Of course, I was watching television all morning and early afternoon on Wednesday although I had to submit this article by the following morning. There seemed nothing more important than the Barack Obama victory and what it represents to America and the world. For so long, I had often refrained from commenting publicly about America's presidential contest, as I am not an American. What both stood for is of utmost relevance even to Filipinos, but I tried to avoid provoking all the more the heated partisanship that accompanied the campaign.
Very early this year, when a young American asked me about the Obama and Hillary rivalry for the Democratic nomination for president, I told him that it was a struggle of what was dominant that did not yet realize a new emerging force was challenging that dominance. Obama was seen as more reflective of the meaning of "change" even though Hillary would have been the first woman president of the United States. And he was younger. But what is dominant does not simply disappear. It takes decades to ease it from its dominance and for another force to take over. And the difficulty of the primaries and the difficulty of the campaign for president mirror the difficulty of a new force taking over another that has been in place for a long, long time.
Anyway, it did not need an Obama victory to allow evolution to unfold. It would have done so even with a McCain presidency. Obama, though, will be a more cooperative ally of change and evolution, and a most welcome one. The world is greatly hurt by the violence and conflict of the many wars and rebellions leaving trails of blood and misery. Obama cannot stop it, not right away, but he will not aggravate it and will reduce it either unless the terrorists reach the American people directly and cause massive destruction like 9/11.
While shaking my head at the impact of an Obama victory and the hopes that America can be a better country for the world, I was forming thoughts and words for this article around the just concluded elections in America. Then, a phone call jarred my musings and hurled me back to a reality much closer to home. It was a friend who wanted to coordinate a feeding session in a depressed area this Sunday and wanted to confirm certain details. But it was a news report that he alerted me to that shook me even though I have known it and have been trying to do what I can about it. It was an article in a major newspaper that reported the Philippines as the fifth-hungriest country in the world.
I have been writing about hunger ever since results of the hunger-incidence surveys by the poll group Social Weather Stations were published. In one recent article, I even attached the website on which the hunger incidence statistics were posted. It is a great risk for an opinion writer to write about the same topic, to give the same opinion, over and over again. But I have no choice. Or, more accurately, if I choose otherwise, I would not be able to live with myself in peace, in honor.
If there has been an outcry, a loud scream of anger or frustration, if the high officials of the State, of the Church and other religious groups, of Industry, of Civic Organizations, of the Academe, then there is no need for an Internet writer like me to dedicate extra articles to the issue of hunger. But there is hardly any. There was one statement I read that I think came from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. It admitted some fault and also pointed to government. One statement that I hoped would lead to a massive appeal to feed the hungry, but did not.
How, then, can a Filipino be silent? How, then, can a Christian be silent? Who will speak for the hungry, who will speak for the poor from where the hungry come from? A deafening message is being communicated by the sheer presence of beggars, of street children, of scavengers, of squatters who sleep on sidewalks, under bridges and along canals. But they have been with us almost forever, and their message has been unheard, not listened to, their presence shooed away, repulsed, even denied by our souls.
They say the sun shines in a new America. They say a new leadership is welcomed not only by Americans tired of war, bankruptcy and increasing joblessness, but also by a world that had feared and resented an America seen as an arrogant bully. Obama ushers in a fresh gust of wind we call change and we are happy for America because millions of American citizens with Filipino blood will be part of that change.
What about the Philippines? I am not asking that corruption be eliminated, that inefficiency be reformed, that liars and thieves be imprisoned. I am asking only that we not tolerate hunger, that we not pretend it is not there, that we not sleep peacefully in the midst of it.
Struggling to maintain objectivity, the following still flowed from my heart to my pen in a message of pain I sent to friends, to elders of some Christian communities and leaders of the advocacy which drives my life today. I said about the hunger of our people:
This is a collective and public sin, a rejection of the mission and life of Jesus, a failure of government, a failure of religion, an indictment of our societal values and behavior, a curse that will haunt us and our culture.
All claims at being faithful to our religious beliefs have suddenly become hollow, perhaps even false. Christians and Muslims in the Philippines must move quickly to succor the hungry, whisper our humble apologies to them, and then feed a hungry people proportionate to the massiveness of the hunger afflicting them.
Will the poor and the hungry ever have their Obama? So the poor and hungry even have to need an Obama? Are we who are not poor and hungry not enough for fellow Filipinos who are? Is not being one people created by one God in a beautiful and bountiful land more than enough to make us remember the pain of many and evoke human compassion to rescue them?
jeudi 6 novembre 2008
lundi 3 novembre 2008
History of Ternate by: Danny Leonera
TERNATE was originally a sandbar formed at the mouth of the Maragondon River and popularly called Barra de Maragondon. It was swampy and densely covered with mangroves, providing a resting place for natives of Maragondon going out to Manila Bay to fish. In the year 1700, seven Merdica Families consisting of about 200 persons were transferred to the Barra de Maragondon from the old Bagumbayan ( now Ermita ), Manila, to establish their residence there. The Merdicas or Mardicas. Meaning " men of the sea" or "free people" were transferred to Maragondon by the Spanish Authorities because of their frequent brawls with the Tagalogs of Ermita.
Noted for their bravery. The Merdicas were Malays from Ternate in the Moluccas Archipelago, who volunteered to come to Manila along with the Spanish garrison that was pulled out of the Island by Spanish Governor General Manrique de Lara in 1662 to reinforce the defenses of Manila in preparation for a threatened invasion by the Chinese pirate-patriot Koxinga, after he had conquered Formosa from the Dutch. To forestall the repetition of the disastrous Limahong invasion of 1574, the Spanish governor-general ordered the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Zamboanga and the Moluccas and concentrated them in Manila, ready to repel the Koxinga attack. Fortunately for the city residents, the Chinese warlord fell ill and died before he could make a good threat.
Under an agreement with the Spanish governor general the Merdicas were required to provide protection against attacks by Moro pirates, and in return for their services they were taken to the Barra de Maragondon because of frequent Moro raids in that area. The Merdicas chose as a site of their new homes a place near the mouth of the Maragondon River, calling it Gala-la, derived from the name of a tree grew there. They set up a watchtower on top of a hill which they called Mira.
Aside from fishing, the Merdicas cleared the land and tilled the soil. They eventually intermarried with the natives of neighboring villages, building up a community that grew up rapidly and expanded. The most prominent families of the community bore surnames Pereira, Estuebar, De leon, Ramos, De la Cruz, Nigoza, and Ninofranco.
In 1850 the burgeoning Merdica population were able to build from their own funds a stone church, a casa real (tribunal or municipal building), and a school house Under the leadership of Florencio Ninofranco, the community became a regular pueblo or town, and they named it Ternate in memory of their ancestral birthplace in the Mollucas. Pablo de Leon, a wealthy Merdica leader, became the first gobernadorcillo of Ternate. Another source says that Ternate was separated from Maragondon and became an independent municipality in 1863.
The Ternatenos speak a kind of chabacano (a sort of indigenized Spanish) which they inherited from their forefathers. They still use it as a principal means of communication among themselves. However, in writing to their relatives and friends or in conversing with strangers from other towns, they use Tagalog.
Due to the rapid increase in population, a time came when the natural and other resources of the town became inadequate for its needs. In 1856 the alkalde mayor (equivalent to provincial governor) of Cavite ordered the fixing of the boundary between Ternate and Maragondon, giving the former sufficient land for its inhabitants. Ternate was authorized to take under its jurisdiction the barrio of Patungan. However for some unknown reason, barrio Patungan is still under the jurisdiction of Maragondon. Ternate has three barangays in the poblacion and four barrios. These are barangays 1, 2, and 3, and barrios are San Jose, San Juan, Zapang and Bucana.
The Philippine Revolution against Spain (1896-1898) and the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1901) had so depleted the population of Cavite Province that the Philippine Commission on October 15, 1903 approved Public Act No. 947 reducing the municipalities of Cavite to nine. Ternate was absorbed by Naik, this situation remaining until 1916 when the Philippine Senate restored Ternate to its former status as an independent municipality.
A most unfortunate happening took place in Ternate in early 1945 when, due to American incendiary bombing and bombardments from naval units, the town was almost wiped out from the map. Only seven out of approximately one thousand houses miraculously survived the man-made holocaust. But the Ternatenos, people of sterner stuff, went on to start life anew, building from the ruins and ashes of war, tilling their lands, doing their daily chore of fishing in the sea, uncomplaining, looking forward to the dawn of a new day in their lives.
Noted for their bravery. The Merdicas were Malays from Ternate in the Moluccas Archipelago, who volunteered to come to Manila along with the Spanish garrison that was pulled out of the Island by Spanish Governor General Manrique de Lara in 1662 to reinforce the defenses of Manila in preparation for a threatened invasion by the Chinese pirate-patriot Koxinga, after he had conquered Formosa from the Dutch. To forestall the repetition of the disastrous Limahong invasion of 1574, the Spanish governor-general ordered the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Zamboanga and the Moluccas and concentrated them in Manila, ready to repel the Koxinga attack. Fortunately for the city residents, the Chinese warlord fell ill and died before he could make a good threat.
Under an agreement with the Spanish governor general the Merdicas were required to provide protection against attacks by Moro pirates, and in return for their services they were taken to the Barra de Maragondon because of frequent Moro raids in that area. The Merdicas chose as a site of their new homes a place near the mouth of the Maragondon River, calling it Gala-la, derived from the name of a tree grew there. They set up a watchtower on top of a hill which they called Mira.
Aside from fishing, the Merdicas cleared the land and tilled the soil. They eventually intermarried with the natives of neighboring villages, building up a community that grew up rapidly and expanded. The most prominent families of the community bore surnames Pereira, Estuebar, De leon, Ramos, De la Cruz, Nigoza, and Ninofranco.
In 1850 the burgeoning Merdica population were able to build from their own funds a stone church, a casa real (tribunal or municipal building), and a school house Under the leadership of Florencio Ninofranco, the community became a regular pueblo or town, and they named it Ternate in memory of their ancestral birthplace in the Mollucas. Pablo de Leon, a wealthy Merdica leader, became the first gobernadorcillo of Ternate. Another source says that Ternate was separated from Maragondon and became an independent municipality in 1863.
The Ternatenos speak a kind of chabacano (a sort of indigenized Spanish) which they inherited from their forefathers. They still use it as a principal means of communication among themselves. However, in writing to their relatives and friends or in conversing with strangers from other towns, they use Tagalog.
Due to the rapid increase in population, a time came when the natural and other resources of the town became inadequate for its needs. In 1856 the alkalde mayor (equivalent to provincial governor) of Cavite ordered the fixing of the boundary between Ternate and Maragondon, giving the former sufficient land for its inhabitants. Ternate was authorized to take under its jurisdiction the barrio of Patungan. However for some unknown reason, barrio Patungan is still under the jurisdiction of Maragondon. Ternate has three barangays in the poblacion and four barrios. These are barangays 1, 2, and 3, and barrios are San Jose, San Juan, Zapang and Bucana.
The Philippine Revolution against Spain (1896-1898) and the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1901) had so depleted the population of Cavite Province that the Philippine Commission on October 15, 1903 approved Public Act No. 947 reducing the municipalities of Cavite to nine. Ternate was absorbed by Naik, this situation remaining until 1916 when the Philippine Senate restored Ternate to its former status as an independent municipality.
A most unfortunate happening took place in Ternate in early 1945 when, due to American incendiary bombing and bombardments from naval units, the town was almost wiped out from the map. Only seven out of approximately one thousand houses miraculously survived the man-made holocaust. But the Ternatenos, people of sterner stuff, went on to start life anew, building from the ruins and ashes of war, tilling their lands, doing their daily chore of fishing in the sea, uncomplaining, looking forward to the dawn of a new day in their lives.
Danny Leonera
Danilo Danny Villaruel Leonera…Here you will see me as informal as possible. Neither my professional role nor my public life are the main interest here. It is me as a person. I am writing about me.
Nick named Danny. I was born in San Jose, Ternate, Cavite on April 7, 1960 and had all my education in Cavite. I am the fifth in our family. In fact I am the first among my family who succeed in life. So I have some importance and responsibilities attached. I enjoy being what I am. I progressed through a totally normal life. The most important thing I have had was my parent’s care and inspiration to excel. Now I am a Parisian and I dream of settling as a successful person in Paris, France and my favorite place on this planet. The first and foremost I miss (apart from my family of course) is the world famous Chicken Macaroni salad. Whenever I go home I make it to the point to enjoy the dish at least twice a weak.
In 1966 at the age of six while I was a pupil of San Jose Elementary School, I transfered for Grade three to six at Ternate Central and I graduated with distinction during my primary school. After high school in 1973, I took up Typing and Stenography at Tanza Secretarial School where I obtained outstanding student during this period. I supported myself by working at Santo Nino Academy and took a night class at Western College Naic, Cavite in 1980, where I developed to be a teacher with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education Majoring in Math and Science. Admitted Licensure Board Exam for Teachers in 1981. Teaching basic courses in Science and Mathematics in Santo Nino Academy was not fulfilling my aspiration. I’ve spent one year teaching in this institution created by Mrs. Erlinda H. Monteagudo who had developed me a test for the nearest of intelligence.
In 1981 I left home for the first time to Saudi Arabia and work as Secretary at the administration of Engineering Equipment Inc. It was not easy to our family but certainly it was very exciting and rewarding for me. I did it till 1985. I was promoted as Executive Secretary at the same company by the request of Mr. J. W. Hay, my executive manager. Middle East is not my world so I decided to file my resignation and return back home and spent a year teaching in 1986.
Since that our economy is getting worse, I went to Europe as tourist in 1987. Here, I found myself very interesting. I must speak the language so I could work. I started as domestic helper. I challenge myself by doing this job for several years. I met lot of European friends and since I was young then, I was encourage to pose in a magazine for my ethnic beauty as Asian Filipino. The magazine was published all around Europe. I am happy with this job but not interesting for living. I strived very hard and chances are on my way to work in different hotels. I went to school at night while working during the day. I took up French lessons at the University of Paris Alliance Frances where I was on top of the class among 38 students. After studying French language, I took HRM for two semester at the American University, Paris.
Recently I was awarded second for Essay writing contest entitled ¨I’m Sorry, I miss you, I Love you¨ competed by Filipinos around Europe. From Housekeeper to Hotel Supervisor was the greatest gift I received by my inspiration.
In 1998, I was the Representative Manager of Rent Paris, LLC. I am representing Paris which our main office situated in Wilmington, Delaware., U.S.A. and to date I was the manager occupying 48 hotel residential.
As Manager, I help run the day to day operations of the hotel. I was responsible for activities such as personnel, accounting, office administrative, marketing, sales, purchasing, security and maintenance .
I have had the fortunate to learn and utilize a wide range of practical and commercial skills throughout my career. Both my professional and personal lives are oriented towards international contacts and cross-cultural understanding. My strength lie in the areas of organization, project management, team building and public relations. My greatest accomplishment was I bought my own apartment in Paris. I travel a lot around Europe and much of the Eastern U.S.A.
Now that I have my own life in the city of Paris. I am proud to say I was once a part of Ternate or should I say Ternate was once a part of me. I will never forget this heaven – like place with warm and hospitable people – that is really something to be proud of.
My most private moment is watching the sun set with the music of Jean Sebastian Bach. This was my greatest pleasure.
Nick named Danny. I was born in San Jose, Ternate, Cavite on April 7, 1960 and had all my education in Cavite. I am the fifth in our family. In fact I am the first among my family who succeed in life. So I have some importance and responsibilities attached. I enjoy being what I am. I progressed through a totally normal life. The most important thing I have had was my parent’s care and inspiration to excel. Now I am a Parisian and I dream of settling as a successful person in Paris, France and my favorite place on this planet. The first and foremost I miss (apart from my family of course) is the world famous Chicken Macaroni salad. Whenever I go home I make it to the point to enjoy the dish at least twice a weak.
In 1966 at the age of six while I was a pupil of San Jose Elementary School, I transfered for Grade three to six at Ternate Central and I graduated with distinction during my primary school. After high school in 1973, I took up Typing and Stenography at Tanza Secretarial School where I obtained outstanding student during this period. I supported myself by working at Santo Nino Academy and took a night class at Western College Naic, Cavite in 1980, where I developed to be a teacher with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education Majoring in Math and Science. Admitted Licensure Board Exam for Teachers in 1981. Teaching basic courses in Science and Mathematics in Santo Nino Academy was not fulfilling my aspiration. I’ve spent one year teaching in this institution created by Mrs. Erlinda H. Monteagudo who had developed me a test for the nearest of intelligence.
In 1981 I left home for the first time to Saudi Arabia and work as Secretary at the administration of Engineering Equipment Inc. It was not easy to our family but certainly it was very exciting and rewarding for me. I did it till 1985. I was promoted as Executive Secretary at the same company by the request of Mr. J. W. Hay, my executive manager. Middle East is not my world so I decided to file my resignation and return back home and spent a year teaching in 1986.
Since that our economy is getting worse, I went to Europe as tourist in 1987. Here, I found myself very interesting. I must speak the language so I could work. I started as domestic helper. I challenge myself by doing this job for several years. I met lot of European friends and since I was young then, I was encourage to pose in a magazine for my ethnic beauty as Asian Filipino. The magazine was published all around Europe. I am happy with this job but not interesting for living. I strived very hard and chances are on my way to work in different hotels. I went to school at night while working during the day. I took up French lessons at the University of Paris Alliance Frances where I was on top of the class among 38 students. After studying French language, I took HRM for two semester at the American University, Paris.
Recently I was awarded second for Essay writing contest entitled ¨I’m Sorry, I miss you, I Love you¨ competed by Filipinos around Europe. From Housekeeper to Hotel Supervisor was the greatest gift I received by my inspiration.
In 1998, I was the Representative Manager of Rent Paris, LLC. I am representing Paris which our main office situated in Wilmington, Delaware., U.S.A. and to date I was the manager occupying 48 hotel residential.
As Manager, I help run the day to day operations of the hotel. I was responsible for activities such as personnel, accounting, office administrative, marketing, sales, purchasing, security and maintenance .
I have had the fortunate to learn and utilize a wide range of practical and commercial skills throughout my career. Both my professional and personal lives are oriented towards international contacts and cross-cultural understanding. My strength lie in the areas of organization, project management, team building and public relations. My greatest accomplishment was I bought my own apartment in Paris. I travel a lot around Europe and much of the Eastern U.S.A.
Now that I have my own life in the city of Paris. I am proud to say I was once a part of Ternate or should I say Ternate was once a part of me. I will never forget this heaven – like place with warm and hospitable people – that is really something to be proud of.
My most private moment is watching the sun set with the music of Jean Sebastian Bach. This was my greatest pleasure.
dimanche 26 octobre 2008
MAGIC WORDS
Magic Words
By : Danny V. Leonera
I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU, IM’ SORRY. Tatlong simpleng mga salita na sa aminin man natin o hindi sa sarili ay mahirap para sa bawat isa sa atin na bigkasin. Mga salitang nagtataglay ng malalim na kahulugan sa atin kaya hindi dapat ito basta basta bitiwan o sabihin sa mga taong deserving na makatanggap ng ganitong mga salita I LOVE YOU. Usually maririnig mo lang ito sa mga taong umiibig. Minsan nga makikita mo lang ito sa mga card, kapag may okasyon o kaya naman sa mga text messages lang. Piso lang ang halaga ng I Love You sa’yo. Sa telepono naman, doon mo lang masasabi sa kanya na mahal mo siya. Para bang takot na takot sabihin ang salitang I Love You. Kasi di ba kapag diretsang sasabihin sa’yo ng minamahal mo, parang ang sarap-sarap pakinggan. Yong tipo bang feel na feel mong sinabihan ka ng I love you. Na may nagmamahal pala sa’yo at nagpapahalaga. At malalaman mong may puwang ka pala sa puso niya. (naks !) Ang iba naman ang sinasabing I love you ay luma na, baduy ! Kasi naniniwala sila na sa ibang paraan nila napapakita ang pagmamahal nila. Sabi nga it’s the thought that counts. Oo nga it’s the thought that counts, pero mas maganda, di ba ? Kapag sinasabi mo na sa kanya ay ipinapadama mo pa. Mas dama ninyo pa ang tunay na spirit ng love.
Ang iba naman sa pagtatago ng nararamdaman, para bang ang hirap ilabas, kasi nahihiya. Baka pagtawanan ka, kasi sa panahon ngayon hindi uso ang seryosohan, wala ng nagtatagal na relasyon. Di mo naman dapat sabihin na mahal mo ang isang tao kung trip mo lang, makakasakit ka pa ng tao. Nag I love you ka na, dapat mo naman siyang pasalamatan sa pagmamahal na ibinibigay niya sa’yo. THANK YOU. Parang ang daling bigkasin, diba ? Dalawang salita, dalawang pantig pero bakit ang hirap sabihin. Sinasabi mo ito sa mga taong gumagawa sa’yo ng kabutihan o kaya naman sa pinagkakautangan mo ng loob. Pero kahit naman sa simpleng ginawa sa inyo ay nagpapasalamat kayo. Ito ay lalong nagpapatibay ng isang relasyon dahil maiisip ng isang tao sa’yo marunong kang tumanaw ng utang na loob.
Nag-I love you ka na, nagpasalamat ka na sa pagmamahal na inalay niya sa’yo, nag thank you ka na. Paano kapag medyo nagkalabuan, pa’no na yun ? Magsosorry ka, parang ang hirap sabihin. Yung tipong alam mo na ikaw ang may kasalanan sasabihin mo lang SORRY hindi mo pa magawa. Makikipagmatigasan pa. Ganito iyan eh ! Kung alam mo nang ikaw ang may kasalanan, lapitan mo na mag-sorry ka. Wala namang mawawala sa’yo. Kung hindi ka niya pansinin, problema na niya iyon basta ikaw nagawa mo na ang part mo. Kasi pride yan. Tipo bang nagpapakiramdaman lang kayo kung sinong unang lalapit. Kung nasaktan mo ang damdamin ng isang tao, magsorry ka kaagad. Kahit hindi mo nakikita sa mukha niya, masaya siya sa loob. Kasi gaano man kasakit ang ginawa mo sa kanya, unti-unting nababawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Tatlong salita na tila may pagkahawig sa isa’t isa. Magsasabi ka ng I love you, pasasalamatan mo naman ang pagmamahal na binigay niya sa’yo, sasabihin mo thank you, pag medyo nagkakaproblema naman kayo, magsosorry ka. Tapos bati na uli kayo, masaya na ang lahat, diba parang magic ? Pero kung hindi mo mababanggit ang isa man sa mga ito maaari itong maging simula ng pagkakalayo ng loob ninyo sa isa’t isa. Kung hindi mo sasabihin ngayon o bukas kailan pa ? Tatlong simpleng salita, subukan ninyong iparamdam sa isang tao na mahal ninyo siya, mahalaga sa iyo kahit na simpleng bagay lamang. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbanggit lamang ng tatlong MAGIC WORDS na ito na tunay na nakapagbabago at nakapagpapaganda ng isang relasyon. Di pa huli ang lahat, we can still say…thank you, sorry, I’ll miss you and I love you.
By : Danny V. Leonera
I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU, IM’ SORRY. Tatlong simpleng mga salita na sa aminin man natin o hindi sa sarili ay mahirap para sa bawat isa sa atin na bigkasin. Mga salitang nagtataglay ng malalim na kahulugan sa atin kaya hindi dapat ito basta basta bitiwan o sabihin sa mga taong deserving na makatanggap ng ganitong mga salita I LOVE YOU. Usually maririnig mo lang ito sa mga taong umiibig. Minsan nga makikita mo lang ito sa mga card, kapag may okasyon o kaya naman sa mga text messages lang. Piso lang ang halaga ng I Love You sa’yo. Sa telepono naman, doon mo lang masasabi sa kanya na mahal mo siya. Para bang takot na takot sabihin ang salitang I Love You. Kasi di ba kapag diretsang sasabihin sa’yo ng minamahal mo, parang ang sarap-sarap pakinggan. Yong tipo bang feel na feel mong sinabihan ka ng I love you. Na may nagmamahal pala sa’yo at nagpapahalaga. At malalaman mong may puwang ka pala sa puso niya. (naks !) Ang iba naman ang sinasabing I love you ay luma na, baduy ! Kasi naniniwala sila na sa ibang paraan nila napapakita ang pagmamahal nila. Sabi nga it’s the thought that counts. Oo nga it’s the thought that counts, pero mas maganda, di ba ? Kapag sinasabi mo na sa kanya ay ipinapadama mo pa. Mas dama ninyo pa ang tunay na spirit ng love.
Ang iba naman sa pagtatago ng nararamdaman, para bang ang hirap ilabas, kasi nahihiya. Baka pagtawanan ka, kasi sa panahon ngayon hindi uso ang seryosohan, wala ng nagtatagal na relasyon. Di mo naman dapat sabihin na mahal mo ang isang tao kung trip mo lang, makakasakit ka pa ng tao. Nag I love you ka na, dapat mo naman siyang pasalamatan sa pagmamahal na ibinibigay niya sa’yo. THANK YOU. Parang ang daling bigkasin, diba ? Dalawang salita, dalawang pantig pero bakit ang hirap sabihin. Sinasabi mo ito sa mga taong gumagawa sa’yo ng kabutihan o kaya naman sa pinagkakautangan mo ng loob. Pero kahit naman sa simpleng ginawa sa inyo ay nagpapasalamat kayo. Ito ay lalong nagpapatibay ng isang relasyon dahil maiisip ng isang tao sa’yo marunong kang tumanaw ng utang na loob.
Nag-I love you ka na, nagpasalamat ka na sa pagmamahal na inalay niya sa’yo, nag thank you ka na. Paano kapag medyo nagkalabuan, pa’no na yun ? Magsosorry ka, parang ang hirap sabihin. Yung tipong alam mo na ikaw ang may kasalanan sasabihin mo lang SORRY hindi mo pa magawa. Makikipagmatigasan pa. Ganito iyan eh ! Kung alam mo nang ikaw ang may kasalanan, lapitan mo na mag-sorry ka. Wala namang mawawala sa’yo. Kung hindi ka niya pansinin, problema na niya iyon basta ikaw nagawa mo na ang part mo. Kasi pride yan. Tipo bang nagpapakiramdaman lang kayo kung sinong unang lalapit. Kung nasaktan mo ang damdamin ng isang tao, magsorry ka kaagad. Kahit hindi mo nakikita sa mukha niya, masaya siya sa loob. Kasi gaano man kasakit ang ginawa mo sa kanya, unti-unting nababawasan ang sakit na nararamdaman niya. Tatlong salita na tila may pagkahawig sa isa’t isa. Magsasabi ka ng I love you, pasasalamatan mo naman ang pagmamahal na binigay niya sa’yo, sasabihin mo thank you, pag medyo nagkakaproblema naman kayo, magsosorry ka. Tapos bati na uli kayo, masaya na ang lahat, diba parang magic ? Pero kung hindi mo mababanggit ang isa man sa mga ito maaari itong maging simula ng pagkakalayo ng loob ninyo sa isa’t isa. Kung hindi mo sasabihin ngayon o bukas kailan pa ? Tatlong simpleng salita, subukan ninyong iparamdam sa isang tao na mahal ninyo siya, mahalaga sa iyo kahit na simpleng bagay lamang. Sa pamamagitan ng pagbanggit lamang ng tatlong MAGIC WORDS na ito na tunay na nakapagbabago at nakapagpapaganda ng isang relasyon. Di pa huli ang lahat, we can still say…thank you, sorry, I’ll miss you and I love you.
MY ONE AND ONLY SUPERSTAR - NORA AUNOR
Dear Ate Guy,
I will be so lucky to be read by you. I am one of those who are spending time away from our homeland to escape the poverty and the crimes and whatever things hound us back there.
I also want to take this opportunity to be finally honest to myself and declare to the world my admiration for you, that you have enriched my life and made me a better person, ever since the "Tawag ng Tanghalan" days.
I was just in elementary then na interesado ring kumanta . You would sing songs like it was just one step away from crying. I would get teary-eyed listening to you. You must win, I told myself, especially after I learned where you were coming from. Ang payat mo pa noon, di ba? Tapos kiming-kimi . And then meron pa akong pinsan who would criticize you as patpatin and uhugin , I was so infuriated. All the more I stood by you.
I began looking forward to your singing in the radio and variety shows. Tapos, napansin ka na ng mga movie producers. Nahalata na nila kung gaano ka na ka-requested . You did bit parts. Naririnig ko noon, kuwentuhan 'yung mga tao kung paano magtitilian sa sinehan kapag umapir ka na sa telon. Hindi ka pa bida noon .
I pestered and pestered my father to allow me to watch. Kasi, he had something against Filipino movies. He got really angry and threatened to stop sending me to school. Hindi daw makakatulong na ang valedictorian sa klase ay isang movie fan.
Pero anong magagawa ko? Tuwang-tuwa ako sa iyo. Gandang-ganda ako sa mukha mo Gustong-gusto kitang ipagtanggol. Lalu na't nakikita ko na parati kang tahimik, na sa kaliitan at kahinhinan mo ay para bang lalamunin ka lagi ng tao. 'Yung iba namang artista, puro pilit magmukhang mayaman. Ikaw, naiiba, simpleng-simple.
That's why, nang nagbida ka na sa "Maria Leonora Teresa," I had to watch the movie, come hell or high water. Alam mo bang that was my first act of independence from my father? And then pruweba pa ito na "made" ka na at tanggap ka na ng mga elite sa movie industry, kasi mismong si Pip ay galing sa angkan ng mga pinagpipitaganang artista . Show them, Nora, show them, sabi-sabi ko noon sa sarili ko. Feeling ko nga, umunlad ang bayan, eh. Ikaw ba naman ang makapareha ng isang Amerikano like Don Johnson. Nung ginawa mo na ang "Merika" later, I'd already been to several places here in North America, courtesy of my relatives, pero inspired pa rin to look for my own Don Johnson. Pero , one thing for sure, nung time ng "Lollipops and Roses," mas inspired ako sa buhay even if those were really dark years.
MLT, Lollipops and Roses, Kondesang Basahan ... " Sikat akong kusinera, ako ang siyang nauuna, nahuhuli ang sinyora, ngunit kapag sibuyas na ang hiniwa ay tumutulo ang aking luha, kahit artista sa drama ay maluluma, ako ang siyang kaawa-awa"? Tingnan mo, tanda ko pa lyrics. Those were my days of innocence. My mother and sisters were with me when I watched "And God Smiled at Me," although it was a secret from my father. "As I said a prayer, singing by the altar...." We were all crying in the end. Sabi ko talaga, ikaw na rin ang pinakamagaling sa drama.
Ako, I became very open sa mga roles mo dahil nga napabilib mo na ako at hindi ako nadi-disappoint . You always surprised me. Kaya nga open din ako sa mga pagbabago sa buhay mo. Ang mahalaga, hindi ka nangingiba sa aming mga fans kahit ilan sa amin, makitid, gusto parati ka na lang bata in miniskirt and ribbons at mahaba ang buhok. Tapos, mag-topless ka ba naman sa "Banawe!" But then, you pulled it off. Ako nga lang lagi ang natatakot. 'Yun pala , that was just the start of films that would make Philippine cinema recognized all over the world -- Minsan May Isang Gamu-gamo, Bona, Himala. You would regularly make popular movies, and then surprise everyone with quality films -- Andrea, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Naglalayag. In all of them, you gave justice to your role. People would notice the eyes, the mannerisms, the voice. Ginagaya kasi kaiba. Kasi rin, basta may kinalaman sa 'yo, popular kaagad, may connect sa tao.
Nora, you could have gone on forever playing cute for your fans and playing safe. You could have even chosen to quit show business. Pero naiintindihan kita, Nora. Ang tao ay kailangang "maglayag ," as they say. And you are not afraid to venture out, lumubog, magkamali. Hindi humdrum ang iyong existence.
You have been admired for so many things, but I think people still have to give you credit for your courage. I read a columnist call that character some kind of self-destructiveness. Well, I would like to tell that person na in this journey of life, there is not one sure way and we don't always know what to do. Nora, you've gone through twists and turns in life, yet you're still standing. Hindi ka nagmakaawa o nagpa-awa . Nora, you've shown character and how it is to keep dignity intact.
Marunong kang tumayo at lumaban. Kahit noong politika na ang napasok mo at tinitira ka na pati ng mga bigating politiko at kapwa mo artista na loyal sa isang tao na unang-una, ikaw ang may tunay na pagkakilala. Tapos , you ran for governor in Bicol, where every one knew there was no beating the trapos and warlords there. Ni sa pangarap, di yata ako magkakaroon ng ganyang lakas ng loob. Kaya para sa akin, ikaw ang panalo.
Though I never had the chance to be one of those who would sneak into your shooting locations, lalo na noong kasikatan ng Guy and Pip love team and people would hold hankies up to you, and queue for a chance to just peek at you, kahit bagsak ka na sa puyat at natutulog ka na lang, feeling ko we have a connection. My life isn't perfect at imposible sigurong maging perpekto rin ang buhay mo -- walang perpektong buhay. Pero sa 'yo, ang daming miron. Still, you're living the life I never can live.
Can anyone imagine the Philippines without a Nora Aunor? Nai-connect ko na nga ang my being a Nora fan to asserting my identity here abroad. Di ba lahat na lang ng Pinoy kilala ka? Di ba ibig sabihin noon ay parte ka na ng kaluluwa ng bayan? Tapos ngayon, bakit may nagrereklamo na tinutulungan ka sa kaso mo? 'Yun ngang mga nagnanakaw na Pilipino sa Saudi, tinutulungan natin eh. Ang mga pagkakamali ba ay mas importante pa sa mga malalaking tagumpay? Lastly, why are we judging people when, in fact, mga miron lang tayong lahat sa kanilang buhay? Ako , I refuse to judge, kasi hindi ko naranasan 'yung kay liit kong tao ay nag-iigib ng tubig at nagbebenta nito sa riles ng tren sa init ng araw, at maglakad papasok nang walang tsinelas. Hindi ko rin alam kung paano buhatin sa aking balikat ang matataas na ekspektasyon ng isang buong bansa.
Forever Noranian,
Danny V. Leonera
I will be so lucky to be read by you. I am one of those who are spending time away from our homeland to escape the poverty and the crimes and whatever things hound us back there.
I also want to take this opportunity to be finally honest to myself and declare to the world my admiration for you, that you have enriched my life and made me a better person, ever since the "Tawag ng Tanghalan" days.
I was just in elementary then na interesado ring kumanta . You would sing songs like it was just one step away from crying. I would get teary-eyed listening to you. You must win, I told myself, especially after I learned where you were coming from. Ang payat mo pa noon, di ba? Tapos kiming-kimi . And then meron pa akong pinsan who would criticize you as patpatin and uhugin , I was so infuriated. All the more I stood by you.
I began looking forward to your singing in the radio and variety shows. Tapos, napansin ka na ng mga movie producers. Nahalata na nila kung gaano ka na ka-requested . You did bit parts. Naririnig ko noon, kuwentuhan 'yung mga tao kung paano magtitilian sa sinehan kapag umapir ka na sa telon. Hindi ka pa bida noon .
I pestered and pestered my father to allow me to watch. Kasi, he had something against Filipino movies. He got really angry and threatened to stop sending me to school. Hindi daw makakatulong na ang valedictorian sa klase ay isang movie fan.
Pero anong magagawa ko? Tuwang-tuwa ako sa iyo. Gandang-ganda ako sa mukha mo Gustong-gusto kitang ipagtanggol. Lalu na't nakikita ko na parati kang tahimik, na sa kaliitan at kahinhinan mo ay para bang lalamunin ka lagi ng tao. 'Yung iba namang artista, puro pilit magmukhang mayaman. Ikaw, naiiba, simpleng-simple.
That's why, nang nagbida ka na sa "Maria Leonora Teresa," I had to watch the movie, come hell or high water. Alam mo bang that was my first act of independence from my father? And then pruweba pa ito na "made" ka na at tanggap ka na ng mga elite sa movie industry, kasi mismong si Pip ay galing sa angkan ng mga pinagpipitaganang artista . Show them, Nora, show them, sabi-sabi ko noon sa sarili ko. Feeling ko nga, umunlad ang bayan, eh. Ikaw ba naman ang makapareha ng isang Amerikano like Don Johnson. Nung ginawa mo na ang "Merika" later, I'd already been to several places here in North America, courtesy of my relatives, pero inspired pa rin to look for my own Don Johnson. Pero , one thing for sure, nung time ng "Lollipops and Roses," mas inspired ako sa buhay even if those were really dark years.
MLT, Lollipops and Roses, Kondesang Basahan ... " Sikat akong kusinera, ako ang siyang nauuna, nahuhuli ang sinyora, ngunit kapag sibuyas na ang hiniwa ay tumutulo ang aking luha, kahit artista sa drama ay maluluma, ako ang siyang kaawa-awa"? Tingnan mo, tanda ko pa lyrics. Those were my days of innocence. My mother and sisters were with me when I watched "And God Smiled at Me," although it was a secret from my father. "As I said a prayer, singing by the altar...." We were all crying in the end. Sabi ko talaga, ikaw na rin ang pinakamagaling sa drama.
Ako, I became very open sa mga roles mo dahil nga napabilib mo na ako at hindi ako nadi-disappoint . You always surprised me. Kaya nga open din ako sa mga pagbabago sa buhay mo. Ang mahalaga, hindi ka nangingiba sa aming mga fans kahit ilan sa amin, makitid, gusto parati ka na lang bata in miniskirt and ribbons at mahaba ang buhok. Tapos, mag-topless ka ba naman sa "Banawe!" But then, you pulled it off. Ako nga lang lagi ang natatakot. 'Yun pala , that was just the start of films that would make Philippine cinema recognized all over the world -- Minsan May Isang Gamu-gamo, Bona, Himala. You would regularly make popular movies, and then surprise everyone with quality films -- Andrea, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Naglalayag. In all of them, you gave justice to your role. People would notice the eyes, the mannerisms, the voice. Ginagaya kasi kaiba. Kasi rin, basta may kinalaman sa 'yo, popular kaagad, may connect sa tao.
Nora, you could have gone on forever playing cute for your fans and playing safe. You could have even chosen to quit show business. Pero naiintindihan kita, Nora. Ang tao ay kailangang "maglayag ," as they say. And you are not afraid to venture out, lumubog, magkamali. Hindi humdrum ang iyong existence.
You have been admired for so many things, but I think people still have to give you credit for your courage. I read a columnist call that character some kind of self-destructiveness. Well, I would like to tell that person na in this journey of life, there is not one sure way and we don't always know what to do. Nora, you've gone through twists and turns in life, yet you're still standing. Hindi ka nagmakaawa o nagpa-awa . Nora, you've shown character and how it is to keep dignity intact.
Marunong kang tumayo at lumaban. Kahit noong politika na ang napasok mo at tinitira ka na pati ng mga bigating politiko at kapwa mo artista na loyal sa isang tao na unang-una, ikaw ang may tunay na pagkakilala. Tapos , you ran for governor in Bicol, where every one knew there was no beating the trapos and warlords there. Ni sa pangarap, di yata ako magkakaroon ng ganyang lakas ng loob. Kaya para sa akin, ikaw ang panalo.
Though I never had the chance to be one of those who would sneak into your shooting locations, lalo na noong kasikatan ng Guy and Pip love team and people would hold hankies up to you, and queue for a chance to just peek at you, kahit bagsak ka na sa puyat at natutulog ka na lang, feeling ko we have a connection. My life isn't perfect at imposible sigurong maging perpekto rin ang buhay mo -- walang perpektong buhay. Pero sa 'yo, ang daming miron. Still, you're living the life I never can live.
Can anyone imagine the Philippines without a Nora Aunor? Nai-connect ko na nga ang my being a Nora fan to asserting my identity here abroad. Di ba lahat na lang ng Pinoy kilala ka? Di ba ibig sabihin noon ay parte ka na ng kaluluwa ng bayan? Tapos ngayon, bakit may nagrereklamo na tinutulungan ka sa kaso mo? 'Yun ngang mga nagnanakaw na Pilipino sa Saudi, tinutulungan natin eh. Ang mga pagkakamali ba ay mas importante pa sa mga malalaking tagumpay? Lastly, why are we judging people when, in fact, mga miron lang tayong lahat sa kanilang buhay? Ako , I refuse to judge, kasi hindi ko naranasan 'yung kay liit kong tao ay nag-iigib ng tubig at nagbebenta nito sa riles ng tren sa init ng araw, at maglakad papasok nang walang tsinelas. Hindi ko rin alam kung paano buhatin sa aking balikat ang matataas na ekspektasyon ng isang buong bansa.
Forever Noranian,
Danny V. Leonera
OUT OF THE WINDOW
AH, THE MORNING after.
It's all whiskey under the bridge now, the past night's revelry of eardrum and bass, highly advanced stages of nicotine addiction, and free flowing beer to wash it all down. Yet instead of being tucked away within pillow clouds to resuscitate a brain that feels like it was swallowed by a paper shredder, you're sitting up, wide-eyed awake, clutching your cup of coffee as if your very life depended on it. A computer screen stares blankly at you. For it's only the middle of the work week, and you want to affirm your immortality by proving that you can work hard and party harder, as all the cooler-than-thou city owls so proclaim. Yep, the weekday is the new weekend! you shout loudly in your head (but not too loud so as not to lose more cerebrospinal fluids). Then as the last bubbles of the Berroca fizzle into your bottled water, you realize that your rakenrol lifestyle has a price, other than a liver screaming for a substitute. You open your wallet and there you have it. Or rather, there you don't.
Cue in soundtrack by Cake: Ah tell me, how do you afford your rock 'n roll lifestyle?
The formula is quite simple, at least according to my friend, a band manager, who continues to amaze me as to how she can show up everyday for her day job and still maintain a perfect after-hours attendance at a favorite indie hotspot. It's all a matter of grade school addition and subtraction, she revealed the other day, opening an Excel sheet to show me her weekly budget. Subtract from the food budget, because apparently it is possible to survive on instant noodles and 3-in-1 coffee for lunch. Then add the amount to the party staples of yosi and alcohol. Since she got together with a new boyfriend over the holidays, that meant she could minus a bit from her gas allowance. But the fact that she got a new boyfriend also meant that she had to add to her cell phone allocation. Whatever amount that was left over went to her iPod Nano fund. It was so simple and elegant I almost shed a tear. Except for one glaring fact that made all the difference: A black hole left in her bank account, at least until the next paycheck.
My free-spirited friend would then shrug and say that hell, we're young and single and thus don't need to be saving up yet for some kid's future college education, so it makes perfect sense to invest your hard-earned wages on an enviable nightlife. Putting a premium on fun-now that is what being young is all about. Rock on.
… Ah, tell me. Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments …
That trump card - Youth -- usually works for me in drowning out that inner voice of logic or a guilty conscience that creeps up once in a while. It works because I'm usually surrounded by party-harder, good vibes groupies who knew how to balance their work and play equations. We loved life, we loved the nightlife sometimes a little bit more, and as long as we weren't in debt and had track marks on our arms, we had a good thing going for us.
Recently, however, I was assailed with an abnormal dose of reality, from a childhood friend who did not get this "rebellious" approach to life.
… Aging black leather and hospital bills …
I met up with her recently at a celebration that called for a reunion of old friends. As reunions go, we exchanged updates on each other's lives. When the night wore on and it was about the right hour to head out and chase the sun, she declined my invitation as she complained about her various aches and pains and her sleepiness. Nothing a little good music and a rum coke can't fix, I joked. My friend then turned to me and said, "I'm getting too old for this, this lola is going to bed." Fair enough, but what really stumped me was an unexpected e-mail I got from her a few days later.
In the e-mail, she relayed her billions of concerns. About my health, the condition of my heart, my brain, my liver, and not to mention such "senseless" spending demanded by my lifestyle. It was about time, she said, to start worrying about my future. The words of Garcia Marquez suddenly echoed in my head: truly, age is not how old you are, but how old you feel. At that moment, she made me feel old.
That was when I realized what the real price to pay was for indulging in endless nocturnal revelries. What added up in the end was not just a hefty bill, but the years. And so someday, in the distant, faraway future, I would not have the luxury of time to give excuses that excess isn't rebellion. Someday, I'd have to deal with such "matters of consequence" that The Little Prince had no clue about. As such, my real fear was not in getting old, but feeling too old to have fun.
Such is the price to pay if you choose to live in the now, from "moment to magic moment" as the song goes. You tend to believe that tomorrow never comes.
It's all whiskey under the bridge now, the past night's revelry of eardrum and bass, highly advanced stages of nicotine addiction, and free flowing beer to wash it all down. Yet instead of being tucked away within pillow clouds to resuscitate a brain that feels like it was swallowed by a paper shredder, you're sitting up, wide-eyed awake, clutching your cup of coffee as if your very life depended on it. A computer screen stares blankly at you. For it's only the middle of the work week, and you want to affirm your immortality by proving that you can work hard and party harder, as all the cooler-than-thou city owls so proclaim. Yep, the weekday is the new weekend! you shout loudly in your head (but not too loud so as not to lose more cerebrospinal fluids). Then as the last bubbles of the Berroca fizzle into your bottled water, you realize that your rakenrol lifestyle has a price, other than a liver screaming for a substitute. You open your wallet and there you have it. Or rather, there you don't.
Cue in soundtrack by Cake: Ah tell me, how do you afford your rock 'n roll lifestyle?
The formula is quite simple, at least according to my friend, a band manager, who continues to amaze me as to how she can show up everyday for her day job and still maintain a perfect after-hours attendance at a favorite indie hotspot. It's all a matter of grade school addition and subtraction, she revealed the other day, opening an Excel sheet to show me her weekly budget. Subtract from the food budget, because apparently it is possible to survive on instant noodles and 3-in-1 coffee for lunch. Then add the amount to the party staples of yosi and alcohol. Since she got together with a new boyfriend over the holidays, that meant she could minus a bit from her gas allowance. But the fact that she got a new boyfriend also meant that she had to add to her cell phone allocation. Whatever amount that was left over went to her iPod Nano fund. It was so simple and elegant I almost shed a tear. Except for one glaring fact that made all the difference: A black hole left in her bank account, at least until the next paycheck.
My free-spirited friend would then shrug and say that hell, we're young and single and thus don't need to be saving up yet for some kid's future college education, so it makes perfect sense to invest your hard-earned wages on an enviable nightlife. Putting a premium on fun-now that is what being young is all about. Rock on.
… Ah, tell me. Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments …
That trump card - Youth -- usually works for me in drowning out that inner voice of logic or a guilty conscience that creeps up once in a while. It works because I'm usually surrounded by party-harder, good vibes groupies who knew how to balance their work and play equations. We loved life, we loved the nightlife sometimes a little bit more, and as long as we weren't in debt and had track marks on our arms, we had a good thing going for us.
Recently, however, I was assailed with an abnormal dose of reality, from a childhood friend who did not get this "rebellious" approach to life.
… Aging black leather and hospital bills …
I met up with her recently at a celebration that called for a reunion of old friends. As reunions go, we exchanged updates on each other's lives. When the night wore on and it was about the right hour to head out and chase the sun, she declined my invitation as she complained about her various aches and pains and her sleepiness. Nothing a little good music and a rum coke can't fix, I joked. My friend then turned to me and said, "I'm getting too old for this, this lola is going to bed." Fair enough, but what really stumped me was an unexpected e-mail I got from her a few days later.
In the e-mail, she relayed her billions of concerns. About my health, the condition of my heart, my brain, my liver, and not to mention such "senseless" spending demanded by my lifestyle. It was about time, she said, to start worrying about my future. The words of Garcia Marquez suddenly echoed in my head: truly, age is not how old you are, but how old you feel. At that moment, she made me feel old.
That was when I realized what the real price to pay was for indulging in endless nocturnal revelries. What added up in the end was not just a hefty bill, but the years. And so someday, in the distant, faraway future, I would not have the luxury of time to give excuses that excess isn't rebellion. Someday, I'd have to deal with such "matters of consequence" that The Little Prince had no clue about. As such, my real fear was not in getting old, but feeling too old to have fun.
Such is the price to pay if you choose to live in the now, from "moment to magic moment" as the song goes. You tend to believe that tomorrow never comes.
2008 - THE YEAR THAT WAS - A NEW BEGINNING - 2009
This morning I was browsing on the net, when I came across an article on "Making space in your heart - by removing the clutter" at www.ivillage.com. And I realised that it was such an apt article for me, and I read it through.In the year that was a lot of people have hurt me, some out of malice, others out of selfishness and still others have been insensitive to my feelings. And I have still kept clinging on to them, causing pain for none other than myself. I hurt and I hurt - and I wondered and pondered all the time that something must be wrong with me...I saw myself with disrespect and loathing. Till this moment I believed that something was wrong with me. There have been many whose lives I have turned around 360 degrees, and yet when I look back, I wonder why I am still hanging on to them when they dont want me anymore.So when I read this article this morning, I told myself that from today - I will think in my best interest, I will treat myself with confidence, love and respect. That I will make friends with people who reflect the best about me.From today I let go of Jesus- for whom I was a surragate soulmate for 5 years. I want to let go of all those other people who have hurt me. I want to let go of Alex - whom I had made the center of my life - and did everything that only pleased him - but all that he has given me is pain, pain and more pain. It hurt me when he did not even call me to wish me for Christmas...refused to take my calls..and never answered to the upteem emails I have sent him. I clung to him as though my life depended on him...as though he was the last person on this earth, as though without him my heart would stop beating, as though he was the beginning and the end of my world. Today I set him free....ofcourse I wont forget some beautiful moments I have shared with him.Today I am setting free all those things I clung to - always believing that that is what my life is all about. I am letting go of all my old believes, my thinking, my pains and making space for better opportunities, positive friends, may be a new love, new life style, new goals, dreams, purpose.I already feel better now that I have done this - I am breathing freely, I can feel the cool breeze of new spring in my life. To all those friends who have come into my life through my blogs...I thank you..you have been such greath strength - you are people who have reflected the best in me.I also thank my fitness students - you have been my motivating factor - you have given me the high of life...I want to continue giving you the best of my fitness regime.I want to thank the new friends I have made in Houston USA - some very wonderful people...I want to continue being your friends...and keep in touch with you.My dreams for the new year - I will write my book - learn a new skill for the change in career - working towards getting an ACE certificate in fitness from USA, and most of all travel the world..To everyone who is reading this blog I WISH ALL OF YOU A NEW YEAR 2009 FILLED WITH LOVE, JOY,PEACE AND GREAT HEALTH.
THE YEAR THAT WAS - 2006
It is exactly 12.00 noon of 31st December 2006. 12 hours from now we will be entering the NEW YEAR 2007. In fact, I’ll be flying again tomorrow mid day for the Philippines for a business trip and also to meet the mischievous Mr Alexander Jentes in Bora.How time flies, and before we know it another year is about to end. This is the time to take a break and instrospect of the 12 months that have passed by. Was it good? was it bad.I have decided to look into myself..and there is lots I have to be thankful for. There have been some downs and many ups, there has been some sorrow and some very happy moments. Memories were created that would last me a lifetime. A lot of new people have entered my life and made a difference, the old ones have added more meaning to my life. There has been pain when some people hurt me so deeply, and there has been laughter and smiles and joy.I have to say thank you to all my blogger freinds for reading my blogs, for leaving their comments, and some of whom have become my freinds. Though I have not seen them, they keep in touch with me via email and cell phone. There is Alex, with whom I am yet to have a blind date with friends, there is Dominique, Jing, Sandra, Gerald, John, Jeff new friends to count and crack off, there is Donald and Aviegael a friends as thought. Jeremy, who emails me sometimes. Raysond, Cheche a very nice sweetheart that I can trust, cry and lean on, Jornard Ceburon my dearest babe, Dheo the sweetest dude ever, Andiola, Mike, Ryan, Jelie, Annie, Cath, Blessie, Alex River, James, thank you all for reading my blogs, for leaving your comments,for motivating me to write better.Besides my blogger freinds new people have entered my life via the net...Ian my net friend from Australia...he came all the way from Sydney just to see me. Emmanuel...from Dubai visited me here in Paris...Carl another UAE freind from Dubai..Stephane my fan..from Shoppers stop, Jason my first ever blind date..Thank you all for touching my life and making a difference.And my freinds of many years JC, Jocelyn, Vangie, Rosalie, Bryan, tita Angie, Alain who made my trip to New York possible, Jornard Ceburon my babe since he was a baby, now a young man and dating me...Norie and Noel..Thank you all for staying in my life without giving up on me...and adding a zing to my life.Alister...the person whom I would want as my soulmate but cant...Sander who has been my business collegue..but confessed that he loves me...how sweet...my boss who cannot do without me...my sub ordiantes..who fear and respect me and yet love me too...thanks to all of them.My family of course have always been with me...I cant thank them enough. Along the way of the year that is going by, yes I did make a few mistakes, I would like to make amends...and my new year resolution? Ihave yet to decide.The high point of my life in 2006 have been the many travel trips out of USA, several times this year to the Philippines, to Mykonos and Passia for the first time, to Santa Barbara for summer holidays...to Alex River for making my trip to Tahiti possible.The love of family and friends.There have been lows too, the time I wanted to leave my present job...was so angry with my boss and his behaviour...the hurt inflicted by the person I care for most, for not bothering to even call me on hectic schedules i.e Donald, for freinds bickering behind my backs. I prefer to forget these lows and forgive those who hurt me.My resolution...most of all to lower my cell phone bill.ha ha ha.which means less sms...specially to people who never return the sms...that is Jong, Marvin and Eric..tho he has rosolved to reply to my emails...to be more understanding of others, to reach out in love to the people I dont like - like my sister in law...to be there for my grandsons..I am hardly ever there for them...to be less critical of people who do not come up to my level, to take life in its stride...and live every moment like its my last...WITH THIS NOTE I WISH ALL MY BLOGGER FREINDS AND EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BLOG A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL, JOYOUS NEW YEAR 2007....HIC HIC HIC CHEERS....
A LETTER TO MYSELF
DEAR Friend:
The mere fact that you're reading this letter is an indication that your will to survive remains intact. The temptation to succumb to the hostile pressures of the struggles and sufferings of life has not obliterated your determination to carry on. Not yet, at least. But before the last fiver of strength snaps, allow me to at least help you rekindle your dampening spirit.
First and foremost, let's go back to some of the most fundamental realities of life. Every mortal who walked on this planet went through a similar phase to what you're encountering now. Anguish and pain exempt no one -- from the most obscure individual to the greatest achievers. Even the Man whom we consider as a descendant of our Creator and who supposedly possesses immortality experienced an excruciating painful period in His life. Imagine being scourged while walking barefoot on a scorching road to Golgotha, not to mention the hoots and hisses of critics and the betrayal of trusted friends and carrying a heavy wooden cross at the same time. I suggest you watch Mel Gibson's controversial film to get a clearer picture of what I mean.
We often wonder why others are blessed, financially and physically, while others are simply wretched. Or why some of our fellowmen, already deprived of almost everything in life, have to carry the burden of being born with abnormalities or being stricken with incurable ailments while some men who have committed unspeakable atrocities and inhuman acts enjoy great privileges. But then nobody can really fathom these enigmas of life unless you're the Supreme Being.
Indeed, life is unfair. Whoever said otherwise ought to be fed to the lions. Apartheid, anti-Semitism, and the millions forced to live in extreme poverty are just some of the manifestations of life's unfairness. And the sad thing about it is that we seem to be unable to change the status quo. I'm inclined to believe with Henry Miller that we have to realize that we can't change the world, and that the best thing we can do is to learn to live with it. Despite the intense idealism of our youth, the current situation reduces us to cynicism.
But then this is life. Despite its imperfections we have to carry on. As Max Erhwann said, with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it's still a beautiful world and we should strive to be happy. We should never allow our pains and frustrations to dominate our lives. Obstacles and trials have the useful function of developing our strength and courage. We may not notice it initially, but sooner or later we will realize that hardships contributed to our progress.
Unfortunately for many us, the result of facing obstacles is the birth of fear. Fear to take risks and commit mistakes. Humans that we are, being prone to error in our actions and decisions is part of our nature. Let us just remember that even the most successful personalities had their own share of failures. What brought them to where they are is their will and determination to surmount the barriers they faced along the way.
Even as I write this piece, I am watching the Olympic marathon. I can't help but note how closely this competition parallels life. Here's a perfect example of "survival of the fittest." Not every competitor will finish the race. To every athlete in the race, the finish line seems to be an eternity away. Those who are able to prevail over their weaknesses earn a well deserved accolade from the spectators. In spite of the thirst, the heat of summer in Athens, the cramps in their legs, they made it to the finish line. Even if they failed to win a medal, the fact that they were able to finish the course is victory enough.
Much like life. The challenges we face every single day as we struggle for survival can force the weakling to give up. But if our never-say-die spirit overcomes our impulse to surrender, then our lives become a success. For even if we failed in our quest for glory, we have faithfully completed our task.
Danny Leonera, 20, is a Political Science major at the De La Salle University-Manila
The mere fact that you're reading this letter is an indication that your will to survive remains intact. The temptation to succumb to the hostile pressures of the struggles and sufferings of life has not obliterated your determination to carry on. Not yet, at least. But before the last fiver of strength snaps, allow me to at least help you rekindle your dampening spirit.
First and foremost, let's go back to some of the most fundamental realities of life. Every mortal who walked on this planet went through a similar phase to what you're encountering now. Anguish and pain exempt no one -- from the most obscure individual to the greatest achievers. Even the Man whom we consider as a descendant of our Creator and who supposedly possesses immortality experienced an excruciating painful period in His life. Imagine being scourged while walking barefoot on a scorching road to Golgotha, not to mention the hoots and hisses of critics and the betrayal of trusted friends and carrying a heavy wooden cross at the same time. I suggest you watch Mel Gibson's controversial film to get a clearer picture of what I mean.
We often wonder why others are blessed, financially and physically, while others are simply wretched. Or why some of our fellowmen, already deprived of almost everything in life, have to carry the burden of being born with abnormalities or being stricken with incurable ailments while some men who have committed unspeakable atrocities and inhuman acts enjoy great privileges. But then nobody can really fathom these enigmas of life unless you're the Supreme Being.
Indeed, life is unfair. Whoever said otherwise ought to be fed to the lions. Apartheid, anti-Semitism, and the millions forced to live in extreme poverty are just some of the manifestations of life's unfairness. And the sad thing about it is that we seem to be unable to change the status quo. I'm inclined to believe with Henry Miller that we have to realize that we can't change the world, and that the best thing we can do is to learn to live with it. Despite the intense idealism of our youth, the current situation reduces us to cynicism.
But then this is life. Despite its imperfections we have to carry on. As Max Erhwann said, with all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it's still a beautiful world and we should strive to be happy. We should never allow our pains and frustrations to dominate our lives. Obstacles and trials have the useful function of developing our strength and courage. We may not notice it initially, but sooner or later we will realize that hardships contributed to our progress.
Unfortunately for many us, the result of facing obstacles is the birth of fear. Fear to take risks and commit mistakes. Humans that we are, being prone to error in our actions and decisions is part of our nature. Let us just remember that even the most successful personalities had their own share of failures. What brought them to where they are is their will and determination to surmount the barriers they faced along the way.
Even as I write this piece, I am watching the Olympic marathon. I can't help but note how closely this competition parallels life. Here's a perfect example of "survival of the fittest." Not every competitor will finish the race. To every athlete in the race, the finish line seems to be an eternity away. Those who are able to prevail over their weaknesses earn a well deserved accolade from the spectators. In spite of the thirst, the heat of summer in Athens, the cramps in their legs, they made it to the finish line. Even if they failed to win a medal, the fact that they were able to finish the course is victory enough.
Much like life. The challenges we face every single day as we struggle for survival can force the weakling to give up. But if our never-say-die spirit overcomes our impulse to surrender, then our lives become a success. For even if we failed in our quest for glory, we have faithfully completed our task.
Danny Leonera, 20, is a Political Science major at the De La Salle University-Manila
A NIGHT OF FEAR AND PAIN
Last night. I heard these screams "please somebody, don’t leave me. Is anyone there? please don’t leave me alone...please is somebody there?" and the sound of weeping. Weeping from deep within the heart....heart rending sobs. They went on and on...the screams...don’t leave me...and the weeping, sobbing...I suddenly woke up with a start, and realised it was I who was weeping, and screaming those words...don’t leave me. I looked around my bedroom, found it so cold, and alien. I was still weeping, with a feeling of bone chilling fear. I put on the night lamp, looked at the clock, it was 12.15 midnight. I was scared...alone, lonely, wanting to hear the voice of another living human being. I put on the radio...there were lovely romantic songs being played...but romance was the last thought on my mind then...I only wanted the sound. Oh! how I wished I could call someone, anyone...but who, I could not think of anyone.Suddenly a thought crossed my mind...I hoped the current would not go off... and believe me 5 minutes later, the current went off.Pitch dark, no sound...just the eerie sound of the night...I curled myself, buried deep into the comforter, head covered...waiting for the current to come on...After a wait of 15 minutes the current came on...I breathed a sigh of relief..The lights came on, the fan began to whirl, the radio began to sing...My heart was still thumping..what was happening to me? why was I feeling so chill and so scared? I could not shake off the feeling. 5 minutes later, the current went off again...Oh God I began to cry...deep sobs of pain, loneliness, aloneness, so vulnerable. Would I last the night?10 minutes later the current came on again....I took a deep breath. Had to get myself under control...In retrospect. I remember even as a little boy I always prayed to God that I should never be alone. I feared being alone...Even as a young teenager and then as a young man, and later on I had a partner in life...I feared being left alone...I would get these nightmares, that I am alone.But as fate would have it, things changed and within a few years having a partner, circumstances turned me into a single man, and a bachelor. Few years down the line,my partner left me and flew the nest, to build his own nest. Thats life...My friend left the nest in 1997 May, and straight away flew to USA.. That’s when it struck me that finally I really was ALL ALONE...The first three months after he left...believe me I never slept. I would keep all the lights on. The radio would be blaring, and I would either read, watch TV or just watch all the doors and windows. I was not scared of thieves or murderers. What I was scared of was the unknown....My friends would do Reiki for me...just so I would sleep. I placed the bible besides my pillow. I kept the rosary beads under my pillow, and a blue prayer book of Our Lady of Fatima, above on the bed post. But sleep never came.I was losing my health, my eyes were getting dark circles, and I looked like death. Then one fine day, I thought enough was enough. And I decided to fight this phobia of living alone...and SLEEP.That night, I put off all the lights. Said my prayer...took a deep breath, and before I knew it, I was fast asleep. Ever since then I have loved sleeping alone, and being alone. I have enjoyed every bit of my independence and space.I really don’t know what brought on the last nights Nightmare...It was really a night of chilling fear and pain of loneliness...a dark night of fear...which I would like to put behind me...
lundi 13 octobre 2008
Judie Ann Santos Someone Great for Cinema
One cannot be a superstar or a star for all seasons now when the mainstream film industry is truly dying. The amount of celebrity that one can create for the industry is an illusion. Gone are the big production units that regularly churn out films each month. Gone are the starmakers who mold unknowns into silver-screen gods and goddesses. Come to think of it, such terms went out of date together with the splendor of Technicolor and Cinemascope.If you are part of TV, a technology and a culture that seem to be all over the media space, and you happen to make movies, then you get the mirror effect, where the reflection creates an extra space in a vapid, yawning emptiness. The Filipino film industry has tried to nurture itself in the dream world of an expanding universe of glam and grand illusion; in reality, it is caught in this mass about to collapse into a black hole of insignificance.This is not the movie world that people used to write about. New technologies have done it in and the primal victims are the so-called movie stars. To this world, Judy Ann Santos finds herself maturing into a fine actress. It is a complex world to grow in. There are no more role models for her to emulate. Vilma Santos has become a politician and a milk endorser. Whether she likes it or not, Vilma Santos—who made shrillness and hysteria an acknowledged art form—will now be measured according to the yardstick of politics and not by the aesthetics of acting. When Vilma appears on TV, the accolade really is not about her as an actress but in the fact that she has become a politician. This is a role graduation that appeals to people who are educated in the values of bad politics. Will Judy Ann then go into politics?Somewhere out there are actresses like Lorna Tolentino and Maricel Soriano. These two are the closest we have of actors who have tried to develop their approaches to delineating characters. If younger actresses are looking for an acting path to follow, Lorna and Maricel are ideal templates. There is a problem here, though. Look back to their films and, for all the awards between them, the two remain as fine-acting blueprints aching for construction. In another generation, the two could already look to films that in their age will push them out of the plateau where they are now. I believe nothing of the sort will happen.The present condition of the Filipino film industry holds no promise for Lorna Tolentino or Maricel Soriano. At most, they will have to contend with television. Again, there is nothing wrong with TV, and yet, there is indeed something wrong with Philippine television. It has remained in the '60s mode of sitcoms and games. In such a situation, believe me, we cannot expect characters that will task the thinking process of actors. Nor will that mode ever give rise to stories that open wide vistas to knowing or asking questions about our existence. Films with its natural sweep and inborn capacity to expand a narrative are still different from stories that are edited to accommodate announcements about the perfect shampoo and the most effective insecticide.In this atmosphere, Judy Ann Santos's celebrity stands out. It is marked by real gravitas. This rise is unusual for a person who, like Nora Aunor, had to suffer the perception of people—including intelligentsia that includes critics—that she is nothing but a popular actress who could act a bit, win awards every now and then, and go back to silly projects. In her early days in show business, writers taunted her fashion sense, her markedly healthy build, even her performances. She was seen as much too "common." If that spelled success at the box office because more people empathized with her, it had a duplicitous impact on her presence in the industry. To be common all throughout is not good.Nora Aunor also had the commonness, but she parlayed it in roles which articulated that ordinary woman into a tragedienne par excellence. Nora was able to do that because she was the woman with common beginnings but an uncommon destiny. Judy Ann did not have this dramatic beginning. Except for a mother who left for abroad to work, her family was not exactly impoverished. There was no subsistence in her past that would make her present surplus awe-inspiring.If there is something about Judy Ann Santos that cannot be disputed, however, it is her overwhelming popularity and an equally overwhelming number of fans willing to stand behind her. That status has given her the unique privilege of being addressed by those who admire her and those who write about her as "Juday." The name has the sound of a familiar address, giving way to a sense of ownership that the industry has over her and her personality.The personality of Judy Ann Santos was not always this expansive. It all began, I believe, when she started doing roles that were unexpected for someone her age and accessibility. The first of these films was Sabel (2004) from the screenplay of Ricky Lee and the direction of Joel Lamangan. Complex and dark, her Sabel is a nun counseling inmates who ends up getting raped by an inmate. Later, her rapist discovers that the nun has another personality. A role like that can push young performers to go to town with a showy portrayal. Judy Ann did not go the way of beginners. She played for mystery and maturity and the critics liked it. Garnering nominations from practically all the award-giving bodies, Sabel would earn for Santos the Urian Best Actress.The following years, Judy Ann would prove her mettle also in comedy via that breathtaking romp that was Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Directed by Joey Javier Reyes, the film would give her some three major awards: Famas, Luna (from her peers) and the PMPC Star award. Locally, that was an achievement in a film circle where comic roles are not seen as heavy enough to demonstrate one's acting gift.From comedy, Judy Ann jumped to horror in Tofel Lee's Ouija. Stylized and pop, the film would unite her with Jolina Magdangal, her erstwhile rival, if we are to believe tabloid gossip. The film received numerous awards and, although Judy Ann would not win any major plum for it, it signaled the development of an impressive filmography. Judy Ann seems to be making the correct moves. While her peers were caught in ordinary films that were strong on PR and controversies, this actress appeared to be in full control of her film destiny. Or what is expressed to be her way of charting her journey as an artist.The observers were not wrong. In the early part of 2008, Judy Ann Santos ventured into coproducing a film. There was no novelty there; actresses of her stature have gone into production. But the film was getting solid buzz. The film was being shot in a far-off island: Cuyo in Palawan . That meant some daring. And a deep pocket. Then came the news that it was an indie. An expensive one.The producers, together with Judy Ann, had to explain that it was not an indie. The film, Ploning, was being shot via the traditional mainstream 33-mm technology. There was a justification for all the buzz: Reports described how unusual the film was. Completed, the audience and the critics would agree: The film was unusual. It was also excellent.The film Ploning was inspired by an old song, the story crafted from memory. It had an abstract structure, where characters disappear and reappear in different forms. In the story, the individuals grow old and are never the same again. The rhythm of poignancy ruled the narrative, which was about an old town and how individuals in that community tried to cope with love and its loss. The filmmakers were confident with their leading lady, Judy Ann as Ploning, that they had her acting opposite Gina Pareño and Tessie Tomas, whose roles gravitated around extreme poles. Gina had the flamboyant part of a woman seemingly wronged by fate and whose griefs she tried to make bigger than fate; Tessie had the quieter role of a woman who had time and acceptance on her side. An ordinary actor would have died in between those grand-opera voices, but Judy Ann breezed through her role. Or she was so compelling she made it like she was wind or air passing through the village. Her Ploning was wracked with pain, but no one else really knew about it. She was hurting but she went out to appease raging passions and broken dreams in others.Placid and proper, Ploning was a terrifying role because of its simplicity, even for someone in her 30s. Fearless and peerless, that was what the industry saw in Judy Ann, as a producer and as an actress. She was someone in control. Again, the industry was reminded of Nora Aunor as a precedent. In search of good films to do, she went on to produce them—and, of course, to star in them. Strangely, when those films—Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and Bona are just two such precious examples—were released, the press that was coming out for Nora continued to portray her as someone with a simple mind, of simplistic thinking. Like the industry that never got to grips with her genius, Nora would go on to make more movies that troubled and dazzled the industry.Nora's record as a producer-actor or simply as an actor will be tough to better. But they are always great to emulate. The unwise and unsophisticated Nora Aunor, the woman, is the portrait of wisdom and sophistication when it comes to her arts. It is not an exaggeration to say that if there is one person who might come close to her, it is Judy Ann Santos.The film Ploning arrived when the mainstream film industry had nothing to show that would merit at least some sympathies as it peters away. The indies were ruling the land and showing that they had earned such ascendancy. Growing audience and awards abroad were the validation. The film may not have made boffo box office, but it was reportedly well-received everywhere it went. It is the country's entry to the Oscar's Best Foreign Film race.With Ploning and Judy Ann Santos in it, the most mainstream of actors you could think of, there was a surge of interest in big films. Like the rains that were never missed because there was Ploning (a line in the movie), this evolution of Judy Ann makes us wish that she would be more daring and go ahead and forget the boundaries of the Filipino film industry.
samedi 6 septembre 2008
Cavite's Chabacano Dialect
Cavite's Chabacano Dialect
Foreigners who came to the Philippines are surprised to learn that everywhere, everybody, old and young, man and woman, speak English. English has been the medium of conversation between the Filipinos and other nationalities. It almost become the national language of the country despite the emphasis and stress laid down by the government to make Pilipino (Tagalog) our national language. And more surprised are these foreigners to find that more than one hundred dialects are spoken by the people, all different and distinct from one another. Among these one stands out quite unique, for it is composite in character, and unlike the rest, is not inherent with either the aborigines of the islands or the outside peoples who came to inhabit the country.
A short account of the origin of this dialect will, indeed be very interesting.
The Spaniards, we all know, migrated to the Philippines in three waves: one when the islands were first covered by Magellan in 1521; another, when a large number of disloyal and rebellious Spaniards were deported from Spain and subsequently came to settle in these islands; and the last, when Spain sent here her colonizing expeditions to claim and take full possession of the country.
It has been recounted by many Caviteños that according to their forefathers, the second group of Spaniards who migrated here about the early part of the sixteenth century, scattered themselves in the islands so that some came to settle in the towns of Cavite and Ternate, both of the province of Cavite, others in Zamboanga and the rest in Manila. These Spaniards mixed themselves with the natives and even married with Filipinas. This association had forced both parties to learn mutually the language of the other. While the Spaniards strove hard to learn Tagalog, the Filipinos, in turn, devised means of expressing their own by mixing Spanish with Tagalog as in the case of Cavite, Ternate and Manila; and Spanish with Visayan Ilongo and Moro, in the case of Zamboanga. Changes, and improvements, if improvements we can call them, had, of course been introduced since its origin. Although some of the expressions still retain their original form, others had become dramatically symbolic and metaphoric in nature especially those spoken in Zamboanga and Ternate.
A mere cursory examination and study of the dialect will suffice to give one the idea that its real origin was due to nothing but the mispronunciation of the Spanish words. for instance, the Spaniards would say: "vente aqui" (come here), Caviteño or the Manileño would say it thus: bini tu aqui. And again in Spanish "de donde vienes?" (Where do you come from?) In Caviteño or Ternateño: donde tu ya bini? One notes that some of the words are exactly Spanish in every sense and sound, while the rest are simply misunderstood and mispronounced as such. The progress and the development of this medium of conversation between the Spaniards and the Filipinos continued all throughout the seventeenth century when the islands were fully colonized by Spain. More Spaniards settled in the islands especially because they found it to be favorable for their Navy yards. In Cavite settled the officialdom of the military group and in Manila, the cream of the Spanish Socialites.
One example of the many original and self-contrived Cavite Chabacano is this: tu un daldalero. The word "daldalero" was derived from the Tagalog word "daldal" which means in Spanish "charlar" or "charlatan" as used in the sentence in Chabacano. In English it means talkative.
Now, then, in Ternate we find that the Chabacano used there is not only different from our Chabacano (I say our because I am a Caviteño) because of these symbolic and metaphoric allusions, but also because they are uttered in a certain manner and expression which carry the same kind of musical tone. One example of their metaphoric Chabacano is this: ta sali ya el prusision, which means that the rice in the pot is already boiling. This is altogether absurd as far as Spanish is concerned, despite the fact that the words are real Spanish in the mispronounced term. Again they say: cumi uno buta dos. This phrase is now enigmatic for one who can not really grasp its meaning. But the thing is really very simple. When you eat a clam what do you do? You eat the meat and throw away the shells. The meat represents one and the shells two. Thus the expression - eat one and throw away two.
Zamboanga mixes the Visayan, Ilongo and Moro in their Chabacano, for example: pasa ki banda anay. Note that "pasa" is Spanish and so with "ki" for the mispronounced "aqui," but banda anay is Ilongo and Moro. In Cavite, Ternate and Zamboanga the Chabacano is still spoken today, but in Manila it is gradually disappearing. In the district of Ermita, Malate, Paco, Trozo and Binondo, where it used to be the dialect of the people, one will rarely find it spoken now. And the Chabacano of this generation is no longer the same Chabacano of the old, for besides the Spanish-Filipino mixture in it, it has also added the American. Very often we hear people especially the student class say? absent eli na lecture ayel. "Absent" and "lecture" in the sentence are English. This is now our present Chabacano, made up of Spanish, Filipino and American blend.
Foreigners who came to the Philippines are surprised to learn that everywhere, everybody, old and young, man and woman, speak English. English has been the medium of conversation between the Filipinos and other nationalities. It almost become the national language of the country despite the emphasis and stress laid down by the government to make Pilipino (Tagalog) our national language. And more surprised are these foreigners to find that more than one hundred dialects are spoken by the people, all different and distinct from one another. Among these one stands out quite unique, for it is composite in character, and unlike the rest, is not inherent with either the aborigines of the islands or the outside peoples who came to inhabit the country.
A short account of the origin of this dialect will, indeed be very interesting.
The Spaniards, we all know, migrated to the Philippines in three waves: one when the islands were first covered by Magellan in 1521; another, when a large number of disloyal and rebellious Spaniards were deported from Spain and subsequently came to settle in these islands; and the last, when Spain sent here her colonizing expeditions to claim and take full possession of the country.
It has been recounted by many Caviteños that according to their forefathers, the second group of Spaniards who migrated here about the early part of the sixteenth century, scattered themselves in the islands so that some came to settle in the towns of Cavite and Ternate, both of the province of Cavite, others in Zamboanga and the rest in Manila. These Spaniards mixed themselves with the natives and even married with Filipinas. This association had forced both parties to learn mutually the language of the other. While the Spaniards strove hard to learn Tagalog, the Filipinos, in turn, devised means of expressing their own by mixing Spanish with Tagalog as in the case of Cavite, Ternate and Manila; and Spanish with Visayan Ilongo and Moro, in the case of Zamboanga. Changes, and improvements, if improvements we can call them, had, of course been introduced since its origin. Although some of the expressions still retain their original form, others had become dramatically symbolic and metaphoric in nature especially those spoken in Zamboanga and Ternate.
A mere cursory examination and study of the dialect will suffice to give one the idea that its real origin was due to nothing but the mispronunciation of the Spanish words. for instance, the Spaniards would say: "vente aqui" (come here), Caviteño or the Manileño would say it thus: bini tu aqui. And again in Spanish "de donde vienes?" (Where do you come from?) In Caviteño or Ternateño: donde tu ya bini? One notes that some of the words are exactly Spanish in every sense and sound, while the rest are simply misunderstood and mispronounced as such. The progress and the development of this medium of conversation between the Spaniards and the Filipinos continued all throughout the seventeenth century when the islands were fully colonized by Spain. More Spaniards settled in the islands especially because they found it to be favorable for their Navy yards. In Cavite settled the officialdom of the military group and in Manila, the cream of the Spanish Socialites.
One example of the many original and self-contrived Cavite Chabacano is this: tu un daldalero. The word "daldalero" was derived from the Tagalog word "daldal" which means in Spanish "charlar" or "charlatan" as used in the sentence in Chabacano. In English it means talkative.
Now, then, in Ternate we find that the Chabacano used there is not only different from our Chabacano (I say our because I am a Caviteño) because of these symbolic and metaphoric allusions, but also because they are uttered in a certain manner and expression which carry the same kind of musical tone. One example of their metaphoric Chabacano is this: ta sali ya el prusision, which means that the rice in the pot is already boiling. This is altogether absurd as far as Spanish is concerned, despite the fact that the words are real Spanish in the mispronounced term. Again they say: cumi uno buta dos. This phrase is now enigmatic for one who can not really grasp its meaning. But the thing is really very simple. When you eat a clam what do you do? You eat the meat and throw away the shells. The meat represents one and the shells two. Thus the expression - eat one and throw away two.
Zamboanga mixes the Visayan, Ilongo and Moro in their Chabacano, for example: pasa ki banda anay. Note that "pasa" is Spanish and so with "ki" for the mispronounced "aqui," but banda anay is Ilongo and Moro. In Cavite, Ternate and Zamboanga the Chabacano is still spoken today, but in Manila it is gradually disappearing. In the district of Ermita, Malate, Paco, Trozo and Binondo, where it used to be the dialect of the people, one will rarely find it spoken now. And the Chabacano of this generation is no longer the same Chabacano of the old, for besides the Spanish-Filipino mixture in it, it has also added the American. Very often we hear people especially the student class say? absent eli na lecture ayel. "Absent" and "lecture" in the sentence are English. This is now our present Chabacano, made up of Spanish, Filipino and American blend.
Message to the Graduate
With Faith in God, You Can Achieve Everything You Dream on This Graduation Day
Dear Graduate,
God blessed you with unique talents and abilities, and you have used those gifts well ! You’ve taken nothing for granted ; rather, you have worked hard to prepare for a challenging future.
Just as important as the lessons that you’ve learned in the classroom are the ways that you’ve grown as a person ; the friendships you have formed and the deeper understanding you have acquired of yourself and others.
As you celebrate this milestone in your life and look towards a new horizon, never forget what has brought you this far.
Remember the love of your family and friends. Remember your own sacrifice and hard work. And remember that God had a special plan for your life.
You have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to !
May today mark the beginning of many new joys and accomplishments… and a continuation of all the good things that you have already achieved.
Danny Leonera
Paris, France
God Bless You, Graduate
Dear Graduate,
God blessed you with unique talents and abilities, and you have used those gifts well ! You’ve taken nothing for granted ; rather, you have worked hard to prepare for a challenging future.
Just as important as the lessons that you’ve learned in the classroom are the ways that you’ve grown as a person ; the friendships you have formed and the deeper understanding you have acquired of yourself and others.
As you celebrate this milestone in your life and look towards a new horizon, never forget what has brought you this far.
Remember the love of your family and friends. Remember your own sacrifice and hard work. And remember that God had a special plan for your life.
You have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to !
May today mark the beginning of many new joys and accomplishments… and a continuation of all the good things that you have already achieved.
Danny Leonera
Paris, France
God Bless You, Graduate
All About Ternate, Cavite
TERNATE was originally a sandbar formed at the mouth of the Maragondon River and popularly called Barra de Maragondon. It was swampy and densely covered with mangroves, providing a resting place for natives of Maragondon going out to Manila Bay to fish. In the year 1700, seven Merdica Families consisting of about 200 persons were transferred to the Barra de Maragondon from the old Bagumbayan ( now Ermita ), Manila, to establish their residence there. The Merdicas or Mardicas. Meaning " men of the sea" or "free people" were transferred to Maragondon by the Spanish Authorities because of their frequent brawls with the Tagalogs of Ermita.
Noted for their bravery. The Merdicas were Malays from Ternate in the Moluccas Archipelago, who volunteered to come to Manila along with the Spanish garrison that was pulled out of the Island by Spanish Governor General Manrique de Lara in 1662 to reinforce the defenses of Manila in preparation for a threatened invasion by the Chinese pirate-patriot Koxinga, after he had conquered Formosa from the Dutch. To forestall the repetition of the disastrous Limahong invasion of 1574, the Spanish governor-general ordered the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Zamboanga and the Moluccas and concentrated them in Manila, ready to repel the Koxinga attack. Fortunately for the city residents, the Chinese warlord fell ill and died before he could make a good threat.
Under an agreement with the Spanish governor general the Merdicas were required to provide protection against attacks by Moro pirates, and in return for their services they were taken to the Barra de Maragondon because of frequent Moro raids in that area. The Merdicas chose as a site of their new homes a place near the mouth of the Maragondon River, calling it Gala-la, derived from the name of a tree grew there. They set up a watchtower on top of a hill which they called Mira.
Aside from fishing, the Merdicas cleared the land and tilled the soil. They eventually intermarried with the natives of neighboring villages, building up a community that grew up rapidly and expanded. The most prominent families of the community bore surnames Pereira, Estuebar, De leon, Ramos, De la Cruz, Nigoza, and Ninofranco.
In 1850 the burgeoning Merdica population were able to build from their own funds a stone church, a casa real (tribunal or municipal building), and a school house Under the leadership of Florencio Ninofranco, the community became a regular pueblo or town, and they named it Ternate in memory of their ancestral birthplace in the Mollucas. Pablo de Leon, a wealthy Merdica leader, became the first gobernadorcillo of Ternate. Another source says that Ternate was separated from Maragondon and became an independent municipality in 1863.
The Ternatenos speak a kind of chabacano (a sort of indigenized Spanish) which they inherited from their forefathers. They still use it as a principal means of communication among themselves. However, in writing to their relatives and friends or in conversing with strangers from other towns, they use Tagalog.
Due to the rapid increase in population, a time came when the natural and other resources of the town became inadequate for its needs. In 1856 the alkalde mayor (equivalent to provincial governor) of Cavite ordered the fixing of the boundary between Ternate and Maragondon, giving the former sufficient land for its inhabitants. Ternate was authorized to take under its jurisdiction the barrio of Patungan. However for some unknown reason, barrio Patungan is still under the jurisdiction of Maragondon. Ternate has three barangays in the poblacion and four barrios. These are barangays 1, 2, and 3, and barrios are San Jose, San Juan, Zapang and Bucana.
The Philippine Revolution against Spain (1896-1898) and the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1901) had so depleted the population of Cavite Province that the Philippine Commission on October 15, 1903 approved Public Act No. 947 reducing the municipalities of Cavite to nine. Ternate was absorbed by Naik, this situation remaining until 1916 when the Philippine Senate restored Ternate to its former status as an independent municipality.
A most unfortunate happening took place in Ternate in early 1945 when, due to American incendiary bombing and bombardments from naval units, the town was almost wiped out from the map. Only seven out of approximately one thousand houses miraculously survived the man-made holocaust. But the Ternatenos, people of sterner stuff, went on to start life anew, building from the ruins and ashes of war, tilling their lands, doing their daily chore of fishing in the sea, uncomplaining, looking forward to the dawn of a new day in their lives.
Noted for their bravery. The Merdicas were Malays from Ternate in the Moluccas Archipelago, who volunteered to come to Manila along with the Spanish garrison that was pulled out of the Island by Spanish Governor General Manrique de Lara in 1662 to reinforce the defenses of Manila in preparation for a threatened invasion by the Chinese pirate-patriot Koxinga, after he had conquered Formosa from the Dutch. To forestall the repetition of the disastrous Limahong invasion of 1574, the Spanish governor-general ordered the withdrawal of Spanish forces from Zamboanga and the Moluccas and concentrated them in Manila, ready to repel the Koxinga attack. Fortunately for the city residents, the Chinese warlord fell ill and died before he could make a good threat.
Under an agreement with the Spanish governor general the Merdicas were required to provide protection against attacks by Moro pirates, and in return for their services they were taken to the Barra de Maragondon because of frequent Moro raids in that area. The Merdicas chose as a site of their new homes a place near the mouth of the Maragondon River, calling it Gala-la, derived from the name of a tree grew there. They set up a watchtower on top of a hill which they called Mira.
Aside from fishing, the Merdicas cleared the land and tilled the soil. They eventually intermarried with the natives of neighboring villages, building up a community that grew up rapidly and expanded. The most prominent families of the community bore surnames Pereira, Estuebar, De leon, Ramos, De la Cruz, Nigoza, and Ninofranco.
In 1850 the burgeoning Merdica population were able to build from their own funds a stone church, a casa real (tribunal or municipal building), and a school house Under the leadership of Florencio Ninofranco, the community became a regular pueblo or town, and they named it Ternate in memory of their ancestral birthplace in the Mollucas. Pablo de Leon, a wealthy Merdica leader, became the first gobernadorcillo of Ternate. Another source says that Ternate was separated from Maragondon and became an independent municipality in 1863.
The Ternatenos speak a kind of chabacano (a sort of indigenized Spanish) which they inherited from their forefathers. They still use it as a principal means of communication among themselves. However, in writing to their relatives and friends or in conversing with strangers from other towns, they use Tagalog.
Due to the rapid increase in population, a time came when the natural and other resources of the town became inadequate for its needs. In 1856 the alkalde mayor (equivalent to provincial governor) of Cavite ordered the fixing of the boundary between Ternate and Maragondon, giving the former sufficient land for its inhabitants. Ternate was authorized to take under its jurisdiction the barrio of Patungan. However for some unknown reason, barrio Patungan is still under the jurisdiction of Maragondon. Ternate has three barangays in the poblacion and four barrios. These are barangays 1, 2, and 3, and barrios are San Jose, San Juan, Zapang and Bucana.
The Philippine Revolution against Spain (1896-1898) and the subsequent Philippine-American War (1899-1901) had so depleted the population of Cavite Province that the Philippine Commission on October 15, 1903 approved Public Act No. 947 reducing the municipalities of Cavite to nine. Ternate was absorbed by Naik, this situation remaining until 1916 when the Philippine Senate restored Ternate to its former status as an independent municipality.
A most unfortunate happening took place in Ternate in early 1945 when, due to American incendiary bombing and bombardments from naval units, the town was almost wiped out from the map. Only seven out of approximately one thousand houses miraculously survived the man-made holocaust. But the Ternatenos, people of sterner stuff, went on to start life anew, building from the ruins and ashes of war, tilling their lands, doing their daily chore of fishing in the sea, uncomplaining, looking forward to the dawn of a new day in their lives.
Commencement Speech Marh 2003
TERNATE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
TERNATE, CAVITE
2003 GRADUATION ADDRESS
By : Danny Villaruel Leonera
Thank you Claire, Mrs. Clarisa Dualan, distinguished members of the board, Mr. Generoso S. Corpuz, members of the Tenate National High School administration, Faculty, Proud parents, and class of 2003.
I would like to begin by acknowledging those of you especially the students, who made it possible for me to speak here today. This honor you have bestowed upon me is one of the highlights of my career. This gift you have given me has truly touched my heart, and so I thank you from the bottom of it. Perhaps thanks would be more gracious than mere acknowledgement but, I’m not all sure how it would be to say thank you for the stressful opportunity of speaking at the graduation ceremony of one own niece Ronel, cousin Noel, grandson Michael and all of you dear graduates. The pride and the inevitable sadness in saying goodbye to childhood are deeply felt by all, not by you only, but by the teachers and by the parents as well. This is an important moment.
While I am on the subject of giving thanks, I want each of you to think for a minute about what it took for you to get here. Who do you have an obligation to thank ? Think about it. Who helped you get here, a few yards away from a diploma, and minutes away from the end of your high school career ? Do me a favor, CLOSE YOUR EYES and think , who do you need to thank.
Some of you are thinking right now about a higher power, whose divine intervention has paved your way. Some of you are thinking about family. You may not know exactly where they are in this enormous facility, but they are here, and they picked you out of the crowd from the moment you came in. Their eyes are not on me right now, their eyes have always been on you, and now you can almost feel their pride and warmth on your skin. Some of you are thinking about an administrator or someone in guidance, who helped you when you needed it most. Some of you are thinking about a teacher, maybe the one who opened your mind, maybe the one who challenged you, encouraged you, believed in you, or taught you more than you anticipated. Some of you are thinking about those friends whose support, advise, and help running up your parent’s phone bill helped you become a better person.
Who ever you are thinking about, make sure you fulfil your obligation of saying thank you. (Now you can open your eyes). To say thank you, don’t give that dry, informal thank you that everyone says. Or thank you people say to be polite, or to get an extra graduation gift. Give them the thanks you owe them. Look them in the eye and tell them exactly what you are thankful for. Your sincere thanks may bring tears, but those tearful moments make for the world’s greatest hugs.
Class of 2003 will you promise to say thank you and fulfil your first obligation ?
After you give thanks, you must fulfil your second obligation. In a few minutes from now, you will turn your tassels and officially end your senior year. After that, you freshmen will begin to fulfil your second obligation. Yes, that’s right, I called you freshmen. After today that is what you will be.
Most of you will be freshmen in college, some of you will be a fresh face at a fresh new job, and some of you will have fresh new hair cuts as you join the armed services. So, no matter what, you will be a freshman tomorrow.
As you start your fresh new lives, you owe one simple thing. Climb to the top of the mountain again. Rise to the top. This diploma you are about to receive, doesn’t represent a bunch of credits, it represents your ability to succeed. This diploma represents the fact that you are all proven winners. This diploma says you have the ability to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Everyone who helped you get here expects and believes that you will succeed in life. All we ask is that you believe it too. All we ask is that you leave here today and give 110% to your dreams and achieve them.
Class of 2003, Your destiny is greatness, will you promise to try and fulfil your obligation to succeed ? Remember, your graduation is not an end, but just a beginning of the rest your journey on this planet. We hold these commencement exercises therefore , to say goodbye to you and to wish you well on your journey.
As you leave the portals of the proud institution, we say goodbye to you. Your devoted parents who showered you with love and personal sacrifices in the last 15 or 16 years of your life, and your teachers who guided your way in the past four years, say goodbye to you, as you now get on a new caravan of dreams- - dreams of a successful career, a family, and hopefully, a role in nation-building.
It has been exactly 27 years now kwandu a gradwa yo na high school. Very memorable kel di motru graduation. Di pwedi yo habla alegri y malungkut. Alegri dahil we are one ! Nuway Valedictorian, nuway din Salutatorian maski honorable mention. We had all given then recognition as outstanding students of Batch ’76. Malungkut, kasi we are mourning dahil 3 diya bago di motru graduation ya muri una na di motru mestra. Todu motru ta yura habang ta kanta motru kel di motru graduation song Bridge Over Troubled Water. Mismu agora na mi piensa no yo guest speaker, mi feeling ay di gradwa rin yo companieru dis tedi. You must be proud of kasi todu dis tedi mestra ay taki na harapang dis tedi hanggang na dis tedi pusleru dia aqui na iskwela , and they are very pleased with your accomplishments and very proud of you young men and women, whom I will call the ¨Centennial Graduates¨.
I am very happy to see some very familiar faces in the faculty and among the parents out there, some of whom were my old classmates, 27 years ago. Kumusta kayong lahat diyan sa likod. I have been informed, by the way, that Mr. Corpuz after 27 years, remains the best History teacher you have anywhere !
Dear Graduates, as your own sun rises in the east, mine has now passed the point of higth noon, and in the gathering of dusk, I see you within the perspective of time. There are landmarks in my own career and my own life which I would like very much to share with you, in the hope of inspiring you on your journey. In the process, I will be invoking the names of some great people who have profoundly influenced my life.
My parents, first of all, who built me to excel where I am now. I remember my mother told me. ¨Anak, tayo ay hindi mayaman. Wala akong maipamamana sa iyo kundi ang aking talino at pinag-aralan.
Ang tunay na kayamanan ng isang tao ay wala sa laki ng kanyang kabuhayan, wala sa dami ng pera sa bangko, wala sa ganda ng mukha o laki at ganda ng bahay at bakuran. Ang tunay na kayamanan ay nasa karunungan at pinagaralan, at sa magandang kalooban¨.
These words of wisdom inspired and carried me trough the rest of my life. After high school, I was fortunate to attend a college only by supporting my own self because my parents could not have been able to afford it, by any stretch of the imagination. I felt like I was the poorest boy in the class, which I probably was. I only had two pairs of khaki pants and two pairs of white shirts, which I alternated washing every night. My sister know this very well and will fondly remember it.
In my group, I was the only one who feels so sorry. When my rich classmates were out having good time with their friends, I was in my own room alone, earning my spending money by typing my clients term papers. When I graduated, I had higher grades than any of my rich classmates, who had all the luxuries and conveniences in life. Today, they respect me and look up to me !
The point of this story is Poverty : Poverty is no excuse, and being poor is no hindrance to success, as long as you have the tenacity to survive and determination to succeed. Think ! Think like an eagle and you will fly like an eagle. When stumbling blocks are thrown your way, use them as stepping stones. When dark clouds hide the day, look for the silver lining that leads to a bright and sunny sky. Armed with an invincible weapon that is your solid dedication and hard work can take you !
I want you to understand then, that there is nothing nobler, stronger, healthier, and more helpful in life than a good remembrance, particularly a remembrance from our childhood. when we still lived in our parents house. You often hear people speak about upbringing and education, but I feel that a beautiful, holy memory preserved from the early childhood can be the most important single thing in our development. And if a person succeeds, in the course of his life, in collecting many such memories, he will be saved for the rest of his life. And even if we have only one such memory, it is possible that it will be enough to save us some day.
Graduates, I challenge you to prepare for the new global economy are many and formidable, but for those who can prepare for it by pursuing the right careers and having right frame of mind, the rewards will be great. My personal advise to you is to choose careers that will give you the opportunity to learn to use computers, browse the Internet, learn about other cultures and maybe even familiarize yourselves with foreign languages. Seize every opportunity at your disposal to go abroad, even for a brief study of work assignment. The next century is the Information Age. In order to survive and get ahead, you must be conversant with the modern tools of information technology, such as computers and telecommunications. Some ot these you can learn in school. Some you can learn on your own, and apply the principles to whatever profession or field of endeavor you might choose to pursue.
My parting message to you, my dear graduates is this : Whatever career you decide to pursue, and whatever faith leads you, be the best that you can possibly be. Let shine in you - - in your hearts, in your words and in your actions – the best image of the Filipino and the best image of the Ternatenos that you can possibly present – without arrogance and without apology, but with dignity and pride ! I THANK YOU VERY MUCH, GODSPEEDS ! GRADUATES, CONGRATULATIONS !
TERNATE, CAVITE
2003 GRADUATION ADDRESS
By : Danny Villaruel Leonera
Thank you Claire, Mrs. Clarisa Dualan, distinguished members of the board, Mr. Generoso S. Corpuz, members of the Tenate National High School administration, Faculty, Proud parents, and class of 2003.
I would like to begin by acknowledging those of you especially the students, who made it possible for me to speak here today. This honor you have bestowed upon me is one of the highlights of my career. This gift you have given me has truly touched my heart, and so I thank you from the bottom of it. Perhaps thanks would be more gracious than mere acknowledgement but, I’m not all sure how it would be to say thank you for the stressful opportunity of speaking at the graduation ceremony of one own niece Ronel, cousin Noel, grandson Michael and all of you dear graduates. The pride and the inevitable sadness in saying goodbye to childhood are deeply felt by all, not by you only, but by the teachers and by the parents as well. This is an important moment.
While I am on the subject of giving thanks, I want each of you to think for a minute about what it took for you to get here. Who do you have an obligation to thank ? Think about it. Who helped you get here, a few yards away from a diploma, and minutes away from the end of your high school career ? Do me a favor, CLOSE YOUR EYES and think , who do you need to thank.
Some of you are thinking right now about a higher power, whose divine intervention has paved your way. Some of you are thinking about family. You may not know exactly where they are in this enormous facility, but they are here, and they picked you out of the crowd from the moment you came in. Their eyes are not on me right now, their eyes have always been on you, and now you can almost feel their pride and warmth on your skin. Some of you are thinking about an administrator or someone in guidance, who helped you when you needed it most. Some of you are thinking about a teacher, maybe the one who opened your mind, maybe the one who challenged you, encouraged you, believed in you, or taught you more than you anticipated. Some of you are thinking about those friends whose support, advise, and help running up your parent’s phone bill helped you become a better person.
Who ever you are thinking about, make sure you fulfil your obligation of saying thank you. (Now you can open your eyes). To say thank you, don’t give that dry, informal thank you that everyone says. Or thank you people say to be polite, or to get an extra graduation gift. Give them the thanks you owe them. Look them in the eye and tell them exactly what you are thankful for. Your sincere thanks may bring tears, but those tearful moments make for the world’s greatest hugs.
Class of 2003 will you promise to say thank you and fulfil your first obligation ?
After you give thanks, you must fulfil your second obligation. In a few minutes from now, you will turn your tassels and officially end your senior year. After that, you freshmen will begin to fulfil your second obligation. Yes, that’s right, I called you freshmen. After today that is what you will be.
Most of you will be freshmen in college, some of you will be a fresh face at a fresh new job, and some of you will have fresh new hair cuts as you join the armed services. So, no matter what, you will be a freshman tomorrow.
As you start your fresh new lives, you owe one simple thing. Climb to the top of the mountain again. Rise to the top. This diploma you are about to receive, doesn’t represent a bunch of credits, it represents your ability to succeed. This diploma represents the fact that you are all proven winners. This diploma says you have the ability to achieve anything you set your mind to.
Everyone who helped you get here expects and believes that you will succeed in life. All we ask is that you believe it too. All we ask is that you leave here today and give 110% to your dreams and achieve them.
Class of 2003, Your destiny is greatness, will you promise to try and fulfil your obligation to succeed ? Remember, your graduation is not an end, but just a beginning of the rest your journey on this planet. We hold these commencement exercises therefore , to say goodbye to you and to wish you well on your journey.
As you leave the portals of the proud institution, we say goodbye to you. Your devoted parents who showered you with love and personal sacrifices in the last 15 or 16 years of your life, and your teachers who guided your way in the past four years, say goodbye to you, as you now get on a new caravan of dreams- - dreams of a successful career, a family, and hopefully, a role in nation-building.
It has been exactly 27 years now kwandu a gradwa yo na high school. Very memorable kel di motru graduation. Di pwedi yo habla alegri y malungkut. Alegri dahil we are one ! Nuway Valedictorian, nuway din Salutatorian maski honorable mention. We had all given then recognition as outstanding students of Batch ’76. Malungkut, kasi we are mourning dahil 3 diya bago di motru graduation ya muri una na di motru mestra. Todu motru ta yura habang ta kanta motru kel di motru graduation song Bridge Over Troubled Water. Mismu agora na mi piensa no yo guest speaker, mi feeling ay di gradwa rin yo companieru dis tedi. You must be proud of kasi todu dis tedi mestra ay taki na harapang dis tedi hanggang na dis tedi pusleru dia aqui na iskwela , and they are very pleased with your accomplishments and very proud of you young men and women, whom I will call the ¨Centennial Graduates¨.
I am very happy to see some very familiar faces in the faculty and among the parents out there, some of whom were my old classmates, 27 years ago. Kumusta kayong lahat diyan sa likod. I have been informed, by the way, that Mr. Corpuz after 27 years, remains the best History teacher you have anywhere !
Dear Graduates, as your own sun rises in the east, mine has now passed the point of higth noon, and in the gathering of dusk, I see you within the perspective of time. There are landmarks in my own career and my own life which I would like very much to share with you, in the hope of inspiring you on your journey. In the process, I will be invoking the names of some great people who have profoundly influenced my life.
My parents, first of all, who built me to excel where I am now. I remember my mother told me. ¨Anak, tayo ay hindi mayaman. Wala akong maipamamana sa iyo kundi ang aking talino at pinag-aralan.
Ang tunay na kayamanan ng isang tao ay wala sa laki ng kanyang kabuhayan, wala sa dami ng pera sa bangko, wala sa ganda ng mukha o laki at ganda ng bahay at bakuran. Ang tunay na kayamanan ay nasa karunungan at pinagaralan, at sa magandang kalooban¨.
These words of wisdom inspired and carried me trough the rest of my life. After high school, I was fortunate to attend a college only by supporting my own self because my parents could not have been able to afford it, by any stretch of the imagination. I felt like I was the poorest boy in the class, which I probably was. I only had two pairs of khaki pants and two pairs of white shirts, which I alternated washing every night. My sister know this very well and will fondly remember it.
In my group, I was the only one who feels so sorry. When my rich classmates were out having good time with their friends, I was in my own room alone, earning my spending money by typing my clients term papers. When I graduated, I had higher grades than any of my rich classmates, who had all the luxuries and conveniences in life. Today, they respect me and look up to me !
The point of this story is Poverty : Poverty is no excuse, and being poor is no hindrance to success, as long as you have the tenacity to survive and determination to succeed. Think ! Think like an eagle and you will fly like an eagle. When stumbling blocks are thrown your way, use them as stepping stones. When dark clouds hide the day, look for the silver lining that leads to a bright and sunny sky. Armed with an invincible weapon that is your solid dedication and hard work can take you !
I want you to understand then, that there is nothing nobler, stronger, healthier, and more helpful in life than a good remembrance, particularly a remembrance from our childhood. when we still lived in our parents house. You often hear people speak about upbringing and education, but I feel that a beautiful, holy memory preserved from the early childhood can be the most important single thing in our development. And if a person succeeds, in the course of his life, in collecting many such memories, he will be saved for the rest of his life. And even if we have only one such memory, it is possible that it will be enough to save us some day.
Graduates, I challenge you to prepare for the new global economy are many and formidable, but for those who can prepare for it by pursuing the right careers and having right frame of mind, the rewards will be great. My personal advise to you is to choose careers that will give you the opportunity to learn to use computers, browse the Internet, learn about other cultures and maybe even familiarize yourselves with foreign languages. Seize every opportunity at your disposal to go abroad, even for a brief study of work assignment. The next century is the Information Age. In order to survive and get ahead, you must be conversant with the modern tools of information technology, such as computers and telecommunications. Some ot these you can learn in school. Some you can learn on your own, and apply the principles to whatever profession or field of endeavor you might choose to pursue.
My parting message to you, my dear graduates is this : Whatever career you decide to pursue, and whatever faith leads you, be the best that you can possibly be. Let shine in you - - in your hearts, in your words and in your actions – the best image of the Filipino and the best image of the Ternatenos that you can possibly present – without arrogance and without apology, but with dignity and pride ! I THANK YOU VERY MUCH, GODSPEEDS ! GRADUATES, CONGRATULATIONS !
RESULTS OF LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 16,297 elementary teachers out of 60,614 examinees and 15,860 secondary teachers out of 58,507 examinees successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T) given by the Board for Professional Teachers on August 29, 1981 in 19 testing centers all over the Philippines and 1 testing center in Hong Kong. The Board for Professional Teachers is composed of Dr. Gloria G. Salandanan, Chairperson; Dr. Josefina T. Cunanan, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, Mr. Arnulfo H. Empleo and Mrs. Juliana B. Tolentino, Members.The results of examination with respect to two hundred thirty six (236) examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing the licensure examinations.
Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be scheduled after the oathtaking. The requirements for the issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card (ID) are the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, latest Community Tax Certificate (Cedula); 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and nametag), 1 piece 2 X 2 picture with nametag, metered documentary stamps for the Oath Form and Certificate of Registration, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and the Initial Registration Fee of P400 and Annual Registration Fee of P300 for 1981-1984. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The schedules for the oathtaking ceremonies in each testing center are as follows:
TESTING CENTER DATE VENUE LUCENA CITY Nov. 27, 1981 PAMPANGA Nov. 6, 1981
DAGUPAN CITY Nov. 28, 1981 REGION IV (A) Nov. 21, 1981 Folk Arts Theater (FAT) N. C. R. and HONG KONG Nov. 21, 1981 Folk Arts Theater (FAT) LEGAZPI CITY Nov. 14, 1981
PALAWAN Nov. 6, 1981 BACOLOD CITY Oct. 30, 1981 ZAMBOANGA CITY Nov. 27, 1981
TUGUEGARAO Nov. 14, 1981 GENERAL SANTOSOct. 30, 1981 CAGAYAN DE ORO &OZAMIZ Nov. 20, 1981 DAVAO Nov. 7, 1981 BUTUAN Nov. 7, 1981 TACLOBAN Nov. 14, 1981 BAGUIO Nov. 20, 1981 University of Baguio Gym ILOILO Dec. 5, 1981
CEBU (AM-ELEMENTARY;PM-SECONDARY) Nov. 27, 1981 Waterfront Hotel
Oathtaking tickets are available at the Office of Professional Teachers, 3rd Floor, PRC Annex Building for NCR and Region IV-A passers and for the passers from the other regions at the PRC regional offices or designated NOPTI-assisted distribution centers,.Successful examinees who will register for oathtaking will be given their REPORT OF RATINGS on the day of the oathtaking ceremonies.The top performing schools in the August 1981 Licensure Examination for Teachers classified as follows are:
A. WITH 10 to 99 EXAMINEES (ELEMENTARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
University of the Philippines - Diliman
73
73
100 %
Ateneo de Davao University
20
20
100 %
Saint Theresa’s College - Cebu
16
16
100 %
Assumption College - Makati
15
15
100 %
2
Saint Louis University
63
62
98 %
3
Miriam College(Maryknoll College Foundation, Inc.)
32
31
97 %
4
University of Santo Tomas
40
38
95 %
5
De La Salle University - Lipa
15
14
93 %
6
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
24
22
92 %
7
Ateneo de Naga
29
26
90 %
8
University of Southeastern Phil. - Tagum
76
65
86 %
Xavier University
57
49
86 %
9
University of Saint La Salle
33
28
85 %
10
Central Visayas State C.A.F.T. - Bilar
37
30
81 %
B. WITH 100 OR MORE EXAMINEES (ELEMENTARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
West Visayas State University – La Paz
229
209
91 %
2
Philippine Normal University - Manila
403
350
87 %
3
Cebu Normal University
431
334
77 %
4
Central Luzon State University
140
104
74 %
5
Philippine Normal University - Isabela
191
133
70 %
6
Mariano Marcos State University - Laoag
146
94
64 %
University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos
121
77
64 %
7
Mindanao State University – Gen. Santos City
115
73
63 %
8
University of Southeastern Phil. – Davao City
248
154
62 %
9
Polytechnic State College of Antique
206
125
61 %
10
Benguet State University – Baguio City
271
158
58 %
A. WITH 10 to 99 EXAMINEES (SECONDARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
Ateneo de Manila University – Q.C.
49
49
100 %
University of the Philippines – Baguio City
23
23
100 %
2
Mapua Institute of Technology
41
40
98 %
3
Miriam College (Maryknoll College Foundation, Inc.)
54
52
96 %
4
University of the Philippines – Visayas – Iloilo City
65
62
95 %
5
University of the Philippines - Manila
14
13
93 %
6
Ateneo de Manila University - Manila
11
10
91 %
St. Francis de Sales – Lipa City
11
10
91 %
Velez College – Cebu City
11
10
91 %
7
St. Theresa’s College - Cebu
20
18
90 %
University of the Philippines – Visayas – Tacloban City
10
9
90 %
8
Assumption College - Makati
18
16
89 %
9
AMA Computer College – Makati City
12
10
83 %
10
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig
28
23
82 %
B. WITH 100 OR MORE EXAMINEES (SECONDARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
University of the Philippines – Los Baños
111
111
100 %
2
University of the Philippines – Diliman
272
267
98 %
De La Salle University - Manila
113
111
98 %
3
University of Santo Tomas
382
337
88 %
4
Philippine Normal University - Manila
890
742
83 %
Saint Louis University
302
252
83 %
5
Xavier University – Cagayan De Oro
135
109
81 %
6
Ateneo de Davao University
105
84
80 %
7
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
166
127
77 %
8
University of Saint La Salle
117
86
74 %
9
University of San Carlos
207
152
73 %
10
West Visayas State University – La Paz
389
267
69 %
The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places are the following:
ELEMENTARY LEVEL
RANK
NAME
RATING
1
MARIA REGINA CORAZON PAMBID SEVILLA
89.80
VENERANDO CALANGI CASTILLO
89.80
APRIL ANN MOZOL CURUGAN
89.80
ROAN EUGENIO GOROSPE
89.80
2
ROLANDO MUNAR GANANCIAL
89.60
MARVIN MANALOTO LEE
89.60
3
MARIAN-LO JENNIFER BALICDANG DACAWI
89.40
MONINA CABUNOC RAAGAS
89.40
LARMI LAURA GUBA PENULLAR
89.40
IVEE TERESA CENTENO TEODORO
89.40
4
ANGELA DE LA CRUZ PALACIO
89.00
LEA JANICE REMATA SICAT
89.00
MA CRISTINA PACANOS MAGTULTOL
89.00
5
SUNDY FLOR DIGDIGAN MENDOZA
88.80
NERIZA LEYRAN DAQUIZ
88.80
6
MARI JOE NAMIA NEPOMUCENO
88.60
CHERRY RED VILLARAMA MUYOT
88.60
ALANA ROSEBRETT BALANE DOMINGO
88.60
ANNIE LIZA UERA ATIENZA
88.60
SHERIE ROSE FALAME FADRIQUELA
88.60
GRACE ANGELA MARASIGAN PALILEO
88.60
BARBARA REMEDIOS UY PANGANIBAN
88.60
LIZA PACLIBAR SEHOB
88.60
7
ARNEL JAVELOSA DE LOS REYES
88.40
ANNE MARIE ATACADOR DE LOS REYES
88.40
8
SHIRLEY SUPAT ACUPAN
88.20
SHANI DEIDRE LA CORDA GUBALLA
88.20
CRISTINA ROWENA ADSUARA SALCEDO
88.20
JUJIE ABEJUELA BUENBRAZO
88.20
9
KATHERINE ESPIRITU LADAGA
88.00
EDEN BAGARES ATIENDA
88.00
JAYPEE SAPLAN DE GUZMAN
88.00
DEMERIE JOY INSO MATIAS
88.00
MARGARETTE MARY ESCARO DIAZ
88.00
SHARON LUYUN BAQUIRAN
88.00
RIA CECILIA AYSON CANON
88.00
GIRLIE PARAY TULANG
88.00
10
VIRGE MARIE LONGNO MAGNO
87.80
CORALYN ASTRONOMO NARQUITA
87.80
ALPHA REANNE SAET AGRUDA
87.80
MA JANAH ROSE BASA ISIP
87.80
HAZELYNE MULDONG ELGAR
87.80
DESIREE PAYAS BLAUTA
87.80
IVY LOZANO BAGARES
87.80
MA LEE CAMPANIEL RESOL
87.80
ARLENE SAJUNA MOISES
87.80
ADONIS ALEJANDRO MOSQUERA
87.80
GRANT BENTING GUBATAN
87.80
SECONDARY LEVEL
RANK
NAME
RATING
1
DANILO VILLARUEL LEONERA
91.20
JOHN VINCENT DIAZ SALAYO
91.20
2
JOSEPH SORIANO TABADERO JR
91.00
AZALEA AVENTAJADO GALLANO
91.00
3
JOAN SANTIAGO COLLADO
90.60
NOEL FERNANDEZ ALFONSO
90.60
4
LINDA MAY SARMIENTO HERNANDEZ
90.40
5
PEE JEY ZOLUAGA MAQUILING
90.20
6
JEMA BUENAVENTURA SALUNGA
90.00
7
RIGAN ALIPIO AP-APID
89.80
ROSEMARIE GASANGAN GALVEZ
89.80
RAYMOND MARCELO GARCIA
89.80
JULIUS ERVIN AGUSTIN JAVIER
89.80
8
HAIDEE MATIBAG ANGELES
89.60
RACQUEL SAYO ANIEVAS
89.60
DIANA SILLADOR AURE
89.60
LESLIELYN LEE NGO
89.60
FERDINAND SILVA PAUNIL
89.60
GWEN BROJAN CASTILLON
89.60
9
ERBERT REX LAMERA CAPALLA
89.40
REYNALIN CUENCO PENUS
89.40
10
KRISTINE ANNE CASTRO CASTRO
89.20
MARY GRACE MAGALLON BELOY
89.20
LILIAN ROSE GUMBAN JABAO
89.20
KATHERINE JANE INIEGO SAWI
89.20
Click here for complete list of successful examinees (Elementary)
Click here for complete list of successful examinees (Secondary)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Pharmacist Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (Practical) (January 2004)
Architect Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Physician Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (Written) (February 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (Practical) (February 2004)
Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Electronics and Communications Engineer Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Midwife Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Civil Engineer Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Dentist Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Nurse Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Forester Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Social Worker Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Geodetic Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Architect Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Pharmacist Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Agriculturists Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Optometrist Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Veterinarian Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examination Results (August 2004)
Criminologist Licensure Examination Results (August 2004)
Medical Technologist Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Chemist Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Master Plumber Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Results of Licensure Examination for Teachers (August 2004)
CPA Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
PRC grants 125 Geodetic Engineer registration without examination
Interior Design Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
Librarian Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Electronics and Communications Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Midwife Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Civil Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announces that 16,297 elementary teachers out of 60,614 examinees and 15,860 secondary teachers out of 58,507 examinees successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T) given by the Board for Professional Teachers on August 29, 1981 in 19 testing centers all over the Philippines and 1 testing center in Hong Kong. The Board for Professional Teachers is composed of Dr. Gloria G. Salandanan, Chairperson; Dr. Josefina T. Cunanan, Vice-Chairperson, Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, Mr. Arnulfo H. Empleo and Mrs. Juliana B. Tolentino, Members.The results of examination with respect to two hundred thirty six (236) examinees were withheld pending final determination of their liabilities under the rules and regulations governing the licensure examinations.
Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be scheduled after the oathtaking. The requirements for the issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card (ID) are the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, latest Community Tax Certificate (Cedula); 1 piece passport size picture (colored with white background and nametag), 1 piece 2 X 2 picture with nametag, metered documentary stamps for the Oath Form and Certificate of Registration, and 1 short brown envelope with name and profession; and the Initial Registration Fee of P400 and Annual Registration Fee of P300 for 1981-1984. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.
The schedules for the oathtaking ceremonies in each testing center are as follows:
TESTING CENTER DATE VENUE LUCENA CITY Nov. 27, 1981 PAMPANGA Nov. 6, 1981
DAGUPAN CITY Nov. 28, 1981 REGION IV (A) Nov. 21, 1981 Folk Arts Theater (FAT) N. C. R. and HONG KONG Nov. 21, 1981 Folk Arts Theater (FAT) LEGAZPI CITY Nov. 14, 1981
PALAWAN Nov. 6, 1981 BACOLOD CITY Oct. 30, 1981 ZAMBOANGA CITY Nov. 27, 1981
TUGUEGARAO Nov. 14, 1981 GENERAL SANTOSOct. 30, 1981 CAGAYAN DE ORO &OZAMIZ Nov. 20, 1981 DAVAO Nov. 7, 1981 BUTUAN Nov. 7, 1981 TACLOBAN Nov. 14, 1981 BAGUIO Nov. 20, 1981 University of Baguio Gym ILOILO Dec. 5, 1981
CEBU (AM-ELEMENTARY;PM-SECONDARY) Nov. 27, 1981 Waterfront Hotel
Oathtaking tickets are available at the Office of Professional Teachers, 3rd Floor, PRC Annex Building for NCR and Region IV-A passers and for the passers from the other regions at the PRC regional offices or designated NOPTI-assisted distribution centers,.Successful examinees who will register for oathtaking will be given their REPORT OF RATINGS on the day of the oathtaking ceremonies.The top performing schools in the August 1981 Licensure Examination for Teachers classified as follows are:
A. WITH 10 to 99 EXAMINEES (ELEMENTARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
University of the Philippines - Diliman
73
73
100 %
Ateneo de Davao University
20
20
100 %
Saint Theresa’s College - Cebu
16
16
100 %
Assumption College - Makati
15
15
100 %
2
Saint Louis University
63
62
98 %
3
Miriam College(Maryknoll College Foundation, Inc.)
32
31
97 %
4
University of Santo Tomas
40
38
95 %
5
De La Salle University - Lipa
15
14
93 %
6
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology
24
22
92 %
7
Ateneo de Naga
29
26
90 %
8
University of Southeastern Phil. - Tagum
76
65
86 %
Xavier University
57
49
86 %
9
University of Saint La Salle
33
28
85 %
10
Central Visayas State C.A.F.T. - Bilar
37
30
81 %
B. WITH 100 OR MORE EXAMINEES (ELEMENTARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
West Visayas State University – La Paz
229
209
91 %
2
Philippine Normal University - Manila
403
350
87 %
3
Cebu Normal University
431
334
77 %
4
Central Luzon State University
140
104
74 %
5
Philippine Normal University - Isabela
191
133
70 %
6
Mariano Marcos State University - Laoag
146
94
64 %
University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos
121
77
64 %
7
Mindanao State University – Gen. Santos City
115
73
63 %
8
University of Southeastern Phil. – Davao City
248
154
62 %
9
Polytechnic State College of Antique
206
125
61 %
10
Benguet State University – Baguio City
271
158
58 %
A. WITH 10 to 99 EXAMINEES (SECONDARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
Ateneo de Manila University – Q.C.
49
49
100 %
University of the Philippines – Baguio City
23
23
100 %
2
Mapua Institute of Technology
41
40
98 %
3
Miriam College (Maryknoll College Foundation, Inc.)
54
52
96 %
4
University of the Philippines – Visayas – Iloilo City
65
62
95 %
5
University of the Philippines - Manila
14
13
93 %
6
Ateneo de Manila University - Manila
11
10
91 %
St. Francis de Sales – Lipa City
11
10
91 %
Velez College – Cebu City
11
10
91 %
7
St. Theresa’s College - Cebu
20
18
90 %
University of the Philippines – Visayas – Tacloban City
10
9
90 %
8
Assumption College - Makati
18
16
89 %
9
AMA Computer College – Makati City
12
10
83 %
10
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig
28
23
82 %
B. WITH 100 OR MORE EXAMINEES (SECONDARY LEVEL)
RANK
SCHOOL
TOTAL NO. OF EXAM.
TOTAL NO. PASSED
PERCENTAGE PASSED
1
University of the Philippines – Los Baños
111
111
100 %
2
University of the Philippines – Diliman
272
267
98 %
De La Salle University - Manila
113
111
98 %
3
University of Santo Tomas
382
337
88 %
4
Philippine Normal University - Manila
890
742
83 %
Saint Louis University
302
252
83 %
5
Xavier University – Cagayan De Oro
135
109
81 %
6
Ateneo de Davao University
105
84
80 %
7
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila
166
127
77 %
8
University of Saint La Salle
117
86
74 %
9
University of San Carlos
207
152
73 %
10
West Visayas State University – La Paz
389
267
69 %
The successful examinees who garnered the ten (10) highest places are the following:
ELEMENTARY LEVEL
RANK
NAME
RATING
1
MARIA REGINA CORAZON PAMBID SEVILLA
89.80
VENERANDO CALANGI CASTILLO
89.80
APRIL ANN MOZOL CURUGAN
89.80
ROAN EUGENIO GOROSPE
89.80
2
ROLANDO MUNAR GANANCIAL
89.60
MARVIN MANALOTO LEE
89.60
3
MARIAN-LO JENNIFER BALICDANG DACAWI
89.40
MONINA CABUNOC RAAGAS
89.40
LARMI LAURA GUBA PENULLAR
89.40
IVEE TERESA CENTENO TEODORO
89.40
4
ANGELA DE LA CRUZ PALACIO
89.00
LEA JANICE REMATA SICAT
89.00
MA CRISTINA PACANOS MAGTULTOL
89.00
5
SUNDY FLOR DIGDIGAN MENDOZA
88.80
NERIZA LEYRAN DAQUIZ
88.80
6
MARI JOE NAMIA NEPOMUCENO
88.60
CHERRY RED VILLARAMA MUYOT
88.60
ALANA ROSEBRETT BALANE DOMINGO
88.60
ANNIE LIZA UERA ATIENZA
88.60
SHERIE ROSE FALAME FADRIQUELA
88.60
GRACE ANGELA MARASIGAN PALILEO
88.60
BARBARA REMEDIOS UY PANGANIBAN
88.60
LIZA PACLIBAR SEHOB
88.60
7
ARNEL JAVELOSA DE LOS REYES
88.40
ANNE MARIE ATACADOR DE LOS REYES
88.40
8
SHIRLEY SUPAT ACUPAN
88.20
SHANI DEIDRE LA CORDA GUBALLA
88.20
CRISTINA ROWENA ADSUARA SALCEDO
88.20
JUJIE ABEJUELA BUENBRAZO
88.20
9
KATHERINE ESPIRITU LADAGA
88.00
EDEN BAGARES ATIENDA
88.00
JAYPEE SAPLAN DE GUZMAN
88.00
DEMERIE JOY INSO MATIAS
88.00
MARGARETTE MARY ESCARO DIAZ
88.00
SHARON LUYUN BAQUIRAN
88.00
RIA CECILIA AYSON CANON
88.00
GIRLIE PARAY TULANG
88.00
10
VIRGE MARIE LONGNO MAGNO
87.80
CORALYN ASTRONOMO NARQUITA
87.80
ALPHA REANNE SAET AGRUDA
87.80
MA JANAH ROSE BASA ISIP
87.80
HAZELYNE MULDONG ELGAR
87.80
DESIREE PAYAS BLAUTA
87.80
IVY LOZANO BAGARES
87.80
MA LEE CAMPANIEL RESOL
87.80
ARLENE SAJUNA MOISES
87.80
ADONIS ALEJANDRO MOSQUERA
87.80
GRANT BENTING GUBATAN
87.80
SECONDARY LEVEL
RANK
NAME
RATING
1
DANILO VILLARUEL LEONERA
91.20
JOHN VINCENT DIAZ SALAYO
91.20
2
JOSEPH SORIANO TABADERO JR
91.00
AZALEA AVENTAJADO GALLANO
91.00
3
JOAN SANTIAGO COLLADO
90.60
NOEL FERNANDEZ ALFONSO
90.60
4
LINDA MAY SARMIENTO HERNANDEZ
90.40
5
PEE JEY ZOLUAGA MAQUILING
90.20
6
JEMA BUENAVENTURA SALUNGA
90.00
7
RIGAN ALIPIO AP-APID
89.80
ROSEMARIE GASANGAN GALVEZ
89.80
RAYMOND MARCELO GARCIA
89.80
JULIUS ERVIN AGUSTIN JAVIER
89.80
8
HAIDEE MATIBAG ANGELES
89.60
RACQUEL SAYO ANIEVAS
89.60
DIANA SILLADOR AURE
89.60
LESLIELYN LEE NGO
89.60
FERDINAND SILVA PAUNIL
89.60
GWEN BROJAN CASTILLON
89.60
9
ERBERT REX LAMERA CAPALLA
89.40
REYNALIN CUENCO PENUS
89.40
10
KRISTINE ANNE CASTRO CASTRO
89.20
MARY GRACE MAGALLON BELOY
89.20
LILIAN ROSE GUMBAN JABAO
89.20
KATHERINE JANE INIEGO SAWI
89.20
Click here for complete list of successful examinees (Elementary)
Click here for complete list of successful examinees (Secondary)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Pharmacist Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (Practical) (January 2004)
Architect Licensure Examination Results (January 2004)
Geodetic Engineer Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Physician Licensure Examination Results (February 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (Written) (February 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (Practical) (February 2004)
Mechanical Engineers Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Electronics and Communications Engineer Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Electrical Engineers Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Midwife Licensure Examination Results (April 2004)
Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Civil Engineer Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Dentist Licensure Examination Results (May 2004)
Nurse Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Forester Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Social Worker Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Geodetic Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Architect Licensure Examination Results (June 2004)
Pharmacist Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Agriculturists Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Optometrist Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Veterinarian Licensure Examination Results (July 2004)
Physical and Occupational Therapist Licensure Examination Results (August 2004)
Criminologist Licensure Examination Results (August 2004)
Medical Technologist Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Chemist Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Master Plumber Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Electrical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Marine Engineer Officers Licensure Examination Results (September 2004)
Results of Licensure Examination for Teachers (August 2004)
CPA Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
Mechanical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
PRC grants 125 Geodetic Engineer registration without examination
Interior Design Licensure Examination Results (October 2004)
Librarian Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Electronics and Communications Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Midwife Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Marine Deck Officers Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Civil Engineer Licensure Examination Results (November 2004)
Danilo Danny Villaruel Leonera…Here you will see me as informal as possible. Neither my professional role nor my public life are the main interest here. It is me as a person. I am writing about me.
Nick named Danny. I was born in San Jose, Ternate, Cavite on April 7, 1960 and had all my education in Cavite. I am the fifth in our family. In fact I am the first among my family who succeed in life. So I have some importance and responsibilities attached. I enjoy being what I am. I progressed through a totally normal life. The most important thing I have had was my parent’s care and inspiration to excel. Now I am a Parisian and I dream of settling as a successful person in Paris, France and my favorite place on this planet. The first and foremost I miss (apart from my family of course) is the world famous Chicken Macaroni salad. Whenever I go home I make it to the point to enjoy the dish at least twice a weak.
In 1966 at the age of six while I was a pupil of San Jose Elementary School, I transfered for Grade three to six at Ternate Central and I graduated with distinction during my primary school. After high school in 1973, I took up Typing and Stenography at Tanza Secretarial School where I obtained outstanding student during this period. I supported myself by working at Santo Nino Academy and took a night class at Western College Naic, Cavite in 1980, where I developed to be a teacher with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education Majoring in Math and Science. Admitted Licensure Board Exam for Teachers in 1981. Teaching basic courses in Science and Mathematics in Santo Nino Academy was not fulfilling my aspiration. I’ve spent one year teaching in this institution created by Mrs. Erlinda H. Monteagudo who had developed me a test for the nearest of intelligence.
In 1981 I left home for the first time to Saudi Arabia and work as Secretary at the administration of Engineering Equipment Inc. It was not easy to our family but certainly it was very exciting and rewarding for me. I did it till 1985. I was promoted as Executive Secretary at the same company by the request of Mr. J. W. Hay, my executive manager. Middle East is not my world so I decided to file my resignation and return back home and spent a year teaching in 1986.
Since that our economy is getting worse, I went to Europe as tourist in 1987. Here, I found myself very interesting. I must speak the language so I could work. I started as domestic helper. I challenge myself by doing this job for several years. I met lot of European friends and since I was young then, I was encourage to pose in a magazine for my ethnic beauty as Asian Filipino. The magazine was published all around Europe. I am happy with this job but not interesting for living. I strived very hard and chances are on my way to work in different hotels. I went to school at night while working during the day. I took up French lessons at the University of Paris Alliance Frances where I was on top of the class among 38 students. After studying French language, I took HRM for two semester at the American University, Paris.
Recently I was awarded second for Essay writing contest entitled ¨I’m Sorry, I miss you, I Love you¨ competed by Filipinos around Europe. From Housekeeper to Hotel Supervisor was the greatest gift I received by my inspiration.
In 1998, I was the Representative Manager of Rent Paris, LLC. I am representing Paris which our main office situated in Wilmington, Delaware., U.S.A. and to date I was the manager occupying 48 hotel residential.
As Manager, I help run the day to day operations of the hotel. I was responsible for activities such as personnel, accounting, office administrative, marketing, sales, purchasing, security and maintenance .
I have had the fortunate to learn and utilize a wide range of practical and commercial skills throughout my career. Both my professional and personal lives are oriented towards international contacts and cross-cultural understanding. My strength lie in the areas of organization, project management, team building and public relations. My greatest accomplishment was I bought my own apartment in Paris. I travel a lot around Europe and much of the Eastern U.S.A.
Now that I have my own life in the city of Paris. I am proud to say I was once a part of Ternate or should I say Ternate was once a part of me. I will never forget this heaven – like place with warm and hospitable people – that is really something to be proud of.
My most private moment is watching the sun set with the music of Jean Sebastian Bach. This was my greatest pleasure.
Nick named Danny. I was born in San Jose, Ternate, Cavite on April 7, 1960 and had all my education in Cavite. I am the fifth in our family. In fact I am the first among my family who succeed in life. So I have some importance and responsibilities attached. I enjoy being what I am. I progressed through a totally normal life. The most important thing I have had was my parent’s care and inspiration to excel. Now I am a Parisian and I dream of settling as a successful person in Paris, France and my favorite place on this planet. The first and foremost I miss (apart from my family of course) is the world famous Chicken Macaroni salad. Whenever I go home I make it to the point to enjoy the dish at least twice a weak.
In 1966 at the age of six while I was a pupil of San Jose Elementary School, I transfered for Grade three to six at Ternate Central and I graduated with distinction during my primary school. After high school in 1973, I took up Typing and Stenography at Tanza Secretarial School where I obtained outstanding student during this period. I supported myself by working at Santo Nino Academy and took a night class at Western College Naic, Cavite in 1980, where I developed to be a teacher with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education Majoring in Math and Science. Admitted Licensure Board Exam for Teachers in 1981. Teaching basic courses in Science and Mathematics in Santo Nino Academy was not fulfilling my aspiration. I’ve spent one year teaching in this institution created by Mrs. Erlinda H. Monteagudo who had developed me a test for the nearest of intelligence.
In 1981 I left home for the first time to Saudi Arabia and work as Secretary at the administration of Engineering Equipment Inc. It was not easy to our family but certainly it was very exciting and rewarding for me. I did it till 1985. I was promoted as Executive Secretary at the same company by the request of Mr. J. W. Hay, my executive manager. Middle East is not my world so I decided to file my resignation and return back home and spent a year teaching in 1986.
Since that our economy is getting worse, I went to Europe as tourist in 1987. Here, I found myself very interesting. I must speak the language so I could work. I started as domestic helper. I challenge myself by doing this job for several years. I met lot of European friends and since I was young then, I was encourage to pose in a magazine for my ethnic beauty as Asian Filipino. The magazine was published all around Europe. I am happy with this job but not interesting for living. I strived very hard and chances are on my way to work in different hotels. I went to school at night while working during the day. I took up French lessons at the University of Paris Alliance Frances where I was on top of the class among 38 students. After studying French language, I took HRM for two semester at the American University, Paris.
Recently I was awarded second for Essay writing contest entitled ¨I’m Sorry, I miss you, I Love you¨ competed by Filipinos around Europe. From Housekeeper to Hotel Supervisor was the greatest gift I received by my inspiration.
In 1998, I was the Representative Manager of Rent Paris, LLC. I am representing Paris which our main office situated in Wilmington, Delaware., U.S.A. and to date I was the manager occupying 48 hotel residential.
As Manager, I help run the day to day operations of the hotel. I was responsible for activities such as personnel, accounting, office administrative, marketing, sales, purchasing, security and maintenance .
I have had the fortunate to learn and utilize a wide range of practical and commercial skills throughout my career. Both my professional and personal lives are oriented towards international contacts and cross-cultural understanding. My strength lie in the areas of organization, project management, team building and public relations. My greatest accomplishment was I bought my own apartment in Paris. I travel a lot around Europe and much of the Eastern U.S.A.
Now that I have my own life in the city of Paris. I am proud to say I was once a part of Ternate or should I say Ternate was once a part of me. I will never forget this heaven – like place with warm and hospitable people – that is really something to be proud of.
My most private moment is watching the sun set with the music of Jean Sebastian Bach. This was my greatest pleasure.
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