CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Harrowing experiences at Los Angeles County

BENITO ‘JONG’ MOLINTAS JR.

GARDENA CITY -- It was really so hard to say goodbye to my relatives, who have been behind me all the time and gave everything I needed. That day when I asked permission from my aunt to stay in Los Angeles for a quite sometime, I stayed in their house at Gardena City which is close to that of our kababayan, “Laurie Sarmiento” (not her real name), who is from Pingad, Sabangan.

On my way to Los Angeles from San Jacinto, I met a terrible accident on the freeway while I was driving at 156 miles per hour when I suddenly loose my brake. It was a blessing there was no car at the right lane where I diverted my car so I won’t be hitting the next car.

It might have been a premonition that something wrong will happen in my destination. From that traumatic experience, I needed to rest at Gardena City before going to Santa Clarita northern part of Los Angels to meet a person for an important appointment. Our kailian Laurie came to know that I was around and asked a favor if I could help her for the time being.

So, with no reservations I went to her facility. While were chatting, one of her residents, Maria F. Leigh, a schizophrenic patient approached Laurie. During their conversation, I noticed that the patient, who wore a T-shirt with three winter jackets during the hot weather was so pale, trembling and dizzy.

I tried my best to induce her to take off some of her clothing, but she refused. I was forced to do it despite her refusal. I called the attention of Laurie, if she could call 911 for help. Looking at Ms Leigh, who was strong in fighting back, we didn’t know it would be her last hour on earth.

In less than thirty minutes, we noticed that she was hard up in breathing. With no hesitation, I tried to wake her up. When I pulled her up, she was passive prodding me to check her pulse. I felt no warmth from her body.

I screamed, while calling the administrator that Ms. Leigh was already dead. In less than 10 minutes, 911 personnel came and pronounced her dead on the spot. We still did not know the reason of her death after three or four weeks. It is still under investigation.I can not just leave Laurie all alone with this terrible scenario. So I decided to stay for a while until the investigation and the case would be done. After a few days, I was sitting on a couch, when a man carrying a big video camera approached me with a pretty and well-known lady “Shiela” (not her real name), a news reporter from a popular channel in this county.

The administrator was at the back, thus I needed to entertain them. She started it with information that a patient died because of heat wave, which is the present issue in California. More than a dozen of people died this summer because of heat wave, just a few days from now, the weather will be cooler and yet at the outset of this season a tragic moment happened in Gardena.

It was aired clearly that, Ms Leigh died of heat wave. I didn’t have any further discussions to that because earlier, I tried to persuade her to remove her jackets. But, she refused. “We can not force the residents, despite their illness as they are aware of their rights – and that they can always refuse when they wanted to do it,” I said. The incident haunts me until now.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Disgusting experience of a Fil-Am in her country
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

LOS ANGELES, US -- She is a petite, smart, an unequivocal lady who is pure Igorota by blood. She was raised in United States, but proud of her roots, that her dad is from Bontoc and her mom, who is from Pingad, Sabangan.

As a matter of fact she can speak a little kankanaey and tagalog. Her smiling eyes speak of her innate upbringing, as a lovable daughter of Annie Leyaley and Alfred Sumbad.

I was in Gardena City at my uncle’s house to visit her mom. Her mother’s house is just three houses away from us. I was at their house when this compassionate lady approached Annie while she greeted me.

Our conversation went to the point that we were discussing her lessons in class about American-Asian issues particularly in the Philippines. She related her bad experience when she visited Philippines last year.

“Part of our values is we can’t remove hospitality,” I said. When she raised her brows, I sensed something happened to her in our supposedly country of hospitable people. Emphatically, she related here story:

“If I go back home I don’t wanna stay in Manila, maybe not because of the weather, but because of the demeanor of the people around. Actually, most people there were snobbish.

“Before I went to the airport I doled-out my Philippine currency, I didn’t know that I needed to pay taxes inside and I was in a hurry. It was just few minutes to catch-up with my flight. I asked the people around if they could help me with it, so I called my cousins.

“They tried to help me but they were stuck in traffic. They told me to borrow any from the people around so they will pay it when they will be at the airport. But, none of them tried to help me so I tried to look for an ATM machine at the other building. A lady was there so I asked permission since I was in a hurry to use it but she snubbed me.

“Indeed, my pleading statements were answered arrogantly with her facial exaggerations. During the process, as I proceeded to the waiting area, the security guards inside the airport and workers were asking for a tip every time I asked a question. It was so terrible. Of many countries I traveled to like Japan, Korea, among others, the people were not as terrible as those in my own country.

That, maybe one reason why others are ashamed to tell to other nationalities that they are Filipinos, more so, when they have an inkling that the person they are talking to went to Philippines.”
***
I shared my experience in the Philippines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, when this security guard who was standing close to the entrance of the gate was asking, if I had some Philippine currency left in my pocket.

Her mom, Annie also shared her experience during her last visit to the country. At the airport, she asked where the carts were, when all of a sudden, the airport employee was asking for a tip. “For what,? she said. “Was there any reason to give them? Maybe they think that we in other countries who are working hard have a lot of money. In United States, the salary is equal to your personal bills like phone, insurance, parking tickets, and others. When we want to come home, our pasalubong is not for those who were not budgeted, but for our families.

Dealing with our co-Filipinos in our country could be stressful, what with all the corruption and wheeling and dealing around. Let us cross our fingers that our fellow Filipinos who are staying in foreign countries like the US would not experience the abuse of our kababayan. Let us encourage our fellow Filipinos instead to succeed in their fields of endeavor.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Dr. Stanley Ambas in the City of Angels
Benito 'Jong' Molintas Jr.

LOS ANGELES, California –He came knocking at the door with his wife Mary Dominguez of Bauko, Mountain Province. A simple and approachable person, his determination to work as a dentist in Los Angeles was not just for Cordillerans who migrated to this country but for blooded Americans. BIBAK members have traveled all the way from San Diego, Las Vegas, and other places traveled to Los Angeles County to look for this small, smart, approachable, loving, and very Christian professional dentist – Dr. Stanley Amba of Mankayan, Benguet for treatment of their problems among others.

It was a blessing and a pleasure when Arnie Leyaley-Sumbad told me to stay for a while to wait for Dr. Ambas and his wife to sign an important document. It was really worthy enough to wait for these people.

After an hour the couple came and we got acquainted in few minutes. I was also so delighted for my Uncle David Wanawan of Lepanto, who planted his name not only for his progenies, but for his family, bonded with Dr. Ambas.

I may say that even if I am a cub in this job as a member of the Press (Northern Philippine Times), it is a privilege that I am taking this opportunity to thank people who are considered Angels in Los Angeles.

I called him for an appointment in his clinic and asked if he could treat me since I don’t have dental insurance. His positive response solved my problem. For a month I suffered from a bad tooth filling pasted by a dentist in Manila. At last, a kailian was here to save me. His willingness to take care of my dental problem was not a joke. “Doc, apay mabalin kitan you biit ti ngipen ko uray away insurance ko? I asked. “Wen a, uray pay nu han mu bayadan.” A tooth and dental check up in the United States costs thousands, unlike in our country. A root canal here will cost more than a thousand dollars, aside from other tooth filling and his fee. I didn’t really know what to say to him because even a bag of thanks would not have been at par to what he did to me.

“Charging you for free is not for being who you are but for being a Christian who needs my working hand,” he said. It struck my heart while Dr. Ambas was saying this. If you will recall all my columns, most of these were negative comments of Filipinos in this country. But, it was really ironic when I met this person – our kailian, an Igorot who was so Christian. I hope to see more professionals exhibiting their expertise wholeheartedly, doing their job from the bottom of their hearts as Christians, not for anything else or just to enrich themselves. Matago-tago ka.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Former Gov. Belac talks about Kalinga
Benito ‘Jong” Molintas Jr

SAN JACINTO CITY, California -- Former Kalinga Gov. Dominador Belac visited us here in San Jacinto City last Aug. 26. My cousin urged me to go along with them to the Buffet Resto for lunch with the veteran politician.

Belac was accompanied by his wife and my uncle Bobot Molintas’ couple friends Mr. and Mrs. Roberto Amiling of San Diego together with Ellen Boguen who hails from western Mountain Province but earlier migrated in Kalinga. All of us rushed for the meeting and the meal was so fruitful when he shared a lot of issues: politically and socially in Kalinga.

I was so happy when the group gave me space to ask a lot of questions from the former governor whom they say, gave way to the incumbent governor’s husband of Kalinga before the latter was shot.

His untiring smile reflected his personal warmth -- not a political aura, but something wise and elderly otherwise he wouldn’t have been called “Ama ti Ili.” His wife attracted me when she started conversing with some issues happening in the province too. My questions and answers:
Jong: Sir, I just want to ask a candid question, will you run for governor come 2010?
Belac: Jong, that question was asked many times even when we were in Canada, a woman said a politician’s final decision will be known when few days before the campaign arises, but I strongly say and prove to the people that I won’t be running. You know one of the worst situations, which I hate so much is gossip. Certainly politics is coupled with that, but what I learned was, if you entertain gossip, you will become inactive.
Jong: Sir, are you breeding anyone of your progenies for the political world?
Belac: Froilan, my son won in the lower position and with his intelligence and skills will certainly help the people of Kalinga. Sometimes, we are running or plunging to political life just to cling on to power for self aggrandizement, but in a positive outlook we should also view some of the things, which politicians did for our place.
Jong: With many accomplishments for Kalinga during your incumbency, which among those is the most treasured surely you will claim that it was your achievement during your time?
Belac: It is the mini hydro, which I want to brag about.
Jong: I salute you for this because those times when I was going to Tinglayan (town of Kalinga) to observe a play (The Sleeping beauty) of their theater group, I observed that they didn’t have electric power yet. Good for hey were connected to MOPRECO (Mountain Province Electric Cooperative) even if it is located outside Kalinga. We hope that your successor and other politicians and officials will continue your good plans. Kalinga is known for tribal wars, killings, and a lot of negative forces detrimental to human life. This was the main reason why we left Tabuk after the death of my dad.
Belac: Indeed, that is why I am anti-bodong system.
Jong: Sir, what about this?
Belac: The Kalinga people must start accepting 100 percent the government law. It is because this bodong system in one way advocates tribalism. This emboldens people and they are not afraid of anyone else since they have their backbone or they cling to their fellow tribesmates when problems arise.
It is already a bad image, which we are embracing, like innocent people are being killed because of the doing of a fellow-tribesman. The education of the youth is being sacrificed. AS things stand now, they must go home to their places, if they know they have a tribal war with other communities.
You know Jong, I have my own listing in Kalinga that I have 127 relative killed because of this. I strongly say that I am not really in favor of this. Why won’t we realize that the nearby provinces like Mountain Province is expunging this culture.
They submit guilty people in the courts. Those who committed crimes are the ones to suffer the consequences, if not their family members. Look at Benguet, obviously it one of the leading provinces in the Cordillera because they don’t have this kind of culture or they are being liberated and they are embracing the technology of the present epoch.
Jong: Thank you so much with the fruitful sharing and we hope that with Tabuk as a new city of the Cordillera, it is a challenge to all people in the province to make Kalinga a better place to live in.
(At the outset of our political sharing, we were all closing our fingers that the present government of Kalinga would hopefully realize to push more or advocate peace and unity. That, he mentioned all those leaders who won, I was again happy when I came to know that a friend -- former mayor of Tinglayan, Johnny Abay won as board member. My Kodus!)
Jong: Sir, what is your message for Kalinga folks who are in United States?
Belac: This is very important. We should encourage each and every person who has Kalinga roots or blood to sponsor the education of indigent and qualified youth. In this way, when we also encourage them to be global leaders, meaning also working abroad after finishing a degree, it will be the starting point of building a better Kalinga province. I am not in favor of you guys giving cash. The reason behind, which we experienced, was that, slots were not given to those indigents and qualified, but for the relatives of fellow politicians.
Jong: I can’t just imagine that those hard-earned money abroad were being spent for people they think were qualified or indigents.
Belac: That is one reason why the benefactors must screen very well and give that acknowledgement to the beneficiary. Like what the 1964 STS batch were doing. With their intact, support, and unity, the batch was able to push the education of three folks who graduated from high school (batch of my Aunt Marilou Tumaliuan)
Jong: Going back to Tinglayan, which is in connection to this issue, I was reminded how the people in Central Tinglayan were so cooperative and united. Most of the STS students were beneficiaries of Germans, which was initiated by the one of the outstanding barangay captains of the Philippines. I call him, Uncle Chupper. His strong-willed personality and personal rapport brought Central Tinglayan a place which we call it one of the promising lands of Kalinga. More so that they are being visited by tourists because of the innate beauty of Mt. Chinayao, the Sleeping Beauty.
Belac: Yes indeed, we need to develop Kalinga as a promising land. People from Mountain Province migrated to the province because of the richness of the land. But the province is not developing fast due to problems like tribal wars.
(And now my postscript. Indeed, I challenge each of my fellow Kalingas (I was born there) to realize that there are cultures, which we need to preserve and some cultures that we need to expunge. We try to start within ourselves for the benefit of all. Likewise, my dare to the present political leaders of this province --- make communities more peaceful.
My dad used his horse to travel at midnight from Calanan to Bulanao in the olden days which is an opposite of the present times which is fraught with danger. With peaceful communities, we can sleep well at night and freely travel and visit our relatives with no fear along the way or while we are staying in this promising land – Kalinga.)

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A dangerous gang
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

SAN JACINTO CITY, California -- Torture, pain, blood, gore, initiation. These are some words which come to mind when one thinks of gangs. There are gangs in out here, but definitely not fraternities. They are dangerous and are wreaking havoc.

I was in Grade six, when I first heard the word frat. Our elders said, “Frats, be careful of them. You should not be induced by these dangerous folks.” Those were clear statements of my mentors during my younger days in the Philippines. Fraternities were then becoming famous in Baguio, Manila, among others. When I became a teacher, that word was still being heard, associated to peer groups. Fraternities were acknowledged by communities as potent groups then and it gave members a certain pride – however misplaced this was in most cases.

Gangs were also an issue those years, and members of these caused suffering among victims and their families, particularly those who lost their loved ones. I was still in the Philippines when a student was paddled to death and this became a hot issue. If killing, murder or physical abuse is part of these groups’ way of initiating members, this is definitely not brotherhood.

Gang are likewise rampant in the United States, especially in California wherein most of the murdered folk were suspected to have been killed by the M-14 gang. The group became a hot issue when some of them openly recruited community members. Some members of the gang are inside bars, yet they are becoming more potent with more recruits they are taking in.

Lately, a sensational murder in Los Angeles was allegedly done by a member of the group. The worst thing is that the victim came all the way from Central America just to join the group here leaving his wife and kids in their place only to be killed by his peers.

I can’t imagine people sacrificing their family just to join demonic groups. Worst, this gang is mushrooming not only in California, but other parts of the US and it is spreading throughout the world.

Let us protect our younger generation from groups and situations like this. Sometimes, with bad family environments, youngsters are induced easily by gangs and this leads to their dropping out from school.

Family heads and school authorities, I guess should work together to straighten the paths of our younger generation. Let us not risk our communities in gradually becoming a place of undesirable characters. Let us help them change. As what the magazine, which I just read says and I quote, “Blame the society for producing such criminals.”

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Poldo Rola, a grandfather who passed away
BENITO 'JONG' MOLINTAS Jr.

SAN JACINTO, California – One time after my afternoon work, I went alone to Ramona Bowl, a huge place to park, reflect or just listen to songs.

It is on top of the mountain overlooking San Jacinto City and Hemet City. It was an emotional moment for me when the line of the song reverberated “I surrender Lord. I surrender all.”

While I was listening to it, my aunt called me informing that Lolo Poldo Rola of Pasunglao, Tabuk, Kalinga died. Originally, they were from San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, who migrated in Kalinga.

They were the Ilocano pioneers of that place. He was the only “thorn” among the roses of my Lola Erlinda Rola-Molintas siblings. He was once in the military and modeled some of his grandchildren to become one.

I was not that acquainted with him since we left Tabuk when I was young. I was so young then when I last met him in Pasunglao. I gathered more information from my aunt Marilou about him which is an irony since I know more his grandchildren -- my cousins than him, like Engineeer Adolf Carbonel of the Dept. of Public Works and Highways in Baguio City and others.

Indeed, being the only man in the family, he acted as the father of his siblings when their father passed away. My lola Erlinda experienced how his brother Poldo managed the family. As a military man, his discipline was imposed on his children and children’s children that molded the Rolas.

Recalling the stories of my mom, I was reminded when she said, “Your lolo Poldo had an important role when your father died.” I don’t know exactly the details but as a relative, certainly his caring of his nephew’s family would always be treasured.

Maybe my family wasn’t able to attend the wake, since my mom can’t travel that long. Anyway, in behalf of them, I am extending our heartfelt condolences. How I wish I were in the Philippines to pay tribute to him. It is really hard missing a person whom we loved and who passed away with no words of farewell to all of us.

My avowal to the family he left. Despite their being far, I hope that the unity which I once saw, when I was there will be strengthened and would be a catalyst for our bonding even if we are apart and don’t have constant communication. Let my aunties and uncles in Tabuk hand over the tradition which our grandparents did for us, for the younger generation to look upon.

To lolo Poldo, we would like to extend our endless thanks to all the goodness you have done to us and we will always cherish those. In behalf of relatives in United States: Marilou Gamatero-Tumaliuan and family, from the bottom of our hearts -- our condolences.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

The bitterness and sweetness of education
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet” is an adage from Aristotle which I tried my best and likewise a relative to clobber into the mind of my cousin Philip for him to be cognizant that education is relevant in everyday undertakings.

Indeed, he was finally prodded to make up his mind and study. The ESL subject is his stepping stone to a higher ladder of education which will surely let him explore and enjoy the essence of life, more so that he is here in United States.

What is the bitterness in studying and what is the sweet part of it? Bitterness is when you are taken away from your daily activity. You are responsible to read a lot so you can cope up with the discussions, home works, projects and all. But, the good part of it; when you are a professional, you can live better and enjoying life.

I accompanied him to his classroom and asked the instructor if I could sit in. Good my request was granted. I was so impressed with this accommodating and energetic ESL instructor, Fred Morales, who is from Puerto Rico.

I was contemplating that my cousin’s instructor would be a white one, but it turned out to be our brother -- a Hispanic influenced race, teaching English. I was so impressed with the determination of the 10 students who were mostly Mexicans.

I was talking to one student, Felipe and asked him in front of his friends why he was going to school. They said that he was so lucky because his father didn’t want him to work but to concentrate instead on his studies.

Certainly, with reason, Puerto Ricans and other non-white people residing in the US want to get rid of discrimination or oppression because of their tongue or race. Apparently, discrimination is still everywhere. If you are a Filipino, you are considered a house helper or a caregiver.

A Mexican is usually stereotyped as a carpenter, construction worker or other jobs that are belittled. But, with the strong-willed personality of the students I met, someday they would be able to stand taller than those discriminatory Americans. They can prove to their selves that they deserve better. It is because of this that they sacrifice to attend classes so they can become respected people someday.

This reminds me of our Philippine representative, who went to London for a speaking competition. She became a winner by beating contestants from English- speaking countries. This showed we could beat the “native” English speakers in their own game and we Filipinos should be proud of that.

She said we are the builders, the architects, doctors and educators building the future of other nationalities and races in different parts of the world. The young particularly, should study hard so they would be guided to the right path – a destiny made not through luck but hard work and sacrifice.

Participating in the class discussion was an unforgettable privilege. The instructor asked me some questions which I blissfully answered. I was eager to answer because I missed something which I was used to do – teaching English.

Sharing my experiences with these students during their break – courtesy of Mr. Morales, was not hard as they could communicate in English as compared to those times when I was teaching in Korea International School in China.

It was really difficult. It was just fine for the high school level because most of the students studied in London or other parts of the world. During the seat in, I was asked to awaken their past lessons in reading and grammar. It was really an experience particularly when the instructor said, “even if they are English speakers, they commit a lot of grammatical errors like the superlative good, which they say is “bestest.” But then, even if we are English teachers, we also commit blunders. I say, it is just a matter of practice.
***
In the Philippine setting, we are known to be the top English speaking country in Asia. But, can we prove it? I appreciate those folks especially in the countryside who were educated by the Americans during their regime -- they are able to work in the offices and educators in the schools, but now?

Even if some have master’s degrees, few could gland good jobs because they couldn’t speak English well. I challenge the youth to study hard and someday you can go to other countries and be a promising professional, if we can’t apply our better profession and education in our country.

Let us be determined to set our minds to the harsh realities so they we can face life squarely. Indeed, education, as Aristotle said, “is sweet.”

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A black Filipino-American’s story of hardship and hope
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

HEMET CITY, USA -- Poised and chin-up, he had a warm greeting with an innate smile as he came out from the Asian Market of Hemet City. We exchanged phone numbers and a friendship started when he visited me and told me the story of his life.

Maxi Oliveros-Hamilton’s life was captivating -- a colorful life full of tears and challenges which he called a “golden experience that must be treasured.” His story:

“I am a son of a prostitute and a black American. I am proud of that. My dad who was a navy man registered me in Clark, Pampanga. He left us when I was a baby and my mom, a Chinese refugee who was adopted by a Filipino passed away after marrying a Baguio boy named Conrado, who raped me when he brought me to Baguio when I was young.

“I was alone. I sold fish balls and vegetables in our neighborhood. I planted rice away from my home town, became a janitor and worked in different low income jobs. Name it I tried it. In every sweat I made, in every tiring moment I felt, every pain I carried, and every oppressing laugh I heard, I was thinking it was because I was a poor Amerasian.

“As a result all of these hardships, I tried to take my life one time by cutting my veins. Luckily, I survived. With that, I realized that one day I will be greater that those who ridiculed me. That challenged me to move on and timely -- I received a check worth $500.

“I later learned the money was given to me by my father from his pension. I was a beneficiary. I used it to pay my tuition, food and everything. I later became like a butterfly that roamed around the houses of my classmates and friends. Even when I had money, my youthful mind was not set in making my future stable. It was only when I got a tip from a big drug lord in prison that I became scared they would take my life away.

“Later, a postman told me that folks receiving checks from the US government were automatically citizens. That was the main reason why I went to the embassy and showed my birth certificate. I didn’t expect to get a blue colored passport -- a US passport. I moved to the US.

“Yes, I was married to a mayor’s daughter so she could come to the US until she was stable. The mayor set up the scenario because he knew nothing will happen to us because he knew that I was gay. That was my life in the Philippines.”

“I kept a very small piece of paper in my old ugly poor purse -- the address of my black grandmother. I tried to call her and let her know that I am Maxi Lee Hamilton, III. But, she said, “No! My son is dead. Maxi Hamilton Jr. died. You should be Maxi Hamilton the third.

“With joy, she took my address at Palm Springs where I worked and came over with my family: four black stepsisters, aunties, uncles and wow, a lot of vans parked just to see me. I never knew that aside from the blessings that my father made making me as a beneficiary, knowing I am the only son, my grandmother too was so generous to give me a house at Orange County (a county of rich people).

“As an irony of those tears that drenched my shirt when they visited me, my sisters became so jealous and started claiming the house. But in my grandmother’s will, the house was for me and it was known right after her death.

“I thought the house, like other things, were just things. Someday I can have my own. So, I left and let them have it. It just showed that their skin spoke of what they were. I am more beautiful than they were in character, I thought. Later, for 25 years, I survived. I didn’t ask for a single dime or cent from them. I let them fade out from my sight. Maybe in the future, they would come back.

“I had everything when I started working; anyway money here is something as compared to the Philippines. I started my life all over again. Just few years ago, when a journalist was having a talk with me, I didn’t notice that they would make a story of my life. I noticed when a friend called from Philippines and said the author was the same person who interviewed me.

“As a greenhorn in this country, pieces of advice earlier came out from the journalist’s mouth. A remarkable statement he made: “Try to get rid of building a circle of Filipino friends because they are back stabbers. Most of them are, but not all. Their smiles and goofy acts are brazenly shams. Just keep on going and search for a better destiny. I am sure someday you will soon find your luck in this country. “
***
His parting words to me: “I leave a question, which you may not answer, but implant in your mind: With all those tears and happiness I’ve been through, must I be ridiculed or be an example to my fellow folks who are being oppressed?”

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A state of cultural diversity
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

The sky is so blue, the weather so hot while I see these neighbors crossing the streets almost topless, exposing different skin colors that speak of different cultures with different racial backgrounds. A state of cultural diversity, that is how California is called -- a melting pot of different races: Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, Blacks, Mexicans, Caucasians among others.

In the East Coast, the Indian tribes, who were seen as second class citizens, looked down upon and received brutal treatment moved to the West Coast specifically California, where you can now see a high Indian population. These people are known to have a rich culture and considered by some historians as the original “owners” of the US. Land. Now, they are considered as high class citizens. They now have perks like not being subjected to police force, having the distinction of having “nations,” and given privileges to control casinos.

The Mexicans too were here earlier as immigrants. In the 18th century they were the ruling class of California. Over the years, the farmed for constituents of the State which they called “land of opportunity. ” Until now, there is a continuous influx of this race, to the level that some use force, fraudulent acts, and ways just to enter this State.

There are a lot of Asians here too. The Chinese, who are known as businessmen have companies and they have communities sprouting like mushrooms growing everywhere. Koreans and Japanese too, known to be the erudite types are scattered around and try ways and means to learn more which they apply for the benefit of their communities.

With no doubt, Filipinos, who are known to be the nurses, caregivers, skilled workers are everywhere. Undeniably, even among Filipinos, there are extreme personalities who are haughty. The high and mighty demeanor of some Filipinos is apparent when they start to converse among their fellow Filipinos.

There are times I remember when I was waiting for my flight to California. A lady sat beside me and asked many questions with a very trying hard twang with a very distinct and strong probinsyano accent. I was getting piqued so I responded in pure Tagalog: “Ate, marunong ka bang managalog kasi di po ako nag-aral, di ko naiintidihan ang sinasabi mo.”

One time, a woman talked to me with meek sounding tone but she was the one who helped me out with some undertakings. She had an unadulterated heart. As the line of The Desiderata says, “Avoid loud and aggressive people, they are vexations to your soul.”

The diversity of culture in California makes life exciting: food, music, and all. On the other side of the coin, unfortunately, before the law was passed, racial discrimination was the norm with no equal opportunities in health care, housing, employment, treatment and many more.
But then, even if the law was passed about equality and freedom from persecution, discrimination is still rampant.

Anyway, let us just say that Filipino culture that was brought to this country won’t be expunged because of the diversity of culture. Let the good Filipino values adhere and the negative ones eased out.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Immigrants and aliens
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO, US -- “Give justice to us who are sweating for you. We are also Americans.” This was printed on a cardboard as Mexicans walked down the streets of Los Angeles, California on May 21. The Mexicans were fighting for their immigration rights.

Mexicans among other nationalities were shouting for justice as Americans with equal rights. A similar activity was held a year ago in Wilshire Boulevard, CA, wherein thousands of people also participated in the undertaking.

Last year, there were no riots, no overreaction and it was really a very peaceful rally with the same immigration issues. The rally this year and the condition they faced was different as there was provocation on the part of the police who acted as if they were girding for war as they watched them with eagle eyes. It is the same with police in our country. There are policemen who fire bullets in rallies they barge into in full battle gear.

Overbearing police was actually the gist of present headlines in all newspapers near the borders of Arizona, California, Texas among others. Unlike in Northwest America which is close to Canada, police brutality and immigration laws are not much of a problem because they have a different outlooks and standards.

On the side of the immigrants some of whom are working here illegally, it is really true that they tried their best to enter this country with all their efforts through a tunnel and in many ways to work. What they are griping about is the low and double-standard rates.

Yes it is true that they are working illegally, but they are helping much the US economy. Not many “native” Americans can stay under the noon-day scorching sun and risk their health to pick vegetables, flowers, and agricultural products. It is only Mexicans, Filipinos, and other hardworking nationalities who can do it.

We are in that hardworking bracket. I have a Filipino friend who stays across the street where I live. He resigned as a navy officer. A lieutenant, he came here as a tourist and worked as a carpenter. He is just like one of those Mexicans craving to have the same papers at par with others.

With his strong determination, he married a 56-year-old, even if he is 28. “Jong, magaasawa ako punta me Las Vegas” he said. “True ba yan?” was my response. “Sa papel lang yun,”he said laughing at the top of his voice. This just shows how smart or rather street-wise Filipinos are in other countries. They try their best to survive. In a way, I appreciated him. But a lot are in trouble.

I have another friend who had been living here for 35 years, but he is still working. I hope that someday these guys they will find satisfaction in their lives. Maybe they are at one with my tenet, “Behind the clouds, the sun is still shining.”

We can actually picture what these people are -- trying their best to be legal in many ways, but it was really a terrible scene that May 21 – their “rights” being violated. I really pity these guys. I can feel what they are feeling that moment because I tried marching on the streets clamoring for certain issues. It is one way of releasing tension though.

In this case, I am just praying and hope the people involved will soon be given justice. Apparently their efforts are exhibited in the open; how hard working they are. Anyway, various programs and bills are being passed in the Senate and hopefully they may have a chance to become full-fledged citizens or at least given legal permits. I hope that no immigrant would experience again human rights violations in US.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

The teacher
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas

Reading the Filipino newspaper published in California reminded me of elections in the Philippines with all its danger and comedy. With the results of the May 14 election known and after winning candidates delivered their victory pieces, I believe only a few appreciated the worth of the teachers who did their job to ensure that the electoral process went on smoothly.

They are indeed heroes because of the sacrifices they have undergone especially against the goons of politicians who tried to steal ballot boxes. The goons toted guns but the teachers armed with their professional dignity stood up to them.

Their nobility in the communities is a testament that they are worthy to be called heroes. To my fellow educators, I personally salute your efforts and to serve our country and people. The last election has proven that you could be honorable men and women despite your low salary as budgeted by the politicians whom you protected their ballots during the elections.

It is a plea to officials that someday they will give their all-out support to education and to teachers. I say this because some consider learning especially in the countryside as one of their least priorities.

Yes, these types of officials were able to put up buildings, but the knowledge of some teachers remained stagnant due to factors like the following: insufficient reference materials, lack of training and exposure, selfishness of head teachers among others.

The problem of insufficient books is the biggest factor in the deterioration of education. A textbook is shared by two students that hinder the other to read ahead of the lesson.
Worst, some books are not updated or there is lack of materials to use for a particular subject.

Greediness of the echelons is a rampant practice of people who are in power.
If opportunities arise like seminars and activities outside the school where teachers can master a little bit of their field of specialty, the answer of the head teacher is “There are no finances for that.”

But if it is for the head’s seminar, it is a must and the per diems are readily given to her. I’m lucky I had good bosses like Pascual Sacgaca, now the a Department of Education Supervisor of Mountain Province and Marcelita Moises, the Principal of Sabangan National High School who were very open to their teachers when it came to training.

They focused on the growth of their teachers, students, and the school as a whole. I just don’t know how I can repay the goodness of these bosses – guys my bag of thanks though.
On the other hand, teachers who wanted to develop and mature as teachers have been hampered by their low salaries. How I wish too that students especially in the countryside of the Cordillera will experience the same thing as students experience in the US .

They are given a lot of opportunities for their physical and mental growth. They work working while studying and schools find jobs or give jobs and a lot of trainings to them. Teachers are not also hard up with their materials because of ready access to the internet.

Teaching in the Korea International School , books are primary resources of knowledge, but surfing the internet enriched my knowledge and made me abreast with more knowledge and techniques on teaching, more so that I am handling SAT subjects which we don’t have it in the Philippines .

SAT is a subject that prepares students for their examination in well-known universities in countries like the US and Canada .

Despite their handicaps, teachers in the Philippines can still have growth in teaching as long as there is cooperation and support from their peers and chiefs. In this case, they are motivated to do their best and impart knowledge or what they learned from their trainings. Exploring ideas from different levels and facets will surely enrich the thought of the learners. The educational system won’t deteriorate as a result.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Mother's Day
by Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

She is the most kind, understanding, forgiving, and supportive figure individual. She is always around to listen to our problems. Although, known to be physically weak, she valued much. She is our mom.

May 11 was Mother’s Day. I hope that with our hectic schedules in getting ahead in life, we are reminded often of the value of our mothers.

It is our mothers who carried us in the womb for months and cradled us until we could walk. But did we greet them last Mother’s Day? Did we realize that even if we were grown up – they experienced hardship when they were raising us as babies? I am certain some of us have shouted at them and ignored their pieces of advice, listened instead to our peers and joined them in imbibing illegal drugs and liquor.

It is painful to be in their shoes and hopefully for the younger generation, they would honor their mothers and give them the due respect they deserve. Their kindness and understanding have often been abused by selfish and self-centered children.

Let us give our parents their due. Let us show respect, love, and care when they are incapable of doing so. It hurts to be abused. Right after my mom retired at the Justice Hall of Bontoc, I became depressed when this former officemate had an altercation with her uttering cuss words like “bullshit.”

This prodded me to curse the lady. It wouldn’t have mattered if my mom made a mistake against her but she didn’t. Good if the person who uttered the expletives was known to be clean and honest. My mom was known to be a religious person and didn’t know how to hurt people.
Anyway, these types of people will soon have to deal with their karma.

It is revolting when one’s mom is the object of injustice committed by people in positions of power by they a clerk, stenographer, or somebody higher who they think they are the judges of their subalterns.

Let me share this to people who feel this way, particularly those who improved their lives despite persecution that through the help of the Lord we attained something, be it a position or wealth. We must be thankful to Him for his great deeds.

Mother’s Day, is a challenge to people who have done something wrong to others that we should remember that we have our children and other people could do something bad to them. This is also a thought for mothers to leave a legacy for the younger generation who would in turn become mothers in the future.

It would be painful on the part of a mother to see her children being abused and experiencing the bad things she had to pass though. Thus, to the mothers -- act as mothers so that your children would learn how to give respect, love and care not only to their immediate family but to others.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A talk with an American on Philippine elections
Benito"Jong" Molintas

Just a few minutes when I started making this column, I was reminiscing my high school days at Saint Vincent’s School in Bontoc, Mountain Province . Those were the days that at my age, tried to explore skills and dreams that I wanted to that time and the future.

Later, I tried my oratorical skills when I studied at the St. Louis University in Baguio City . I joined the Supreme Student Council, Kasama, among others trying my hand in student politics.
I experienced and was molded in the art and science of campaigning. It was enjoyable standing in front of voters, convincing them with a little eloquence on how to be leader. I say this as a dare to the young to become future leaders by trying first the political life in their schools.

You can be effective leaders without resorting to cheating. Everything that you think you can do, you must be positive about it for yourself and for the benefit of others.” Everything we can do now, we must do it for we shall never pass this way again,” to quote a song.

I don’t really understand why, why our nation, the Philippines , is suffering from rub-outs, shoot-outs, kidnappings, killings and many violent acts particularly during the political season. It is near election day.

We should not allow ourselves to be used by politicians or big capitalist companies through illegal means or unhealthy “democratic processes.” Let us show that we can do our task as voter or campaigner for a person whom we believe to stand for our locality, our municipality, province or our country.

Let us learn from past campaign periods by not selling our reputation just for politics. We are trying to build a good future for the succeeding generation thus we should not campaign only for our own personal and vested interests but for majority of the people.

It is hurting when politicians promise a lot but don’t fulfill these and instead become the lawbreakers.

I am sure that our political system is weak; we are being besieged left and right by evil. My American friend was also of this sentiment when we were sitting together discussing elections in the Philippines .

“Your politics in the Philippines is blatantly a dirty one,” he said. “It is no longer a way to exhibit and discuss platforms, but to kill the opponent. Those in power dictate what they want which are usually only beneficial for their own selves. That is one reason why the Philippines is virtually becoming a wasteland.”

Recalling US history, he said the country’s democracy has evolved that cheating in elections is virtually non-existent. I hope that someday, we will experience how it is to vote without fear that our vote would be misused.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Free education in Mountain Province
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

SAN FRANCISCO, USA -- Free education is surely one of the platforms of some if not most of the politicians in the Philippines like my home region, the Cordillera particularly with the coming elections. Mt. Province is one of our epitomes on free education especially in the tertiary level of the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College.

Even if I wasn’t a graduate or a part of that school, I say, my utmost thanks to Congressman Victor S. Dominguez. for the younger generation of the province. What he did is now one of the issues and such are heard as far as here in United States questioning his every move, but we never appreciated what he has done to our province.

We have to accept the fact that a lot from us came from poor families wherein we couldn’t afford miscellaneous fees or even minimal tuition of state colleges but with free tuition, a lot of students could go a long way in creating a better future for themselves and their families. I was reflecting on my years when I was teaching at AlBaGo National High School, seeing students and contemplating their future. It struck my heart, more so thinking that most of them would surely not continue their education after graduating from high school even if they are very much interested in going to college and carve a niche for themselves.

It was good this free education program was initiated. It is in stark comparison to Mt. San Jacinto Community College, a school close to my place here in California -- a very interesting school with many opportunities given to community members or any folk interested in education. I accompanied my cousin Philip to enroll in this school and since he couldn’t avail yet of the regular matriculation until he has a year and a day staying in the US, he was given an opportunity to enroll in any course offered by one department, Community Education where they give free education to students interested in enroll any courses or subjects like: ESL, automotive, and a lot more. During my interview with the officer in-charge, I asked why they offer free education to people who are not certain to enroll in their school for credited units.

Her impressing statement: “It is one way of helping those who are needy and a way to have better relationships in the community.” For ESL alone, students who are from Russia, Germany, China, Korea, and the like usually can’t interact in the community because of language barriers. In this case, they tend to stay home and become “parasites.”

The school has seen the need for the community to be productive, thus it offered education to individuals so they could live better lives. In our home province of Mountain Province, let us be thankful for everything that was given to us and we should grab opportunities that are within our reach and not make issues on it. Let us stop messing up whatever is given or around us and instead making something good for the whole community.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

A Kalinga wedding in Law Vegas
By Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas Jr.

LAS VEGAS, USA -- Garden wedding, military wedding, drive-through wedding, few-minute wedding, Kalinga wedding, name it, they all have it in Las Vegas, Nevada. As I said in my last column, Las Vegas is an “open city.”

Before traveling to Las Vegas, all of us were feverishly preparing what to wear and every tiny thing we would be using during marriage of Rex Tumaliuan of Calanan, Tabuk, Kalinga and Ferlyn Ruiz a smart and beautiful lady from Davao on April 14. I was so excited to witness a marriage rite in the US and was so anxious not to make a flop of a make-up on the bride.

I was used doing it on my face before, not to others. I crossed my fingers hoping I won’t commit any blunder. I wanted the bride to captivate the crowd.It was good I was given a chance to work on it prior to the wedding by matching colors for her complexion. Believe me, it was a successful one – the clean and classy make-over of the fresh looking lady walking on the aisles of the Little Chapel of Flowers.It was my hidden pride that moment. (To view the whole scenario, go to goggles and type Tumaliuan/Ruiz, Little Chapel of Flowers, and April 14, 2007 and you can view the whole duration of the wedding).

It was a westernized Kalinga marriage rite. I was expecting the couple to stay in front of the altar and crowd for an hour and maybe more, which we commonly observe in the Philippines . An irony, it was a seven-minute wedding for the exchange of vows. I dropped my head to hide my ignorant smile.“Tapos na ba? I asked. “Was that a westernized Kalinga ceremony? Ang dali, walang kapagodpago, walang kahirap-hirap, magregister ka in 10 minutes tapos may papel na kayo?” “Bayaran mo lang ng $10 yung nag-aabang sa labas na tutulong sa yo, pwede na,” the smiling bride said.

It was very practical, time and effort maximized. Every single minute and a single click of a second in the US is expensive. The internet is one quick way of conducting business. Thus, you can fix your marriage through it: hotel bookings, reception among others.It is a far cry from what we do in the Philippines . In our country, we need to undergo a seminar for at least a month and register with a lot of requirements among others. For the reception, it is shameful if you won’t invite a single member of the community.

All of these certainly are being considered. But, the forty folks who attended the ceremony was already a huge crowd. But then, no matter what type or setting you want your wedding to be, of all the gifts, the greatest is love. It is true that the bonding of the couple is important, how they cope up with their daily endeavor, how they treat each other and how they deal with other people as a couple.As the minister said, “Love is patient, very kind, never jealous, never envious, never boastful nor proud, never notices when one does wrong, but rejoices when there is love.”

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

Sin City
by Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas

LAS VEGAS, US - “Sin City”, “City of Sodom and Gomora”, “Bad influence city”, and other negative trademarks describe Las Vegas, Nevada. But, some say it is a “City of life and openness.”

An account of the city’s history flashed in the television of Stratosphere Hotel where we stayed for a couple of nights insinuated why some call it Sin City. Originally, the big business establishments in the city were monopolized by the paparazzi.

In order to gain more money to develop their buildings and businesses, they needed to cheat people by controlling the slot machines. They programmed the money to be lost and the money to be gained. I don’t actually know how they did it though.

Nowadays in Las Vegas, you can also see scattered nude photos and contact numbers of ladies exposing their bodies for costumers. People may call it Sin City because they see so much sex around. For conservatives, it is not a conducive place for “growing people” due to pornography, drinking and other vices.

There have been real life stories about parents sending their children to school in the city only to find out later their progenies are doing their best hanging out in gambling areas.

This had forced parents to take their children back to better cities conducive for learning. Officials have admitted that the “open ways” of the city have led the young to try what adults do which led to early marriages or other ways that diverted their normal routines and activities at home and to their studies.

I prefer to call Las Vegas an “open city” or “city of life” without the derogatory connotations. As one enters the city, one is struck by its “life.” There are a lot of musicians, architects, photographers and others in different fields who are showcasing their work.

The architectural designs impressed me most. There is a feeling of excitement in the air. When you are there, control your urge to drop coins in slot machines or buying chips to play baccarat.
In my case, I used my time with my cousins Philip and Edwin Tumaliuan to tour the city. Miniatures of Venice, Ceasar’s Palace, Sphynx, Egyptian Pyramids and many more were just a few works or art seen in this place.

I call it also an open city because gays and lesbians are not a taboo in society. Instead they are seen as assets, but if it is an irony, nobody cares about it. The gays are so much accepted.
You can’t see folks making faces at them or hear insulting or degrading words against them unlike in our place in the Philippines where their partners are ashamed of having a relationship with them.

Some hit gays in our place in the Cordillera because they hate to see their likes. Anyway, it may not be a big deal, but gays are just seen in our place as persons to be laughed at – like those who stay in beauty parlors.

Gays are also being discriminated against because they are taking the roles of women who are generally known to be physically weak. But, this is a challenge to the male species -- women and gays are strong. They are the ones looking for food to feed their children and doing something for the betterment of their families and society.

Let us be open, like these people living here. Gays are normal people like women who can do what men can do. Let us open our horizons to accept the reality that gays are doing something in the development of communities.