Association History

HISTORY OF THE ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
 
CIRCA  1989.  Aware of the growing population of Filipinos in Illinois, a group from the province of Zamboanga del Norte which lies at the foot of the forested mountains on the northwestern tip of Mindanao Island, mulled out a plan to form an organization to unite all Zamboanga del Norteans in Illinois as nobody has the time to relate to them as individuals in the hurry and flurry of this newfound land.

On a family get-together and summer picnic at Schiller Park, Illinois in August of 1989 with Bishop Felix Zafra, Fr. King Fuerzas, and Fr. TQ Solis concelebrating the outdoor mass, the Association was created, And given the go signal to be the chairman and fill up the remaining slates was Ber "Nonoy" Refugio.

The first meeting was held at Ramie Calimotan's place. The following officers were chosen: Chairman - Ber "Nonoy" Refugio, 1st Vice-Chairman - Greg Trabanca, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Lydia Filipinas Rusiana, Secretary, - Soling Kwan Anderson, Asst. Secretary - Belinda Lunjas, Treasurer -  Girlie Arrieta,  Asst. Treasurer -  Esper Patangan,  Auditor - Ruding Bonjoc,  PRO -  Gilfred Cruz, Business Manager -  Eddie Artajo,  Asst. Business Manager -  Ramie Calimotan, Social Manager -  Nonoy Bajamunde, Asst. Social Manager - Fil Fertig,  Marshals: Art Fertig and Vincent Frias, Muse - Jiji Ames,  Entertainer - Evelyn Bonjoc.  The Board of Advisers were: Pastor Bajamunde, Dr.Juan Lasa, Dr. Leo Pepa, and Fr. Eutiquio Solis, Jr.

On December 6, 1989, all roads lead to the Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60613.  The officers were inducted into office by Atty. Alfonso Bascos ( former FACC President). 

Other venues for the meeting were over Esper Patangan's place, and the Rizal Center, The usual agenda was the Annual Summer Picnic and the Christmas Party.  Also, the perennial problems on the membership dues and how to collect them. Other than these, everything was in its proper course and route.

On December 23, 1990, the Honorable.  Dr. Jaime S. Bautista, the Philippine Consul General of Chicago gave the inspirational talk at the Second Christmas Party at the Rizal Center.  Dr. Leonardo Malalis introduced Consul General Bautista while Fr. Manuel Recera offered the invocation.  The theme - Progress Through Unity was effectively emphasized in the state of the association address of the incumbent president Nonoy Refugio.  Alfonso Culanculan made the closing remarks this time but on the first Christmas Party and Induction of Officers, the 
Dipolog City former Mayor Pastor Bajamunde dished out memorable closing remarks that epitomized his outstanding political days.  Greg Trabanca emceed these two significant occasions.

In the second year of the Association's existence, a newsletter was born.  It was published through the energetic and enthusiastic Secretary-turn Editor Soling Kwan Anderson with the guidance and advice of Greg Trabanca.  The newsletter was Christened ZEPHYR which means any soft, gentle wind or mild
breeze.  It was a name taken out of Zamboanga's azure skies and Illinois's soft gentle snow flurries.  And this was to be the vehicle of expression and conveyor of information for the Zamboanga del Norte Filipino - Americans. It was short-lived.

Our second annual Family Summer Picnic was celebrated on Schiller Park with lechon and homemade cooked menus.  The outdoor mass was solemnized by Fr. Leoncio Santiago in the morning and by Fr. TQ Solis in the afternoon. It was an enjoyable day, a respite from the hectic working chores.

The third summer picnic was held in the same place, Schiller Park. The holy sacrifice of the Mass was solemnized by Frs. Manuel Recera and Ricardo Recera. They are brothers. There were two succulent lechons and lots of restaurants and homemade foods. It was a notable and frolicsome summer picnic.

On June 28, 1992, the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois held its election of officers at Schiller Forest Preserve Park, Schiller Park, Illinois.  Elected and subsequently proclaimed by the Philippine  Consul Diosdado Orocio, Jr. were: Greg Trabanca - President,  Eddie Artajo - 1st Vice-President,  Lydia 
Filipinas Rusiana - 2nd Vice-President, Soling Kwan Anderson - Secretary, Girlie Arrieta - Treasurer,  Esper Patangan - Asst. Treasurer,  Rolliette Equia Aves - Auditor,  Ruding Bonjoc - Asst. Auditor,  Evelyn Reyes - PRO,  Angie Baytion - Assist PRO, Gilfred Cruz; Suerte Sienes, Social Manager; Ramie Calimotan, asst. Business Manager. and Remchile Sienes and Vincent Frias, marshals.  These officers will serve for two years after their induction.

The induction of the newly elected officers and Christmas-Family dinner was held at the Regency Inn, 5319 W. Diversey, on December 19, 1992. The affairs also coincide with the launching of the association's first fundraising venture dubbed Project TABANG OR HELP; to benefit the Zamboanga del Norte Emergency Hospital, Dipolog City, Philippines. Worthy of mention was the $170.00 donation to the tornado victims of Upper Disakan, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, and Siparok, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

The Association is now on its fifth term. The horizon is rosy. The officers are fraught with enthusiasm, new ideas, and noble projects. And the members are ever willing to help, to cooperate, to work.

(Greg Intas Caponong Trabanca)

HISTORY OF THE ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS
 
CIRCA  1989.  Aware of the growing population of Filipinos in Illinois, a group from the province of Zamboanga del Norte which lies at the foot of the forested mountains on the northwestern tip of Mindanao Island, mulled out a plan to form an organization to unite all Zamboanga del Norteans in Illinois as nobody
has the time to relate to them as individuals in the hurry and flurry of this newfound land.  In a family get-together and summer picnic at Schiller Park, Illinois on August of 1989 with Bishop Felix Zafra, Fr. King Fuerzas, and Fr. TQ Solis concelebrating the outdoor mass, the Association was created,  And given the go signal the chairmanship and fill up the remaining slates was Ber "Nonoy" Refugio.

The first meeting was held at Ramie Calimotan's place. The following were chosen: 1st Vice-Chairman - Greg Trabanca,  2nd Vice-Chairman - Lydia Filipinas Rusiana, Secretary- Soling Kwan Anderson, Asst. Secretary- Belinda Lunjas, Treasurer- Girlie Arrieta, Asst. Treasurer - Esper Patangan, Auditor - Ruding
Bonjoc, PRO - Gilfred Cruz, Business Manager - Eddie Artajo, Asst. Business Manager - Ramie Calimotan, Social Manager - Nonoy Bajamunde, Asst. Social Manager - Fil Fertig, Marshals -  Art Fertig and Vincent Frias, Muse - Jiji Ames, Entertainer - Evelyn Bonjoc.  The Board of Advisers were: Pastor Bajamunde, Dr.
Juan Lasa, Dr. Leo Pepa,  and Fr. Eutiquio Solis, Jr.

On December 6, 1989, all roads lead to Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60613.  The officers were inducted into office by Atty. Alfonso Bascos (former FACC President).

Other venues of the meeting were at the Esper Patangan's place and the Rizal Center. The usual agenda was the annual summer picnic and the Christmas party.  Also, the perennial problems on the membership dues and how to collect them.  However, everything was in its proper course and route. 

On December 23, 1990, the honorable Dr. Jaime S. Bautista, Philippine Consul General of Chicago gave the inspirational talk on the Second Christmas Party at the Rizal Center.  Dr. Leonardo Malalis introduced the honorable Consul General Bautista while Fr. Manuel Recera offered the invocation.  The theme -  Progress Through Unity was effectively emphasized in the state of the association address of the incumbent president,  Nonoy Refugio.  Alfonso Culanculan made the closing remarks this time but on the first Christmas Party and induction of officers, the Dipolog City former Mayor Pastor Bajamunde dished out the memorable closing remarks that epitomized his outstanding political days.  Greg Trabanca emceed these two historic occasions.

In the second year of the Association's existence, a newsletter was born.  It was printed through the energetic and enthusiastic secretary turned editor Soling Kwan Anderson with the guidance and advice of Greg Trabanca.  The newsletter was christened ZEPHYR which means any soft, gentle wind or mild breeze.  It was a name taken out of Zamboang's azure skies and Illinois's soft gentle snow flurries.  And this was to be the vehicle of expression and conveyor of information for the Zamboanga del Norte Filipino-Americans. It was short-lived.

Our second annual Family Summer picnic was celebrated on Schiller Park with the luscious Filipino favorite lechon and of course, the tasty homemade cooked menus.  The outdoor mass was officiated by Fr. Leoncio Santiago in the morning and by Fr. TQ Solis in the afternoon. The third summer picnic was held in the same place. This time the mass was solemnized by the two brother priests - Frs. Manuel and Ricardo Recera. Meanwhile, two succulent lechons ( the Filipino favorite) and lots of restaurants and homemade foods graced the picnic tables.

On June 28, 1992, the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois held its second election of officers at Schiller Forrest Preserve Park, Schiller Park, Illinois.  Elected and subsequently proclaimed by Philippine Consul Diosdado Orocio, Jr.  were:  Greg Trabanca, President,  Eddie Artajo, 1st Vice-President,  Lydia
Rusiana, 2nd Vice-President, Soling Kwan Anderson, Secretary, Girlie Arrieta, Treasurer; Esper Patangan, Asst. Treasurer; Rolliette Equia Aves, Auditor; Ruding Bonjoc, Asst. Auditor; Evelyn Reyes, PRO; Angie Baytion, Asst. PRO; Gilfred Cruz; Suerte Sienes, Social Manager; Ramie Calimotan, Asst. Business Manager and Remchile  Sienes, Vincent Frias, marshals.  These officers will serve a two-year term.

The induction of the second newly elected officers and Christmas-Family dinner was held at the Regency Inn, 5319 W. Diversey, December 19, 1992. The affairs also coincide with the launching of the association's first fundraising venture dubbed Project; TABANG or HELP to benefit the Zamboanga del Norte Emergency Hospital, Dipolog  City, Philippines. Worthy of mention was the $170.00 donation to the tornado victims of Upper Disakan, Manukan, Zamboanga del Norte, and Siparok, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte.

The Association is now on the fifth term. The horizon is rosy. The officers are fraught with enthusiasm, new ideas, and noble projects. And the members are ever willing to help, to cooperate, to work. (Greg In. Trabanca)

The Treasure

 About Christmas

It matters not the day of his birth
What matters is his arrival
To a sinful world with much mirth
From a Father's sole approval.

On this earth, our souls truly mattered

That He came to die and to save
And His seven last words shattered
The humanity that He could save.

A humble birth in the stable
Convinced the Magi to follow the star
This Bread of Life of the people

But the Eucharist seems very far.

Let not despair overwhelm you

As He is always in our midst

Let not the pandemic scare you

Your unfailing faith is a gift.

Life is a Challenge

 Tribute to a True Leader

Man with a vision. Man of Peace,

Of law and order; hates corruption.
Smasher of the communist.
Leadership is hard to impugn.

He has the courage, the charisma;

His lips are mightier than his pen.

His sharp eyes saw the country's vista;

Not war but "peace and goodwill to men".

A question of a human right!
And was he stepping out of bound
 If he paints the dark color bright
As rebellion is all around?

He surrounds himself with bright guys
So his mission is realized.
But not all things they say he buys
As some needed to be revised.

He loves his beloved islands
And the people he cherished much
Of diverse creed he understands
For unity, he has to watch.

He has to fulfill his promise
To terminate the drug problem
He must genuinely  be wise,
And must be true to the emblem.

He activated what he learned.
From school, street, and meandering
Were vital and of great concerned
To his country and of his bearing.

And he saw the panorama
Of the islands in a shambles
Must act nimbly as in a drama
To stop in urgency: the troubles.

He then tried an experiment
And was amazed by what he did
Of a change in the government
That honest people have to lead.

We are employees, he did say
Must follow the law and order
And not to our dire dismay
But our best sans hubris to render.

This true leader has now to confess
Those promises were almost fulfilled. 
Less corruption, more peace, and progress
Fewer drugs, more on his "build, build, build."

And as construction continuous

It went along without a sound.

To the media, it's not good news;

To dear country it is profound.

Now the people's eyes are open

Five decades are more than enough

Armed struggles are really insane

Fighting among fellowmen is tough.

CPP, NPA, NDF! 

Your cadre now descends to say:

The wind of change had torn open a rift

In the clouds and it's time to pray.

Back to the fold; to family.

Back to work for progress and peace.

For country and of unity;

For these uncertainties to cease.

Note: The Philippines - " Perla del Mar de Oriente; Nuestro Perdido Eden ( Jose' P. Rizal) " ( Pearl of the Orient Sea, our lost Eden)  is now the Perla del Mar de Oriente; Nuestro Encontro Eden)- a found Eden due to its destined true leader, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, whom powerful and progressive countries loved but hated by some of his countrymen.

Addendum: 2020 is a good year as it's good for human eyes. And it's good news for the Philippines as the New Year approaches. Filipinos observe the traditional nine-day (that begins on Dec. 16) Simbang Gabi (Night Mass /Dawn Mass, Misa de Aguinaldo/Mass of the Gift) to the eve of Christmas all throughout the corner of the world where Filipino  Catholics are found. Remember- "there can be no Eucharist without Christ's Priesthood, just as there can be no Priesthood without the Eucharist."

 It's also a joy to the Philippines as the wind of change swift the lairs of the communist party where some of their top leaders scampered for safety to the welcoming embrace of President Duterte's Malacan'ang Palace. (Greg In Trabanca)

Poem

 Of Memories

Lost in the wilderness of dreams,

Noises muffled by what May gives

Gliding serenely by the streams

Waking up with a heart that lives.

Lost in the Valley of Childhood;

Wallowing in the scheme of things

Of ideas that are fine and good

Whatever as long as it clings.

  

Forest, river, sea, sky, the land

Were created for us to use.

For all of us, over anyone

As long as we dare not abuse.

At this time I have to gather

That most cherished long lost moment;

That riveted on the weather

And permeated the firmament.

Faith, hope, and the power of love;

That man direly needs to be sure, 

Mary's help may soar up above

Eternally with the Author.

(Greg Intas Alcala Caponong Trabanca)

Beautiful Morning

We Must Strike Back

How beautiful is the morning 

When life's moments are all that matter

And the songs that we are singing

Are like the air and the water.

That we are lacking with gladness

As we think of our dear Mother-

The Church that is fraught with sadness

Let us then pray all together.

And passionate prayer we must do

As they try to wreck this ageless Rock

We must be alert and on the go

With faith, hope, and love we must strike back.

Song of Summer

The Wonder of Summer 

Unforgettable is summer.
It is the story of one's life.
Those many summers that offer
Discontentment is out of sight.

Summer is the time to enjoy

And experience a sense of freedom

 To open doors and not to destroy

Or follow the beat of the drum.

And we wondered what happened then

To the summers that just vanished.

In the pale horizon and when

They surfaced, they were the ones we missed.

Then the summer after high school

On an island of blue water

To work with the hand as a tool:

Love, courage, patience: to muster.
 

Work was fun and the girls were sweet.

We were young and the world was fine.

People were awake on their  feet

And grateful for the sun to shine.

 

One lovely summer by the sea

 Driving the Pilot's swift tugboat

 An idea: that one could be

As long as one remains afloat.

The wonder and smell of summer,

Provide balm to an aching heart.

And its beauty stays forever

As long as faith doesn't depart.

Oh how lovely is the summer

Of one's dear life when at long last

Graduation is around the corner

And honestly, "the die is cast."

Summer to Remember

The Long Hot Summer

Soon, my dear, it is September

And welcome to the falling leaves.

Goodbye to the long hot summer;

Orchids to the great mighty braves,

Who are the warriors of the Rock:

One, apostolic and holy.

For this, they are ready to block

Those invaders prayerfully.

They try to take hold of the Church

But they forget the blessed dome.

Failure is the mark of their search

Because the Church is now at home.

"What lies behind us and what lies before 

are small matters compared to what lies between us." 

(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Love and Life

The Anniversary Song

Love has its beauty and splendor
Delicately woven with joy.
Her absence no one can ignore
And even Time cannot destroy.

Yes, joy for all the luck of life
That she is with me forever
And no tears nor sorrow can wipe
Away from love's undying ember.

Joy deeply planted in my heart
Is nourished by the memories
That was built from the very start
And were beyond our reveries.

And the fires of faith keep on burning
That we will meet again someday
Because our love is always yearning
For a lovely anniversary.

(05/26/20) The vow was on the 29th of May. And the memory perenially blooms in the garden of life and love and the living goes on. Evangeline is gone but not forgotten, thus these inspiring words water the garden. (Greg In. Trabanca)

" The most difficult thing - but an essential one - is to love life, to love it even while one suffers, because life is all. Life is God, and to love life means to love God." (Leo Tolstoy - War and Peace)

A Dedication To A Brother and a Friend

To a Brother and a Friend, a Dedication.

His day is done and there's darkness
Though the nurse's light is not out.
He is gone but not our fondness;
You dare ask what's this all about?

From the place of a tranquil town
Comes this lad with honest intention;
Admire the beauty and the sound
In his heart grows a pure ambition.

A feeling of joy and longing
Of the earth to the pouring rain;
On himself, he keeps on humming
The known ballad of his terrain.

The night shall be fraught with music
That dear life is sweet and sublime
And we comfort ourselves to seek
Through the nook and corner of Time.

And in the corridors of Life
We picture him with his gavel
As he listens to human strife;
His judgment for good from evil.

Such right gesture, a semblance of might;
The correct statement of the hour.
He ponders sans doubt what is right
Using his God-given power.

And through this vignette and story
The picture and great thoughts suggest
That oblivion cannot steal away
The sad day he was laid to rest.

(Note) This poem is a nostalgic reminiscence of a brother-in-law and a friend, a former municipal judge, Alejandro T. "Boy" Canda, who first saw the light of day in his hometown of Loay, Bohol but over three scores years later lost that glow along the way, from Dipolog City to Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, the 17th day of January 2020. However, a glow glimmered when a smart and beautiful daughter hurdled the bar examination just recently presumably following the father's footsteps.

"Boy", Canda is a typical guy from the Visayan island, noted for graduates of men of the robe - Bohol.  He studied to become a lawyer and along the way was captivated by the beauty and charm of a nurse, Lucila  Rueles Caermare of Labason, Zamboanga del Norte that eventually became his wife. He is amiable, unassuming, down-to-earth, and dedicated. When he passed the bar, he worked for a while as a lawyer and later was promoted to municipal judge of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte until his retirement.

There's a favorite hometown ballad that when a maiden seeks a marriage partner she should search no further but a Boholano. And that search undoubtedly should end with Brod "Boy", of the Baby Boomers generation, who is friendly, likes to play tennis, and loves his family.                                                                                         
A billionaire once said, "...so, I hope you understand that when you have friends or someone to talk to - this is happiness."

And somebody opined, " He is a brother who is always in our hearts."

But a learned Saint, St. Francis of Assisi prayed, "...O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we received, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is only in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."

Brod "Boy", we are sad that you've left us but we are consoled that you are in His eternal presence. May the perpetual light shine upon you. Rest in peace, Alejandro T. "Boy" Canda, a brother-in-law, and a friend!

By: Greg Intas Caponong Alcala Trabanca

A Tribute To Benjamin Santos,Sr. , A Friend and A Godfather

A Tribute to Benjamin Santos, Sr., A Friend, and a Godfather.

Dear friends on our stay as members
Our journey is only a dream
For we are dead in our slumbers
But we are alive as a team.

At North Francisco, we all met
Nurses, dentists, lawyers, priest
The North, West, South without retreat
And we are one. That we insist.

We work in joy and in sorrow
To fulfill each one's destiny
And to write our own tomorrow
Whatever will be, it will be.

Time is fleeting not our yearning
We are in the land of the brave
And alive our hearts are beating
We pray for a friend on his grave.

Lives of those who left remind us
That Life is precious and sublime
That we must depart not to rush
Leave footmarks on the road of Time.

Let us, then,  be firm in praying
In our hearts with love not hate
Still hoping and still believing
That this is our cherished Fate.

(N.B.)  This poem is a glimpse of our mid-seventies arrival as immigrants in the United States for a greener pasture and a breath of fresh air from the ashes of Martial Law. We landed on North Francisco Avenue near the Norwegian-American Hospital and the Humboldt Park area which is between North Avenue to the North and Chicago Street to the South. This was memorable and remarkable as nurses, dentists, doctors, accountants, teachers, lawyers, and engineers huddled together in the coldness of the Windy City to form a bond of friendship and a compact of professionalism sans hubris in a newfound frontier.  These immigrants were the true daring Filipinos of The Silent Generation and the Baby Boomers coming from the North of the largest island of Luzon, the West of the Visayan islands, and the South of the second largest island called Mindanao. These professionals were from a sovereign country of more than 7,000 islands, the Pearl of the Orient Sea better known as the Philippines named after King Philipp of Spain. Spain colonized the Philippines for more than 300 years, brought the Catholic religion, built churches, cathedrals, and parochial religious schools; while America stayed for over 50 years with its Torch of Education, the Protestant religion, and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

Our beloved friend Benjamin Santos, Sr. who is a godfather to my eldest son. is a lawyer and a Fiscal of Cotabato. However, he is from Zamboanga City, a Zamboanga A.E. College law graduate but practiced his law profession in Cotabato where his brother, a Zamboanga Normal College graduate occupied a prominent position in the public schools. In the twist of circumstance, he found a Florence Nightingale, a practicing nurse, and a graduate of the Philippine General Hospital School of Nursing in Manila, who eventually became his best half. Pare' Ben is a man with a good heart and helping hands. He had helped us several times when my car broke down and when somebody attempted to rob me as I approached to park in my garage, he sent his guys to my succor.

And his family is a lighthouse in times of distress.

Pare' Ben, rest in peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you!

( By: Greg Intas Caponong Alcala Trabanca)

The Time of Our Life

Nostalgic Past

The sure coming of four scores years
Of rural lovely memories
Didn't bother me to drop  some tears
Or dare to think of more worries,

Twenty nineteen is now ending;

This creeps into my little mind, 

Boyhood memories come rushing

The plan must now be realigned.

Those were the times when days were long

When the brooks sang and the flowers smiled

Joyfully we hummed and jogged along

On this journey of a glorious ride.

They were all friends the  people we met

Exchanging stories and glad we did

We plowed the field and watched the sunset

We worked, we played and we studied.

Simbang Gabi Note 1

2019 

'Twas a good year, the best of years

'Twas the month of the Simbang Gabi

A nine-day novena that gears

To the birth of the Most Holy. 

For a delightful mortal life

The fulfillment of the nine-day

Prayer for peace and out of strife

For this is what Christmas can say.

For me, it was this: I was able to finish the 9-day attendance of the 5:30 A.M. Simbang Gabi/Misa de Gallo and also celebrated my birthday on two venues without really trying. Picture 2 B-Day celebrations in one day! Luck of your life! One at 5:30 am at Transfiguration Church 'til 7:30 am. The other at 7:00 pm at St. Henry Church with Fr Jose' Baptista, the celebrant of the Holy Eucharist.

Memorable Birthday Sans Really Trying (12/19/19)

December 19, a Wonderful Day 

Four score years in the annals of the history of a man's life is a feat or a faux pas (foh pah).

This is the story of a man who celebrated a natal day party without trying. 

He has never held a birthday anniversary party in his life but just like the shadow it just follows wherever and whenever his day of birth arrives. It sounds unusual and it is true because of the strategic date in the calendar in the zodiac sign of Saggitarius which falls in December when many occasions are observed. Is it then his fault when the circumstance is favorable to his court?

 It is especially on this month that the mystery of "the Bread of Life and the Chalice of Salvation" comes into full credence of its very essence and veracity in the tapestry of his spiritual life.

Such is the fate of this man, a treasure of dirt, so to speak. 

He was born barely after the Great Depression. He witnessed his native land under the era of colonialism struggling to be free. No appropriate word can fully describe the journey of this son of the Creator who nourished and shielded him from an onslaught of the vicissitude of time.

Simbang Gabi Note 2

12/16/2020. This year's Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Catholic Christian tradition was memorable in the annals of Simbang Gabi history as it was streamed globally with modern technology. It was observed at the Vatican with Pope Francis.

Simbang Gabi, is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother that culminates in Christmas eve . This tradition was observed after Spain's conquest of the Philippines who brought with them missionaries whose primary objective was to catechize and evangelize the population.

Simbang Gabi evolves from "Misa de Gallo" pre-dawn mass to accommodate the native Filipinos who were mostly farmers and fishermen.  And also, "Misa de Aguinaldo", Mass of the Gift (gift of incarnation).

In Illinois, particularly in Chicago, the Transfiguration Church observed a nine-day pre-dawn (5:30 AM) Simbang Gabi mass and St. Henry, a nine-night ( 7:00 PM) Simbang Gabi.

The theme of this year's Simbang Gabi is- Jesus: still, the Word that we proclaim.

On the homily of Bishop Blase at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, I was reminded of the book written by an Australian-born catholic author and speaker, Matthew Kelley whom I met and witnessed physically in one of his lectures. His book entitled, The Shepherd is a story about a man who has found the happiness that our hungry hearts desire. His simple and peaceful spirit provides a vision of happiness that is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom but may just be that can rescue us all.

It is a modern parable about our search for happiness, that the human heart is on a quest for happiness. As individuals, we are all so unique and different, but we are bound together by our common yearning for happiness.

The Adventure of a Kid

The Charm of a Town Kid

Everything has a reason for our historical perspective.  And when you were young you were fearless. You didn't think of consequences. What you did was never premeditated. You jumped on teeming opportunities and grabbed chances. Nothing barred your way. At this stage in time, all things were possible.  And your confidence is unquestionably tremendous. 

You were young, restless, courageous, fearless, and rebellious. You have no plans but you only relied on His guidance from what you've picked up along the barely trodden path from Mother nature, home, and the solid-rock Catholic education of the sectarian and religious clergies. Your feet itched for adventure, for exploration as you were borne from a town but found a rural village pregnant with fascinations, bucolic beauty, and mystery; with its tailor birds, orioles, hawks, and wild pigeons. On its ricefield were a swarm of happy mayas (ricebirds), busy herons/egrets, and the slow-moving carabaos (water buffalos) wallowing in the mud devoid of chemicals. On its mountain and forest, deers gleefully played, wild pigs tirelessly roamed for food, the woodpeckers/ hornbills undisturbed on their lairs, and the wild pigeons fluttered in wild abandon while the snakes slithered unmolested.

Your junior year in high school ended at the town as your life seemed bleak and weary but your horizon was colorful when you feasted your eyes from Labason beach to the not-so-far-away Bayangan/Murcielagos island. You boarded a slow boat with your mother to the Ciudad Hermosa (Zamboanga City) where the dialect was broken Spanish called Chavacano. There you met a doctor at Zamboanga General Hospital, who offered you a place to stay and to continue your senior year as ambition was always dogging you. Sure enough, you matriculated in the last night high school at a renowned and all-boys Jesuit school, the Ateneo de Zamboanga. You were the youngest as your classmates were already family men and employed but cannot be given promotions on their jobs as they lack a high school diploma. You were the small kid but a big man when you graduated yet you only garnered the silver, not the gold award because of your lack of academic residency as a transferee.

By the way, the city added a fascinating feature in the chapter of your book and a treasure to reckon with that will pave the way to more exciting sequels. These episodes would eventually be notched in Greg's Notes and Footprints.
                       

Of Love, Light and Life

Life is a Poem

This time many things are coming
Cell phones, e-mails, YouTube, Facebook,
Twitter, texting, and messaging
The world is sporting a new look

Driving is fun with GPS.
It's modern times and living past
It's fast food and takes out the stress
We just hope it will never last

However, let's not put aside
The wisdom that we have received
From the chapter on the great ride
Of that Presence that we believed.

We were fondly borne out of Love.
It's the greatest word of all time.

A message carried by a dove

From the top that is hard to climb.

The Blessed Mother

The Lady of All Time

In the "sink and swim" time of today, there is a battle raging between the powers of good and evil.  And, to gain control of its supremacy the power of evil is trying to gain a foothold upon the Church that was built on a rock, the Catholic Church that has the Eucharist and the Blessed Mary. We have seen and heard of the Christian religion or maybe "cult" or are Christians (they believe in Christ) but not in Mary, the Immaculate Mother of  Jesus.

There are questions about the Blessed Virgin Mary. Why she does have many faces and names? There is Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Piat, Our Lady of the Pillar, Our Mother of Perpetual Help, etc... Good question! By the way how many people are you if you are a wife, a mother, a provider, an adviser? As a wife, you are a mother to your children. As a mother, you are a protector against harm's ways as you refuged them for nine months.  As a provider to your children, you are Mama. As the provider, you are a pillar of strength because you nourish them for their growth and development. As an adviser, you direct them to the path of righteousness as you sheltered them in the womb for 9 months. To your friends, you are whatever you are known to them, To your company you are, mom, madam. You are the same here but different people, addressing different needs.

The same thing applies to Our Lady, The Blessed Virgin Mary. She has many titles, and many faces but the same sweet, beautiful Lady who caters to our special needs. As a mother, she is a perpetual help, as a friend, she is understanding and ever ready for our succor. an intercessor, a trusting confidante. And she is always available. She is the best friend of Jesus who at the wedding feast at Cana, motherly told the wine servers to do as "He tells you."

Do you love Mama Mary? If so, say the Hail Mary!

"Be still and see that I am God" Ps 46:10

Pray, Love, And Live

Prayer is effectively said

In the stillness of your moment.

It is in silence that we laid

The fullness of life's great event.

Through the scintilla of our score

We fathom the trickle of truth

Penetrating our inner core

As clear as the days of our youth.

Let us live to understand life

And that we have all the options
To ask even as sharp as a knife

That sears our inner emotions. 

Pray, love, and live the experience

The beauty of simplicity

The greatness of the Omnipotence

The source of spiritual energy.

The Living Past

The Independence of the Philippines

"All that is necessary for evil to prosper is that good people do nothing."

We have seen and experienced the political maneuverings of the 2-party systems  (Liberal and Nacionalista) in the democracy of the Philippines that saw its independence with the guidance of the United States on July 4,1946. And fittingly, every 4th of July, Independence Day is pompously observed at the plaza Luneta in Manila, where the seat of the government is and where the president lives -  the Malacanang Palace. On May 12, 1962,  President Diosdado Macapagal of the Liberal Party moved the commemoration of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. Despite the accusation of politicizing the holiday by many people, which is normal in a democracy, Macapagal stood his ground on the recognition of June 12 as the true Independence Day because it was "the birthday of the independent Filipino nation. This has unprecedented support, unity, and resolve of various leaders from local government nationwide. Macapagal argued that when America declared its independence from England on July 4, 1776, it was only after 7 years on Sept. 3, 1783, when the former Mother Country formally recognized the United States'  independence. " Nevertheless, the American people have regarded July 4 as their day of freedom. In the same way, June 12, 1898 is the true birthday of an independent Filipino nation, for it was on this day that they called the whole world to witness their powerful resolve to consider themselves absolved of allegiance to the Spanish crown, said Diosdado Macapagal."                                

"The Philippine Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on June 12, 1898, in Cavite 11 el Viejo ( present-day Kawit, Cavite) with the public reading of the Act of the Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino people." (www. history.com/)   Independence was declared by Emilio Aguinaldo at Kawit, Cavite.  

And when a new administration enters the door of the Malacanang Palace, new programs are installed in the name of the incumbent, forgetting those programs that were started. especially so that new cabinet members would be chosen by the coming president.  Four years are not sufficient for projects or programs to be fully implemented.

This vicious cycle in Congress, plus the bickerings, shades of vengeance, tends to slow down the smooth flow of the legislative process. Thus, the first term of the president is a preparatory period for the re-election campaign, and of course, the programs that were undertaken were not fully implemented. All along the rough road of Democracy, problems sprouted; the people of the Palace have their picnic time of abundance, catering to the halves, befriending the mighty and moneyed echelons of society.

The political arena was greatly monopolized by the two parties - the Nationalista and the Liberal. And names like Quezon, Roxas, Osmena, Quirino, Macapagal,  Garcia, Magsaysay, Aquino, Marcos, etc., occupy the spaces. And  Benigno Aquino has the ambition to occupy the Palace, only to be overshadowed by the popularity of the promising UP law grad Ferdinand Marcos, whom the old Laurel found a presidential future that led to his non-conviction on the Nalundasan case.  Marcus of the Liberal Party was courted by the Nacionalista stalwart to go against Macapagal. Meanwhile, Benigno Aquino, the young journalist was with the Liberal Party who has the secret plan to topple Marcus by creating a unique plan to destabilize the government with a man called Jose' Maria Sison to plant the seed of rebellion by fertilizing that seed with chaos painting the Palace as adamant to the demands of the poor, of the marginalized while the rich are getting richer, those with power became powerful.

We have democracy on July 4, 1946. And I was 6 years old from the municipality of Labason, which had one private Protestant high school and college, and two years later, a private Catholic high school was founded. There was no radio at that time in a farmer's hut. Neither was there adequate plumbing. The meadows, the bushes, the forest, the swamps, the streams, and the rivers were our friendly neighbors who catered to our wants and needs. Reading materials were the vernacular media, Bisaya, Liwayway, Song Hits, and the Philippines Free Press.

The airwaves floated with the vernacular's tunes of " Birds they voted in Lanao at pati aswang pa raw ang eleksiyon lutong Macao 'til Magsaysay see them how? Mambo-mambo Magsaysay, mambo-mambo mabuhay ang eleksiyon lutong Macao 'til Magsaysay see them how". And Ramon Magsaysay, who was the Secretary of National Defense, became known through his great job of letting the members of the Hukbalahap movement surrender and capture them, led by the supremo Luis Taruc, and later emerged the Communist Party, whose armed force is the New People's Army (NPA). The main concern of their rebellion was about land reform. So Magsaysay opened the homestead to the vast virgin lands of Mindanao, particularly Lanao, Bukidnon, Cotabato, and Davao.

With this move, I surmised, the tentacles of corruption wriggled. The vast virgin lands of Mindanao were open for grabs. But you have to know somebody, a surveyor, a forest ranger, a politician local and national as the homestead land title is only processed in Manila. People from Luzon, the Visayas flocked to the Land of Promise- Mindanao.

Some enterprising minds looked at the centuries-old trees in the tropical forest of Mindanao and the rivers. ( Remember the Nile River of Egypt.) A certain unschooled man became rich because of the forest and the river.  And some have the capital that used dummies to operate the logging business. Here again was the temptation of those who were elected by the people to ameliorate them, only to impoverish them instead. Years later, as the loggers basked in the glory of the good life, the poor farmers suffered the wrath of the bald forest, the rivers, and the streams. 

By the way, Mindanao is really the land of its natives and those who later embraced the Islamic religion. And there were three groups of Muslims: from the coastal- the Tausogs, (people of the current Muslims of the Sulu peninsula. The second to accept Islam were the Maguindanao of Cotabato (people of the flooded plains), and the third group was the Maranaos of the province of Lanao. (people of the Lake).

And life, especially in an independent country, is precious; let's enjoy it. 

The Walk-Talk-Sing of Lincolnwood Town Center

05/02/2019  A Day to Remember

IF YOU CARE TO LIVE LONGER READ THIS!

Living in the "if you care", the world will pave the way to happiness and longevity which are obtainable through the tablet of good health.

If you care for your lungs avoid smoking,
If you care for your heart avoid excess salt,
If you care for your liver avoid excessively fatty foods,
If you care for your stomach avoid cold foods,
If you care for your intestines replace junk foods with vegetables,
If you care for your pancreas avoid overfeeding,
If you care for your kidney drink a lot of water during the day; less water at night. Empty your bladder before going to  sleep,
If you care for your brain sleep for 8 hours between every 16 hours.
And if you care for others, tell them about living in the "if you care' world.

*Your heart is the greatest ever of energy in your body. Though weighing only 11 ounces on average, a healthy heart pumps 2,000 gallons of blood through 60,000 miles of blood vessels each day. If this energy supply declines, serious problems occur. It's the number one cause of death.

*Your brain is 3 % of your body weight yet it uses 20 % of your energy.

* Your liver has an astounding 2,000 mitochondria in every single cell. Your liver acts like a fine screen that filters out health-wrecking toxins, bacteria, and viruses. It also processes anything you eat or drink and either reformulate it for your body to use or eliminates it.

* Your kidney process 200 quarts of blood to separate out 2 quarts of waste products. The waste and extra water, become urine, flowing to your bladder. this is an energy-intensive job. The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology says, "reduced mitochondrial function is a dominant feature of diabetic kidney illness."

Combat the Effects of Aging You Hate- By Jennifer Peterson, Editor, Anti-Aging News

A leading scientist just discovered a miraculous new coenzyme that counters cell age by up to 40 years. It's a key compound that supports creating new mitochondria - a key to vibrant health. Many health experts call this the greatest anti-aging discovery ever. It's about this anti-aging pill called MitoBoost with Niagen. TIME reports NIAGEN "extends your healthspan."  ABC NEWS says NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), is "the secret to immortality." This has been found by a Harvard geneticist, Dr. David Sinclair. This extraordinary new compound that literally de-ages your cells, keeping you vibrantly healthy as you age is NAD+ and it's inside every single cell in your body. It "switches on" the long -life genes that give you boundless energy and vitality. Studies reveal that NAD+ levels decline 78% as you age.

Age reversal is real. You can now live a healthy and vigorous life into your 80s, 90s, or 100.
When we exercise or diet, NAD+ levels go up and we become healthier. The problem is that as we age, our body makes less and less NAD+. MitoBoost with Niagen is the greatest anti-aging pill.
Scientist predicts the end of aging starts in 2019

Niagen is the next generation of anti-aging science. It took the Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology 18 years to reach this historic conclusion. By increasing your NAD+ level, you can actually reverse the aging process in your cells and recharge them with youthful energy. These doctors say with full confidence that NIAGEN is the most powerful, cutting-edge formula they've ever seen. In human studies, NIAGEN, raised NAD+ levels as much as 270%. In clinical studies, a single dose alone caused an immediate 33% increase, a significant rise.
Nothing else raises NAD+ levels. NIAGEN is the first and only commercially available formof nicotinamide riboside (NR), available in the country. After all this research, it is now clinically shown to raise your NAD+ levels which support the health of your mitochondria. Boosting your NAD+ level is essential for staying active and energetic through your 70s, 80s, 90s. Niagen's remarkable proprietary formula is protected by five patents because it works.

Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Philippines

The Third Top Leader of the World and the Most Powerful President.

A prestigious Time Magazine published him as the number 3 among the 10 top leaders of t

 

he world. And to my understanding, in today's world, he is the most powerful president. Reason being that he has taken cared of the guardians of peace and order of his country- the police (PNP), the Army (AFP), the Navy (PN), the Coast Guard, and the Air Force (AF). This means that the powerful forces that guard the country have full loyalty and confidence in him as the Chief Executive and Commander-in-Chief. And he has completely renewed the scenario of the press without curtailing the freedom of expression. Besides, he has 80% that voted for him. A thunderous voice of 80% that voted for him. Vox populi, vox Dei - the voice of the people is the voice of God.

He said he was elected to serve his people and to protect the country. He is an employee, a worker. He is paid by the people and thus offer them the country that they so deserved, dreamed, and hoped for. And he has taken care of them, catering to their demands, to ameliorate them from the dregs of penury, from the dread of illegal drugs.  In fact, he promised the National Peoples Army (NPA), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to come out of hiding and be a part, an asset and work with the government instead of fighting against it as they were out from their families for almost 50 years. Now on his administration, Malacanang Palace is open to their demands, to their clamors. As Filipinos, he wants them to enjoy their freedom, their aspirations, and be with their loved ones.

His only simple promise is to stop the flow of illegal drugs, minimize corruption, and criminality. He is performing and delivering his promises with less politicking as he is only good for a 6-year term plus he is already over 70 years old. He is almost done with the laurels but is much excited about the projects of build, build, build to change the picture of the country that has been devastated by the tsunami of corruption, the rising of criminality, and dysfunctional families wrecked by the havoc of illegal drug called shabu.

He is an elected president of a sovereign country who has a viable 3 branches of government- the Executive, the Legislative, and the Judiciary. He doesn't want to kowtow to any foreign leader. His campaign on the illegal shabu drug that consequently resulted in murder is only poised to the criminals. But why in the village, on the young, on the poor people because shabu is not expensive when compared to the other drugs that are for the rich and the moneyed. The other thing is, the less expensive shabu drug does more harm and even makes the family dysfunctional according to him.

This is the reason why he repeatedly said that if you'll destroy the young, I'll kill you!

The Legacy of My Father: A Daughter's Eulogy

By: Evangeline Rueles Caermare Trabanca


"There is an appointed time for everything," goes the New American Bible," and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a  time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant..."

My father's time has arrived when the shadows totally disappeared from the face of the earth. It was seven in the evening when my father surrendered to a fully-lived life. And he has spent well his time, so that we, the living must appreciate the value of time. He has embraced the American time not the Filipino time. He never dilly-dallies.

My father had known that smoking was bad when as a young elementary pupil he was caught smoking and was punished. That incident made an indelible mark that proved to benefit him in his growing years. With that started the grain of discipline, obedience, honesty, and temperance that germinated into a purpose-driven life.

Teodorico Magallanes Caermare was born on that lovely first day of July, nineteen hundred and ten (07/01/1910) in Maralag, Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte. As a young man, he already saw the promise that the soil would bring. Instead of working in an office, or working with a company, he poised his vision to work in his own office, his own company, and with his own boss. And it was no bed of roses but thorns of struggles and sacrifices. Yet his attitude was different because he saw crowns, not thorns in his struggles. Then he fell in love with a woman and built a marital nest only to be uprooted by indifference and doubts. But he doubted not his heart as he saw a star in his gloomy nights.

He found a very young lady, " mutya sa buhat, salamin sa kakugi ug bililhon."  He made a vow to protect, defend and love her as long as the Patawag River flows. He married Agapita Bahao Rueles on June 16, 1934. In 1935, a baby boy was born coiled with an umbilical cord. Life was short-lived. In  1936, a girl has christened Esperanza which means hope but that hope's spark lasted only for thirteen years.

1940 - the year I was born. I was named after the sweetheart of Gabriel in the high school story - Evangeline, The Tale of Acadie. After the demise of my sister Esperanza, I became the eldest and the Evangelizer. True to my name, I promised to be a role model to my brother and sisters. The yoke of responsibility was now on my shoulders and I followed the star of my dream to be a Florence Nightingale. 1942 - Antonietta came followed by Arturo in 1944 but witnessed the world only by three years. Then another boy arrived. He was baptized Luisito but fondly nicknamed Boy. Then Elizabeth (Abeth), Lucila (Baby), and Ruelca (Inday)

My father at this point in his life vowed to do his level best and held on as four children were down in the playing field of life. He fully consecrated himself, so to speak, to God, to his family, to his neighbor. He cultivated and developed his land and his talent. While others spent their time on worldly fun and frolics, he happily busied himself on his land, on his family with the ever-guiding, ever-providing, and ever-thinking wife. He woke up before dawn appeared. And gleefully greeted the world as the rays of the sun broke through the hills and valleys of the countryside. He found the bluebird of happiness in the honest daily toil of his jungle land. He discovered joy as he watched his plants grow. And the land was his. With his time, talent, and treasure, he toiled this land under the aegis of stewardship. This land became his retirement treasure. He gave his share to the church, to his God of which he is but a steward and so are we all. And to his family.

For the sake of our Father, who is now at peace with God, let us siblings and those linked with us preserve this land which is our precious LEGACY. Let us renew our vows through thick and thin, in good times and in bad times to take good care of this our Land, and not abandoned it nor let transgressors trample it- so that our children and their children and the children of their children will have the pride to relate the story of a man who loved the soil, loved life and loved his family.

My father has a musical inclination. He made a violin out of a Kamagong (a tree with fine lumber) that was comparable to the world-famous Stradivarius violin made by Antonio Stradivarius of Cremona, Italy. He proudly tackled this violin with his favorite classical tunes during his break time, and on moonlight nights when he was home after a hard day's labor, or when loneliness visited his agrarian life. My father can also strum/play the ukelele (small guitar), the banjo, and the tenor. All were string instruments.

He has an entrepreneurial prowess too, In fact, he pioneered the Evinrude/Pinta pump boat-outdoor motor water transportation in the 50s when there were no roads yet connecting Labason to the neighboring municipalities of Liloy and Salug.  Excursion to Bayangan (Murceilagos) island was made possible by this mode of water transportation. It was also during those years that my father was involved in the fishing business (Baling-Sinsuro).  And my mother was always there to be his secretary, treasurer, consultant, and home provider.

And, in all these, my father was a strict disciplinarian and markedly honest. He always tells the truth even though it hurts. He never dodges or hides an issue. Time to him is precious as he was always on the precise time when he has an appointment. To him, what is true is right, and what is false should be condemned. What I can't forget about my father was his very beautiful cursive handwriting which is rare nowadays in our highly technical world.

As Father Thomas Merton said, "Every moment and every event of every man's life on earth plants something in his soul. For just as the wind carries thousands of winged seeds, so each moment brings with it germs of spiritual vitality that come to rest imperceptibly in the minds and wills of men. Most of these unnumbered seeds perish and are lost because men are not prepared to receive them; for such seeds as these cannot spring up anywhere except in the good soil of freedom, spontaneity, and love."

As a farmer, a husband, and a provider- my father did not die he just fade away with his carabao, his outboard motor in a palm-silhouetted sunset.

On behalf of my brother, sisters-in-law, and relatives, I am grateful to all of you here. Your presence is highly appreciated in our moments of bereavement. Thank you very much!

Miracle or what?

On the Miracle of the Lord of Pardon

The whole world is a series of miracles... but we're so used to them; we call them ordinary things. (Hans Christian Andersen)

A miracle to my own understanding is a phenomenon that is unusual, or beyond everyday happening. Life is a miracle by itself because among many competitors, I came out triumphant. Of course, with the help and guidance of an Unseen Power. Like a plant growing in the forest. I was exposed to the vicissitudes of the elements of nature. Reaching maturity and beyond the bonus, age was by itself a miracle.

The travel from the village, to the town, and to the city is also a miracle being that there were no roads for motor vehicles so that travel was normally by walking on dusty roads, through a horse or carabao (water buffalo) or by water transportations. And to be invited to enroll in a school on the largest island of the country was also unusual to a farm boy.  However, the twist and turn of life were tricky and my young mind dreamed of the impossible. Then the travel from the East to the West by air, in another country, a distant world, a different environment, a sophisticated lifestyle.

One night while at Project 6, Quezon City before I went to sleep, I found a thin rectangular small prayer book with the picture of Jesus Christ, and the first page was the picture of Jesus nailed on the cross with this inscription, Miracles Of Our Lord Of Pardon. As I flipped the next page I saw the Ten Commandments and The Chief Commandments of the Church.

Thus started my devotion to the Miracles of the Lord of Pardon. I have to say this prayer every night or sleep was a stranger. This devotion served as a sleeping pill. This is the  prayer:

" My Lord Jesus Christ, remember that I am a sinner, Most Holy Virgin, pray for me. You shall always be praised and blessed. Pray for this sinner to your beloved Son, precious Beauty of the Angels ( more praises for Mother Mary, I just shortened it).....Mother of the living God, because you have delivered Him, pray for all of us sinners, so that He may pardon us, save us from the wicked enemy that is fighting us, and grant us eternal glory. Blessed be forever the Sacred Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen "
Then I have to recite 15 Our Fathers and Hail Marys in honor of His 5,455 wounds. I pray this every night before I go to sleep. I have been faithfully doing this devotion since that time when I found that thin rectangular booklet and I always have that in my wallet which serves as a weapon in face of danger. It serves the purpose and the miraculous effect is still intact.

I believed in the power of the Lord of Pardon. And later, in my life, I came across the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy which is the 3 O'clock Prayer devotion.

Every 3 o'clock either PM or AM I have to say this: "You died Jesus, but the source of life flowed out for souls and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fountain of Life, immeasurable Divine Mercy, cover the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us." " O Blood and Water which flowed out from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!" " Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world." (3x). Amen. Jesus King of Mercy we trust in You! Jesus, I trust in You.                                                 

And we know that we all have an end. However, we all will be with the good God that created us. This by itself is a miracle to reckon with. Please have FAITH!

Santo Ninio de Agosto

08/17/18   Night Before the Celebration of Sto. Nino' de Agosto

"Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from the negative. You're given this life because  you are strong enough to live it."

'Twas the night before the annual celebration of the Holy Infant devotion popularly known as the Sto. Nino', when devotees were busy decorating the church and  the gym where the program will be held after the procession and Mass on Saturday (08/18/18).

The Sto. Nino' devotion is usually celebrated in the Philippines, on the first month of the year but due to the season here in America, an idea was hatched by Rev. Leoncio Santiago, former  Pastor of St. Genevieve of 4835 W. Altgeld, Chicago, IL 60639.(1998-2008) to have a one grand celebration on the month of October to unite all the  different devotional groups. The venue  selected was St. Matthias Church in the north side of Chicago which was accessible for everybody.

This year's 14 participating groups were: (1) Senor Sto Nino Devotees of Zamboanga del Nortte, (2) Sto Nino devotees of St Lambert, Skokie, (3) Divino Nino/Divine Mercy group of Transfiguration, (4) Sto Nino Devotees/Divine Mercy Apostolate/Crusade, (5) Sto Nino of the Midwest, (6) Sto Nino/ Mother Cabrini Prayer Group, (7) Sto Nino  Devotees - Tanghal Family,(8) Sto Nino del Ciudad de Zamboanga, ( 9) Sto Nino - St Matthias Legion of Mary, (10) Sto Nino/ Legion of Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, (11) Sto Nino/Society of Beloved Disciple, St. Matthias, (12) Sto Nino, Fil-Am Group of Skokie, (13) Cathedral Filipino Network, (14) Sto Nino Prayer Group of South Dupage.

On this night, barely before the departing time, I was engaged in a likable conversation with a man from Tarlac province of the island of Luzon, Philippines. He was a pleasing guy, a product of one of Manila's top universities. He said that the present president was running the country well as changes were  felt and seen everywhere but only one thing he doesn't like is about justice on human rights, that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

Our conversation drifted to food, about the Filipino delicacies that lead to some nostalgic scenario about the culture of our country. We touched on the tasty frog legs. That frogs could only be caught at night on the ricefield with a flashlight or a petromax (a brand name for a type of pressurised paraffin lamp (US: kerosene lamp) that uses a mantle; synonymous with the paraffin lamp on the continent as Tilley lamps are in Britain and Coleman lamps are in the U.S.) and that not all frogs were edible. I said I have my first bite of tasty frog legs in a restaurant in Tarlac province  on my way to Villasis, Pangasinan where I spent a summer vacation. I also continued that, it was at Villasis  where I have my first taste of a native dog meat and also the intestines cooked like sausage, where the man's best friend was left to fast and only water was given to drink, days before this became man's food on his table. I was then in my 20's. The favorite drink with that was lambanog, a drink from a concoction of coconut sap or sugarcane juice.

In Mindanao, where I came from, our favorite drink which was affordable was tuba, a concoction from the sap of the coconut tree. This man from Tarlac province of Central Luzon said people of his ilk learned well the value of guts and survival as Mother Nature provided everything. So the people gathered edible things that grow from the fertile soil and converted them into food. And they cooked simply by practically boiling , grilling or  maybe frying. They just boiled the vegetables, then sprinkled with salt to taste. These foods were fresh and healthy.

On the mass, Fr. Leoncio Santiago gave a homily that touched on simplicity and complexity. This  complicated world's secret is to live a simple life with less stress by practicing the philosophy of simple living and cooking a poor man's meal. Make sense, really !

A Unique Politician

(8/13/18)    Not an Ordinary Man

Is it not that " beneath every strong independent man lies a broken being who had to learn how to get back up and to never depend on anyone? "

The mayor who became the Chief Executive of his country, the Philippines, was no ordinary man. He inherited his unique personality from a lawyer-politician father and an educator mother. According to his sister, he was a "Mama's boy" and finished high school for 7 years, a record so to speak. I laughed at myself or LOL in the internet lingo as it took me years to have a Bachelor's degree as the other years were not in the Transcript of Records. My personal record showed that I matriculated at five institutions of learning in college. They were; (1) the School of Arts and Trades, (2) a Seventh-Day Adventist College, (3) a Jesuit Seminary (4) a Non-Sectarian College (5) another Non-Sectarian College. However, my freshman to junior years were all from a catholic co-ed high school while the Senior year was from an all-boys Ateneo school.

This guy by himself was not an ordinary man. He has a teenage life built on the solid ground of clean fun and frolics. Following his life on social media, FB, YouTube, newspapers, and from friends, I was reminded of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens), "about a lighthearted excursion into boyhood." Imagine a teenager coming home after midnight (1 or 2 A.M.) and his mother who loved him avoided the opening of the door by letting him sleep in the bunkhouse swarmed with mosquitoes but was smart enough to solve this problem with a mosquito net in which even to this day prides to bring this gadget (mosquito net) wherever he goes. He has the instinct of a problem solver.

Then, he sneaked out at night when his father, the governor was sound asleep, bringing the car out with the help of their driver and male helper to push the car and start it far from the hearing distance of the father's ears. And how about the overwhelming joy of passing the airplane driving license test!  And when he piloted the plane that almost hit the window where his father was sleeping. Furthermore, the expulsion from Ateneo de Davao and the punishment at San Beda College for a mishap paved his way not to attain the Graduation ceremony. Still, he had a clever answer to this phenomenon but beyond all doubts, he passed the bar on this tumultuous period of the country's history, the Martial Law era. This man is no dummy. And he said, in one of his vignettes', that he was told to memorize the dictionary as a punishment for his mischief.

I wrote this because those episodes about this president's life had some sort of semblance ( who am I, anyway) in my adolescent years. I have that experience of coming home late past midnight and sometimes almost the break of dawn. You know life in a village (barrio) was beyond compare. Everybody loves everybody no spacing or discrimination whatsoever. All are children of the Author of Humanity. Pollution was a stranger. Foods were fresh and organic. Water was not bottled but from a well, You would go serenading with the village teenagers to beautiful, innocent rural maidens and they would love songs. I mean unadulterated tunes from unpretentious minds. You mingle and bond with sons of peasants, as you are one of them, to capture the essence of rural life pregnant with sweet dreams of mystery, with ambition, with meanings. And, in order to be better equipped on the rough and rugged road of life, one must enroll in the Academy of the streetwise, to the College of higher practical skills then would graduate from the University of Hard Knocks.

This president is not an ordinary man. He was not a graduate of the University of the Philippines where some presidents and leaders came from but from the Institute of Common Sense. a Private Religious College, and the University of Hard Knocks. This guy took his master's in the areas of legislation, prosecution, and executive (elected as mayor of Davao City), His doctorate degree's thesis was about peace and order, the elimination of the lethal drug, the demise of graft, and corruption. This was unanimously approved by his landslide win in the election. And you know why this leader was a graduate of Vox Populi University. He favors justice rather than the love of money he dislikes publicity and the appalling crimes of humanity like lethal drugs and terrorism. He profoundly loves his country and his people and loves peace rather than trouble.

Observe and follow his rise from transforming a moribund city, of crime and punishment to a progressive, dynamic, safe metropolis as a mayor of Davao City in the South (Mindanao) to occupy the executive chair of Malacanan Palace (Luzon) in the North. When he spewed the common man's lingo his words were understood and accepted, as the down-to-earth sincere man from the province. When he talked, his countrymen and countrywomen listened. They laughed and they even cried because he did this with fervor, with passion, with sincerity, with a profound love for his people- the common masses. He has even sung in one of his rallies. What the college students before demonstrated against the government and why communism was hatched and thrived in the Philippines because of the fading trust of the people in the leaders that they hoped would emancipate them from the pangs of penury, the sharp claws of corruption, and the quagmire of the economic life which are now being uplifted by this new leader. He is doing his best version to help especially the poor like what his late father (former governor) had done for them in the undivided Davao province era. His leadership is a psalm that enlightens and heartens the people from the bondage of corruption, illegal drugs, criminality, and bitter economic life.

And by the way, amidst the critical atmosphere in his administration, he proceeded to pursue what he had promised which is now visible in his "build, build, build" project that drastically altered the country's landscape and diminished the destructive activities of the CPP, NPA, and NDF.

Yes, Juan de la Cruz, this president of the Philippines, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte is not an ordinary man.

Lincolnwood Town Center

A friend's call early in the morning that he is coming within  5 minutes to pick you up for a Lincolnwood Town Center cup of coffee perks you up and makes your day valuable. Yes, every one needs a friend that will call you and say, "Get dressed, we are going on an adventure".

Lincolnwood Town Center is frequented by retirees mostly Filipino-Americans who gathered by a round table of 6 comparable to travelers marooned by blizzard. Or like the round table of King Arthur's legend where everyone were equal even the King. And on this round table everybody has his tale to tell. They have cups of their favorite flavors ordered from the Beanery Coffee shop few steps away. Sometimes dozen of donuts from a generous retiree, or a bag of produce harvested from a friend's backyard. Over these cups of coffee, diverse topics were ventilated and discussed ranging from yester years love escapades, juvenile adventures, the teenage fling, vignettes of salad days and what have they to insert and inject on this round table of friendly discussions. Most especially about their first years in the US in the 70's and the subsequent years. Then about the current situations around them in particular and the world in general.

Lincolnwood Town Center is the hub of retirees and seniors.It is the forum for them to exchange their views and ideas about the beauty and the mystery of Life on their bonus years. It is also a place to exercise, to relax, to let life flow its normal course.You just have to listen and live in the moment. You have done your best. You have enough. You have to breathe extra deep and let go. Sip your morning's fave coffee. Meanwhile, others love to brisk walk alone or with partners/best half. They make several rounds daily which is a part of their longevity scheme to lessen doctor's visit.

You are here because you love yourself. You come to socialize, to exercise, to escape from the boredom. You come to expand your little world. Truthfully these are really your liveable moments.  And you come because you  care and love yourself which is the only person that will cling to you with your joy and pain ; that will be the only person  you will be spending all your life. But be careful because not all have your idea of peace and goodwill towards humankind.  Let understanding and empathy guide you.

However, only bring on the round table the topic that is pleasant and agreeable. By that, your morning is well spent like your favorite flavored cup of coffee, refreshing to the last drop!

6/04/2018 Monday

Joy and Sadness at the Olive Garden.

Why do we come to the Olive Garden? We will tell you why but we want you to
first, see the light, feel the experience, the joy of summer, and witness the green
leafy vegetables in your  backyards, of the flowers in bloom welcoming
the excitement of life while fascinating people were on the move for a mission in
the intricate pattern of life.

We will tell you who we are and why we came. We came because we found joy in the garden of our lives, where hope awaits, where opportunity opens, where love blossoms, where peace beckons; where the tranquility of balmy nights brings solace to aching hearts.

We came to humbly tell you that in the Land of Uncle Sam, we serviced homers,
the offices, the churches, the hospitals. We took care of those that need tender loving care, of the sick, the aged and for those who must just have partners. We walked miles,  We drove, Wwe dined. We sang. We danced. We laughed. We cried. We are your friends and neighbors; your brothers and sisters. But sadness crept in the inner recess of our mortality, in the sanctum of our being because you will soon depart to spread the carpet of the genius of Catholicism to the communities who were not really engaged in their religious practices. Your homilies and reflections manifested your untiring personality on the profound poring of the Words of God only to ponder the meaning of being a leader of a diverse flock and the miracle of your transformation.

By the way, Fr. Peter Fernandes belongs to the Society of the Missionaries of St. Francis Xavier (sfx). He is from Goa, India whose religious life revolves around  prose and poetry. His first book of poem, "A Soul in Flight: Path to Contemplation", indirectly leads one on a path less traveled in this world fraught with distractions, The second is "Lead me on... Path to contemplation".  Reading this book will direct one to the classroom of silence to submerge one's self to deep reflective thoughts.  Fr. Fernandes has also written several articles for newspapers and magazines, on socio-political commentary to spiritual reflections". He is a prolific writer of prose and poetry and a great pastor.

And he came with his stirring youthful portrait of a missionary, "from India's coastal Konkan region on the bank of the Arabian Sea on the western coast. He left the much-loved tourist place with its famous beaches, astounding monuments, and churches, and bustling nightlife of Goa, the smallest Indian State" to Oregon, the Beaver State on the west coast of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave for 4 years.

Finally, he found himself drifted to the prairie land of the Midwest on the Windy City, Chicago, that is. He stayed for 13 years. Those were trying years in a new frontier and he was welcomed with open arms. He cloaked himself with the mettle that was acceptable and loved at St. Timothy parish whose Sunday attendance was dwindling. Slowly but surely, a revival came. Attendance shifted to high gear and excitement was around the corner. St. Timothy got a facelift,  new paint for the rusted fence, a tall white cross at the northern entrance signifying that the 3-story rectangular building at Washtenaw Ave. is a Catholic church. And there were tall images of Saints besides the church.

The renovated interior has a chapel for daily Mass and a Mother of Perpetual Help novena every Wednesday, a haven for weary souls. And yes, Fr. Peter, as a pastor of St. Timothy was on the right course and the sailing went well in the fullness of time but farewell was inevitable.

We love you Fr. Peter because you trust and love us. The reason why we came to the Olive Garden was for a memorable moment with you. Wherever you will be: this is just a reminder note for you to read.  Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx. please remember us with our flaws and foibles in the endless flow of time, in the Breaking of the Bread. And, we will never forget those shared memories, the trust, the love, and the lessons we both learned.

We are Strangers. Opportunity Seekers. Immigrants.  Parishioners of St. Timothy Church. Americans.

(Greg In. Trabanca)

 

5/10/18

The President That Plays No Favorites

Gleaning from his previous undertakings and the past presidential performances, it's time to say that this leader who wants to be introduced as the president, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte plays no favorites; all are Filipinos who catapulted him to power. He loves them and the country.

The choice of his cabinet members and other positions in his administration was not because of favoritism but to disclose the best for his great love of the country and its people. He distributed his infrastructure programs to sections of the country that were in dire need of them irrespective of political affiliations. It's a manifestation of what he vowed to do to the best iota of his capability as a leader. He nipped in the bud the flowering of illegal drugs, the growing corruption and the rising criminality to the ire of his constituents and the opposition yet was acceptable as a panacea to the country's ills. He was able to thwart the Marawi siege that lasted for months and convinced some rebellious elements to surrender for a peaceful life and be assets of the government.

To be chosen to fill up the position is not a privilege but a responsibility to labor more on what the task is asked for. Should one fail to his/her commitment he/she knows the eventual consequence as seen already in the dismissal and the replacement of the involved personnel? It is not that the chosen person to fill a position is favored over the others but he/she has entrusted a job to be performed with dedication and honesty for the betterment of the government. With this gesture, the country is more favored than the individual person chosen to perform the task as he says, " We are only employees of the government who pays for us."

This president wants his performance not to be lauded with earthly status but for the ardent love of his people and country. In a speaking engagement, he always says," Thank you for your courtesy; you may sit down". He said that he is done with accolades and clapping of the hands. That he is even willing, by means of a lottery, to give up his portion of the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. He is just contented to be beside his parents'  resting place.

The Filipinos hope to look forward to the day when the Philippines will be having a new form of government,  a scenario of diverse people enjoying economic prosperity on more than 7,000 islands with less corruption, less criminality,  and maybe the absence of illegal drugs.

Today, the Philippines has finally emerged from its long-time dream to become a nation worthy of world attention. This credit is due to the Filipino people's trust and confidence in their new-found president who truly leads and loves the country to progress and not to perdition.

We can now feel and see the closeness of the people in this time of distancing due to the pandemic Covit-19. Because of this, we can now unearth the hidden treasures that could only be found in the Philippines. Is it not a fact, that the Philippines has rich natural resources buried deep in its soil waiting to be tapped. Is it not that Filipino employments are in demand in areas of health care, medicine, engineering, science, etc. All because Filipinos are hardworking, honest, friendly, adaptable, and have no language barrier.

And lastly, the Philippines has a strategic location on the map between the East and the West.

The Protector

Dubbed as The Punisher, he has manifested himself, contrary to what the opposing camps said of him when he rode high on his track record of popularity, his being an employee and leader of the country he vowed to preserve and the people he promised to protect.  Now, he has earned the merit of The Protector.

The issue is beyond a moot point about this Paradigm Shift. By vox populi, he won to lead the country named after the King of Spain. And Spain colonized it for over 300 years leaving on its wake the marks of Catholic Christianity through its cathedrals, churches, friars, haciendas, mestizos, respect for elders, and close family ties. But Spain was unsuccessful in converting the island of Mindanao in the South. However, the islands of Luzon in the North and the Visayas in the center were practicing Christians.

Some portions of Mindanao had been introduced into the Islam religion before the coming of Magellan on March 16, 1521. There were three groups that were converted into the Islam Religion. The first group to embrace Islam were the Tausogs ( people of the current) of the Sulu archipelago.  The second to welcome Islam were the Maguindanaos (people of the flooded plains) of Cotabato province and the last to accept Islam were the Maranaos (people of the lake) of Lanao province and where recently the Marawi siege took place that lead to the Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

With that scenario, emerged from the South a dedicated, humble person devoid of hubris to occupy the highest post of the country which politically should have been from the North. He is with mixed blood. His father is from the Visayas while his mother is from Mindanao of a Maranao ancestry. However at this point, the people need a Southern leadership, a breath of fresh air, a dream of a shall we say, a total freedom ride. They want a strong leader whose heart pulsates with a passion for the love of change for the country ravaged with corruption, criminality, illegal drugs, and a hampered economy. They want a recovered  " Eden and Pearl of the Orient Sea."

Flashback:  Spain colonized the Philippines for over 300 years and America for 50 years.

After the defeat of the Spanish Armada by the American Naval forces under the command of Commodore George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay, the American flag with its stars and stripes proudly waved on the Philippines skies. With that was the torch of Education, the emergence of Protestantism, a glimpse of Hollywood, and the gnawing memory of the Battle of Bud Dajo or the Moro Crater Massacre in Bud Dajo, Patikul, Sulu, Philippines (of the Sulu Archipelago) and the Balangiga Massacre in Eastern Samar, Philippines.

Proven that a pen is mightier than a sword, the writings of Jose' Protacio Realonda Mercado y Rizal and other illustrious Filipinos opened the American mind that leads to the declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Manila was signed on July 4, 1946, that granted the Philippines full independence from the United States of America. From that year until 1962, Independence Day was on the 4th of July until President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28 moving the Independence Day celebration to the 12th of June. The 4th of July is now  Filipino-American Friendship Day.

The Philippines' Declaration of Independence was signed on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite. This was the document in which the Filipino revolutionary forces under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the colonial rule of Spain.

The President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte !

He came. He dined. He sang. He talked with them. He befriended them through his love of the Flag and the population- the common people who have big dreams and big hopes. These are the locals, the peasants, the less educated, the poor, the common masses, the vulnerable. Yet the growing fire of dissent continues on burning as Groups rebelled against the odious practices of the elected and appointed people of the Palace. These elected and chosen people failed to listen to the wailing concerns of the people but continued their business as usual that paved their way to prosperity while the people were disgruntled, dismayed, and divided.

And he came...

His words enlighten. His valor and the strength of his Armed Forces defend. His achievements mirrored in the Build, Build, Build deliver. He epitomized the Filipino soul. His amazing love of his country and people protects him.

He is the Protector!

(05-02-2018)