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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.
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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)
===================================================================