www. buklodkabayan.ch

Vol. 3 No. 2 Geneva, Switzerland September 2002

NEWSLETTER FOR THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN GENEVA

RepertoireThe Prayer

David Foster/Carol Sager arr. Ed ManguiatI

Deu vos GuardR. Noguera

Quell’ augellin che cantaClaudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)

Wohlauf ihr GasteErasmus Widmann (1572-1634)

Il est bel et bonPierre Passereau (1509-1547)

Au joli jeuClement Janequin (c. 1475-1558)Turtle Dove (English folksong)

arr. R. Vaugham Williams Alleluia (fr. Exsultate Jubilate)

W. A. Mozart (1756-1791)Prayer of St. Francis

Allan Pote, arr. R. DelgadoHe’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

(trad.) arr. Charles HigginsII

WOW! PhilippinesIlay Gandangan

(an ethnic worship of the sun chant)Rodolfo Delarmente

Kaming Magmamani(We, peanut farmers)arr. Lucio San Pedro

Maala-ala Mo Kaya?Constancio de Guzman, arr. Ed Manguiat

Galawgawarr. Fidel Calalang

Dahil Sa ‘Yo Because of you. A cause de toi.

arr. Fabian ObispoTi Ayat Ti Maysa Nga Ubing

arr. Fabian ObispoPong-pong Guinapong

arr. Fabian ObispoRosas Pandan

P. Cabahas, arr. George HernandezIII

Medley of Ryan Cayabyab SongsRyan Cayabyab, arr. Graystone Ives

MichelleJohn Lennon/Paul McCartney, arr. Ed Manguiat

Sometimes You Just KnowParfois on sait, Danny Tan

At the Salle Central Madeleine

UPSA’s very successful 3rd InternationalEuropean Tour & Competitions 2001 left astamp in its 21-year history with memorableperformances including the very emotionalEcumenical Service at the American Church inParis as covered by the French national TV andCNN, in memory of the Sept. 11 Twin Towerstragedy in New York; the Laureate’s Concert atthe historic 500-year old St. Martin’s Cathedral inBratislava, Slovakia where Hungarian andAustrian kings were crowned; and the touchingoutreach performance at the Hospice Pacheco, ahome for the aged in Brussels, Belgium.

Prestigious choral competitions inWernigerode, Germany; Trencianske Teplice.Slovakia; Cantonigros, Spain; Arezzo. Italy andMaasmechelen. Belgium earned for UPSA two(2) Grand Prizes. eight (8) First Prizes, and eight(8) special prizes.

This year, UPSA represented Arezzo and thePhilippines in the EUROPEAN GRAND PRIZEFOR CHORAL SINGING held in Italy last

The grand prize was preceeded by two FirstPrizes in the Mixed Choir & Folk Categories atthe XLIX Concorso Polifonico Internazionale“Guido d’ Arezzo” in Arezzo, Italy, consideredthe “Olympics” in choral singing.

The UPSA, the State University’s officialPerforming Group for Choreographed ChoralMusic, has performed all types of music from theclassicals, international songs, spirituals, Filipino ethnicand kundiman, to Broadway, English and Filipinopop/jazz, gospel and inspirational songs, and evenrock music. As ambassadors of Philippine culture, itincludes cultural dances, costumes and traditions ofthe ethnic North and South as part of its internationalrepertoire. This earned the group a nomination inthe recently-concluded ALIW AWARDS.

This year’s UPSA concert in Geneva issponsored by the Steering Committee of theFilipino Community in cooperation with thePhilippine Mission.

Tickets are available at the following outlets:Mabuhay Asian Shop, Bahay Kubo, Video-ClubHollywood and Kakkampi or at the gates of theSalle Central Madeleine at rue de Madeleine 10, 1204Geneva.

August, a distinct honor and privilege for winningthe Premio Cittadi Arezzo, the dream prize for choirsand conductors worth their salt. Here they wonsecond prize.

The University of the Philippines Sing-ing Ambassadors’ (UPSA) will be performingagain in Geneva on the 14th of September 2002at 19h00 at the Salle Central Madeleine.

Dubbed as “a glimpse of Philippine Culturein songs and dances,” the show promises to beanother unforgetable cultural event.

UP Singing Ambassadors in“A Glimpse of Philippine Culture

in songs and dances”

EDITORIAL

Buklod KabayanPublished by the Steering Committeeof the Filipino Community in Geneva

EDITORIAL BOARD

Theresa ALMIROL, Nep CASTILLO,Rodolfo de GUZMAN, Marian Victoria HERNANDEZ,Erwin POLICAR, Ricardo ROMEA, Joseph SYCIP

Layout by: Joseph SYCIP

Articles, opinions, letters to the Editors, and othermanuscripts should be in Pilipino or English, typed in MS Word and

sent to : mailbox@buklodkabayan.ch

The views and opinions expressed by the authors are solely their ownand do not necessarily reflect the position of the Steering Committee of

the Filipino Community in Geneva

Buklod Kabayan September 2002

TURNING CHALLENGESINTO OPPORTUNITIES

Our readers will remark that in this issue of the BuklodKabayan, we have stories of Filipinos who have excelled andFilipinos who are reaching out to assist our kababayans. It isheart-warming to be reminded of the quest for excellence and

noble aspirations that have been inculcated among the Filipinos.

Certainly, our country and people are facing significantchallenges. What is important is for us to continue to considerthat we can turn these challenges into opportunities. Whenwe encounter a rock on our path, it is up to us whether wewill regard it as a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

We need to remind ourselves that we have in us thecapability to excel – as exemplified by those we have featuredin this issue. We need to have the faith, the desire and takethe necessary action– and excel we can, excel we will.

The Steering Committee of the Filipino Community in theGeneva region seeks to promote this ideal and to encourageus Filipinos to be proud of our heritage and our characteristics,overall, as Filipinos. We have been referred to as a wonderfulpeople. We are! And let us continue to be so.

Let us be proud to be Filipinos. Mabuhay ang Filipino.Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

2

2

A glimpse of the Manila nightlifeby Gabriel

Krinnnnggggg!!!!! There goes my mobile again ringing on the tune ofGame na Game ka na ba? theme song followed by an inundation of messages,which one read:

Hoy mama, we’re here na in Glorietta, asan kaw?

Glorietta, right at the heart of the Philippine business district is aMecca of all sorts of leisure, best restaurants,hippest bars, super malls, luxurious hotelsand a familiar relaxing ambiance filled with allour kababayans from different walks of life.Leaving our cars in the multiple levelbasement parking area, we can then take theelevator up which later opens us into a worldof fun, people, food and entertainment thatawaits yuppies looking for a place to unwindafter a week’s hard work in the office. Westarted the night with a sumptuous but a quickdinner in Dusit Thani, then later caught thepremier of the “Signs” by Mel Gibson.

Another one of those movies, whichshows our fear of the unknown. I guess Filipinos have a knack for

Hollywood movies. Be it a love story like“A Walk to Remember” or a suspense thrillerlike the “Signs”, always expect long queuesfrom the cinema door to Starbucks coffee.Speaking of cofee, the latter reminds me thatI have not taken my iced cappuccino shot forthe day.

As everybody is anticipating the fantasticeffects and the all digital Dolby surround thatQuad IV can offer, we see a lot of familiarfaces, people we know, people who knowsus and people we know but don’t know us(I’m more on the last group of people). Then,you hear your name being called from theend of the line, you walk by and bump to anold friend, have a chitchat and then exchange

email addresses and mobile numbers. That means some more messages toflood my mobile’s memory.

After the movies, at around 11:30 pm, the night is still young andpeople are still coming in to these gimmick places looking so fresh and neat(as if straight from the beauty parlor). We headed to the nearest bar, justbelow the cinema and beside Oakwood Premier Ayala Center, into “TequilaJoe” for a drink, a night cap, chill outwith some more people to meet andjust listen to the latest craze in theManila music scene. I guess theFilipino taste buds for alcoholevolved through the years, from thelocal lambanog, to “markangdemonyo” and now Mexican tequila?I will not be surprised what they’regoing to come up with next…….. acocktail of vodka and Old Spice?

Then I heard it again, Kringggggggg! There goes my mobile, but this timeit’s not a familiar tune but rather an irritating and getting louder buzz of analarm, telling me that:

It’s 7:00 am, I am here in Geneva and not Makati and I need towake up and to head for work in the UN office.

Well, it was such a reminiscing dream, it feels so real, the sounds are sovivid and the sights so three dimensional. I had another Glimpse of Manilawith a free airfare. Sorry na lang mga kapatid wala akong nabitbit napasalubong……..

NEWSBRIEFS

Buklod Kabayan September 2002 3

Philippine CulturalCentre in Geneva Opens

The Philippine Cultural Centre in Genevaspins-off with an open house on the 29th ofSeptember 2002, Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at30A rue de la Servette.

The Centre aims to promote Philippineculture as a way of life in Geneva throughPhilippine gastronomy in an atmosphere exudingwith Filipino warmth and hospitality andcharacterize by furniture and products made inthe Philippines.

One of the feature areas of the Centre is theReading Room. The Reading Room aims toshowcase Philippine-made furnishings anddecorations and serve as a library. Anyone visitingwill be motivated by the eclectic surrounding ofstyle and comfort to view audio visual materialsor perhaps browse available information onwhat’s on in the Philippines as well as Philippineculture and heritage.

The Cultural Centre aims to cater to theFilipinos and their friends living in Geneva withvarious socio-cultural activities. The Centre willprovide classes on: ballroom dancing for thosewho are interested to dance in pairs or as a couple;Filipino folk dances for those who are interestedto experience dances of Filipino heritage,Hawaiian Polynesian dances for those interestedwith dances of the islands; and aerobicsspecifically designed for the Filipina vigour. TheCentre is also available to rent for use for privateactivities and events.

The Philippine Cultural Centre in Geneva isspearheaded by Evelyn Hernandez-Leonor ofBahay Kubo and Dolores Macaraeg of EurasiaTrust & Securities Sarl. (mvh)

KAKKAMPI GOES ONFISHING AND CAVETOUR IN VALLORBESome 40 members of KAKKAMPI

(Kapatiran para sa Karapatan at Kaunlaranng Manggagawang Pilipino sa Ibayong-dagat) went on a fishing and cave explora-tion tour last 18 August 2002 in Vallorbe, inthe canton of Vaud.

Around 20 kilos of fresh truite werefished out, grilled, and served during thelunchtime get-together discussion whichfocused on the upcoming plans of the group-- expanding computer classes, fund raisingactivities at the Fête des Paquis and plansfor a big October dance party.

KAKKAMPI members disembark from bus in Vallorbe

Photo C

redit: Dennis de G

uzman

After a short siesta, the group proceededto explore the Vallorbe caves. Minerals, sta-lactites and stalagmites lay abundant insidethe caves. An underground stream whichflowed naturally fascinated the group.

On the way back to Geneva, most of thegroups’ members were exhausted, tired, yetvery happy as they snored heavily whilesleeping in their comfortable airconditionedtourist bus seats.

GENEVA-MANILA-EXPRESSRue du Mont Blanc 11, 4th floor

1201 Geneva, Switzerland(in front of the Mont Blanc Post Office)

Tel No. 022 731 7916Fax no. 022 731 7917

Announcement of New Opening Hours:Monday 1:00PM - 6:00PMTuesday - Friday 10:30AM - 6:00PMSaturday 1:30PM - 4:00PMSunday Closed

Transmission outside the above schedule isby appointment.

Available for UBS bank to bank permanentorders service.

Account name: G.M.E ch Manila ExpressAccount no. 240-445855.01W

On 29 September 2002, The AssociationPhilippine International (API) is organizinga get-together bowling tournament in orderto raise funds for the education of 30underprivileged students in the Philippines.Around 12 lanes of the Bowling MeyrinCenter will be reserved and open to allparticipants. The bowling tournament willstart precisely at 9:30 a.m. up to 4 p.m. Therestaurant at the Meyrin Bowling Center willbe open for all participants. A 50 CHF entreefee to the tournament will be charged forfive games of competition. Those interestedto join the tournament can please contactGrace Baehler at 022 349 06 41 o rgpkkbaehler_1@mydiax.ch for registration.

API BOWLINGTOURNEY

following schedule:Monday 19h30 to 21h00Wednesday 13h30 to 15h30Friday 14h00 to 15h30Saturday 10h00 to 12h00

How to get there: take the lake road directionLausanne, turn right at Celigny and followsigns to Crans. When in Crans, look for CentreSportive.

FILIPINO ARTISTPRESENTS SECOND

HARANA EXHIBIT

After a succesful exhibit at the Palais desNations last summer, Marissa Gonzales, aFilipino artist and resident of Switzerlandpresents her Second collection of stringinstruments on tromp l’oeil background paintedon Jusi from 7 September till 10 October 2002at Biblioteque Communale of Crans-près-Celigny.

Paintings may be viewed as per the

Valentine’s 2002 will never be the same for theCFC – Singles for Christ (SFC). This season of love iscelebrated in many parts of the Philippines with theholding of the annual International Leader’s Conferenceof SFC. Singles look forward to this opportunity tospend their love-filled day with the Lord and nottempted to do other things. This year’s ILC was heldin Dumaguete City from 15-17 February and wasattended by some 3,600 participants. What made itdifferent from the other past conferences? Inspiredwith powerful talks, vibrant singing and praising, theorganizers came up with a heaven-sent idea of creatinga game for everybody. A game where there will be nolosers. Composed of 20-30 members each team, thegoal of the game is to build houses for the poor.Provided with all the materials needed on a love-filledSaturday morning, it was a “Ready, Get set, Go!!!!!”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo learned aboutthis endeavor and personally flew in to DumagueteCity to witness this wonderful event. This wasfeatured in her weekly show entitled “May Gloria angBukas Mo”. During the show, GMA had a dialoguewith the Gawad Kalinga (GK) National Coordinatorsheaded by Bro. Tony Meloto. Inspired by the actionsof Singles in helping the poor and motivated to elevatetheir way of living, GMA granted P30 million to buildone thousand houses for the poor.

Spearheaded by Bro. Tony, the GK projecthave spread far and wide and finally reached Geneva.Local SFC here has adopted the GK cause withFreddie Clemente as the coordinator. Finally wecan truly say that Filipinos wherever they may becan work hand in hand to make a difference.

SINGLES FOR CHRIST--MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Buklod Kabayan September 20024

Noong taong 1997, isang labing-tatlong taong gulang nabatang Pilipino ang natuklasan ng sa isang sikat na Swiss footballteam dito sa Geneva. Si Ariel R. Nucum, tubong Pampanga, pangalawasa tatlong anak nina Ricardo at Virginia Nucum. Ang larong footballay natutunan lamang niyang laruin dahil sa isang kaibigan nanagpahiram sa kanya ng bola. Sinubukang paglaruan ang bola at itoay kanyang madaling natutunan. Hanggang ang hilig na ito ay nauwisa pagsali sa isang di-kilalang football team. Sa kadahilanang maykaiba siyang bilis at galing sa larong ito, napag-alaman ng namumunong Servette Football Club (SFC) si Ariel. Sinadya siyang puntahanng SFC at hiniling siyang suma-ilalim sa isang linggong pagsusulit.May walong daang kabataan mula sa iba’t-ibang lugar saSwitzerland ang kasabay niya sa pagsusulit nguni’t walo lamangsilang nakapasa. Sa murang edad na 13 gulang, napagpasiyahan ngSFC na magpalipas muna ng 2 taon bago siya tuluyangmakapaglalaro sa grupo nila . Nguni’t makalipas lamang ang isa’tkalahating taon, 14 at kalahating gulang na si Ariel, binalikan nakaagad siya ng SFC. At dito nagsimulang lumabas ang galing niyangmaglaro sa larangan ng football.

Ngayong taong 2002, siya ay labing walong taong gulangna, may taas na 165 centimetros, timbang na 67 kilo at maykatamtaman at malusog na pangangatawan. Ang pag-aaral niya sapangalawang antas sa Nicolàs Beauvier annexe lissignol at angpaglalaro ng football ang tanging kanyang pinagkaka-abalahan sakasalukuyan. Sa loob ng apat na taong paglalaro ng football, maramina siyang narating na lugar sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng daigdig . At salahat ng mga larong ito, ang pagiging striker ang naka-atas naposisyon sa kanya. Sa isang football team, ang striker ay angfrontliner. Siya ang dapat gumagawa ng puntos para sa team.Maliban sa pagiging frontliner, ang isang striker ay dapat maliksi atmabilis tumakbo. At dito talaga umaangat ang galing ni Ariel. Saloob ng isang taon, mayroong halos tatlumpong laro ang kanilangnilabanan. At sa bawa’t laro ay lima o anim na puntos ang nagagawaniya.

Noong nakaraang taon, dumayo ang SFC sa Malaysia atnitong taon ay sa Abu Dhabi naman. Sa parehong pagkakataon, siAriel ay inanyayahang maging manlalaro. Sa Malaysia, inalok siyangmaging Malaysian citizen nguni’t kailangan niyang manirahan doonupang makuha ang estadong ito. At sa Abu Dhabi naman, bagamathindi niya kailangang magpalit ng Filipino-Swiss na estado, kailangandoon siya maninirahan. Pareho niya itong tinanggihan dahil masgusto niyang makapiling ang kanyang pamilya dito sa Geneva.

Sa kasalukuyan, si Ariel ay ipinahiram muna ng SFC sa isangfootball team na nagngangalang Club Sportif Chênois (CSC)magmula nung huling linggo ng Agosto.

Ang CSC ay nag-alok ng isang magandang kontrata nahindi niya matanggihan kaya’t siya ay sa kanila muna maglalaro saloob ng isang taon. Si Ariel ay semi-professional na at para magingisang lubusang professional, isang taon na lang ang kanyanghihintayin. At ayon kay Ariel, walang kasiguraduhan ang paglalaroniya ng football. Sa tuwing siya ay maglalaro, doble ang kanyangingat dahil nagkaroon na siya ng tatlong operasyon sa kanyangkamay at ang kanyang kaliwang hita ay mayroon ng bakal. Ang huliay hindi dulot ng football kundi dahil ito sa isang aksidente noongsiya ay musmos pa lamang. Kaya’t sa bawa’t laro, bukod sa doblengingat, maraming dasal ang kanyang tanging dala. Kung sakalinghindi siya magtuloy sa football, ibig niyang pumasok sa laranganng business dahil ang kanyang kurso ngayon ay Commerce. At sadahilang hindi pa siya nakakatapos ng pag-aaral, napaka-aga papara malaman kung ano talaga ang nakalaan sa kanyang kinabukasan.Kaya’t kahit na siya ay abala sa paglalaro ng football, ang pag-aaralpa rin niya ang pangunahin.

Si Ariel ay naninirahan na dito sa Geneva magmula pa nungsiya ay walong taong gulang pa lamang. Nguni’t ang pasasalita ngTagalog ay patuloy pa rin niyang pinag-aaralan. Ang ‘po’ at ‘opo’ay lagi pa ring nakakabit sa kanyang pakikipag-usap sa nakatatanda.At marunong din siyang magkapampangan. Kaya’t kapag sila’ynagbabakasyon sa Pilipinas, walang sagabal sa pakikitungo niya sakanilang mga kamag-anak.

Isang magandang halimbawa sa kabataan si Ariel, kaya’tang kanyang payo sa tulad niyang kabataan, pag-igihin ang pag-aaral, tandaan ang mga itinuturo ng mga magulang at lagingmagdarasal sa Diyos. At ang payo niya sa ating lahat, bagama’ttayo ay nasa dayuhang lugar na ito, taas noo pa rin tayo dahil tayoay tunay na Pilipino.

Si Ariel Nucum, Pilipino, 18 taong gulang na manlalaro ng football.

ANG GALING MO !ni Tet Almirol at Nep Castillo

Photo by: N

ep Castillo

Si Ariel at ang kanyang pamilya

Buklod Kabayan September 2002 5

Bahay Kubo : A Legacy of AuthenticFilipino Cuisine

There are times in every Filipino expatriate’s life that we just want todrop everything we’re doing and head straight to the airport to board thenext flight for Manila. Something about our country makes us look forwardto our next trip home and so I pose this question:

What do we really miss about our homeland aside from our love ones?Voila! Our ever reliable “super asim sinigang”,

the “palabok sa kanto”, Tita’s unforgettable“adobo”, and of course having that simple feelingof just being “home”.

Well guys, we’re never far from home, just astone throw away from Geneva center, located atRue de la Faucile, is our very own Bahay Kubo. Afine dining restaurant that highlights the authenticFilipino cuisine done in the same way fromgeneration to generation served in the traditionalFilipino hospitality of warmth and service with asmile. As we enter the restaurant, the ambiancereminds us of our native ancestral house thatshowcases the Filipino culture. Named after theubiquitous dwelling made of abaca, coconutlumber, pawid and other indigenous localmaterials, Bahay Kubo is a symbol of the Filipinoresourcefulness and close family ties, thusbestows an ambiance of the Filipino’s way of lifeand a heritage of good food.

Never to be missed suggestion in the menu isthe Lechon. A chosen suckling pig roasted toperfection making it crispy to the bite accentedwith that special Lechon sauce. A trip to BahayKubo is never complete without savoring theLumpiang Sariwa. Spring rolls with sautéed freshvegetables wrapped in a homemade crepe toppedwith peanut sauce. Truly a gastronomic pleasurethat only Bahay Kubo can offer.

Evelyn: The making of this conceptstretched for almost two years. From themandatory feasibility studies, to the importingof all Filipino furniture and accents and to itsfinancing as supported by a very generousfriend.

Gabriel: Geneva is like a melting potwhere different cuisines merge, from the well-known Mediterranean to the exotic Cambodiancuisine. How do you position our very ownFilipino dishes?

Evelyn: Filipino cuisine is one ofthe best yet not so popular in the mainstreamdining. We have to focus on being different byusing our innate creativity and resourcefulness.Where in Geneva will you find a hand-wovenabaca basket used as a billfold? We also needto be exotic and ethnic. From our basic furnitureup to our table napkin, all are fully importedfrom the Philippines and made by Filipinos.

Gabriel: Last important question;Evelyn, before you head back to your kitchen.can I have the recipe for that mouth-wateringand palate-tempting Ensalada Filipina that wejust had?

For reservations, call 022-733-1407 andvisit our website at www20.brinkster.co/

bahaykubo

We were fortunate to have an interview with its Food and Beverageconnoisseur and a full-blooded Filipino entrepreneur, Evelyn Hernandez-Leonor.

Gabriel: How did you stumble upon this business opportunity ofbringing the best Filipino cuisine in Geneva, a known haven for gastronomic

diversity?

by Gabriel

In the Ph i l ipp ines , F i l ip inos wereintroduced to the English language in 1762by British invaders, not by Americans.

What is the world’s 3rd largest English-speaking nation, next to the USA and theUK? The Philippines.

The USA bought the Philippines, PuertoRico and Guam from Spain in 1898. TheFilipino-American Independence War from1 8 9 8 t o 1 9 0 2 e n s u e d , k i l l i n g 4 , 2 3 4Americans and how many Filipinos? 16,000were killed in action and 200,000 died fromfamine and pestilence. (The Philippines lostand was colonized until 1946.)

Los Angeles, California was co-foundedi n 1 7 8 1 b y a F i l i p i n o n a m e d A n t o n i oMiranda Rodriguez, along with 43 Latinosf r o m M e x i c o s e n t b y t h e S p a n i s hgovernment.

What ant ib io t i c d id F i l ip ino doctorAbelardo Aguilar co-discover? Hint: Brandis Ilosone, named after Iloilo. Erythromycin.

The one-chip video camera was first madeby Marc Loinaz, a Filipino inventor from NewJ e r s e y . T h e f i r s t e v e r i n t e r n a t i o n a lGrandmaster from Asia was Eugenio Torrewho won at the Chess Olympiad in Nice,France in 1974.

This son of two Filipino physicians scoredover 700 on the verba l por t ion o f theStandardized Achievement Test (SAT) beforeage 13 - Kiwi Danao Camara of PunahouSchool, Hawaii.

Edward Sanchez , a Mensa member ,b a g g e d t h e g r a n d p r i z e i n t h e f i r s tPhilippine Search for Product Excellence inInformation Technology.

Who was the Filipino-American dancerwho scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT? JoyceMonteverde of California.

Who invented the fluorescent lamp?Thomas Edison discovered the electric lightand the fluorescent lighting was thoughtup by Nikola Tesla. But the fluorescent lampwe use today was invented by Agapito Flores(a Cebu man named Benigno Flores ofBantayan I s land , accord ing to thePhi l ippine Dai ly Inquirer) , a Fi l ip inoscientist. Americans helped then Philippineleader Ramon Magsaysay to develop it forworldwide commerce.Who was the first Asian and/or Filipino tosnatch America’s Pulitzer Prize? PhilippinesHerald war journalist Carlos P. Romulo in1941. (He was also the first Asian to becomeUN General Assembly President.)

PINOY TRIVIA- DID YOU KNOW THAT....

Dear Brothers, Sisters, Friends, and all Overseas Filipinos around the globe:

This is a personal invitation to you, if you would, to join us in establishing the OFW Bank and join OFWNet Foundation. The Foundation is a fleet of helpand assistance to us OFW’s. Both are separate entities that go hand and hand working together for the Overseas Filipinos Worldwide (OFW). The envisionedbank is for the economic empowerment and the Foundation takes care of the political empowerment and welfare of the OFW’s.

To give a brief description, there was a thought and fact that we OFW, were deprived from many of our rights, though called modern day heroes, yet we donot really feel that way. With that, few of our OFW colleagues and kababayans (that have a heart for the OFW) saw a Vision, a noble one, that one day we willbe united having the economic and political empowerment for a better life and government of the Filipino.

This VISION is now becoming a REALITY. We have set up the OFW International Holdings company and registered in SEC. There are now few businessesunder the Holdings that are in operation or soon to be operated namely: OFW Financing, OFW Insure, OFW Travel and Tours and OFW Remit. Each one wasbuilt and design for the benefit of us OFW’s wherever you might be, even when you are thrown back to the Philippines. The aim of these businesses is to assistand serve those who will patronize the services of these businesses and later, they can even own a business of the same through the OFW Holdings.

Soon to come will be the OFW Bank…The Bank of the OFW’s, by the OFW’s and for the OFW’s.OFW Bank is envisioned to become a universal bank to serve all the banking needs of overseas Filipinos and their families, as well as a source of income for

OFW’s when they have returned home and have decided to stay for good. The Bank is there to motivate you, guide you and help you reach your ambitions. Fully-owned, operated and patronized by Overseas Filipinos (OF) themselves, not being controlled by a rich individual or big companies, the OFW Bank is envisagedto be the “sweetest fruit and nectar” of the sweat, sacrifices and labor of the Filipinos who ventured outside of the mother country.

The only thing you need to give away is your TRUST and US$220. Before my challenge was: What if, this OFW Bank did not succeed? What haveyou lost? $220.00 that’s all. What if, this OFW Bank dream become a reality?What will you gain? Broaden your imagination and you’ll see for yourself. What is the probability of winning? 1:1 Afraid of losing $220 which might be a

fortune for you and your family someday. In game of chance. 1:100 or 1:1000, or maybe 1:10000000000000 and yet, many subscribe to game of chance. Diyantayo mahilig, ang gustong maging instant milyonaryo di ba?

My challenge now is this: It’s not too late, come and join us, be one of the forces who struggle to make this vision come true, because this vision is for usall, OFW’s. In joining, you will become one of the owners/stockholders of OFW Bank. And in patronizing the bank and being one of its stockholders,, you notjust only get the help you need, but at the same time you earn thru profit dividends.

So I would like to share this as a challenge to all of you. You can forward this message to all friends you know, they might support the idea and the vision.For further info visit http://www.ofwnet.org, or http://www.ofwbank.info

If you would like to learn more about the OFW-Bank group, please visit: <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/OFW-Bank>For more information you can send e-mail to the following person and addresses:

1) Mr. Norman Gacula <yayam888@yahoo.com> – our beloved COO ( without him, we haven’t reached this far ) 2) Ms. Chee Garcia <ccgarcia@compass.com.ph> - is the Iron Lady with a soft heart for the OFW’s and is in charge of the Foundation 3) Mr. Jimmy Leonida <jbleonida@yahoo.com> - Jeddah area Lead Promoter- one of the visionaries of “OFW Bank” 4) Mr. Alan Exevea <aexevea@savola.com> - our Project Spokesperson 5) Ms. Lani Fe Lagdamat <genevagirl2001@yahoo.com> - your Area Lead Promoter/Coordinator for Geneva, Switzerland. Mobile phone nos. 076- 3859813 & 078-8891256. Simply send her SMS or give her a ring, she’ll be happy to help you.

The Philippine address of both the OFWNet Foundation and OFW International Holdings is at Suite 100, Ground Floor, National TobaccoAdministration (NTA) Building, Scout Reyes corner Panay Avenue, 1103 Quezon City, Philippines with Telephone Number (632) 416-9024 and FaxNumber 416-9023.

Buklod Kabayan September 20026

About OFWNet Foundation &OFW International Holdings

Place your FREE ADS at www.buklodkabayan.chYou may have had received an email from the mailbox@buklodkabayan.ch! This email comes from the website of the Steering Committee of the Filipino

Community in Geneva at www.buklodkabayan.ch.The website is still under development and being used initially to disseminate information (of relevance) to the Filipino community in Geneva. The

developers are now in the process of exploring possible means of connecting every individual Filipino living in Geneva through the internet.And one viable way of connecting all Filipinos is putting together a Consumer Guide of Filipino Services in Geneva in the website.This site will be

similar to the ad page of the daily newspaper and will advertise “special” services rendered by compatriots to the Filipino community and friends. Theseservices are named as “special” because they are distinctly Filipino that only our compatriots can provide the best quality service.

Such services are those we all need on a day-to-day basis. They are: Pinoy haircut, Pinoy manicure/pedicure, Pinoy na mang-hihilot. Or Pinoyhousekeeping services, Pinoy cuisiner wanted, gardening services. Or catering services of Bicolano food for example. Or special Filipino food items such assiopao, longanisa, special ube cake and alike.

We would like to invite all Filipinos rendering “special” services to put an ad in the website. Your Ad is FREE! And your ad will be dealt with maximumdiscretion by the editorial staff of Buklod Kabayan. Just send us a one-liner info on the “special” service you offer and your telephone or mobile number atmailbox@buklodkabayan.ch. We will consolidate and classify your ads according to expertise; we will inform you in advance when to access the ConsumerGuide of Filipino Services in Geneva at www.buklodkabayan.ch. Remember your AD is FREE!

After 8 years of service as pastoral assistant to the Mission CatholiquePhilippine (the Filipino Chaplaincy in Switzerland), Sister Olive Racinez,WCW or Mother Olive as she will now be known will be going back to thePhilippines to serve as Superior General of the Workers of Christ the WorkerReligious Congregation. Despite her very busy schedule of bible studies,recollections, home visitations, counselling and adult cathecism, she hasbeen an active member of the Steering Committee. In 2000, she was given theBanaag Award, a presidential award given to deserving Filipinos abroadwho by their exemplary work have contributed to the well-being of OverseasFilipinos. Last Sunday, 1 September, a few days before Mother Olive’s de-parture, a Buklod Kabayan team went to the Pope John XXIII parish to getsome insights on her work.

Buklod Kabayan: Mother Olive, your work here in Switzerland hassomehow exposed you to the plight of overseas Filipino workers. You haveamong your constituency, a large number of domestic workers. You haveheard, seen, and in some ways felt the anguish and pain of these so called“new heroes”. Can you say that this has made an impact in your life bothpersonally and theologically?

Mother Olive: Knowing the problems, anxieties, difficulties of our co-Filipinos made me to support them morally and spiritually. I tried toinculcate in them the love of God and neighbor (to love all, be the first tolove, to be helpful, understanding, patient) that they be one. I tried to createan atmosphere of family, a supernatural family, since we are all children ofour heavenly Father. Providentially, the Holy Father, Pope John Paul IIchose the Philippines to be the place for the great jubilee celebration of thefamilies in 2003.

Buklod Kabayan: In Catholic Social Teachings, papal encyclicals*from Pope Leo XXIII’s Rerum Novarum, the Vatican II documents, up to thepresent clearly reaffirm the dignity of workers and their right to justrenumeration. Unfortunately, some of us who work as household workersare not paid the right minimum wage as provided for by Swiss law. Worst,even our own compatriots, our own fellow Catholics have condoned suchpractice. Doesn’t our faith clearly and explicitly impel us to do otherwise ?

Mother Olive: Yes, God gave us intelligence and free will. We can dogood and avoid evil. The church has oftentimes reminded us of these but itis up to each one to do what is right, to follow and obey. Many do not obeythis because of selfishness, greed, and pride. We are told to give what is dueto a person but many chose not to do so. If we love one another and we sharethen no one would be lacking in anything . Being Christians we should beperfect examples of Christ Himself who is not only just but compassionate.We see this in the parable of the workers in the vineyard from the Gospel ofMatthew, chapter 20: 1-16, where the last worker to arrive was paid thesame wage as the first one who arrived.

Buklod Kabayan: You will be moving on to a new task as a SuperiorGeneral. Aren’t you too young to be a Superior General? Are you not goingto miss being around people, doing Bible studies and recollections, homevisitations, counselling, teaching adult cathecism and giving advice to OFW’s?

Mother Olive: Though many tell me that I am too young to beSuperior General, I am not really that young. I believe that everything Ido is the will of God for me, so from one will of God, I go to another willof God. When I did all these things for the Filipino migrants, I did all outof love for God and my co-Filipinos. I only want to do the will of Godevery present moment of my life. I am happy and I will remember allthose enthrusted to my care in my prayers. I am sure they will do so alsofor me. We pray for one another.

Buklod Kabayan September 2002 7

An Interview with Mother Olive

“We are told to give what is due to a person but manychose not to do so. If we love one another and we sharethen no one would be lacking in anything”.

Buklod Kabayan: During the last Steering Committee meeting, youshowed us a picture of your Motherhouse Convent chapel that was de-stroyed by termites. Some of our readers might somehow be able to help youin rebuilding this chapel. How can we help? Where can we send contribu-tions?

Mother Olive: You can send your contributions to our bank account inthe Philippines. It is at Equitable PCIBank, Makati Avenue, Makati, MetroManila, Savings Account No. 1463-18695-9 in the name of the Workers ofChrist the Worker.

Buklod Kabayan: What are your parting words for the Filipino com-munity in Geneva?

Mother Olive: My parting words are these: please continue to love oneanother as Christ has loved us, to help one another, to support one another,to be united, so that we can build this supernatural family of God. Remem-ber that where two or three are gathered in the name of Jesus, He is there inthe midst of you. I assure you of great joy and peace in your families. I wishto thank each one for all your love and unity. God bless you. Greetings fromall my sisters especially our Foundress, Rev. Mother Deolindis Luza, WCW.

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* ”In the first place, the worker must be paid a wage sufficient to support him and hisfamily”.

Pope Pius XI in Quadragesimo Anno

“We must consequently continue to study the situation of the worker. There is a need forsolidarity movements among and with the workers. The church is firmly committed to thiscause, in fidelity to Christ, and to be truly the `church of the poor”.

Pope John Paul II in Laborem Exercens

“Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice;Who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages”.

Jeremiah 22:13

Buklod Kabayan September 20028

Photo C

redit: Nep C

astillo

6

Mother Olive’s Farewell Recollection1 September 2002 at the Pope John XXIII Centre

Steering Committee in Action