The Presidency

The Choice

The Modern Times and the Living Past

"Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small." ( Mother Teresa)

  I belong to the Silent Generation and am a product of an American regime.  I am a vintage of that textbook era, Modern Times and the Living Past and The Good Manners and Right Conduct. The Filipinos were immensely taught with heartfelt sincerity by their first English teachers, the "Thomasites who arrived in the Philippines in June of 1901. They were a group of 600 American teachers who traveled from the United States to the newly occupied territory of the Philippines on the US Army Transport Thomas which included 346 men and 180 women hailing from 43 different states and 193 Colleges, Universities, and Normal Schools."

 In High School English and Literature class, we were given the assignment to read the story of  The  Lady or the Tiger written by a full-time American writer Frank Stockton which is mind-boggling. On that day the class was in a  hullabaloo.

 As the national election approaches, I surmise to have some mental exercise. for the Silent Generations,(1928-1945), Baby Boomers,(1946-1964), Generation X, (1965-1980), the Millennials, (1981-1996), and the post Millennials. (1997- present) voters.          

The author's purpose in "The Lady or the Tiger is to present a familiar fairy tale with an ending that will provoke enthusiastic discussion about which choice the princess made. We all make decisions and decisions come with consequences to explore the concepts such as justice and human nature. What actions have consequences? After all, it is the action of the princess to decide if her love is killed before her eyes or if he opens the rest of his life married to another woman." 

"The climax takes place at the end of the story. Just at the moment when the young man accused in the arena, selects the portal that the woman told about. If the accused choose the door with the lady behind it, he is innocent and immediately marries her. If he chooses the door with the tiger behind it, he is deemed guilty and immediately devoured." Now the discussion curtain is open to possibilities. What if that vicious tiger met and gained friendship with the accused? Probability!

"The mood or feeling of the story is passionate, tense, and full of suspense; a chilling and barbaric mood that makes the reader anxious. The feelings run very high, dark feelings of hatred, envy, and anguish over the lost love dominate the story of The Lady or the Tiger."

The take now comes from the voters and all those who can vote. The ball is in their court. Their choice is very important. And this is about choices and consequences. And here's a perspective.

How about a president who unites the people to a noble cause, sans revenge but with love in the heart, who builds to sustainably improve the landscape of the country; resumes the former programs and the unfinished infrastructure projects of past leaders, and rejects the dogma that is impregnating the young minds to topple the government. What about a president who wants to put an end to the destructive drug problems, prune the power of the Oligarchs' political and business clout, and continue the laudable National Task Force-ELCAC program. 

Also, the cleaning of the Augean stables (clearing away of corruption) in the government by this coming election with the likes of the Ocho Derecho phenomenon. The advent of independent and unbridled social media is a boon to the populace whose means of communication was the biased mainstream media - the radio, television, and newspapers.                                                                 

Last, but not least, the Philippines need a president who is not in love with money but with justice; not in love with publicity but with humanity. A president with a genuine love of the people through the complete support of the guardian of freedom - the Armed Forces: the Army, the Police, the Navy, and the Air Force. The president has the passion to serve, to perform, and is an authentic and not a plastic human being. However, the president must have the full backing of the vice president of the party together with the senatorial slate so the legislative body can muster enough votes to pass the measures and not spend time on non-constructive criticism only to gain visibility.                                                                                                            

Now the choice! Please vote wisely as your vote determines the next six years' scenario for the Philippines.

(Greg In Trabanca)

The Holy Cross

 The Time to Ponder

"We can think of Lent as a time to eradicate evil or cultivate virtue, a time to pull up weeds or to plant good seeds. . What is better is clear, for the Christian ideal is always positive rather than negative."   ( Fulton Sheen.) 

     I now clearly see the truth behind the Holy Cross, which to me is the essence of Christianity and the enemy of the Devil. It is this Holy Cross that opens the mindset of Christianity and becomes the shield against temptation. It is by this Holy Cross that Jesus, the Christ, redeemed the world.

    

 I always make the sign of the cross as a constant reminder of that Golgotha scenario when Jesus is between two sinners. Remember also that Jesus is human, so he can die, but as a Divine, He cannot sin but lives forever. Now, this is beyond the realm of human comprehension. We have to fortify and increase our Faith. The Bible says, "...For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not die but have everlasting life.

In the Apostles' Creed - I believe in God,  

  So why did Jesus die on the cross? Because of love and obedience. To prove to the world that all who are born in this valley of tears are the inheritors of sin through that unforgettable scenario in the beautiful garden of Eden, when immortality became mortality as the law was broken  - not to eat the fruit of the tree of good and evil. ( For sin is the transgression of the law... and the wages of sin is death.)

     But God loves His creation and the Word made flesh to dwell among us. Then follows the Birth of Jesus, the Passion, the Death, and the Resurrection.

      That is why I always make the sign of the Cross- In the name of the Father,  and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. When I retire to dreamland, when I wake up from a beautiful sleep to greet a thanksgiving to the Almighty Father for the grace and blessing of being alive. When I eat, when I leave the house, when I  get in my vehicle, when I pass by a church or a cemetery. I make the sign of the cross. 

 

     These are my friends are the ritual of my humble, mortal existence. By the way, don't leave home without a Rosary in your pocket or as a necklace. 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

ZAMNAI 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 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 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 chairman and fill up the remaining slates was Beressimo "Ber/Nonoy" Refugio.

The first meeting was held at Ramie Calimotan's place. The following were chosen: Chairman/President Berisimo "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 Dr. Jose Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago, Illinois 60613.  The elected officers were inducted into office by Atty. Alfonso Bascos (Former FACC President).

The other venues for the meeting were - Esper Patangan's place and Dr. Jose Rizal Center, The usual agenda was the annual summer picnic and Christmas party.  Also, the perennial problem, the membership dues, and how to collect them.  However, everything was in its proper course and route.

On December 23, 1990, Hon. Dr. Jaime S. Bautista, Philippine Consul General of Chicago gave an 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 Nonoy Refugio.  Alfonso Culanculan made the closing remarks this time. Still, on the first Christmas Party and induction of officers, Dipolog City's former Mayor Pastor Bajamunde dished out a memorable closing remark that epitomized his outstanding political days.  Greg Trabanca emceed these two memorable occasions.

A newsletter was born in the second year of the Association's existence. It was printed 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 from Zamboanga's azure sky and Illinois's soft gentle snow flurries.  This will be the vehicle of expression and conveyor of information for the Zamboanga del Norte Filipino Americans here in Illinois.

Our second annual Family summer picnic was celebrated on Schiller Park with Lechon and 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, by Fr. Manuel Recera and Fr. Ricardo Recera. There were two succulent lechons and lots of restaurants and homemade foods.

On June 28, 1992, the Zamboanga del Norte Association of Illinois held its first 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 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.

Fisherman

 The Fisherman

"Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body, and mind will vanish like evil at the dawn of the day." - (Thomas Jefferson)

The power and wiliness of evil that tend to darken the world, particularly the Philippines need a talisman. And, by the grace, mercy, and blessing of God, the country found one, a fisherman. He is an inspiration to the Filipinos who are in a country of 7,100 islands, 80.58 % Catholics, 10.8 % Protestant, and 5.57% Muslim according to the 2010 Census. This fisherman has a talisman and is leading his people to the placid waters of peace, and prosperity

However, the kingdom of darkness of Satan with his multitude of followers ceaselessly lays siege to the devoted fishers, industrious farmers, and humble folks in the corner and crevice of the rich, fertile, resource-fraught islands of the Republic of the Philippines.

This fisherman, talisman, and leader plied across the straits to the islands, observed the waters, and found the fountain of hope, a panacea to the ills that beset his peoples' livelihood. It dawned on his perception of the empirical and ontological reality that the people own the primeval water, the ancestral land, and the spacious sky.

"Vox populi, vox Dei", the voice of the people is the voice of God. The Malacanan Palace at San Miguel, Manila, the official residence of the president of the Philippines could only be occupied by an official duly elected by the people. That freedom is "the government of the people, by the people, and for the people." What is happening after the granting of Independence- the government became " off" the people, "bought" by the people, "fought" by the people.) 

Education opens the door to knowledge. The genesis of governance appears clean and promising but later on, power and greed wriggled their ugly tentacles. Corruption entered the backdoor, while honesty dwindled, and the strong arms of the moneyed and the mighty flexed their muscles to grab a bag of power. and influence. And in these serious instances, a burst of anger is the only resource left.

Rebellion is a welcome tool. It has acquired the ability to take what it can get not by friendly persuasion but by a drastic measure. It has a tenacious grip on the accumulation of wealth and the increase of power. It has focused the blame on the government by creating trouble and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake alleging that the Palace is remiss on its demands like land reform, a deaf ear to the indigenous' cry for their social and economic status, and the unequal distribution of government projects. 

Enter a rebel with a cause. In the 1930s there was agrarian unrest, a political figure, Luis M. Taruc  (1942- 1950) emerged who led a communist-inspired guerilla movement together with the Central Luzon farmers called Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap)  acronym, The Huks. The spark of the movement ignited the Filipino mind at the rice granary of the country - Central Luzon but later the ember faded. The Huk rebellion ended during the  Ramon Magsaysay administration after 4 months of negotiations represented by Manuel Manahan and Benigno Aquino, Jr.  

Mindanao became an island of opportunity. It was now: go South as a battle cry.  (Remember the Pilgrim Fathers in World History.) The adventurers, the ambitious, the dreamers embarked on a ship, others on big sailboats carrying with them luggage of dream and hope for a better sunrise: Destination - Mindanao.

Sure enough, the timing was precisely right. They were overwhelmed with expectations.  On a bright sunny day, they saw the untouched sea of limitless grasses and bushes dancing with the wind, the kilometers of the primeval forest darkened with lumber slumbered with the lullaby of birds and bees. The scenario was of abundance but behind it loomed hard work, perseverance, and the conundrum of the odds of circumstances.

The pioneering spirit in Mindanao held on to the Pilgrim Fathers' progress until the onslaught on the citadel of their living occurred inspired by the acquired idea of a UP vintage of Jose Ma Sison aka Joma. who founded the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), then the National Peoples Army ( NPA) under the aegis of the reestablished CPP with a significant base of young urban youth and in the small area of the countryside that spread even as Martial Law was declared by Marcos in 1972. Nonetheless, by the capture of Sison in 1977, the seed of the revolutionary movement and armed struggle had been sown in every major region from North to South. Despite the heyday day of the Marcos regime Martial Law, the Philippine revolutionary movement burgeoned greatly in the late 1970s. Sison's writings and books served to awaken and arm a whole generation of radical activists and revolutionary cadres. CPP, NPA, and NDF aim the overthrow the government through armed struggle. Peace talk is only a propaganda machine, an alliance of building operations and maneuvering against the government. But the ultimate aim is death and destruction by way of radical terrorism which is their main form of advocacy for change. However, President Duterte is serious about finding peace.

 Lately, Sison has lost his grip. Bad news for these radical activists and revolutionary cadres like waves are rushing to the shore of the Palace, so to speak, for a change.

Now this fisherman, talisman, and leader continue on scouring the deep waters of the archipelago and sees the reflection that there's a gold mine in the sky. Then twilight approaches as he watches the world roll by still thinking of that long-lost gold mine in the sky. And there is a whisper with a tinge of ontology, not far away, not far away and it will be soon some sweet day.

This leader has not only love but loyalty to his Creator, country, and people. God bless the Philippines!

 

The Dream (1/12/22)

Where goest thou? 

Vividly portrayed on this dream

That I was poised to go somewhere

To a river or to a stream

Absolutely it's the river

Where the water flows merrily

Zigzagging to the lovely sea 

Where  the sun smile, the birds are happy 

Life is what it could really be.

How will we survive this New Year?

With all the problems; have you a plan

A new one to make things better?

It's now for action, no magic wand.

Stretch your arms the left and the right

It is the shadow of a cross

Telling us that the future is bright

To our hope and dream, we are the boss.

It's the right time for awakening

It's the ideal time to break through

The negative to that of doing

A different one and thorough.

Then unleash the complete potential

Veering towards the path of progress

With the blessings of the celestial

Opening the world of success.

Holy or Perfect!

Love and Loyalty

"Not all of us can do great things, 

but we can do small things with great love".

"Do something beautiful for God"

(Mother Teresa)

In times like this, I may not despair 

But hold on to the submission

Of His holy will and tender care.

Love and loyalty: our life's mission.

Please Lord your servant is asking

Of love and loyalty to take.

Does faith need to be in the mapping:

And forgiveness for Jesus Christ's sake?

I don't design a master plan

But leave to my Divine Architect

All things in life are in His hand

We are holy but He is perfect.

Lawyers are our great defender

And soldiers protect us from strife

To the doctors. we surrender

But God has everlasting life.

(N.B.) This poem is for all lovers of life especially so on this day of Heart. With grateful appreciation to the Sunday Zoom Bible Study guru, Rev. Leoncio Santiago. And to the Group. And to all and sundry- Happy Valentine's Day!

(Leviticus 19:2) (1 Peter 15-16) (Leviticus 19:18) (1 Peter  1:13) (1 Peter 1:17)

(1 Peter 1: 22) (2 Timothy 4:5 ) Seniors' Devotional Bible, NIV.

Christmas...

The Birth of Christ 

Christmas is here as we see the light

And the beauty surrounds the earth 

The darkness soon becomes very bright

Proclaiming Jesus's holy birth.

His birth heralds Christianity

John, the Baptist announced his coming

Of salvation and eternity

Glad tidings of a new beginning.

A Virgin kneeling in prayer 
Was asked by an Angel of Light
Favor for God's human nature
"I submit for God.s sake and right".

Mary's Fiat gave light to the world
Brighter than that of the creation
The woman on her Emmanuel
The fruit of passionless passion.

A Divine Love and a woman
A spiritual ecstasy greater
Better than a woman and a man
Which truly is beyond compare.

Christ's birth: a note of moral discord
That was introduced by the first man
Adam's old humanity occurred
The new one in Christ - the Godman.

Cloistered within her for nine months
All the food, the wheat, the wine of life
Nourishment that prevents and stunts
The growth of hatred to end world strife.

A prelude to Holy Eucharist
Which later he would gladly declare
The modern world must not be surprised
But all and sundry must be aware.


 

The Sagttarian Reporter

The Mystery of a  Leader

April brings a shower of questions

Why a leader is prone to hatred?

Comes May for the best solutions:

To the country's love, and not greed.

From the South emerged a leader

Whose mission was simply to change

The scene from the top to down under.

The idea is to rearrange.

To place a high premium on drug

Nip the leader and the user

But this isn't the reason to brag

Just doing what's really proper.

He is bold and that is not bad

Yet the high and the mighty loathe him

And this really is very sad

For he is allegedly condemned.

A plan was mulled for the communist

That wrought havoc on the country

He is on the go and it's a test

The paradigm of change comes in handy.

Are we, not all born with an option

To find the version that helps us most?

Then go straight in that direction

And somehow we'll never be lost.

U.P. displayed the Oblation

An inspiration to build, build, build.

A legacy of his obsession

To move forward and never yield.

The search leads to a remote place

To the guarded NPA's lair.

A gallant Group  formed a solid base

And penetrated them unaware.

The Palace now gladly welcomes them

By catering to their need and want

And really they have nothing to blame

But to their out-of-state commandant.

Aware of the dire happening

The members unearthed the secret

That their armed struggles had no bearing

At long last back home with sweet regret.

This is the tale of a great leader

Marching onward with intricacy:

The defining moment of a soldier

Unfading into reality.

(Note) The Philippines is a Paradise and a blessed country, bridged together by serene and tempestuous seas from all directions. However, it is buttressed with love, hospitality, religion, and education. But it is also subjected to calamities that are man-made and inevitably natural. 

The country's strategic geo-aquatic location is also within the borders of the powerful nations of Europe and the East plying their trades and commerce along the sea and air. As an independent and democratic country, it is friendly to its neighbors, especially since it gained an independent open foreign policy.

This bold and unique leader is going to end his six years of astounding leadership. The poem is humbly dedicated to him - The President, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

(Greg In Trabanca)

Philippine History - 2

Philippine History 11

Rebellion With a Cause

In the countryside was a cry

That started at Pugad Lawin

Balintawak acted the why?

For freedom's sake, they have to win. 

Loyalty to Spain must be cut

As the people have suffered much

And with the gumption and the gut

That this allegiance must end as such.

On the fertile soil of the land

Sprout some seeds with the urge to lead

Smiling at its vast pebbly strand

With the healthy produce to spread.

Leaders like the weather come and go 

Some are obsessed with good reasons

But the people have the right to know

What's in store for them in all seasons.

Brilliant promises stir the air

The people are filled with energy

This land of the valiant and the fair

Will weather many a century.

(Greg In Trabanca)

 

Philippine History - 1

Philippine History 1

The Great Circumnavigation

It is the month to remember

When humanity yearns for hope

Those things will be getting better

Although they're unlimited in scope.

History of our dear country

Encompasses our hopes and fears.

The search for peace and to be free;

Engraved in our smiles through our tears.

It started with Spain's supremacy

Gazing at the roundness of the Earth

A Portuguese-born has to see

That the globe's problem is unearthed.

Over a route  in search of spices

An expedition was mulled over

But the toll has got high prices

As spices and gold have their power. 

The great circumnavigation

Got impact on humanity

But planted seeds of rebellion

That blooms into disparity.

Lessons gleaned from our brave heroes;

Of their feat against the invaders

Yet we are enveloped with woes

Gleaming like undying embers.

(Greg In Trabanca)

This is the Moment

This Is The Moment 

A Holy Moment - with my God 

Surfaced in the whirlpool of time

Forgetting that what I have had

Been in my past and the modern clime.

I need this - a Holy Moment

That Thy will be done on this earth,

While heaven is the final event;

Need to understand Thy lowly birth.

And setting aside what I felt

As I availed myself to Him

Daring in my prayer to vent

The faith that is clear, not bedimmed.

I must act fast on what to do

On the Almighty Creator

Without any further ado;

Must succumb to my Editor.

And on this day, I must admit

I just need only the moment

With my love and to be legit;

A moment that is permanent.

In the firmament of my conscience

In a terrain of loveliness;

In technology and science

In a world of profound bliss.

(N.B.)  This poem from the smithy of my being is a remembering of the moment when my wife expelled her last breath on this day. (29th of November 2015) . Evangeline Rueles Magallanes Caermare Trabanca ( Eve/Vangie) is remembered and in her peaceful rest, may the perpetual light illumines.

(Greg Intas Caponong Trabanca)

Evening of November 2021

 The Pouring Rain...

There's a time in life when the rain just falls.

You are soaked wet. You look for shelter.

And you search for different walls

Then comes the moment to ponder.

And you pray for the rain to stop

Tears just cascade into your cheeks

Those worldly things you have to drop

One by one in the lonely creeks

Waver not as help is on the way

When you are lost you have an angel

Ever ready when you are astray

With that, you have a story to tell.

 

In life, true friends are hard to find

Like rare seeds of beautiful plants

You have to pick and choose the right kind

Remember there are rabbits and ants.

(Greg Intas Caponong Trabanca)

Sunday of November 2016

A Sunday to Remember

By the window, I look out Eastward. 

The trees are calm in the park. The sky

Is ash white. I notice that the yard

Nature is asleep; the ground is dry.

Smoke spews out from the clean heater; 

The breeze awakens the sleeping leaves

 Of varying colors, of amber

And all that Mother Nature gives.

 

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)