Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*NAFFAA: Congressional Gold Medal Presentation to Filipino WWII Vets set in October

*Chicago’s Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) 2017 Gala, well-attended! Hats off to all the officers and Beauty Queens!

*Philippine President Duterte gets Supreme Court Backing to Declare Martial Law Nationwide; worries some officials

*Chicago’s Knight of Rizal celebrates Rizal Day and a Despedida party for Consul General Generoso Calonge, Founding Commander of the Knights of Rizal, Maynilad Chapter

*Ruben Salazar, founder of ‘Pyesta Pinoy’ is a MOSAIC Awardee

 

Today, at long last, as Filipinos and Filipino Americans, WE can all stand and sing “MABUHAY” to all our Filipino World War II veterans. Sadly, only few of them are alive today. Here’s the latest Good News from the NAFFA. “

Plans are underway for a national celebration honoring Filipino World War II veterans, whose service and sacrifice have been finally recognized by the U.S. with the passage last year of the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015, which is now enshrined as Public Law 114-265. The Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) is one of the highest civilian awards bestowed by the United States for persons or groups who have performed an achievement that have an impact on American history and culture. American citizenship is not a requirement. In particular, this award is a public expression of the U.S. Congress’ gratitude on behalf of the nation for the distinguished contributions of 260,000 Filipino soldiers and guerrillas during World War II in the Philippines. The presentation could be held as early as October or November of this year. At the award ceremony, slated to be held on Capitol Hill, surviving Filipino and American veterans or their next-of-kin will receive bronze replicas of the CGM and a framed copy of Public Law 114-265. Expected to attend are Congressional sponsors, Philippine Government officials, Presidential Cabinet members, high ranking general officers from the US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, veterans advocates, community leaders and supporters and other dignitaries.The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), the proponent of the CGM legislation and the official national point of contact for all CGM activities, is working closely with the U.S. Mint and offices of Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to accelerate completion of the CGM’s minting and production of at least 500 bronze replicas. FilVetREP is led by Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (U.S.A. Ret.) and his executive team composed of Marie Blanco, Erick Soriano, Jon Melegrito and Ben de Guzman.

FilVetREP Chairman Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba (Ret) said: “We will ensure that our national celebration of this historic achievement is one that treats our veterans with the utmost dignity and respect. We are, therefore, calling on all our supporters to make this important event happen. It’s for our veterans and they deserve to have a memorable event.” Taguba also notes that not all recipients of the medal may not be able to come to Washington due to their age and physical condition. Regional award ceremonies are being considered in the West Coast, Midwest and the South to accommodate veterans who are not able to travel to Washington.There are also plans for Filipino veterans residing in the Philippines to receive their bronze replicas in Manila. This will be handled by the Philippine Veterans Administration Office (PVAO) and Philippine Office of National Defense. It is essential that veterans and their families register as soon as possible to make sure they are included in the award ceremony. Applications and instructions for submission may be downloaded from FilVetREP’s website, www. filvetrep.org.

PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT DUTERTE MAY DECLARE MARTIAL LAW NATIONWIDE: Amid the current sufferings of the people in Marawi City, now deprived of their homes, livelihood and normal daily life, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, remains steadfast to defeat his ISIS enemies, which according to the latest news, are slowly losing out. Lately, with the backing from a Supreme Court decision last July 4 “which upholds his authority and discretion to proclaim martial law not only in Mindanao but nationwide” the president stands firmer in his plan. Which according to the news, “prompted critics to slam the ruling for not providing any safeguards to protect human rights and the fundamental freedom.”

While Filipinos, particularly those residing in Mindanao are in favor, still, a larger percentage are against particularly those who have lived under President Marcos’ Martial Law which lasted for two decades…at the sacrifices of great Filipino leaders like the late Benigno Aquino, Jr.

Once Pres. Duterte proclaims martial law nationwide and endorse it for an indefinite period of time, topmost on his agenda, Filipino political think-tanks say, is to handle the leftist rebel groups, the New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDPF). Which means, beefing up the current Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“The Philippine Constitution says martial law may be declared in the event of a rebellion, but for the Supreme Court, Duterte does not need to be sure that there is actual rebellion; he only needs to have probable cause to believe so,” says a reliable source.

Knights of Rizal celebrates National Hero’s Day and gives a Despedida Party for the Hon. Consul General Generoso Calonge, founding Commander of the KOR Maynilad Chapter

Last June 19th, the Central USA Knights of Rizal held a successful celebration of Rizal Day, in honor of the late Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, who was executed by the Spanish soldiers at the Luneta, in 1898. The celebration was highlighted with a simple but heartwarming “Despedida party for KOR Sir Consul Gen. Generoso Calonge, the founding Commander of the Maynilad Chapter, the latest KOR group which includes most of the staff of the Philippine Consulate. KOR ConGen Calonge has contributed a lot to the propagation of the Philippine National Hero’s ideals during his short stay in the area. He allowed KOR to use the consulate facility for forums related to studies about Dr Jose Rizal, in consistent with his several positive projects he had initiated which benefit our kababayans under his jurisdiction.

SAD NEWS FROM MAYWOOD BATAAN DAY ORGANIZATION: Mr. Steve Gibson, Director of the Maywood Bataan Day Organization (MBDO), is sharing with the Filipino American Commmunity, through Via Times, the passing away of the late Goran Anderson last June 9. He was 92 .

Mr. Gibson said: “Mr. Goran had been a director on the board of the MBDO for many years. “He was a faithful volunteer and a stickler for getting things done and done right. Goran was also a quiet guiding force on the board, speaking up when he felt passionate about a particular issue. He will surely be missed by friends and at the MBDO. God speed, Goran,” Mr. Gibson concluded. Capt. Richard McMahon is MBDO president, who never misses the Bataan Day in the Philippines.

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE (PIWC) 2017 headed by Lourdes Livas, despite minor inevitable hitches which could never be avoided, was considered a success! Guests exceeded the 500 reservation; some guests could not find their seats. The Coronation of the Beauty Queens went smoothly, and the dancing went through midnight. Please check our Cover Story in this issue. To all the PIWC officers, Congratulations! Your yearly volunteer services and personal expenses make you “the Unsung Heroes and Heroines” in our Fil-Am Community. Hats off to all of you!

RUBEN SALAZAR, co-Founder/Organizer of Pyesta Pinoy, is a MOSAIC Awardee: Estrella Alamar, founder of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC), wrote to this columnist: “ I am pleased to announce that our very own Ruben Salazar, is one of the 2017 MOSAIC Community Awardees last May 17, 2017, held at the National Hellenic Museum at the Chicago Cultural Alliance (CCA) annual dinner. Highlighting the award is a video of his commitment and leadership in the Filipino American community, shown at the award ceremony. Ruben is an alumni of the University of the Philippines. His civic duty includes trips to the Philippines for medical missions and relief efforts like after the Haiyan Typhoon. Through the annual “Pyesta Pinoy” which started at the Navy Pier, Ruben had brought the Filipino American Commnity into the mainstream as shown by thousands of people who flocked the annual Pyesta Pinoy, now being held in Bolingbrook.

Enjoy the remaining summer. Take vacations with your family or just with your best-half. Something I have been missing so much for the past 14 years since the Lord called my Dennis to “Come Home”. #

Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte: With the backing of the Philippine Supreme Court, he might declare Martial Law nationwide.

World War II veteran, Goran E. Anderson, 92, (seated), Maywood Bataan Day Organization (MBDO) Director, passed away last June 9, his grieving family announced. With him in photo (L-R) are Illinois National Guard Brigadier General Alicia Tate-Nadeau, Greg Anderson (son of Goran), American Legion National Executive Committee Member Wayne Wagner, MBDO VP Edwin H. Walker, IV (USMC), Goran Anderson (seated). Photo courtesy MBDO)

FILIPINO AMERICAN LIONS during their grand parade downtown Chicago, celebrating the 100th Year of Lionism, doing HUMANITARIAN SERVICE TO MANKIND around the world. In photo this columnist can identify are Neriza Pineda, Susan Francisco, Julie Chavez, and Dr. Manny Escalona, extreme right. Photo by Dr. M. Escalona.

Ruben Salazar, co-founder of the very popular “Pyesta Pinoy” which creates exposure of Philippine culture and foods to the mainstream, is one of MOSAIC awardees this year.

Last June 19, the Central USA Knights of Rizal, held a successful celebration of the birthday of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, and a despedida for Philippine Consul General Generoso D.G. Calonge, seated at the Center. My apology for the names of those in photo, all I can do is drop names — at back are Dr. Cleofe Casambre, Ed Brotonel, Romy Gumila, Willi Buhay, Ruben Salazar, KOR Eli Faypon, Dennis from Gov. Rauner’s office; seated from left are Edna Pavel, Jelly Carandang, Vel Guffey, Ella Basilio, KOR Anong Santos, Carmen Estacio of the Ladies of Rizal, Manang Thelma Fuentes, Cora Gumila, Sally Richmond at iba pa, etcetera…(ESN)

“Sayaw sa Payong” (Umbrella Dance) evoked nostalgic memories of our native Philippine Piyesta back home, when the above ladies — Neneth Miranda, Alicia Monk, Elsa Castillo and Prescy Jaravata swang their umbrellas at the PIWC Gala Night last June 17, at the Marriot O’Hare. Anita Rosa (center) is the choreogapher. (Rosie Reed photo)

Thanks to Dr. Manny Escalona, the retired Doc who has passion for photography, when he snapped this pretty picture of this columnist (Elsie Sy-Niebar), with a very long-time friend, Brenda Stevens, former PIWC chair and PIWC 2017 executive adviser. (Rosee Reid photo)

Dr. Nunilo Rubio and Dr. Elenita Rubio, were Hermano and Hermana Mayor at the recent Pyesta Pinoy in Bolingbrook attended by more than 7,000 people. “I felt nostalgic, reminded me when we were also Hermano and Hermana in Cavite City few years ago,” says Dr. Nits. “It is a great honor. Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar was very welcoming.”

Long-time friends — Notebook columnist Elsie, Fe Igna, Home Health developer, and Jean Paredes, R.N., PIWC chair of the FIL-AM Seniors’ Philippine Independence Day party held at the City of Chicago’s Levy Center. This year’s attendance came close to 300 seniors!

International Festival at my FAITH COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH in Chicago, last Sunday, July 9. Above the Young People host their AMERICAN FOOD table, with “Mom” Laila Villegas, first from left, followed by Abigail and Hannah Fernandez, Joel Villegas, Joey Aduana, Noelle Cruz, Arthur, and Regina Aduana.(ESN photo)

International Day Festival at Faith Community Presbyterian Church last July 9. Above Pastor John Chu and wife Rebecca, having fun with their Filipino American congregation. Elsie’s church.