Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*EXPLETIVES, name-calling, mudslinging, explode on national television from the mouths of 2016 America’s presidential candidates!

*Donald Trump’s presidential slogan, “This Country will be great again’ was the very same slogan used by the late President Marcos during his winning re-election which led him to declare “Martial Law” on September 23, 1972

*Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, whose 54- year ‘Love Story’ with late husband President Ronald Reagan endeared America, passed away at age 94

*Dr. Jose Delfin came home to Olongapo City to help heal the sick but lost his life…

*The Philippine Medical Assoc. of Chicago (PMAC) invites you to its ‘Spring Extravaganza’ Fundraiser, April 3, for ‘Humanitarian Mission’ in the Philippines

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, whose devotion to her late husband, President Ronald Reagan had become a famous “Love Story” in the White House, died last Sunday, March 6, of congestive heart failure. She was 94. The late President Reagan served as “America’s First Gentleman” in the White House from Jan 20, 1981 to Jan. 20, 1989. On June 5, 2004, at age 93, he died from Alzheimer’s disease after suffering for almost a decade. America declares that “Nancy Reagan played a pivotal role in President Reagan’s political rise and presidency.” The First Lady will be buried next to her husband at his presidential library in Simi Valley, California.

As of press time, Tributes to Mrs. Reagan coming from people from all walks of life, especially political figures… President Barack Obama: “Our former First Lady (Nancy Reagan) redefined the role in her time. In her long goodbye to President Reagan, she became a voice on behalf of millions of families going through the depleting, aching reality of Alzheimer’s. She took on a new role as advocate on behalf of treatments that hold the potential and the promise to improve and save lives.”; Mitt Romney, the Republican presidential nominee in 2012; “With the passing of Nancy Reagan, we say a final goodbye to the days of Ronald Reagan. With charm, grace, and a passion for America, this couple reminded us of the greatness and the endurance of the American experiment.” Mrs. Barbara Bush, Mrs. Reagan’s successor as first lady: “She (Nancy) was totally devoted to President Reagan, and we take comfort that they will be reunited once more.”; Former President Bill Clinton described Mrs. Reagan’s strength of character, “as legendary, particularly when tested by the attempted assassination of the President, and throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s.”; Former President Jimmy Carter (Dem) who lost the 1980 election to Ronald Reagan, said that “Mrs. Reagan’s ‘Just Say No’ program prevented many young people from falling prey to the allure of drug use.”

Here are Tributes to Mrs. Nancy Reagan from current REPUBLICAN 2016 Presidential candidates:…Donald Trump: “ Mrs. Reagan, an amazing woman and the wife of a truly great President will be missed.” Ted Cruz: “ She will be remembered for her deep passion for this nation and love for her husband.” John Kasich called the Reagans’ marriage as “One of our nation’s great love stories and a model of shared-devotion to our country”. Marco Rubio : “Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was a true example of integrity and grace.” Sen. Charles Schumer (Dem) of New York, said: “You didn’t have to be a Reagan Republican to admire and respect Nancy Reagan… a tower of strength who had strong beliefs and was not afraid to chart her own course politically, including support for the Brady gun control law.” ***

DR. JOSE DELFIN WENT BACK HOME TO SAVE LIVES but LOST HIS OWN… As most of us know in Chicagoland, the Philippine Medical Association of Chicago (PMAC) and its Auxiliary, composed of their Ladies members– has been doing its annual medical mission in many parts of the Philippines. Every mission, the PMAC medical volunteers work very hard, day and night, amidst extreme lack of modern facilities, to serve the poor in many Philippines’ baryos or villages where the poor folks seldom or never see a medical doctor for their illnesses. By God’s loving grace, these folks survive on “home remedies” prepared by “quack doctors” many of whom could not even read or write.

Every year, after their medical mission, we often hear PMAC medical team members talking with compassion about their patients back home and the peoples’ heartfelt gratitude for their medical help. A medic known for his kindness and very happy disposition, DR. JOSE DELFIN, a surgeon and Family Practice physician, and his loving wife, Amy, a fashion designer, were two of those medical couples who joined the PMAC medical mission to Olongapo City and Abra, held from January 19 to 22, this year. At the end of their mission on Friday, Jan 22, medical mission participants and volunteers packed up to proceed to their personal destination. Some, including Amy Delfin, was in her hometown Abra where a medical mission was also held.

However, Drs. Nunilo and Elenita Rubio, and Dr. Delfin stayed for the night at the Subic Harbor Hotel. At around 2 a.m., the Rubios were awakened by a phone call from Dr. Delfin who asked his Compadre and Comadre (the Rubios) to come to his room because he could not breath. The Rubios rushed to Dr. Delfin’s room and found him suffering from lack of oxygen and shortness of breath. The Rubios called the ambulance and rushed Dr. Delfin to Olongapo Hospital where he was attended by several physicians, including Dr. Rubio.

Sadly, the compassionate medic who loved all his patients – and who came back to his hometown Olongapo to save the lives of the poor lost his own life at around 8:30 in the morning, that Saturday, Dr. Nunilo Rubio sadly told this writer. Dr. Nits Rubio, “Thank, God, the Rev. Father Cesar Pajarillo was present to give the extreme unction to Dr. Delfin.”

“He was a great loss, especially to his family he loved most,” Dr. Nunilo Rubio said. “He was our Compadre. A very jolly man, healthy, and always joking. True to his mission to heal, Compadre Joe died serving his people. He will surely be missed.”

The sad part was Dr. Delfin’s beloved wife, Amy, was in Abra when he passed away. Indeed, nobody can fathom Amy’s grief when Dr. Elenita Rubio, called to inform her about the unexpected tragic death of her beloved husband and father of their three adult children: Joseph Delfin, Aimee and Annalizza, and their beloved six grandchildren.

Dr. Nunilo and Dr. Elenita Rubio stayed with the Delfins starting from the hospital, for the oneday wake at a funeral, and to the cremation, with the help of other PMAC members who were left behind like PMAC President Dr. Gerry Guzman, Dr. Zita Yorro, Dr. Naty Bernardino and Nanette Montellano. “The love of people from Joe’s hometown was pouring in starting from his grieving family, grieving family of Amy, friends, politicians and members of society from all walks of life.

Olongapo Mayor Paulino and a Congressman came to the wake and brought with them wreaths,” Dr. Nits Rubio said.

The late Dr. Jose Delfin came to Chicago in 1970 to work at Grant Hospital, and later at the Roosevelt Hospital, St. Elizabeth Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, and others. He also owned a Family Clinic in Chicago. He served as Major of the United States Army Reserve. Excerpt from his Tribute to his Dad published in the PMAC Newsletter, edited by Dr. Cesar Reyes, Joseph B. Delfin, eldest son of the Delfins, wrote: “Dad loved his patients with a strong sense of compassion and endearing care. He had so many achievements but the best of all is his Family. He died doing God’s work, healing the poor in his hometown: Olongapo City. I love you Dad. We’ll meet again…”

To Amy Delfin: My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your beloved Joe. Share your sorrows to the Lord. He listens. Been there…

In honor of the late Jose Delfin, M.D., their beloved colleague, The Philippine Medical Association of Chicago (PMAC) will hold a Fundraising “2016 Spring Extavaganza” Luncheon on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 5000 W. 27th St., Alsip, Illinois, tel (708) 371-7300. Tickets/Donations are $60 for adults; $25 for children, between 2 to 12 years old. Children under two are free. “Proceeds will go to the PMAC Humanitarian Mission in the Philippines,” said Dr. Elenita Rubio, fundraising Chair.

As a Family-oriented event, a mass will be celebrated from 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 noon. The “Extravaganza Programme” follows, featuring “Grandchildren Showcase” and “Filipiniana Fashion Show” by the PMAC Ladies. Guests are requested to RSVP on or before March 20th, by calling any of the following cochairs: Gigi Guzman (630) 347- 8047; and Estela Cave (708) 422- 3716. The fundraiser is a joint-project of the PMAC; the Auxiliary to the PMAC; and the PMAC & Auxiliary Medical Foundation. *****

Name-calling, hittingbelow- the belt, expletives flowing from the mouths of America’s Presidential wannabes invade America’s national television these campaign days…AMERICA, indeed, is “the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.” We see it on national television: DONALD TRUMP curling his lips while hitting below the belt his opponents, both Republicans and Democrats, Women, Immigrants, name it. And all the rest from the GOP: MARK RUBIO, TED CRUZ, and JOHN KASICH, spitting back at the Donald!

Speaking about the two remaining DEMs — former First Lady and Secretary of State HILARY CLINTON and Senator BERNIE SANDERS, we see a FIERCE LADY Hilary Clinton in her rebuttals to Sanders. However, see that her FEISTY-ness are mostly Self-promo. I admire Sanders’ gentlemanly respect for Women, the way he rebuts Hilary, who holds-novein from her tongue!

Former President Bill Clinton, Hilary’s husband, never showed any rudeness or disrespect to his opponent during his campaign. During my political advocacy in the ‘80s, when Bill campaigned in Chicago, with several politically-involved Filipino Americans who supported Bill Clinton — like Rudy Urian (our leader), Maurice Mudlong, Met Castelo, Dr. Prisco Olaya, and a host of others who are now mostly retired (like this writer), we campaigned closely with former President Clinton. Hilary was with him. Never have we heard this Arkansas Gent spoke ill about his opponents, the way his Illinoisan Wife Hilary Clinton for President — spit out on national television today.

Have you watched the DEMS Hilary Clinton-Bernie Sanders debate in Flint, Michigan? Using Michigan, the seat of the auto industry as her subject, Hilary aggressively accused Sanders for “turning his back on the auto industry.” Sanders shot back telling Hilary that “your friends on Wall Street have destroyed this economy.” Showing no due respect for each other, Hilary and Sanders interrupted each other and talked to each other simultaneously.

Many times, Sanders begged Hilary’s interruptions, saying: “Excuse me, I’m talking” or “Let me finish, please.” On the other hand, the DEM’s debates were less hotter than the debates among the REPUBLICANS …throwing hot pebbles of personal attacks against each other, even laced with sexual innuendos. PLEASE GO OUT AND VOTE! Nevertheless, and… by the way… GOP Donald Trump’s campaign slogan “This Country or America will be great again” was the “winning slogan” used by the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos when he was running for President. HE WON! And made history as the first President of the Philippines to declare Martial Law last September 23, 1972!

FEB 18, THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO COMMEMORATES THE EDSA 1986 REVOLUTION

The Consulate’s 15th Pagkikita was “Reminiscing EDSA 1986” celebrating the historical “PEOPLE POWER”.

My reminiscences..Writing then as ELSIE O. SY before Martial Law, I was a Malacanang appointee as “Confidential Assistant/Writer “detailed” in Congress to Senator Lorenzo G. Teves, Chairman of the powerful Finance Committee. When Martial Law was declared, Congress was shut down and so were the media facilities. Later I was hired by the Dept of Public Information (DPI), the most powerful department under Martial rule headed by Kit Tatad. When newspapers were re-opened, except the Philippine Free Press, DPI hired me as a “Censor” for different publications. A job which is the Number One Nemesis of PRESS FREEDOM. I was not happy but I have my Mother, younger sisters and brothers to support. That job gave me the opportunity to be sent abroad — to London, Scotland, Asian countries as Publicity Officer for Philippine Cultural Programs participating in International cultural shows. (Best part of my job under Martial Law.)

When my immigrant application to the USA was approved in 1976, I left the Philippines and walked on a “different path” in Chicago, standing up for Philippine Freedom from Martial Law. As a writer for the well-read nationwide Weekly Philippine News (now defunct), based in California, my anti-Martial stories were published in the PN.

Our Via Times publisher, VERONICA LEIGHTON, then columnist for the Philippine News, was the “Gem” of the social life in Chicago as the pen-wielder of her very famous CHI-TOWN CHATTER column. Then, Philippine News was the highly-respected newspaper in Chicago or maybe elsewhere in America!

Due to our firm stand against Martial Law, the late Consul General Rodolfo Sanchez, who was Chicago’s ConGen for nearly more than a decade during the Martial Law Era, banned Veronica and me from setting foot at the Philippine Consulate General! To this day, I keep ConGen Sanchez’s official “Martial Law Love Letter” in my personal archives.

”Let us sing our Love to the Lord: our Fortress and our strength.” Psalm 59:16

One of the very happy times of the late President Ronald Reagan and his beloved wife of 54 loving years — First Lady Nancy Reagan who passed away on March 6, 2016.

Photo above may have been Dr. Jose Delfin’s last photo showing his love and joy saving the life of his Baby patient at their PMAC medical mission in his hometown, Olongapo City, last January 2-5. The good doctor died January 6 from a massive heart attack. Photo by Dr. Manny Escalona, PMAC officer and medical volunteer.

 

Known as a very happy MD who enjoyed dancing and Karaoke singing, here’s the late Dr. Joe Delfin swinging with fellow PMAC officer, Faye Mendiola, RN, on the dance floor after a hectic day serving their PMAC medical mission for hundreds of indigent patients in Olongapo City last January. Dr. Joe was called by the Lord to “Come Home” January 6, immediately after the end of their medical mission. (Photo by Manny Escalona, MD, officer and volunteer for the PMAC Medical Mission).

 

(1) Called to serve our Country as a US Navy, Bryan Bernardez (4th from left) celebrated his birthday last March 6 at Faith Community Presbyterian Church. Shown from left are his brothers DJ, Michael, their Mom Melissa, and Bryan. With the Bernardez Family is FCPC Pastor John Chu. The Bernardez lost their Dad, Lyndon Bernardez, 52, to cancer last year. (ESNphoto); (2) International Press Club of Chicago (IPCC) Diplomatic Reception last February 18, hosted by the Federal Republic of Germany in Chicago. In photo from left are Philippine Consul General Generoso G. Calonge; Wayne Toberman, IPCC President, and unidentified diplomat. The International Press Club of Chicago is one of the oldest media organization in Chicago. Membership is open to everyone. For information, please call this columnist, Elsie Sy-Niebar, IPCC Liason.; (3) From left, the Hon. Herbert Quelle, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Host of the Diplomatic Luncheon of the International Press Club of Chicago, with Wayne Toberman as the president. Others in photo from left are this columnist, Elsie Sy-Niebar, IPCC Liaison; Philippine Consul General Generoso G. Calonge; Consul Ricarte Abejuela and Liezel Alcantara, Visa and Cultural Officer. Speaking about the culture and the political situation of Germany, and to answer my question related to the escalating crime in Chicago and how Germany handles this problem, ConGen Quelle said they don’t have this kind of problem. (ESN (ESN)

 

Belated CONGRATULATIONS to NERIZA PINEDA on her 50th BIRTHDAY celebration last January 16, held at the Holiday Inn Express, shown above with her loving husband, Edwin. They have two children: Justin 24, and Nicole, 21.