THE International MoTHER Movement (IMM) led last weekend the commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the county’s national hero.
The important twin events were held in Los Angeles in a well-attended program highlighting the Filipino struggles for freedom from the clutches of foreign domination.
Lending support to the occasions were organizations which included the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), Tender Loving Care Family Support Group, Forever Young Seniors and the Orig Roa Clan Philippine.
Hon. Jerimae Calderon, mayor of Angono, Rizal in the Philippines, graced the combined occasions as guest of honor and speaker.
In her speech, the lady mayor extolled the gallantry and valor of Filipinos in their quest for freedom and justice.
Speaking in the Tagalog-based Filipino national language, she said the people owe much to the country’s ancestors for their sacrifices and struggles and their intense yearning for independence.
“Lingunin natin ang nakaraan na sumaksi sa kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno upang matamo ang kalayaan ng ating Inang Bayan,” she said.
“Sa pangunguna ni Gat Jose Rizal, ang ating pambansang bayani, nagtagumpay ang sambayanang Pilipino na makawala sa tanikala ng pananakop ng mga dayuhan,” the lady mayor of Angono added.
Mayor Calderon also thanked and commended the International MoTHER Movement for its interest, initiative and concern in remembering two significant events in the nation’s history.
Looking at Perla Bermudez Santos, IMM founding president and chief executive officer, she said:
“Ako ay natutuwa at nagpapasalamat na may kilusang tulad ng International MoTHER Movement na nagmamalasakit at nagpapahalaga sa mga di-malilimutang yugto ng ating kasaysayan,” the Angono mayor emphasized.
“Sa inyong malasakit at aktibong pamumuno, nagagawa ninyong malingon ang mga makasaysayang panahon… Ako ay bumabati sa iyo, Perla, at sa iyong mga kasama sa kilusan,” Mayor Calderon said.
It is worth noting that Angono is a historic and picturesque town in Southern Tagalog. It is known for its hieroglyphics, an ancient form of alphabet that was discovered in a stonewall found in a remote place in the town.
Angono is the birthplace of two honored National Artists of the Philippines. They are Maestro Lucio D. San Pedro, well-known musical composer and conductor and Carlos “Botong” Francisco who is famous for his paintings of Filipino rural sceneries, as well as customs and traditions.
She recalled that her extensive stint working in a multicultural environment outside the Philippines — such as World Health Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland — developed in her the interest in helping others beyond the call of duty. She was only in her twenties then.
It was augmented by her assignment for 14 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that gave her the impetus to promote the Bayanihan, a spirit and tradition inherent to the Filipinos.
She further emphasized that her work in these foreign lands made her more attached to things Filipino, which includes— but not limited to— wearing the native costumes of the Philippines, eating the authentic Filipino food and appreciating the customs and traditions of her forebears.
She also made special mention of Bayan Masaya which means Bayanihan sa mg Araw na Makasaysayan, one of the IMM salient projects.
In a well-applauded presentation, the Filipino-American community leader from Tarlac enjoined the audience to know more details about IMM by sending inquiries through email address [email protected].
The program began with the singing of national anthems of the Philippines and the United States
Emilia Edrad and Teresita Nones led the singing of “Lupang Hinirang “ and “Star Spangled Banner,” respectively.
Then, Engr. Rey Anton Roa, over-all coordinator of Bayan Masaya 2022 Event, delivered the opening and welcome remarks.
It was followed by introduction of Bayan Masaya, IMM and its history, as well as its activities, programs and projects. This was made by Bermudez Santos.
Dr. Art Flores, Grand Knight of the Knights of Rizal and former university professor in the Philippines and the United States, then gave an inspirational message.
Other highlights of the Bayan Masaya event: Rosito “Loloy” Go, IMM dance and taichi instructor, rendered a vocal solo titled “Bayan Ko.”
Johnie Estapia of the Knights of Rizal spoke on the topic “Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.”
The IMM Forever Young Seniors Dance Troupe, led by Cres Go, performed a dance number to the tune of “Ang Dalagang Pilipina.”
Elizabeth C. San Diego, a former professor of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and retired official of the Department of Education, delivered a poem titled “Mabuhay ang Kalayaan!”
Gloria Resurreccion, a very active community leader, head of Damas de Rizal, the lady counterpart of the Knights of Rizal and leader in FACLA, delivered the acknowledgements and closing remarks. She also served as the program emcee together with university professor Arturo Flores who is an exponent of the Tagalog-based Filipino national language although he is a Bicolano.
Sidelights of the event included the Q&A trivia game show prepared and hosted by Cres Go and the light discourse on “taho” and “tapioca,” a favorite street food of Filipinos, especially those who belong to the so-called “masa.”
Participants and audience of Bayan Masaya immensely enjoyed the event. Ang saya nila!
Likewise, it is a municipality where paper machie called “higantes” are made and paraded around during fiestas and special occasions.
In the middle of the program, Bermudez Santos made an introduction about IMM, highlighting its history and thrusts. n
