Balikbayan Magazine June 2009

JUNE 2009

Volume I number 4

US$ 5.00•PHP 150.00

10

58 departments

50

features

Keeping a Journal unsung heroes no more

7 cover story the pacman and the moment

Editor’s Note Another story, another history

9 national Anthem blues: much ado about nothing or was it really nothing?

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By joseph pimentel

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By rhod v. nuncio

the unguided tour 24 bagumbayan: the dream in the footsteps that was of illustradoS By joel pablo salud stalking rizal in madrid room with a viewpoint a hero’s welcome by the lake

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By bernice roldan

just a pop song away

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By mario m. banzon

By marie angeli syjueco

poetry in motion business and treasure 58 By harris albert guevarra AND JEWEL CASTRO camille villar: our town woman on new ground bienvenido lumbera By rochelle c. pangilinan writes home parting shot 86 By louie jon sanchez the joy of running filipinas heritage library: safeguarding a heritage

38 50

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By Joel pablo Salud

essence of place mt. pinatubo: splendor of the ancients

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By aaron palabyab

red carpet dateline: hollywood

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By Janet susan nepales

one true north

80

By joel jorge gaviola

educating the tycoons

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By gayle gatchalian

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(0917) 811-0377

balikbayan the asian journal magazine

JUNE 2009

Publisher & CEO | ROGER L. ORIEL President & Co-Publisher | CORA M. ORIEL Editor-in-Chief | Executive Creative Director | LITO OCAMPO CRUZ Associate Editor | LOUIE JON AGUSTIN SANCHEZ Contributing Editors | MALOU LIWANAG-AGUILAR, ALMA ANONAS-CARPIO, jewel castro, cynthia de castro, GAYLE GATCHALIAN, RUBEN NEPALES, JANET SUSAN NEPALES, ELIZABETH MORALES-NUNCIO, RHOD V. NUNCIO, ROCHELLE C. PANGILINAN, JOSEPH PIMENTEL, D.M. REYES, ALTHEA LAUREN RICARDO, JOEL SALUD, ALDUS SANTOS, AHMED TOLEDO, WALTER VILLA, MOMAR VISAYA

| about the cover |

The Pacman and the Moment

Contributing Photographers | JOE COBILLA, TED MADAMBA, RAPHAEL JOHN ORIEL, MIKO SANTOS, ANDY TECSON, bennie uy Assistant Art Director | LE GRANDE DEE PEDROCHE Editorial Assistant | MARIE ANGELI S. SYJUECO Production Manager | KRISTINE TAN Vice President for Advertising | NOEL GODINEZ Vice President for Sales | SHARON ann z. BATHAN Account Manager | VINCE SAMSON Staff Writer | BILLY DELA CRUZ Staff Photographer | ANDREW TADALAN Staff Artists | EDWARD DY, NAPOLEON LAUREL, JR., VALORY LIM, BIENVENIDA SALAZAR, VANESSA AUGUSTIN Circulation Manager | VINCE SAMSON Circulation Assistant | ARTHUR SIBULANGCAO Accountant | RIA FABRO balikbayan Magazine is published monthly by Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Distributed in the Philippines by East West All Media Services, Inc. 1100 88 Corporate Center, Valero St., corner Sedeño St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, 1226 Philippines.

Tel. No. (632)893-1720 • Fax No. (632) 813-8746 Send subscription inquiries to subscription@asianjournalinc.com, and advertising queries at advertising@asianjournalinc.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage of retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the Publisher.

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. regrets that no responsibility can be accepted for unsolicited material, which will be returned only if stamped, addressed envelope is enclosed.

Printed in the Philippines and distributed in the Philippines and major cities in the United States of America.

Asia Headquarters / Editorial & Advertising Offices Makati City: Suite 208, The Manila Bank Corp. Bldg., 6771 Ayala Avenue, Makati City, 1226 Philippines. • Tel. (632) 893–1720 USA Advertising Offices Los Angeles: 1150 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017-1904 Tel. (213) 250–9797 San Francisco: 841 San Bruno Avenue West, Ste. 12-14 San Bruno, CA 94066 Tel. (650) 583–6818 New York: 5 Penn Plaza, Ste. 1932, New York, NY 10001 Tel. (212) 655–5426 New Jersey: 2500 Plaza Five, Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311 Tel. (201) 484–7249 Las Vegas: 3700 W. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89102 Tel. (702) 792–6678

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US-based Joe Cobilla, ace photographer of the Asian Journal Publications, captures the People’s Champ, Manny Pacquiao, in this rare and unguarded moment with his dog, “Pacman”. Adding a feather to his cap, Cobilla brings us this very poignant scene of the “pambansang kamao”, action hero-like (with the “sparring” partner, of course), and showing his heart at rest after his gruelling training in preparation for that stunning fight against Britain’s Ricky Hatton.

Unsung heroes

By Roger Lagmay Oriel, publisher

Our battle cry says it all: “LOVE OF COUNTRY IS BACK IN STYLE.” It was not a shot in the dark. The Asian Journal Publications’ vision has always been to project our country in a different light.

Our ad in the maiden issue of this magazine perhaps says it all: FISHING FOR A STORY, SOMETIMES WE GET CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF HISTORY. This time we caught the big ones.

Manny Pacquiao, Joy Rojas, Robert Shroder and every single member of the first Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra.

Once upon a time they too were unsung heroes.

In these times we need heroes and muses to inspire us.

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Look what they’ve done to our country lately.

Like fireworks on the 12th of June, Manny Pacquiao stoked the fires of our patriotism in one brief shining moment when he knocked out Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas last May. It was a patriot’s act. It was Manny Pacquiao’s rite of passage from the Pacman to a statesman for all seasons. He deserved that hero’s welcome.

Somewhere out there in the heart of America, Joy Roxas is making a dash for history as the first Filipina to ever run from Los Angeles to New York. We will be there for her every step of the way.

| keeping a journal |

no more And then, of course, there’s Robert Shroder and FASO. They just made history last May 17 at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, California as the first Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra in the world. On a historical note, a member of the orchestra, Tagumpay de Leon is the son of the late Philippine National Artist for Music Felipe de Leon, Sr. who wrote the lyrics of “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine National Anthem.

FASO. They made music. They made history. They made us proud to be Filipinos in America. They kept the home fires burning.

And they made us cry that evening.

Photos by Bennie uy (Spread photo) & joe cobilla (inset photo)

June 2009 | balikbayan

| the contributors |

Mario BANZON is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts Major in mass communications at Philippine Women’s University (PWU). He has worked for advertising agencies and various publications, including Manila Standard. In April 2002, he won a coveted slot to train under Ricky Lee in his Scriptwriting Workshop. He is currently a writer for The Sweet Life with Lucy Torres for the QTV channel.

Jewel Castro teaches with the De La Salle UniversityManila’s Literature Department. A screenwriter, she co-wrote Love Me Again (Love Down Under), and Caregiver, which won for her recently, an award for Best Story from the Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro (Pasado).

JOE COBILLA hails from Naga and is a contributing photographer of the Asian Journal Publications. He has covered extensively in the Philippines and in the United States, and had worked with the regional magazine, Asiaweek. He has won awards for photojournalism from the National Press Club, among others. He founded the Philippine Press Photographers in United States of America, affiliated with Greater Los Angeles Police Department News Media.

Gayle Gatchalian graduated from UCLA with a degree in Communication Studies, minoring in Anthropology. She is currently finishing up a position at Disney Consumer Products in preparation for graduate studies at NYU this coming Fall for an MA in Media, Culture and Communication.

Harris Albert Guevarra graduated from the De La Salle University-Manila in 2004. He was the editor-in-chief of Malate Literary Folio, the official literary publication of DLSU. His poems have been published in Sunday Inquirer Magazine, Oragon Journal, EuroFilipino journal to name a few. He was a fellow in some of the major creative writing workshops in the country. He is also an award-winning multi-media copywriter and his television commercials won prestigious awards here and abroad, including a gold medal—a first for the Philippines—from Singapore’s Apollo Awards.

JANET SUSAN R. NEPALES is the first Filipina member of the prestigious Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the association that annually gives out the Golden Globe awards. Janet, who was Celebrity Chronicle’s “Journalist of the Year” in 2005 and Asian PR Wire’s “Journalist of the Month” in December 2007, is a cum laude Journalism graduate of the University of Santo Tomas. She has won first place in the Asian Institute of Journalism’s photo contest with her chronicle of John Paul II’s visit to Manila. Her photos have also appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

Rhod V. Nuncio holds a PhD in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He was former chair of the Department of Filipino of De La Salle University-Manila. With his wife, Beth Morales-Nuncio (also a contributing editor of Balikbayan), he co-authored a book on Philippine cultural studies, Sangandiwa.

Aaron Palabyab graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communication from Ateneo de Manila University in 2007, and earned his Certificate in digital filmmaking from the International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu that same year. He currently works as a video director and photographer while pursuing an apprenticeship in directing and cinematography.

JOSEPH PIMENTEL is a multimedia reporter for the Asian Journal and Los Angeles correspondent for the ABS-CBN TV news program Balitang America. He worked at the Writer’s Guild of America, West and served as a contributing writer at the Daily Journal Publication, The California Real Estate Journal. He graduated with a communications degree at the California State University, Northridge.

balikbayan | June 2009

Bernice Roldan won a fiction award from the Philippines Graphic magazine in 2004. A creative writing graduate of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, she once traveled the world for a non-governmental organization, before being accepted as a scholar at the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Writer of tales, dad with beard and earring, foster parent to kittens and street cats, professional book hunter, JOEL PABLO SALUD has yet to find reason to stop writing (as though he’s looking for one). For two decades he has written various pieces for magazines, from travel to news to lifestyle to short fiction, leaving no stone unturned—even the one erected in the obituaries. He now saddles his red pen as managing editor of Philippines Graphic, a newsweekly magazine.

Photos by joe cobilla & andy tecson | the ajpress

| editor’s note |

Another story, another history By lito ocampo cruz, Editor-in-chief

Getting this issue out was a walk in the park. The pieces just came together like clockwork. If timing was of the essence, veteran photographer Joe Cobilla got lucky that day in Vegas. Just when he thought he had the perfect shot when he caught Hatton sleeping on the jab (pun intended), along came the photograph that would land on our June cover. It speaks for itself. We call it “The Pacman and the Moment” shot. Can Joseph Pimentel, our resident boxing scribe, be far behind? With Bob Arum and Freddie Roach in his corner, he got lucky too. He followed the buzz from Hollywood to Vegas to write his first story for our magazine.

Talk about walking in the park, Joel Salud relives the dream that was Bagumbayan without firing a single shot. In the first of a series called “In the footsteps of Illustrados,” Bernice Roldan stalks another local hero, Rizal, through his old haunts in Madrid.

FASO before the show.

Photo by Bennie Uy

Through the keen sensing of Associate Editor Louie Jon Sanchez, we revisit Lipa, the old hometown of National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera. Louie, himself a poet, recently won the Poet of the Year 2009 prize from the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino.

Lumbera relates how he aspires to reconnect with the land of his birth, through poetry and a zarzuela, which won him accolades at the National Centennial Literary Awards in 1998, the centenary of Philippine Independence.

Young poet Harris Albert Guevarra collaborates with screenwriter Jewel Castro as they traverse Pablo Neruda’s Hispanic verses across Manila’s light rail system (kudos to the Instituto Cervantes de Manila for spearheading the campaign). Mario Banzon also shares his “ride of passage” experience in a companion piece.

Janet Susan Nepales celebrates their journey to the American Dream in an intimate behind-the-scene story about husband Ruben Nepales’ magical red carpet ride to Hollywood, As we were bringing this issue to bed, FASO, the first Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra serenaded Los Angeles for the very first time and they liked what they heard. Simply put, they were swept away.

But that’s another story, another history.

June 2009 | balikbayan

| cover story | By joseph pimentel | photos by joe cobilla | the ajpress

The Pacman and the Moment

When Manny Pacquiao fights, about 91 million people in the Philippines and millions of more Filipinos around the world wait with bated breathe in anticipation. May 2 was no exception. A Filipino was on the brightest stage that Saturday night in Las Vegas. Time magazine had just placed Pacquiao in its Top 100 Most Influential People list. And the night of May 2 can show you why.

Mainstream glitz and glamour stars Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Mark Wahlberg, Jack Nicholson, and Christian Bale were being seated. Filipinos, who made the trip to Las Vegas but couldn’t get seats to the sold out MGM Grand Garden Arena, were filing into surrounding hotels to watch the closed circuit pay-per-view telecast.

All over the world, Filipinos were glued to their TV sets. And the reason was to watch the “Pambansang Kamao” or the National Fist of the Philippines perform.

Whether they were inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena or watching live in front of a television set, Pacquiao’s match against British foe Ricky Hatton were top billing. Pacquiao has that kind of power to make everything stop.

And that evening, he didn’t disappoint. On Saturday May 2, Pacquiao cemented his legacy as one of the greatest boxers in this generation when in spectacular fashion he knocked out the pride out of The Pride of Manchester IBO Light Welterweight and Ring Magazine champion Hatton.

His second round brutal knockout of Hatton (a left hook sledgehammer that connected on Hatton’s jaw) will be in future greatest KOs highlight reels.

If you watch the replays closely, rapper Jay Z and hip hop mogul Sean “P Diddy” Combs jumped from their seats the moment Pacquaio connected.

Pacquiao’s sensational knockout places him in the history books. Pacquiao captured his sixth title, in a sixth different weight class, a fourth lineal title and left no doubt as to why many boxing pundits consider “the little Filipino,” as Top Rank President Bob Arum calls him, the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao joins only Oscar De La Hoya, the man he vanquished into retirement, as the only boxers to capture six titles in six different divisions. But historically, not since Henry Armstrong has a boxer been able to do what Pacquiao has done.

During the 1930’s and 1940’s, Armstrong, considered as one of the all-time great pound-for-pound legends, claimed the world featherweight, welterweight and lightweight championships. He also held three world championships at the same time.

Armstrong’s feat was impressive and no boxing pundits would have ever imagined anyone to equal the legendary boxer’s feats especially from a Filipino who began his career one pound above the strawweight division.

Pinoys and Boxing Pacquiao is already considered not only the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world but also the greatest Pinoy boxer ever.

He has set the bar to the many future Filipino boxers coming up just like the other Pinoys before him. Filipinos have been boxing since the Americans first came to the islands in the late 1890’s.

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“Not everyone sleeps on a bed–Hatton,” says text messages that circulated in Manila hours after the atonishing bout.

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Pacman wife Jinkee Pacquiao with relatives at the weigh-in.

It was a post-war era and America was beginning to plant its seeds into the island nation. Failing to teach Filipinos America’s past time, the game of baseball, they instead taught them how to box. Filipinos gravitated toward the sports because of its resemblance to the Philippine past time of cockfighting.

It was only a matter of time before the Philippines produced one of its greatest champions.

Francisco Guilledo was only 5’ 1” and weighed never more than 114 pounds. The Pinoy from Ilog, Negros Occidental, began his career as an 18-year-old in the Philippines before setting sail to the US in 1922.

At the age of 20, Guilledo better known as Pancho Villa, defeated Johnny Buff to capture the American flyweight championship just a few months after he arrived to the US. He fought several more times before he passed away in 1925 at the age of 23. He finished with a record of 92 wins, 8 losses, 2 draws, and 24 knockouts.

During the1960’s another Pinoy was making waves in the boxing world. This time it was Gabriel “Flash” Elorde of Cebu. Elorde captured his first world championship in the super featherweight division. Elorde held on to the crown 10 times in seven years before losing in 1967 to Yoshiaki Numata.

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After his stellar career in which he posted 88 win, 27 losses, 2 draw and 33 KOs, Elorde became the first Filipino to be enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Guilledo was also enshrined a few years after Elorde. There is no doubt that Pacquiao will follow in Elorde and Guilledo’s footsteps as a Filipino to be in the boxing hall of fame. But his time is not done and his legacy is still growing. Pacquiao is referred to as the “People’s Champ” for a reason.

Born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao, he grew up in poverty. He sold donuts and bread in the streets and shared whatever profit to his mother, Dionisia. Pacquiao was one of six children raised by a single mother.

The seven of them lived in a shanty with dirt floors in a squatters area in General Santos City, said Dionisia to the Asian Journal. “Ako ang tatay at nanay ng mga anak ko. Nag-trabaho ako sa farm. Kahit yung trabahong pang-lalake, ginagawa ko. Umaakyat pa nga ako sa puno ng niyog (I became father and mother to my kids. I even did jobs for men. I worked in a farm. I even climbed up coconut trees),” she said. Dionisia said that boxing was a family affair. Both of Manny’s grandfathers boxed so did his uncle.

Rise to Stardom Pacquiao began his boxing career as a 16year-old, 106-pound athlete. Pacquiao said that

he was actually much lighter than 106-pounds in his boxing debut. He told ESPN that he had to put weights in his shorts just to make the minimum weight to fight.

In 1999, he won his first championship, the WBC Flyweight title. He lost it in the next fight.

In 2001, Pacquiao made the biggest decision in his life. Bouncing around the US and different trainers, Pacquiao had nowhere to go. A manager suggested for Pacquiao to visit Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles.

It was the best decision Pacquiao ever made.

“I remember when Manny walked in for the first time at the Wildcard,” said Brian Viloria, a Fil-Am boxer who trained with Roach in early 2000. “We were all like ‘who is this guy?’ He was wild and raw.”

“I remember I did one mitts workout with Manny,” recalls Roach. “I turn around to his manager and said ‘I’ll train him.’” Roach took Pacquiao’s raw skill and honed them. Roach saw Pacquiao as a supremely fast athlete with a devastating left straight hand punch. He also saw a guy with no defensive skills and a suspect right hand.

A few months after training together, they won the IBF Superbantamweight title against Lehlohonolo Ledwab in Texas. Their next big win came against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Not only did Barrera lose but also the former Mexican great was demolished.

Mater Delirious: Pacman mother Dionisia, carrying her Sto. NiĂąos at a mass before the fight.

They came in legions, Pacman’s fans.

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It was the beginning of the “Mexicutioner,” Pacquiao’s other nickname.

Pacquiao defeated Mexican greats Erik Morales (twice), Juan Manuel Marquez (one win, one draw), Jorge Solis, David Diaz, and the Golden Boy De La Hoya. Roach had transformed Pacquiao as a one-punch boxer into a complete pugilist. With Roach by his side, Pacquiao has only lost once in eight years.

Prior to the De La Hoya match, Pacquiao was a boxer that only Filipinos, Mexicans and a few hardcore boxing fans knew about.

Anyone was able to walk in the Wildcard gym and witness the Filipino train.

But since the win against De La Hoya, Pacquiao’s popularity soared. De La Hoya was the boxing crossover star and when Pacquiao defeated the Golden Boy, he also took the reigns to De La Hoya’s throne. At the first day of training camp as he prepared for a bout with Hatton, there were more than 70 people at the parking lot of the Wildcard Boxing Club.

Roach had to shoo them away. But they kept coming. People would wait outside

just to get a glimpse of Pacquiao, a picture or get an autograph. They would wait hours after the workout at Nat’s Thai restaurant, a place Pacquiao is known for visiting after workouts.

Roach said that it was a madhouse and instilled tougher rules as to who could come to the gym. Despite the public’s clamor for Pacquiao, the 30-year-old Filipino doesn’t let the attention get to him. Two days before the biggest fight of his career, Pacquiao sat inside the lounge of an RV trailer relaxing after a hard day’s workout.

Dressed in sweats and a red shirt, Pacquiao was watching game 6 between the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.

With Pacquiao were former Heavyweight Champion and now, assistant trainer Michael Moore, and strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza. Members of his entourage also cramped inside the small RV. Joseph Jose, a driver, PR assistant Joe Ramos and assistant trainer Boboy Fernandez were all inside the vehicle.

Outside the tan RV was a different story.

Crowds of people who heard that Pacquiao was training at the IBA gym were crowding around the RV. Some were taking pictures; others held sharpies and waved Philippine flags, most waited just to get a glimpse of the champion.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao just soaked it all in.

He waited until the game was over before he set foot outside. He stopped and signed a few autographs before a driver pulled up and escorted him away.

This is Pacquiao’s life now and there’s no escaping it. Everywhere he goes, Pacquiao is recognized. The boy who grew up in poverty in a Third World country is now a star.

“Not only in the Philippines, I think Manny’s easily the best Asian boxer that has ever lived,” said Kevin Iole, columnist from Yahoo! “And there’s no telling where he goes on from here.”

After the victory against Hatton, Arum, Pacquiao’s long time promoter and former Muhammed Ali promoter, was quick to compare Pacquiao to Ali. “[Ali] was a great, great fighter, but there has never been a fighter with the same combination of speed and explosive power as Manny Pacquiao,” said Arum.

When Pacquiao asked Arum if he was happy with his performance, Arum replied, “You’re going to be the greatest fighter who ever lived.” g

t

photo by miko santos | the ajpress

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Much ado about nothing or was it really nothing? by rhod v. nuncio

For every fight of Manny Pacquiao touted as Filipinos’ Pride, Pound for Pound King and the Greatest Boxer on Earth right now, the anticlimactic scene always comes in the picture, that is, the incorrect way of singing our national anthem. What adds fuel to the fire is the fact that our top singer, no less than Martin Nievera, committed what some officials at the National Historical Institute (NHI) consider a misdeed.

Others say, why not just send a group of public school kids to sing the national anthem. We’ll see if that’s a good idea.

I remember in my elementary school days

Tagumpay de Leon of FASO.

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when I was in grade 1, every morning at exactly 6 am, we rushed to the school’s quadrangle for the flag ceremony. Nobody wanted to miss this activity. It’s not that we would fervently want to showcase our nationalist fervor – we’re too young to philosophize about nationalism – but we would get demerits and punishment for being tardy, for not standing straight, for not putting “correctly” our right hand on our left chest, for showing disrespect to the flag and for singing flat the national anthem.

Our dear teachers cum guardia civil at that time would make sure that we follow patriotically and observe dutifully our commitment and respect to the national flag and the national anthem. Discipline and nationalism becomes synonymous as it seems during those times. Nope, it didn’t happen during

Martial Law – I was a baby literally during the dark days of our nation. It was just the training I got from San Miguel Heights Elementary School in Marulas, Valenzuela and that helped me to instill and internalize in symbolic and actual ways my love for my country.

Fiasco or Fanfare The controversy hits ground once more when Martin Nievera sang slowly and ended the song in high pitch, which has been his signature singing style ever since, during the two-round boxing bout triumph of Manny the Pacman over Ricky Hatton the Hitman in Las Vegas, Nevada. Surely, the monicker Hitman was nothing more than just appropriate on that day for Ricky Hatton received a number of punching hits on the face from Pacman.

Now back to “Bayang Magiliw” este “Lupang Hinirang” fiasco. Martin is not actually the first who caught ire. Before him, others were ridiculed and rebuked by the NHI and the public for a not so good rendition of our national anthem.

Perhaps, next time, Manny could consider the services of veritable musicians, like the FilipinoAmerican Symphony Orchestra, where the son of one of the anthem’s known lyricist, Felipe Padilla de Leon, Tagumpay, is a member.

Controversies also lurked around the bag of the nervous version of Karylle, the Oh!-I-forgotmy-music-lesson finale of Jennifer Bautista, the sounds like backmask ending of Geneva Cruz, and the greatest I-forgot-the-lyrics short-cut version of balladeer Christian Bautista (but not in any Pacquiao fight, thank heavens!). If you want to relive the moments of glory or shame, you can seriously watch it on YouTube and laugh out loud.

A glimpse of the past Our national anthem was originally taken from the official marching beat composition of Julian Felipe. That composition was used during the unfurling of the Philippine Flag and the declaration of independence initiated

by Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. The composition was initially named “Marcha Filipina Magdalo” and was swiftly changed to “Marcha Nacional Filipina” on the day it was first heard in public through the San Francisco de Malabon Band on June 12, 1898.

Actually there was no lyrics then. A year after in 1899 Jose Palma’s Spanish poem, “Filipinas,” was adapted to be the words in the musical composition of Felipe.

On December 5, 1938, an official English translation was written by Senator Camilo Osias and Mary A. Lane. It went into several Tagalog translations and finally the version of Felipe Padilla de Leon in 1956 became the song we sing in formal and public gatherings ever since.

Lupang Hinirang Bayang magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan Alab ng puso, Sa Dibdib mo’y buhay.

Lupang Hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting,

Sa manlulupig, ‘Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, May dilag ang tula At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y Tagumpay na nagniningning, Ang bituin at araw niya, Kailan pa ma’y ‘di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta, Buhay ay langit sa piling mo, Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, Ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo.

What the Law Says Unbeknownst to many there is a law passed by Congress in 1998 (a decade old only), which is called the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. It specifically states that “The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or without the country…The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe”.

Therefore it should be always in the marching beat and not in any 21st century arrangement, so don’t expect a rap version or bossa nova twist in the years to come, unless Congress amends this law.

For others, singing the national anthem is a piece of cake because they are hiding their voice from the voices of others singing it. But there is wisdom behind simplifying and standardizing the hymn. In Australasian parliamentary debate, to win the hearts and nods of the judges, the debater must address his or her arguments to “average reasonable persons”. It means that the audience must easily digest your arguments, your ideas, your points to be able to win the debate in the end.

Singing the national anthem is like winning the debate, the singer must sing to invite and inspire the “average singer in us” to follow and flow with the hymn. Otherwise, only Martin Nievera can sing it.

Why we must sing it “properly” In formal occasions or public programs, I always attend on time, not just to show that I am punctual but because I always want to participate in the singing of our national anthem.

For a Filipino like me and I believe Filipinos here and abroad would agree, “Lupang Hinirang” is the best, if not the greatest, national hymn in the world! Try to visualize the song – its words, melody, and meaning – in mind and in spirit, then you’ll get my point.

Now, need I say more? g

The concert king Martin Nievera as he belts out the infamous National Anthem. photo by joe cobilla | the ajpress

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| the unguided tour |

A popular rendition of the execution of Jose Rizal at Bagumbayan in 1896.

Photo courtesy of the National Library of the Philippines

by joel pablo salud

Bagumbayan. New Town. It could have meant “New Country�

then, if we had an idea of what a nation-state was during the 1700s. We have too long forgotten that the Luneta of the Korean and Japanese tourist destination of today is a 400-year-old town, rich in nostalgia and history, having started off as a patch of marshland situated along the covelike stretch of beach we now call the Manila Bay.

Whose woods these are? It’s Rizal’s. Rizal’s Park.

Still the majestic kilometer zero, the Rizal Monument.

The way we were, is the way we still are, here at the park.

photos by andrew tadalan | the ajpress

It once served as a crescent-shaped fort, a defense against the marauding Chinese army of Lim Ah Hong as early as the late 1500s. Its importance as a natural barrier had in fact earned it a place in the records of the Spanish Supreme Court under the label “nuevo barrio” in the 1600s. The Church of San Juan, once standing proudly along the northern portion of the estate as a symbol of Spanish colonizing power, was thereafter demolished by the Spaniards when a short-lived British invasion of Manila in 1762 used it as a shield to protect its attacking forces.

Roughly two hundred years were to pass until the Spaniards transformed what used to be considered “no man’s land” to what was then known as the famous Paseo de Luneta.

Imagine the beginnings of a national park with a modest rectangular promenade 100 meters long and about 300 meters wide, complete with a drive for carriages called the “La Calzada,” a bandstand, and a glorieta at the center framed by two circular water fountains, and old-world European lampposts to light up the evening.

Soon enough it became the most important rendezvous point for Manila’s Spanish and local elite, where the señoritas, dressed in the manner of celebrating a special occasion, would enjoy the evening breeze, and the gentlemen caballeros, while mounted on their horses or carriages, would sweep past and around the women and their avanicos for an experience of a rather flirtatious

night while overlooking the deep blue bay. The governor’s military ensemble would play its music while Manila’s elite, better versed in the coquetries of the day, were hosted by the park’s romantic ambience.

But Old Luneta was not all romance and music. It was likewise the fertile ground on which insurecto blood was shed in the name of liberty while Manila’s well-heeled callously stood as witnesses. For close to 80 years, more than 160 patriots were felled by Spanish bullets on old Luneta’s square—the day’s version of a European public execution ground—including the three Filipino priests: Fathers Mariano Gomez, Jose Apolonio Burgos and Jacinto Zamora, whose deaths ignited what was to be later called as the Cavite Mutiny of 1872, and ultimately, the 1898 Revolution.

On the cold dry morning of December 30, 1896, a famed writer, novelist and propagandist, Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal was executed on the Luneta grounds for treason. About 40 years later, on July 4, 1946, the American flag was finally lowered and the Philippine flag was raised during a ceremony that was to complete our bid for independence. It was thus that no piece of land in the whole of Maynila was probably considered more sacred and sacrosanct than that of the old Spanish Luneta—This was later on transformed into Rizal Park in honor of the country’s national hero.

The Rizal Park of recent childhood memory came with dramatically stunning images: sprawls of green where it used to be the fad of the day to take picnics with family and friends; wide promenades where even the experience of a summer shower was welcome; the landscaped gardens bearing a Japanese motif within which lovers, huddled beneath the foliage’s shadows, tacit along the twine of other kindred souls, find a suitable place to whisper secrets; and the Rizal monument where Filipinos were reminded of one hero’s martyrdom for a people worth dying for. The Manila Bay then was still the Manila Bay of history, the subtle blue of its waters rising and ebbing beneath the caprice of a breathtaking sunset. In this stretch of land and water, battles were waged and won, and a once fragile sense of oneself was made to bear the first fruit of a vision that was yet to be realized.

It may be of little importance, but the Luneta of today seemed to be a breath shy of the same air of freedom that Filipinos used to take pleasure in along its wide walkways. Visiting it now with my children, I realized how far it is from the Luneta I knew as a child. I have yet to see an old world picnic enjoyed among its patches of greens, or a simple couple hiding behind a row of trees in a garden sculpted in the manner of Eden. Its picnic groves are now fettered by iron fences and made to appear more daunting by reminders that say it is a tad shy of a felony to linger on the grass.

More walks would lead you to more alleys, scenes and sites at the Luneta.

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The Manila Bay, once pristine and glittering under its famous sunrises and sunsets, now groans with the rubbish and litter of people who should know better than to desecrate a historic site. Rizal Park has now become a mere tourist attraction, where our Asian neighbors make it their best to make the most out of a tour guide’s itinerary. The history of Luneta is scarcely said in the manner of patriots, perhaps in monotone, a narrative learned by rote and devoid of the passion that was meant to inspire the genesis of a new nation.

It is, however, still regarded with significance.

Gone are the days when Luneta was used as execution ground of rebels. Luneta even now serves as the venue for important occasions, like The World Youth Day 1995 of Pope John Paul II where

a mass was held for a throng of five million—the largest of all foreign masses held by a pope. It was also at the Luneta, particularly the open air grounds of the Quirino Grandstand where the 2005 Southeast Asian Games opening and closing ceremonies were held. Mass rallies for different political ends—from former presidents Ferdinand Marcos to Corazon Aquino—had been conducted.

The best proof of this is the fact that the Rizal monument, made of bronze and granite and designed by a Swiss sculptor by the name of Richard Kissling, serves as the point of origin— Kilometer Zero—to all points of the country.

Foreign dignitaries, required by protocol, offer wreaths on the foot of the monument as a sign of their recognition that here lies an ordinary Filipino, beloved because of his extraordinary courage. Completed in 1913, the monument is, for numerous decades, guarded by the “Kabalyeros de Rizal” twenty-four hours a day, seven days weekly.

But prior to its development as a national park, Luneta became the hotbed of controversies and political grandstanding during the early years.

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Because of this, the tract of land was left bare and unkempt, and tousled in a mud of debates on how it may best be used. Among the picnic groves laid the seeds of criminality and immorality, the park being unruly by day and shrouded in pitched darkness at nightfall. The Rizal monument, the country’s most hallowed ground, stood without guard and was surrounded by cogon in the summer and cloaked in mud during the monsoons.

It had come to the point that Luneta—where Rizal’s monument and remains were found—had become a symbol of scandal and humiliation for Filipinos who passed by its streets.

It was only when the respected newspaper columnist Teodoro Valencia attacked the neglect Luneta had suffered that things began to change for the better. The era of former First Lady Imelda Marcos saw the metamorphosing of Rizal Park into what we know it today as the “bayanihan spirit” was rekindled and hundreds of private corporations and government agencies offered their services to develop the once unkempt wasteland.

That Luneta’s history has not drawn to a close

speaks widely of its significance today as a national park, thanks to the sites and landmarks that have offered excitement and recreational value to many Filipinos through the years. Casually walk down the park and you will be treated to a number of sites: a man-made lagoon with a replica of the Philippine islands in the middle; an open-air auditorium where classical and modern concerts are conducted; the Japanese and Chinese gardens, the National Library; the National Museum of the Filipino People; the Planetarium; the Quirino Grandstand; and the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion. It has transformed itself into a place whose charm Rizal himself would love to experience.

It suffices that Luneta has been the bosom on which the blood of countless martyrs had been shed. That we have a national park today that blooms like Eden amid a bustling and raucous city speaks well of our own heroic identity as a people, and the significance we bestow on our historic past. Needless to say, the dream that was Bagumbayan has, at last, metamorphosed into the reality of our “Bagong Bayan”—a people that has found its place in the world of the brave. g

| in the footsteps of illustrados |

TEXT AND PHOTOS by bernice roldan

The Rizal Monument in Madrid errected in 1996.

I wasn’t a fan of Jose Rizal

when I went to Spain in April. I’d managed to graduate from high school without going through all the pages of Noli Me Tangere, although I enjoyed the required Rizal course at the University of the Philippines.

Asked about the Philippine national hero during orientation week at the Dutch school where I’m now pursuing a Master’s in development studies, I could only say that Rizal was a revolutionary who wrote novels against Spanish colonial rule. I would’ve been happy to spend all five days in Barcelona to see Gaudi’s fantastic structures, but my Pinoy classmates wanted to spend two days to revisit Rizal in Madrid. I’d rescheduled a trip to London to experience sunny Spain, and seeing Barcelona and Madrid in one go seemed a good deal.

At the Palacio Real.

Where to find Rizal in Madrid? I only had Lonely Planet recommendations on my list: the Prado and Reina Sofia museums (the latter famous for having Picasso’s “Guernica” on display), Parque del Buen Retiro, Palacio Real, the Egyptian Templo de Debod.

Obviously we wouldn’t find Rizal there. Four out of seven of us had brought our laptops to Spain (to work on essay and research proposal deadlines), so sitting in our bunk beds at the hostel after we arrived, we Googled a bit and came across Ambeth Ocampo’s column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and a few other articles.

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The University of Madrid had several campuses, we learned, but we couldn’t guess at which building Rizal studied medicine and liberal arts, so that was out. The anthropology museum had a ground floor exhibit dedicated to the Philippines, with watercolors by 19th century Filipino painters like Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Filipiniana weapons and textiles, and even a remnant of a canoe suspended from the high ceiling.

It was near the Atocha metro station, and judging from the map’s layout, Madrid’s metro system was easy to navigate, so the museum

was a good option. Finally, there was Rizal’s monument, a smaller replica of the one in Luneta Park, set up on the Avenida de Filipinas in Madrid to observe Rizal’s death centenary in 1996. It was supposed to be near the Islas de Filipinas metro station, and though we didn’t know where exactly it stood there, this would be our first stop.

I ended up getting separated from most of my friends on our way to the metro. Just as we were approaching Sol station near the hostel, I realized I’d left my metro ticket behind. Just get off at Islas de Filipinas, they said in parting. Since

we shared the ticket for two, Charlie went back with me.

Our friends ended up getting off at another station, and were already walking toward the monument just as Charlie and I got off at Islas de Filipinas. I gave them a call to ask for directions, but their typical Filipino instructions (“Just ask around,” “Just look for the avenida,” “It’s just there”) weren’t much help. I was certain that if I asked the locals for directions to Rizal’s monument they would give me a look like I was from Mars. Charlie was good with maps, but it still turned out to be a long, drawn-

out walk for us as we followed the long stretch of the avenida in search of the monument.

When we finally found it, standing in solitude outside a park in a commercial and residential district, a few benches nearby, Pinoy friends nowhere in sight, it was still a relief.

We took a few photos with our national hero and examined the large brass plaques flanking his monument: one bearing a reproduction of “Mi Ultimo Adios” in Rizal’s own script, the other showing the text of “Huling Paalam” in Tagalog. It was lovely, though a bit sad, to see the pigeons perched comfortably on the book

Rizal held in his left hand against his chest, or on the heads of the seated figures around him, stone-gray feathers almost melding with figures in stone.

I happened to be wearing my UP centennial T-shirt of the Oblation that day (though just by coincidence), and I thought for a while about being a Filipino in Spain, and Spain’s references to the Philippines through this historical marker, this avenue, that metro station. I wondered aloud if the heroes of our classmates from Latin America were given similar tributes.

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Did Mexico, Colombia and Bolivia have similar historical markers around the streets of Madrid?

Charlie said that his classmates from Spain, scholars already and presumably a cut above the rest in terms of their education, didn’t know that the Philippines had been under Spanish occupation for over 300 years.

I would later read from a Bohol blog that Spain had gone abroad in search of the “Spice Islands” in particular, that Spain had come upon the Americas by accident, and its original purpose was to discover the Malay Archipelago and the “rich ports of Asia.” The loss of the Philippines in 1898 was interpreted as the end of the Spanish empire. But that day, Charlie and I weren’t sure how Spain paid its respects to its former colonies in Latin America.

We didn’t stay long. Though I was thankful for the blazing blue sky as the historical marker photographed nicely against it, it was uncomfortably hot, and the monument was surrounded by little else but concrete. By that time our friends were already on their way to the Parque del Buen Retiro. I checked my list of

deface, and they didn’t recognize the allusion to history.

I’m now reminded of how Spain, like Italy, struck me because the scores of people we met or saw that looked Filipino turned out to really be Filipino. In the Netherlands, we usually get asked if we come from Indonesia, which is understandable because Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony. Anyone from the Malay race here is, at first glance, taken for Indonesian. It has also become hit-and-miss for me, which wasn’t always the case. Now in the Netherlands, I’ve also encountered people (who at first glance seemed Filipino) that turned out to be in fact Indonesian.

This wasn’t so in Madrid. It was funny how in practically every tapas bar and restaurant we went to, there was always a Filipino handing out menus to the diners, taking their orders, or working the cash register. Some of them had been working in Spain for 14 years, or nine years, while some had been born and raised there and were unable to hold a conversation with us in Filipino, but instead spoke a mix of Spanish, Filipino and English.

To me, the appeal of seeing Rizal’s monument in Madrid had to do with the fact that like him more than 120 years ago, we’re now Filipino scholars finding our way around Europe.

Regrettably, I’ve forgotten a lot of what I learned in school about Rizal’s life and works. But going through some of Ocampo’s columns posted online now, I identify with how Rizal lived as a foreign student: always being short of cash, keeping in touch with family members back home, staying in the homes of friends in various European cities, building friendships and getting into misunderstandings with fellow Filipino expatriates.

There is a passage in Ocampo’s article titled ‘The rain in Spain, according to Rizal,’ published in the Inquirer’s opinion The plaques containing the Mi Ultimo Adios in Spanish, in Rizal’s own section in April 2008, where handwriting, and in Tagalog. the historian and teacher talks Lonely Planet recommendations, and chose the about asking his students to go over Rizal’s Egyptian temple to see something I hadn’t seen in journal entries, and how they took note of how the other countries we’d visited in Europe so far, Rizal wasn’t very good at balancing his expenses, and to make the most of the remaining daylight. and that he spent his money on books and Back in The Hague, before writing this piece, postage more than food. As though comparing I asked Chris, one of my friends, why he wanted notes with Rizal, I now find myself thinking to see Rizal in Spain. It was a straightforward about my expenses as a foreign resident in The reply: Rizal is a symbol of being Filipino and he is Hague, and come up with food (which are our national hero. Chris had mentioned how he bought at the open market and three separate told off a bunch of local kids who were all set to supermarkets, not like back home where you can vandalize the base of Rizal’s monument in Madrid find everything you need in just one place), travel when my Pinoy friends got there. Those kids, expenses like airfare, train tickets and hostel like Charlie’s classmates, very likely had no idea bookings, and admission fees to visit museums. who Rizal was; it was just another monument to The national hero’s complaints about

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European weather are particularly enjoyable for me. The article quotes from a letter Rizal sent to his family in January 1883, in a passage where the scholar abroad goes on at length comparing Madrid rain to that of the Philippines: “It began to rain, which was a pleasure, but it was a little rain, “ticatic,” as we say over there, lasting one week. The streets were filled with dirty and thick mud, the ground was slippery and in between the holes in the old and wornout pavement were pools of water and little marshes like the “lubluban ng mga carabao” (mud puddles for carabaos to wallow). Afterwards a cold that penetrates through the marrow of the bones and nothing more can be asked. How ugly was Madrid! The sidewalks and streets were full of umbrellas whose merciful points left many one-eyed. When least expected, a wind would blow, turning the unfortunate umbrella inside out, placing the owner of such a flexible gadget in a ridiculous and serious embarrassment. At least over there, when it rains, it rains heavily enough to wash the streets and the houses have eaves under which one can take shelter; but here rain is very fine, like “matang Europa” (European eyes). Then, the newspapers speak of storm, but my God, what a storm!”

I’m reminded of what my classmates and I have termed “schizophrenic Dutch weather”: sunny, cloudy and rainy all in one day in this alleged spring season, or even all three within the space of an hour. Like in Madrid, the rain in The Hague is fine, but the wind can be cold and unforgiving, and at times you can hear its moans echoing above the rooftops of the city.

Rather than find shelter under an umbrella, it’s better to walk outside with just a wool beret or corduroy cap on your head, or wearing a rainproof hooded jacket, because the wind can snap your umbrella just like that. Two of my umbrellas have already been broken here, and I’ve used them both only a handful of times.

Shortly after I came to the Netherlands for my studies, I learned that reading an article or a book is like having a conversation with the author. You approach the text with your expectations in place, with a set of questions raised, with some previous knowledge on the subject. Revisiting Rizal in Madrid, and finding blank spaces in my memory on Philippine history, has made me Google his name and the Spanish capital’s relationship with the Philippines. Part of me wishes I’d known about the Place Rizal in Paris, or the Rizal memorial plaques in Hong Kong, New York or London.

I’ve been to these places, and who knows, I might have tried revisiting Rizal there.

I’ll see if I can convince my sister to get me a copy of a book on Rizal’s life and works. I’d like to read what he had to say about the places I’ve been to, find out what other things we might have in common, see if he has arguments that I don’t agree with, understand for myself what love of country meant to him, or, simply put, get reacquainted with our national hero without the overcoat, so to speak. g

The sign at the metro which says Avenida de Filipinas.

The Plaza Mayor.

by mario banzon

My brother’s girlfriend rarely takes the MRT even if the

North Avenue station is just a few minutes away from her apartment. When I asked her why, she took out her phone and showed me a video taken at seven in the morning. I could see from the hazy footage the passengers struggling just to get into the gates two floors up. Seriously, they looked like a cast of zombies from 28 Days Later.

But despite the seeming impossibility of penetrating that angry, restless crowd, I have no qualms taking the MRT in the morning. I have this technique. All I need is a pair of earphones, some music and I’m ready to swim into the sea of sweltering humanity. Think of it as body surfing.

Just let your body be swayed by the crowd and lo and behold you will end up at the entrance where the guards are ready to poke into your bag.

The truth is I have a love-hate relationship with the MRT. I love it because it has saved me from countless of times. I remember one horrendous morning when I woke up from a nasty hangover only to realize that I had to get to Makati in 30 minutes for an important meeting. Of course I did what every panic-stricken employee would do: I bolted out of my bed, snatched the first article of clothing that I saw, doused myself with a bit of water, and off I went to the station.

I made it to my appointment but I stunk to high heavens. Now if I had taken a cab or a bus then I might have as well kissed my “raket” goodbye.

What I hate though is taking the train from South to North late in the afternoon. The Makati station, for example, almost always has a long queue. In fact, by the time the train pulls over at the Ayala station, it has already filled its coaches to full capacity. Once, when I tried to force myself in, I was literally hurled into the compartment by the passengers behind me. When the door closed behind us, I found myself being propped up by a wall of people. It was so dense that, seriously, my cellphone began dialing numbers by itself. That’s why whenever I find myself in Makati late in the afternoon I begin to think of exit strategies.

Do I have the luxury to take the bus and be stuck in traffic for the rest of the night? Do

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I kill time and stroll around the mall until ten in the evening when the crowd at the station had considerably lessened? Do I just take the long route and ride a jeepney going to San Juan and then another jeep going to Shaw? Recently though I discovered a pretty clever solution.

Indeed, trust the Filipinos to find ways in making life a little easier. Just a few months ago, I discovered a widely known trick where I can peacefully sashay into the train and claim my spot in the belly of the beast. Apparently, everybody does this. All I have to do is jump into the South bound train, go all the way to Taft and then change trains at the last station. It’s as easy as that.

And for a more comfortable ride, I go straight to the middle, pin myself to the wall, and take out my mp3 player. Chances are, after the fourth pop song I am already in my destination.

Despite all the possible hassles, that, I believe, is why I still love the MRT. Back in the late ‘90s when an actual train has yet to appear before our very eyes, traveling from Quezon City to Makati would mean listening to not just four 5-minute pop songs but to an entire double CD — thrice.

Those who were born before the route was established would be very shocked to know that today’s traffic is in no way comparable to the massive jams we had back in the day. I was still a student when the MRT was in its last phase of construction. I remember coming out of the university (mine was situated along EDSA) and seeing the train rushing above the clogged streets for the very first time. Believe it or not but my classmates and I were quite excited by the sight of it.

The concept of an actual train breezing through EDSA was still very much science fiction. For us below, the train appeared to be flying. And I guess until a flying taxi or teleportation is invented — wouldn’t it be nice if we are able to teleport ourselves right in the middle of Ayala in a split second? —the MRT will still be the quickest way to get anywhere between North Avenue and Taft. Of course, it’s not as luxurious as riding a limo but for a lot of Filipinos getting home in just a few hours — or in some cases, a few minutes— is a luxury that most are already happy to have. g

poetry berso sa metro NI harris albert guevarra

Takot ako sa kabilisan. Lagi akong kinakabahang

gumalaw, o magdesisyon nang mabilis sa isang iglap lamang, dahil parang hindi ko ito pinag-isipan. Kaya’t nalulungkot ako tuwing sumasakay ng tren, dahil parang lagi kong naiiwan ang iniisip ko. Yung parang nasa utak ko pa rin yung La Salle sa Vito Cruz station kahit palampas na ako ng Quirino Station. Bumaba kaya muna ako sa Quirino upang umuwi sa Pandacan, ang bayang aking kinalakihan?

Ngunit late na ako sa ahensya kung saan pipirmahan ko ang kontratang maghahatid sa akin sa ibang bayan.

Natanggap ako sa Kuwait bilang assistant creative director sa isang advertising agency. Triple ang sahod kumpara sa kinikita ko ngayon. Sa totoo lang, ni isang beses hindi ko inisip na umalis ng Pilipinas. Sentimental ako, at lagi kong ikinukumpara ang bayan ko sa isang babaeng pakamamahalin ko, at hinding-hindi ko iiwan. Naaalala ko noong pumasok ako sa Malate Literary Folio. Nagpasa ako ng isang tula kung saan ikinumpara ko ang bayan ko sa babaeng kinasiping isang gabi. Mahilig pa ako kay Neruda noon, at halos memoryado ko pa ang mga linya niya kung saan naghahalo ang katawan ng babae at kagandahan ng mga lupain.

Si Neruda ang unang makatang hinangaan ko. Sa kanya ko unang naramdamang normal ang pagiging sentimental. Sa pagkakatawang tao ng pagmamahal niya sa bayan una akong nakaramdam ng lungkot, lalo na noong kailangan na niya itong iwan. kapag ako ay umalis kapag ako ay bumalik ipagkait mo na sa akin ang tinapay, ang hangin, ang liwanag at ang tagsibol huwag lamang ang iyong ngiti dahil ito’y aking ikasasawi Umibig ako nang limang ulit, at ang huling dalawa ay para sa iisang tao. Nakilala ko si Sheila noong grade school ako. Nakilala ko si Eureka noong high school ako. Nakilala ko si Mylene habang kakilala ko si Eureka. At nakilala ko si Rochelle, matapos ko silang lahat makilala. Nang makilala ko si Rochelle, iniwan ko ang bayan sa aking tula. Ang babae ay babae na lamang, at ni hindi minsan sumagi sa konsepto ng bayan.

Katulad ng ordinaryong lalaki, nagkasala ako. Sinaktan ko si Rochelle. Nagtangka akong umibig sa iba. Nang tumalikod siya, iniwan din ako ng isa. Dito mas lumalim ang pagtingin ko sa pag-ibig. Dito ko napagdesisyunang maging makata. Mas naging matatas ang dila ko, nang inikutan ko ang sugat ng pag-ibig. Mas lumalim ang pagtingin ko sa mundo. At mula noon, nangako ako sa sarili kong hindi na ako mangangako nang hindi ko tutuparin.

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motion

verse at the metro by harris albert guevarra (translated by Jewel Castro)

I am afflicted with motion sickness. I am

always afraid to move, or to act so quickly, as if without thinking. This is why taking the LRT makes me feel lonely, because it moves so fast it leaves my thoughts behind. My thoughts, they linger at La Salle at Vito Cruz Station, even as the train speeds towards Quirino Station. Shall I get off at Quirino and go to Pandacan, my home, where I grew up?

But I am already late. I must go on to the placement agency, where I will sign the contract that will bring me to another country, another place that I must make my new home.

I got a job in Kuwait as an assistant creative director for an advertising agency. The pay is three times bigger than my current salary as a copywriter. Looking back, I had never thought of leaving the Philippines. I am a sentimental person, and I would always compare my homeland to a woman I would always adore and never ever leave. I remember when I first applied to be part of Malate Literary Folio. I submitted a poem where I compared my country to a girl I had made love to. Back then, I was reading a lot of Pablo Neruda, and I can still recall almost every one of his lines where the beauty of the land was likened to the beauty of a woman.

Neruda is the first poet I have ever admired. From him, I learned that being sentimental was normal. Reading of his love for his homeland turned into flesh, I felt his sadness, especially when the time came for him to leave it. if I leave if I return deprive me of bread, of breath of light and life but not of your smile because I will die I have fallen in love five times—the last one, I loved her twice. I loved Sheila when I was in grade school. I loved Eureka when I was in high school. I loved Mylene while I was still loving Eureka.

And Rochelle, I loved her after I had loved the others. When I met Rochelle, my poems left the land—a woman was now a woman, and she had nothing to do with my country’s hills and valleys.

But I made a mistake. I hurt Rochelle when I fell in love with someone else. When Rochelle turned her back on me, the other one left as well. This was when I decided to become a poet.

When love became mute, I found my tongue becoming more eloquent and my thoughts less naive.

From then on, I resolved to never make another promise I wouldn’t be able to keep.

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Humingi ka ng sampaguita... Di kita bibigyan. dahil nang puputulin ko na sa mga sanga’y nanginig ang aking kamay at ang dibdib ko’y nanikip dahil sa awa.

Ayokong magdusa ang mga bulaklak na iyan, gaya ng pagdurusa ng puso kong malayo sa iyo; ayokong sa sandaling hawakan ng aking kamay, iya’y malanta at mamatay.

(Jose Palma) Huminto ang tren, ngunit hindi ang pangarap kong ituloy ang pagtula. Naniniwala akong sa pagtingin mula sa kalayuan mo lang mauunawaan ang nais mong tahakin na katotohanan. Na kapag iniwan ko na ang Pilipinas, makikita ko nang buong buo ang buhay ko noon, ang takbo ng utak ko kahapon. Magagawa ko lamang ito sa isang lugar na walang nakakakilala sa akin, nang walang bakas ng nakaraan. Dito lang ako magiging bagong tao na pinapangarap ko.

Masakit para sa akin na iwan ang Pilipinas, dahil dito ko nakilala ang pinakamatatalik kong kaibigan at pamilya, ang pinakamaiiigting na kasintahan, ang pag-ibig, ang pangarap. Buhay na buhay ang aking buhay sa Pilipinas. Maaari kong hawakan at yakapin, totoong totoo at hindi ilusyon.

Dito ako naging maligaya. Gusto kong sagutin si Pedro Calderon de la Barca nang tanungin niya sa kanyang tula kung ano ang buhay: Ano nga ba ang buhay? Isang kahibangan; Ano nga ba ang buhay? Isang ilusyon; Isang anino, isang kasinungalingan, At ang malalaking biyaya’y maliliit pa rin, Dahil ang buhay ay isa lamang pangarap At ang mga pangarap ay pangarap lamang.

Hindi kabaliwan ang buhay, kapag kapiling mo ang mga minamahal sa bayang iyong kinalakhan.

Hindi ilusyon ang buhay, kung gumigising ka araw-araw at pagbukas mo ng bintana, isang tanawing pamilyar na pamilyar ang makikipagtitigan sa iyo. Walang anino, walang kasinungalingan.

Sa Pilipinas, lagi kang may matatakbuhan. Ka-inuman, ka-kuwentuhan, ka-hingian ng ulam, ka-kantahan, lahat ng biyaya ay malaking malaki. At sa wikang Tagalog, hindi kailanman naging masaklap ang salitang panaginip.

Siguro totoo nga na kailangan mong umalis para mas matuto ka sa buhay. Para mas may matutulong ka sa pamilya mo para sa magandang bukas. Siguro mas matututo akong mahalin ang sarili ko kung nag-iisa na ako at walang makapitan.

Hindi na naman gumagalaw ang orasan sa City Hall. Kung mapapahinto ko ba ang oras, mapapag-isipan ko pa ba kung dapat pa ba akong bumaba sa susunod na istasyon? Dapat ba talaga akong umalis ng Pilipinas? Iiwan ko ba ang buhay na natutunan ko nang mahalin?

Maraming tanong.

Tatlong tula na ang nabasa ko sa LRT, ngunit lalo nitong pinahihirap ang mga tanong ko sa sarili. Ito bang babaeng nagbabasa ng isa pang tula sa harap ko at biglang napatigil sa pagriring ng kanyang telepono, anong problema o ligaya kaya ang naputol na lang bigla sa utak niya? Saan kaya siya pupunta? Yung lalaking naka-kuntodo porma, mukhang galing lang sa pag-aaplay sa trabaho at ngayon ay nakatitig lang sa isang tula, natanggap kaya siya? Saan din kaya siya pupunta? Sadyang napakaganda ng proyektong ilagay ang tula sa tren, sapagkat ang tula ang nagpapanatili sa iyo sa kabila ng mabilis

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na paggalaw ng mundo.

Malinaw ang tanawin sa labas ng bintana ng tren, buong-buo mong nakikita ang lahat na hindi mo magagawa kung ikaw ay nasa ibaba’t kasalamuha ang ngayong tinitingnan. Mula sa aking kinalalagyan, nakalahad ang kapaligiran nang tunay na tunay: matatayog na gusaling hindi magpapatumba, mga sasakyang tila tiyak na tiyak ang patutunguhan. Sadyang sa kalayuan mo lang matatanaw nang kay linaw ang katotohanang nais mong matunghayan.

Tama. Iiwan ko ang Pilipinas, upang mas matukoy kung ano ba talaga ang silbi ko sa mundo. Iiwan ko ang Pilipinas para mas matukoy kung ano ba ang dapat na itula ko.

Makakakilala ako ng ibang tao mula sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo. Makakarinig ako ng iba’t ibang kuwento. Nakahanda akong makinig at matuto.

Bumaba akong buong-buo ang loob sa Central Station. Ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng istasyon? Isang istasyon pa lamang ang bababaan ko sa buhay ko, at marami pa akong pupuntahan pagkatapos nito. Lumabas ako sa pintuan, at pakiramdam ko ay sinalubong ako ng mundo. g

You ask for sampaguita... I won’t give it. because when I pulled a branch my hand trembled and my heart clenched with pity.

I don’t want that flower to suffer like my heart when we’re apart; for the moment it feels my hand it will wither and die.

(Jose Palma) The train had reached its stop but not my dream to continue my poetry. I believe that searching further will be the key to understanding the path which will lead to the truth. That when I Ieave the Philippines, I will wholly see my life then, how my mind was racing yesterday. I will only be able to do this at a place where no one knows me, where nothing can be traced back to me. It is only here where I could become the new person that I dream of.

It is painful for me to leave the Philippines, for it is here that I have loved my family, my best friends, my most fervent lovers. It is here that I have learned to love and dream. Here, my life is alive. Everything I know and love, I can touch and embrace. I would like to say something to Pedro Calderon de la Barca, who asks about what life is: What is life, then? A lunacy; What is life, then? An illusion; A shadow, a lie, And the great blessings are small, Because life is but a dream And dreams are merely dreams.

Life is not lunacy, if you are with the ones you love. Life is not an illusion, if a familiar landscape greets you each morning when you open the window. There are no shadows, no lies, because in the Philippines there is always someone to run to—to drink with you, and tell you stories, and share your food, and even small blessings are great, and yes, life is a dream, for in Tagalog the word for “dream” has never been tragic.

Perhaps it is true that you sometimes need to leave your comfort zone in order to learn about life, or in order to give your family a better future. Perhaps also I can love myself better when I find myself alone.

The hands of the clock on City Hall remain unmoving. If I could make time stop, could I still decide on getting off at the station? Do I really have to leave the Philippines? Would I leave the life that I have learned to love? There are many questions.

I have read three poems in my ride at the LRT, but they make the questions I ask myself even harder. This woman in front of me who is reading another poem, suddenly interrupted by the ringing of her phone, what sadness and joy could’ve been broken from her thoughts?

Where is she headed? The well-dressed young man who seemed to have come from applying for a job, and now staring at one poem, did he get the job? Where is he going? Indeed, it’s a good project to display poems in the train, because in spite of the fast-paced world, they

make you stay.

Outside the window is a clear view. You could look fully at everything that you wouldn’t be able to see when you’re down there with the other people. From where I am standing, what is revealed to me is the truth of the surroundings: the unbreakable high-rising buildings, vehicles seemingly definite of their destination. Undeniably, it’s only with distance that you could see the truth that you envision.

True. I will leave the Philippines to know what’s my purpose in this world. I will leave the Philippines to know even more of the poetry that I should write. I will meet other people from different parts of the world. I will hear many different stories. I am ready to listen and learn.

At the Central Station, I got off the train with strong determination. Truly. What is the meaning of a station? I have just stepped out of one station in my life, and there are many more in the future. I went out of the door feeling the world welcoming me. g

Editor’s Note: The Tagalog translations have been lifted from the poems posted in the Light Rail Transit displays of Berso sa Metro. Many thanks to The Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

June 2009 | balikbayan 41

With Joey Albert.

MPG Global Productions, LLC is the

newest player in the concert-producing scene in the United States and is managed by Mely Pechangco Gabriel or Bing. MPG Global Productions, LLC has just recently begun to stage shows back in March 2008, but already the company has made a mark.

And to think Bing’s venture weeks to put up the entire show but the hard work was all worth only began as a hobby. Bing used it. The concert was a resounding success as a full capacity crowd to be in the jewelry business while filled the concert hall to the rafters. her hubby Jojo was in the field Two months later, on March 8, 2008, Bing mounted her of architecture back home in the second venture, this one featuring Kuh Ledesma. Crowds filled Philippines. Jojo was eventually the VFW Hall once again and gave MPG Global Productions a assigned to the Republic of Palau back-to-back hit. where the couple lived for 10 Bing faced the first major challenge in her producing career when she took on the cudgels to produce “The Hitmakers,” the years. In 2003, realizing they had no immediate family to come back collective name of Hajji Alejandro, Marco Sison, Nonoy Zuniga, home to since everyone moved Rico J. Puno and Rey Valera when they went all over the United to the US, Bing and Jojo decided States for their concert tour.

With Kuh Ledesma. to try their luck as a family in the She decided to bring the show to Lakeland, Florida a half land of milk and honey. an hour drive away from Orlando and three hours from both Bing continued to dabble in jewelry but accepted an offer to take over Miami and Jacksonville. Bing’s brothers and sister are based there and she the reins of a Filipino restaurant in Sayreville, New Jersey in 2006 where wanted to have her family’s support on this undertaking. she initially got the idea to get involved in the entertainment business, The show was scheduled for September 6, 2008 and as fate would seeing various producers coming to her restaurant, leaving some flyers have it, a hurricane was scheduled to make its landfall on the same exact and posters and requesting her to help sell tickets. date. Bing conferred with the performers and decided to move the event to September 27. The concert didn’t make money because of this move It took numerous shows before her initial thought was solidified. Bing sought the advice of her aunt Faith Bautista, a known businesswoman and Bing’s winning streak came to a screeching halt. and community leader in Southern California, and after some talk, her This however, did not deter Bing from pushing forward. In fact, the resolve was strengthened. near-loss pushed her to become more ambitious with the production’s Her first try was a show featuring Joey Albert at the VFW Hall also projects. Bing realized that she needed a bigger challenge in order for her to grow exponentially as a person and as a producer. in Sayreville, about a mile away from her restaurant. Bing only had three It was a good thing that Bing persevered as her next venture had astounding results. The Divas 4 Divas Concert that featured four of the Philippines’ top divas - Kuh Ledesma, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez and Regine Velasquez at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City welcomed MPG Global Productions to the big league.

More recently, MPG Global Productions has brought the megastar, Sharon Cuneta, to New Jersey.

“I take each day, each challenge, each production at a time and I am so excited. We are making sure that no stone is left unturned in our production so that our kababayans will have a great experience watching shows,” Bing says. g Bing with the hitmakers Rey Valera, Rico J. Puno, Hadji Alejandro and Marco Sison.

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making news.

keeping score of history.

| room with a viewpoint |

A hero’s welcome by the lake by marie angeli syjUECO | the ajpress

At Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas, remarkable are the suites named after the favorite sons of Batangas: Mabini, Malvar, Recto and Agoncillo.

At the Pantalan, with the Taal Volcano in the background

Club Balai Isabel is a must-visit lakeside

residential resort giving you a mystifying experience of the Taal Volcano like never before. Tagaytay is very famous for it’s enchanting view of a very serene volcano and its lake.

The volcano island covers about 23 square kilometers and has 47 craters. Within the island is the Crater Lake, popularly known as the “lake within the lake”. To get to Taal Volcano up close and personal, we drove 7.5 kilometers downhill from Tagaytay enjoying a scenic view of nature at its best. We reached the lakeshore of Talisay, home to Club Balai Isabel, welcoming us with the blue green waters of the lake.

Almost paradise, Club Balai Isabel is just the right place where one could treat loved ones and spend days in pleasure with nature, escaping from the exhausting busy city lifestyle. This lakeside resort offers comfort and tranquility present in Batangas, fit for relaxation and rest. One could enjoy these with the cool temperature and the remarkable experience of the magnificence of the world-famous Taal Volcano any time of the year.

A selection of room accommodations are beautifully lined along the shoreline of Club Balai Isabel which gives you an unobstructed view of the lake where Taal Volcano resides.

These are designed to feel like hotel rooms that

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best suit one’s taste to assure pure satisfaction.

There’s a variety to choose from. Remarkable are the suites named after the favorite sons of Batangas: Mabini, Malvar, Recto and Agoncillo.

In our visit in Club Balai Isabel, we took a plunge on the two infinity pools, chilled on the floating cabanas and went kayaking. And definitely, one wouldn’t want to miss the boat ride to get closer to the breath-taking Taal Volcano’s crater on horseback or by foot.

There’s also the Balikatan course that delivers physical obstacles for people who are looking for more action and adventure. This is a perfect addition for corporate functions or a playground not only for the kids but also for those young at heart.

For those whose passion is eating, a trip to the Terraza Lakeside Restaurant would complete your stay in Club Balai Isabel. You could grab a bite of all the mouth-watering local and international food including twists to the specialties of the region. And for added pleasure, one could enjoy a cup of the famous Kapeng Barako or Tsokolate Ala E! Towards the end of the day, relaxation gets even better when we indulge ourselves in the massage services offered in Nanay Unyang’s Village. A variety of other treatments are available in the near-by wellness complex.

Club Balai Isabel’s amenities and facilities make it the perfect choice for a get-away trip during holidays, corporate events and special occasions. g

| our town |

How does one write about his hometown?

For the poet, critic, dramatist and cultural activist Bienvenido Lumbera, 77, writing it is not merely remembering the days of the old town fiestas and youth long gone. Writing home, writing the hometown is embodying the whole universe of the place, its culture and history.

More so, writing about home is continuing to tell its stories, and for Lumbera, National Artist for Literature and Ramon Magsaysay laureate for Literature, Journalism and Creative Communication Arts, writing about his hometown, Lipa, Batangas, had been a continuing desire to connect, a desire to be home in this day and age of placelessness.

In some of his works, we could easily get a glimpse of his life and sense of belongingness in this bustling city of the south known for its colorful heritage. He has created his hometown in some poems, and in a zarzuela, and his own honest work teaches us to never, ever give up

on imagination.

I sat down with the National Artist one afternoon at his quaint home of rustic red bricks and capiz sliding windows in suburban Quezon City. Lumbera welcomed us warmly, shaking our hands tightly as he led us to the long wooden table of dark brown.

The dining table, the lamps above it, and the windows are familiar, I tell myself. In the epic film Barako by Batangueño poet Manolito Sulit, Lumbera played the older character of the Publicist, who had vigorously fought for expression and change in the film’s fictional Batangas.

text and translations By louie jon sanchez | photos by andrew tadalan | the ajpress

In the film, which is actually an ode to Batangas and the bravery and resiliency of its people, friends joined Lumbera in a “barakuhan” session where they continue to talk about the issues of the day over cups of Barako coffee. In the penultimate scene in that same table, Lumbera had transformed the character of the Publicist into a modern day Pilosopo Tasyo, the wise man, who endures and bears witness to the times. He had the same aura and demeanor when he started to talk about his hometown, and how it permeated his work. His role in the film is clearly reflective of his own advocacies in real life, and his faith in the people of his homeland.

“Lipa is a town with a long history,” tells Lumbera, as he poured onto his cup freshly brewed coffee, which smelled strong, I surmised it was barako. Observing him, Lumbera is clearly a man who chooses his words, as if with the belief of their meaningful weight. “In the 19th century, and even earlier, there were artists and poets who have contributed to the cultural reputation of Lipa. Lipa is really a very cultural town.” In recounting his poignant memories of grand fiestas and celebrations and dramatic presentations as well as public poetry renditions, he believes that the cultural landscape of his town had definitely shaped his artistic consciousness.

As the bard from Lipa, he had described his hometown quite enigmatically in poems such as “Umaga sa Lipa” (Mornings in Lipa) and “Agaw-Dilim sa Lipa” (Twilight in Lipa), found in his first selection, Balaybay: Mga Tulang Lunot at Manibalang (2002). In describing two lyric moments of the same hometown, Lumbera paints for us this landscape which he says had “lingered in his mind” while growing up. The chiaroscuro, the play of light and darkness in the poems echoed with my own experience of memories in the Lumbera home that afternoon. All these years, it seems that the poet Lumbera had continued to look back, to look for his hometown despite the presence of twilight, of forgetfulness, with the hope of finally catching its elusive mystery, of understanding the lore and the lands in its various shades, lights and movements: Nang magtakipsilim kahapon sa Lipa, Ibo’y isa-isang Dumapong may daing

When twilight came yesterday at Lipa the birds, one by one landed with grief

sa tuyot na sanga.

Paanong bulaklak ay namukadkad— lantang alaala

onto the dry branch.

How did the flower ever bloom— was it withered memory

sa matang nabulag? (nang aking lingunin ang bayang maningning, karimla’y lumatag)

in the shaded eye? (when I looked back at my glimmering town darkness fell)

Nature is the best storyteller of any land, and Lumbera was aware of it when he mused on the madness of birds, and the early morning sunrise of Lipa. He had grown in this land and he had known its pulse, its beat.

In his poetry, at least, we had seen how he frames his town, how he sees it, wearing the poet’s observant eye, which is also the eye of a million homecomings. Indeed, nothing is missed.

The poet, who had written the nation in the corpus of his works, first wrote the country home. The sleepy town of Lipa, its alleyways and streets, its sad church bells, and its silence after dark became Lumbera’s initiations into the lifelong gathering of musings and memories, or remembering despite the many leave-takings. He had apprenticed so well in nature, placing himself in the long line of artists that have made a name for Lipa. Lipa is Lumbera’s primal passion, and his sharp sentiments and leanings have been grounded in the land, both estranging and endearing.

His works, such as the well received musical Tales of the Manuvu in the late 1970s did exactly this.

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“As writers, we always have the desire to connect with the culture of our own town. Firstly, it gives identity to any person, to the person who hails from Lipa, who yearns to reclaim his own culture. I may have had no actual participation in my own culture in Lipa, but it is always my desire to be part of it.”

The work is a retelling of the magical myths of the indigenous tribe, representative of the whole Filipino mythos.

But coming from the lower middle social class, Lumbera the nationalist, had known that the culture of the Lipa of his time is entirely different from what was accepted by the populace. “The rich here were Europeanized, they had very nice furniture, they kept art. Our culture was very Ilustrado back then.” The culture he was speaking of is obviously the high art of the yesteryears.

“I didn’t have any actual contact with this prevailing culture before,” he says. “And the era was also a reflection of the milieu. It was elite, and I was coming from a different belief system. When I studied in Manila, at the University of Santo Tomas, I focused my energies in writing in English.

I became more estranged in my own culture because the subjects I wrote about were very different from my realities,” adds the critic, who finished his PhD in comparative literature at the University of Indiana in 1967.

But remaining rooted to the land, the professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines always remembered the stories he once heard as a child. “There were little stories from the old folks, and because of them, I had understood the story of our hometown and the people who live there. My own creativity started in listening and remembering those stories, even from people who were revered and educated. They have contributed so much in our culture and in my own consciousness,” he says. This rootedness had branched out into his groundbreaking study of the history of Tagalog Poetry from 1570 to 1898, and onto his current bigger project of defining Filipino aesthetics.

Lumbera also has some poignant memories with him as he continuously imagines Lipa. “In my life, Lipa is the place of my awakening in life. I lived in Lipa since I was born, until I finished high school. My high school days have brought me so much experience, so much understanding of things in life,” he says. “On the one hand, there was the innocence of a young man growing in society; on the other were realities that continued to take that innocence away.” These interrogations in his own life brought him different ways of looking and looking back at his hometown.

In another occasion, Lumbera was able to pin down on paper these interrogations about Lipa when he wrote the National Centennial Literary Award winner zarzuela, Hibik at Himagsik nina Victoria Lactaw, Atbp. (Laments and Sentiments of Victoria Lactaw, Etc.). The zarzuela’s story lingered on the plight of a particular group of women residing in a fictional Lipa during the American colonial period. Lumbera had long

wanted to put Lipa in the map of history, and he had accomplished this yearning through the imagination.

“I had the chance to write those memories of childhood through Victoria Lactaw,” Lumbera says, breathing deeply as he recalled his experience of writing the 1998 play. Inspired by a poem-manifesto signed by women protesting the rape of Filipinas by American soldiers. The poem titled “Hibik Namin” (Our Laments) came out in the Heraldo Filipino in 1899, and helped Lumbera create a universe for these brave women who stood for their dignity, their stories set in a Lipa on the claws of another colonizer. “There were nine of them who signed, vehemently protesting.

They all lived in that world of Lipa, where I had placed them all. In the story, there were revolts happening and men were being arrested. The women had to take a stand,” he adds. In this excerpt from the character Conching’s song, we can clearly hear how bravery fired up the women’s desire to free themselves from the havoc of colonialism: Salamat at nagpasugo Ang bayang dinahas, Ako pala at ang baya’y Iisa ang palad.

Fortunately we were called by the ravaged motherland, The nation and I Sharing the same destiny.

Ang nanghinang loob The wounded heart Muling pinatibay Had been healed Landas na nagdilim The darkened path Muling tinanglawan Once again glimmering Bayang Filipinas. Oh, mother Philippines.

“As writers, we always have the desire to connect with the culture of our own town. Firstly, it gives identity to any person, to the person who hails from Lipa, who yearns to reclaim his own culture. I may have had no actual participation in my own culture in Lipa, but it is always my desire to be part of it,” Lumbera ends.

In all these, Lumbera’s face glows when he starts to remember his high school class in Lipa and the many fiestas that have colored his childhood.

“We have stayed in touch, though we have all grown old and some had passed on. We all still have the desire to relive the old days.” And that, I guess, includes the dramas being mounted in the town plaza, which he says he loved to watch and indulged in. “I owe so much from the plays I have watched in Lipa. I really believe it all started there.” g

June 2009 | balikbayan 53

Filipinas Heritage Library

Safeguarding a heritage

By Joel Pablo Salud

The Nielsen Tower, at the heart of Ayala Avenue, has now been transformed into a keeper of heritage.

Traces of this piece of land—which were once the famous

Nielson airport, the headquarters of a police detachment, corporate offices of the Ayalas, and a restaurant—have since vanished, save for a few, like the renovated Nielson Tower, which is now part of Philippine heritage.

Walking into the Filipinas Heritage Library, right in the frenetic heart of Makati’s Ayala Triangle, was nostalgic, as a visit to any of the country’s historical sites would be.

It came with a bonus: the peace and quiet. It was like walking into a cut of a well-manicured garden alongside the asphalt-cold flurry of Makati’s business hub, but without the honk and din of traffic. It was pretty much a rare prelunchtime treat, where time somehow passes languidly within this dot of paradise, perhaps in view of the wealth of culture the library has been safeguarding through the years. And it’s only with the best possible intention that one can enjoy a trek to a library of this scale and magnitude, and that is to know more about the Philippines.

One doesn’t even have to leap so far—over volumes of historical documents—to grab a sense of tendresse for the past, which seems to swirl subtly within and around the area. The Filipinas Heritage Library itself possesses a wealth of tradition and legacy behind it, which started as a shrub of real estate belonging to the Hacienda San Pedro de Makati owned by Ayala y Cia. The history itself of the Filipinas Heritage, as we know it today, is quite a page-turner, if it were a book, given the fact that the turn of the 20th century, the American colonization of the Philippines in 1898, the Great Depression in the United States of 1929, the Gold Rush to Manila, the Second World War in the 40s, the establishment of Makati as a business belt, and so forth were all interlocked in a great, big plot to bring about the creation of the Filipinas Heritage Library. It’s quite exhilarating if you think about it, as all things are sinuously intertwined.

to fill the international cavity, if you will, with our own gold.

The mad rush for gold in Baguio marked the beginning of an economically prosperous life for the country, with more and more Americans deciding to stay in the Philippines because of the prospect of business, quite the antithesis of today’s Filipino overseas exodus. But it was sugar, among other things, believe it or not, that led to America’s decision to grant us “independence” from its tutelage in governance.

A bit of history Here’s a sneak peek: the arrival of Americans in 1898 signaled the beginning of the Philippines’ long, undulating relationship with the United States. Although the relationship hardly drew flak from both sides, the give-andtake roller coaster ride that Filipinos pretty much enjoyed during that era came to a halt when the US, around the end of the 1920s, suffered a recession, which eventually led to the Great Depression of 1929.

Well, much to the surprise of many, the Philippines wasn’t at all affected by the crisis as its economy boomed because of the Baguio gold rush. America had stopped the exportation of gold from its borders, allowing the Philippines June 2009 | balikbayan 55

The welcoming facade of the Filipinas Heritage Library.

Well, I suppose, where there are Americans, there ought to be airports. Being the travelers and jetsetters that they were and still are, a proposal to the Quezon administration by the Neilson Group to build an airport soon reached the ears of the late Enrique Zobel de Ayala, who was a special aide to Commonwealth president Manuel Quezon. He, in no time, offered a significant slice of Hacienda San Pedro to the project. Neilson Airport, with its American Far Eastern School of Aviation, was up and running by July 1937.

Time did little to protect it from the ravages of a second war, and during the Japanese occupation of Manila, the Neilson Airport was, in many a sense, one of the casualties of the bombing raids. Prior to and despite the raids, Neilson Airport had already made a name for itself as the gateway of the Philippines to the world—and vice versa. By the time the Ayala business family was looking into the prospect of transfiguring Makati into the country’s premier business center, the tower had sat serenely for years in what is now known as

56 balikbayan | June 2009

the Ayala Triangle. Needless to say, progress had taken over the whole of Makati, and to strike a balance between upholding tradition and allowing progress to expand, the Neilson Tower was preserved and renovated, and made into a reservoir of culture and art—the Filipinas Heritage Library. It was formally inaugurated in August 1996.

The new heritage gateway I think the preservation of the tower serves a bigger purpose than a merely metaphoric one.

That the library itself, with the tower looming in the center, has a rich and exciting history behind it speaks well enough of the overseeing capability of Filipinas Heritage Library as the “vanguard” of Pinoy culture and tradition.

With computer and internet technology as a virtual runway, one can now leapfrog to other sites in the world with just a flick of the mouse, allowing even our own historical perspectives—Philippine history, Pinoy culture, arts and literature—to be downloaded by visitors from other countries. We are no longer

Photo by Andrew Tadalan | The AJPress

the Philippines of the past—with people living in tree houses—thought of by other countries.

And for the Pinoy bookworm: the library, of late, safeguards more than 10,000 volumes on various subjects, from history to social sciences, even religion, topped with 2,000 rare titles and books on microfiche, and a varying array of photos and slides. The Filipinas Heritage Library, truly, has transformed itself into an “info-port”, a virtual airfield of cultural information about the Philippines.

Not only that, this is probably the friendliest library I have seen so far, “friendliest” because it makes rare and new materials on Filipiniana art, culture, history and literature easily available to the public. It is also a gateway to other major libraries in the country through the Internet.

The whole ambience has also made the library a favorite function area where book launches, lectures, conferences and workshops are conducted.

Much can be written about the Filipinas Heritage Library, but a quick jaunt to its location is more than words could ever describe. g

“Powerfully told and well-written, What’s Happening to Our Country? is the biography of a vice president that may well eclipse presidential biographies. In a way, perhaps, Pelaez didn’t really miss his date with destiny.”

– Lito B. Zulueta, Philippine Daily Inquirer

For book inquiries, please contact: • USA - 650-5446591 • Manila - +63918906-8142 • E-mail: info@epelaezfoundation.com

| business and treasure | By rochelle c. pangilinan| Photos by andrew tadalan | the ajpress

Woman on new ground Camille Villar insists she is just like

any other girl on the cusp of womanhood. This daughter of Sen. Manuel Villar and Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar has high regards for her family, is brimming with passion and drive to do well in her career, is charming and has a good sense of humor, loves to travel, gets massages, manicures and pedicures regularly as a way to relax, adores anything that has to do with fashion and admits to indulging herself in gossip talk shows.

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“My mom taught us how to live in a way that you can stay for the rest of your life, regardless of whether you have wealth or not.”

However, Camille reveals she has no account in Facebook (or in any networking site for that matter and has no interest in creating one whatsoever) and divulges she actually prefers non-fiction to fiction. She actually can’t recall the last time she has read a fiction book. Okay, so maybe Camille isn’t like any other girl on the cusp of womanhood after all.

As someone with a last name associated with arguably the most successful real estate companies in the country, Camille surprisingly never had to aspire for “normalhood” while growing up as it came very easily for her. “I think our parents went out of their way to give us this normal childhood as much as possible,” she says. “I went to an international school where people didn’t really care who your parents were, so it was a good environment to grow up in. So you really had to strive to develop yourself, develop your own character.”

And Camille did exactly that. Now, as head of the Corporate Communications division of Vista Land, Inc. which is the holding company of Brittany, Camella and Crown Asia, she is proving that there is more to her than having a distinguished family name. But her success didn’t come without a few bumps on the road. While completing her business administration degree at the Ateneo de Manila University, Camille faced two of the greatest challenges in her life: a stubborn professor who refused to give her the credit she rightfully deserved and accounting.

“It was a difficult time, I cried to my dad all the time,” she says with a somber tone. The seriousness, though, quickly turned into lightheartedness as it was obvious this was an experience she considers very well in the past, something which makes her laugh now. “I was like,‘Oh, maybe this isn’t meant for me.’ I’m studying business so I could hire myself an accountant!”

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After graduation, Camille dabbled in writing for the fashion and style section of a well-known broadsheet, which she stresses wasn’t as easy as it looked. She also delved into the retail business for close to two years until she realized that it was real estate that she was truly interested in.

“Real estate is not as boring as people may perceive it to be,” she insists. “It is actually pretty interesting. It involves a lot of creativity because if you look at our developments, they’re really like works of art, expressions of art. They’re not just a subdivision of homes. It’s really a masterplan community. You’re really transported to a different place, and it takes a lot to create them.”

And like any other aspiring businesswoman, she had to work hard to prove she has what it takes to make it. Being in Corporate Communications meant extra time and effort for Camille as they are in charge of marketing, media planning, ad placements and public relations.

And with the expansion of development both in the existing locations and in provinces, Camille is well aware she has her hands full, but this is something she’s ready to do with a smile. After all, she says she is exactly where she wants to be. This is the case for her two “significantly older” brothers as well, she discloses. Paulo, 32 is the Chief Financial Officer for Vista Land, Inc. while Mark, 30 is the Operating Head and Managing Director of Crown Asia.

“I think we are all doing what we want to do,” she says, maintaining there is no competition among them as to who is best and that there is no conflict among them being in the same line of work. “In this business, there is so much to do, there is so much to learn. We all have different strengths, different weaknesses, different interests. If anything, it’s more helpful because you guys understand each other.”

Their involvement in real estate didn’t come without controversy.

Camille discloses that she has been asked time and again of whether she’s in the business merely because her parents want her to be.

“My parents have always encouraged us to pursue what we want,” she says. “One primary ingredient in being successful in your career is loving what you do.”

Manny and Cynthia also made sure to teach their kids how to arm themselves with plenty of know-how for the biz and, more importantly, shield themselves with the values which makes or breaks a person, whether in times of success or failure. The latter is something which they have dealt with a lot in the past but their stability as a family always managed to carry them through any struggle, be it politics or business-wise. Back in 1997, the family found themselves in the middle of a political conflict. It was Camille’s “first real taste of politics,” and it was something she never forgot. The same year, the family also faced the Asian economic crisis which severely affected the business, putting them on the brink of losing everything. They, however, were able to weather this storm practically unscathed but it was a long and tough process.

Part of their process of recovering from life’s uncertainties is relying on each other’s strengths and serving as an inspiration to each other.

And Manny, with his rags-to-riches “Sipag at Tiyaga” story, certainly has served well in this department.

“Sometimes people attribute my dad’s success to a string of lucky events, but it’s nothing like that,” Camille declares. “He had a lot of battles to overcome. I think where he came from and everything he has been through has made him strong and resilient. I have learned so much from him. He’s been an excellent teacher.”

A very willing student to her dad’s experiences of struggle and success, Camille is at place where she can impart words to those who has ambitions of making it in the biz as well.

“Nothing in this world comes easy. You really have to work hard. If it’s too easy, there’s something wrong with it,” she shares.

Cynthia, on the other hand, taught her kids how to live their lives simply, something which has also made a lasting impression on Camille. “My mom taught us how to live in a way that you can stay

for the rest of your life, regardless of whether you have wealth or not,” she reveals.

Camille definitely has taken this piece of advice to the heart as she maintains it does not take much to make her happy. While her mental scrapbook is overflowing with memories of some of the most beautiful places in the world such as Prague and London and while she would like to go back to Russia as often as she can as it’s a country with a fascinating multi-faceted history and great works of art, she stresses she has no plans of leaving the Philippines and settling abroad soon. But she is always excited to see new places apart from the ones in her home country. A place she recently visited which made the most impact to her was Petra, Georgia.

“I didn’t think such a place existed. The streets were never-ending. It was an amazing place but I don’t think I’ll go back there again,” she says with a laugh.

Whenever she’s stressed out, Camille does not go breaking the bank to relive stress although she could very well afford to. A simple massage session, a visit to the salon or a trip to the movie theatre with the family will do. She is also up for an opportunity which would allow her to help those in need, like with her recent appearance in the popular noontime variety show Wowowee, wherein the kids of respected politicians were contestants for the show’s “Willie of Fortune” portion.

“I met Willie a few weeks before that, and he was very nice,” she recalls. “I was nervous about it but when you’re there, enjoy mo na lang (just enjoy it).”

The TV appearance got a substantial amount of attention, something Camille wasn’t exactly prepared for.

“I was hoping to be stealth about it,” she says. “But after the show, I got text messages from all over saying they saw me (on the show).”

It also prompted many to ask if a career in front of the cameras is in store for her in the future.

“Right now, I really want to focus on my career with Vista Land,” she emphasizes, adding that a career in politics is something she has no place for at the moment as well. “I’ve practically lived with it my whole life so I know better, but never say never!” g

They say that it takes hands to build a house, but only

hearts can build a home. Vista Land, Inc. has taken these words to heart since it acquired C&P Homes back in 2007.

While the company is incomparable when it comes to establishing opportunities in real estate being the largest and leading homebuilder in the country, Vista Land is also commendable for putting their hearts into their developments; thus, their communities not only thrive on function, accessibility, breath-taking designs and amazing details which are evident in the innovative, world-class designs of Brittany’s properties, the unique themes in Crown Asia and the romantic series of homes by Camella, they also thrive on the values and virtues that make up a happy home.

Vista Land’s newest communities cater to those who have long worked hard for and hoped for to live in the homes of their dreams

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and those who know there is more to life than the hustle and bustle of the city life. Below are three which will guarantee that their dream is fulfilled to the fullest extent.

Crosswinds With its Swiss chalet-inspired homes set against the cool breeze, Brittany Crosswinds, located in one of the last remaining prime spots in Tagaytay, unmistakably evokes Switzerland. With an area of 100-hectare at the town’s breeziest area, Crosswinds fully captures the elements which make for a captivating Swiss-inspired community by really putting into good effect the natural slopes and vantage points in the location.

And with private and secluded enclaves surrounded by more than 8,000 pine trees, you will be sure to forget the stress of city life.

Crosswinds’ amenities include a landscaped entranced area, swimming pool, peak gardens, gazebos, shaded walkways and nature trails.

It is close to many Tagaytay’s must-go places such as the Tagaytay Highlands, People’s Park and Picnic Grove. Soon, Crosswinds will have a Gourmet Village, with its own organic market, café and deli, which will certainly further enhance the existing amenities of lush nature trails. There will also be a Wellness enclave to treat residents into re-energizing Swiss spas and massages.

The hills are alive with these country houses.

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Valenza Crown Asia Valenza located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna stays true to its name. A mere step into the lush community will give you the feel of famous Italian cities, all that is lacking is the Italian accent. With homes dominated by classic Neo-Roman architectural accents of domed ceilings, crimson roof tiles, granite countertops, living room columns, rich Mediterranean hues and muted hazel walls, residents will surely cherish the Roman inspiration and coupled with an unparalled comfort and style, it is la dolce vita indeed!

Valenza has a total area of 10 hectares and boasts of amenities that every community aspires to have: swimming pool, clubhouse, basketball court, tennis court and pocket gardens. It provides an ideal environment and is accessible to distinguished schools and universities like De La Salle University - Canlubang, St. Scholastica - Sta. Rosa, Don Bosco College - Sta. Rosa, 7th Day Adventist School - Silang and the PNP Academy in Silang. It is also just a few minutes away from establishments such as Target Mall, Walter Mart, SM Shoe Mart, Rustan’s, Robinsons, Laguna Techno Park, Enchanted Kingdom and the Sta. Rosa Country Market.

The Valenza homes include Tiffany, Fontana, Lalique, Emerald, Murano, Lenox, Liadro, Rosenthal, Bellini and Palladio.

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The finest in Italian living at these houses in Valenza.

June 2009 | balikbayan 65

Georgia Club If the colonial manors of the American South is your thing, Brittany Georgia Club is for you. Its ambiance of Southern charm will certainly transport you to the lavish places of the American South.

Located strategically in Sta. Rosa, Laguna along the highway going to Tagaytay, Georgia Club homes are dominated by welcoming front porches, white picket fences and vibrantly colored shutters on French windows. The surroundings are just as captivating, full of trees and verdant pockets of greens which makes for a pleasurable living experience. Amenities include a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court and a tennis court. It is a few minutes away from the exclusive social establishments

Southern comfort at Georgia Club’s Madison House.

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like the Canlubang Golf and Country Club and The Country Club. What’s more, the Georgia Club community is set amidst nature’s canopy.

With its lush greens, it is home to at least 25 different species of birds, as spotted by the WildBird Club of the Philippines.

The Georgia Club community is the favorite of Camille Villar, head of Vista Land Corporate Communications, herself. “We went to Atlanta, Georgia, Savannah and North Carolina to make sure that all the balconies, porches, panellings, the landscaping, all the details were captured.

I think we did a pretty good job with it. And I think that’s our strongest suit. We really immerse ourselves in whatever we do so we can re-create it and develop it. Much time and effort are place into our developments,” she relates.

Indeed, Vista Land knows the dream country home that it is in everyone’s hearts.

And they will continue to look across the entire country for its developments to build communities which will make living all the more worthwhile. Camille says that there are a lot more in store, and the company is optimistic it will not only survive the current economic crisis, it will continue to flourish. “We have one of the most beautiful developments in the Philippines and we want to make sure that we’re able to communicate that. About 50% of our consumers are OFWs. We want to remind them that we have kept our promise, we have built homes for you, whatever we promised, we delivered,” she says. g

Splendor of the Ancients text and photos By aaron palabyab

I never knew how famous Mt. Pinatubo was until I started

watching more Discovery Channel. It was then that I realized that, along with Imelda Marcos and the ILOVEYOU virus, it counts as the most infamous of Philippine exports to global culture: an eruption so massive and wide-ranging that it lowered global temperatures by half a degree Celsius.

On June 15, 1991, in the days before Manny Pacquiao’s meteoric rise to global stardom, Mt. Pinatubo exploded onto the scene, becoming the planet’s ton-for-ton champ of volcanic eruptions, spewing forth 10 billion metric tons of magma in the largest eruption in living memory.

Simply breathtaking, the crater of the Pinatubo Volcano has been constantly visited by locals and foreigners alike.

| essence of place |

The way of ash grey.

Eighteen years later, I find myself swimming in a serene blue-green lake, surrounded by a perimeter of colossal, foreboding crags that seem unreal even as they tower before me. It is, without exaggeration, a sight straight out of The Lord of the Rings, a vista of mythical proportions. It is strange and slightly unsettling to remember that not so long ago, this place didn’t exist as it does today, that it was once the mouth of devastation.

My journey to Pinatubo begins with a 3 am rendezvous with friends in Quezon City. We leave at 3:30 sharp for the two-and-half-hour drive north to the frontier hamlet of Sta. Juliana, in Capas, Tarlac. As the sun rises, the surrounding plains, the quaint houses, and the bare trees that line the road emerge in a haze of pastel pink and blue, a prelude to the beautiful strangeness of the sights we are about to see.

Arriving at Sta. Juliana a few minutes past six in the morning, we already see several 4x4 vehicles lining the road. All tourists here register at the Pinatubo Spa Town, and payment settlement and registration are straightforward and quick. We hire three 4x4s and two guides, and add a boat ride across the lake to our tour, then hop onto the vehicles to begin our sojourn. A few minutes down the road, we pass a military checkpoint and turn left – and emerge into another world.

We find ourselves in the midst of a vast valley of volcanic ash crisscrossed by creeks and patches of cogon grass, straggling reminders of the past life buried underneath. In the distance, the hazy ridges of Pinatubo loom, mysterious, beckoning.

We soon find ourselves at the foot of the Skyway, a path hewn through the mountains to allow vehicular access to the Pinatubo crater.

Before the Skyway was completed, the trek to the crater was a fourhour hike through dry riverbeds; now it’s only forty-five minutes via 4x4, and another hour for the hike itself. We negotiate this route, the vehicle scraping along cliff edges, climbing up and diving down, speeding past high walls of cogon grass on both sides, until we reach the 4x4 rendezvous point where hike begins.

As we amble down the steep incline at the start of the trail, an enormous canyon wall comes into view below, the sun rising behind it, rays piercing through the mist. We continue on and the trail gives way to gentler terrain, and we relish wading through numerous creeks that cool our feet as the sun begins to beat down in earnest. This is a relatively easy hike that most beginners and people of all ages can handle, and the rewards, as we will soon find out, are great.

Near the end of the trail, almost an hour later, we negotiate the steepest climb of the hike so far and before we can catch our breath, it gets taken away from us: the glass-still blue-green crater lake finally and suddenly reveals itself, a colossal gem hidden amidst forbidden peaks.

We make our way down to the lake. The boat ride to the other side of the crater is optional, but once we make our way across on the boats, it’s immediately apparent that this is unmissable. We turn the corner and step off the boat onto a shifting shore of ash and rock. We are abruptly reduced to specks, infinitesimal human beings wandering into the abode of some ancient deity of myth; the magnificent crater walls, colossal titans standing silent sentry.

It’s an experience that borders on the mystical, being so small amidst so much stark grandeur, borne not long ago of one of the most epic cataclysms of our time. This lake feels like it has been here forever, like the volcano that gave birth to it, but the awareness of its ephemerality gives it a quiet, wistful splendor. It is the lone and lovely daughter of a sleeping giant, a beauty young yet seemingly eternal.

A few hours later we find ourselves back in the world as we know it.

It has been an unbelievably satisfying journey relative to how easy it was to make the trip; perhaps, Pinatubo as it is now is a gift from the primeval gods, a small but significant bequest of beauty to heal the wounds this mighty mountain has rent in the earth. I leave it captivated, knowing it will not be the last time I gaze upon that perfect lake amidst the misty mountains. Her siren call remains in my ears. g

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| red carpet |

Journalist Ruben V. Nepales has crossed the threshold of his star-struck days at Pangasinan to walking the red carpets of Beverly Hills and the wonderful world of entertainment.

His wife Janet Susan Nepales tells his story, which is hers too.

As a young boy in Calasiao, Pangasinan, Ruben Viado Nepales devoured books, newspapers, magazines and komiks like he would eat his favorite grilled tilapia, dipped in patis and kalamansi sauce, with his hands.

In grade school, Ruben was already writing, on notebook pages, news stories and feature articles based on current events. He shared these with his avid readers – his classmates and friends.

The boy, who found Tagalog komik books cinematic, enjoyed the magical experience of free movie showings, courtesy of a soda company, on balmy evenings out in a vacant lot beside Calasiao’s centuries-old church.

Watching an old Elvis Presley or John Wayne movie while eating hot roasted peanuts bought from a vendor, the wide-eyed child in short pants was hooked on cinema.

The boy from Pangasinan grew up to break barriers. Ruben became the first Filipino journalist to be elected to membership in the 60 plus year history of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), which votes on and presents the annual Golden Globe Awards. He writes the popular “Only IN Hollywood” column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, where he makes it a point to also spotlight the Filipino talent. Ruben is also known as my husband of 24 years.

When my editor assigned me to do this

piece, he said, “Who knows Ruben better than his wife?” I accepted the assignment because I knew it would be a breeze to book an interview appointment with my subject.

Like most immigrants, Ruben struggled in his journey from his humble roots in Calasiao to his status as a journalist who regularly interviews folks like Angelina Jolie and Steven Spielberg, attends the world’s most prestigious film festivals and visits movie sets all over the world.

It did not happen overnight.

Ruben’s official documents may state that his birth date is on June 6, 1957 but he was actually born on June 9. A relative filed the wrong birth date with Calasiao’s municipal registry. Rather than hurdle a long process involving a lot of bureaucratic red tape, Ruben kept the erroneous birth date in his official papers but he celebrates his milestone on the correct date.

Ruben credits his parents, both deceased, for his writing career. The real passion of his mother, Socorro Viado Nepales, a native of Naic, Cavite, was writing but she settled

for a teaching career (she was Ruben’s fifth grade teacher in Bued Elementary School in Calasiao). As a grade schooler, Ruben read and re-read the collection of old books and publications, especially those issues of Life magazine during its peak in the 1960s. These belonged to his father, Pedro Parajas Nepales, who was an examiner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

Pedro, a fashion dandy in a small town (he liked wearing suit jackets while having coffee in the family’s home in the barrio of Gabon), inspired his youngest son’s sartorial taste.

Indeed. Ruben’s clothes take more closet space than my wardrobe.

The make-believe stories that Ruben wrote and shared in elementary school were fueled by his voracious reading of newspapers. “I read the newspaper from the front page all the way to the back,” he recalled. He also loved reading Tagalog komiks which he found cinematic.

The komiks were plentiful in his maternal grandparents’ house in Cavite, where he spent his childhood summers.

With Angelina Jolie.

With Woody Allen.

With Julia Roberts.

With Jennifer Aniston.

With George Clooney.

With Keira Knightley.

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For Ruben, the highlight of his family’s trips to Manila was watching movies like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins inside the majestic movie palaces on Avenida. The family likes to recount how Ruben, then a very young boy, disappeared from his seat when they were watching The Bridge on the River Kwai. They found him under his seat.

Director David Lean’s war scenes were so terrifyingly realistic to Ruben that he sought cover.

Ruben’s early film education continued with all-day movie watching on weekends in Dagupan’s then decrepit, rat-infested theaters but he was happy to be sitting in the dark, taking in double features of Tagalog and American films. At Calasiao High School, Ruben edited the campus paper and was already firing off letters to the editors of national newspapers and magazines which were often published.

At the University of Santo Tomas, Ruben edited a section of The Flame, the monthly magazine of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, and contributed articles on masterpieces by Lino Brocka and Martin Scorsese during that era (the 1970s) to the Varsitarian, the college paper. I first met him on the campus since we both wrote for The Flame but I like to tease him now that he looked so thin and geeky then.

But when I saw him again after college, when he contributed pieces to the Times Journal’s Parade magazine where I was on the staff, he no longer looked nerdy. Sparks flew, so to speak.

We both had flourishing journalism careers in 1985 when Ruben immigrated to the U.S. because his mother, who was living in LA, had petitioned him to come over. A month after he arrived in the States in May 1985, I also moved to LA. We lived with his family in a tiny, roachinfested, rundown apartment in LA. In August 2, we got married in an LA wedding chapel, with five immediate members of Ruben’s family in attendance. Somehow, all seven of us managed to fit in a sedan for a dinner afterward at the Castaway restaurant in Burbank. We had to start our professional lives from scratch. It was a struggle to find jobs. Frustrated and unable to find a job one day, Ruben sobbed by the fountains at the Music Center (we lived close by). Yes, even in his despondent moments, Ruben can be cinematic.

But gradually, through hard work and sheer determination, we adjusted to life in the US of A. We moved from that small apartment to a house in Atwater, a district in LA. In April 25 the following year, we got married again, this time in church, but still with just Ruben’s immediate family and one friend around. All this time, we continued writing for publications back home. We also co-edited Manila Extra, a monthly magazine for the Filipino-American

community in Southern California, which ran for a year.

Our big break came when friends in the Philippines who work for American record and movie franchises nominated us to attend press junkets in LA. Those interviews were our first forays into Hollywood reporting. And when our kids, Bianca Nicole (“Nikki”) and Rafaella Angelica (“Ella”), who were born in 1989 and 1991, respectively, entered grade school, we were able to write more actively.

In 2004, Ruben became the first Filipino member of the HFPA. As a voting and active member, he helps decide the winners of the Golden Globe Awards, one of the plum honors in Hollywood that recognize excellence in film and television. Millions of viewers around the world watch the Golden Globe Awards, which is considered Hollywood’s ultimate party of the year, every January. HFPA members screen films and TV shows year-round, interview talents on almost daily basis, visit and cover movie sets and events, and attend various international film festivals.

“I’m glad to have broken another ceiling for Filipinos,” Ruben says of his pioneering distinction as an HFPA member. He emphasizes that he’s also very proud of the HFPA’s philanthropic thrust. From the fees that NBC pays the HFPA for the right to telecast the show, the non-profit press organization donates millions of dollars to relief efforts in disaster-stricken nations, including medical missions, financial grants to dozens of film schools and organizations and charities. Variety, the entertainment industry’s bible, has twice recognized HFPA as its Philanthropist of the Year.

On the hectic weeks leading to the Golden Globe Awards night, Ruben assists in the crucial, difficult task of assigning which stars sit where in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton.

In 2005, Ruben, noticing that he still had a lot of material to write about despite sending regular pieces about his Hollywood interviews and Filipino-American personalities and events, proposed a column to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. On April 8, 2005, his column, “Only IN Hollywood,” debuted in the Philippines’ leading English newspaper.

The following year, he was listed in Who’s Who in America.

I can’t begin to describe the care and effort with which Ruben writes his column.

As with almost everything he does in life, he writes the column with zeal, dedication and intense concentration. A colleague coined the word “Rubenize” – “to do things with high quality and accuracy.” Ruben goes over and over the column before he finally clicks on the “send” button to e-mail it to his editor, Emmie Velarde. He has never missed a deadline.

When he had an accident on his birthday in 2006 while he was driving a U-Haul truck (we were moving to a house in Shadow Hills, a suburb northeast of LA), Ruben stayed in the hospital for a few days and then he got out.

Ruben’s arm injury made typing difficult for him so he dictated his column to me. I typed as he spoke. I kid him about being an overachiever but he really is. Since I also have a column for another publication and we often cover the same events or interview the same talents, I rib him about how we might be heading home but maybe somehow he has already written and turned in his column about an event that we had just left.

Ruben, who also writes cover stories featuring Hollywood stars for FYI Dubai (a magazine based in the Middle East), recounts that while he was having a sit-down dinner in a hotel during the Toronto International Film Festival last year, he got word on his BlackBerry that Pinoy director Lav Diaz had just won the Horizons Award at the Venice Film Festival for his film Melancholia. Ruben narrates that he excused himself from the table, stood up and walked to the men’s room. He entered one of the stalls, sat on the toilet bowl, typed a story on his trusty old BlackBerry about Lav’s win and e-mailed it to the Inquirer’s news desk.

Then he went back and rejoined his dining companions.

The success of “Only IN Hollywood,” which started as a column that appeared twice a week, prompted the Inquirer’s editor-in-chief, Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc, to make it a staple three days of the week – from Friday to Sunday.

Part of the column’s appeal is that Ruben also writes about Filipino talents making it in the international scene. While he has written about noted Fil-Ams in Hollywood like directorproducer Dean Devlin and actor Lou Diamond Phillips, he is also passionate about profiling emerging Pinoy talents like Maricel Pagulayan, the visual effects supervisor of Superman Returns and Tom Cruise’s Valkyrie and Raya Martin, the first Filipino director to have an entry in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival. With Manila (which he co-directed) selected to be shown in the Special Screenings category, Raya is also the first Pinoy filmmaker to have two entries in the world’s premier festival. Ruben covered Dante Mendoza’s first triumph in Cannes in 2007 when he showed Foster Child in the Directors’ Fortnight.

Even in his interviews with non-Filipino talents, the Pinoy in Ruben searches for what he has coined as the Filipino Connection or “FC” for short – facets of the interviewees’ lives or careers that may point to a link or a connection to Filipinos or the Philippines.

Ruben’s recent FC item is that Liev Schreiber, who stars in the latest X-Men movie, narrated HBO’s recent documentary, Thrilla

in Manila and the four-episode reality series, Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7. A few years ago, when Ruben asked Robin Williams about his then wife, Marsha Garces, who has Filipino and Finnish heritage, it inspired the actor to say extemporaneously, “She’s Finnipino. You get lechon with white fish.”

To provide a glimpse of Ruben from different perspectives, I asked several personalities for their take on the man.

“Ruben has touted exceptional Pinoy talents to a global audience with heart, humor and huevos that could make a plus size ostrich proud,” actor Bernardo Bernardo says with his usual wit. “It’s like a religion for him: he just does it. He tirelessly hunts for you when he hears you’ve got a show coming up – he cares! He wants to support you.”

Bernardo continues, “Ruben’s column, ‘Only IN Hollywood,’ is an equal opportunity trailblazer that showcases world-class Filipino talents in various fields alongside the biggest and best headliners of America’s tinseltown.

Ruben’s incisive and insightful writing style, spiced with warmth and wit, is the Thinking Man’s blog buzz that commands respect while it delivers requisite celebrity glitter, Hollywood style.

“Ruben writes about a FASO (FilipinoAmerican Symphony Orchestra) rehearsal in LA or young Filipino director Raya Martin’s Cannes milestone with as much passion and enthusiasm he would devote to a Brad Pitt interview in Venice or an Angelina Jolie press con in New York. Ruben’s absolute love for what he does is refreshing, but what completely floors me is his ability to make himself available to support the projects I’m attached to (Filipino American Library Gala, ‘The Romance of Magno Rubio,’ ‘A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer’).”

Vincent Nebrida, who wrote and produced the movies American Adobo and Crying Ladies, respectively, and is a film marketing and distribution executive based in New York, comments, “Ruben brings a unique perspective to his pieces on Hollywood and Philippine show business because I think he’s the only Filipino entertainment columnist who’s able to really straddle both film industries.

“On one hand, by writing for the Inquirer, he’s writing for the Filipino readers, and he connects with them, so he’s firmly grounded on Philippine soil. On the other hand, by living in Los Angeles and being a member of the HFPA, he’s able to mingle and connect with the Hollywood denizens, the A-listers, the inaccessible celebs that many people meet only in their dreams.”

“His countless readers who regularly check out his column and his blog are able to, I think, live vicariously through him when he interviews people like George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Tom Cruise.”

With Nicole Kidman.

With Brad Pitt.

With Steven Spielberg.

With Justin Timberlake.

With John Travolta aka Edna Turnblaud in Toronto.

With Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey.

June 2009 | balikbayan 75

Vincent adds, “And what’s great about Ruben is that he writes incisively, and with intelligence; he’s not gossipy or does not ask people about their favorite color. And more importantly, he writes without condescension or pretension. You don’t feel like he’s coming from a privileged position, even if he truly is.

And that shows real class.”

“Most important of all, Ruben never forgets to write about the Filipinos and Filipinos who are abroad. Again, because of his unique perspective, he knows how difficult it is for these Pinoy artists to struggle and succeed in America and in the global setting. He knows the competitive, even cutthroat, nature of show business and how sometimes a minority has to work twice harder than his Caucasian counterparts. Still, Ruben is never patronizing, and he’s very fair and non-judgmental about his assessment of these artists and their

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works.”

Arleen Cuevas, who produced Raya’s two Cannes entries, opines, “Ruben has been very supportive and helpful to Filipino filmmakers, most especially independent filmmakers like us. Compared to the more established big film studios and networks, independent productions have lower budgets and sometimes budgets for promotions, marketing and publicity are sacrificed. Ruben happily promotes Filipino cinema and filmmakers, not just for local audiences but for the world audience who reads his articles.”

Ted Benito, an LA-based stage director, talent manager, publicist and impresario, shares, “Toward the end of a concert (‘jazzmopolitan’) which I produced last year for the Filipino American Library, I happened to glimpse the audience enjoying the last performance of the evening, that of Fil-Am

musician, Michael Paulo. His sax playing had wowed the guests to their feet and all were dancing in the aisles and clapping their hands. And leading the enjoyment was none other than Ruben. It was at that point that I knew Ruben thoroughly enjoys what he does, and that what he does is as important and earnest as what Michael Paulo does with a saxophone.”

“It’s hard enough for Filipinos to break into mainstream entertainment in the U.S., let alone sustain a solid and successful career.

And while Filipino and Filipino-Americans are excelling in all fields of entertainment, there are relatively too few of them that are recognized for their work and achievement.

So comes the importance of what Ruben does.”

“As a journalist in the truest sense of the word, Ruben has been consistently shining the biggest spotlight on Filipino talent in the mainstream for a very long time. I believe he sees it as his mission. Moreover, he has done so with acumen and panache that is rarely exhibited by some of his contemporaries – he’s always striving to get the facts correct, wording and re-wording text to make a point or highlight a specific feat, supporting and encouraging talent whether it be in front of, or in my case, behind the camera or audience.”

“Without a doubt, Ruben Nepales is one of the finest entertainment reporters working in the field today,” declares David Maquiling, a filmmaker and professor at the University of Southern California. “Through his dedication, thoroughness, integrity and eloquence, Ruben proves that the noblest ideals of journalism are alive and well in our modern age. On a very personal level, Ruben’s reporting has been deeply inspiring to me as he is one of the few reporters to shine the spotlight on Filipinos who have gained success in the American film industry. He was the very first member of the Filipino press to write about my work as a filmmaker.”

The irony of Ruben’s success as a journalist is that his busy schedule has prevented him from visiting the Philippines. He rues that the last time he went home was in 1991. He missed several high school reunions already and failed to attend a recent ceremony honoring him as one of Calasiao High School’s outstanding alumni. Still, he has an open invitation from his old high school to speak at the commencement exercises next year or any year he’s free to make it.

Before Ruben left to immigrate to the U.S. in 1985, his friend, talent manager Girlie Rodis admonished him, “Make a name for yourself in America. Make us proud.” He has. And I am hoping that one of these days, Ruben’s schedule will allow him to return home. This guy from Calasiao, Pangasinan has worked hard to earn a well-deserved homecoming. g

The name says it all. With a name that literally translates to “nouveau” or “new”, Nuvali imbibes the very spirit of innovation and environmentally-responsible land development. Located in the Sta. Rosa, Laguna area, this 1,700 hectare residential community and economic zone will redefine the standards of eco-living through its focus on environmental, economic and social sustainability.

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Ayala Land’s vision for Nuvali is for it to be the measure of standards when it comes to sustainable living. Residents, investors and business-owners in Nuvali can be assured of a strong, vibrant and culturally-diverse lifestyle amidst a setting that showcases the perfect balance between modernity and nature.

Some of the eco-conscious aspects of Nuvali’s Lakeside Evozone include parking areas with permeable blocks, recycled water and mandatory double piping, storm water management, numerous parks and open spaces, wildlife and bird sanctuary, and even alternative transportation options such as the water bus. And since it is just an hour’s drive away from the Makati CBD, Nuvali offers the perfect haven for people who wish to live in harmony with nature without being far from the main business districts of the metro.

But the list of unprecedented landmarks set by Nuvali does not stop there. Nuvali is also the first site where four Ayala Land real estate developments created by its subsidiaries, Ayala Land Premier, Alveo Land and Avida, was launched simultaneously. These real estate developments include Abrio, Montecito, Treveia and Avida Settings Nuvali.

For those wanting to have the most valued address, Abrio is the place to be. Designed to echo the well-known Ayala development that is Forbes Park, Abrio promises privacy, security and exclusivity. The premium neighborhoods of Abrio deliver unrestricted yet environmentally responsible lifestyles to the discerning clients of Ayala Land Premier.

Peace and quiet are at the core of Montecito or “little mountain,” as it charms with its rolling terrain and breezy, elevated landscape. Reserving half of its area to open space, Montecito’s unconventional design provides greenways between most homes, providing both privacy and room for neighbors to connect. This collaborative development between Ayala Land and the family of Jose Yulo, Jr. offers 280 generously cut lots over a 60-hectare land area, and is the lowest density development of Ayala Land since Forbes Park was developed in the 1940’s.

At the heart of Nuvali is Treveia, Alveo

Land’s groundbreaking residential community designed according to the principles of sustainability – from sound environmental systems to networks that foster social harmony and growth. Seamlessly blending an eco-friendly environment with cutting edge and modern amenities such as spacious parks and themed gardens makes it an ideal community for building family memories to last a lifetime.

Integrating innovatively designed clusters into the Treveia masterplan with lot sizes ranging from 239 to 576 sq m fosters closer and secure family and community relationships.

This is complemented by Treveia’s four themed parks based on the natural elements of water, wood, wind and earth and a 2.5hectare grand central park with an iconic clubhouse and expansive outdoor area. Treveia presents plenty of opportunities to experience uncompromised urban living – being able to bond, build relationships, and regain quality time with the people that matter the most.

And finally, there is also Avida Settings Nuvali developed by Avida Land for middle income families. Offering well-made, beautifully built modern homes amidst a profusion of pocket parks, open fields,

orchards, jogging paths, bike trails and amenity areas, life at Avida Settings Nuvali will certainly to provide the comforts of the metro without the bustle that comes with city living.

Residents in Avida Settings Nuvali can choose from three neighborhood patterns: the standard block, the courtyard, and the green ribbons. The exclusive green ribbon neighborhoods give residents immediate access to open spaces surrounding the houses, creating mini-gardens which are accessible through every backyard. Lot size ranges from approximately 120 to 220 sq m and price ranges from 2.2 to 5.5M for house and lot.

It is certain that Nuvali will revolutionize the way we define what a good life is. The ideal lifestyle is not that hard to attain in Nuvali as nature, people and technology converge harmoniously allowing families, communities and even businesses to live to their fullest potential in a safe, green and sustainable environment.

For more information about Abrio, Montecito, Treveia and Avida Settings Nuvali, visit www.atAYALA.com. You may also call our Toll Free Hotline at 1-877-atAYALA (282 9252). g

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By joel jorge gaviola

Always in search for the next big thing, Pagudpud,

Ilocos Norte is a haven in itself. An alternative to the usually crowded Boracay, Pagudpud’s white sand beaches are comparable to the best ones in the country today. Going to Pagudpud, by land, is already a spectacle in itself as you pass by various landscapes molded by nature and time. However, the beaches will leave an indelible imprint as you experience something different.

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Ilocos Norte’s very long shoreline ends geographically at Pagudpud, the seaside town, near the fascinating viaduct beside the mountains in Patapat, the windmills of Bangui, and the heritage lighthouse in Burgos. The discovery of Pagudpud and its beaches have made the province a veritable destination for local and foreign tourists.

The words “Blue Lagoon” evoke images of Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins as they traipse around the pristine shoreline.

In Pagudpud, those words mean home to the region’s fast rising and exciting resorts.

Nestled in the lush greenery and still virginal surroundings, Hannah’s Beach Resort is a 90-minute drive from the capital’s Laoag International Airport. Facing the fascinating clear blue waters of the bend where the South China Sea and Babuyan Channel are gleaned, this resort offers exclusivity and luxury for the weary traveler.

The resort complex offers ample villas, all quaint and well designed and fully airconditioned for the guests’ comfort and convenience. Other useful recreational facilities are also available such as conference rooms for meetings, team buildings and various functions.

Aqua sports and exercise facilities are also offered to those who are in the mood to be active. What’s more, you can treat yourself in this paradise with Hannah’s more affordable rates. The site of a Japanese shipwreck, located a few minutes away from the resort, is a great destination for divers and deep-sea adventurers.

With these offerings, resisting them is an option that is a bit difficult to make.

The resort itself has a charming story. The lands were originally planned for a family rest house in the land where the resort now stands.

“When we put up the house, we suddenly thought of building a few more huts for guests.

Then suddenly, we started to build more.

We basically expanded. We ended up having this beautiful spot transformed into a great place to stay when you’re here in Blue Lagoon,” Gina Domingcil, Hannah’s General Manager tells us, during our recent visit to Pagudpud. “Blue Lagoon is really a beautiful place and we are happy that we pioneered the developments here.”

“Something unexplained happened here a few years ago and I believe that we are blessed,” she adds. Referring to the image of the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal at

the far end of the resort’s swimming pool, Ms. Domingcil relates more: “in that exact spot, we were able to draw up a mysterious looking snake. Somehow, that story of the locals brought me to choose the image of Mary, crushing the head of a serpent. A lot of people have surprisingly come back here and have never failed to pay the Virgin Mother a visit. They claim to have received blessings from the Virgin.”.

“The resort is still growing and there’s still a lot to expect in the coming months.”

According to Gina, Hannah’s will soon open a bigger dormitory-type villa, fit for groups touring the region. “We are working double time on this, and we are overwhelmed by the barrage of phone calls and email inquiries.

In a short span of time, we have somehow made our presence felt. For the summer, most of our days are fully booked.”

Good word of mouth testimonials from former guests have only broadened Hannah’s appeal to would-be travelers. A good number of satisfied clientele have testified to the enjoyment and comfort they experienced during their stay in the resort.

“We enjoyed staying at Hannah’s. We will definitely be back here,” says Melanie Andaya, a recent resort guest. “I enjoyed the land tour. There are a lot of beautiful sights in Pagudpud and Ilocos as a whole. I hope the resort keeps on growing.” Another guest, Michelle Baclagon, shares the same wonderful experience. “It was a very short trip. We stayed in Hannah’s for a day but it was worth it,” she says. “Blue Lagoon has a very nice beach and we enjoyed taking pictures at the rock formation near Hannah’s.

It truly was a wonderful vacation.”

Aside from the beach, the resort also offers airport transfers and land tours to the famous destinations of Ilocos, such as the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, the windmills, Patapat, Agua Grande and Kabigan Falls. There’s just so much to do in this paradise and you’ll really have to take your time.

Hannah’s Beach Resort is located at Brgy. Balaoi, Malingay, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. For information about the resort call mobile numbers 63-910496-6525 or 63-920-605-7121. Also send inquiries at info@hannahsbeachresort. com and reservations at reservations@ hannahsbeachresort.com. Log on to www. hannahsbeachresort.com for more details. g

Educating the Tycoons By gayle gatchalian | the ajpress

Before there was anything else, there was the Asian Institute

of Management. Just as globalization started redefining what it meant to do business in the region and the world beyond, AIM arose from the visionary prescience of the key business and education leaders to address the emerging need for individuals to lead Asia’s rapidly developing economy.

The Asian Institute of Management in Paseo de Roxas, Makati remains a veritable center of business education in Southeast Asia.

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The year was 1965. The top schools in the country, recognizing a need to ramp up their business offerings to compete with the vast changing global economic landscape, separately pitched grant proposals to the renowned education resource, the Ford Foundation. But the foundation had a different idea, of a much larger design—to build a collaborative institution that would elevate business education for the entire Asian region.

And so, AIM was born. Through the concerted effort of Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Philippine Inter-University Consortium and the Harvard University advisory group, AIM opened its doors to its first 94 MBA students in 1969. It is truly the first of its kind in the Eastern hemisphere, a genuine pioneer of management education. Specifically attuned to the profound complexities of Asian business, AIM offers programs that answer the need for holistic managers, astutely aware of their region as well as of the world at large: Master in Business Management (MBM), Master in Management (MM) and Master in Development Management.

AIM attracts students from 22 countries around the world and has since then been home to CEOs, top level professionals across various industries and markets, and of course, the prime movers and shakers of business in the region.

AIM is known far and wide as the “Harvard of Asia” and with good reason. It is the first graduate business school in Southeast Asia to be recognized by the two major international accrediting institutions: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). With Asia’s share of world GDP overtaking the European Union and the United States, it

has become an essential market in the global economy. AIM is uniquely positioned in South East Asia to introduce and prepare budding young business leaders from all over the world to operate against the milieu of Asia’s emerging economic power.

A degree from AIM is good as gold in any nation sure, but the graduates’ true advantage lies not in the certificate framed on their office wall. It is the person they become after AIM. The transformative factor? The case study method.

Little corporations: The case study method Unlike other graduate business schools that employ the standard individualized lectureand-test pedagogy, AIM modeled their mode of teaching after the revered East Coast University’s rigorous case method training style.

Since people from all interests and professions are welcome at the Institute, the classroom giving them a foretaste of what it means to operate in the modern world . Engineers and lawyers sit side by side with financial analysts and operations managers from different countries. It simulates the very real pressures of contemporary corporate culture by combining very different people and getting them to work together.

Each class is divided into groups of roughly six members called “learning teams.” Each learning team has a professor-mentor called a “coach” who is closely responsible for their development and progress throughout the course. The learning team’s members are so grouped as to simulate as closely as possible the potential working relationships these budding professionals will encounter out in the real world, hence the moniker “little corporation.”

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The focus of this method, indeed the philosophy behind an education at AIM is practitioner-oriented. The teams are presented with cases, real-life scenarios faced by professionals in the board room and every person’s input is required. No slinking in the shadows of the corner, or stooping beneath a pile of books. If you did not do the reading or were not following the conversation, every one will know. It is a method that leaves no room for lapses in attention and procrastination— students are totally engaged at all times, with the professor, their classmates and themselves.

Upon graduation, the students come armed with nearly a lifetime of experience, having studied up to 800 cases that allow them to take on the mercurial challenges of business.

As each problem is dissected, debated and deconstructed, each student acquires acute analytical and communication skills, a sharp ear and a certain savvy for people and management.

A true leader.

A lived experience “Students get to experience the honest difficulty of working with different kinds of people. They learn to be more realistic and grounded,” explained Dr. Eli Santos, executive managing director of enrollment management and placement at AIM. He recalled one student who, after the first day of working with his learning team, threw his hands up in the air and demanded to be placed in a different group.

“I can’t work with these people”, the student declared. “You’ll just have to learn,” retorted Santos, “because you can’t choose who you are going to work with out there in the real world.”

The emphasis on verisimilitude with the actual working conditions of industry professionals is the critical factor that makes AIM graduates wunderkinds in their fields.

The effect of AIM is not restricted to the intellectual gymnastics their graduates are capable of. It is the change in the person itself, in how they come to understand and interact in their work and with their colleagues that separates the AIM grad among the rest. Here, students not only learn to think but also listen and truly work with their colleagues, not just alongside them. The ability to express oneself is paramount to the development of the AIM student, “for what is genius if you can not tell other people about your ideas?” noted Santos.

Nonette Climaco, marketing communications manager of AIM shared a story of her own friend who entered the program as a timid and quiet young woman and left a well-spoken, outgoing professional. “Before, she was so shy,” added Edith Bautista, enrollment manager. “Now, she can drive you crazy!”

It is perhaps the culture developed and maintained at AIM that fosters excellence among its students. Stepping up to the challenge is the only option available to those in the classroom, hence even the relatively

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From left to right: Dr. Eli Santos, Executive Managing Director of Enrollment Management and Placement; Nonette Climaco, Marketing Communications Manager; and Edith Bautista, Enrollment Manager.

mediocre graduates emerge a cut above their peers. Bautista revealed the story of a certain nondescript student on exchange to a European country. “He was a somewhat average student here at AIM. But when he was in Europe, he was a star. His classmates applauded him every time he spoke in class.” Indeed, excellence knows no bounds.

A truly international setting In the face of an ever globalized world, it has become paramount for the global citizen to navigate the complexities of social and cultural nuance across nations. The school’s diverse population prepares its students for the increasingly multi-national nature of business in the world today, within their walls and even outside of it. The huge variety of it boasts 22 nationalities in the school year of 2008-2009 alone and has sent its students out to other countries as well through internships and exchange programs, maximizing the opportunity for international exposure in their students.

Credits earned at the school can be transferred to prominent Western graduate schools such as Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, to further supplement their extensive learning.

Their Career Management Services (CMS) has partnerships with companies and recruiters all across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, with especially strong ties with financial institutions. MBA students are required to complete an internship program in between their first and second year, and CMS uses its vast connections to place students in these positions, while also offering extensive employment assistance to their graduates.

A seat amongst the elite It is no surprise that AIM’s list of alumni have gone on to do great things in the region, as well as in Europe and the United States. Their

most notable graduates are at the top of not only business but politics as well. A few of the more well-known people that have made waves in Philippine politics include Sec. Jesli Lapus, (MBM 1973 Former Land Bank President and Secretary, Department of Education) Gen. Angelo Reyes, (Secretary, Department of Energy) and Renato de Villa, (Former Executive Secretary and Defense Secretary). Tony Tan Caktiong, CEO and President, Jollibee Foods Corp. is of this proud rank as well. Over 500 AIM alumni reside in the US today, among them Marlon P. Young, CEO of Private Banks for the Americas of HSBC Private Bank and Theresa Martinez, Marketing Director for multi-national pharmaceutical company Roche. Each alumnus becomes part of a select breed that has an influential presence in many countries, industries and governments.

The best of the East and the West are available to AIM students but of course, the increasing relevance of Asia cannot be ignored.

Every corporation who is any corporation must have a presence in this part of the world, the part of the world where the ceiling for growth remains far from reach. One of the two biggest countries in the world, China and India, are fast becoming the new face of 21st century business and knowing how to work with them is vital to the continued success of any organization. “What better way for you to get to know how Chinese and Indians operate? Your classmates are Chinese and Indian!” exclaimed Dr. Santos, adding slyly, “You’d better network with them already too.”

There is no denying that a solid, far-reaching network is every professional’s prize. One’s peers at AIM could be the next tycoon to run a billion dollar business or head an international organization. It is an institution that affords a singular opportunity for individuals to learn, grow and be the best leaders they can be, ready to conquer the conglomerate challenges of the new millennium. g

| parting shot |

The dream to run across the United States began on May 11

for runner Joy Rojas. Being a survivor of tuberculosis, she had shown strength and determination by pushing herself to the limit. In 2005, she went on leave from a writing job to run across the Philippines, starting at Davao City and ending at pristine Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

With public schools as pitstops, she talked to students and inspired them to pursue their dreams. In the run that lasted 46 days, she was the first Filipina to have earned the feat of traversing the country. Another dream opened for her, this time, on American soil.

The 100-day run dubbed, “Takbong Pangarap” is Joy’s most spectacular project to date. It aspires to support the Anti-Tuberculosis Program of the Inner Wheel Club of Quezon City District 738 and the Social Services Division of the Philippine Heart Center. In America, it has inspired Filipinos.

This picture, taken while Joy and one of her trainors approach Las Vegas under the scorching heat of the sun, chronicles her ongoing journey. Her run kicked off in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles, California,during her 44th birthday, and would end in New York. The dream run covers some 5,000 kilometers, crosses over12 states and four different time zones.

As a proud sponsor, the Asian Journal Publications joins her in celebrating the triumph of the Filipino spirit g

Photos by Bert Jaurigue

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please call amirah may limayo at (213) 250-9797 or ria fabro at (213) 291-8278