What's up?

Point to Ponder.

Why do we go on living? It is because there's something to live on. For this place called Earth is so beautiful, so alluring to leave, to exit without exploring the vastness of its existence. It goads us to question further why we are here and who placed us here? What are we looking for anyway?

These questions boggle our minds. The reason why I penned this is so others may have the answer. The reason why we study the Bible. That knowledge is essential. It has a beginning but no end.

By the way, what 4 things did - Mother Teresa, Francis of Assisi, John Paul II, Therese of Lisieux, and Ignatius of Loyola have in common? They all practiced the Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic. And these are:

1. Prayer   2. Study  3. Generosity      4. Evangelization

Are we highly engaged or disengaged Catholics? This interest in Bible Study uncovers the reason why? Welcome then all and sundry to the world of Education to the Kingdom of God! To the classroom of Verbum Dei - The Word of God!

Question?

Flashback on History (08/09/2021, 3:00 PM CST)

I found this in a note which I usually do when I see something worth recording and remembering. Here it goes - "The Romans are not great inventors but the Apple of their day. Apple didn't invent Smartphones, nor did they create the first music download and electronic tablets were around for more than a decade before the Ipad. But what Apple did do was take existing concepts and develop them in ways that hadn't been done before. The Romans did exactly the same thing. They took an idea and developed it to the next level."                                                      

The Phoenicians were master seafarers and traders of antiquity who created robust networks...best known for creating the alphabet. They occupied a narrow tract of land along the coast of modern Syria, Lebanon, and northern Israel.

 The ancient Greeks adopted their alphabet from the Phoenicians. Both were seafaring people and eager to trade not only ideas. Most important was the alphabet. It enabled a system of writing by which they could record their transactions. As with other ideas they borrowed, the Greeks made improvements, increasing the number of letters by adding vowels. This happened sometime around the beginning of the 8th century B.C. (The Alphabet and Writing)

This tells us that there is that human nature to seek independence but the reality is we are always dependent on one another and as the writer, John Donne wrote, "no man is an island entirely of itself, every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main. " 

The truth is we are dependent on Him, the Creator of all things, visible and invisible.

All About Amelioration

On Amelioration

There is a man  obsessed with change
On the plight of his dear nation

Of a long-range idea;

All about amelioration.

This he did try his best version 

Giving the people what they need

Amidst the storms of objection

He destroyed the grafts of their greed.

He was questioned about his promises

On corruption and fatal drugs

As dooms loom when the sun rises

And tears cascade instead of hugs.

Blends his words and actions with love

This man's heart is for his people;

He's brave and hale and fears the Above.

Yet these oligarchs want his fall.

His watching sun is soon to set

Again a dream of another day

With vim and vigor, he tries to get

While hubris is out of his way.

He needs the terrorists' hills down

And the valley of the honest be raised

So then expect a lovely crown

That all nations will be amazed.

Dedicated to the "down to the masses" president who calls himself "mayor and just an employee of the government". He doesn't banner his name on projects done as they are the money of the people, according to him.  John  F. Kennedy historically said, " Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

Rodrigo Roa Duterte was asked what will he say in his State of the Nation Address, about his accomplishments during his watch. He nonchalantly replied,  "Nothing, just look around." He is the epitome of the good, the bad, and the beautiful story! He is Build, Build, Build!

(In hindsight) Presidents of the Philippines

(1) (Cavite.)  Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the Philippine Republic (1899-1901). Andres Bonifacio sparked the revolution of 1896, described as the revolt of the masses. Emilio Aguinaldo was exiled in 1898 to Hongkong with Filipino exiles and Spanish hostages. 

Apolinario Mabini, President Aguinaldo's factotum and the "Conscience and Brains of the Revolution. Members of the First Philippine Assembly were elected in 1907. Speaker Sergio Osmen'a presided over the First Philippine Assembly.

(2) (Aurora) Manuel L. Quezon - the first Filipino to head a government of the entire Philippines ( as opposed to the government of previous Philippine states, and is considered to have been the second president of the Philippines after Emilio Aguinaldo (1899 - 1901), whom Quezon defeated in the 1935 presidential election.

 Manuel L. Quezon took the oath of office as the first President of the Commonwealth on Nov 15, 1935.

(3)  Batangas) Dr. Jose' P. Laurel, President of the Second Philippines Republic, 1943-1945.

Senators Jose' P. Laurel and Claro N. Recto great Filipino nationalists, jurists, and scholars who fought for national dignity and the preservation of national patrimony. ( History of the Filipino People, 5th edition by  Agoncillo and Guerrero)

(4) Cebu) Sergio Osme'na - Aug. 1, 1944- May 28, 1946.  He is commonly associated with the Philippine fifty-peso bill bearing his image and is popularly known as the "Grand Old Man of Cebu". Osmen'a rose from being a newspaper reporter to the Presidency of the Philippine Republic in 1944-1946.

Statesman, founder of the Nacionalista Party (Partido Nacionalista). He took the examination for aspiring lawyers and placed second in the overall ranking with an average of 95.66, and got 100 percent in Penal Code and Civil Procedure. With the support of Governor Jun Climaco, Osmen'a initially became involved in politics. He was appointed as acting provincial governor by Gov. Climaco in 1904 and won as governor in 1905. In  1907, he won a seat in the Philippine Assembly and was easily proclaimed as the first speaker at 29.  At that time, speakership was the highest position that a Filipino could aspire to be second only to the American Governor-General. The1946 election, Osmen'a lost to Manuel A. Roxas but his character as a Nationalist and Statesman never vanished from the memory of the Filipinos until now. His descendants are very visible and active in politics, a manifestation, that the Filipino people have trusted the Osmen'as through the decades. Truly, it is worth paying tribute to a man who fought for the liberty we enjoy today. 

(5) (Capiz) Manuel Acun'a Roxas- May 28, 1946 - April 5, 1948 

Manuel A. Roxas broke with President Osmen'a and formed the Liberal Party, which he led to victory as a Presidential candidate on April 23, 1946. Roxas thus became the last president of the Commonwealth and the first president of the Republic of the Philippines. President Manuel A. Roxas signed the Independence Documents on July 4, 1946, with American Commissioner Paul V. McNutt who read the Independence Proclamation for Harry Truman. 

(6) Ilocos Sur) Elpidio Quirino - April 19, 1948 - Dec. 30, 1953. President Elpidio Quirino continued the task of rebuilding the war-torn Philippines. He is one of the architects of contemporary Philippine progress.

(7) Zambales) Ramon Magsaysay - Dec. 30, 1953 - March 17, 1957

Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay launched numerous rural area inspection trips during the campaign against the Huks. His "common touch" paved the path to his election to the Presidency in 1951.

(8) Bohol) Carlos P. Garcia - March 13, 1957 - Dec. 30, 1961

President Carlos P. Garcia was noted for his enunciation of the Filipino First Policy. He was the Architect of Economic Nationalism.

(9) Pampanga) Diosdado Macapagal - Dec. 30, 1961 - Dec. 30, 1965.

President Diosdado Macapagal launched land reform and made it the cornerstone of his policy on Central Luzon.

(10) Ilocos Norte) Ferdinand Edralin Marcos - Dec. 30, 1965 - Feb. 25, 1986.

On October 24, 1966, University students demonstrated against Philippine participation in the Vietnam War.

Marcos - was one of the most controversial leaders of the 20th century. His rule was infamous for its corruption, extravagance, and brutalities. Throughout his political career, Marcos claimed to have been the "most decorated war hero" in the Philippines. However, Marcos assisted 107 institutions in undertaking nuclear energy work by sending scientists to study nuclear science and technology abroad and providing basic training to 482 scientists, doctors, engineers, and technicians.

(Ferdinand Marcos - Wikipedia)

(11) Tarlac) Corazon Aquino - Feb. 25, 1986 - June 30, 1992.

(12) Pangasinan)  Fidel V. Ramos - June 30, 1992 - June 30, 1998

(13) Metro Manila) Joseph Estrada - June 30, 1998 - Jan. 20, 2001.

(14) Pampanga) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - Jan 20, 2001 - June 30, 2010

(15) Tarlac) Benigno Simeon Aquino 111 - June 30, 2010 - June 30, 2016.

(16) Davao del Sur) Rodrigo Roa Duterte - June 30, 2016 - June 30, 2022

(17) Ilocos Norte) Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos - June 30, 2022 -

(Greg Intas Caponong Trabanca)

The Nativity of St. John The Baptist

 (06/24/21) A Get-together By the Park as we say bye-bye to June.

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) The New American Bible, Saint Joseph Edition.

After a brief hiatus, foregoing a year of celebration, the Santo Nino' de Agosto, a Catholic Religious Organization deserves a get-together. This was the great idea of Gloria Lumanao Espinoza Key, the untiring and energetic leader of the Society of the Beloved Disciple and who is also responsible for holding a nightly (8:00 pm to 9:00 pm) virtual prayer group since the advent of the pandemic covid-19.

At this precarious pandemic time, when almost everybody communicates by distance, Zoom through phones or the internet, a gathering in the park is worthy to be chronicled. Thursday, the 24th of June 2021, the Santo Nino' Group of Rev. Fr. Leoncio S. Santiago, his weekly Bible Study Group, and the members of the monthly Sister Milagros's Verbum Dei Bible Study Group, held a picnic by the Labagh Woods Park from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. This is a prelude to the yearly Santo Nino' de Agosto Fiesta by August.

Mother Nature was kind enough to scatter showers sans thunderstorms in mid-afternoon at least to ease out the heat of summer. The Groups'  members and their friends arrived happily bringing homemade and restaurant foods for the picnic table on a shed. The food-laden tables at precisely noon time were surrounded by the red-shirt picnickers who bowed their heads while the Spiritual Adviser led the prayer before a meal.

Meanwhile, an Atenean and a former seminarian provided the music of almost all retiree members of the Santo Nino' de Agosto, and the Bible Study Groups.

Somebody has said, " Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine. Life is not waiting for the  storm to pass, it's learning to dance in the rain."  Amidst the rain outside, the Group by the picnic shed did their valuable time with songs, jokes, and dancing.

Fr. Santiago, made an inspiring remark about the day of St. John, the Baptist. Indeed we should be glad, enjoy, sing, and dance as life are short and priceless. And rightfully so, happiness filled the air, meanwhile, the emcee, Expo Taghap, and Fr. Santiago interspersed the program with gems of jokes, which really were a relief at the moment. Then, there was a picture-taking session of the different Santo Nino' chapters for the Souvenir  Program of the coming Fiesta.

Another good-hearted person said, " Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile, and begin again. God woke you up today for a reason. Trust in His plan. His timing is perfect. He will make a way. Amen."

"NO MATTER HOW YOU FEEL, GET UP, DRESS UP, SHOW UP and NEVER GIVE UP! 

HAVE A BLISSFUL, BLESSED DAY EVERYONE!

Life is a Journey

 Life Is A Journey

On Being...

When nothing matters you seek a refuge
A place in the classroom of silence
While a rush like the great deluge
Will engulf you in your bare essence.
      
In the smithy of your being  
Will appear as an instantaneous flash;
In the realm of  the unbelieving
You decide to put it in a cache.

These songs or your stories deserve

To be told in poetry and in prose

So posterity can observe

The good, the bad, and how it goes.

A tribute to a modest father

And with due respect to all of them

For him, we have something to gather

And it is priceless like a gem.

A father to a large family

Has a closeness to the Master

Adheres to love, faith, and charity

And perseverance to muster.

A father to the prayer warrior

To the Zoom Bible Study group

You could address him as a pastor

But you need not really stoop.

(N.B.) This poem is gratefully dedicated to Fr. Leoncio S. Santiago, a secular priest, and Santo Tomas University alumnus, of Manila, Philippines. He is also a graduate of Medicine. He is the Spiritual Adviser of Sto Nino' de Agosto and the Society of the Beloved  Disciple, He is a chaplain, and a retired pastor. He currently conducts a virtual Zoom Bible Study Group. Obviously, he is a "father" to the Prayer Warriors. A silent prayer of health and longevity for him and to all the fathers of the world on this Father's Day.

(Greg Intas Caponong Trabanca)

 Good Shepherd Sunday (4th Sunday of Easter)

"I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep." (Gospel: John 10: 11-18)

I attended the 4th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday) Mass of the Holy Child Jesus parish at St. Margaret Mary Church. The readings were done by a visiting priest who did them perfectly well and Rev. Arthur Bautista did the inspiring homily about the good Shepherd.

When I arrived home, I searched for the book, The Shepherd written by Matthew Kelly, an Australian- born writer, speaker, lecturer "who had touched millions of people around the world with his disarmingly simple principles inspired in him by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ." 

"The Shepherd is a modern parable about our search for happiness.  It was about a banquet in an ancient castle, in the hills on the outskirts of London. It was an evening not of music, and speeches, and dancing but an atmosphere of listening to one of England's most celebrated Shakespearean actors to perform the famous passages from the writings of William Shakespeare. 

" Oh, I am but fortune's fool..."To be or not to be - that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles..." Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more beautiful and more temperate..." This but thy name that is my enemy: Thou art thyself... What's in a name? that which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet;  So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called, Retain thy dear perfection which he owes..." " If we shadows have offended, Think but this and all is mended, That you have but slumbered here While these visions did appear..." 

"With the closing passage from A Midsummer-Night Dream, the actor took a bow and announced that was finished. And he asked the audience of any particular favorite passage that they want to be recited? An elderly man who turned out to be a priest wanted the actor to digress from Shakespeare to recite the Twenty - Third Psalm. The actor paused and looked down as if remembering some moments in the past, willingly obliged to do it, on one condition that he would also recite it after he is done.."

 The denouement of The Shepherd was with the Twenty Third Psalm recited by the Shakespearean actor. There was a standing ovation and the prolonged clappings shattered the summer evening. It was a remarkable rendition. Then the humble priest recited with the voice he had with him as he did on his sermons. He settled on his seat. Nobody clapped. Silence enveloped the radiance of the summer night. Everybody was in awed unspoken admiration. Not even a sound of a needle when dropped could be heard, so to speak. A profound silence! Women were tear-eyed and men stared open-mouthed.

 "The Shakespearean actor was perplexed.  Then seizing the moment he said, "My friends, do you realize what you have witnessed here tonight?" " Why was the old man's recital of the Psalm so much powerful than my own? " As I see it - The difference is this, I know the Psalm, "but Father, he knows The Shepherd."                   

Happiness could not be found in this world but certainly in the realm of God.

God is our friend. Invite Him in the classroom of silence for just ten minutes a day. "He is our Divine Architect. He will design something wonderful for us. He is also our  Divine Navigator... He will plot a course for the unchartered territories. He is the good Shepherd who is willing to sacrifice his life." Listen to his strong and credible communication for us to keep us out of harm's way. He will never forsake us."                                               

"Sit with God and dream some dreams. Forget about trying to put together a Master Plan for your life... for your happiness. God will reveal a plan for you and in that plan, your deep gladness will unite with the world's deep need. Only then will you taste the holy contentment that our very beings never stop yearning for. Get to know the Shepherd. He will lead you to green pastures...  He will restore your soul...Your cup will overflow." (Matthew Kelly)

By: Greg Trabanca) 

The Paradox of Life

Blessings or Luck 

It's an enigma. Our mind has to grapple with answers. In this world, things are in paradox and must be dealt with, with a proper perspective.

Noise echoes on the pandemic! That the vaccine for covid-19 will be annual. And murmurs about it floats as it streams over the airwaves. Fear grips the hearers and the beholders especially among our Prayer group. Out of the twist of the moment, I ventured to comment (by myself silently) why the fuss about it? I have good news for you! Do you know the reason why and what we are doing virtually every 8:00 o'clock PM, seven days a week,  in the Society of the Beloved Disciple? We are praying since the advent of covid-19. That is our weapon on this pandemic.

Prayer and faith in our Lord. We must pray unceasingly. That's what the Saints were doing and they have the faith that moves mountains. Now we are between the mountains and the deep blue seas. We must have that move-mountain faith and with bended knees pray to our Holy, Mighty, Immortal God.

(By Greg In Trabanca)

Have A Heart

  Beautiful Message...

Once in a while,  our stays offer

An abundance of  unexpected

Things so much that we have to render

What our good God might have intended.

The place that McArthur landed

I came back to  finally see

The land that the explorers raided

My birthland is now called Leyte.

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.