THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE

Filipinos Celebrate Thanksgiving in America!

 

By Gel Santos Relos

                                   

 

Papaano ba nagsimula ang pagdiriwang ng Thanksgiving sa America? Ano ang style ng celebration ng mga Pinoy dito? Ikaw, what are you thankful for this year? Ano ang ipinapagpasalamat mo sa Diyos?

 

Many Filipinos who are new in the US are amazed at how important Thanksgiving Day is to Americans. 

While the predominantly Christian Pinoys in the Philippines look forward to Christmas as our big day for family reunions, the more diverse American people really mark Thanksgiving Day as  that day in a year when family and friends of different faith and social backgrounds travel far distances just to celebrate  and express gratitude and appreciation to God, family and friends and for blessings of material possessions and relationships.

                                         

 

Traditionally, Thanksgiving was a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, tracing back to the time of the Pilgrims who left  Plymouth, England on September 6, 1620 to head to the New World that is America,  in search of both civil and religious liberties. 

 

After more than two months of navigating the rough seas aboard Mayflower-A 17th Century sailing vessel, the Pilgrims arrived in  Massachusetts in late November, and  sought a suitable landing place. On December 11, just before disembarking at Plymouth Rock, they signed the "Mayflower Compact" - America's first document of civil government and the first to introduce self-government.”

 

The Pilgrims faced the harsh and bitter cold New England winter, which brought about starvation and sickness, causing the death of nearly half of them before Spring. Yet, they persevered in prayer, and with the help of  American Indians, they reaped a bountiful harvest the following summer.

 

The grateful Pilgrims then declared a three-day feast, starting on December 13, 1621, to thank God and to celebrate with their Indian friends. While this was not the first Thanksgiving in America (thanksgiving services were held in Virginia as early as 1607), historians say it was America's first Thanksgiving Festival. 

According to Thanksgiving-day.org, there is no evidence to prove if the customary turkey was a part of the initial feast. According to the firsthand account written by the leader of the colony, the food included ducks, geese, venison, fish, berries etc. Pumpkin pie, a modern staple adorning every dinner table, is unlikely to have been a part of the first Thanksgiving feast. Pilgrims however, did have boiled pumpkin. Diminishing supply of flour led to the absence of any kind of bread.

In 1789, America celebrated its first Thanksgiving Day following a proclamation issued by President George Washington under the new Constitution. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday of November as a National Day of Thanksgiving. 

Over the next seventy-five years, Presidents followed Lincoln's precedent, annually declaring a national Thanksgiving Day. However, it was not until December 26, 1941 that a bill was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt -- making Thanksgiving a national holiday and setting it to the fourth (but not final) Thursday in November. 

 

                    

Today, the holiday of Thanksgiving fills people with memories of  families gathering together, giving thanks to God for all the blessing received in the past year, and feasting over the traditional roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, herb stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and eggnog or apple cider. 

Filipino families in America create a yummy fusion of the traditional feast with Filipino cuisine, substituting roast chicken (lechon manok) or chicken relleno  as the star of the feast, but bigger family or community gatherings always give the traditional lechon the center stage. The usual hamon, kaldereta, pastel, embotido, morcon, adobo, menudo, pancit, lumpia, karekare, crispy pata , leche flan, ube, cassava cake, buko pandan, always get requested during potlucks as well to complete the multi-cultural celebration of Thanksgiving.

In this era of consumerism, however, the “After-Thanksgiving Sale’ has become as popular as the feast. People line up in the wee hours of the morning to avail of  doorbusting deals, hoping to get the biggest discounts for their Christmas/holiday gift shopping. 

Of course for us, Pinoys, stretching their hard-earned dollar means more presents to stuff the balikbayan box with -- to be sent to their families in the Philippines as aguinaldo. For some enterprising Pinoys, the big discounts during this sale period mean a bigger profit margin when they  resell what their bargain goodies either here in America or in the Philippines!

 

                         

 

In the midst of our celebrations, parties,reunions, parades and serious shopping,however, Christiananswers.net reminds Americans  to “retain the original gratefulness to God displayed by the Pilgrims and many other founding fathers , and remember that it is to those early and courageous Pilgrims that they owe not only the traditional Thanksgiving holiday but also the concepts of  "hardwork" ethic, self-reliant communities, and devout religious faith.”

 

Happy Thanksgiving, mga Kababayan. Let us remember to count our blessings, and to always look at the glass as half-full instead of half-empty -- no matter what the circumstances are. God bless us always!

 

 

 

Pacquiao-Margarito Historic Fight: A Teaching Moment

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

 

      "Manny Pacquiao makes us proud to be Filipinos because through his example he reminds us of the strength, values, and all the potentials we already have deep within us despite our limitations and circumstances — just waiting, yearning, craving to be nurtured to fruition."

 

Our Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao has once again made history after defeating Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito in the Cowboy Stadium in Dallas, Texas last November 13. He is the first boxer ever in the world to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions. Manny Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes—the “man who beat the man”, the boxer who defeated the reigning boxing champion in these four different weight divisions!

Pacquiao has been called the “David who defeated the Goliath”, as his Mexican opponent was 17 pounds heavier than him. But the speed, agility, and power punches of the Pacman proved far stronger than the height and weight advantage of Margarito. Many people all over the world, including sports analysts, boxing experts and commentators agree that Manny Pacquiao is indeed the greatest boxer in the world, even far greater than the Muhammad Ali if you ask boxing promoter Bob Arum.

 

But no people can be more proud than us, Filipinos. We watched the fight in our usual fiesta way. We prayed, laughed, shivered in fear and excitement, cheered and  became euphoric when Pacquiao won via unanimous decision on the 12^th round. Many kababayans used the magic of modern technology like twitter, facebook, phone calls, SKYPE to  be united in time and space wherever in the world we might be. We were ecstatic, euphoric, and brimming with Filipino pride.

 

This special moment was likewise seized by a segment of our kababayans who loathe “Filipino pride” and any joyful national celebration of victories of our kababayans. They immediately jumped in the global conversation to exclaim, “Those who keep saying “I am Proud to be a Filipino” when Manny Pacquiao wins are Morons!” arguing Pacquiao’s victory is only his and not the Philippines’.

 

There are also some kababayans who were not happy with the result despite Manny’s win because they were expecting a “knock out”! Some say they lost money because they made a bet the Pacman will win by a knock out, and were disappointed he did not make Margarito sleep!

 

The truth is,  Margarito was already wasted in the last two rounds and Pacquiao could have knocked him out but he didn’t. In fact, he even called the attention of the referee  that maybe it was time to stop the fight because he was worried about Margarito. But the fight continued and so Pacquiao held back his punches, and let the game end without inflicting anymore damaging pain on Margarito.

 

Through this compassionate act, Pacquiao reminded the world that boxing is not supposed to kill people, but a sport that is meant to entertain people.  Manny Pacquiao has exemplified true sportsmanship through his adherence to fairness, utmost respect for his opponent, and his graciousness and humility in his victory!

 

And Antonio Margarito taught us a lesson in perseverance, strong will and sacrifice. Despite the pain, the blood shed and the imminent defeat, Margarito did not quit and pushed himself to fight until the very end. These are the very virtues we admire in many of the Mexicans in America, notwithstanding issues about  immigration status.

 

Finally, I would like to share with you an excerpt of one of the best commentaries I have read on Pacquiao and the Filipino people, written by an American--Michael D. Sellers-- on his blogsite:

 

“Those of us who have connections to the Philippines have followed Manny Pacquiao for many years and we’ve heard him say things like this, and act in this humble, gentle manner, more than just last night — so this is not news for us. But as the rest of the world gradually wakes up and takes notice of Pacquaio as a sporstman who transcends national boundaries and the niche of boxing, it is also worth remembering that while on the one hand what we see in Manny is unique, in another way it is not, because what we see in him is an essential Philippine character that typifies the elusive best of a country whose people’s humble and gentle virtues are not particularly well understood abroad.

 

 This is, after all, a world where, for example, some countries have adopted the term “filipina” to be slang for “housekeeper”. It’s easy for ignorant westerners to underestimate and misinterpret the gentle, gracious nature of the Filipino character; Manny Pacquaio is single-handedly changing that, reminding both the world and the Philippine universe that humility, grace, compassion, and empathy can coexist with the heart of a warrior.

 

Yet even if Filipinos understand this better than we foreigners — we should also remember that Pacquaio’s popularity in the Philippines, great as it is, did not automatically win him a berth in Congress. He ran two years ago and lost badly. Some said it was a cynical “no” vote so he would keep fighting; for others, the “no” was a desire keep Pacquiao from becoming tarnished by the dirty nature of Philippine politics.

 

But he didn’t give up, he showed patience and perseverance and sincerity, and he continued to talk about his real reasons for doing it — and along the way many of the skeptics who saw in his first run for Congress an act of celebrity ego began to gradually come to understand that it was another impulse, the impulse toward genuine and sincere public service, that was driving Pacquiao.”  (MichaelDSellers.com)

 

Yes, Manny Pacquiao makes us proud to be Filipinos because through his example he reminds us of the strength, values, and all the potentials we already have deep within us despite our limitations and circumstances — just waiting, yearning, craving to be nurtured to fruition. Let us all awaken that Manny Pacquiao spirit within us, and together we will soar as one great people, one great nation!

 (To Be Published in Asian Journal, November 17, 18, 19 2010)

 

 

Pacman: Ready to Gobble up Margarito on November 13!

By Gel Santos Relos   

 

 As it has been in Manny Pacquiao's past fights, Filipinos will,once again, be taking time off from the hustle and bustle of their everyday life to come together and witness our Pambansang Kamao make history on November 13. 

 

If he wins against Antonio Margarito, this fight will earn him his 8^th World Boxing Title. The match will be held at the Dallas Cowboy Stadium in Texas, but Filipinos all over the world are making arrangements to watch the fight together over beer, pulutan and the usual festive Filipino food, via Pay-Per-View in their homes, restaurants, community centers.

 

Other than Biyernes Santo, it is only during a Manny Pacquiao fight when the streets of Metro Manila become clear of traffic. It is also the time when almost all Filipinos are united in spirit -- regardless of social class, educational attainment, political affiliation, and TV network loyalty. Mapa-Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kapatid  ka man, lahat ay magkakababayan sa panalangin at suporta para kay Manny Pacquiao!

 

When the Pacquiao-Margarito fight was announced, many were disappointed because the whole world was anticipating the next fight of the Pacman to be against Floyd Mayweather Jr. Boxing fans thought this Pacquiao-Margarito event was too predictable—in favor of the Filipino boxer who has been llamado even in pustahans in Vegas. 

 

Call it the genius of boxing promoter Bob Arum or the candidness and honesty of trainer Freddie Roach, but  this confidence has somehow been clouded by doubt -- whether the Pacman is as ready now as he was before in his previous fights.

 

Since June 30, 2010, our Pambansang Kamao has taken on a new role, a bigger responsibility—Congressman of Sarangani in the Philippines. Promoter Bob Arum said Margarito is at his prime and is in top shape, while Pacquiao may have lost his signature speed which catapulted him to his past victories. 

 

In a special feature on Manny on CBS show, “60 Minutes," trainer Freddie Roach said the Pacman was not training the way he used to. Pacquiao was distracted, he said, by politics, and could lose the fight.

 

"I've had anxiety attacks over this. I'm worried about it. I'm walking around at 2 in the morning," Roach said. "And something is not right and we are not preparing the way we should for this fight."

 

But since Pacquiao has flown back to the United States to focus on training, Roach and Arum have both gotten their confidence back. They say Pacquiao is now ready to fight, and is ready to gobble up Antonio Margarito on November 13!

 

Freddie Roach shared on “60 Minutes’ why he invested much of his time and faith on Manny Pacquiao all through the years. CBS Correspondent Bob Simon asked, "When did you first realize that Manny was more than a really good boxer, that he was going to be champion?" 

"You know, that first round really told me something," Roach replied. "Because I never saw somebody with so much explosion on a punch. Bang, bang, bang. Bang, just like a gun firing off. I never saw that in my life. And I've been with a lot of good fighters."

Promoter Bob Arum had such high respect for Pacquiao, telling Simon, "I think that Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter that I have ever seen." He  has promoted many of the world's great fighters.

Bob Arum even told Simon he promoted 25 fights for Muhammad Ali and that Pacquiao is a greater fighter. "Because Muhammad Ali was essentially a one-handed fighter," Arum explained. "Manny Pacquiao really shocks these fighters because he hits equally hard from the left side and the right side."

 

The big headline of  60 Minutes  was a soundbite from Pacquiao when Bob Simon asked him, “Who do you think is the greatest boxer ever?”, Manny clarified, “Including me?”…and Bob Simon said, “Yes including you”. And to this, Manny Pacquiao answered with a smile, “Of course, me!”

 

Some of our kababayans may be taken aback by such confidence, even ‘pride’ from Pacquiao, but I guess it is this strong will, determination and trust in his ability that has made him who he is right now—the greatest boxer of his time, the best pound-for pound boxer in the world. 

 

This is especially significant  if we look back and remember where Manny Pacquiao was then and where he is now.

 

As told in 60 Minutes, Pacquiao was born to a very poor family. He grew up in the unpaved alleys of General Santos City. His single mother, Nanay Dionisia had six children to support. They often missed school to help her sell cigarettes in the streets. 

 

But Pacquiao’s burning desire to help his family was bigger than his obstacles, far mightier than poverty. He started boxing without his mother’s knowledge and consent. He started winning, and had been able to provide for his family’s needs—far more than what they could have ever imagined.  

 

And of course, the rest is history. He now earns millions of dollars, living like a king. 

 

But he wanted more. He wanted to give back to people and help them raise their hopes and make their dreams for a better life come true. 

 

And so he entered politics. 

 

Many Filipinos say Pacquiao should just focus on boxing, which he does best. They argue the Pacman does not have the background and education necessary to be a good politician and public servant. They maintained he could still serve even outside of politics.

 

But the Pacman vision was far bigger than his detractors’ criticisms and prophecies of doom. 

 

Would he reach for the highest position in the Philippines to help not only the people of Sarangani, but all the 94 million Filipinos someday?  Bob Simon asked, "Do you think one day you might be president?" "It's hard to have a comment right now because it's that far away," Pacquiao replied.

 

That may be far away  but the thought of it makes some people cringe. 

 

But whatever people say about our Pambansang Kamao—Manny Pacquiao has already made history, and has inspired a lot of Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike to work hard and make their dreams come true. To rise above adversities. To stand up each time you fall. 

 

On November 13, his will, strength and determination will once again be put to the test. 

 

We, Filipinos, will be praying hard, and cheering loud for him.

 

Mabuhay ka, Manny Pacquiao!

 

 

 

 

It's the Season to Celebrate Filipino Pride

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

Why should we be proud to be Filipinos in America and around the world these days? Let me count the ways!

 

In the entertainment world, our very own Filipina singer, who is now an international phenomenon, Charice will  be one of the stars that will make the traditional lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree in Manhattan, New York City even brighter! She will be performing alongside big names in the music industry—Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Sheryl Crow, Jessica Simpson, and America’s Got Talent 10-year old opera singer Jackie Evancho on November 30. 

 

Catch this annual holiday bash that will be shown live on NBC on November 30 at 8pm Central and 9pm ET. 

 

Charice has already made us proud when she was featured in Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City, and this iconic Rockefeller Center tree lighting event reaffirms the fact that our young, petite and very Pinay kababayan is definitely a big star in the US mainstream entertainment world.

 

Another great news about Charice: She is the winner of J-14 Magazine's Icon of Tomorrow Award!

 

Charice fans should know that she is flying back to the US next week to tape her next Glee appearance. When will we see her character “Sunshine Corazon” again? Charice isn’t revealing yet. Abangan!

 

And speaking of Glee,  here's another Filipino pride...

 

 SpoilerTV.com has announced that our Fil-Am hitmaker Bruno Mars will be covered by the Glee cast in their new season’s soundtrack.

 

Of the 18 songs to be released, Bruno Mars’ songs “Mars’ Billionaire,” “Marry You”, and the hit track “Just the Way You Are” are among the song choices. Kudos to Bruno Mars!

 

 Our very own Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year 2009, is once again here in the United States where he will be recognized in the CNN Hero of the Year 2010 this Thanksgiving Day as past awardee.

 

Through his education on wheels or kariton project, Efren has inspired people from all over the world in the way he has embodied the mantra "Be the change that you want to see". Through his advocacy, Efren has been helping poor Filipinos be educated by bringing his kariton classrooms to the rural areas, the farms, even to unlikely places like the cemeteries. Efren has been touring key cities in America and Canada to seek support for Filipinos back home.

 

 

Our Filipino chef Alex Dino got the top prize in the Sears Chef Challenge. He won over 23 other great chefs from different parts of the world. During the finale that was held in Chicago, Dino beat out the chef trained by the famous le Cordon Bleu cilinary school. Magailing talaga sa pagluluto ang Pinoy!

                                         

 

In sports, we have Fil-Am Tim Lincecum—two time Cy Young Awardee for his amazing winning performance as baseball pitcher, powered the San Francisco giants to win the 2010 World Series. 

 

Lincecum was even honored by the Filipino-American National Historical Society that opened a new pictorial essay exhibit at the Jersey City Public Library last Tuesday.

The organizers featured a spot dedicated to Lincecum for writing history as one of the best pitchers in baseball today.

 

Still in sports, Manny Pacquiao is all fired up and ready to beat his challenger Antonio Margarito on November 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. Our Pambansang Kamao is the favorite and the llamado to win this fight. When that happens, this will be Pacquaio’s 8^th world boxing title. 

 

When we talk about Manny Pacquiao, the line that divides sports from other fields become blur. 

 

Our Pacman guested in late night show Jimmy Kimmel Live again! He sang the classic Beatles song “Imagine” with comedian Will Ferrell, and wowed Jimmy Kimmel and the crowd with his unique brand of sense of humor!  

 

               

 

Pacquiao also created quite a stir in US politics when he openly endorsed Nevada Senator Harry Reid for re-election in the recently concluded midterm elections. Of course, we already know Senator Reid defied all ominous predictions of his detractors and emerged as the winner in his State of Nevada, beating Republican and Tea Party-supported candidate, Sharron Angle. 

 

Analysts say Reid was catapulted to victory by minority votes, including votes from Filipinos. I think it is logical to think many of our kababayans turned out and voted for Sen. Reid partly because of Manny Pacquiao’s endorsement.

 

But then, this created quiote a controversy even among our Fil-Am kababayans. In our Balitang America Isyu Ngayon daily poll, we asked if it was okay for Pacquaio to endorse Reid. A big majority of those who voted from different parts of the country said NO—saying the Pacman is here as a boxer preparing for his fight with Margarito and that he shouldn’t have engaged in politicking. 

 

Moreover, they argued that  Pacquiao does not know a bit about US politics even if he is a Congressman in the Philippines. He should have just not meddled in US politics. But then again, what mattered was what our kababayans from Nevada thought since they were the ones who casted their votes.

 

                                             

Recently, CBS News Program "60 Minutes" featured a Manny Pacquiao story. The network hailed the Pacman as the greatest boxer of his time. Boxing promoter bob Arum even said Pacquiao is even greater than the legendary Muhammad Ali!

 

In politics, we take pride in the victory of our Fil-Am representative from Ohio, Steve Austria, who kept his post after midterm elections. Moreover, the National Federation of Filipino Americans( NAFFA) confirms list of more Filipinos who have been elected to government positions.

 

Justice Tani Cantil Sakauye as California Chief Justice. Hydra Mendoza--- re-elected to the San Francisco School Board.

Joanne del Roasario---re-elected to Colma City Council.

 

Linda Canlas---elected to the Union City School Borad. Mae Cendena Torlakson---re-elected to Ambrose Recreation and Park Board. Myrna de vera---for Hercules City Council.Pat Gacoscos---elected to the Union City council.

 

Della Au Belatti---re-elected to the State House Representative in Hawaii. Donna Mercado Kim---re-elected State Senator in Hawaii. Kimberly Marcos Pine---re-elected for Hawaii State Representative.Rida Cabanilla Arakawa, re-elected for Hawaii State Representative.

 

In Maryland, Kriselda Valderrama---re-elected for State House of delegates.

 

Christopher Cabaldon was re-elected for Mayor of West Sacramento. Jose Esteves, re-elected Mayor of the City of Milpitas.

 

Michael Guingona---re-elected to Daly City Council. Pete Sanchez---re-elected mayor of Suisun City. Rob Bonita---elected to Alameda city Council. Robert Bernardo---for Harbor District Board of Commissions in San Mateo County.

 

 Congratulations to all our kababayans who continue to make us proud to be Filipinos in America and around the world! There will be new reasons and new seasons to make us proud to be Filipinos wherever we may be. Create those reasons in ourselves. Mabuhay!