By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*Happy 238th Birthday, America! My Home for 38 years this year! *Hats off to the Bolingbrook Filipino Americans for their successful ‘Pyesta Pinoy’with close to 5000 guests! *Rose Tibayan vies for “Mrs. International” crown *Congratulations to all Community Groups Celebrating our 116th Philippine Independence Day! *Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Fund to hold 2nd Fundraiser, Aug. 24 *Annual Chicago Designers’ Sidewalk Sale at Daley Plaza on July 22-23 *Msgr. Rodel Cajot, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia visits Chicago *Very ‘scanty Dinner’ served at a Fundraiser made some guests hungry/angry?

For a bite of our colorful Philippine history about our Homeland’s struggle for Independence, and on behalf of our born-and-raisedin- America Generation, let’s take a few steps back to share with them the Great Patriotism of our Forefathers. We just celebrated TWO INDEPENDENCE DAYs following one after the other: June 12 and July 4th — both meaningful and very significant dates to us – FILIPINOS AND FILIPINO AMERICANS! Years back, our beloved Homeland, the Philippines, then as a Commonwealth of the United States of America (1896 to 1946), WE FILIPINOS celebrated July 4th as our “Independence Day” under two Flags– the Flag of the Great USA and the PHILIPPINES, both gracefully waving together under our sun-kissed Philippine Sky. We sang two Patriotic songs: America’s “the Star-Spangled Banner” and our Philippine National Anthem “Land of the Morning” before it was translated to the current Pilipino National Language version titled “Bayang Magiliw.” After World War II, America gave us back our Independence in 1946. Yes, Virginia, We Filipinos are no strangers to the American culture, educational system and lifestyle. English is our Second Language. The Philippines is the first English-speaking nation in Asia. As a People, we are pliant like our Majestic Philippine Bamboo. We sway along the breeze but NEVER BREAK. The strength of our characters as we chase our American Dreams. So, we all stand and say: Mabuhay Tayong Lahat. God bless America. God Bless the Philippines. The Lands that We Love! *** AMERICA July 4, 1776: America declared her independence from Great Britain during the American Revolution, more than a year after the events at Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill and Washington’s appointment as commander-in-chief of the continental forces. Here are few quotes from some of the Brains of the 1776 America’s Declaration of Independence, on the mission of Equality as a Government of, by, and for, the People: “We hold these truths to be selfevident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.” John Adams, July 3, 1776, John Adams: “… I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” Thomas Jefferson, on Sept. 12, 1821, wrote:”The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.” . President Harry S. Truman, December 1952: “We find it hard to believe that liberty could ever be lost in this country. But it can be lost, and it will be, if the time ever comes when these documents are regarded not as the supreme expression of our profound belief, but merely as curiosities in glass cases.” *** We find the above Wisdom of the Ages happening today, over and above the imagination of these Great Men. An un-Godly example to eliminate GOD is shown by some elected Government Officials who drop “So help me God” portion of the Declaration when they take their oath of office to serve America. Quo Vadis, America? The Land of the Free. And the Home of the Brave! ***

HATS OFF TO THE FILIPINO AMERICANS IN BOLINGBROOK for their historical “Piyesta Pinoy”PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

attended close to 5000 mainstream folks. Hats off to Ruben Salazar, Cultural Director and Piyesta Coordinator, for a Great Job well done to promote the Philippine Culture and the Filipino Americans. Ruben has been doing this for years at the Navy Pier! He said: “The very 1st Piyesta Pinoy (Philippine Festival) in Bolingbrook was a huge success, with estimated of 4,500, entertained by the fun and music by No Limits Band and Samasama Project, performances by GMA superstar Dingdong Dantes and nonstop music to 11pm with the Above & Beyond 4 band, rocking the house ‘till closing time. More Thanks to all the sponsors, donors, partners, vendors, cultural and workshop participants, performers, volunteers, Chicago Filipino Riders for helping us with security, ALL of our committee members who worked tirelessly until the end and the thousands of guests who made it all happen. Special thanks to Mayor Roger Claar, Dale McClannahan, Event Production and the staff of the Bolingbrook Public Works and the Bolingbrook Police Department for giving us the opportunity to celebrate our Independence Day and sharing our culture and festival at the beautiful performing arts and town center. Everyone had a lot of fun and we hope we can do this again next year. As Filipinos, I want to thank our partner, the Philippine American Cultural Foundation run by Adeline Fajardo, Desiree Echavez Alfon, Philippine Dance Troupe of Quad Cities and the presence of IL State Secretary Jesse White.” ***

CONGRATULATIONS to the leadership of the Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) with Anita Rose as executive chair; Philippine Week Committee (PWC), chaired by Dr. Florentino Leong; the Kasarinlan celebration of the Filipino American Council of Chicago under its new president, Dr. Juanito Crisostomo. My apology, I was not able to obtain any info from the former Kalayaan Group even after asking some Kababayans. Featured on Via Times cover this month are the eight lovely Beauty Queens of Philippine Independence Week Committee 2014, with former Beauty Queens Lourdes Livas and Leticia Freihaut as co-Chairs.

ROSE ELLEN TIBAYAN vies for “MRS. INTERNATIONAL”

crown: Although not very wellknown in our Chicagoland Filipino American Community, Rose Tibayan, made big news last year when she and few young people organized the Donor Group for the victims of typhoon Haiyan which left the worst devastations in the Philippines last October 2013. Rose and her dedicated group made the Rizal Center as an Edifice of Charity, attracting volunteers and donors from people of all colors and statuses. With Rose, is her husband, Don Villar, a television producer in ABCTV Ch 7, Chicago. Rose, a product of the Ivy League educational institutions, is a journalist by profession and former anchorperson for various American national television. As a former Bb. Pilipinas USA, and current “Mrs. Philippines Int’l”, she is going to compete against 70 delegates from the 50 states and other countries on July 25 and 26 in Jacksonville, Florida for the “Mrs. International 2014” title. Her platform is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) — the treatable dementia which affected her late father. Last Friday, June 27, under the able leadership of Ting Joven, former “Mrs. Philippines” for the FACC, in such a short time, organized the “Sampaguita Ball” to introduce Rose as the new “Mrs. Philippines Int’l” to the Fil-Am community and to several former Beauty Queens. More than 100 guests attended. The Agenda of the evening: Ting informed the Fil-Am community that Rose is our Candidate for the “Mrs. International” crown at an international pageant in Florida stated above. Ting Joven, Sampaguita Ball organizer, credits the success of the evening to her team: Rizza Antonov, Rachel Rulite Pamintuan, and Nick Vera Perez — the evening’s talented Master of Ceremonies. To Rose: We wish you the best of luck in bringing Home the “Mrs. International Crown.” Nonetheless, win or lose – Heart and soul, You are always very beautiful to us!

DENNIS J. NIEBAR MEMORIAL TO HOLD 2nd FUNDRAISER

In memory of my late husband, Dennis John Niebar, who, without prior notice, died of heart attack last December 3, 2002, at the parking lot of Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, where he worked as Children’s Counselor, his memorial foundation – Dennis J. Niebar Memorical Charitable Fund (DJNMCF), will celebrate a second fundraiser this coming August 24, a Sunday, at the Four Points at Sheraton O’Hare, 10255 W. Irving Park Road, Schiller Park, Illinois. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to my church: Faith Community Presbyterian Church (FCPC), located at 3900 North Plainfield Avenue, Chicago, to buy a church van for seniors and non-driving families. I am appealing for the support of friends in service to God. Dinner tickets are $45 per person; raffle tickets $1 each or $5 per stub of six tickets. Or you may donate business Ad or personal greetings. For more information, please call any of our officers: Lourdes Livas, Evelyn Tolledo, Liza Soriano,Yoly Zoleta, Vilma V. Molina, Elsa Castillo, Board of Directors: Leticia B. Freihaut; Myrna Mahant; Tessa Comprado; Julie Chavez; Ella Basilio, Veronica Fertig and Irma Miranda or this columnist, Elsie, at 773) 792- 1535.”Email: elsyniebar@msn.com

Recipients From First Fundraiser

last year, are as follows: $4000 for a campus cruiser to Silliman University in Dumaguete City; $1000 to SU School of Mass Communications; $500 for a students scholarship; $400 for “Love Gift” to journalism student at SU ($10 and $5 each); $500 to Faith Community Presbyterian Church Piano fund; $100 to typhoon Haiyan victims; and $1700 for a new fishing pumpboat, gifted to a young fisherman, in Samar, whose small “baroto” his only means of livelihood was powdered by typhoon Haiyan. ****

One more thing, “where’s da beef?”

A very well-meaning friend, in a jocular way, told me: “Elsie, after all our years of partying to benefit some FUNDRAISERS, have you ever been to a FUNDRAISER wherein the guests were rationed a small portion of a $50-per-person ‘Dinner’? Holy Cow! It happened lately. Everybody was underfed. Including me, although I am on a diet! We patiently waited for a follow up to the small ‘a la carte’ but nothing, nada, nyet, wala, came. Oh, Mama Mia. I heard some guests kinda yelled: ‘Where’s da beef?’ Oh, well, da answer was blown in da wind.” Nice story on a rainy night.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LUCKY PIWC RAFFLE WINNERS: Divine Pineda, raffle chairperson, reported the lucky CASH PRIZE winners as follows: 1st prize, Aleg Bacerdo, $1000, seller, Edna Pavel; 2nd prize, Lourdes Hinog, $700, seller, Myrna Cordero, “Mrs. PIWC 2014”; and 3rd prize, Shonie Lintag, $300, seller, Julie Chavez. *** Roger “Boy” Odiamar, president of the Our Lady of Penafrancia, told VT that “Msgr. Rodel Cajot, Rector of the Basilica of Our Lady of Penafrancia in Naga City Philippines is making a round of all Penafrancia groups in the United States. He will be in Chicago on July 1-13. He will celebrate the mass at St. Matthias Church on 2310 West Ainslie St. His mission is to solicit the members’ generous help for the construction and completion of the MUSEO DE NTRA SRA DE PENAFRANCIA situated beside the Basilica. Upon completion, the Museo will house and store for public display and exhibit — all memorabilia connected to the devotion to INA (Mother) the Lady of Penafrancia. Every member is encouraged to donate. Please call Boy Odiamar at (773) 545-0606, for more information even after the visit of the Monsignor Cajot,” Boy concluded his appeal.H ave a wonderful and Joy-full Summer! Be safe. Be nice to yourself and others, too!#

Shown above are Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White with volunteer ladies at the first Piyesta Pinoy (FILIPINO FESTIVAL) successful celebration held at the Bolingbrook Plaza last June 21. (photo by Desiree

LIVING UNDER TWO FLAGS: That’s me, Elsie, raising the Flags to celebrate my 35th Year as an American Citizen living under Two Flags, flying all-year-round over the front door of my Chicago Home, my late (American) husband’s “protocol” as an interracial couple. I got a kick when some friends would tease me: “Elsie, your house looks like an Embassy.”

 

In photo are former Beauty Queens who attended the Sampaguita Ball where Rose Tibayan, “Mrs. Philippines International” now vying for “Mrs. International” was presented. From left to right are: Luz Nunez, Mrs. Philippines FACC 1991; Brenda Stevens, Mrs. Asia International of Lake County 1991; Ting Joven, Mrs. Philippines FACC 1992; Cora Sopena, Mrs. Philippines Chicago 1996; Juntine Alvarez Barnes, Ginang Kalayaan FACC 2000; Rowena Luna, Mrs. Luzon FACC 2004; Rachel Rulite Pamintuan, Mrs. Philippines FACC 2004; Evelyn Salazar, Mrs. Congeniality of United Dance Club; Leticia Freihaut, Mrs. Philippines of Cagayan Valley 2013; Marianne Bennett, Mrs. Philippines PIWC 2013; Yoly Zoleta, Mrs. Philippines PIWC 2014; Rizza Antonov, Mrs. Philippines FACC; Heide Briffa, Mrs. Philippines Hearts and Hopes America (New York);and Mary Ann Herrera, Mrs. Philippines International 2011 (Maryland). On stage is the event’s Master of Ceremonies, Nick Vera Perez. (photo by Jessie Domingo)

Former “Mrs. Philippines PIWC” Lourdes Livas, chair of 2014 PIWC Beauty Queens Committee.

Ellen Tan, incoming Executive Chair of PIWC 2015 says that for a successful celebration, she will tap all the Leadership capabilities of all Committee chairs and volunteers by listening to their ideas.

2014 PIWC Corresponding Secretary Dely Villalon with IL. Gov. Pat Quinn.

A devout Muslim by Faith, Dr. Bharat K. Shah (at right), surprised his good friend, Dr. Ben Butuyan (at left, a licensed surgeon in the Philippines) with a donation to his church, Faith Community Presbyterian Church. “Dr. Shah is very well-liked by his patients many of whom are Filipinos,” Ben said. When this columnist stopped by his clinic, I found out that most of his employees are Filipinos, too. Dr. Shah’s love of his profession shines in his face. (esnphoto).

Vignette of Philippine fashion at the PIWC cultural performances at the Daley Center last June 12. From left, bearing the American flag is Bobby Sioson, models are Precy Castillo, Alicia Monk, Elsie Castillo, Neneth Miranda, and unidentified gentleman bearing the Philippine flag. (photo by elsiesyniebar)

Bumped into at the PIWC Gala after the riotous poses with Gov. Pat Quinn by some guests, are from left, Manny and Becky Belbis, Philippine Tourism Director Vernie Morales and hubby Bob (at back); Dr. Gloria Mallare, Elsie, and Vel Guffey.

 

Not too long ago they were the movers and shakers at the Philippine Independence Week Committee wingdings. This year, they’re taking it easy on whatever titles they have. From left are former PIWC chair Romy Gumila and wife, Cora, Linda, better half of Ben Tibayan, also former PIWC chair and past BOT President. (ESNphoto)

Remembering Chris Cuevo

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

Cresenciano Cuevo, 69, better known in our Filipino American Community as “Chris”, long-time owner of Empire Rebuilder Shop, the first auto-service business owned by a Filipino in Chicago, was called by his Maker to “Come Home” last June 21, following his confinement at the Alexian Brothers Hospital. His loving wife, Imelda and his children were present. He died of pancreatic cancer after suffering for some time. A native of San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, (the third from a big family of 12 children) he came to Chicago in 1972 with only $10 in his pocket. With hard work, he was able to build his automotive business which served and employed many Filipinos. His daughter, Rose said: “Our Dad was a man with a deep devotion to his family. His dedication and sacrifices for us have not gone unnoticed. We worked so hard to help him with his battle against Pancreatic cancer. His loving and caring nature extended beyond the family as well, as he was always willing to help out anyone in need. He was a member of St Joseph’s Church in Addison, IL; Knights of Columbus; and Free Masons of Illinois, Northwest Lodge #271). His eminence and million dollar smile will be in the Heavens looking down on us, he is our Guardian Angel. Chris is survived by his wife, Imelda Manuel Cuevo, RN; children Dinah (married to Chris Tortal); Mark Cuevo and Rosemarie Cuevo. Chris was laid to rest last June 28 at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery at Hillside, Illinois.

The Cuevo Family made a special request that benevolence be donated to the Chris Cuevo Pancreatic Fund: http://gfwd.at/NnT0dI (30)