Ang Republika Federal sg Kabisay-an (The Federal Republic of the Visayas)

Historical Facts obviously omitted or deliberately hidden in our School History Books
(Source: History Reborn"The Federal Republic of the Visayas" -by: dinggol a.divinagracia*June 12, 2007)

*That Spain had already formally surrendered to the Federal Republic of the Visayas even before Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was proclaimed Philippine President in Malolos, Bulacan on January 23, 1899. That our Independent Visayan Republic, had never been under the authority and jurisdiction of Aguinaldo's "Katagalogan" Republic in Luzon.

excerpted: "...A paper written by Jose Manuel Velmonte, a research associate at the UP Third World Studies Center, found that the Visayan revolutionary elites not only had sophisticated political ideas but also resented attempts by Malolos to assert its authority. A Tagalog military expedition sent by Malolos to Panay to assert its presence was met with hostility. The Luzon force led by Generals Ananias Diocno and Leandro Fullon was regarded by the Visayan revolutionaries, led by the Visayan supremo, Gen. Martin Delgado, as an ''invasion'' force ..." (Source: Inquirer-1999- 06-13 "View of revolt in provinces spurs revision" By: Amando Doronila)

According to Dr. Luis C.Dery, an eminent Filipino Scholar: "Expounding the extent of Aguinaldo's Philippine Army; the Bangsamoro nation's Mindanao, Sulu, and the rest of its islands never fell under Aguinaldo's politico-military control and sovereignty. In fact as late as August 1898 much of northern Luzon, southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao remained outside of the control of Aguinaldo's Republic. Thus, several military expeditions were sent to these places to bring' them to recognize the First Philippine Republic."

*That the 1898 Treaty of Paris preliminaries, should not have included territories of the sovereign "Visayan Nation"; the confederation of both the Central and Western Visayas Cantonal Governments by virtue of Spain's formal surrender prior to this U.S. and Spain treaty of peace (Paris) and the $20-million buy-out. Spain had no more legal rights to sell. In legal parlance "nemodat quod non habet” -meaning “you cannot give what is not yours”. It states that the purchase of a possession from someone who has no ownership right to it also denies the purchaser any ownership title.

This diplomatic "Faux pas" that was supposed to be officially consummated and became legal and internationally binding only on APRIL 11, 1899 should, or rather must be rectified.
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*June 12, 1898 -Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippine Independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite --but never won the war against Spain, as explained in the infamous betrayal --the "Mock Battle of Manila of August 13, 1898".

*Nov. 6 & Dec. 23, 1898 -Spain formally surrendered to both; the Negros Republic that merged (Dec. 2, 1898) with the Federal Republic of the Visayas based in Iloilo (respectively)

excerpted: "...These two nations, from a purely legal point of view, are COMPLETELY LEGITIMATE UNTIL TODAY. This could imply that the Manila-based Tagalista-oriented Unitarian central government of the Philippines in the Visayas and Mindanao is an Occupational Government, that ultimately originated from an invalid Treaty of Paris...."

Dr. Jose P. Dacudao; National President -Save Our Languages thru Federalism Foundation (SOLFED), Inc.

*July 4, 1946 -The United States of America granted Philippine Independence on a silver platter with strings attached.

"True Independence could never be just self-proclaimed nor bestowed upon, it has to be won and duly achieved with dignity" -- DinggolAranetaDivinagracia (Founder: Ilonggo Nation Movement (INM) Global Network ..Dec. 25, 2005)

Dinggol is an Ilonggo Historian of modern times. He is a lover of nature and reform activist by profession; a genealogist by avocation, and an avid advocate of the Cooperative Movement and "Parliamentary" Federalism. He is, likewise, a duly registered Researcher at the U.S. Library of Congress in the nations capital --Washington D.C.

"It is rather speculative as it is without basis of history if we mean of "history" is that which had been written for us by the "tutas" or lackeys of our colonial and imperial masters.." -- Benjie Evicner Estuche (INM Co-Founder)

"Federalism is not the best way, it is the only way"..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join the Last Laugh with us!

*When Christopher Columbus said that the world is round, people asked -What? and then they laughed.

*When the Wright brothers said they'll fly and soar the skies, people asked -How? and then they laughed.

*When Jules Verne wrote someday man could travel below the seven seas and shall walk on the moon, people asked - When? and then they laughed.

*When John the Baptist prophesied the coming of the Lord, the Messiah, people asked -Who? and then they laughed.

*When the Ilonggo Nation Movement (INM) Global Network announced its mission and vision, people did not even bother to ask, What? How? When? or Who? --They just laughed and laughed. *People are still laughing, ...but the laughter is fading!

Ang inyo alagad sa guihapon -DinggolAranetaDivinagracia~~

Claim your birth right, VISIT AND JOIN US! AT: "GLIMPSES OF ILONGGO HISTORY" https://www.facebook.com/groups/2470058109983695 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"ACTA DE CAPITULACION~1898" (The Formal Surrender Document)

"ACTA DE CAPITULACION~1898" (The Formal Surrender Document)
*Nov. 6 & Dec. 23, 1898 -Spain formally surrendered to both; the Negros Republic that merged (Dec. 2, 1898) with the Federal Republic of the Visayas based in Iloilo (respectively)
Ergo! we won our battle-scarred freedom and legitimate independence and became a sovereign nation. The "First" Republic in the whole of Asia, but was nipped-in-the bud by the "ugly" Americans. A diplomatic faux pas, a political blunder and a travesty of history! --DinggolAranetaDivinagracia~~~

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Monday, October 01, 2007

(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? *
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HUWAG MAGPAKATUTA !
(By: dinggol a. divinagracia - October 1, 2007)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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".
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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.
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Corollary to this, during the splendor and glory of the great Roman Empire, all roads lead to Rome.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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(Modified from previous INM Banwa_Mo posting )

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Better Future Ahead: A Beautiful Dream
(By: BrigGen. Michaelangelo H. Siscar (Ret.)-INM: BulacanPH)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Language of the Press
(By: Jocelyn A. Baisa -Iloilo City)
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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(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.
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Broadsheets do not publish in Pilipino/Tagalog and the tabloids, which do, have identified their market. The tabloids carry smut and uses vulgar language.
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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.
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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.
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Agurang Amin
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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
.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yuhum's reincarnation into newsmagazine is going strong also and has a loyal following.
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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.
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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.
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Rodelen Paccial
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The People Decide
(By: Akoy Rocamora -INM Banwa_Mo: China)
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Promotion, Yes. ---But impositon and monopoly, No!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Whatever you call it, corruption or recreation of a language?
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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.
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THE ILONGGO LANGUAGES
(Query From: Dr. Ana Villanueva -INM: BacolodCityPH)
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Maayong adlaw sa tanan.
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I am from Bacolod City and have been following some of the postings on these email groups.
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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?
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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?
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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!!!
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Madamo guid nga salamat sa inyo tanan.... Ana Villanueva, M.D.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oo0oo~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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Central Philippine University (CPU) 2008 Global Grand Reunion
(As requested by: Mauro Somodio -INM: Queensland,Australia)
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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.
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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.
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Your presence is vital to the success of this endeavor.
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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.
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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.
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I look forward to seeing you next June. It will make my day!
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Perla Guillergan Londres -CPUFOAA President
Contact persons:
*Perla Guillergan Londres - plondres@aol.com and *Lilian Lau - lilianlau@sbcglobal.net
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Welcome! New INM Banwa_Mo Members:
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*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.
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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.
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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?"
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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.
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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?"
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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!"
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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.
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It said, "Go forth and seek further up, you will find glory."
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Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.
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(Thanks! To Ernie Delfin)
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