P

Philippine Independence Day Issue

Editor’s Notes: ………………………… “Happy Independence Day, Philippines!” ……………………. Eddie Zamora

Featured Items:
1. Philippine Independence Day, A Brief History ……………………………………………………………………….. The Editor
2. I Am Proud To Be A Filipino ……………………………………………………………………….. by Nelson Lagos Ornopia, Sr.
3. Presidents Of The Philippines ……………………………………………………………..………………………………. Group Effort
4. The Philippine Flag and Its Symbols ……………………………………………………………………………………. The Internet
5. The Philippine National Anthem ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

SULADS Corner: …………………………..………………… “Sulads Is Like A Rose” ………………… by Crisophel Abayan. NEMM
Patch of Weeds: …………………………………………………………………………….……………………………..………….. Jesse Colegado
LIFE of a Missionary: ………………… “President of SDA Church Visits ‘Land Eternal’”………..………. Romulo M. Halasan

CLOSING: Announcements |From The Mail Bag| Prayer Requests | Acknowledgements

Meet The Editors |Closing Thoughts | Miscellaneous
 Happy Independence Day, Philippines!

E
very June 12 the Philippines celebrates its
Independence Day. Having lived in America some 30
years now I am familiar with how people celebrate
Independence here—they have parades, barbecues and in
the evening fireworks. When we left the Philippines years
ago fireworks were banned in the country. I don’t know
how it is today. It would be wonderful if Filipinos celebrated
Independence Day similar to or better than the usual
parades, picnics, barbecues and some fireworks.

When I was a kid growing up, Independence Day was

observed on July 4th, the day when the United States
granted the country independence from American rule. The
American flag was finally lowered from government building
flagpoles and the Philippine flag was hoisted in its stead.
From that day until one day in 1962 the country celebrated Independence Day on the same day
the United States celebrated its own Independence Day. But on May 12, 1962 then President
Diosdado Macapagal issued Presidential Proclamation No. 28 declaring June 12 as a special public
holiday to commemorate Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s declaration of Philippine Independence from
Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.

T
here were several firsts that took place on that day. The Filipino flag, which was made by
Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza in Hong Kong was unfurled for
the first time. The Marcha Filipina Magdalo composed by Julian Felipe which today has
been renamed Lupang Hinirang was played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band (I
used to think the title of that anthem was Bayang Magiliw).

Some individuals pointed out that Spain did not recognize Aguinaldo’s declaration because on
May 1, 1898 Commodore George Dewey of the United States Navy defeated the Spanish Armada
at the Battle of Manila Bay, thus ending the Spanish-American War. Spain ceded the control of
the islands to the Americans. America did not
recognize Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence
either because they now had taken control of the
government. That is the reason why some dissenters
spoke against the change of the date of Philippine
Independence because in reality the country was still
under the rule of a foreign country, the United States
of America. Some patriotic Filipinos even started a
rebellion against the Americans but they were
defeated. It is almost like Yoyoy Villame’s verses which said bolos and spears were no match with
guns and cannons.

Some even pointed out that Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the secret revolutionary society
Katipunan, also declared independence from Spain on April 12, 1895. He and his men wrote on
the walls of their cave hideout Viva la Independencia Filipina! (Long Live Philippine
Independence!) Bonifacio then started the Philippine Revolution which ended in December 1897
when Spain agreed to a truce with the Katipuneros with a stipulation that rebel leaders, including
Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, be exiled to Hong Kong.

Even today some people still don’t approve of the change of the date for the observance of
Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12. For us Christians, the real Independence Day we
should be looking forward to should be the day when we could really be free from sin and the
author of sin, the devil himself. “For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own
choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated
from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Romans
8:20, 21 (NIV).

Let us celebrate the Philippine Independence Day on June 12, the date that the government has
declared it to be observed, but let us look forward to that greatest Independence Day when we
will have freedom from sin and everything that sin has brought to this earth.

Eddie Zamora
Redlands, California
 Philippine Independence Day, A Brief History

S
unday, June 12, 2016 the Philippines will celebrate Independence Day. June 12, 1898,
was the day when Emilio Aguinaldo unfurled the Philippine flag for the first time, the
Philippine National Anthem was played for the first time by the San Francisco de Malabon
marching band. The declaration independence from Spanish rule was read by the author of the
21-page document, Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista.

The 5-peso bill shows the image of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo on the front, and a depiction of the
celebration when the declaration of Independence was made at Aguinaldo’s home, appears on
the reverse side.

Before this event though, another person and national hero, Andres Bonifacio, the leader of the
revolutionaries called Katipuneros also declared independence from Spanish rule as he drafted
more members to his organization. He wrote on the walls of the cave which was his hideout “Viva
la independencia Filipina” which was the goal of his secret society. He initiated the Cry of Pugad
Lawin (Hawk’s Nest) which was the start of the Philippine Revolution. It ended in December 1897
at the Pact of Biak-na-Bato where the Spanish government agreed to end the war with the
revolutionaries if leaders, including Gen. Aguinaldo would be exiled to Hong Kong.

An earlier 5-peso bill has Andres Bonifacio’s picture on the front and the Katipuneros’ initiation
ceremony appears on the reverse side.

The Spanish government did not recognize Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence.

Commodore George Dewey of the U.S. Navy sailed into Manila Bay on May 1, 1898 and defeated
the Spaniards thus ending the Spanish-American War. The Spanish government ceded the
Philippine Islands to American rule. Dewey brought back Gen. Aguinaldo from Hong Kong and he
brought his countrymen together to make that June 12, 1898 Declaration. Commodore Dewey
did not recognize Aguinaldo’s declaration of independence either because the Americans ruled
the Philippines until 1946.

Some important events did take place on June 12, 1898 aside from the declaration of
Independence. The first Filipino flag, made in Hong Kong by Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo
and Delfina Herboza was unfurled. The tune Marcha Filipina Magdalo composed by Julian Felipe
was played publicly for the first time by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band. This
became the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang.”

The United States governed the Philippines

until July 4, 1946 when they finally turned over
the reins of the country to Filipino officials.
Before this Independence Day from the United
States, Japan did occupy the Philippines and it
formed a puppet government with Jose P.
Laurel as president. The person recognized by
the United States as president of the Philippine
Commonwealth at this time was Manuel L.
Quezon. American soldiers, fighting side by
side with Filipino soldiers (the Filipinos were
considered members of the USAFFE--United
States Armed Forces in the Far East) under
Gen. Douglas MacArthur fought hard to defeat
the Japanese.

This is a very brief history of how the Philippine

Independence Day came about, and why
people have varying reasons on when it should
be observed.

The Internet

(p.s. The United States offered the Filipinos the

chance to gain statehood like Hawaii but the
Filipino leaders preferred to have an
independent country.)
 I Am Proud To Be A Filipino
Nelson Lagos Ornopia, Sr.
(The views expressed in this article are those of the writer, not the CyberFlashes)

M
y given name, Nelson, sounds American or of western origin, probably because my
parents admired Nelson Eddy, a popular American singer and actor. But my surname
Ornopia is a well-known Filipino name in the town of Tabogon, Northern Cebu,
Philippines. In fact as appearing in Facebook the Ornopia Clan Worldwide (OCW) cofounded by
Ronald Ornopia and Abby Pelaez Ornopia (whose main office is in Cebu City) boasts, as of today,
2,304 members!

Among the many reasons why I am proud to be a Filipino is because of the rich heritage we have
as a people, handed down to us by our ancestors starting from the great Cebu Chieftain Lapulapu,
who fought and killed Ferdinand Magellan, the person credited with discovering the Philippines,
down to our great hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and the Katipuneros who resisted the Spanish colonizers
leading to our Independence as a nation. Of course we cannot forget our valiant Filipino soldiers
who fought in the battlefields of Bataan and Corregidor against the Japanese invaders!

However there are times when I feel ashamed as a Filipino when I hear of negative reports about
our people especially in the government, involved in rampant graft and corruption, cheating and
vote-buying, even killings during election time! Abuses are rampant in government agencies such
as the Bureau of Customs, BIR, Immigration, LTO, etc. Their actions place a black mark on our
country as perceived by people from other nations.

But despite these negative pictures, our country exhibits many positive and bright images which
still makes me proud. Besides our rich heritage, the Philippines which has been called “The Pearl
of the Orient” in our National Anthem has many historical places and beautiful tourist spots which
have attracted visitors from all over the world. The volcano with the almost perfect cone—Mt.
Mayon, and one of the deepest part of the ocean in the world—the Philippine Deep are both
found in our beloved country!

I have faith in the resiliency of the Filipino people and I believe our country can be great again.
Because of this I am Proud to be a Filipino. In fact even if I am residing in the United States and
have an American passport, I still pledge allegiance to our country by becoming a dual citizen!
 Presidents Of The Philippines
1. President: Emilio Aguinaldo
Vice President: Mariano Trias
Term: Jan 23, 1899 - Mar23, 1901
Trivia: General of the Revolution.
Labeled as an insurgent during the
Philippine-American War.
4. President: Sergio Osmeña, Sr
Vice President: None.
Term: Aug 1, 1944 – May 28, 1946
Trivia: President of the Philippines in
Exile. Was accompanied by Gen.
Douglas McArthur …
2. President: Manuel L. Quezon
Vice President: Sergio Osmeña, Sr
Term: Nov 15, 1935 – Aug 1, 1944
Trivia: During his inauguration wore
an Officer of the French Legion star
& a Sash and Star of Spain
5. President: Manuel Roxas
Vice President: Elpidio Quirino
Term: May 28, 1946 – Apr 15, 1948
Trivia: Philippine Constitution was
written & signed during his term.
3. President: Jose P. Laurel
Vice President: None. Japanese Occ
Term: Oct 14, 1943 – Aug 17, 1945
Trivia: He was an avid violinist
6. President: Elpidio Quirino
Vice President: Fernando Lopez
Term: Apr 17, 1948 – Dec 30, 1953
Trivia: Aug 7, 1950 decided to
deploy Filipino combat troops to the
Korean War. ..
7. President: Ramon Magsaysay
Vice President: Carlos P. Garcia
Term: Dec 30, 1953 – Mar 17, 1957
Trivia: Guerilla fighter. Perished in a
plane crash along with 24 others in
the middle of his term.
10. President: Ferdinand Marcos
Vice President: Arturo Tolentino
Term: Dec 30, 1965 – Feb 25, 1986
Trivia: 20 years reign
8. President: Carlos P. Garcia
Vice Pres: Diosdado Macapagal
Term: Mar 18, 1957 – Dec 30, 1961
Trivia: a teacher, poet, orator,
lawyer and a guerrilla leader
11. President: Corazon Aquino
Vice President: Salvador Laurel
Term: Feb 25, 2986 – Jun 30, 1992
Trivia: 1st female president of the
Philippines
9. President Diosdado Macapagal
Vice President: Emmanuel Pelaez
Term: Dec 30, 1961 – Dec 30, 1965
Trivia: liberalized foreign exchange
and import controls.
12. President: Fidel Ramos
Vice President: Joseph Estrada
Term: Jun 30, 1992 – Jun 30, 1998
Trivia: Only Filipino to receive the
British order of Knight Grand Cross
of the Order of St Michael and St
George by Queen Elizabeth II
13. President: Joseph Estrada
Vice President: Gloria M. Arroyo
Term: Jun 30, 1998 – Jan 20, 2001
Trivia: an actor
16. President: Rodrigo Duterte
Vice President:
Term:
Trivia:
14. President: Gloria Arroyo
Vice President: Teofisto Guingona
Jr then Noli de Castro
Term: Jan 20, 2001 –Jun 30, 2010
Trivia: daughter of the 9th President
of the Philippines
15. President: Benigno Aquino III
Vice President: Jejomar Binay
Term: Jun 30, 2010 – Jun 30, 2016
Trivia: 4th generation politician
 The Philippine Flag and Its Symbols
From the internet

T
he Philippine flag evolves in different designs as the time went on. Since in the Spanish era, some
Filipino secret societies already use flags during their revolution. Their flags are usually a red
rectangular shape with symbols of a sun in it. In 1897, another flag was born in the design concept
of Emilio Aguinaldo. This is now the very basis of the design of the present Philippine National Flag as
proclaimed in 1998.

The official Philippine Flag is rectangular in form with an aspect ratio of 1:2, meaning the length of the flag
is twice longer than its width. It has a horizontal band of two colours of equal size, having on top is the
royal blue and red at the bottom. The left end (viewer’s left) of the flag has a white equilateral triangle (3-
sides equal to the width of the flag) which inside has symbols of 3-stars at each corner and a sun having
8-rays is in the center of the triangle.

The Flag Symbols and Meaning

The blue colour of the Philippine flag is the symbol for peace, truth, and justice. The red is the symbol
for patriotism and valour. The white triangle is the symbol for equality and fraternity. It also symbolizes
the Katipunan, the secret Filipino society which stands against the Spanish rule. The three golden stars in
the corners of the triangle, represent the three major group of islands in the Philippines, namely the Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao. The golden sun at the center of the triangle is the symbol for unity, freedom,
people's democracy, and sovereignty. The sun has eight rays around it. Each ray represents one of the
first eight provinces that started the 1896 Philippine revolution against Spanish colony. These provinces
are Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna and Batangas

Placing the Flag

The Philippine National Flag has its specific orientation and placing it otherwise will create a different
meaning. The orientation explained here is in reference from the observer’s view. In horizontal position the
blue stripe should be over the red and the white triangle to the left end of the flag. In vertical position, the
blue stripe should be at the left and the red to the right while the white triangle must be on top. These are
the normal orientations of the flag in either horizontal or vertical position during peace time. However,
during the state of war, the flag orientation will change having the red stripe to be positioned above the
blue stripe. The white triangle however, will always stay the same on its normal orientation
 Philippine National Anthem
Original Spanish Version
Filipinas (1899) [8][9]
Tierra adorada
Hija del sol de Oriente,
Su fuego ardiente
En ti latiendo está.
¡Tierra de amores!
Del heroísmo cuna,
Los invasores
No te hollarán jamás.
En tu azul cielo, en tus auras,
En tus montes y en tu mar
Esplende y late el poema
De tu amada libertad.
Tu pabellón, que en las lides
La victoria iluminó,
No verá nunca apagados
Sus estrellas ni su sol.
Tierra de dichas, del sol y
amores,
En tu regazo dulce es vivir.
Es una gloria para tus hijos,
Cuando te ofenden, por ti morir.
From Wikipedia
Official Commonwealth-Era Official Filipino Version
English Version Lupang Hinirang
The Philippine Hymn (1938)[16] (1958 rev. 1960's)[3]
Bayang magiliw,
Land of the morning
Perlas ng Silanganan
Child of the sun returning
Alab ng puso,
With fervor burning
Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.
Thee do our souls adore.
Lupang Hinirang,
Land dear and holy,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Cradle of noble heroes,
Sa manlulupig,
Ne’er shall invaders
Di ka pasisiil.
Trample thy sacred shores.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Ever within thy skies and through thy
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
clouds
May dilag ang tula,
And o'er thy hills and sea
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Do we behold the radiance, feel the throb
Of glorious liberty
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Thy banner dear to all our hearts
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Its sun and stars alight,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,
Oh, never shall its shining fields
Be dimmed by tyrants might!
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't
pagsinta,
Beautiful land of love, o land of light,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-
But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged
aapi,
For us, thy sons to suffer and die
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.
 SULADS’ Corner: “Sulads Is Like A Rose”
By Crisophel Abayan. Northeastern Mindanao Mission

J
ust last month we visited Barangay Upper Calabuan which is also located in Esperanza,
Agusan del Sur, the neighbor barangay of Guibonon, where we are serving (Sagabalan and
Malinawon). Sir Dawis (NEMM SULADS Coordinator) instructed me to visit this village and
discuss with the people the SULADS program because they have been requesting for SULADS for
almost three years. My family and I planned to spend a couple of days and one Sabbath day with
the villagers in Upper Calabuan. This is a one day hike from the villages where we are serving. But
we chose another route going there. When we arrived, some people easily recognised us even
though we’re still far from the village. They were so amazed. The happy faces and warm hugs
from the female adults welcomed me, and of course they welcomed my husband because some
of them are his relatives.

“We really need your help, please send us SULADS teachers here in our village” a woman spoke
as she ran towards me. She was almost in tears while saying those words. Then she hugged me.
They didn’t know what our purpose there was, but that was the very first statement she
uttered. It seemed that they really knew why we came.

The other woman said, “At last SULADS have come to help us.”

So I answered them to relieve their anxiety. “We came here to hold a meeting to explain the
SULADS program, so that you will know ahead of time what things are to be done.” I meant before
the next school year started, so that everything will be in order. During the Sabbath day, they
requested us to give lectures, experiences, and messages throughout the day. They are very
hungry for the new messages from visitors or other people like us. My husband and I granted their
request while our son shared the talent God gave to him--music. He gave them messages through
songs.

I always bring my hard copy of the Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle program, so I shared with them
the topics entitled “My Love Journey” and “Forgiveness”. So that they could understand well, my
husband used their own Higaonon dialect during his sermon. The attendance starting with the
Sabbath School program until A.Y. program remained the same. It was almost dark when we
finished our Sabbath services. Most of the audience were backsliders. Only two families have
remained faithful.

The following day, the villagers gathered together so they could hear what the SULADS program
really was. We prayed and asked the Lord’s guidance and in just a short time I was able to explain
everything in words they could understand. Then I asked them why they wanted SULADS. One of
the old folks answered, “It’s not only that we want SULADS, we really need SULADS.” Upon
hearing his answer, I was speechless. It seemed like he was just my child humbly asking for
something from me. There were 25 households with 33 children who are currently enrolled in a
far distant public school. Proper education is not provided in these public schools. These people
crave for the kind of education that the SULADS can give. Not only because of the children do they
need SULADS, most of all they need SULADS to guide them and help them to the path of eternal
life.

“True forgiveness is like a rose: even if you trample it, the aroma will still come out.” This is one
of the topics I presented. And for them the work of SULADS is like a rose that even if someone
trampled it, the sweet smell will still come out. Why are they asking for SULADS? Because they
have seen the beautiful program HEALS (Health, Education, Agriculture, Livelihood Services) to
the less fortunate people of God in the jungles and mountains. The SULADS cares for people in
every aspect of life, especially for their daily needs. To win them to the feet of Jesus means
sacrifice, but it is worth it.

The only thing that blocks the request of the villagers in Upper Calabuan is the political
misunderstanding between the current barangay captain and the previous one. During my
conversation with the barangay captain, as I explained the SULADS program, he told me and my
husband that it is ok to have SULADS in Upper Calabuan as long as there is a proper protocol and
papers or documents. When I heard it, I was overwhelmed. I almost cried as I thanked the Lord
for the positive response given by the barangay captain. May the good spirit of this barangay
captain would remain unchanged.

The Calabuan village is situated on the top of the mountain. It looks like a plateau. When looking
around one could only see the sky. It takes five to six hours hike to reach this place from the last
point where motor vehicles can reach.

The following day, we went down. We walked very carefully because the trail is very muddy and
slippery, especially since the trail is always downhill. It was almost midday, but the trail was still
wet and very dangerous. We hiked the long risky trail with bare feet for better traction. My
husband had to ask somebody to help him carry our son.

Along the trail, we met Datu Talan, with his two younger sons. I took his hand and blessed him
and so did my husband and son. Only a week earlier he came out from the hospital. According to
him, when he was still in the hospital he asked the Lord many times for His healing hand and
miracles. He had almost forgotten the Lord but when he got sick and was hospitalized, he
remembered Him. “Ma’am,” he said, “I am very happy that you visited us. The messages that you
 shared is like a spear. I am the man who doesn’t know what forgiveness is. I am the man who
cannot forgive and forget. I am very fortunate that I personally heard those messages and I
considered that I am so lucky from that very day. I’ve realized that I need to have that kind of
spirit. We really need those very inspiring words every now and then, because we forget
especially if nobody guides us. We don’t know how to read and write. Each of us is striving hard
to learn but it is so difficult, you know, in our situation.”

I was silent until he finished. My husband answered him using their own dialect. He showed
appreciation to the Datu because this man is one of the tribal leaders there. My husband inspired
him more so that the change towards good would continue, especially because he is respected in
his village as Datu.

“Engko (uncle),” I said, “don’t worry. God always hears and answers sincere prayers and
petitions. Just believe and be faithful.” When I heard him, I felt more passion and love grow inside
my heart. I cannot wait to see him serving with the SULADS. I know God’s timing is always perfect.
I am praying that somehow we could build a new church building in this village. This is the new
prospective SULADS mission school to be opened in God’s time.

© SULADS International, Inc.

If you would like to support this mission program dedicated to taking the Gospel to the people of Mindanao, please write a check to Gospel Outreach. Mark it for the SULADS
and send it to: Gospel Outreach P.O. Box 8 College Place, WA 99324 You may also donate to the SULADS using your credit card by logging on to Gospel Outreach's donation
site (http://www.goaim.org/) and follow the directions. Again, mark it for SULADS. If you would prefer, you may write your check to the General Conference of SDA and mark
the donation for SULADS and send it to: General Conference of SDA Donations 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Thank you for your support of this very
important project.
 Shared by Jesse Colegado

Asking Someone Out

A
cute and funny way to ask someone out….

Boy: I’m invisible!

Girl: Owwwzzz? Really?

Boy: Can you see me?

Girl: Of course, yes!

Boy: 7 pm tonight?

(From Bohol-Philippines.com)

Yachts

G
randson: Grandpa, look at those boats...
Grandpa: Nice, aren't they, son? They are called yachts.
Grandson: How do you spell it?
Grandpa: You’re right, son; they’re boats.

(From Bohol-Philippines.com)

Carry Your Cross

A
husband, coming home from a confession, suddenly lifted his wife and carried her.

Wife: Why, did the priest tell you to be romantic like this?

Husband: No, he told me to carry my cross!

(From Bohol-Philippines.com)
 Make Filipinos Happy

T
he Philippine presidents were flying to Baguio.

GMA: What if I throw a check for a million pesos out the window to make at least one Filipino
happy?

CORY: But my dear, why don't you throw 2 checks for half a million each and thus make two Filipinos
happy?

RAMOS: Why not throw four checks for a quarter of a million each and make four Filipinos happy?

And on it went until finally, ERAP blurts out:

"But, Madam President, why not simply throw yourself out of the window and make all the Filipinos
happy?"

(From funnypinoy-jokes)

Glue Stick

F
ather: Hey Son! Why is your mother sitting so silent today?

Son: Nothing Dad. She asked for lipstick and I heard "glue stick".

Father: God bless you, Son!

(From funnypinoy-jokes)

Update FB Status

J
ust before being hanged, the judge asked the prisoner: "Any last wish?"

The prisoner replied, "Yes. I want to update my Facebook status as 'DEAD'."

(From funnypinoy-jokes)

Dirty Things

W
ife: Honey, I want you to whisper dirty things in my ear!

Husband: Kitchen, living room, dining room, bathroom, patio....

(From funnypinoy-jokes)
 Heroes

R
eporter: Any similarities between Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Ninoy Aquino?

Erap: All I know is that they all died during a holiday! That’s all I know.

(From funnypinoy-jokes)

Beauty Pageant

J
udge: What if you find out that your boyfriend has AIDS, what will you do and why?

Contestant: I’ll still love him... (everybody claps) "coz, AIDS doesn't matter! Thank you."

(From Bohol-Philippines.com)

Mottos

A
ir Force: "No guts, No glory!"

Marines: "No retreat, No surrender!"

Army: "No pain, No gain!"

Not to be outdone, the Security Guards have this motto: "No ID, No entry!"

(From ipinoyworld.com)

A Full Cup of Coffee

A
n old Caviteno was a steward to a captain who wanted his coffee on the bridge on
board a submarine every thirty minutes. That was his only job. On the way to the
bridge there were several ladders and stairways, sometimes too steep to pass
through and made it impossible to deliver a full cup of coffee. Somehow this steward
managed to get a full cup of coffee to his boss, every time.

His secret? To start with, he brewed a strong cup of coffee. Then he filled the captain's mug
three fourths full to avoid spillage on his way up. The captain liked his coffee black, you
know, and demanded a full cup every time. So on his way up to the bridge, the steward
stopped by the sink and filled his mouth with water. Before entering the bridge, he spewed
the water from his mouth to top off the captain's mug thus showing a full cup of coffee.

The captain did enjoy the tasty, black coffee. This is a tale the Cavitenos are very proud of,
believe it or not!

Ed Babao
 You Are a Filipino If,,,.
1. You point with your lips.
2. You nod upwards to greet someone
3. You collect items from hotels or restaurants "for souvenir".
4. You smile for no reason.
5. You flirt by having a foolish grin in your face while raising your eyebrows repeatedly.
6. You go to a department store and try to haggle the prices.
7. You add an unwarranted "H" to your name, e.g. "Jhun," "Bhoy," "Rhon.”
8. You put your hands together in front of you as if to make a path and stoop and say "excuse,
excuse" when you pass between people or in front of the TV.
9. You like everything imported or "state-side."
10. You check the labels on clothes to see where it was made before buying.
11. You always offer food to all your visitors.
12. You say "comfort room" or CR instead of "bathroom" or “restroom.”
13. You say "for take out" instead of "to go."
14. You ask for "Colgate" instead of "toothpaste."
15. You ask for a "pentel-pen" or a "ball-pen" instead of just "pen."
16. You call laundry detergents “Tide.”
17. You order a McDonald's instead of "hamburger"(pronounced ham-boor-jer).
18. You say "Ha?" instead of "What?"
19. You say "Hoy" or “Pssst” to get someone's attention.
20. You turn around when someone yells "Hoy!" or hear “Psst!”
21. Your sneeze sounds like "ahh-ching" instead of "ahh-choo."
22. You prefer to make acronyms for phrases such as "OA" for overacting, or "TNT" for, well, you
know.
23. You say "aircon" instead of "a/c" or air conditioner.
24. You say "brownout" instead of "blackout."
25. You have a portrait of "The Last Supper" hanging in your dining room.
26. You own a Karaoke System.
27. You own a piano that no one ever plays.
28. You refer to your VCR as a "beytamax".
29. You have a giant wooden fork and spoon hanging somewhere in the dining room.
31. You hang a rosary on your car's rear view
mirror.
32. You order a "soft drink" instead of a "soda."
33. You refer to all other forms of monosodium
glutamate as "Ajinomoto" or “Vetsin.”
34. This you'll agree with,100% ... "Goldilocks"
means more to you than just a character in a fairy
tale.
35. Your table cloth has a circular stain from soy
sauce.

(From ipinoyworld.com)
 President of the SDA Church Visits “Land Eternal”

G
reetings from Vanuatu!

This week, let me share with you the President of the SDA Church, Pastor Ted Wilson’s,
visit to Vanuatu. Vanuatu means “Land Eternal.” This beautiful country is unique in its scenic
natural wonders and blend of cultures and heritage. This Y-shaped chain of islands is covered with
green tropical forests, fertile soil and the shores’ idyllic sandy beaches are washed by the clean
waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The island of Tanna is Vanuatu’s most popular adventure destination, mostly due to the fiery and
always active volcano called Mount Yasur which is the most easily accessible volcano in the world.
It is here that a ceremony called Nekowiar, a spectacular three-day gift-exchanging ceremony
where participants attempt to outdo each other with lavish gifts, dancing with ornate make up.
Vanuatu is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Dances,
ceremonies, artistic styles, status, systems of authority, animal and crop husbandry can vary from
island to island and often from district to district.

On the Pentecost Island, the famous land-diving ceremony celebrates the yam harvest from April
to June. Men and boys dive from wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, hoping this would
guarantee a good harvest during the following year.

Vanuatu’s coastline boasts spectacular white –sand beaches and its crystal clear waters provide
world-class diving, snorkeling and game-fishing. One Sunday, we went fishing in near the beach
and we caught many fish in less than one hour.
In Vanuatu’s interior, you will find everything from cascading waterfalls, wild horses and active
volcanoes where from the crater rim you can gaze down on the boiling lava.

In Rah Island, a festival called ‘St. Andrew’s Festival’ is celebrated at the end of November wherein
a kilometer long fishing net made from coconut leaves with more than 100 villagers march into
the ocean to place the net, then at low tide gather the fish.

Inserting the long coconut frond net into the sea—St. Andrew’s Festival
Pastor Ted Wilson Visits Vanuatu
The President of the SDA church visited Vanuatu a few weeks ago to help rebuild the SDA churches
that were damaged by Cyclone Pam.
Pastor Ted Wilson paid a courtesy visit on Friday, 29th April, to the President of Vanuatu, H.E.
Baldwin Lonsdale and assured him that the Seventh-day Adventist Church will do everything it can
to continue to help build up the country and be a blessing to society.

A GC delegation and Mission officials help construct the church which was destroyed by Cyclone
Pam. Students from Ekipe School and community members, including their traditional Chief and
warriors, were all at the building site to welcome the delegates with garlands and the presentation
of traditional gifts. They were overwhelmed with the fact that all leaders from the local Mission
right up to the GC world headquarters were present to help with reconstruction.

TMI or Total Membership Involvement was demonstrated by the Efate District Adventist Men who
together with the Adventist Women helped build a house to replace the deteriorating home
belonging to Mr. Miso Kalvataku, a Chief of Mele Village.
The team took 10 weeks to complete the house, while members of Portoroki Church furnished
the house, including the provision of a TV flat screen that will enable Miso and his family to watch
programs through the Vanuatu Hope Channel.

Pastor Wilson meets with government officials

 Speaking to the brethren at Tanna. It was raining.

The house was dedicated to the Lord by Pastor Ted Wilson in the presence of Church officers and
members, as well as Mele villagers. The project represented powerful evangelism by the use of
building materials and labor. An emotional Miso could hardly speak as it took him less than one
minute to simply say “Thank you”. This is the biggest village in this district where there are no
Adventists. Now, the village chief, as well as some villagers, wants to become an Adventists.
Pastor Ted also visited Tanna Province.

The rain failed to stop hundreds of faithful Church members, including the elderly and even
mothers cradling their babies, from meeting Pastor Ted Wilson and his delegation at Lamanu
Stadium, Lenakal, Tanna. A local brass band put up a great performance as it led the procession
after a safe arrival at Whitegrass Airport. Colorful umbrellas dotted the field and children.

Also Pastor Ted visited the beautiful academy in Aore. “I must admit this is one of the most
beautiful secondary schools I have ever visited,” Pastor Ted Wilson said to Aore Adventist
Academy students. His delegation, welcomed by warriors/dancers at the wharf after being ferried
by a Police Patrol boat from Luganville to Aore Island. He witnessed coconut climbing and husking
before enjoying fresh coconut drinks.
 Speaking to the students at Aore Adventist Academy. Coconuts presented as gifts by brethren.

A small plane being readied to take Pastor Wilson to Mota. Port Vila, the capital city.

The work of the Seventh-day Adventist church is rapidly expanding in this part of the world. People
who were cannibals before have become Adventists and are helping in the spreading of the gospel
message.
Please continue to pray for the work of the Adventists in Vanuatu.

Romy Halasan
Port Vila, Vanuatu

Romulo “Romy” M. Halasan, (BSBA’86) writes today from Montego Bay, Jamaica. He is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist world church
leadership, a father of 3 young adult sons, a husband and a person who gets to travel to different corners of the world as a Regional Director
for the General Conference Auditing Services. His travels provide him with a unique perspective of how the work is going in these areas and we
are so blessed to be able to experience these travels second-hand through him. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to reach him
at romsnake@gmail.com
At Northern California this week… Do you know who these alumni members are?
 Condolences
The CyberFlashes editors together with MVC Alumni and friends express our heartfelt
condolences to the Mostrales family on the passing of their mother, Larina Nomus
Mostrales. She was 89 years old.

Funeral Schedule:
Viewing: June 15, 2016, Wednesday, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Glen Abbey Mortuary Chapel, 3838 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91902
Funeral Service: June 16, 2016, Thursday, 9:00 AM
San Diego FilAm SDA Church, 3602 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Interment: Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista CA 91902
(Note: the San Diego SDA Church is next door to the Glen Abbey Cemetery)

Reception to follow at the VIP Oriental Buffet Restaurant

542 Broadway, Chula Vista, California

Alumni Calendar
When What Where Point of Contact
July 29-31, Illinois Chapter Weekend Getaway Wisconsin Dells. River Nora Munda, Leslie
2016 (sign up! 8 families already signed up!) cruise, hiking, swimming… Rosendo, Vicki Ybanez

July 30, 2016 Heritage Singers 45th Anniversary

@7PM Reunion Concert (Advertised in their FB 4000 E. Ontario Center See Heritage Singers on
site as the last reunion concert they will Pkwy Ontario, CA. Facebook.
be having)
Aug 4-7, 2016 MVCSN’s Zoarkes’91 Silver Anniversary Northern California Annaliza Wilensky &
Reunion Alison Sabanal

Aug 19-21, All Filipinos of Southwestern Union Conf Lone Star Camp, Pastor Rolando Baysa
2016 FAMMANA Convention Athens, TX rhomher@gmail.com

MVC-SN Golden Jubilee MVC Campus, Bukidnon Devaney M. Bayeta,

president of MVCSN
date tbd
Anniversary Reunion alumni association
Many classes are planning on coming (home base chapter)
Announcement from MVCiana: MVCiana is a budding museum of historical MVC items.
Its MVC Yearbook collection is almost complete except for two: Orchid 1960 and Orchid
1999. If you have a copy and are willing to donate it to MVCiana, please contact MVCiana
curator Kenji Madriaga. Thanks.

Prayer Request for Healing

Connie Asumbrado- Jonathan Navales, Roxie Pido,
Maquio, Lola Ellen Sigue, Sammy Galarpe, his son &
Demi Garduque, Oseas Zamora grandkids
Elmar Bingcang, Pastor Rudy Bermudez,
Galileo Villaflores, Pastor Salvador Israel

Prayer for the Bereaved Family

Larina Nomus Mostrales Alvin Romanes, Eng. Eugenio Porteza,
Serge Batiller, Carmelita Arit-Correces, Jonathan Serenata.
Guillermo Maglinte, Chita Penola-Flores, Rachel Sacala,
 Meet The Editors
This week’s issue of Cyberflashes is coordinated by Eddie Zamora. Next week’s will be by
Melodie Mae K. Inapan in collaboration with the other editors. Please direct all entries to
her or to any of the editors.

NAME: EMAIL ADDRESS:

Eddie Zamora ezamora594 at aol dot com
Evelyn Porteza-Tabingo etabingo at gmail dot com
Jessie Colegado Cyberflashes at gmail dot com
Joy Caballero-Gadia watermankids at yahoo dot com
Lily EscaraLare Lily_lare at yahoo dot com dot ph
Melodie Mae Karaan-Inapan melodieinapan at yahoo dot com
Raylene Rodrigo-Baumgart raylene.baumgart at gmail dot com

Acknowledgement
Special thanks to those who helped make this week’s issue of CyberFlashes:
Nelson Ornopia Sr, Jessie Colegado, Romy Halasan, SULADS & Gospel Outreach and to all
of those who contributed!

You Are Invited To Contribute Your Thoughts

on the upcoming issues of CF
Topic Deadline Editor
Fathers’ Day – tribute and stories 15-Jun Any Editor
Work Education @ MVC – where & how? 20-Jun Joy Caballero-Gadia
Anything on MVC 1-Jul Evelyn Porteza Tabingo
Life's Journeys – alumni life experience story 10-Jul Raylene Rodrigo Baumgart
Answered Prayers 20-Jul Lily Escara Lare
 Closing Thoughts

Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell)

Jose P. Rizal

Farewell, my adored Land, region of the sun caressed,

Pearl of the Orient Sea, our Eden lost,
With gladness I give you my Life, sad and repressed;
And were it more brilliant, more fresh and at its best,
I would still give it to you for your welfare at most.
..........

My idolized Country, for whom I most gravely pine,

Dear Philippines, to my last goodbye, oh, harken
There I leave all: my parents, loves of mine,
I'll go where there are no slaves, tyrants or hangmen
Where faith does not kill and where God alone does reign.

Farewell, parents, brothers, beloved by me,

Friends of my childhood, in the home distressed;
Give thanks that now I rest from the wearisome day;
Farewell, sweet stranger, my friend, who brightened my way;
Farewell, to all I love. To die is to rest.
Taken From the Internet
(First stanza and last two stanzas)