Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*October is Philipine History Month in the United States
*Save the date: November 14! The 21st Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame
* Chicago Asian Health Coalition gets $625,000 grant from the White House Drug Policy for prevention of Youth substance use in Chicago
*Silliman University confers Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, to Julio O. Sy, Sr., a well-loved philanthropist, in Dumaguete City
*Pope Francis conquered the USA, ‘Land of the Free, Home of the Brave’
*PIWC 2015 chairperson Ellen Tan’s ‘appreciation gift’ to committee chairs unwelcomed by BOT; BOT suspends 2010 PIWC chair
Joy Manuel until she ‘clears the $6000 earmarked for donation in the Philippines’
*Mercy Matousek is 2016 PIWC Chair; Lourdes Livas is uncontested PIWC 2017!

To our Via Times readers: Let me share with you a very inspiring story of one humble person surnamed “Sy,” also my Chinese maiden name, although I am not related to him by blood. By ancestery? Maybe. However, I always felt a special affinity to him and his Sy Family for their kindness when I was a “floating rock in the ocean of needs…”

Dateline: Silliman University, Dumaguete City, August 26: “I have been waiting for more than 60 years to say this: ‘Papa, Mama, I finally have a degree from Silliman University. It’s not just any degree… it’s a doctorate degree!’”

Such was the heartwarming opening lines of the acceptance speech of Mr. Julio O. Sy, Sr., when Silliman University conferred him a Doctor of Humanities degree, honoris causa, during the celebration of SU 114th Founders’ Day. The sentiment expressed in those heartfelt lines brought tears to the eyes of some people in the audience, especially Dr. Julio Sy’s family and good friends who know him for life.

“Jules” as Dr. Sy is fondly called, is a well-loved business tycoon and philanthropist who started his gigantic business from scratch, so to speak. As a young man, he quit college at Silliman U to help his family get out of hard times. Julio Sy is the eldest of nine children of a financially-poor Chinese couple whose only gift to their children is their love. His parents taught them the value of humility and hard work, the subject of Jules in his acceptance speech. With happy tears in his eyes, Dr. Sy continued:

“I was 11 years old during the Japanese occupation. We were so poor we could not afford to buy rice. Eating rice puto meant the world to me. So I can have rice, I would wait along the sidewalks for cargo trucks loaded with rice to pass by. For sure, some rice grains dropped to the grounds from the jute bags. Patiently, I swept the dirt from the streets, then separated the grains and gave those to Mama for her to make my favorite rice puto.”

“I did not graduate from college. On my second year, my brother Susano and I have to stop due to a financial crisis. My father’s business got burned so we had to drop out of school to help our family, financially. My father was diabetic and very sickly. My sole focus then, was to give our family a comfortable and a secure future.”

Through hard work, Jules turned their family business from financial instability to prosperity by preserving the Word of Honor in all his dealings. More importantly, Dr. Sy who has gained the trust and respect of his employees have touched so many peoples’ lives through his philantropy. Most of Dr. Jules’ employees stay with them until they also have their own families. When I visited Bian Yek Trading in 2013, one of the cooks who worked with the Sys since 1965, was still there…now a father of college graduate children.

Still reflecting on his humble past, Dr. Julio Sy, Sr., continued: “Who would have imagined that my life would lead me to be in business — dealing with food commodities I hungered for as a child: rice, corn, sugar and vegetable oils? So, my advice to you is — no matter what circumstances you are born with, you should never stop dreaming. Entrepreneurship has been my calling. I have been blessed to use this talent to contribute to society and nation building.”

He cited three key-virtues which he said are his weapons which brought him success and excellence in the world of entrepreneurship: “Integrity, probably the biggest hallmark I have as a person. Success comes and goes; but integrity is forever. It means doing the right thing at all times like keeping your word and fulfilling your promises. Hard work. Success in life is no shortcuts. We must be willing to accept challenges and make extraordinary sacrifices to do great work. Find your calling in life and be passionate with your work.

The third is love and respect for people. Treat everyone with equal respect no matter what their status in life is. People have helped me when I was little. I have always tried to help without any conditions. They, in turn, have given back in so many ways — prayers, strength, and kindness to others.”

Dr. Sy added that in spite of the changes in today’s modern world, the values he holds most dearly which he has passed on to his children and grandchildren will never change. “Love is the greatest gift you can give to anyone. Life is not simple; it is a constant struggle, an unending adventure marked by failures and triumphs, all directed by the grace of God,” Dr. Sy concluded.

Sadly, Dr. Julio Sy’s Mama and Papa were long gone to see their eldest son receive his degree from Silliman U which he sacrificed to give the family financial stability and be able to share with others.

To my dear Brod Jules: Indeed, I am grateful to our God for knowing you and your family when I was in dire need during my student days at Silliman University. CONGRATULATIONS! More blessings of good health to you. Sincerely, Elsie Sy-Niebar

My huge “Thank You” Tonette Guatelara Geary, past president of the Silliman Alumni Chicago Chapter and my Sister-in-Christ at Faith Community Presbyterian Church, for bringing me copies of the program of Dr. Jules Sy’s conferral, saying, “I know you would love this, ‘Day.”Sure do, Sis. Thank you so much. (esn)

President Barack Obama welcomes the Pontiff, Pope Francis when he arrives in America. Now, what does President Obama whisper to the Holy Father, which put a naughty smile in the Pontiff’s face?

 

Seated front, is the HONOREE, DR. JULIO O. SY, Jr. after Silliman University conferred him with a Doctor of Humanities =, honoris causa, during SU’s Founders Day; next to Dr. Julio Sy is daughter and former Congresswoman Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, standing behind is Dr. Sy’s better-half, Mrs. Anesia Sy with Prof. Leonor M. Briones Standing at back from left : Dr. Epifania Anfone; Pia F. Sy; Julio D. Sy, Jr.; Bishop Julito Cortes ; Dr. Ben Malayang, president, Silliman University’ Judge Candelario Gonzalez, and Atty. Grace Sumalpong.

Seated, the honoree, Dr. Julio Sy, surrounded by his loving family, from left : Jeanne Sy Krebs; Mrs. Anesia Sy; Kyle S. Krebs; Tiff Uy and Lulu Lim.

 

Chicago Asian Health Coalition receives $625,000 from the White House Drug Policy for prevention of Youth substance use in Chicago

The Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) has announced 697 Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grants, totaling $86 million. The grants will provide local community coalitions funding to prevent youth substance use, including prescription drugs, marijuana, tobacco and alcohol. The Coalition for Asian Substance Abuse Prevention (CASAP) led by Chicago-based Asian Health Coalition is one of the grant recipients and will receive $625,000 over five years in DFC grant funds to involve and engage their local community to prevent substance use among youth.

The DFC Support Program, created by the Drug-Free Communities Act of 1997, is the Nation’s leading effort to mobilize communities to prevent youth substance use. Directed by the White House ONDCP, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the DFC Program provides grants to community coalitions to strengthen the infrastructure among local partners to create and sustain a reduction in local youth substance use. The DFC Program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five years to community coalitions that facilitate youth and adult participation at the community level in local youth drug use prevention efforts.

Recognizing that local problems need local solutions, CASAP has been in existence since 2007 with participation from multiple sectors of the community to implement a variety of environmental strategies to address local substance abuse issues among adolescent youth. Such strategies have included culturally tailored social norms marketing campaigns, youthled empowerment programs, working with local law enforcement on tobacco and alcohol compliance, and media advocacy.

“Our goal is to make Chicago a safe and healthy environment for our youth,” said Alia Ryan, Program Manager at the Asian Health Coalition. “Prevention is a powerful tool to counteract drug use in our community, and we will use this funding to help youth in Armour Square and Bridgeport make healthy choices about substance abuse.”

For more information about Coalition for Asian Substance Abuse Prevention, please visit www.casapil.com , and to learn more about the DFC Support Program, visit:http://www.whitehouse.gov/ond cp/Drug-Free-Communities- Support-Program For more information, please call: Edwin Chandrasekar, at (312) 372-7070, ext. 223. ***

Are you ready to meet the most outstanding HALL OF FAMERS 2015? Now on its 21st year, it is an Annual Gala Event cosponsored by the Chicago Philippine Reports TV and Via Times? Get ready with your stunning gowns and dancing shoes on November 14, 2015, at the Hyatt Hotel Regency, O’Hare Rosemont, Illinois. Twenty awardees will be honored! For more information, call our executive producer, Ms. Veronica Leighton, 773) 866-0811. ***

October is Philippine History Month in the United States celebrated by Filipino Americans all over the United States. The Philippine Consulate has been sending out several press releases, however, we can’t use them all due to late submission to fit VT’s press schedule. Here’s one which you can catch up: The Consulate General of the Philippines invites the Filipino- American community to an watch the film “My Life With A King” by Director Carlo Encisco Catu, the official entry of the Philippines to the 51st Chicago International Film Festival which will be shown at the AMC River East 21 theater, located at 322 E Illinois Street in Chicago. Dates and showtime are as follows: Monday, October 26 (Monday) 8:30 pm, and October 28 (Wednesday) 8:30 p.m.

My Life with a King is a Kapampangan indie film produced by the Holy Angel University (HAU) as part of its advocacy to preserve and promote local cultures and regional languages. It is a story of a Kapampangan youth, Jaypee, who does not know or want to speak Kapampangan, until he runs into a compelling but weird character known as the King of Kapampangan poets. You may view the trailer at www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqLra MyQ1Rs. To purchase tickets, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ticket s***

POPE FRANCIS conquered America and the American people: True to his Love to People, anywhere the Holy Father goes, everyone loved him. Pope Francis conquered the USA during his visit to “America, Home of the Free and Land of the Brave” he made emphasis on this patriotic quote. Talking slowly from his divine heart, Pope Francis sprinkled his adulation to America and the legislators with plea – for them to work together instead of making a great political division — to live up to America’s ideals. The Holy Father’s loud adulation “Land of the Free and Home of the Brave”was followed by a long, long applause from thousands of audience coming from all over the USA, from all races and religions.

Although I am not a Roman Catholic – I am Presbyterian Protestant by faith, I truly believe that Pope Francis is the Servant of the Lord for all Christians. He reaches out to everyone who loves our Lord Jesus. At the House of Congress, Pope Francis received several standing ovations although he made some legislators uncomfortable when he called for a more inclusive America, less polarization and to be more compassionate to the poor. . May God continue to bless Pope Francis as he works in bringing the Words and Love of God to all of us. And PEACE. Amen. ***

PIWC Board of Trustee (BOT) headed by Lina Jonson, suspended PIWC 2010 Chair Joy Manuel: At a recent post-PIWC 2015 Gala meeting, recently, I learned from Lina Jonson that Ms. Manuel is “on suspension until she clears the accountability of the $6000 check earmarked as a donation to a school in the Philippines.

In 2010, the school told BOT that it has not received the donation, hence, it had suspended its projects which depended on that donation. Until the suspension is lifted, she is banned to attend all BOT and PIWC meetings,” Lina explained.

While beating my deadline, a BOT member who requested anonymity, told me: “Upon approval of Joy’s suspension, she hurriedly handwrote a list of items where the $6000 were spent for. She made copies of her handwritten ‘expense report’ and gave each one of us a copy. Included in that handwritten list were: her airline roundtrip fares from Chicago to the Philippines and back; her cab fares in the Philippines; a $9 donation she said she gave to a church, etc. Joy’s expense-report left BOT owing her $33!”

After getting this “report,” I called up Lina. She told me, “yes, Joy Manuel, in connection with her suspension as BOT, had submitted some documents showing where the $6000 were used for. But, of course, we have to clarify all these.” Well, finally, after five years of holding the $6000 PIWC 2010 “bag”, nice to hear that Joy had finally come out of the shadows to clear her name. I don’t have her phone number, hence, I could not reach her to get her side of the story. She can call me for our next issue. She has my phone number.

“But… howcum she waited five years to do that?” blurted a Doubting Thomas, also a BOT member. “During my time, it took me less than a month to submit a clean PIWC financial report: expenses, net proceeds and donation recipients. It was published in Via Times.”

Well, different folks. Different strokes. Joy Manuel, as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), she said she is, knows what she’s doing. ***

More on the PIWC: Ellen Tan, outgoing PIWC 2015 executive chair, was in high spirits telling the post-gala PIWC meeting, about the $50 Gift Certificates she gave to every Committee Chair as her “Appreciation Gift” never done before. She thought her act of appreciation will be appreciated.

Nope! BOT Chair Lina Jonson told her, “it was not right or you have no right to use that money for gifts. It belongs to the BOT, as mandated by the by-laws. You knew this.” A somewhat heated discussion was blowing in the wind. Ellen got heated up, too, and yelled “I will resign from the BOT after this meeting.” She got confused and started shaking, her face and neck turning red. She was crying. I thought she would have a heart attack or would faint. I tried to let her drink water. Dr. Vio Jonson tried to calm her down, too. Later, Hurricane PIWC calmed down, too, leaving behind some debris of disappointments. Successfully, Mercy Matousek, the incoming PIWC 2016 Commanderin- Chief made a brief rundown of her programs and committee chairs. She got the nod.

Immediately following the “brief argument interlude,” Francis Mon, COMELEC Chair, proclaimed Lourdes Livas as the unopposed PIWC Chair 2017. Lourdes’ short “Thank you” fit the bill when she said, “we can agree to disagree and vice versa for the good of PIWC. I need all your support.”

I think Ms. Ellen Tan should be commended for her Token of Appreciation to all Committee chairs gifts’ nifty idea, a first-time nice gesture from a PIWC Chair in appreciating and thanking her hardworking committee chairs. Much better than the story of past chair Joy Manuel..##

One of the die-hard Filipino American Groups that continues to celebrate our History as Filipino Americans in America is the FILIPINO AMERICAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY or FANHS. Last October 10-11, the diehard officers many of whom came from other states, got together and celebrated the 11th Biennial Regional Confrence on the subject: “The Filiio Journey, from Colonization to Diaspora, with a special look at the Immigration Act of 1965, to commemorate its 50th Anniversary. The celebration was held at the Wyndham Glenview Suites featuring various speakers on different subjects related to our history in America. I belonged to the first batch of speakers from morning to noon. Speakers and officers in photo, starting from left, front: Almira A. Gilles, president, FANHS-MWC; Elenita Pilapil; writer, poet and FANHS Chapter auditor; Philippine Consul General Generoso Calonge who is the keynote speaker who also joined the Q & A session; Enerico Farinas, MD, “My Journey to US Citizenship”; and Elsie Sy-Niebar, Senior editor/Via TimesNewsmagazine, “Racism in Interracial Marriage.”SECOND ROW STANDING. from left: Angeles R. Carandang, Conference Program Coordinator;Virgilio Pilapil, MD; FANHS Founding President, Anita Brotonel, Auditor, Dr. Ramon and Marilyn Lopez, supporter, P. Emraida K> Kiram, FANHS Midwest Chapter President/co founder;Angeli Camara, Ed Brotonel, Abbey Eusebio . Back are: Dr. Mark Rice, “Photography and Politics in Colonial Philippines” prof. and chair of American Studies at John Fisher College in Rochester, NY and Victor Miller, fashion show designer “Modern Version of Phil native costume.”

PASS “Calendar Mom 2015” Lourdes Gamez (middle) poses with husband Victor and Notebook columnist Elsie Sy- Niebar during the “Kick off” last September held at Four Points at Sheraton O’Hare Hotel.( PASS is Pilipino American Social Services).

 

Lourdes Livas’many crowns of community leadership is another + 1: as 2017 PIWC overall Chair. In photo with her is Edwin Pineda, Lourdes’ new Dance Instructor, another prospective PIWC Chair soon (ESN photo).