VIA Times – January 2015 Issue Vital News, Vibrant VIews for Asian Americans in Chicago & Midwest
By: Elsie Sy-Niebar
*What’s your New Year’s Resolution?
*Filipinos smile in the face of adversities; a Medic Balikbayan’s heartwarming ‘Odyssey’
*An emotional ‘goodbye’ from IL Gov. Patrick quinn
*’I’ve been a success at everything I’ve done’, says new IL Gov. Rauner to Billion-Dollar challenges awaiting for him in Springfield
We, in the whole Christendom, just celebrated the Holy Birth and received our “Perfect Gift” wrapped in swaddling rags, laid on a manger inside a gutted stable in Bethlehem. He was welcomed by the shepherds who were watching their flocks at night, when an Angel came and led them to the Stable where Jesus, our Savior, was born. The “Perfect Gift” to mankind. The Son of God who made Himself human like us so he can experience the worldly pains, by carrying the heavy Cross on Calvary, while being beaten and stabbed to death by his captors. A human sacrifice he made to save us, His children, from our worldly sins.
Paradoxically, it is sad how, we, Christians, always associate Christmas with material “Perfect Gifts” based on its monetary value, like expensive jewelry and stuffs to make our CHRISTmas, Merry! How indeed very sad that most of us CHRISTIANS fail to understand that the poor Baby named JESUS is the Reason for the Season.
Personally, the Past Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve celebration minus the partying, were the most bless-full Holy Celebrations I had. Our small church, Faith Community Presbyterian Church under our Spiritual Leader, Pastor John Chu, celebrated a beautiful Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve attended by our Church Family and guests. Their presence at those Worship Services were testimonies of their true Faith in the Coming of the Lord to FAITH-fully welcome the New Year in His House of Worship. Our New Year’s Eve celebration was solemn, made brighter by the Candle Lighting and prayers capped by the joyful hugging and greetings of HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The simple celebration was a true manifestation of the BELIEVERS IN THE LORD. The happiest Servant of the Lord is our beloved Pastor John Chu, who felt so blessed to see the Faith of our Church Family warming up the freezing winter outside! ***
To feel the the hearts of some of our friends as they welcome the New Year, I asked a few to share Via Times readers their “New Year Resolutions” as follows:
BECKY BELBIS: “My New Year’s Resolutions are: Avoid procrastination. Deal immediately to priorities like health issues and everything which matters most. And, for a change, I will put BECKY on top of my list.”
FAYE MENDIOLA, past PIWC Chair; and PMAC Auxiliary member of the board of Directors: “My New Year’s Resolution is simple: leave the past behind, welcome and embrace a new beginning. Happy New Year to All!!!
IMELDA CUEVO, past president, Philippine Nurses Ass’n. of Illinois: “To do more volunteer work for good causes like in the church, in the community — either in the Philippines or here in Chicago; to be more loving and forgiving. To you Elsie and your VT Readers, here’s wishing you all a Happy New Year and more Blessings from our Dear Lord — to you and your families.”
BRENDA STEVENS, past PIWC Chair: “My New Year’s Resolutions are: give thanks to God everyday and be more involved in humanitarian causes. Caring and giving are most gratifying. Non-material rewards are more fulfilling.”
ELLEN TAN, executive chair, Philippine Independence Week Committee 2015: “Seriously, on top of my New Year’s Resolution is to lose weight for health reasons. I have already discussed this issue with my doctors and they *PIWC KICK OFF VIOLATES DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL At the Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIWC) kick off last Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Wyndham Hotel, one of the guests pointed out to me the “wrong placement of the American and Philippine flags” on stage. I spoke to Lindy Tan, Kick off chair. He told me it was Met Castelo’s decision. I spoke to Met. Told him that diplomatic protocol requires to place the American flag on the left side of the stage and the foreign flag like our Philippine flag, on the right side. This way, the American flag is on the RIGHT of the Speaker on stage. But Met Castelo argued saying that “this is a Philippine event so we must give preference to our Philippine flag.”
Wrong! Mr. Castelo. For a “community leader” like you, how could you NOT KNOW IT that DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL re flag ceremonies requires that Host-Country’s flag must always be placed on the right of the stage, and foreign or visiting country’s flag on the left? After all these years??? (Except when the event is held INSIDE THE VISITING COUNTRY’s CONSULAR OFFICE.)
PIWC KICK OFF VIOLATION NO. 2: The Philippine National Anthem “Bayang Magiliw” superseded the singing of the “Star Spangled Banner”, America’s National Anthem. I was told it was the PIWC executive chair, Ellen Tan’s decision. Several guests talked to me about this “kamali-an” (wrong protocol) that evening. I did not have a chance to ask Ellen if indeed, as I was told she said “this is my decision” (to have the Philippine anthem be sung first) “and my decision must be followed.” Oh, well… ***
KEEP THE PEACE among us, especially now that I am facing this big task as overall chair of our PIWC. I appeal for everyone’s cooperation. We are all TOGETHER on this. WE are all Volunteers giving our best for a great cause: to celebrate our Philippine Independence Day to show our undying love and nationalism to our Nativeland. Peace to all and HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
From your columnist (Elsie): I will live up to my Christian love to be more forgiving and to ask to be forgiven. To KEEP GOOD FRIENDS because as what the Bible says “FRIENDS LOVE AT ALL TIMES.” Proverbs 17:17
This “resolution” found truism with my falling out with ANITA ROSA, my long-time best friend, which started when we formed our Filipino International Couples’ Society (FICS), more than 20 years ago. Then, her hubby Dennis Rosa and my “Gringo’ Dennis Niebar were good friends. We’re like families. Anita’s Dennis loved me like a sister, he called me “Els”. He even agreed to be my partner to dance the Rigodon (as FICS president) because my Gringo did not have the guts. (Made Anita a little envious, LOL!) When my Dennis passed away, Anita’s Dennis showed he really felt my pains from losing my Dennis. My sadness doubled up when Anita’s Dennis followed my Dennis in heaven, later.
Anita and I became closer like sisters when we both lost our Dennises. Then the “silent petty falling out “hit Anita and me, when she became the chair of PIWC 2014. A community mercenary cooked up a script which pitted Anita and me, in my stand as a Via Times columnist. And we became “enemies.” My Faith prevailed. Last New Year’s Day, when Angie Francisco and Aida Saldana, joined my simple Family New Year’s Day lunch at home. Angie called up Anita. I grabbed the phone from Angie and talked with Anita telling her: “I’m sorry, ‘Day for what happened between us, please forgive me. Please come over and join our family simple New Year’s Day lunch.” She came and from thereon, we are best friends again. We both felt so good. My Christian humility was tested. Anita told me she felt the same. Indeed, “Friends Love at all Times.” ***
FILIPINOS SMILE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITIES; A MEDIC BALIKBAYAN’s HEARTWARMING ODYSSEY/OBSERVATION Indeed, it is not right to question our God. However, there were times when I would ask Him: LORD, WILL THERE BE NO END TO THE SUFFERINGS OF MY BROTHERS and SISTERS in the Philippines?” I ask this question to Him following the seemingly, neverending “visits” of natural calamities like storm, typhoon, flood, landslides, you name it, which continuously hit the Philippines, leaving behind thousands of death, millions of homeless, hungry and sick folks, mostly those slaving themselves dayby- day for survival. I also pray to Him to STOP THE GREED and CORRUPTIONS in-born among government politicians and their cohorts who wallow in extreme wealth, using the people’s money.
Lately, the poor people of the Philippines were hit again by another typhoon! Thanks to ABSCBN TV Patrol for bringing to us the heartbreaking scenario. To my SURPRISE, those typhoon victims, hungry and packed like live sardines in makeshift shelters – mostly children, showed their BIG, HAPPY SMILES, WAVING on television cameras, despite their worst depravitity of shelter, food, medicine, and the filth surrounding them! Indeed, our poets are right : “the Filipinos are pliant like the bamboo, on stormy nights, they sway against the breeze, but never break.”
BUT THEN AGAIN: What happened to the MILLIONS OF DOLLARS DONATED BY FOREIGNT COUNTRIES, like AMERICA? Until today, thousands of homeless victims of Haiyan are still without a roof over their heads. One of these days, I look forward to re-visit (Australia and) the Philippines. Given enough time and good health, I plan to visit few of these devastated places in the Philippines.
When Dennis was alive, everytime we vacationed in some Third World Countries, we always visited the backstreets or ghettos and met the people there. Today, with reliable escorts, I still do this with caution.
And so I asked Dr. Tim Bonzon if I can use a portion of his “Odyssey” in the Philippines. Dr. Bonzon and his family used to live in Wilmette, IL for 10 years before relocating to North Chesterfield, VA, some years back. Dr. Bonzon was connected with the Cardio-thoracic Surgery Dept of St. Francis Hospital, now Resurrection Health Care, in Evanston. Like Doc Manny Escalona, Doc Tim always shares wonderful emails. Here’s a portion of his”Odyssey” in the Philippines he jotted down on January 8, showing the positive picture of our country. “January 8, 2015:
Manila, with more than 12 million residents and several thousands of vehicles than it needs, is a city in a bind. Traffic laws are flagrantly ignored, the Filipino drivers regarded them as optional, not mandatory. Corruption is widespread, pervasive — with cops expecting to be bribed, routinely. People load, unload and park anywhere with abandon. No shame. Traffic gridlock is a miserable tangled mess… in a grinding crawl. The air is heavy with pollution. It’s been estimated that the awful traffic congestion in Metro Manila (17 cities and municipalities) costs $3 billion per year in lost revenue due to lost productivity, illnesses, wasted fuel, etc. Yet evidence of progress is everywhere: countless high-rise buildings abound everywhere. Most cars are new or fairly new (Toyotas, Hondas, Mercedes, Lexus, Porsche, Hyundai, etc). I saw a Lamborghini dealership on EDSA. Malls and theaters are always crowded. Sidewalk vendors are omnipresent. I walked around Cubao and had to watch for cars, buses, tricycles, motorcycles, bikes, or else… I was told at a post office that no printed stamps are available. My five letters for USA were postmarked through a machine. Woe to philatelists ! (We’ll fly to Cebu to join a medical mission. Then to Singapore for a two-week cruise with medschool classmates, some I haven’t seen in over 50 years!) Cheerio! More later. (TimBonzon)
See what I mean about our dear Philippines? When it comes to modern and Royalty lifestyle, our country is never far behind. Except that behind these scenario are the desperate poor Juan de la Cruzes. (“Juan de la Cruz” is the marginalized name for a dirt-poor Filipino.)
GOODBYE GOVERNOR PAT QUINN: Few days before former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn bade his Springfield Governor’s Office and Mansion “goodbye,” he was invited as guest speakers at the City Club of Chicago, Illinois Public Affairs Forum. (Yours truly is a member of CCC.) It was an emotional speech for the governor specially when he talked about his late father, who molded him into what he is today.
He described his six-year tenure as Illinois governor as one of fairness, like legalizing same-sex marriage, ending Illinois death penalty, and giving clemency to some prisoners. Speaking about the corruption of his predecessor Rod Blagojevich and of former Gov. Jim Ryan who both went to jail, Quinn quipped: “Illinois was a laughingstock,” Describing a “crisis of corruption, the recession and fiscal problems”, Gov. Quinn blotted out: “I inherited all that.” He wanted the people to remember him as a governor who made hard choices during the most difficult time in Illinois history.
“It’s important that we always keep that issue in mind because the people voted on it,” Quinn said. “It’s important for the Legislature to pay attention to what the people want.” He concluded his melancholy and emotional speech, trying to hold back tears.
To Mr. Pat Quinn: Be a good observer this time. Evaluate where you’ve failed. Opportunities are waiting for you… next time around. Oh, yes, you are an honest politician that’s why this columnist have supported you all the way from the beginning of your candidacy as Treasurer to governor. But you failed us when you did not stand strong against some “Big Heads” in Springfield. Better luck next time, Gov.”
WELCOME GOV. BRUCE RAUNER: “I’ve been a success at everything I’ve done,” says new IL Gov. Bruce Rauner when he was reminded of the Billion Dollar challenges awaiting for him in Springfield as he prepares to take over the Governor’s Seat on January 12. His election vow to tackle the billion-dollar Illinois budget problems will soon be tested.
Here’s a few of Rauner’s inheritance: most state agencies are going broke; the Democrats approved a budget short of $1.4 billion; the temporary state’s income tax hike had expired, revenues for the tax checking account are seen to drop to nearly $37 billion in the last budget year and $32 billion in the coming year, according to financial analysts. And more, more.
Well, Gov-elect Rauner is a very bright businessman who made himself a millionaire. That’s why I endorsed his candidacy. I have faith in his capability as a Financial Genius! However, as of now, for me and all of us who voted for him: IT IS WAIT AND SEE. Good luck Governor Rauner.
PIWC KICK-OFF VIOLATES DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL
At the Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIWC) kick-off last Jan. 10 at the Wyndham Hotel, one of the guests pointed out to me the “wrong placement of the American and Philippine flags” on stage. I spoke to Lindy Tan, Kick off Chair. He told me it was Met Castelo’s (former Chair) decision. I spoke to Met. Told him that diplomatic protocol requires to place the American flag on the left side of the stage and the foreign flag like our Philippine flag, on the right side. This way, the American flag is on the RIGHT of the Speaker on stage. But Met Castelo argued saying that “this is a Philippine event so we must give preference to our Philippine flag.”
Wrong! Mr. Castelo. For a “community leader” like you, how could you NOT KNOW that DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL re flag ceremonies requires that Host- Country’s flag must always be placed on the right of the stage, and foreign or visiting country’s flag on the left? After all these years??? (Except when the event is held INSIDE THE VISITING COUNTRY’s CONSULAR OFFICE.)
PIWC KICK OFF VIOLATION NO. 2: The Philippine National Anthem “Bayang Magiliw” superseded the singing of the “Star- Spangled Banner,” America’s National Anthem. I was told it was the PIWC executive chair, Ellen Tan’s decision. Several guests talked to me about this “kamali-an” (wrong protocol) that evening. .
“Bye for now, see yah next December”, says Santa Claus, after enjoying the freezing Christmas days greeting everyone “MERRY CHRISTMAS HO HO” in front of my home. He was put up by John Miranda, his owner. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL, from Elsie.
CHRISTIAN CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR: CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY: At the strike of Midnight, the lights at Faith Community Presbyterian Church were out and darkness fell, made brighter by the Congregation’s flickering candle lights as shown above, led in prayers and Thanksgiving by Pastor John Chu, with Annabel Cortes and Elder Edith Navarro in photo. (ESNphoto)
(1) In keeping with our tradition, the Filipino New Year celebration at Faith Comm. Presbyterian Church
(FCPC) is not complete without our Filipino authentic yummy bibingka (rice cake), prepared by Mabel
Estavillo. (ESNphoto); (2) Happily welcoming the New Year are some of FCPC Ladies in-charged of the celebration:
Angie Francisco, Edith Navarro, Elsie, Suzette Fernandez, Tess Hernandez, Gloria Pierce, Rosanna
and Nuestro.
Offices and supporters of the Dennis John Niebar Memorial Charity Fund (DJNMCF) celebrated a Family Christmas Thanksgiving at Elsie’s home. From left, standing, Romy Sarcilla, supporter; officers Julie Chavez, Elsie, founder; Elsa Castillo, asst. treasurer; Lourdes Livas, VP; Veronica Salvador, supporter; Liza Soriano, secretary; Nestor Castillo, supporter; and Leticia Freihaut, director. Other officers were not able to make it. Photo by Vilma Molina, treasurer.
FAMILY BONDING during the Holy-Days: Retired pediatrician Dr. Kyung-Shin Kim Chu (3rd from left on a wheelchair), a devoted Christian and mother of Pastor John Chu at Faith Community Presbyterian Church, visited her son and daughter-in-law Rebecca during the Holidays. She is so happy to see how much the Fil-Am congregation loves her Pastor-son. She heartily donated one Sunday’s Fellowship Lunch. With her in photo are Seniors’ Sunday School teachers Mrs. Fely Aduana and Mrs. Lily Canoy, Dr. Chu, and her caregiver, Duk-Soon Kim. (ESNphoto)
New Year Joys mean having the Family Together as shown by the Rickerts: David and wife Luwind Rickert, and stepchildren: Winnard, Christine and Shyne Abogado, active members of the Church Youth band. (ESNphoto)
Left photo shows the wrong placing of the PH & US flags, according to protocol; right photo, Ellen Tan, 2015 PIWC chair (photo by Ernie Antonio)
As i live to enjoy God’s Blessings of More years to live we call Old Age, LiFE has taught me that if we focus in finding our
happiness, we’ll find more emptiness ahead. But if we focus on our Family and Friends; asking for forgiveness as we forgive
those who trespass against us; looking into the needs of others and help if we can; focus on our work or livelihood; sharing
our blessings big or small; and giving Thanks to the Lord our God – anytime, anywhere, anyplace – HAPPiNESS WiLL
FiND US. Have a Bless-Full Year 2015! Elsie Sy-Niebar
