Hidden Treasures

I am a fan of books, especially nonfiction, Philippine or Filipino American themed books. I have made it a point to find books that fit these categories. On Saturday, a Borders closed down in the Natomas area of Sacramento, and I went looking for hidden treasures. Among my finds were three copes of Hampton Sides' Ghost Soldiers, which was about the raid on Cabanatuan during World War II, which saved many prisoners of war. The book was adapted into a movie called The Great Raid. Considering that I already have a copy of this book, I bought the 40% off discounted books as gifts for others, so that they may enjoy learning about an important event in Philippine and Filipino American history.

I sometimes find good books at the local Goodwill or thrift store and often frequent http://www.alibris.com, which is a coalition of independent bookstores that are leveraging the internet.

Filipino Artists

I walked through Downtown Plaza in Sacramento and ran across The Comic Lounge. Comic books are a part of many people's lives, including my own. One of my favorite heroes and role models is Superman. With the recent success of movies adapted from comic books, many more are being exposed on a massive scale.

A friend of mine is also an avid comic book fan, and he has been working on a documentary called American Komikeros. A very talented artist in his own right, the documentary is going to be about the many Filipino comic book artists in America. You can check out his Web site at http://www.leroid.com/.

One of my favorite is Whilce Portacio, who worked on X-Men and Wetworks. In fact, for X-Men, he created the character Bishop. You can check out his Web site at http://whilceportacio.net/.

One day, I hope to meet more of the artists at a convention.

Meeting the Needs of our Community

I had dinner with a couple friends the other night, and we talked a lot about the different areas that our work in the community was addressing. From youth to the elderly, our Filipino American community has unique needs. Our culture is diverse, including our taste in music and fashion, and our preferences in politics and education.

The conversation forced me to look at the areas that I am focused on, including:

• Filipino World War II Veterans
• Portrayal of Filipino Americans in the media
• Youth empowerment
• Filipino American curriculum
• Filipino American cultural preservation
• Education
• Political empowerment

My friends share m concerns in these areas and also devote their time and energy towards:

• Economic empowerment
• Social empowerment
• Philippine socio-economic issues

While not always easy to see, these issues are all interrelated. One affects the other. So if we work on just one of these issues, we can improve the other areas as well. Also, these issues are multi-layered and multi-faceted. There is not an area that we do not need help. A Filipino proverb that I often quote is: "Walang tutulong sa Pilipino kundi kapwa Pilipino."

In this day and age, it may be helpful to keep that in mind.

A Filipino American Eagle

An unheralded Filipino American will be entering the National Football League (NFL) playoffs this weekend, as the Philadelphia Eagles face the Minnesota Vikings. Chris Gocong, a first string outside linebacker, wears number 57 and has had a productive season, starting 12 games, throughout which he recorded 59 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

Manny Pacquiao may have three boxing matches coming up in 2009. On May 2, he may face Britain's Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas. Pacquiao's promoter hinted that he wants to set up a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. as well. However, if they can not set up a fight with Mayweather, Pacquiao may have fights with Joan Guzman, Zab Judah, or Juan Manuel Marquez for a third time.

Pacquaio is the lastest in a long line of boxers of Filipino descent many engaging in pugilism in the 1920s and 30s. A documentary entitled The Great Pinoy Boxing Era highlights many of these great fighters of the past.