When I celebrated our first Christmas and New Year, I felt so lost and shocked missing the company of my friends and family. But through a company’s sponsorship, we were granted citizenship in less than four years; so I thought maybe it’s fated. It wasn’t hard to adapt to Western life as, through my Dad, I have been exposed to it at an early age. Half of my life was nurtured under the Australian way of living.

But as years progress and I get more acquainted to Filipinos, I realized just how much stuck people are in their old ways that I felt we (my friends and I) were from a parallel universe.

I guess we were different; as other kids play “tumbang preso”, the gang were either too occupied with karaoke, playing the Atari’s “Space Invaders”, our favorite game & watch “Chef”, the badminton or the most popular pc game of “Family Feud” in the 80′s. Or we were busy with reading books, passing on our slum books or dragging the whole “barkada” to Greenhills for driving lessons or shopping.

I expected that the Filipinos here would be more advanced in thinking; unchained from the old habits their parents inherited a long time ago and who now embraces the Australian thinking of being logical and realistic.

It’s Australia Day and as we call this land of opportunity our home, I think it’s about time to get on with it and breed a new generation of Australian-Filipinos who’s evolved from some primitive habits and thinking.

Here are the Top 7 things so un-Australian that are screaming “change!”:

1. Jumping queues – must I really explain?

2. Favoritism – why do we keep getting the same people in various events even though they don’t deserve to be there?

3. Choosing Godparents – aren’t godparents spiritual guardians? So why do people choose base on their status or financial ability, or call them “sponsors”?

4. Being on time – my Dad used to say (Dad was notorious, if you’re 1 minute late, he’s gone.) “What makes your time more important than mine?”

5. Crab-mentality – why can’t people accept that each one has a purpose? A writer writes and a carpenter builds; no one is the same hence each one is special.

6. Birthday Celebration – why are celebrants expected to take friends out for a shout? Friends should be the ones organising the party and/or paying for his/her birthday treat. Isn’t it his/her special day? So why should he/she be financially disadvantaged? Unless of course, the celebrant would like to offer his/her thanksgiving.

7. Gossiping – social passing of info is OK, people are wired to be social but to be judgmental, malicious and critical is darker side of it. Didn’t Elvis Presley once quote, “Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes”?

We need to break away from these old thinking and allow ourselves to grow so we can mentor our kids to have liberal thinking and influence them positively.

That’s the Australian way!

It is eagerly watched by most as the plot unfolds, characters appear showing their true colours. Ubiquity communication makes it possible for the audience to be entertained. Opinions vary as that this impeachment has turned into a trial by publicity biggest entertainment to judge the mettle of prosecutors against the high powered defense team of lawyers.

Overseas and local electronic and print media have set up locations of vantage points in reporting to the world covering the impeachment proceedings.

A battery of well known litigation lawyers said to be the best in the country led by retired Supreme Court Justice Serafin Cuevas compose the defense team. In the group are: former Ateneo College of Law dean Eduardo de los Angeles, former Court of Appeals Justice Hector Hofilena, former Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila Law dean Jose Roy III, lawyers Ramon Esguerra, Jacinto Jimenez, German Lichauco II, Dennis Manalo, Karen Jimeno, Noel Bodagon, Noel Lazaro and Tranquil Salvador III.

The prosecution is headed by Representative Neil Tupas Jr., Rep. Rodolfo C. Farinas, Rep. Arlene J. Bag-ao, Rep. Reynaldo V. Umali, Rep. Raul Daza, Rep. Marlyn L. Premicias Agabas, Rep. Neri J. Colmenares, Rep. Giorgili B. Aggabao, Rep. Sherwin Tugna and 57 private prosecutors.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is the presiding officer and all Senators are the jurors.

As I write, three days of trial hearing have gone and here are some scenarios of day to day happenings:

Day 1 – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, presiding court juror has this to remind his colleague senators: “As jurors it is our obligation and responsibility to closely and diligently examine the evidence and facts to be presented before us — while the impeachment process was more political than judicial in nature, it was not a licence for any of the senator judges to ignore and abandon their obligation to see to it that the Bill of Rights was observed and that justice was served — to conduct the trial with impartiality and fairness, to hear the case with a clear and open mind, to weigh carefully in the scale of evidence against the respondent and to render to him a just verdict.”

Enrile rejected the defense motion to alleged constitutional defects of the complaints for failure to allow the requirement of verification.

Day 2 – Prosecution team admitted not prepared to tackle Article 1. They were ready for Article 2 and all they could provide were computer generated copies of the alleged 45 properties. Lead prosecutor Rep Neil Tupas attempted to question Senate President Enrile who earlier dismissed the petition to subpoena Corona and family for reasons of protecting the accused from self-incrimination, marriage and parents and filial affinity show the poor quality in presenting evidence. The Senate President ruled as “moot and academic” to the defense motion not to allow private prosecutors.

Day 3- CJ Corona Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Networth produced to the senate impeachment hearing by the Supreme Court Clerk of Court. Interesting to note that Senate President Enrile made a warning that the prosecutors first witness should not be subjected to cross-examination by them unless the witness is a hostile one. Private prosecutor Mario Bautista was reminded several times by the Senate presiding officer. The amateurish fumbling by the prosecutors became a source of entertainment.

To his credit Senate President Enrile is holding court in accordance with the rules.

The days to follow would unravel more fun as the hearing continues. Each side will demolish each other in the legal battle. Expect more fun. It is not only Corona on trial but the senators and prosecutors as well are being judged for their performance. One wonders if the 188 congressmen who signed the impeachment complaints have also filed their SALN.

CJ Corona is the first Chief Justice to be impeached for graft and corruption, culpable violation of the constitution and betrayal of public trust. In 2003, the Supreme Court dismissed the impeachment resolution against then Chief Justice Hilario Davide for reasons of being unconstitutional.

Other officials impeached are Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in 2011 who resigned, former President Joseph Estrada in 2000 where the trial was aborted, former President Elpidio Quirino in 1949 where the complaint was rejected, former President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964 where complaints were dismissed, former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1985 where complaints dismissed, and former President Corazon Aquino in 1988 where charges were rejected.

In the current impeachment proceedings being heard by the Senate, there are eight Articles of Impeachment signed by 188 Congressmen. The 1987 Constitution provides that 1/3 of the House members are required to impeach.

1. Partiality and subservience in cases involving the Arroyo administration from the time of his appointment as Supreme Court Associate Justice up to his dubious midnight appointment as Chief Justice and up to the present.

2. Failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth as required under Section 17 Article XI of the Constitution.

3. Failure to meet and observe the stringent standards under the Constitution that provided that a member of the judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity and independence in allowing the Supreme Court to act on mere letters filed by a counsel which caused the issuance of flip-flopping decisions in final and executor cases in creating an excessive entanglement with Mrs. Arroyo through her appointment with his wife to office and in discussing with litigants cases pending in the Supreme Court .

4. Blatantly disregarding the principle of separation of powers by issuing a status quo ante order against the House of Representatives in the case concerning the impeachment of then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.

5. Wanton arbitrariness and partiality in consistently disregarding the principle of res judicata or resurrecting decided cases, and in deciding in favour of gerrymandering in the cases involving in the 16 newly created cities and the promotion of Dinagat Island into a province.

6. Arrogating unto himself and to a committee he created the authority and jurisdiction to improperly investigate an alleged erring member of the Supreme Court for the purpose of exculpating him. Such authority and jurisdiction are properly reposed by the Constitution in the House of Representatives via impeachment.

7. Partiality in granting a temporary restraining order in favour of Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo in order to give them an opportunity to escape prosecution and frustrate the ends of justice, and in distorting the Supreme Court decision on the effectivity of the TRO in view of a clear failure to comply with the conditions of the Supreme Court’s own TRO.

8. Failure and refusal to account for the Judiciary Development Fund and Special Allowance for the Judiciary collections.

Impeachment originated in England and is described as a ‘decisive weapon in political warfare and an inherent function of any representative legislature.’ To impeach is to accuse a public official or challenge the credibility before an appropriate tribunal for misconduct in office. Impeachment in the USA follows the British pattern.

Philippine impeachment differs from the USA in the percentage needed to impeach and the numerical limit.

ABANGAN ANG SUSUNOD NA KARUGTONG! WATCH FOR THE NEXT EPISODE.

Sinulog commemorates the arrival of the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he planted a cross on the shores of Cebu and presented a statue of the Child Jesus (Sto Nino) to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain, and which marked the conversion of the natives to Roman Catholicism.

Sinulog is celebrated in many countries outside the Philippines including Australia. In New South Wales alone, three celebrations were held on Sunday, January 15 – at Campbelltown in the southwest area, Pumpton in Blacktown area, and Wyoming in Central Coast.

My 92-year old mother and I braved the rainy drive through F3 to attend the Wyoming celebration. We joined more than 500 Sto Nino devotees at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wyoming. The occasion had an added significance as it was also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sinulog in Central Coast.

The event started at nearly 12 noon with a procession of members of the congregation who placed their Sto Nino statues at the altar. The mass was celebrated by Fr Renato Paras, as special guest priest, and Fr Andrew Matubusi of the OLOR Wyoming Parish. In keeping with Sto Nino’s love for the children, the readings and the prayers of the faithful were read by several children. Fr Matubusi read the gospel and the homily delivered by Fr Paras. The mass was conducted in English as there were several non-Filipinos who attended the special occasion.

The main message of Fr Paras centred on ‘love’ being the centre of our relationship with God, our fellowmen and ourselves. He also highlighted that as Sto Nino welcomes and loves the children, it is important to ensure that the they are spiritually nurtured. He also reminded the children that they need to respect and love back their parents and family members. Fr Paras’ good sense of humour was also very evident while delivering his message. Much to the congregation’s delight, he sang con gusto “people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world….”

Fr Paras, who hails from Cebu, initiated the celebration of Sinulog on 20 January 2002 in collaboration with the then Parish Priest Fr John Wakeling (now deceased).

A special blessing of the children who gathered around the altar and the Sto Nino statues was also ministered by Fr. Paras before the final blessing of the congregation. A procession of the statues followed through the parish school’s quadrangle. By this time, the sun was shining brightly.

Typical of a Filipino fiesta, there was the traditional lechon, a great variety of Filipino dishes and desserts shared by everyone during lunch. Everyone was also treated with an enjoyable program of entertainment, the highlight of which was the Sinulog dance.

Congratulations to all who were involved in organising the event. Thanks to Emily Rudd for the invitation to the celebration. My mother and I certainly had a blessed and enjoyable day.

We hope to celebrate another Sinulog next year.

Pit Senor!! God’s blessings to all.

Photos by Violi Calvert

Values will be realigned and in most cases, discipline will be in the agenda. Parenting is one heavy task so most immediately mature and become responsible on demand.

Education is one major focus for these young minds. As parents, we believe through proper education, our children will secure a bright future. But what is “proper education”?

Webster defines education as “the knowledge and development resulting from an educational process” while on Wiki it’s translated as “the formal process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs and values”.

How we educate according to Webster is “to provide schooling or to train by formal instruction and supervised practice especially in skill, trade or profession. To develop mentally, morally and aesthetically specially by instruction” and it also states “to persuade or condition to feel, believe or act in a desired way”.

I agree with all these and believe that we studied History, Science, Arts, Music, Language, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Commerce, Numbers & Formulas as all these affect our society and the way we behave today. I also believe that education is methodical, spiritual and acquired through any accumulative experience that comes our way. Most of all, I believe that education starts at home.

If education is through a process, why do we behave differently? It’s because we have different perspective and understanding; we react based on our experiences and learn from them differently. And because of these we form our own opinions, values and beliefs which in turn we pass onto our children.

Some people think numerous degrees entitle them to be bullies. Some are bullies thinking they are superior than others. Some think they are superior because they have titles to go with their names. Some strive for titles because they see this as a way to gain respect. These people are “educated” differently I suppose.

In the field of science we have learned about physics, chemistry, geology and biology – how to use energy and force to our advantage, how the magic of atomic interactions materialize, how the world of animals, plants and living organisms behave and how all these contributed on how our environment is formed.

We can also compare ourselves to the kingdom animalia; similar to human society there’s hierarchy, classes, species and food chain. Yes, we have the snakes (deceivers), the leech (suckers), the butterflies (gentle spirit) and of course, the dominant/loud bullies.

What separates us from them is our ability to be great thinkers and leaders. But it is sad to admit that there are animals amongst us. Degrees may secure you a better job but it does not necessarily make one a better person. Titles or positions may earn more money or power but this does not give them the right to disrespect others. What’s scary is that some of these people are so-called educators, who have the capacity to influence others’ thinking, sometimes lack common sense.

I have seen and known kids (and adults) who attended private schools and yet a few won’t cover their mouths when they sneeze, jump queues, would dip their spoons into the dish instead of using the serving spoon, take things without permission and those who refuse to observe simple rules. How can you call them educated if they fail to demonstrate courtesy and social etiquette? We also have some “highly educated” people in our government and yet they lack the moral conscience to avoid the temptation of lies and corruption.

How can one educate if he or she abuses his/her power/position or he/she can’t even recognize what is right and wrong? How can one educate when one fails to accept theirs or other’s limitations, exercise logic, manifest integrity, observe respect, show common sense and/or share compassion?

How do we weed out or separate these elements? As hard as we want to, sometimes we can’t. We rely on our government, schools, churches, clubs and even media to nourish our minds but unfortunately humans have denied themselves of growing as a colony. If you study the ants or the bees, they respect, recognize and embrace their existence; the needs take precedence of the wants. They work hard with humility, together as one for the good of everybody. That does not exist in our society – we seek what we want and want more than we need.

The best education we can teach our kids is to be a good influence in their lives, to educate them of the consequences of choices and to teach the difference – the difference between anger and compassion, arrogance and respect, selfishness and genuine generosity, subjectivity and truth, superficial and beneficial, reasons and justice.

This world is designed for co-existence – until men decide to do respect the law of nature and humanity we are left with two choices: to be wary of our own backyard and stay close-minded or to explore the world equipped with love, trust, faith, hope and understanding.

I am not perfect, no one is. But I will DO my best to create an environment of change – reflect on my experiences, review my expectations, recognize and respect others, realign my values to what gives dignity to humanity and society and to what pleases God. It’s time to let go of what can chain us in the past and RE-learn forgiveness (not only to others but ourselves), re-enforce generosity, repair/restore, reassure, remind, renew and rejoice! Only when I choose to put aside ME will true learning begin.

We almost always blame mother nature for the havoc inflicted on our poor kababayans, the heart and soul of the Philippines’ existence. These are often the victims of human intervention of our natural resources by the keepers and protectors of the country’s environment.

Photo courtesy: Sandy Fetalvero

When the last life lost is fully accounted for and given a decent burial; when the last container-load of international aid has finally arrived, the last meal served in one of the makeshift shelters and the evacuees provided a safer place to stay, the work of rehabilitation starts. It means the start to rebuild the lives of those who lost everything – for some, their loved ones too.

Those donations given by an international community that has been quick to respond to this kind of disaster relief outpouring – clothing, food and miscellaneous items are in abundance – will be consumed soon.

The survivors can not replace the lost mementos, memorabilia, or the warmth of the house that once was a home to a family. And they need to replenish their hearts and souls with the loving care of their kababayans, including expatriates likes us here in Australia.

Material things can be replaced as time passes, albeit it would take some time before the survivors can go back to some normality in their daily lives and start living again. But things of the human spirit will take time to mend. And we should be there to help.

A familiar saying in the Bible is that ”we are our brothers keepers”. Whatever hurts our brothers also hurts us. We can, in our own humble way, alleviate the pain and suffering by giving survivors something to look forward to. Those of us who can must continue to recognise the acute need for reconstruction works for our kababayans in those flood-stricken areas of Mindanao. Not just for the short term but for the long haul.

For a start, some of us in here Australia could sponsor a family. Or if the funds allowed, sponsor a village. It would not cost us much if we banded together. We could appeal to the business community for our cause. And we need to do it now.

The famous statesman Sir Winston Churchill once remarked: ”We make a living by what we get; we make life by what we give.”

Keep on sending to the Sendong flood appeal. Until it hurts.

In the Philippines

“Crowning Glory,” is how most people mockingly perceive the relationship between the Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and former “president” Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, just as the Supreme Court is referred to as “Coronaroyo Court”. Corona, CJ was impeached by the House of Representatives and faces a Senate trial. This is naturally opposed by the Arroyo loyalists and apologists, yet it appears well supported by the majority of Filipinos. Renato Corona was an Arroyo midnight appointee, an “insurance” for the abuses that dimmed democracy during her stolen presidency.

The news of impeaching then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, prosecuting Romulo Neri, Benjamin Abalos, Juvito Palparan and now CJ Corona and the plunder case against Arroyo are encouraging signs that may finally usher moral ascendancy. It is, however, disappointing that respected political analyst Amado Doronilla and former human rights lawyer and veteran Senator Joker Arroyo do not agree with PNoy’s strategy to fight corruption. That they are fending for Arroyo in their old age reminds me of the well-respected Arturo Tolentino in the withering days of the Marcos era.

While the trial of Ombudsman Gutierrez was aborted by her resignation, CJ Corona on the dock in the Senate as an Impeachment Court will be a spectable to watch. Due process and fair trial are accorded the accused and the Chief Justice will have full opportunity to defend himself against his biased decisions that favored Arroyo and thwarted PNoy’s program against corruption, notably the invalidation of the Truth Commission, the barrier imposed on impeaching the Ombudsman, and the grant of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that would have Arroyo escaped prosecution.

As a lawyer, I feel what Corona has to go through in an open Senate court. His life will be an open book from his early days of lawyering for Arroyo when she was vice president then as Chief Counsel in Malacanang until his Supreme Court appointment and not only himself but his wife and family. There are 24 Senator Judges and the intensity of cross examination can crack even the most hardened counsel.

I hope Renato Corona will spare himself and resigns; he erred in accepting a midnight appointment and he will err again if he goes through the trial. He will also avoid the nation’s hostility and division if he resigns.

Australian Politics

Year 2011, the hung parliament where Labor comprised a slim majority in the Labor-Green-Independent coalition ended in a whimper but with a big bang on the leadership of Julia Gillard. The Labor Party schemed through to hold on to power but in so doing, most Australians do not trust Labor as indicated in its lowest primary vote in 30 years.

PM Gillard addressing Carbon Expo Australasia, Melbourne 9 November 2011

The failure of the Gillard Labor government peaked at the year end highlighted on border protection. Labor policy on asylum seekers is in disarray as boat carrying asylum seekers sunk in Indonesian waters. There is nothing humane in the Green-led offshore policy where over hundred people perished. The scenario of orphaned children or an adult lone family survivor should bring home the folly of Labor’s Malaysian solution.

Along with failed border protection policy, the carbon tax, the mining tax, spending beyond the means, the blow up in the NBN, the scandalous BER, the pink bats, and other political scandals, the Labor brand remains toxic with the electorates. The consensus among political writers is the impending Labor loss in the next federal elections even if government goes full term to 2013.

The scenario in the next federal elections will not be far from the NSW elections last March. Labor was king hit by the voters and in the current NSW parliament is a rump.

Disaster in the Philippines, yet again.

Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities were scenes of tsunami-like devastation and the number of casualties are grim reminders of past wanton disregard for the environment. Billions of pesos made in illegal logging that denuded the forests and mountains are no compensation for the lives lost and human sufferings endured.

We watched in horror the congested evacuation centres, some people camped along the roads, body counts in makeshift morgues and the rapidly shipped coffins to give dignity to bury the dead. Inconsolable and heart-rending sights are imprinted in our minds as we all give generously to ease the sufferings of the victims.

We are comforted by the usual overwhelming assistance from overseas Filipinos and our plea is to give generously and share our blessings to the poor victims of this calamity.

Filipinos continue to invoke Rizal because his dream of what the Philippines should be remains elusive. One hundred and fifteen years after his martyrdom and nearly one hundred and fourteen years after independence from Spain, the Philippines is held back, struggles and languishes behind most of its Asian neighbours.

I often hear Filipinos admit even begrudgingly how they feel sorrow when they visit Asian capitals of Hongkong, Bangkok, Kuala Lampur, Jakarta and even belatedly the growing metropolis of Ho Chi Minh, amazed at the physical infrastructure, the mirror of economic prosperity of these cities, not even including the frontrunner, Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei.

National heroes of many countries, be they revolutionary, evolutionary, discoverers or explorers are relegated to the pages of history, revered and honoured, for their works are fait accompli – China, fulfilled, America, freed, Japan and Korea, recovered, and even Australia, prospered.

But the Filipinos keep on going back to Rizal. We persistently ask what Rizal would have done? How Rizal would have been if he survived and led the Philippines in the years of American occupation? Even now, as a nation in modern times? Or, as people at home or as citizens, immigrants or workers of many countries?

The reason for returning to Rizal is the failure of Philippine leadership and as we share in such outcome, we sense a collective guilt. Had our leaders steered our country as our neighbours did, the Filipinos would not suffer at home and overseas.

Have we really failed Rizal?

Yes, we have failed Rizal as a nation, as a people.

We note on what preoccupies the country today – impeachment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, near impeachment of an Ombudsman, plunder cases of a former president and Comelec Chairman and criminal charges against former Army Chief and numerous scandals. Despite the need to reclaim moral ascendancy through these prosecutions, they are, however, distractions in governance, in economic planning and trade.

This is not what Rizal dreamt of an independent Philippines. Rizal’s mantra is supreme love of country and service to people. Had Rizal’s Philippines become a reality, we would gaze in awe at his heroic form on the pedestal and not plead for his second coming.

Yet again, we hope to find Rizal and act on his ideal – the supreme love of country and end the miseries of Filipinos.

2. Makasaysayan at sa kaunahang pagkakataon ay nabuo ito sa pamamagitan ng bayahinan ng mga kaanib ng broadcast cell sa NSW sa pangunguna ng radyo SBS at iba pang mga independenteng Filipino radio broadcasters sa pangabay ni Mr. Jimmy Pimentel at direksyon ni Dr. Mars Cavestany Jr.

3. Pagpupuri at pagdakila sa natatanging bayani ng Pilipinas na si Gatpuno Jose Rizal sa selebrasyon ng kanyang ika-150 kaarawan.

4. Tatawa at matutuwa kayo sa batikang aktres na si Ms. Vangie Labalan, isang sikat na panauhin mula Pilipinas at nagbigay buhay sa dalawang tauhan mula sa Noli Me Tangere na akda ni Rizal sa pambungad na palabas na pinamagatang – Ang Dalawang Senyora Ngayon.

5. Masisiyahan kayo sa mga talentadong kabataan na nagpamalas ng kani-kanilang kagalingan sa nakakatuwang palabas na akda ni Rizal noong siya ay 16 gulang lamang na pinamagatang: Along The River Pasig.

6. Kamangha-manghang talento ang pinamalas ng mga radyo broadcasters na nagsiganap, sa pangunguna ng beteranong actor, writer at direktor na si Mars Cavestany Jr. at marami pang iba.

7. Kahali-halina ang musika at tinig ng mga kabataan, mga singers at composer na si Mr. Oliver Gadista.

8. Madramang pagsasadula ng Parting at Calamba na tunay na aantig sa inyong mga puso at magiiwan ng kirot at paghanga sa ating bayani sampu ng kanyang ina na si Ginang Teodora Alonzo at mga kapatid.

9. Kikiligin at mararamdaman ninyo ang pagibig nila Jose ” Pepe” Rizal at Leonor Rivera sa romantikong The love of Leonor Rivera.

10. Mapapaluha kayo sa tatlong bersyon ng Mi Ultimo Adios na sinulat ni Rizal bilang huling paalam bago siya binaril sa Luneta at tiyak, ikararangal mo na ikaw ay isang Pilipino!

O ano pang hinihintay nyo? Tignan na ang mga iskedyul at makinig!

Bless (middle) plays Soledad, flanked by Nilda Carpo (left) who plays Donya Teodora, and Violi Calvert playing Saturnina in A Parting at Calamba

Feeling exhausted and peckish I headed to the kitchen to try this Lady’s Choice spread, had a bit of a chat and rushed out of the studio as The MOB would be on air in less than two hours.

While driving I couldn’t help ask myself “How did this happen to me?”

I remembered a respectable member of the Filipino community nominating Oliver for Outstanding Individual Achievements Award in the Music category. Mars Cavenstany studied Oliver’s original songs and got him involved in a Jose Rizal radio play. Mars got this idea to celebrate Rizal, we mentioned that we have a Filpress group with a Broadcast Cell and took him to our first meeting where he presented a proposal for Rizaliana Radio Festival. And the seed had been planted.

On previous occasion, Mars mentioned that he was looking for actors and he had me in mind to play the part of Soledad. I never thought Mars was serious. I was too busy with my dear child that I really didn’t take notice of a lot of things around me.

Then Mars called for people to rehearse one Monday at my place, 10 o’clock in the morning from memory and him directing us to take pictures for The Filipino Australian website.

I thought, “Are you serious? I just woke up.” I also thought, I don’t have a lot of lines and could easily get out of this. So when Mars asked for a copy of the picture I sent the one without me in it.

But, oh no! Days later, I found my image inserted in the picture and discovered I had been billed as a cast member. “You have got to be kidding me!” I laughed at the idea. I was still trying to squirm out of it but on our second rehearsal at the director’s place, we had a chuckle I started enjoying myself.

I never really wanted to rehearse my lines as I was not in the mood to be serious so on the day of recording I was still my happy self, convincing everyone I didn’t belong as I should be in comedy. As I was running late I decided to skip breakfast. I arrived at 10am and Ronald Manila was kind enough to direct me to the kitchen so I can have my white tea and some pastry.

We were called into the recording studio for a quick brief and also to observe how Vangie does her voice projection. After watching her for 10 minutes, our small group decided to practice for the last time in the kitchen. At this stage, I was still not convinced I was the right person for the role. With only 2-1/2 hours sleep the previous night, while reading our lines, I couldn’t help entertain myself with smart one-liners. I would also misread peasants as peanuts, bottle as battler, etc. The group was having such a great time, Jhun who’s playing Father Dalmacio even read the directive actions resulting to a burst of laughter.

And so it was our turn to record – the studio our stage… our voices our only medium. No one wanted to look at me. I knew they were avoiding eye contact or they would lose it.

In the middle of recording I was still laughing at myself quietly but I knew I still had to do the job. I was looking at the clock approaching 4pm; no wonder I was feeling exhausted. “I have to do this” I kept telling myself.

But when Mars delivered his lines after Father Dalmacio left, I found myself back to Rizal’s time when he was fighting for his country; for our rights, for you and me. I never liked History in my younger years, but here I was, taking part in history – even as pretend Soledad.

There I felt it; I felt his conviction. I felt mother’s grief. I felt sad for my sisters. I felt the loss of my brother, our hero. I was there.

I am glad I am a part of it not just because of the laughs but because I saw him, if even for a brief moment. I was meant to be there. I was meant to witness a glimpse of our history.

Raring to go... From left: Jhun Salazar, Violli Calvert, Nilda Carpo and Bless Salonga. On the background is Harry Z of SBS, making sure that all systems are also set to go...

I was with the group which was doing Mars’ radio deconstruction and adaptation of Dr Severino Montano’s original play, A Parting at Calamba. Our part was scheduled to be recorded between 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. With the exception of Bless Salonga and me, the group was complete when I got there at 10 a.m. Not long after my arrival, Bless got there.

The experience and interaction I had with the other members of the team during the rehearsals had been enjoyable and interesting. What we shared on the recording day was something very special.

On the recording day, I witnessed and experienced pure and unadulterated bayanihan spirit. Everyone present gave heartily their time, talents and resources without any expectation of rewards. Special mention and recognition firstly go to Mars and to Ronald Manila, Producer & Broadcaster of SBS Filipino radio. Ronald not only arranged for the use of the SBS facilities, he also read Mi Ultimo Adios in Pilipino. Thanks also to him and his wife, Maria, for feeding us our lunch.

Not all work. Lunch courtesy of Ronald and Maria Manila

The SBS studio was buzzing with excitement as the participants huddled in groups, to practice their lines before the actual recording. Helping Mars in coaching the participants was Vangie Labalan, an experienced radio drama actress and broadcaster who is in Sydney visiting her family. Vangie, who was also to dramatise monologue segment scripted by Benny Chan, stressed the need for our voice to be emotive. “Although our listeners do not get to see us,” she said, “we still need to act out our roles and our lines with emotion, including facial expressions”.

Vangie was very good. After hearing Vangie’s, I could see that we all fell right into our respective characters. No longer were we merely reading our lines. We were actually living the persona assigned to us.

How fortunate were we to also have Bambam Labalan, Benny Chan (who came all the way from Perth), and Sally Clark helping us out in in our one-act segment. Aside from coaching directing, the trio provided the incidental voices of vendors selling ‘balut’, ‘bibingka’, and ‘palitaw’.

It was a great delight to work with the talented two young children – Reianne Urqueza and Milan Velasco. Reianne played the part of Adela, and Milan was Alfredo in A Parting at Calamba. After only very little coaching from Vangie, these youth took off and performed like veterans in radio drama.

Our giggling fits before the actual recording notwitstanding, Bless Salonga (Soledad) and Nilda Carpo (Dona Teodora) got us all choked up and teary during the recording as they expressed their characters’ despair and helplessness. Hazel (Trinidad and mother of Reianne) also showed her experience in previous stage productions.

Standing next to Jhun Salazar who played Padre Dalmacio with the booming “Caramba, caramba”, I had to keep an eye on him as I did not want to get hit as he waved his arms with gusto in his “caramba” lines. He sure made a good Padre Dalmacio as well as moonlighting in his other role of Manuel.

The ‘Man from Mars’’ (as I fondly refer to Mars) was surperb as Rizal. Of course, this should not be a surprise as Mars has extensive experience in drama. We got a little bit concerned when during the emotional scene between Rizal and Dona Teodora, he showed signs of chest pain. Little did we realise that that was Mars emoting until a timely shout “cut” came from Ronald Manila and Harry Z in the control room. Perhaps, Mars was also surprised with the shout as he started to scramble for his next lines as his copy of the script was missing a page, to the laughter of everyone.

The recording of A Parting at Calamba has inspired me – not only by the depth of the script but by the talents around me.

To say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience is not enough. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a worthwhile undertaking. I remember my visit to Rizal’s place of exile in Dapitan a few years ago. My time in Dapitan has now become more meaningful when I also remember my time with the other members of the cast who have immersed themselves into their roles to give justice to what Dr Jose Rizal stood for.

I hope I did justice to Saturnina.

Footnote: Thanks to Romy Cayabyab, Editor of The Filipino Australian for devoting a page of his company’s website to the Rizal Radio Festival as a means for us to share the information on the making of this Rizaliana project. Also thanks too to Olivia Faith (baby of Bless and Olvier Gadista) for being the youngest of our support cast for her patience during our rehearsals.