From the Readers

How Marcos Martial Law Reached Filipinos in the USA

Dear Editor, On April 25 and 26, 1973, then Consul General Ruperto Baliao of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, California received a coded message from the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC instructing him and other Consulates not to renew the passports of some 150 Filipinos living in the USA. The list, which was later published by the Philippine News in its May 24-30, 1973 issue (see “Blacklist” attachment), a weekly newspaper published out of San Francisco, claimed that the persons listed indulged “in activities abroad which are detrimental to the national interests.” Many were identified with groups and organizations. A number were simply described as “reported activists.” It became known as the “Blacklist”.

This was after the September 21, 1972 declaration of martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos. Evidently, months before the actual imposition of martial law the next day, he was already wielding the vast powers of law by decree. Indeed, right after its imposition, 6,294 persons were swept up in a “Public Order Violation Arrest” dragnet and another 29,500 persons in the months that followed. Many were prominent political opponents, legislators, journalists, social and student activists as well as members of insurgency groups.

As one result, those who felt vulnerable went on the run or sought means to escape the country. Others, such as those in the “blacklist” found themselves stranded, in effect exiles. Out of reach from the dragnet, they discovered that they can organize into an opposition overseas arm of the homegrown anti-martial groups. How they mobilized, how they employed various lobbying means to discredit the martial law regime and curtail U.S. military aid was an effort that took all of 18 years until Marcos fled in 1986. Their story has been told in bits and pieces in magazines and newspaper articles over the years. For the first time, a narrative in book-length form has been published. The postcard attachment shows the cover. It is available from Amazon.

Jose Fuentecilla

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From ISFFA

Hi Ryan!

Great job on the article! Thank you for letting us represent ISFFA and including us in your article., (Club President, March 2024 issue,). Please keep ISFFA and myself in mind for any future projects that may come up!

Thanks again, Andrew Guerrero, CPA ISFFAA President

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Hats Off to you

My Nangni Veronica, My hats off to you, Nangni. Thank you for everything you do. You’re one of the pioneers who shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for the future generations in Chicago. Your strength, resilience, and compassion are the backbone of our communities and the driving force behind positive change. I’m forever grateful for YOU for having me under your wings. I love you Nangni! (From Facebook) Jovie Calma

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Thank You From Cover Girl March 2024

Hi Tita Veronica, The VT cover is great! Thank you!! Don and my mom love it, too. Jenny Guzon-Bae (From Arizona)

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Penguin Courtship at Shedd Hi Veronica, With penguin nesting season now in full swing, Shedd is spotlighting the variety of spring courtship behaviors in the aquatic animal world. Birds search for the best rocks to impress a mate. Seahorses intertwine their tails and “dance” together for up to eight hours. Frogs create a distinctive call that indicates their size. And even freshwater cichlids will flare their fins to attract a female.

Shedd Spotlights Springtime Courtship and Rituals of Aquatic Life

For many species in the aquatic animal world, the change of season to springtime indicates that it’s time to pair up with a mate. From choosing very particular rocks to synchronizing movements, many of Shedd’s residents have unique ways of coupling throughout the season and beyond.

Both species of penguins residing at Shedd – rockhopper and Magellanic – may be spotted building nests and pairing up over the next few weeks. The birds are provided with rocks, pieces of hose and lavender to mimic materials found in their native habitats for nest building. In addition to providing nest-building materials, the animal care team alters the light cycle to indicate the change in season. From there, the male penguins usually build the nests, either to attract a female mate or reinforce an existing bond, though the females may help with the construction process once they are paired.

Shedd’s breeding program and support of the nesting process each year contributes to the shared and cooperatively managed Species Survival Plan for southern rockhopper penguins, which are listed as a vulnerable population by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Contributing to this plan, led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, aligns with Shedd Aquarium’s mission and dedication to care and conservation.

Guests can get a bird’s eye view of the colony’s annual nesting season in the Polar Play Zone. Elise Mulligan SHEDD AQUARIUM