WITH joy, respect and patriotism, let us celebrate with the nation Fil-Am Friendship Day, today, July 4.
Yesterday morning, members of the National Correspondents Club of Baguio led by yours truly and a core of athletes from the Phases Learning Center led by school directress Cita Bernal, took precious time out to clean and repaint the monuments of Arch. Daniel H. Burnham at the main entrance of Burnham Park; Col. Lymann W. Kennon beside the ZigZag Road viewpoint; and that of Justice George Malcolm, author of the law which created the City of Baguio as the second chartered city in the Philippines, next to Manila.
Significantly, it was the NCCB who initiated and coordinated the construction of the Burnham and Kennon historical markers, under my leadership, in 1992 and 2005, respectively.
For the record it was also the NCCB in partnership with the Retired United States Navy Association-Baguio headed by Joseph Catacutan, the United States Armed Forces of the Philippines-NL WWII Veterans in cooperation with the City Government of Baguio, then headed by Mayor Bernardo Vergara, the Department of Tourism-CAR under former regional director Carmelita Mondiguing and finally, with the approval of the United States Embassy in Manila to annually hold the Fil-Am Friendship Day celebration back in the heart of the city from Camp John Hay which sponsored the annual event since the US Government turned over the administration and management of all American military bases in the country in 1990 to our national government.
Happily, I served as the executive program officer of the revival and reinvigorated Fil-Am Day edition in the city in 2002 and for several more years. I remember vividly, that Hon. Consul Camille Purvis from the US Embassy in Manila was our guest of honor and speaker for the “back to the city” friendship day celebration.
As fate would have it, my association and collection of American friends started way back in October 1953 when I joined the United States Navy. I graduated from the US Naval Training Center boot camp in San Diego 33, California, USA early part of March 1954 with the rank of Recruit Chief Petty Officer (Company Commander) of Co. 333, an honor company of the US Navy Training Brigade, a rare distinction accorded a Filipino training recruit.
My company composed of four other Filipinos and 56 Americans. My second trip to Uncle Sam’s country was in 1979 as assistant delegation head and head coach of the Philippine Special Olympic Foundation team to the 4th World International Special Olympics held in Brockport, New York.
Our team of 10 track and field and bowling players won at least five gold and three bronze medals, a first in the history of PSOF headed by the late foundation executive director Amalia Servando. I would like to add with pride that heavyweight champion Mohamad Akum considered as the greatest boxer in the world was our team sponsor.
My third trip to America was in 1995, together with my wife Sol, purposely to visit our nurse daughter Mary Jane and our grandsons Miggy and Luiggy who were staying in Dolton, Illinois.
Again in 1997, my wife and I went back to Dolton and stayed there for at least a year. It was during that period when I joined Boy Scout Troop 507 as a troop committee member, a Scouting unit with the Calumet Council. My active participation in the troop’s sustained activities with Scouter Thomas and Margs Florek and Dave Shea opened the doors for my lifetime membership with the BSA Order of the Arrow, Michiganea Lodge 110.
Once more I would like to rededicate my Fil-Am acrostic poem to all our American friends especially to the Florek family and my former 507 troopmates led by Mr. K and Dave.
Freedom and the noble ideals of true democracy
Invoked and inspired our forebears to seek and fight for
Liberty, equality and justice for all Filipinos, which we now freely enjoy.
Invaluable chain of events reminds us of the late and hate atmosphere
Past and present, between the Filipinos and Americans who crafted and
Instituted reforms for co-existence and built stronger foundations of amity in
Nurturing harmoniously our shared history, cultural links and cooperative spirit while moving
On forward vigorously to improve the quality of life of people in our geographical landscape.
America once envisioned and attempted to colonize our dear
Motherland; but destiny guided our relations to new dimensions which blossomed to
Exceptional and gratifying level of partnership in war and in peace,
Resulting in the exchange of ideas, poverty alleviation programs and modern technology for socio-economic growth and development,
Inspiring humanitarian activities delicately designed for the less fortunate are also on the fore while other important concerns accentuate our modest yet sincere efforts with other nations in the quest for World Peace,
unity and progress.
Altogether, let us pray to the Almighty for His blessings and for Him to brighten our path to righteousness and that no evil hand or deeds shall snap the flame or dampen the radiance and warmth of Filipino-American friendship we are bound to preserve today, tomorrow and into the future.
So let it be! Mabuhay tayong lahat!