Thanks to Director Ellene Sana for this very enlightening post (Benjamin Pimentel of Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Now, we understand Etta Rosales and her stand, and her UNIVERSALITY of human rights.
____________________________________________________________________
Kuwento Kuwento
The Sherrod Affair and Etta Rosales
By Benjamin Pimentel Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:07:00 07/25/2010
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
She’s the African American federal official in Georgia who was
vilified as a racist for a video clip in which she appeared to talk
about discriminating against a white farmer.
But she turned out to be the exact opposite of how she was portrayed.
For the full video of her speech showed her to be not just a
courageous and committed activist, but also someone with enough
humility to see the limitations of some of her beliefs—which helped
her become an even more compassionate advocate for those in need.
A teenager when her father was murdered by a white man, she vowed to
fight for the rights of African Americans. But as a community activist
years later, she found herself in an awkward situation: A poor white
farmer on the verge of losing his land wanted her help. At first, she
was reluctant to devote her time and energy for a white man.
But the 62-year-old veteran of the civil rights movement did. And, in
the process, that gave her a broader perspective of what her activism
should be about.
“Working with him made me see that it’s really about those who have
versus those who don’t, you know, and they could be black, they could
be white, they could be Hispanic,” Sherrod said.
“And it made me realize then that I needed to work to help poor
people, those who don’t have access the way others have.”
It was a beautiful, heart-warming story of commitment and compassion
that some tried to distort for cheap political gain.
And it quickly reminded me of the case of another woman who also has
been vilified publicly by those who sought to portray her as a person
without proper respect for human rights.
A recent political brouhaha in the Philippines involves P-Noy’s recent
appointment.
To hear some from his critics describe it, one would think Noynoy had
named Imelda Marcos to head the Commission on Human Rights.
That he had chosen to lead this important body with a crass,
insensitive, grossly unqualified, delusional, rabidly pro-military
politician, with zero sympathy for community advocates, who would
spend all her time waging a witch-hunt against social activists.
One blogger even proclaimed the appointment as P-Noy’s “single worst
act of political madness.” A columnist imagined "the torturers, hit-
teams and other human rights violators" in the military and police
being "mighty pleased to have Ms. Rosales chair the CHR."
Former Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales, who like Sherrod is a
woman who has devoted herself to a life of activism, but who also had
the courage to change her perspective when needed, would hardly
qualify as a disastrous choice.
But that didn’t stop a faction of the progressive movement from
painting a portrait of the 71-year-old veteran social activist and
respected legislator as Valentina, Darna’s evil nemesis, or the Pinoy
version of Madame Defarge.
Their opposition is based on the fact that Rosales was once aligned
with a more extreme faction of the left before embracing a more
independent path, to the point of publicly speaking out against the
bloody purges and extortion carried out by the underground movement.
Such views are not acceptable for this faction which has long espoused
one core belief: That only the military is capable of, and should be
accused of, committing human rights abuses, while the armed,
underground left cannot possibly be accused of such offenses. For when
guerrillas and cadres kill and extort, these acts must naturally be
for righteous reasons. Anyone who dares challenge that view must be in
cahoots with the worst fascists in the armed forces.
The irony in this controversy is this: Etta has spent virtually all
her life fighting for those who are weak and powerless.
And she paid a heavy price for her commitment.
After martial law was declared in 1972, Etta was arrested in the mass
sweep of activists and opponents of the regime. She was arrested again
a few years later.
The second time around she came to know first-hand the brutality of
the Marcos dictatorship.
Etta was subjected to water cure. Her torturers let electricity pass
through her nipples and toes. She was sexually assaulted.
After her release, she bravely told her family about what happened.
Her daughter Rina Rosales was around 12 years old then.
“It took me a few days to finally realize the pain she went through,”
she told me. “Mahinahon niyang kinuwento sa amin. Calmly shed told us
what happened…I remember she was not crying. She was not shouting.
Para lang siyang nagkukuwento ng ordinaryo. She was just telling us a
story.
“But what I can remember was her resolve not to be emotionally
affected too much. Para bang kahit ganun ang dinaanan niya, in spite
of what happened, she remained steadfast to the cause.”
In fact, by the mid 1980s, Etta was a major public figure in the fight
against the Marcos dictatorship. Eventually, she broke with the
national democratic left, but remained active in progressive politics.
What has astounded many is that Etta’s nomination is being opposed by
people with whom she marched in the streets in the struggle against
dictatorship—that she is being portrayed as someone who would
deliberately hunt down people who, like her, are committed to genuine
social change, while defending the likes of those who tortured and
humiliated her in prison.
If at all, it is perhaps the military that should be worried given
what some from their ranks did to her.
But Rina Rosales says her mother knows what her job would entail.
“Her attitude toward the military has always been one with optimism,”
she said.
Optimism that, while the armed forces has many problems, including the
presence of corrupt elements who may also be prone to violence and
torture, it’s possible to instill human rights within that
organization, especially among the younger officers and rank and file.
“If you’re asking me if she has become cynical, because of what she
went through, I can honestly say na hindi. She has not become
cynical.”
And she said her mother believes in a basic tenet of conflict
resolution: “To always keep an open mind, to suspend judgment, when
you’re dealing with opposing forces. But if there’s a clear violation
of human rights, e kahit sino ka pa, whoever you are, she will speak
out…Universality of human rights—that’s her motto.”
Copyright 2010 by Benjamin Pimentel
ellene a. sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines
72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net
Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222
...at ano naman kaya ang maiiwan natin sa susunod na henerasyon?
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fw: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: ellene sana <ellenesana@yahoo.com>
To: sashaninel@yahoo.com; monleg@gmail.com; privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com
Cc: rlbanez@yahoo.com; cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; vangienovio@ymail.com
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 8:04:32 AM
Subject: Re: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
To: sashaninel@yahoo.com; monleg@gmail.com; privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com
Cc: rlbanez@yahoo.com; cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; vangienovio@ymail.com
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 8:04:32 AM
Subject: Re: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
maraming salamat sa inyong lahat dyan sa nigeria. regards, ellene a. sana Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines 72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers' Village Quezon City, Philippines Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222 --- On Thu, 15/7/10, privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com <privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com> wrote:
|
FW: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
From: amparo ronquillo [mailto:ampy45@hotmail.com]
Sent: 15 July 2010 09:11
To: vangee.novio@dantata-sawoe.com
Subject: FW: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
From: tedibee@msn.com
Subject: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:42:48 -0400
| ASSOCIATED PRESS Last Updated: 9:29 AM, July 14, 2010 Posted: 8:07 AM, July 14, 2010 MANILA, Philippines — The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year flooded streets in the capital, toppled power lines and killed at least nine people Wednesday. Ten fishermen were missing after waves overturned their boats. More than half of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes Manila, was without electricity, and authorities said it would take two to three days to restore power. Several dozen flights were canceled, and schools and many government offices closed. In the Philippines, Typhoon Conson came ashore on the east coast of Luzon on Tuesday night with winds of 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour), said weather forecaster Bernie de Leon. It weakened to a tropical storm as it crossed the rice-growing island and then buffeted Manila on Luzon's west coast for two hours. The storm headed out to the South China Sea before dawn and is next expected to make landfall later this week in China, west of Macau. The nine deaths were spread over three provinces south of Manila. In Batangas province, a 47-year-old woman was electrocuted by a power line that snapped, and a 12-year-old girl and her 4-year-old brother died after a large mango tree crashed into their home as they slept, said regional disaster operations officer Fred Bragas. In nearby Cavite province, a woman and her daughter were killed by a falling tree, Bragas said. Another child drowned after falling into a raging river, provincial spokesman Filomeno Maligaya told DZBB radio. At least three people were killed in Camarines Norte province, southeast of Manila, said military spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc. He gave no details. He added that authorities and civilian volunteers on Wednesday rescued nine of 19 fishermen who had disappeared when big waves overturned their boats off the island province of Catanduanes. Up to 3,100 people were stranded in ports waiting for the weather to clear. In Manila, the storm brought down branches and trees and scattered trash. Winds ripped tarpaulin billboards along main roads and blew off the roofs of coastal shanties. The national disaster council reported knee-deep floods in some communities in the capital. The Manila International Airport Authority said 63 flights, including four international ones, had been canceled and nine had been diverted to the central Philippine international airport since late Tuesday. Classes were suspended in schools and most universities in Manila. Several government offices, including the Senate, closed because of the power outage. Thousands of commuters were stranded when the blackouts disrupted train services. Many hotels and shopping malls were relying on their own generators. Newly elected President Benigno Aquino III scolded the weather bureau for failing to predict that the storm would hit Manila. "I hope this is the last time we are all brought to areas different from where we should be," Aquino told officials during a meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, noting that government agencies were relying on the weather bureau for their preparations. Weather bureau chief Prisco Nilo explained that it takes forecasters six hours to update weather bulletins. |
Keep your friends updated— even when you’re not signed in.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thanksgiving
THANKSGIVING
In pictures: Benjie, Lito, Nonits, Bernie, John, Sherwin, Nino, Rami, Otie, Ampy, Maris, Annie, Mercy, Tess, Maebs & Vangie and MSCT Sisters Marylu, Aurea, Mary-Grace
The Pusong Pinoy Association in Nigeria (set of officers 2009 – 2010) outgoing President Benjamin P. Nadado recently tendered a thanksgiving dinner for friends. (Some were on leave).
He expressed his gratitude and happiness for the support and full cooperation accorded to him not only as president of the association - but most of all in his re-discovery of FRIENDSHIP - FRIENDS IN ITS TRUEST SENSE!
MABUHAY!
In pictures: Benjie, Lito, Nonits, Bernie, John, Sherwin, Nino, Rami, Otie, Ampy, Maris, Annie, Mercy, Tess, Maebs & Vangie and MSCT Sisters Marylu, Aurea, Mary-Grace
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
INDUCTION OF NEW PPAN OFFICERS & JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
JUNE 27, 2010
THE OUTGOING LEADERSHIP
The outgoing administration under the leadership of Architect Benjamin Nadado proved to be up to the task – facing the challenges head-on and producing the desired results. Perhaps the greatest challenge not only for the OFWs in Abuja but to the OFWs in Nigeria was the struggle to have the travel ban imposed by the Philippine government under Arroyo’s administration be lifted. The struggle began during Lito Nucum’s term and became a sacrificial lamb when the Philippine immigration officials refused him exit after his holidays and the derision and mockery he received from some quarters. And as he teamed with Benjie Nadado and the rest of the OFWs who really fought hard, and of course with CMA Director Ellene Sana, Atty. Karen Dumpit, POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili and Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima at the helm, Pusong-Pinoy overcame the hurdle.
A SOUVENIR PHOTO
This date is one for the calendar of events: UNFORGETTABLE – of course I’m talking of the FIFA WORLD CUP – THE ANTICIPATED EVENT: GERMANY VS ENGLAND
But for the Pusong-Pinoy Association in Nigeria, this is also what we say ‘for a change’ – an all-female officers (2010 – 2011) will take charge of the Filipino association here in Abuja. Pictures below show the officers being congratulated after being sworn-in by the new Philippine Ambassador HE Nestor Padalhin (who together with his wife Mrs. Annie Padalhin was welcomed by most of the outgoing officers of PPAN after the Saturday mass June 26 at the Nunciature):
THE OUTGOING LEADERSHIP
The outgoing administration under the leadership of Architect Benjamin Nadado proved to be up to the task – facing the challenges head-on and producing the desired results. Perhaps the greatest challenge not only for the OFWs in Abuja but to the OFWs in Nigeria was the struggle to have the travel ban imposed by the Philippine government under Arroyo’s administration be lifted. The struggle began during Lito Nucum’s term and became a sacrificial lamb when the Philippine immigration officials refused him exit after his holidays and the derision and mockery he received from some quarters. And as he teamed with Benjie Nadado and the rest of the OFWs who really fought hard, and of course with CMA Director Ellene Sana, Atty. Karen Dumpit, POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili and Human Rights Commissioner Leila de Lima at the helm, Pusong-Pinoy overcame the hurdle.
It is worth mentioning that this struggle led also to a blessing.
The problem was mentioned to Eunice Barbara C. Novio, a feminist & activist who was then following a lead on fishermen caught on the high seas and imprisoned by Malaysian government. She then connected PPAN to CMA (Center for Migrant Advocacy) & CHR (commission on Human Rights) which then led us to the then Philippines VP Noli de Castro, former Speaker of the House (and later presidential candidate ) Manny Villar and to Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr. (of course now the President of the Philippines). And with CMA Director’s connections led us to government agencies i.e. BI, CFA, DOLE, POEA. (The officers who were deeply involved and met with these government officials were Benjamin Nadado, Lito Nucum, Marisa Mercado, Bernie Mercado, Vangie Novio and were all along supported by Nonito & Dorothy Barraquias, John Hernandez in close communications with CMA Director & Atty. Dumpit and at the onset, Janette Alican who met CMA Director & Atty. Karen Dumpit).
In January 2010, on behalf of PPAN, Benjie, Lito & Vangie were able to meet and thanked CMA Ellene Sana, CHR Karen Dumpit and POEA Administrator Jennifer Manalili. Administrator Manalili emphasized the fact that only PPAN went back to express gratitude to the help extended by them. Pusong Pinoy Association in Nigeria is now recognized by these government agencies.
In the year-long term of the outgoing administration, it is worthwhile to note that funds of PPA was used judiciously.
Projects undertaken were as follows:
1. Giving back to the host country – charity for 100 indigent families in Kuje
2. Aiding robbed Pinoys (seamen) who sought the help of the Philippine embassy
3. Aiding back-to-back Ondoy-Pepeng typhoon victims
4. Membership Fee Drive through the diligence and perseverance of the late Asst. Treasurer Ana Dador more than doubled the paid members and issuance of PPA ID which proved beneficial when getting the exit pass from POEA
5. Donations personally requested /voluntarily given from friends in Abuja & Nigeria in general to give to the bereaved family of late Ana (Asst. Treasurer of PPA), Nestor Dador (embassy staff)
6. Appreciation – token gifts to CMA Ellene Sana & co
7. Family Day celebrations with 2010 – 2011 election of officers and bingo
8. Giving back to the host country – charity for 200 indigent families in Ketti Village
9. Donations personally requested by Mr. Nadado from friends and colleagues for Santiago Margarito’s son (Jun-jun currently in St. Luke’s charity ward) to help defray the hospital bills
And the Filipinos having established a very good relationship with the Vatican Embassy are always sought for in any occasion – be it in serving , cooking, decorating, etc.
JUNE BIRTHDAY CELEBRANTS:
NESTOR DADOR, RAMON MIGUEL BARRAQUIAS, BERNABE MERCADO, NINO HERRERA, JOHN HERNANDEZ, LORENZ KENNETH MERCADO, MARIE BEBAL, LITO NUCUM, ALESSANDRA KATRINA RONQUILLO celebrated their birthdays on June 27, 2010 – a very joyous occasion indeed.
Earlier on Sunday of June 27, 2010, celebrants and some close friends gathered and celebrated together this joyous day. 
Maris in her playful mood even wanted to ‘chop off’ the blossoming ampalaya (ang paboritong gulay ng lahat! At paborito ring batiin at dunggulin ng lahat – ayun kaya nababansut! At paborito ring bilangin agad ang mga dahon para tig isang dahon lang ang kakainin!).
Actually the celebrations started right after the mass of Saturday June 26. 
Here, Tikya & Merz after eating a hefty dinner still wanted to claim ‘refugee status’ (shown here carrying buckets).
A SOUVENIR PHOTO
The outgoing officers took this souvenir photo with a past president Bernabe Mercado from whom they also ask every now and then for much-valued opinion.
GERMANY WON 4 GOALS TO 1 OF ENGLAND!!! Can aptly be named – The Trashing of the English Team!!!
Friday, June 25, 2010
GIFT-GIVING TO THE NEEDY
KETTI VILLAGE: GIFT-GIVING via the SISTERS OF JESUS THE REDEEMER IN GWARINPA SR. JOVITA & SR. GABRIELA and the MCST SISTERS
14 June, 2010, Abuja FCT Ref: ppa/bpn/140610a
Hello Mga Kapusong Pinoy,
RE: CHARITY GIVING - KETTI VILLAGE, ABUJA
Magandang araw po sa lahat. Malugod naming inaanyayahan and lahat na dumalo sa pagbibigay ng Charity Gifts, bilang pagtulong sa mga less fortunate sa ating host country na gaganapin sa:
• Date: 20 June 2010, Sunday
• Assembly time : 10:00 AM at Dantata and Sawoe Life Camp
• Departure time : 11:00 AM
• Destination: Ketti Village (Off Airport Road) about 40 minutes drive from Abuja Business District)
Ang occasion pong ito ay isa sa mga activities na kailangan nating gawin, hindi lamang sa ito ay nasasaad sa PPA Constitution and By-Laws, kundi bilang humanitarian gesture na likas sa ating mga Pilipino; matulungin, maka-Diyos, maaasahan, masayahin, atb.
Mga Kapusong Pinoy, labis-labis kaming nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat, sa mga tulong at dasal ninyo sa tagumpay ng mga nakaraang okasyon at sana ay gawin din natin na ito ay magtagumpay. Nais naming banggitin dito ang donation na ibinigay ng mga MCST Sisters sa Apostolic Nunciature, sina Sisters Marilou, Aurea, Maria Gracia at Efflaida, na 3 bags of 50 kg parboiled rice and cash of N50,000. Ito po ay malaking bagay na dagdag sa mga recipients ng charity gift na mahigit 200 households. Hindi pa po huli sa sino mang gustong mag-ambag o mag-donate ng anumang bagay, in cash or in kind. Paki-contact lang po ang sino man sa mga Executive Council Members.
Kaya po, inaasahan naming ang inyong pagdalo at pagsuporta sa darating na Linggo, 20 June, 2010. MABUHAY!!!
Ang inyong lingkod sa ngalan ng PUSONG PINOY.
Executive Council (2009 -2010)
PUSONG PINOY ASSOCIATION
B. P. Nadado
President
Executive Council (2009-2010)
President – B. Nadado, Vice President - N. Barraquias, Secretary - G. Abrazado, Treasurer - P. Nucum Auditor - J. Hernandez, P.R.O. - S. Cayabyab, P.R.O. - R. Torres, Assistant Treasurer and Property Custodian – M. Subibe
______________________________________________________________________________
HURRAH TO THE LAST PROJECT UNDER THE OUTGOING OFFICERS OF PUSONG-PINOY ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA
KETTI VILLAGE (off Ai
rport Road) about 40 minutes drive from Abuja Business District
The outgoing officers of Pusong-Pinoy Association of Nigeria, after the first gift-giving to a village in Kuje, FCT Abuja, Nigeria held on the 26th of July, 2009, (where the late Mrs. Ana Dador gave so much time and effort buying and sorting out the goods and whose last birthday was celebrated that day) resolved to repeat the deed. This was done last Sunday, June 20, 2010.
The outgoing PPAN President Benjamin P. Nadado called on the community to assist in allotting the goods for distribution which outgoing Treasurer Pablo L. Nucum, true to his profession as a certified and seasoned accountant painstakingly canvassed and bought. Saturday night of June 19 (the birth of the Philippine national hero, Jose P. Rizal), after hearing the mass at the Nunciature, the OFWs who heeded the call went straight to Mr. Nucum’s house at Dantata & Sawoe Life Camp where buckets were filled with basic necessities for 200 families at Ketti Village. The gift-giving was slated for Sunday morning at 11:00.
However, Mother Nature was trying to test the resolve of this group of OFWs. As early as 7:00 in the morning, the very thick, dark clouds burst open and poured ‘cats and dogs’ which would have had everybody go back to bed. That was the first test.
The second test and the most challenging: An MB Sprinter was arranged to be sent at the meeting place and supposed to arrive at exactly 8:00 in the morning to give ample time for the loading of the goods. Minutes ticked and seemed to be actually ‘running’ and there was no sign of the vehicle. Frantic phone calls, meaning waking up the Central Stores Manager, Mr. Frank Henrich of Dantata & Sawoe Construction Company who lent the vehicle plus the driver. After 4 tries and the sleepy-voiced reply came. Oh no!!! The foreman he assigned forgot and he has to send somebody else to collect the key from his house at JBN camp, go to the Main Yard and get the Sprinter, return the key to him and report for ‘duty.’ After which seemed an endless wait, Mr. Henrich called: ‘Fifteen minutes Sprinter and another driver will be there. Sorry.’ That was music!
As if on cue, the rain abated at around 10:30 as the Sprinter arrived. The driver complained t
hat he was even on his way to a relative’s wake when he was called to carry this assignment. Sisters Marylou and Mary Grace of the Nunciature followed. The Filipinos whose kindred spirits rose to the occasion were seen loading the buckets in the vehicles. The place bustling with activity attracted the attention in the neighbourhood. ‘Aha, aha, uhmmm, very good, well-done…’
THE LONG AND WIN
DING ROAD
True enough, with the systematic approach, the crew was ready to dispense the goods. No one has ever been to that village before. Sisters Jovita & Gabriela of the SISTERS OF JESUS THE REDEEMER (Gwarinpa) led the way closely followed by the MCST sisters from the Nunciature and the rest followed suit. From Dantata & Sawoe gate, the entourage turned left and moved on to the rough road where taxis plied and flied unmindful of the craters on the road, honking incessantly to get their way. Soon we were already at the outskirts of the city where the actual ‘long and winding road’ led to Ketti village. ‘Wonder! I never knew there is this village. This is my first time to come and actually see this!’ exclaimed the MB Sprinter Nigerian driver.
Because of the rain, there were slippery pools of muddy water. And because of the rain, the weather was cool. There 
were slopes and mini-dunes along the narrow roads. Scent of grasses and of food wafted as we cruised along. Every now and then, okadas or achabas with their passengers to be dropped at the church gave way to us.
After some curves and turns, we reached the village. The crew (Benjie, Lito, Nonits, John, Ric, Rex, Sherwin, Nino, Rami, and 2 Nigerian drivers) immediately off- load
ed the buckets into a makeshift shanty cum classroom. ‘See this? We can still send a blackboard,’ Ampy commented as she laid eyes on the threadbare scrap from a cork board with Arithmetic lessons still on it. Right in the middle of the shanty is the statue of the 
Blessed Virgin Mother.
The mass has just ended. The parishioners soon trooped down to the shanty which is just a few yards away from the church. There was a pre-arrangement: a sort of ticket was issued to every family which will be presented upon collection of the bucket. The ticket issued will then be collected to avoid getting double ration. The villagers were asked to form a line with their tickets ready. The crew lined up and acted also as barricade for easy dispensing of the goods.
The shanty is just open in front where the door (and walls) should have been aside from a foot high sort of wedge. Inside were the goods and the assigned crew to put the additional items like detergent, packets of noodles and a kilo of rice which can not be mixed with other edibles already inside the bucket.
‘PASSING THE BU
CKET’
Standing side by side, Benjie Nadado checks the ticket, gives back to the person who then steps towards Mercy Subibe and Nonits Barraquias who collects the bucket from Bernie ‘Tikboy’ Mercado inside with John Hernandez, Sherwin Cayabyab, Rex Lautrizo in their respective task. After this process, the person moves a little towards Ric Punzalan
and Amy Pagirigan to help the old and the very young and the disabled. Maris Mercado gives the final extra packet assisted by Adora de Leon and Angie Alcaria. At the end of the line is Sr. Marylou and the ticket is finally surrendered to Sr. Mary Grace which was then put inside a plastic transparent bag.
One villager, an old man still panting and gasping for breath, came wagging his ticket – torn and worn out elicited laughter amongst us. He must have thrown this out and later searched (and found) and rushed to us to collect his ‘prize.’
The rest of the crew Ampy, Vangie, Dorothy Barraquias, Lito Nucum, Dulce Casaldon, and Janette Alican, Nino & Rami assisted the villagers and ensured that no one breaks the line to be ahead.
The gift-giving was administered as planned and coordinated with precision lasted only for an hour or so. It was so hot inside the shanty, although the weather outside was cool. We all rushed out and rested awhile under the trees while watching the villagers who still stayed in groups. The recipients were comparing the conten
ts of their buckets. It was quite amusing knowing that every bucket has exactly the same amount of goods inside. Soon, we were all drinking cold water which the ever generous Mrs. Rosa Ilic, an Indonesian who adopted the Filipinos as her own, rushed to give us before we proceeded to the village.
TRIP BACK HOME
Whereas the trip to the village was long, the trip back seemed only a few minutes ride. We again converged to the Life Camp where Lito and Sherwin had already prepared food for lunch. Sherwin’s boiled bushels of corn, Lito’s Geisha stew and ginisang mince meat (con raisins pa!)and Otie’s fried ‘tapa ala Abuja’ … PRESTO! Food was demolished with gusto!
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