PNN Volume XXIV Sept-Oct Issue 2021

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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CONTENTS September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

03 ABOUT THE PUBLISHER

13 PLACE YOUR FREE ADS/ STAFF BOX

24 The Artist with a HeART

BY MAUREEN PINON - BULATAO PHOTO BY RONALD SOLOMON

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EDIAEL L. RODRIGUEZ, a 22-year old student artist from University of Rizal System in Angono, Rizal loves to share her ideas and talents to those individuals’ expressly young people. She engaged herself in outreach programs and art workshops such as the URS Fine Arts Extension Program at Gabay sa Landas Foundation, Road Illusion Painting Workshop for Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono, Art Workshop for the Students of Guronasyon Foundation Incorporated National Highschool, Art workshop for the Children in Muzon Taytay, Rizal Community, and Likhang May Puso: An Outreach and Art Workshop of LIKHANGUNO for the benefit of Autism Society Philippines Angono Chapter. For her, a good artist is someone who inspires and helps others.

The people, their stories, everyday life and dreams became her inspirations. But what captured her attention most are the children, which became subjects in her recent works.

She considered them the most valuable resource in her art and in order for others to support and see their limitless imagination and dreams in life, paints and brushes are her best companions so that those little voices can be heard.

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FEATURE STORY Our Action Man who believes in Gawa Hindi Salita

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Jed adored making art because it’s a way of expressing her thoughts, emotions, and desires in life. Her style is Realism wherein she found most comfortable with and have been enthusiastic about it since she started painting. She loves to explore, share and exchange ideas which helps her in becoming a good artist not just in works but in character as well. She was given an opportunity to be part of some exhibits where she gained exposures, new ideas, and acquaintances with other artists such as Art in the South Exhibit 2017-18, Club Filipino

The Flowing Colors FEATURE: of R CENTERFOLD

SPEAKING OUT: Memento mori (Remember you are mortal!)

PCSO General Manager

BY MAUREEN PINON - BULATAO Royina Marzan Garma

REALIZING ART Realizing Art Ferdinand “Ferdie” Santiago

BY GERALDINE CRUZ PIAZZA

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change was before him which he just could not ignore; he was about to turn 40. To Ferdinand “Ferdie” Santiago, it meant that he needed to do something more meaningful with his life. And so he listened to an inner voice that told him to follow his dreams. In 2001, he decided to retire from his corporate job at the Union Cement Corporation to plunge into the world of art.

Art was not really new to him. To augment his meager allowance while attending college at the University of the East, Ferdie and his friend Noel

LEGISLATING THE LESSONS OF WORLD WAR II IN THE PHILIPPINES

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THE ARTIST WITH A HEART SACAY Jediael L. Rodriguez “My dreams kept me going. Those are the things I aim for and look forward to”.

PEB STEEL: Building For Life

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THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES PHILIPPINE EAGLES oland F. Rosacay a local artist from Bulacan painting. He used acrylic and versatex for modelling THEof San FLOWING COLORS presently residing in the valleys Mateo paste techniques in his paintings and his styles IN ACTION ONandITS 42ND Rizal is recognized to be one of of the Roland most important were repetition and drip techniques. His works F. Rosacay YEAR OF SERVICE THROUGH modern artists in the Philippines today. He is a wellwere mainly influenced by Jose Joya an abstract, known painter, sculptor & printmaker and prefers printmaker and National Artist Visual ArtsPUBLICO in 2003, EL for PUEBLO STRONG BROTHERHOOD

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Surprisingly, LIKMAY was a hit. The partners, both instinctively gifted artists, found themselves earning enough to support themselves through school.

However, they closed shop and parted ways to pursue “real” jobs after graduating from college. Ferdie did just fine out in the big world. Well, that was the case until he had to re-evaluate his options at the turn of the millenium.

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Zigaral established a small portrait studio called LIKMAY (short for Likhang Kamay) at Kameraworld along Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila.

into abstractions and surrealism. Rosacay took up Ibarra dela Rosa known as one of the best modernist Art Studies at the Philippine Women’s University and painters in 1998, and Paul Jackson Pollock an a member of Philippine Association of Printmakers.

American painter and a major figure in the abstract September-October 2021 Volume XXIV In the late ‘80s, he already started printmaking and expressionist movement in 1956.

ABOUT

THE PUBLISHER

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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FEATURE

STORY

Our Action Man who believes in

Gawa Hindi Salita

By Evelyn Marking Javier Researchers: Marian Frahncine Ingrid J. Sanchez Bernadette Panen Sanchez Evaristo Valeriano Miguel Javier Sanchez

Pilipinas Ngayon Na is grateful to have our man of the hour: Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” de Castro Abalos Jr. Chairman Abalos is a lawyer and a politician. Truly an achiever, he started his political career as Councilor from 1995 to 1998. Then went on to serve as City Mayor of Mandaluyong for five terms from 1998 to 2016. In between, he held the position of Congressman from 2004 to 2007, also in Mandaluyong.

He has authored a total of 25 House bills and Coauthored 54 others.

Sponsored the highest budget of the Philippines Sports Commission and was the principal author of Republic Act No. 9397, otherwise known as the amended Urban Development Housing Act of 1992.

Youth Lecturer. He has provided his lectures at University of the Philippines, Development Academy

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The Chairman who listens and care for the elderly

of the Philippines, The Local Government Academy, De La Salle College of St. Benilde, and at the National College of Public Administration and Governance. He has followed the footsteps of his beloved father Benjamin Abalos Sr.

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

FEATURE

STORY

The Chairman and Mayor Menchie working as a team (Standing left to right) Benjamin Abalos III, Lyselle Abelo-Abalos, Charlene Marie Abalos, Celine Marie Abalos, Maria Corazon Abalos, Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas, David Charles Vargas, (Municipality of Aliaga) Mayor David Angelo Vargas. (Sitting left to right) Marcus Benjamin Abalos, Chairman Benhur Abalos, Benjamin Abalos V, Mayor Menchie Abalos, David Marcial Vargas And Benjamin Gabriel Abalos

The beloved parents Former Comelec and MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Corazon De Castro at their happy times together

Currently MMDA Chairman, he aims of rebranding Metro Manila into a greener and cleaner metro. He wants sidewalks for people who love to jog and bike just like himself.

Being the second eldest son of former MMDA , Mayor, and COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Corazon de Castro, his life is considered a fruitful journey. In his pursuits of happiness, he married in 1985 to a former Beauty Queen and now Mayor of Mandaluyong, Carmelita “Menchie” Aguilar. They have six children namely Charisse, Ciara Marie, Benjamin III, Charlene Marie, Maria Corazon, and Celine Marie. Two of his children are currently in public service.

He experienced the darkest days of his life when his father – who was battling cancer -- was incarcerated for 8 months. It was also the time when he realized who his true friends were. But he persevered. He once said, “When I was supposed to be at my weakest, I would be at my strongest.

But one thing he learned from his father was “forgiveness.”

Especially since Chairman Benhur was a survivor who battled two cancer conditions: Colon and Prostrate. What’s more. He also contracted covid-19. After he championed all these risky health issues, he came out a winner. He said, “Life is short, it is beautiful but it must be meaningful.”

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FEATURE

STORY MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos at work

His accomplishments are exceptional: Multiawarded mayor who has innumerable awards.

His governance was credited for the transformation of Mandaluyong into the “Tiger City of the Philippines” – in just 1 term of service.

Second term being a mayor, he was elected as president of two national organizations. First, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), an umbrella organization of CROWN with 1.7 million elective and appointed officials of the country that is traditionally headed by a governor. It was the first time a mayor has headed ULAP, and second, League of Cities of the Philippines, comprising of the 143 cities in the Philippines One of 10 Filipino delegates chosen by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) on a Study Program in the USA In 1995 and 1996, he was awarded as Most Outstanding Councilor of the Year

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PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

FEATURE

STORY Young Achievers Awardee in the Field of Government and Public Service First LGU to respond to AHON-BATA projects of Vice- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Most Active LGU in giving employment assistance to its constituents In 1998, the city of Mandaluyong received the Apolinario Mabini Award for being the best local government unit with the best programs and projects for disabled persons. In the same year, he was awarded as Outstanding Public Servant. He also received the “Pro Deo et Patria” (For God and Country) Award, the highest honor given by Don Bosco Technical College to the most outstanding alumnus Year 2021, he received the award of Most Outstanding Mayor of the Philippines In 2002, Mandaluyong was awarded “The New Tiger City” of Metro Manila for being the second vibrant city, economy wise, in the country He was awarded as Outstanding City Mayor, Local Government Leadership Award (LGLA) and Most Outstanding City Mayor and Public Servant Awardee in year 2003.

He also received the Presidential Award for Most Child Friendly City in the Philippines in 2011 and was conferred the Seal of Child Friendly Local Governance as top regional awardee in January 2016.

The Outstanding Philippine Leadership Excellence Award in Philanthropy (TOP- LEAP) was given to him for being outstanding philantropist in public governance in 2012.

In 2013, he received Galing Pook Awards for it’s life changing programs: Garden of Life Park and the Project TEACH (Therapy, Education and Assimilation of Children with Handicap).

Mandaluyong was awarded as the Most BusinessFriendly City in the Philippines and ranked PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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FEATURE

STORY

number 2 in Top Performing Cities Based on Locally Generated Revenues in 2010-2011.

He led the city in achieving the Guinness World Records for the largest zumba class in one location initiated with City First Lady Menchie Abalos in promoting healthy lifestyle in July 2015.

The city was conferred the Seal of Good Local Governance in 2014-2015 for passing all criterion, the Core and Essential Components: Good Financial Housekeeping; Social Protection;

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Disaster Preparedness; Business-friendliness and Competitiveness; Environmental Management; and Peace and Order.

The city has also consistently gained awards.

Green Banner Award for three consecutive years (2010-2012), CROWN Award (2013), the 1st Year CROWN Maintenance Award (2014), 2nd Year CROWN Maintenance Award (2015) up to achieving the highest award in nutrition and the Nutrition Honor Award (2016).If only all public servant and politician thinks the way Chairman

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

Benhur Abalos does all Filipinos will have a better life to live. Chairman Abalos is also busy with Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) giving strong and effective advice, updating the daily status of the Victims. He started rolling out the vaccine at the ground floor of MMDA office to give priority to all walk ins, Senior Citizens, PWDs. NO VIP treatment; First Come, First Served.

LEGISLATING THE LESSONS OF

By Wendell Gaa

WORLD WAR II IN THE PHILIPPINES The Second Word War was the pivotal defining event of the 20th century. As history’s costliest war in human lives, nations and cities were bombed and literally wiped off the map and civilian suffering, persecution and genocide occurred on an unprecedented scale. The Philippines itself was at the frontlines in this epic struggle between civilization and barbarism as a central stage of battle within the Asia-Pacific Theater of Operations, which oversaw the Allied forces led by the United States waging a campaign to emerge victorious against the military forces of Imperial Japan. And yet this is a milestone event in history which at this point has yet to be officially taught as a distinct focus of study in Philippine educational institutions nationwide. Fortunately as I recently learned, there is an active campaign to push through a national bill which would implement the inclusion of World War II history as a mandatory subject in the General Education curriculum of Philip-

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pine Higher Education Institutions, classes that would particularly emphasize the Philippine experience during the Second World War and the crucial role of Filipino soldiers to the Allied cause.

In a virtual meeting I had with Jerry Adevoso, former Presidential Assistant for Veterans Affairs under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, along with other descendants of the famed Hunters-ROTC Division troops which had waged an instrumental guerrilla warfare campaign against the occupying Japanese military forces in the Philippines from 1941 until the end of the War in 1945, I came to know more about this particular bill for which, at the time of writing, the Senate is still yet to file a counterpart or equivalent bill to the version passed by the House of Representatives (House Bill No. 5971 or the “World War II in the Philippines Education Act,” principally authored and sponsored by Congressman Roman T. Romulo).

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

Some photos and short bios of the leaders of the Hunters-ROTC guerrilla fighters, among the many Filipino heroes of World War II. General Douglas MacArthur staff, accompanied by Philippine president Sergio Osmeña (left) landing at Red Beach, Leyte, on 20 October 1944

Guerrillas of Captain Juan Pajota who partook in the famed Cabanatuan Raid, along with US Army Rangers, which resulted in the liberation over 511 American prisoners of war (POWs) from a Japanese POW camp near Cabanatuan on 30 January 1945.

Adevoso happens to be the son of the famed commander of the Hunters-ROTC guerrillas Col. Terry Adevoso, and joining our zoom call was David Ingles, President of the Descendants company and son of the original co-founder Lt. Col. Gustavo Ingles; Rosie de Ocampo, eldest daughter of Lt. Col. Emmanuel V. de Ocampo, commander of the Hunters-ROTC Division troops; and Michael “Chino” Estacio, son of Lt. Col. Vic Estacio, commander of Hunters 46th Regiment and the soldier who launched the successful guerrilla raid on the National Bilibid Prison on 24 June 1944 which liberated several fellow guerillas and hundreds of firearms and ammunition supplies.

I learned from these children of the distinguished battle-hardened veterans of the ROTC-Hunters how this World War II Education Act would mandate the teaching of the Second World War through the lens of the Philippine battles, from invasion to liberation, in the national collegiate system through the Commission on Higher and Technical Education which shall work in close collaboration with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office-Department of National Defense (PVAODND) should the bill see full successful passage.

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From speaking with these veteran descendants, I realized how absolutely imperative it is for the Philippine youth to become increasingly aware and informed about the sacrifices put forth by the Filipino veterans in the name of the country’s survival and liberation during the Second World War. Having spent a majority of my formative youth living and growing up in the U.S., I viewed the Second World War in the Asia-Pacific Theater as mainly a titanic struggle between the United States and Japan with the nations’ respective conflicting ideologies of democracy versus imperialism. But as was discussed with the veteran descendants and the lessons passed on to them by their fathers, the Philippines had also bore its weight in inspiring a generation of resistance fighters that played a pivotal role in standing up to the occupying Japanese forces and preventing more lives from falling victim to the enemy. Although many Filipino soldiers and civilians suffered immensely under the occupying Japanese troops, I agree that with the courage put forth by the ROTC-Hunters and other resistance underground guerrillas throughout the country, the Philippines should not be seen merely as a victimized nation as is portrayed in several history books through such tragic events chronicled and highlighted in the War as the fall of the Corregidor Island military bastion and the infamous Bataan Death March which saw the brutal death and starvation of thousands of both Filipino and American soldiers.

Although the return of General Douglas MacArthur at Leyte which saw the eventual liberation of the entire country is an iconic moment of Allied triumph in the War, it seemingly has been viewed by many historians as solely an American victory. There is no doubt that the U.S. played an absolute

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The Hunters-ROTC Guerillas Memorial Shrine located in San Juan, Cainta , Rizal.

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

vital role in defeating the Axis forces in the Pacific, yet simultaneously it is undeniable that General MacArthur’s landing and the fulfillment of his famed promise to return and liberate the Philippines would not have been possible had it not been for the heroic actions put forth by the ROTC-Hunters and other Filipino resistance groups which contributed to the wearing down of the enemy and ultimately paved the way for total Allied liberation of the country.

This knowledge must therefore be passed on to all Philippine youth. Having learned in this same virtual meeting that the Bataan Historical Legacy group led by Cecilia Gaerlan, which is based in the San Francisco Bay area in the U.S., had successfully lobbied with the California Board of Education to legislate the teaching of Philippine World War II history courses in Northern California schools, I feel that this should be a valuable incentive for people in the Philippines to likewise put forth a concerted, focused and inspired effort to lobby for the eventual passage of this World War II Education Act in the Philippines.

A powerful question had been brought up during our virtual conversation, which was how to pass on to the country’s future generations the important lessons of sacrifice and sense of duty exhibited during the Second World War. Passage of this Education Act will certainly provide a huge springboard through which these valuable lessons will be conveyed to our nation’s youth.

As was so eloquently stated by Rosie de Ocampo, the actions and dedication of the Hunters-ROTC veterans, as well as other heroic resistance fighters in the Philippines during World War II, is still as relevant today as it was in the past. To forget what they did would be the ultimate disservice to them and to our nation.

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On The Cover:

Benjamin Abalos Jr. Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

Publisher Robert T. Rivera Managing Editor Evelyn Marking Javier

Dessert for the soul

Associate Editor Nerlisa F. Rivera

FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU DECLARES THE LORD PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE. JEREMIAH 29:11

Graphic Designer Neil Mariano Chief Photographer James Choa Contributing Writers Bernadette Panen Sanchez, Evaristo Valeriano Miguel Javier Sanchez, Geraldine Cruz Piazza, Marian Frahncine Ingrid J. Sanchez, Maureen Pinon-Bulatao, Ryan Lao, Wendell Gaa

FOLLOW US ON DWIZ 882 FACEBOOK LIVE MONDAY & WEDNESDAY 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Contributing Photographer Ronald Solomon IT & Online Circulation Manager Jeremiah F. Rivera Executive Consultant Elizabeth Victoria Sales and Marketing Consultant Eduardo S. Madrid

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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SPEAKING

OUT

Memento mori

(Remember you are mortal!)

By Ignacio R. Bunye In ancient Roman times, they supposedly had slaves whispering ‘Memento mori’ (Remember you are mortal!) into the ears of successful emperors or generals during victory parades. According to legend, the purpose was to keep the honoree sufficiently grounded in order to avoid becoming a victim of hubris.

In modern times, the reverse example was Bundini Brown, the sidekick of Muhammad Ali, who kept shouting (not just whispering) to Ali: “You are the greatest. … (You can) float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” Over time, Ali did believe he was not just the greatest, but the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Many sports historians and writers happen to agree.

But Bundini Brown had one grievous mistake. Brown failed to also remind Ali: ‘Memento mori’ (Remember you are mortal!). And so Ali kept on fighting. At 38 years and after a long lay-off, Ali tried to recapture the world heavyweight crown for an unprecedented fourth time.

On October 2, 1980, 16 years after Ali shook the world by beating an ‘unbeatable’ Sonny Liston, 6 years

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after knocking out the indestructible George Foreman in the “Rumble in the Jungle”, and 5 years after stopping his nemesis Joe Frazier in “Thrilla in Manila”, Ali sat in his stool. His former sparring mate, Larry Holmes, gave Ali such a terrible beating over ten rounds, that Ali’s trainer Angelo Dundee asked the referee to stop the fight. Larry Holmes later cried in his dressing room for having beaten up Ali, his spar mate, his idol, who taught him so much about boxing.

Ali was luckier than the Brown Bomber, Joe Louis.

Louis had ruled the heavyweight division for 25 years.

Attempting to make a comeback (at age 37) against the rising Rocky Marciano (28), Louis was knocked out cold outside the ropes.

Paging our Champ For Life Manny Pacquiao. To the millions of Filipinos and your fans all over the world, you are truly great. Your brilliant career may never be equaled for years to come. But now It is time to stop listening to the Bundini Browns around you. Memento mori (Remember you are mortal!).

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

SPEAKING

Why the US failed in Aghanistan

OUT

By Ignacio R. Bunye

Just days after the US threw in the towel in Afghanistan, arm chair analysts are already busy offering various reasons why the US adventure ended so disastrously.

One pundit offers this explanation:

It is a well-tested military maxim that to win, one side need only to outlast the will of those fighting them.

And in Afghanistan, the will of the Taliban clearly prevailed. It was not so much the Taliban’s military superiority. It was simply because the Americans have lost the will to fight. Not so for the Taliban. A much quoted Taliban saying goes something like this – “You may have a watch, but we have the time.”

Immediately, after 9/11, the so-called “war against terror”, launched by President George W. Bush, was very popular. There was a surge of enlistment to avenge the attack on American soil, the worst since Pearl Harbor. But as the years passed, the popular support started to wane. This might have started with the realization that the US went to war, initially in Iraq, for the wrong reason. No weapons of mass destruction were ever uncovered in Iraq. The financial crisis of 2008 exacerbated the situation. The US populace realized that the US was spending trillions of dollars abroad when much more was needed at home to fix the economy. It is estimated that the US spent at least 1 million dollars a year to send one foot soldier abroad.

Starting with President Obama, the US already signaled that the US has had enough of its adventurism abroad. This was a view supported by then Vice President Biden. (In his early 30s, the young politician Biden campaigned on a anti-Vietnam war platform.)

President Trump then had a deal with the Taliban, even releasing dozens of Taliban prisoners, without getting any clear concessions. Poor Joe Biden, he just did not have a good exit plan.

You may wish to share the foregoing article via Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In or Viber.

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THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLE

(Philippine Eagles) First Philippine-Born Fraternal Socio-Civic Organization “Service through Strong Brotherhood”

NATIONAL PRESIDENTS Eagle NILO H. RAYMUNDO Eagle PEDRO R. BALBANERO Eagle JOSE S. ALCANESES Eagle ALFREDO S. OLANO Eagle JAIME C. ECHEVERRIA Eagle ESMERALDO R. ACORDA Eagle GUY ROMUALDEZ Eagle CELSO P. MARIANO Eagle GODOFREDO B. MONTECILLO Eagle CRISANTO T. SARUCA Eagle WILLIAM Y. CONCEPCION, SR. Eagle MIGUEL V. PISO Eagle RIZAL ALBERTO C. NOLIDO Eagle MEL P. SAMSON Eagle JOAQUIN T. LU Eagle DAVID S. ODILAO, JR. Eagle SANCHO K. CHAN Eagle DAVID S. ODILAO, JR. Eagle CESAR DUMOGHO Eagle MOISES G. ISMA Eagle SAMUEL D. LIM Eagle EDGARDO ALEJANRINO Eagle CESAR YBAÑEZ Eagle ROBERTO R. SEELIN Eagle EDUARDO S. MADRID Eagle FLAVIO J. SANIEL, JR. Eagle GILBERT B. GILLE 2007 Eagle JOSEPH JOEL R. LONGCOB Eagle IBNOHASIM A. UNDUG Eagle SALVADOR T. RAMOS Eagle SAINODEN A. BALINDONG Eagle LUCIO F. CENIZA Eagle ERLQIUM C. LIM Eagle CONRADO A. CEDEÑO Eagle NELSON A. SAPUDDIN

1979 - 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 - 2003 2004 2005 2006 2008 2011 2012 - 2014 March 2014 April - 2015 2016 - 2017 2018 2019 - 2020 2021

EAGLE IBNOHASIM A. UNDUG Chairman, PENAPLE

It is with great pleasure to greet all the readers, sponsors and patrons of this prestigious magazine!

As is known to many, the Fraternal Order of Eagles - Philippine Eagles, is a brotherhood of professional men from all walks of life, persuasion and economic strata, that promotes love of country, support to community and the government. It is our common objectives to help those who are in poverty and are devastated by calamity or disasters.

The fraternity was founded by Filipino leaders in 1979, and in 42 years of its existence, the nation has found a first Philippine-born brotherhood orgnization that has consistently become a partner of the community in its fight against calamities, hunger and other adverse challenges.

As it endeavors to achieve another milestone in its fruitful existence, the Philippine Eagles as a brotherhood in like manner strives to maintain unity harmony within its rank, even as we, as one nation, battles a ricalcitrant global pandemic that also shook the health foundation of our country.

No time is greater than now where our unified resolve to survive is more real and pronounced than ever, and the call to stand tall and immovable is never just imagine but is real.

Lest we become complacent, the time to be divided is not now, and to thread many a direction is not a choice, but rather an option to lead the way to achieving the common good.

MABUHAY ANG AGILA!

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PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagles in Action on its 42nd year of service through strong brotherhood

PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan Garma

CENTERFOLD

FEATURE

H

y a d h t r i B y p p a

GM Garma!

CENTERFOLD

FEATURE

Photo credit: Ms Ana May T. Casten Eric “Papadom” Delos Reyes

By Evelyn Marking Javier In line with the PCSO’s General Manager and Vice Chairperson Royina Marzan Garma birth month. GM Garma and Department Manager for Charity Concerns Juliet Aseo started distributing the Mandatory Checks Contributions to the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police,Philippine Sports Commission Local Government Units and other government agencies like Boy Scout of the Philippines. Earlier last month GM Garma reiterated the importance of Institutional partnership as to where she funded the Vismin and Luzon municipalities to bring the PCSO extended medical assistance not only to the individuals but those mainy affected by calaminities.

GM Garma wants to dessiminate funds coming from the proceeds of all PCSO coming from the Larong may puso, Lotto games Keno, Scratch it and STL. She excells in bringing the heart of PCSO closer to every Filipinos as She would say” Charity begets Charity”. Since PCSO has a heart it aims to accentuate what Charity is meant for.

General Manager and Vice Chairperson recently launched the PCSO Institutional partnership as to where she disseminate funds to make it easier for the poorest of the poor to get medical assistance Nationwide

The Flowing Colors of

R SACAY

BY MAUREEN PINON - BULATAO

R

oland F. Rosacay a local artist from Bulacan and presently residing in the valleys of San Mateo Rizal is recognized to be one of the most important modern artists in the Philippines today. He is a wellknown painter, sculptor & printmaker and prefers into abstractions and surrealism. Rosacay took up Art Studies at the Philippine Women’s University and a member of Philippine Association of Printmakers.

In the late ‘80s, he already started printmaking and

painting. He used acrylic and versatex for modelling paste techniques in his paintings and his styles were repetition and drip techniques. His works were mainly influenced by Jose Joya an abstract, printmaker and National Artist for Visual Arts in 2003, Ibarra dela Rosa known as one of the best modernist painters in 1998, and Paul Jackson Pollock an American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement in 1956.

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The Fish, Sun and Moon of Rosacay In the 1990’s although he flourished as a surrealist and a printmaker, Rosacay’s fish paintings have become the most popular and adored by collectors. Ever wondering why most of his artworks are full of fishes and circles? Well, this great artist is a Piscean-Wood Dragon by nature and the main reason for his fishes while the Circles in his artworks represents the sun and moon which epitomizes his full identity that’s why all these symbols are very evident in most of his masterpieces.

Fish fish series size 36x48 inches medium acrylic on canvas year 2021

The paintings of Rosacay was able to capture the vagueness of life, the symbols of abundance and fortune, the link of human beings in nature, and even the symmetry that exists within us. The lights and shadow which defines the positive and negative aspects of life, the struggles and hope among others perhaps revealed his Piscean nature flowing from his mind, heart, soul, and creative hands, which gave his paintings complexity and significance.

Fish fish series size 36x36 inches medium acrylic on canvas year 2021

Fish fish series size 24x30 inches medium acrylic on canvas

Fish fish series size 24x48 inches medium acrylic on canvas

Rosacay had already presented 17 major solo art exhibits and participated in almost 200 group exhibitions local and international. Since 1990 up to 2018 he already received almost 56 awards and distinctions including the Certificate of Awardee in the New York International Competition at Seoul, South Korea Exchange Exhibit, CBN Asia-Heart for Life and a Certificate of Appreciation from the National Museum Manila, Philippine Visual Arts Festival under the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Film Academy of the Philippines. His latest exhibit of Fish Series were showcased in “On and Beyond the Canvas” A Garden & Art Festival held at the Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila last July 29 to August 8, 2021.

Fish harmony size 36x48 inches medium acrylic on canvas year 2021

Recently, Rosacay was included in the latest Filipinas Institute for the Advancement of Arts and Culture (Filarts) 6th coffee table book entitled “Contemporary Art by Asian Artists.” The said book was published by Multi-awarded Filipino publisher and artist Roy Espinosa featuring artworks from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and India showcasing a paradigmatic immersion on depicting universal theme unbounded by geographic border, social status, or race. Indeed, Rosacay created a mark in the local and international art scene not only by capturing the beauty and balance of life and nature but through his artistic expression and the flowing colors of his soul.

Realizing Art

BY GERALDINE CRUZ PIAZZA

A

change was before him which he just could not ignore; he was about to turn 40. To Ferdinand “Ferdie” Santiago, it meant that he needed to do something more meaningful with his life. And so he listened to an inner voice that told him to follow his dreams. In 2001, he decided to retire from his corporate job at the Union Cement Corporation to plunge into the world of art.

Art was not really new to him. To augment his meager allowance while attending college at the University of the East, Ferdie and his friend Noel

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Zigaral established a small portrait studio called LIKMAY (short for Likhang Kamay) at Kameraworld along Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila.

Surprisingly, LIKMAY was a hit. The partners, both instinctively gifted artists, found themselves earning enough to support themselves through school.

However, they closed shop and parted ways to pursue “real” jobs after graduating from college. Ferdie did just fine out in the big world. Well, that was the case until he had to re-evaluate his options at the turn of the millenium.

PILIPINAS NGAYON NA September-October 2021 Volume XXIV

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The year 2002 marked Ferdie’s formal entry in the art scene. He joined his first group art exhibit with The Manila Art Group at the San Agustin Church and Museum. A leading newspaper took notice of his work and published a photo of his entry. Motivated, Ferdie kept on going and never looked back.

Throughout the years, this hardworker helped form several groups for artists namely: United Artists of Las Piñas (with Dom Rances); Art Nouveau de Manila (with Jes Santos); Binhi Group of Artists (with Roger Crisostomo); and Artists Society of the Philippines, and Young Artists Movement of Las Piñas (with Jun Jacolbe).

Always willing to help out fellow artists, Ferdie also conducted art workshops with Solano Cruz for the street children under the care of Sining Sibol. In 2010, he launched the Filipino Artists: Realist Movement. In a span of three years, he was able to organize 17 group art exhibitions and a one-man show.

This humble artist paints still lifes, portraits, and other commissioned works to support his craft. But his favorite is a style in realism where he employs a technique developed by Leonardo da Vinci called sfumato (think Mona Lisa). To achieve the almost translucent effect, thin glazes of paint are layered using miniscule brush strokes.

This type of art is painstakingly detail-oriented that a masterpiece takes him at least two months to finish. He has only created four of this type of painting, and one hangs in the home of Mayor Aguilar of Las Piñas.

Life sometimes call for changes. In Ferdie’s case, it was a call too hard to ignore because it involved a lifelong dream. It took him to a road less travelled where he finds great satisfaction in interpreting the world as he sees it.

The Artist with a HeART

BY MAUREEN PINON - BULATAO PHOTO BY RONALD SOLOMON

J

EDIAEL L. RODRIGUEZ, a 22-year old student artist from University of Rizal System in Angono, Rizal loves to share her ideas and talents to those individuals’ expressly young people. She engaged herself in outreach programs and art workshops such as the URS Fine Arts Extension Program at Gabay sa Landas Foundation, Road Illusion Painting Workshop for Regional Lead School for the Arts in Angono, Art Workshop for the Students of Guronasyon Foundation Incorporated National Highschool, Art workshop for the Children in Muzon Taytay, Rizal Community, and Likhang May Puso: An Outreach and Art Workshop of LIKHANGUNO for the benefit of Autism Society Philippines Angono Chapter. For her, a good artist is someone who inspires and helps others.

The people, their stories, everyday life and dreams became her inspirations. But what captured her attention most are the children, which became subjects in her recent works.

She considered them the most valuable resource in her art and in order for others to support and see their limitless imagination and dreams in life, paints and brushes are her best companions so that those little voices can be heard.

Jed adored making art because it’s a way of expressing her thoughts, emotions, and desires in life. Her style is Realism wherein she found most comfortable with and have been enthusiastic about it since she started painting. She loves to explore, share and exchange ideas which helps her in becoming a good artist not just in works but in character as well. She was given an opportunity to be part of some exhibits where she gained exposures, new ideas, and acquaintances with other artists such as Art in the South Exhibit 2017-18, Club Filipino

“My dreams kept me going. Those are the things I aim for and look forward to”.

Exhibit 2018, Art Dialogo-Asia Exhibit 2018, SM Art for Everyone Exhibit 2019, Guhit Pinas-The Art of She Online Exhibit 2021, Rotary Club Exhibit 2021 and the latest is Art in the Park Exhibit Online 2021.

She considered Art in the Park Exhibit a big opportunity for a young student artist like her to express and share her creativity and style in the art scene. The said exhibit showcased artwork from 53 exhibitors, including galleries, art collectives, independent art spaces, and student groups. It’s an annual event organized

by Philippine Art Events, Inc. for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. Her Painting was exhibited under the Arnold Art Collection owned by Theo Arnold, a Dutch National and Former Diplomat. Jed was very happy for the opportunity and was proud that one of her paintings was sold on the first day of the exhibit. But, what makes her more overwhelmed is the chance of meeting the art collector. For her as an artist, having the chance to meet the buyer/collector is very important, it allows her to have an idea on what or how her artwork caught their attention and made a connection to their feelings. It is a part of her foundation to pursue her passion and to do more than what is expected.

Jed is very thankful to Ms. Monique Kahn, her collector for showing her support for young local artist like her and for giving appreciations in her artworks.

Her current achievements includes Binangonan Painting Contest 2020 (Honorable Mention), DISTAS Rotary Club Painting Contest 2020 (3rd place), Shell National Student Art Competition 2020 and GSIS National Art Competition 2021 Qualifier. Indeed, there’s no stopping for this young lady in pursuing her dreams and goals as an artist, involving to art activities, outreach programs and helping the community despite of the current pandemic situation.

For she believes that if you “Keep on doing what you love, someday you will harvest the fruit of your hard work.”

Artist with Monique Kahn ( Art Collector)

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