Yes Philippines News Magazine UK August 2021

JESSIE SINGH LONDONER

THE FIRST AWARDEE FILIPINO POLICE CONSTABLE IN THE UK

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

ven as we think that we are still in the middle of summer, August signals the end of it as it’s considered to be the last month of the season.

August was originally called Sextilis in the Roman calendar. It is named after Augustus Caesar, founder and the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Augustus did not want to be outdone by Julius Caesar whose month of July has 31 days and for that reason, August has the same number of days.

Two catastrophic volcanic eruptions happened in August. On 24 August 79 A.D., Mt. Vesuvius in southern Italy erupted. On 26 August 1883, Krakatoa in Indonesia exploded, causing a tidal wave that was 120 feet high.

He ordered that some roast beef be placed between two pieces of bread so he could eat with his hands.

In August, most summer vegetables are ready to be harvested and it is the time to celebrate a bountiful harvest and a sizzling summer.

In this month’s issue of Yes Philippines, we have a very good harvest of news, information and entertainment. In our theme-of-themonth section, we have an article on the annual celebration of our national language, or as we say in the vernacular, “pambansang wika”.

by Mary Sol Pimentel

IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE OF YES PHILIPPINES, WE HAVE A VERY GOOD HARVEST OF NEWS, INFORMATION AND ENTERTAINMENT. IN OUR THEME-OFTHE-MONTH SECTION, WE HAVE AN ARTICLE ON THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR NATIONAL LANGUAGE, OR AS WE SAY IN THE VERNACULAR, “PAMBANSANG WIKA”.

“Three world-famous people passed away in August. On 5 August 1962, Marilyn Monroe died from an overdose. On 16 August 1977, Elvis Presley was pronounced dead at age 42. Twenty years later, on 31 August 1997, Princess Diana was killed in a car accident in Paris.

On the lighter side of things, the sandwich, as we know it, was invented in August 1762. The Earl of Sandwich was too busy playing cards at the gambling table that he couldn’t be bothered to leave his place to eat.

A Pinoy DJ with his own radio show is featured in our Creatives’ Corner, and in our Filipiniana section, a renowned Filipino author has kindly given us permission to publish his article about our national dish, the adobo.

In sports news, we have a story on the first ever Olympic gold medal won by a Filipino athlete.

These and many more stories are waiting to be read by you. So, go on and turn the next page. You’re in for a wonderful treat!

Happy reading!

immigration corner

WITH LIRA SIMON CABATBAT

Right to Remain / Work and Pending Applications

Avery common situation is where an application is pending with the Home Office and the applicant requires confirmation, he has the right to live and work in the UK. In this case, the main provision to consider is Section 3c of the Immigration Act 1971.

Section 3c leave

“(1) This section applies if—

(a)a person who has limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom applies to the Secretary of State for variation of the leave,

(b)the application for variation is made before the leave expires, and

(c)the leave expires without the application for variation having been decided.”

3c leave (visa) means that the applicant’s immigration status will be treated as continuing, or in other words “section 3c extends the person’s existing leave until the application is decided (or withdrawn)” (Home Office Guidance 18/01/2021).

Example 1:

An applicant who is in the UK following grant of a Spouse visa that expired on the 1st of May 2021, and who applied for extension of his visa on the 30th of April 2021 will have the benefit of 3c leave. This means that he is permitted to remain in the UK with the same rights and restrictions he had during the duration of his Spouse visa even though this formally ended on the 30th of April 2021.

As a Spouse visa holder, he has the right to live in the UK so this condition will simply continue. His 3c leave also means that he is perfectly entitled to work in the UK. His employer (and any future employer) can check with the Home Office via the Employment Checking Service for confirmation that he is allowed to work. If the employer fails to carry out the relevant check and dismisses the applicant, simply because he is unable to show a current visa, the employer may face a claim for unfair dismissal.

Appeals and 3c

Example 2:

Taking the above scenario, if the Applicant’s application for a Spouse visa is refused, the applicant will usually have 14 days to appeal the decision. Provided he appeals in time, he will continue to benefit from 3c leave which

provides:

“2) The leave is extended by virtue of this section during any period when—

(b) an appeal under section 82(1) of the Nationality, Asylum and Immigration Act 2002 could be brought, while the appellant is in the United Kingdom against the decision on the application for variation (ignoring any possibility of an appeal out of time with permission),

(c) an appeal under that section against that decision, brought while the appellant is in the United Kingdom, is pending (within the meaning of section 104 of that Act)”

Where an appeal has been allowed the Home Office’s refusal/decision was likely to have been found by the Tribunal to be unlawful. This will mean that the Home Office needs to remake the decision. The effect of this is that the Applicant will have continuous leave to remain in the UK pursuant to section 3C (5)

Example 3:

If an applicant’s appeal is dismissed, he may continue to rely on the 3c provision even after his appeal is dismissed. Home Office Guidance states that 3c leave continuous where:

“there is an onward right of appeal to the Upper Tribunal or Court of Appeal section…”

The guidance goes on to state that: “…a decision of the First-tier Tribunal can be appealed to the Upper Tribunal. Permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal must be sought from the First-tier Tribunal within 14 days from when the written reasons for the decision were provided. This means that unless the time limit to appeal is changed by the Tribunal under the case management powers set out in Rule 4 of the Tribunal Procedure Rules 2014 an appellant will always have a further 14 days of section 3C leave after they receive a decision from the First-tier Tribunal. An appeal to the Court of Appeal is finally determined where judgement has been given by the Court of Appeal so 3c leave continues provided the appeal is made in time but an appeal to the Supreme Court does not extend section 3C leave.”

The above means that an applicant who challenges the First Tier Tribunal’s decision to dismiss his appeal may still benefit from 3c leave. Consequently, the applicant in our above example will continue to have the right to live and work in the UK in accordance with his Spouse visa until his further challenge is finally decided, even as far as the Court of Appeal. This is subject to the applicant’s appeal being submitted in time.

Once the applicant’s appeal routes are exhausted and he failed to mount a

successful challenge his 3c leave to remain will also cease.

Varying an application during 3c leave

If the application has not yet been decided an applicant can seek to vary his application and not lose his 3c leave. However, once his application is refused by the Home Office a new application will not reinstate his 3c leave. For the applicant in our above example this means:

If he varies his application before the Home Office decides his Spouse application, he will continue to have 3c leave until his new application is decided.

If he submits a new application after the Home Office decides his Spouse application, his 3c leave will have ceased, in the absence of an appeal, and this means that his previous conditions, granted by his spouse visa will also cease, including his right to work in the UK. The Home Office may not take action to remove the applicant whilst his new application is ongoing, but he will no longer have a right to work. This may well have very dire consequences for the applicant.

Leaving the UK and 3c leave

If the applicant in our above example leaves the UK before his application for extension of his visa is granted, 3c states that:

“Leave extended by virtue of this section shall lapse if the applicant leaves the United Kingdom.”

Put simply, if the applicant in our above case leaves the UK before his application is concluded, his 3c leave will also lapse. This means he will need to make a new application, from abroad, for a visa to be able to come back into the UK.

Disclaimer

Importance and limits of 3c leave

As explained by the Home Office in their January 2021 guidance, the “purpose of section 3C leave is to prevent a person who makes an in-time application to extend their leave from becoming an overstayer while they are awaiting a decision on that application and while any appeal or administrative review they are entitled to is pending.”

Loss of an applicant’s 3C leave may result not only to loss of employment or job opportunities; it may also mean that the applicant’s stay in the UK is endangered. In the above example, the applicant who has a Spouse visa seeking his second extension may find that loss of his 3c leave could result to being required to re-start his five-year probationary period from scratch or in some cases it could mean having to leave the UK.

It should also be noted, that the 3c provision does not confer additional rights. Consequently, someone who did not have 3c leave when he made his application does not gain the right to work simply by making an application. Accordingly, an applicant who has a student visa and applies before the expiration of his leave to remain in the UK as a Spouse will still be bound by his student visa restrictions, say in relation to employment, until his Spouse application is granted.

The author or Douglass Simon Solicitors are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information in this site is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information.

LIRA SIMON CABATBAT

Lira has been in practice as an Immigration and Family solicitor for over 26 years and is the senior partner of Douglass Simon Solicitors. She is an accredited Resolution (First for Family) specialist and is a fluent Tagalog speaker. Douglass Simon has been established for over two decades and has been a centre of excellence, especially in the areas of Immigration, Family and Probate. We have received commendations from Judges and clients alike.

cabatbat@douglass-simon.com.

SENIOR Partner | DOUGLASS SIMON SOLICITORS

ANDRES BONIFACIO: FATHER OF THE PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION

By Maria Ellis

Andres Bonifacio y de Castro was a revolutionary hero who founded the Katipunan, a secret society opposed to the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. He is regarded as the Father of the Philippine Revolution, and there are those who say that it is he who is more deserving of the title of national hero rather than Jose Rizal.

Bonifacio’s parents died when he was 14 and he had to discontinue his studies to take care of his younger siblings. He first worked as a craftsman and sold canes and fans then found employment with a foreign company.

Andres taught himself to read and write in Spanish and Tagalog. He read widely on the French Revolution and the lives of the presidents of the United States. He also read the works of Victor Hugo and Jose Rizal.

By the mid-1880s, Bonifacio had become an ardent nationalist. In 1892, he joined La Liga Filipina, an organisation founded by Jose Rizal that called for reforms in the Spanish colonial regime. After Rizal was arrested by the Spanish authorities, Bonifacio had come to the realisation that the country’s independence can only be achieved by way of a revolution.

On 7 July 1892, Bonifacio founded a secret society, which he named Katipunan (Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan). It was open to

both the middle and working classes and made its presence felt in the community by setting up mutual aid groups and education for the poor. Four years later, the Katipunan had over 30,000 members, operating on the municipal, provincial and national levels.

When the Spaniards learned about the existence of the Katipunan on 19 August 1896, Bonifacio and the other Katipuneros in Manila fled to Balintawak in Caloocan. Five days later, Bonifacio called an emergency meeting. Here is a retelling of the event by author Margarita Mansalay:

“Armed poorly with bolos, bamboo spears, paltiks (makeshift guns), and a few old Remington rifles, the meeting was off to a good start. Bonifacio welcomed the attendance of 500-1,000 patriots and informed them of the urgency for beginning the revolution. This episode in the revolution would later be referred to as The Cry of Balintawak; alternatively referred to as The Cry of Pugadlawin, Kangkong, or Bahay Toro—all of these places within the area of Caloocan.”

In the meeting, Bonifacio demonstrated his defiance of the ruling Spaniards by tearing his “cedula” (community tax certificate) into pieces as he shouted, “Mabuhay ang Katipunan!” (Long live the Katipunan!) It was a defining moment in Philippine history.

Later on, when an inevitable conflict surfaced within the Katipunan, it split into two groups – the Magdiwang and the Magdalo factions. Mansalay relates:

“While Emilio Aguinaldo was favoured as

leader by the Magdalo faction, Bonifacio was recognized as the leader of the Katipunan by the Magdiwang faction. An assembly was held in Imus, Cavite on December 31, 1897 to settle the leadership issue but was not successful. Then on March 22, another assembly was held at Tejeros (known as the Tejeros Convention) to elect officers of the revolutionary government. Aguinaldo won as president while Bonifacio was elected as the Director of the Interior. However, Daniel Tirona objected that the position should be occupied by a person with an education. Bonifacio, clearly insulted, demanded that Tirona retract his remark. ”

Mansalay continues her account:

“Bonifacio rejected the elections and declared it void. He later formed the Naic Military Agreement, essentially creating a government contending Aguinaldo’s. Soon after, Bonifacio was captured, stood trial, and was sentenced to death by a War Council of Aguinaldo’s government for treason and sedition. He and his brother Procopio were secretly executed at the foothills of Mt. Buntis on May 10, 1897.”

Mansalay concludes:

“Bonifacio was unjustly accused of betraying the new republic led by Emilio Aguinaldo. He was not merely a revolutionary; he was a man who put his life on the line to see his people free. Bonifacio was not just a supreme chief of some secret society; he was the Father of the Filipino nation who was determined to bring his people together in the name of solidarity and freedom.”

With what he has achieved, it can be said that Andres Bonifacio has an equal place with Jose Rizal in our country’s history, but in this writer’s opinion, Andres Bonifacio is the greater hero.

References:

https://www.bayaniart.com/articles/andresbonifacio-biography/

https://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/ bonifacio.html

“

With what he has achieved, it can be said that Andres Bonifacio has an equal place with Jose Rizal in our country’s history, but in this writer’s opinion, Andres Bonifacio is the greater hero.

Note from the Editor: Extracts from an article written by Margarita Mansalay have been used with her permission.

DELIVERIES YOU CAN COUNT ON

SERVING OFW’s SINCE 1980

UNIT 11, ABENGLEN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BETAM ROAD

HONOURING PAST, PRESENT HEROES ON NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY

By l adE JE an KaBagani

On the last Monday of this month (30 August), Filipinos will commemorate National Heroes’ Day, honouring and remembering known and unknown heroes of the revolution who laid the foundation for the country’s independence after centuries under foreign rule including Spain, the United States, and Japan.

This day will also commemorate the Cry of Pugad Lawin, a revolt that started the 1896 Philippine Revolution against the Spanish empire along with the long struggle of Filipinos for the country’s independence.

National Heroes’ Day was initially celebrated on the 30th of November — the same day as the remembrance of the birth of revolutionary Gat Andres Bonifacio.

Bonifacio was the founder of the Katipunan, a revolutionary group of Filipinos who bravely fought against the Spanish colonizers.

The holiday was still being celebrated on the same day during the Japanese occupation under Executive Order No. 20 issued on March

20, 1942, signed by former President Jose P. Laurel, setting the National Heroes Day every 30th of November.

In 1952, President Elpidio Quirino reverted the date of National Heroes Day back to the last Sunday of August through Administrative Order No. 190, s. 1952.

He appointed Secretary of Education Cecilio Puton as head of a committee to take charge of the National Heroes Day celebration, which took place on August 31, 1952.

He then delivered a speech on the same day at the Philippine Normal College (formerly Philippine Normal University), saying that the “change has become necessary because of the interest from different sectors of our country to celebrate each hero’s anniversary in order to perpetuate his [Andres Bonifacio’s] name.”

Meanwhile, the Administrative Code of 1987 of late President Corazon Aquino adopted the Executive Order No. 292, Book 1, Chapter 7, which provided for a list of regular holidays and nationwide special days, setting National Heroes Day as a regular holiday celebrated on the last Sunday of August.

The administrative code provides that

the list of holidays and special days may be “modified by law, order or proclamation.”

On July 24, 2007, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act No. 9492, which amended Book 1, Chapter 7 of the Administrative Code.

National Heroes’ Day is now celebrated every last Monday of August.

The move was part of Arroyo’s “holiday economics” program, a policy adjusting national holidays normally celebrated on weekends moving to the nearest Monday or Friday of the week, allowing longer weekends as well as revving up domestic leisure and tourism for the benefit of the country.

National Heroes’ Day is a time the Filipinos pay tribute to all known or unknown individuals who contributed and sacrificed lives in the name of achieving our Philippine identity, justice against tyranny, peace, and freedom.

This year, as the world grapples with a dreaded virus, modern-day heroes — those who sacrificed their lives to save others — are honoured and commended. (PNA)

“

This yE ar, as ThE world grapplEs wiTh a drE adEd virus, ModErn-day hEroEs — ThosE who sacrificEd ThEir livEs To savE oThErs — arE honourEd and coMMEndEd. (pna)

AVERIL POOTEN-WATAN Pooten Forwarding International Ltd.

Please tell us about yourself and your family.

I am the eldest daughter of Attorney Richard Stone Pooten and NHS Registered Nurse (retired) Conchita Pooten. I have one sister, Ingerith Pooten-Masferre.

I was born and bred in the UK. Born in Hackney and raised in Waltham Forest! However, my sister and I were incredibly fortunate to have our parents who always brought us back to the Philippines throughout multiple years in our childhood. We were able to know our grandparents and cousins, in the Philippines, despite the distance.

I have been happily married, for 17 years, to my Filipino American born husband Mark Sapaen Watan. We are blessed with two young daughters, Penelope and Eleanor.

You are a lawyer. Where and when did you get your degree? Any other academic qualifications?

I completed my bachelor’s in law (LLB) degree in Westminster University and my Legal Practice Course (LPC) for solicitors at the Inns of Court, London. I trained as a high street solicitor before I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s in international legal studies (LLM) at

Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco.

You lived in America where you practised law. Please tell us about that.

After I graduated from my Masters I went to work in-house for SanDisk’s Intellectual Property department. The company supported me to take the California Bar, but unfortunately, I failed! It was tough, working full-time as an IP associate and studying at night. Failing the bar, didn’t deter me from managing SanDisk’s Trademark portfolio and outside counsel legal teams across multiple regions in Europe, Middle East and Asia. I am very proud of the work I was able to achieve throughout the decade I worked at SanDisk. I was awarded the General Counsel Top Achiever Award two years in a row (!) for my contribution supporting the company’s multiple cost saving initiatives

(a) reducing product messaging that was compliant in multiple regions without compromising on the marketing (branding) of SanDisk product packaging; and (b) product launching value branded memory products in multiple regions.

When did you take over from your parents in running the business?

As soon as my younger sister Ingerith

married Albert Capegsan Masferre, my dad decided to return to the Philippines full-time. Our freight forwarding business needed more oversight in the Philippines; also, my parents had invested in a small hot spring resort in Asin, Benguet close to Baguio. My mother, who is a registered Nurse, decided to retire, having worked in the NHS for over 40 years. At the same time, she also decided to move away from managing the care home.

The timing coincided with the birth of my eldest child. Having worked incredibly hard throughout my mid-20s to mid30s in an in-house legal department for a multinational company, making the decision to have children would mean compromising on my work.

My parents had two very successful businesses in the UK, which had taken over 20-30 years to develop. It made absolute sense, at that moment, to return to the UK and take over the businesses.

Is your younger sister involved in running the business?

Yes, absolutely! My younger sister, Ingerith and her husband Albert are hands-on in the day-to-day running of the freight forwarding company, Pooten Forwarding International Ltd (PFI). It is a family business; we all help each other in

every way we can.

Please give us a brief history of your cargo forwarding business.

To understand the history of the cargo forwarding business, you need to understand the history of my parents’ previous business, which was a pizza restaurant in Tooting, South London. We started the restaurant business, in 1988, just as the UK fell into financial recession. We worked hard but our business couldn’t survive the recession. At the time, we had to supplement our restaurant income by cleaning offices, usually in the early hours of the morning, straight after we closed the restaurant at midnight! I will never forget those times. While I was a child, at the time, I worked side by side my parents. Working from such a young age, impressed upon me, the value of hard work and family. Eventually, my parents closed the pizza restaurant and started the freight forwarding company Pooten Forwarding in 1995.

In the beginning, my father drove all over the country in his red Bedford Van while my mother would help him during the loading of the container. They both worked incredibly hard. My sister and I were a bit older, so we would deliver the

CONTINUE ON PAGE 15

Averil with sister Ingerith.

Ingerith,and Averil with Mum, Conchita.

Jessie Singh: FROM KONTRABIDA TO CONSTABLE

By MARIA ELLIS

Who would have thought that the guy who played a baddie in Filipino movies would one day become a law enforcer in London?

That is Jessie Singh’s life journey in a nutshell.

Jesus Singh was born in Manila on Christmas Day in 1944 and was the youngest in a family of nine children. His father was from India and his mother, from Candon, Ilocos Sur. He says of his father, “Dumating ang tatay ko dito, baby pa. Wala akong alam sa family n’ya. Ni hindi pa ako nakakapunta sa India.” (My father arrived here when he was just a baby. I know nothing about his family. I haven’t even been to India).

Jessie’s wife Elenita Asuncion Singh is from Cavite. They have three children – Jesselyn Singh Donnelly, a company CEO, Christopher James Singh, an architect, and Jonathan Ellis Singh, who has marketing and teaching degrees.

In his teens, Jessie was a dentistry student at De Ocampo Memorial College. Then the silver screen beckoned, which was unsurprising given his “tipong artista” good looks. But Jessie was not just an

attractive young man. He had also been blessed with a good singing voice, which won him a coveted title in the popular variety show in the ‘60s and ‘70s called Student Canteen.

Jessie’s stint on daytime TV caught the attention of film producer Larry Santiago. After a successful screen test that ushered him into the glamorous world of acting, he was christened the catchy show biz name of Adel Moreno. This was later changed to the equally appealing pseudonym of Gino Soriano, which was meant to enhance his chances of achieving stardom. Unfortunately, fame and fortune eluded him.

The aspiring matinee idol appeared in several movies alongside big name stars such as Ramon Revilla Sr., Joseph Estrada, Romeo Vasquez, Max Alvarado, Jay Ilagan and Liza Lorena. He is proud to have been a part of the Famas award-winning film entitled ‘Tiagong Akyat’ (Famas is the equivalent of the British Bafta Awards).

When the opportunity came for Jessie to play a bigger role in a film, fate decided a different course for him. His girlfriend (who is now his wife) had found employment in London. Not long after, a work permit for the UK was granted to him. So in 1978, he travelled

the distance to join her. He then embarked on another chapter in his life, this time as a waiter.

Three years later, a real-life drama occurred when Jessie had to deal with a contentious immigration issue as he and his wife were among the one thousand Filipinos who were going to be deported by Margaret Thatcher’s government. He says as he looks back, “Nagkakaso ako sa immigration pero lumaban ako. Sabi nila, you acquired your permit through forgery. Nainvolve masyado ang Home Office tungkol sa akin.” (I was accused of breaching an immigration law but I fought back. They said that I acquired my work permit through forgery. The Home Office got deeply involved in my case).

Jessie sought the press to help him fight his corner. The ensuing publicity went in his favour and he kept the right to stay in the UK. He recalls, “Pinatawag ako sa Home Office at pinagsabihan ako na don’t get involved sa mga diyaryo.” (I was summoned to the Home Office and was told not to get the newspapers involved).

After the issue was resolved, Jessie continued with his waitering job until the day he decided to re-invent himself. He applied in the British police service and had undergone a six-month training

“

Jessie received a commendation for his exemplary performance at Arsenal and was hailed as one of London’s Finest. This rising star in the Metropolitan Police has received several other awards. The one he cherishes most is the medal given to him by the Queen.

programme at the Hendon Police College, after which, his career path was set. Like any police officer, he went on the beat with a partner and did desk work as part of his job. He did not know it then, but the elusive stardom he pursued in the Philippines was coming his way, only in a different form. He says, “Ang nangyari sa akin nung naging special constable ako, naassign ako sa Arsenal. Tumaas ang katungkulan ko. Ako ang in charge ng Arsenal na football. Ako ang chief ng traffic control. Respected ako ng lahat.” (I became a special constable and was assigned at Arsenal [football stadium]. I was promoted. I was officer-in-charge at Arsenal and chief of traffic control. I was respected by everybody).

Special Constable Singh played his new role by the book. “Ako lang ang taong pwedeng makagawa ng trabaho sa Arsenal. Ang puwesto ko doon sa Arsenal, pagdating ng one hour before the kick off, ang lahat ng roads d’yan isasarado ko. Walang makakapasok. Kahit kung sino ka, kahit nasa royal family ka, hindi kita papapasukin. Binabaan ako ng security ni Prince William at ni Prince Harry. Akala nila pwede nilang gawin yun.” (I was the only one who could do the job at Arsenal. An hour before the kickoff, I would have all roads leading to the stadium closed off. Nobody could enter then. It didn’t matter who you were. Even if you were a member of the royal family, you wouldn’t get in. I had a stand-off

with Prince William and Prince Harry’s security men. They thought they could do as they pleased).

Jessie received a commendation for his exemplary performance at Arsenal and was hailed as one of London’s Finest. This rising star in the Metropolitan Police has received several other awards. The one he cherishes most is the medal given to him by the Queen. He says, “Ang isang award ko pa, ‘yung Golden Jubilee Award.” (Another one of my awards is the Golden Jubilee Award).

Jessie is keeping his fingers crossed for an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire). He has had a previous nomination. “Nominated ako for an MBE. Ang nagrekomenda sa akin d’yan ang Islington Police. Naka save ako ng more than a hundred people na na-trap sa fire.” (I’ve been nominated for an MBE. I was recommended for it by Islington Police. I have saved more than a hundred people who were trapped in a fire). This time around, former consul Voulter Mauricio from the Philippine Embassy in London has endorsed him for the prestigious accolade.

Jessie had been in several other dangerous situations in the line of duty. He reminisces about a particular one with some humour.

“Nung nandoon kami sa presinto, tinawagan kami. Magulo daw sa pub. Takbo kaagad kami doon. Nung nasa loob na kami ng pub,

When asked about Filipinos in the UK police force, he replied, “Actually, napakarami na nating pulis ngayon. Kung mga isang daan meron na.“ (Actually, we have many police officers now. There’s at least a hundred).

merong isa roon nagbasag ng bote. Inapproach nya ako para saksakin ako ng bote. Alam mong ginawa ko? Kinuha ko yung batuta ko. Nung malapit na sa akin pinalo ko sa paa. Nung pinalo ko, aba, hindi man lang s’ya natinag. Bumagsak lang sya. ‘Yun palang pinalo ko, isang wooden leg. Nadiyaryo ‘yun. Nagkaroon ako duon ng award. Hindi ko naman gustong mangyari. Malay ko bang wooden leg ‘yun. Ngayon dinala namin sa presinto. Pinalagyan ko ng turnilyo yung nabasag ko.” (We got a call at the precinct about an incident in a pub. We rushed there. When we arrived, there was a man holding a broken bottle who attempted to stab me with it. You know what I did? I pulled out my truncheon. As he approached me, I hit him on the leg. To my surprise, he didn’t budge, but he fell to the floor. I later found out that I’ve struck a wooden leg. The incident was in the news. I received an award. I didn’t mean to cause harm. How should I know it was a wooden leg? We took the man to the precinct and I had screws fastened to the artificial leg).

After more than twenty years of dedicated service in the Metropolitan police force, it was time for Jessie to retire, and he did so in 2012 with some reluctance. “To be honest with you, ayokong umalis. Happy ako bilang police officer. Ayoko sanang mag-retire. Kung mahal mo ang trabaho mo, ayaw mong mag-retire. But that is

“obligatory.” (To be honest with you, I didn’t want to leave. I was happy being a police officer. I didn’t want to retire. When you love your job, you don’t want to retire. But that is obligatory).

In retirement, Jessie is actively involved with the Filipino communities in London. He used to play basketball but stopped after his knee replacement surgery. He is looked up to as a remarkable Pinoy who did his fellow countrymen proud, but he downplays his achievements. “Pag pumunta ako sa isang party, sinasabihan ko agad sila, don’t call me officer. Kalimutan n’yo na ‘yan.”

When asked about Filipinos in the UK police force, he replied, “Actually, napakarami na nating pulis ngayon. Kung mga isang daan meron na.“ (Actually, we have many police officers now. There’s at least a hundred).

Jessie imparts words of wisdom to the present generation of Filipino police officers. “Mahalin n’yo ang pagka pulis n’yo. Alalahanin n’yo, this is not our country. Tayo [ay] dapat makisama.” (Love your job as a police officer. Remember, this is not our country. We have to get along [with people]).

PC Jesus Singh has come a long way from playing a goon in cinema roles back home to maintaining law and order in real life as the highly decorated and much esteemed retired UK police officer that he is.

Where did you study nursing?

Chinese General Hospital College of Nursing, from 1986 to 1990.

Why did you choose nursing as a career?

I chose Nursing because it is a challenging profession. I wanted to provide care to people who need it.

Where did you work before coming to the UK?

I worked for 5 years in the Philippines and for 6 years in the United Arab Emirates.

How long have you been working here?

I’ve been working here for 18 years.

What are your responsibilities at work?

I provide care to patients in the ward and support their families through the journey of the patient’s

FRONTLINERS Q&A

worK is always Busy. providing ToTal carE To paTiEnTs and sEEing ThEM gETTing wEll is so rE warding.

illness. Work is always busy. Providing total care to patients and seeing them getting well is so rewarding.

What do you like most about living in the UK?

The UK is a nice place to live in because it provides me with a better quality of life.

Do you intend to stay in the UK for good?

I will probably retire here in the UK. It’s a quiet and peaceful place to live in and medical treatment is free in the NHS.

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy walking, cooking, baking, watching TV and dining out.

What are your career plans and other future goals?

I have no more career plans. I hope to travel to foreign countries.

LYNN LEAL DEL FIERRO Staff Nurse

ANTRIM AREA HOSPITAL, NORTHERN IRELAND

“

empty boxes, before and after school! My late aunt, (Aunty Glo) who was my mother’s youngest sister, helped to answer the phones, book the collections, and do the scheduling.

As the freight forwarding business Pooten Forwarding grew, my parents were able to enlist more help. We are proud to say we are still 100% Filipino owned business. We have a strong team that supports us in the UK and Philippines.

Is there a tough competition among cargo forwarders or is there enough business for everybody?

Throughout the 25 years we have been a cargo forwarder, we have remained, in business, alongside many cargo forwarders in the UK. For this reason alone, we have always held the belief that there is enough business for everyone. We don’t focus on others because every cargo forwarder is different. We just concentrate on our business; always trying to do the best we can.

What is your company’s advantage over your competitors?

I wouldn’t want to say we have any advantage over our competitors. We try to keep things simple and always try our best to meet our customers’ needs. For this reason, we have maintained a large solid customer base throughout the UK.

Would you say you have a good work-life balance?

I try my best to have a good worklife balance, although my husband

and children would probably say otherwise! When I have time, I enjoy yoga. Other than yoga, I am passionate about my faith and like to serve my local community through the various ministries in my church (St Barnabas, Church of England) and through my community organising work with Waltham Forest Citizens.

During the pandemic, we coordinated with our local NHS Health Trust and local council to deploy over 300 vaccines to our friends who are undocumented. We are currently campaigning to build over 200 affordable homes, for key workers, in the form of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Waltham Forest.

You’ve got other business interests. Please tell us about that.

I am the registered care manager of a small independent care home, which my mother started in 1985. The home cares for the elderly with dementia and mental health conditions.

What qualities and skills would you say make a good entrepreneur?

Individually, you need to work hard; be kind; and never give up! However, you also need a loving a supportive family. For me, personally, I can only do what I do because I have an amazing husband that stays home to look after the kids!

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

I just want to use this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all our valued customers. I know that your readership includes our loyal customers. We rarely

get the opportunity to speak directly to our loyal customers, but I do want to say, on behalf of my entire family, a sincere THANK YOU for your continued support throughout the years. We recognise that the pandemic has been hard on you and

your families. Things are not the same as they used to be. However, we are hopeful that we are turning the corner on the pandemic, at least in the UK. We pray this extends to the Philippines also. We thank God we are still here. God Bless Us All!

After 97 years, the elusive Olympic gold has finally been taken by the Philippines.

Hidilyn Diaz became the first Filipino athlete to win it all in an Olympic event after winning the women’s 55kg. weightlifting competition at the Tokyo International Forum in Japan on Monday night.

Diaz, the 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist, prevailed in a neck and neck showdown with China’s Liao Qiuyun in the clean-and-jerk lift as their battle for the gold went down the wire.

Finishing tied with Diaz in the snatch with a 97-kg. maximum lift, Liao lifted 126 kg. in her final lift, forcing Diaz to go for 127 to steal the top spot from Liao.

Diaz, however, smoothly cleared the 127-kg. lift to win it all, also setting an Olympic record in the process.

Her 224-kg. total is also an Olympic record.

“I don’t know what to say. It’s a dream come true. I just want to say that we Filipinos are strong. We Filipinos can compete here at the Olympics. We can do it,” a high-spirited Diaz was quoted as saying by Xinhuanet.

The 30-year-old Diaz gave advice to younger Filipino athletes to “please dream high.”

Hidilyn Diaz wins PH’s first-ever Olympic gold

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno

“That’s how I started. I dreamed high and finally, I was able to do it,” she added.

Liao admitted that she was surprised by Diaz’s improvement.

“I feel good today. I can lift 123kg at most due to injuries, and never thought of a successful 126kg lift. I didn’t expect her strength like this,” Liao said.

China’s coach Zhang Guozheng echoed Liao’s thoughts.

“I didn’t expect such a situation,” he said. “Liao has gone all out, so it’s not a huge pity for her to lose the gold medal. It’s just because we did not expect our opponent (Diaz) to be so strong.”

Diaz has also assured herself of a total of PHP33 million from various people who pledged monetary rewards to the gold medal winners.

Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan claimed the bronze with a total of 213 kg. lifted.

Muattar Nabieva of Uzbekistan, despite setting the Olympic record for the snatch with a 98-kg. lift, missed out on the podium as she could only clear 114 in the C&J for a total of 212.

Malacañang joined the entire nation in celebrating the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal since it joined the most prestigious quadrennial event in 1924.

“The Palace congratulates Hidilyn Diaz for bringing pride and glory to the

https://singaporenewslive.com/

Philippines for winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Congratulations, Hidilyn. The entire Filipino nation is proud of you. Laban, Pilipinas! (Fight Philippines!),” he added.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Diaz’s golden performance showcased the Filipinos’ talent as worldclass athletes.

“We are one with the Filipino nation in celebrating the remarkable and historic success of Hidilyn Diaz in the recently held Women’s 55-kg. Weightlifting Competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” Andanar said. “This win gave the Philippines its very first Olympic gold medal and showcased (the) Filipinos’ talent as world-class athletes.” (PNA)

““We are one with the Filipino nation in celebrating the remarkable and historic success of Hidilyn Diaz in the recently held Women’s 55-kg. Weightlifting Competition during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” Andanar said. “This win gave the Philippines its very first Olympic gold medal and showcased (the) Filipinos’ talent as world-class athletes.”

https://www.tatlerasia.com/

PHOTO COURTESY OF:

PHOTO COURTESY OF:

CUILCAGH BOARDWALK (CUILCAGH LEGNABROCKY TRAIL)

Location: Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

By Ed duay

istance

D7.4km to Cuilcagh Mountain Summit (14.8km round trip) The Cuilcagh Boardwalk is 1.6 km in length and is located at the end of a 5.8km limestone gravel track.

Map

OSNI or OSI Discoverer Series Map –Sheet 26

Terrain

Gravel track, wooden boardwalk, and exposed mountain path. Full mountain precautions and experience required.

Facilities

Car parking, picnic tables. There are toilets available at the Marble Arch Caves visitor centre.

How to get there

The starting point for the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail (car park) can be found on the Marlbank Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh BT92 1EW. It is approximately 500m from the entrance to the world famous Marble Arch Caves. Follow the brown signage for Cuilcagh Mountain Park off the Marble Arch Road. An information panel in the car park provides additional information on the walk and general area.

Description

The Cuilcagh Legnagbrocky Trail is a linear route which will appeal to walkers with some experience walking in the hills. The route is quite isolated and showcases the scenic wilderness

of Cuilcagh Mountain.

The trail meanders along a quiet farmland track before traversing a wooden boardwalk that consists of a steady climb to the mountain face. Here a stepped boardwalk climbs through steep terrain and boulder fields before reaching the summit plateau.

This boardwalk was constructed in order to protect the rare and sensitive blanket bog habitat that stretches here as far as the eye can see. A rough mountain path negotiates the wild summit plateau for a few kilometres before reaching an ancient cairn (the remains of a burial mound dating from the Bronze Age 2,500 – 500 BC) that stands at 666 metres (2,182 ft) above sea level.

On a good day you’ll enjoy 360 degree views of the Sligo Mountains, Upper Lough Erne, The Atlantic Ocean as well as counties Cavan, Leitrim and Donegal.

To ensure the sustainable development and enjoyment of the area for all, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has issued the following visitor information and guidance:

- Be mindful of your environment and always park responsibly. Never block access or park on private land

- Always be prepared for the outdoors. Mountain weather conditions can change very quickly. Ensure you have suitable footwear, clothing, map, ample water and snacks (please note mobile phone reception in the area is poor)

- Follow the ‘Leave no trace’ principles

to ensure the stunning landscape is kept in pristine condition for everyone to enjoy. Always bring your rubbish home

- Please be aware that to reach the start of the boardwalk you must first walk approximately 5 kilometres of gravel track from the Cuilcagh Mountain Park car park

Parking

This car park is located at the start of the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. The car park can accommodate both cars and coach parking and is open daily from 7:00am – 7:00pm (Daylight hours). This car park is privately owned and charges apply.

For further information on visiting Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail please contact the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre on +44(0)28 6634 8855 or visit www. marblearchcavesgeopark.com.

How A Happy Mind can save your life

By roBErT l aBayEn

In one homily, Fr. Jerry M. Orbos asked, “Which part of the “lechon” (roasted pig) can cause a stroke? The flesh or the skin?

“Many of us guessed it was the fatty skin. He revealed, “It’s the bones. You see, if there is nothing left for you, your blood pressure is sure to shoot up! “

Everyone remembered their own experience.

We all know how mind and body are connected. When we are sad, tears well up in our eyes. When we are scared, our hairs stand on end. When we are relaxed, our heart rate slows down. When we are embarrassed, our face turns red. (Except mine because my face colour is already darker than red.) And yes, when we are mad, our blood pressure soars.

In the book, It’s the Thought That Counts, Dr. David R. Hamilton cited a 1995 experiment by the Institute of Heartmath published in the American Journal of Cardiology. He shared, “In the study, 12 people were asked to think ‘appreciation’ and another 12 were asked to think ‘anger’. Meanwhile scientists monitored their heartbeats…the scientists discovered that the hearts

of the people thinking ‘appreciation’ had been beating more smoothly and regularly – called ‘internal coherence’ - than the hearts of people who were thinking ‘anger.’”

Both positive and negative thoughts can have long-term effects on the body. For example, negative thoughts cause stress and stress weakens our immune system. This was also proven by the Institute of Heartmath.

Faster recovery was also seen in experiments in which patients were asked to recite the phrase first coined by French psychologist, pharmacist and healer Emile Coue. It goes, “I’m getting better and better every day in every way. “

We all have two minds. The conscious and the subconscious. With the conscious mind, we can give direct commands to the body like moving an arm, lifting a foot, etc. The subconscious, on the other hand, acts on its own. It commands our lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, etc., to function when we are not even paying attention. It works even while we sleep.

By orchestrating bodily functions and by replenishing old cells with new ones, Dr. Joseph Murphy believes the subconscious created our body, and continuously renews it. In the book, The Power of Your

Subconscious Mind, he said that if the subconscious created the body, we could also command our subconscious to heal it.

Dr. Murphy likens the subconscious to a patch of fertile soil. The conscious mind will plant the seeds (thoughts) there, then the subconscious will work on its own to make them grow and bear fruit.

To plant ideas into the subconscious, both Dr. Hamilton and Dr. Murphy endorse prayer, among other methods. In praying, they do not advise us to sound miserable. Instead, we should have confidence and authority. Say things like, “I’m getting better and better every day in every way.” “I am wrapped in healing light.” “Thank you, God, for healing me with your hand.” Just never doubt.

Long before Emile Couie, Jesus healed people saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith.” (Matthew 9:29). Jesus and the scientists also agree that “whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. “(Mark 11:24).

Just never doubt.

Both positive and negative thoughts can have long-term effects on the body. For example, negative thoughts cause stress and stress weakens our immune system. This was also proven by the Institute of Heartmath.

PROUD TO BE BRITISH-FILIPINO

By JaMEs BradwEll

Ihave always identified as BritishFilipino. My white-British father met my mother in the Philippines, where he came to work, learning some Tagalog along the way. They married, and came to the UK at the end of the Marcos regime and started a family.

I am one of four children, and given the size of our family and relative income, I have only had the privilege of going to the Philippines once, when I was about four years old. It is a mark of pride for my extended family that we are a very diverse one. My cousins are Spanish, French, Japanese, Cameroonian, Canadian and, of course, British and Filipino.

Growing up British-Filipino in the rural county that I did, I was always aware that I was ‘different’ to most children in my school and neighbourhood. With ethnic diversity relatively low in my area, it did mean that the few Filipino families in the area all found each other and formed a small social network.

We would go to Filipino festivals, and in my village one Tita’s house (not blood related, of course) was the central hub, and whether I was aware of it or not, these visits between the four or so families and friends: where Filipino food was always cooking; Tagalog, Bicolano and Cebuano spoken; and Magic Sing always at the ready (!), would affirm that side of my cultural upbringing.

I think this is why I was fortunate never to feel ashamed of my heritage. I knew I stood out, but not in any way that I really remember feeling lastingly negative about, no matter what ignorance or small-mindedness I faced at times.

There’s a lot that I reflect on now from my mother’s perspective that I just didn’t consider as a child. Between my three siblings and me, none of us have grown up speaking Tagalog. Now in my mid-20s, this is something I’d like to change, but it’s clear that for many Filipinos starting a family in the UK without contact with a larger community, it’s easier - perhaps even safer- for their children to grow up speaking (and sounding) English in their communities.

We had the golden opportunity in early 2010s to bring my grandparents over to the UK for a few months, and even

learning simple phrases (“Kakain na po!”) was a joyous way to connect with my Lolo & Lola, who spoke little English. With each phrase, I felt steadily more connected to my heritage. When I am homesick in London, I cook adobo, tinola, and sinigang. When I celebrate, I am moved to roll lumpia!

Now as an actor, I am conscious of how I may better represent my community through the work that I do. Acting is a vocation to me, and a way I can be of service through entertainment. By simply appearing on stage or screen, I am a visual reminder of the diversity of this nation. In cases wherein I play a character for whom there is no heritage mentioned or specified, I can think “just by me playing that role, that role is now British-Filipino!”

I am experiencing that at the moment in a play I’m in: ‘My Night With Reg’ by Kevin Elyot, which is having its revival performed at The Turbine Theatre in Battersea ‘til the 11th September. My character, Eric, is described purely as a young gay man from Birmingham. In casting me, the play’s 1980s setting puts UK-Philippine immigration into his story, with no fanfare or point to be made other than the simple yet firm affirmation that ‘British-Filipinos are here!’.

All that said, I look forward to seeing more roles written specifically Filipino in heritage. Since I entered the industry in 2018, I can count on less than one hand how many Filipino roles I have seen written for mainstream stage and media. Whilst I am no writer myself, I know that the talent both on- and off-stage/screen is out there, and only needs the opportunity to develop and shine.

If we don’t see role-models reflected in our media, then the effort to encourage potential-filled and talented individuals from our community to step up is only made more difficult. That said, I think we are at an exciting turning point for representation, particularly for ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) heritage actors in the UK. There is a strong BritishFilipino identity that exists here, and our stories are worth telling, and our perspectives worth hearing.

The Philippine acting community has recently come together, online and in person, more strongly than ever, and everyone wants to uplift each other and their work. I can’t wait to see what this momentum will bring!

James Bradwell Facebook account

PHOTO COURTESY OF:

All that said, I look forward to seeing more roles written specifically Filipino in heritage. Since I entered the industry in 2018, I can count on less than one hand how many Filipino roles I have seen written for mainstream stage and media. Whilst I am no writer myself, I know that the talent both on- and off-stage/ screen is out there, and only needs the opportunity to develop and shine.

CHRIS CAMPBELL (PINOY GROOVES)

DJ, Radio Host & Record Collector

Please tell us a little bit about your family background.

My mother Virginia is a Filipina from Tarlac and my father Alan is British. My wife Yanie is a Filipina from Iligan City and we have 3 daughters Angel, Zara and Megan.

Were you born in the UK? Do you identify as British-Filipino or is one heritage more dominant than the other?

I was born in London and I identify as being British-Filipino but I would say I am more aligned with my Filipino heritage being surrounded by strong Filipina women and also having a lot of Filipino friends.

How did you start as a DJ and how long have you been in the business?

I have been DJing now for over 15 years. I started in this business because of my father who was involved in the nightclub business for more than 40 years. He previously managed the Wag Club and went on to own The Metro Club and it is there where I started DJing playing Indie Rock, Electro, New Wave and Soul music.

Did you do any music-related course, or is your educational background totally unrelated?

I have never taken a music related course but have always been surrounded by music from an early age, my father being involved with nightclubs etc. I actually

studied business and economics.

What sparked your interest in Filipino contemporary music?

I have always collected various genres of music from a young age but in these last few years I wanted to connect with my Filipino heritage and what better way than through music. As a DJ I also wanted to do something different and at the same time champion the music and musicians of the Philippines.

Please tell us about your radio show. Do you do it ‘live’? What day and time is it? How did you get your show on Soho Radio?

I have a monthly radio show on Soho Radio on a Monday evening at 7PM. The schedule of which you can see on my website: www. pinoygrooves.com. It is prerecorded at the moment due to the pandemic but may go live in the future.

The way I got the show was I did several one-off shows for my friend Ricky of Mono Loco Mixtape also on Soho Radio and it was he who encouraged and helped me to get my own show. So big thanks to him and everyone at Soho Radio.

Are there opportunities for other Pinoys on mainstream radio?

There are definitely opportunities for Pinoys on radio in the UK and abroad. In fact there is another Pinoy on Soho Radio, Stullet who

also has a monthly show. Also Mica on Reform Radio and my homie in CA, Vex Ruffin on NTS Radio.

Anything you can share with us about having a Filipino mother?

When I was young my mother would take me back to the Philippines regularly. She would also cook me Filipino food all the time, adobo, sinigang, lumpia... all the favourites. We would also always go to parties especially at my godmother’s house and I would hear Tagalog being spoken and that is how I began learning the language. Years later I would stay for 6 months in the Philippines and became more fluent and comfortable speaking it. I am very thankful to have a mother who taught me so much about my heritage.

What do you do in your free time?

The majority of my free time is spent with my 3 wonderful daughters and wife Yanie. I enjoy cooking for my family, especially Filipino and Asian food.

Any future plans career-wise?

I have a day-job but in terms of Pinoy Grooves I would like to reissue some of this great music from the Philippines so hopefully there will be a vinyl compilation in the very near future.

“

w h E n i was young M y M o T h E r would

Ta KE ME B ac K T o

T h E p hilippin E s

r E gularly. s h E would also coo K ME f ilipino food all T h E T i ME , ado B o, sinigang, lu M pia... all

T h E favouri TE s.

wE would also always go T o par T i E s E sp E cially aT M y god M o T h E r’s hous E and i would h E ar Tagalog BE ing spo KE n and T haT is how i BE gan

l E arning T h E languag E .

Chris Campbell, on the left, is with a friend

face of the month

Angel

Age: 24

Louise Olegario

location: derby

EDUCATION: BSc Adult Nursing AT University of Bedfordshire

Hobbies: Travelling, hanging out with friends, dancing, livestreaming, watching films or crime documentaries and reading fictional books

currently doing: Finished my degree and starting my career soon as a registered nurse

Ambition: To become a good and competent nurse and maybe have my own business one day. Also, to be able to travel the world one day and to have my own place

mother: Leonora Olegario

father: William Olegario

THIS MONTH IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

INDEPENDENCE

August 4, 1964 - June 12 was designated as Independence Day

President Diosdado Macapagal signed into law Republic

Act No. 4166, designating June 12 as the Independence Day of the Philippines.

The country’s Declaration of Independence transpired on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite as General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Filipinos from the colonial rule of Spain, which had been defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.

Accordingly, the declaration of Philippine Independence was not recognised by the United States, Spain or any other country.

The Spanish later ceded the Philippines to the United States in 1898 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris that ended the Spanish-American War.

The United States finally granted Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946 in the Treaty of Manila.

Previously, from 1946 to 1964, the Philippine Independence was observed on July 4, the date of the granting of Philippine independence by the United States in 1946.

August 6, 1906 - the system of weights and measures was

changed into the metric system

A careful study of the matter by government experts in the Bureau of Science, found that the standard weight and capacity had become deplorably falsified and irregular. It was commonly said that the only reliable unit of measure was a “Standard Oil Can”. The debasement and frauds practised fell heaviest upon the poorest purchasers and consumers. Thus, it was decided to standardize the native measures and adopt the international metric system.

The “kaban” was made exactly equal 75 liters. A “ganta” was made 3 liters. “Chupa” was made 375 thousandths of a liter.

Act No. 1519 took effect January 1, 1907.

August 7, 1901 - Manila became a chartered city

The City of Manila was incorporated by virtue of Act 183 of the Philippine Commission which was passed on July 31, 1901. Brigadier-General George W. Davis, the last provost-marshall of Manila, drafted the Charter. The Manila Charter followed closely in its general plan of legislation by which the City of Washington, D. C. was then governed.

The seal of the City of Manila as of 2009 (Photo credit: Wikipedia Commons).

Up to about the middle of the nineteenth century, Manila formed a part of the ancient province of Tondo.

This province included almost the whole of what is now Rizal (and the present-day cities of Metro Manila). In 1859 a decree was issued establishing a civil government for the Province of Manila. With this decree what formally was Tondo became the province of Manila. According to this decree, the civil governor was also Corregidor of the city.

August 21, 1983 - Ninoy Aquino was assassinated

Former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino Jr. was assassinated at the Manila International Airport upon returning home from a three-year self-exile in the United States.

The murder sparked a series of protests from an enraged nation that culminated in the February 22-25, 1986 EDSA People Power Revolt, forcing then President Ferdinand E. Marcos to flee to Hawaii.

The widow of the murdered former lawmaker, Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino, eventually was installed as the country’s 11th and first woman president.

Born on November 27, 1932 in Concepcion, Tarlac, Ninoy earned the monicker “Wonder Boy” of Philippine politics for his achievements as the youngest mayor of Concepcion, Tarlac at age 22, youngest vice-governor of Tarlac at age 27, youngest governor at age 29, and youngest elected senator of the Republic at age 34.

In his honour, the Manila International Airport was renamed Ninoy Aquino

International Airport (NAIA). On February 25, 2004, the Philippine Congress enacted Republic Act No. 9256, declaring August 21 of every year, the anniversary of his death, as “Ninoy Aquino Day”, an annual public holiday. Several monuments have also been built in his honour.

August 26, 1903 - the Pensionado Law was approved

Act No. 854 or the Pensionado Law of the American government in the Philippines, was approved by Governor General William Howard Taft.

The law allowed qualified Filipino students to study as scholars at the expense of the colonial government in various universities and colleges in the United States.

These students, called “pensionados” who were not necessarily wealthy, earned degrees in government and administration in the U.S.

Upon their return to the Philippines, they were entitled to occupy important roles and positions in the government and its different sectors - agriculture, business, education, etc.

By 1912, there were already 209 Filipino students who graduated from American colleges and academic institutions.

Source: The Philippine Reporter

JUNE 12, 1898, PROCLAMATION OF PHILIPPINE

DAY IN KAWIT, CAVITE

AN ONLINE DICTIONARY FOR ENDANGERED FILIPINO LANGUAGES

By Maria Ellis

Computer science experts and linguists at the University of the Philippines have developed an online dictionary that aims to get Filipino communities involved in saving endangered Philippine languages.

Professor Mario Carreon of the UP Department of Computer Science and MA Linguistics student Samantha Sadural presented Project “Marayum” in a Linguistics Special Lecture of the UP Diliman Department of Linguistics last year. Marayum is a term from a regional Visayan language called Asi spoken in Romblon province. It means “wise words”.

“Project Marayum is a collaborative online dictionary platform which

aims to engage speakers of different ethnolinguistic groups to build dictionaries of their languages. The project aims to preserve Philippine languages in the various regions in the archipelago by developing a mobile phone-based dictionary built and maintained by the community members.”

The project emphasises the need for documentation as “of the 185 languages in the Philippines, 28 are endangered, 11 are dying off, and four are extinct.”* The team says, “Language documentation, as a prerequisite to language education, can be one of the ways languages can be preserved.”

Sources:

https://dcs.upd.edu.ph *Philippine Daily Inquirer

theme of the month

Ang pagdiriwang ngayon taon ay pakikiisa rin ng KWF sa UNESCO International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL2022-2032) na nakaangkla sa Deklarasyon ng Los Pinos (Los Pinos Declaration) na nagtataguyod ng karapatan ng Mámamayáng Katutubo sa malayang pagpapahayag, pagkakaroon ng akses sa edukasyon, at partisipasyon sa mga gawaing pampamayanán gámit ang katutubong wika bílang pangunahing kahingian sa pagpapanatiling buháy ng mga wikang pamana na ang karamihan ay nanganganib nang maglaho.

Hinggil sa mabilis na pagkawala ng mga wika sa mundo ay matindi ang babala ni Thomas N. Headland (2003):

“There are 6,089 languages spoken in the world. Half of these have less than 6,000 speakers each; a quarter (28%) have less than 1,000 speakers; 500 languages have more than 100 speakers; and 200 languages have less than 10 speakers. Conservative estimates are that the world’s language are currently dying at the rate of at least two languages each month, meaning about one third of today’s languages will disappear in the 21st century. Most specialists argue that at least half will die in the next 100 years.”

Kung ganito kalaki o katindi ang kabayaran ng pagkawala ng isang wika ay marapat lámang na maalarma ang lahat ng sektor ng lipunan at pasimulan ang isang kolektibong pagkilos upang maprotektahan ang mga pámayanáng nagkakanlong ng mga katutubong wika.

Ang maka-Pilipinong Pananaw (Filipino-centric) sa Dekolonisasyon ng Pag-iisip ng mga Pilipino

Ang mahabang panahon ng pagkakapailalim ng bansa sa ibá’t ibáng mananakop ay may tuwirang epekto sa kaasalang pangwika at pangkultura sa kasalukuyan. Ang ginawang pangmamaliit ng España, Estados Unidos, at Japan sa mga Pilipino sa kani-kanilang yugto ng pananakop sa bansa ay nagbunga ng sumusunod:

1. Pagyakap sa kultura o kalinangang banyaga sa hangaring makapantay sa kultura at estado ng mga mananakop (convergence).

2. Pagkiling o mas pinaigting na pagpapahalaga sa sariling kultura at kalinangan upang maipagmalaki sa harap ng mga naghaharing uring mánanákop ang sariling kaakuhan o identidad ng sinakop (divergence).

Ang katotohanang isa ang bansa sa pangunahing tagatangkilik ng mga produktong pampaputî ay patunay

ng patuloy na pamamayagpag ng imperyalismong kultural sa bansa. Anupa’t ang Doña Victorina Syndrome (hango sa popular na karakter sa nobelang Noli Me Tangere) ay malimit ihalimbawa ni Dr. Felipe De Leon, dáting Tagapangulo ng NCCA upang ipakita ang matinding obsesyon ng mga Pilipino sa pamantayang Kanluranin na malinaw na halimbawa ng cultural convergence.

Lagánap ang stereotyping sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino partikular na ang deskriminasyon sa paraan ng pananalita ng ating mga kababayang iba ang saltik ng dila kompara sa mga tagasentro. Paulit-ulit ang tahasang pagkutya sa tono o punto sa pagsasalita ng mga taga-Visayas at Mindanao. Lutáng na lutáng maging sa pinilakang tabing ang stereotyping pagdating sa pagpilì ng mga karakter na kadalasang kasambahay o sidekick ng mga bida na ang palagiang identifying mark ay ang pagkakaroon ng tono o puntong Bisaya.

Ang tema ng Buwan ng Wika ay pagsasadambana sa dignidad ng mga katutubong wika at sa kultura ng mga komunidad na nagmamay-ari nitó. Ang wika at kultura ay sadyang nakabuhol sa isa’t isa at hindi mapaghíhiwaláy kailanman. Ayon pa kay Zeus F. Salazar (1996):

“Kung ang kultura ay ang kabuoan ng isip, damdamin, gawi, kaalaman, at karanasan na nagtatakda ng maangking kakanyahan ng isang kalipunan ng mga tao, ang wika ay hindi lámang daluyan kundi, higit pa rito tagapagpahayag at impukankuhanan ng alinmang kultura. Walang kulturang hindi dala ng isang wika na bílang saligan at kaluluwa ay siyang bumubuo, humuhubog at nagbibigay diwa sa kulturang itó.”

Ang dekolonisasyon ay pagwawaksi ng pagtatangi o deskriminasyong pangwika at pangkultura sa bansa. Isinisigaw nitó ang katotohanang ang mga karunungang-bayan at porma ng sining sa bawat sulok ng kapuluan ay karapat-dapat sa respeto, pagkilála, at tangkilik na ibinibigay ng madla sa kulturang popular. Sa katunayan, kailangang maisalin sa wikang pambansa ang mga karunungang bayan upang mabigyan ng pambansang paggalang.

Ayon pa kay Salvacion L. CabaobaoDime (2004), “kapag naisalin ang mga awtentikong panitikan, magagamit itong mabisang lunsaran sa pagtuturo ng mga aralin sa Filipino.”

Kayâ naman, mahalagang alalahanin sa pagkakataong itó ang isang makabuluhang paalala mula kay Prop. Ligaya Tiamzon-Rubin (1992):

“Katulad ng magkakapatid na nagkahiwa-hiwalay nang magkaroon ng sari-sariling pamilya at tumahak sa kani-kanilang pamumuhay at kani-kanilang paraan ng pagharap at paglutas sa mga sitwasyon at problema, ang mga wika at wikain sa Pilipinas ay nagkaroon ng kanikanilang anyo at hugis bagamat hawig pa rin.”

Mahalagang alalahanin ang puntong ito sa mga sandaling nása bingit táyo ng pagkutya o paghamak sa ating kapuwa nang dahil lámang sa ating pangkultura at pangwikang pagkakaiba!

Kung ang KulT ura ay ang K a B uoan ng isip, da M da M in, gawi, K aala M an, aT K aranasan na nag TaTa K da ng M aang K ing K a K anyahan ng

isang K alipunan ng M ga Tao, ang wi K a ay hindi l uM ang daluyan Kundi, higi T pa ri T o Tagapagpahayag aT i M pu K anKuhanan ng

alin M ang KulT ura. walang KulT urang

hindi dala ng

isang wi K a na Bi lang saligan

aT K aluluwa ay siyang B u M u B uo, hu M uhu B og aT nag B i B igay diwa sa KulT urang i To .”

FRIGGA FORECAST

DRAGON

RAT

A business deal you’ve long sought is now coming to fruition. Review contracts or agreements to ensure a fair deal. A colleague or family member may seek your advice this month. Listen and be mindful of how you respond. This person may provide something important to aid you in future issues.

OX

Any sickness may derail whatever progress you have made. Look after your health especially as more responsibilities are coming your way. Health and longevity amulets will be very helpful. Celebrate any achievements quietly, as others envy the progress you have made. Remain humble and keep your head low.

TIGER

This month, your personal and professional life could take a new dimension, as your diligence will start to pay off. Just try to manage the way you project your success. Make sure you allow others to express themselves at work to avoid rivalry and jealousy.

RABBIT

There could be good news at work. The stars in your chart indicate promotion or salary increase. Pay attention to your projects. Communication will be vital. You have learned so much from your past challenges. Boost your confidence by wearing popularity amulets.

There is every possibility that you may overspend this month. Mind any extra expenses and the possibility of other forms of loss. On the upside, your love life looks exciting. Especially if you’re single, there may be great days ahead. Don’t miss that opportunity to shine.

SNAKE

Be mindful of unnecessary expenses that could drain your resources. One occasion could be worth being generous about. Embrace the positive vibe! You’ll have enough energy to do the physical activities you’ve been postponing recently. If you’re single, always look your best as the possibility of meeting someone interesting is huge.

HORSE

You need to be more patient this month because the stars do not seem to work for you. Nonetheless, do not forget: this storm shall pass. The energy of the month might not be helpful for relationships. Still, count your blessings and at day’s end, use the Feng Shui Planner to list down three things that you are grateful for.

SHEEP

You might feel as if luck is not on your side. Your self-confidence is taking a hit. The tense situations at work could accompany you home, leading to more arguments and weakening communication with your partner. Such negativism will pass in time. Wearing your peace and harmony amulets will help.

MONKEY

You should never expect things to always go the way as planned. Disappointment is a normal occurrence in life. Whatever happens, you should know that nothing lasts forever; the storm will definitely pass. Wear your peace and harmony amulets so as not to feel so drained.

ROOSTER

Positivity will affect all areas of your life related to wealth. If you set your heart on your goals, now is the time to make it happen. Be aggressive! You will find that networking luck is particularly activated by wearing Victory Banner Amulets or the wealth and success medallions or lucky accessories this month.

DOG

Amazing and positive things are possible for you this very month. For those in business, invite more opportunities by displaying the image of your secret friend, the Prosperity Rabbit, in the East. Don’t let minor illnesses get in your way. Your health should still be top priority.

BOAR

A minor illness may affect your work, but you can help avoid it by taking good care of yourself. Try to connect well with your co-workers to maintain productivity in the office. If you are single, make love an absolute for you this month. If you are in a relationship, cherish it and do your best to keep it harmonious.

Marites Allen