We went to church service this morning. As this was part of the Memorial Day weekend it was expected that part of the service delved on the sacrifices the soldiers offered for their country.
I also know that America is a nation at war with engagements in many parts of the world. However, I never really felt how they were affected by the conflicts.
At this morning’s service, Bobby Bligh was at the pulpit. Before he delivered his sermon he asked the church-goers a few questions, asking them to stand up to confirm:
“Who is serving or have served in the armed forces?” A few stood up; the congregation offered their thanks.
“Who has family members, relatives or friends that are now serving…” Now only a few of us were seated; most were standing up.
The effects of the war on terror is closer to home for people here in the US. To many of the members of this congregation the war and its horrors are felt daily. Out there in the front lines -a friend, a son, a daughter, a brother, a sister, a father or a mother is in harm’s way. Just thinking about it pains me.
Our prayer goes out to the troops and their families. In a way, we too are affected by conflicts around.
It did not really dawn on me how the separation might affect the family.
You see, Pajo, my son, is going back to the Philippines to complete his high school, while the three of us will stay in California. He will be a senior at the University of Baguio Science High School.
I realize how close the siblings are with each other but did not know that other people noticed that too. Manong Roger and Gerry both observed this closeness. They both asked me, on different occasions, how will Pajo and Thea cope with the 10-month separation. I thought about it but still can’t really answer it.
Of course, there’s the internet and all its wonderful gadgetries and technologies but who can equal the time they spend clowning around with each other and trying to pull a prank or two here and there.
Lately, Pajo has been teaching his little sister the online game Ragnarok. For the past few days they have been scouring this virtual world together (on separate laptops) looking for ways to gain points.
While observing them play, it occurred to me that even in the virtual world they can seek each other out. A different way of being with each other. While Pajo is half-way around the world, Thea can still play with her kuya. All it takes is the synchronization of time zones.
This is my friend Rolly. He’s with the Philippine Army as the Deputy Spokesman. To his troops and the rest of the Philippines he’s Major Dumawa. For us he’s just Rolly. That makes dealing with him a lot easier. But he does a lot public affairs and civil relations - helping the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its nation-building efforts.
I haven’t seen him for a while but I did see him in a couple of news reports back home on a few occasions. It was all good news, don’t worry. Yup, he’s still at it…
I know this is late posting because the election in the Philippines is nearly over. But I wanted to put the Ehem! ad because of the simplicity of its message. I joined one of their seminars about two years ago and from there on have supported their belief that people should have a renewed sensitivity to the evils of corruption and its prevalence in ordinary life. If you want to know more about the movement visit this.
Walang Hihingi is the electoral campaign of the Ehem Anticorruption Project. It exhorts Filipinos not to ask anything from candidates, who might resort to corruption to recover all expenses during elections.
I found this podcast about a Filipino-American soldier who talks about getting ready to be deployed to Iraq. His name is Sgt. Christian Palisoc. When asked what will he be missing here in Bakersfield while in Iraq, he said the FILIPINO FOOD among other things of course. Even if I don’t know Sgt. Palisoc, I hope he comes home safe.
Check out his video here. Make sure to go to page 4 and look for - Off to Iraq.
Every morning, after I drop off my wife to work, I usually read online papers (Ah! The wonders of technology!) I was trying to look for some good news from Baguio City, Philippines - my hometown. But alas it was not meant to be…
An ordinance regulating fraternities in the city (here) is perhaps good news. Because of this problem:
According to police blotters, an increasing incidence of gang wars lead even to armed robbery and shooting incidents between rival groups. A police investigator who requested anonymity said teen gangs roam the city streets in big numbers from 30-50. Some get apprehended but most of them are minors and even children of prominent families. He agreed that a special program should be initiated for children in conflict with the law. “The best way to control criminality is not to breed young criminals, but government is neglecting this simple but workable strategy”, he said. (Ortega pushes 3-pronged attack against criminals- Full Story)
Although some may think that gangs and fraternities are different there is now a hair-line difference.
Here in Bakersfield, California gang related violence is also on the rise. But unlike back home, here they have IEC (information, education and communication) materials which are effective tools in advocating for a more peaceful community. Their local police has a website that describes what Gangs are and what they do. Check it out. They even mapped out where these gangs “operate” and where their “turfs” are. Samples here.
I remember Kirk,who, we think, was a victim of a gang related violence. He was murdered at the age of 16. The police has yet to identify the killers.
I have known Mayor Peter since high school. We joined the same organization - Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and continued to serve the organization well into our adulthood.
I was fortunate to have served with him while I was back home. I was asked to serve for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines- Baguio City Council as a co-opted board member for social services under the leadership of BSP City Council Chairman Sct. Peter Rey Bautista. Unfortunately it was cut short because of our move to the US.
He is a good leader and takes his job seriously. Don’t let his age fool you-he’s well equipped to handle government, politics and public service.
Check out his blogs here and here. An article about their proclamation is here.
I try my best to follow news about my country and its going-ons on a regular basis. While I was surfing the web I came across this news report from Inquirer.net written by Baguio based journalist Desiree Caluza.
Coin toss breaks tie in Bontoc town council race
BONTOC, Mountain Province, Philippines — Two candidates for councilor here tied for the eighth and last place and an election officer suggested they flip a coin to determine the winner. (Read the story here)
I admire the way these gentlemen-politician dealt with their differences. If only the rest of the country can follow their lead. I’m proud to know that there are still honorable public servants out there. I feel good about this story. If you’re a Filipino you should too.
