Filipino Star News

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11/01/2024

Plain Rice column by TONY ANTONIO
Duterte at Senate: He
desecrated august body

Senators invited former President Rodrigo Duterte to testify as a resource person at their investigation of the extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during his administration's war on drugs.
It was an invitation, and some members of the Senate aired doubt about the former president's granting it. But three days later, Duterte was in front of them, declaring he is ready to answer all their questions about his war on drugs.
But what happened in the next two or three hours of the hearing was totally unprecedented in the history of the Senate. The resource person the lawmakers invited was the Duterte Filipinos have known well -- a man with a habit of spewing invectives at regular intervals.
Profanities, four-letter words and vulagrities -- you name it -- are all integral part of his vocabulary. He is now in his late 70s, but he has not mellowed even a bit.
Watching the hearing on YouTube, I cringed every time he said "p... ina," "gago," "bobo", etc. He was uttering these "palabrota" (bad words) in the Senate, an august body. His profanities and demeanor had certainly descrated the august chamber.
At one time, Senator Risa Hontiveros asked him to stop saying bad words because "this is our house" but to no avail.
Duterte tried to explain his disturbing language, saying he was just excited because it was the first time he experienced testifying in Congress. He promised to tone it down, but in the next instance he was again his usual self.
But if there is something important he said about the war on drugs, it is this statement: "I take full responsibility for my war on drugs."
Yet when asked by Hontiveros if he assumes reponsibilty for the killing of several EJK victims, particularly innocent young people, he was evasive. He said his policy called for the police to kill criminals.
He said he had told policemen to encourage crime suspects they are hunting to resist arrest or fight them so they can shoot them.
In a heated exchange with Hontiveros, the former president said, "we will see each other in hell." To this, Hontiveros said, "I have no ambition to go to hell."
Duterte said he had told policemen involved in crimes, "I am going to kill you when I see you again." He was so empathic in saying the threat that he ended the sentence with "p...ina". And he did say he killed some rogue cops.
Former heads of the Philippine National Police (PNP), who were appointed by Duterte and also present at the hearing, tried to clean up Duterte's statements. They said they don't remember any instance in which the former president actually killed a policeman.
Senator Roland "Bato" dela Rosa, also a former PNP chief appointed Duterte, was clear on this point. It was the former president's unique way of intimidating rogue cops and criminals. He was good at psych war, and this was one reason drug lords and criminals fled Davao City when he was mayor, Dela Rosa said.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada asked if he had ordered the PNP chiefs and Davao City police chiefs to kill criminals?
He said "no," but added that even if he did order them to do so, they would not follow such order. Pointing to the police generals present at the hearing, he said "these are smart people and many of them are graduates of the Philippine Military Academy."
Duterte, who is running again for mayor of Davao City in the next election, aired the threat that if elected, he would kill twice more criminals and scalawag cops.
He boasted that his iron-fist policy has made his city the most peaceful and progressive city in the country. Before he became mayor for the first time, he said, the city was hell on earthc as it was teeming with rapists, holdup men, kidnappers, terrorists, NPA rebels, etc.
Davao City might have been peaceful and progressive, but at what cost? Asked how many people were killed during his administration as Davao mayor, he said the number could be more than 1,000.
In the war on drugs he launched when he was president, the estimated number of EJK victims is 20,000.
On the subject of politicians notorious for saying bad words and insulting their opponents, it is some kind of consolation for Filipinos to note that here in the US, former president Donald Trump and his allies are also guilty of the same ethical breach.
This was evident at Trump's rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Oct. 7.
But on the level of skills in the use of foul language, the comparison between the Filipino and American politicians is like this: Trump is a college undergraduate, while Duterte has a PhD.

09/06/2024

Dr. Ernie Mac is Fil Star's
'Person of the Decade'

As a highlight of our celebration of the 15th anniversary of the Filipino Star News, we honor Dr. Ernestina delos Santos-Mac as the Person of the Decade (2015-2024).
We have chosen Doctor Mac as the recipient of this rare award, taking into consideration her outstanding achievements as community leader and philantropist.
Doctor Mac practiced pediatrics for 26 years with the Henry Ford Medical Group. She took early retirement in 1996 and joined Pediatric Consultants of Troy, a private practice affiliated with Beaumont Hospital, until her full retirement in September 2020.
In the last 10 years, we (Filipino Star News) covered her myriad activities that immensely benefited not only the Filipino community in Michigan but thousands of less forunate people in the Philippines as well.
We consider other leaders as possible recipient of the honor, but Doctor Mac stood tall due to the consistency of her efforts to support the community and help the poor in the last 10 years.
She is so passionate about helping others that almost every day she undertakes activities intended to alleviate the plight of less fortunate individuals.
Almost every weekend, she goes to the World Medical Relief (WMR) building in Southfield to join other volunteers sort out medicines and medical equipment and supplies which would be shipped to developing countries such as those in Africa to benefit sick, poor people.
A member of WMR's board of trustees, Doctor Mac consistently donates her personal fund to the relief agency. In appreciation of her generosity and volunteer work, WMR has named an area in the building's ground floor as the "Dr. Ernestina delos Santos-Mac Angels of Mercy Orientation Area." She is also a recipient of the Irene Auberlin Award from WMR.
Doctor Mac is also a top patron of the Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan (PACCM) of which she is a former president. Now a PACCM board member, she is donating her own money to help fund the development of PACCM's new property in Southfield.
She has likewise committed to continously helping the victims of Typhoon Yolanda which killed at least 6,000 people and devastated Tacloban City and nearby Leyte towns in 2013. Every year in the last 11 years, Doctor Mac has been donating funds and relief goods for the victims of Yolanda, one of the most powerful typhoons to hit the Philippines.
She has been doing these outreach activities with the help of Sister Eloisa David, who is based in Tacloban City. The projects include providing fund assistance to various birthing clinics in Leyte, an orphanage and aid to farmers.
As a young woman, Doctor Mac wanted to become a nun so she could pursue her passion of helping needy people. Her plan ran into a complication a year after she came to the U.S. in 1966. And the complication was about matters of the heart.
In 1967 at Harper Hospital in Detroit where she worked, she met a "pogi" Filipino, Dr. Frankie Mac (who was from Tacloban City). They married later, and they lived a blissful life for 27 years. They had three children -- namely, Nathalie, Anthony and Ernest. She described them as the biggest supporters of her charitable activities.
The marital bliss ended when Doctor Frankie passed away on Sept. 16, 1995, a date described by Doctor Mac "as one of the most painful and saddest day of my life."
But "despite the lingering heartache" caused by the death of Frankie, Doctor Mac said, "I found perspective and independence. It dawned on me that the loss of Frankie gave me the opportunity to step up my community and charity work."
Since then she has stepped up her charitable and volunteer activities that benefit more and more needy people. To her, helping people is a lifetime mission.

09/06/2024

Dr. Ernie Mac is new president
of PMAM; induction on Sept. 14

Dr. Ernestina delos Santos-Mac is the incoming president of the Philippine Medical Association of Michigan (PMAM).
Doctor Mac and the other officers were elected during a recent PMAM's general membership meeting. They will take their oath of office in the evening of Sept. 14, 2024 at Larsa Palace on 13 Mile Road, Warren.
The other new officers are President-Elect -- Arnel Clarin, MD; Vice President -- Chona Lastimosa, MD; Secretary Cecile Astorga-Switzer, MD; Treasurer -- Robert Go, MD; Auditor -- Helen Wei, MD; PRO -- Emmanuel Dizon, MD; and Business Manager -- Marlene Mansour, MD.
The new members of the board of directors are: Edgar Altares, Esther Aoigan, Rosemary Aquiler-Angeles, Angela Catapang, Jackie Gamiao, Michael Gamiao, Eleanor Medina, Mila Mojares, Ruby Roc, Gilbert Roc, Cheryl Canto (appointed), and Emmanuel Canto, (appointed), all MDs. Parliamentarian is Doree Ann Espiritu, MD.
This was the second time Doctor Mac was elected PMAM president. The first time was in 2005 when the term of the officers was one year.

06/04/2024

Himig Quatro band performing a cover of Narda by Kamikazee at the Filamcco Kalayaan 2024 in Southfield Pavillion held last June 1.

Filamcco (Filipino American Community Council of Michigan) Kalayaan 2024 @ Southfield Pavilion held last June 1.
06/03/2024

Filamcco (Filipino American Community Council of Michigan) Kalayaan 2024 @ Southfield Pavilion held last June 1.

01/20/2024

Fund drive for 6 orphaned
Ambrosio kids raises $628K
The GoFundMe drive for six young children of couple Filipino American Ryan and Jen Ambrosio who were killed in a car collision on Jan. 6 had raised $628,166 as of Jan. 17, 2024.
The amount is short of some $22,00 of the $650,000 goal.
Some 7,000 individuals contributed to the drive. Most of them are listed as anonymous. The top donor is an unidentified kind heart who donated $7,000.
In a statement, the group behind the fund drive said the family is "stunned by the outpouring of support this fundraiser has generated. We've increased our fundraising goal in response and are so incredibly grateful for the community's generosity.
"We have been fielding many questions from individuals and media, and want to reassure everyone that the Ambrosio children, now without their parents, have always had the presence and support of a large extended family that will ensure they are raised together in a safe and loving home.
"We ask that you please respect the memory of Jen and Ryan by granting the family privacy during this difficult time.
Greatly impacted by the tragedy are the couple's six young children -- namely, Amelia, Maria Grace, Faustina, Benedict, Raphael, and Julian. Their ages range from 2 to 9.
Ryan and Jen were traveling on Lodge Freeway at around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 6 when their car was struck head-on by two suspected carjackers who were being chased by the police.
According to Michigan State Police, the suspect-driver nearly hit a patrol car while backing up on a parking lot. The troopers attempted to stop the suspect, but he fled the scene, a Michigan State Police advisory posted on X stated.
Michigan State Police are currently conducting an investigation, and charges against the two suspects responsible for the crash are anticipated to be filed soon with local prosecutors.
While on patrol, Metro South Post troopers spotted a 2006 Ford Super Duty pick-up truck that was reported stolen at the back of a gas station on Eight Mile Road.
The suspect-driver of the pickup backed up nearly hitting the patrol car. The suspect then exited the parking lot on to 8 Mile Road near the Southfield Freeway. The troopers attempted a traffic stop but the suspect fled the scene.
The pursuit continued north onto Lodge Freeway. The suspect exited on Telegraph Road with the headlights turned off. The suspect then made a U-turn and sped southbound on Telegraph.
The vehicle entered northbound M-10 heading southbound with its headlights still off.
The suspect-driver hit head-on a 2011 GMC Terrain vehicle, that was northbound, near Civic Center Drive.
The occupants of the GMC Terrain, a 45-year-old male and 43- year-old female of Farmington Hills, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were identified later as Filipino-American couple Ryan and Jen Ambrosio.
The occupants of the suspect vehicle, a 35-year-old male (driver) from Romulus and a 29-year-old female (passenger) from Detroit were listed in serious condition at a local hospital, but are expected to survive.
The First District Investigative Response Team was called in to investigate this incident along with the MSP crash reconstruction section.
Once their investigation is completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor for review.
The suspect and his companion also had to be pulled from the wreckage in the same manner as the couple killed in the collision.

01/20/2024

Plain Rice column by TONY ANTONIO
Jokes: Jo Koy could
learn from Erap Estrada
Filipino-American stand-up comedian Jo Koy has been criticized for his not-so-funny jokes when he was the host of the recent Globe Awards in Hollywood.
His jokes were described as "flat" or drawing "icy reception."
I watched the Golden Globe awards, and I, too, did not laugh or even chuckle at Koy's opening monologue. There was simply no knockout punchline.
Jo Koy could learn a thing or two from former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada who is better remembered for his one liners than his record as Philippine president. Mention Erap in conversations with fellow Filipinos and almost instantly they recall his jokes.
His most well known joke: He and Jinggoy (his son) had dinner at a swanky restaurant. When he was given the bill, he complained: Why is it so expensive? Jinggoy told him it is because of the ambience of the place. In a wry tone, Erap quipped, "hindi ako nag-order ng ambience."
Here are other Erap jokes (compiled from various sources):
Erap to MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front): Sumuko na kayo!
MNLF: Susuko kami kung maispel mo ang CEASEFIRE.
ERAP: Em...? Tuloy na lang ang giyera.
Erap was asked by a grade schooler to test his English ability.
Kid: Use Deduct, Defense, Detail and Defeat in a sentence.
Erap: Hmmm… DEDUCT jumped over DEFENSE, DEFEAT first then DETAIL!
While in New York, Erap accidentally bumped a man and he (Erap) tripped.
Man: Hey, watch where you’re goin’, you MADAFAKA!
Erap: Eh, ta-tanga tanga ka pala. MADAFAKA RIN SANA!
While in a friend’s wake, Erap told Jinggoy, "Tara na. Mauna na tayo."
Jinggoy: Dad, kararating lang natin. Ba’t gusto mo na umuwi?
Erap: Hindi mo ba nakikita yung sign, “REMAINS WILL BE CREMATED!” Alis na tayo!
Q: Why does Erap take off his clothes whenever he takes exams?
A: Because the test says, “ANSWER IN BRIEF!!”
Man 1: Bakit ngumingiti si Erap pag kumikidlat?
Man 2: Bakit?
Man 1: Kasi akala niya, flash yun ng camera!
Erap calls the Beeper operator.
Beeper operator: Beeper 150, message please.
Erap: Jinggoy, you left your beeper with me.
Erap in a hospital.
Erap: Doctor! Doctor! I swallowed a bone.
Doctor: Are you CHOKING?
Erap: No, I’m SERIOUS!!
Sa New York uli sa isang restaurant.
American: Waiter! One order of SWISS STEAK and FRENCH FRIES, please.
Erap: Me, too! One order of SWEEPSTAKES and FIRST PRIZE.
Sa eroplano. Erap: ‘Pag ako nagtapon ng 100 pesos, 100 tao ang sasaya.
Jinggoy: Ako, pag nagtapon ng 1,000 pesos, 1,000 tao ang sasaya.
FVR (Fidel V. Ramos): Ako, kapag itinapon ko kayong dalawa, lahat ng tao sasaya!
Asked what impressed him most after a visit to the Sea World, Erap says: “It’s the first time I’ve seen an octopus up close. I never realized it had so many TESTICLES.”
Erap (singing): You put your right feet in, you put your right feet out…
Jinggoy: Dad, FOOT yun. FOOT.
Erap: Ah, ganoon ba? Sige. (Sings again) You FOOT your right feet in, you FOOT your right feet out…
Erap while in grade school. Teacher: What is 5 plus 4?
Erap: 9!
Teacher : Good! Now, what is 4 plus 5?
Erap: Trick question yan! Binaligtad niyo lang. E di 6!!
Erap’s Quotable Quotes:
1. Don’t judge a book because you are not a judge.
2. Birds of the same feather are the same birds.
3. An apple a day is 7 apples a week.
4. Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you mine (pero ‘kaw muna!).
Laugh! Or you’ll be sent to jail! Hahahaha…
Following are some Erap’s Quotable Quotes from the book "Joke ni Erap":
On June 30, 1999 he was asked to rate his then one-year-old administration, he said, "on a scale of 1 to 10, I’m between 75 and 80."
Asked if he is willing to kiss and make up with arch critic Manoling Morato, he replied: "Maybe I will be willing to make up, but not kiss."
On May 23, 1999, critics demanded hat he revamp his Cabinet. "Why should I revamp a Cabinet that has been performing well? I think we should instead revamp those who are making these criticisms.
On June 19, 1999, brushing aside criticisms by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines that reviving jai-alai would be anti-poor, he said, "Sa aking pananaw, walang masasabi na huhuthutan ang mga mahihirap dito. Kung mahirap ka, e di wala kang pansugal."
By the way, Erap is now 86 years and still comparatively healthy. He is the longest living former Philippine president. His longevity is proof that laughter is the best medicine.

01/10/2024

Michigan car collision leaves
6 Filipino children orphaned
Six Filipino children are now orphans following a fatal car crash in Michigan on Jan. 6 that killed their parents.
Ryan and Jen Ambrosio, husband and wife, were traveling on Lodge Freeway around 1:30 a.m. last Saturday when their car was struck head-on by two suspected carjackers trying to evade the police.
According to Michigan State Police, the suspect-driver nearly hit a patrol car while backing up on a parking lot. Troopers attempted to stop the suspect, but he fled the scene, a Michigan State Police advisory posted on X stated.
The Ambrosios, parents to six young children aged 2 to 9 years old, were killed in the collision.
A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by the family, has draw n an overwhelming response, raising over $300,000.
“Their families, friends, church and community groups are reeling from this shocking loss. The greatest impact of this tragedy is (and will continue to be) on their six young children,” the campaign’s description reads.
The funds are intended to support the upbringing of the orphaned children.
The GoFundMe page assures that the Ambrosios’ extended family is committed to ensuring that the six children grow up together in a secure and nurturing environment.
Michigan State Police are currently conducting an investigation, and charges against the two suspects responsible for the crash are anticipated to be filed soon with local prosecutors.
While on patrol, Metro South Post troopers spotted a 2006 Ford Super Duty pick-up truck that was reported stolen at the back of a gas station on Eight Mile Road.
The suspect-driver of the pickup backed up nearly hitting the patrol car. The suspect then exited the parking lot on to 8 Mile Road near the Southfield Freeway. The troopers attempted a traffic stop but the suspect fled the scene.
The pursuit continued north onto Lodge Freeway. The suspect exited on Telegraph Road with the headlights turned off. He suspect then made a u-turn and sped southbound on Telegraph.
The vehicle entered northbound M-10 heading southbound with its headlights still off.
The suspect-driver then stuck a 2011 GMC Terrain vehicle, that was northbound, head-on near Civic Center Drive.
The occupants of the GMC Terrain, a 45-year-old male and 43- year-old female from Farmington Hills, were pronounced dead at the scene. They were later identified as Filipino-American couple Ryan and Jen Ambrosio.
The occupants of the suspect vehicle, a 35-year-old male (driver) from Romulus and a 29-year-old female (passenger) from Detroit were listed in serious condition at a local hospital, but are expected to survive.
The First District Investigative Response Team was called in to investigate this incident along with the MSP crash reconstruction section.
Once their investigation is completed, the findings will be forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor for review.
The suspect and his companion also had to be pulled from the wreckage in the same manner as the couple killed in the collision.

05/09/2022

BREAKING NEWS: B**g Marcos enjoying a 10-million vote lead over Leni Robredo as of 9:49 a.m. (Michigan time), May 9. Sara Duterte has also a big lead over her closest rival, Kiko Pangilinan.
Read full story on Philippine elections in the next issue which will come out on May 15.

01/03/2022

Barkada Tayo column
I pray this new year
will bring us joy

By CHRISTINE DIXON
As 2021 draws to a close, it’s hard to believe that we are still in the middle of a pandemic. No doubt most of us thought that this would be over by now, and even breathed a sigh of relief as numbers of new cases waned and we all got our booster shots. But then the latest variant, Omicron, began to spread, upsetting holiday plans.
It has been a long, long year. Many of us have lost loved ones, faced illness and isolation, and dealt with socioeconomic hardship. It hasn’t been easy, and it’s daunting to know that there are more tough months ahead, but I still firmly believe we should go into this New Year with hope.
Continue to wear masks — surgical masks, N95 masks, and KN95 masks are advised over cloth masks, and are more widely available now than they were at the start of the pandemic. Keep social distancing and washing your hands regularly. Self-isolate if you feel sick, and make sure to get a COVID test if you think you may have been exposed. Get your booster shots. Avoid crowds and large gatherings — especially if you know unvaccinated people will be in attendance. But also don’t be afraid; the booster shots are working well and protecting people from serious illness.
If the past year has taught me anything, it is that time is precious. I pray that 2022 gives us all time to spend with loved ones and on doing the things we love. I pray it brings us all a deeper appreciation for this beautiful world. Most of all, I pray it brings you joy.
I pray that, in spite of the chaos and heartbreak of this pandemic, you are able to find moments of joy and remember that things will get better.
Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to better days ahead of us.

01/03/2022

Plain Rice column
On George Samson’s 30
years of service at WMR
By TONY ANTONIO
I seldom experience heart-felt Filipino pride. If it comes, it is rare and far between. But I experienced that profound feeling last Dec. 4 while watching the virtual gala that marked the celebration of the 68th anniversary of the World Medical Relief (WMR).
During the event, Dr. George V. Samson, PhD, a Filipino American, was showered with praises from all over the world. Samson is president-CEO of the Southfield-based WMR, a non-profit, private agency whose mission is to help sick, poor people by facilitating “the distribution of surplus medical resources where these are needed.”
Hearing the worldwide tribute to Samson, I basked in the wonderful feeling of Filipino pride: A fellow Filipino is showered with accolades for his great service to humanity.
The virtual gala was an international event as it was participated in by health ambassadors, volunteers and organizations in Africa, South America and Asia.
The event also marked Samson’s 30 years of service at WMR which was founded in 1953 by a Detroit housewife, the late Irene Auberlin. In 1991 in his capacity as an officer of a civic club, Samson visited WMR in Detroit to request medicines and medical supplies for victims of the Mt. Pinatubo eruptions in Pampanga, his hometown. During the visit, he served as volunteer at WMR.
This started Samson’s 30 years of service at the relief agency. WMR’s board of directors was so impressed by his dedication, hard work and effective executive skills that he was promoted periodically until he was appointed president-CEO, a position he has held up to the present.
During the gala, WMR’s health ambassadors, organizations and government officials celebrated Samson’s great work at WMR. One group that paid tribute to Samson is the City Council of Detroit which gave him the Spirit of Detroit Award, a rare and prestigious award.
The council resolution states, “Spirit of Detroit Award is presented herewith as expression of gratitude to Dr. George Samson (on his 30th year at WMR) in recognition of exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership, and dedication to improving the quality of life.
“Council Member Rey McCalister, Jr. and the City Council would like to honor Dr. George Samson, PhD, president and CEO on his 30th anniversary with the World Medical Relief. We are celebrating you contributions to making the world a better place. Because of your primarily focused on international programs, in providing for the building, operational funding and other important necessities, you also allowed local programs to exist, including programs that help our neighbors in Detroit.” The resolution was signed by Council President Brenda Jones and six other council members.
Testimonials honoring Samson’s career at WMR also came from WMR Health Ambassador for Nigeria Charles Amanze, medical missionaries Jon and Marilyn Hinton, United2Heal-Oakland University co-founder Doria Morante and Kevin Mitchell, who symbolically presented Doctor Samson the torch the long-time volunteer carried at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Filipinos who congratulated Samson included Dr. Ernestina Mac, a WMR board member, and WMR Health Ambassador for the Philippines Ireneo “B**g” Alvarro. The Ang Bisaya of Michigan headed by President Dina Keeling also congratulated Samson.
Aside from his executive skills and great work ethics, Samson is also noted for his folksy demeanor. Talking to him even for the first time, one gets the sense that he is just a regular guy with no air whatsoever of being an important person. Despite his high position and success, he has remained humble, with his feet always planted to the ground. These traits make him friendly and approachable.
During the pre-gala chat, B**g Alvarro reported the activities he and his volunteers have been doing to help poor people in the Philippines. He said he has scheduled a medical mission on Lubang Island, Oriental Mindoro to help the residents in that remote area with their medical needs.
Samson thanked him for doing a good job, noting that Alvarro himself uses his own money to fund his activities as WMR’s health ambassador. Samson expressed hope that WMR will be able to resume soon sending shipments of medical equipment and supplies to the Philippines.
The Philippines has been one of the big recipients of medical equipment and supplies donated by WMR over the years, thank to Samson. The supplies and equipment it had donated were worth more than P1 billion.
There’s no question Samson has done a lot in helping hundreds of thousands of poor, sick Filipinos in our homeland. Indeed, he is the pride of the Philippines for his exceptional service to humanity.

01/03/2022

Plain Rice column

Wilmar Suan: Disappointment,
achievements in last 4 years
By TONY ANTONIO
Wilmar Suan has just finished his second term as president of the Filipino American Community Council (FILAMCCO), and from our stand point, we see it as fairly successful despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.
But Wilmar appears not so happy about his accomplishments as president of FILAMCCO, the umbrella organization of at least Filipino American groups in Michigan. In fact, he appeared disappointed, disappointed about one thing: His failure to unite the Filipino community into one cohesive group.
Talking to him during the recent Christmas party of the Philippine Nurses Association-Metro Detroit (PNA-MetD), I saw unmistakable signs of frustration on his face as he recounted how he failed in his attempt to unite the community.
At the start of his term four years ago, he was looking for an activity that would draw the participation of all Filipino groups in the Metro Detroit area. Such undertaking, he said, would show that the community is capable of coming together for a good cause.
Wilmar saw such opportunity after the US Pinoys for Good Governance-Michigan (USP4GG-Michigan) announced it was organizing an event that would showcase Philippine culture and traditions at the Detroit Institute of Arts. He said this could be the perfect first step towards community unity.
In pursuit of his objective, he held discussions with leaders of various groups on making the project a community event. But his efforts had gone nowhere. He found out that factionalism is so deep in the community that some leaders are totally averse to the idea of joining other leaders even if they know such project could promote the best interests of all.
So it happened that the USP4GG headed by Willie Dechavez held the DIA event without the participation of other groups. The event showcased, among others, traditional Filipino outfits, food and games. (This writer attended the event and noted that at least 70 Filipinos, Filipino Americans and their guests enjoyed partaking the favorite Filipino dishes.)
Several days later, members of FILAMCCO, PACCM and other groups, riding in buses, travelled to the DIA to conduct their own tour.
To Wilmar, the affair was a missed opportunity for unity. But he took his failed attempt in strides and went on to lead FILAMCCO in the next four years.
And no less than his successor, new FILAMCCO President Ryan Rosario, appreciated Wilmar’s accomplishments, noting that he did an outstanding job despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.
The hallmark of Wilmar’s brand of leadership is his ability to delegate authority to committees formed to implement programs and projects. And he exercised minimal supervision over the committees because he is confident in the capability of the committee chairs to do whatever tasks they are assigned to.
On the present composition of the FILAMCCO board of directors, Wilmar has this to say: There is a need to inject new blood into the organization. He is aware of the fact that an organization that does not change will eventually die. This is so because such organizations do not attract new members. He mentioned what he called “the apparent view” of some board directors that they own their positions.
Surely, he knows what he is talking about when it comes to running the affairs of organizations and dealing with people. He is a successful businessman with three of his companies chalking up steady growth.
He made a name in business as a top-notch certified public accountant (CPA), and he has a master of science in taxation, a degree he earned in 2015 after three years of study at Walsh College. He did this while practicing full-time as a CPA.
Before he enrolled in Walsh College, he was in private practice as controller, a position he held for more than 15 years.
Another remarkable thing about Wilmar is his strong determination to improve his skills. He is now a full-time tax practitioner (also called tax advisor), and he did not want to be a mediocre tax practitioner because he wants to be fair “to my clients because they deserve the best service.”
His thirst for knowledge seems insatiable. He always reminds himself of the saying that “You do not know what you do not know.”
And he knows very well that his achievements were partly due to his wife, Flor, whom he thanked for understanding his ballistic temper and other weaknesses he showed while he is under stress.
Aside from her understanding nature, Flor, a nurse, is also a good cook. A man would not think of eating dinner in other homes if he knows a delicious dinner is ready to be served to him at home.

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Videos

Himig Quatro band performing a cover of Narda by Kamikazee at the Filamcco Kalayaan 2024 in Southfield Pavillion held last June 1.

FILAMCCO'S KALAYAAN PICNIC

FILAMCCO'S Kalayaan Picnic featuring Pacific Soul Rhythm

PACCM Hula Dancers with Ms. Fely Villegas at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Noli Me Tangere - Cultural presentation at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Mi Ultimo Adios - Cultural presentation at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Pilipinas kung Mahal - Cultural presentation at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Sampaguita - Cultural presentation at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Finale of Cultural presentation at the FILAMCCO's Rizal Day Celebration @ Met Hotel in Troy.

Philippine American Cultural Ensemble of MI performing last night at the San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila Feast Day at St. Thomas a'Beckett Church in Canton.

Bikolandia Association of MI 2015-2017 induction ceremonies held last night at Westin Southfield. In this video, members sing nostalgic Bikolano songs at the conclusion of the event.

Robert Seely serenading the 42 couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries at Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan's annual Valentine's Fundraising Ball held last night at the Somerset Inn hotel in Troy. Robert and his wife Maria are also celebrating their 45th year of marriage. Other couples are also celebrating their respective 50th, 45th, 40th, 35th, 30th, 20th, 15th, 10th, and 5th year of matrimony. There were 430+ people who attended the successful event.

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