Metro Infanta Foundation, Inc.

Infanta, Real and Nakar tragedy

Carmelians: Rise Up and Help Your Alma Mater

It has been more than three months now since our areas in INFANTA, REAL and GENERAL NAKAR had been seriously devastated by the strong flash floods last 30 November -01 December 2004.

Its effects are still greatly traceable in the areas and had brought tremendous negative impact to our fellow KABABAYANS. At present, our fellow town folks are in their great efforts to re-build and restore the areas. Though of course, this will take a longer period of dedication and commitment. However, this time I am more particularly concerned with our Alma Mater, Mt. Carmel School of Infanta, how we could help in re-building and restoring back to its natural and previous conditions. I just recently received a letter from the school head, Ms. Belen Foronda, who shared with me the hardships and sacrifices that our students have been undergoing now.

This time, I am appealing for the sake of our students who have been displaced and are presently holding their classes in the auditorium and in the corridors. According to Ms. Foronda, eight classrooms have been cleared with mud and various debris and still nine more classrooms have to be repaired and refurbished before they can be utilized again for the purpose

In particular, the School Management, through Ms. Belen Foronda, has written me and sent me some of the essential things that they would need to acquire for their normal operations. I am attaching the "WISH LIST" so that if you knew anybody with a kind heart and a great desire to help then they could send it through our Mt. Carmel School of Infanta Alumni Association, Inc. (MCSIAAI) and forward the same in the soonest possible time.

Once again, I am encouraging you to move out of your respective comfort zones to help out and alleviate their very conditions. For the sake of those who have not gone in the area, we would like to make you aware that Mt. Carmel School of Infanta, like any other private schools in the Prelature of Infanta (basically the Northern part of Quezon and Southern part of Aurora) though it is a private school, it is very much different from the rest of the other private schools in the country. In terms of operations, this school mostly depends on the tuition fees paid by the parents. If the parents failed to pay for their children's fees on time then the school would have difficulty in paying for their employees' salaries and benefits. Hence, at some near future, it will close down. But like everybody else knew, it had almost closed down before. At that time, everyone did help in keeping the school survived and to continue its operation through some personal and individual donations and pledges from within and outside of Infanta. In short, it constantly needs the support and assistance of generous benefactors and patrons to keep its operation. Otherwise, it will get extinct. It is for this reason that we, its Alumni of this Alma Mater, keep on knocking at your kind and generous hearts to help us save this institution. I am quite sure that this coming school year, many of these students would stop from schooling. Since many of them could no longer afford to pay for their tuition fees. If you knew therefore anyone who could provide for one whole year tuition fees for some of them, then there will be brighter days ahead of them.

MAGKAISA TAYONG TUMULONG PARA MAKATAPOS MAN LAMANG SILA NG KANILANG PAG-AARAL SA MATAAS NA PAARALANG ITO. (LET US BE ONE IN HELPING THEM FINISH THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION TO THIS ALMA MATER).

By the way, I have attached the list of our MCSIAA officers, whom you can coordinate with or communicate when there are ready materials to be forwarded for the School.

We are in advance thanking you all for the kind assistance that you would be extending to them. May the good Lord who is forever generous reward you all with His abundant blessings today and through out your entire life. Happy Easter!

Please make your check payable to Metro Infanta Foundation, indicating what you wish to sponsor with your donation, and send it by mail to 7350 Braun Way, Arvada, CO 80005 USA. Those who do online banking might want to schedule a payment payable to Metro Infanta Foundation and sent to above address.

Those from the the Philippines (for those in the United States, their donation is tax deductible only if given to a 501(c) (3) organization such as Metro Infanta Foundation) who wish to make a donation to Mt. Carmel School of Infanta directly may send it to its dollar account # 240162994 BNORPHHM SWIFT ACCOUNT # Banco de Oro Greenhills Branch, Metro Manila, Philippines. Then they may call or txt Ms. Belen Foronda at +639278706767 for confirmation and receipt.

Officers, Calendar Years 2004-2006

The Rehabilitation Phase of the disaster stricken towns of Real, Infanta and General Nakar has begun. The Philippine government has requested the United Nations for a total aid package of $6.5 million for rehabilitation purposes. Most of these monies will be used for schools, bridges, roads, and other infrastructures.

The Prelature of Infanta and its Social Action Center have called for assistance in meeting the needs of our people still suffering from the aftermath of the four typhoons that hit them late last year. The Social Action Center, working with known disaster relief agencies such as Oxfam International, Catholic Relief Service and Christian Aid, has begun the process of determining the needs of the three municipalities affected by the typhoons. The Center is also working with the MSK, or Munting Sambayanang Kristiyano, to assist them in this process.

Their main concern right now, said Carmelite Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona and Deacon Mario Van Loon, coordinator, Social Action Center, is providing people with materials to rebuild their homes and to find alternative means of livelihood. Most of the farm areas of the REINA areas are buried in banlik and logs, and nearly 200 boats have been swept away or destroyed by the currents of the floods.

Thus the Center is focusing their attention in getting enough funds to assist the victims of the typhoons in this rehab phase. Metro Infanta Foundation is hoping to fund or sponsor projects described above in cooperation with the other disaster relief agencies. We hope to raise another $20,000 as our contribution to such efforts or any other projects donors choose.

Meanwhile, Father Edwin Agapay, superintendent of the Catholic Schools of the Prelature of Infanta (CASPI) issued a list of budgetary needs to rehabilitate the Mt. Carmel schools including Infanta, General Nakar and Burdeos. Donors, especially alumni associations, might want to raise funds for these purposes.

For instance, below is a list of infrastructure needs (others to follow):

Mt. Carmel School Infanta	Phil. Pesos	US Dollar
Construction of 18 totally damaged classrooms	3,000,000	55,555.56
Construction of 1 totally damaged canteen	100,000	1,851.85
Repair of 2 damaged offices	20,000	370.37
Repair of 6 damaged classrooms	60,000	1111.11
Repair of Laboratory Room	20,000	370.37
Sub-Total	3,200,000	59,259.26
Mt. Carmel High School General Nakar
Construction of 4 totally damaged classrooms	400,000	7,407.41
Construction of totally damaged Canteen	50,000	925.93
Repair of 5 damaged offices	50,000	925.93
Repair of Damaged Library	20,000	370.37
Sub-Total	520,000	9,629.64
Mt. Carmel High School Burdeos
Replalcement for the 15 spans of perimeter fence	75,000	1,388.89
Sub Total	75,000	1,388.89
TOTAL INFRASTRUCTURE	3,795,000	70,277.78

List of equipment needs

Mt. Carmel School Infanta	Phil. Pesos	US Dollar
200 classroom chairs	180,000	3,333.33
20 classroom electric fans	20,000	370.37
2 office computers, printers, scanners	100,000	1,851.85
Copy and fax machine	75,000	1,388.89
Storages cabinets for classrooms and offices	175,000	3,240.74
Laboratory apparatus	60,000	1,111.11
Cassettes, microphones, guitars	50,000	925.93
Office tables, chairs and teachers' chairs	30,000	555.56
Sub-Total	690,000	12,777.78
Mt. Carmel High School General Nakar
100 classroom chairs	90,000	1,666.67
6 electric fans	6,000	111.11
1 office computer with printer	40,000	740.74
Office tables and chairs	10,000	185.19
Mimeographing machine	20,000	370.37
Laboratory apparatus	20,000	370.37
Repair of Damaged Library	25,000	462.96
Sub-Total	211,000	3,907.40
TOTAL EQUIPMENT NEEDS	901,000	16,685.19

Remember Arriane Serafico, a HS student at St. Scholastica in Manila, has not only managed to get her Religious Education class to reach out to our suffering people, but has also inspired the entire high school to participate in the effort. They were among the hundreds of volunteers who worked day and night to coordinate and assemble relief goods at the Mt. Carmel Shrine. The two young girls in photo are among those volunteers from St. Scholastica.

Our thanks to all those who gave their time and talent to our kababayans in their time of need.

Congratulations! Maria Cristina Dinglasan Leodones!

I just want to extend our congratulation to my niece Maria Cristina Dinglasan Leodones for passing the Dentist Board Examination just released Jan.4, 2005. She is a graduate of the University of the East (Manila, Philippines). Best wishes to you on your chosen profession.

Regards,
Uncle Mario & Family
Canton,Michigan

From Feddie "Boyet" Cuento

I would like to thant the efforts of the Tanay Mounteneers headed by Engr. Carlos Onofre, for their help extended to Infanta. These fine young men and women brought relief goods especially to the people of Baranggay Ilog, carrying on their backs from Maragondon, Real, Quezon, to Brgy. Ilog on foot, a few days after the disaster. Also to my very good friend, Mr Dennis Dinglasa of Lamitan, Basilan, who organized the expedition. The group helped in distributing relief goods. They came and left Infanta "unnoticed".

My thanks to the owner of Shell Gas station (Mla East Road/Sampaloc,Tanay Road Junction) for the two sacks of rice contribution for the expedition.

From Rudy Arizala

Assistance to REINA does not end on distribution of relief goods such as ration of rice, can of sardines and packet of noodles.

After the floods, lives must be restored, houses rebuilt, families reconstituted, and livelihood regained.

The people are grateful and apprecative of the help extended and being bestowed to them by kind-hearted people, institutions and nations.. However, If further assistance are not forthcoming, or interest in helping them wanes, the people of REINA would have to fend for themselves as they are used to do after every calamity in the checkered history of their towns.

Natural calamities and lack of further outside assistance would not make helpless mendicants out of a people born and reared in the cradle of human dignity. They have the instinct to survive and recapture life as human beings.. For life must go on without sacrificing human dignity to mendicancy.

Our task is to write a new history for Infanta. It won´t be easy, but not impossible so long as we have faith, perseverance and human dignity left in us.

"We shall overcome."

By Rudy A. Arizala

I. Introduction

One could live in any country but he could never renounce the memory (nostalgia) of his native town &endash; the place of his birth and where he grew up; where he would like or dream of returning some day and rediscover that between reality and nostalgia is the soul of one´s existence..

This book published by the Bank of the Philippine Islands with the cooperation of ICDAI (Infanta Integrated Community Development Assistance, Inc.) is not just a compilation of pictures and descriptions of scenic spots of Infanta, Quezon; its people, homes, and environment. It is a story of a people; its culture, history, myths and traditions. It shows how the mythical town of Infanta at the foothills of the towering and long range Sierra Madre mountains and at the coast of the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific Ocean managed to survive the vicissitudes of life, time; foreign cultures, natural calamities, wars and revolutions; and how it is confronting the onslaught of modernism brought about by globalization.

For the complete text, please click here.

Yoly Aumentado, left, has been our source of information regarding the fundraising efforts of Sr. Christina Sevilla, RGS, right, in the Archdiocese of Los. In the middle is the first and newly installed Filipino American bishop in the United States, Bishop Oscar Solis.

The last time we reported Sr. Christina has raised more than $10,000, which the Sisters of the Good Shepherds will deliver to Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona. We will keep you informed at a later date on the final collection delivered to the bishop. our sincere thanks to Sr. Christina and the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Mga kapatid,

Kapayapaan!

Tuloy ang buhay, tuloy ang lakaran, tuloy ang paglalakbay ng sambayanan ng mga dukha...

..puno ng pananalig

..puno ng pag-asa

Hindi ko makalimutan ang ating masayang samahan...

Ako ay patuloy na kaisa n'yo..kahit sa magkabilang dulo ng mundo.

Patnubayan nawa kayo ng Poong Maykapal...

..Si Kristo ang sandigan

Hindi magigiba..

Editor's Note: Father Pete posted this note on the Guestbook. Please visit the guestbook for other messages.

Editor's Note: Please do not hesitate to make any corrections on this website. Because of certain liminations we are unable to catch all mistakes. But rest assured that we will do everything possible to correct any error immediately. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Thank God and thank you! Our challenge yesterday to reach our goal of $30,000 came through! Isn't this incredible! Yesterday we needed $702.50. This afternoon, Gene Pallugna sent me a message saying that he deposited $800 -- more than we needed to reach teh goal --from the Lord of the Harvest Church in San Antonio, Texas.

Gene noted: This check was faxed to me by Pastor Joe Dejesa from their collection last Sunday according to our kababayan Ike Mapa.

Thank You, Ike!

Pastor Dejesa's message on his fax: God bless you for facilitating the funds for the flood victims. It's a privilege for our church to be able to help in a small way. To God be the glory.

Thank you Pastor Dejesa! It is a great privilege too for us to comfort our people through the relief aids contributed by so many people. Truly when we trust the Lord, He provides. Yes, to God be the glory!

If you still have not made a contribution, what are you waiting for? Those not from Infanta are helping, why not you? If you yourself cannot help, find other sources of funds -- your friends, co-workers, churches. The rehabilitation phase will need us even more because almost everyone else is giving to the tsunami victims. Let us unite and hear the cry of our people. Please send your donations NOW!

Please make your check payable to Metro Infanta Foundation and sen

From Rudy Arizala, Chile, Santiago

Tama ang awit ni pamangking Norman Azcarraga Taniegra na "Madaling Araw Na."

Angkok na angkop sa muling pagbangon ng ating bayan sa dinanas na kahirapn dahil sa biglang pagbuhos ng baha.

Pagkatapos ng takip-silim sa dapit-hapon at gabing madilim, ang hahalili naman ay ang Bukang Liwayway.

Mayroon sanang maglapat ng himig o "musical score" sa ginawang "lyrics" ni Norman Azcarraga Taniegra na pinamagatan niyang "Madaling Araw Na."

Harinawa ang dagat-dagatang putik, banlik at sukal na tumalukbong sa ating kabukiran ay mahalinhang muli ng mga luntiang tanawin na binanggit ni Norman sa kanyang "pagbabalik" sa mahal na bayan ng Infanta.

Kapag kayo ay nakarinig na ng huni ng kuleg-leg ay tiyak na luntian na naman ang ating mga kabukiran at ang taginting ng guitara ay muling ipapadpad ng hanging palay-palay sa lahat ng sulok ng ating bayan kasama ang halimuyak ng ilang-ilang dala ng hanging amihan.

Samantala, patuloy sana ang inyong pagtulong upang muling maibangon ang ating mahal na bayan ng Infanta, Real at Heneral Nakar..Walang higit na magmamalasakit, tutulong at magpupunyagi para sa bayan ng Infanta kundi ang mga taga Infanta rin.

From Norman Azcarraga Taniegra
Changzhou, China

Una po sa lahat nagpapasalamat ako sa Metro Infanta Foundation sa paglathala ng aking awit (AWIT NG PAG-ASA). Nais ko rin pong pasalamatan si Tto Rudy Arizala sa kanyang winika hinggil sa king awit. Salamat din kay Menard Babas,Ted Recio, Athan Lacuesta sa kanilang email matapos mabasa ang awit ko.

Isang panawagan lang po sa mga kababayan kong alagad ng sining at musika: kay Jimmy Pestanas,Elsie Coronacion, Arnel at Erol Venida at isama pa ang may pusong Infanta na si G.Boogie "Louie" Labayen).

"Tara na...kunin ang gitara na kasabit sa dingding at kalabitin para lumikha ng awit para sa kababayan natin sa Infanta, Real at Nakar. Mag-ambag ng talento para ipadama ang ating damdamin at pagmamahal sa ating bayan."

Ako'y nangangarap na isang araw ay may marinig ang ating mga kababayan na awit laan para sa kanila."Malay natin baka may mag-prodyus para sa recording!"

Kalakip po ng sulat na ito ang isang awit para sa mga kababayan natin sa abroad. Kagaya ko lahat tayo ay nais magbalik sa ating mahal na bayan.

Panghuli: naalala ko ang sinabi ni Tito Rudy Arizala.."AT IBINANGON S'YA NG KANYANG MGA KASAMA...""tara na...dalawin natin ang Infanta...."

Madaling Araw Na
(para sa mga kabayan ko na nasa abroad)

ni Norman Azcarraga Taniegra

MADALING ARAW NA AKING BAYAN

NAGLAHO NA ANG HINAGPIS NG ULAN

MGA IBON AY NAGAAWITAN

KASABAY SA BANAYAD NA AMIHAN

MADALING ARAW NA AKING BAYAN

MAY NGITI SA DAKONG SILANGANAN

KUMAKAWAY ANG MGA LUNTIAN

SA MULI KONG PAGBALIK AKING MAHAL...

REFRAIN:

SAKALI MAN,SAKALI MAN...HINDI KITA MATAGPUAN

MANANATILI KITANG MINAMAHAL

SA BUKID MAN AT NG PARANG

NG 'YONG GANDA'Y PAGMAMASDAN

MULI KITANG ITATAYO AKING BAYAN...

(MULI AKONG MAGBABALIK AKING BAYAN...)

MADALING ARAW NA AKING MAHAL

AKO'Y MAGBABALIK SA ATING TAHANAN

KA'Y TAGAL NA PANAHON AKO AY NAGLAYAG

UPANG HANAPIN ANG KINABUKASAN (repeat refrain 2x)

coda:

MADALING ARAW NA AKING BAYAN....

CHRISTUS St Mary Hospital physician, Arsenio Martin, MD, FCCP, received The 2004 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas from the President of the Philippines. The award was honored to Dr. Martin at an award ceremony at the Malacanang Palace in the Philippines this December.

Held every two years, the awards program is intended to recognize the exemplary work of overseas Filipinos, and draw public attention to exemplars of Filipino virtues and excellence, as well as the beneficence of overseas Filipino and foreign organizations to Filipino communities here and abroad.

Dr. Martin, the incoming Chief of Staff at CHRISTUS St. Mary Hospital and the Treasurer of the CHRISTUS St. Mary Hospital Foundation, was nominated for this award based on his involvement with numerous medical missions in the Philippines, his fundraising initiatives for local scholarships and his endless help to provide medical supplies and equipment to many hospitals in the Philippines. Just recently, Dr. Martin raised over $15,000 for the flood victims in the Philippines.

"There are over 7.7 millions Filipinos overseas, so this is an honor to be recognized by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," said Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin has practiced Pulmonology for the past 25 years in Jefferson County. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary Disease. He is also a Fellow of The American College of Chest Physicians.

He and his wife, Dr. Fe Martin, Pediatrician, have devoted themselves to helping others in need. They will leave in January for another medical mission in the Philippines for ten days. For this reason alone, Dr. Martin has proven his commitment to humanitarian goals. Last year Dr. Martin received another Presidential Award from the American College of Chest Physician in Orlando, Florida for his humanitarian effort here in US and the Philippines.

This year's awardees were selected from a total of 150 nominations from 29 countries through 43 Philippine Embassies and Consulates. Of the 45

awardees, 31 are individuals while 14 are organizations. The awardeescame from Australia, Belgium, Canada Germany, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America.

(Press release and photo courtesy of Christus St. Mary Hospital.)

From Geny Panaligan-Ke
Florida

Thank you for your informative website.

The communities of Miami, Broward and West Palm Beach have done fundraising for the typhoon victims. We collected over $6,000 from Simbang Gabi and $632 from Feast of Immaculate Conception.

Our group is planning a medical mission. We are coordinating our efforts with local and international nursing and medical groups. Do you know any group who is already doing the mission in that area?. The Honorary Consul to South Florida is very supportive of our mission and will most likely visit the area next month.

May God Bless Us always in our efforts to help our needy kababayans!

Editor's Note: if you have any answer, plese send your response directly to Geny Panaligan-Ke.

From Amb. Rudy Arizala to Amb. Pablo Araque

Thanks for your expression of sympathy and solidarity with the people of my hometown Infanta, Quezon as well as of the neighboring towns of Real and Gen. Nakar.

Your generous donations "according to your means" was most welcome and will go a long way in mitigating the pain and sufferings of the victims of the floods. Our co-tattlers also such Ka Toto Zaide, Jr., Ka Josue Villa, etc., also expressed sympathy and solidarity as well as gave generous donations.

Small world, indeed. I did not know that our present Bishop Msgr Tirona of the Prelatura of Infanta was formerly your bishop at BF Homes.

Despite of the fact that my sister (Imelda) whom you also met at the book launching almost get drowned and both she and my younger brother were victims of the flash floods - their respective homes were damaged by the rampaging floodwaters, they are doing all right and together with my other relatives, friends and townmates they are all picking up the pieces and undergoing slow but sure rehabilitation materially and spiritually.

From Amb. Pablo Araque

I was deeply saddened and shocked over the tragic events that happened in your beloved hometown of Infanta and neighboring towns. Please accept my most sincere condolences and sympathies.

As you recall, I met many of your townmates and prominent people of Quezon during the launching of your book here and therefore I have a special feeling about your town. Now that feeling is more strengthened because the Prelate there now,Msgr Tirona, was previously our bishop here in BF Homes. And our parish priest made a special appeal for help to the Prelature of Infanta when the tragedy occurred. I made a generous contribution, according to my means of course, to help the prelature and people of Infanta.

I do hope that your relatives and friends there are all right.

Tatlong Hari

ni Rudy Arizala

T - atlong hari na maginoo

A - ng nangaglakbay sa disyerto

T - anging hanap sanggol na Kristo

L - ahat naghandog ng regalo

O - rong ginto, mirra, incenso

N - aging alay ng tatlong Mago

G - aling sa Silangang malayo

H - inanap ang Haring totoo

A - at sinamba anak ng tao

R - imarim ng kanilang puso

I - pinalit ay Paraiso

by Rudy Arizala

MIF call to redouble the efforts of our kababayans in making contributions to the flash flood victims in REINA is timely as we enter into the "Second Phase" of aid or assistance which is more expensive but equally urgent: that of "Rehabilitation" physically and spiritually of the flash flood victims.

And unfortunately, this is compounded by another disaster which is more destructive and cover a wider area almost global in nature. The recent earthquake off the island of Sumatra, Indonesia which triggered "tsunamis" or tidal waves which caused death to about 160,000 as well as enormous destruction in ten countries of Southeast Asia, East Asia and East Africa. Badly hit by the "tsumani" were Sumatra, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.

According to the UN, it would require billions of US dollars to help millions of people and naturally, the attention of the International Community, organizations and individuals are now focused on the "tsumani" victims.

So, the victims of the flash floods in Quezon province, Maria Aurora and Central Luzon, Philippines may have to fend for themselves in the "rehabilitation process." And that would require more donations and assistance from Filipinos themselves at home and abroad.

The attention of the international community and world organizations is now centered on "tsunami" victims. As a matter of fact there would be a "Summit Meeting" of world leaders in Indonesia on 05 January 2005. The Philippine President is attending said Summit in Jakarta.

Typical of the resiliency and self-help spirit of the people from Infanta, Quezon, is the news report that our kababayans are asking for seeds or seedlings of vegetables and crops so that they could plant them. While grateful for the relief rations of rice, canned of sardines and packets noodles, they prefer now to raise their own foodstuffs or vegetables. They are by now naturally tired of eating sardines and noodles with their plate of rice.

Slowly, but steadily, they are rebuilding their homes or providing themselves with emergency shelters. It would be a great help if the government would authorize victims of the flash floods to use as part of rebuilding their homes the logs carried by the flash floods from the mountains to the plains which now practically littered our streets and surroundings in Infanta. Those logs could be converted into lumber and use in rebuilding homes in Infanta, Real, Gen. Nakar area.

From Janet Paredes, a friend of Bishop Labayen and Dolly Banzon

Editor's Note: Janet sent this email to Dolly Banzon, a Metro Infanta Fondation supporter.

Happy New Year sa inyong Lahat dyan! Sana maging maayos, masagana, at maunlad ang taong 2005!

Kasalukuyang nagdadaos kami ng relief and rehab sa Quezon, ang sinalanta ng bagyo noong unang linggo ng Dec.

Malungkot ang pasko dito, naglagay na lang ako ng decor sa pinto namin middle of Dec. na, si Alex at manang ang naglagay. Very depressing, ni hindi ako lubusang nag-christmas shopping, kung ano ang mga bagong items na nakatago o naka-stock, yun ang pinamigay ko. Wala akong niregaluhan sa opisina namin, nakakawalang gana talaga itong paskong ito dahil sa nangyari sa Quezon at may tsunami pa sa Indonesia, etc. 

Nakaraos din kahit papaano!!!  Balitaan ninyo kami tungkol sa pasko at bagong taon ninyo dyan.  Ito muna.  Nag-oorganize ako ngayon ng papuntang Quezon, mga counselors na kaklase ko to do Crisis Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD), mabuti maraming interesado. Matapos ang isang buwan ng disaster, kailangan na nila ito.

Nagpunta kami noong Dec. 30 sa Barangay ilog sa Infanta Quezon, Sos maryosep! walang natirang bahay, mga 4 lang ang natira, lahat naka-tent na donated ng Canada haba ginagawa ang mga bahay. Mga teens ang ni-trauma counseling namin.  Ang kasama kong counselor naiiyak habang ako ay nagagalit sa sistema at mga loggers, bwisit talaga!

Nagkuwento ang mga teens ng karanasan nila, 8:15 ng gabi hanggang 5am ng umaga nakalutang sila sa tubig, ang iba nagising sa pagkakahimbing ng tulog, ang mga bata na-save ang mga magulang nila, wala silang kinain ng ilang araw hanggang dumating ang relief goods.

Sawang-sawa na raw sila sa sardinas at noodles na instant.  Gusto na nilang magtanim. Humihingi nga sila ng mga seedlings para makapagsimula na muli.

Jan. 15 babalik kami sa ibang lugar ng Infanta, mas looban para mag-CISD muli.  Hindi ko alam kung ilang araw kami doon.  Naka-organize akong 10 counselors para sumama, mabuti naman.  Ito na muna.  Will update you all.

We are a group of Catholic Charismatics consisting of more than 95% Filipinos and Filipino-Americans. We have an LBC BBBox intended for the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon. Can you please inform us of the correct address of the Prelature?

Thank you for your efforts (did you notice the number of Filipino American associations that have made contributions?) in getting the donations before the end of the year. The latest push from Louie and Rose Labayen in the State of Washington, and the efforts of Sandra Recio in New Jersey, Marilou Leynes Espinosa, my friends in Colorado and others who wish to remain anonymous, have pushed us closer to the $30,000 mark.

We need only $702.50! How about it kababayans! Please let me know by Friday, Jan. 8th if we can make our next goal. I plan to transmit the next installment by Monday, January 10th. We ask those who have not made any contribution to date, to consider joining us in our efforts. I know some are sending their contribution directly, but those who have not: How you stand and watch our people suffer and do nothing! This is mindboggling to me. Even the cost of a hamburger will be a tremendous help!

Joe Marquez , in St. Louis, Missouri, just sent me an email saying he has more checks (didn't say how much) in the mail. So we're getting closer.

I plan to hand deliver our next relief fund next week! It would be great if we can give them another $12,500. In addition, we have at least another $10,000 to distribute to our regular education, religious and humanitarian causes. Thank you for making it happen for us. I know many of you could have sent your donations on your own, but you and I know that our gifts when combined make a stronger statement of our resolve to reach out to our kababayans, and of course it has greater impact.

By Rudy A. Arizala

Santiago, Chile

When we were still kids, we looked forward to Christmas Eve (24 December midnight mass) when the big lantern in a shape of a star lighted with a candle would "fly" from the entrance door above the ceiling of the church toward the altar as the priest walked slowly accompanied by "sacristans" and the choir singing Christmas carols. Actually, the big lighted star lantern does not "fly" but is pulled by the "sacristan major" through a pulley and strings attached to the star. The big lighted star would stop above near the altar where a tableau of the "Belen" was: a babe in swaddling clothes on a manger, with Virgin Mary looking tenderly over her child and old Joseph leaning on his staff also looking at the child with affection. Around the manger were the images of the shepherds their animals - sheep, goats , cows, etc. A little farther were the "Three Kings" from the East &endash; Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar in their regal and colorful robes. They brought gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense for the child Jesus. Nana Sepa, the eldest sister of mother, explained to us children that Jesus received gifts of gold because He is "King of all kings"; myrrh because as Savior He would suffer and die on the cross to save mankind from sin; and frankincense, because Jesus is Holy.

But we children did not pay much attention to such explanation of Nana Sepa about the gifts of the three kings. We were more interested in knowing what gifts we shall receive from our parents, uncles and aunties the next morning on Christmas day.

So, when we were kids in Infanta, we were reintroduced every year to the Holy Family, shepherds and to the three kings from the East guided by a bright star.

Speaking of Three Kings, I also remember that our Christmas celebrations end on 06 January, when the images of the Holy Family and Three Kings are brought to our house after mass. They called this "Paghahatid" (Delivery). The statues were usually accompanied from the church to our house by people who attended the mass. They were solemnly placed on an improvised altar at home (usually a huge narra table covered with white sheets of cloth and a light blue cloth above as awning. After prayers before the improvised altar, my parents would serve breakfast to all the people who accompanied the images or statues of the Holy Family. Breakfast usually consists of chocolate or coffee, bread, "suman" (native cakes made of rice wrapped in banana leaves), and other native delicacies.

Why did our parents observe such practice of "Paghahatid" on Three Kings? My family (mother on the Azcarraga side) has for its saint to take care of the statue of the Virgin Mary which is placed every Christmas at the altar of the town church as part of the Holy Family tableau. Another distant relative had the care of the statue of St. Joseph; and another family had the care of the "Niño Jesus." Unfortunately, during the war, (World War II), except for the statue of the Virgin Mary in the care of the Azcarraga family, the statues of the other members of the Holy Family, that is of St. Joseph and the "Niño Jesus" disappeared. They were either destroyed or burned during the war. Subsequently, the church stopped considering the feast of the Three Kings as Special religious holiday. Thus, the practice of "paghahatid" or bringing the Holy Family statues from the church back to their respective homes signifying the end of the Feast of Three Kings and observance of Christmas holidays, also stopped.

Some say the story of the Three Kings or Magi is a "myth" or "legend." They pointed out of all the four gospel writers or "Evangelists," only Matthew mentioned or narrated about the the three "Magi" from the East who, guided by a star, traveled until "they found the child with Mary his mother; and falling down they worshipped him. And opening their treasures they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Mat. 2:10-11).

Be that as it may, whether the story of the "Three Kings", "Magi" or "Wise men", is a "myth" or not, it is a beautiful story worth to remember, retell and perpetuate. I dare say, even better than the myth or story of Sta. Claus. For the Three Kings are more significant and spiritually satisfying both to children and adults.

HAPPY THREE KINGS TO EVERYBODY!

Salamat sa Awit ng Pag-asa

ni Rudy Arizala

Salamat sa Awit ng Pag-asa ni Insang Norman Azcarraga Taniega (Chungzhou, China) hinggil sa Infanta, Real at Nakar.

Tumpak at wasto ang buod ng kanyang Awit ng Pag-asa (Bangon Infanta, Bangon Real, Bangon Nakar) dahil sa sang-ayon sa alamat- kasaysayan ng ating bayan, ito ay itinatag nina Nunong Karugtong at ng kanyang mga kampon noong unang panahon bago pa dumating ang mga dayuhang Kastila sa ating bansa.

Sa paghahanap nina Nunong Karugtong ng pook na matitirahan, binagtas nila ang kabundukan ng Sierra Madre hanggang makarating sila sa dalampasigan ng Pasipiko.

Minabuti nilang itatag ang kanilang bayan-bayanan sa isang pook na malapit sa dalawang ilog ngunit malayo naman sa dagat. Dahil sa pagod, nakatulog si Nunong Karugtong sa ilalim ng isang puno ng malaking kahoy. Ginising siya ng kanyang mga kasamahan noong nakahukay sila ng isang malaking gabi (yam). Dahil sa katandaan ni Nunong Karugtong ay tinulungan siya ng kanyang mga kasama na bumangon.

Kaya ipinasiya nila na tagurian o tawaging "Binangonan" ang nasabing bayan-bayanan na ngayon ay ang bayan ng Infanta.

Tiyak nga na muling magbabangon ang mga tao sa nasabing pook ng Infanta, Real at Nakar dahil sa ngalang "Binangonan."

Hindi lamang isang ulit dinaanan ng mga paglindol, pagbagyo, pagbaha, pagkakaroon ng mga sakit, pagkasira at pagkakaroon ng apoy sa ating bayan ng Infanta. Ngunit ang ating mahal na bayan dahil sa pagtitiwala, pananampalataya, sariling sikap, lakas at kasipagan ay muling bumabangon sa kabila ng mga sakuna at kahirapan.

Bagong Taon, Bagong Pag-asa, at Bagong Buhay!!! Gaya ng binanggit ko sa aking tula "Each day a Happy New Year!!!" (Ang bawa´t araw ay Maligayang Taon!!!").

Awit ng Pag-asa

ni Norman Azcarraga Taniegra Changzhou, China

(para sa mga taga-Infanta, Real at Nakar)

Mga Kababayan,

Lumikha po ako ng isang awit para kahit pano magbigay ng pagasa sa mga kababayan natin sa infanta,real,nakar. Isa po akong musikero na nagtatrabaho dito sa changzhou, China. Gusto ko ring ipadama hindi man karaptdapat ang aking pagmamahal sa ating bayan ng Infanta. Salamat po.

CHANT:

BANGON INFANTA

BANGON REAL

BANGON NAKAR

SALABUNGIN ANG BAGONG PAGASA

SALABUNGIN ANG BAGONG UMAGA(REFRAIN)

$27,000 and counting; Infantahins around the world continue fund raising for Disaster Relief

In the State of Washington, led by Louie Labayen and his family, Filipinos collected more than $1,215 with more expected.

In Texas Shelley Ortiz and Gene Pallugna are leading Infantahins with plans for a benefit dance.

Yoly and Bert Aumentado report that Good Shepherd Sister Christine of Los Angeles collected nearly $10,000 which the Sisters of the Good Shepherd will turnover to the Prelature of Infanta directly.

Thanks to those who worked hard in these new initatives and to all those who did not hesitate to lend a helping hand.

What is there to celebrate?

Each day a Happy New Year!!!.

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