Social Security Benefits, Your Retirement Foundation

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

By Eliseo “Jojo” Prisno

Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor

P/E Capital Investments

In most of my interactions with people who are about to retire, the very common query they have is not about their 401k, 403b or other employer retirement programs but simply about their benefits with the Federal Social Security. As a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, this is something that I tend not to be detail oriented on because I try to tackle the more seemingly complex components of retirement such as creating an investment program once a retirement benefit account is rolled over, or how to create a robust income stream from retirement funds, etc.

However, I do recognize that 90% of the retirees in the US receive Social Security benefits which is the core foundation of their income stream; and, thus the reason why this is normally integrated in my retirement plans. But given this need of my target audience, I’m going back to the basics. To start with, let me share with you an article written by Philip Moeller, a finance writer and contributor to Yahoo finance. Philip is able to articulate the issues and the complexities vital to the decision process on when to create an income stream from the federal benefit once qualified.

Let me also invite all my avid readers in Chicago. I will be conducting a free Social Security Benefits Workshop every week (Sundays at 2PM). This complimentary workshop is in cooperation with the Word of Grace Family Christian Church at 3901 N Whipple St, Chicago, IL 60618 (as part of their community outreach ministry) will commence this month of May until August 2013. Please refer to the P/E Capital Investment ad below for details.
Following is a quote on Philip’s article on Social Security benefits published in Yahoo Finance.

“Social Security is by far the nation’s most important retirement program. And while the decision about when to claim benefits seems clear enough, it is anything but simple.

You can begin benefits as early as age 62 or wait until turning 70. The difference in monthly benefit payments is huge. For each $1 in benefits you’d get when claiming at age 66 (the so-called full retirement age for most people right now), you’d receive only 75 cents if you claimed at age 62, but $1.32 if you waited until age 70. Big difference.

If you’re married, you and your spouse can do what’s called “claim and suspend” benefits so that one of you can collect spousal benefits based on the benefit entitlements of the other spouse. Properly executed, these benefit payments will not reduce your own benefits or those of your spouse when they are claimed at a later date.

Unaware of Much Higher Benefits

Looking only at these two components of the program, it’s possible to craft a seemingly endless number of scenarios reflecting a person’s age, marital status, health, longevity and family considerations. A 401(k) program’s wide choice of investment options and savings rates seems elementary by comparison. And as survey after survey has documented, most employees are baffled if not paralyzed by their 401(k)’s complexity. No wonder we struggle to make the best possible decisions about Social Security.

That’s especially true about the decision to begin claiming benefits at 62. Sometimes, people who do so are unaware of the much higher benefits they would receive if they waited. It’s also taken time for the reality of longevity gains to sink in to the assessments we make about our own mortality. Planning for a 30-year retirement rather than a 15- or 20-year period makes it much clearer why a later claiming age may make sense.

However, millions of Americans know all about these options and are still forced to begin taking Social Security at age 62. They need the money now, and waiting until 66 or even 70 is not a luxury they can afford. Often, early claimants work in physically demanding jobs and cannot continue working past 62. Or they may have lost their job altogether and can’t find a new position. More likely, their new job doesn’t pay nearly as well as the one they lost.

Split Social Security into Payments

With few exceptions, the age you claim Social Security is irreversible. If we claim at age 62, we’re stuck with those payments for the rest of our lives.
But what if that decision did not have such unyielding implications? What if we could claim early but not sacrifice all of our entitlements to the higher level of benefits provided to those who claim at later ages? And what if we could do this without costing Social Security an extra penny? It would be a pretty neat feat.

That’s what Timothy Alan Albright thinks. The Michigan resident retired earlier this year as a Social Security district manager after nearly 35 years with the agency. He recently received $300 from the agency for submitting his idea to split Social Security benefits into layers of payments that could  be taken at different ages.

“I propose that Americans be allowed to file for a portion of their retirement benefit early and save a portion of the benefits to be received in the future without a reduction,” he wrote in an email describing his idea. “One possibility is to be allowed to file for reduced benefits based on 25 percent portions of their PIA [primary insurance amount]. A person might not need all of their retirement benefits at age 62 so they could file for 25 percent or 50 percent or 75 percent to begin with, and then phase in each of the other 25-percent portions at a future date.”

“Allowing customers to receive partial or tiered benefits would be one of the first customer-friendly changes to Social Security rules in years,” Albright adds. “It would have a widespread positive impact on our citizens’ ability to plan prudently for their retirement years without locking themselves into an unnecessary low-income stream.”

The idea would be relatively easy to program into agency computers, he explains, and would be budget-neutral as well. “If customers take benefits early, they are still reduced under the same formulas,” he notes. “If they take benefits later in life, their life expectancy would be less.”

“It brings Social Security into the 21st century,” Albright concludes. “We ask that Americans take responsibility for planning for their retirement. This would give them another powerful tool. As it is now their retirement choice is an all or nothing proposition.”

P/E Capital Investments manages the wealth of select families and business owners. P/E Capital Investments does not provide tax or legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you consult your professional advisor prior to implementing any of the strategies mentioned here within. This article does not offer or imply solicitation of any type. Eliseo Jojo Prisno is the Managing Director of P/E Capital Investments, Investment Advisor to FilipinoFunds Investment Management, LLC and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.If you have questions or desire a complimentary analysis of your retirement readiness, email j.prisno@PECapitalInvestments.com or call toll free to 1-888-929-2825

Posted in Money Matters | Leave a comment

Community News, May 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

Volunteers are needed to man the Philippine exhibition booth at the Skokie Festival of Cultures on May 18 & 19. Call Jelly Carandang (pictured left) at 847-679-7058 or email MSJELLYBEANS@aol.com.

Skokie Festival of Cultures set for May 18 & 19

Skokie, Ill- More than 30,000 people are expected to visit the 23rd Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures on May 18 and 19, where they will savor exotic tastes, listen to the traditional sounds of ethnic music, and experience the dozens of cultures, languages and traditions that make up the Skokie community.

“Not only will visitors to the festival experience more than three dozen cultural booths,” said the Festival Planning Committee’s Chairwoman Michelle Tuft, “attendees will also enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance, a wide range of food, unique arts and crafts, and a merchandise marketplace.”
The 2013 edition of the festival will also feature Binny’s International Beer Tasting from 2-6 p.m. on both days.

Skokie’s unique cultural journey launches at Oakton Park in Skokie and will kick off when visitors receive their free “Passport to the World,” the official guide to all festival happenings. The passport will include a schedule of hourly ethnic performances, educational information, and a festival map, which will help attendees make their way through the 19-acre park full of attractions.

The festival will offer something for the younger set, too, with a children’s area featuring hands-on exhibits and a place for children to learn and create.

The more than 35 cultures represented at the festival will range from Assyrian to Swedish, Indian to Japanese — and Korean to Pakastani.
Oakton Park is located at the corner of Oakton Street and Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, at 4701 Oakton St. The festival will begin at 11 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, ending at 7 p.m. A free shuttle will be available to deliver attendees to the Festival grounds from Oakton Community College at 7701 Lincoln Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on both days.

The 23rd Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures is sponsored by the Illinois Arts Council, NorthShore University HealthSystem–Skokie Hospital, Rotary Club of Skokie Valley, Kiwanis Club of Skokie Valley, the Skokie Park District, the Village of Skokie, and the Skokie Public Library.

For more information about the festival, call the Skokie Park District, (847) 674-1500 or visit the official Skokie Festival of Cultures Web site at www.SkokieCultureFest.org.

Hepatitis B Immunization Initiative in the Asian Community in Chicago

Hepatitis B is a serious global health problem that affects Asians disproportionately. Chronically infected persons are at high risk for cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. More than half of the estimated 1.4 million to 2 million people infected with Hepatitis B in the U.S. are Asian American. Asian Americans are nearly three times more likely to develop liver cancer than Americans of non–Asian descent. Nearly one in ten Asian Americans is infected with chronic HBV, with a greater prevalence in those who are foreign born. Despite these life–threatening facts, a significant proportion of Asian Americans remain untested, untreated, and unvaccinated.

Hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination. The Midwest Asian Health Association – Hepatitis Coalition of the Midwest (MAHA-HCM) is pleased to announce an initiative to establish a community-based regular monthly Hepatitis B immunization clinic, the first of this kind in Chicago, in partnership with the Chicago Dept. of Public Health (CDPH), Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH), Northwestern Medicine, and Northwestern University-Hepatitis B Alliance, and Midwestern University College of Pharmacy. A Hepatitis B vaccination will be available at the Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. , Chicago, IL 60602 on Friday, May 17 at 12 pm-1 pm.

Governor Quinn to Celebrate 150 years of Illinois Asian American Heritage
Thompson Center to Offer Free Exhibit Showcasing Asian American History in Illinois
Governor Quinn  announced that a free exhibit celebrating 150 years of Illinois’ Asian American Heritage will be on display at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago from May 20-24. The free exhibit – organized as part of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month – will feature displays prepared by some of Illinois’ leading Asian American cultural institutions.

Contributors to the governor’s exhibit include the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, Korean Cultural Center, South Asian American Policy and Research Institute, Japanese American Service Committee, Japanese American Citizens League, Cambodian American Heritage Museum and Killing Fields Memorial, Alliance of Filipinos for Immigration Rights and Empowerment, Lao American Organization of Elgin and others.

 

Community Kicks-off the Fight for Immigration Reform

WHAT: On May 1st immigrant rights advocates, labor, faith and families will be marching to send a clear message to legislators that immigration reform needs to include legalization for the 11 million undocumented immigrants and stop deportations.  Historically, May 1st is the celebration of worker’s rights and justice for immigrants.  Globally, May 1st is a celebration of the struggles of labor and social movements.

Since 2006, Chicago’s annual May Day Rally has highlighted immigrant rights as an important component of the worker’s rights debate. With the introduction of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill on April 17th, this year’s May Day Rally will highlight immigrant voices and urge legislators to support a comprehensive bill that keeps families together.

WHO: Community members, immigrants, workers, allies, supporters

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1st

WHERE: See below

2:00 pm Union Park at Ashland/Lake

3:30 pm Rally at Haymarket on Randolph/DesPlaines

3:00 pm Entertainment starts at Federal Plaza at Jackson/Dearborn

4:00 pm Rally with Senator Durbin at Federal Plaza at Jackson / Dearborn

Forum on U.S. Medicare Portability in the Philippines, May 11

The topic of U.S. Medicare Portability in the Philippines will be presented and discussed by Mr. Eric Lachica on Saturday, May 11 at 2. p.m. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) in collaboration with the Philippine Medical Association in Chicago are inviting the Filipino American community to attend the presentation at the Kumon, 4546 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60077. The event is free but guests are asked to register by May 6 by calling Ms. Jelly Carandang at 847-679-7058 or calling Ms. Almira Astudillo Gilles at 847-359- 3494.

Status of Fil-Am Arts in Chicago, May 3

A dialogue on the status of Filipino American Arts will be held by The Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago (FAHSC) in partnership with the University of Chicago Kababayan Student Organization in Chicago on Friday, May 3 from 7:30-10 p.m.
Where Are We Now?” Nasaan Na Tayo will be held at the McCormick Tribune Lounge at Reynolds Hall at the University of Chicago, 5706 South University Ave., Chicago, IL 60637. Guests may RSVP to Estrella Alamar at 773-947-8696 or fahschicago@gmail.com.

Circulo Capampangan Ball, May 4

The Circulo Capampangan will hold its 43rd Anniversary Ball and Coronation of Muses on May 4 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The theme will be “Caring Hearts are Sharing Hearts.” For more information, contact the President, Ms. Marilyn Hintonher at her email at marilynhinton@ymail.com.

Community Health Fair, May 26

The 7th Annual Family and Senior Health Fair, 2013 will be offered to the public  by the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACC) on Sunday, May 26 at the Rizal Center, 1332 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613 from 8 am to 1 pm.  There will be free health screenings available such as Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Prostrate Cancer, Dental Care, Osteoporosis, Nutrition, Podiatry, Hearing and Vision. Also there will be free gifts and entertainment.
Contact Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Event Chair, for more information, at 312-402-4191 or Ella Basillo, Nurse Activity Coordinator, at 773-251-5259.

Immigration & health workshops and events

The Alliance of Filipinos for Immigrant Rights and Empowerment (AFIRE) will hold health and citizenship workshops on various dates and a march for Immigration Reform on May 1. Anyone interested in these events is invited. For more information call 773-580-1025. Below are the events they will be offering.

Healthy Heart, Healthy Family, Healthy Community, April 27
Learn how to live long and have a healthy life! Prevent cardio vascular disease.This topic will be addressed on Saturday, April 27, 9am at AFIRE’s Office, 7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60645. Those interested may RSVP at 773-580-1025 to Sally Richmond.

New Americans Initiative – Free Citizenship Workshop, May 18 –
Protect your rights! Become a citizen now! The workshop will be on Saturday, May 18, 8:30-10:30am at Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett, Chicago, 60634. Those attending may RSVP at 773-580-1025 to Tess Gutierrez.

Volunteer trainings for Citizenship Workshops, May 16
Make a difference to the lives of your kababayans! Come on Thursday, May 16, 6-8pm at the Erie Neighborhood House, 1327 W. Erie, Chicago, 60642.  Those interested may RSVP at 757-416-2522 to Kristina Tendilla.

May Day Rally Sign-Making Event, April 27
Help AFIRE make signs and posters to use during the May Day Rally on Saturday, April 27, at 3pm at theAFIRE office, 7315 N. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60645.

May Day Rally, May 1 – On the same day as International Workers Day, a March for Immigration Reform will take place on Wednesday, May 1 at Union Park (Ashland & Lake) at 2pm. There will be a march to Federal Plaza (Jackson & LaSalle) at 3pm and a rally at Federal Plaza at 4pm.

Employment positions for GCORR

The General Commission on Religion & Race (GCORR) of The United Methodist Church is accepting applications for three staff positions in its Washington, D.C. office. The three positions include a communications strategist, a training and development specialist, and a research and data integrity specialist.
GCORR of The United Methodist Church is charged with empowering the Church to pursue racial equity and cultural competency to build a stronger, more vibrant denomination.
The Communications Strategist will work in partnership with GCORR leadership and key stakeholders in the United Methodist Church to carry out the mission of GCORR through focused communications efforts. The Training and Development Specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive Intercultural competency training program.
The Research and Data Integrity Specialist will work with GCORR leaders to plan, coordinate, conduct and report findings from various GCORR studies as well as consult with GCORR staff and other denominational agencies and ecumenical groups to obtain, analyze and report information in ways that are compelling, accurate, and action-inspiring.
Please visit the GCORR Web site at
http://www.gcorr.org/employment-opportunities/ and follow directions on how to apply.
Complete position descriptions and application processes–including cover letter, resume and supporting documentation requirements–are available on the GCORR website under Employment Opportunities. All positions remain open until filled.
For more information, contact Frances J. Roberts’ email at froberts@umc-gbcs.org or call him at (202) 495-5658.

Job Fair in Arlington Heights, April 30

The Illinois workNet Center on Tuesday, April 30 will host a Job Fair at their office located at 723 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL  60005.  Companies at the job fair include Advocate Healthcare, American Academy of Pediatrics, Armour, Clearbrook, For Papa’s Sake, Freedom Home Care, Haemonetics Blood Management, Home Instead Senior Care, Manor Healthcare, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Presence Health (formerly Resurrection & Provena), Omega Healthcare, Right at Home, and  St. Colleta’s,  that have immediate needs and are hiring right now. The Illinois Department of Employment Security is co-sponsoring this Job Fair. All job-seekers are invited to this program. Illinois workNet continues to connect local employers to job seekers and put Illinois residents back to work.
To view participating employers, job seekers should visit www.worknetncc.com.

Posted in Community News | Leave a comment

PINOY Newsmakers, May 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

By Grace Garcia

Nanny is countersued by actress Sharon Stone

Erlinda Elemen, Sharon Stone’s former nanny.

Filipina nanny Erlinda Elemen,  sued  Actress Sharon Stone for “wrongful dismissal and harrassment, and racist abuse” while being employed as a nanny to the actress, according to an AFP report.  Elemen had borrowed $12,500 from Stone in June 2010. In 2010 records show that she only paid $3000 from August 2010 to January 2011. On  April 4, Stone counter-sued Elemen, claiming that after receiving $3,000, Elemen had stopped issuing payments to the actress, the report added.
Elemen was fired for accepting overtime wages from Stone. Stone allegedly made “derogatory comments about Filipino food,” an LA Weekly report added.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 title goes to chemistry graduate

Ariella Arida, Miss Universe Philippines 2013.

On April 14, Ariella Arida took home the 2013 Miss Universe Philippines title, after the competition was held at Araneta Coliseum. Arida is a graduate of Univeristy of the Philippines who majored in Chemistry, according to an Inquirer News report. Her question came from Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, one of the judges. He asked her what lesson women can teach men about life.
Her response, “One lesson in life that women can teach men is being sensitive, because we all know that men are more logical when it comes to decisions,” the report stated.

Filipino on death row gets more time to pay off blood money

Saudi OFW Joselito Zapanta.

A Filpino construction worker has been given more time to avoid the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, according to an Inquirer News report.  President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay had appealed to Saudi King Abdullah and the Saudi government to spare the life of Joselito Zapanta.
Their requests were granted when in March of this year, King Abdullah gave a deferment to Zapanta until Nov. 3 of this year to pay back blood money to the family of the landlord whom he had killed in 2009, according to the report. Zapanta would have to pay the family 4 million riyals which is equivalent to P44M.

Oldest student to take and pass bar exam

Cesar Bagaipo, new lawyer at age 70

Senior citizen Cesar Bagaipo finished law school recently with students who were old enough to be his grandchildren. He was in  law school in  the 70s at Liceo de Cagayan College of Lawin, but could not finish because of circumstances such as Martial Law, job transfers, and promotions within Philippine National Bank.
His motivation to return to law school and pass the bar came when he read about Kagayanon Gloria Acero Delgado, then a 68-year-old pharmacist and concert pianist, who had taken and passed the bar exams in 1998, the report added..
Finally, in April of this year, Cesar Bagaipo took and passed his bar exams along with 948 graduates, according to an Inquirer News report.
In March 2012, he graduated with a degree in law.

Posted in Pinoy Newsmakers | Leave a comment

A Bittersweet Road to Immigration Reform

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

By Rhodora Derpo, Esq.

Immigrant Rights Advocate

info@immigrantadvocate.com

In late April of this year, the Senate’s “Gang of Eight” released details of the long-awaited immigration reform bill.  Since its release, the bill has received mixed reactions.  While the legislation, officially known as the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013,” contains some good provisions, there are aspects of it that have caused major concern.

Family unity has been the cornerstone of our nation’s immigration policy since 1965.  Thus, one of the concerns voiced by immigration advocates is that the bill seriously undercuts family-based immigration and favors employment-based immigration.  For example, the 844-page bill includes a provision which doubles the number of H-1B visas available to U.S. employers.  The bill also creates a new non-immigrant “W visa” program for low-wage foreign workers.  The program would let 20,000 foreigners in low-skilled jobs come to the U.S. in the first year (starting in 2015).   So while the bill creates visa options based on employment, it seeks to eliminate visas for entire groups of family members:  U.S. citizens would no longer be able to petition siblings and adult married children over the age of 30.  If this part of the bill becomes law, it would significantly change the nature of Filipino immigration to the United States.

To understand the potential impact of the bill on the Filipino community and other Asian American and Pacific Islanders who would be affected, let’s look at the current family-based immigration framework.

Current Immigration Law

Under current immigration law, the ability to petition a family member living in another country largely depends on a set of factors.  For example, you can petition family members – limited to immediate relatives and preference relatives – if you are a United States citizen or a permanent resident (green card holder).  You cannot petition grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, parents-in-law, and other extended family members.

Immediate Relatives
Immediate relatives are a category of prospective immigrants who include a U.S. citizen’s spouse, minor children (under the age of 21), and parents of adult U.S citizens.  Immediate relatives are granted visas without regard to numerical quotas and are usually allowed to immigrate within a year that an immigrant visa petition is filed on their behalf.

Preference Relatives
Preference relatives include the married children of U.S. citizens, (unmarried) children over 21 of U.S. citizens, the spouses or children of U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and brothers and sisters of adult U.S. citizens.  Applicants who fall under the preference category framework usually face a devastating wait.  To get a green card, these applicants must wait for their priority date to become current – sometimes, preference relatives have to wait as long as 23 years before being allowed to apply for their immigrant visa (green card).  The priority date is established by the submission of an immigrant visa petition filed on their behalf by their U.S. citizen or permanent resident relative.

“Gang of Eight’s” Immigration Reform Bill
The good news is that under the immigration proposal, spouses and children of lawful permanent residents become immediate relatives and their visas are uncapped.  That means there is no wait time for the children and spouses of green card holders.  (Under current law, the waiting period is 2 years.)  The bill also seeks to expand the nonimmigrant “V visa” to allow families with approved petitions to work and live in the U.S. while waiting for their green card.  The “V visa” would also allow other family members including siblings to visit the U.S. temporarily for up to 60 days per year.
The bad news is that the proposed rules eliminate sibling-based immigrant visas and caps the age of eligibility for married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (at age 30).  This means that you will not be able to petition your son or daughter if he or she is married and is over 30 years old.  This also means that you would no longer be allowed to petition your siblings to allow them to live in the U.S. permanently.  The immigration bill represents a disconcerting shift in immigration policy that places less emphasis on family ties and more emphasis on employment and education.
Because Filipino culture values family relationships (especially sibling relationships) very highly, the immigration reform bill will dramatically impact the Filipino American community.
Earlier this year, I shared my own immigrant story and recounted that my uncle submitted an immigrant petition for my father, which allowed my whole family to come to the U.S. and live here permanently.  Under the proposed rules, my family and I would not be able to immigrate to the U.S.

What can you do?
If you are concerned about the elimination of visas for non-immediate relatives, contact your elected officials, community leaders, and local organizations to determine what you can do to press for improvements as the bill moves through the legislative process.

Posted in Immigration | 1 Comment

“The Fire Beneath”: Mining a Gold Find

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

By Mariano Santos

Editor/Publisher

It was a rainy summer day in 1981 when Berto Morales accidentally unearthed a hoard of gold artifacts and jewelries while driving his bulldozer in a small town in Surigao where an irrigation system was being constructed.

The golden treasure includes  masks, figurines, bowls, daggers, trinkets, belts, and all sorts of body ornaments skillfully fashioned between the 10th and 12th century. The discovery was hailed as one of the biggest and most important hoard of artifacts of its kind—not only in its precious metal content but more so in its historical and anthropological significance for the Philippines.

The thousand items tell a lot about the richness of the culture and economic life of pre-Hispanic Filipinos. They revealed further the abundance of Philippine natural resources.

The gold at that time was used as casual trimmings not only for the nobilities but also for their workers.

Fortunately for the country, a good portion of Berto’s golden find was not melted or not hoarded in some obscure vaults.  The Central Bank and the Ayala Museums now boast of their respective shares of the Surigao treasures as part of their major and very popular exhibits.

But Berto Morales, the obscure government peon, did not sell these artifacts directly to these collectors. So how’s he doing? What is his story? What would you do if, like Berto, you found a hidden treasure?

+++

Presidential Awardee

This statuette is made of solid gold and is one of the thousand of artifacts and jewelries collectively called “Surigao Treasures” now on display at the Ayala Museum in Makati City and at the Central Bank in Manila.

Author and community advocate Almira Astudillo Gilles speculated on these questions. In the process, she found a vein and tapped on it and mined it. She came out rich with “Tales of Gold”—a subtitle, with a main title, “The Fire Beneath.”  Ms. Gilles was one of the recipients of the Philippine Presidential Award last year. Her novel is a testament that she was deservedly cited for her accomplishment in the field of literature. A graduate of the University of the Philippines, she holds two masters and a doctorate degree from various American Universities. She is married and has children. The family lives in a northwestern suburb of Chicago. The book was published in 2012 by the Philippine American Writers and Authors, Inc. (PAWA), 410 pp.

+++

Historical Fictions

Using actual events as inspiration for a work of fiction is of course not an unusual practice for writers. Gore Vidal wrote a dozen historical fictions including “Empire” which touched on the American colonization of the Philippines.

Last winter, I finally got around reading Vidal’s “Lincoln”—I savored his opus side by side Doris Stearns’ even bulkier “Team of Rivals” from which Steven Spielberg’s award-winning film, “Lincoln” was based.

Ms. Gilles’ “Tales of Gold” is closer to Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mocking Bird” than Vidal’s novel about the 16th U.S. President. His portrayal of his characters is particularly faithful to actual persons, places and dates during the time of Abraham Lincoln.

Ms Gilles created Edgardo Araw as the finder-keeper of the gold treasures. Gardo, as he would be referred to, surmised that the artifacts are gifts from God and being a good Filipino Catholic, he soon involved men of the cloth on how to cash in and deal with his fortune. Gardo’s wife, Celina went along with her husband’s way of securing and disposing their new wealth. At least, this was the situation early on in the story.

After a Ford Car

Almira Astudillo Gilles autographs a copy of her book, “The Fire Beneath: Tales of Gold” for PINOY publisher/editor, Mariano “Anong” Santos during the Piyesta Pinoy at Navy Pier recently. The novel is based on the Surigao Treasures found in 1981 is available for $15.

Just like on how she reluctantly agreed to name their only son Edsel—which she found too unusual but the fact that it pleases the mechanically inclined Gardo, she went along with it.

Perhaps, if she had known that their son’s name was actually a brand of Ford car that bombed, she surely had rejected it. The circumstances that would later developed after the word is out in their small village of Batu-bato– thanks to Tito, her blubbering  brother-in-law, who cannot keep a secret when he is drunk—Celina would be proven to be actually strong-willed and assertive.

Predictably, neighbors would soon be lined-up expecting the Araws to pay for their medical bills or their home improvement.  Hoodlums suddenly showed up demanding ransoms for their future kidnapping.

The promise of a luxurious life is fast turning into a nightmare of fear and uncertainty for the Araws.  In no time, they were running away from favor-seekers, criminals and even priests that would betray their trust.

Then, they are also facing loneliness of being uprooted from familiar grounds and of being ostracized by the old timers in their new town.

Conflicting Vision

The insecurity in the eleven-year old Edsel is far much intense because of the tension arising from the conflicting visions of his parents. His practical mother sees the opportunity to move upward by leveraging the proceeds the Araws had realized from the treasures into a lucrative dress making business.

But Gardo with his devotion to the Nazarene and the saints doesn’t find salvation in his treasure.  He looks forward to return to his bucolic existence in Batu-bato. He also wants to take with him his son who is facing difficulties of his own in adjusting to his new urban surrounding. The possibility of separation hounds their young son who is desperately trying to keep his parents to stay together.

Ms. Gilles understands the soul of modern Filipino families.  These people of today are struggling to survive in a world which is exacting its enormous dues from fathers and mothers. These people only want to extricate their families from the abyss of poverty.

Like the Araw couple, parents are haunted by their painful separation from their children whose welfare is, ironically, the reason why they have to leave their familiar places.

“The Fire Beneath” presents these in an understandable language of compassion, irony and humor.  It is like a melancholic fable for our times. On one hand are Filipino parents’ attempt to define themselves around their belief system formed by their practice of folk Catholicism and other medieval traditions.

On the other hand, there is this attempt to move on by embracing the demands of a fast moving world. The challenges of the Araws can be seen,indeed, as a microcosm of the dilemmas facing Filipino families today.

The way her work is presented, Ms. Gilles seems to anticipate that her novel will soon be a screenplay—but it does not take long to get adjusted to its style. She admitted when asked in a chance meeting recently that a play based on her book is in the works.

I have suggested to the author to put copies of her novel on display during the Philippine Independence Week Committee community picnic on Sunday, June 2nd at the Labagh Woods on the corner of Cicero and Foster Avenues in Chicago. You will be able to buy a copy and have her sign it too. At $15, the book is all worth it. It should be on the top of your summer reading list.

+++

Berto Morales, who found the Surigao treasure in 1981.

Berto’s Tale

Back to Berto Morales. According to the documentary, “Gintong Pamana” produced and shown on the ABS-CBN Network in 2008, He did not become wealthy.  He could not even afford a denture so he appeared in that interview toothless.  He and his family live in a shack in their town where he found the Surigao Treasures–treasures which are now housed in well-secured and climate-controlled chambers at the Central Bank and at the Ayala Museum.

A priest with whom he entrusted some of his artifacts could not account for them when Berto demanded to get them back.  Members of the military even falsely arrested Berto and took a gold dagger from him.

What impact a sudden windfall of wealth does to a family? Berto Morales shared his story. Almira Astudillo Gilles told a tale loosely based on Berto’s. Her “The Fire Beneath” has enriched us all because of its shining quality. Be sure to get a copy of the book.

+++

Exhibitors Wanted at the June 2nd Picnic

Exhibitors, merchants and community groups who would like to show case their products, literature and services the community picnic is great venue to get a target audience. You can participate for a small donation that starts at $25 for a size of two card tables.  This is to help cover the expenses of renting and insuring the use of the Labagh Picnic Grove.  To all, join the Gawad Kalinga Walk and help in uplifting millions of Filipinos from the curse of poverty.  Call Jun de Guia at 847-848-2300 for more information.

Recommendations for the May 13 PH Elections

The above gold belt weighs six and half pounds is intricately crafted between the 10th and 12th century in southern Mindanao. It is part of the Surigao Treasures found by Berto Morales in 1981.

Twelve Philippine senators are to be elected on May 13.  The following candidates are listed here for your consideration. They are well-qualified and are proven to be honest leaders and persons with high integrity. If you are a registered Philippine voter, vote for them for the sake of our homeland.  Otherwise, please call, email, tweet or Facebook your relatives and friends back home and share our recommendations. Mabuhay ang bayan Filipino!

Juan Edgardo Angara, Benigno Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Alan Cayetano, Teddy Casino, Loren Legarda, Ramon Magsaysay Jr., Koko Pimentel and Antonio Trillanes.

They are the best of the lot.

Posted in Pinoy Insider | Leave a comment

Obituaries, May 2013

Posted on April 30, 2013 by admin

Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz, 86, ex-UP head, Nat’l Scientist

Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz, the 13th president of the University of the Philippines, died on March 23 at the age of 86.
UP assistant vice president for alumni relations Dr. Wendell Capili said Corpuz suffered cardiac arrest on March 23 at the National Kidney Transplant Institute, according to an Inquirer News report.
An academic, economist and historian, Corpuz served as president of the state university from 1975 to 1979. Before that, he was education secretary from 1968 to 1971 and was education minister as well.He was named a National Scientist in 2004 and was a professor emeritus at the UP School of Economics at the time of his death.
Corpuz’s cremated remains are at the Our Lady of Consolacion Chapel, Mira Nila Homes, Tandang Sora, Quezon City. UP vice president for public affairs Dr. Prospero de Vera said the university will hold a necrological service on April 1 at the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice after the 6 p.m. Mass. (INQ.net)

Alberto E. Almanza, 54

Alberto E. Almanza of Skokie, died April 24 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chicago. Mr. Almanza was born in San Pablo, Laguna to Rosauro (deceased) and Nena Excode Almanza on January 12, 1959. Mr. Almanza was a Patient Care Technician at Skokie Northshore Hospital. He is the beloved husband of Liezel, nee Tordecilla; Loving son of Nena and the late Rosauro; Dear brother of Adora (Efren) Briones, Amelyn (Joven) Rivera, Amado (Lina) , Alex (Zeny) and Arlito (Lalaine) Almanza; Fond son-in-law of Leticia Tordecilla; Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Wake was on Saturday, April 27 at the Haben Funeral Home. Funeral private.

Edgardo Danan, 69

Edgardo Danan passed away on April 5 at the age of 69. He is survived by his wife Luisa; his children Earl (Martha) and Erwin (Maria); and his grandchildren Taylor, Alex, Tristan, Aidan and Evan.  Mr. Danan’s wake was on April 10  at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral Services was the next day at the funeral home. Interment will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines.

Calixta S. Ramos, 99

Calixta S. Ramos died on April 6. She was 99 years of age. She was preceded in death by her husband Teofanes, Sr.  She is survived by her children Teofanes, Jr. (Linda), Rolando, Mario (late Elaine), Carlos (Agnes, late Delia Ramos, Aurora (Rudy) Fernandez, Ramono (Susan) and Jaimie (Carmencita). She was grandmother to 12 grandchildren and the great-grandmother of 8.Wake was at the  Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home in Niles on April 10.. The Funeral Service was held the next evening at the Funeral Home.Burial will be at the Manila Memorial Park Cemetery, Philippines.

Felonila G. Seda Caunca, 71

Felonila G. Seda Caunca, age 71, of Skokie passed away on April 8. She is survived by her husband Domingo D. Caunca; she is survived by her children Benjamin (Myra) and Fernando (Ethel); she leaves behind four grandchildren and a sister. Her wake was at Haben Funeral Home & Crematory and funeral mass at St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will be at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery in Niles.

Prescila T. Capati, 59

Prescila T. Capati passed away on April 11 at home with her family by her side. She was 59.
Prescila is survived by her husband Allan Capati. She is also survived by her mother, Emiliana Terraza, of Peoria; her children, Aileen (Matt) Bartolo, Aimee (Shawn) Siems, Allan Ross Capati (fiancée Mikeal Harsh), and Andrew Capati all of the Peoria area; sisters, Consolacion Jimenez and Amelia Bautista of the Philippines, and Cecilia (Ray) Osis and Adoracion (Roberto) Manalang of Peoria; and grandchildren, Victoria, Ava, Vian, Maci, and Bianca all of Peoria. She was preceded in death by her father, Rosauro Terraza; her brother, Roy Terraza Jr.; and her granddaughter, Elaina Bartolo.
Prescila attended the Far Eastern University in the Philippines. She was employed at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center for over 30 years, until her retirement in 2012. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the Filipino American Society of Central Illinois. Funeral Mass was on April 20 at Holy Family Catholic Church, officiated by Franciscan Friars. Visitation was on April 19, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary.

Posted in Obituary | 1 Comment

Pope Francis’ Role

Posted on April 2, 2013 by admin

By Father Tirso Villaverde

Pastor

St. Thomas of Canterbury

Reflections

Last month, Catholics and non-Catholics witnessed a very historical moment in the life of the Catholic Church.  For the first time in about 600 years, a reigning pope willingly resigned and a new pope was elected even while his predecessor is very much alive and well.  If we were like most people, our attention was fixed on the events at the Vatican especially on the chimney on top of the Sistine Chapel waiting anxiously to see if white smoke would come out of it.  Then, around 3:00 p.m. on March 13th, we all saw it whether on televised media or in person by chance.  The white smoke billowed out of the chimney and the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang joyfully and the words were announced, “Habemus Papam!”

I am sure that for the Filipino Catholics throughout the world, we were surely hoping that it would be the name of Chito Tagle that would be announced and his smiling face be seen on the balcony of St. Peter’s.  Alas, it was not.  In regard to Chito’s possible election, it is very much certain that it would have been a sense of immense pride and joy for the Filipino world.  On that grand world scale, Chito as pope would have been a shining example of the Filipino’s capability to do great things.  He could have added to the image of the Filipino as a people of integrity and fidelity.  I am certain that many Filipino Catholics were waiting with baited breath to see the Cardinal Archbishop of Manila be raised to the level of Supreme Pontiff.

It is also most definite that, if it did happen that way, there would be no room in St. Peter’s Square for any non-Filipino face on the day of the inauguration.  Filipinos would have filled the Vatican area in droves most likely carrying their “baon.”  I even jokingly told my parishioners (of course, with some sincerity), that if Chito Tagle’s name was announced as pope, I would have been on the first flight out to Rome.  But, all joking aside, what do we see now in Pope Francis?

Before delving into that, Catholics and non-Catholics must once again be clear on the role of the pope.  The word “pope” comes from a Latin word that means “bridge.”  In this regard, the pope stands as a bridge that unites God with His People as well as vice versa.  He is responsible for maintaining the integrity and stability of that bridge so that the faithful may cross it in confidence and safety.  The pope must always be an avenue through which the faithful will have access to the Divine.  The pope must stand as a living witness to the enduring values that the faith of the Catholic Church in Christ who is True God and True Man.

Already in the man who was chosen to fulfill this role, Pope Francis has won the hearts of many people.  His humility and simplicity are gifts to the Church and to the world.  We must have already read the stories about his example of humility.  He chose to ride the bus with the rest of the cardinals rather than take the private vehicle reserved for the pope.  He personally went to the hotel at which he stayed before the conclave in order to “pay the bill”—with his own money to say the least!  He is not afraid to approach the crowd of faithful Catholics and offer a personal touch to those who came to see him.  He wears the simplified form of the papal vestures right down to the papal ring.  He even chose to ride in an open air vehicle on the day of his inauguration instead of the heavily armored “Pope Mobile.”  In such a short amount of time, Pope Francis has given the world a renewed face of Catholicism.  In all honesty, Catholics and non-Catholics must admit that Pope Francis’ spirit makes him a very good bridge between God and His People.

However, we should also put aside whatever “issues” we may have with the Catholic Church that we hope Pope Francis will “change.”  The truth of the matter is that chances are good that Pope Francis will not bring about the changes in the Church for which many people are hoping.  It has already been determined that certain doctrines, beliefs, teachings, and practices of the Church are not up for question.  There are certain things in the Church’s beliefs that not even the pope has the authority to change.  The reason for this is ultimately it is NOT the pope’s Church.  It has and always will remain the Church of Christ with Jesus himself as the True Head of the Church.  Even though he is the Vicar of Christ on earth, no pope can or should act in contrary to what Jesus himself has established.  But, what Pope Francis has already brought to the Church and the world is simply a reminder that just as he wants to be close to people, especially the poor, God is equally just as close to all humankind.

Together with the Church throughout the world, we continue to give thanks to God for the gift that is Pope Francis.  May he always be the bridge that brings us closer to God!

_______

Sunday Mass at Mercy Home, April 7

‘You are cordially invited to view the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the televised Sunday Mass at Mercy Home on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 7 and on the Fourth Sunday of Easter on April 21, 2013. The April 7 Holy Mass is sponsored by the Divine Mercy Community of IL headed by Pres. Jenny Toque and Coordinator Gloria Key. The April 21 Holy Mass is sponsored by the First Saturday Devotees headed by Pres. Sol Anderson and Coordinator Willy Red Buhay.

It will be aired on Channel 9 at 9:30 AM. The celebrant is Rev. Fr. Scott Donahue, President and CEO of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607. The Cantor is Bradford Newquist, the Lector is Tim Hartnell, the Pianist is Patrick Holland, the Eucharistic Minister for the April 7 Holy Mass is Sol Anderson and the April 21 is Ana Malate. The gift offerers for the April 7 Holy Mass are Gloria Key, Jenny Toque and John Yu while for the April 21 are Lorenzo Gabaisen, Pilar Wee and Paz Endriga.’

Posted in Reflections, Religion | Leave a comment

Obtaining Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

By Rhodora Derpo

An individual with extraordinary ability, or EB-1A, is a classification that applies to individuals who can demonstrate that they “have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor.”  While the EB-1A is a category set aside by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for extraordinary ability workers in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, this article will focus solely on foreign-born professional athletes who have extraordinary ability.

To put into context, let’s take the case of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.  If Manny wanted to immigrate to the U.S., the EB-1A classification is a viable option for him.  To be clear, U.S. immigration laws provide him several options to seek admission to the U.S.  He can either secure proper temporary or nonimmigrant visa status – an option he has pursued in order to train and participate in his scheduled fights in the U.S.  Or, if Manny wanted to make the U.S. his permanent home, one of the options he can pursue is the EB-1A employment-based preference category.  Manny will obtain lawful permanent resident status in the U.S. if he proves that he has risen to the very top of his field.

Classification as an alien of extraordinary ability requires a high standard of evidentiary proof.  In the case of Manny Pacquiao, he must be able to prove that during his career, he has been able to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and achievements that are recognized in the field through extensive documentation.  The regulations provide that sustained acclaim can be demonstrated through either evidence of a one-time achievement (a major, internationally recognized award) or at least three of the following ten criteria listed in the regulations.

1.    Receipt of a lesser nationally or internationally recognized prize for achievement in the field.
2.    Membership in associations in the field that require “outstanding achievement” of their members.
3.    Material published about the applicant in major trade publications or other major media.  The material must concern the applicant’s work in the field.
4.    Serving as a judge of others in the applicant’s field either individually or on a panel.
5.    Original, scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the applicant’s field.
6.    Authorship of scholarly articles in the applicant’s field.  This refers to articles that the applicant wrote concerning the applicant’s work rather than material written about the applicant by others, as is the case with criteria 3 above.
7.    Display of the applicant’s work in exhibitions or showcases.
8.    Performing a critical or leading role for organizations that have a distinguished reputation.
9.    Commanding a high salary in the applicant’s field.  The regulation requires that the applicant’s salary or remuneration be high in relation to others in the field.
10.    Commercial success in the performing arts.  This can be demonstrated by box office receipts from the applicant’s films or plays, sales of the applicant’s record, or selling the applicant’s video documentary to a network for a notable sum.

Satisfying three out of the ten criteria does not guarantee that USCIS will grant the applicant’s EB-1A classification as an alien of extraordinary ability.  USCIS looks for quality as well as quantity.  Therefore, providing comprehensive documentation of the applicant’s qualifications plays a critical role in whether USCIS will grant or deny the application.

I recently submitted an EB-1A petition for a Jiu-Jitsu athlete from Brazil.  We argued that my client was an alien of extraordinary ability because he met criteria 1, 2, 3, and 5.  In support of the petition, we provided evidence including: his competition victories in national and international martial arts competitions demonstrating his excellence in the field; advisory opinions from prominent and distinguished experts in the field who confirmed that he possesses extraordinary ability in jiu-jitsu; copies of favorable newspaper articles (some from the leading online jiu-jitsu publication, Graciemag.com) which followed my client’s progress in the world of jiu-jitsu; and support letters from peer experts who provided specific examples of ways in which my client’s original contributions to the field has had major significance.  (One week before this article was written, USCIS approved my client’s EB-1A application.)

The EB-1A classification brings enormous benefits and opportunities to foreign-born professional athletes as well as U.S. society as a whole.  If you are a foreign national with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or you are interested in sponsoring somebody of this caliber, contact my firm to find out how you can obtain an employment-based U.S. visa.  Nagsa-salita po ako ng Tagalog.

Posted in Immigration | Leave a comment

Obituaries for April

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

Fe S. Villanueva, 76

Fe S. Villanueva died on March 2 at St. Joseph Hospital. She was 76. She is survived by siblings Filemon (Cely), Renato Martin (Emily), Paterno (Lily), Aurora (Francisco) Ang, Rosario Sanchez.
Fe graduated from the University of the Philippines and began teaching at Pangasinan Provincial High School. She also attended the College of Law at Luzon University, Dagupan City. After immigrating to the United States she taught at several CPS high schools retiring from Whitney Young. Fe was knowledgeable about Philippine American History and was a member of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago and the Filipino American National Historical Society in which she once held the position of secretary.
Her wake was at the Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home on March 6 and a funeral mass at Holy Name Cathedral was held the next day. Interment will be at Maryhill Cemetery.

Santiago M. Erfe, 58

Santiago M. Erfe passed away on March 16 at the age of 58. He is survived by his wife Consuelo, his daughter Kristina (Noah) Pines, and his grandchild Miya. His wake was at the Haben Funeral Home on March 21 & 22. A funeral mass was held on March 23 at the St. Lambert Catholic Church in Skokie. Interment was private.

Onofre G. Duque, 75

Onofre G. Duque of Orland Park, passed away on March 14 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Adoracion; survived by his children  Rainier, Manolo (Pia) and Aileen (Philip) Benjakul; survived by his grandchildren Lena Marie, Sophia Ella, Mia Lynn and Jacob Ono; Adored brother of Bayani (Rebecca); Supportive uncle of Raymund and Alvin (Guada); He was an amazing, soft spoken, quick-witted man with a great sense of humor. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh.
Visitation was at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home  to St. Isaac Jogues Church .Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery.

Beatriz G. Tobias, 91
Beatriz Gauna Tobias passed away on March 9. Wake was at Colonial-Wojciechowski Funeral Home in Niles on March 13.

Ramonita C. Beltran, 78

Ramonita (nee Cagampan) Beltran, 78, of Evanston. Beloved wife of Jose Guerrero. Loving mother of Alvin (Ivy Jordan) & Maridel (Dion Lane Sr.) Beltran Todd. Devoted Grandmother of Nicholas Beltran, Maalik Todd, Dion Lane Jr. & Avery Beltran. Dear sister of Eduardo (Agripina) Cagampan, Prudencio (Wilma) Cagampan, the late Dr. Delfin (Magdalena) Cagampan Jr. & the late Ambassador Honorio (Teresita) Cagampan. Aunt to many nieces & nephews. Active member of Mangatarem Assoc. of IL & member of the Santo Nino Midwest.
Funeral March 27 Smith-Corcoran  to St. Nicholas Church of Evanston for  mass.Interment Private.

Posted in Obituary | Leave a comment

Gawad Kalinga (GK) events

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

Student volunteers “Shoes for the Poor” Campaign to wrap-up, April 13 in Lisle

By Mariano A. Santos
PINOY Publisher

LISLE, IL.— Benedictine University students who volunteered to build homes in a Gawad Kalinga village in Bacolod early this year are in a thick of a campaign to collect new and slightly used shoes for the residents of the GK villages they worked from.

“We were appalled by the sight of young people walking bare-footed while they were helping us build their homes,” said Zack Oesterreicher, one of the 15 students from three catholic colleges in southwestern Illinois who spent part of their winter break working with villagers who live in one of the 2000 villages that were built for homeless Filipino families since the Gawad Kalinga was started in 2001.

Zach is so moved by his experience that he formally started a student organization at his school, Benedictine University in Lisle, with an aim to get students support the work at Gawad Kalinga.  He is hopeful that his group will be formed too at the other three schools—University of St. Francis, Kankakee Community College and the Benedictine University-Springfield.

New & Slightly Used
Their activities are linked with the Gawad Kalinga group in the Chicago area.  The group’s first project since it was formally formed is the collection of new and slightly used shoes—preferably rubber or canvas shoes –that the students are planning to ship to the Philippines.

GK area volunteers are joining the students for a day of workshop on Saturday, April 13, at the Lisle campus of the Benedictine University for a day of packing and shipping.  The event is open to all interested persons who want to help.  Refreshments are available.

GK Walk, June 3
The students are also scheduled to participate in the annual GK Walk during the Philippine Independence Week Committee community picnic on Sunday, June 3 at the Labagh Woods at Cicero Avenue just north of Foster Avenue in Chicago.

The GK Walk is open to the public.  For a registration fee of $25 dollars the participant will be entitled to a T-Shirt, lunch and a certificate of participation. The proceeds of the walk will be donated to the funds that will benefit the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao.

To donate or volunteer or participate in the activities of Gawad Kalinga, call Gerry Balbin, the GK area coordinator (847- 275-9076 or call Jun de Guia, the GK Walk Chairman (847) 848-2300.

An army of hope to rebuild the nation

“(M)arch onward to conquer the real enemies of our country — poverty and injustice — by building healthy, humane and nurturing communities. This is Bayani Challenge.”

By William M. Esposo

By now, sympathetic Filipinos to the Kiram family should have realized that they were misled by the pattern of deception woven by the Kiram sultanate — thanks to the Aquino critics and some media personalities who provided them with undeserved exposure. By picking a fight with Malaysia, the Kirams have sent 200 of their fellow Tausugs to their demise. “Be wary of the man who urges an action in which he himself incurs no risk,” Seneca, a wise philosopher once counseled.

In stark contrast, President Benigno S. Aquino III (P-Noy) is inspiring a new breed of revolutionaries. An army of hope will march onward to conquer the real enemies of our country — poverty and injustice — by building healthy, humane and nurturing communities. This is Bayani Challenge.

On March 23-27, 2013, Filipinos who have genuine love for this nation (enlisted) for a new kind of People Power. An estimated 100,000 volunteers are set to engage in simultaneous, nation-building activities in 33 different provinces. This makes Bayani Challenge the biggest volunteerism event in the country. Seeing Filipinos of different age groups and professions from all over the world work as one to rebuild an impoverished community is a sight to see.

“Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,”
Bayani Challenge is a multi-sectoral partnership spearheaded by Pilipinas Natin, a movement that imbibes and cultivates the Filipino culture of caring, sharing and Bayanihan. Headed by PIA Director General Jose Mari Oquiñena, Pilipinas Natin aims to create an enabling environment where every Filipino is given the chance to contribute to the work of nation building with a special emphasis on poverty alleviation. In his address to the participants last year, Director General Oquiñena reveals the essential meaning of their hard work: “We have a beautiful country, we have a wonderful people. [As one people], we are saying that we will grant the wish of the poor; we will fulfill the dreams of every Filipino. I believe this is the picture of our country. This is the real story of our country. Not the violence, not poverty, not crisis but the solution we are embodying today.”

Steered by this year’s theme of “Isang Bayan, Isang Bayanihan,” volunteers sign-up in teams of 15 for a 5-day test of courage, endurance and love for country as they engage in varied nation-building activities that include the construction and refurbishment of homes and schools, education sessions for children, tree-planting, clean-up drives, and health missions.

From Isabela to Davao del Sur, volunteers are given the freedom to choose a specific province where they want to sow seeds of lasting change. Prominent sites include the recovering areas of Cateel in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, agrarian reform hotspots like Bukidnon and Negros and the culturally-diverse regions of Cotobato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao, Zamboanga and Basilan.

Counter Apathy & Materialism
Most of the Bayani Challenge Volunteers are young people who seek to counter the apathy and materialism prevalent in our society by channeling hope and charity into sustainable, positive action. Almost three years into President Aquino’s term, many volunteers have claimed that today is the best time to be a Filipino — thanks to the President’s advocacy of good governance, inclusive growth and citizen empowerment. With movements like Bayani Challenge, perhaps the youth of today is within grasp of making history as the generation that will end poverty in the Philippines.

Young people (flooded) social networking sites encouraging their friends and peers to join Bayani Challenge. Some have shared that they aren’t thinking twice about sacrificing their vacation and others are coming home from Singapore, the US and other countries for this very meaningful event. Most inspiring perhaps is a 7-year-old who gathered ten of her friends to form their own team which they named Believers. These stories prove it is not only the people from the mission areas who are to benefit from this service-oriented activity. In this noble endeavor, volunteers themselves feel that surge of hope resonate within them. Working together, their message to the rest of the nation is clear: everyone, even a group of 10-year olds, has the power to transform this country of ours into a nation of compassionate, responsible and productive citizens.

“Not be Cynics”
Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga, one of the many organizations that are  co-organizers of this event always offers this challenge to his captive audience — that before they complain about the nation’s problems, they should first become part of the solution. “Let us not be cynics and critics always looking for mistakes. Today, there are thousands of us. Tomorrow, there will be millions.” Interested volunteers may sign-up either individually or in groups of 15 by visiting the website of Bayani Challenge at http://bayanichallenge2013.blogspot.com.

There are great things happening in our country today that many Filipinos aren’t aware of largely because of media here being too fascinated with negative stories, conflicts, showbiz glitter and glow. If you were a foreign investor and you merely looked at what Philippine media are saying about the Philippines   you’d consider putting your money in a safer, saner place. Thank God for the foreign media that have been truthfully reporting the positive transformation of our country under P-Noy.

Our country needs all the heroes that will step forward and be part of the solution.

E-mail: macesposo@yahoo.com Website: www.chairwrecker.com
(The Philippine Star/Used with permission)

Posted in Gawad Kalinga | Leave a comment