Elias Rol, a Centenarian

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Tang Elias and his immediate family

The Spaniards, through Magellan, discovered the Philippines over four centuries ago by accident.  Instead of sailing to India, they found the land of what the Spaniards called, “The Land of the Indio”.  That was the name they first called our Motherland.  Later on, they named it Islas Filipinas in honor of King Philip or Felipe. Years later the Spaniards made their way deeper into the north.

Parallel to that, the same thing happened in Old America.  Lewis and Clark were sent deeper into the west of the Mississippi to explore more lands. They passed through dangerous territories in order to clear the pathway for more would-be settlers to explore the West.  Because of that, more States would be formed.

If America had Lewis and Clark, Spain had Juan Salcedo, who would sail and explore the North of the Philippines. They later called the North, los Ilocandia where the Rol family originated from.

Don't call it Obamacare, call it Obamatax; Supreme Court upholds Obamacare as a tax

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon 

“An unlimited power to tax involves, necessarily, a power to destroy.” - Daniel Webster arguing in McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 327 (1819) and echoed by Chief Justice Marshall.

For the majority of Americans who are against Obamacare, June 28, 2012, is a day of infamy. For on that day the U.S. Supreme Court by a 5-4 vote with Chief Justice John Roberts casting the deciding vote, upheld the validity of Obamacare not under the power to regulate commerce which the Obama administration forcefully invoked, but under the power to tax which Obamacarians meekly hinted at. But in the same breath, Roberts said that the court could hear the case because the law preventing suits to restrain the collection of taxes does not apply since Congress did not intend the payment to be treated as a “tax”. If you are confused by this legal mumbo jumbo, read “Robert’s Rules of Order”, or should we now call it “Robert’s Rules of Disorder.”

Even CNN and Fox cable news were misled, announcing that Obamacare had been struck down quoting the Robert’s opinion which said that the individual insurance mandate was not a valid exercise of Congress’ power under the commerce clause. That’s because they read only page one of Robert’s circumlocutious 57-page decision. They did not reach page 31 which said “That is not the end of the matter. Because the Commerce Clause does not support the individual mandate [to buy health insurance], it is necessary to turn to the Government’s second argument: that the mandate may be upheld as within Congress’s enumerated power to “lay and collect taxes.” Art. I, § 8, cl. 1. . . . The Government asks us to read the mandate not as ordering individuals to buy insurance, but rather as imposing a tax on those who do not buy that product.”

Townmates in the Land of Kiwi (New Zealand)

by Odulino O. Tomaneng
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

MARCH 21, 2008 / 0600 HRS

AUCKLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NEW ZEALAND

M/T LPG Maersk Qatar in Galveston, Texas

Arrived at the Auckland International Airport in the early morning of March 21, going straight to the immigration counter to present my passport for formalities.  The staff are very courteous and nice as usual...after stamping my passport she greeted me, “Happy Easter” and “Welcome to New Zealand”, with a smile and I greeted her back,  “Happy Easter too, nice to be here again, thanks”.

I went directly to the MAF station (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) to declare if I have any plants, food or animal with me.  I declared none but still they put my luggage in the x-ray machine to be sure if my declaration is true, dahil malaki ang multa kung hindi tama ng declaration.

New Zealand has a very strict quarantine rules and regulation.  Siguro sila ang pinakamahigpit sa buong mundo kasama ang Australia.  Dahil ang pangunahin na pruducto nila ay agriculture at forestry kasama na din sa pangingisda kaya mahigpit sila sa mga pumapasok na pagkain, halaman or mga animal para ma-kontrol ang ano mang sakit or peste na sisira sa kanilang pangunahin na kabuhayan.

Supreme Court upholds Arizona’s law on police stop and verify immigration status

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon

Even President Obama’s Latina Supreme Court Justice appointee Sonia Sotomayor and Clinton appointee Justice Ruth Ginsburg voted with the Supreme Court majority to uphold Arizona’s law requiring officers who stop, detain, or arrest a person to verify the person’s immigration status. The Obama administration had sued Arizona to stop it from enforcing its law, S.B. 1070, §2(B) contending that the federal government has the exclusive power to enact laws affecting immigration (preemption doctrine), although many believe that the reason was politics – pandering to Latino voters.

Can you imagine the federal government preventing a state from enacting and enforcing a law that helps the federal government enforce immigration laws?  Only in America and under an Obama “imperial presidency.” Justice Antonin Scalia denounced the Obama administration, saying that what we have is “A Federal Government that does not want to enforce the immigration laws as written, and leaves the States’ borders unprotected against immigrants whom those laws would exclude.” He asked “Are the sovereign States at the mercy of the Federal Executive’s refusal to enforce the Nation’s immigration laws?” Scalia said that “As a sovereign, Arizona has the inherent power to exclude persons from its territory, subject only to those limitations expressed in the Constitution or constitutionally imposed by Congress.” He pointed out that “Arizona has moved to protect its sovereignty—not in contradiction of federal law, but in complete compliance with it.”  Justice Scalia took a dig at Obama’s “amnesty” saying:  “Thousands of Arizona’s estimated 400,000 illegal immigrants—including not just children but men and women under 30—are now assured immunity from enforcement, and will be able to compete openly with Arizona citizens for employment.”

Will's Precocious Talent

by Imelda Ulangca-Formoso

Three years ago today, I gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. In that precious moment, I was overwhelmed with so much love that I hoped I will do right by him. By this, I wanted to give him everything and for him to grow to live a happy and wholesome life. I am so grateful to be blessed with a wonderful and joyful child; just watching him grow so quickly has been amazing for me.

I realized my son had a gift when he began to recognize his alphabets, primary colors, and shapes before he even turned one.  Not only that, but he started to count from one to 20 in both Spanish and Ilocano. By this time, I introduced him to YouTube where he was able to watch children videos and nursery rhymes. At the age of two, he began to name all the planets in order from the Sun. He then advanced to reading and counting to 100. But with all this, what astounded me most was that he self-taught all that he’s learned. I joke with everyone saying that all William needs is his iPad, because he could probably teach himself a new lesson in no time. Being such a tech-savvy toddler, he navigates himself between applications on the iPad. He has an amazing photographic memory. Once William is introduced to an object, he will always try to identify it. He’s like a little sponge, picking up things so quickly. 

Early this year, he amazed us by locating all the states on the map. He progressed himself even further by taking on the countries and continents of the world. Being so unsolicited, he surprises us so much!  One day after giving him a bath, he babbled out the US Presidents in chronological order. I couldn’t believe it myself, so much that I printed a list of the US Presidents just to see if he was right.  Lo and behold, he most definitely was. 

Being such a proud mother of a happy and healthy boy is what I am so grateful the most; I am so excited what he’s capable of doing next!

Watch William's video naming the US Presidents in chronological order

Si Gloria Labandera (A Tribute to a Mother)

by Fely Unciano-Udarbe
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

With Nanang and Daniel at a beach in New Zealand

That's what they call my Nanang.  Sometimes they also call her Gloria nga agmikmiki, Gloria nga agsudsudsod ti kuko, Gloria nga aglaklako, etc.  Dagita ti pakakitaan ti kinagaget ni Nanang ko (uray nalaing nga sumao!)...

Looking back, I can still remember those days when my mother could barely make both ends meet thru "paglalabandera".  I was so young and skinny, yet I could help my mother thru "panagbomba" from the jetmatic pump or "agsakdo" from the "bubon" some water for her 3 rinsings.  I think I was just in Grade Three those times.  My mother and I also worked as helpers in a local carinderia, for just 10 pesos a day (that's our combined wage plus we stayed for free in the house and lot of the owner of the carinderia) for more than a year. This was my most horrible nightmare since I need to be a stay-in in the said carinderia (I just don't want to narrate it here because honestly, I might burst in tears!)

My First Touchdown

by Marivic Tuquiero
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Aldiriyah

I worked with at least 4 different companies in the Philippines, hoping to find the best employer, but for almost 11 years of working in our homeland, I was not even able to save 1 peso at all! Maybe I was just unfortunate that I was not hired by the high-paying companies, or maybe my salary was just enough to pay for the room rent, transportation to & from work, food and a little allowance for my parents, after those deductions from SSS or withholding taxes have been made from my salary.  But for whatever reason, when I had my baby – my dearest Tara, I knew then that I will not be able to give my daughter and my parents a good life if I will remain in the Philippines.  It was a hard decision for me but I had to do it.

Naranasan ko ang hirap ng buhay, naranasan ko ang kumain ng kanin na ang ulam ay mantika at asin lamang, o kaya kanin with saging at asin, o kaya  kanin with milkmaid condensada.  I could see the sadness in my mother’s eyes during those times and how she wished that she could give us more but couldn’t afford to. So, with all the sacrifices that my mother had gone through ever since she was a kid and with the hard life that I went through, I promised myself that one day, I will give my mother some pleasures in life and my daughter, a better life.

Magsingal Past Revisited

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

When I daydream  about my beautiful and unique birthplace of Magsingal that I left over almost 40 years ago,  I daydream  about  three things. First one, the big National Highway that divided our town we call “ daya and laud“, second are the dirt roads that inter-connected  our districts  and  third are the  symbolic old houses.  The dirt roads are now paved and cemented .  The National Highway is still the same but more congested with tricycles and  moving vehicles now.  And the unique old houses are still around. Most of these old houses have been built as old as I can remember.  A few of these houses have been around for over a century.  Probably built when the Spaniards still ruled the Philippines.  Some of them you still can see the bottom part of the old houses which are made of hard bricks.  We should not let them fall to the ground if possible.  They are part of our heritage, pride and growing up.

TMI Building Expansion Update

by Dennie Fajatin

Greetings of peace and love!

I would like to inform you that on June 8, a blessing ceremony for the academic building has been officiated by our new town priest Father Jerry Antolin. Thereafter, it has been occupied by the students the following week. The 1st floor is the room of the 1st year students under Ms. Melanie Parbo while the 2nd floor is occupied by the 3rd year students under Mr. Jeric Repaso. The room atop the stage is occupied by the 4th year students under Ms. Lerma Lazo.

A Lesson Man Can Never Learn

by Marlon Viloria

Since the beginning of mankind and over many generations of evolving and learning to be more civilised, the notion of living a peaceful, respectable and honourable life seemed far-fetched up to this modern day. Despite the abundance of man-made laws and regulations to deter criminality or other undesirable acts, and to protect the interests of many, man still seems incapable to grasp and instil such valuable lessons to advance mankind in a way where more harmonious, more respectful society can occur. Man’s unrelenting pursuit of fame, power and material wealth drives his desires beyond the defined boundaries of protectionism which he himself has designed and created, regardless or whether he is in breach of the safeguards of morality based on values and principles, or in accordance with the scriptures in which he believes in.

The answer seems to lie on the perceived supposition that there are two types of man: good and evil. However, if one has to be philosophical, realistic or even political about it, such simple categorisation is prone to constant criticisms by the simple fact that there are cases of exceptions, i.e where good becomes evil and vice versa. Take for example the adage “Give a man a fish and he will live for a day, teach a man how to fish and he will live much longer”.

Obama grants amnesty for illegal alien children - another palabas?

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon 

"You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." -  Abraham Lincoln

“The occasion for calling in question either God's sincerity, or his wisdom, or power . . . is the indiscriminate offer of salvation.” R.L. Dabney 

“This is not amnesty,” President Obama said defensively while announcing a new policy on June 15 to permit illegal alien children to request temporary relief from deportation proceedings and apply for work authorization. Obama lost his cool castigating a reporter who tried to ask questions accusing the reporter of interrupting the President. Obama can call it what he wants, but as the saying goes “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck.

“Amnesty” is "a pardon extended by the government to a group or class of persons, usually for a political offense; the act of a sovereign power officially forgiving certain classes of persons who are subject to trial but have not yet been convicted" It includes more than pardon, inasmuch as it obliterates all legal remembrance of the offense. The word has the same root as amnesia.” Wikipedia. 

The 2nd IFA Cup Invitational

by Fel Gorospe
(as published in the IFA website)

The second rendition of the annual football festival kicked off last May 21, 2012 at the IFA’s football grounds in Brgy. Miramar, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur. No less than ten teams from as far as Metro Manila participated in last month’s 2nd IFA Cup Invitational through the invitation extended to them by IFA’s president and head coach, Mr. Boddy de Jesus.

The event has been extra meaningful with the attendance of the Civitan Philippines’ prime mover, Dr. Tess Yambot, who has also recently engineered the creation of Civitan Ilocos Club. CivitanPhilippinesis the latest institution which threw its full support to IFA, believing in its noble cause.

Tante Urban – Truly Local

by Vic A
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

with his late mother

When we started the Magsingal Virtual Plaza (MVP), we had high aspirations to have it as the virtual ‘tambayan’ of everyone who call themselves Magsingalenos or anyone remotely associated with Magsingal.  Five months on, we could have never hoped for a better outcome - it’s all because of your support and that common yearning to reconnect with our town and its people.  The website has reconnected relatives, rekindled old friendships and even introduced Magsingalenos who are in the different parts of the globe.

Manong Tante is one person I would have never had the pleasure of getting introduced to if not for the website.  It turned out he is a second cousin too.  The way we tracked down Manong Tante is an amazing story on its own.

Standing with the Truth

by Frodelio C. Pichay
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Introduction

Just arrived from a long and tiresome mission trip outside Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  As I stepped inside my room and looked around - some of my things scattered on my desk, bunch of soiled clothing waiting to be washed and most of the things inside are disorganized.  I don’t know really how to start fixing all the mess.

No time for me to fix everything.  All I want to do is lock my room, remove my shoes, just lie down on the bed without changing my clothing and wrap my body with thick blanket to protect myself from the coldness of the night.

Desert outside the City of Riyadh

It’s a Small World

by William Realon
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Sometimes when we are away from home, there can be nothing more exhilarating than to meet someone unexpectedly, especially somebody from your hometown.  I remember number of occasions when I have met people that I know in peculiar places, which made me realize how small the world really is.

Many years ago, a friend of mine caught me holding hands with someone at the beach in Lloret de Mar in Costa Brava, Spain.  Rumors that I had gotten married quickly spread among my friends within our small Filipino community in Heidelberg where I was stationed.

Friends of SWI Class 79 reunited 29 years later on Feb 07 in Las Vegas

Re-inventing yourself

by Vic A

For those of you who have or are still toiling it away in the corporate world, you know very well that you need to keep re-inventing yourself if you don’t want to be left behind by the rest.  People who are willing to change the way they see and do certain things, and even the way they present themselves outwardly are usually the ones who set out to achieve bigger and better things.  A person’s openness to re-inventing himself or herself is a strong predictor of growth.

You would have seen people who re-invent themselves for the better, beyond recognition and there are those who refuse to change at all, while others re-invent themselves for the worse, beyond redemption.

Re-Union (The Morning After)

by Ronnie Tolentino
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

Sydney kababayans - Vic, Manong Bart, Manong Demi and Manong Chito

I was inundated with SMS and email messages from the Philippines including one from South Africa courtesy of Dole greeting me a ‘HAPPY FATHER’S DAY’ a day after our reunion.  My wife thought I was still out-of-sorts courtesy of the hospitality of Manong Bart and Chito’s families. As Vic said the beer and whisky flowed generously.

Manong Demi was a fellow guest so he didn’t do any cooking.  Our hosts spared no expense nor effort to make the occasion memorable.  It’s Crown lager Night and Chivas Regal. I had to explain to all who greeted me that Father’s Day here is in September.

Pacquiao v. Bradley: Impeach those boxing judges

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon

“Now that you’ve lost, do you still believe in me?  God to Manny Pacquiao who is now a Bible-quoting, women-abstaining part time evangelical preacher
“Faith should not change during bad times.” Manny Pacquiao.
“God must have a purpose in this.”  Jinkee Pacquiao
“Dinaya ang anak ko.” (My son was cheated) – PacMom (Dionisia Pacquiao)

There is a tsunami of outrage that has flooded the boxing world at the clearly erroneous split decision that stripped Manny Pacquiao of his World Boxing Organization welterweight title and gave it to Timothy Bradley.

Highway robbery?  Highway robbery happens frequently in Las Vegas.  I know; I used to live there.

The two out of three judges who decided for Bradley will likely retort: “No such thing. There was no highway and no robbery. We called it as we saw it.”

“I think the judges had their eyes closed,” observed Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach. They must have been like the “three blind mice,” Promoter Bob Arum laughed. If they need an ophthalmologist, I recommend the best in Hawaii – Dr. Jorge Camara. He is my ophthalmologist. The judges don’t have to come to Hawaii. They can stay in Nevada. Dr. Camara can operate by remote control via television with another doctor actually doing the surgery at the other end while he gives directions. But he is Filipino.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? Jain.

by Marlon Viloria
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Cologne Cathedral Summer 08

A previous request from two bona fide Magsingalenos, who are also keen members of MVP site, has indeed prompted me to write something on Germany. There are of course countless and readily available information in the internet about the country from history, culture, tradition to politics, sports, sauerkraut but hardly anything that presents closer than a bird’s eye view, or based on prolonged observation as well as accumulation of nitty-gritty yet unbiased information. But more importantly perhaps is someone who can also relay information in a ‘user-friendly’ manner. Oftentimes, reading literatures written formally about a certain country generates less enthusiasm, and as a result, absorbing key facts does not seem to sink in properly in my head. I always believe that conveying something to anybody for whatever reason or purpose, the language used has to be plain, simple and enticing enough for a reader to read it through to the end. And if possible and appropriate, be presented with a touch of humour too... the creaming of a cake so to speak. A reader smiling in between while reading what you’ve written is, to me, a fulfilment in itself.

Salomague

by Mario Ugalino 
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

With our parents at the Sakada Monument at Port Salomague

On a nice sunny day, the 15th of December 2009, almost 64 years after our Dad Epifanio Ugalino left Port Salomague for Hawaii, we took  him to see the newly erected Sakada Monument at Port Salomague. This monument is a tribute to the 6000 migrant workers (mostly Ilocanos) who would work for the sugar cane and pineapple plantations in Hawaii, and they were called Sakadas.  Our Dad was one of them. Therefore, he is a Sakada himself and living in Bussawit, Magsingal.

The monument donated by former State Rep of Hawaii Jun Abinsay and his wife, Dr Abinsay of Honolulu, who originally hails from Vigan of the great province of Ilocos Sur.  Also last month, the Mayor of Honolulu, Mufi Hannemann also visited the monument, which to me is a symbol of hard work, determination and love of family. Without the Sakadas, I believe many families like mine would have different lifestyles now. Their sacrifices for the sake of their families are irreplaceable and we would not forget their sacrifices for the rest of our lives.

THE GRAVE AND YOUR POLLEN DUST

by Alex Chan
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

una carta para reponsder el ultimo poema de Dr. Jose Rizal -  “mi ultimo adiós”.

I have heard of your last good bye a long time gone.

I stand alone now carrying a sack behind me, barefooted, eyes swollen from the tiredness of my journey.  I came back from the fiesta where people enjoyed their cerveza that finished with the noise of the ancient fireworks.

When was it the last time, I saw your grave, of people calling your name, of your greatness and your travels, of telling us not to forget, yet now I search for your grave, thinking about all the scars, the tiredness, the fear, and the happiness I longed for my soul.

Once, I gained all the silver in the world and lost them all.  I had worn a suit most gentlemen would admire and of young ladies would lay before me for I had the breeding, a pedigree of prejudice judged and perfected by society. But now, I lost them all and I have nothing to offer you.

We followed you and traced the travels of your youth; we have spoken languages far more than anybody else could.  We have learned cultures that enriched us so much more than before.

But when I look at the mirror, I can hardly see myself as I am surrounded by the fog and the light that you often mentioned that should greet us every morning.  It never greeted us.

Bicycling....for life?

by Ranolfo Ugalino Sr

(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

When you turn 40 something, you start to notice a lot of changes in every part of your body…your bones start funny noises, like in your knees, your elbows, your back and almost all the joints join in the cracking rhythm as if nobody wants to be left unnoticed…he,he,he.

At this point in life, you start taking pills to stop the pain…arthritis sets in, migraine headaches, and high blood pressure caused by stress dealing with everyday problems…and old age creeping in.

So one day, while visiting my Doctor, he advised and let me choose what I want to do with my high blood pressure…three options: pills, diet or exercise. I was still working then. I cannot diet because I needed to eat to be strong to work. I didn’t want to exercise because I didn’t have the time. So I told my Doctor to prescribe me the pill.

Memories of my parents: Primitivo and Maria Oliver

by Armi Oliver-Farinas
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

“Agadal kayo nga nalaing annakko, ‘ata napateg iti adal.” “Uray no agtaray-taray ka  nga awan sapinna, dinto nga mareg-reg dayta adal mo!”  Mom used to say that a lot.  Hence, the importance of education has been imbedded in us--10 children, as 2 of our dear brothers died young, total 12 kids.

As the youngest child, I’m supposed to be spoiled from my older siblings and parents, but, I was not.  All of us were trained to help each other in everything just like the household chores:  agdalus, agkay-kay iti arubayan, agsakdo iti danum (bumba pay la idi ken bubon), agnateng wenno agisagana iti para dinengdeng/maluto, brother Johnny used to cook a lot, aglampaso, agsibog iti masetas, aglaba, agbayo iti alsong (not much ata kuttungi-tak met), etc.

Tribute to the Brave Men and Women Guerillas of Magsingal WW II

by Odulino Tomaneng
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)


Port Of Yokohama, Japan
12th of June

INTAKDER YO TI NAGAN TI ILI  KEN IMBAYOG YO TI BANDERA TI PILIPINAS DIAY  TAPAW TI BUSSAWIT

OUR COUNTRY.....OUR FLAG.......OUR FOREFATHERS
LEST NO FORGET

Pak-pakauna;

Parbangon nga apagsipasip  ngem  nasalemsem pay laeng  ti pul-oy ditoy Yokohama,napintas nga taldiapan ti banda ti daya, adu nga kay-kayo ti cherry blossom (napin-pintas koma no panawen ti panagsasabong da ) ta ditoy nga pakakitaan ti Mt. Fuji nga segun ti estorya ket ditoy ti nangadawan dagiti Hapones ti ladawan ti bandera ti pagillian nga Hapon (The Rising Sun) estorya dagitay Hapones nga estibador ket dagitay kano danum nga agubbog diay wangawangan daytoy nga bantay ket aramaten da kano nga pang develope ti picture kadagiti camera....kunak ti nakem ko nga isu met laeng nga adda Fuji Pictures...he..he..he..ditoy nga masarakan ti maysa nga kapintasan ken kadakkelan nga parke ti pagillian nga Hapon nga no awagan da ket Yamashita Park a kas pakakit-kitaan da ti maysa nga bigbig-bigen da  nga Heneral ti Japanese Army nga awan sabali nga ni General Tomoyoki Yamashita, Commanding general of the Japanese 25th Army better known as the ``Tiger Of Malaya,`terrorised and looted  the whole South Asia, defeated the British in Singapore,  made his final stand in Bessang Pass, surrendred in Kiangan, Mountain Province, hang and died in Los Banos, Laguna as a Class A War Criminal.

Learned Helplessness

by Vic A

There's a concept in psychology that I heard in the past which really resonated with me, a concept called 'learned helplessness'.  As the name describes, this concept asserts that helplessness is something that we learn through life.  We train ourselves to be helpless.

Surely I am not anywhere qualified to talk about psychology but I am just speaking from personal experience.  We all have been a child to our parents and some of us are already parents ourselves.  I am sure you’d agree that sometimes the parents have a lot to do why their children develop ‘learned helplessness’.  More often than not, parents do this without even realising it.  And I am convinced that we all have an element of ‘learned helplessness’ in us, just at varying degrees.

LEARN from YESTERDAY, LIVE for TODAY and HOPE for TOMORROW...

by Roy Viorge Garvida
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

my family

“Life is what you make it so you owe it to yourself to make something out of it.”  I have believed and will always believe in this adage.  Some people believe that they are “cursed” if they are poor while some feel “blessed” or “lucky” if they are rich.  Some even blame everyone for their misfortunes that have happened in their lives, while some are thankful for the people who have helped them in their lives.  Worse even is that some or most people are relying on DESTINY for their lives.

But whichever way you see it, our LIVES are not MADE by OTHERS….but by OURSELVES alone.  It is our own responsibility to make something productive or destructive in our lives.  We either make it or break it.  We should always bear in mind that “DESTINY is not a matter of CHANCE but is a matter of CHOICE.  It is not a matter to be WAITED for but it is a thing to be ACHIEVED.”

The Land of the Long White Cloud

by Felicidad Unciano-Udarbe
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

With my hubby, Pablo Udarbe Jr, and my son Rio Daniel at Huka Falls

It was always been my dream country. This is one of the reasons why I pursue Dairy Technology as my area of specialization in my Baccalaureate degree in Agriculture at the University of the Phils. Los Baños. I kept on telling to myself then, “ Uray ta ti arapaap ket awan met bayad na”.

Yes, New Zealand was always in my young and  ambitious mind since my high school days. My high school teacher, Dr. Remedios Navarro who happened to study at Wellington University, kept on narrating things about New Zealand until what I can picture in my mind about New Zealand - a PARADISE country. And so I told myself  “someday I will go to that paradise in the Southern Hemisphere!” Now, I am here to tell you about this dream country which I thought before as an elusive one…

Teenage mom (no more…)

by Hennie Jane Tamayo-Ugale
(as published 4 years ago in MVP)

My family - Ben, Janley and Benedict Jr.

To all the readers out there, I would like to share my story as a young mother, with the hope that it will help other kids to make their lives better.

When I was at my very young age, I dreamt of someday becoming a doctor.  But all my dreams seem to have faded when my parents decided to go on their separate ways.  This happened when I was in my first year in university.  I felt so bad and I was so mad with my parents that I ended up learning how to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes.  I hang out with my friends all the time and felt that nobody loves me except myself.  Then one day, I got pregnant.  I felt very happy and I told to myself, “May kakampi na ako.” But I soon realized that it’s not as easy as I thought. My family got so mad at me and I ended up living at my grandma’s and aunt’s house. They were the only ones who helped me and understood me at that time. That was when it dawned on me how hard it is to have a baby especially having nothing at all. Thank God, I had my grandma who helped me financially and emotionally.

Panay Global Association

by Rochelle Ursula Ugale Uganiza
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

PGA meeting in the Philippines

The Panay Global Association (PGA) held its first biennial reunion in the Philippines in March 2007 in conjunction with the Panay Barangay Barrio Fiesta.  It was a time to rekindle our relationships with relatives and friends, and to reminisce of fond memories.  It was also decided to launch our fundraising project, the Popularity Contest for Mrs. Panay Global. This celebration gave us an opportunity to showcase our rich cultural heritage. The first night was Barangay Night, which was enjoyed by numerous balikbayans as well as the community.  The highlight of the occasion was the second night, the coronation of Her Majesty Queen, Joann Ugale Tabudlo (Oahu, Hawaii), 1st Princess Tina Ujano Sumabat (California), and 2nd Princess Edna Caro (Maui, Hawaii).  Everyone danced the night away to the melodious sounds performed by a popular combo.  The well-liked Zarzuela by Paat Dramatic Troupe from Balaleng, Bantay, Ilocos Sur performed on the third night.  Numerous spectators immensely enjoyed their presentation.  Basketball inter-sitio contest was also held in the afternoons.  The excitement was overwhelming.  It was a fiesta that will be remembered by all.

Cell Phone

by Mario Ugalino
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

antenna site at bussawit hills

What do you all think are the two most important and possibly the most favorite entertainments invented by inventors of the world In the last half century? If someone would ask me that question today,  there are hundreds to mention but the two most important and two most favorite are - (1) The transistor radio, and  (2) The cell phone respectively.

To me, my first favorite and possibly my fellow Baby Boomers favorite, is the invention of the transistor radio. Who are the Baby Boomers? Baby Boomers are described by many as a group of people who were born right before or after WWII but before 1960. It is hard for me to believe that I belong with this group of people, Seniors or soon to be Seniors. Although I consider myself as not yet a Senior. Ten more or so years from now and I would be one. Sometimes I get offended when people un-purposely think that I am a Senior already.

Observations

by Ronnie Tolentino
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

sydney harbour

Australians are different from Filipinos in a number of ways and I want to share some of the more glaring ones.

When I was new here and absolutely jobless, I had the opportunity of meeting a sleeping guy in the local mall.  He was slumped in one of the benches and sitting next to him, he woke up and we made acquaintance.  In one of those ‘How small the world is’ moment, he turned out to be the father of my daughter’s classmate and the nephew of our next-door neighbor in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

The reason he was sleeping was that he just finished his rounds doing his mobile car-wash business and catching a few winks preparatory to his night job in the post office.  He offered me a job assisting him with his mobile car-wash business and with nothing to do I said yes.

Technology in Layman’s Term

by Marlon Viloria

The rapid advancement of technology is mind-boggling for many and has revolutionized the way people do their business daily, whether it is categorized as personal, domestic or corporate one. In every household, it is now common to own at least one pc. A typical office has a computer on every desk, a set of printers and maybe one or two fax machines. Wired telephones seem like accessories these days, gathering dust somewhere in a corner and has become a secondary method of communication, superseded by the wireless phone where everybody seems to own and carry one - an affordable luxury. Instead, phone lines have been upgraded to xDSL or broadband for fast internet connections, eliminating the need for modems.

Sakada....Epifanio Ugalino

by Ranolfo Ugalino, Sr.
(as published 3 years ago in MVP)

Kas sinalaysay ni EPIFANIO UGALINO
BUSSAWIT, MAGSINGAL, ILOCOS SUR
April 19, 2009

my young parents with me, their first born

Inkakaubingko ti agruruot ket naimula ditoy panunotko ti kinarigat ti biag. Awanto la ngatan apo iti inanam-ayen?, dagita ti linaon ti panunotko ingganat panagbarok. Isu nga idi adda madamdamag a panagayabda no siasino ti mayat a mapan HAWAII, nagiinnapalanmi . Ngem apay ngarud a nagawidka ama?, saludsodmi ken ama DOROT idi. $1 dollar ti maysa nga aldaw ti sueldoda ket narigat ti trabaho ken nauyongda pay dagidiay bo-boss kunana.Uray latta kayatko latta ti mapan, daytoy a rigat ti biag ditoy, kinunak met iti naknakemko.

Pinoy Pride, a Magsingaleno

by Armi Oliver-Farinas

My family sharing VJ's achievement

My son, Marine Lance Corporal Victor John (VJ) Farinas just graduated from the US Marine Recruit Training Course given by the US Marine Corps in San Diego, California.

VJ was given the highest Award of Commendation for the exemplary performance of his duties during all stages of the academic and military training.  Only 2 out of the 282 graduates got this award.  He became Lance Cpl right away.

He was one of 5 who were chosen as Guide for the Echo Company.  VJ is the only Asian (Pinoy na Pinoy) among the Guide/Honor Man.  However, he is the fastest, smartest and strongest pound for pound among the graduates.

A fish (or a Chief Justice) is caught by its mouth

by Atty. Emmanuel Samonte Tipon 

“Go to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened its mouth, you shall find a piece of money.” Matthew 17:27.

How does a fish get caught? By opening its mouth.  How does a Chief Justice of the Philippines get impeached and convicted?  By opening his mouth.

Renato Corona, now ex-Chief Justice of the Philippines, was impeached and convicted by the Philippine Senate by a 20-3 vote on May 29. He was charged with, among others, not telling the truth in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).  Every Philippine government officer or employee is required by the Constitution and by law to file a SALN at the beginning of his term of office and every year thereafter.

Corona took the witness stand and like the Biblical fish opened his mouth. Lo and behold. The Senators found money – plenty of money. Corona admitted that he had cash in banks amounting to $2.4 million and P80 million. Before Corona opened his mouth, there was a lot of uncertainty as to how much money he had, since the source of the information about his wealth came from second and third hand sources (generally inadmissible in a court of law) rather than from the banks which would have been the best evidence. But Corona’s admission about the amount of his cash deposits was the highest form of evidence. As a Malacanang spokesman observed, Corona was the “best witness for the prosecution.”

Ilocos Football Association (IFA) Website

by Fel Gorospe

IFA has been busy since the day of its creation.  We have gone a long way. Continue to support us and the game of football.  Get all the IFA news at our official website.