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May I suggest to the principal of Mt. Carmel to publish a breakdown of expenses from major to minor items dito sa website (at paki-gawing 'sticky' and so are the donations). Baka ho kasi mas marami ang makapag-bigay ng maliit na items. Halimbawa ang isang silya will cost P500, pwedeng mag-padala ang sinuman ng worth isang silya o isang blackboard or one day's worth of carpenter's labor. Suggestion lang. Baka sakaling mas marami ang makatulong this way.

As suggested, we are reposting the many needs of Mt. Carmel Schools:

Mt. Carmel School Infanta	Phil. Pesos	US Dollar	Cost Per Item
200 classroom chairs	P180,000	$3,333.33	$16.67
20 classroom electric fans	20,000	370.37	18.52
2 office computers, printers, scanners	100,000	185	925.92
Copy and fax machine	75,000	1,388.89	1,388.89
Storage cabinets for classrooms and offices	175,000	3,240.74	3,240.74
Laboratory apparatus	60,000	1,111	1,111
Cassettes, microphones, guitars	50,000	925.93	308.64
Office tables, chairs and teachers' chairs	30,000	555.56	555.56
Sub-Total	P690,000	$12,777.78
Mt. Carmel High School General Nakar
100 classroom chairs	90,000	1666.67	16.67
6 electric fans	6,000	111	18.52
1 office computer with printer	40,000	740.74	740.74
Office tables and chairs	10,000	185.19	185.19
Mimeographing machine	20,000	370.37	370.37
Laboratory apparatus	20,000	370.37	370.37
Repair of Damaged Library	25,000	462.96	462.96
Sub-Total	211,000	3,907.41
TOTAL	P901,000	$16,685

By Rudy A. Arizala

The month of June in Infanta signifies many things to me especially during my youth. In the first place, it is the time for "pasukan" (school opening) when classes start. Secondly, when wedding bells ring. It seems it is the month when every eligible bachelors in Infanta get married to the young pretty ladies they met during the previous month -- May -- the month of flowers or "floresan". For in Infanta, the newly harvested stalks of palay have been sorted out and stored in the "sumbi" or store room of farm houses and the fields are allowed to fallow; plowed again for the next planting of seedlings so that by June the farmlands in Infanta are green again with young palay seedlings. Thus, after the planting, it is time for marriage and merrymaking.

Thirdly, June is the month for parades and programs at the town plaza in commemoration of the Proclamation of our Independence. When every school children participate in the civic-parade around the town and ends up at the plaza to witness a musical-literary program. We sing the national anthem, salute the flag and hear patriotic speeches.

And last but not the least, June is the month when we celebrate the birth anniversary of our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. For he was born on 19 June 1861 in Calamba, Laguna. His parents were Francisco Mercado and Teodora Alonso Realonda. Jose was the seventh child out of 11 children of Teodora and Francisco Mercado.

Jose´s birth was not heralded by a star, or marked by natural phenomena such as earthquake or typhoon. However, if there was anything supernatural about the birth of Jose, the statue of the Virgin of Antipolo was said to have aided in his birth. It was said that when his mother was undergoing difficult labor, she made a vow to make a pilgrimage to Antipolo some 25 kilometers east of Manila, should her delivery prove successful. Barely three days since baby Jose was born, that was on 22 June 1861, he was baptized by Fr. Rufino Collantes at the Calamba parish church with Father Pedro Casanas as his godfather.

It may be asked why Jose carried the surname "Rizal" and not "Mercado" like his father, or his elder brother Paciano and his sisters.

It may be recalled that in conformity with a Decree issued by Spanish Governor General Claveria on 21 November 1849, the natives could choose the family name they liked from a list of surnames provided for that purpose. Francisco Mercado applied for the surname "Rizal" Such application was rejected by the Spanish authorities. However, despite such rejection, the Mercado family used the name "Rizal" as a second family name. Young Jose was the first to adopt the family name "Rizal" in 1972 when he went to Manila and enrolled at the Ateneo de Municipal. At that time there was good reason for adopting the family name "Rizal" instead of "Mercado" because hardly six months had elapsed since the Cavite Munity of 1872. Jose´s elder brother Paciano had contacts with Father Burgos, (the latter was executed by the Spanish authorities as a consequence of the mutiny), and the family name "Mercado" became subject to suspicion as having to do with the uprisings. Under said circumstances, it would, therefore, be prudent to use the family name "Rizal" instead of "Mercado." Years later, however, when Jose was to leave the Philippines to study in Europe, in his application for a passport, Jose used the surname "Mercado" and not "Rizal."

Jose, as a child grew up in the house of his parents in Calamba surrounded by orchard or fruit-bearing trees such as atis, santol, orange, macopa and guava trees. Such kind of environment had influence in the molding the mind, character and heart of Rizal. It is said that at the age of four, he could already recognize different kinds of bird such as the martin, walak-walak, kulyawan, and many other birds. And in the afternoon, under the shadow of the towering Mt. Makiling, the young Rizal contemplated about the birds and the beauty of nature.

Young Jose before attending a regular school was taught by her mother at home how to read and write. She also inculcated in him a sense of duty, courtesy and respect to elders. She corrected Jose´s faults, especially his obstinacy. To accomplish this, her mother used parables which young Jose, like other children of his age, loved to hear. At the end of each parable or story, her mother explaining the meaning or symbolism in the story, brought about a fundamental moral to the young Jose. It may be recalled the story of Rizal´s mother about two young moths which were attracted to the bright flame of an oil lamp. The mother moth told the baby moths not to get near the light. But one of the baby moths disobeyed the mother moth´s warning and was burned to death. The following was the reaction of young Jose to the story:

"I listened breathlessly as my mother read: the fate of the two moths fascinated me. The flame´s yellow tongue caught one of the insects and after spasmodic quivering it lay still. It seemed to me a great event. . . It died a victim of its illusions. . . At bottom I could not blame it. The light had been so beautiful."

As we contemplate the birth, life and death of Rizal, was he like the baby moth a "victim of his illusions" so that years later he had to die by musketry in Bagumbayan field? Otherwise stated, was Rizal´s desire for the freedom of his country and people an illusion?

According to a Spanish philosopher Unamuno, "Jose Rizal was the Tagalog Christ." And Ambassador and writer Leon Ma. Guerrero had this to say about our national hero Jose Rizal:

"But we reserve our highest homage and deepest love for the Christlike victim whose mission is to consummate by their tragic failure the redemption of our nation. They stand above the reproaches and recriminations of human life, and are blessed with true immortality. When, at their appointed time, they die, we feel that all of us have died with them, but also that by their death we have been saved."

These are the thoughts which occurred to my mind as I contemplate on the commemoration of the birth of Jose Rizal this month.

Please let us know wer we can get in touched with Tita Atendido and Pete vVllaga. We already know they are in Texas. Please give us the email address. Thank you.

Dave P. Cruz

The Work of Learning

by Rudy Arizala

May I share with you and our readers my comments on the column of Mr. Randy David in The Philippine Daily Inquirer of 05 June 2005 which I also shared with my cousin Ted Rutaquio.

Your recent column "The Work of Learning" wherein you discussed the reactions of your students to "Sociology 10" is interesting.

Now, I know why during my law school days, my experience was I learned more by simply listening to the lectures of our professors, summarized them in my mind and later on upon arriving home jot down on my notebook what were given to us during the lecture.

My own experience was that if I jot down while hearing the lecture, I paid more attention on what to write so as not to miss a single word what our professor was saying. Thus, I had no time to absorb, reason out and summarize the important points of the professor´s lecture.

I doubt if "visual aids" would be of great help to me personally. Probably, I would remember or visualize what I saw but not integrate it well in my mind due to lack of reasoning or selecting the finer or important points of what I saw. . It is like seeing a "silent movie" or picture. All what you remember are shapes and colors.

It is not only a question of visualization and imagination. I think the two should be also accompanied by reasoning. Personally, I could reason more by imagination than by visualization.

The art of education these days boils down to the same old problem -- "spoon-feed education."

Methinks more reading and research is essential. And writing two or three term papers per week in my experience is more effective than merely listening to lectures with or without the facilities of visual aids.

By the way, according to a columnist, she laments that readerships or people engaged in reading have declined these days. She blames this trend on television, computer and modern technology in communication. When everything is done on a fast speed.

We do not engage anymore in the art of dining when one does not only enjoy the food with the use of fine cutlery; engage in leisurely conversation and bonding process with people whom you are dining with. It is like gulping your food at a "fast-food chain" or eatery with the use of paper napkins, cardboard plates and plastic glasses, spoons, forks and knives.

Everything now is rush, rush, rush. As an old auntie of mine used to tell me when she was still alive:. during her youth she traveled by cart pulled by a carabao and she had time to pray or meditate and enjoy the scenery along the way. Now, you travel at a fast speed and arrive at your destination when you could hardly catch your breath and remember what you saw along the way.

The same is true with modern education? We give more emphasis on speed? So the use of visual aids, overhead gadget which flashes momentarily graphs, pictures or even words or quotations on the screen?

I usually don't make a big fuss about my birthday, often celebrating it very quietly with my family. My 60th was one birthday weekend I will never forget, however. On Friday, I celebrated my birthday pretty quietly -- going to Mass to thank God for 60 years of many blessings, and to pray for my parents who gave me life. After Mass I went to the local garden shop to purchase some flowers and vegetable plants for my garden, then started getting my garden ready for planting. In the evening, Mark and I had a nice dinner at Red Lobster. On Saturday, I spent more time in the my garden and had a great time putting together three herbal garden in pots. In the evening, Mark and I went to a graduation party.

On Sunday, Mark, Kirsten, Kevin and his wife Trish, and a few friends treated me to a surprise birthday party at Mt. Vernon Country Club (thanks to my friend Dolly Banzon, who is a member of the club). After a very sumptuous brunch, Dolly initiated the fun part of the party with a roast, as a payback, she said of many times I told them what to do. You see, I'm known to be very bossy, someone who does not take no for an answer and one who is always asking for money. Everybody had a great time listening to my many idiosyncrasies and anecdotes. Kirsten, who was really nervous, made everybody laugh and cry at the same for her tribute of her mother -- the fun time we had when they were little, the heartaches she had caused me during puberty, and her looking up to me as her role model. Everybody forgave her of course for saying all those nice things -- she's my daughter.

In addition, Kirsten, who knows all too well that I never want any gift that would sit and collect dust, asked everyone who wish to give me a gift to give in my honor a donation to Metro Infanta Foundation for the disaster relief. And they did!

Last night, during our annual Memorial Day barbecue we officially ended my 60th birthday celebration by opening all the cards that I received and was happy to see $895 in checks. Some friends also sent checks in the mail or placed them in my mail box in the office making the total at nearly $1,200 (will not know total until the end of the week). What a way to end a very memorable birthday weekend!

My thanks to those who sent me birthday wishes by email and by phone! I wish you were all here to celebrate my milestone. In any case I ask you for your prayers for continued blessings and good health. It's been a great 60 years and am ready for more!

AMBASSADOR JUAN A. ONA

….. He played a substantive role in the rebuilding of our foreign relations after the fall of the dictatorship.

Thanks to the wisdom and statesmanship of Vice President Laurel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was perhaps the Ministry that after EDSA was spared the blanket dismissal of its leadership and of its career officer corps.

Vice President Laurel at once recognized the talents and integrity of the Foreign Service. The new administration was therefore able to use the intact career Foreign Service in utilizing the immense goodwill that resulted abroad from the restoration of democracy in our country.

Vice President Laurel thus left a legacy, which hopefully will guide all those in government service. Let us keep intact the multi-partisan nature of our foreign policy; let us keep intact the professionalism of our career Foreign Service Corps

The Vice President's stint in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was very brief. However, I think that the career Foreign Service Corps -- all of us who love the Department of Foreign Affairs -- recognize the debt of gratitude we owe him. He richly deserves the tribute now given him.

AMBASSADOR PABLO A. ARAQUE

About fifty years ago I had my first glimpse of the young Salvador Laurel, during the annual inter-university debates and oratorical contests which were one of the highlights of university life. He cut a dashing figure. He had a silver tongue, he was an impressive presence on the stage and his eloquence was compelling, but most of all, as he argued his case in debate and as his voice soared in oratory, his strong nationalism and idealism shone through. This young man of my age, I must have said to myself then, would become a leader of men and patriot of my generation.

After the dramatic events of EDSA I, that young man who so impressed me with his eloquence and nationalism had become the Vice President of the country and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. He had indeed fulfilled the promise that I, and, I am certain, many other contemporaries must have seen in him in earlier days.

On home assignment then, I was appointed Assistant Secretary for European Affairs, from which vantage point I had access to and frequent contact with him. Thus, I had the good fortune to get to know personally and work with one who so impressed me, many years ago, with his eloquence and idealism. Needless to say, the experience, for me, was enriching and gratifying.

As Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Vice President led the Department firmly, but with kindness. He ran a tight ship. He was focused and determined in the pursuit of the objectives of our foreign policy. He have us lessons in leadership, without appearing to, by example, by the way he made decisions during crucial moments in the conduct of foreign affairs, and there were quite a number then, as now, I should think, when those around him were edgy and tense, and even confused, the Vice President did not lose his usual equanimity nor his focus.

Here is the best example I can recall of his steely resolve in a critical and difficult situation. At that time, a foreign head of state was scheduled to make a somewhat controversial official visit here. Barely two days before the visitor was to board his plane in a neighboring country bound for Manila, the Vice President rang me up in the middle of the night and said, "This visit should not take place. It should be stopped at all cost; and this is non-negotiable." Before I could recover my wits, he went on, "Summon the ambassador first thing in the morning and tell him that grave security concerns have arisen which gives us reason to believe that we cannot guarantee the safety of his head of state during his stay in the country."

The guidelines were clear and unequivocal. That was the easy part, how to implement them was the hard part. Needless to say, that was one long restless night for me.

To our great relief and to the credit of the head of state, he promptly caught an infection of some kind, which compelled him to postpone his trip to a more propitious time.

No faces lost, no diplomatic flak, at least none publicly, no adverse press reaction.

The Vice President and perhaps, Mrs. Laurel, unknowingly showed us that work and official duty can be great fun too. The diplomatic dinners hosted by them for foreign dignitaries were, not in the least, stiff nor staid affairs, dinners became "fests", songfests, dance fests and funfests. Sometimes the Vice President and sometimes the Supreme Court justices regaled the guests with their rich baritone or tenor. Visiting foreign dignitaries and ambassadors were prevailed upon to take their turn at the microphone. A song, a piano piece (there was always a piano), a tune in the harmonica, anything musical would do and would be thoroughly enjoyed by all. I declare these to be true; I was there! One ambassador, for lack of any other means, whistled for his dinner.

There was talk in the diplomatic circles, so I heard, that foreign governments were seriously considering the ability to sing or dance. Or play any musical instrument as part of the job description for ambassadors and other officers for posting in Manila.

Dear Mrs. Laurel, our deepest condolences go to you and your children and other members of the family on the passing away of a well-loved and highly esteemed Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs. While we mourn his loss we are grateful that he passed this way once and touched and enriched our lives.

AMBASSADOR RODOLFO A. ARIZALA

Way back in February 1986, I was in the Philippines visiting my mother and relatives when EDSA people power took place. Pres. Marcos and family were sent to Hawaii while Mrs. Corazon Aquino was sworn into office as President and Salvador "Doy" H. Laurel as Vice President. From the province I immediately went to Manila and reported at the Department of Foreign Affairs. I went first to see Undersecretary Jose D. Ingles with whom I worked as Special Assistant prior to my posting abroad. Undersecretary Ingles told me

There were many people at the office of Vice President Laurel at Padre Faura when I arrived. However, when his private secretary saw me, she immediately ushered me in and brought me before VP Laurel.

After congratulating the Vice President I asked him if he had any instructions for me. "Oh, yes, go back to your post and explain to your host government what is really going on in our country," he replied.

Then he held my arm, took me in to a corner of his office and told me in almost a whisper. "You know, Ambassador Arizala, some of my leaders told me you were one of the 'Marcos boys' and should be removed from the service. But I told them, "Let us be magnanimous in victory. Career people should not be affected by partisan politics, let us make use of them."

I told Vice President Laurel it was true. President Marcos was the one who appointed me as ambassador. And I did my best to serve our people under difficult and trying circumstances. Vice President Laurel then shook hands with me and wished me a happy trip.

Years later, on January 1993, when I was assigned by President Corazon Aquino in New York as Consul General, a group of Batangueños belonging to a Fil-American organization in the United States came to see me. They were asking permission to use the "Kalayaan Hall" in the Philippine Center to hold a party in honor of the former VP and Foreign Secretary Salvador "Doy" Laurel, and at the same time launch his book "Neither Trumpets Nor Drums." At this time, there was already a parting of ways between him and President Aquino and the VP had resigned his post as Foreign Secretary.

Without hesitation I allowed the use of the "Kalayaan Hall". After the event, VP Laurel thanked me for welcoming him, his family and the Batangueños at "Kalayaan Hall". I said, "Mr. Vice President you need not thank me. Remember what you told me when you were newly installed as Foreign Secretary? We career people "should not be affected by partisan politics." He just smiled and patted me in the back. Then he gave me an autographed copy of his book. That was "Doy Laurel, always with a magnanimous heart. And although I am not a poet, I share with you the following lines:

Let it be Doy Laurel's reward!

(Please click here or above heading for past daily posting on Metro Infanta)