In a palengke (market), there's tons of activities going on but in the midst of all the chaos, exchanges of goods are had, individuals communicate but everything can never really seem to come together and work in unison. I witnessed a wonderful example of palengke politics tonight. SIPA had a community meeting for two of our housing developments.
Magnolia Tree is on 2nd & Lake. It's an affordable housing development with 46 family units. We're going to break ground in October and it's going to go off without a hitch.
Mango Tree is the mixed used, Seniors' housing development that's going to be across the street from our existing offices. It has received little backing from the City of LA, thus far. The purpose of the community meeting was to get names and people to physically back the project so the logistics could start getting processed by the City of LA.
First of all, the presentation of the material was a bit confusing, particularly for the audience. It wasn't even clear to me at first what was going to happen. A presentation was made about SIPA and then they went in to the transit survey and the housing developments. When you are presenting to an audience who is a bit physically older and mentally slower, holds English as a second language, you might not want to frame your statements with words and concepts that are at a higher intellectual level. I was a bit astounded at how things were presented. There were several times I just wanted to grab the mics out of all of the speakers hands and clearly explain everything.
The community was brought together to:
1. learn more about SIPA and the services that are offered to the surrounding community-in-need
2. participate in a transit survey to improve the conditions of the bus stops in Historic Filipinotown
3. get more information about SIPA's two housing developments
4. pledge their committment to physically call the council district office to state their support for the Mango Tree project
Why did it take more than one hour?! Granted, people did eat but some of the questions that were asked were a bit ridiculous only because the material was not presented in a very clear manner.
When information was being given about SIPA and our services, you could hear the leaves rustling in the wind. Statements like case management and counseling, telecom rights campaign, and empowerment and leadership programs were way too sophisticated of words for the audience. You would think that presenters would get this way before-hand. Things were being translated in Spanish but I don't think that helped very much either!!!
The transit survey was presented and things just kept going downhill. All they needed to say was, "We want to improve all of the bus stops in Historic Filipinotown by placing seats with covers and lights at the most frequented stops. We need you to fill out this survey with your comments and needs so we have proof to give to the City of LA so we can tell them that the community really does want to make these changes!"
The housing part was what killed me the most. It took forever for people to freakin' get the point that Magnolia Tree had no issues. Mango Tree was the development in danger. If no calls and/or backing gets to the City of LA, there will be no development, there will be no senior housing, there will be no new townhouses, there will be no new SIPA offices so we can do more and the future of other affordable housing developments in Historic Filipinotown becomes greatly jeopardized. Why that was so hard to get was solely based on the fact that concepts were just way too intangible for the audience.
In the midst of the entire event, people were talking amongst each other. People were answering cellphones. This one man kept standing up and started to walk around the room for whatever reason. Those who were hard of hearing were freakin' yelling at each other while they were attempting to ask questions of each other. Peter was laughing hysterically. Staff told the audience several times to give their attention to the speaker. Al Garcia had to give his interepretation of all the concepts in loud-ass Tagalog every so often. I was a bit jealous since I really wanted to do the same damn thing but in English so the other presenters could see how to properly address the audience.
I'm so addressing this madness at our next management meeting!
8.26.2005
8.25.2005
Tomorrow...tomorrow...tomorrow
It's time for my pops to stop smoking. I mean really, it's time. He's smoked for years and I was so scared when I talked to him today. It actually made me want to run home. He sounded as if he was hooked up to a respirator, gathering as much breath as possible to talk to me. Turns out he's been on respiratory antibiotics. He was with Mike at the clinic because he's been sick for the past few days, as well. I love my dad...always taking care of everyone else but himself. Not always a good trait to have, though. His little saying of "do as I say, not as I do" has been ringing through my head for years. He promised he'd stop smoking. I'm holding him to that.
8.22.2005
Say "NO" to CA Sushi Bowl!
Just in case anyone plans on eating at the California Sushi Bowl on Vermont and Melrose anytime soon, I'd recommend you don't. That was the last thing I ate last Thursday before I started to feel a little off. Friday, it got worse. I started to feel more queasy and had a headache for most of the day. It then proceeded to nausea but I never through up, which may or may not have been a good thing.
I tried to get up on Saturday morning to go to the bathroom. As I was standing in front of the mirror, I felt extremely light headed and felt as if I was going to faint. The last time I felt that way was before I fainted in high school before I was diagnosed with anemia. I proceeded to panic trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with me. All the roomies peaced-out for the weekend so luckily The Joe was gracious enough to look after me while I was sweating away all of Saturday. I was knocked out! I was too weak to eat or drink anything, which sucked because that left me extremely weak!! I managed to muster up enough strength to move to the living room in the evening. I didn't have the strength to move after that so I spent the night on my futon in the living room.
The next morning was a little better. With a little mental will, I managed to get a little bit of cereal in me and take a warm shower after I determined that I had enough strength to actually stand for longer than a minute. I was still out of breath afterwards but felt a little better.
Today is another day and I'm still trying to recover my strength. No lifting big, fat boxes. Lots of fluids, though.
Lesson learned, kids...be extremely picky which "B" places you get food from.
I tried to get up on Saturday morning to go to the bathroom. As I was standing in front of the mirror, I felt extremely light headed and felt as if I was going to faint. The last time I felt that way was before I fainted in high school before I was diagnosed with anemia. I proceeded to panic trying to figure out what the hell was wrong with me. All the roomies peaced-out for the weekend so luckily The Joe was gracious enough to look after me while I was sweating away all of Saturday. I was knocked out! I was too weak to eat or drink anything, which sucked because that left me extremely weak!! I managed to muster up enough strength to move to the living room in the evening. I didn't have the strength to move after that so I spent the night on my futon in the living room.
The next morning was a little better. With a little mental will, I managed to get a little bit of cereal in me and take a warm shower after I determined that I had enough strength to actually stand for longer than a minute. I was still out of breath afterwards but felt a little better.
Today is another day and I'm still trying to recover my strength. No lifting big, fat boxes. Lots of fluids, though.
Lesson learned, kids...be extremely picky which "B" places you get food from.
8.18.2005
$$$$$$$$
The almighty green devil...this freakin' world can't live without it. Working in the world of nonprofits really changes your view of money. It's a means of survival. You travel that fine line between making a profit for profits' sake and making a profit for the sake of the segment of the community you serve.
Being anti towards the corporate community is pointless. The reality is that the majority of the financial support that exists in the Pilipino community comes from corporations, not from individuals. But for non-corporate types, if you don't have events, it makes it look as if the organization "isn't doing anything." There's such a large disconnect from the people being served and taking advantage of the services and donors. That's one of the paradoxes I've observed over the past few months. It's quite hilarious. People expect you to better the community but they don't want to pick up their own torches to start supporting the community they often criticize for being disconnected and difficult to organize.
Where is it going to stop? I see the same attitudes passed on through generations. I keep thinking a change has to come soon but I keep getting discouraged when people in MY generation don't see the value in investing in themselves, in their people, in their families, in their youth, in their peers. And I'm just not talking about money. I'm talking about time and developing relationships that will help to sustain a cause, an organization.
And then there are those who want to take on every single issue possible. Intentions are grand, a little too grand. It takes a while for them to realize that you can't save the entire world by yourself. You're going to have to work with other people. Politics is a given. Whether you like to deal with it or not, you're going to need to learn how to play the game. Just be careful who your bedfellows are. Sometimes they don't always have the best intentions.
Lastly, there are tons of people who like to hear themselves speak. They want their grandstands because they think that's really going to make people listen to them. I've always had the experience of people not listening to those who are yelling. Stop yelling people, it's not going to get anywhere and will most certainly not get you what you want.
So all of these attitudes begin and end with money. What doesn't? I guess the key is to figure what kind of good you want to get from it and how do you go about getting what you want with it.
Being anti towards the corporate community is pointless. The reality is that the majority of the financial support that exists in the Pilipino community comes from corporations, not from individuals. But for non-corporate types, if you don't have events, it makes it look as if the organization "isn't doing anything." There's such a large disconnect from the people being served and taking advantage of the services and donors. That's one of the paradoxes I've observed over the past few months. It's quite hilarious. People expect you to better the community but they don't want to pick up their own torches to start supporting the community they often criticize for being disconnected and difficult to organize.
Where is it going to stop? I see the same attitudes passed on through generations. I keep thinking a change has to come soon but I keep getting discouraged when people in MY generation don't see the value in investing in themselves, in their people, in their families, in their youth, in their peers. And I'm just not talking about money. I'm talking about time and developing relationships that will help to sustain a cause, an organization.
And then there are those who want to take on every single issue possible. Intentions are grand, a little too grand. It takes a while for them to realize that you can't save the entire world by yourself. You're going to have to work with other people. Politics is a given. Whether you like to deal with it or not, you're going to need to learn how to play the game. Just be careful who your bedfellows are. Sometimes they don't always have the best intentions.
Lastly, there are tons of people who like to hear themselves speak. They want their grandstands because they think that's really going to make people listen to them. I've always had the experience of people not listening to those who are yelling. Stop yelling people, it's not going to get anywhere and will most certainly not get you what you want.
So all of these attitudes begin and end with money. What doesn't? I guess the key is to figure what kind of good you want to get from it and how do you go about getting what you want with it.
8.17.2005
8.13.2005
We going campin'!
God only knows how this weekend is going to be. What has been a long time coming, had a few bumps along the way and is now actually happening is a bit hard to believe. I'm looking forward to it, though. Hopefully these fools won't be late so we can actually get a good camp site.
We're going to El Capitan. It looks beautiful, right on the ocean and connected to Refugio State Beach.
Uncle Andoy and Auntie Evelyn, along with Lanie are going to be at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market. Can't wait to see them, either. I haven't seen family in a while. I even managed a little visit with Manong Ped and Lee while those fools are down here with Karen and Marie.
This is going to be a nice little getaway that has certainly been a long time coming. Pictures to come!
We're going to El Capitan. It looks beautiful, right on the ocean and connected to Refugio State Beach.
Uncle Andoy and Auntie Evelyn, along with Lanie are going to be at the Santa Barbara Farmer's Market. Can't wait to see them, either. I haven't seen family in a while. I even managed a little visit with Manong Ped and Lee while those fools are down here with Karen and Marie.
This is going to be a nice little getaway that has certainly been a long time coming. Pictures to come!
8.10.2005
Where did it go?!
Dear Most High, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card, please let me find the office depot card.
8/10/05 8:18am
WOOHOO....found it! The best thing about it is now my laundry is seperated and ready to go! Mercury still sucks!
8/10/05 8:18am
WOOHOO....found it! The best thing about it is now my laundry is seperated and ready to go! Mercury still sucks!
8.07.2005
Happiest Place on Earth?
We're going here 
on Monday. As much as I don't want to be in the office, it's going to be a tad bit nerve racking considering we have a big event on Thursday and we're supposed to sell out on tickets.
Besides that, I'm not really looking forward to the heat and all the kiddies running about. Maybe I'm just being bah-humbug but damnit, it couldn't have come at such an inopportune time! Everytime I'm there, I also keep thinking of how happy can Disneyland be? It's a company that was started very long ago and had a different focus then. Now, the corporation has presented stories in a way that can be compared to how fastfood has stormed the nation. Disney has managed to dull down stories as much as their big name studio friends who make the movies that tell half truths.
Why am I being so cynical lately? Vacation time...
on Monday. As much as I don't want to be in the office, it's going to be a tad bit nerve racking considering we have a big event on Thursday and we're supposed to sell out on tickets. Besides that, I'm not really looking forward to the heat and all the kiddies running about. Maybe I'm just being bah-humbug but damnit, it couldn't have come at such an inopportune time! Everytime I'm there, I also keep thinking of how happy can Disneyland be? It's a company that was started very long ago and had a different focus then. Now, the corporation has presented stories in a way that can be compared to how fastfood has stormed the nation. Disney has managed to dull down stories as much as their big name studio friends who make the movies that tell half truths.
Why am I being so cynical lately? Vacation time...
8.05.2005
AAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!
With the good comes the bad. I had a good day today...press conference this morning w/food and government officials talking about how the Voting Rights Act needs to be reapproved by the US Congress...came back for about an hour and then went to lunch and had the BEST MEATLOAF EVER!!!...took a nice tour of the Hollywood Hills, Lake Hollywood, drove by the Hollywood sign and salivated over all the super nice haciendas in the Hills...came back to the office and was let off early. Hoped to spend time with someone I haven't seen all freakin' damn week and now there's some stupid emergency and I'm back at work...again...writing in this damn journal...friend is getting a pedicure...my head feels heavy and all I want is a damn hug...IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?! motherfucker!
Winding down
It's late and I just got home about 15 minutes ago. Can't go to sleep yet so doing some winding down. I have so much pent up emotion right now.
I've been working like mad lately. Even friends who contact me at work can't get a hold of me.
We had to go to a movie premiere/screening of Miramax Films "The Great Raid" tonight. It was extremely difficult to watch scenes of the movie since the entire time I kept thinking about my relatives who lived through World War 2 and the Bataan Death March. I've been asked to keep my critiques to myself until after the next screening next week but hey, who's going to tell?
I kept waiting for something to be pronounced correctly by the purow/putit in the production. There were a couple of Tagalog words muttered by one of the actors but for the most part, everything else was pronounced with a very westernized tongue. I had a bit of a problem with the flawless makeup some of the women wore, particularly in the so-called battlefield and war-torn country. I didn't expect for them to show much of the story from the perspective of the Philippines and its people, the country that was raped by BOTH SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES. I guess the edit would have been a little too long to show all of that. So what's it come down to, people? I think we're going to really need to start making our own damn films since none of the major western production companies are going to do it...ideal situation, no?
Sometimes I see these things and think, "Are we, as Pilipinos, ever going to break out of the mentality that we're not good enough to be in the forefront of media outlets or even in society?" How long are we going to settle for being portrayed as the "supporting actors?" I hear way too often, "Oh, it was a great story. Really shows how the Pilipino People are so caring." Always taking care of other people aside from themselves. It's a paradox that I see often, even from those in our community who feel they are trying to break the cycle. They're waiting for the next super power purow/putit to save them from themselves. When are we going to start taking care of ourselves? When are we going to begin telling our own stories and SUPPORTING each other through that?
Although this story could be portrayed as just another one that shows how Americans save the day, yet again, it also shows how vital it was to work with the Pilipino rebel soldiers. Before we get all pro-US, let's also remember that these same "rebel soldiers" were probably also the same ones who revert to fighting the US Baboys after they didn't want to get out of the country. The movie also neglected to show the exchange of the "deed" of the Philippines between Spain and the US. I guess that would have added a little more time to the movie than they wanted to, as well.
Overall, this movie was fine in showing the struggles and disparities of war, as well as the so-called true heroes. It shows the benefits in working with a group of individuals from different backgrounds, as well as highlights the historical significance of the piece. It's definitely something everyone should see. But I highly urge that this is definitely not where we, as Pilipinos and Pilipino Americans should stop. Fine, support a "mainstream" movie that takes place in the Philippines but let's work towards stopping Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as a whole, it's exoticism of the country and its people. I love meeting entertainment or corporate types who love to tell me how "exotic" my look is after they find out I'm "FIlipino." "I love that country. The people are sooo beautiful and oh so friendly!" It's a good thing they haven't opened their eyes to how the Philippines' people are just accomodating them in order to become as capitalistic as it's dominators in hopes of gaining more financial wealth than its oppressors so they can be just like them! Who's the bad guy again?
Aside from that, I'm exhausted, braindead and really, truly missing personal time.
I've been working like mad lately. Even friends who contact me at work can't get a hold of me.
We had to go to a movie premiere/screening of Miramax Films "The Great Raid" tonight. It was extremely difficult to watch scenes of the movie since the entire time I kept thinking about my relatives who lived through World War 2 and the Bataan Death March. I've been asked to keep my critiques to myself until after the next screening next week but hey, who's going to tell?
I kept waiting for something to be pronounced correctly by the purow/putit in the production. There were a couple of Tagalog words muttered by one of the actors but for the most part, everything else was pronounced with a very westernized tongue. I had a bit of a problem with the flawless makeup some of the women wore, particularly in the so-called battlefield and war-torn country. I didn't expect for them to show much of the story from the perspective of the Philippines and its people, the country that was raped by BOTH SPAIN AND THE UNITED STATES. I guess the edit would have been a little too long to show all of that. So what's it come down to, people? I think we're going to really need to start making our own damn films since none of the major western production companies are going to do it...ideal situation, no?
Sometimes I see these things and think, "Are we, as Pilipinos, ever going to break out of the mentality that we're not good enough to be in the forefront of media outlets or even in society?" How long are we going to settle for being portrayed as the "supporting actors?" I hear way too often, "Oh, it was a great story. Really shows how the Pilipino People are so caring." Always taking care of other people aside from themselves. It's a paradox that I see often, even from those in our community who feel they are trying to break the cycle. They're waiting for the next super power purow/putit to save them from themselves. When are we going to start taking care of ourselves? When are we going to begin telling our own stories and SUPPORTING each other through that?
Although this story could be portrayed as just another one that shows how Americans save the day, yet again, it also shows how vital it was to work with the Pilipino rebel soldiers. Before we get all pro-US, let's also remember that these same "rebel soldiers" were probably also the same ones who revert to fighting the US Baboys after they didn't want to get out of the country. The movie also neglected to show the exchange of the "deed" of the Philippines between Spain and the US. I guess that would have added a little more time to the movie than they wanted to, as well.
Overall, this movie was fine in showing the struggles and disparities of war, as well as the so-called true heroes. It shows the benefits in working with a group of individuals from different backgrounds, as well as highlights the historical significance of the piece. It's definitely something everyone should see. But I highly urge that this is definitely not where we, as Pilipinos and Pilipino Americans should stop. Fine, support a "mainstream" movie that takes place in the Philippines but let's work towards stopping Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as a whole, it's exoticism of the country and its people. I love meeting entertainment or corporate types who love to tell me how "exotic" my look is after they find out I'm "FIlipino." "I love that country. The people are sooo beautiful and oh so friendly!" It's a good thing they haven't opened their eyes to how the Philippines' people are just accomodating them in order to become as capitalistic as it's dominators in hopes of gaining more financial wealth than its oppressors so they can be just like them! Who's the bad guy again?
Aside from that, I'm exhausted, braindead and really, truly missing personal time.
8.01.2005
Home Sweet Home
Found out someone attempted to break in to my mom's Pathfinder last Friday in broad daylight. Those are some fuckin' balls! Then, when they call the police for a report, they're told that they'd have to fill out a form online! What about the people who have limited or no access to the internet, as well as those who don't know how to use it?! My poor mother. No one has shown her how to even turn on the computer. I went ahead and filled out the stupid form online for her and sent the Stockton Police Department a nice little message.
From: Gerlie
Subject: Police Reporting
Date: August 1, 2005 11:08:28 PM PDT
To: police@ci.stockton.ca.us
Cc: Mom, Mike, Dist6@ci.stockton.ca.us
To whom it may concern,
My parents experienced an attempted auto theft last week in broad daylight. Although their car was not stolen, the feeling of violation on their personal property and well being continues to linger.
An attempt was made to contact the Stockton police department to report the crime shortly after the discovery of their damaged vehicle. The person they spoke with informed them that they would not send out a police car and instructed my mother fill out a police report online. I was a bit taken aback that the only option presented to them was to fill out the report online. I realize that the online reporting may make the process a bit more efficient. Is there any other way to get access to your services for those with 1) limited personal access to the internet, 2) limited or no knowledge of how to use the internet? I am concerned because having access to this type of technology is not always afforded to those of older age nor to those at low levels of income.
The crime happened on Friday, July 29th around 5pm. I did not hear about the news until today, 8/1/05. Because my parents have limited knowledge of the internet, I filled out the application for them even though I now live in Northridge in Southern California. If you would like to reference the temporary police report number, it is T05001721. It was submitted today, 8/1/05 at 19:12.
I applaud the technological advancements the Police Department and the City of Stockton have made with offering online services but I hope provisions have been made for those who have yet to afford access to those technolgical advancements. I have already suggested to my mother that she and my father look into advocating for a neighborhood watch program if there is not one already, as well as working with the local neighborhood council or their city council district office to ensure the well being of their neighborhood. Should you hear of more crimes in that area, I strongly advocate that police cars perform periodic drive-throughs on top of residences' efforts to maintain the well being of their communities.
Sincerely,
Gerlie Collado
Thomas Edison High School - Class of 1997
Stockton resident - 15 years
I took the liberty of copying their council district office, as well as one of my dingbat brothers who hasn't taught my mom how to use the freakin' computer! I promised mama I would teach her basics as long as she learned how to check her voicemail on her cellphone. No voicemail, no internet training. :-)
From: Gerlie
Subject: Police Reporting
Date: August 1, 2005 11:08:28 PM PDT
To: police@ci.stockton.ca.us
Cc: Mom, Mike, Dist6@ci.stockton.ca.us
To whom it may concern,
My parents experienced an attempted auto theft last week in broad daylight. Although their car was not stolen, the feeling of violation on their personal property and well being continues to linger.
An attempt was made to contact the Stockton police department to report the crime shortly after the discovery of their damaged vehicle. The person they spoke with informed them that they would not send out a police car and instructed my mother fill out a police report online. I was a bit taken aback that the only option presented to them was to fill out the report online. I realize that the online reporting may make the process a bit more efficient. Is there any other way to get access to your services for those with 1) limited personal access to the internet, 2) limited or no knowledge of how to use the internet? I am concerned because having access to this type of technology is not always afforded to those of older age nor to those at low levels of income.
The crime happened on Friday, July 29th around 5pm. I did not hear about the news until today, 8/1/05. Because my parents have limited knowledge of the internet, I filled out the application for them even though I now live in Northridge in Southern California. If you would like to reference the temporary police report number, it is T05001721. It was submitted today, 8/1/05 at 19:12.
I applaud the technological advancements the Police Department and the City of Stockton have made with offering online services but I hope provisions have been made for those who have yet to afford access to those technolgical advancements. I have already suggested to my mother that she and my father look into advocating for a neighborhood watch program if there is not one already, as well as working with the local neighborhood council or their city council district office to ensure the well being of their neighborhood. Should you hear of more crimes in that area, I strongly advocate that police cars perform periodic drive-throughs on top of residences' efforts to maintain the well being of their communities.
Sincerely,
Gerlie Collado
Thomas Edison High School - Class of 1997
Stockton resident - 15 years
I took the liberty of copying their council district office, as well as one of my dingbat brothers who hasn't taught my mom how to use the freakin' computer! I promised mama I would teach her basics as long as she learned how to check her voicemail on her cellphone. No voicemail, no internet training. :-)
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