Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*October 17, 2014 marks the Filipinos’ 427th Philippine Anniversary/History Month in the USA! * Learn about Filipinos Who Made History, known only to a handful *The Filipino American Council of Chicago, officially welcomes new Consul General Generoso CG Calonge *US Dept. of State now accepting (unpaid) Summer STUDENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM 2015, a great opportunity for students interested in government *Asian American Law Enforcement Association offers two scholarships for qualified Asian students *Thank God, for the successful 2nd fundraiser of Dennis’charity; welcomes new Consul General Calonge to Chicago; raffle winners named here *Another ‘poison letter’ focused on infidelity which can destroy families, is in circulation *’NO NEWS is ‘good news’ re PIWC 2014 proceeds…

As WE, FILIPINOS and FILIPINO AMERICANS celebrate our 427th PHILIPPINE HISTORY in AMERICA this coming October 17th, let me share with our Via Times readers some very impressive historical contributions which our Compatriots have made to Humanity and to America – which only a few of us know about… *** FILIPINO HISTORY MONTH IN AMERICA: THIS COMING OCTOBER 17, 2O14, WE, FILIPINOS IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA will celebrate our 427 Anniversary in the USA! Historically, on October 17, 1587, the first documented “Filipino” landed in the United States in Moro Bay, CA. (The Philippines became a Commonwealth to America in 1898.) In 1763, Filipino Seamen established a settlement in what is now known as Louisiana. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many Filipinos came to the US as pensionados (sponsored students) and non-sponsored students. And after the Asian Immigration Act of 1965, Filipinos came to the US in unlimited numbers, mainly as professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, engineers), but also as students, military service personnel, and domestic care workers. New York is now the state with the third largest population of Filipino Americans. The largest population of Filipino Americans is on the East Coast. Filipino Americans stand out as a thriving and prominent community among the great number of immigrants who have made the Empire State their home. *** CAPT. RONALD RAVELO, THE FIRST FILIPINO AMERICAN to become the COMMANDER OF USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN: For the first time in the history of the United States Navy, a Filipino American named Capt. Ronald Ravelo, became the commander of the USS Abraham Lincoln, reported Stars and Stripes, an independent military news portal. Capt. Ronald Ravelo is the son of a retired US Navy chief Ben Ravelo “who left the Philippines to serve in a country (the USA) whose language he did not even know” Capt. Ravelo as reported, expressed pride to lead about 2,500 service members, but humbly he said he really “do not feel like I’m any more special than any other officers.” Perhaps, to show to his service members that he is one of them, before he read his orders as the new commander, he snapped a “selfie” photo to the delight of the audience that included young sailors who can relate with the social media craze. **** FILIPINO ACHIEVERS IN HISTORY WE MUST BE VERY PROUD OF: The following Filipino achievements not known to us was a “blog” shared by Dr. Tom Bonzon from West Virginia. Before featuring this in my Notebook column for the benefit of our readers, I checked it with him and Dr. Bonzon said, yes, these are historic achievements of our Kababayans or Compatriots not known to many. So, whether we are celebrating Philippine History Month or not, this historical “archives” are indeed, worth sharing particularly to our young Filipino American generation in America. I also added on some historical vignettes I knew for some time. * In the Philippines, Filipinos were introduced to the English language in 1762 by the British invaders, and not by the Americans. (The British taught us the British English English.) What I’ve learned, too: The Philippines is the first Englishspeaking nation in Asia. And today, the third largest English-speaking in the world next to the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The Philippines is the first Christian (Roman Catholic brought by Spain in 1521) nation in Asia. • The USA bought the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam from Spain in 1898. • Los Angeles, California was co-founded in 1781 by a Filipino named Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, along with 43 Latinos from Mexico sent by the Spanish government. • A Filipino MD, Dr. Abelardo Aguilar co-discovered Ilosone medicine, (named after Iloilo City, his province) now called Erythromycin. • The one-chip video camera was first made by Marc Loinaz, a Filipino inventor from New Jersey. • Kiwi Danao, son of two Filipino physicians in Camara of Punahou School, Hawaii, scored over 700 on the verbal portion of the Standardized Achievement Test (SAT) before age 13! • Joyce Monteverde of California, a Filipino-American dancer, scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT (Standardized Achievement Test). • The fluorescent lamp discovered by Thomas Edison was thought of by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lamp we use today was invented by Agapito Flores • The Philippines is one of the Top Countries noted for her Beautiful Filipina Women. GLORIA DIAZ was the first “MISS UNIVERSE” voted in 1969, followed by Margie Moran in 1973. • Dr Eleanor “Connie” Concepcion Mariano, a Filipina doctor who was the youngest captain in the US Navy was U.S. President Bill Clinton’s former physician. • Founded in 1595 by Spaniards, the University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines is older than Harvard and is the oldest university in Asia. University of Santo Tomas in Manila, established in 1611, is Asia’s second oldest. • Philippines Herald war journalist Carlos P. Romulo was the first Asian and FILIPINO to be awarded America’s Pulitzer in 1941. He was the first Asian to become President of the United Nations.) • Philippine National Hero – Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal started reading and writing at age 2. As an adult, he spoke more than 20 languages, including Latin, Greek, German, French and Chinese. His last words when he was executed by the Spanish soldiers: “Consummatum est!” (“It is consumated!”. Last word of Jesus’ in His “Seven Last Words”) *We, FILIPINOS are as pliant as our Philippine bamboo. We sway among stormy “breeze” but never break. We are Survivors. Living in America and making it proves this. PASS THIS ON to your children particularly those who were born or were raised in America or other countries in the world. And to your non-Filipino friends and colleagues. My late (Caucasian) husband, Dennis John Niebar was a very good spokesman for me, his Filipina wife. At one time when his “group work proposal” entry at his Cook County office won first place in terms of “mechanics and presentation,” he proudly admitted to his boss by telling him “the truth is, my wife wrote our entry. She is a Filipino. And she is a journalist.” Let us be proud of our FILIPINO HERITAGE! MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT. GOD BLESS AMERICA and THE PHILIPPINES. OUR HOME SWEET HOMES! *** The U.S. Department of State invites students (US citizens) to apply to its 2015 (unpaid) Summer Student Internship Program Deadline to submit applications is October 17, 2014. This is a great opportunity for young men and women! The announcement says: “This program offers U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to participate in 10- week, unpaid internships that provide intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency. The unpaid internships are available at many of the over 270 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and other locations throughout the U.S. Participants gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in – and with – Foreign and Civil Service professionals who are at the forefront of America’s diplomatic efforts. As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to, among others: • Participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials; Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policy makers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives; • Help organize and support events, including international and/or multi-lateral meetings and conferences on critical global issues; Contribute to the management and administration of the Department of State and America’s foreign policy; and Engage directly with U.S. or foreign audiences to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society. You’ll not only have an experience of a lifetime, you may even earn educational credit.Visit http://careers.state.gov/intern/whichprogram- is-right-for-you for more information. Application forms can be found under Connect on the careers.state.gov website. *** The Asian American Law Enforcement Association (AALEA) will host its Annual Awards Banquet Dinner on October 18, 2014 at 6 pm at New Furama Restaurant 2828 S. Wentworth in Chicago (Chinatown). Donation is $55.00 per person, an 8- course meal, open bar, entertainment and dancing. Ronald Bongat VP, said: “AALEA will present two $500- scholarships to two Asian students winners from Illinois at the dinner. The scholarship is open to any Asian students in high school or college. Interested parties please call me ASAP at 773) 793-8672. If you have any questions or wish to attend, please call me. Thank you.” *** A “POISON LETTER” which can DESTROY FAMILIES and TRUE FRIENDSHIP: I really did not want to include this in my VT Notebook. However, as a “warning,” especially to some “social dancing friends,” I am reproducing some parts of the letter by omitting all NAMES to protect the identities of the victims or evil gossipers. (Lines enclosed in parenthesis are mine. Elsie.) Here’s the shortened “unedited- grammar” copy which might help victims identify the “author” and those being French Fried in the steaming gossip.: “ To—“ (a certain lady who,”years ago was one of the PIWC beauty queens” ) : “I’am one of your fan in dancing you know me. One day we came to VDance all of a sudden a Old lady seat with us, and asking me to join the (___Mom). I told her I have no time and I am only caregiver, you know what she said, look that girl that’s ___ (name of the addressee) ang pangit pangit niya, caregiver walang papel, halaga ( writer adds “h” to a Pilipino word which starts with “a”) ni ___, at Kabit ka daw ni ___ kayong dalawa ni ___ husband daw ni ___. Sabi ni ___ bakit ka daw pumatol sa PIWC. Mga (last names of couple) daw ay magnanakaw, sino ba yon. (skipped some lines)… ninanakaw daw ang pera sa __Dance, kapatid ni __; si __ at __ ay meron kinukwento sa sex video nila. __halam ko may asawa ka baka malaman ng asawa mo marami na raw pamilyang sinira si ___ (alleged source of the gossip)… sabi niya bakla daw si __ comprontahin mo si __ kaming walo haharapin namin siya… pati si ___ kung sino sino daw and Kabit pati mga tomboy pinapatulan niya. Si __ nagging landing field daw ni ____kapareho daw siya ni __, nakikpag-$%& sa DI niya, pati daw si ___. Si__ _ daw a kabit ni ___; si ___ ay ni-rape siya ng dating BF ni ___ at nag move sa ibang State. Si __ daw second hand nalang, si __ daw kabit ni Mr___. Next time record ko sa cellphone na hindi niya halam.” That’s all folks. The Bible says “Friends love forever.” Those are the Friends who have God in their lives… not Evil. Be wary especially about Friends who use and abuse your Friendship to satisfy their Greed. (Elsie). *** PIWC Beauty Queen Committee co-chairs Lourdes Livas and Leticia Freihaut asked me to inquire from Paul Angeles, PIWC 2014 Treasurer, as to “how much is the total revenue and proceeds after expenses — did PIWC 2014 make money?” They added: “The Gala was held close to four months already, but until now, we have not heard from the PIWC executive committee any reports about this. They have not also convened a postcelebration meeting. As co-chairs of the Beauty Queen Committee, we are excited to know about the result of our volunteer work,” the two ladies said on a serious tone. I emailed Paul Angeles, requesting him to give me just the TOTAL. He emailed back: “Anita Rosa had submitted a tentative report to the BOT (Board of Trustees”). So I emailed Lina Jonson, BOT president. Until now, my deadline, MUM is the Word from all PIWC Chiefs! “Gals! GOT NO ANSWER”, I told Lourdes and Leticia. But don’t give up. As a nonprofit, PIWC is required by law to show their balance sheet. Have patience.” To PIWC 2015 Executive Chair Mrs. Ellen Tan: Take it from here, Kaibigan. *** Fran Alayu Womack is gone… one by one, the ORIGINAL PILLARS (& family) of the Rizal Center — Home of the Filipino American Council of Chicago — are being called to their Eternal Rest. Speaking about the FACC, on its recent so-called Rizal Center’s 40th anniversary…What ANNIVERSARY? NADA about anniversary/history stuffs were on target — even just giving a page of their souvenir program to recognize the LEGACY of the Filipino Oldtimers’ Trailblazers like the Llapitans, Alayus, Aciertos, Gonzales, Urians, Gonzales, Gatan, Dumos, Someras, Saladinos, Fernandez, Santoses, Alis, DeLeons, Gatans, etc. In fact, for history’s sake, the Knights of Rizal Chicago Chapter was started by the late Dr. Romy Gatan and Mr. Frank Alayu (Fran Womack’s father) in Chicago, and made stronger by the late Dr. Phil Nayan and Mr. Bert Roque, but again — NADA mention. Why do we have to forget and discard history just like that? We can dig up some of our news clippings from Philippine News days to prove our point — when these so-called current Knights & Leaders were not even around and not lifting a finger to help our community. To Dr. Nitoy Crisostomo – – I salute you for accepting the FACC presidency. Unlike your medical practice where the cure is provided by pharmaceutical labs — you got to find the cure yourself for the FACC’s lingering illness and dilemma. You are on for a Looonng Haul, Doc. More on next issue. And thank you for inviting me. *** My huge thanks to all the Officers of the DENNIS JOHN NIEBAR MEMORIAL CHARITABLE FUND on the success of our second fundraiser last Sunday, August 24 (also my BIRTHDAY) at FOUR POINTS SHERATON O’HARE HOTEL. Our success was not about big revenues but making our guests enjoy our simple program. We were also blessed to have our new Philippine Consul General Generoso GC Calonge as Guest Speaker. The DJNMCF OFFICERS presented the CONGEN an Official “WELCOME TO CHICAGO, THE WINDY CITY” after he inducted us along with our Honorary Advisers, Drs. Nunilo and Elenita Rubio. Dr. Seb Kho and his wife Grace, were in the Philippines. ConGen Calonge (pronounced Calonghe) is a very down-to-earth and People-Person Diplomat. After my official welcome, I told him “In Chicago, you’ll never have a dull moment, ConGen.” RAFFLE WINNERS: 1ST prize, Asteria Bhandari, $250 donor, Brenda Stevens; 2nd prize, Joe Garza, $200, donor, Lourdes Livas; 3rd prize, Vicky Sanchez, $150, donor Leticia Freihaut; 4th (2) prizes, $50 each: Shirley Venturanza and Rhealee Fernandez, donors, Elsa Castillo and Evelyn Tolledo; 5th (2 prizes, $25 each: Amy Tee and David Belbis, donors Liza Soriano and Irma Miranda. Thank You to our generous Donors and to those who did not win.. Please see our Special two-page publicity in this VT issue. Huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Mission Project: a Van for Faith Community Presbyterian Church. We have a long way to go until we can afford a Van . We’ve only just begun. GOD

NEW COMMANDER. Captain Ronald Ravelo is the first Filipino- American to lead a carrier in the history of the United States Navy. Photos courtesy of AFP Photo/US Navy and NavSource.

Happy SEVENTY PLUS! Birthday to our VIATIMES Notebook columnist Elsie Sy-Niebar, shown above blowing TWO BIRTHDAY CAKES — BD Gifts from Tessa Comprado and Irma Miranda, shown above. Cheering her are the newly-inducted (by Consul General Generoso Calonge) officers of the Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Charitable Fund, held at Four Points Sheraton Hotel last Aug. 24th, Elsie’s birthday. From left are Leticia Freihaut, Veronica Fertig, Lourdes Livas, Vilma Molina, Elsie da Celebrant!; Tessa Comprado; Julia Chavez; Elsa Soriano and Irma Miranda. (Photo by Rosie Reed)

The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) hosted a Welcome Cocktail Party in honor of the new Philippine Consul General, the Hon. Generoso D.G. Calonge (above at the podium), last Wednesday, August 27, at the Dr. Jose Rizal Center, 1332 West Irving Park Road in Chicago. Dr. Juanito Crisostomo, Jr., new FACGC president, said “it is but proper for the FACGC to officially welcome the new ConGen so he can visit the historical ‘Filipino Home Away from Home’ like the Rizal Center — the Dream Community Center of the ‘Early Manongs and Manangs’ (Elders) in Chicago. This is an opportunity for ConGen Calonge to meet with some Fil-Am community leaders.” (photo by Manny Zambrano).

In photo are VP Thelma Bascos; Vice Consul Ricarte B. Abejuela III; Pres. Dr. J. Crisostomo, Jr., Leticia Freihaut, Consul Gen. Calonge, William “Dock” Walls, mayoral candidate; Elsie and Elba Torre. (Photo by Manny Zambrano)

FACGC President Dr. Juanito Crisostomo and VP Thelma Bascos, with honoree ConGen Generoso CG Calonge and “One of our Very Own We Should Know” Cook County Judge Israel Desierto. (Photo by Manny Zambrano, 773) 807-4048)

In photo with “Mrs. Philippines International” Rose Tibayan (3rd from left) who graced the RIZAL CENTEER reception are Pres. Crisostomo and a Letty Freihaut. (M. Zambrano photo)

Above are some of the Lions officers who attended the “Dancing with Lions and the Leader Dog” induction of the Chicago Filipino American Lions Club (CFALC), with Lion Ben Zoleta (2nd to the last at right) as president (2nd term). Shown above standing from left are : Region 3 Lion Chairlady Myrna Cordero, Lion Diane Hansen, Lion IPDG David Hansen, Lion Zone Chair Gail Anton, Lion Sue Zarada, Lion 1st Vice Governor Ralph Zarada, CFALC President Lion Ben Zoleta, Lion PDG Steve Anton

 

Speaking about “Who’s Who” among Filipino businesspersons in Chicago, we have Jaime Dejuras above, first Filipino who owns several Dunkin’ Donut Franchises today. In photo is William “Dock” Walls, Independent Chicago Mayoral candidate, seeking support from the Filipino Americans, and from our Philippine press like this columnist also in photo. (Photo by Manny Zambrano)