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For the past 21 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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This website includes selected articles from this week's edition of the Filipino Express. Not all the stories published in the printed version appear on this site.
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CHICAGO– “Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay masahol pa ang amoy sa bilasang isda.” (Those who don’t love their own language are like those whose
smells are worse than a rotten fish.)
“Labis sa salita…, kapos sa gawa” (It’s easier said than done.) and “Mas malakas ang bulong sa sigaw.” (A whisper can drown out a loud mouth.)
These are some of the salawikain (familiar expressions) coined by Dr. Jose Rizal that Rizal’s great, great grand nephew would like the Filipinos to remember by in their quest for nationhood.
Dr. Ramon G. Lopez, an obstetrician gynecologist at Chicago’s outlying suburb of Joliet, Illinois, told members and guests of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, USA Council, commemorating Rizal’s 111th death anniversary Sunday (Dec. 30) at the Rizal Center in Chicago that the Philippine’sforemost national hero had left legacies such as “Salawikain at gintong aral na kagaya ng pagmamahal sa Bayan at Kapwa. Tayo po ngayon ay namimighati na itong mga gintong aral na naiwanan sa atin ay nanganganib na mawala o unti-unting mauupos kung hindi natin pangalagaan.”
The 65-year-old Manila born and alumnus of the University of Sto. Tomas department of medicine like his illustrious pedigree is the son of Edmundo Rizal Lopez, whose mother, Emiliana Rizal, is the daughter of Severina Decena and Gen. Paciano Rizal, the elder (by 10 years) and only brother of Jose Rizal described
by author and renowned Rizalist Austin Coates as the “pillar of the family” and was described by Rizal himself as the “noblest Filipino of them all” and “shadow” behind Rizal’s Luneta monument.
In a predominantly Filipino speech delivered before
Rizal’s followers, Dr. Lopez recalled the actual time and day -- 7:03 a.m. and Wednesday -- in Bagumbayan (formerly Luneta and now a park named in Rizal’s honor) on Dec. 30, 1896 when his “Lolo Jose” was felled by bullets from a firing squad that snuffed off his life only to spark the 1898 Revolution that led to the Philippine Independence from Spain.
Another speaker, Vice Consul Roberto Bernardo, said while Dr. Rizal was publicly executed by the Spaniards
to strike “fear in the hearts of Filipinos or being forgotten, Rizal’s death provided the impetus for the Philippine Revolution. His martyrdom became the turning point in country’s history, for his writing awakened other like-minded patriots and reformists and even inspired others to take up arms against Spain. Others like Bonifacio believes that the pen is mightier
if backed by the sword.”
Also featured in the event was the “balagtasan” (debate in verse) on the theme: “Can the Filipinos deal with
Unity or Not Deal with Unity?” It involved “mga makata” (debaters), Ms. Eden Espina (for unity) and Rollie A. Cailles (against unity) and the lakandiwa (judge), Mr. Max Norte.
The event was also highlighted by the awarding of the
honorary membership for Dr. Lopez for the “Third Degree
Order of the Knights of Rizal” by the Knights of Rizal Central USA Council that was participated in by Bantayog Chapter headed by Sir Reynel Espiritu, KCR; Chicago Chapter, Sir Oscar Valdez, KCR; Dakila Chapter,
Sir Johnny Tablizo, KCR; Malaya Chapter, Sir Mariano Santos, KCR; Peoria Chapter, Sir Lito Capati, KCR; Lincolnland Chapter, Sir Virgilio Pilapil, KCR; and Houston Chapter, Sir Ben Ongoco, KCR. Dr. Lopez was introduced by his fellow UST alumnus, Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Knight of the Grand Order of Rizal.
Dr. Ramon Lopez and his wife, Mrs.Marylyn Asprer-
Lopez of Baguio, contributed $300 to the Rizal Center while his father, Edmundo Rizal Lopez and Edmundo’s
wife, Rufina Lopez, donated another $300. Dr. Lopez and
family donated another $200.
Mr. Edmundo Lopez was also conferred a plaque by the Chicago Chapter of KOR for dedicating, propagating and promoting the national well-being and interest of the history of KOR.
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COUNTLESS years of hard work and dedicated search paid off for Rosita Defino, as she is scheduled to represent the Philippines in the 15th International Grand Finals of the Top Model of the World to be held at the Steiberger Beach Resorts in Hurghada, Egypt from January 8 to 18, 2007.
Rosita will be accompanied by her mother Melita Defino and Engr. Danny Pagsambugan of Maharlikang Pilipino USA to the Philippines to pick up her wardrobes ranging from Cocktail Dress, National Costumes and other accessories designed by Renee Salud.
The International Pageant Directors Mr. Robert De Venecia, of the Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization, Cesar Ballesteros of West Coast California and Engr. Danny Pagsambugan-Maharlikang Pilipino USA of East Coast collaborated in the selection of Defino.
They will fly to Hurghada, Egypt on January 6, 2008.
Other beauties
In July 2007, another protégé of Danny Pagsambugan; Christine Eliza Sienicki, a multi Talented Dancer and member of the Rockettes represented Maharlikang Pilipino USA in the Grand Finals of Mutya ng Pilipinas held at International Convention Center in Subic, Olongapo, Zambales.
Christine was voted Miss Friendship and also a top 10 Finalist.
Likewise, Miss Adrianne Sumallo, a nursing student who won the Miss Philippines USA 2005, also won the Body Shots competition USA, and is tapped to compete in the Grand Finals to be held in the Philippines.
Meanwhile. Miss Mae Abiog will compete in the Miss Earth-Philippines sometime in October 2008.
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