By Aurelio S. Agcaoili, Ph.D.
July 8, 2008
(As published in the FilAm Observer)
This is Maestra Lynne’s story—Mrs. Lynne Viloria Gutierrez—of humility, courage, and professionalism. But it is every immigrant’s story as well: the immigrant that knows whereof she speaks in terms of real and honest-to-goodness community service, one anchored not on the self-for-itself but on the self-for-others. If there is one thing Lynne is good at, it is her work with the community, sowing good
seeds as many as she can, knowing fully well about trees being planted becoming useful for the next generation. Caecilius said so: serit arbores quae saeclo prosint alteri. The whole of her, from afar as well as in person when you speak with her from the heart is gravitas, that sense of dignity not only for herself but one in which she dreams of the good for others. Here is a teacher; but here is a leader as well, one who has the guts and gumption to show us the way, not from a selfish motive, but from a brew of mixed motives but always—always—the community in mind.
Armi Oliver-Farinas
July 8, 2008 - Hawaii
John - the Army, Police, Education (MS), Awards/Achievements, War, Family, Good heart…you name it he got it all!
When we were young, I remember John as the straight haired boy (kasla lampaso), very strict but smart little boy in San Vicente, Magsingal, neighbor of my grandparents “Maestra Alang and Lakay Atong Alvarez”, together with Auntie Maestra Cion. Each time I stayed in town, I noticed his presence powering over his siblings Starlet, Jhanet and Wilkins. Yes, until now he exudes that power and shines at all times not only over his siblings (sorry Allet, Jhanet and Bong) but in every undertaking he does.
by Armi Oliver-Farinas
July 4, 2008 - Hawaii
I was so glad to read about the May 08 Hawaii Filipino Fiesta featured in our website. But I didn’t see any photos about the Santacruzan so I decided to share some in here. That was me as Reyna Esther! I won the event among 33 beauties paraded as queens. I became the first Miss Santacruzan and got awarded with a trophy and $300 cash. It was the first ever Santacruzan contest here.
by Vicki Ponce-Lagrimas
July 3, 2008 - Texas
"We formed an association for Magsingalenos here in Texas last month (June 08) with the hope of being able to be of better help to our kailians back home."
by William S. Realon
June 30, 2008 - Anchorage
When Elton John belted out his rendition of his famous ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,’ at the conclusion of his recent concert in Anchorage, he must have been referring to the midnight sun that was just about to set behind the snowy mountains that embrace this small Alaskan city. It creeps along just below the horizon providing almost constant daylight and will again rise 4 hours later slightly to the right, not far from where it just set. With about 20 hours of daylight during summer, Anchorage is the place where outdoor activities abound to compensate for the long cold and dark winter months but for some, the long daylight comes with a few inconveniences.
Sydney - Australia
by Ronnie Tolentino
June 30, 2008
I was inundated with SMS and email messages from the Philippines including one from South Africa courtesy of Dole greeting me a ‘HAPPY FATHER’S DAY’ a day after our reunion. My wife thought I was still out-of-sorts courtesy of the hospitality of Manong Bart and Chito’s families. As Vic said the beer and whisky flowed generously.
Manong Demi was a fellow guest so he didn’t do any cooking. Our hosts spared no expense nor effort to make the occasion memorable...
