STEVE RAY’S OPEN LETTER TO THE FILIPINO CATHOLICS
January 12, 2008
Finally, something positive about Filipinos. Here’s something very positive written by a foreigner named Steve Ray about Filipinos. Steve Ray authored many best-selling books, among which are, Crossing The Tiber (his conversion story), Upon This Rock (on the papacy), and just recently John’s Gospel (a comprehensive bible study guide and commentary). Steve is also currently filming a 10-video series entitled, Footprints of God. The first two videos are out: Peter, Keeper of the Keys, and Mary, Mother of God (now available here in the Philippines) .
We stepped into the church and it was old and a bit dark. Mass had just begun and we sat toward the front. We didn’t know what to expect here in Istanbul, Turkey. I guess we expected it to be a somber Mass but quiet and somber it was not – I thought I heard angels joyously singing behind me.
The voices were rich, melodic and beautiful. What I discovered as I spun around to look did not surprise me because I had seen and heard the same thing in other churches around the world. It was not a choir of angels with feathered wings and halos but a group of delightful Filipino Catholics with smiles of delight and joy on their faces as they worshiped God and sang His praises. I had seen this many times before in Rome, in Israel, in the United States and other countries.
Filipinos have special traits and they are beautifully expressed as I gazed at the happy throng giving thanks to God. What are the special traits which characterize these happy people? I will share a few that I have noticed-personal observations- as I have traveled around the world, including visits to the Philippines.FIRST, there is a sense of community, of family. These Filipino Christians did not sit apart from each other in different isles. They sat together, closely. They didn’t just sing quietly, mumbling, or simply mouthing the words. No, they raised their voices in harmony together as though they enjoyed the sense of unity and communion among them. They are family even if they are not related
Suba Boy Arrives L.A. for Open Heart Surgery
November 16, 2007
Another DAUSA protégé, 9-year old Keith Casas Montesuso of Suba, Danao City, finally arrived Los Angeles on Friday, November 9, 2007, after over a year of waiting for a life saving and urgently needed open heart surgery.
On the last day of the DAUSA Medical Mission on September 2006, a father pushing a stroller carrying a frail and bluish 8-year old boy showed up at Danao District Hospital asking to see a DAUSA doctor. He was referred to Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, Chief of Medical Mission.
Mr. Archie Montesuso showed to Dr. Jackons his son’s medical records indicating congenital heart defects known as pentalogy of fallot, as diagnosed by a pediatric cardiologist from Perpetual Succor Hospital in Cebu City.
(Keith (center) with host family in Los Angeles)
According to the boy’s dad, Keith was in and out of hospital due to heart failure caused by exertion or infection. He also said that the cardiologist at Perpetual Succor Hospital, had explained to him it would cost over a million peso for the hospital to perform the very delicate procedure.
Being unemployed at the time, it was impossible for Keith’s parents to come up with that amount. Their only hope was DAUSA, the father said.
Born again: A child’s 9-year journey to a new life
November 10, 2007
By: PHIL STRICKLAND – For The Californian
(DAUSA Editor’s Note: Merylou underwent a 12-hr surgery on Thursday, November 10, 2007, at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles involving 9 medical-surgical specialists led by a prominent plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Urata. She is still confined at the hospital. Monching)
Merylou’s eyes, bright, even enchanting, as they can be, aren’t the first thing you notice about her.
What you first notice is that where there ought to be a child’s smile is instead a freakish card dealt her at birth. Between Merylou’s eyes, brow to chin, is a deep opening that is her mouth, cleft palate and all.
It’s not easy to look at, which accounts for the ever present, rarely removed, white surgical mask that hides from the world the 12-year-old Filipina’s affliction.
The surgery necessary to even begin to make some difference in her appearance is nonexistent in the Philippines. And, even if it were, Merylou’s family —- her mother sells food in the streets of their squalid slum and her father paints when there is work —- couldn’t begin to afford it.
A turning point in Merylou’s life came more than nine years ago when her mother Merilyn took her to a clinic in Danao near the one-room shack where she lives with her mother, father Rosendo, an older brother and a younger sister.
It was there that Merylou Barriga and the members of the medical mission team from Danao Association USA, a nonprofit organization composed of Filipinos who have emigrated to the U.S., first came together.
Among the Filipino immigrants in America volunteering their time for the mission that September in 1998 were Dr. Anita Jackson, a Temecula physician who is Merylou’s primary doctor in this country and was chief of the medical mission, and Ramon Barriga, a state-employed legal secretary who is no relation and lives in Winnetka, and was then president of DAUSA.
Jackson and her fellow volunteers immediately set about trying to find help for Merylou.
It proved to be a daunting task, said the Temecula doctor.
Treatment was sought in Japan and South Korea, but “for one reason or another, it just wasn’t available,” Jackson said.
“At long last,” she said, what began that day now will play out in a series of major craniofacial reconstructive surgeries to be performed on Merylou at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles thanks to the determination of DAUSA members, assistance from the International Craniofacial Children’s Fund at the hospital and Mending Kids International, and the generosity of others from whom help was sought.
High School Filipino Kathleen Ferraren wins Latino Essay Writing Contest in DC
October 2, 2007
Kathleen’s Dad, Patrick Ferraren (in Virginia), a long lost friend, 30 years ago a co-staffer of The Forward at Colegio de San Jose-Recoletos, after we got reconnected wrote:
“How can a young contemporary Filipina lay claim to Hispanic Heritage, compete with other DC area high school Hispanics in an essay contest about how being Latino is the best of both worlds in the USA, and win? Answer: By weaving a connection that is indisputably valid, drawing on her life’s experiences that enhance the connection, and expressing her feelings about the significance of that Spanish connection–utilizing her unique personal style of literary writing that appeals to her audience. She made it light reading and interestingly anecdotal, with relevant facts. The dozen or so judges approved and gave it to her. Who would have known? Pardon my “estoy muy orgulloso” father attitude, but this makes for an interesting English Lesson because it is true. Here is an example of how to write a winning piece! In the real world!” (I asked Patrick that I post Kathleen’s winning piece as I find this very inspiring for our young Danawanons in California as well as all other young Pinays. – Monching)
SOY LATINA TAMBIEN
Kathleen is my given name but I recall my parents called me by my Spanish name, Catalina, when I was four years old. Both my parents are Filipinos of mixed origin—mostly Spanish and Asian. Having immigrated to America from the Philippines, they brought their colorful cultures to the melting pot that is America. I was brought up in a Roman Catholic household where the Santo Niño and the Virgen stood on an altar.
Although my parents’ home country, the Philippines, is located in Asia, it has a lot to share with other Latino countries. Named after Madrid’s King Philip II, the country was colonized by Spain from 1565 to 1898.
My parents decided that I would grow up learning English only. However, they would often insert Spanish words—embossed into their culture from 333 years of Spanish rule—into daily conversation. I was used to hearing other people muttering about my and other children’s foibles, complaining with sacrilegious words of Jesús y María, and when we were especially clumsy, Jesús, María y José. Refusals to eat my empanada or drink my leche earned me a slap on the arm and an order of habre.
Dr. Anita Jackson chosen as Reyna Elena 1 in Danao’s First Santa Cruzan
September 15, 2007
DAUSA President Dr. Anita-Cal Jackson, has been chosen among many participants as the Reyna Elena I in Danao’s first Santa Cruzan Celebration held in September.
The Santa Cruzan was held at the Danao City Parish Church starting with a concelebrated mass and a long procession along the city’s regular procession route with all participants wearing very elaborate and expensive gowns. Anita was escorted by Dr. Julian Banzon, another Danawanon residing in Chicago, Illinois.
Some of the participants include Rose Canga, Tita Meca, Jesusa Arsenal along with some balikbayans including Elsa Banzon (Sacramento), Kay Durano (San Jose), Georgina Villareal (San Francisco), Naomi Seigrist (Switzerland) and many others. (I will insert the names of others as soon as I get the list).
Danao Fiesta in Buena Park, CA this Saturday – COME JOIN THE FUN!
September 3, 2007
It’s another Luau this Saturday and everyone will have that Hawaiian look at the 14th DAUSA Anniversary and annual fiesta celebration honoring Danao City’s patron saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva.
The 2007 DAUSA Luau will be held this Saturday, 5:30 p.m., September 8, 2007 at the Buena Park Recreation Center, Buena Park, California. (Address: Buena Park Recreation Center, 8150 Knott Ave., Buena Park, CA. 90620.)
The celebration will start with a con-celebrated mass officiated by two Danawanon priests, Msgr. Pascual Ypil and Msgr. Alfeo. Both priests served for many years in our Santo Tomas de Villanueva parish
According to DAUSA President Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson donation to the Luau Dinner-Dance is only $25.00, per person which will go to the DAUSA Medical Mission scheduled on September 18 – 20 at the Danao General Hospital, Danao City, Philippines.
“We expect around 250 Danawanons at the our patron saint’s fiesta celebration, some coming from out-of-state and visiting Dananawons”, Anita said.
Taga Danao ni Bay: Jundell Castardo, 5th Place in Nursing Board Exam – over 70,000 Examinees
August 29, 2007
(Jundell is the son of DAUSA Members Sixto and Mary Castardo of Long Beach, CA)
UC fetes nursing board topnotchers
By Jujemay G. Awit
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
THEY only wanted to prove that there was no cheating during the June 2006 nursing board examination by taking the entire exam last June.
But Jundell Castardo and Santonin Yu placed fifth and eighth, respectively. Both became P100,000 richer.
University of Cebu (UC) president Augusto Go handed a check worth P100,000 each to Castardo and Yu, in time for the inauguration of the nursing dormitory near the UC-Banilad Campus.
Go made true his promise to give P100,000 to anyone who gets anywhere between second and tenth place in the nursing board, and a brand new car to a UC graduate who places first.
In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Go said he couldn’t sleep after learning that two UC graduates made it to the top 10.
And it’s not because he owed them money.
“They give pride not only to UC but to the entire Cebu,” he said.
The reward is an incentive for other graduates to study hard, and Go will do anything to improve the school’s passing average.
UC-Banilad had a 92-percent passing rate, said Dean Helen Estrella of the nursing department.
Topping the nursing board, however, is not new for the Yu family. Santonin’s 22-year-old sister, Shiela, also topped the 1995 nursing board exams.
Santonin’s father, Henry, could not contain his pride for Santonin, who was born on Sinulog day in 1985 and was named after Sto. Niño.
His name is not the only thing religious about Santonin, who attended mass every night after his review, before taking the exam.
Santonin almost did not take the entire exam though, opting to just take the mandated tests 3 and 5. But a chance encounter with Castardo at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 7 last May changed that.
Castardo, 25, was there to return his PRC license in order to take the June 2007 board exams. He convinced Santonin to do the same.
Castardo wanted to prove that Cebu was leakage-free, and ended up proving more than that.
Tribu Dahunog Invites you to the 7th Saturday Novena
August 25, 2007
An All Nigth Barn Dance to Follow
You are all invited to the 7th novena of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva on Saturday, August 25, 2007. Novena will start at 5:30 pm, followed by a Mass at 6:00 pm.
Tribu DAHUNOG is hosting the 7th mass-novena and will be held at:
Bobon/Henie Castillo & Family’s Residence
1080 E. 67th St.,
Long Beach, CA 90805
Tribu Dahunog has announced that a highlight in the evening is a Barn Dance and has assured it will be fun for all. There is no dress code, but if you have something in your ‘Kaban or Baol’ – maybe your favorite dress from the ’50s – please wear it; or perhaps sometime ago you bought from the Salvation Army or Goodwill a dress/costume from the ‘Elvis or James Dean era’ but is too embarassed to wear, now is the time to display. Friends, it’s BOOGIE TIME , TWIST . . . CHA-CHA . . TANGO . . . KURATSA . . KURADANG . . .
If you need direction, please call: 562-728-4957. Please pass to other Danawanons who may not be in our mail-list.
4th-Saturday Santo Tomas Novena in Torrance, CA
August 2, 2007
The 4th-Saturday Santo Tomas Novena will be at the residence of Lelet Lao Wells this Saturday, August 4, 2007, located at:
708 W. 209th ST.
Torrance, CA 90502
Si Lelet, noong araw nagtrabaho sa Danao City Hall; siya anak ni kanhi Talino Lao, usa ka mekaniko nga dunay talyer sa Barrio Suba. She has two beatiful daughters.
Novena starts at 6:00 p.m. and immediately an anticipated Sunday Mass will follow to be officiated by Augustian Priest, Rev. Fr. Ramon Barriga, . ayy mali . . Pedroza, diay.
For direction, please call:
(310) 850-3173 (Lelet Lao)
(949) 338-4811 (Endai Roble)
The 4th Mass-Novena is sponsored by the following:
George Banzon
Winnie/Minda Banzon
Paeng/Bebe Mangubat
Endai/Danny Roble
Lelet Lao Wells
SANTO TOMAS NOVENA SCHEDULE
July 9, 2007
‘Know the 1st Novena Host: Dodong & Annalee Gorre-Famas
The first of the 9-Saturday Novena in honor of Danao City’s Patron Saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva, will be held in Simi Valley, California at the residence of Adolfo and Annalee Famas-Gorre.
The first novena kicks off the fiesta season observed by Danawanons in Southern California, perhaps the longest in the world – from July to September. Nearly a hundred Santo Tomas devotees, mainly Danawanaons, are expected to attend the mass and novena to be officiated by Fr. Paul Mayor, SVD, chaplain of the St. Vincent Hospital.
The very active DAUSA couple, Adolfo and Annalee Gorre-Famas, both registered nurses at Cedars’ Sinai Medical Center of Los Angeles, is hosting the first novena.
Dodong is originally from Oroquita, Misamis, but almost every year since DAUSA started the medical mission in 1998, has been a medical mission volunteer along with his wife Annalee.
Annalee is the daughter Crispina Gorre, and Anacleto “Quito” Gorre of Danao City, now U.S. permanent residents.
Invitation from Annalee:
Hi everyone!
You are all invited to the 1st novena of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva on Saturday, July 14, 2007. Novena will start at 5:30 pm, followed by Mass at 6:00 pm.
Our address is 3145 Anasazi Way, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Please call (805)306-0460
if you need further information. I don’t have everybody’s e-mail address so please pass the word. Thank You.
Directions: From Los Angeles
Take either Interstate 5 north or 405 north. Merge to 118 freeway west.
Exit Yosemite, then turn right. Turn right again on Tonopah Court. Press # 053 at the gate to enter community. Turn left on Anasazi . House is on the left side.
Hope to see you…
Annalee
DATE SPONSOR / VENUE
(1st) – JULY 14 – ADOLFO / ANNALEE FAMAS
3145 ANASAZI WAY
SIMI VALLEY, CA. 93063
(2nd) – JULY 21 – GUILLIE / BEBIE ROBLE
1807 E. 218th ST
CARSON, CA. 90745
(3rd) – JULY 28 – DOMING / AURING DOMINGO &
BEN / BEBE JACKSON
41027 BURGESS CT.
TEMECULA, CA. 92591-7912