Tulabut: Great Man, Great Place

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

HE IS one Pinoy who gets a standing ovation from Americans.

No, I’m not talking about Manny Pacquiao or Allan Pineda (of Black Eyed Peas).

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He is one man who eludes the limelight but not the accolades of men – George Samson, top honcho of Detroit-based World Medical Relief Inc., which donates free medicines, medical equipment and supplies.

Unknown to many, Mr. Samson and WMRI also has a local program for Americans in the Continental US. Aside from shipping out medicines, hospital beds, dialysis machines, and other medical apparatus to developing countries like the Philippines, WMRI also has to take care of American folks who are in need of blankets and prescription medicines.

Very recently, WMRI reached out to a shelter for the homeless in Metro Detroit where it distributed about 15,000 blankets in several “homes”.

In distributing blankets, Mr. Samson – in his speech – recalled of the times when American GIs reached out to Filipinos in distress especially during typhoons or calamities.

As a 10-year-old boy from Magalang town, Mr. Samson would recall saying “Hello Joe” to US servicemen from the former Clark Air Base deployed in their village each time a typhoon wreaked havoc.

He recalls how the Americans were a welcome sight in coping up with the aftermath of floods and rains.

“It is time to return a favor to people who helped us, especially those in the military,” Mr. Samson says in his speeches.

In one of the outreaches to shelters, Mr. Samson got a standing ovation initiated by a retired US serviceman.

On the prescription program, Mr. Samson is facing the challenge well to raise funds to sustain the purchase and distribution of prescription drugs for about 25,000 Americans who are enrolled in WMRI’s program. The recession has taken toll on pharmaceutical firms and other sources that used to donate medicines for free. WMRI has just conducted a fund-raising event and Mr. Samson hopes that more companies would restore their donations or WMRI will have to do more of those events.
 
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That must have been a wonderful sight – seeing a fellow Filipino and a Kapampangan at that getting the applause and standing ovation from Americans.

Mr. Samson gets that often as a result of WMRI’s programs and outreaches. Mr. Samson is always treated as a Presidential Guest by statesmen, ministers, kings and other monarchs of countries he visits, as part of the fulfillment of WMRI’s vision and mission.

Only recently too, Detroit City Mayor Dave Bing visited WMRI facilities and at same time expressed gratitude of the people of the motor city.

I was told that it is the first time in 40 years that a sitting Detroit mayor has made a call on WMRI that has been in existence since 1953 through the vision of Irene M. Auberlin.

If there is one Filipino abroad that we all should be proud of right now, that has to be this Magalang native. Not because he has been instrumental in getting government hospitals filled with much-needed equipment, but also because of leading an institution that is life changing, life extending for tens of thousands of people the world over.

A Filipino helping Filipino is good. But a Filipino helping Americans and other nationals is more than great!

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ISLA. There is a new resort in Angeles City that offers a unique blend of Kapampangan setting in an urban area.

“Isla” is a great place for banquets, weddings, receptions for those who would want an occasion celebrated in a stylish yet tranquil fashion.

Nestled in Town and Country Homes (at the back of Chevalier School), Isla has a clubhouse cum pavilion called “Lakandula” that manifests the Kapaampangan’s pre-disposition to beauty and grandiosity. The swimming pool is just perfect with its design and depth for the whole family.

Oh, not to forget, it has a “Bale-Balayan” a honeymooner’s suite where couples could retreat to laidback nature with serenades from guitar and violin while sumptuous food satisfies their palates.

The 2,200-hectare Isla is a creation of businessman Jay Del Rosario who has that golden touch on ornamental plants and trees and well manicured lawn as a hobbyist-landscape artist.

Isla now accepts reservations. It is highly recommended for those who want a unique treat for family and friends. It is one of Angeles City’s newfound treasures in rest and recreation.