tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54539249942095457832024-03-12T23:56:57.204-05:00Writings by an American IgorotWelcome. See life through the eyes of an American Igorot Writer. This blog has a wide range of inspirational topics relating with ethnic identity, assimilation, purpose, character and much more. Although much is centered around Igorots and Filipinos; many others will find its contents inspiring.Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-46779259502713526302014-12-20T23:07:00.000-06:002014-12-20T23:07:16.035-06:00Christmas Tears of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The true meaning of Christmas is often thought to be found
in the fleeting happiness of life. Society tells us it exists in riches, well-being,
fame, power, achievements, and many other temporal things. This Christmas season, its meaning stares at
me in its purest earthly form . . . tears.</div>
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Christmas tears that arise from the hearts of fear and loss
bear strong witness to the great promise of Christmas. The news of a friend
being thrown back onto the battlefield of life to take on the return of cancer;
the sudden death of an inspirational father-in-law; the death of a wonderful
brother-in-Christ; knowing young children are now father-less; the sudden death
of an Igorota sister’s father; the recent loss of a dear uncle; the brokenness of
unity within loved ones; all of these produce the tears that drown the flame of
happiness during the Christmas season. </div>
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Why then do I feel the way I do? Why is my heart leaping in
great joy? </div>
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Christ never promised us happiness. This is an emotion that
comes and goes. Society markets and commercializes Christmas with smiles and
laughter, but we all know too well the stark temporary nature of happiness.
Where is it after the gifts are opened? More than often it disappears like the
Christmas tree that is thrown out into the street mere hours after gifts are
opened. This is temporary DNA of happiness. </div>
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God promised us something more substantive and everlasting:
Joy. Different from happiness, joy is
the response of our soul to the great and wonderful discovery of God, and our
communion with Him. The birth of Christ makes it possible for us to experience
joy, and this is why one can experience it despite the puddles of tears that
flow from our heart.</div>
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A successful surgery; the legacy my father-in-law left his
son and grandchildren; my brother-in-Christ’s recent baptism and acceptance of
Christ’s fullness; new found forgiveness and unity; these are real reasons for
joy. So, if you know of anyone needing some joy in their life this Christmas
season, remind them that Christ loves them and He wants nothing more than for
them to experience His joy.</div>
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In the words of Chris Tomlin’s song, “Unspeakable Joy”:</div>
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<i>"Joy to the world, the Savior reigns<br />That all their songs employ<br />While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains<br /><o:p> </o:p>Repeat the sounding joy<br />Joy, unspeakable joy<br />And overflowing where no tongue can tell<br />Joy, unspeakable joy<br />Rises in my soul, never lets me go."</i> </blockquote>
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Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-51546227933468886692014-09-24T22:09:00.000-05:002014-09-24T23:01:28.080-05:00Legacies Built on Igorot Attributes<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Originally published on <a href="http://www.bibakboh.com/blog--news/reflections-about-igorot-identity" target="_blank">BIBAKBOH</a> 9/3/14</i></span><br />
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More than twenty years ago, I once stood in the midst of greatness; in between two men who made the decision to do great things with their lives. That day, they wore fluorescent green jackets with matching “snapback” hats, way before snapbacks were conceived. It was a time when their past business and personal achievements culminated into a moment of celebration for what they had accomplished. Both celebrated by raising their fists, which bore huge-gaudy gold rings the size of NFL Superbowl Championship rings. As their rings broke the atmosphere of complacency and laziness, the inscribed names of Delson and Longid glistened. <br />
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Ninteen years ago, I was deeply touched by the number of positive comments, testimonies, and stories about the first man shortly after his passing. They all seemed to repeat in one way or another, how he made a positive impact on their lives and those of so many. Recently, on August 25, 2014, the latter passed away. Immediately after his death, stories about him began surfacing within the social media world. The first man was my father, Crisanto Delson, who died along with my mother and sister in a car accident in 1995. The second was Norman Longid, whom I always referred to as “Uncle Norm.”<br />
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It’s hard to talk about one without talking about the other. Anyone who knew them could tell you how they lived strong faith-based lies, valued their marriages and family, had positive attitudes, had a great sense of purpose in life, possessed excellent work ethics, inspired others to become better people, and loved their neighbors to the best of their abilities. There is, however, something very special about them that many people are not aware of; qualities and attributes that made up the backbone of their very identity.<br />
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Within the marrow of this backbone existed their true sense of identity. More than just ethnicity or culture, their identity was rooted in the DNA of being indigenous Igorots. For untold generations, Igorots have passed down certain attributes that are innate to their identity, more so than outside features. The following seven particular attributes always come to mind when I reflect on my ancestors.<br />
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Life Purpose</h3>
Unlike countless of people today, whose lives lack purpose; the daily lives of our ancestors were driven with purpose. Their sense of purpose was a selfless kind that focused on serving others in their family and community. Uncle Norm and dad managed to hold on to this dear attribute as they strove to help others through their spiritual, business, and everyday life. It was clear to them that they were put on this earth with certain gifts and talents, and that these things were meant to help others. For them, it was expected of them to contribute to the greater good of this world, to live with purpose, and to do something special with their lives in the eyes of God.<br />
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Virtue</h3>
From the stories I’ve heard about their childhood and adolescent years, it is clear that they strove to live lives of high moral standards. For example, both realized the dangers of falling into the corruption and immorality that surrounded them during the Marcos dictatorship. They were disillusioned with the government and knew that by staying in the Philippines, they too could succumb to things that would compromise their moral fiber. Yes, their upbringing in the Christian faith (Episcopalian for Norm and Catholicism for dad) had plenty to do with this, but what many don’t realize; their indigenous ancestry played the most important part.<br />
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It is the soil that nurtured their seeds of Christianty. Long before Christianity, a moral code or way for Igorots known as “inayan” existed (and still does). Doing things that are right, valuing marriage and family, selflessness, and treating others the way one wants to be treated all combine to make for fertile soil to cultivate higher spiritualities. Unfortunately, the portrayal of Igorots as savages by Filipino lowlanders and western cultures have overshadowed the true goodness and virtues of our people. Fortunately, there are those like Uncle Norm and dad who still exemplified our inayan.<br />
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Courage and Bravery</h3>
The ability to enter a known or unknown situation, despite whatever dangers may exist, is also innate to Igorots. This has well been documented by westerners during World War II, especially by General Douglas MacArthur when he was quoted as saying:<br />
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<i>“Many desperate acts of courage and heroism have fallen under my observation on many fields of battle in many parts of the world. I have seen forlorn hopes become realities. I have seen last-ditch stands and innumerable acts of personal heroism that defy description. but for sheer breathtaking and heart stopping desperation, I have never known the equal of those Igorots riding the tanks. Gentlemen, when you tell the story stand in tribute to those gallant Igorots.”</i></blockquote>
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Although Uncle Norm and dad did not fight on the battlefields of war, they fought on many other battlefields. One battlefield that comes to mind is their decision to enter the unknown world of entrepreneurialism. The decision to leave the “security” blanket of a steady job is one that many lack the courage and bravery to do.<br />
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Fortitude and Resilience</h3>
For more than 300 years, Spain colonized the archipelago and branded it with the name Philippines, which was named after King “Phillip.” Igorots, on the other hand were never colonized. They successfully fought off Spain’s attempts to conquer them, and as a result, their culture still remains intact.<br />
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The fortitude and resilience that protected their culture for centuries also helped both men in their everyday challenges and struggles. When they decided to pass on social events because of the more important priorities of God, family, and business; it took both attributes to ignore criticisms and rumors. When my father was told he could not succeed in business because of his strong accent, these attributes kicked in. When Uncle Norm was diagnosed with cancer, it took the same to get as far as he did. When they decided to give up alcohol for the sake of their health and their families, the fortitude and resilience within enabled them to stay the course despite what others thought or said. For both, it’s impossible to hear stories about them without hearing about their toughness, backbone, strong-mindedness, steadfastness, mettle, and endurance against adversity.<br />
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Cultural Heritage</h3>
The last time I spent with both men alone was at a restaurant twenty one years ago. It was over a casual lunch near the office. Naturally, I thought they would talk about their Primerica businesses because it was always the topic of the day. Surprisingly, as Uncle Norm cut into his liver and grilled onions plate, he started talking about an experience in his Igorot hometown of Sagada that somehow related to the food. This led to an exchange of more experiences from both about their hometowns, which turned into an imparting of their “Igorotness” to me. I recall my dad saying something about Filipino time versus Igorot time, in that if Igorots lived their lives always being late for things (which Filipinos are known to have adopted from Spain – the “manana” habit); the rice terraces wouldn’t be an eighth wonder of the world. They clearly wanted me to know how their Igorotness played a part in their daily lives.<br />
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Here in America, people rarely pay attention to their cultural heritage. It is often lost in the strong currents of assimilation. This was not the case for these men. Although it wasn’t always apparent on the outside, both men truly treasured their indigenous ancestry and would attribute who they were to where they came from.<br />
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In a book review of the novel, Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within, an American anthropologist captured my attention with these words:<br />
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<i>“Alex's [main character] voyage of self discovery appeals to the Igorot in all of us, in that it appeals to the American search for our heritage. We're a young melting pot country, not yet old enough to have completely established our own cultural identity; and yet many of us derive from people of so many heritages that we're not sure what to call ourselves except "American." Add to that the fact that so many of our ancestors deliberately suppressed their origins in the effort to assimilate, and many of us feel lost at a deep level.”</i></blockquote>
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Unlike many other cultures, Igorots have relied on passing down their culture by word of mouth. As more and more of the elders who possess such treasures die, countless amounts of indigenous knowledge also go with them. These days, Igorots are increasingly adopting the ways of lowlanders, westerners, and other cultures. As a result, the measure of an Igorot is often skewed. The measure of a great Igorot should not only be measured by their language, what they wear, how well they play gangsa instruments, the music they listen to, and any other outward features and characteristics. Rather, it needs to be measured by how they lived their lives. Next time you meet an Igorot, look at their relationship with God above all, then look at their marriages, families, and all the selfless good they have done. If you smile as a result, then you know you are in the presence of a great Igorot.<br />
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When you think about men mounted on tanks in the field of battle, think of Igorots. When you think of two men mounted on the above attributes in life’s fields of battle, think of these two Igorots and the legacy they have left behind. Both men are true enlightened warriors in the sense that they fought wrong doing and sacrificed themselves for the goodness of others. When you hear about how their businesses helped countless of widows and orphans with hundreds of millions of dollars, don’t just think about two great men. Instead, think about two great Igorots. When you think about the countless of people they inspired to become better in whatever they did, think of two great Igorots. When you think of all the less-than-fortunate they helped in many ways, think of these two great Igorots.<br />
<br />Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-67718130998994964912014-07-17T00:17:00.000-05:002014-07-17T00:17:18.566-05:00Nakashima Sensei: May She Rest In Peace<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Nakashima sensei (center)</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was during the fall of 1996. After several months of looking for a credible
person to teach me about Japanese gardens, a store owner of a local bonsai
store gave me the phone number of a lady, who did a presentation about Japanese
gardens at the University of Illinois. Her name was Dr. Ikka Nakashima.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
vividly remember my first conversation with her on the phone. Her Japanese
accent was difficult to understand at first, but I managed to understand most
of what she said. I was disappointed to hear she no longer did Japanese garden
presentations at the university. Instead, she taught <i>Chanoyu</i> (Japanese tea
ceremony) and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) at her house. When she
detected my disappointment, she told me I could learn much about the gardens
through <i>Chanoyu</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“<i>Chanoyu</i>
and <i>Chaniwa</i> (tea garden) same spirt,” she told me several times. “Both are
harmony,” she continued. “You come next week to see, I no charge tuition first
time,okay?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Without
hesitation, I accepted her invitation and attended my first <i>Chanoyu</i> class that
following week . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It
took me a little more than an hour to reach her house in Chicago’s north side,
but it seemed much shorter because of my combined excitement and anticipation.
With my <i>Zafu</i> (Japanese Zen meditation cushion) under one arm and my <i>Zabutan</i>
(meditation mat) rolled under the other, I pressed the doorbell. Nobody
answered. After a minute or so, I pressed it again. Still nobody answered. I
clenched my fist to knock on the door when suddenly, it slowly opened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A
short lady with dark black hair and very pale skin appeared as the door opened.
She looked up at me with a big smile, bent forward and nodded. Awkwardly, I
nodded in return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Hello
Mrs. Nakashima,” I said. “I’m Rex, the one who talked with you on the phone
last week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ahso,
Hai,” she replied in Japanese. “Please come in Alex.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Did
she not hear me correctly?” I thought. It
wasn’t until she repeated my name several times more that I realized she couldn’t
pronounce the letter “R” with words that began with “R.” Instead, she pronounced the letter “L” with a
brief “Ah” in front of it, much like how Filipinos interchange their “F” and “P”s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She
looked at what I was holding under my arms and smiled. “You won’t need those,”
she said. “Chanoyu is not zazen. Our meditation is not sitting. It is moving
meditation,” she continued as she smiled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She
had me take my shoes off and instructed me to place them neatly against the
wall facing outward so that I can easily slip back into them on my way out. We
then entered the house and sat down as she gave me a brief introduction to
Chanoyu. After about twenty minutes, her students began filtering in to attend
class. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were five people including myself that night. Four of us were the guests and
the fifth person was the host. He was the person who performed the actual
ceremony, which included the making and serving of tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Inside
the tea room, us four guests sat on our knees next to each other as we watched
the host carefully and gracefully prepare tea like I’ve never seen before.
Every movement he made was precise and graceful. I knew right then that Chanoyu
involved a great level of discipline. Unfortunately, just when I began
experiencing the serenity of the ceremony, a million ants seemed to fill every crevice
of my feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
was not used to sitting on my knees, so after only ten minutes, the discomfort
associated with one’s legs falling asleep overtook me. Thankfully, I was
allowed to sit cross legged for the remainder of that night. At the end of the
evening, I was so impressed that I enrolled in her classes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Two
years into my training with her, she helped make it possible for me to travel
to Kyoto, Japan to attend an intensive course on Japanese gardens geared
specifically for international students. After returning from Japan, I
continued with my Chanoyu training. After my third year of training, an
opportunity to work for master gardener, Hoichi Kurisu, in Florida came my way.
Naturally, I seized the opportunity and move my family to Florida. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">With
the new opportunity, also came the end of my Chanoyu training with Nakashima
sensei. I kept touch with her through hand written letters and an occasional
visit or phone call. Of the several people who made an impact in my life, she
is definitely one I will never forget. Sadly, I learned today of her recent
death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She
was more than a Chanoyu teacher to me, and I will always hold a special place
in my heart for her. When we first met, I was still dealing with the fresh and
heavy pains of losing my parents and sister. She was there to both comfort me
and encourage me to move forward in life. She always referred to me as her “boy.”
When she asked me how I was, she would say, “How’s my boy doing?” Even with
others, I heard her refer to me as such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She
taught me about the importance of living what we believed through our actions,
living each day in the present moment, choosing a path in life that serves
others, selflessness, compassion, dedication, and discipline. She was a living
example of someone who lived a life of vocation; a life that centered on
helping others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">She
will be missed, but never forgotten. Her spirit will continue to live on
through the good things she passed onto me and many others. May eternal rest be
granted upon her, and may perpetual light shine upon her forever. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-361404055737986612014-03-19T21:07:00.003-05:002014-03-20T16:14:00.326-05:00Inspirational Artifacts for Today’s Generation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My debut novel, “Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within,” is
based on the premise that one’s cultural heritage could be a catalyst for
personal and spiritual development. It combines real historical events and
fictional storytelling to inspire readers towards realizing this idea. Recently,
these ideas of connecting cultural heritage to personal development found their
way into the world of historical artifacts. </div>
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A few days before my book’s release in November, I learned about
10,000 Filipino artifacts inside the hidden vaults of the Chicago Field museum.
To my amazement, I discovered that roughly
4,000 of them are of Cordillera / Igorot origin. It happened during an event at
the Chicago Field Museum called “Marae Encounter,” where the Chicago
Filipino-American community met with the museum staff in the tradition of a
Maori Marae encounter. During the event, I met Nepia Mahuika, an indigenous
Maori from New Zealand. I never met a Maori, but what I knew of them earned my
utmost respect. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r25Iz1QvE7U/UypEm8HHqiI/AAAAAAAAHZk/s5v6DUJ4Jqs/s1600/IMAG2698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r25Iz1QvE7U/UypEm8HHqiI/AAAAAAAAHZk/s5v6DUJ4Jqs/s1600/IMAG2698.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last year I helped promote the <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/small-ethnic-groups-lessons-from-ainu-of-japan" target="_blank">fund-raising event to helpthe indigenous Ainu of Japan</a> travel to New Zealand so they can learn from the
Maori how to better revitalize and ensure the survival of their dying culture.
The thought of one indigenous culture learning from another intrigued me so
much that I began doing some research on the Maori. I quickly became impressed
by the Maori and their successful efforts to preserve their culture. </div>
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After listening to Nepia Mahuika’s inspiring speech that night,
I had a conversation with him that followed with a <i>haka</i> lesson. He complimented me on my efforts to promote my Igorot
heritage. I was so moved that I gave him my very first signed copy of my book. Because
of him I became inspired to take an active role in promoting the artifacts that
came from the land of my ancestors. On my way home, I began mentally forming
what is now the <a href="http://www.4kbreathsofheritage.com/" target="_blank">4K Breaths of Heritage Crusade</a>.</div>
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With the help of my cousin, Maria Luz Fang-asan, and friends
from abroad; I steeped myself in researching the first few artifacts featured
in our website’s first gallery. In the process, I was surprised to discover
that many present-day Igorots either have little knowledge of old artifacts or
lack the interest to learn about them. Though surprising, the first doesn’t
bother me because I know ignorance is simple to solve through education. The
latter, however, is quite disturbing simply because “interest” is the
foundation of anything worthwhile. </div>
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I believe the greatest obstacle this project has in gaining
the interest of many Igorots is the fact that they come from and represent our
“old ways.” In general, society discourages traditional ways by labeling them “old
fashion.” As a result, people easily to fall into the false notion that there’s
no room in our modern society for the old ways. To combat this, I created Alex,
my book’s main character. </div>
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Alex was anything but old fashioned. He was a contemporary
and progressive man surrounded by material success. It took head-on collisions
with events of old for him to realize how unsuccessful he truly was. By
connecting with the historical past, he discovers the enlightened warrior
within him and thus, becomes a better person.</div>
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Like the historical events in Alex’s journey, the 4,000 Cordillera
/ Igorot artifacts posses valuable things that can also help individuals
connect with something within, thus helping them become a better person. It’s
this “inward” connection that counts most. On the “outside” one can appear
connected to their culture by their ability to speak, eat, and dress the part,
but if they are disconnected from the core values and virtues of their
heritage; they are essentially disconnected.
The artifacts can help us discover and connect with new meanings in our
lives. </div>
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For example, some of my favorite artifacts are those that
relate to the art of weaving native textiles. Things like the <i>enabel</i> (backstrap looms) and <i>lilidsan</i> (cotton gin), and <i>pinakpagan </i>(blanket) speak of a culture
in where identity and meaning are woven into the mere fabrics of their souls.
This is what sets them apart from today’s textile world. Personally, I draw
particular inspiration from the symbols woven into the Bontoc fabrics. In fact,
these symbols are the primary inspiration behind the magic blanket that takes
Alex through his journey in my book. </div>
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Historically, the eye, human figure, spear, lizard, snake,
and star have their own traditional meanings, but I applied a fictional touch
by having them represent certain characteristic traits of Igorots. The eye
represents cultural heritage, the human figure – life purpose, shield –
courage, lizard – resilience, spear – bravery, snake – fortitude, and star –
virtue. All of these things are important in life, yet are all too often ignored
or taken for granted.</div>
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Another artifact that inspires me is the simple farming
tools such as the Tinguian planting stick. In my book, I describe a group of
women turning soil and how they find joy in it. How many of us can truly say we
enjoy our work? Statistics in America say that the majority of Americans hate
their jobs. Forbes says that<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2011/11/11/your-emotionally-disconnected-employees/" target="_blank"> 70% of Americans hate their jobs</a>. This shouldn’t
be. We should all strive to work hard and enjoy doing what we do. </div>
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In addition, the simplicity of life that these planting
tools imply is desperately needed in today’s society. How much material “stuff”
do we really need? We keep collecting stuff upon stuff upon stuff. Parents work
double jobs just to keep up with the payments of their stuff, while quality
time for children and spouse are unnecessarily sacrificed. It’s sad to see how
materialism often plays a major role in the number of broken families and
marriages today.</div>
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Strangely, as a devout Catholic, I also find inspiration in
the artifacts that relate to our pagan origins such as the carved <i>anito</i>, <i>bulul </i>spirits and deities.
Many Cordillerans have converted to Christianity since the turn of the
twentieth century. My mother was one of them. In fact, she was the first
Christian in her family. Her father, a pagan priest, was the second as he was
converted by my mother just prior to his death.
She rejected the old pagan practices and wanted nothing to do with them.
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For a long time, I too shared her feelings, but the more I
learn about our pagan ways; the more I appreciate the old adage “something is
better than nothing.” When I consider
the rampant spread of narcissism, selfishness, and rejection of a supreme being
in our society; I find consolation that my ancestors recognized something other
than themselves. In fact, their beliefs and spiritual nature helps me appreciate
the old ways while strengthening my personal Catholic faith.</div>
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If people allow themselves to appreciate these artifacts, they can discover new meaning and inspiration that not only draws them closer to their cultural heritage, but can ultimately help them become a better person. These 4,000 hidden Cordilleran / Igorot artifacts need the support of the generations that followed so that our indigenous cultural heritage can thrive as that of the Maori.</div>
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Kindly, take this moment to view the <a href="http://www.4kbreathsofheritage.com/" target="_blank">4k Breaths of Heritage Crusade website</a> to see how you can support their efforts.</div>
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Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-28708030218364994882014-01-20T21:12:00.000-06:002014-01-20T21:12:01.804-06:00The MLK of Igorotdo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGvIwtnf4Jg/Ut3gZpf5otI/AAAAAAAAF5s/Ie5KHXNu35E/s1600/MLK+Igorotdo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGvIwtnf4Jg/Ut3gZpf5otI/AAAAAAAAF5s/Ie5KHXNu35E/s1600/MLK+Igorotdo.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></div>
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When it comes to speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., most people only know his “I Have a Dream” speech. They don’t know the other lesser-known, yet powerful ones. One of his most underrated speeches is the one about the “Three Dimensions of Life that Make Life Complete.” The three dimensions come from the twenty first chapter of the biblical book of Revelation. They are: 1) the length of life, 2) the breath of life, and 3) the height of life. </div>
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MLK describes the length of life as “accepting ourselves and our tools.” The breath of life is the “outward concern for the welfare of others,” and finally, the height of life is the “upward reach for God.” In his words, “<i>Now you got to have all three of these to have a complete life</i>.”</div>
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Upon listening to his speech, which I’ve heard many years ago, I couldn’t help but reflect on my novel, “Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within.” Throughout the entire process of writing the book, MLK’s speech never came to mind. Yet, like the ebb and flow of tides; its words splash onto the literary shores of my story and pull its themes back into its body of meanings. When seen through the perspective of MLK’s speech, the novel bears strong similarities to the three dimensions of life.</div>
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In the book, Alex, the protagonist, encounters and inhabits various characters. These people help him re-connect to his estranged cultural heritage, resulting in the understanding of his “length of life.” These same characters, particularly the enlightened samurai, also help him discover the self-centeredness of his being and guide him to his “breath of life.” As both dimensions become a part of him, Alex’s “height of life” comes naturally, thus allowing him to become “complete.”<br />
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<a href="http://mlk-kpp01.stanford.edu/index.php/encyclopedia/documentsentry/doc_the_three_dimensions_of_a_complete_life" target="_blank">Read MLK's "Three Dimensions of a Complete Life" here.</a></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/34791829" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/34791829">The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sweetspeeches">Sweet Speeches</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-40683660782845955972013-12-13T09:18:00.002-06:002013-12-13T09:18:56.790-06:00Give the Gift of Culture and Positive Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YTEGjtx5Og/UqshYMk8iNI/AAAAAAAAFTs/HzsPC1J4_gM/s1600/Igorotdo+-+Christmas+Postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9YTEGjtx5Og/UqshYMk8iNI/AAAAAAAAFTs/HzsPC1J4_gM/s400/Igorotdo+-+Christmas+Postcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking for something special to give to those special to you? Something other than the normal expected gift? How about a book that entertains, inspires and promotes the Igorot culture? This year, give "Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within."<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Available online at:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Igorotdo-The-Enlightened-Warrior-Within/dp/0615470017/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383540293&sr=8-1&keywords=igorotdo" target="_blank">Amazon.com (printed version)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/igorotdo-rexcrisanto-delson/1117347653?ean=9780615470016" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble .com (printed version)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Igorotdo-The-Enlightened-Warrior-Within-ebook/dp/B00GEFY7YA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383540411&sr=8-2&keywords=igorotdo" target="_blank">Amazon.com (kindle eBook version)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/igorotdo?keyword=igorotdo&store=nookstore" target="_blank">Nook (eBook version)</a></div>
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<a href="http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/igorotdo-the-enlightened-warrior-within#readThisOn" target="_blank">Kobo (eBook version)</a></div>
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For more information about the book: </div>
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<a href="http://www.rexcrisanto.com/" target="_blank">www.rexcrisanto.com </a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reviews</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Part mystery, part moral tale and full-on adventure story . . . . unique read . . . a new and authentic genre-bending narrative: a spiritual adventure with a contemporary voice."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Portland Book Review</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes a book, no matter how well-written and easily read, is hard to pigeonhole. Is it a philosophical novel? A spiritual mystery? A fantasy? An examination of what it means to be human?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rexcrisanto Delson's "Igorotdō: The Enlightened Warrior Within" is all of the above and more—a many-faceted character study of the value of cultural heritage and, ultimately, what it means to be a good person. It's an easy and fascinating read, which entertains as it broadens your mind.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">- Anthropogist Floyd Largent Jr.</span></div>
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Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-149920354118692052013-10-14T10:32:00.000-05:002013-10-14T10:47:52.706-05:00A Trio of Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GrHFU3GCXc/UlwL_8I2P7I/AAAAAAAADYg/EYrUxnwmg0w/s1600/Connection+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6GrHFU3GCXc/UlwL_8I2P7I/AAAAAAAADYg/EYrUxnwmg0w/s400/Connection+postcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ever since I began writing my book, <a href="http://www.rexcrisanto.com/#!book-info/cf82" target="_blank">Igorotdo: The Enlightened Warrior Within</a>, I've wanted to inspire others to take stock in their own cultural heritage, whatever it may be. When it comes to my own heritage, I've come to realize that many Igorots in America seem content with keeping our rich heritage to themselves or within their small Igorot circles of friends. Every now and then, however, I am encouraged when organizations such as the<a href="http://youth.bibaksandiego.org/" target="_blank"> BIBAK Youth San Diego</a> organize events and activities that are geared to sharing their culture to the American public. Knowing fully the difficulties involved in rallying others to share their cultural heritage; I find people such as those youth in San Diego more than inspiring.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRGiBFrsNXs/UlwMKvHL3xI/AAAAAAAADYo/e7U6HXeYMuk/s1600/Trio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cRGiBFrsNXs/UlwMKvHL3xI/AAAAAAAADYo/e7U6HXeYMuk/s320/Trio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trio behind The Connection Art Project:<br />
Maggie Rife Ponce, Agustina Diez Sierra, Jaycee Gossett</td></tr>
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I used to say, "What can be more inspiring than hearing about fellow Igorot-"Americans" sharing our culture with the world?" Well, I stumbled upon an answer to that question two days ago when I attended the Connection Art Project cultural event by a group of three non-Igorot women. I was simply amazed by their interest to promote both the Filipino and Igorot culture here in Chicago. <br />
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Can you imagine how I must have felt when I stepped out of the elevator to enter the event, only to receive the silent greetings of Kalinga Igorot women adorned in their tattoos and dressed in their native tapis? Even though they were on photo canvas, I still felt their welcoming greetings through their eyes and smiles. As the event unfolded, I saw the Igorot culture through the eyes and vibrancy of these three women who traveled to Manila and Kalinga and put together the artistic documentary displayed that evening.<br />
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Two things impressed me most that night. First, I was taken by the story of Johann Oro, a Filipino-American, who like me, grew up in America and waited many years before connecting to his roots in the Philippines. It's a story I know all too well. Assimilation in America has a powerful way of ripping our roots out from under its indigenous soil. Every time I meet a Filipino kid here in America, I seem to always wonder if they would fall victim to the estrangement of their culture, like I once did. <br />
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The second most adoring thing was the pictures and video portraying the people of Kalinga. As I watched a video of the three women with the tattooed Kalinga women dancing <i>both </i>native and Latin dances in their video documentary, the same ancestral feelings I once experienced back home in the Mountain Province resurfaced. I was so inspired that evening that I immediately wrote a quick <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/filipino-american-history-month-a-trio-of-inspiration" target="_blank">article on Examiner.com</a> once I arrived at my home.<br />
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More information about <a href="http://www.connectionartproject.com/" target="_blank">The Connection Art Project</a> can be found on their website and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/connectionartproject?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>. Also, please help spread the word about their <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/connectionartproject/the-connection-art-project" target="_blank">Kickstarter Fundraiser</a>, of which a portion of the funds will go to the people in Kalinga.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/connectionartproject/the-connection-art-project/widget/video.html" width="480"> </iframe>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-56446288445530327602013-09-23T22:17:00.000-05:002013-09-23T22:17:07.132-05:00Miss America 2014: Nina Davuluri - A Celebration of Cultural Heritage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWw7V54uChM/UkEBKF6eawI/AAAAAAAAC3w/IyINnPSBCDE/s1600/Indian+Dance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xWw7V54uChM/UkEBKF6eawI/AAAAAAAAC3w/IyINnPSBCDE/s320/Indian+Dance1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The 92<sup>nd</sup> Miss America pageant took place recently,
and with it came the first Asian-American to ever win the crown. Miss New York, Nina Davuluri, became the
first Asian-American and Indian-American to hold such honor. Not since Vanessa Williams became the first
black Miss America in 1983 did ethnicity make such headlines. In fact, this year’s pageant included five
Asian-Americans – the most in its history, including Chinese-American runner-up
Crystal Lee. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As a daughter of parents who are originally from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India, Nina Davuluri made
it clear that her heritage is important to her by performing an Indian-fusion
cultural dance on stage for the world to see.
she stood with Crystal Lee moments before the announcement of her
victory and said, “We’re both so proud. We’re making history standing here as
Asian-Americans.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Davuluri, whose pageant platform was “celebrating diversity
through cultural competency,” became a testament of ethnic pride when she was
asked in her interview question what she thought about CBS’ Julie Chen’s
admission of having plastic surgery to look “less Asian.” She responded, “Unfortunately I don’t agree
with plastic surgery, however, I can understand that from a standpoint, but
more importantly, I’ve always viewed Miss American as the girl next door, and
the girl next door is evolving as the diversity in America evolves.” She went
on to say, “. . so I wouldn’t want to change someone’s looks or appearance, but
definitely be confident in who you are.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, her ethnicity and cultural platform is being
rejected by many. Immediately after the announcement of victory, racism raised
its ugly head in the social media world as people expressed their
disapproval. This is nothing new
though. The pageant has been down this
road before when the first Jewish Miss America, Bess Meyerson, won it in 1945
and Vanessa Williams won it in 1983.
Nina Davuluri’s victory just goes to show how much more work needs to be
done in America to rid it of hate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nonetheless, her example and message is a great
inspiration for countless of girls, the Asian-American community and most
important – all ethnic backgrounds that make up the United States of America. We should all be proud of being American, but
we should never forget the positive aspects of ancestry that makes up our
identity. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/miss-america-2013-nina-davuluri-a-celebration-of-cultural-heritage" target="_blank">Photo Gallery of Nina Davuluri</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This has been a cross publication from an original article published on <a href="http://goo.gl/hjt9QL" target="_blank">Examiner.com</a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-51668262812781166022013-01-02T00:44:00.000-06:002013-01-02T01:59:38.688-06:00Important Lessons from the Ainu of Japan<br />
At times it can be a challenge for Igorots who still live in the Philippines to maintain their ethnic identity, but their challenges are nothing compared to those who immigrated to America and other western nations. This is mainly because the assimilation factor for small ethnic groups that exists in these countries is two-fold. For example, a Filipino from the major metropolitan city of Manila is faced with the challenge of assimilating into the American culture, whereas an Igorot not only faces the same challenge, but also faces the challenges of assimilating into the general Filipino populace without losing their connection to their true ethnic identity.<br />
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I thought about this recently when I was in a church filled with over a thousand Filipinos attending the Filipino Christmas tradition called Simbang Gabi. I wore a traditional Igorot vest over my dress shirt to express my ethnicity, but more importantly so that my children could see that I am proud of being an Igorot. There were also a handful of other Igorots there, but they wore the traditional Filipino dresses and Barong Tagalog shirts. Since it was a Filipino event that called for Filipino tradition, it made sense to me. There was also a time when I wore my Barong Tagalog to Simbang Gabi, but the more I learn about my heritage; the more I realize how important it is for me and my children not to lose our connection to it. This is why a simple act of switching from the Barong Tagalog to my native attire makes so much sense.<br />
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Imagine a long-time Chicagoan who moves to another country and is asked by its people, “Where are you from?” Does he emphasize Chicago or America? Does he talk about the unparalleled pizza, hot dogs, sports teams, ethnic diversity, culture and all that make Chicago wonderful, or does he talk in general about America? I realize comparing this to ethnic cultures is like comparing apples to oranges, but I think the point can be made that smaller ethnic groups are faced with more challenges when it comes to maintaining their ethnic heritage.<br />
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So how then can small ethnic groups successfully assimilate in western nations and still keep their heritage alive for many more generations to come? The answer is both simple and difficult. Simple in that all we need to do is practice and teach about the importance of our heritage to our children, but difficult because human nature tends to want to be part of mainstream society – in my case: Filipinos and Americans. This is why it is important for people of smaller ethnic groups to form close bonds with others who share and practice the same cultural beliefs and practices. <br />
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I recently learned about a small indigenous group in Japan known as the Ainu people. As recent as 2008, the Japanese government officially recognized them as indigenous people. Prior to that, they have been referred to as “former aboriginals,” according to the Aoteaora Ainumsor Exchange Program (AAEP).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ainu dancing traditional Tapkaara Dance</td></tr>
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The Ainu were forced to assimilate into the Japanese culture many years ago and as a result, many are no longer connected to their Ainu heritage because of deeply rooted discrimination that pervades the Japanese society, or the inability for people to discover meaning in being Ainu. Either way, there are still many people who have yet to assert their Ainu identity. Surprisingly, a Hokkaido government survey points out that:<br />
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There are about 24,000 Ainu people, however in reality there are several times more Ainu people than that figure leads us to believe. Out of 5,000 to 10,000 Ainu people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area alone, only around 100 of them are active as Ainu.</blockquote>
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It’s sad that only 1 to 2% of the Ainu in Japan are active as Ainu. Now just imagine how much less of a number that would be if they had to assimilate into two cultures like the Igorots in America. Fortunately for the Ainu, there are many who are trying to revitalize their heritage.<br />
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I was inspired to learn about a campaign that is trying to raise funds to send Ainu students to Aoteroa (New Zealand) to learn how its indigenous Maori people have been working to ensure the survival of their culture. The students will learn how the Maori have advanced their rights as indigenous people of New Zealand since the 1970s. More important, they can see how the Maori are significantly contributing to the development of New Zealand’s economic, political, cultural and social landscapes. It is a worthy cause that will raise the consciousness of the Ainu heritage and will help inspire more Ainus to re-connect with their estranged heritage.<br />
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The Ainu teaches us two very important lessons. First, it teaches us that unless a conscious effort is made to preserve our own ethnic heritages, the dreadful decline of one’s heritage is certain. Fortunately for them, it’s not too late. Second, we can always benefit by reaching out to another culture to better ourselves. We here in Chicago are fortunate to have so many different ethnic cultures that it would be a shame if we didn't try to take the time to learn something from any of them.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is cross-published from Examiner.com. Read full article <a href="http://www.examiner.com/article/small-ethnic-groups-lessons-from-ainu-of-japan" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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You can help send Ainu students to New Zealand by contributing to their fundraiser campaign:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="439px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.indiegogo.com/project/255344/widget/1872374" width="224px"></iframe>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-11872539359166209602012-12-04T13:55:00.001-06:002012-12-04T13:55:50.667-06:00Gangsa Style (not Gangnam Style)With the help of BIBBAK Illinois members and family; we recently created the video, "Igorot GANGSA STYLE - PSY Gangnam Style Parody." The following information expounds on its history, the filming process and its purposes.<br />
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History</h3>
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Sometime in August, I received a facebook message from our present Vice-President of BIBBAK Illinois, Gerald Batanes, suggesting that we do the Gangnam Style dance at our BIBBAK-IL Christmas party. The idea really didn't interest me at the time, but I kept it in the back of me head because we dads of BIBBAK-IL needed to come up with a performance that either met or exceeded last year's "Evolution of Dance" Christmas party performance. Nearly three months passed and we still didn't have any ideas for the Christmas party, other than Gerald's suggestion.</div>
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On November 3rd, the officers of BIBBAK-IL had a meeting to begin finalizing our plans for the December 1st Christmas party. Gerald brought up the idea of us fathers doing a Gangnam Style parody dance, but the timing was bad. The dads who were part of last year's performance had conflicting schedules and we simply didn't have the time to adequately prepare for such an endeavor.</div>
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A week passed and we dads were still without a performance. Then one day I sat down to watch the Gangnam Style video on Youtube. As I watched it, ideas of us dads doing crazy things in our wanes / bahag (g-strings) danced across my mind. With less than 2 weeks before the Christmas party, the dads who were available met at various times and locations to film footage for the video.</div>
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Filming</h3>
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The first attempt to film footage was suppose to take place on the Metra train going to Chicago from the Naperville suburb, but only one person was there at the train station to meet me. Needless to say, it was cancelled. However, the Igorot in me refused to give up so I threw my wanes into my backpack, hopped on my bicycle, boarded the train by myself and headed out to downtown Chicago. </div>
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It was 42 degrees at the time, but the lakefront winds made it seem much colder. My first stop was at our famous Buckingham Fountain where I failed in getting strangers to participate in the video mainly because there were so few people out that day. I biked 13 kilometer to the Jackson Park Pier where I changed into my wanes.</div>
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Only a fisherman and I were crazy enough to be out on the pier that day. I set up the tripod and camcorder and waited for an opportunity to shoot some footage. Eventually a man walked by me and I asked him if he had a moment to spare. When I told him I would drop my pants down in front of him to reveal my native attire, his eyes opened wide as he looked at me like I was crazy. Thankfully, he saw the humor in it and volunteered to stand there while I did my thing. </div>
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The second attempt to film turned out much better. Five of us dads, my son and his friend drove out to the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, IL. When I asked staff member inside the stables if we could film footage, she had us wait until she could get approval over the phone from her superior. When she asked me who we were and what we were filming, I told her we were a group of native Indians who were doing a short documentary.</div>
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Fortunately, they had no problem with it. In fact, one of the staff members engaged one of the other dads and I in a short conversation about our "tribe." </div>
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"Oh, I love the native Indians," she began. "What tribe are you from?"</div>
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"We're not as well known as the Appache or Mohicans, but we're from a small scattered tribe called Igorot," I quickly responded.</div>
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The conversation eventually led to whether we rode our horses with saddles or bare back. That's when I had to come clean and tell her we were actually native highlanders from the Philippines. Luckily, she became more amused and wanted to know more about us.</div>
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After filming at Danada, we drove to the Navistar corporate building in Warrenville, IL. Knowing there were cameras and security guards inside watching our every move, we quickly darted out our cars and ran to the front where we shot some short but funny footage. We all laughed as cars passed us on the road and honked their horns. The day ended at the Korean Chodung Tofu Village restaurant, where we enjoyed great Korean food and more filming.</div>
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Our third opportunity to film took place on Thanksgiving Day where we BIBBAK-IL members participated in the <a href="http://youtu.be/R7S2EdcExM4" target="_blank">McDonalds Thanksgiving Day Parade</a> in downtown Chicago. It was another cold morning in the mid 40's and it felt even colder wearing my wanes. It was an opportunity we didn't want to miss especially since we knew there would be approximately 400,000 pedestrians watching from the the streets and nearly 7 million from their televisions. </div>
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We were lucky to have had the opportunity to film footage with the well renowned <a href="http://jessewhitetumblingteam.com/" target="_blank">Jesse White Tumblers</a>, <a href="http://www.barefoothawaiian.com/" target="_blank">Barefoot Hawaiian</a> dancers, a Star Wars Stormtrooper from the <a href="http://www.midwestgarrison.com/" target="_blank">501st Legion Midwest Garrison</a> and fellow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zespol.siumni" target="_blank">Highlanders from Poland</a>; not to mention pictures with Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White.</div>
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We eventually made it to Buckingham Fountain to film more footage. Other places included the IKEA store in Bolingbrook, IL, Bolingbrook Public Library and the VFW Hall in Berwyn, IL.</div>
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Music & Video</h3>
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A couple weeks prior to our first filming of footage, I watched many Gangnam Style parodies on Youtube. One after another, people were using the original Korean version of the song. I really began scratching my head when a group of southern men, who calls themselves Rednecks, were also using the Korean version. It just didn't seem right to be wearing our wanes / bahags and dancing to a Korean song. </div>
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I contacted my cousin's son in California, Sam Malabato, to ask if he would create the lyrics of a new song in our native language, Kankanaey. He not only wanted to do the writing, but he was also excited to sing. According to him, it was a difficult task. One night he messaged me on facebook saying, "Uncle it's hard!!!" This didn't worry me because I knew he possessed the Igorot in him to persevere as he does in football. </div>
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While Sam worked on the lyrics and vocals, I tried contacting a local friend, who is a professional sound engineer, to help with the music and sounds. He was unable to help so I reached out to my son, Josh, to help. He's only a senior in high school, but the things he can do with sound, video and graphics just amazes me!</div>
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Not Just a Parody</h3>
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If you watch all of the Gangnam Style parodies on Youtube, you won't see any that actually promotes something with substance; something that sends a good message out to people that will help them become the best they can be. The closest one I saw was the one done by the U.S. Naval Academy.</div>
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I wanted to do something that can help people connect to their heritage, especially us Igorots. All too often, I see young Igorots here in America get too caught up with trying to be "American" that they either forget or never connect to their heritage. Those of you who know me by now, know that I feel strongly about drawing from the intangible and tangible qualities of our ethnic origins so that we can become the best we can be in all aspects of our lives. </div>
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Even though, our video is filled with querky and funny footage, I hope it sends a message out to all Igorots that we have a wonderful culture that we can learn from and incorporate into our everyday modern lives. I also hope it does the same to all ethnic groups. </div>
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Igorot GANGSA STYLE <span style="font-size: x-small;">(click on lower bottom right corner to watch on Youtube/full screen)</span></h3>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="215" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BpgPiT2WCIM" width="460"></iframe>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-43973769733508853022012-11-13T01:12:00.000-06:002012-11-13T01:22:58.011-06:00Outreach to DonnaNortheast America was recently pummeled by Hurricane Sandy. New York and New Jersey continue to suffer greatly. According to Reuters:<br />
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"At least 121 people have perished in the storm, which caused an estimated $50 billion in property damage and economic losses and ranks as on of the most destructive natural disasters to hit the U.S. Northeast."</blockquote>
People from as far as California have left their hometowns to help those devastated by the storm. When I hear about these acts of love & compassion, I am reminded about what ties many of us Americans together - our citizenship as Americans. I am also reminded of how little my personal challenges in life are compared to the thousands in the Northeast. With all of the havoc Sandy has caused, it's hard to think about others in need elsewhere.<br />
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Well, just this evening I received a message from a fellow writer/blogger, Christian Aligo, back home in the Philippines about a young lady in need. I didn't take it seriously at first. In fact, my knee-jerk reaction was to dismiss it because it seems like everyone is in need these days. Then I read the post he wrote and suddenly I felt like a Californian wanting to help a New Yorker thousands of miles away.<br />
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I say this because she happens to be Igorot, and her family is from Guinzadan, Bauko, Mountain Province in the Philippines; the same place my parents and relatives are from. I don't know her or her family, but there's that sense of citizenship that compels me to write this hoping that it will reach others who are in a position to help this young lady.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3Kyx1iMCY/UKHwKhQwFAI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oczdjMYvRc4/s1600/251262_440349512689445_19519913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ak3Kyx1iMCY/UKHwKhQwFAI/AAAAAAAAAG0/oczdjMYvRc4/s1600/251262_440349512689445_19519913_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: Christian Lizardo Aligo Blog</span></td></tr>
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The name of the young lady is Donna Canuto Cuaresma, but rather than tell you about her myself, I will share what my friend Christian Aligo wrote about her in his blog post. It reads:<br />
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"Donna Canuto Cuaresma, 20, was once a dance trainer of the youth in Isabela, Philippines. She was also president of a religious youth organization in her community.</blockquote>
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<i>"Donna was an active athlete in the field of dancing while high school,"</i> added Rufina Canuto Kilip, Donna's aunt, on crowd-sourcing site Indegogo. </blockquote>
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However her liveliness turned gray when she was diagnosed with Stage 5 Chronic Kidney disease secondary to Lupus Nephritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks normal body tissues. The illness has already affected her heart, lungs, and kidneys.</blockquote>
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Donna's kidneys have deteriorated and a transplant is needed to save her life.</blockquote>
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She is having a regular dialysis at St. John Biocare and at the Dialysis Center in Quezon City. She also does workups for the needed transplant at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.</blockquote>
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According to her aunt, Donna is undergoing dialysis three times a week and each session costs P3, 400 [$82.67]. Moreover, she needs P20,500/month [$498.48] for her medicines. For her kidney transplant, she needs at least P150,000 [$3647.41]. </blockquote>
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Donna's mother Maximina Babtoog Canuto-Cuaresma is originally from Bagnen and Guinsadan, Bauko, Mountain Province. She teaches at Quezon Public High School.</blockquote>
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<i>"We have spent all our savings and not to mention of the number of debts we have, shared Rugina who manages the online fund-raising event. We also solicited financial help from friends and relatives."</i></blockquote>
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In an update posted November 12, rufina narrated that "Her sister is the one with her now in the hospital to look after her while it's her school semestrar break for her mom is going back to work starting today. When Donna's sister goes back to school next week, their dad will take over to look after her."</blockquote>
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<i>I come to knock at the door of people with open heart to give,"</i> appeals Rufina. </blockquote>
For more information, including where to send financial support, please go directly to Christian Lizardo Aligo's original blog post at: <a href="http://goo.gl/Qy2J9">http://goo.gl/Qy2J9</a>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-72528715894179456662012-02-24T14:49:00.014-06:002012-02-24T16:52:13.798-06:00Tim Tebow: Understanding the Spin and Seeing the Bigger Picture<div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAM4impkAYQ/T0gTy1gPeSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/3yn4XmhI-Gg/s1600/Tim%2BTebow%2BMiddle%2BGround.jpg"><span ><span style="font-size: 100%; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAM4impkAYQ/T0gTy1gPeSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/3yn4XmhI-Gg/s320/Tim%2BTebow%2BMiddle%2BGround.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712837891396172066" /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div></a><br /><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: right; "><span><a href="http://voices.yahoo.com/tim-tebow-understanding-spin-seeing-bigger-10927024.html?cat=49">This is a re-published article originally published on Yahoo</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: right; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left; "><p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in; line-height:11.5pt;background:transparent"><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br /></span></p><p style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in; line-height:11.5pt;background:transparent"><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">On the morning of February 03, 2012,<span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://youtu.be/Hd6awqDpUe0" target="_blank"><span>ESPN aired an interview that featured Tim Tebow</span></a></span>. In it, ESPN's Skip Bayless did not focus on Tebow's highly criticized throwing motion or his ability as an NFL quarterback. Given the limited amount of air time the interview was allotted, he knew he needed to cut through these superficial topics and get right down to what has made Tebow the most polarizing athlete of 2011. Next to politics, there's nothing more that polarizes Americans than the topic of religion. Recognizing this fact, ESPN chose a snippet of the interview in its thirty one second<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOfVg6FpbbU" target="_blank"><span>teaser commercial</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that featured Skip Bayless asking Tebow, "How much of a role does God play in winning or losing a football game?"<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">In the interview, Tebow responded by saying, "That's a good question. I think for me . . . when I'm praying before games and during games, when I get on my knees in what's become Tebowing . . . I'm asking the Lord for strength whether I win or I lose, whether I'm the hero or the goat; I'm still gonna be the same person. I'm gonna treat others the way I want to be treated. I'm gonna do my best and I'm gonna do what's right and regardless, I'm gonna give Him the glory, and part of taking a knee is humbling yourself and it's a form of showing humility where you're putting someone else first and putting the Lord first, and that's why I do it. . . More than anything, more than asking for wins and losses - I'm asking that I have a platform to honor Him."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Bayless went on to say, "So bottom line, you don't think that God decides football games," and Tebow responded, "You know, I think God is involved in every aspect of our life." Bayless continued, "Or is it beyond you to know?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">"It's absolutely beyond me to know," replied Tebow. "I think God's in every aspect of our life, regardless, and I think the greatest thing is if we are honoring Him with what we do."<o:p></o:p></span></p><div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 11.5pt; text-align: -webkit-auto; ">This was the best piece of media I've seen about Tim Tebow all year. Skip Bayless did a remarkable job, especially with the way he conducted the interview with a sense of fairness that hasn't been given to Tebow since entering the NFL. Rather than talk about all of his great attributes, mainstream society has preferred to surround him with controversy, which has been spearheaded by the media. Nobody understands controversy better than the media. Instead of taking an objective look at Tebow's admirable character traits and promote him as a great role model for people, the media chose to bask in the controversy surrounding "Tebowmania" and "Tebowing."</span></div> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Wherever there is controversy, be sure that a trail of money follows it. For the media and profiteers to create a win-win scenario for themselves, they knew that it is as simple as igniting controversy by creating a love-him or hate-him attitude toward Tebow and fueling it with anything they can dig up on him. Knowing that there needs to always be a catalyst provoking both extreme feelings, the media remains relentless on spinning the public's mind. The more people they can spin to either extreme, the more money there is to be made. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Whether people realize it or not, they fuel the media's spin cycle by choosing either sides of the Tebow spectrum. Even I realize that by writing this article; I too am feeding the flames of controversy. In order for people to keep from fueling the media's spin, they would have to totally cut themselves off from the media or find the middle ground. Neither is something the media would like to see happen, especially the latter. When someone chooses the middle ground, they realize that there is neither hate nor love, but rather a sincere appreciation for the man and his character. This can be damaging for the media because they and their ulterior motives are exposed, and when this happens, their flaming profits begin to smolder; all the more reason why they continuously need to find good and bad things to spin.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br />Take for example, Tebowing, which is one of the biggest things fueling their spin. Just so you know, Tim Tebow isn't the first football player to kneel and pray in public or on a football field. During his February 01, 2012 appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show, he made this same statement to everyone watching. Interestingly enough, NFL.com also released recent a video called "<a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/09000d5d8261f71d/The-book-of-Tebow" target="_blank"><span>The Book of Tebow</span></a>," which clearly points this out.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><br /></div> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Personally speaking, I have seen players do this long before Tebow. My first recollection of this happening was sometime during the 1978 NFL season when I saw Roger Staubach kneel and pray on the sideline during one of their games. As an elementary school kid, I was captivated by the sight of number 12 praying. There was something about seeing one of the best quarterbacks of that time praying on the field that shed a positive light on the act of praying. I remember how my love for the Cowboys immediately shifted to my admiration for Roger Staubach because of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; "></span></p><div style="line-height: normal; text-align: left; font-size: 16px; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; "><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAM4impkAYQ/T0gTy1gPeSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/3yn4XmhI-Gg/s1600/Tim%2BTebow%2BMiddle%2BGround.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQMWE1n5bbs/T0gUQDgXZ7I/AAAAAAAAAGA/N2OgXUYtTiw/s320/Staubach-Tebow-Heisman.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712838393370994610" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></div><p></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">From that point on, I made it a point to always look for magazines that featured Staubach whenever I was at a grocery store with my parents or at the public library. One day, I scrounged up a dollar and some change to buy my first and most memorable magazine - the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/cover/featured/8604/index.htm" target="_blank"><span>September 04, 1978 edition of Sports Illustrated</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that featured Staubach on its cover with the words "Roger Staubach, Straight Arrow of the Cowboys."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">It was the first thing I had ever read that made an inspirational impact on my life. I read it over and over again. I admired the kind of man he was because of how he always went to church, performed good deeds for others, served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, was a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the better quarterbacks at the time who kept winning games, often times coming from behind in the last quarter. Sound familiar? As a kid, I wanted to be like Staubach. When my friends and I played street football, I always pretended to be Staubach. Although football never became a vocational occupation for me, the image of Staubach and what he meant to me as a kid still resonates with me today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">When Tim Tebow was captured on film doing what Roger Staubach and many others before and after him did on their knee, such as Reggie White, Kurt Warner and Drew Brees (to name a few), Tebow was unfairly deemed as the creator of the popularized "Tebowing" act. I use the word unfairly because Tebowing, as most people understand it, is probably far from what Tebow would like it to be portrayed as. On the recent Jimmy Fallon show, he admitted that he is flattered by the sight of people imitating him on his knee, but I seriously doubt that it was his intent to make it into the novelty it is today. Kudos to those who actually pray when Tebowing in a picture, but I seriously doubt most people whose Tebowing pictures appear in the media and internet are actually praying. Also, I highly doubt that the people who coined the term and image of "Tebowing" were trying to encourage and promote prayer. There's a big difference between the conversations Tebow has with God on his knee and the superficial act of imitating him for any other reason than to pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">The controversy surrounding Tebowing is unparalleled in the sporting world because it not only provokes controversy from non-believers, but it also rubs many Christians the wrong way. It's not unusual to see comments from Christians who attack and chastise Tebow with scriptures like Mathew 6:5-6, which speaks against public prayer. Such attacks are an added bonus for the media. After all, what could be better than having Christians and non-believers going at it? That's right, Christians fighting amongst themselves. Again, people tend to miss the bigger picture when they're caught up in the spin.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">After the interview first aired on ESPN's First Take show, Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith and Jay Crawford had a discussion in where Smith, a huge critic of Tebow, came close to seeing the bigger picture, but managed to miss it in the end. After sincerely stating his appreciation for Tebow, Smith went on to say, "They're using him. When you talk about Tebowmania and the critics per say, what they're talking about is - you want us to be just like him. And a lot of people ain't. They could feel their love for God is sincere and it's deep, but they ain't him . . . When you look at a guy like Tim Tebow, you understand that he is legitimate with how he approaches it, but you fear that the public at large that supports him, support him not just because they like him, but because they want to use him as an example of what they want the rest of us to be. . . and so when Tim Tebow is out there and he's Tebowing and things of that nature, I'm not faulting him for it, but I don't want him to think that he has critics because of him. He has critics because of what his supporters want everyone else to be, and that's where the resistance comes because a lot of people on their best day cannot be that young man. They can't be him."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Then almost instantly, Skip Bayless brought Smith closer to the bigger picture by quickly responding, "But he is a pretty good role model." At which Smith replied, "Yeah great - fantastic - no doubt."<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Only when one removes himself or herself from the spin of it all can one come to a middle ground, which is an understanding about Tebow that earns a true sense of appreciation, no matter how one feels about him as a football player. In order to come to this level of appreciation, all one has to do is learn more about him as a person, and people can do this by simply reading his book, "Through my Eyes." Those who have read it will see why people like Chuck Norris, Tony Dungy, Urban Meyer and Darius Rucker have rave reviews for it, but most importantly, they will come to know that there is much more about him than what the media portrays.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Times have drastically changed since Roger Staubach's days. Back then, families weren't as fragmented, role models were much more sought after, social Marxism and political correctness were at its infancy stages and a person's faith wasn't attacked in such a frequent and hostile manner as these days. If Tim Tebow were to have played in the NFL back then, he wouldn't have had the level of controversy surrounding him because of Staubach. The similarities that they share would not have diluted Tebow's uniqueness.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Both are known for their fourth quarter comebacks (Staubach was nicknamed "Captain Comeback" and the Broncos' fourth quarter is known as "Tebow time"); both ran headfirst into their opponents, both of their lives don't end at the goal line, both have a global perspective on life thanks to their experiences oversees (Vietnam for Staubach and Philippines for Tebow), both are incredible humanitarians and most importantly - they both are strong in their Christian faith and they aren't afraid to share it with others. These similarities would have likely resulted in the absence of Tebowing and what is now known as the Tebow phenomenon. Also, Tebow would have probably been surrounded with miniscule controversy compared to that which surrounds him today. At the most, he would have been placed alongside Staubach as another NFL quarterback that contrasted the womanizing and overly egotistical likes of Joe Namath.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">Unfortunately for Tebow, he isn't afforded such luxury of playing football in the 1970's. Instead, he has to live in an era where Christian values are constantly threatened, and greed, vanity and selfishness are at an all time high.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; line-height: 11.5pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; ">If more people would step outside of the spin and remove their love-him or hate-him lens; they will realize how wrong the media is for trying to get people to think that they have to be just like Tebow to be a good person and how wrong they are for attacking him because he tries to honor God in whatever he does. They will also see that the scriptures used to persecute him actually share the same realm with the likes of Mathew 5:14-16, which tells us to be the light, and Mathew 7:1-5, which tells us not to judge. Without the tainted lenses, controversy can be replaced with clarity.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br />Clearly, not everyone is suppose to be just like Tebow by doing goodwill acts of grandeur, such as missionary work oversees or building hospitals, but it doesn't hurt to strive for such things. The bigger picture about Tebow has to do with heart and character - something the world needs more of. True appreciation for him comes when we realized that the world can become a better place when people, especially children, have someone to look up to as a role model who inspires them to choose good over bad and to use their own God given talents and gifts for the greater good.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br />In the end, everyone has their own platform; there are those who have much smaller and simpler platforms and there are those with bigger platforms than Tebow's. The most important thing about Tebow is that he is helping people discover their platform and then encourages them to use it to help others by living an exemplary life.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-44759877898656664512011-11-24T19:43:00.005-06:002011-11-24T20:21:05.795-06:00Thanksgiving Day: Appreciating your Heritage<br />
Happy Thanksgiving Day to all who live in America. This is truly a holiday worth celebrating because it is focused exclusively on the act of giving thanks for the things we are blessed with. This holiday exists because a group of people were courageous and brave enough to escape the religious persecution of their homeland to begin a new life of freedom here in America. Since then, countless of others have made the decision to leave their homelands and start a new life here. Whether it was done by boat, plane, automobile or feet; a price was paid by those who made it possible to experience all the freedoms this great country provides us. I hope we take the time in some shape or form to thank these people today.<br />
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I'm too tired at the moment to blog any further about this topic, so instead, I am providing the<a href="http://www.examiner.com/ethnic-community-in-chicago/rexcrisanto-delson" target="_blank"> link to a related article</a> I wrote for the Examiner. Please take the time to read more about our need to appreciate our heritage on this day of thanks.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2030751986"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gzEo4LDKcP0/Ts73JFDmKZI/AAAAAAAAAEE/sXXSVuJ3VAY/s200/Examiner+Logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.examiner.com/ethnic-community-in-chicago/rexcrisanto-delson" target="_blank">Thanksgiving: Appreciate your Heritage</a></td></tr>
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<noscript>&amp;amp;lt;div class="statcounter"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a title="blogger visitor counter" href="http://statcounter.com/blogger/" class="statcounter"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/7434120/0/45225446/0/" alt="blogger visitor counter" /&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;gt;</noscript>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-56166771038980094552011-10-29T13:58:00.000-05:002011-10-29T14:16:32.457-05:00Courageous: An Ethnic Appreciation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfc4Ch6fexo/TqxHxiG1D1I/AAAAAAAAADg/bt38NUVkSXo/s1600/courageous+poster+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nfc4Ch6fexo/TqxHxiG1D1I/AAAAAAAAADg/bt38NUVkSXo/s320/courageous+poster+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">There is a first time for everything. When I went to the theatre twenty nine days
ago to watch Courageous, I left there knowing I would return to watch it again
or at the very least, rent the DVD; something not out of the ordinary. Little did I know that I would actually
return to watch it four times at the theatre!
I’ve never done that before.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Because of scheduling conflicts, I saw it by myself on the
opening weekend and then <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/10/courageous-fathers.html">blogged</a> about it that evening. The following weekend
was with my wife. The third was with my
two daughters, and the fourth was with my son.
Each time was different; same movie, but different meanings, lessons and
perspectives.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After processing it for the last four weeks, I’ve developed
a deep sense of appreciation for my parent’s decision of leaving the Cordillera
Mountains in the Philippines to raise our family here in America. Like most people, my parents saw America as
the land of opportunities. They not only
wanted to escape the oppressive Marcos dictatorship that posed as a real threat
to my family at the time, but they wanted more than what a politically and
economically crippled country had to offer my five sisters and me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I grew up watching them work so hard to support our
family. My mother came to this country
as a registered nurse and my father was a civil engineer. After several years, they left their careers
to pursue the American dream via the free enterprise system. As they went from successful business to
successful business, I began developing the false notion that America’s
opportunities were limited to material and tangible things. Money, houses, cars, degrees, titles,
prestige, accolades and so forth were the most touted things at the time (still
is). Unfortunately, my youthful ignorance
allowed these things to define the American dream for me. I was too young to realize it then, but I now
believe that the greatest opportunity our country has to offer is the freedoms
afforded to parents to raise their children to the best of their abilities and
for us as individuals to become the person we are suppose to become in God’s
eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As first generation immigrants, my parents took advantage of
these freedoms by sacrificing to put five six children through Catholic schools
and working the free enterprise system hard enough to keep us from the dangers
that are often associated with low income and poverty. Yet, as much as they tried their best, which
I believe they did; I wish they spent more time with me and became more
involved in my life on an intimate level.
I see this as a common problem with many new immigrants.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In my almost forty years in America, I’ve noticed that many
new immigrants I was and am exposed to (particularly Asians and Hispanics) who
decide to pursue the American dream by working very hard, often fall short of
spending the amount of time needed to mold responsible and morally-driven
children. Those with lesser education
and skills work hard just to survive, while those of higher education and
skills work hard to provide a so-called better lifestyle for their
families. Either way, the children are
often the victims of what my Marine Corps drill instructor called “good
intention, wrong execution.” In war,
this often leads to the deaths of fellow Marines. In life, this often leads to the death of
character and moral values in our children.
The facts mentioned and portrayed in Courageous only supports what I’ve
seen all too often: teenage pregnancies, teen drug addiction, irresponsibility,
lawlessness, gangs, violence, suicides and so many other destructive patterns. This is why Courageous “hit me between the
eyes” (as Courageous’ Nathan Hayes was quoted when he was talking about the
resolution).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The movie makes it clear that everything starts within the
home. Although it focuses on the role of
men, it’s pretty clear that the entire family unit is the foundation for
everything. So many people make the mistake of relying on schools and outside
programs to mold their children. This
needs to change especially since our world has progressively become dangerous
for kids. The internet alone is enough to
raise strong concerns about the exposure to pornography and destructive
patterns to children as early as their first grade and second grade years. As the main character in Courageous says in
his speech, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“You can’t fall asleep at the wheel, only to wake up one day
and realize that your job or your hobbies have no eternal value, but the souls
of your children do.” </span></blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know there is no such thing as a perfect family, and that
is why I appreciate my experience in America even more. Whenever the family falls short, there are
others outside the family who can help forge our character for the better. When you combine a loving family with good people
such as mentors, coaches, teachers and leaders; synergy is formed and wonderful
things happen as a result.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pa4lXxV-2_g/TqxKJpHtZKI/AAAAAAAAADw/F_1fWsvScTI/s1600/Flag+and+Person.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pa4lXxV-2_g/TqxKJpHtZKI/AAAAAAAAADw/F_1fWsvScTI/s320/Flag+and+Person.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After watching courageous for the fourth time, I thought
about the people in my own life that made a difference, and an immediate sense
of gratitude came over me. Without
people like Frank Dachille (basketball coach), Bill Neu (mentor), Ikka
Nakashima (mentor), Sgt Whitten (Marine Corps drill instructor), Hoichi Kurisu
(mentor), Art Williams (business leader), Sister Imelda (1<sup>st</sup> grade
teacher), Sister Carol (high school teacher); I honestly think I would be worse
off today. Could people like these have
entered my life had we stayed in the Philippine Cordilleras? I don’t know, but if I were to speculate on
this question, I think I would say “highly doubtful.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve always believed that if one sorts through all the bad
garbage (and there is a lot) in America, one will find gems that make this
country so great. One of these gems is
the making of inspirational movies like Courageous. That’s right, even though Hollywood still inundates
society with a plethora of degrading and harmful movies and shows; America
still offers the opportunity for those who want to make a positive difference
to create good and inspiring movies like Courageous, <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/04/soul-surfing-review.html">Soul Surfer</a>, Blind Side,
Fireproof, A Better Life and so forth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">When families and even mentors fall short, inspirational
movies like Courageous helps fill in the gaps.
Thanks to Courageous, I have been blessed with the inspiration and
opportunity to take my twelve and fifteen year old daughters to a restaurant
where we made a pact similar to the father-daughter pact that Nathan had with
his daughter in Courageous. It wasn’t a
fancy restaurant like in the movie, but it was more of their liking because of
its Asian appeal – a Korean restaurant (one of their favorites). Also, no rings were exchanged as was in the
movie because one daughter thought it was a “cheesy” gesture. Nonetheless, it was an unforgettable evening
that would not have happened had I not seen the movie. The movie also opened my children’s eyes to
my desire to become the best father possible, which is truly priceless. Lastly, it re-instills the importance of
keeping an inspirational focus in my writing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you haven’t seen the movie yet, go see it or buy the DVD
when it is available. Until then, here
is the sneak preview of the written resolution that the movie is centered on:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"I do solemnly resolve before God to take full responsibility for myself, my wife, and my children. I WILL love them, protect them, serve them and teach them the Word of Goad as the spiritual leader of my home. I WILL be faithful to my wife, to love and hoor her, and be willing to lay down my life for her as Jesus Christ did for me. I WILL bless my children and teach them to love God with all of their hearts, all of their minds, and all of their strength. I WILL train them to honor authority and live responsibly. I WILL confront evil, pursue justice, and love mercy. I WILL pray for others and treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. I WILL work diligently to provide for the needs of my family. I WILL forgive those who have wronged me and reconcile with those I have wronged. I WILL learn from my mistakes, repent of my sins, and walk with integrity as a man answerable to God. I WILL seek to honor God, be faithful to His church, obey His Word, and do His Will. I WILL courageously work with the strength God provides to fulfill this resolution for the rest of my life and for His glory. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Related blogs of interest: <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/10/courageous-fathers.html">Courageous Fathers</a>, <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/04/soul-surfing-review.html">Soul Surfer Review</a>, <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2010/09/tim-tebow-ethnic-appreciation.html">Tim Tebow: An Ethnic Appreciation</a></span></div>
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<noscript>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;div class="statcounter"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a title="hit counter for blogger" href="http://statcounter.com/blogger/" class="statcounter"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/7351600/0/9242ab88/0/" alt="hit counter for blogger" /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</noscript>Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-12176546836505079872011-10-01T19:50:00.009-05:002011-10-03T22:53:46.667-05:00Courageous Fathers<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEmlOZMAp4w/Toe160KQ8nI/AAAAAAAAADU/gPlRUKlF048/s1600/courageous-poster.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEmlOZMAp4w/Toe160KQ8nI/AAAAAAAAADU/gPlRUKlF048/s320/courageous-poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658691478853055090" /></a>
<br />I was prepared to blog about the significant advantage of growing up in America with role models, coaches and mentors as compared to other countries that lack these people, that is, until I went to see today’s matinee showing of the movie” Courageous.” The movie was so inspirational that I’ve decided to shelve the topic of mentors and coaches for another day and talk to you about something much more important – Courageous fathers.<div>
<br /><b>The Need for Fathers</b></div><div><b>
<br /></b>Since my growing up years in America during the 70’s and 80’s; the image, role and personification of fathers have taken a drastic change for the worst. Our nation has been severely kicked in the kidney by the staggering number of fatherless children. As a result, we as a nation, bleed from within. The incapacitating blood makes its way out in various forms of pain, anger and sadness. </div><div>
<br />The movie points out several interesting statistics that supports the need for fathers. Just Google “father statistics” and you’ll find plenty of evidence. For example, <a href="http://www.dadsworld.com/parenting-statistics/importance-of-fathers.html">Dadsworld.com</a> sums up the importance of fathers by stating:</div><div><blockquote><i>“Children with involved Fathers are more confident, better able to deal with frustration, better able to gain independence and their own identity, more likely to mature into compassionate adults, more likely to have a high self esteem, more sociable, more secure as infants, less likely to show signs of depression, less likely to commit suicide, more empathetic, boys have been shown to be less aggressive and adolescent girls are less likely to engage in sex.”</i></blockquote>
<br />It goes on to list shocking statistics such as:</div><div>
<br />• 63% of teen suicides come from fatherless homes. That’s 5 times the national average. (Source: U.S. Dept of Health)
<br />• 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes. 14 times the national average. (Source: Justice and Behavior)
<br />• 85% of children with behavioral problems come from fatherless homes. 20 times the national average. (Source: Center for Disease Control)
<br />• Daughters of single parents without a Father involved are 53% more likely to marry as teenagers, 711% more likely to have children as teenagers, 164% more likely to have a pre-marital birth and 92% more likely to get divorced themselves. (SOURCE: Morse, Jennifer Roback. “Parents or Prisons.” Policy Review, 2003)</div><div>
<br />The last time I checked, the last virgin birth occurred 2011 years ago. That means every child since then has a biological father. So then, where are all of you?</div><div>
<br /><b>Being a Father Is NOT Enough</b></div><div><b>
<br /></b>The University of Texas at Austin once surveyed 701 fathers and discovered that the top 4 major obstacles for fathers to overcome are: 1) Work demands, 2) The media, 3) Pop Culture and 4) Finances. I couldn’t agree more, only I would add “ego” as a 5th, but since all four essentially feed our ego, I’ll leave it at the four. </div><div>
<br />I believe every father is hit by all of these at one time or another, but as the saying goes, “It’s not what happens to us, but how we react to those things that determine the outcome.” A father’s lack of involvement in their child’s life can no longer be blamed on these outside forces. We can no longer stand on the sidelines and passively watch the lives of our children go by. </div><div>
<br />Today is Saturday, and that means college football for many men. Tomorrow will be NFL day. Take a look at all those men who paint their faces and do crazy things to display their passion for the game. I love watching American football as much as any other man. In fact, I can easily be one of those guys with a painted blue face doing the Gator chomp at a Florida Gator game. If we men can be so passionate about something like football, why can’t we be as passionate about our families? </div><div>
<br /><b>Courage</b></div><div><b>
<br /></b>The movie forced me to look deeper at my role as a father, and quite frankly, I was uncomfortable at first, but quickly found myself reflecting on all the four aspects mentioned above. My weaknesses surfaced. I’ve always known my weaknesses deep down, but I haven’t had the courage to confront them with the level of intensity and faith that I know it takes. What can I say; I’m just as human as anyone else. </div><div>
<br />In my upcoming novel, Igorotdo: The Warrior Within, courage is one of the lessons that the main character learns from his Igorot ancestors. This same courage that enabled his people to resist more than three hundred years of colonization by Spain, overcome the superior Japanese enemy of WWII and overcome discrimination from Americans and fellow Filipinos is a key component of being a warrior both then and now.</div><div>
<br />Let’s make no mistake about it – it takes a warrior to become the kind of father we are created to become in God’s eyes. It takes a warrior of courage to give up pride-fueling desires for the sake of his family. It takes a warrior of courage to do things he is uncomfortable with for the sake of the family. It takes a warrior of courage to change any negative and destructive patterns that were passed down to him by unloving parents. It takes a warrior of courage to survive the plethora of kidney punches and kicks imposed on us by society.</div><div>
<br />I’ll leave you with the lyrics of Casting Crown’s song “Courageous” . . .
<br /><blockquote><i>“We were made to be courageous. We were made to lead the way. We could be the generation that finally breaks the chains. . . We were warriors on the front lines standing unafraid, but now we’re watchers on the sidelines while our families slip away. Where are you, men of courage? You were made for so much more. . . We were made to be courageous and we’re taking back the fight. . . This is our resolution, our answer to the call. We will love our wives and children. We refuse to let them fall. We will reignite the passion that we buried deep inside. May the watchers become warriors. In the war of the mind I will make my stand. In the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand, we were made to be courageous . . . “</i></blockquote></div>
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<!-- End of StatCounter Code for Blogger / Blogspot -->Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-82077383210401933472011-09-21T11:00:00.024-05:002011-09-29T20:35:03.821-05:00Switch heart Switch mind Switchfoot<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0jW1ljcEs/TnoQjnt9xrI/AAAAAAAAAC0/7g5JjeYEmFg/s1600/writing%2Bhand.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ty0jW1ljcEs/TnoQjnt9xrI/AAAAAAAAAC0/7g5JjeYEmFg/s320/writing%2Bhand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654850486260319922" /><br /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Putting words on paper for a book, short story, memoir, novel and other forms or literature is a special task in itself. One profession that tends to be overlooked is that of song writers. Writing meaningful and inspiring songs always seems to impress me mainly because of how much can be told in such few amount of words.<span> </span>Many people think writing a novel is the most difficult thing to write, and it certainly can be, but I believe that writing songs that move ones soul towards a greater good can be as equally, if not more, difficult.<span> </span>Anyone can write fun, romantic and meaningless songs, but it takes a special songwriter to make a few words speak volumes in a way that engages someone deep within their core and has the power to provoke positive action and thought.</p> <img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF6cxaS_Zkc/TnoigCbvDFI/AAAAAAAAADE/-v1Nit-gX1U/s200/u2fotonlothsr2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654870215921437778" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 200px; " /><p class="MsoNormal">My first experience with such powerful songs was in my senior year of high school when<span> </span>I was introduced to the rock band, U2.<span> </span>For me, the lyrics from their albums “Unforgettable Fire” and “The Joshua Tree” connected with that inner part of me that longs for truth.<span> </span>Don’t get me wrong.<span> </span>The Edge’s unique guitar riffs and sounds, Adam’s almost navigational lead bass and Larry’s snares and rolls had a lot to do with my love for their music, but what captured me most were the words that came out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bono</span>’s mouth. <span></span>Many people don’t realize that U2, one of the biggest rock bands ever, is also one of the leading voices of faith and social activism.<span> </span>If that statement intrigues you, get a copy of the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Spiritual-Journey-Steve-Stockman/dp/0976035758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316627587&sr=1-1">“Walk On: The Spiritual</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Spiritual-Journey-Steve-Stockman/dp/0976035758/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316627587&sr=1-1">Journey of U2.”</a></p><p class="MsoNormal">The impact that music has had on me is one of the main driving forces in my desire to write.<span> </span>I find it incredible how musical lyrics can inspire someone to take positive action in their own lives.<span> </span>This is why we need more people writing inspirational music, books and novels.<span> </span>For all those writers out there already doing so, “kudos,” I say to you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Going back to that time in my life; it was then that I realized the importance of feeding my mind with more music that provokes, inspires and challenges me to become a better person. I had a change of heart or “switch heart” so to speak.<span> </span><span> </span>As a teenager, I began realizing how all the vice-inspiring music I once listened to mostly promote a kind of life that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">isn</span>’t intended for me.<span> </span>I went from a change of heart to a change of mind or “switch mind” when I became more conscious of the lyrics and meanings of every song I heard.<span> </span>Did I completely stop listening to mainstream pop, rock and other genre music? Of course not, but when given the chance and choice, I usually gravitated toward music of inspiration and encouragement.<span> </span>I listen more to the lyrics than the musical notes and composition.<span> </span>My favorite U2 song, “40,” which happens to come from Psalms 40, eloquently captures my change in musical outlook at the time.</p><p class="MsoNormal">From "40":</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">I waited patiently for the Lord</p><p class="MsoNormal">He inclined and heard my cry</p><p class="MsoNormal">He lifted me up out of the pit</p><p class="MsoNormal">Out of the miry clay</p><p class="MsoNormal">I will sing, sing a new song</p><p class="MsoNormal">I will sing, sing a new song . . . "</p></blockquote><div><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;color:black;background:white"><span class="apple-style-span"></span></span><span><o:p></o:p></span><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Music is food.<span> </span>There is healthy music and there is junk music.<span> </span>Junk music is the songs that promote the vices that are behind all the unhappiness in our lives.<span> </span>Like junk food, this music is okay at moderate levels, but too much can lead to heap of soulful unhappiness.</p><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyajEfKzHOU/TnomoFLT0fI/AAAAAAAAADM/emRZ4QlMVGs/s200/switchfoot.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654874752143315442" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /> <p class="MsoNormal">U2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">isn</span>’t the only band I listen to, but they’re still one of the few “secular” sounding bands that can evoke meaning that is worthy of the good book itself.<span> </span>I try to keep up with current music so as not to cling on to the past.<span> </span>In fact, today I was listening to my favorite Christian radio station for an hour while driving home.<span> </span>They had the rock band, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Switchfoot</span>, as their live guests in the studio.<span> </span>In between interviews, they played songs from their upcoming album, Vice Versus.</p></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal">As usual, I paid particular attention to the lyrics.<span> </span>Like U2, their songs contained lyrics that evoked a deeper meaning that could have anyone walking away a better person.<span> </span>Also like U2, the poetry and word play were so cleverly done that one could draw in the meaning and message rather than having it spoon fed to them.<span> </span>I liked all the songs, but the top three that I like most are “Where I belong”, “Thrive” and “Vice Versus.<span> </span>Just read a sampling of the lyrics and you’ll know why:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>From "Thrive":</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">"I've been awake for an hour or so</p><p class="MsoNormal">Checking for a pulse but I just don't know</p><p class="MsoNormal">Am I a man if I feel like a ghost?</p><p class="MsoNormal">The stranger in the mirror is wearing my clothes</p><p class="MsoNormal">No, I'm not alright</p><p class="MsoNormal">I know that I'n not right</p><p class="MsoNormal">A steering wheel doesn't mean you can drive</p><p class="MsoNormal">A warm body doesn't mean I'm alive. . . "</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>From "Vice Versus":</b></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal">"Let the pacific laugh</p><p class="MsoNormal">Be on my epitah</p><p class="MsoNormal">With it's rising and falling</p><p class="MsoNormal">And after all, it's just water</p><p class="MsoNormal">And I am just a soul</p><p class="MsoNormal">With a body of water and bones</p><p class="MsoNormal">Water and bones. . . "</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p></blockquote></div><blockquote><div><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>From "Where I Belong"</b>:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">"We were born into the fight</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">But I'm not sentimental</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">This skin and bones is a rental</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">And no one makes it out alive</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Until I die singing these songs</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">On the shores of Babylon. . .</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Still looking for a home</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">In a world that I belong</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Where we can find the strong</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Where the righteous can right the wrong. . . "</p></blockquote></div></blockquote><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Switchfoot</span> - Vice Versus<br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3oRswsMb5Rw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Switchfoot</span>- Where I Belong<br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/zCxAfpYTt_U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Switchfoot</span> - Thrive<br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IyW5lMuveK0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />U2 - 40<br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AjtpplE39_g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><!-- Start of StatCounter Code for Blogger / Blogspot --><br /><script type="text/javascript"><br />var sc_project=7240729;<br />var sc_invisible=0;<br />var sc_security="47747fbb";<br /></script><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="<br />http://www.statcounter.com/counter/counter_xhtml.js"></script><br /><noscript><div class="statcounter"><a title="blogspot statistics" href="<br />http://statcounter.com/blogger/" class="statcounter"><img<br />class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/7240729/0/47747fbb/0/"<br />alt="blogspot statistics" /></a></div></noscript><br /><!-- End of StatCounter Code for Blogger / Blogspot -->Rexcrisanto Delsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10877679245059608044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-73453694966802460962011-09-09T23:09:00.005-05:002011-09-10T10:12:10.970-05:009/11: Moving On But Never Over<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Scornful Treatment of “Our Pearl Harbor”</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9n7nplkhC4/Tmrf9xsTj6I/AAAAAAAAARI/DA7TYzST9WA/s1600/cross+ground+zero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y9n7nplkhC4/Tmrf9xsTj6I/AAAAAAAAARI/DA7TYzST9WA/s320/cross+ground+zero.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The tenth anniversary of the devastating events of 9/11 (our Pearl Harbor) is fast upon us. Hopefully, many people will remember, memorialize and pray for all those who lost their lives that horrible day. Notice, I said "hopefully." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Last July, I came across a headline about a lawsuit filed by an organization called “The American Atheists.” The organization was demanding the removal of the cross enshrined at the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City. Fortunately, Congressman J. Randy Forbes slammed the lawsuit and defended the cross while calling the organization’s efforts “sad and misguided.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Earlier this week I learned of the terrible decision by the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, to exclude any prayers from clergy at ground zero in this Sunday’s official memorial ceremony. In addition, Mayor Bloomberg is NOT allowing the first responders (firefighters, police, paramedics, etc.) of that tragic day attend the ceremony. What a shame! What can be more scornful than that?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How about taking salt and rubbing it into the gaping wounds just mentioned, which many seem to be doing. The salt I am talking about is actually the notion that we, the nation, needs to “get over” 9/11 and move on. Hard to believe, but I’ve heard this mentioned on several occasions in the last few days. The first thought that came across my mind was whether these people ever lost a loved one. If so, they should know better than to think we should get over it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Getting Over?</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Let me shift gears here and attempt to address a topic that I think women are better at articulating: the death of loved ones. Most men, including me, tend to allow our machismo to hide what I believe is a basic fundamental truth about how we get over the death of a loved one, and that is – we DON’T. Oh sure, anyone can play the game and “appear” so, but the reality within the crevasses of our heart says otherwise.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sixteen years has passed since the car that my parents and baby sister were in flipped into the air over the highway median and landed on a fast approaching car. I lost all of them that day and the surviving five year old boy in the other car lost his parents as well. Mourning is expected immediately after the incident and even months thereafter, but for some reason, people develop a notion that one “gets over” it. To the common eye, I certainly appear so because I am able to talk about them without signs of pain (usually). Some of the large pictures of them that used to take up wall space at my last residence remain stored in the basement of the new house. By appearance, I guess it's easy for one to come to the conclusion that I'm over it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The truth is, I never got over it, and I will never get over it. I love my dad. I love my mom. I love my sister. I still periodically dream about them as if they were still alive, and when I wake up, I try going back to sleep so that I can be "there" with them longer. Every time I meet new parents in their early thirties, I think about my sister and the kids and husband she would have had she survived the crash. In some shape or form, I think about them every day. Their deaths have created three vacant holes in my heart/soul that only they can ever fill. Fortunately, their love gives me the faith to believe that someday those holes will be filled if I make the right decisions in life and join them in their heavenly splendor, but until then, the holes remain within.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Moving On</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Last month, my friend, Marlon, invited my family to his house to join them in a memorial dinner in memory of his father and grandfather. I was pleasantly surprised to get the invitation because it was something more of his planning than that of his wonderful wife. Like most men, Igorot men are no different when it comes to keeping our macho wits about us. When we arrived, several others of our Igorot friends were already there. I walked into the dining room and smiled at all the delicious food set on the table. Immediately next to the table were two large pictures of his father and grandfather that stared at everyone in the room. It was an appropriate setting.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We all gathered around the table and listened to his heartfelt memorial prayer. Upon the conclusion of his prayer, we “moved on” and began eating in a more festive spirit. Later that evening, several of us were gathered in the dining room talking and drinking. It so happened that we all lost a loved one somewhat recently. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I poured a glass of brandy for everyone and we all did a toast to those we lost. Afterwards, we took turns sharing our funniest memory of them. It was great to cut through all the small-talk smoke and mirrors and just talk about someone we cared so much about, even though it was humorous. It’s these moments of memorializing that helps us move on with our lives. More importantly, they help remind us of our tasks as parents and the need to leave behind that which is most important – Love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Our Pearl Harbor</u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-8r4AufMQU/TmriDhhWl3I/AAAAAAAAARM/HVBJgc915ZA/s1600/Pearl+Harbor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-8r4AufMQU/TmriDhhWl3I/AAAAAAAAARM/HVBJgc915ZA/s400/Pearl+Harbor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy. Hundreds were injured and nearly three thousand Americans were killed. Those who survived the attack and are still living today will tell you that they never got over it. Imagine how they would feel if prayer were not allowed at the memorial services then or if the military service men and women survivors were not allowed to attend their tenth anniversary in 1951. Has main stream society’s political correctness gone too far? Yes it has.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, you can make a difference by not allowing this weekend to go by without taking a moment to pray in your own way for those who lost their lives, their surviving loved one and the future of our country. Like Marlon's dinner; the combination of prayer, fellowship and memorials are what will keep this country from deteriorating.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<!-- End of StatCounter Code for Blogger / Blogspot -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-54538015163760538972011-08-29T21:09:00.002-05:002011-09-04T16:23:18.427-05:00Highlanders Global<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0_KMe4WHdM/Tlw5oQRsxYI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Y7R2wXzvzkc/s1600/Highlanders+Global+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x0_KMe4WHdM/Tlw5oQRsxYI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Y7R2wXzvzkc/s320/Highlanders+Global+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I recently started a Facebook group called “Highlanders Global.” I have been wanting to create such a group since I met a few Scottish highlanders during a July 4th parade in nearby Downers Grove, Illinois several years ago. The idea remained in my head like a dormant seed until last March when my family and I met a very nice Goral highlander family from Poland. Shortly after our encounter, the seed germinated and I began doing some research into their culture, which led me to research more about the Scottish highlanders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nzkcOOyPDaY/Tlw-AYovhpI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/XoCWIpclkow/s1600/HighlanderBand-Goral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nzkcOOyPDaY/Tlw-AYovhpI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/XoCWIpclkow/s400/HighlanderBand-Goral.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Highlander Band Goral Highlander</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The encounter and research into the Goral culture compelled me to write a blog called <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/03/gorals-and-igorots.html">“Gorals and Igorots.”</a> In June I came across several Scottish highlander authors through Twitter. One of them posted an article about the wearing of their kilts, which led me to more research that resulted in another blog called <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/06/fabric-of-highlanders-scottish-igorot.html">“The Fabric of Highlanders: Scottish and Igorot.”</a> By then, the little seed that sprouted grew enough to finally find the time to create that Facebook group I wanted.<br />
<br />
Several days have passed since I created the group and I still have to find the time to add some real content such as discussions, related posts and such. I had plans to work on it this past weekend, but a camping excursion with many of our friends kept my computer virtually closed all weekend. After a weekend of camping, biking, hiking and boating; I was ready to put things off another week until this morning.<br />
<br />
Sore, tired and sleep deprived; I stopped at a nearby oasis (rest area/food court situated directly above the highway) during work to buy a cup of espresso from the Starbucks within. Ahead of me in line were two men and a young girl. They were of medium-dark complexion and were speaking to each other in another language that sounded familiar. When I saw that the girl was wearing a shirt that had the word “Ethiopia” on it, I suddenly remembered where I heard their language. It was at our favorite Ethiopian restaurant in Chicago called<a href="http://ethiopiandiamondcuisine.com/"> “Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant.”</a><br />
<br />
When it came time for them to pay, I saw that they were short 35 cents. One of them looked over his shoulder at a distant table where the rest of his party sat eating. He bent down and said something to the girl as he pointed to their table. From the looks of it, it seemed like he was telling her to get more money and bring it back to him. Without hesitation, I reached into my pocket, pulled out 35 cents and handed it to the cashier. <br />
<br />
The other Ethiopian man saw what I was doing, shook his head and said in his broken English, “Oh no, no sir, we have money.” I smiled and replied, “It’s no big deal. Really. Please allow me.” Realizing I was intent on helping, he smiled and thanked me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVamDQEFT1A/Tlw-vnkLRSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WqgNNR967So/s1600/ethiopian-highlands_952_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EVamDQEFT1A/Tlw-vnkLRSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/WqgNNR967So/s400/ethiopian-highlands_952_600x450.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethiopian Highlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
They returned to their table while I waited for my espresso. While waiting, I watched them as three more of their friends just joined them. The adults stood up and greeted the newcomers by kissing them on both cheeks – a sight I often saw when eating at the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant. With espresso in hand, I began casually walking in their direction while heading toward the exit. As I approached their table, the man I talked with stood up and looked at me. I smiled as he said thank you again. I veered toward their table and began talking with them.<br />
<br />
“Are you Ethiopian?” I asked.<br />
<br />
They all smiled and replied almost in unison, “Oh yes.”<br />
<br />
I introduced myself and told them how I love Ethiopian food. They looked happily surprised. <br />
<br />
“You know about our food?” asked one of the ladies.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxItm8wdf_I/Tlw_C0r_ueI/AAAAAAAAARA/59r7BXc0I4I/s1600/Ethiopian+Food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RxItm8wdf_I/Tlw_C0r_ueI/AAAAAAAAARA/59r7BXc0I4I/s200/Ethiopian+Food.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My last Easter Meal at Ethiopian Diamond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>“Of course,” I replied. “My favorite is Yebeg Watt (lamb in spicy sauce) with Injera (flat bread).”<br />
The whole table smiled with happiness.<br />
<br />
The man who remained standing then introduced himself as Awate (I think that’s how it’s spelt) and proceeded to introduce his family, brother, sister-in-law and mother. They were from Minnesota and were passing through Chicago on their way to visit family in New Jersey. Awate then told me that his mother arrived to the U.S. on a tourist visa last week. When I asked her how she likes our country so far, she just smiled and looked at Awate for a translation before replying.<br />
<br />
“She is very happy to be with her children, but she is already missing home,” Awate relayed to me.<br />
<br />
“She misses the mountains where we’re from.”<br />
<br />
“Mountains?” I asked as my ears perked up.<br />
<br />
“Yes,” he replied with pride. “We have some of the tallest and most beautiful mountains in Africa.”<br />
Thrilled to hear this, I happily and surprisingly replied, “Really!? No kidding. I am also from some of the highest mountains in my country.”<br />
<br />
This triggered a very fascinating 20 minute conversation with them about the mountainous regions of Ethiopia. I learned they are called Eritean, but are also considered highlanders and those who lived below are also referred to as lowlanders. It fascinated me to learn how they are the only people of Africa who weren’t colonized by foreigners. When I told them how Igorots weren’t colonized by Spain and other countries, they were also truly amazed. Like Igorots, they have their own language and culture that distinguishes them from their fellow Ethiopians and Africans. Most of the Ethiopian highlanders are Christian while most of the lowlanders are Muslim. I would love to have stayed longer conversing with them, but I was running late for a work related appointment.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VezwdLiwF94/TlxFWmc8paI/AAAAAAAAARE/HZwIB6dU9rg/s1600/Highlands+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VezwdLiwF94/TlxFWmc8paI/AAAAAAAAARE/HZwIB6dU9rg/s400/Highlands+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethiopian, Polish, Scottish and Filipino Highlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Today’s pleasant encounter reinforced earlier thoughts about the importance of learning about other mountainous cultures and finding common denominators or similarities between them. I believe that by doing so, more people will come to a level of respect and brotherhood that can lead to world unity. <br />
<br />
<b>If you know of any highlanders from any corner of the globe, please share this and the Facebook <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/227684820611860/">“Highlanders Global”</a> group link with them. </b><br />
<br />
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</script><noscript>&amp;amp;lt;div class="statcounter"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a title="counter to blogger" class="statcounter" href="http://statcounter.com/blogger/"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/7177602/0/aaa31501/0/" alt="counter to blogger" /&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;gt;</noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-70299745953265589552011-08-21T20:07:00.002-05:002011-08-21T20:10:16.833-05:00Picnics of Culture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjYvZdk04Pk/TlGpXpi_Z7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/-gojB1znxXk/s1600/SunRainCity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kjYvZdk04Pk/TlGpXpi_Z7I/AAAAAAAAAQs/-gojB1znxXk/s320/SunRainCity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It was 9:00 am on the Saturday morning of August 20, 2011. Still dressed in my sleeping attire, I rushed out to my car to buy bile for the large pot of Papaitan that I prepared. Nothing but clouds filled the sky as the dewy scent of rain swept inside my nostrils. “Oh no,” I thought. “If we get rained out, who’s going to eat all this food?” My concerns only grew when the music on the radio was interrupted by a Weather alert informing people of a severe thunderstorm passing through the area where our picnic was to be held. Hearing about winds of up to 60mph and a storm capable of producing golf-ball-sized hail was enough to get me thinking about a last minute cancellation.<br />
<br />
After buying the bile, I rushed back home and checked the local weather radar. “Whew,” I gasped as the orange and yellow images of the storm looked to stay well north of our picnic location at least until 1pm, and even then, there was only a fifty percent chance of storms thereafter. My family quickly loaded my car and headed to the picnic. Ten minutes after we left the house, rain began to drizzle onto the windshield. <br />
<br />
“It’s only a stray drizzle,” I thought as I manually turned the windshield wiper on once to clear the droplets off the windshield. After a few more single manual wipes of the windshield, a sinking feeling set in my stomach as I found it necessary to change the wipers to the medium automatic setting. Then my phone rang. It was our friend Marissa, who was also on her way to the picnic. “It’s raining pretty hard here,” she said. “Many are asking me if we are still having the picnic. What do you think?” she continued. A part of me wanted to cancel the picnic, but again, “Who’s going to eat all this food,” I thought.<br />
<br />
I told her the radar showed promising signs and that we still had the shelter of a pavilion to rely on in the event it really rained hard. A few minutes later another call came in. It was our friend Gerald. He told me that he had just arrived at the picnic location and it was really down pouring hard. The rain was so hard that he asked me to consider moving the picnic to the nearby office of one of our friends. Again, I convinced him that the radar showed the rain passing us quickly. I lied of course. The radar actually showed heavy rain for the next three hours with more to come in the early afternoon. <br />
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When we arrived to the picnic site, the rain lessened enough to allow us to unload our things without getting soaking wet. We walked through puddles of water that saturated the grass. Our feet were already soaking wet. As soon as we entered the pavilion, I was so happy to see my uncle Sammy barbecuing chicken. By the looks of it, he must have been there since 9:00 am that morning. “This is good,” I thought. “This has got to be a good omen.”<br />
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Despite the heavy rain, people started showing up in consistent numbers with a dish or desert to contribute to our potluck event. Before we knew it, an entire Lechon, barbecued chicken, Papaitan, Dinakdakan, Pancit, Dinardaran, Pinakbet, beef stew, Tilapia, Kikiam/Afritada, Tapey, fruits, deserts and much more graced three picnic tables. We had a wonderful mixture of “old folks,” young folks and kids present. <br />
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The rain quickly subsided and we found ourselves with an entire afternoon filled with sun. After filling our bellies with glutinous-diet busting-morsels of delight, we commenced with games for both young and old. Dancing? Oh, you better believe it. Out came the gangsas, sulibaos and takik. We made sure to include our cultural dances throughout the rest of the afternoon. I was very pleased to see everyone partaking in the dances, and I was especially happy to see visitors from Pittsburg (a clan in their own rite) partaking in the dancing for their first time. <br />
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The picnic was just another testament of the Igorot spirit. Despite adversities, we still manage to overcome them. I am lucky to have friends in BIBBAK to help me stay connected in this land where cultural identity is easily lost.<br />
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<!-- End of StatCounter Code -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-50124126522116149242011-08-15T22:57:00.003-05:002011-08-17T22:21:12.549-05:00World Chaos, Melting Pots, American Igorots and Persistent Hope<div class="MsoNormal"><b>World Chaos</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">If any of you have been keeping up to date with world and national affairs this past month, you might have come to a conclusion that the world is in chaos. If so, I don’t blame you because that’s how I felt. The following headlines grabbed me as both mind-boggling and very heart-wrenching: The Norwegian Massacre by Anders Behring Breivik, Senseless Violence & Flash Riots by Teens in Philadelphia, Rioting and violence in England and the whole Government and Economical Debacle of America.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“What is going on?” I asked myself daily. “What kind of world awaits my children?” “Is there hope?” Then it hit me when I recently stood on a small stage in front of several hundred people at the Rosewood Banquet Hall on August 6th. I came face to face with a bright glimpse of hope. . .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BIBBAK Illinois at Baguio City High School Reunion - Chicago</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Melting Pots</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> I was with more than forty Igorot friends, who are part of our Igorot cultural group called BIBBAK-Illinois. We were attending the Baguio City High School Reunion dinner, which we were invited to perform some of our cultural dances for their alumni. This was an invitation we couldn’t refuse.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of dressing at the banquet hall, our group arrived wearing our native attire: The women in their tapis and the men in our wanes. I was one of the first to enter the banquet hall. As I walked in, a Filipina lady greeted me with a smile and said in English, “Oh good, the natives have arrived.” When I heard her refer to me as a “native,” I immediately took it as a compliment because the word speaks high volumes about my “indigenous” culture. I looked at her as she asked me how many others are coming in her Tagalog language. Then I smiled and told her the rest of the group will be arriving shortly.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Anybody who grew up in the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines would have already expected a mix of Filipinos at the reunion, but this American raised Igorot needed to be reminded by others that Baguio City in the Philippines is a melting pot of both lowlanders and Igorot highlanders. The metropolitan city, though rich with Igorot culture, is also home to many Ilocano and Tagalog lowlanders. In fact, other ethnic groups have made the city their home. In a way, it is a microcosmic example of the American melting pot I live in today.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The formal setting of the dinner accentuated the contrast between our BIBBAK group and the alumni. The alumni women were dressed in very beautiful dresses, many of which were in traditional Filipino styles. Some of the men wore suits, but the majority preferred the formal Tagalog Barong shirt. As we waited in the hallway, I couldn’t help but notice how many people were speaking Tagalog instead of Ilocano or any of our native Igorot languages. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>American Igorots</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">As many of you may already know, I can never say enough about the importance of maintaining one’s cultural identity throughout the assimilation process of becoming an American. Every time I see a young Igorot who just immigrated to America, I see myself and wonder if that little boy or girl will lose touch with their Igorot culture like I once did. I also wonder whether or not their parents are so concerned about their child’s assimilation that they might stop talking to them in their native language.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">These days I look at my kids and often wish I could pass down my family’s Kankanaey language to them or at the very least – the Ilocano language. Unfortunately, this is something I am unable to do. Fortunately though, language isn’t the only thing that makes up the identity of one’s culture. More important than language are the inner qualities that define the goodness of any culture. This is what I can pass onto them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">With that said, I must admit that I lost focus of the main reason why we accepted the invitation to perform at the reunion - to share our heritage. What was once a pride for my heritage suddenly gave way to the political correctness of modern day society. At first, I had intended to invite the audience to join us in dancing our native dances. I was certain that we would have many people leaving their seats to join us, but self doubt entered my thoughts. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">“What if we offend some of them by assuming everyone embraces our culture?” I briefly thought. “What if they just want to watch? What if none of the audience will join us? . . . what if . . . what if. . .”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Thank goodness I had parents who didn’t allow what others thought of them to dictate their actions. Thank goodness I inherited that same quality. Thank God I was able to cast such doubts aside and proceed with our original plans of involving the audience. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Persistent Hope</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Anyways, there it was – Hope. The kind of HOPE that transcends the negative things of our world. The same kind of hope found when Christ himself prayed, “May they all be one” (Jn 17:21) shortly before he died. A hope that is only possible through unity. Yes, there was unity in that banquet hall that night; unity in the form of music, dance and brotherhood.</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">When the children of our group proudly danced to the rhythms of our instruments, I saw hope. When Catholics, Protestants, Pagans and Agnostic danced together, I saw hope. When highlanders, lowlanders and non-Filipinos danced together, I saw hope. Hope. Hope. Hope.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You see my friends; we didn’t accept the invitation to dance at the reunion for monies sake, for no money was ever discussed. We aren’t “professional” performers nor do we strive to become as such. I have seen firsthand how such aspirations only tear apart Filipino cultural dance groups. No, we just like to dance because this something we Igorots have always liked and will hopefully continue to like. We just wanted to share our culture. By just “sharing” our culture, a heavenly sense of unity was briefly created within this chaotic world.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If our culture (or any culture for that matter) is going to survive, unity within and abroad must be present. Be proud of your heritage, but see the goodness of others as well. For the most part, unity is Love. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Albert Ellis once said, “<i>The art of love . . . is largely the art of persistence</i>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the sake of generations to come, it is vital to be persistent in our efforts to live the kinds of lives that not only exemplify the goodness of our Igorot culture, but more importantly – the goodness of mankind.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote><i>“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan press on has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race” - Calvin Coolidge</i></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal">In closing, I wish to thank all the Baguio City High School alumni and the organizers of the event for inviting my friends and I. You really made us feel welcomed and part of your family. Your gifts of various tapis and wanes from different Igorot tribes are very much appreciated. Thank you. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<!-- End of StatCounter Code -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-36049593575439411522011-07-30T16:31:00.003-05:002011-07-31T18:49:14.879-05:00X-Men and the Beast Within<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoeVMiqwX54/TjUDJAWs8ZI/AAAAAAAAAQY/NJgmp2kjScA/s1600/XMen+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QoeVMiqwX54/TjUDJAWs8ZI/AAAAAAAAAQY/NJgmp2kjScA/s320/XMen+banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Hollywood and its twisted values have made it increasingly harder for me to surrender whatever valuable time I have in life to the misleading influences of its culture. When movies like <i><a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2011/04/soul-surfing-review.html">Soul Surfer</a>, Blindsided, Glory Road, <a href="http://amerigorot.blogspot.com/2010/10/igorot-gump.html">Forrest Gump</a> </i>and such are released, I am one of the first to see it because I am always yearning for inspirational lessons that can help me stay the true course. However, every now and then I will accompany my kids to watch something just for pure entertainment. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Several weeks ago, I watched “X-Men First Class” with the family. Why not, I thought. I enjoyed the action and the whole good versus bad theme of the previous X-Men movies, and besides, it’s the only action movie my oldest daughter will see. Fortunately for me, I got much more out of the movie than sheer entertainment. Yup, I was actually very inspired by the character named Hank McCoy.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KVSsz5z7B4/TjUDZ0nBYpI/AAAAAAAAAQc/7Rt4axMqEQQ/s1600/XMen-HankBeast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--KVSsz5z7B4/TjUDZ0nBYpI/AAAAAAAAAQc/7Rt4axMqEQQ/s320/XMen-HankBeast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the movie, Hank is introduced as a very intelligent mutant who displays large feet, acrobatic strength and speed as his mutation. Unwilling to accept his mutant identity, Hank develops a serum that is intended to turn him into a “normal” person without any visible mutations. The experiment goes wrong, and instead of reversing his mutation; it only accelerates it and turns him into the hairy blue mutant known as the “Beast.” In the end, he comes to accept who he is and as many of you know; uses his mutant powers to help mankind as a government official with the title of Secretary of Mutant Affairs in “X-Men: The Last Stand.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOiQK-nyJVw/TjUHvHh7GMI/AAAAAAAAAQk/-wh6FWoC-5g/s1600/X-Men-First-Class-Beast-Mystique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SOiQK-nyJVw/TjUHvHh7GMI/AAAAAAAAAQk/-wh6FWoC-5g/s320/X-Men-First-Class-Beast-Mystique.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Whether we like to admit it or not, many people who appear to be different within their culture, often wish they could be “normal” like everyone else. Rather than focusing on becoming the person God created them to be, many of them do all sorts of things to become “normal” – to become accepted.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was once like that. No, not a mutant with large feet or special powers. Rather, an Igorot who wished I could be “normal” like the entire world I grew up with in Caucasian suburban Oak Park, IL, USA. I knew I was different. The teasing and being called chink, nip and other racial slurs were periodic reminders of that fact. I used to look in the mirror sideways and wish my nose wasn’t flat and round, wonder why my straight hair wouldn’t stay “feathered” like the other boys (I’m giving my age away here) and even wished that my parents didn’t have their strange accents.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hence, my hair became victim to perm experiments and even my sister’s curling irons. I watched popular movies and emulated behavior, speech and cultural trends. Self consciousness eventually overtook me. After grade school, I moved to Florida where I thought all my efforts of becoming “normal” paid off. Instead of being ridiculed, I quickly found myself more than accepted by my peers. I became the captain of my high school basketball team, dated the blonde cheerleading captain, and became junior homecoming king and so on. I was finally “normal” like the rest . . . so I thought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I couldn’t have been more wrong. I may have appeared “normal,” but I actually became “less” of who God created me to become – an Igorot with a purpose that contributes to His greater plan for me. By injecting himself with the serum, not only did it accelerate Hank’s mutations, but it also accelerated the process it took for him to accept his true identity. I wish I had a similar serum. Maybe it would have saved me decades of trying to be normal. NORMAL? Normal in the eyes of society is highly overrated. On the other hand, normal in the eyes of God only means we are meant to stand out from society's ideal of normal and become the person we have been created to become.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDIGYqDii_g/TjUFfHYDgJI/AAAAAAAAAQg/YKgyDiQz0b8/s1600/Standout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDIGYqDii_g/TjUFfHYDgJI/AAAAAAAAAQg/YKgyDiQz0b8/s400/Standout.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are all made to stand out for the greater good</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">As with Hank, who turned into the “Beast,” there is hope for people who accept their identity. Although Hank became the iconic blue skinned creature, his gifts of great intelligence and creativity turned out to be his true identity. Rather than use his gifts for bad, he used them to help fellow mutants and mankind. I can only hope and pray that more people fight society’s ideal of who they should become, and realize that their true identity is not what society purports it to be. Our inner gifts make up our true identity, and our identity is meant for a greater purpose. Everyone’s true purpose is already laid out for them. All we need to do is listen within. </div><br />
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</script><noscript>&amp;amp;lt;div class="statcounter"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a title="blogger counters" class="statcounter" href="http://statcounter.com/blogger/"&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;img class="statcounter" src="http://c.statcounter.com/7093621/0/ce1684e0/0/" alt="blogger counters" /&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/div&amp;amp;gt;</noscript>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-91688082607263804042011-06-10T00:14:00.004-05:002013-11-15T07:48:04.979-06:00The Fabric of Highlanders: Scottish & Igorot<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TkPsletN0/TfGTOX94C_I/AAAAAAAAAPo/2qzME14TRbE/s1600/Scottish+Highlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TkPsletN0/TfGTOX94C_I/AAAAAAAAAPo/2qzME14TRbE/s320/Scottish+Highlands.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Highlands</td></tr>
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Almost seven thousand miles away from the Cordillera Mountains in the Philippines is another impressive range of mountains known as the Scottish Highlands. It is located north and west of the Highland Boundry Fault, which separates the Scottish highlands from the Scottish lowlands. Being an Igorot highlander, I have always been intrigued with the Gaelic culture of the Scottish Highlanders.<br />
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When reading about the differences between Scottish highlanders and lowlanders, I became fascinated knowing that they have many similarities with Igorots in that their language, food, clothing, physical features, religious and spiritual beliefs also set them apart from the lowlanders. The most intriguing of these is their clothing. Like Igorot clothing, it not only identifies them, but it also envelops their entire culture.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC7ePO7sm7M/TfGmUuiwoCI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lpmeWeOCOco/s1600/braveheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VC7ePO7sm7M/TfGmUuiwoCI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lpmeWeOCOco/s200/braveheart.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Scotland is the male garment known as Kilts. The two words,”Kilt” and “Scottish”, seem to go hand-in-hand and are inseparable in my mind. Take the movie, “Braveheart," for example. Even though there are historic inconsistencies with timeline and apparel, the largest being the absence of kilts at the time of Sir William Wallace; the movie would suffer greatly had the men not worn kilts. I can understand why Mel Gibson bent the timeline so as to depict a Scotland that many non-Scottish people identify with.<br />
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I also find it fascinating how their different tartans (colored patterns) eventually became associated with a particular Scottish clan or Scottish family heritage. This is also true with the clothing of Igorots. Though we do not have tartan patterns, an Igorot person's heritage can be identified with the patterns and colors of their traditional clothing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD6v1vuIaIM/TfPmCCh4gYI/AAAAAAAAAQA/cYwchhuwB3k/s1600/Scottish+Tartans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wD6v1vuIaIM/TfPmCCh4gYI/AAAAAAAAAQA/cYwchhuwB3k/s200/Scottish+Tartans.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottish Tartans</td></tr>
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The kilt has been such a great part of the Scottish Highlander's culture for many years. In fact, it was so great that the British government that ruled Scotland in the mid eighteenth century attempted to bring the Highlander warrior clans under their control by attacking at the very heart of their culture - their clothing. On August 1, 1746, Britain created The Dress Act, which was part of the Act of Proscription of 1746. It essentially made it illegal to wear the clothing of Highlanders, which included tartans and kilts.<br />
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On July 1, 1782, the Act was finally repealed and a proclamation was issued in Gaelic and English that said,<br />
<blockquote>
"<i>Listen Men. This is bringing before all the Sons of the Gael, the King and Parliament of Britain have forever abolished the act against the Highland Dress; which came down to the Clans from the beginning of the world to the year 1746. This must bring great joy to every Highland Heart. You are no longer bound down to the unmanly dress of the Lowlander. This is declaring to every Man, young and old, simple and gentle, that they may after this put on and wear the Truis, the Little Kilt, the Coat, and the Striped Hose, as also the Belted Plaid, without fear of the Law of the Realm or the spite of the enemies.</i>"</blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vawGYmZRsf0/TfGlqibcbXI/AAAAAAAAAPs/O57Rx8gigzw/s1600/greatkilt+RobRoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vawGYmZRsf0/TfGlqibcbXI/AAAAAAAAAPs/O57Rx8gigzw/s1600/greatkilt+RobRoy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam Neeson wearing the Great Kilt of the early 1700s</td></tr>
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When I first learned of this discrimination, the first thing that came to mind was how the historic Igorot male attire, the Bahag or Wanes (more commonly known as G-String by westerners) came under attack when Filipino lowlanders used it to portray Igorots as having tails so as to cast a negative impression about Igorots. It may be hard for many to believe, but this silly notion still lives on in this modern and highly advanced society. Sadly, discrimination against our culture continues within the Filipino and non-Filipino cultures.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijlbJMfTlTU/TfGnGNE0o1I/AAAAAAAAAP0/leoSQ0BiRxU/s1600/gstring-ifugao-dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijlbJMfTlTU/TfGnGNE0o1I/AAAAAAAAAP0/leoSQ0BiRxU/s320/gstring-ifugao-dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 2010, three young Igorot men were discriminated against for wearing their native attire to former President Clinton’s “Embracing Our Common Humanity” forum in the Philippines. Both American and Filipino personnel tried kicking the three men out for wearing their native Wanes. A month later, the U.S. government finally <a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110111-313756/Igorot-gets-apology-from-US-govt">apologized</a> on behalf of President Clinton to Igorots and all Indigenous people.<br />
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On a much subtler scale, my Igorot friends and I partook in a large Filipino cultural event in Chicago today. We led a parade consisting of Filipinos who represented various parts of the Philippines. After the parade, we had the Igorot children perform dances inside the museum. It turned out to be a great event, and the turnout from Americans, Filipinos, and other ethnic groups was fantastic. This is our third year to participate in this event, but for the first time I had some mixed emotions because we were asked not to expose our buttocks for fear that it might offend children and others.<br />
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When I first heard of the request, my first reaction was, “But that’s how it is worn – without underwear. If we are to share our culture, than why must we hide who we are?” Then I thought of the Scotts and how they are able to easily get away with wearing their kilts without underwear. "Wow, how lucky they are," I thought.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_iE77FcgQU/TfGnmCnhInI/AAAAAAAAAP8/cqWDuYV4Bh8/s1600/kiltblown_bez2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_iE77FcgQU/TfGnmCnhInI/AAAAAAAAAP8/cqWDuYV4Bh8/s320/kiltblown_bez2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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Today, we had some people wear a wanes for the first time. My teenage nephew, who is half Igorot, was one of them. I could see a sense of apprehension or discomfort on their part, but as the event moved forward, they quickly adapted to their new-found feeling of freedom. I could also sense that there were those who would have preferred to have that "full" sense of freedom that comes without underwear. Throughout the event, I couldn't help but think about the request to hide our buttocks. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nSHHoNfoD4/TfPvI7sz83I/AAAAAAAAAQE/OQI5dacxPns/s1600/Igorot+butt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nSHHoNfoD4/TfPvI7sz83I/AAAAAAAAAQE/OQI5dacxPns/s200/Igorot+butt.jpg" width="51" /></a></div>
My thoughts eventually led me to a greater sense of appreciation for our native attire. Underwear or no underwear (preferably no underwear), the act of wearing and/or appreciating our native attire is crucial because once we lose our native attire, it becomes easier to lose who we are, and that is a bigger loss that no underwear can make up. <br />
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<b>So, for all you Highlander men out there: wear you Kilts and Wanes with pride.</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWa3G4E5joA/TfTRw0r336I/AAAAAAAAAQM/suUTnsIKgrQ/s1600/DSCN0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OWa3G4E5joA/TfTRw0r336I/AAAAAAAAAQM/suUTnsIKgrQ/s400/DSCN0961.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igorot children line up for today's parade at Chicago's Navy Pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igorot children line up for today's parade at Chicago's Navy Pier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlJ3mEoCw8Y/TfTTyW6l1aI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KeI-xPN8_Ac/s1600/DSCN0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LlJ3mEoCw8Y/TfTTyW6l1aI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/KeI-xPN8_Ac/s400/DSCN0965.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Igorot teenagers also partaking in today's parade</td></tr>
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<!-- End of StatCounter Code -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453924994209545783.post-85072269415160337822011-05-15T23:22:00.005-05:002011-05-17T19:28:11.856-05:00What Cameron Diaz Can Learn from Ancestral Igorots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3xykRk2xco/TdCkY3K3pfI/AAAAAAAAAO0/n557wPpSNAQ/s1600/cameron-diaz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3xykRk2xco/TdCkY3K3pfI/AAAAAAAAAO0/n557wPpSNAQ/s1600/cameron-diaz.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">Last Thursday, I was on Twitter and came upon a disturbing article titled, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><a href="http://www.christianpost.com/news/pastors-respond-to-cameron-diazs-marriage-is-dying-remarks-50167/">Pastors Respond to Cameron Diaz's Marriage Is Dying Remarks</a>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;">" In it, she was quoted as having said, "I don't think we should live our lives in relationships based off old traditions that don't suit our world any longer." Shortly thereafter, Ablow, a member of FOX News supported her statement by saying, "Marriage is (as it has been for decades now) a source of real suffering for the vast majority of married people." He contended that the end of marriage is "only a matter of time now" and that "we should be thinking about what might replace it." </span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><h1 style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 5.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.25pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Now, why should this concern me? It shouldn’t, especially since these two people represent the sad values and culture of Hollywood. However, I am quite aware of the powerful influences Hollywood has over our culture, and it bothers me to think of all the thousands of people who give credence to these comments.</span></span></span></h1><h1 style="font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 5.25pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 5.25pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">The article appeared on the Christian Post, and it serves as a wakeup call to the Christian world because of the alarming rise of divorces among Christians, particularly conservative Christians. It is a good opportunity for </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">Christian leaders to address the problems of marriage today. I have no doubt that they will be sharing their Christian perspectives to the world. </span></span></span></h1><div><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;">As for me, I will share a different perspective that is derived from the mixture of my American, Catholic and Igorot background (with more emphasis on the Igorot). If somehow I could transport Cameron and Ablow back in to a 19th century Igorot village, they would clearly see that marriage was not a source of suffering or unhappiness. Rather, they would see that it was a source of happiness and fulfillment because the foundation of marriage for my pagan Bontoc Igorot ancestors were truly based on two distinct things: love and the bearing of children.</span></span></span></div><div><span class="apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: 11pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Historically, these two facets of marriage have always been eloquently captured during an Igorot ceremony called "Kapiya." During this ceremony, the elderly man performing the “Kapiya” would say to their pagan god, Lumawig:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Thou, Lumawig! now these children desire to unite in marriage. They wish to be blessed with many children. When they possess pigs, may they grow large. When they cultivate their palay, may it have large fruitheads. May their chickens also grow large. When they plant their beans may they spread over the ground, May they dwell quietly together in harmony. May the man’s vitality quicken the seed of the woman.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></blockquote><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">If you compare these words of the Kapiya ceremony, you will see how they echo the Latin origins of the words “Matrimony” and “Marriage.” Matrimony is a word that originates from the Latin: Mater, mother. This is because the first end of marriage is to make the maid a mother, generating children. Marriage comes from the Latin: Maritare, “to wed, marry or give in marriage.” This is the contract and mutual alliance that the couple enters when they swear to support one another and be together to the end of their lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">I find it amazing that the tribal culture of my Igorot ancestors were able to view such a basis for marriage, which is similar to the Christian basis, long before Christianity made its way into their world. For more than three centuries, Igorots did not allow the Spaniards to colonize them like the rest of the Filipinos on their island, yet their foundation for marriage can be compared to the Christian "Natural Law of marriage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Thanks to my mother’s conversion from paganism to Christian Catholicism; I have come to understand marriage as a Sacrament. I also learned that it was part of a “Natural Law” before it ever became a Sacrament. This law was instituted by God when He created Eve and gave her as a companion to Adam. The reason for her creation was given before Adam bit the apple: <i>“It is not good for a man to be alone; let us make him a help like unto himself” (Gen 2:18)</i>. After Adam committed the original sin, another reason was added: <i>“Increase and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen 1:28)</i>. All the leaders and prophets, as well as the pagans, lived in this state of Natural Law all the way up until the time of Jesus Christ.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Now back to Cameron and Ablow. If they had repeated their statements to my Igorot ancestors, I am sure they would have been asked what alternatives “their world” has to offer that their “traditional” ways of marriage. Can you imagine what my ancestor’s reactions would be upon hearing that they could partake in unlimited sexual partners, bypass the whole bearing of children thing, focus on self rather that others and so forth? I’ll save you the time of imagining and just tell you that their heads would have probably been severed for such notions. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 14.4pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What Cameron and Ablow suggest is nothing new. They just give it a “Hollywood” wrapping that appeal to those who are vulnerable to the temporal lies of society. History teaches us that when the basis or “Natural Law” of marriage was forgotten, bad things followed for those guilty of such decadence. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">Leo XIII described this decadence with eloquent words:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“All nations had more or less forgotten the true notion and origin of marriage, and consequently laws were enacted everywhere with reference to marriage dictated by reasons of State rather than the requirements of nature. … </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “Polygamy, polyandry and divorce were the causes of an extreme relaxation of the nuptial bond. Also a great confusion sprang up over the mutual rights and duties of the spouses, insomuch as a man assumed right of dominion over the wife, allowing him to repudiate her without a just cause; while, at the same time, he was at liberty to give free course to his unbridled passions …. </i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br />
</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> “When the licentiousness of a husband thus showed itself, nothing could be more piteous than the wife, whose degradation was so great that she was considered only as a means for the satisfaction of his passion or for giving him offspring. The ignominy reached the point that, without shame, marriageable girls were bought and sold, like so much merchandise, and power was sometimes given to the father and husband to kill the daughter or wife. The offspring of such consortiums were necessarily reckoned either goods of the State or the property of the head of the family” (Arcanum Divinae Sapientiae, n. 7).</i></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit;">Without getting too philosophical about this touchy subject, I think it would suffice to say that the happy outcome of my parent’s marriage is enough for me to want the same, if not better, for my children and their future families. There is too much hurt, sadness and pain today that are the result of “modern” views of marriage. Divorce effects everyone in a bad way, including today’s Igorots. Many good people today, including close friends and family of mine, have to deal with its emotional, physical and spiritual scars. Hollywood only makes it worse by playing the “spin doctor” roll of portraying broken families and marriages as a pain-free and accepted norm. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m not a marriage expert, but I can’t help but wonder how many less divorces we would have if the simple basis of it remained thriving in our society. It may seem too simple of a notion to think that the origin of marriage would do such a thing, but let us not confuse the word “simple” for “easy” because the two are very different. As simple as it may seem, it is probably one of the hardest things to do given society’s pull and influence. This is why I am convinced that the greatest gift parents can give their children is a happy marriage. It will far outweigh any material, monetary, physical or educational gifts one can leave their children. It truly takes a warrior to go against the grain of society to make such a simple thing possible so that greater things can flourish from it . . . And no, I don’t see neither Cameron nor Ablow as such warriors.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was fortunate to have been born with 20/20 vision. My five sisters and parents weren’t as fortunate though. For years, they have relied on corrective eyeglass lenses for adding or subtracting from their cornea’s focusing power, thereby creating the clear images of their daily lives. Although I never physically relied on eyeglasses, I wore a pair of invisible lenses for which to see the world through.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My very first pair of lenses were Igorot made; forged from the Cordillera Mountains of the Philippines. I only had those for four or five years, and I hardly remember wearing them. For almost my entire life, the glasses I wore were American made. I once tried a pair of Japanese lenses, but preferred the American made ones that I have been so accustomed to wearing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you have been following my latest blogs, you will definitely see how these lenses influence my writing. Some of my fellow Igorots or Filipinos may have been scratching their heads wondering why I draw my inspiration from people like Ashley Judd, Bethany Hamilton, Tim Tebow and U2. Well, that’s just who I am I guess. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Most of my life has been spent on the flat plains of the Midwest and Southern areas of America. The magic and splendor of the Cordillera Mountains were for the most part – absent. I’ve always consider myself as American as most normal Americans. I went to predominantly white schools all my life, dated white girls, love rock and roll, love football and basketball, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and would die for this country I call home. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I may see the world through the lenses of America, but my eyes are pure Igorot. Lenses only project images for the eye to see. When our cerebral eyes connect with our hearts, we are able to “see” clearly; and therefore, we are able to discern good from bad. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I recently added a <a href="http://www.rexcrisanto.com/books/likes">page on my website</a> that associates my upcoming book, “Igorotdo: The Warrior Within” with well known movies, books and personalities. Does the book seek to be a cheap imitation of any of these things? Of course not. I use these examples because they contain so many values, characteristics and similarities to the Igorot culture that my eyes and heart intend on sharing with the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My Igorot culture has been able to withstand over 300 years of Spanish colonization, but somehow more and more Igorots are allowing themselves to become morally and spiritually colonized by the Western self centeredness that brings out the worse in all of us. Take divorce for example. Just because it is an accepted norm in American society, it doesn't have to be nor should it be as accepted by Igorots. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I would like to say that my Catholic upbringing is the only thing that keeps me focused on my marriage and family, but there is much more to it than that. I draw from something my father once mentioned about my Igorot heritage. I learned that before there were ever Christian missionaries, we Igorots took monogamy seriously. <br />
<br />
Were there ever Igorots who were unfaithful to their spouses? Of course. If there weren't, we would be the only perfect people in the world, and I know this is definitely not the case. However, the overwhelming majority of my ancestors entered marriage with a good purpose. They did not enter it blindly or selfishly as many do today. Also, we believed so strongly in the sanctity of marriage that the punishment for being unfaithful makes today's court precedings seem like a slap in the hand (something I will cover in a separate blog). <br />
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So, go ahead and wear whatever style, color or type of lense, but remember to see with your eyes, and in doing so, draw from that which is good in your ancestry. </div><br />
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