Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*Philippine ConGen. Calonge sends Philippine Independence Day Greetings!

*Uncle Sam’s voters have spoken: Hillary Clinton made history as the first female presidential candidate to square off with opponent billionaire Donald Trump, more popular for his “name calling” to women

*Some issues (maybe?) why Donald Trump is against illegal immigrants

*The Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Gala Night invites everyone to its Gala Night, Saturday, June 18, at the Hyatt Hotel

*Chicago Chinatown celebrates ‘World No Tobacco Day’ addressed to Youth

*The FACC ratifies new provisions in its Constitution. Membership open.

*Meet Mr. Mir, very amiable owner of NOK Persian Restaurants

Send press releases to elsyniebar@msn.com

At the June 7 Democratic primary, AMERICA’s voters have spoken: They want a Lady President! They made Secretary of State and former First Lady HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, shone triumphantly as the “Star” candidate for the Democratic Party come November! She got 2,203 delegates against her very close opponent, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders’ 1,828 delegates. Standing tall on his candidacy, Sen. Sanders challenged Hillary tooth-and-nail to the end, saying, “the race wasn’t over, yet.” Hillary Clinton will go down to history as the First Female Candidate for President, and who knows: The First Lady President of the United States of America! However, she has to face some of her “misconduct” — firstly, her usage of the US government CONFIDENAL EMAIL as though her own, which the FBI is now looking into.

How about Da Donald, who trumps with his EXPLETIVES unfit for a billionaire Gentleman like him? Could he get help from the “House Divided Republicans”? A personal friendly note from this Columnist to Mr. Trump: Some people believe you are NOT really a MEANY. That’s why many have voted for you. How about humbling yourself and be a Gentleman that you are? The mere fact that the majority have chosen you as their candidate for the next US PRESIDENT, shows that the AMERICAN PEOPLE are tired of TRADITONAL POLITICIANS.(esn)

GREETINGS FROM THE PHILIPPINE CONSUL GENERAL:

“I wish to convey my heartfelt greetings to our Kababayans, specially to the editors, writers and readers of the Via Times Newsmagazine, as we commemorate the 118th Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence. The Declaration of the Philippine Independence was a remarkable and significant moment in the history of our beloved country, demonstrating the bravery of our forebears to resist colonial oppression which gave birth to the first Republic in Asia. Once again, in celebration of this momentous occasion, we continue to honor — –their heroic struggle and reaffirm the values that have shaped our nation by making our contributions toward a stronger and progressive Philippines.

This year’s celebration is made more significant because of the continued practice of democracy in our country. Let us continue to build upon the gains we have collectively received as a people and as a nation, and maintain our unstinting support for our country and government. While we remain proud of our heritage and diversity, the Foundation set by our heroes, should inspire and move us forward in supporting our new set of leaders to champion the cause of peace, stability and national advancement. It is the true national unity that will succeed in establishing a future that is a fulfillment of the true potentials of our people.”

REASONS (maybe) WHY DONALD TRUMP IS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS: I picked up these information from an email, to share with our readers and to stir their rights of opinion: “WHAT YOU’LL GET IF YOU CROSS (the Borders) ILLEGALLY IN ANY OF THESE COUNTRIES:

The North Korean border, you get 12 years of hard labor.

The Iranian border, you will be detained indefinitely.

The Afghan border; you get shot.

The Saudi Arabian border, you will be jailed.

The Chinese border: you may never be heard of again.

The Venezuelan border: you will be branded a spy and your fate will be sealed.

The Cuban border: you will be thrown into a political prison to rot.”

“But… IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: a job, a driver’s license; Social Security card, welfare check, food stamps, credit cards, subsidized rent or a loan to buy a house, free education, free health care; Lobbyists in Washington, Billions of Dollars worth of public documents printed in your language the right to carry your country’s flag while you protest that you don’t get enough respect, and in many instances, you can vote. TIME TO WAKE UP AMERICA!!!”

———- News from the ASIAN HEALTH COALITION, 501c(3) organization, with a mission to improve the health and wellness of the Asian American community: Chinatown’s Coalition for Asian Substance Abuse Prevention (CASAP) celebrated World No Tobacco Day, last May 31, by recognizing tobacco retailers in Armour Square and Bridgeport, who passed the 2016 Reward and Reminder challenge, a project undertaken by CASAP, in conjunction with the Asian Health Coalition, Pui Tak Center, Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Police Department 9th District, and the Chicago Department of Public Health. It is designed to gauge if local retailers who sell tobacco products are adhering to laws regarding selling tobacco and e-cigarette products to underage customers.

A team of high school students, accompanied by adult mentors, visited shops around Chinatown that sell tobacco products. A high school student entered the store and asked to purchase cigarettes. If the retailer asked for ID and refused to sell to the student, the student would leave and return with an adult mentor. The mentor then explained to the retailer what they were doing, thanked them for adhering to the law, and gave them a certificate of thanks. If a retailer did not ask for ID, the student would “change their mind” and leave the store. The adult mentor would then enter the store, explain to the store clerk what had just happened, and remind them to check for ID’s in the future. “Of the 12 stores surveyed, 10 refused to sell to high school students, a testament of the responsible businesses in our community.

When our adult mentors recognized employees who were doing the right thing, there were lots of smiles and ‘high fives’ among store staff. “We’re all on the same team when it comes to protecting youth from tobacco,” said CASAP Project Coordinator Kevin Trieu. The two stores that attempted to sell tobacco to an underage shopper were informed of local regulations and received a packet of educational information to remind employees to sell tobacco responsibly.

“I really appreciate that the store clerk didn’t sell tobacco to me and checked my ID,” said Jennifer, a 16-year-old youth advocate from Pui Tak who participated as a ‘mystery shopper”. It really helps the community to make sure kids who live in the neighborhood never start smoking. I know it’s really hard to quit once you start. My Dad tried to quit smoking many times, but he hasn’t quit yet. Our family inhales his secondhand smoke.”

Starting next July 1, Chicago’s legal age to buy tobacco and alcohol will be raised to 21. New York, Boston, Cleveland, Kansas City and Evanston have already adopted Tobacco 21. The Illinois Senate recently passed Senate Bill 3011 to extend Tobacco 21 statewide, now being considered by the Illinois House. ___________

The FILIPINO AMERICAN COUNCIL OF CHICAGO (FACC ) Ratifies new provisions: Atty. Alfonso Bascos, former president and a mainstay legal adviser of the FACC, sent this press release: “Friends and supporters of FACC ratified the revisions to its constitution and adopted new provisions for by-laws, as follows: 1) The governing body is now called Board of Trustees, has 21 maximum membership; mandatory 7 are Young Professionals. The trustees — elected or appointed are prohibited to indicate party affiliation. The elected trustees will elect the chairman of the Board. The FACC is now accepting individual membership. Membership dues of $10 per members who will have a right to vote and run for the office of the trustee. For more information, contact Bobby Luna, administrator at 773- 524-9798.”

The current sad situation of the FILIPINO AMERICAN COUNCIL OF CHICAGO, a “dream Community Project” of the Early Manongs and Manangs” (Early Filipino Elders) in Chicago, considered as “ City Hall” of the Filipino American Community, is now in its pathetic state where productive leadership is nowhere to be found. People, including this columnist, feel bad and wonder how long will the FACC can remain standing without income and no word from the current officers. Last year, Jenita Julian, then, a very successful owner of NORTHWESTERN INSTITUTE specializing in Healthcare careers, moved her school to the FACC. She was very excited about her moving in – also with the intention to help the FACC, financially. In a matter of few months, Ms. Julian changed the physical image of the FACC and started her classes in the building.

I was so impressed when I visited the FACC’s “new image” inside. Alas! In a matter of months, seemed like Ms. Julian’s “Love affair” with the FACC ended before it begun. She was “evicted” someone told me, for “not paying rent.”But, of course, Ms. Julian has her reasons, too. Am waiting for her to tell me her side. Today, the FACC stands lonely. Well, I hope that these “New Provisions” would nudge the FACC back to life. To the Officers: I welcome your press releases. P.S. I was told that Dr. Juanito Crisostomo, the current FACC President, is “on leave due to medical problem.” God bless you, Dr. Cris. ————-

Meg Advento, PIWC corresponding secretary, is inviting everyone to the 21st anniversary of their organization called GUILINGGUILING INTERNATIONAL, INC. , named after the town of Siniloan, Laguna. Current president is Andy Castro. It will be held on July 16, at the Hyatt Hotel. For more information, please call Meg at 847) 429-0621 or Abbey Castro at 312) 833-9440. Proceeds will be donated to the town of Siniloan, specially for St. Peter and St. Paul Churches there.

The Philippine Independence Week Committee (PIWC) Gala Night invites everyone to its Gala Night, Saturday, June 18, at the Hyatt Hotel. The Executive Chair this year is Mercy Matousek.

GOD Bless the Philippines! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Mabuhay Kababayan!###

Above photo shows the officers of the PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE WEEK COMMITTEE (PIWC) who coordinated and performed the Cultural Show at the Daley Center, last June 10, following the Flag Raising Ceremony coordinated by the Philippine Consulate General Generoso Calonge. Names mentioned here are not necessarily following the above order: Brenda Stevens,Mercy Matousek, Lourdes Livas, Dely Villalon, Dr. Manny Escalona, Anita Rosa, Edwin and Neriza Pineda, Coordinators; Jet-Jet Gruezo, Jr. Roque, Yoly Zoleta, Steve Lemley, Lucky Joy Alexander, Maritess Wynkoop, Neneth Miranda, Elsa Castilo, Precy and Romy Jaravata, Jane Cannon, Sally Abuton, Bobby Sioson, Marilyn McLean, Nora Ratificar, Delfin Masangcay, Susan Francisco, Vicky Fertig, Sally Abuton, and Elsie Sy-Niebar, as Press. (photo by Edwin Pineda)

Philippine Consul General Generoso Calonge, joining the “community conversation” at the luncheon hosted by WLSTV CH 7, last May 17, to celebrate ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. So far, the only TV channel which recognizes and appreciates the contribution of Asian Americans as also shown by the racial mix of its television personalities.

(1) Some of WLSTV CH 7 most popular anchor persons, from left: Judy Hsu, Diana Palomar, vice president and head, community relations; Linda Yu, guest Mark Zoleta, a masscom
student, and Ravi Bachial; (2) . Mark Zoleta and Eric Horng, Ch 7 reporter.;(3) Notebook columnist Elsie Sy-Niebar, with WLSTV Ch 7 vice president on community affairs, and host of
the Asian American Heritage Month celebration. Diana is so welcoming!; (4) CONGRATULATIONS and GOD’s BLESSING to Drs. Manny and Remy Escalona on their 50th GOLDEN
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY, last May 28 at the Meridian Banquet, celebrated by their friends from all walks of life! More of this on the forthcoming Via Times NewsMag cover story.

Thanks, (1)Dely Villalon (2nd from left) past PMAC Auxiliary president, for inviting this Columnist to the Philippine Medical Asso. of Chicago (PMAC) and the Auxiliary’s Musicale Extravaganza, their own version of “Broadway.” In photo are Liza Vasich, Dely, Vel Guffey, and Notebook columnist, Elsie.; (2) PMAC LADIES from their “Gown to the Gang,” I called them “Gang Bangers” and they love it. In photo are only a few of them, Nora Tsai, MaryLyn Lopez, Mrs, Herrera, Salvy Marino & Bay Galvez. (ESN photo)

(1) Hawaiian Luau Happy Birthday to May Diamante, in the arms of her “Mahal”, Edwin. (esn); (2) Yes, folks. Meet Mr. Mir Naghavi, a very welcoming owner of three NOK RESTAURANTS, serving the best healthy Persian dishes. You got to try it to believe it! A very deep thinker, listening to him stirs up the mind to higher level of like Platonic philosophy. Visit his elegant restaurant at 4661 N. Kedzie in Chicago, tel. 773) 279- 9309; and one on 6075 N. Milwaukee Avenue, tel. (773) 647-1988. The restaurants are ideal places to hold meetings and midsize parties to enjoy “quaint” and healthy Persian foods. ; (3) “Building Spiritual Bridges” in churches is reaching out to fellow Christians, like inviting Guest Preachers from other churches, like what we do at Faith Community Presbyterian Church (FCPC). In photo are Rebecca Chu, wife of the Rev. John Chu, our FCPC pastor; guest preacher the Rev. Myoung Ho Yang and his wife, Ji Yeon Yoo. Rev. Yang is a professor of liturgical studies and sacred music at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, a part of the Chinese University in Hong Kong.(ESN)

(1) A Happy Birthday Luau to Francis “Kit” Hernandez’s 71st birthday last May 27, with wife, Tess, parents of two successful married children in the Philippines. (2) Jane and David Cannon’s birthday celebration on May 7, 2016 at Miraj Restaurant, Niles, IL. Front Row: Naomi & Kaoru Polintan (granddaughters), Second Row: Chingfin Santos (daughter), Jane, David, Cherie Polintan (daughter), Kenshin Polintan (grandson), Steve Cannon (David’s brother) and Janet Cannon (sister-in-law).