How's My Ten Cents Word?

By Marivir R. Montebon
New York City

While power is at the tip of our fingers in this awesome digital age, the writer in the internet, ironically, still remains a pauper.

Although a writer's value in the industry is key to the industry's life (for every writer, there are 30 other industry players and workers who earn from her/his writing output, including editors, lay-out artists, actors, and marketing personnel), she/he is generally paid low or none at all when writing for the internet.

In New York and in many parts of the US, a writer is paid about ten cents per word or $50-$100 for a 500-word story. Most of these fees are arbitrarily determined.

This financial anemia for writers is a stark contrast to the robust accessibility of the public to information. At the outset, because most of the information is free and highly accessible, fees for writers, sadly, have become all time low.

How this can be resolved has to confront a myriad of issues concerning the publishers, writer's name and experience, as well as, advertisers and sponsors.

At noon time on Saturday of October 19, four freelance writers in the auspices of the National Writers Union in mid-Manhattan ignited the discussion on the low wages prevailing in the internet.

[caption id="attachment_2861" align="alignright" width="300"] There is a need to standardize writer's fees - freelance writers[/caption]

"New York on Ten Cents a Word?" was a panel discussion led by David Hill, and composed of Sarah Jaffe, James O’Brien, David Roth, and Maggie Serota of the 3rd Annual Writers Conference of the NWU-New York Chapter with the theme "Writing Success in the Digital Age."  More than 40 writers from the East Coast attended this year's conference.

Maggie Serota, co-host of the music podcast Low Times and contributor for The Onion and Philadelphia Weekly, told the audience that she has "never felt safe as writer."

"I have not made a living from writing. I had other jobs to pay for my bills. Papers are just folding everywhere, and with that I had also lost my writer's fees in several cases," she said.

The three other panelists shared their huge challenges of losing their jobs as writers and how they managed to keep afloat through other sources of income, particularly when local publications were folding up at the height of the 2007 recession.

To be Published For Free

In These Times magazine staff writer Sarah Jaffe noted that there are writers who are willing to write for free, just to be published. As a fresh graduate, Sarah said she preferred to not be paid or be paid lowly for $50-75 per article because she is building her name as a journalist.

She however noted that there are still publishers who are capable of paying writers decently, and these are the stable media institutions who choose to pay the more experienced writer.

Stability for Newly-Opened Media Groups

James O'Brien (an independent writer and author of the Dos and Don'ts of Full-time Freelancing) and David Roth (co-founder of The Classical, a Kickstarter-funded sports website) noted that with the advent of writers becoming publishers themselves in the internet, it became financially burdensome to create a more steady income for these newly established media groups, which much show capability to pay for their writers.

Someone from the audience however, aptly said that instead of becoming an apologist for publishers, free lance writers must instead organize themselves and define the standard fees for internet articles. "Ten cents per word is truly ridiculous," she said.

[caption id="attachment_2862" align="alignright" width="300"] Ten cents per word is ridiculously low[/caption]

The four panelists concurred to the suggestion of defining standards for internet articles. O'Brien particularly expressed optimism that emerging publishers will eventually create ways to earn through the internet, making their media outlets capable to paying writers decently.

New York, New York!

By Sylvia Hubilla
Round Rock, Texas

 

 

 

"These vagabond shoes are longing to stray right through the very heart of it, New York, New York..."

I love New York! Always have, always will.....in my mind. It seems like I can never say no to New York. Every chance I get to visit this city that never sleeps, I jump at it. It's like a high for me, and I don't know why. Now that last sentence even sounds like a rap - "New York, New York, it's like a high, and I don't know why..." See what it does to me?!

And so my next trip to New York.....

My daughter told me she was bringing her three children for a 5 day trip to experience the city and would I like to come. She saw some tickets on sale with Southwest Airlines. It was like an invitation to happy hour! A no-brainer. So what do you think my answer would be?

I immediately booked my round trip ticket without even checking my account balance, on the same flight as my daughter's. I had been having some health issues for the past two weeks. But who cares? I threw caution to the winds, like some secret love affair was about to happen.

"Mom, remember all the walking and subway stairs you have to navigate. Are you sure?" my other daughter cautioned me. "And, it's summer and New York can get really hot," she continued. None of that fazed me. This was two months before the trip, and each week my excitement grew. It was going to be mostly, a walking tour. The key words – travel light. So the five of us each armed ourselves with back packs, with only the barest minimum inside. I was the only one with a check-in luggage, where we put in some goodies and souvenirs from Texas for my brother in New Jersey who thankfully opened his home to us to be our base.

Finally, the day came. We were all filled with excitement as we went through the process of boarding and choosing seats close to each other, not to mention window seats for my 3 grandkids. We got seated and buckled up, ready for take-off. We were all giving ourselves high fives.....until the pilot made an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are being asked to delay our flight by two hours, due to inclement weather in New York. We will have to ask you to disembark, and we will give back your boarding passes as you step out of the plane. We will make an announcement for boarding in two hours, and you will follow your same boarding number. Please bear with us. Thank you."

Uh oh, is this a peek of what's to come for our New York trip? But no, I'd take the rain over the blistering sun anytime! This positive attitude was still alive and well, even after the reboarding and well into, finally, take off. But soon, the ride became too bumpy for comfort. Several times the announcement of turbulence ahead kept us buckled up for the rest of the 4 hour flight.

At last, the announcement, "We have started our descent...82 degrees in Newark, New Jersey, with chances of rain." We made it! Wow, 82 degrees. It felt so good to leave the triple digits of the Texas summer behind, even for just 5 days.

Soon we walked out of the terminal of the Liberty International Airport, into a warm, cloudy, and muggy afternoon. New York now was just a trainride away.

It was so good to see my brother again. We saw each other just two years ago in the Philippines for our late mother's 100th birthday. But it has been 19 years since I last visited him in his home. My nephew is now a grown man!

Looking over our crammed New York itinerary, my brother said he will bring us to Edison Station every morning, where we will board the train that will bring us to Penn Station in New York City. And we should go back to Penn station in the evening, and board our train again to go back to Edison where he will pick us up. We just need to give him a call when we reach Metuchen, the stop before Edison. Now we have a plan. This will be our daily routine. We did a dry run that night. We learned how to get the tickets from the machine. We were all set.

Woo hoo! New York, here we come!

We were up bright and early. After a breakfast of bagels and lox, and armed with our back packs, my trusted umbrella and sunjacket, and my daughter with her NY app downloaded into her iphone, we headed out for Edison train station. My brother bade us goodbye and wished us luck. We waited for our 8:00AM train for New York Penn Station.

The enthusiasm of the teen, the almost teen, and the pre-teen, and their determined Mom was contagious. I flexed both my mental and physical muscles, especially the legs and feet, to prepare myself for what's ahead. Bring it on, New York!

[caption id="attachment_2719" align="aligncenter" width="240"] Pounding the pavements of New York City[/caption]

Walking out of Penn Station and onto the busy sidewalks of New York City, brought back the memories of my first New York visit in the Autumn of 1994. It was love at first sight. I was young then.

My daughter whipped out her NY app, and said, "Alright, let's do everything within walking distance first." That sure brought me back to the present. The words "within walking distance" is relative, to age, I mean. And that means keeping pace with 2 marathoners, 1 football linebacker, and the budding 10 year old football linebacker.

What exactly is walking distance? The question in my head was soon answered. "Let's go to Times Square. It's just about a mile and a half from where we are now. You think you'll be okay with that, Mom? We'll play it by ear. When you get too tired, we'll stop and rest."

That definitely sounds good. We stopped in the first convenience store we passed and got a bottle of water each. Then before anyone became "hangry" (our word for feeling angry when hungry) we stopped at the first hotdog stand we saw. New York dogs all around. This is so New York!

Soon, Times Square – the huge neons, TV screens, the ticket line for the Broadway Shows. I'm falling in love all over again!

From here, we decided to board a bus tour. It was called, a "hop on- hop off" tour. It means, we could go down any part we pass and want to explore, and then later, get back on another bus, to finish the tour.

We were having fun taking a lot of photos as the bus wound its way around the famous New York landmarks, and listening to the information from the tour guide. Then the sun hid behind clouds, and I started to feel a few drops.
Soon the tour guide was starting to distribute plastic ponchos for the rain. We gamely put them on, and the tour continued as the rain poured.

[caption id="attachment_2720" align="alignleft" width="240"] Bus tour under the pouring rain[/caption]

We decided to hop off at Chinatown. By this time the sun was blazing. We literally were left out to dry. We decided to have lunch at one of the Chinese restaurants there, along Canal street. We had some dimsum, and duck.

After lunch, more walking, exploring the shops, playing the haggling game, pretending to walk away, and coming back, when you finally get the price you want. We passed by a couple of young guys I thought were rapping, and when I got nearer, they were actually reciting a litany of brand names like Loise Vuitton, Hermes, Rolex, etc., etc. They were actually catching the attention of those wanting to buy knock-off brand items.

We spied Little Italy from the sidewalks of Chinatown. We decided we will have dinner there. But first we had to catch the tour bus and hop on back to finish the rest of our city tour. So we decided to put off Little Italy for tomorrow. While enjoying the last half of our bus tour, we were treated to a heart stopping experience of siren sounds and a mass of firetrucks and police cars crowding the streets of Manhattan, and people pouring out of their buildings. My heart was literally pounding as I imagined the worst scenario happening around us as our bus was caught in the middle of all these.

Our guide was shouting, "Everybody stay seated please!" We were eventually directed to other streets and had to be satisfied with just catching glimpses of other landmarks.

We never really found out the reason for all that – a bomb threat, a terrorist threat? But I was glad to see the quick response of the City's Finest. It made me feel safe.

That evening, I met with my best friend from elementary days. We haven't seen each other in years! I really appreciated her coming to see me, braving the downpour which came again with a vengeance in the evening. The meeting was perfectly memorable – until we made a choice to have dinner in a restaurant on 42nd Street. We would have prefered Little Italy, but the weather just did not cooperate.

The meal would have been okay, inspite of the rude server. Maybe it was just unfamiliarity with their culture, I thought. But when it was time to pay the bill, the series of events that followed, really confirmed my first impression. First, they just informed us at this point that their machine broke down, which I highly doubt, and so would accept only cash. Then he took away the receipt. Then the waiter came back demanding in a rude tone that my friend pay 18% of the bill for tip, and in the absence of the receipt, how could one compute 18% of what? So he had to produce the receipt. Then my friend had to go to the cashier to demand her change, which the waiter never brought to our table.

I felt so bad for my friend. How dare those people mar our perfect little reunion! We walked her to the subway. Thank goodness the rain has let up. We all gave her a hug and thanked her for dinner. It was sad to say goodbye. It will probably be years before I see my BFF again.

We were tired. We were damp. My hair was getting frizzy again from the humidity in the air. I hated walking through the city's grime after the rain on the sidewalks of 42nd. I hate those rude staff in the restaurant! I hate New York!

My body felt like my first day in the gym after a long absence. We were ready to call it a day. I wonder how many miles total I walked from 8:00 AM to past midnight. I felt like I've been through the wringer – and it was only Day 1 of our trip. In my head, I told myself, New York is only for the young. I will never come back.

But after a warm shower, a good night's sleep, I was gung-ho for Day 2!

It's true – this city never sleeps. It was still buzzing when we were walking back to Penn station. The last train that leaves for Edison from Penn is at 1:00 AM. So we maximized our days, cramming as much of New York as we can until almost midnight, everyday. For four straight days.

I never felt so proud of and amazed at myself! And I never felt so tired and pummeled to a pulp. Up to now, I can't believe I climbed 192 steps from the ground up to the base of the Statue of Liberty. Without my health coach, (read my daughter) I know I would have backed off from the challenge.

Navigating the subway stairs left me huffing and puffing like the big, bad wolf. My friend told me she almost never travels by subway anymore, preferring the bus, to save her knees from, literally, the wear and tear. But then I had a cheering squad. So my aging feet and knees plodded on.

I actually enjoyed the subway. Where else will you see, in the midst of the rush hour, a young man whip out his violin, and make the most beautiful, soothing music to quiet the soul, inside a packed train.

And it was in the subway, oddly enough, where I fell in love with New York all over again. On two separate occasions, strangers came to my rescue, like guardian angels in disguise.

We were told by a friend, that it's easier to just have one ticket for everyone, and just pass it on as we go through the turnstiles, and we did exactly this. We filed through, five of us, one at a time, me, being the last. When my turn came, the turnstile wouldn't turn! We tried swiping the ticket several more times - nothing. We just loaded the card with $30.00; it can't be empty. I looked around, perplexed, and very worried. We will miss our train!

I must have looked so lost and helpless, for suddenly, I saw a knight in shining armor coming towards me. On his armor was emblazoned NYPD. "Is there a problem, Ma'am?"

This damsel in distress could not be more relieved and happy. It turns out, the card can be swiped only 4 consecutive times, and not more at one time. So this kind, good-looking policeman, swiped his own card to let me go through and join my family waiting on the other side. Truly, New York's finest.

Next, we went down to a station planning to buy my card there, only to find out there was no ticket machine. We were tired from walking. We were looking at the map, trying to decide what to do next. A man walked up to us, and just asked, "Need help?" Turns out he was a Metro Transport staff, obviously on his way out, maybe on his break, but still went out of his way to help us. He used his key to let me in. I couldn't thank him enough.

I Love New York City!

On the fifth day, I rested. I was done. My body told me so. No amount of cajoling from the grandkids can make me get up and go again. That's it for me.....until next time. The song is still playing in my head, "I want to be a part of it, New York, New York..."

(For more of Sylvia's writings, visit singlesixtyandfree.blogspot.com)

Daphne Ceniza-Kuok: We Will Rise In God's Grace

By Marivir R. Montebon
New York City

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
    the builders labor in vain.
  Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the guards stand watch in vain. (Psalm 127 A song of ascents. Of Solomon.)

[caption id="attachment_2744" align="alignleft" width="168"] My hope is, there will be a systemic change as a result of the people's united effort.[/caption]

Daphne Ceniza-Kuok breezes to New York, from Hong Kong, at the time when homeland Philippines is raging mad over the pork barrel scam in Congress.  Two things prompt her visit. As a mom, she had to send off her two children to college here, and as an advocate for social change, she makes sure her voice to end corruption as well as that of the others, are heard.

A college friend, Raul Puentespina, had mentioned Daphne through Facebook, and requested me to meet her and cover the protest at the Philippine consulate.  It was to be the first leg of the hundred rallies envisioned to stop the scandalous billions worth of pilferage vis-a-vis the flash floods in Manila, an oil spill tragedy off Cebu, and the perennial increases in prices of commodities. Practically every Filipino is outraged.

Lovely in picture, but so much lovelier in person, I finally met Daphne at the rally on the last Sunday of August. She collected the signatures of those demanding to scrap the pork barrel fund and to immediately conduct an investigation into the scam. The petitioners also asked for the passage of the freedom of information bill.

She handed the signatures to Deputy Consul General Tess de Vega at the height of the rally which was participated by about 200 Filipinos from various organizations.

[caption id="attachment_2690" align="alignleft" width="300"] Deputy Consul General Tess de Vega receives the petition from Daphne Ceniza. Lumen Castaneda of the teachers group witnessed the hand-over.[/caption]

Daphne is a silent supporter of Filipinos (especially abused maids) in Hong Kong and has been quietly working with the  International Care Ministries (ICM) in lifting economic conditions of Filipino families. She has also relentlessly campaigned for the overseas absentee voting, being an issue close to the hearts of many immigrant Filipinos.

[caption id="attachment_2746" align="alignright" width="168"] We are all God's stewards.[/caption]

Interestingly, many of the board members of the ICM are not Filipinos, although its programs are fully focused on eight stations in the Philippines, with key interventions on values, health, and livelihood since 1992. Its founder was Sharon Tin Tan, a Singaporean interior designer living in Hong Kong who visited the Philippines with her Filipino maid. She was struck by a young and dying woman Josephine who asked for a coffin. The lady had her dying wish granted, and it flourished to something more, as Tin Tan organized what is now called the ICM.

Today, the ICM board is chaired by David Sutherland, and acting as full time. He was formerly managing director of Morgan Stanley-Asia.  Daphne sits in the ICM board of advisers and stirs the fund raising activities to be able to continue with the programs in the villages. At one time, she admits that getting the Philippine government involved in its programs had been difficult.

The ICM is energized by 150 full-time staffers. It continues to train pastors and church volunteers to manage its counseling and health programs.

My afternoon conversation with Daphne a few days after the rally at the consulate was relaxing than what I expected it to be, despite the depth of her concerns.

Excerpts:

[caption id="attachment_2745" align="alignleft" width="168"] All efforts for change must be God-centered.[/caption]

OSM!: You have been helping quietly many Filipino immigrants in Hongkong and are passionately involved with ICM. Despite the many good efforts of Filipinos abroad like you, the Philippines seem to be unable to rise from its own problem, the most recent of which is pork barrel scam. Doesn't that make you feel frustrated?

Daphne:  If we give up, who will do it for us? I am doing things that I can in my own personal capacity and faith.  Regarding the pork barrel scam, it is still too early to say if we could rise above it. But my hope is, there will be a systemic change as a result of the people's united effort. We should focus on scrapping the pork barrel and realigning the national budget to real programs. The pork barrel institutionalizes patronage politics. That has to be changed.

OSM!: Do you think we can rise from all these corruption and define a stable and secure future to ourselves?

Daphne: Yes we need to rise from all these. But God has to get through all our troubles. I believe that unless it is in God's grace and protection, nothing good happens. Let me share with you a Bible passage, Psalm 127 A Song Ascents. Of Solomon. "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

My point is, have we ever asked ourselves, have I seriously prayed for my country, for my president, for my congressmen? We need steadfast action and a lot of prayers to succeed.

OSM!: As a leader, I can see that you have evolved into the political and spiritual realms. What had been your turning point?

Daphne: It is amazing how at one point in our lives, God strips us of every aspect of our confidence. In my case, the purge at the radical left movement was it. I was hammered in the head. Nauntog ako. The organization had been broken, and many of my friends had been killed or maligned. It was a time of confusion and division. That was my awakening. All efforts for change must be God-centered.

The passage on Romans 8:38-39 says this: 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

OSM!: So you think the left-led revolution in the Philippines won't succeed in bringing about change in Philippine society?

Daphne: No, it won't succeed, unless it is built by God.

OSM!: Who are the leaders that you look up to?

Daphne: I have been blessed to have worked with the late Sen. Jose Diokno and Tanada. They were leaders with integrity.

OSM!:  Do you think the women's rights movement makes sense?

Daphne: I believe there is no need for that if you believe that God has only one standard for us. We are all his stewards, and so there is no gender attached to it. We are all equal.

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

http://cleanworldnewjersey.com/

COCOFED Scholars: Laughter and Memories Reign

By Marivir R. Montebon
Rye, New York

[caption id="attachment_2737" align="alignleft" width="300"] A pleasant summer for memories in college[/caption]

Summer came and went. But memories in college, once more, were re-lived by some 20 former scholars of the COCOFED (Philippine Coconut Producers Federation Inc.) who gathered one Saturday afternoon for a reunion of sorts, after many years since their college days in the Philippines.

The COCOFED subsidizes the National College Scholarship Grant Program which has supported about 8000 scholars nationwide (and graduated more than 5000) since it began in 1978. About 200 former scholars are now living the US.

At the east coast, it was the first time for a few batches of scholars to meet personally in the 'old fashioned country' house of gracious host Dory Imbo-Beary in the beach town of Rye. Dory was a scholar from the Visayas State University in Leyte. Months prior, they were just busy chatting with each other on Facebook. Instantaneously there was laughter when they met, which is typically Filipino, as if all were familiar with each other.

[caption id="attachment_2742" align="alignright" width="300"] L-R: Rowena, Vianne, Isabelle, Dory, Hannah, and Marichu[/caption]

Everyone brought something to the banquet table to partake, which made the reunion truly a feast.  There was baked salmon prepared by Faye Rubio Virtucio and husband Gil, pancit palabok by Connie Florentino Molvizar, pork barbecue by Robert Chan, empanada brought by Rowena Alorro Ranoco, the omnipresent bam-i brought by Isabelle Ferraren, and guest Elvira Joy Lorico brought Philippine pastries so terribly missed by everyone: food for the gods and cheese mamon.

There were rice muffins, chips, fruits, mango cake, and chicken macaroni salad. Marichu Gaid and Renato Angeles brought in the drinks to complete everything. The last but not the least to arrive was Rodulfo Cabuya. There was paparazzi too, Rudy Molvizar and yours truly, to fully document the fun.

Faye's apple martini loosened up everyone some more. The quiet neighborhood of Bulkley Manor was filled with laughter and the drool-inducing smell of pork barbecue coming from the water well-converted-grill at Dory's garden.

Scholars at the University of San Carlos

[caption id="attachment_2741" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ready for the apple martini.[/caption]

Rowena, a graduate of BS Chemistry, shares fond memories of her days at the University of San Carlos in Cebu.

"There was a support system for Cocofed scholars from the guidance office. I will always remember the late Fr. Henry Schumacher of the USC testing center  who gave advice to freshmen students who passed the COCOFED scholarship and other scholarships.

He would present facts and perceived opinions to us: State scholars pay for their expenses first and get refunded by the end of the semester while COCOFED scholars enjoy their allowances on a monthly schedule and the uniforms and textbooks every school year. State scholars have higher marks to maintain while COCOFED scholars only needed to pass. So he would make us choose: Which would you go for? Glamor as a scholar or practicality?"

Rowena said that on the downside, the other scholars and some teachers would look down on the COCOFED scholars because of the academic requirement of a simple pass. But when the number of COCOFED scholars increased and the courses became diverse, the academic community witnessed the rise of real leaders and solid scholarly grades from the COCOFED scholars group.

She has a personal triumph to share on the first semester of her freshman year.

[caption id="attachment_2733" align="alignright" width="168"] They have gone a long way from their scholarship grants.[/caption]

"Every semester always culminated with a departmental exam for students taking Chemistry 1. That particular end of first semester (SY 1978-79), I was called by my Chem1 teacher Mrs. Joy Locaylocay to be congratulated at the faculty room. She said she was truly happy for me and the department because finally, a Chem major not only topped but got perfect in the departmental exam as the previous semesters have been lorded over by Math majors. I knew it was mainly hard work and partly luck that the good graces fell upon me but the bigger victory was that they have started to change their perception of what COCOFED scholars can deliver."

Growing up Years, Great Friendships

For Gilda Racelis, without the COCOFED scholarship grant, going to the capital's university and living in the city, would have been a financial struggle, especially that there were seven of them in the family.

Other than the financial assistance offered by the grant, the connection with varying age groups which comprised the COCOFED Scholars at the University of the East (UE) has helped her morph into a more socially, intellectually, and emotionally interactive human being.

She was lucky to have found two 'sisters' among the scholars, who literally spanked her to bloom into a lady.

[caption id="attachment_2732" align="alignleft" width="300"] Gilda and Isabelle[/caption]

"Pubescent was the awkward, bewildering and confusing stage in our life. The stage when we also trekked the terrains of the college life. I remembered climbing down and up the fire escape stairs of the ladies dormitory to get back inside the building after the fun disco nights. Those were the jolts of hormones in the growing up years," Gilda recalls.

"Being a late bloomer and a tomboy until I turned fourteen, my confused emotional and physical state was fortunate to have found an older sister in the midst. I remember Yeyen Bolunia, 4th batch, scolding me in a gentle way--reminding me to act more like a young lady and not as a boy. I have this bad habit, which I still am struggling to get rid of until now, of punching anybody close to me as a way of expressing my fondness and excitement of seeing him/her again.

[caption id="attachment_2731" align="alignleft" width="300"] Still feels like college.[/caption]

Yeyen, was one of those lucky friends, who got beatings from me. To this day, I am still longing to see my Ate Yeyen again. If it weren't for her, perhaps, you would have not seen the lady in me.

After Yeyen boarded the ship to her next journey after college, Mila Alvarez Bendiola, has been my constant chaperone on my dates. You heard it. When guys asked me for a date, my protective Sister Ate Miles would be there to accompany me.

Dates for me back then was nerve-wracking. And I had Ate Miles to alleviate that fear. I wonder what the young suitors were thinking when I showed up with Ate Miles. Did I get second dates from them knowing I would not be alone. You bet I did," she laughs.

Vianne Labay Sillador, also from UE, remembers her four years of priceless fun.

[caption id="attachment_2734" align="alignright" width="106"] Life has been good.[/caption]

"It was an unlimited self-exploration. There was no map. The best memories were the ones I made, meeting friends who became your BFFs for more than three decades. There was pride in being known in the campus as the scholar and hobnobbing with people of authority in the university. That was priceless."

After School Life

Rowena recalls that after college, she was not able to graduate on time due to a missing credit unit on thesis writing and for failure to sign up for the board exam.

[caption id="attachment_2738" align="alignright" width="300"] Robert, the scholar is now a father of two lovely girls.[/caption]

"I became active with NGOs and the anti-martial law struggle. I got married early at age 22 with a fellow Carolinian who was pursuing Law and is now a lawyer. But with the onset of technology where USC was one of the pioneers of the email phenomenon. That was in 1983, I guess. I was tracked down by classmates, schoolmates and in 1992 I finally communicated with my beloved mentor Mrs. Joy Locaylocay who was adamant that I finish my thesis so I can officially graduate. Without much ado, I did as advised even when I was heavy with the third child. And my diploma was finally released in 1993. This paved the way for me to pursue a career in education and after serving as teacher and school head for a combined experience of 13 years in Agusan del Sur, I accepted the recruitment offer to teach in Maryland in 2007. The rest is history," she said.

For Vianne, the COCOFED scholarship was her ticket to a good life, and it has helped her appreciate life itself.

[caption id="attachment_2740" align="aligncenter" width="443"] Cheers to you COCOFED, cheers to life![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2735" align="alignleft" width="300"] Connie with husband paparazzi Rudy and son.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2736" align="alignleft" width="300"] 3Rs: Rudy, Renato, and Robert[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2764" align="alignleft" width="225"] Reconnecting the past for the future. Mixed media by Celso Pepito. In time for the COCOFED National Convention in Cebu on August 3-4, 2013. The scholars pay tribute to the coconut farmers.[/caption]

Why I Love New York City (Part 2)

By June Pascal

UWS, Manhattan

New York is a kid friendly city. The whole city becomes their own playground. Countless parks offer sanctuary to both children and adults. My favorite park is the Riverside Park which is two blocks away. It has an esplanade alongside the Hudson River and it is always a simple pleasure to take a stroll, skate, scoot, bike, run or just to sit and watch the boats go by. I prefer it to Central Park because of the river.

There is also a string of playing fields for playing team sports and tennis courts, running tracts and a marina. A bike lane runs through it all the way to Bowling Green.

School kids use the city as their open school. They are always on the go, field trips only a subway ride away, Artistic stimulation abounds wether it is music, dance, theater etc. Work as well is not alien to them. They model, act, perform and attend auditions. They have lots of friends to hang out with , their social skills honed in the process.

When I see a group of school kids, I see them laughing and just happy to be with each other. I am so glad my sons grew up in this city. Getting a driver's license at 16 was never an issue . As a result, one less worry for me thinking how they are doing on the road.

How do I love thee, New York? I love thee through my senses. My taste buds for one. With all the food glorious food in the city, fresh, whole, exotic, strange delicacies available in plenty, I am in heaven. I know we are in the top of the food chain because of the hundreds of big trucks coming into the city everyday bearing produce from farms all over the world and locally as well, from the green markets, to the restaurant week, food shows at the Javits, restaurants by the thousands, Chinatown, Zabar's, Fairway, Whole Foods, it never stops.

I just wish we had a 24 hour noodle shop or night markets like in Asia.

(This article is first published at JunePascal.blogspot.com, her repository of creativity.)

[caption id="attachment_2602" align="aligncenter" width="421"] FAIR TRADE CEBU
You Gotta be Healthy, You gotta Be Fair[/caption]

Why I Love New York City

By June Pascal

UWS, Manhattan

New York City has been home for me for almost thirty five years. Each time I travel out, the final leg of the trip which is coming home becomes the most exciting part of my journey. I have arrived, safe and sound.

Unromantic as it may sound but I think the subway system makes this city as dynamic as it is. I like the fact that when it was built more than a hundred years ago, the powers that were had the ideal to make it fair to all passengers wether coming from Queens or Brooklyn into Manhattan to pay the same price. It is not so in Paris or London or D.C. Fare increases as distance traveled increases. Presently, our $2.50 is still a bargain. For one token, I can go to the beach. I can also go to Queens to be with the Greeks or Indians or eat Filipino food.

For a token, I can be in Brooklyn and feel like a tourist especially in Brighton Beach, come home with souvenirs like caviar, blintzes and gold painted tea cups.

When I have an unlimited weekly train and bus card, I feel like the city is mine 24/7. Because of the subway, New Yorkers can party with impunity. There is no last train to catch. no cars to drive. As a host of a party, you can invite everybody you know across the city, and know that guests can come without much ado. When they leave, drunk or not, the train operator is their designated driver. Because of the subway system, New Yorkers can blissfully exist without a car. No parking, tickets, insurance, mortgage, gas, etc. We've been living green for the longest time. Because of the subway system, you can be as professional as you want to be.

When you have an appointment, you can be there on time. No traffic to blame. Most of my out of town friends and guests never fail to be mesmerized by the sheer raw energy of the city's population. Standing in one corner on Broadway, a first time visitor's jaw just drops at the sight of thousands of people scurrying to and fro, "I've seen more people in a minute here than a year in Australia."

I like it that most of the local population are generally friendly, down to earth and proactive in their lives.
-to be continued-

(This article is first published at JunePascal.blogspot.com, her repository of creativity.)

Rosca, Montebon to Speak in International Writers Conference NYC

[caption id="attachment_2184" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ninotchka Rosca[/caption]

New York City -- Two Filipino writers will speak at the International Writers Conference in New York City on June 1, 2013, Saturday. "WRITING ACROSS BORDERS" will be a gathering of writers of different nationalities where issues on immigration and social concerns will be tackled from the perspective of writers.

Writer/novelist Miss Ninotchka Rosca is one of the main speakers of the conference and OSM! editor/publisher and managing editor for the Migrant Heritage Chronicle Marivir R. Montebon is among the panel of discussants for race and gender.

Organized by the National Writers Union (NWU) - NYC, the conference is timed when immigration is being hotly discussed at the halls of Congress. Esther Armah and Sergio Troncoso will also be in the main panel of discussants writing across borders.

[gallery ids="2179,2186"]

Rosca is a feminist writer and novelist. She was a political prisoner at the time of the Marcos dictatorial rule in the Philippines. Her novel Twice Blessed won the American Book Award in 1993.

Montebon, a journalist, recently published her third book, "Biting the Big Apple" and was recipient the of Woman in Media award by the New Jersey-based organization Pan-American Concerned Citizens League. She founded OSM! (awesome), an online magazine which debuted on March 18, 2012.

[caption id="attachment_2183" align="alignright" width="215"] Marivir Montebon[/caption]

In its website, the NWU writes: "At a time of unprecedented migration, when families are divided and communities shattered, writers can provide a vital historical record, a public voice of protest at social injustice and a healing balm.

Writers are able to bridge the gaps among communities through depicting the experiences of diverse people that often prove to be more similar than different, while, at the same time, attempting to fight widespread injustices of forced deportation and economic migration.

The conference will explore all of these issues, as well as engage the writing community in a discussion of our role and responsibilities at this moment of economic upheaval and unprecedented movement across borders."

At the migration and immigration concurrent panels, Dhalma Llanos Figueroa will moderate discussions on writing about leaving home, establishing new communities, and adapting to new cultures while holding on to your own. Speakers will be Danielle Georges, Elsie Augustave, and Titziana Rinaldi.

On the panel on race and gender, Miss Montebon will speak along with Patrick Delices and Marva Allen. Herb Boyd moderates.

[caption id="attachment_2192" align="alignleft" width="150"] Tim Sheard[/caption]

A panel discussion on book publishing and internet use will provide writers additional tools of Internet publishing and social media opportunities, which provide a window on the world, enabling the virtual crossing of borders. NWU NYC co-chair Tim Sheard will moderate the panel.

A panel discussion for new writers, with Peter Benjaminson and Cecilia McCall as resource persons, will be opened in the afternoon. An interesting discussion on language through "Lost in Translation" will likewise take place with Adam Wier, Alta Price, and Barbra Jungwirth as speakers.

Conference fee for the whole day affair is $30.00 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and cocktail party. There is a cap to the attendees, so register as soon as possible.

The venue is at the Empire State College, Harry Van Arsdale School of Labor Studies on 325 Hudson Street (entrance on Van Dam Street), NYC. To learn more, email info@nwuny.org or go to nwuny.org to register.

ED SANTOS: A Filipino Immigrant's Son Runs for NYC Council

By Marivir R. Montebon

Twenty- seven-year-old Ed Santos is rolling his sleeves up for the upcoming local elections in New York City in September. He is the first Filipino American to run for New York City council, representing the 8th district's Harlem area, under the Democratic Party.

The electoral fight is a tough one, as he is pitted against the incumbent Melissa Mark-Viverito who has both resources and experience. But there is no let up to this young fellow, born and raised in Detroit by feisty mother Emilie Santos who defied being deported by asking help from all the political leaders in Michigan.

(Interestingly, mother Emilie has her own story to tell. Senators Levin and then Senator Vice President Jo Biden sponsored a local bill for her, saving her from deportation and granting her a Green Card, a permanent resident status, thus keeping her family intact).

Such bravery must have been imbibed by Ed too, as he proudly introduces himself as the son of a nanny and the first Filipino to run for public office in the city that never sleeps in his campaign trail.

Ed graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Statistics and finished his Master's in Teaching from Pace University in New York City. Ed taught Math at East Harlem schools in 2007.

He says coming from immigrant working parents, immigration issue to him is not only political but personal as well. Ed's mother has been working in Michigan and in New York for many years while his father, Ed Senior, a waiter, lives with his two siblings in Detroit.

Being a teacher himself, Ed focuses on education as his platform of leadership. Excerpts from the interview:

1. What is your policy platform for NYC council?

As a former public school teacher, I believe I am uniquely qualified to address the barriers to educating our children in NYC. I was raised in a working class, immigrant family and my parents knew the way for their children to succeed was through a quality education. I am able to run for office and achieve because of the value my family placed on education. Education opened doors for my students – allowed them to go to the best colleges, but they were the exception in schools across the city.

I am running to ensure our children are getting the quality education they deserve so that they can seek out opportunities otherwise not available to them. But that also means, once they graduate from school and we prepare them for the world, that there are jobs waiting for them.

2. Harlem has its share of economic and social problems. How do you reconcile that with education reforms?

Economic development will breathe new life into my district which suffers from chronic joblessness and 17% unemployment. It will be my priority to make sure our kids are educated, but that they are also employed along with the other residents in my community. And though my district has one of the largest public housing communities – a community under attack by NYCHA’s In-fill development plan – more work will always make more homes affordable.

Put simply, the best way to promote affordable housing in District 8 is to promote economic development and jobs. No home is affordable for someone who is unemployed, and no education, no matter how exemplary is useful without a purpose. Better schools will encourage business development, business development will bring jobs, and more work will make homes affordable again in District 8.

3. What distinction do you make? Why should people vote for you?

I believe my experience as a public school teacher sets me apart from the other candidates in the District 8 City Council race. I am the only candidate in District 8 with experience in the classroom and there are currently just two sitting members on the City Council who have experience working in New York City Public Schools with one of those members leaving office at the end of this term. Given this fact, I would bring a unique background and perspective to New York City Council.

The political environment surrounding mayoral control of NYC public schools is likely to lead to the City Council playing a larger role in shaping the present and future policies that address public education in New York. That is why I believe my first-hand experience as a New York City public school teacher will be valuable toward creating the kind of education system in our city that truly leaves no child behind.

4. What is the most glaring problem which the city that never sleeps faces today?

Underperforming schools. Underperforming schools hurt our families and fail to promote economic development. Children are trapped in failing schools across this city. Parents are caught in a catch 22 between sending their children to bad schools and worse schools. Teachers are rarely provided the professional development they need to support them in addressing the needs of their students, which often extend beyond the classroom.

There is no doubt, that teachers can make a huge difference in the life of children. It was a first grade teacher that taught me English. It was because of her and those like her that led me to become a teacher. But when you are faced with students that come to class hungry, sleep deprived because they live in shelters, or distracted by concerns for their safety on their way to and from school, teaching becomes a real up-hill battle. Professional development and support of teachers can help teachers as they address the daily lesson plans and core curriculum but also the wider concerns of the community in which they teach.

5. In what capacity would you be able to help solve this problem?

I believe publishing the budgets of schools will allow parents to see the priority each school places on education in the classroom relative to other school expenditures. Spending the same dollar, some schools might spend it wiser than others positively impacting the educational experience of the students. Parents have a right to know which of those schools their child attends. Principals also can learn from the experience of others schools and examine how other schools spend their budgets. Imagine if school administrators were allowed the opportunity to learn from one another.

Also, implementing universal pre-k to NYC four year olds will help get our kids on the right track early. We know pre-school has a durable, long lasting positive impact on the well-being and opportunities available to students who attend pre-school. It gets children into the habit of learning at a young age and immerses them into the educational environment we expect them to attend for the next 20 years of their life. ‘Learn early and learn often’ is a theme we should set for our children now. And that theme should hold true for higher education as well.

For every dollar spent by the city of New York, one penny is devoted to higher education. That is one pathetic penny. While other cities are leading to make higher education achievable and affordable, New York City is being left behind. New York City should be a leader on these very issues and make a greater commitment to higher education.

Also, I believe we need to promote and support afterschool programs and stop the frequent attempts to cut back on these vital programs for kids. After school programs not only provide opportunities for a more rounded education beyond the classroom, they encourage achievement in the classroom by requiring strict standards for students to attend. I had a student, who was nearly failing all of his classes. But when he joined the basketball team, because he had to maintain a certain grade average, he caught up to the rest of the students. He came to school early to study and prepare, and eventually he went on to college, all because of the basketball team. His story is just one of many that time and again prove to us teachers and parents the benefit of afterschool programs. But politicians at City Hall who have no experience teaching in classrooms would have no knowledge of this, which is why too many are half-hearted advocates of many of the issues I have described as profoundly impacting the well being of our kids. Education affects all of us. The sooner we learn that, the sooner we can begin to confront these barriers to learning and success in our schools and communities.

6. What is your take on the immigration bill being discussed in Congress right now?

Growing up with immigrant parents, my family has been touched by the issue of immigration enforcement in the United States. When my mom’s visa expired and she faced deportation we worried about what that would mean for our family. It wasn’t until she decided to appeal to Senator Carl Levin that her fortunes changed. Senator Levin sponsored a bill introduced by Senator Joe Biden in the Congress that was signed by President Reagan granting my mother American citizenship.

The issue of immigration reform and the importance of keeping families together is not just a political issue for me: it’s personal.

As Congress debates immigration reform, they should take seriously the benefits that immigrants provide the economy and the role immigrants play within the fabric of communities across the country. Recent reports about the contents of the new immigration reform proposal make me feel both encouraged and concerned. I’m encouraged by the fact that more congressional Republicans seem to finally want to address immigration in a comprehensive way beyond simply closing the border. A pathway to citizenship is absolutely critical, and I’m glad that some reasonable Republicans have joined with Democrats to endorse this measure.

7. Do you have practical ways to strengthen the immigration system of the US, especially on the city level?

I support the bi-partisan effort to address our failing immigration system. However, I am concerned about what the requirements might be for the pathway to citizenship. I’m concerned that too many people are being left out, because anyone here after December 2011 will not be eligible for citizenship and will still be vulnerable to deportation. I’m also concerned about the excessive fines and back taxes that current undocumented immigrants will be required to pay. I hope as the initial draft proposal is seen and heard, it will be amended to better reflect the needs of communities like the ones in District 8.

I believe the City Council can do a number of things to help undocumented immigrants. One idea I support would be to create a “Big Apple ID Card” that will serve as an identification option for all NYC residents. The card could be used as a library card and for banking services. Additionally, I support efforts to protect more New Yorkers from unjust deportations and support efforts to place limitations on local law enforcement in complying with immigration detainer requests. These are common sense ideas that I will fight for as the next council member for District 8.

ABOUT BITING THE BIG APPLE

[caption id="attachment_1673" align="aligncenter" width="242"] On love day, buy a faithful shirt for her and you, for the price of ONE![/caption]

 

By Marivir R. Montebon
New York City

Since it was on sale digitally on amazon.com, Biting the Big Apple has received five star reviews.  I am sharing two of these, written by wonderful women. Thank you so much.

"A wonderfully written memoir: insightful, informative, and funny.
Marivir Montebon shares with us her story in the context of family history
which is an integral part of Philippine diaspora. You will love this book, and
get a deeper understanding of and inspiration from the stories of immigrants, that many of
them are made of courage and faith. It is a must read."

LOIDA NICOLAS-LEWIS
Chairperson
US Pinoys for Good Governance

"A woman's story, an immigrant's story, a single parent's story – all
these and more in Biting the Big Apple.  It's a tale of strength that
threads through the whole book and brings everything together in the
end. It's a tale of triumph that spans three generations, told in an
easy, engaging style, with snippets of history. It's both a personal
journey, and a journey which finds a common tie with other life's
journeys that make this book an interesting read."

SYLVIA HUBILLA
Writer
OSM! Online Magazine

(For the eBook, please go to Amazon.com's Kindle store  http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BHKHC9O/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1361241214&sr=8-6&pi=SL75 . Priced at $9.80, part of the proceeds go to the OSM! Educational Support Program)

[caption id="attachment_1675" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Xocai Dark Chocolate: It is a healthy love.[/caption]

NYC Rising, Dancing To Stop Violence Against Women

By Marivir R. Montebon

Palestinian-American poet Suheir Hammad opened the V-Day Dancing against Violence in New York City on February 14 with three poems, which included 'Not Your Erotic, Not Your Exotic'. That was enough for me to scream and dance that Valentine's night at the Hammerstein Ballroom of the Manhattan Center.

There was Glen Close too that night, reading the poem of Eve Ensler, the playwright for the Vagina Monologues, the outrageous soliloquies of women raging against the violations imposed on them.

It was a night of reminiscing, how the movement against violence against women started 15 years ago,  right at the very same venue of the Hammerstein Ballroom.

It has come a long way indeed. Women will rise and continue to defy the stereotypes that dehumanize them, says Glen Close.

At the lobby of the ballroom, the ambiance of the occasion was initially electrified by the drumming for 'peace and power' by Jan Goldstoff and Laurie Schwartz.

[caption id="attachment_1856" align="alignleft" width="300"] OSM! executive editor and publisher Marivir R. Montebon enjoying the beat of the drums.[/caption]

Indeed, dancing was the call of the night, and with the sensible, hip music, every man and woman at the ballroom danced with a lot of rhyme and reason.

[caption id="attachment_1758" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Threese, from Connecticut, enjoys the empowering music.[/caption]

LUNCH HOUR IN NYC: A Free Exhibit to See

By Marivir R. Montebon

Have yourself an appetizing treat when in the Big Apple between now until the 17th of February. It is a must to visit the New York Public Library, Main Building at the heart of the city on 5th Avenue for the exhibit Lunch Hour NYC, an evolution of the lunch meal in the city that never sleeps.

The exhibit presents lunch from the colonial influence of rural England, until the time of industrialization in the 19th century, when power lunch was created to fill the hungry stomachs of industrial workers and relentless power brokers.

It used to be that lunch meant to be a snack, eaten anytime during the day or night. At the height of the industrial revolution, lunch took place in a fixed time for midday meal for workers, which was about 30 minutes or less, between noon and two o'clock in the afternoon.

New York's economy was characterized by speed and efficiency during these days. Thus was born "quick lunch" for workers and businessmen who had to make sure that their lunches were served fast by restaurants who specialized in it.

Interestingly, the first women's power lunch took place at the prestigious Delmonico's. This was ushered in by the gutsy Jane Cunningham Croly, an experienced editor and widely published journalist. She applied for a ticket to the New York Press Club dinner honoring Charles Dickens in March 1868 which of course had been seen by the Press Club leadership as a joke, "for a woman could never attend such a prestigious event."

Croly founded the first organization in America dedicated to raising women’s status, a month later.

"The club, Sorosis, met for lunch at Delmonico’s, a venue chosen precisely because, like the city’s other leading restaurants, it did not serve women unless they were escorted by men. Sitting down to lunch at Delmonico’s was the club’s first victory," the exhibit noted.

New York's charitable meals, lunch at home, the automat, and the iconic meals are as appetizing. Check it out and be filled with these historical lunches.

(Visit http://exhibitions.nypl.org/lunchhour/exhibits/show/lunchhour/automat)

 

Homesick at Christmas and New Year

Sylvia Hubilla
Round Rock, Texas
The gaggle of scruffy, mostly barefoot kids' voices soar above the din of jeepney horns a-honking, “Kasadya ning takna-a...” (This is such a merry time...)and “We wish you a Merry Christmas...” to the accompaniment of soda pop bottle caps strung through a wire hoop like a tambourine. At the end of the song, each one gets a shiny coin, or the group gets a peso bill if there is a designated cashier. Then they do the finale, “Thank you, thank you,” and depending on how generous, or un-generous you were, could end this way, “ang babarat ninyo, thank you!” (You are all cheapskates.)

I miss the carolers who walk from house to house – whether the likes of the above, or the more formal groups who come into your home on their appointed time printed on the envelope they sent you days before, and fill your home with songs.

I miss this gift of songs!

I encouraged my three little girls to carol around our neighborhood with their neighbor friends. We would make a list of the names we think would welcome them. I, or one of our helpers, would of course, keep a close watch over them. Some nights, they would come home excited! Some nights, they came home dejected. So I decided, as a rule, that ours would always be the last stop for the group. And of course, we made it worth their while!

The celebration is ushered in by the “ber” months, starting from September to December, and even long into January, for “Pit Senyor!” the big celebration of Sinulog, the Feast of the Infant Jesus. Christmas carols take over the airwaves, blaring from jeepneys, and inside malls and stores.

Christmas officially starts on December 16, and the Simbang Gabi, the dawn masses for nine days before Christmas. The highlight of this early morning ritual for me, was, I'm sorry to admit, not so much for the spiritual, as much as for the gastronomic experience that follows. Outside the Church would be wafting in the air, the enticing, irresistable aroma of “sikwate” (thick, hot cocoa) and “puto bumbong,” purple, “tapul” sticky rice, steamed in bamboo tubes, served with butter or margarine on top, and grated coconut and muscovado sugar on the side.

Or these and more, are usually waiting for you too when you get home. Also add to the mix, the Cebuano puto – sticky rice steamed with ginger, coconut cream, a pinch of salt and sugar, wrapped in banana leaf, usually shaped in a triangle. I would pour my sikwate all over the puto – aah, my tastebuds ascend to gastronomical heaven!

New Year's Day, is another story in itself. The preparation leading to it is a big production. Central to it is the table for the “Media Noche,” as we call the midnight meal the family shares as we welcome the New Year. The center piece would be, of course, the thirteen, round fruits. You would like to start getting this together earlier, because the closer you get to the eve, the rarer, and more expensive they become. And you don't want to have just ten, or eleven, or twelve – it has to be thirteen! And only round fruits! Next, you have to have sweet, sticky food, preferably round.
Then the thirteen grapes for each member of the family, to be consumed by each one all at once at the stroke of midnight! Quite a feat, huh? Oh, and no chicken dish must be served. Pork is fine.

Now the attire is another thing – you must wear polka dots, at least somewhere on your body, visible or not. At midnight, your pockets must have coins to jingle, wallets and purses must have bills in them, windows, doors, drawers, must all be open when midnight comes, to let good luck and prosperity in. And to drive away the evil and negative spirits, we make a lot of noise with anything – horns, pots and pans, honk car horns, and of course – fireworks!

The firecrackers and fireworks are something else! Bordering on the dangerous, sometimes fatal. Hospital emergency rooms go into overdrive. This can go on and on into the wee hours of the morning. I remember the sight, and sound, and the smell of it! When everything died down, the smoke and smell of gunpowder made the neighborhood feel like a war zone. I remember we had to put earplugs on my baby grandson who was home for a visit – poor baby.

Maybe “homesick” is not the right word for what I feel when this season comes around. Because I am, truly “Home” now – with my children and grandchildren.

So when we gather on New Year's Eve for our Media Noche, we will have our thirteen fruits, our thirteen grapes, wearing our polkadots, jingling coins in our pockets, and marrying our traditions with the west, we will have ham, and “biko” or “sapin-sapin” and toast the New Year in with red wine while we do the countdown, waiting for the ball to drop in New York City, via internet.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! And may yours be filled with bountiful joy and blessings!

LOIDA NICOLAS LEWIS on President Barack Obama

By Marivir R. Montebon

New York-based Loida Nicolas Lewis puts her time and passion into
the November elections in the US, campaigning for the reelection of
President Obama. At no other time than now has it ever been so
exciting and crucial for Americans to choose their next president.

Ms. Lewis believes that the president deserves a second term to
continue what he has began and to see better results of his
socio-economic programs. When we met in her office one Thursday
afternoon in early October, she said she was going to take on a debate
in Philadelphia, on behalf of the Democratic Party.

With the tight race between the incumbent and Massachusetts Governor
Mitt Romney, Ms. Lewis said they are doing their best to convince the
American people that the president is still the best choice they could
ever have.

Ms. Lewis is a Filipino businesswoman, philantropist, leader, author,
public speaker, and lawyer; she is also the first Asian American to pass
the American Bar in 1994 without having to study law in the US.  In
1969, she worked for the Law Students Civil Rights Reseach Council in
New York, the Manhattan Legal Services from 1970-73, and in 1979-90,
as a lawyer for the Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Ms. Lewis succeeded as chairperson and CEO of the TLC Beatrice
International Holdings, a food and beverage company, in February 1994,
a year after her husband Reginald Lewis passed away. She was named the top US woman business executive in September 1995 by The National Foundation for Women Business Owners and Working Woman magazine.

When chancing upon Ms. Lewis  in a social event in Manhattan, conversations are usually brisk but substantive. She is a woman who's always in a hurry schedule, saying hi and hello would normally be followed with what's her recent involvement on issues, and then a quick goodbye.

It was a pleasant opportunity to have sat down with her for a great conversation and a phone interview as she tackled the most crucial question faced by Americans today.

Excerpts of the interview:

1. What keeps you busy these days?

I am actively campaigning for the reelection of Pres. Obama.  The two
presidential candidates we have now could have not been more different
and really is a black and white matter.

First, Pres. Obama is for the inclusion of everyone in the US, while
Gov. Romney is subtracting the 47% of the people. One case in point is
the minors who have been denied their green cards.  In June, Obama
issued an executive order giving children of undocumented immigrants
to continue their education, get jobs, and take on the path to
citizenship.  Romney, on the other hand, said he will deport
undocumented aliens.

The second big difference between the two is that Pres. Obama takes
care of the people through his health program, the Obamacare.  For the
first time, the Obamacare provides preventive medical care for people.

2.  How can the Obamacare take effect when it costs so much and the
economy is deteriorating and could not afford it?

To finance the Obamacare, Pres. Obama will fix the tax code. He will
maintain the current taxes imposed on the one million dollar earners,
taking into account the Warren Buffett proposal, while reduce the
taxes imposed on those earning less.

Romney will cut the taxes across the board, including the
millionnaires who are already privileged enough.

Obama also reduced government bureaucracy. He shrunk the federal
government down to its lowest level.

It is important to note that the Catholic Church has denounced the
Romney-Ryan budget because, among other reasons, it will cut Pell
Grants for students and funding for the Public Broadcasting Company.

Their philosophies are just too entirely different.

3. If Pres. Obama did so well in his first term to merit a second, how
do you explain prices of oil going up and unemployment is still up as
well?

Unemployment was reduced since the Pres. Obama got into office. In
June 2009, unemployment rate was about 9%. In September this year, it
has gone down to 7.8% and is continue to go down.

When he came into office, it was like America was on a big fire that has
to be immediately stopped. This explains why there was the Stimulus
package as a stop gap measure to help banks, infrastructure, and small
businesses that needed cash.

What he did is seeing fruition right now. The stock market is up and
housing sector is up too.   Foreclosures are down and there is about
800,000 permits to build issued.

Next year, there will be a boom in America.

4.  Do you think the US will continue to be the world's strongest and
wealthiest country in the next few years?

Yes, the US will still be the strongest and wealthiest country in the
world. It will take a long time for China to take over. For one, the
information technology will deter China from being so totalitarian and
controlling.  It will lose grip of its people. Like in the Middle
east, China spring will happen.

5.  You mentioned information technology as a sort of tool for
democracy. What can you say about the Philippines' own Cybercrime
Prevention Law? Are you for or against it?

That is a terrible law. It stiffles any kind of criticism by the
people. Freedom of speech is the fulcrom of democracy. I don't
understand why Pres. Aquino signed that into law. It has to be
repealed.

Fitness is Fun at the Sports Center

By Marivir R. Montebon

It is the biggest and one of the most advanced health clubs and gym in New York City. The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers, on Manhattan's lower west side, boasts of state of the art facilities and excellent training that spell fun and excitement for health buffs and athletes alike.

Named as the “Best Gym for the Urban Athlete” by Fitness Magazine and the “Best Manhattan Gym” by About.com, it is also naturally attractive to clients for it faces the lovely Hudson River since it was established in 1996.

Fitness Director Josh Fly shares to OSM! what the Sports Center has to distinctively offer in this health conscious city where gyms grow like mushrooms. He is a certified personal trainer at the National Academy of Sports Medicine and is an Elite Personal Trainer at Chelsea Piers. Josh has had seven years of Personal Training experience. Excerpts:

1. What is the edge of The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers in New York City?

The Sports Center at Chelsea Piers has an edge over other health clubs in the city because it is truly Manhattan’s ultimate gym. The facilities, programs and services here are unlike any other gym. Some of these features include NYC’s only indoor sand volleyball court, a 25-yard swimming pool, a 1/4-mile indoor track, a rock climbing wall and bouldering cave, and a boxing ring.

Additionally, the Sports Center is the home for a nationally ranked competitive triathlon team, a triathlon training program for beginners, a Performance Center for runners, cyclists and triathletes to train on state-of-the-art high-speed treadmills and Computrainers, a boot camp training class lead by a former Army sergeant and much more. A lot of our members also appreciate the club's location in Hudson River Park since the bikeway/walkway is right outside our doors.
It’s a great option if you feel like taking your workout outdoors.

The Sports Center has been named the “Best Gym for the Urban Athlete” by Fitness Magazine, the “Best Manhattan Gym” by About.com and has more 5-star reviews on Yelp.com than any other gym in the city.

2.  What makes The Sports Center attractive to clients, aside from facilities?

Athletes are attracted to our gym – we attract people who are serious about your fitness or sport and want to surround yourself in an inspiring environment.

A number of the personal trainers at the Sports Center are also accomplished athletes, including former NBA players and Olympians.


3. As a training coach, what is the key to maintain good relations with and good results for clients?

It’s really important to listen to your clients so that you can be on track with their goals. Our job is to get them to work towards the results that they want, while maintaining safe and realistic expectations. We always follow-up with our clients as well to make sure that they’re enjoying every aspect of the training experience at the Sports Center. Good communication is definitely the key for a great trainer-client relationship.


4.   How do you keep pace with competition?

We’re really dedicated to providing innovative new fitness options for our members, so we’re constantly on the lookout for new workout trends and equipment. We like to be the first to offer anything new.

Last fall, we were the only gym on the East coast to offer SurfSET Fitness classes and to have our trainers become certified SurfSET instructors. Next year, we will start providing Ortho Kinetics training to our members. We will be the first gym to offer this type of training in the Northeast and one of only four gyms in the entire country, so that’s really exciting.

We prefer to stay ahead of the competition – not on pace with them. That’s part of what really makes us unique.

(The Sports Center is located on Pier 60 at Chelsea Piers, 19th Street & the Hudson River Park. Tel. No. 800.787.5495 and website at http://www.chelseapiers.pth4.com/sc/fitness/index.cfm)

The "I Will Survive" Guy

I called him the "I Will Survive Guy."

He was a short, scrawny man of indeterminate age, with shoulders always hunched over, whether due to poor posture or to the extreme cold, I could never quite tell.

It was difficult to discern what color he was because of the grime and filth that had blackened his face, hair, hands and tattered clothes. He had a distinctly aggressive odor about him so one could not help but be aware of his presence whenever he was around. And he always had a toothless grin in a gaping hole of a mouth with blackened gums.

I met him in the New York City subway, on the red line where the Number 2 and 3 trains ( the express trains) or the Number 1 and 9 trains ( the local trains, meaning, they stopped at all stations) plied their routes, from uptown Manhattan in Harlem all the way downtown to the World Trade Center towers in the Financial District.

I took the Number 1 or 9 train every morning from my Upper West Side station on 86^th street, two blocks away from my little apartment on the West End. I disembarked four stations down at Columbus Circle on 59^th street, a block away from Fordham University's Lincoln Center-Manhattan campus, where I was attending graduate classes in business.

It was December 1999, the cusp of a new millenium. One bitterly cold morning, I took the train as usual on my way to school and encountered "I Will Survive" Guy for the first time.

It was the midst of morning rush hour and I was jammed cheek to jowl with other morning commuters. Almost everyone was dressed in suits, clutching their briefcases and copies of the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times. Some people were face-deep into the city's favourite tabloid and everyone's guilty pleasure, the New York Post: catchy headlines, lurid pictures and deliciously naughty gossip about the rich and famous on Page Six.

It was a particularly dreary, gray morning and everyone's winter pallor and sour facial expressions matched my own.

Although I had just moved to the city, I already hated it. It was too cold, too loud,  too dirty, too foreign.

I was homesick for my family in Cebu. I missed Hong Kong and my friends terribly. And I was glumly wondering to myself, what on earth had possessed me to choose a New York school when I’d had alternative choices in the more favourable climes of California and Arizona. I was cursing myself for not pursuing grad school opportunities in Barcelona, Spain, a school of which I’d actually visited the summer before.

The subway doors opened. Someone came in and into the car wafted a most peculiar, intensely nose-twitching aroma. The commuters around me bunched even closer together and seemed to be clearing a lot of space for the new arrival.

I glanced up and that's when I saw him. Standing there in the middle of the subway car, with a little circle of space around him. He looked around and everyone, with typical New York attitude, just ignored him.

Everyone in New York ignores each other on the subway and in the streets but everyone seems to ignore the homeless bums wandering around the city with particular intensity.

All of a sudden, and to my great astonishment, he burst out into song and dance.

It was Gloria Gaynor's disco tune "I Will Survive", but done at an extremely rapid pace, the indistinguishable words all running into one another. It was like watching someone dance "The Cabbage Patch" fast-forward to a song being sung fast-forward by someone who was not only toothless but also did not even know the lyrics very well in the first place!

The toothless grin was flashing throughout this entire routine. The whole effect was extremely comical.

I had to look down at my feet and bite my lips because I could feel the beginnings of a smile on my face. And that just would not do. I was in New York. New Yorkers do not smile at each other.

He abruptly finished the song and as someone from the back of the car actually clapped, he bowed to his waist and said something like: "Hank you."

And just as abruptly, toothless grin beaming, he launched into Brian McKnight's ballad: "I Believe I Can Fly."

That's when I lost it, completely. I burst out laughing. He looked and sounded so darn funny! As I laughed, I caught the eye of a guy in a suit and spectacles across from me and he started laughing too. Before I knew it, everyone in the whole car was roaring with laughter. And it wasn't even 9:00 in the morning!

The "I Will Survive" Guy, obviously pleased with himself, preened, got several pats on the back, pocketed some dollar bills and grinned his toothless smile to no end.

It was a classic New York moment.

From time to time, I would see him on the subway. Always got on the 1 or 9 train during morning rush hour. He seemed to favor the Upper West Side.

And it was always the same routine, rendered at the same breakneck fast forward pace. Much like life in the big city.

"I Will Survive", always followed by " I Believe I Can Fly". Songs of hope, of picking up the pieces after loss, heartbreak or suffering. Of following your dreams, no matter what.

Songs capturing perfectly the soul of a city which I had hated in the beginning and later grew to love. Songs reflecting the spirit of its people, who, after experiencing absolute horror on one life-altering, deceptively beautiful morning in September of 2001, eventually started to heal in time and move on.

Songs about survival.




This is the first in a five-part series of personal narrative essays about New York City, dedicated  to the victims and survivors of 9/11/2001. This writer can be reached via email at bamboostiletto@gmail.com or via her personal blog – The Bamboo Stiletto, http://bamboostiletto.wordpress.com

 

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Diane Fermin Roeder is a reformed marketing communications expert in the hospitality and financial service industries. She enjoys being an expat's wife and founding wordsmith of DFR+word.works, a consultancy specializing in content solutions and development for luxury hotels and resorts in China.  She carved a 15 year leadership career spanning the Philippines, Hong Kong, the US, and China, with an American MBA to boot. Diane suffers from an incurable addiction to killer stilettos. You may to The Bamboo Stiletto (personal blog)  http://bamboostiletto.wordpress.com and Follow tweets: https://twitter.com/bamboostiletto