For a number of days, television and newspapers showed harrowing photographs of the aftermath of the devastation – bodies in rolled mats, grief-stricken faces of people mourning their loss of loved ones or searching for those who got swept away by the flood, everyone overcome with helplessness seeing a wasteland where their homes once stood; children begging for food; the elderly too weak to move from their makeshift beds and illegally cut logs clogging the rivers and streams.

Birth of ALFA and ‘One ‘ CD

A small group of friends who are moved by the sad and desperate situation in the flood-affected areas got together to discuss what they could do to help the Washi survivors. Hence, ALFA [Artists and Linked Friends in Action] came into being. Originally it was agreed to hold a fund-raising concert where local artists would be invited to perform. However, after learning that concerts were to be conducted by two organisations, an alternative way to raise funds was decided upon.

[ click image to zoom in :: start slideshow ]

ALFA - Charity CD One Poster

Mitchell Badelles [ALFA Committee], Mon Carpo [ALFA Committee, Matty Jay [Artist], Violi Calvert [ALFA Committee], Oliver Gadista [Composer, Artist]

Criz Guze and Rachel Wong [Artists]

ALFA Committee Members: Bless Salonga and bub Olivia Faith, Emma de Vera

Oliver Gadista and Maria Sitchon Lado [Artist]

ALFA - Charity CD One Poster

It was agreed that ALFA would aim at raising at least $5000 to help those who were fortunate enough to have survived the flood but have to cope with the trauma of losing their loved ones, their homes and properties. They now also face the day-to-day need for food, shelter, clothing, clean water, sanitation and medicines to ward off diseases.

It was agreed that instead of holding a concert, ALFA would release a CD album ~ One ~ a collection of original songs to be composed by Oliver Gadista and performed by various local artists.

Inspired Action

Once a clear path to take was identified and agreed upon, ALFA swung into action. Oliver who composed songs and helped with musical arrangements for the Rizaliana Radio Festival and the recent staging of Her Son, Jose Rizal, was tasked to come up with the original compositions to be performed by local artists from varying cultural background and genres. After a line up of artists was carefully selected from those Oliver has worked with and those who were recommended, a song was composed for each one of them.
It is intended that whatever funds were raised would all be used to help the survivors and the expenses involved to be sourced from sponsorships from organisations and individuals willing to help the flood survivors.

These sponsorships were to cover the costs of printing the posters and tickets, the cost of the cds, their printing and packaging. These will also include the donation of items for raffle prizes.

CD Album ~ One ~

The CD symbolises being One in Love, One in Hope and One in Faith.

Oliver has been spending countless hours as soon as he got home from work to the wee hours of the morning and on weekends, passionately composing lyrics and music for each song.

At a cost of $30 entry to the launch, you will not only help raise funds for the Washi survivors, but you will also get a CD, a great night of entertainment with the artists performing their songs, a free drink and nibbles, and a chance to win prizes from raffle draws. A PAL return ticket to Manila for one will also be auctioned. If the reserve price is not reached at the first launch, the ticket will again be auctioned at the second launch.

Those who are not able to attend the launch can buy a CD for $20 from any of the ALFA nominated contacts or outlets.

Together, and One in Love, in Hope and in Faith we can achieve our goal for the Washi [Sendong] survivors.

Behind the Scene

ALFA is proud that the CD ~ One ~ has been endorsed by Jim Paredes, an icon of Original Pilipino Music and previously a member of the now disbanded Apo Hiking Society,

Enquiries or CD Purchase

For more info, or cd/song purchase, contact: Josie Musa 0422 621 218, Nilda Carpo 0411 521 135; Violi Calvert 0408 22 77 94. Or refer to Facebook: Hope for Washi [Sendong] Survivors.

Tropical storm Washi [also known as ‘Sendong’] unleashed its wrath in the southern part of the Philippines, specifically on Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and nearby areas on December 16, 2011. It destroyed entire villages built on sandbars and on riverbanks. The count of fatalities was at 1,259 but many more are unaccounted for.

For a number of days, television and newspapers showed harrowing photographs of the aftermath of the devastation – bodies in rolled mats, grief-stricken faces of people mourning their loss of loved ones or searching for those who got swept away by the flood, everyone overcome with helplessness seeing a wasteland where their homes once stood; children begging for food; the elderly too weak to move from their makeshift beds and illegally cut logs clogging the rivers and streams.

Birth of ALFA and ‘One ‘ CD

A small group of friends who are moved by the sad and desperate situation in the flood-affected areas got together to discuss what they could do to help the Washi survivors. Hence, ALFA [Artists and Linked Friends in Action] came into being. Originally it was agreed to hold a fund-raising concert where local artists would be invited to perform. However, after learning that concerts were to be conducted by two organisations, an alternative way to raise funds was decided upon.

[ click image to zoom in :: start slideshow ]

It was agreed that ALFA would aim at raising at least $5000 to help those who were fortunate enough to have survived the flood but have to cope with the trauma of losing their loved ones, their homes and properties. They now also face the day-to-day need for food, shelter, clothing, clean water, sanitation and medicines to ward off diseases.

It was agreed that instead of holding a concert, ALFA would release a CD album ~ One ~ a collection of original songs to be composed by Oliver Gadista and performed by various local artists.

Inspired Action

Once a clear path to take was identified and agreed upon, ALFA swung into action. Oliver who composed songs and helped with musical arrangements for the Rizaliana Radio Festival and the recent staging of Her Son, Jose Rizal, was tasked to come up with the original compositions to be performed by local artists from varying cultural background and genres. After a line up of artists was carefully selected from those Oliver has worked with and those who were recommended, a song was composed for each one of them.
It is intended that whatever funds were raised would all be used to help the survivors and the expenses involved to be sourced from sponsorships from organisations and individuals willing to help the flood survivors.

These sponsorships were to cover the costs of printing the posters and tickets, the cost of the cds, their printing and packaging. These will also include the donation of items for raffle prizes.

CD Album ~ One ~

The CD symbolises being One in Love, One in Hope and One in Faith.

Oliver has been spending countless hours as soon as he got home from work to the wee hours of the morning and on weekends, passionately composing lyrics and music for each song.

At a cost of $30 entry to the launch, you will not only help raise funds for the Washi survivors, but you will also get a CD, a great night of entertainment with the artists performing their songs, a free drink and nibbles, and a chance to win prizes from raffle draws. A PAL return ticket to Manila for one will also be auctioned. If the reserve price is not reached at the first launch, the ticket will again be auctioned at the second launch.

Those who are not able to attend the launch can buy a CD for $20 from any of the ALFA nominated contacts or outlets.

Together, and One in Love, in Hope and in Faith we can achieve our goal for the Washi [Sendong] survivors.

Behind the Scene

ALFA is proud that the CD ~ One ~ has been endorsed by Jim Paredes, an icon of Original Pilipino Music and previously a member of the now disbanded Apo Hiking Society,

Enquiries or CD Purchase

For more info, or cd/song purchase, contact: Josie Musa 0422 621 218, Nilda Carpo 0411 521 135; Violi Calvert 0408 22 77 94. Or refer to Facebook: Hope for Washi [Sendong] Survivors.

Lifestart coordinators Kirrily McNamara and Deborah Emalhain acknowledging book donations from INC Giving Project team members.

The books were handed over yesterday morning by INCGiving Project members to Lifestart Marketing Co-ordinator Kirrily McNamara and Lifestart Nepean branch manager Deborah Emalhain.

“We are overwhelmed with your kindness and generosity,” said McNamara to the INCGiving group members, adding that the books will go a long way in building up the library of Lifestart’s St Marys and other playgroup centres.

Lifestart is a charitable organisation which provides early childhood intervention and school aged services to children with additional needs including Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, global developmental delay and rare genetic disorders.

The organisation has seven playgroup centres in Metropolitan Sydney and currently serves 750 children.

INCGiving Project team members with Lifestart teachers

The donor, INCGiving, is a worldwide project of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) – Church of Christ launched in 2011 as part of its community partnering services.

Last year, Iglesia Ni Cristo inaugurated its INCGiving projects in Australia with free community services held in various parts of the country through its Neighbourhood Appreciation Day, Singing for a Cause (Grandparents Day), and Teachers Appreciation Day events.

INCGiving Project coordinator in Australia Glenn David said that yesterday’s book donation is the first of a series of INCGiving’s book drives in Australia.

“Our congregations in Metro Sydney and other Australian metropolitan centres will also conduct similar book drives to help local libraries and community- and family-focused organisations,” David added.

Sinulog commemorates the arrival of the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he planted a cross on the shores of Cebu and presented a statue of the Child Jesus (Sto Nino) to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain, and which marked the conversion of the natives to Roman Catholicism.

Sinulog is celebrated in many countries outside the Philippines including Australia. In New South Wales alone, three celebrations were held on Sunday, January 15 – at Campbelltown in the southwest area, Pumpton in Blacktown area, and Wyoming in Central Coast.

My 92-year old mother and I braved the rainy drive through F3 to attend the Wyoming celebration. We joined more than 500 Sto Nino devotees at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wyoming. The occasion had an added significance as it was also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sinulog in Central Coast.

The event started at nearly 12 noon with a procession of members of the congregation who placed their Sto Nino statues at the altar. The mass was celebrated by Fr Renato Paras, as special guest priest, and Fr Andrew Matubusi of the OLOR Wyoming Parish. In keeping with Sto Nino’s love for the children, the readings and the prayers of the faithful were read by several children. Fr Matubusi read the gospel and the homily delivered by Fr Paras. The mass was conducted in English as there were several non-Filipinos who attended the special occasion.

The main message of Fr Paras centred on ‘love’ being the centre of our relationship with God, our fellowmen and ourselves. He also highlighted that as Sto Nino welcomes and loves the children, it is important to ensure that the they are spiritually nurtured. He also reminded the children that they need to respect and love back their parents and family members. Fr Paras’ good sense of humour was also very evident while delivering his message. Much to the congregation’s delight, he sang con gusto “people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world….”

Fr Paras, who hails from Cebu, initiated the celebration of Sinulog on 20 January 2002 in collaboration with the then Parish Priest Fr John Wakeling (now deceased).

A special blessing of the children who gathered around the altar and the Sto Nino statues was also ministered by Fr. Paras before the final blessing of the congregation. A procession of the statues followed through the parish school’s quadrangle. By this time, the sun was shining brightly.

Typical of a Filipino fiesta, there was the traditional lechon, a great variety of Filipino dishes and desserts shared by everyone during lunch. Everyone was also treated with an enjoyable program of entertainment, the highlight of which was the Sinulog dance.

Congratulations to all who were involved in organising the event. Thanks to Emily Rudd for the invitation to the celebration. My mother and I certainly had a blessed and enjoyable day.

We hope to celebrate another Sinulog next year.

Pit Senor!! God’s blessings to all.

Photos by Violi Calvert

Fr Paras and Fr Matubusi during the mass

Fr Paras celebrating mass

Some devotees doing the Sinulog dance

Sto Nino statue

The writer, Violi Calvert, and her mother

Sto Nino statue

One of the well-known religious celebrations in the Philippines, and one of the grandest annual festivals in Cebu, is the Sinulog.

Sinulog commemorates the arrival of the Spaniards led by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 when he planted a cross on the shores of Cebu and presented a statue of the Child Jesus (Sto Nino) to Hara Amihan, wife of Rajah Humabon, Cebu’s chieftain, and which marked the conversion of the natives to Roman Catholicism.

Sinulog is celebrated in many countries outside the Philippines including Australia. In New South Wales alone, three celebrations were held on Sunday, January 15 – at Campbelltown in the southwest area, Pumpton in Blacktown area, and Wyoming in Central Coast.

My 92-year old mother and I braved the rainy drive through F3 to attend the Wyoming celebration. We joined more than 500 Sto Nino devotees at the Parish of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wyoming. The occasion had an added significance as it was also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Sinulog in Central Coast.

The event started at nearly 12 noon with a procession of members of the congregation who placed their Sto Nino statues at the altar. The mass was celebrated by Fr Renato Paras, as special guest priest, and Fr Andrew Matubusi of the OLOR Wyoming Parish. In keeping with Sto Nino’s love for the children, the readings and the prayers of the faithful were read by several children. Fr Matubusi read the gospel and the homily delivered by Fr Paras. The mass was conducted in English as there were several non-Filipinos who attended the special occasion.

The main message of Fr Paras centred on ‘love’ being the centre of our relationship with God, our fellowmen and ourselves. He also highlighted that as Sto Nino welcomes and loves the children, it is important to ensure that the they are spiritually nurtured. He also reminded the children that they need to respect and love back their parents and family members. Fr Paras’ good sense of humour was also very evident while delivering his message. Much to the congregation’s delight, he sang con gusto “people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world….”

Fr Paras, who hails from Cebu, initiated the celebration of Sinulog on 20 January 2002 in collaboration with the then Parish Priest Fr John Wakeling (now deceased).

A special blessing of the children who gathered around the altar and the Sto Nino statues was also ministered by Fr. Paras before the final blessing of the congregation. A procession of the statues followed through the parish school’s quadrangle. By this time, the sun was shining brightly.

Typical of a Filipino fiesta, there was the traditional lechon, a great variety of Filipino dishes and desserts shared by everyone during lunch. Everyone was also treated with an enjoyable program of entertainment, the highlight of which was the Sinulog dance.

Congratulations to all who were involved in organising the event. Thanks to Emily Rudd for the invitation to the celebration. My mother and I certainly had a blessed and enjoyable day.

We hope to celebrate another Sinulog next year.

Pit Senor!! God’s blessings to all.

Photos by Violi Calvert

The picnic is being organised by the Campbelltown’s Rizal Park Movement in conjunction with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

The event is also an occasion for those who will attend to help in a fund-raising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Washi (Sendong) that severely hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City days before Christmas last month.

The picnic is the start of the Consulate’s activities with the community for the new year, said Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis.

“The Consulate plans to work even more closely with the Filipino Community in New South Wales this year on activities that will highligh the richness of Philippine history, culture and traditions as well as our strengths as a country and people,” Consul-General Louis added.

The day’s activities will begin with a eucharistic celebration to be held at the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church located at 80 Demetrius Road, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown at 10am.

This will be followed by blessing of the Rizal Park grounds and a brief program at 11:30am, then lunch and traditional Filipino games.

The Campbelltown Rizal Park is a two-minute walk from the church.

Improvements in the Campbelltown Rizal Park had been undertaken by the Campbelltown City Council in coordination with the Rizal Park Movement.

A 5-metre Rizal statue donated by reknowned Filipino sculptor-artist Eduardo Castrillo will be installed at the conclusion of the national hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary in June this year.

The picnic is being organised by the Campbelltown’s Rizal Park Movement in conjunction with the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney.

The event is also an occasion for those who will attend to help in a fund-raising campaign for the victims of Typhoon Washi (Sendong) that severely hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City days before Christmas last month.

The picnic is the start of the Consulate’s activities with the community for the new year, said Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis.

“The Consulate plans to work even more closely with the Filipino Community in New South Wales this year on activities that will highligh the richness of Philippine history, culture and traditions as well as our strengths as a country and people,” Consul-General Louis added.

The day’s activities will begin with a eucharistic celebration to be held at the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church located at 80 Demetrius Road, Rosemeadow, Campbelltown at 10am.

This will be followed by blessing of the Rizal Park grounds and a brief program at 11:30am, then lunch and traditional Filipino games.

The Campbelltown Rizal Park is a two-minute walk from the church.

Improvements in the Campbelltown Rizal Park had been undertaken by the Campbelltown City Council in coordination with the Rizal Park Movement.

A 5-metre Rizal statue donated by reknowned Filipino sculptor-artist Eduardo Castrillo will be installed at the conclusion of the national hero’s sesquicentennial birth anniversary in June this year.

Blacktown City Mayor, Cr. Alan Pendleton accepts the Australia Philippines Services League citation from Lucas Cayanan Jr, Chris Pilao and Dorothy del Villar, auditor, supreme commander and treasurer/operations officer of APSL, respectively.

APSL Supreme Commander Chris Pilao, treasurer Dorothy del Villar and auditor Lucas Cayanan Jr presented a plaque of appreciation to Blacktown City Mayor, Cr Alan Pendleton, who accepted the citation on behalf of the Council.

Blacktown City hosts a large number of residents from a Filipino background.

The APSL hosts the traditional Philippine Independence Day flag raising ceremony at Blacktown each June with the support of Blacktown City Council.

In 2012, the flag ceremony, program and socials will take place at Bowman Hall, Campbell Street Blacktown 10am Saturday 16 June.

Jimmy Pimentel (with head gear) and Father Dave last Sunday, November 20 // Photo: Bailey Pimentel

The boxing marathon (‘boxathon’) last Sunday, November 20 at the Holy Trinity Boxing Gym in Dulwich Hill, an innerwest suburb in Sydney, however, is an exception.

There was money for sure in the ‘boxathon’ but it was an event to raise $2,000 for the gym to help street kids and young people who get into trouble.

The boxing extravaganza was ‘hosted’ by Anglican priest Father Dave Smith, a professional boxer, and welfare worker of the church across the gym.

Father Dave committed to box 60 continuous rounds against all comers, with a one-minute rest between rounds.

Donors came to either box a round or two against Father Dave or to simply put their money down for the gym.

Filipino Press Group of Sydney convenor Jimmy Pimentel, 77, an amateur boxing champion in his college days and a supporter of local Filipino boxers, was one of those who traded blows with Father Dave for one three-minute round – and for a cause.

Asked how he would describe his match with Father Dave, Jimmy said: “Although Father Dave is a long-time friend, our one rounder was not a dance routine at all.”

“Father Dave was on his 30th round when I stepped in the ring. It was not a soft round at all. We had pretty good shots to the head and the body. Father Dave found my mid-section more often than not, but I knew he didn’t go full throttle with me otherwise I would have hit the canvass many times. He also knew that I would have difficulty completing the three-minute round, so he asked me during a clinch if I wanted to cut the round short: ‘You wanna stop now?’, he whispered. But I said to him: ‘I’ve got a bit more left. Let’s finish this.’ When the bell rang, my tongue was hanging out like mad and I quickly took my headgear off so I could breathe better.”

Jimmy’s son, Mike, a big fan of Father Dave, also climbed onto the ring for two rounds – exchanging good shots to the body and head with gusto.

Mike Pimentel with Fr Dave (in green shirt) in two rounds //Photo: Bailey Pimentel [click to zoom in]

Will Jimmy step in the ring again with Father Dave or with other boxers?

“For the money, yes,” Jimmy said with a smile, adding: “I boxed for money and earned $30 for our boxing gym. That makes me a pro, doesn’t it? Just kidding. And the money went to a good cause: keeping afloat a boxing gym for street kids.”

Playwright and director Marcelino Cavestany, left, outlines the progress of Rizaliana Sesquicentennial to his cast and crew at a meeting in Dooley's Club, Lidcombe. At centre is Violi Calvert of Radio Sandigan, and at right is Jhun Salazar of Radio Tamaraw // Photo: TFA

In what may be described as a world’s first to celebrate Dr Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, a number of Filipino radio programs across Sydney are coordinating to produce a two-hour dramatic depiction of the hero’s life in words, sounds and music.

Radio playwright and director Marcelino Cavestany has marshalled local Filipino talent to perform eight 15-minute segments, bannered under a project titled “Rizaliana Sesquicentennial Rizaliana Radio Festival Sydney”, that will go on-air at one national, one state, and six community radio stations in the Sydney metropolitan area.

“Filipino children and youth especially must not miss this rare opportunity to get an insight on highlights of Dr Rizal,” Mr Cavestany said. ”This artist, physician, poet, linguist, sculptor, swordsman and author is now remembered for his famous words: ‘The youth is the hope of the fatherland’.”

So too should they watch the stage play, Her Son, Jose Rizal, with performances at Parramatta Town Hall on November 17-18. It is a one-act play written by Philippine national artist Leonor Orosa bringing to life the final days and hours of Dr Rizal’s life.

”Dr Rizal’s work antedates English author J.K. Rowling’s fastest-selling books on history, the Henry Potter series,” Mr Cavestany said.

L-R: Mars Cavestany, Violi Calvert (Radio Sandigan), Jhun Salazar (Radio Tamaraw), Jimmy Pimentel, Gerry Musa (Radio Kawayan, standing), Ruben Amores (Radio Mabuhay), Josie Musa (Radio Kawayan), and Cen Amores (Radio Mabuhay). //Photo: TFA

“The Harry Potter series contained the basic storyline of an adolescent wizard and his friends quest to overcome the evil ~ the self-same fantasy and coming of age thematic structure of Dr Rizal’s little known play he wrote as a teenager, Junto Al Pasig, with elements of mystery, thrills, adventure and romance.”

Mr Cavestany said that young audiences in Sydney would relate to the original R’n'B, rap, and rock music of local band leader Oliver Gadista in a creative interplay with indigenous Filipino operatic music, folklore, and theatrical forms such as the moro-moro (sword-and-cape play) and balagtasan (verbal joust) and traditional Filipino sports like sipa and arnis martial arts.

”Indeed, it will be an unforgettable Rizal Radio Festival,” he said.

Updated, Nov 16: Rizal Radio Festival opens

Before tackling any story, it is incumbent upon a journalist to ask the basic questions to ensure that the consequent reporting passes through “the lens of ethics” as Dr. Kidder puts it.

Is it expedient?

Meaning to say, is the alarm-setting story tending to promote some proposed or desired object, fit or suitable for the intended target purposes, and primed enthusiastically and properly contextualised under the given circumstances?

Above all, the essential query should be: Is it right?

It is farthest from my intention to judge the journalist and the publisher. The last that I have read of this journalist’s tirade on this priest sounds self-congratulatory in that the truth has finally been uncovered and the priest has been quoted as having admitted that he never had a celebret and thus violated the rules of the Archdioceses. End of story?

I sure hope so, but in the court of public opinion, the saga of the aggrieved family of the priest goes on whilst stories run wet and wild. Now that I have started doing radio and got to listening into common folks loose talks and tittle-tattling in eateries, beauty parlors, informal parties and get together, I could understand that many hearts tend to pander to the accused priest and his aggrieved relations. After all it is human nature to “maawa” (take pity) and it is culturally so “Pinoy na Pinoy ang magkampi-kampi” (very Filipino to take sides). Given such circumstances it should be no surprise that those normally on the offense suddenly begin to act in their own defense.

It is amazing how, despite and in spite of all the attacks, many of the thinking followers of the priest had kept their abiding faith for and on behalf of the beleaguered priest. To them, they believe that the priest’s guilt has not truly been proven beyond reasonable doubt and thus many still believe the contrary. So much so that, like Sinatra, “I find it all so amusing” that there are now those who pin the blame and point an accusing finger on the journalist and the publisher not as whistle-blowers but as rabble-rousers. Many oldies ask, “Bakit, Diyos ba sila?” (Why are they Gods?), saying that they should not have taken the cudgels and that they could have just let go of the thing, leave it to karma, or allow for some divine intervention or supreme power to cast damnation on the erring soul. Well to that, I would hasten to add that it was Alexander Pope, the third most frequently quoted writer in the English language after Shakespeare and Tennyson, who said “to err is human, to forgive divine”.

Over-all, I am still wondering what benefits the journalist and publisher believe the community shall have gained from this expose for them not to have been content with one story but have continuously harped on it in more than three times almost like a serialized story. I hate to say it, but the Tagalog tabloid lingo “masyadong sinalsal ang kwento” (safely translated for meaning as ‘the story is too belabored’ – decidedly losing the sexual innuendo in the Tagalog original) seems like an appropriate description of what has been with nary a definitive result or after effect that we may perceive in the future or at least what has yet to come as that which can be credited to the “promotor”-cum-provocateur.

But if you ask me, I am a golden rule ethicist of a journalist and more than twenty years of actual experience as a “dyarista” (newspaperman) in the thick of things in the Philippines during the time of Marcos, Aquino and Ramos has taught me a major lesson in covering one too many stories to care for the emotional impact to the victim’s family. I take utmost caution so that I don’t ruin reputation because it is like a crystal once destroyed could not be pieced together again. As well, I would do everything I my power so that whatever I write about does not spill over to unpleasantness.

If perchance, I had been in the shoes of that journalist, and I was privy to such information, knowing that the priest has many followers or believers, unless I have convincing evidence that his actions have harmed even just a single soul would in the very least necessitate a serious balancing and may in the long run have precluded publishing.

But the fact is, it was indeed published so we can safely assume that both journalist and publisher believe that doing so entailed important social benefits to the community. If the intention of the journalist and publisher is to shed light on the truth with all the investigative digging done, then fine, they have done their service to the community? Meantime, if the journalist delivered the punches right, expectedly the court of public opinion should have led to an uproar to a point when at least someone in the community would have pursued the matter and raised it to the proper authorities. By the looks and sound of it, everything has gone pfffffffffffffffffffft!

My sense of ethics, not to mention my own sense of religiosity and fear of God, vis-a-vis the intellectual understanding of the relativity of truth, would still forbid me from even pursuing the story unless I have an ax to grind. I will still pose the question: to what end? Was the intention to defrock the priest of his cloak and open the minds of those who engaged in “blind faith”?. But who are we mortals to question the “blind faith” of another unless such faith poses a potential public harm. If it were so, then methinks it is a police matter not the province of a journalist and the publisher, unless there is an underlying motive. In the final analysis the real suspect is the duo of journalist and publisher.

When all is said and done, what remains in the forefront of discussion is the question journalism ethics.

In this regard, I shall reprint herewith an ethical checklist first published in the popular book Doing Ethics in Journalism: A Handbook with Case Studies, by Jay Black, Bob Steele and Ralph Barney.

The checklist contains 10 questions to ask when confronted with an ethical problem and provides guidance to help anyone for that matter — not just journalists — make sound ethical choices. The rule of thumb is: Ask Good Questions to Make Good Ethical Decisions

1. What do I know? What do I need to know?

2. What is my journalistic purpose?

3. What are my ethical concerns?

4. What organisational policies and professional guidelines should I consider?

5. How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision-making process?

6. Who are the stakeholders (that is, those people who are affected by my decision)? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate?

7. What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders?

8. What are the possible consequences of my actions? Short term? Long term?

9. What are my alternatives to maximize my truth-telling responsibility and minimize harm?

10. Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and my decision? To my colleagues? To the stakeholders? To the public?

Part and parcel of the practical ethical dilemma that ought to be of primordial concern to a journalist is the proper control of harm limitation. More than anything, this deals with the questions of whether everything learned should be reported and, if so, how, then should the principle of limitation be applied so that some weight is given to the negative consequences of full disclosure. The Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics offers the following advice, which is representative of the practical ideals of most professional journalists which I shall quote directly, thus:

1. Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

2. Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

3. Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance. (This writers note: This is one attitude that many of our kababayans, the likes of Emma de Vera amongst them, decry. Personally, I myself assume a position of intellectual arrogance where it comes to my field of arts and letters, but not arrogance per se which renders one ineffectual. As a writer-journalist I take my ideas seriously and have always maintained and protected my wealth of ideas in the same manner as the moneyed guard their millions.)

4. Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

5. Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

6. Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

7. Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

8> Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

Equally important is the International Declaration adopted by 1954 World Congress of the ICFJ and amended by the 1986 World Congress that has been proclaimed as a standard of professional conduct for journalists engaged in gathering, transmitting, disseminating and commenting on news and information in describing events. These are as follows:

Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.

In pursuance of this duty, the journalist shall at all times defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and of the right to fair comment and criticism.

The journalist shall report only in accordance with facts of which he/she knows the origin. The journalist shall not suppress essential information or falsify documents.

The journalist shall only use fair methods to obtain news, photographs and documents.
The journalist shall do the utmost to rectify any published information which is found to be harmfully inaccurate.

The journalist shall observe professional secrecy regarding the source of information obtained in confidence.

The journalist shall be alert to the danger of discrimination being furthered by media, and shall do the utmost to avoid facilitating such discriminations based on, among other things, race, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinions, and national and social origins.

The journalist shall regard as grave professional offenses the following: plagiarism; malicious misinterpretation; calumny; libel; slander; unfounded accusations; acceptance of a bribe in any form in consideration of either publication or suppression.

Journalists worthy of the name shall deem it their duty to observe faithfully the principles stated above. Within the general law of each country the journalist shall recognize in matters of professional matters the jurisdiction of colleagues only, to the exclusion of any kind of interference by governments or others.

I would like to end this research-study with the condensation of the final (7th) chapter in Dr. Kidder’s seminal book especially to those who seek an ethical “common ground” from which to address issues of global significance. This work is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter argues that we need a globally shared code of ethics to “help create the moral conditions for a sustainable twenty-first century.” Chapters two through six present the interviews, grouped by topic. In the final chapter, the author distills an eight-point code of ethical values from these interviews. These eight core values constitute a global code of ethics: love, truthfulness, fairness, freedom, unity, tolerance, responsibility, and respect for life. (All Rights Reserved)

Before tackling any story, it is incumbent upon a journalist to ask the basic questions to ensure that the consequent reporting passes through “the lens of ethics” as Dr. Kidder puts it.

Is it expedient?

Meaning to say, is the alarm-setting story tending to promote some proposed or desired object, fit or suitable for the intended target purposes, and primed enthusiastically and properly contextualised under the given circumstances?

Above all, the essential query should be: Is it right?

It is farthest from my intention to judge the journalist and the publisher. The last that I have read of this journalist’s tirade on this priest sounds self-congratulatory in that the truth has finally been uncovered and the priest has been quoted as having admitted that he never had a celebret and thus violated the rules of the Archdioceses. End of story?

I sure hope so, but in the court of public opinion, the saga of the aggrieved family of the priest goes on whilst stories run wet and wild. Now that I have started doing radio and got to listening into common folks loose talks and tittle-tattling in eateries, beauty parlors, informal parties and get together, I could understand that many hearts tend to pander to the accused priest and his aggrieved relations. After all it is human nature to “maawa” (take pity) and it is culturally so “Pinoy na Pinoy ang magkampi-kampi” (very Filipino to take sides). Given such circumstances it should be no surprise that those normally on the offense suddenly begin to act in their own defense.

It is amazing how, despite and in spite of all the attacks, many of the thinking followers of the priest had kept their abiding faith for and on behalf of the beleaguered priest. To them, they believe that the priest’s guilt has not truly been proven beyond reasonable doubt and thus many still believe the contrary. So much so that, like Sinatra, “I find it all so amusing” that there are now those who pin the blame and point an accusing finger on the journalist and the publisher not as whistle-blowers but as rabble-rousers. Many oldies ask, “Bakit, Diyos ba sila?” (Why are they Gods?), saying that they should not have taken the cudgels and that they could have just let go of the thing, leave it to karma, or allow for some divine intervention or supreme power to cast damnation on the erring soul. Well to that, I would hasten to add that it was Alexander Pope, the third most frequently quoted writer in the English language after Shakespeare and Tennyson, who said “to err is human, to forgive divine”.

Over-all, I am still wondering what benefits the journalist and publisher believe the community shall have gained from this expose for them not to have been content with one story but have continuously harped on it in more than three times almost like a serialized story. I hate to say it, but the Tagalog tabloid lingo “masyadong sinalsal ang kwento” (safely translated for meaning as ‘the story is too belabored’ – decidedly losing the sexual innuendo in the Tagalog original) seems like an appropriate description of what has been with nary a definitive result or after effect that we may perceive in the future or at least what has yet to come as that which can be credited to the “promotor”-cum-provocateur.

But if you ask me, I am a golden rule ethicist of a journalist and more than twenty years of actual experience as a “dyarista” (newspaperman) in the thick of things in the Philippines during the time of Marcos, Aquino and Ramos has taught me a major lesson in covering one too many stories to care for the emotional impact to the victim’s family. I take utmost caution so that I don’t ruin reputation because it is like a crystal once destroyed could not be pieced together again. As well, I would do everything I my power so that whatever I write about does not spill over to unpleasantness.

If perchance, I had been in the shoes of that journalist, and I was privy to such information, knowing that the priest has many followers or believers, unless I have convincing evidence that his actions have harmed even just a single soul would in the very least necessitate a serious balancing and may in the long run have precluded publishing.

But the fact is, it was indeed published so we can safely assume that both journalist and publisher believe that doing so entailed important social benefits to the community. If the intention of the journalist and publisher is to shed light on the truth with all the investigative digging done, then fine, they have done their service to the community? Meantime, if the journalist delivered the punches right, expectedly the court of public opinion should have led to an uproar to a point when at least someone in the community would have pursued the matter and raised it to the proper authorities. By the looks and sound of it, everything has gone pfffffffffffffffffffft!

My sense of ethics, not to mention my own sense of religiosity and fear of God, vis-a-vis the intellectual understanding of the relativity of truth, would still forbid me from even pursuing the story unless I have an ax to grind. I will still pose the question: to what end? Was the intention to defrock the priest of his cloak and open the minds of those who engaged in “blind faith”?. But who are we mortals to question the “blind faith” of another unless such faith poses a potential public harm. If it were so, then methinks it is a police matter not the province of a journalist and the publisher, unless there is an underlying motive. In the final analysis the real suspect is the duo of journalist and publisher.

When all is said and done, what remains in the forefront of discussion is the question journalism ethics.

In this regard, I shall reprint herewith an ethical checklist first published in the popular book Doing Ethics in Journalism: A Handbook with Case Studies, by Jay Black, Bob Steele and Ralph Barney.

The checklist contains 10 questions to ask when confronted with an ethical problem and provides guidance to help anyone for that matter — not just journalists — make sound ethical choices. The rule of thumb is: Ask Good Questions to Make Good Ethical Decisions

1. What do I know? What do I need to know?

2. What is my journalistic purpose?

3. What are my ethical concerns?

4. What organisational policies and professional guidelines should I consider?

5. How can I include other people, with different perspectives and diverse ideas, in the decision-making process?

6. Who are the stakeholders (that is, those people who are affected by my decision)? What are their motivations? Which are legitimate?

7. What if the roles were reversed? How would I feel if I were in the shoes of one of the stakeholders?

8. What are the possible consequences of my actions? Short term? Long term?

9. What are my alternatives to maximize my truth-telling responsibility and minimize harm?

10. Can I clearly and fully justify my thinking and my decision? To my colleagues? To the stakeholders? To the public?

Part and parcel of the practical ethical dilemma that ought to be of primordial concern to a journalist is the proper control of harm limitation. More than anything, this deals with the questions of whether everything learned should be reported and, if so, how, then should the principle of limitation be applied so that some weight is given to the negative consequences of full disclosure. The Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics offers the following advice, which is representative of the practical ideals of most professional journalists which I shall quote directly, thus:

1. Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.

2. Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.

3. Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance. (This writers note: This is one attitude that many of our kababayans, the likes of Emma de Vera amongst them, decry. Personally, I myself assume a position of intellectual arrogance where it comes to my field of arts and letters, but not arrogance per se which renders one ineffectual. As a writer-journalist I take my ideas seriously and have always maintained and protected my wealth of ideas in the same manner as the moneyed guard their millions.)

4. Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.

5. Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.

6. Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.

7. Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.

8> Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

Equally important is the International Declaration adopted by 1954 World Congress of the ICFJ and amended by the 1986 World Congress that has been proclaimed as a standard of professional conduct for journalists engaged in gathering, transmitting, disseminating and commenting on news and information in describing events. These are as follows:

Respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth is the first duty of the journalist.

In pursuance of this duty, the journalist shall at all times defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and of the right to fair comment and criticism.

The journalist shall report only in accordance with facts of which he/she knows the origin. The journalist shall not suppress essential information or falsify documents.

The journalist shall only use fair methods to obtain news, photographs and documents.
The journalist shall do the utmost to rectify any published information which is found to be harmfully inaccurate.

The journalist shall observe professional secrecy regarding the source of information obtained in confidence.

The journalist shall be alert to the danger of discrimination being furthered by media, and shall do the utmost to avoid facilitating such discriminations based on, among other things, race, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinions, and national and social origins.

The journalist shall regard as grave professional offenses the following: plagiarism; malicious misinterpretation; calumny; libel; slander; unfounded accusations; acceptance of a bribe in any form in consideration of either publication or suppression.

Journalists worthy of the name shall deem it their duty to observe faithfully the principles stated above. Within the general law of each country the journalist shall recognize in matters of professional matters the jurisdiction of colleagues only, to the exclusion of any kind of interference by governments or others.

I would like to end this research-study with the condensation of the final (7th) chapter in Dr. Kidder’s seminal book especially to those who seek an ethical “common ground” from which to address issues of global significance. This work is divided into seven chapters. The first chapter argues that we need a globally shared code of ethics to “help create the moral conditions for a sustainable twenty-first century.” Chapters two through six present the interviews, grouped by topic. In the final chapter, the author distills an eight-point code of ethical values from these interviews. These eight core values constitute a global code of ethics: love, truthfulness, fairness, freedom, unity, tolerance, responsibility, and respect for life. (All Rights Reserved)

Consul General Louis (seated, second from left) and Education Sec. Armin Luistro (seated, fourth from left) with other education officials and some forum participants //Photo: Violi Calvert

The campaign’s mission translated in the Filipino language is: 10 piso, 10 buwan, 10 libong silid-aralan! The Forum was attended by more than 60 Filipino-Australian community leaders and members of the Filipino-Australian media.

The guest speakers at the Forum were the Secretary of Education Armin Luistro, Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Patricia Licuanan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Deputy Director General Teodoro Pascua, Department of Education Assistant Secretary Jesus Mateo, and Ms. Lotus Postrado, Project Development Officer and Evaluation Division and Desk Officer – International Cooperation Office, Department of Education.

Consul-General Anne Jalando-on Louis welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the forum. She extended special welcome to the Philippine delegation and expressed her optimism that the Filipino-Australian community would give its support to the campaign which will benefit thousands of school children.

First to speak was Mr Pascua who set the scene for his message by referring to the Greek words “chronos” meaning time and “kyros” meaning now which can not be stopped. Mr Pascua emphasised the time for the change in the development in education and the time for Filipinos to be involved in effecting the change is now. He injected a good sense of humour in reinforcing his message. He spoke of the Filipinos being everywhere in the world; he does not consider them to be “in exile” rather they are a part of a ‘grand conspiracy’ – for Filipinos to take over the world.

Dr Patricia Licuanan highlighted the key results that CHED is working towards: the rationalisation of higher education by reviewing the existence of 110 universities and 400 nursing schools with the aim of making them to be more effective and efficient; improvement of the quality of education as while there are pockets of excellence, there exists mediocrity that needs to be addressed; expanding access to quality education by the poor; improving transparency in the system.

Secretary Luistro shared with the group that he was vocal against the past administration and now he has been given the opportunity to put into place initiatives which he believed should have been undertaken to benefit the young people. He explained his belief that education is about investing on the country’s real resource which is its people. He also emphasised that with the latest initiative, it is not the aim to engage the rich and famous, rather it is to sign up and engage 2 million Filipinos. He firmly believes that “as one, we can work together to achieve any goals”.

After the talks by the Philippine delegation, a Question and Answer session was held. The questions related to costing of the classrooms, transparency, role of Ayala Foundation and issues relating to public-private-partnership (PPP).

The delegation received pledges from the Filipino community associations present. The first to pledge was the Australian Philippine Association Illawarra Inc. The other pledges received that night were from the Philippine Community Council – NSW, Atoy and Tess Sayas, Nenita Weekes and Primitiva Cruz West. The representative of BPI, Rey Manoto, announced that the fee for telegraphic transfer to BPI account for the campaign will be waived.

Consul General Louis advised the group that a media release will be issued to detail the mechanism on how individuals and organisations based in Australia could make their donation which is set at $10 per month.