UP Ibalon Bicol

Baao & the Pintakasi in America : "Sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan!"

8/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

by Augusto F. Mesia, M.D.
Astoria, New York

“Tibaad makaabot kamo sa banwaan kong tinubuan
dara pa gayon ag tinkad ninyong kolor na namasdan,
ta arayo kamo sa ragang kinabuklatan, nang-alisngaw,
namarong na amot, tibaad dagos nang naoda, nanlasaw.
An hamio ninyo, kalag ninyong tunay, di maisusuway,
di malilingangawan kan langit kun sari kamo nabuway.”
--- “Para sa Burak sa Heildelberg” by J.P Rizal (trans. Robosa, P.B.)
Baao Historical Society

“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)

BAAO IN BIKOL

National hero Jose P. Rizal didn’t refer to a specific place in his poem above, but when we read the last few lines of "To the Flowers of Heidelberg," translated in royal Rinconada dialect, we quickly feel the pure love for the land he called home, the Philippines. This also applies to our own Baao--- a beautiful town in Bicol which is worth a million words and a lifetime of memories.

Many of us will agree with Vicente Ll. Ramirez, Jr. (Baao Historical Society) who spoke of Baao and its wonderful people of about 55,000. He wrote about the memorable flatlands and rolling hills between the cities of Naga and Iriga in the province of Camarines where his beloved kahimanwas are. With undisguised pride, he described one of Bicol’s distinctive farming village with unfettered personal fondness.

Ramirez theorized the name Baao must have started during the Spanish occupation. In those days, a local who lived by the lake was asked by one of the foreigners how they called the green-brown turtles, thriving well in the emerald inland marshes of this interesting town, a part of old Nueva Caceres.

The native referred to the rounded hump-backed reptile as a “ba-o-o” which timidly inhabits the fresh waterways. Sustained by lush ferns (aru-agnow,) they were in harmony with the brown snails (kohol) on which the migratory waterfowls fed. Under the tilted stalks of ripening rice grains in the moist wide paddies, the “ba-o-o” lived aplenty.

Not very long the happy place with a distinctly enchanting allure was referred to by its people as “Bao.” Later, the name slowly morphed into what is known today as “Baao.”

Baao is a popular enclave of traditional families bonded by generations of kinship. Rich in religious tradition, it's a great place that's hard to forget.

A hub of activity where the National Road wiggles towards Albay and Sorsogon, it is a home of the white heron which sits beside the carabao and the blackbird clad with iridescent feathers in the fertile fields. Baao is a fabulous place where the wind is as gentle as the blue sky--- and the afternoon, as restful as the break of dawn.

In Baao, it is said the B’s reign. Family names like Barlin, Badiola, Bernas, Bacsain, Barrameda, Boncayao, Ballesteros, Badong, Badilla, Brillo, Briones, Bismonte, Britanico, Bigay, Blasco, Bersabe, Baesa, Bisuna, Barandon, Borja, Bulalacao, Bolo, Bedural, Botor, Bustilla, Bolalin, Babilonia, Beldua, Bersabal, Buena, and many others stood tall like the elegant upright top of the town’s historic stone cathedral.

Because they are part of the heart and soul of generations, from Agdangan to San Roque to Sagrada to La Medalla, Santa Teresita, Bagumbayan or Oras, closely-knit families live together in harmony and peace.

Their company thrives. Like the multitude of stars in the dark sky, the families of Gumabao, Dato, Guevara, Arroyo, Robosa, Llorens, Fajardo, Uy-Barreta, Esplana, Serrano, Gaite, Totanes, Perdon, Del Rosario, Sanchez, Palencia, Martires, Mendez, Peyra, Ramirez, Torres, De los Santos, Antioquia, Imperial and many more have become bigger, albeit more difficult to count. They are part of a growing network of extended families in the community, dating back from the ancient days of Handiong.

Returning home and reconnecting with relatives and friends don’t lose steam in Baao. A place for exciting reunions, it is about 444 kilometers south of Manila and is less than an hour ride from Naga City. By tradition, Baao residents are nurturing to their friends who come and go--- tracing familial and religious affinities with gusto. Like the gems in a jewel box, they guard their binding ties, wherever they are or have been.

When Ramirez described the character of the dazzling people of the town, he alluded to their pedigree of “patience, perseverance, patience, wit, passion, sensitivity, resourcefulness, ingenuity, adaptability and resilience.” He concluded they are part of the “Baao persona that we all must be proud of and grateful for.”

Yes! The Baaoenos are caring and adaptable people. Look at the photographs! They are fun-loving and gentle human beings. Their sense of community is strong and their closeness to their neighbor is unmistakable. Unity is reflected in their language, songs, dances, and perhaps, in their dreams.

PINTAKASI IN AMERICA

What more is a better example than when Baaoenos celebrate their Pintakasi---that colorful merry feast reserved to honor St. Bartholomew, their patron saint? Ask anyone who visits Baao in August 23 to 25. The red-letter dates in the calendar make the whole town boil with joy. That’s also true here in America.

Almost coincident to the town fiesta, expatriate Baaoenos celebrate these days with homey merriment and unrestrained fun. In an amiable display of oneness and faith, they break bread and share stories together.

In 2008, one of Baao’s upbeat sons Walter Mendez and a group of his ardent supporters based in the golden state paid host to a motley crowd of kahimanwas. The gathering comes annually. Baaoenos from different states in America join the event and follow their roots.

For this year, it’s the Las Vegas Baaoenos’ turn to host the affair on August 8, 2009 in Nevada. Among the core group of organizers are Naty Martires, Sally & Joe (del Rosario) Valeras, Nilda & Michael (Torres) Chang, Ben & Myrna Ballesteros, Josephine Sanchez, Frank Banaria, and Rita Badiola.

Pintakasi in America is a sparkling reenactment of the same religious observance of Baao’s famous feast. The food is always generously scrumptious as the laughter and stories which go with it. The event is never dull---not overly pompous, but always roaring hot as memory can tell!

The wonderful pictures posted herein speak even louder and more eloquently than what I can probably say----so I leave them to you to attend the next heart-warming big Pinatakasi. It’s fun to see countless sons and daughters of Baao gather together in a festive celebration which sizzles with a bang!

Those who attend say they are more than satisfied. The event kicks in with a solemn mass of thanksgiving and recollection officiated by priests and attended by guests, some traveling all the way from Bicol. There is the unmistakable warmth that binds those who are present. Young and old, they join the celebration.

Group dancing and talent shows set the happy tone of the Pintakasi fun. Even without the spectacle of performers, they get energized huddling together. More often than not, they bump on someone they have not seen for so long. Sometimes, they get teary-eyed upon hearing stories back home.

Etched on their excited faces which often find their best friends in unlikely places, on the day of the grand Pintakasi, one can hear them whisper ---- Baao, sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan. (Photo Credit: NMU) =0=

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Labels: 2009, Baao PIntakasi USA, Caceres, Camarines Sur, fiesta, Las Vegas, organization, Rinconada, St. Battholomew, Totie Mesia

Reconciling dental records and the identity of Ruby Rose Jimenez

8/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In forensic investigations which involve dental records, usually, identification of human remains is not difficult. The landmarks of a person’s teeth and jawbone are unique that when x-rays are compared, the match or mismatch is easily evident. The dentition, the relation of the teeth to the bones, and presence of cavities, dental fillings and appliance are usually enough.

Apparently, this is not the case of a woman found in a steel drum on June 10, 2009. The conflicting report of the National Police and pathologists Dr. Raquel Fortun and Dr. Danilo Magtanong of the University of the Philippines on the identity of suspected murder victim Ruby Rose Barrameda Jimenez is marred by questions on the inconsistency of the dental findings. The controversy casts doubt on the competence of our investigators.

According to Magtanong, the dental charts failed to match because the body had ”a first molar and a missing third molar while Ruby Rose’s 1996 records indicated she had no first molar. “

That is not hard to understand. If such findings are true (barring tampering,) then that skull or jawbone is not that Ruby Rose. Surely, there are other unique features of the remains that may be used to help corroborate the conclusion. This is of paramount importance for any error can bring someone to answer a crime.

The unfortunate tug-of-war among forensic “experts’ has caused tremendous embarrassment and loss of credibility among our investigators. Those in the crime laboratory need not challenge the public about giving up their licenses if only to prove that they are correct in their findings. They must focus on the evidence using the tools of forensic science to arrive at the right conclusion. (Photo Credit: rontgen1) =0=

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Labels: dental records, Dr. Raquel Fortun, forensic investigation, investigation, medico-legal, murder, Ruby Rose Jimenez, science, Totie Mesia, UP

OLPDA & the San Lorenzo Mass in Manhattan

8/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Leading the devotees of the Our Lady of Penafrancia (OLPDA,) Fr. Joseph G. Marabe celebrated the San Lorenzo Ruiz Mass on Saturday, August1, 2009 in the SLR chapel located at 378 Broom Street, New York, New York.

Boy Cabaero, chairman of OLPDA and wife Dina coordinated the event attended by the officers, members and supporters of the association. A simple but lively fellowship followed after the mass.

The solemn celebration predates the onset of the annual Penafrancia celebration from September 11 to 19, 2009 in the Our Lady of Victories Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo Credit: Elmer I Nocheseda ng Pateros) =0=

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Labels: Boy Cabaero, Catholic, Fr. Joseph Marabe, mass, OLPDA, religion, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Totie Mesia

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes a plunge down Lake Baikal

8/02/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Propping up his macho image, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, on board a deep water craft Mir-2 descended in the pristine recesses of Lake Baikal, the world’s largest and deepest fresh body of water. The lake carries a fifth of the world’s fresh water reserve.

On August 1, 2009, the former KGB operative had a view of the lake at about 4,600 feet below the surface bringing attention to his physical fitness and the need for environmental conservation.

In the largely undisturbed area of the lake floor are deposits of clathrate hydrate---which is a good source of natural gas. Russia is finding a way to economically extract methane fuel from these crystals. (Photo Credit: Mima11vladimir)

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Labels: ecology, environment, Laike Baikal, Prime MInister Vladimir Putin, Russia, Totie Mesia

Ika sanang Namomotan---"No Mas Amor” sa Bikol

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Ngonian na nagadan na si Presidente Corazon Aquino, naguiromdoman ko an amiga kong si Joceline Losa Masauding kan Carolina Sur na kan sarong bulan nag-email sakuya. Sabi niya tabangan ko da'a siya maghanap nin Bikol na kanta kan “No Mas Amor”---an madahom na kansiyon na kinakanta ta sa pag-pangadie sa Sagrada Corazon (Sacred Heart.) Sa mati ko, hale sa Sagrada Corazon, an pangaran ni Cory---guikan sa mapag-mo’ot na puso ni Jesu Kristo.

Sa preparasyon kan pangadie para ki Nuestra Senor de Penafrancia sa Charleston ngonian na maabot sa Septiembre, muya ni Joceline na mag-guibo nin bag’ong folyeto nin novena. Sa pag-pugay sa puso ni Jesus, gusto niyang i-ayon an No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo.

No Mas Amor Que El Tuyo

No mas amor que el tuyo
O Corazon divino
El Pueblo Filipino
Te da su Corazon
En templos y en hogares
Te invoque nuestra lengua
Tu reinaras sin mengua
De Aparri hasta Jolo

Coro:
Ha tiempo que esperamos
Tu imperio en el Oriente
La Fe de Filipinas
Es como el sol ardiente,
Como la roca firme
Inmensa como el mar
La iniquidad no puewde
Ser de estas Islas duenas
Que izada en nuestros montes
Tu celestial ensena
Las puertas del infierno
No prevaleceran.

Haloy kaming naghanap kan kantang Bikol na iyan. Maski ang mga pading hinapotan mi, dae aram. Sa kahurian, si Joceline man sana an naka-kua kan hinahanap niya. Sa kabo’otan ni Fr. O. Largoza kan Nabua, Camarines Sur, nataw’an siya nin kopya kan kantang kan sadit pa tanda niya. Dae naghaloy, kan nagbisita si Joceline sa Nueva York kan sarong bulan, kinanta mi ang Bikol na No Mas Amor. Magayonon! (Photo Credit: Inspirational)

Uya tabi an No Mas Amor in Bikol---na satong sa bo’ot na kinakanta para ipagpugay ang kalinigan kan puso ni Jesus.

Ika Sanang Namomotan

Ika sanang Namomotan
O Diosnon na puso
An banwang Pilipino
Dusay sa puso mo
Sa simbahan sa harong man
Dila mi ika ina-arang
Namaghade kang tunay
Sa Aparri sagcod Jolo.

Coro:
Haloy mi nang pinagmawot
Paghade mo sa Siragnan
An Pagtubod niamo
Siring sa mainit na aldaw
Gapo baga kapusog
Dagat baga kahiwas
Di mangyari an karatan
Maghade sa kaporoan
Kun tindog sa Kabukiran
Langitnon mong tanda'an
An bilog na infierno
Di mangyari nanggad. =0=

Labels: bicol, Bikol song, Catholic, inspiration, Naga Camarines Sur. Totie Mesia, No Mas Amor, Novena, Penafrancia, prayers, religion, Sacred Heart, Sagrada Corazon

Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

In Memoriam

"I still have great hopes. Tayong mga Pilipino, sasabihin, 'Ano ba naman, bakit hindi tayo umangat katulad ng iba nating kalapit bansa?' Sabi ko, darating at darating din yon."

If we can have only a fraction of hope and gratitude the world can share, the place we live in will be far better and more secure than what is now. In the transcript of her last interview on September 3, 2009, this is a profound and meaningful message Pres. Corazon Aquino has imparted to us Filipinos. (Source & Photo Credits: GMAnews.TV.com/ Severino, H et al) =0=

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Labels: death, In Memoriam, Obituary, Pres. Corazon Aquino, Totie Mesia

Recession not the only reason for lack of nursing hires in the USA

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The number of Filipino nurses seeking jobs in the United States fell 16% according to Trade Union of the Philippines (TUCP) secretary general and former senator Ernesto Herrera. The declining number of nurses trying to find work in USA was also reflected in countries like India, Korea, Canada and Cuba. NCLEX-takers who prepared for jobs in America showed a decrease.

“A total of 20,746 Filipino nurses took the NCLEX for the first time for the whole year of 2008 and Herrera said the number was lower by 3.5 percent compared to the 21,299 Filipino nurses that took the test for the first time in 2007.
Filipino nurses accounted for 37 percent of the 22,500 foreign-educated nurses who took the NCLEX for the first time in the first semester.”---Philstar (08/01/09, Maymalin, M.)

It’s hard to attribute the decline of hires to the economic meltdown alone occurring in the United States as Herrera explained. In the Philippines, factors such as unavailable visas for nurse applicants, lack of money to finance an expensive application, and preference to go to other countries or stay at home are significant reasons as well.

In the last 3 to 5 years, there is a current backlog of applicants waiting to be issued visas so they can work in the USA. The NCLEX and visa screens and other application fees have gone up. Many nurses have found alternatives in other countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, United Kingdom and Australia as they impatiently wait for openings in USA.

For lack of jobs locally, thousands of nurses take employment in call centers, department stores and manufacturing. The staggering professional loss has not been addressed by the educational and labor departments.. With or without the recession, USA is still a preferred destination. Filipino nurses have very limited choices and many are willing to go anywhere and anyplace to find a job. (Photo Credit: Meijinmike) =0=

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Labels: employment, jobs, labor, NCLEX, nurses, OFW, OFW market, recession, Totie Mesia

Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Requiescat In Pace

After more than a year of fighting advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Corazon C. Aquino, 76 died in peace in Manila early Saturday, August 2, 2009. The passing of the widow of martyred political leader Ninoy Aquino brought loss and sadness to the Filipino nation. In her life, she exemplified calm, grace, and strong conviction.

Prayers were being said when the former president had her last breath. In her hospital bed at the Makati Medical Medical Center, she was surrounded by her five children and friends.

A proponent of non-violence and peaceful change, Cory, a devout Catholic, was the inspiration which led the country to oust strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos in a popular People Power uprising in 1986, leading to her assumption of presidency.

During her term, her administration was rocked by 7 attempts of coup d’ etat as she tried to rid the country of the remnants of the Marcos dictatorship. Restoring democracy, she embarked on the implementation of land reform, but was accused of protecting the interest of rich land-owners. At the same time she offered to make peace with the communists while she tried to find solution to the separatist movement of Mindanao. After her presidency, she continued to work for social and political causes.

Cory, the feisty US-educated lady who wore her usual signature yellow dress, demonstrated a life of understated simplicity, working for the country’s unity till the end of her life.

In her illness, friends and foes, rich and poor alike offered prayers for her recovery, including expressions of consolation from Pope Benedict XVI. (Photo Credit: walla2chick) =0=

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Labels: Cory Aquino, death, In Memoriam, Milestone, Obituary, People Power, Pres. Corazon Aquino, Totie Mesia, transition

Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

There is unexplained elation in Gloria M. Arroyo’s “successful” meeting with Pres. Barack Obama. The president and her supporters show palpable delight, as if something big has been achieved after seeing the face of “god.” Whatever the achievement, the Filipinos are still scrambling to know.

If there is something uniquely surprising about the Filipino's expectation on the gains of meeting Pres. Obama, ask Sen. Lito Lapid. He said he would do anything to have a photograph with the most powerful man in the world---"I hope I’d be lucky enough to be chosen among the five that would be allowed to accompany the President when she meets Obama.” Such slobbering from a senator is odd.

Obama who is extremely popular in the Philippines sees that the county as the chief ally of America in Asia. In blurry terms, his statement that country will serve a “coordinating link” to the ASEAN countries is flattering. His conversation with GMA on regional security, the economy, foreign aid, and mutual cooperation may have pushed through, but the question is: how do their words become success for the country? What do their pronouncements mean? At best, if Arroyo achieved anything, not so many Filipinos understand.

That’s why in USA and in the Philippines there are murmurs of dissent. Fil-Am activists staged rallies in Washington and California to protest Arroyo’s corruption and human rights records. In Manila, Bayan members lambasted the president for a trip that they think won’t benefit the people. Many who disapprove of GMA took to the streets in a new wave of condemnation. There are those who are bitter to be reminded that the Philippines is still a “colony” and serves as an “errand” boy of America. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Jim Young; Reuters/ Romeo Ranoco) =0=

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Labels: Barack Obama, diplomacy, GMA, Meeting:, politcs, Pres. Gloria Arroyo, protest, rally, Sen. Lito Lapid, senate, Totie Mesia, travel

New National Artists Named for 2009

8/01/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Recognizing outstanding Filipino men and women in various fields of artistic pursuits, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo named the following as national artists of the Philippines:

1. Manual Urbano (Manuel Conde)---Film and Broadcast
2. Lazaro Francisco---Literature
3. Federico Aguilar Acuaz---Visual Arts, Painting, Sculpture and Mixed Media)
4. Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez---Theatre
5. Magno Jose Carlo Caparas---Visual Arts and Film
6. Francisco Manosa---Architecture
7. Jose Pitoy Moreno----Fashion Design

Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita announced the selection of the 7 outstanding individuals who will get the highest award for their exemplary contribution in their line of endeavor. They will receive cash reward, life insurance and monthly pension as part of their recognition. (Photo Credit: Photobunny)=0=

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Labels: architecture, artist, Awards, fashion, film, literature, national artist, painting, Philippines, theater, Totie Mesia

UP Ibalon Bicol

Baao & the Pintakasi in America : "Sa kalipungawan ko, ngowan na aldow, di tay ka malingawan!"

Reconciling dental records and the identity of Ruby Rose Jimenez

OLPDA & the San Lorenzo Mass in Manhattan

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin takes a plunge down Lake Baikal

Ika sanang Namomotan---"No Mas Amor” sa Bikol

Pres. Cory Aquino's power of hope & gratitude

Recession not the only reason for lack of nursing hires in the USA

Filipinos mourn the death of Pres. Cory Aquino

Arroyo-Obama meeting: beholding the face of "god" & the desire to have a photo-op

New National Artists Named for 2009

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