NOTEBOOK

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*Closure of Philippine Tourism office in Chicago in 2015, hit a ‘shockwave’ to the Fil-Am community!
*Trailblazer Lady politician Judy Baar Topinka dies at 70…
*Two best things I did, lately: joined the Int’l.Press Club and City Club of Chicago!
*Mercy Matousek, PIWC 2016 Chair-electsays ‘I am Ready’
*PIWC 2015 Kick Off is Jan 10, Lindy Tan is chair
*FACC invites everyone to Welcome the New Year!

Goodbye, Vernie and Bob. What a Blue Christmas you have! When Vernie Velarde-Morales of the Philippine Tourism office in Chicago and the Midwest, invited us (the Chicago Media Folks) last December 8, to a lunch press conference, some of us thought it was to update our community about the “It’s more Fun in the Philippines” annual tourism project. On my part, few days prior to that lunch meeting, Vice Consul Ricarte Abejuela, and I met at the luncheon meeting sponsored by the International Press Club of Chicago, where I am a member. The luncheon was hosted by the Royal Thai Consulate General, at 700 N. Rush Street, downtown, with Thai Consul General Songphol Sukchan as host and speaker. Main topic of his speech was focused on Tourism and Investment, naming Thailand as “An Asian Hub, a World of Opportunity.” True, the impressive productions and income printed on its brochure are something the Philippines must strive to accomplish. Among the answers to “DID YOU KNOW” quiz are: ‘Thailand is the largest producer of light pick-up trucks in the world.” 2) “Thailand has more certified software developers than any other ASEAN countries.” 3) “Thailand produces more than 40 percent of the world’s hard disk drives.” And so on… It was at this point when I suggested to Vice Consul Abejuela to inform Vernie Morales to consider hosting a Tourism luncheon in cooperation with the International Press Club. I will help her. To my surprise, he told me, “Vernie is being recalled.” I was shocked! To me, Vernie is one hard-working public servant. I asked Jun (as I call him) if it is possible for us in the Fil-Am community to appeal for Vernie’s extension? He did not respond. I could sense he was keeping something? Apparently, he did not want to be the source of the sad news about the CLOSURE OF THE PHILIPPINE TOURISM OFFICE IN THE MIDWEST which we found out only at the press conference. Come to think of it: at the diplomatic luncheon meeting, I suggested to IPCC President Wayne Toberman, to have “the Philippine Consulate host the next Diplomat’s luncheon. Mr. Toberman welcomed my suggestion and told me: “Let me know when, Elsie.” Not until last Monday, December 8, when the bombshell came right out of Tourism officer, Vernie Morales. Speaking like a true Diplomat, (after her “2014-2015 Philippine Tourism Updates” powerpoint presentation, she very carefully explained the whys and wherefores of the closure of the Tourism Office in Chicago which serves a huge Filipino American population in the Midwest – plus the mainstream Americans and other immigrants who love to visit the Philippines. Deep in my heart, I felt that the closure is an insult to all Filipinos and Filipino Americans in the Midwest, “the Home of the Cream of the Crop among Filipinos.” No pun intended to other Filipinos in other states. The press conference ended in a very solemn mood, capped by “goodbye photo shoots” with Vernie and her very supportive better-half, Bob. After our farewell meeting with Vernie, I emailed her basic questions for this column. In spite of her extremely busy day packing up for their departure, she responded to my questions, as follows (in part): “Dear Elsie: Thank you for your emails. Your kind notes and e-messages since you said you first learned from the Vice Consul about my forthcoming return to the Philippines, have both humbled and honored me. In reply to your question, ‘what’s the reason for the closure of the Dept of Tourism office in the midwest’, I was informed that the ‘main reason is the ongoing restructuring of our Department and management’s discretion in line with the Department’s strategic plans.’ Thank you for your years of support to Philippine tourism and the PDOT Chicago team! I look forward to your continued support and belief in the Philippine travel industry. Best,/Vernie” The reason for the closure is very “malabo” or vague which only the Philippine Tourism “eggheads” can understand. *** A look back to Vernie Velarde-Morales’ services in Chicago: Vernie and her husband, Bob Morales, and their two daughters, Monica and Mica, first came to Chicago on September 12, 1999, when she assumed the title as. Director, North American Central Region / Philippine Department of Tourism, replacing Marina Villanueva-Velmin. (I could not remember this person.) Since then, Vernie, a highly-dedicated public servant with only one (or 2) local hire support as her staff, has accomplished the following, not everything due to space limitation: she managed all official Philippine tourism programs and campaigns — PDOT Chicago’s promotions and market project initiatives for the Midwest for tourism promotions; Market development in the North America Central Region, which included: Re- Discovery Philippines (1999- 2000);Balik-bayani (1999-2000); Tourism Volunteer-12 Program (2001-2003); WOW Philippines Launch & Campaign (2001 – 2006); Wild Reef Exhibit Opening at JG Shedd Aquarium (2002 -2003);”The Philippine Reef at the Shedd” Gala Night 2003Ganda ng Pilipinas, Galing ng Pilipino (GP2) 2004; Ambassadors, ConsulsGeneral & Tourism Directors (ACGTD) Tour (2005 to date); WOW Philippines Tour (2006 -2009) ;The Philippines “It’s More than the Usual” Campaign 2005 – 2011; Philippines. Explore. Experience. Return. (PEER) Launch and Campaign 2006 “Philippine Specialist” Program for tours operators and travel agents Dive Philippines “Adventure Philippines” Launch in North America Birdwatching Philippines & Major tour operators’ invitational Educational Travel Campaign & Educational Visit MICE Campaign;“Pinoy Homecoming” Chicago Launch for the US Midwest (November 2010); “Pinoy Homecoming” North America Launch (June 2011) Memphis in May 2012: The Philippines as Honored Country (Tourism Component) 2012;”It’s More Fun in the Philippines” Campaign and Strategic Advertising for North America;Winter Escapade – It’s More Fun in the Philippines (WE-IMFIT) Tour 1 & 2 (2014-2015); “Philippine Tourism Sales Mission to Canada” (Winnipeg stop) All tourism components in Presidential Visits to Chicago (2000, 2002, 2009) and Washington DC (2012). And a host of so many tourism projects we could not accommodate here for space limitation… A One-Woman’s accomplishments! Indeed, WOW! PHILIPPINES! When I asked Vernie “when were you informed about this closure?” her curt reply was, “The Philippine Dept of Tourism informed me of the closure of the Midwest office towards the end of August 2014.’ Her office which is officially called Philippine Department of Tourism, Chicago Office, covers North America Central Region, composed of 19 states of the USA and two provinces of Canada, as follows: US Midwest RegioRegion: AR Arkansas, IA Iowa, IL Illinois, IN Indiana, KS Kansas, KY Kentucky, LA Louisiana, MI Michigan, MN Minnesota, MO Missouri, MS Mississippi, ND North Dakota, NE Nebraska, OH Ohio, OK Oklahoma, SD South Dakota, TN Tennessee, TX Texas, WI Wisconsin; Canada Provinces: Manitoba (Winnipeg), Saskatchewan (Regina). Vernie also served as OIC for PDOT NY Office for several months in 2012. For several years, she also worked on Special Projects in Ontario (Toronto). At this writing, I tried many times to get in touch with our new Consul General Generoso Calonge for his comments. He must be too busy these days I did not hear back from him. Maybe next VT issue? To feel the heart of some of our concerned Kababayans (fellow Filipinos) I solicited the Wisdom of the few which I am sharing (unedited) with our readers as follows:

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS, Chairman: Filipino United Network/USA. www.PhilipSchua.com “Having a Philippine Tourism Center in all major cities in the United States and in other countries as well, would obviously be a great boost to the Philippines tourism industry back home and a big convenience for Filipinos and foreigners alike outside the country. If the rumored closure of the Philippine Tourism Center in Chicago for costcutting is true, this would naturally be heart-breaking to the majority, if not all, of our kababayans here and at home, since we are all aware of rampant and blatant corruption among majority of the Philippine politicians, bilking the nation billions of dollars — even as President Noy Aquino battles with this pervasive graft among government officials in the Philippines today. The reason for such a move could be a business one. I hope the ‘revelation’ is only a rumor. If, however, it is officially confirmed, I pray that the powerthat- be find a solution and abort the closure, because it would be a great demoralizing blow to the Philippine tourism industry.”

DON AZARIAS, writer/political commentator: “This is a complete shock to me personally and, most likely, to every member of the Filipino-American community. It only shows that those ‘bigshot paper shufflers’ at the Philippine Department of Tourism in Manila are really clueless as to the importance of the role being played by Filipino-Americans in the Midwestern part of the United States. It is also a clear indication that those big shots in the PDOT are not even aware of the exceptional and tremendous job that Director Vernie Morales is doing, singlehandedly, for fifteen years in the PDOT-Midwest, those year in and year out, she has contributed in terms of goodwill and financial gain, for the benefit of the Motherland. We, in the Fil-Am community, have seen those consulate officials come and go, leaving either an indelible or insignificant mark during their term of office. However, a vast majority of us know that, in her own quiet and unassuming way, Vernie Morales has carved herself a legacy in terms of leadership and work ethics that will likely remain unparalleled in the history of the Philippine Department of Tourism. Considering the billions of pesos that those corrupt Philippine lawmakers are stealing, the budget for the important PDOT/Chicago/Midwest is a mere pittance. While those crooked political leaders are busy stealing money from the Philippines’ coffers, the PDOT/Chicago/Midwest is not only enhancing our country’s image all over the world, it is also a revenueproducing government entity. We, in the Filipino- American community, must stand up to those clueless bureaucrats in the Philippine Department of Tourism. We should tell them, collectively and in unison, that the PDOTChicago/ Midwest, under the leadership of Director Vernie Morales, at his point in time, must be allowed to exist; shuttering it, would be a colossal mistake.”

EUSEBIO “Seb” KHO, M.D. (UP ’60) (Silliman U ‘55), Retired Colonel, US Army: “This closure is a sign of improper assignment of priority in our Home-government. Someone in the Tourism Department made the hasty, wrong conclusion not to keep that office open. Has anyone done a professional research on the importance of the Department of Tourism in Chicago and the Midwest? Again, political patronage may be at fault. But then, our government is awashed with wrong decisions, many times not based on rational study and thinking. This is a sad event for all of us, Pinoys and AMnoys”.

FLORENCIO “Flo” VILLEGAS, Community Advocate: “When I became aware of the Philippine DOT plan to close the office in Chicago/Midwest, my immediate reaction was one of curiosity regarding the possible reason for the closing. I could only conclude that it was for economic or political reason. Economically, the Chicago and MidWest area has one of the high Filipino-American population which needs the services that a Tourism Office can provide. Promoting Tourism requires a continuous promotional effort and if finances are a problem, budgetary issues can be addressed and adjustments be made. In time, re-instatement of future Tourism activities will confirm the political motivation in the decision to eliminate the Department Of Tourism Office in Chicago.”

HIGLY REGARDED ILLINOS COMPTROLLER JUDY BAAR TOPINKA dies on December 10th… To her death, the press showed how much they loved Judy Baar Topinka, as a spunky, jolly, funny, people-caring and very aggressive Lady Politician! The first woman to be elected Illinois State Treasurer and Illinois State Comptroller, she also was the first female Republican nominee for governor and first female Republican Party chair in Illinois. Politicians, Republicans, Democrats and the people from all over the state and out-ofstate paid tribute to the late Judy last December 17, at the Local 150e. Topinka was a journalist before she entered politics. An outspoken pioneer for women, Ms. Topinka was the only government official who held a meeting with Ethnic Media in Illinois. Too bad I could not find our pictures during that press conference.

Lately, I joined two prestigious City Clubs: the International Press Club of Chicago (IPCC) and the City Club of Chicago (CCC). The City Club of Chicago is a non-profit, non-partisan organization whose members include prominent business, civic and government leaders in Chicago. The organization attracts those interested in civic responsibility, public issues, open political debate and networking opportunities. Founded in 1903, it is the longestrunning civic forum in Chicago. The mission of the City Club of Chicago is to provide a forum for the discussion of civic and public affairs in Chicago, the metropolitan area and the State of Illinois. Membership: Today, the City Club of Chicago has over 1,600 members. Prominent members of the City Club of Chicago past and present are: Jane Addams, Hon. Barack Obama, Hon. Richard J. Daley, Hon. John McCain, Henry Horner, Hon. Richard Durbin, Louis Sullivan, Hon. Patrick Quinn, Hon. Richard M. Daley, Hon. Paul Ryan, Hon. Luis Gutierrez, Hon. Ray LaHood, David Axelrod, Hon. Christine Radogno, David Gregory, John W. Rowe, Jeff Smisek, Hon. John Cullerton, Hon. Anita Alvarez, Cardinal Francis E. George, Hon. Lisa Madigan, Hon. Anne Burke, and Hon. Jesse White. *** A flyer I picked up at the Rizal Heritage Center invites everyone to a New Year Costume Ball party “to receive” (wrong word used, should be WELCOME) the New Year! The wingdings start at 6:30 p.m. with plenty of food, spirits dancing and prizes for the best costumes. Donation is only $25. Call Mae Lant 219) 669-4829; Malou Tabo 773) 816-8439 and Thelma Bascos 312)-208-3122. *** PIWC2015 KICK OFF chaired by Lindy Tan, will be on Saturday, January 10, 2015, 6:30 p.m., at Wyndham Hotel, 1400 Millwaukee Ave., Glenview, IL (847) 803-9800. Formal attire. Donation $55 per person. Ellen Tan is PIWC 2015 executive chair. *** CONGRATULATIONS to MERCY MATOUSEK, who beat LOURDES LIVAS for the chairmanship of PIWC 2016 at the election, held lately. Showing great sportsmanship, Ms. Livas accepted her defeat with a big smile as she congratulated Mercy. The 2016 PIWC Chairelect, Mercy, thanked everyone and told the group: “As a leader I will strive to set an example for unity, and inspire the members to work together, and find out what the general membership wants. A true leader is someone who executes the vision of the members with confidence. I also look forward to work with those who did not vote for me. We have a BIG Job ahead of us in 2016!” *** MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESS-FULL NEW YEAR TO ALL!!! May the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ whose Holy Birthday we celebrate this month, continue to Light our Ways. EVERYDAY IS CHRISTMAS DAY if we have His Love in our Hearts. Let us be nice with each other. Forgive. Amen.#

 

Goodbye Pose: Vernie Velarde Morales, Regional Director of Philippine Department of Tourism office in the Midwest, poses with the Chicago Fil-am media following her press conference, announcing the closure of the PDOT office in Chicago soon, where she served for 15 years. Seated in front from left are: MEGASCENE editor/publisher Yoly Tubalinal and grandson, quincy; Veronica Leighton, VIA TIMES editor/publisher and executive producer of CPRTV; Girlie Pascual, CPRTV Anchorperson and VT columnist; VERNIE MORALES and husband Bob Morales, Thelma Tamunday and Lynn Santos of PINOY. Standing at back from left are: Jun Posadas of One Philippine; Joe Mauricio, Via Times editorial columnist and CPRTV co-producer; Bart Tubalinal, MEGASCENE publisher/columnist; Mr. Tamunday; Elsie Sy-Niebar, Via Times senior editor/columnist; Alpha Nicolasin, editor, COMMUNITY BUILDER; Mariano Santos, PINOY editor/publisher; Orly Bernardino, PHILIPPINE WEEKLY editor/publisher;(ESN photo)

 

 

 

From left, Shein Lacerna, Vernie’s loyal one-and-only PDOT staff, poses with his beloved Lady Boss Vernie and her hubby, Bob Morales. (ESN photo)

 

 

PHILIPPINE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (PMAC), for over two decades continue to host a Thanksgiving Tribute to the Filipino Americans senior citizens and veterans. Last Saturday, Nov. 22, the seniors in their party attire and uniformed WWII veterans, enjoyed the great Thanksgiving Lunch and entertainment presented by themselves — singing and dancing. The party was made more alive by the jolly singing of Dr. Luis Mangubat and Dr. Greg Tolentino, emcee. Above photo shows some of the PMAC AUXILIARY Ladies, led by Dely Villalon as overall coordinator (for the past six years), Dr. Leilani Mon, MaryLyn Lopez, wife of Dr. Ramon Lopez, PMAC president; Fe Lumicao, Dr. Remy Escalona, and a host of other Lady Docs and Nurses whose names are not available at press time. Also in photo are some of the WWII veterans; last two gentlemen are Dr. Ramon Lopez and Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, president of the Filipino American Council of Chicago where the event was held. (ESNphoto)

Diplomats and officers of the International Press Club of Chicago (IPCC) pose following the Thai Tourism program presentation by the Thai Consul General Songphol Sukchan, host of the Diplomatic luncheon. Shown from left are Johnny Armand, Haitian Consulate; John Fascia, IPCC; Fred Glasper, IPCC; Philippine vice consul Ricarte Abejuel; Songphol Sukchan, Thai Consul General and Host; Richard Cornell, IPCC Secretary; Adriana Supandy, Indonesia Consul General; Wayne Toberman, president, International Press Club of Chicago (IPCC); Henry Winograd, Treasurer IPCC; Sevil Kutay, IPCC Diplomatic Liasion; Dr. Jerry Field, President Emeritus, IPCC; unidentified. (Photo by Elsie Sy-Niebar, ViaTimes Newsmagazine)

SANTA CLAUS stopped by the Silliman Alumni International (Chicago Chapter) Christmas party last December 6, held at Faith Community Presbyterian Church. In photo from left are Tonette Geary, past SAI president; Estrella “Baybee” Villanueva, wife of SAI president Conrad Villanueva (not in photo); SANTA CLAUS (Anthony Buniao); Kayla Santos, unidentified; and Luz Corsino Frost, coordinator. (ESNphoto)

GRUSPE SISTERS joint Birthday and Thanksgiving celebration. Pictures show starting from 3rd — Nenita Gruspe Catangui (Hawaii), and Carlota Gruspe Domantay (Chicago) celebrating their Nov. 28 and Nov. 26 birthdays, respectively. Also in photo are Zenaida Gruspe Parker (Orange County, CA) and Irna Gruspe Igarda (Canton, Michigan). The Four Sisters reunion was a Special Thanksgiving to the Lord for saving them from their car accident in Hawaii last month. (ESNphoto)

 

LOURDES LIVAS poses with friends after receiving another Plaque of Recognition from Lourdes Mon, founder of her Outstanding Asian Americans organization. In photo from left are Julie Chavez, Gemma Cruz; State Secretary Jesse White, Lourdes Livas, awardee; Malou and Nonoy Tabo. (ESNiebar photo)