Vol. 8, No. 9, Aug. 2, 2004

"To work together with strength ..."

“To accept this challenge of unity and work together with strength... " thus declared Robert Co in his inaugural address as new president of the Lanao Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LFCCC).

The new officers of the LFCCC for 2004-2006 were inducted by Sy Chu An, Director for Northern Mindanao of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc., in formal ceremonies last July 21 at the Crystal Inn, Iligan City (in photo).  They are Robert Co, president; Dominic Siao, executive VP; Suniel Lim, VP-External Affairs; Vy Beng Hong, VP-Internal Affairs; Henry Siao, secretary; Johnny Sim, treasurer; Jimmy Co Kepte, asst. treasurer; Henry Dy, PRO; David Warren Lim, general services; Sy Chu Pin, auditor; Sy Bing Te, asst. auditor; Sy Chu An, arbitration; Edwin So, social welfare; and Sy Bing Gui, asst. social welfare.  Robert Co (Batch '66), owner of Cromwell Marketing, assumed the presidency from immediate past president Henry Dy who is now vice mayor of Iligan City.

The occasion, the first such formal induction ceremonies for the LFCCC in many years, was attended by chamber members, leaders of the business community, members of the LCHS board of trustees and faculty, and Iligan city officials.  Among those taking part in the program were the Resurrection of the Lord Chinese-Filipino Catholic Community Choir, for the national anthem & invocation; Dominic Siao, opening remarks; James Booc, introduction of guests; Henry Dy, valedictory address & presentation of awards; Sy Chu An, induction of officers; Robert Co, inaugural address; Henry Siao, introduction of guest speaker; Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz (represented by Councilor Providencio Abragan), keynote speech; Vy Beng Hong, closing remarks; and Suniel Lim, master of ceremonies.

Before the ceremonies ended, special chamber awards were given to the following: Sy Chu An, special award; Suniel Lim, presidential award; Jose Lim Teck Hua, posthumous award; and Henry Siao, Dominic Siao, Richard Sy, Sy Bing Gui, Sy Chu Pin, Jimmy Co, Robert Co, Edwin Co, Johnny Sim, Vy Beng Hong, Christopher Chua Tek An, Stephen Gaisano, and Lian Hong Co., Inc., plaques of appreciation.

Kinmen tour
Tue, 20 Jul 2004 14:44:21

To Marie Janiefer Lee:  That was a nice piece about Kinmen (Spectrum, July 19, 2004).  Makes me want to set foot in that bastion. Our blood lineage can't deny our ancestral home.  Thanks for the heartwarming tour, Jen!
--Rene Tio (Batch '70), Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, via SMS, cell +639169565106

The reason for my asking about the Old Iligan Plaza was that I was quite amused with Mr. Charles Sy's column and fond memories about it (Spectrum, July 5, 2004).  No offense to Mr. Sy but I have an entirely different memory of the plaza which I would also like to share.

Probably the most wonderful memory that I have of the plaza is that it used to have fish ponds and I still remember playing around the park.  A lot of children would be playing too.  I also remember Kiwanis members doing their humanitarian work at the plaza.  Other events that I remember that would also be conducted at the Plaza were city-wide drawing and singing contests.  Later, I remember the plaza as a haven for older people as it became the "hang-out" for them to play chess and dama. Ping-pong tables were later set up and people would surround the players and place bets.  The plaza became noisy and was no longer a park.  The ponds were gone.  The park became a urinating place for almost every man in Iligan (hence a dirty joke that I would always say, "That's why Iligan is the City of 'Waterfalls'.").  The stench became so unbearable that the city later closed that entrance to prevent men from urinating there.

The worst that the plaza became was that it became the pick-up point for prostitutes.  I wouldn't believe it but during the night, skimpily dressed women roam around the plaza looking for new business opportunities.
--Jonathan Mark Te, Silliman University, Dumaguete, Philippines, email: otan@su.edu.ph

Alumni News Roundup

Spotted in Iligan City recently was Antonio "Boy" Te (Batch '69), in photo at left, now a successful physician in Taiwan.  He breezed into town last July 19 to revisit some hometown friends and family members and to wrap up a few business matters.  He promises to be around once again for our second grand alumni homecoming in July next year.  Iligan City Vice Mayor Henry Dy (Batch '64) sailed to Cebu City last July 18 to grace the induction of new officers of the Cebu Long Se Temple of the Dy Family Association headed by Michael Yu See as president.  While in Cebu, Henry also took the occasion to express his thanks to friends in Cebu who gave their contributions to Henry's campaign in the last election.  He presented his supporters with commemorative paper weights bearing the official seal of Iligan City as tokens of his appreciation.

Back home in Iligan, Mrs. Anita Uy Racines, mother of Terry Racines (Batch '67), marked her 75th birthday last July 10 with an intimate dinner with her children and relatives in the Racines home at Barangay Rabago, Pala-o.  Another recent birthday celebrant was Robert Booc (Batch '84), in photo at right, who celebrated his birthday last July 24 with a dinner gathering among his kinfolk and close friends in his home on Quezon Ave.  Robert is one of the city's acknowledged professional photographers.  He owns and manages Photo Arts Center.

Charles O. Sy, Batch '67

Of all the natural wonders of Iligan, perhaps the most underrated, the least appreciated and most often overlooked is the attraction of the sunset over Iligan Bay.  It has never merited the kind of media hype bestowed on its waterfalls and springs, yet it is no less as spectacular and breathtaking.

Each day at the approach of dusk, a spectacle unfolds within sight of the Iligan harbor (in photo).   As the sun slowly descends in the distant horizon, the sky is transformed into a panorama of light and amazing colors.  The colors shift from blue and indigo to pale orange before diffusing into golden blaze and streaks of crimson red as the sun gradually makes its way down in the horizon.  Like a delicate work of abstract art, the sky takes the form of a vast canvass ablaze with bold brush strokes of flaming colors, lights and silhouettes.  The visual drama invariably lasts for about half an hour before the glowing solar orb eventually dims and vanishes in the horizon to make way for the arrival of night. Truly a feast for the eyes.

Back in our high school days at the LCHS Roosevelt campus, we used to hike or bike our way after classes to stop by the city's harbor and treat ourselves to this magical show of nature's tapestry at sundown by the Iligan Bay.  There, blessed with the balmy afternoon breeze, we sat and watched in awe Iligan's finest gift of nature.  On certain weekends, we would also do some fishing at the pier with our homemade fishing set, consisting of line and hook, and bread or small shrimps as baits.  One of those who was good at it was our art teacher Luis Yap.  We would occasionally tag along with him to the pier to learn the art of fishing.  The whole exercise required a lot of patience on our part as we perched ourselves precariously on the bollards waiting for a fish to take our bait.  It could take an hour or so before we ever caught a fish or two. Sometimes we would stay there from five in the afternoon until dark.  Those of us who were patient enough were rewarded with a catch or two.  I was never that patient nor fortunate.  Instead of catching a fish, all I accomplished was catching a cold.

During our time the harbor used to have only two piers.  It had a little lighthouse.  During low tide we used to scour the shoreline for seashells, starfish and hermit crabs.  I remember when the third berth was under construction, we spent a great deal of time fishing and frolicking on the boulders that were stockpiled for the ripraps, often unmindful of the scattering of human excrement deposited there by careless squatters living nearby.

Much of the harbor has changed today.  Yet the beauty of its sunset remains as splendid as ever.  The city government, through its tourism bureau or Philippine Port Authority and civic organizations, can do well to seriously explore the possibility of making this gift of nature an added attraction right in the portal of the city.  The city government can convert a part of the harbor into an attractive promenade complete with benches, lighting fixtures, viewing deck and refreshment kiosk where one can enjoy a relaxing afternoon marveling at the spectacle of Iligan's sunset in all its splendor.

Marie Janiefer Q. Lee, Batch '87

Around two weeks ago my classmate Geraldine Tan called up just to ask what did I do in Taipei. I guess she can’t believe what she read in the Spectrum that I went to Taipei and spoke in front of a big crowd.  She knows me too well: that I’m not one of those people who feel comfortable in a crowd.  Well, I told her that at first I couldn’t believe it myself either.  So for those who still can’t believe it, here’s the story of my Taipei trip.

Our Rotary Club has a sister club in Taipei called the Rotary Club of Taipei Wen Lin.  Every year members of our club would make it a point to attend their induction ceremony, and vice versa.  And this year there was supposed to be 12 of us who were going but for some unavoidable situation all 11 backed out leaving me the only representative of the club.  Since I’m this year’s president elect, they all agreed that I’m still the best person for the job.

During the briefing given to me before the trip I was told that I just go there on the induction night and have dinner with the club.  When I asked how many people would I see there, I was told that the maximum would be 50 people.  So armed with nothing I said: “I can do this!”  I thought that only my chop sticks skills would be challenged and nothing else.

The minute we arrived at my Uncle David’s house I knew that something wasn’t right.  Because  even before I could put my bags down my aunt Monica was already reading me a long list of callers who were looking for me, callers from RC Wen Lin.  I was wondering what’s all the fuss.

A few minutes later a Rtn. Charles called up to welcome me to Taipei and to invite me and my mother to a Welcome Dinner.  Then before we hang up, he asked me to prepare a speech for the induction ceremony which was the day after I landed on Taipei soil.  He said that I’d be speaking in front of 200 or more people.  And if possible he wants to get a copy of the speech way in advance because the club in Taipei had designated him as my official interpreter.  It took me a few seconds to recover from the shock that I had to speak in front of so many people and my brain went blank for a few minutes trying hard not to panic because I wasn’t sure if I could come up with a presentable speech given that few precious hours.  The first thing I did was send text messages to my Rotarian club mates telling them that the facts given during my briefing are all screwed up.  Then before I could even chat with my relatives I had to put myself in exile inside the bedroom to brainstorm for a speech.

That night in the middle of our dinner, I handed my speech to Charles.  Everybody inside that room which was composed of the club’s officers and directors wanted to read my speech, I thought by tomorrow nobody would care to listen to me anymore since they already knew the punch line.  Well, anyway, on the other hand I was relieved that I made it just on time.

As I got to know most of the people there, each one offered to take me and my mother around Taipei.  But my Uncle David refused to give in, saying that our time in Taipei is not even enough to visit all our relatives.  At that very moment it was hard to decide, because both parties were very sincere in their intentions and as much as I want to please everyone it’s just not possible.  Here is where the saying “blood is thicker than water” comes in.  I had to go with my uncle in visiting my mother’s long list of cousins and relatives.

I thought that when it comes to hospitality we Filipinos are unbeatable until I met those very kind people in Taipei.  I feel that they have this very distinct style of accommodating us and making us feel very welcome which really brought tears to my eyes.  I wonder how I could ever repay these people.

On the induction night itself I was the only female seated in the presidential table along with some twelve or more past presidents and district officers and directors.  And bragging aside, I was also the youngest there.

During my speech, I knew that my interpreter and I were doing ok because the audience seems to react on cue.  Until my interpreter got carried away and finished my speech before I did.  Anyway, as long as my tongue didn’t get tied into a knot and I didn’t faint during my speech, I knew that I did well.  Before I stepped down from the stage, I looked over to where my mother was seated hoping to see her beaming with pride. Only to see her dozing in her seat.  Well, even then her presence gave me the morale support I needed.

So to my friends out there especially my dear friend Gigi, yes what you read in Spectrum is true.  I was there in Grand Hotel in Taipei last June 20 and I did speak in front of some 200 people. Thanks for asking because it gave me a reason to write about it here which makes it more real, it helps me convince myself that it was all true and not just some figment of my wild imagination.

Loving husband
Forwarded by Alex Rodriguez (Batch '65)
Miramar, Florida, U.S.A.

Several men are in the locker room of a golf club.  A cell phone on a bench rings and a man engages the hands free speaker-function and begins to talk.  Everyone else in the room stops to listen.

Man:  "Hello."
Woman:  "Honey, it's me. Are you at the club?"
Man:  "Yes."
Woman:  "I am at the mall now and found this beautiful leather coat. It's only $1,000. Is it OK if I buy it?"
Man:  "Sure, go ahead if you like it that much."
Woman:  "I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new 2004 models. I saw one I really liked."
Man:  "How much?"
Woman:  "$60,000."
Man:  "OK, but for that price I want it with all the options."
Woman:  "Great! Oh, and one more thing. The house we wanted last year is back on the market. They're asking $950,000."
Man:  "Well, then go ahead and give them an offer, but just offer $900,000."
Woman:  "OK. I'll see you later! I love you!"
Man:  "Bye, I love you, too."

The man hangs up. The other men in the locker room are looking at him in astonishment.  Then he asks: "Anyone know who this phone belongs to?"

To the past officers of the LFCCC; the incumbent officers; the newly elected city officials, City Mayor Lawrence Cruz, Vice Mayor Henry Dy, City Councilor Providencio Abrangan, of whom I share the honor of this evening celebration; to my wife Joy, brother Edwin and his wife Annie, and our children ... thank you for being a wonderful family; to my relatives, friends, ladies and gentlemen.

Assalamo alaikum warakmhatulahi barakathu.  Good evening. Maayong gabii.

Let me start by requesting everyone to please stand, except for the newly elected city officials and the new officials of this Chamber -- to my fellow members of the Chamber, please join me in giving them a hearty applause and welcome into our community.  Honorable gentlemen of the city government and ladies and gentlemen of this Chamber, please accept the heartfelt felicitations on your elections and in accepting the responsibility of governance.  And to the members present, we all thank you for the trust and confidence you have shown in making us where we are today ... to lead you.

Our being here tonight prompted me to remind us of some wisdom from the ancient writings on the art of war by our forebear, Gen. Sun Tzu of ancient China.  Let us for the moment liken the present economic situation of this country and of the world as the war, the city officials as the rulers, and we in the chamber as the generals and the army.  Gen. Sun Tzu wrote that "A ruler must not start a war out of anger; a general must not fight a battle out of resentment.  Engage only when it is in the interest of the state.  Cease when it is to its detriment.  For anger can be restored to happiness and resentment can become pleasantness.  But a state that has perished cannot be restored."

He wrote further:  "The guiding principle in the tactics of warfare maybe likened to water.  Just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, an army should avoid strengths and strike weaknesses. Just as water shapes itself according to the ground, an army should manage its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy.  Just as water has no constant shape, so in warfare there are no fixed rules and regulations."

With this in mind, perhaps it would be best that we come to an agreement that we work closely together for the rules and regulations of this warfare are not fixed and it is only through constant dialogue, situation appraisal and knowledge of corporate laws that we can shape the direction of this struggle.

If we accept this challenge of unity and in working together with strength, then perhaps we can start working on the following:

1.  Because our children and their children need quality education in order to be better in this struggle, let us work hard to sustain our center of education -- the Lanao Chung Hua School.

2.  Because we must face this warfare, to be resolute in making our organization strong and stable.

3.  Because we must liken ourselves to water, we must also better our relationship with one another, to help one another in times of need and the community in its emergencies.

4.  And that we must work closely with the city officials in order to win the battles and later the war.

And lastly, one of the great leaders of modern China, Mao Zee Dong, said:  "To be a good leader one must liken himself to a piano player.  If a piano player puts all his fingers on all keys and press them at the same time, the piano will produce a discordant sound.  But if he will put his fingers in the correct keys and press them at proper times, he will learn that the piano can speak the sound of harmony."

This, honorable sirs and my friends, will be my guiding wisdom during my term as your president. And as such, I call on all of you now to join me in this journey of hard struggles to end this war against peace, justice and prosperity for all.

Shi-shi!  Thank you and enjoy the evening!

Wildflowers In The Field
By Candice Ang Uy
Cebu, Philippines

We met on the wildflower field
When summer brought forth its yearly yield

I was barefooted, my feet touching the dusty ground
The scent of the wildflowers redolent all around

You stretched out your hand, tanned and strong
smooth with nary a rough patch, fingers lean and long

We spent the afternoon walking with the sun
Your nearness making my heart beat a staccato run

Your whispered words hung in the air
And my heart to you I openly bared

Our promises mingling sweet and tender
Two souls beating as one forever

Summer will slip away for Autumn's turn
But my love to you I'll always return

On the train I bade you goodbye
All alone I breathed a forlorn sigh

I raised my hand against the sun to shield
And saw the wildflowers dancing in the field

Not a sound I heard, not a word to say
And still the flowers were bright and gay

I hoped for the remembrance of a glance, a smile
So far away from you, so many miles

Time has passed and there has been no post
My heart has been given a sweet repose

How wrenching the pain, it seems
Gripped by a vise unseen

The torment gives me no peace
I rush into the field seeking surcease

The wildflowers sway in the field
Taunting me with their beauteous yield

How foolish had been this heart
To ever believe I could be a part

The wildflowers had known all along
His love had never been that strong

I look at them and bow my head
Hiding from their prying eyes this wound freshly bled

I spent the afternoon dancing in the sun
Tears unchecked down my cheek in a run

While the wildflowers stand bright against the field
Offering to the sky their bountiful yield.