Lest we forget. on 08 February would be the birthday of a great
Filipino jurist, nationalist and senator born in 1890 at Tiaong,
Tayabas (now Quezon). Also, years later, on 08 February 1935, as
President of the 1935 Constitutional Convention, he delivered his
Valedictory Address.

He said: "The years and the ages will pass into nothingness and
oblivion; new generations will be born, succeeding the present. . .
history, in its usual fashion, will make its inexorable demands,
changing the meaning of these words if not reversing it completely;
humanity itself, weary of itself and prey to new follies, will again
and again throw the treasures of the ages, . . .; yet, when those who
come after us look back to the past for counsel and inspiration, and
consider the Charter that now leaves our hands, I feel sure that they
will see written in it, the nobility of our purpose as well as the
magnitude of our task; . . ."

Constitutional Convention President Claro M. Recto, the grandfather
of present Senator Ralph Recto and father of my law classmate,
Assemblyman Rafael Rector, ended his Valedictory Address by saying
that the care and zeal that marked their labors "were not a bid for
the plaudits of the present nor for the perpetuation of our names in
fame's eternal marble or bronze, but sprang from the desire to arouse
in our people, through this Constitution, that noble enthusiasm, that
human wisdom and divine fire which an illustrious prelate, pride of
our clergy, invoked the blessings of the Supreme Creator on the never-
to-be-forgotten day of our inauguration: ' Father, Thou, who art the
fountain-head of all power and the source of all happiness, make of
the Philippines a nation of happy people within Thy Kingdom.'"

A timely and relevant reminder to all Filipinos especially at this
time when Constitutionalism, rule of law are among the issues being
discussed in our midst.

Today is a sad day for us. Henrietta. A member of our family for many years, died today at 9 am. Below is a short article I wrote about her in 2007.

This is Henrietta. Kirsten and Kevin gave her as a birthday gift in 1995 to their father, who has loved her just like one of his children.

"Hello, my little one," is how Mark greets her in the morning, "do you want your breakfast now?"

Henrietta is a very well-trained indoor cat. She does not sit on couches, but she usually loves to sit on the window sill to watch happenings outside. When she senses we're coming home, she would be by the door waiting for us. She knows where her litterbox is, and where her water and daily treats are. After her own dinner, Henrietta sits patiently by the kitchen door waiting for Mark to take her outdoors for her playtime in the backyard. At night before going to bed, Mark brushes her beautiful black and white fur. "She'd get fresh fur and would limit the size of fur balls she swallows when she grooms herself," says Mark. And it limits the hair that clings to clothing and furniture, which is very important in the Glodava household.

Mark's affection for Henrietta is not uncommon in America. Americans love not only to cuddle the little furry ones, but also to kiss them, and let them lick their faces. The latter is one thing I still could not understand, yet it's true. Americans love to show signs of affection to their pets -- caressing them, playing with them, or have them just sit on their laps while watching television. They even treat them with designer leashes and outfits and take them to pet parlors for groooming and fur styling. And have you seen Christmas cards featuring the sender's beloved cat or dog?

Indeed, the pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business, or$40.8 billion in 2007 to be exact. According to a recent National Pet Owners Survey, 63% of U.S. households or about 71.1 million homes have pets, about 83% of which are dogs and cats. But Americans also own birds, fish and reptiles. In the Glodava household, we've had hamsters, all sorts of fish and even a toad, which Kirsten named "Jensen."

No wonder the pet industry offers health insurance, hospitals, boarding houses and hotels, and grooming studios and aids. There are even cemeteries and funeral services offered. They have their own stores and supermarkets offering the best food and gourmet treats and even high-tech items. And there are many more offerings for pampering pets.

Yes, Americans pamper them and bring them wherever they go. Why? They are great companions, especially for those living alone. The pets give them psychological therapy. They have someone to talk and to pay attention to, especially during the holidays. My husband can testify to this. Struggling to find a job during the recession of the 1990's, Kirsten's cat, Oscar," kept him sane.

Studies show that pet owners (I have to be very careful here, because some cities -- Boulder, Colorado, is one -- have ordinances calling those who have pets as "guardians rather than "owners") derive some health benefits -- lower blood pressure, stress relief, and lower health care costs (people with pets make fewer trips to the doctor).

Mark will be the first one to say that Henrietta gives him and the entire Glodava family all of the above and then some.

As we celebrate on 30 December 2011, the 115th Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, it occurred to my mind that Yuletide 1896 must have been difficult and trying moment to his family as well as to himself. Let us recall the events and dates when Rizal underwent trial and then had to face death by musketry at Bagumbayan field (now called Rizal Park).

The Trial of Jose P. Rizal
On 20th December 1896, Rizal together with his counsel, Lt. Taviel de Andrade of the Spanish Artillery, prepared for his defense.

Five days later, on 25th December, a Christmas Day, Rizal was informed that on the following day, at 19:00 a.m., the Council of War would convene. Rizal wrote his counsel Taviel asking for a conference prior to appearing before the Council, However, it was not known whether such pre-trial conference between Rizal and his counsel took place.

On 26th December, at the Cuartel General de Espana, a soldier’s dormitory was converted into an improvised courtroom.

Taviel de Andrade, Rizal’s defense counsel argued that in the law applying the Penal Code of Spain in the Philippines, none exists to establish the guilt of the accused; he likewise challenged the veracity and impartiality of those who have given statements incriminating Rizal; and closed his defense requesting the court to reject the images by wars, for they could only provoke ideas of vengeance, and that judges should not be vengeful but fair and just.

After giving Rizal an opportunity to speak in his defense, the Court after deliberations rendered its decision finding Rizal of being the author of rebellion and sentenced him to death.

On 28th December Governor General Polavieja approved the sentence of the Council of War after knowing that none of the members of the Council of Authorities recommended the commutation of the sentence against Rizal.

On 29th December, Judge Dominguez went to Fort Santiago to notify Rizal officially of the sentence. Rizal read the report or verdict but refused to sign it, stating that he was innocent. He also alleged that he was not of a Chinese mestizo as stated by the auditor in the report but a pure indio. Rizal was informed that no modifications were allowed in the text of the judgment.

In the morning of 30 December 1896, Rizal was executed at Bagumbayan field by musketry.

The Execution of Rizal
At 6:30 a.m. on 30 December 1896, Jose Rizal, bound elbow-to-elbow, left Fort Santiago by foot for Bagumbayan field accompanied by a bugler, a drummer and two Jesuit priests, Fr. Estanislao March and Fr. Jose Villaclara. They took the Paseo de Maria Cristina, now called Bonifacio Drive. Behind Rizal was his defense counsel Lt. Luis Taviel de Andrade. A squad of soldiers surrounded them as they walked slowly. Upon reaching Bagumbayan field, Rizal placed himself in the middle of the square, filled with 400 men, with a band playing.

Eight native soldiers comprised the firing squad. Behind them were eight Spanish soldiers with “Mauser” rifles, ready to shot the native soldiers if they refused to shoot Rizal.

Rizal refused to be shot in the back saying he had not been a traitor to the country or to Spain. But the Spanish Captain in charge of the execution told him that he had orders to shoot him in the back. Rizal reluctantly agreed but he firmly refused to kneel or be blindfolded. One last request of Rizal was that the soldiers spare his head and instead shoot him in the back near the heart. The Captain agreed. Rizal then shook hands with his defense counsel, Lt. Taviel de Andrade and thanked him for his efforts in defending him. A military doctor came to take his pulse; it was normal. The Jesuits raised a crucifix for him to kiss, but Rizal had already turned away silently and prepared himself for death.

The order to fire was given. Before the shots rang out, Rizal shouted “Consummatum est!” (It is finished!). When the bullets hit their mark, Rizal made a last effort to turn around, thus, falling lifeless with his back on the ground, his face to the sky. Another soldier gave the body a “tiro de gracia” - one last shot to make sure Rizal was dead. Shouts of “Viva Espana!” rent the air. the band of the regiment struck the first chords of “Marcha de Cadiz”. By 7:03 a.m., the execution was over.

It is said a dog (mascot) ran around the lifeless body, whining. Whose mascot was it? Nobody knows or nothing was written about it except that it was captured by the camera’s eye as among the crowd which witnessed the execution that morning.

Rizal Buried Without a Coffin
After the execution of Rizal his body was placed in a van and with utmost secrecy buried in the old and unused Paco cemetery. Sra. Teodora, the mother of Rizal, wanted to comply with the last wish of her son, that the family take charge of his remains. After several objections on the part of some Spanish officials, Civil Governor Manuel Luengo agreed to the petition of Sra. Teodora. However, when the funeral coach left, they had already secretly taken the body away and Rizal's sister, Narcisa, went to all the cemeteries of Manila looking for the remains of Rizal in vain. On the way back, she saw, through the open gate of the Paco cemetery, some guardia civiles. This gave her a hint. She entered the cemetery and after much searching found a freshly dug-in grave covered with earth. She gave the gravedigger some money and placed a plaque with the initials of her brother in reverse, R.P.J., which means Rizal, Protacio Jose. (Jose Rizal, Filipino Doctor and Patriot, by Jose Baron Fernandez, Paragon Printing Corporation, Manila, 1992, pp 370-371).

A few days after the Americans occupied Manila in August 1898, Rizal's sister Narcisa asked permission of the new authorities to exhume the remains of Rizal. Permission was granted. When the body was exhumed, it was discovered that Rizal's body had not even been placed in a coffin. The shoes were identified, but whatever had been hidden inside them had already disintegrated.(Ibid., p 393).

In 1911, Rizal’s remains were transferred from the Paco Cemetery to the base of the monument which had earlier been erected at the Luneta (now Rizal Park). His aged beloved mother was still able to attend the ceremonies of such transfer. A few weeks later Rizal’s mother Sra. Teodora Alonso Quintos died. It appears she made that effort to survive her son, to go on living until such time that her son’s memory would be officially vindicated. Such is how deep and enduring is a mother’s love for her son.
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Our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal in his novel “Noli Me Tangere” (Social Cancer) wrote:
“It was Christmas Eve and yet the town was wrapped in gloom. Not a paper lantern hung from the windows nor did a single sound in the houses indicate the rejoicing of other years.”

And whenever I see a star paper lantern on Christmas, I remember Christmas of Yesteryears and the Star of the Magi which shone on them more than two thousand years ago.

The term December is taken from the Latin word “decem” which means ten, the tenth month in the Roman calendar but the 12th month in the Gregorian calendar.

The most remembered date during the month of December in my hometown of Infanta is Christmas. During my childhood, mother would start buying live chicken a month before Christmas and put them inside a “tangkal”, a long bamboo cage for fattening. Nanay (Mother) would request someone to fatten a “paiwi” (young pig under the care of somebody) to be butchered at Christmas. She would store or collect eggs for cakes, cookies and “kinakaw”. In addition, Nanay would contract somebody to make “pasingaw”, a sticky rice cake that the early American Carmelites fathers in Infanta called it the “Filipino bubble gum.”

At noche buena (Christmas Eve) we heard the midnight Mass, then the whole family gathered together at home to partake of native delicacies — pansit, lechon, fried chicken, ham, apples, grapes, chestnuts, queso de bola and more. All houses were decorated with star-shaped lanterns hanging on windows with multi-colored lights. Children, youngsters and adults exploded firecrackers.

On Christmas day (Dec. 25), our dining table was laden with various kinds of food —embutido, morcon, meat loaf, lechon, tamales, native cakes, cookies, kinakaw, cheese, ham and a variety of fruits — oranges, grapes, apples and chestnuts. Those who came to the house were offered food or something to drink. At the corner of the living room was an “agoho” (pine tree) Christmas tree.

On that day, we visit our relatives, aunts and uncles, ninongs and ninangs (godfathers and godmothers) to greet them a Merry Christmas and kiss their hands (“mano po”). Likewise, all the godsons and goddaughters of Nanay and Tatay (Father) would visit them to kiss their hands saying, “Mano po Ninong, mano po Ninang.” Nanay and Tatay would give them money and something to eat and drink after the “mano po” ritual.

Of course children preferred coins or paper bills instead of the food and drinks offered them. Their standard reply was “Salamat po, mayroon din po sa amin” (Thank you, Ma’am, we also have the same food at home), or they would say, “Busog pa po kami” (We have just eaten).

Relatives and friends visited each other while the young men and women held parties or went on picnics either at the beach or the banks of Agus River, or simply under the coconut trees.
Rizal, in his novel El Filibusterismo (Reign of Greed) narrated that on Christmas day, children were waken up early, washed and dressed up in their fine or new clothes and taken to church for the High Mass. “Afterwards,” continued Rizal, “they are taken from house to house to visit relatives and greet them, as is the custom, by kissing hands…the relatives give them coins.” Sometimes, their “stomach ache from a surfeit of sweets and biscuits in the house of the more generous relatives.”

How about the grown-ups? Rizal said: “The grown-ups who live by themselves have a share of their own in the holiday. They visit their parents and their uncles and aunts, bend a knee and wish them a Happy Christmas; their presents are a sweet, a fruit, or glass of water or some trinket.” (El Filibusterismo by Jose Rizal as translated by Leon Ma. Guerrero to English for contemporary reader, Longman 1965, Chapter 8, “Happy Christmas,” pp. 57-58).
And according to Rizal, in his letter to her mother dated 05 January 1893, hereunder is how he spent his Christmas Eve while already exiled in Dapitan: “ . . .I have not spent too bad a Christmas or New Year’s Eve here; no doubt I could havve had a better time under other circumstances, but in those in which I find myself I could not have wanted more. . . Three Spaniards came from a neighboring town and together with the local commander,another local Spaniard, and a Frenchman, we had a gay Christmas Eve dinner. We went to hear the midnight mass; for you must know that I hear Mass every Sunday.” (Guerrero, Ibid., p.342).

Aside from hearing Mass, visits to relatives and godparents, food, sweets and coins, we associate Christmas with the Christmas tree, star lantern and Santa Claus. We even imitate the American Christmas tree we see on Christmas cards by making it appear that snow — actually shreds of white cotton –– rested on its branches. Our lighted lantern is not the Star of Bethlehem but a five-pointed star made of bamboo strips and “papel de japon” (thin rice paper).

After Christmas day, we celebrated the feast of the “Three Kings” or magi who, guided by a bright star, found the place where Jesus was born and offered gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. The story of the “Three Kings” undoubtedly inspired the gift giving or exchange of presents we have today on Christmas.

Misa de Gallo
Christmas day is preceded by a nine-day misa de gallo (the hour when the cocks crow at dawn). We call it aguinaldo in Infanta. What is the origin of holding mass at dawn when it is still dark?

During the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V decreed that in the Philippines, predawn Masses would be held starting the 16th of December in keeping with the nine-day festivals of Filipinos in celebrating special occasions. It was also intended to give Filipino farmers a chance to go to Mass before starting work in their farm. Filipinos, as a matter of custom and due to the weather, start the day early — hours before sunrise.

The people of Infanta, like Filipinos elsewhere in the Philippines, start celebrating Christmas from Dec. 16 to Dec. 25. This continues for 12 days more from Dec. 25 to Jan. 6, the feast of the “Three Kings.” Like other Spanish-speaking countries, the Philippines enjoy a very long celebration of Christmas.

Significance of Christmas.
Expatriate Filipinos, wherever they may be, remember their own respective “Infanta” during Christmas and cannot help but feel nostalgic. As I sit down at noche buena before a table laden with food and drinks, how could I explain to my children and grandchild, who grew up or were born in a foreign land with different customs, why their “Dad” or “grandpa” has melancholy eyes?

I have no heart to tell them that I miss Infanta’s Christmas of yesteryears. They will not understand because through no fault of their own, they were born or breed in another clime and time. But the significance of Christmas is the same — the birth of a Child of peace, love, goodwill and and the appearance of a bright star.

For according to the Holy book, three Magi or Wise men from the East came looking for a newly-born child and told king Herod: “We saw His star rise in the East and come to honor Him.” When they continued their journey, “the star reappeared and went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the Child was in swaddling clothes, with Mary His mother.”

Even today, the Christmas star puzzles scientists. “Was it a supernova or a comet?” asked Dr. Peter Andrews of University of Cambridge and Robert Massey of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. A “stationary point of Jupiter,” maybe?

In 5 B.C., the year many scholars believe Jesus was born, during a combination of a bright nova and a triple conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn, in the constellation of Pisces, was seen, some accounts say. “Ancient Chinese astronomers recorded this as an unusually bright star that appeared in the eastern sky for 70 days. It was a rare sight.”

“None of possible astronomical explanation has overwhelming evidence that it should be preferred to others,” Andrews and Massey conclude. But the nova, comet or variable star explanation “appears more likely.”

The astronomers’ debate continues. While a bright star continues to be associated with the birth of the Prince of Peace, the king of all kings.

30 November has been declared Bonifacio Day, the birthdate of the "Great Phlebian" -Andres Bonifacio- the "bodegero" who became the founder and leader of the Katipunan (KKK) ; took up arms and proclaimed "Long Live the Philippines" at Pugad-Lawin in the farm of Tandang Sora. He and his followers tore their "cedulas" as sign of protests against Spanish Colonial rule over the Philippines. The fight against Spanish rule started. Later, there was rivalry between the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the Philippine Revolutionary movements and as a result of the Tejeros Convention, Bonifacio was sentenced by a hastily convened Court Martial to die for acts inimical to the State. He was killed and buried in unmarked grave somewhere near Mt. Buntis while Bonifacio and his loyal followers were on their way back to their own headquarters or revolutionary base.

However, Wikipedia had this to say on the subject of 30 November and the observance of a National Heroes Day, as follows:

"On July 25, 2007 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved Republic Act No. 9256, which declared the Monday nearest August 21 a nationwide special holiday in honor of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., called Ninoy Aquino Day. August 21 is Aquino's death anniversary.[7]. On the same date President Macapagal-Arroyo also approved Republic Act No. 9492, which decreed that National Heroes Day be celebrated on the last Monday of August, Bonifacio Day on the Monday nearest November 30, and Rizal Day on the Monday nearest December 30.[8].
Following the death of President Corazon "Cory" Aquino on August 1, 2009, two resolutions, House Joint Resolution Nos. 41 and 42, have been filed proposing her official recognition as a national hero with her birthdate January 25 as Cory Aquino Day.[2][3]"

Be that as it may, on this historic day - 30 November- the birthday of Andres Bonifacio, let us recall the heroic acts or exploits of the Great Phlebian in fighting for our liberty, freedom and independence from colonial rule.

As to the observance of Natiional Heroes Day, I hope somebody or historian could clarify it for me whether by law, decree or proclamation we have definitely set a fixed date as National Heroes Day - to include all other Filipino heroes.

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Here's the details of the Funeral Arrangement for Rudy

Forest Lawn Glendale
1712 South Glendale Ave., Glendale,CA 91205

Thursday, Oct 20 5PM- 9PM Viewing
Friday, Oct. 21 5PM - 9PM Viewing

Saturday, Oct. 22 @ 2:30 PM Interment

Romy/Melanie Catbagan, Dennis/Rhea Catbagan, Jun/Michelle Gaffud, Ronald/Maita Catbagan and Noel/Rhea Calderon,

(*Mr. Rodolfo A. Arizala is a retired Filipino Diplomat)
Santiago, Chile
02 September 2011

I. Arrival in Tehran
When I arrived in Tehran in September of 1977, from my posting at the Philippine Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I noted a country at the doorstep of transition - from an ancient country formerly called “Persia” toward a modern Iran under the rule of the Shah.

I learned later that there are thousands of Filipino workers in Iran hired as doctors, nurses, engineers, technicians, hotel employees and some work as domestic helpers. When I reported the next day of my arrival to the Philippine Embassy, I noticed a long line of Iranians in front of the Embassy’s Consular Section applying for student visas so that they could pursue further studies in Philippine universities.

II. Extremely Busy Consular Section
Because of such desire of many Iranians to study in the Philippines, as well as the presence of thousands of Filipino workers in Iran, the consular section of the embassy was always extremely busy. It had to attend to the consular needs of Filipinos and foreigners as well. At that time, there were around 15,000 Filipino workers and dependents in Iran scattered throughout the country. They worked in hospitals, hotels, factories, ports, and oil fields of Iran. As early as 5:00 o’clock in the morning, there were already long lines of Iranian students at the embassy gate waiting for their turn to be interviewed by Filipino consular officers.

The embassy implemented its emergency plan code-named “Saddleback”. The Embassy’s initial policy was for the safe, orderly and gradual departures of all non-essential Filipinos from Iran and bring them to the nearest place of safety, if not directly to the Philippines. Then when the revolution became worse, we decided to evacuate all Filipinos from iran. We were able to arrange with friendly neighboring countries of Iran such as Pakistan and India to allow Filipino evacuees temporarily settle in said countries until they could be brought safely to the Philippines. However, we were able to bring most of the Filipinos from Iran directly to the Philippines via commercial airlines. The first to be evacuated were women and children followed by non-essential Filipino workers. At the request of the revolutionary government, however, essential Filpino workers such as doctors, nurses and technicians on voluntary basis were allowed to stay behind during and even after the revolution with the understanding that the new Iranian government would guarantee their safety and well-being. Out of 15,000 Filipinos, about 1,000 opted to remain in Iran under such arrangements.

IV. Interesting Highlights
During the revolution, one day I went to pick up my eldest son from school who was caught inside the classroom during a street demonstration. On our way back home from Angelicum School, we met a huge crowd of Iranian demonstrators wielding sticks, clubs, knives, iron chains and all sorts of home-made weapons. My son who was sitting beside me in our car looked at me terrified and asked: “Papa, will they kill us?” “No,” I replied and quickly added: “Do not worry, they are our friends.” The leader of the group carrying a huge stick approached our car and asked: “Japanese?” “No, we are Filipnos!”, was my reply. “Ah, Filipini!”, he exclaimed and added: ‘You know I have a brother studying in Manila and he wrote me he is being treated well by Filipinos in your country.”

The he shouted orders in Farsi to his group. The crowd made way for us and let our car passed unmolested.

Another experience of mine was after the Iranian Revolutionary Guards occupied the American Embassy in Tehran and held as hostages around 21 persons including two Filipinos on 4 November 1979, I received instructions from Manila to work for the release of two Filipinos being held as among the hostages. Being the Charge d’Affaires, a.i., or acting head of mission, (Amb.Rafael Ileto at that time was in Manila for consultations), I went to the Iranian foreign ministry and then to the American Embassy in Tehran where the revolutionary guards were keeping the hostages. To my surprise, one of the revolutionary guards recognized me because before the outbreak of the revolution he went to my office and applied for a student visa. I told him of my mission seeking the release of two Filipino hostages and conveyed to him the request of the families of the two Filipino hostages to allow them spend Christmas with them in the Philippines.

The following day, on 22 November 1979. at about noontime the two Filipino hostages were delivered to me at the Philippine Embassy by the Revolutionary Guards.I reported immediately to Manila the release of the two Filipinos indicating the date, hour and flight number of their scheduled arrival in Manila.

V. After-thoughts
When Ambassador Ileto was able to return to Tehran and reassumed his post as Ambassador, under Despatch No. 1460 dated 21 March 1979, he strongly recommended, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Manila that I be bestowed the Gawad Mabini Award , (Rank of Dakilang Kasugo), as stated in the proposed citation:

“For selfless dedication and devotion to duty at a great personal sacrifice, particularly in the period of September 1978 through February 1979, during which Iran was confronted by difficult, critical and trying times as a consequence of the civil strife and violence in that country;” and:

“For having efficiently supervised the development of a workable information system that linked the Embassy with various Filipino groups across Iran which, supportive f the measures instituted by the Embassy under the contingency plan, essentially precluded any panic, untoward incident or the loss of life among the Filipinos during the conflict.”

Said recommendation was acknowledged receipt by foreign miniser Carlos P. Romulo in his letter to me dated 23 August 1979, stating:

“I would like to assure you that the recommendation of a Mabini Award for you is presently under consideration. Your performance in Iran as attested by Ambassador Ileto, is certainly to be commended and I am positive that it would be given proper recognition at the appropriate time.”

Looking back, while I never received the Gawad Mabini Award, I am happy that I was able to do my duty to the best of my abilities in helping our countrymen at the most critical moment in the history of our Embassy in Iran. And modesty aside, I believe that my son and I were saved from the violent demonstrators during the Iranian revolution and I was able to secure the release of the two Filipino hostages at the U.S. Embassy not due to diplomatic skills, but simply due to the observance of good basic human relations.

While First Secretary and Consul General in Tehran, I tried my best to deal with everybody with fairness and courtesy. I never tell them a lie on consular matters or promise them anything which I could not fulfill. . .I tried to help them within bounds of reason and I implemented rules and regulations not to obstruct or make difficulties for those needing my services but to facilitate appropriate assistance. I remind always my co-workers to observe courtesy and bear in mind we are sent abroad to serve everybody to the best of our abilities and project good image for our country and people.

Indeed, as I look back today, my arrival in Iran one day in September in 1977 and assignment at the Philippine Embassy was “an affair to remember which I will never forget as part of my checkered long diplomatic career.
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