huwag Magpakatuta" caught my attention.
--------------------------------
Her guest was the Grand Dame of Philippine Journalism; recipient of several awards--- the latest is the 2006 President Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism--- equivalent to the Nobel Peace Prize this side of the globe. This fearless living icon in the world of journalism is EUGENIA DURAN-APOSTOL-- now 84 years old.
-------------------------------
Ms. Apostol said she resigned from the Catholic Publication where she started her journalistic career and decided to join a non-catholic media group. The reason --- the Archibishop prohibited her to write-up and cover the Russian Ballet Cultural Dance Troupe because readers might be influenced by the "Red" Ideology.
------------------------------
Eugenia D. Apostol catapulted to fame and proved her mettle, after the assasination of Sen. Ninoy Aquino during Martial Law. Ninoy's unprecedented funeral entourage of about two million people barely got media exposure as TV, Print and Broadcast practitioners cowered in fear. It's like "ang ginamos gin tabunan sang kan-on" or "ang bago-ong tinakpan ng kanin".
----------------------------
But this woman with balls, --- this "Free Press Advocate" --- published in the nationwide issue of her Mr & Ms Magazine, a 16-page detailed news complete with pictorials of the sad historic event. When asked if she was afraid --- she replied: "We were too busy to be afraid". But admits, they had a clandestine editorial office for any eventualities. The rest sabi dah! is history.
----------------------------
Corollary to this, during the splendor and glory of the great Roman Empire, all roads lead to Rome.
---------------------------
In recent history many Illustrados and scholars were housed, hosted and co-opted with the "Victors" --the early Colonizers and the Imperialists who came to fulfill our Manifest Destiny. This created a group of historians-- the Minions or "tuta" as propagandists with blind loyalty to their former Masters.-- at least for now. The Land of the Rising Sun also almost succeeded to implant their own brand of "our" history for future Filipino generations.
---------------------------
Ever since these lackey’s brain washing materials were adopted in Philippine Educational System, our grade school pupils learned and sang with negative notion: "I was poorly born on the top of the mountain"; My Nipa Hut is very small and Planting Rice is never fun". We know more about the history of the American Revolution and heroes; sang the Star Spangled Banner with patriotic fervor and Dreamt of a White Christmas. Worst, we had to pay fine for speaking our very own language in school campuses. The Good Manners and Right Conduct, a seperate Subject in Elementary Classes of the yesteryears was stricken-out in school curiculum.
--------------------------
Engrained in the minds of students, is a history of a failed Revolution-- but glamorizing exploits of the Luzon Revolucionarios or losers. While the defeat and documented formal surrender of Spain to the victorious Independent Federal Visayan Republic; and the heroic saga of the unconquered Bangsa Moro Nation in Mindanao ---are scarely, if ever mentioned in school text books and only relegated to the dustbin of history. Thus, only to become a travesty of the past and lost in the hazy twilight of our memories.
--------------------------
These people even have the gall to initiate ahead the construction of Magellan shrine to be revered by Filipinos while naming a grouper fish "Lapu-Lapu" -- after the first national hero --- whose statue was erected very much later.
--------------------------
Presently, most of us still suffer the hang-over of Magellan discovering the "Islas" and W.H. Scott converts insistence of early Malay Datus from Borneo emigration to Panay in "Maragtas" a hoax. While ancient Chinese Ming Dynasty chronicles recorded otherwise.
--------------------------
Moreover, Pedro Monteclaro's "Maragtas" was transliterated from Fr. Tomas Santaren’s "Historia de los Primeros Datos Que, Procedentes de Borneo, Poblaron Estas Islas” that was based from the manuscripts of his predecessor Fr. Agustín Rico O.S.A who was assigned as resident priest of Suarangan (San Joaquin) in 1801.
--------------------------
Our own history and the study of archeology and anthropology often were sponsored by Westerners. It is high time we involve ourselves in the study and research of our past.
--------------------------
Thanks! to the advent of cyberspace communication, format in today's efora via the Internet - be that amateur or professional - in search of our past can be done by all.
-------------------------
And I despise more of the so called academic elitism --where the oral tales handed down from generations by our "Katigulangans" or the common folks--their languages and practices had to be routed by most academicians. That is not to say they have no merit - But in this case with the search of the real truth about our glorious past and noble heritage-- all of the research can only contribute to the good of all --in the meantime, peripheral discoveries will also open up more work and maybe newer disciplines. In the meantime, let us make them fun and enjoyable.
-----------------
(Modified from previous INM Banwa_Mo posting )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Better Future Ahead: A Beautiful Dream
(By: BrigGen. Michaelangelo H. Siscar (Ret.)-INM: BulacanPH)
------------------------
Yes I agree we still have a chance in the future. It is good that when Pandora opened her box and let out all the Evils in this world to Torment people, there was also Hope, pleading in a small voice to be freed too. And when Pandora let her out, we became very hopeful with everything including those that are even hopeless like the Philippines. Yes there is hopefully a bright light of hope for all Filipinos if they would only labor a little bit harder, be frugal, be simple, be independent, and be happy even with very little things.
------------------------
There must be a change in culture, attitude and behavior. We have to stop listening to local dramas in the radio and T.V. If I remember right I was still very small when I learned to hear those drama in the radio like: Ang Kahapon Lamang ni Tiya Delly, Student Canteen every after lunch which was only up to one P.M., which was replaced by Eat Bulaga which is now up to 3 P.M. Puro kalukuhan ang palabas. Very shallow ang theme, singing, laughing, jokes, and after that you gained nothing, but having much air inside your stomach.
--------------------------
What makes Filipinos poor and lazy are the Radio Stations, the TV stations, and the Text Messages provided by Smart and Globe. So many millions are wasted for nothing, nothing but gossip, tsismiss, foolish text messages. And to waste 300 to 500 every two weeks is a big waste. Only these large corporations are raking in much income.
--------------------------
No one., especially the young ones now, want to stay in the farm, even if they a large piece of land to look after, for they like to see other places like the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Scandinavian countries, Middle east countries, South east Asia, etc. They are very excited to leave the Philippines and see places. This 21st century is a century of going around, traveling, seeing, and enjoying. And so the farms in the Philippines are now covered with tall cogon grasses. And the price of rice keep on rising because we are short of it. We are importing rice from Vietnam and Bangladesh. We are also importing sugar nor from other countries because people in Negros, Panay, Batangas, Pampanga and Tarlac do not like to plant sugarcane anymore.
--------------------------
They want to be a caregiver, where they believe there is better income, and a chance to see the world. And the objective is to earn and have money to spend for the education of the children. The bottom line is always "Education of Children." As if this is the only purpose of life on this planet. As if there is no other way of making a very nice existence, other than getting a degree and find employment. Is this the trend up to the 22nd century? I think people will eventually get tired of this kind of cycle. Many young guys now try their luck in show business. There is this sex bomb dance troupe and many other more, employing sexy and beautiful girls to be entertainers in the T.V. and on stage, in the Phil, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and the US. This is good for those who have no money to spend for their education in college. All they have to do is dance and entertain people.
-----------------------------
Then there is this drug menace growing around the country. It is a big problem. Many are hooked and many crimes have been committed. Even a 7 year old girl was raped and strangled and thrown in the sea. There are so many young guys in the Philippines that have no work, and they are very energetic and restless. They do not sleep at night. They roam around, take drugs, and make some incredible games of killing innocent people.
-----------------------------
And yet with all these social problems growing, the Government, the senate, the congress, the president and the others are busy fighting each other forgetting their responsibility of making the country silent and peaceful. They are the ones who are very noisy, making plenty of trouble. Shall we go and arrest them and put them in jail for that? This is what some other people in uniform are thinking if they do not stop and behave like real professionals in government.
--------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Brig.Gen. Michaelangelo Hubero Siscar
(Ret) is the first in Pavia-Iloilos’ history to earn an AFP Star Rank. He is,
likewise, the first Editorial Board Chairman of the AFP Website. Before his
recent retirement, he is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Electronics and Information Systems (J6) of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines.
------------------------
“Michael” was trained in the US (Signal Corps) in all communications
equipment used in aircraft. He was also commander of the 1st Signal Long
Lines Battalion of the AFP for three years, holder of three Masters’ degrees
and he will be graduating this year with a Ph. D. in Public Administration
from UP Diliman.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Language of the Press
(By: Jocelyn A. Baisa -Iloilo City)
-----------------------------
It is said that the Philippine press is the “freest press in Asia.” There is no prior restraint and the freedom of the press is enshrined in our Constitution. Article IV, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution provides “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
-----------------------------
But the press, which in this address includes the broadcast media (TVs and radios), cannot be said to be truly free to express their ideas in the way or manner they wanted it to be. Here, the Manila government is imposing the use of a “national language” which precluded the media outside Tagalog-speaking areas from truly expressing themselves without inhibitions in their own languages.
-------------------------------
Tagalog language newspapers such as Taliba, Abante Tonite, Kabayan and many others circulate in Western Visayas and other regions promoting Tagalog while the number of Visayan language newspapers has reduced to one or two and in some areas there are none at all.
------------------------------
Worse, the broadcast media especially TV is saturated by the Tagalogs with programming in Tagalog from morning to midnight. Even regional FM radio stations promote Tagalog to the peril of other languages with DJs speaking in Tagalog most of the time unlike before when it is all English. Undoubtedly, the broadcast industry is aiding and abetting in the extinction of languages in the Philippines other than Tagalog.
-------------------------------
In truth, broadcasting in local languages is profitable as people patronize local programming. TV giant networks ABS-CBN and GMA7 realized this with the success of its news and public affairs programs TV Patrol sa Diyes and Ratsada.
------------------------------
Discrimination of Manila based media against the so-called provincial presses is also prevalent. The latter is treated as second class citizens especially in covering issues that affect not only the National Capital Region but also the regions directly. Thus, this is not only a matter of preserving the different Philippine languages anymore but taking pride in one’s culture or identity and believing in the power of regional press to shape its own society.
-------------------------------
(Source: Daily Informer-Iloilo City -Sept. 17, 2007)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reaction from: Benjie Estuche (INM: PhillyPa-USA)
Why don't you ask the Daily Informer to publish in Ilonggo instead of English? When you are a publisher/editor of a regional/local newspaper, as I was in the early 80s, you will know why they cannot in the local dialect and be called serious on their trade.
--------------------------------
Broadsheets do not publish in Pilipino/Tagalog and the tabloids, which do, have identified their market. The tabloids carry smut and uses vulgar language.
--------------------------------
As to the broadcast media, to which I had also been known as an Agong, radio stations in the provinces use trilingual approach (English, Tagalog and the local dialect) to newsreporting and Pilipino/Tagalog only on reports that are aired on nationwide simultaneous broadcast as most TV stations are doing. There is no sense in a nationwide simul if a station in Ilocos airs a report in Ilocano and heard in Cebuano speaking regions as well as Ilonggo and Bikolano speaking areas. The rationale is to be heard and be understood.
-------------------------------
As I have said before, and I repeat now, we cannot use languages/dialects as the only reason for federalism. Digging into the reasons why there is unequal distribution of wealth and land resources could be a more tenable argument.
------------------------------
Agurang Amin
-----------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member "Benjie" Estuche" -a Political Commentator was
the former Editor/Publisher of the Iloilo's Truth Forum and fearless Radio
Broadcaster of DYRI Radio Agong in Iloilo. He was a member of the Panay
Peace Monitoring Council right after EDSA-I to oversee the truce between
GRP and NDF armed components; the AFP and the NPA respectively.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reaction from: Rodelen Paccial (INM: IloiloCity-Phil)
The use of regional languages in print media, as compared to TV and radio, is very difficult. Idealistically, we really should aim for the day when the Ilonggo peoples digest the national /international issues and debate intellectually in print using Hiligaynon. The problem lies with the reading public, I think.
--------------------------------
Even our most educated sectors still find it hard to read Hiligaynon, for two reasons, one, they are not at all used to reading Hiligaynon (just listen to the reader of the Hiligaynon gospel in most churches, when in English its more fluent, when in Hiligaynon, the reader usually stops in many places in the passages due to unfamiliarity of the words and the pronunciation) and two, Hiligaynon is not yet standardized, and so we have no conventions when to use nang, ng, ning or sang, sg, sing and many other parts of the language, like the spelling of words, how to borrow words into the language, etc. which leaves the average reader confused.
--------------------------------
In TV and radio it is very much easier as we are all familiar with spoken Hiligaynon and fluent at it, too. The parts of the brain used for listening and reading are different and so until the day that we can develop the readership, the business-side of running a paper may be hurt, and that is a maybe for I am not a media business expert.
-------------------------------
Hiligaynon magazine in the last decades have taken a beating with its sales but things are looking up in the past couple years, thanks to a change in ownership (or so I've heard) and editorship. The lay-out is more dynamic and the articles are interesting. With no offense meant to anyone, the poetry/literature section needs to be upgraded, too. The short stories/serial novels are still average, though there are some gems, the komiks is excellent but the poems are a bitdisappointing for my taste.
--------------------------------
Yuhum's reincarnation into newsmagazine is going strong also and has a loyal following.
-------------------------------
All in all, the publication of new material in Hiligaynon should be encouraged and teachers should stress the habit of reading in Hiligaynon to their students. We don't need a law for that, we need our teachers to be language activists (not language puritans) and nudge their students a bit towards the importance of their language.
---------------------------------
Maybe in the future when we have a Hiligaynon language that has been refined by constant use in intellectual conversations and we have the readership to match (both go hand in hand), we may have most of our regional print media in the languages they should be in.
-----------------------------
Rodelen Paccial
----------------------------
P.S. one comment said that it irritates him/her to listen to an imperfect Filipino translation voiced-over an intervioew ion a regional language. It gets under my skin, too. His/her suggestion is correct I think, to let the interviewee' s comments be heard in its original with Filipino subtitles. That way speakers of of the languages may be familiarized with the nuances of the other languages. its a different case for international media though, maybe in that case the voice-over of English? or other major language is needed.
------------------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Rodelen "Rod" Paccial, is a young ilonggo student
seriously committed in doing something to preserve our rich cultural heritage.
------------------
Presently, his concentration is focus on the final stage of his studies in pursuance
of a Medical career at the Western Visayas State University in Iloilo City.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The People Decide
(By: Akoy Rocamora -INM Banwa_Mo: China)
-------------------------------
Promotion, Yes. ---But impositon and monopoly, No!
-----------------------------
The people decide what languages to use,what to read, what to speak, what to listen to,what to write, what to learn. ---The market decides.
------------------------------
But monopoly of one language (i.e.Tagalog as Filipino = national language at the expense of tax payers money) group is unfair. The policy should prevent such monopoly rather than prevent other languages from enjoying equal benefits and fair environment to progress.
-------------------------------
It is not wrong to promote and spread your own cultural product such as your local language. However you promote your language but the people ultimately shall decide if they will buy it or not.
----------------------------
The promotion of one's own cultural product like language,its literature, songs,poetry, etc through media is the job of the local people, the cultural worker. If you believe in the value of your own cultural product you will share and promote your poems and songs to all nations of the whole world.
---------------------------
The local people themselves or the speaker of their own language have a paramount responsibility. If they don't speak nor write their own language it is their failure to promote or develop it and for such negligence they ought to blame themselves.
---------------------------
The local language of a people may not only promote itself locally but also spread nationally and internationally. The local language has a place in the international scene especially truer now because of globalization (i.e.internet, media,transportation, migration,trade, etc.)
--------------------------
The local is in the global just as the global influence is in the local. Promoting the local to the international stage is just as good as welcoming the international to be part of the local in a dynamic interchange.
---------------------------
Isolation of a language or a people may not be the best way for its life and growth. On the contrary, contact with other languages could be an opportunity for a local language to progress dynamically (i.e. to pick up more new foreign words).
---------------------------
The primary use of one's own language is as of one's own body. The use of a foreign language as a tool is an added advantage or benefit, i.e economic and cultural but the tool should not take the place of the main body nor take over heart and consciousness of the local.
---------------------------
While 'taking in' more foreign language influences the more active effort must be done to digest or translate foreign words into one's language body or language system. It's a way of preserving and developing one's local language.
---------------------------
Otherwise, bastardization of a language come about when the speakers themselves misuse of their own language rules and vocabulary. Simply mixing up different languages as they speak in one breath is corrupting both the foreign or indigenous languages.
-----------------------------------
Whatever you call it, corruption or recreation of a language?
-----------------------------
But ultimately the people decide whatever direction they choose to go.
---------------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Rex “Akoy” Rocamora, is a Bisaya who
grew up in Mindanao. He is an expert in indigenious peoples and has
been staying in China in furtherance of his studies on this subject,
among others.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE ILONGGO LANGUAGES
(Query From: Dr. Ana Villanueva -INM: BacolodCityPH)
--------------------------
Maayong adlaw sa tanan.
-------------------------
I am from Bacolod City and have been following some of the postings on these email groups.
----------------------------
However, I noticed that there are many instances where I find myself wondering if there are many versions of Hiligaynon. To tell you all honestly, there are many times I cannot understand anything that is posted. It almost seems like how I feel when I read Cebuano. I cannot understand most of the words. Daw naga-tingala guid ako kon basi kahapaw lang sang nabal-an ko nga Ilonggo?
------------------------
Pero napanumdum ko nga basi ang iban nga mga tinaga halin sa madalum nga Hiligaynon. I thought that maybe some of the words are traditional and "deep" Hiligaynon words spoken in parts of Iloilo. Somewhat akin to the Balagtasan Tagalog. I also speculated that maybe I am reading postings from our friends near Iloilo and Negros Occidental, namely, Capiz and Aklan? And aren't there also a lot of Ilonggo in parts of Mindanao like Cotabato?
--------------------------
Please educate this somewhat-confused Ilongga who is very interested in keeping our language alive. Pero tani maintindihan ko man ang guina-basa ko sa egroups!!!
------------------------
Madamo guid nga salamat sa inyo tanan.... Ana Villanueva, M.D.
--------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Ana Villanueva is a Doctor of Medicine,
a practising physician in Bacolod City, Negros Occ.- Phjlippines
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Response:
Classification of the Ilonggo Languages
(By: Dr. Jose Palu-ay Dacudao -INM: NorthernMindanaoPH)
---------------------
The Ilonggo ethnic people include both Hiligaynon and/or Karay-a speakers. Some Aklanons, and other Western Visayans, outside our Region also identify themselves as ‘Ilonggo’; and to a certain extent this term has become a catch word that indicates Western Visayan origin.
--------------------------
Hiligaynon (also known known as Ilonggo and Binisaya) belongs to the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian languages, one of the world's largest language families, both in terms of numbers of languages (more than 1,200) and geographical spread (from Madagascar to Easter Island near the coast of South America). So does Kinaray-a.
--------------------------------
There are two theories on the origin of the Austronesian languages. The prevailing theory is that Proto-Austronesian originated 5,000 or 6,000 years ago, with Aboriginal Taiwanese in Taiwan. A second theory is that Proto-Austronesian originated with the peoples of South East Asia, particularly Indonesia and the islands surrounding it, then spread to the other areas of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia.
---------------------------------
In relation to other Philippine languages, Hiligaynon belongs to the Central branch of Visayan languages while Kinaray-a belongs to the Western branch of the Visayan languages. The Visayan languages in turn belong to the Southern branch of Philippines languages (to which the Mindanao, Bicol, and Tagalog languages also belong). The northern Philippine languages are confined to Luzon (e.g. Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Ilocano, the Cordillera languages).
--------------------------------
Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a are Visayan languages. As such, most of the words in their vocabulary are cognate to the words found in other Visayan languages. Many of their grammatical rules are also similar to their fellow Visayan languages. In addition, Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a share so many words that these two languages are practically mutually intelligible. In some areas of Iloilo, these two languages meld into one another, forming a continuous dialectal area.
-------------------------------
There is a common misconception that Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a are dialects, but in fact they are languages. Dialects are defined by international linguistic standards as mutually intelligible versions of a language. For example, the common medium of communication in Roxas City Capiz is mutually intelligible with the one used in Iloilo City; thus both are dialects of the same language, which is called Hiligaynon by international linguists. The lingua franca in Guimbal is mutually intelligible with the one used in Pototan, thus both are dialects of the same language, which is called Kinaray-a. Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a are languages at par with the other 160 or so Philippine languages and the rest of the world’s languages. To call Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a dialects do not do justice to these rich and complex languages.
------------------------------
Language is the main medium by which humans communicate ideas and feelings to each other. Consequently, language is not only the main transmitter of human culture, but it also forms the most important part of culture. Without language, human society and culture would not exist at all.
-------------------------
Language also has another role that is often overlooked. Each language is shared by a cultural community, a people with shared beliefs and practices, and forms the main basis for the existence of such a community, which is called an ethnolinguistic people (and also as ‘ethnolinguistic group’, ‘ethnic people’, ‘ethnic group’, ‘tribe’, or ‘nationality’). If the language of an ethnolinguistic people dies, so does this people. For instance, if no could speak the Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a languages, there would be no Ilonggo ethnic people. If one grew up in Iloilo but learns to speak only ‘Filipino’, one will grow up into a Tagalog, not an Ilonggo. If the Philippine Educational system were to force a sufficient number of the Ilonggo people’s children to learn
‘Filipino’ and ‘Filipino’ alone, Iloilo would lose all its Ilonggos through the passing generations. A form of ethnic cleansing would have been carried out.
------------------------------
Children are born with the ability to learn any language, but the first language that they normally learn is their parents' first language, a language that has usually been passed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years. There are at present more than 6,000 distinct languages and peoples of the world. Each week, one or two of them die out, usually due to years of discriminatory policies of governments that promote only the language of their capitals and centers. These languages differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Each language offers unique concepts and ways of expressing them, and thus unique perspectives (points of view), besides defining the very peoples of the world. Each of them is priceless and irreplaceable, a treasure that humanity can hardly afford to lose.
------------------------------
The Ilonggos who speak Hiligaynon or Kinaray-a or both at present number about 9% of the Philippine population. This is down from about 12% during World War II, when Tagalog, honey-coated as ‘Filipino’, was undemocratically and illegally, if one considers that the framers of the 1935 Constitution never meant Tagalog to be a national language, imposed by the Japanese colonizers in all Philippine schools, in order to wean Filipinos off English, the language of their American enemies at that time. If the next generations of Ilonggos are not taught Hiligaynon and/or Kinaray-a in schools, the Ilonggo ethnic people will probably die out in about 150 years.
------------------------------
Ilonggos as % of the Philippine Population, based on NSO surveys
1948 1960 1975 1990 1995
Ilonggo 12% 10% 09% 09% 09.11%
------------------------------
What should be done to stop this trend, this linguicide, this ethnic cleansing?
-------------------------------
Teach our languages in schools in their traditional areas, especially for local grammar and literature, local history, local arts and humanities, while retaining English (which is the international language of Science and Commerce and a socially leveling tongue in the Philippines) for the Sciences and much of the Social Sciences. This is the only sure way to save a language. Empirical evidences from Iceland (Icelandic), Ireland (Irish), Wales (Welsh), Hawaii (the Hawaiian languages), mainland America (native American languages), Switzerland (Romance), and so on have repeatedly shown that minority languages could be consistently saved in this way.
-------------------------------
Since the present Constitution has a provision (Article 14 Sec.7) that says, “The regional languages are the auxiliary official languages of the regions and shall serve as auxiliary media of instruction therein," there is no legal impediment to the teaching our languages in schools in their traditional areas. What we need are enabling laws and executive orders, government legislators and executives who have the conscience and the will, and organizations and individuals that would lobby for the cause of saving our languages.
----------------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo member Dr. Jose P. Dacudao, is an ilonggo
Neurosurgeon practicing in Butuan City in Northern Mindanao.
He is the National President of the Save Our Languages thru
Federalism Foundation (SOLFED) Inc.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Reaction from: Hansy Alojado (INM: BacolodCityPH):
madamu gid nga salamat sa imu pag paathag paagi sa sini nga mga sinulatan. Kabay pa nga mapalapnag naton ini nga mensahe. diri sa akon nga bahin, i print ko ini kag ipazerox copy kag ipanagtag diri sa eskwelahan.
----------------------------
Dako gid ini nga bulig sa mga bmumulotho naton. Dr. Ana, may almanaque nga magazine halin sa Iloilo kada 3 ka bulan bala ina ga gwa. pwede ka kabakal sina kag ihanason mu ang imu bocabularyo sa Hiligaynon kag illonggo. dira bala sa baligyaan sang newspaper atubang city hall sang bacolod puede ka da kapamangkot.
---------------------------
Jed, kon may history man kita tani sang tumandok at nga arnis/escrima/baston makabulig gid na sing dako kay may ara mga tawo subong nga daw liwaton nila ang istorya sang sini nga tumandok nga hampang naton.
---------------------------
Ginatawag nila ini nga "kali" kag amu man ni sila nga nagapalapnag sg prefix nga "kali" katulad sang kalipay, kali kuno ang prefix sini nga tinaga. Daw indi ko mabaton ina. kag daw pagpatalang ini. ang naga palapnag sini mga amboys didto sa tate kag mga collaborators diri sa negros e. hamak mu hambalan nila diri ang mga tigulang nga arnisador nga tawgon nila ang iya nga kinaadman "kali". Indi bala ina pagpatalang katulad sang pagpatalang sang mga taga-ilog sa aton.
-----------------------------
Madamu nga salamant sa pagpamati mu sa akon.
Sa gihapon,
----
agurang hansy.
------------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Hansy Alojado of Bacolod City is an expert
“Bastonero“ --the art of “Eskrima” better known as “Arnis de Mano”
or simply “Arnis”.
------------------------------
He is presently connected with the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod
City and a rabid advocate of this traditional Martial Arts of self defense
practiced by our “katigulangan” called “ARNIS“.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE ILONGGO MEDIA MOGULS
(By: dinggol a.divinagracia-INM Banwa_Mo -September 30, 2007)
----------------------
The pioneers in Philippine fourth estate history, who excelled in the tri-media industry included
prominent ilonggos;
------------------------
*In TELEVISION - The ABS-CBN Network and The Lopez Family from Iloilo City
----------------------
Was initiated in the late 1920’s by the family of Gov. Benito Lopez and Presentacion Hofilena
who founded --the Times “El Tiempo” in Ortiz Street, Iloilo City. This became the most popular
newspaper in Western Visayas during the 1930‘s..
----------------------------
This print media venture blossomed into national prominence when in the year 1947 the
Lopezes acquired the Chronicle Group. Later when the mother company; Benpres Holdings was
established --they expanded into power generation and distribution; road and water
infrastructure, etc..
---------------------------
When the new phenomenon, tele-vision came into the picture; the inherent business acumen and foresight of Don Eugenio “Ening” Lopez, proved his worth and the family controlled Television Giant was born.
---------------------------
That was the era when even European Royalties were amazed by the champagne flowing and wealth flaunting parties hosted by extravagant modern day Sugar Barons, led by “Don Ening” who controls Philippine economy and his brother Vice President Fernando “Toto Nanding” Lopez who holds the reign in the political arena. Yes! even Malacanang tiptoed and was cautious not to offend the powerful Sugar Block.
----------------------------
During the Martial Law years, the Lopez family business interests; that included Meralco and
ABS-CBN were confiscated by the government. In 1986, thousands of Metro Manilan's staged a
relatively peaceful People's Power Revolution led by the elite and under the guidance of the
Catholic Church heirachy --they succeeded. Thus, Oligarchy was restored.
--------------------------
Thereafter, President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino returned to the Lopezes their business
empires under a sweetheart deal, while the Lady President's own “Kamag-anak. Inc.” enjoyed
the fruits of the EDSA-I revolt.
-----------------------------
With the advent of cable technology and cyberspace communication, even Filipinos abroad could
now easily view Pinoy Channels --dominated by the Lopez family from Iloilo.
------------------------------
*In PRINT -The PHILIPPINE FREE PRESS and The Locsin Family from Bacolod City.
------------------------------
In September 1960, Philippine Free Press pioneer R. McCulloch Dick passed away. Thereafter,
the pre-war staffer from Bacolod City, Teodoro M. Locsin Sr. took over the helm, and as it's
publisher and editor the FREE PRESS continued to remain as the fightingest publication in the
country.
-------------------
Mr. Teodoro M. Locsin, Sr. was among the most respected crusading journalist of his time; a
liberal thinker; staunch proponent of free thought, a dedicated literary artist and a committed
educator.
-------------------------------
The Philippine Free Press has contributed significantly to the reform of Philippines politics and
the development of the Philippine literature.
------------------------------
His son Enrique Locsin once remarked: “Since 1946, our father has exposed the corruption of
Philippine politics through every administration. Having defied the moves of Marcos to impose
martial law, he was, upon the declaration of martial law in 1972, arrested and detained. The
Philippines Free Press was shut down, and its assets were sold to a Marcos crony. In 1985,
however, our father resumed the publication of the Philippines Free Press to support the
candidacy of Corazon Cojuangco Aquino - even in the teeth of military censorship.
---------------------
Enrique is president and general manager of the Philippines Free Press and LR Publications,
publisher of the Free Press.
------------------------------
Another son Teodoro “Teddy Boy” Locsin, Jr. is Congressman of Makati City in Metro Manila.
He is also the Publisher and editor-in-chief of Today newspaper and Executive director of the
Philippine Free Press magazine
-----------------------------
*In BROADCAST -The BOMBO RADYO PHILIPPINES and the Florete Family of Iloilo City.
------------------------
It is common knowledge among ilonggos, that is was the late Don Marcelino Florete, Sr.--the
patriarch of the Florete-Mirasol clan in Iloilo who first ventured in family broadcast media
business. “Tioy Marceling”--as he was fondly and vividly called by employees in his various
agri-business and commercial enterprises, was ably assisted by his trusted legal adviser and
corporate “guro“, the late Atty. Santiago C. Divinagracia, who eventually became Executive
Vice-President of Bombo Radio.
------------------------
With trend forecasting talent and the innovative ideas of the eldest Florete son, Dr. Rogelio
“Roger” M. Florete - President and CEO -- under his stewardship, Bombo Radyo Philippines,
Inc. became the undisputed No. 1 Radio Network in the country today.
-------------------------
Needless to say, Bombo Radyo! reputed as a hard hitting, no holds-barred and no-nonsense
radio station, has gain the confidence and preference of the populace as venue to air their
grievances --”Ipa Bombo kita!” ---BASTA RADYO, BOMBO!!!
-----------------------
Sad to say, several fearless Radio Bombo Commentarors, likewise, offered their lives in the altar
of journalism; their young lives cut short by cowardly assassins.
-------------------------
Even top Bombo honcho Roger Florete, was not spared. He was kidnapped for ranson some
years ago by the break-away group of the CPA-NPA but released from captivity after paying
the ransom as reported.
------------------------
Some hecklers in Iloilo spread the rumor, that the ransom demanded was P10-Million. But
Roger insisted to pay P15-million with the assurance of no second time around; but knowing
him, I personally do not believe it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First full length Ilonggo film in about 20 years, with English subtitles
(By: Mon B. Jocson -INM: WoodbridgeVa.-USA)
------------------------
This Wednesday, October 3, at Robinsons Iloilo City, an Ilonggo film set in Iloilo is premiering. Called Dagyang, the film tells 7 intersecting stories, each in a different genre (drama, comedy, etc.) It is the first full length movie in the Ilonggo in 20 years and it has English subtitles.
------------------------
Opening night tickets are PHP 250 each. It is a fundraiser to support the local humanitarian work of Rotary Iloilo West club and along with the ticket you get an entry into the raffle and a free membership or a PHP 250 discount at Winners Gym. The film will be at Robinsons for the week. (Thank you, Jocelyn Fabello of Dilfed)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Dagyang“: An Ilonggo Film
(By: Bartolome Panes -INM: KoronadalSouthCotabato-Phil)
----------------------------
A movie is a significant medium for communicating ideas and changing society. Thus, when Atty.
Joenar Pueblo produced Dagyang and whenIlonggos like Councilor Julienne Baronda, Erwin
Chiongson and JoannePaulette Libo-on, among others, agreed to be part of the movie "Dagyang:
An Ilonggo Story," we felt proud. Maharlika Group
----------------------------
Dagyang: An Ilonggo Story, considered as the first full-length Ilonggomovie created by Ilonggos
themselves, was presented to a selected fewlast month. It was a story of love and passion
interwoven with Ilonggoculture and heritage. As the story went on, Iloilo's pride werepresented,
like the hablon of Miag-ao and Oton, the Binukot andBinanog of Calinog and Dinagyang of Iloilo
City, among others.
----------------------------
Councilor Baronda plays a woman descended from a long-line of peopleengaged in witchcraft;
Erwin Chiongson as a lawyer called Atty. Hablonbecause of his preference for hablon clothing
and the object ofBaronda's love; while Libo-on is a Binukot, who, because of a skindisease,
cannot be exposed to the sun. But after her prodding, herfather has finally allowed her to go out
and go to the place she dreamt of since she was a kid --- Robinsons Place Iloilo.
-----------------------
The other actors were Edward Divinagracia, Geoffrey Ore, Eloize Suzanne Pueblo and Rleone
Gerochi.
------------------------------
Vice Mayor Jed Mabilog enjoined Ilonggo artists to continue makingmovies like this. "Having
our own movie brings great pride to theIlonggos," he said.
-------------------------------
Atty. Joenar Pueblo, producer and 2003 CCP Best Experimental FilmAwardee, said that
through the support of Ilonggos, there will be arevival of independent cinema in Iloilo. "We
common tao can dream ofbeing part of the screen through moments like this. Dagyang is
acelebration of who we are. Ilonggos, despite the challenges of life,continue to be happy, thus the
title 'Dagyang'", he said.
-------------------------------
The production team includes Rhodora Solis, Leanne Salas and Wilfred Galila for the
cinematography, Jigo Mambo, Eric Divinagracia and LloydFernandez as creative consultants,
Alan Cabalfin and Dimas Esmilla asproduction designers, Russel Te as sound engineer, Vincent
AngeloGefes, Rhodora Solis and Leanne Salas as editors, Joyce Tabian andYvette Hinojales as
assistant directors, and Nina Matulac, PeterDeocos and Aurora Alfaras as production staff.
----------------------------------
Dagyang, which is in partnership with Mowelfund and Robinsons Iloilo,will soon be shown to the
public at the latter's cinema.
--------------------------------
(Source: Angat ang Pinoy blog posted by Rai Prader)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Bartolome Panes, belongs to the illustrious
Panes clan of Passi City in Iloilo. He was born in Ajuy but grew up in
Koronadal, South Cotabato in Mindanao. His grandmother Cecilia
Panes was one of the pioneer christian settlers in Koronadal, Cotabato.
----------------------
He finished College in CPU-Iloilo and presently engaged in the health
profession in New York-USA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A N N O U N C E M E N T S .........and......... M E S S A G E S
---------------------
A Message from an Ilongga Nurse in Kuwait
(By: Freda O. Contreras -INM: Kuwait-M.E)
-------------------------
Dear friends and Kasimanwas,
---------------------------
Warm greetings from Kuwait !
--------------------------
Happy to announce that the book I have caused to publish in order to honor and give credit to the OFWs worldwide is now ready. Only today the books were delivered to my place in Antique from the printing press in Iloilo City.
-----------------------------
I used to maintain a topic on "Overseas Filipino Workers" in Suite101.com. From August 1999 till December 2002, I wrote and published online 38 articles. The book is simply titled "Overseas Filipino Workers" and is dedicated to the eight million or so OFWs scattered all around the world.
---------------------------------
Herewith, as advanced info, is the list of those 38 articles contained in the book:
-------------------------------
1. The overseas Filipino workers
The article focuses on the general overview of the existence and privileges of overseas Filipino workers.
2. Remembering Flor, Delia and Sarah
Who are these women? Three Filipina domestic helpers whose cases helped shape what is now conceived as the Philippine government's best way of looking after the millions of its people working overseas
3. Should I go or should I stay?
What really goes on in OFWs' mind and in their life in particular as they tackle these two opposing questions? Find out and learn from the author's personal experiences.
4. On Project OFW 2000
It is about a movement to declare Year 2000 as "The Year of Overseas Filipino Workers".
Backed up by Senate Resolution No. 508, Project OFW, as it is called, was spearheaded by
OFWs themselves.
5. A tribute to an exceptional public servant
Philippine government officials or the so-called public servants are more often criticized than
praised. Very rare and unknown to most, there are officials who are true public servants. One
among those is a lady welfare officer assigned to Kuwait. Find out why she is considered an exceptional public servant.
6. A mother's dream come true
It is a story of a mother's struggle to fulfill her dream of seeing her children find success in life
and of keeping them all together, at long last, with her in Kuwait where she works.
7. Pag-IBIG Fund, your way to owning a house
One of the reasons which drives a Filipino out of his country to venture into foreign land is the
desire to earn more so he could build or buy a house. Majority of these overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs), in fact, aim for a "dream" house and most, after three years or more of
working abroad, will find themselves living in a place they can really call their own.
8. A dream turned into nightmare, Part 1
Life, indeed, is a continuous struggle and one fall should not discourage us to stand up and try
again. But how many falls or setbacks, do you think, a person may take in a lifetime, before he or
she finds success?
9. A dream turned into nightmare, Part 2
The story focuses on the personal experience of the author in relation to acquiring a house. It is
aimed at informing others of how much an OFW puts out "sweat and tears" just so he can own a
modest house, out of his earnings working abroad. A typical story, one OFW may claim, as
others share similar experiences.
10. OFWs are now covered by Medicare
Another program implemented by the Philippine government for its estimated six million or so
overseas workers, is the Medical Care (Medicare) Program for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Mandated by Executive Order No. 195, signed August 13, 1994 by then President Fidel V. Ramos, the health care scheme aims to provide medical assistance and hospitalization benefits to OFWs and their dependents.
11. Y2K marks century-old Philippine labor migration
Officially, labor migration in the Philippines began in 1900. Hawaii was then experiencing severe
manpower shortage. The first 200 Filipinos went there to work. Shortly thereafter, Filipinos were sent to California as apple and orange pickers. It's there where the Filipinos gained a reputation as "fruit pickers." Learn more as the author presents a brief summary of a century-old phenomenon.
12. SSS now covers OFWs
Cognizant of every individual's need for security protection and in line with its mandate to
embrace every working Filipino, the Social Security System ( SSS), one of the Philippines' top performing agencies, is now providing coverage to overseas Filipino workers. OFWs may now register as voluntary members.
13. 2000 is 'Year of OFWs'
At long last, the relentless effort of those concerned have finally borne fruit with the penning of
signature by President Joseph "Erap" Estrada of Proclamation No. 243, "Declaring Year 2000 as the Year of Overseas Filipino Workers in Recognition of Determination and Sacrifice of Overseas Filipino Workers."
14. On Gulf War comp claims
Thousands of overseas Filipinos affected by the 1990-1991 Invasion of Kuwait have been
awarded compensation ranging between $2,500 to $40,000 by the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC). Payments are grossly delayed, not because of UNCC's inability to provide fund, but because of a few Philippine government officials' greed! The author, being a claimant herself, presents some background information.
15. Pinoy Gulf War claims: facts and figures, Part 1
Armed with accurate and reliable data accessed from the numerous resolutions, decisions,
recommendations and press releases open for scrutiny on the UNCC website, the author is now
ready to enlighten readers on the status of claims for compensation by thousands of Filipino claimants. Encouraged by the truth discovered, she heartily shares what she learned from UNCC itself.
16. Pinoy Gulf War claims: facts and figures, Part 2
The United Nations Compensation Commission, as of June 15, 2000 , has awarded
compensation in the amount of nearly US$175 million to Filipinos and the Philippine government. It is not clear as to how much of the total amount has already been paid to successful claimants. Payments have been dramatically speeded up yet majority of the claimants are still at a loss as to the actual amount of compensation they are yet to receive. The author continues to enlighten readers with new information gathered.
17. A call of duty, Part 1
Many people must have wondered how the health workers survived the hard and harsh
situation during Iraq's occupation of Kuwait . Believing that very few stories surfaced after the liberation, the author relates her own experiences during those difficult and challenging times.
18. A call of duty, Part 2
The author continues to relate her experiences working as a nurse in a private hospital during
the Invasion of Kuwait.
19. Pinoy Gulf War claims, an update
Privileged to interview face-to-face the Acting Head of the Philippine Claims and Compensation
Committee Secretariat (PCCS), the author presents the side of the Philippine government in connection with the controversial UN comp claims of Filipinos affected by the Gulf War.
20. UNCC completes payments to Pinoy claimants
While it is continuously claimed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that there is no
anomaly whatsoever involved in the distribution of Gulf War compensation funds of some 40,220+ approved claims by Filipinos, the author's readings on press releases, decisions, recommendations and reports by the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC) on its website prove otherwise. Readers may need to draw their own conclusion based from the data presented herein.
21. Woes of an OFW
Life of an overseas Filipino worker, no doubt, is a very difficult one. Learn how difficult life can
be through the author's personal experiences.
22. Surviving cancer in a foreign land
What could be worse, for an overseas Filipino worker, than having to deal with cancer, on top of
the numerous difficulties faced while working in a foreign country? Life is such that one has to fight in order to survive and continue to hurdle the enforced responsibility over a family and country.
23. My saga continues . . .
One way or the other, each one of us takes his/her own share of the world's ills. Depending on
our strength â€" gained or inherent â€" we either succeed or fail but sure enough â€" we all fight in order to survive.
24. Worse than Iraqi invaders
"It's a sad situation . . . that the Filipino officials entrusted with solving the OFW problems are in fact prolonging their suffering and profiting from it. In this case, these officials are no less cruel to the Filipino claimants that the Iraqi invaders of Kuwait!" So goes a comment from a frequent visitor of the Overseas Filipino workers topic.
25. On overseas Filipinos right to vote
The estimated seven million overseas Filipinos are ironically being stripped off of their
fundamental right to vote. Despite a mandate of the Philippine Constitution for overseas Filipinos to be given right to suffrage, the Philippine Congress, in the past 14 years, is still unable to enact a law which will facilitate the realization of absentee voting.
26. Too many a fight . . .
Life is a struggle indeed with its many bumps and curves, all God-given adversities to make us
strong. Yet no matter how we try to believe in nature's kindness, we always end up frustrated and angry. For indeed, bullies abound!
27. Pinoy claimants air grievances
Members of the online group Pinoy Gulf War Claimants Club have officially aired their
grievances against the Philippine Claims and Compensation Committee Secretariat (PCCCS). Written by the author, the letter of complaint was read in the presence of heads of the main government bodies involved in the affairs of the OFWs.
28. OFWs among victims of terrorist attacks
As top absorber of Philippine labor, the United States of America , employ as many as four million Filipinos, naturalized individuals and family members included. It is no wonder that Filipino workers were among the thousands of people reported missing after that unprecedented and tragic attack of terrorists in America last September 11, 2001.
29. Rolly's gift to overseas Filipinos
Inspired by his own experience as an overseas worker, Roland "Rolly" Amaranto has created a
masterpiece â€" a collection of songs he composed which serves as his lifetime gift to all Filipinos working overseas.
30. The fight continues, Part 1
Followers of the Gulf War compensation scam may now glean some light in the follow-up story
presented herein. The fight is far from over yet and Filipino claimants continue to act to get what really belongs to them.
31. The holiday that never was
Every overseas Filipino worker (OFW) goes home for a holiday with loved ones in the
Philippines. December is always the choicest month. With the Christmas and New Year celebrations, a real holiday, would it be, for a heavy burdened vacationing OFW?
32. Coping with death
Death is inevitable. It can happen anytime, anywhere and whichever condition â€" either good or bad â€" we are in. Understanding this basic fact is one thing. But confronting death itself . . . ah . . . we just couldn't cope.
33. The fight continues, Part 2
The author shares the information she learned from fresh data received from the Philippine
Claims and Compensation Committee Secretariat (PCCCS). Payments were regularly sent by
the UNCC to the PCCCS but the records show that majority of the claimants have not been paid
yet of their compensation.
34. The fight continues, Part 3
A Commission on Audit report reveals that the PCCCS earned deposits interest amounting to
US$1.2-M within a four-year period of operation. Out of these interest earnings only US$239,565.24 was reported spent for operational expenses. Where did the rest of the money go?
35. Heroes or slaves?
Through the Philippine government's recognition and outright admission of its reliance on
OFWs' dollar remittances, these so-called 'New Heroes of the Modern Philippines' have developed within themselves a new sense of honor and pride. They feel elated to be considered
as one of the recognized players in the growth and sustenance of the Philippine economy. But some OFWs feel that they are not heroes; they feel as slaves, economic slaves as they term
themselves.
36. On to economic freedom
Never in their lives have the overseas Filipinos become active players in their own economic
emancipation as now. The advent of the Internet has actually made it possible for many of them to come together to discuss ways to improve their lot, and to finally make a concrete move to realize their dream - that of establishing a bank which they can call their own.
37. Overseas Filipinos fight for their right to vote
A worldwide campaign and clamor to allow overseas Filipinos to vote in the Philippine national
elections in May 2004, initially, took place. In particular, campaigners sought for the passage of the Absentee Voting Bill ( AVB) pending in the past many years in the Congress. Along with the AVB, overseas Filipinos also sought for the passage of the Dual Citizenship law.
38. One messy OWWA
What happens when fund, collected from OFWs, is used indiscriminately outside its original
purpose? A mess, it will be, of course, and that's where the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration is in right now!
-------------------------------------
Editors Note:
INM Banwa_Mo Member Freda Editha O. Contreras,
a Registered Nurse in Kuwait in the Middle East, was born
in Hamtic, Antique of a Capizeno father. Her interesting
personal journey in life could be viewed at:
-----------------------------------
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/fredaedithacontreras
http://fredacontreras.livejournal.com/
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READY! AIM! FILE!
The Association of Ilonggos-Metropolitan Washington D.C.(AIM)Inc.
(Section 501-c (3) of US Internal Revenue Code IRS No.52-1818814)
*AIM Official Website at: www.tabligan.org/AIM*
--------------------------------
Hello Everyone;
-------------------------
Yesterday, Sunday, September 16 was quite a memorable day for some Ilonggos who went with
our fundraising trip to Atlantic city. I received e-mails from quite a number who joined,
expressing their excitement and joy! We had bingo and raffle at the bus on our way to Atlantic
City. Almost everybody enjoyed eating the freshly cooked empanadas and putos which I
especially ordered for the trip.
---------------------
The ocean breeze was so inviting that others cant help but stroll along the boardwalk, some
shopped at the outlet mall, or played slots! We had a good time enjoying the breeze at the
boardwalk riding on the man pushed cart while sightseeing and surveying the casinos lined along
the ocean.
-----------------------
The funds raised were not quite as much compared to our trip last July. Some who made the
reservations cancelled days before the trip. We were short of 14 people to fill up the 57 seating capacity. Somehow though we were still able to net $478.00 for our scholarship project. Thanks to all of you who came-we couldn't have made it without you.
------------------------
I personally give thanks to the following AIM, Inc. officers and members for their presence:
--------------------------
Marilu Araneta; Joal and Tata Araneta; Lina Divinagracia; Elmo Barranco; Hearty Lutero;
Vicpaul Guevara; Marichi Sian; Jose-Luis; Julius Hallares; Henry and Amy Garcia; Melin Quizan; Noemi Piccio; Lando and Agnes Evidente; Nestor Camina; Jim Taylor; Touch Prodigo; Dindo and Mila Javellana; Tiay Felisa Paviera; Marlene Buchanan; Cora Concha.
--------------------------
Special thanks to Ted and Claire Huntington and Nestor and Dr. Willie Camina for donating the prizes for the raffle. My gratitude and appreciation goes out to our attractive and efficent "flight attendants"; Tata Araneta, Marlene Buchanan and Melony Housel. I couldn't think of any other good looking ladies who could be more presentable, amiable, and cordial as they were. They made the trip even more enjoyable.
--------------------------
There were some suggestions to make it a Saturday next time. We'll probably do it next month sometime during the middle of the month.
----------------------------
Meanwhile, we are taking reservations for our Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel)
scheduled on February 22 to March 2 of 2008.
----------------
This is another fund raising event for our AIM/Gawad Kalinga Project in Jaro, Iloilo City --in
addition to the already completed thirty(30) housing units in Barangay Buntatala, Jaro
----------------------
Let's continue to work together and raise funds for our underprevileged kasimanwas back home. There is nothing more rewarding and satisfying than to put ourselves in service to those who are in need. "We are most like our Lord when our thoughts for ourselves are lost in our thoughts for others. There is no greater love than that." (John 15:13)
--------------------
THANKS TO YOU ALL and GOD BLESS!
------------------
For AIM, Inc.,
Zenaida ”Zeny” Alimon-Tabligan -President
-----------------------------
PILGRIMAGE ARRANGED BY UNIVERSAL TOURS, INC:
Airline ticketed by travel company with ARC and IATA membership
ADDRESS: 444 RIVENDELL LANE, SEVERNA PARK, MD 21146
FAX: (410) 518-6530 TEL: (410) 544-3499 -EMAIL: vinyj@aol.com
Coordinators: Mila Javellana, Marlene Piccio Azarcon, Cecile Paviera,
Flora Pontevedra, AIM CONTACT PERSON(S):
ZENY TABLIGAN (Tel: 202-409-8836) -EMAIL: aiminc@mris.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Central Philippine University (CPU) 2008 Global Grand Reunion
(As requested by: Mauro Somodio -INM: Queensland,Australia)
----------------------
Fellow Alumni and Friends,
Come and join in the fun, fellowship and camaraderie with “old” and new friends. Come to relive treasured school day memories and make new ones. Come to show your support for the school that provided excellent education and training. Come because you believe in what Reunions are all about—bridging the separation brought about by time and distance, so that we can once again celebrate as one body, our Central Spirit.
------------------------
I thank God that we are able to make the 5th Global Reunion a reality in Las Vegas, NV, USA on June 29-July 3, 2008.
-------------------------
Your presence is vital to the success of this endeavor.
-----------------------
Please send your registration early to avail of special pricing in both registration and lodging.
Invite your friends and family to join you—the more, the merrier.
------------------------------
Our theme, in conjunction with the CPUAAI’s motto, is “CPU Heritage: Our Pride.” Even as we remember our past, let us look with anticipation and joy to the years to come; more importantly, let us appreciate the blessings we enjoy today, and make special moments with those whose lives are entwined with ours, through our common heritage and God’s love.
------------------------------
I look forward to seeing you next June. It will make my day!
-------------------------------
Perla Guillergan Londres -CPUFOAA President
Contact persons:
*Perla Guillergan Londres - plondres@aol.com and *Lilian Lau - lilianlau@sbcglobal.net
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome! New INM Banwa_Mo Members:
---------------
*zoraydaduenas (Canada)
*elsadivinagracia (Philippines)
*prandyulo (Philippines)
*bordzzzzz (China)
*pjamelo2 (Greece)
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Make My Day!
A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower. The doorbell rings.
The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there
stands Bob, the next door neighbour.
------------------------
Before she says a word, Bob says, "I'll give you £800 to drop that towel." After thinking for a
moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob. After a few seconds, Bob
hands her £800 and leaves.
----------------------
The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom,
her husband asks, "Who was that?" "It was Bob, the next door neighbour," she replies. "Great!"
the husband says, "did he say anything about the £800 he owes me?"
--------------------------
Moral of the story: If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Touch me not?
A priest offered a lift to a nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her habit apart to reveal a shapely leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand onto her thigh. The nun said, "Father, remember Psalm 129?"
------------------------------
The priest removed his hand. But, changing gears, he let his hand slide up her thigh again. The nun once again said, "Father, please remember Psalm 129!"
-----------------------------
The priest apologized. "Sorry sister but the flesh is weak." Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129.
------------------------------
It said, "Go forth and seek further up, you will find glory."
------------------------------
Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
---------------
(Thanks! To Ernie Delfin)
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