If Mar Roxas is endorsed, Drilon's bid for VP will die

"The greatest risk is really to take no risk at all. You've got to go out there, jump off the cliff, and take chances." Patrick Warburton

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY -- Senate President Franklin Drilon was right when he quipped that rumors he would be running for vice president once DILG chief Mar Roxas was endorsed by President Noynoy Aquino as Liberal Party standard bearer in the 2016 elections, "don't make any political sense."
Since they both belong in Western Visayas, only one of them should be fielded in the race for the land's top two highest positions.
Western Visayas, the third vote rich region in the country, is not the Philippines. Imperial Manila won't take it sitting down if bypassed in the choice of national leaders.
The other candidate must come either from Luzon or Mindanao. 
Not all-Visayas. Not all-Luzon. Not all-Mindanao. 
The goods must be distributed equally. Everyone should be happy.
Survey topnotcher Grace Poe could be the most logical choice since she is extremely popular in Mindanao, where his late foster father, Fernando Poe Jr.,  was considered a demigod both in showbiz and politics. 

OFFICIAL

It won't hurt the ruling party though if the president will pick Drilon over Roxas, but it looks like the die has been cast and Roxas appears to be a cinch away from clinching the official coronation as LP top bet.
Drilon can deliver the votes for national candidates being the most senior and influential political leader in Panay and Negros islands.
Drilon's only hope though is for the president to raise Poe's hand as a Solomic solution to the impasse.  
But his chances for a vice presidential slot remain nil. If Poe would be blessed by the fountain, Roxas logically could end up as her runningmate. 
Although he lagged behind in the surveys, Roxas' stock is expected to boost once he is officially endorsed by the president.
Since President Aquino is still enjoying a substantial popularity among members of the hoi polloi, the middle class and the elite, his endorsement of Roxas can't be considered yet as a kiss of death.
Endorsement by a popular leader, however, is very much different from the candidate's winnability.

APPLAUD

People may applaud the president's endorsement, but it's another story if they will vote for the endorsed candidate.
Winnability is still a major factor. And Roxas appears to be deficient in charisma and acceptability needed to bag the highest office,  if we based only the surveys.
But with full support from the administration, the ballgame might tilt and shake a bit.  
The lead in the surveys enjoyed by Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay might suffer a major cut once government resources start to roll down the far flung areas in aid of the chosen candidate from Capiz.
Roxas, however, can't rely heavily on government wherewithal. He has a lot of catching up to do and the major roadwork is in his province in Capiz, his bailiwick with a polarized political landscape. 
As a dark horse, Davao City Mayor Rudy Duterte may continue to post as a big threat to any candidate chosen by the president and the opposition.
If no alliances and bandwagon will be formed to reduce the number of presidentiables, it would still be the administration and opposition candidates who will slug it out and elbow each other in the finish line.

Fil-Am nurse dribbles ball even after stint in navy

"Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams." Donovan Bailey

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY --  As a high school varsity player at the West Visayas State University (WVSU) in Iloilo City, Philippines in the late 80's, Richard Borres Canong easily caught the eye of the late Iloilo City Councilor Jose "Joeball" Piamonte, who would become his coach until Richard represented the Western Visayas in the national Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) basketball in Nueva Ecija.

Richard's love affair with basketball did not end in the PRISAA, an association of private schools, Christian schools, and home school athletic departments throughout the Philippines founded in 1953. 

Since joining the U.S. Navy in 1990, Richard became a dyed-in-the-wool cager, amassing one Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after another, a mind-boggling achievement for a cager who hasn't breached the six feet height.

As a point guard and shooting guard, Richard pulled the rug from under other taller American players and fellow Fil-Ams in intramural games that pitted the best teams in the communities of Chicago, Washington, Maryland, among other states in the East Coast.

INTER-STATE

Playing for the Washington D.C., Richard's team won the 2014 Inter-State basketball tournament held in Chicago, a tension-filled championship witnessed by his parents, Illinois-based Ilonggos Rufino and Aurea.

They won the 2013 North American Basketball Association in New Market, Canada.

Richard was a regular player in De Ausen, a real estate firm, in their community league in Maryland, where he lives in Silver Spring together with wife, Joy Adorador, and two children, Randal, 21, and Rachel, 14.

He played together with some retired PBA players like Abe King, Ric-Ric Marata, Manny Victorino in exhibition match in 2009 and the visiting former San Beda Red Lions stars Louie Brill, Art Ayson, and Letran's Glen Yap.

Age hasn't slowed down Richard, who continues to reap honors in various community leagues playing in the 35 above category.  

FORMULA

His formula of success: "Stay fit. Be passionate. Be a team player. Stay grounded."

Richard exhorts basketball lovers "to always stay in shape and be competitive" regardless of age.

Richard, who started to hone his basketball talent during his elementary days at Angelicum School Iloilo, an exclusive school in Jaro, Iloilo City, says he is motivated to continue playing not for money "and although we only win trophies, we earn the respect of our peers and we use the occasion also as an opportunity to meet with friends." 

In 2014, Richard, at 43, became one of the youngest to retire after more than 20 years of service in the U.S. Navy.

He had a rank of lieutenant commander.

Now a Perioperative nurse at U.S. Navy, Richard is still very much active in playing basketball every now and then, a passion and hobby he does not intend to give up probably until his senior years as long as he is enjoying it.

Witnessing the Washington parade

Independence is happiness -- Susan B. Anthony

By Alex P. Vidal

WASHINGTON D.C. – Bobby Reyes of the Philippine History Group of Los Angeles insists the Filipinos should celebrate Independence Day on July 4, not June 12. 
“We reckon that it was only on July 4, 1946, when the United States granted it independence that the Philippines became politically free as a country,” Reyes argued.
In 1998, Reyes criticized the Philippine-independence centennial calling it “no relevance to the United States and the American people.” 
He blasted the Philippine National Centennial Commission and the Philippine leaders who insisted on the June 12, 1898, independence calling them “insensitive to the facts of history.” 
“They are also insensitive to the feelings of the American people, especially those of Philippine ancestry. To ignore the July 4, 1946, independence is hypocritical. It demonstrates, once more, the myopic view of some Philippine leaders who think that to be pro-Filipino is to be anti-American,” Reyes boomed.
For some Filipinos, the Independence Day parade in Washington D.C. is more interesting to watch than the more popular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks over the East River.
That’s why we chose to be in Washington D.C. for the "Happy 4th of July Weekend" (we left New York past midnight July 3 and arrived around 6 o’clock in the morning via Megabus July 4, in Washington D.C.)
For a change.

FIREWORKS

Fil-Am Rene Gongora, who has seen the Americans celebrate the Independence Day for 20 years now, said the celebration in New York has always been all fireworks. “Non-stop fireworks which illuminate the skies over the East River,” Gongora observed. “All fireworks. That’s how they always celebrate the 4th of July in New York.” 
The same activity in New York will unfolded for the second year in a row, it was learned. 
The sparklers exploded over the Hudson River and New Jersey's Liberty State Park's Fireworks near the Statue of Liberty.
We were able to catch the show from many neighborhoods in downtown Manhattan, and parts of Brooklyn and Queens on the way back before midnight,
In New York, the glorious Brooklyn Bridge served as the backdrop for the fireworks. 
More than 50,000 were scheduled to burst forth from six floating barges on the water, synchronized to a soundtrack of patriotic standards. 

ANNUALLY

Co-sponsored by the National Park Service and Diversified Events, America’s 2015 National Independence Day Parade, was celebrated annually on the National Mall in Washington D.C. 
It consisted of invited bands, fife and drum corps, floats, military and specialty units, giant balloons, equestrian, drill teams, VIP’s, national dignitaries, and celebrity participants. 
The Parade was a major national event which sought to draw the attention of Americans to the real meaning for the holiday. 
It is a patriotic, flag-waving, red white and blue celebration of America’s birthday!

Climate change and the 'Quines Miracle Bus'

“The clear and present danger of climate change means we cannot burn our way to prosperity. We already rely too heavily on fossil fuels. We need to find a new, sustainable path to the future we want. We need a clean industrial revolution.” Ban Ki-moon

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY – We have been repeatedly told that carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases affect our climate change.

That larger emissions of greenhouse gases lead to higher concentrations in the atmosphere.
According to environmental experts, greenhouse gas concentrations are measured in parts per million, parts per billion, and even parts per trillion.
One part per million is equivalent to one drop of water diluted into about 13 gallons of liquid (roughly the fuel tank of a compact car).
Like Filipino-American environmentalist, Dr. Emilio Quines, we also advocate a green Philippines.
It will only be possible if we minimize greenhouse gas emissions, if we know how to dispose of our garbage properly, if we plant more trees, eliminate smoke-belching vehicles in streets among other moves to save the environment.
A vehicle fuel in the United States is more commonly called as renewable natural gas (RNG), also called biomethane.
RNG is produced from biogas, also known as swamp gas, landfill gas, or digester gas, which is the gaseous product of anaerobic digestion of organic matter.
With minor cleanup, biogas can be used to generate electricity and heat. When processed to a higher purity standard, biogas is called RNG and can be used as an alternative fuel for natural gas vehicles.
With traces of gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen, Biogas is usually 50 percent-80 percent methane and 20 percent-50 percent carbon dioxide.
In contrast, natural gas is usually more than 70 percent methane, with most of the rest being other hydrocarbons (such as propane and butane) and traces of carbon dioxide and other contaminants.

 

MIRACLE BUS

 

Meanwhile, Dr. Quines exhorts Filipinos to “Hop in!”
In an article called “It’s a Quines thing you wouldn't understand,” Dr. Quines narrated:
Once upon a time, there was a country so green.
It was dubbed Pearl of the Orient! Quietly and happily the people enjoyed its bounty.
Then natural disasters hit.
Mt Pinatubo erupted! First known tsunamis surfaced! Yolanda/Haiyan struck!
Unguided souls, exploiters, some  blinded politicians, souls supposed to understand how it feels to go to bed with empty stomach's and extreme poverty while others couldn't even consume what they have in their lifetime flourished.
Disasters caught the world's attention and wept with our Philippines! 
The very green country with its complement of some misguided politicians and exploiters continue to bear the brunt of caring for its impoverished populace.
Then there after came the denuded brown instead of green mountains and "smokey mountains".

UNDERSTAND

Now came the Quines thing hard to understand.

We have dreams of getting you all to plant couple of trees all can afford with a few sweat affordable to anybody to grow and nurture.
Leave a legacy that outlasts us, a green Philippines, a handful of trees from every Rizalistas, overseas friends and believers.
If all overseas brain drained and kind hearts exported from the country can join the Quines Miracle Bus, assist the youth Rizal's hope you have dreamed of, then the Miracle Bus can roll and keep on rolling.
Let's all leave a legacy, let us help to make our country green again- "The Pearl of the Orient Seas."
It's a good initial move affordable, doable to any compatriots and believers!
Next bus move - a clean Philippines. Use of modern technology--bio gas. Dream of those who can afford, help those who can't---share their bounty from our Lord.
A dream of green and clean Philippines.
It's a Quines thing for all you know.

'Not Guilty!'

"Never mind if the repercussions are disastrous and can hurt and permanently damage the dignity of certain individuals."

 

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY – Were the elderly doctor and his wife in Manhattan arrested here recently victims of black propaganda perpetrated by jealous characters out to sabotage their lucrative business?

Everywhere we go the term “crab mentality” among Filipinos is always prevalent.
Never mind if the repercussions are disastrous and can hurt and permanently damage the dignity of certain individuals.
Dr. Rogelio Lucas, 77, and wife, Lydia, 79, have pleaded not guilty of charges they were the sources of $77 million worth of painkillers being sold on black market.
What if they were really innocent?
They have been successful in their business and some of their rivals have reportedly grown jealous of their success story that they have started digging some dirt to pin them down.
They posted a $500,000 bail and are scheduled to appear in court on June 30.

 

PROVE

 

“They are ready to prove their innocence in the proper forum that’s why they have refused to say anything about the case,” said a retired Fil-Am doctor who refused to be identified. He is a friend of the arrested elderly doctor.
They have refused to issue a statement and allowed their lawyer, Liam Malanaphy, to speak on their behalf.
The Lucas couple, married for 55 years, was arrested recently for allegedly peddling the pills since 2009, according to Narcotics prosecutor Bridget Brennan.
The couple, who resides in Upper West Side, a neighborhood in the borough of Manhattan, New York City, is accused of selling more than 28,000 prescriptions for oxycodone, a highly addictive painkiller.

 

RINGS

 

Brennan said Dr. Lucas worked with several major drug rings to write prescriptions for over 3 million tablets.
The couple, who have nine children, was slapped with 37 counts of illegally selling a controlled substance.
Dr. Lucas earned his medical degree in the Philippines, where the couple has several properties.
They also reportedly own homes in Hawaii and Florida.
Prosecutors said Lucas operated a family practice that catered to patients covered by Medicaid before they allegedly engaged in the illegal activity.
The episode in the court on June 30 is worth watching once they appear and insist their innocence.

No justice for Pinoy killed in New York 'hate attack'

“Fighting means you could lose. Bullying means you can’t. A bully wants to beat somebody; he doesn’t want to fight somebody.”  Andrew Vachss

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY – Filipinos are not spared by perpetrators of hate crimes, which remain unabated even in the United States.

It’s not always safe to walk in the streets at night especially if we are alone—even in the “freest” and “safest” country in the world.

In every nook and cranny there are always racial haters and muggers ready to bully us when we least expect them to attack.  

And chances are, police won’t consider the attacks as hate crimes like what happened to a Filipino limo driver, Robert Martirez, in Queens a year ago.

I visited the place where Martirez was attacked. His friends placed flowers and flag of the Philippines and a demand for justice in the lamppost beside the Roosevelt Avenue.

Before I wrote this article, I visited the place once more and watched Martirez’s photo in the frame. His face will forever be etched in my memory.

The Hispanic man sought by police for Martirez’s murder in Woodside, has not been arrested and justice continued to elude the 56-year-old Filipino who was attacked on June 24, 2014.

WORLD CUP

Police attributed the senseless murder to the World Cup and refused to call it hate attack, it was reported.

Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce had announced that the New York Police Department “doesn’t have any belief that it was a hate crime.”

The Hate Crimes Task Force reportedly refused to investigate the incident.

Ironically, the Philippines was not a qualifier in the World Cup.

“It’s almost one year and Robert’s killer remains at large. We feel the authorities are not exerting efforts to arrest him,” lamented Liza Bandiolo, 54, who, like Martirez, was also a regular habitué of Krystal Cafe on 69^th Street Roosevelt Avenue.

Martirez just came out from the café near midnight when the unidentified suspect, whose face was captured by a CCTV, punched him in the face in an unprovoked attacked, it was reported.

The assailant reportedly first asked him, “Are you a Filipino?” before punching him.

Martirez, known in the community as a “regular churchgoer” and a “good guy”, fell and hit his head on the pavement.

He was rushed to the Elmhurst Hospital Center where he died.

We join the demand for Martirez's immediate arrest.

A reward of $2,000 has been offered for tipster who could lead police for the killer's whereabouts.

PUBLIC SERVICE: The Philippine Consulate General of New York in partnership with The Association of Fil-Am Teachers of America, Inc. will hold the 17^th Paaralan Sa Konsulado, a summer workshop for Filipino-American children aged 6 to 16 on June 27, July 11, July 18, July 25 and August 1, 2015 from 9 am-3pm at the Philippine Center New York. With a theme: “Kulturang Pilipino, Ipagdiwang Mo”, its aim is to provide children born and raised in the United States opportunities to learn about their culture and heritage and to offer a better understanding of their roots. It runs for five Saturdays with participants learning about Filipino values, heritage, history, arts, songs, game, traditions and conversational Filipino. There will be registration fees. For more information, contact Raul Cajigas (347) 932-6631 and Luz Dara Valconcha (917) 609-6141…the 2015 Fiesta in America dubbed: “Fil-Ams Mean Business” will unfold on August 15-16, 2015 at the Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, New Jersey. Now on its 17^th year, the event will feature trade exhibitors, business to business networking, international and local entertainers, cultural and food festivals.

Jhett Tolentino: A world class Pinoy in New York

“Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.” Arthur Schopenhauer

By Alex P. Vidal

NEW YORK CITY – The second Filipino to win a Tony Award (Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre) is an Ilonggo from Iloilo City.

Tony Award recognizes achievement in live Broadway theatre.
Presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ceremony in New York City, the awards are given for Broadway productions and performances, and an award is given for regional theatre.
Several discretionary non-competitive awards are also given, including a Special Tony Award, the Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre, and the Isabelle Stevenson Award.
The awards are named after Antoinette Perry, co-founder of the American Theatre Wing.
We had the privilege to briefly meet Jhett Tolentino, a world class theater producer, who was one of the special guests during the recent 117th Philippine Independence Day parade on Madison Avenue.
He was introduced to us by Jojie Jalandoni, past president of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) after the parade.

 

TALENTED

 

The very unassuming and talented Filipino-American from the City of Love in the Philippines is the partner of Joan Raffe.
They are co-producers of JOAN JHETT PRODUCTIONS, LLC, a three-time Tony, two-time Drama Desk, two-time Drama League, three-time Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel and Off Broadway Alliance Award.
A successful entrepreneur and animal rights advocate, Raffe is a fabulous cook and baker, her brownies are rumored to be the best in the country.
Her life-long passion for theatre has refined her knack in picking quality shows, according to their website.
Tolentino, a 2014 The Outstanding Filipino Americans-New York (TOFA-NY) awardee for Entertainment, grabbed headlines and made history last year when he bagged two trophies as one of the producers of “A Raisin in the Sun” and “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”
A Raisin in the Sun,” which stars Denzel Washington, and “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” respectively won Best Revival of a Play and Best Musical at the 68th Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 8.

 

PARTNER

 

Theater producer Jhett Tolentino (of JoanJhett Productions) is over the moon as he and his producing partner Joan Raffe are currently among the toasts of the theater world, particularly The American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League, reported the Filipino Reporter last year.
Here’s the complete report:
And in honor of his latest Tonys, he even named his new puppy, a Morkie, Toni.
Last year, Tolentino bagged his first Tony for producing the comedy play “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” which won Best Play.
He and Joan also produced recording albums for various musicals.
Tolentino, who has an accounting degree from his hometown Iloilo City, Philippines, is actually the third Filipino to receive a Tony following Lea Salonga (Best Actress for the musical “Miss Saigon”) and Robert “Bobby” Lopez (Best Original Score for “Avenue Q”).
“Just got home from the Tony Awards bliss,” Tolentino wrote on his Facebook following the ceremony hosted by Hugh Jackman.
“Going through over 100 e-mails, 600 text messages and voicemails, 1,100+ Facebook notifications, likes, friend requests, tags, mentions, comments and private messages. I have never felt so loved by this community, family and friends. My eternal gratitude to the company of ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun.’ Long live the theater!”

 

BEST DIRECTION

“A Raisin in the Sun” also won Best Direction of a Play for Kenny Leon, and Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Sophie Okonedo.

“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” was also honored with Best Book of a Musical (Robert L. Friedman), Best Direction of a Musical (Darko Tresnjak) and Best Costume Design of a Musical (Linda Cho).
A photo of Tolentino, along with his co-producers and stars of “A Raisin in the Sun,” landed on the pages of The New York Times.
“Made my The New York Times photo debut today,” Tolentino wrote in a Facebook shoutout, adding #pinoy and #pinoypride.
Tolentino and partner Raffe are also responsible for the Broadway comedy play “The Velocity of Autumn,” and the revival play “Macbeth,” as well as the Imelda Marcos-inspired Off Broadway musical “Here Lies Love.”
The JoanJhett team unveiled the “My Life is a Musical” (previews beginning July 29, 2014).
Aside from three Tonys, JoanJhett Productions also has several Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle, Lucille Lortel and Off Broadway Alliance awards.
In 2013, Tolentino and Raffe were nominated for a Grammy Best Musical Theater Album as associate producers of the cast album of “Matilda: The Musical.”