NOTEBOOK

 

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*After two months of globetrotting, thank God, I’m safely back ‘Home to My Chicago’!

*Remember, our Primary Elections on March 15. Meet a few Asian American candidates…

*I met Philippine Vice President Binay at Silliman U Forum. Didn’t you know, he is Veronica’s UP Brod?

*’Pakaon Pasko’ in Dumaguete by Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Fund, a heartwarming Christmas service…

Firstly, my heartfelt MERRY CHRISTMAS & a HAPPY NEWYEAR greetings to all my Dear Friends and to our dear Via Times readers! I missed you all during the past Holiday Season. Overall, I missed the Christmas sights ‘n sounds and snow in our dear Chicago Winter Wonderland! Big Thanks to our dear Lord (called in different names according to our Faith) whose Holy Birth we just celebrated to welcome New Year 2016! Big Thanks to Him for His many Blessings and “to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Amen.

I left Chicago last October 30th for Brisbane, Australia where my two younger sisters – Remy Villanueva Dalton (now Mrs. Paul Chruishank) and Eva Villanueva Maunders — who reside at “Down Under” with their respective families and their grandkids – for over three decades. Due to the distance, and me — no longer a “Spring Chicken,” traveling alone is really not that easy and enjoyable anymore. Traveling alone nowadays is one very sad time in my life … I miss my late husband, Dennis… so much. My consolation is… he always makes me feel his presence especially when I feel so lost.

My apology for this personal drama. However, I believe everyone who lost a “best half” a little earlier in life, share these feelings of emptiness, particularly during retirement days … the time all married couples who keep their love for each other “for better or for worse” — as they look forward to enjoy their Retirement after working hard to raise their children.

Topping the object of my visit to Australia was to see my sister Eva’s three beautiful grandkids, Vienna, 6 and Toban 4, kids of my nephew Justin and his wife, Heidi. Topping next is one-year-old Markus, first son of Eva’s eldest son, Christopher and Fiona, who turned one-year old upon my arrival.

Markus’ baptism was held next day, followed by a reception at one of Brisbane’s beautiful park. As practiced in our Filipino family culture, our sisters’ and brothers’ children are considered our own “apos” or grandkids, too. We’re happy our Aussie young people understand this part of our family heritage, hence, easily I am their “Lola” too. Being childless, being called “Lola” is music to my heart! My three-week vacation in Brisbane were spent mostly having lunches or dinners with my nephews and their families and playing with the “Apos.” Another most memorable vacation wingding: Nephew Christopher took me to a one-week swing in New Zealand with his Mom, Eva.

Indeed, New Zealand is a wonderful place not to miss out — particularly its cultural celebrations which have similarities to our Ifugao tribal brothers and sisters’ colorful celebrations, including their tribal costumes, music and musical instruments. Best place is TE PUIA, New Zealand’s Centre for Maori culture and thermal wonder, including the world-famous Pohutu geyser.

During the “TE PO” or night, visitors are fed and entertained with a feast of Maori food and culture; during the day or “TE RA” we toured the incredible Pojutu volcanic geyser; watch the Kiwi native birds of New Zealand, and watch the wonders of the volcanic geyser belching white smoke, snow, other natural phenomena which gave me goose bumps imagining I was somewhere beyond this world!

New Zealand’s Maori culture called “whanau” which means “family” has a very close similarity to our family Filipino hospitality. A visitor in your home… once he or she has been checked as “not an enemy,” are shown with hospitality and respect called manaakitanga, which means “we’ll treat you like one of the family.”

We also visited the Maori museum, beautiful botanical gardens and had a bus tour of the big city. Indeed, New Zealand is one lovely place in the world to visit. As one of my souvenirs, I bought my New Zealand “Ranger Leader Hat” from a Filipino-owned souvenir shop. Oh, yeah, prices are higher in New Zealand than in Brisbane. New Zealand is, indeed, a tourist spot.

Brisbane is another beautiful city in Australia, home of Filipino-Australians, many of whom are from interracial marriages. They are very friendly and accommodating. My sisters Remy and Eva have their own “bonding” – friends they go dancing with during weekends at some city clubs with casinos around. Unlike New Zealand which is cold, the weather in Brisbane is like our summer weather in Chicago. Oh, yes, I had a great time in Down Under! Especially with the Grandkids! ***

November 22nd I proceeded to the Philippines to spend Christmas with my “tribe,” the way my late hubby, Dennis, teasingly called my relatives — starting from my immediate families — my five brothers, a sister-who-turned-brother, my uncles and aunts and their children and grandchildren, and even their neighbors, the way life goes on in the provinces.

From Makati, I went to Dumaguete and Iloilo visiting clans. In Dumaguete, I took my “tribe” to one of the latest resorts and made them experience “how to live like a tourist for one whole day,” basking in the sun, enjoying the pools and lavishing on the food and nonalcholic drinks they have not tasted before. I gave the same treat to my “tribe” in Iloilo except that there was no swimming pool at the banquet hall. And, of course, plus gifts like “Mr. Mooney.”

In Makati, where I stayed longer at my brother Roselo and his wife Rina’s house, was a different scenario. I had the Joy of being with my three grandkids (their grandkids actually) Vincent, 13; Yohanna 5 and Keilah, almost 2. They’re all smart kids. Yohanna speaks very good English. One time she surprised me when she told me: “Lola, I am so upset with my teacher.” Upset? Coming from a five-year-old kid?

There were about 40 people at our December 25 Christmas party! They were cousins, nephews, nieces, grandkids, in-laws, etc. It was fun! Their letters of thanks were so touching.

Another best part of my “vacation” was visiting “old places” I used to hang out during my youth. Like around Dumaguete City, as a financially-poor working student at Silliman University, burning the “midnight candle” every night with empty stomach… so I could meet the “Grade Point” required by my scholarship. My sister Vilma and I were on the same “Student Strugglers’ Boat.” She graduated cum laude.

As a student journalist (Associate Editor of our Weekly Sillimanian), I already practiced the journalist’s principle a “pen is sharper than a sword” against some of my arrogant professors, I graduated with “colorless flying colors.”

Sadly, today, those “old familiar places” are no longer familiar… so many changes have happened… the streets are now filled with motorcycles, tricycles, cars, buses, and PEOPLE.

But the best and most heart-warming “pamasko” sponsored by the Dennis John Niebar Memorial Fund I’ve shared with the poor folks in Zamboanguita, Dumaguete City called “Paka-on sa Pasko” (Christmas Luncheon) in Dumaguete last December 25, coordinated by my nieces, both nurses – Teresa Olaco (and her husband, Jopel); and Cristina Villanueva, with the help of their brother, Jr., their nephews and few friends.

According to them, more than 100 people came from all ages – enjoying the food and a kilo of sugar and rice “take home giveaways.” The “Pakaon” is my nieces’ personal Christmas project every year, for the poor folks living in the upper highlands or “bukid” surrounding their town, called Zamboanguita. They told me they were having hard times this year and had no funds. Out of my vacation “baon” I gave them $250 in the name of my late husband’s memorial charity fund. That small fund fed more than 100 people! As shown by the pictures they emailed me. Was so touching seeing the joy of the recipients holding a bag of a kilo of rice and sugar! ***

Still in Dumaguete City: Another Good Thing about my visit to my Alma Mater Silliman University, was meeting Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Gringo Honasan when SU President, Dr. Ben Malayang invited me to be on the Welcome entourage. However, Dr. Malayang made it clear to me: “Elsie, although officially by Philippine law, this time is still not official campaign period, I welcomed them as officials of the Republic, not as candidates. Silliman does not take sides. We don’t endorse candidates. As officials of the government, we can welcome them.”

VP Binay and Sen. Honasan met with the Silliman students at the huge Silliman Conference Hall where they were bombarded with intelligent questions. I had a separate interview with VP Binay and Sen. Honasan which I will use in this column later. By the way, VP Binay is the UP Frat Brod of our Publisher Veronica!

Overall, I had a wonderful two-month vacation in our beloved Philippines. Yes, I came back home dollar-broke. But my heart is filled with such Heavenly Joy of making my Families and other Needy Folks back home happy by sharing with them the Lord’s Blessings I saved for them — to enjoy, likewise.

But the Traffic Nightmare in Manila or Makati in general is something I could never take! A visit to Luneta took us three hours, one way! Indeed, it is a miracle to see an ambulance beeping loud its horn amid a head-to-head-to-toe traffic and be able to get through. I heard patients dying inside the ambulance for not being able to get through Manila or Makati’s sandwiched traffic!

Watching this Nightmare on the streets — I decided to give up my interest of going back home to retire even in some of Tagaytay’s modern retirement facilities. My aging physical body could not take that Nightmare anymore.

As of this writing, I am still suffering from my jetlag. All I did these past few days was sleep. When I got up, I could not distinguish whether it was morning or night. I also have a slight headache and fever. I feel so lethargic even at this press time. However, I have a Via Times deadline… one of the loves in my life. Life goes on… with a smile.

Since the primary election is fast coming up in March 15, let’s get to know some politicians who reached out to Via Times through their personal press releases. First one came from no less than U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

To our surprise, Sen. Kirk sent his Christmas Greeting letter to our Filipino American communities, through Via Times. He wrote: “Dear Via Times Editors and Readers:

To mga Kababayans in Illinois and throughout America, I say: Manigong Bagong Taon at maraming salamat, po!” I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of you and your readers. I am honored to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

Mark Kirk , United States Senator”

I tried reaching out to the campaign office of Cong. Tammy Duckworth, Sen. Kirk’s very strong opponent via the internet. A “volunteer” told me their campaign press officer is not in and she could not give me the name and email address of that person. ***

Theresa Mah personally sent me her press releases with her mugshot picture. I know her for quite some time and her political work for our Asian American community. A holder of a Ph.D in history from the University of Chicago, Dr. Theresa Mah is a candidate for State Representative in the 2nd District of the Illinois State Legislature, a district that includes large portions of the Chinatown, Bridgeport, Pilsen, and McKinley Park neighborhoods on the Southwest side of Chicago ***

Raja Krishnamoorthi, candidate for US Congress, vacated by Tammy Duckworth, now running for the US Senate, currently occupied by Sen. Kirk. Raja Krishnamoorthi, of Asian Indian descent, is a small businessman. Currently, he is the president of Sivananthan Labs and Episolar, Inc., small businesses which sells products in the national security and renewable energy industries. He is a co-founder of InSPIRE, a non-profit organization that provides training to Illinois students and veterans in solar technology. Raja’s fundraising success is complemented by his support from more than 100 Democratic leaders and activists throughout Illinois and the Chicago suburbs volunteer organizations.

So, dear Via Times readers, come March 15, don’t forget to go to the polls and vote for the candidates you believe will be good leaders not only for Asian Americans but for ALL AMERICANS.

HAPPY, BLESS-FULL AND PEACEFUL NEWYEAR 2016! (esn)

Philippine Vice President J. Binay, visited Silliman University campus last December 7, as part of his visits to various campuses in the Philippines, to meet the students and respond to their open mike conversation. This columnist (Elsie) was visiting Silliman U, her alma mater during the VP’s visit. She was invited by SU president to join their entourage to meet VP Binay who later held a more than an-hour Q & A dialogue with the Silliman students. (1) Dr Malayang with former Congressman Gary Teves and VP Binay.; (2) Senator Gringo Honasan, the “famous rebel” during the time of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, with Elsie Sy-Niebar, VIA TIMES senior editor/columnist, who was invited by President Malayang to join the entourage welcoming VP Binay and company. Elsie is one of the first six journalism graduates at Silliman U School of Journalism (now College of Mass Communication). Photos by Elsie Sy-Niebar.

Dateline Brisbane, Australia: Elsie with grandkids Vienna Maunders and Markus Molina, waiting to be baptized.

Lola Elsie and 1-yr-old Baby Markus Forrest Molina, “the No. I inspiration of my Aussie visit.”;

Elsie cuddling this soft-as-cotton Baby Koala which makes everyone’s Australian vacation complete and fun!;

Elsie Sy-Niebar feeding the Kangaroo on her palm,;

A young family having a great time feeding the kangaroos with the bag of feeds. (esn)

“Special guests” to the “Paka-on sa Pasko” walked the miles from their homes in the highlands (mountinous areas of the town).

The early arrivals with their kids.

Jr. Villanueva, Elsie’s nephew, volunteer, withthe younger recipients.

The younger generation.

DENNIS JOHN NIEBAR MEMORIAL “PAKA-ON SA PASKO 2015” in Zamboanguita, Dumaguete City: These are only few of the numerous pictures of “Happy Faces” from all ages who were so happy to attend the “Paka-on sa Pasko: (Christmas Luncheon) held last December 25, in Zamboanguita, Dumaguete City, coordinated by Elsie’s two RN nieces — Ma. Cristina Villanueva and Ma. Teresa Villanueva Olaco. Pictures speak a thousand words…(1) The Older generation, the young lady in front is Elsie’s niece, Ma. Cristina Villanueva, RN, coordinator. (2) Ma. Teresa Olaco, RN, Elsie’s niece, overall coordinator.; … THANKS VIA TIMES. (Elsie)