Memoirs: My first trip to a foreign country

Although my Navy troop transport had participated in the early 1945 invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa during World War II, I never went ashore there, nor had ever visited any other foreign country in my 19 years.

So, when we docked at Subic Bay in the Philippines in June, just a few months before the war ended, I looked forward to visiting the country which, at the time, was an American possession just recaptured from the Japanese. (Two years after the war ended, the Philippines became an independent nation.)

I had been reassigned from my ship to report to the Navy Third Fleet headquarters in Manila, so I packed my gear and hopped on an Army convoy that traveled the 60 miles to the Philippine capital city. All along the way, as we passed through villages and towns, people packed the roadsides and cheered the American GIs. They tossed flowers and fruit to us, and as we slowed down or stopped, people climbed aboard our trucks and rode along for several miles.

The Army and Navy guys reached into our bags and took out cigarettes, candy, K-rations, canned food and anything else we could give to these friendly, but ragged and thin people. Later, as we approached the city limits, I wondered about their’ attitudes about us.

After all, didn’t General MacArthur run away in 1942, forcing the surrender of American and Filipino troops? Didn’t the people remember the horrors of the Bataan Death March? Shouldn’t they hate us for leaving them with the murderous Japanese occupiers for more than three years? I could only guess that the joy and relief of liberation erased any feelings of resentment they could have had. I know I’d never be so forgiving.

From the relatively intact conditions of the towns along the way, I was shocked by my first sights of Manila as we drove into the city. It had been called the Pearl of the Orient before WWII, because it was one of the most beautiful and sophisticated capitals in Asia.

During half a century, American business and government agencies put up beautiful buildings, hotels, residences, stadiums and other modern structures. Then, as the WWII was ending, while the defeated Japanese troops retreated from the city just weeks before our truck convoy arrived, they deliberately went on a spree of mass murder and destruction. Almost all of the government buildings, colleges, theaters and other major structures had been dynamited into total wrecks. The once-beautiful downtown business area was in smoking ruins. Bunking in my first week in Manila was in a former high rise called the Wilson Building. My cot was on the top floor, with nothing by sky and bits of remaining ceiling and roof above me.

Although there were still pockets of Japanese hold-outs, we could drive around secured areas, as long as we took pistols or carbines with us. The city’s devastation was horrible, made even more so by the sights and smells of hundreds of dead along many streets and in burned-out buildings.

As they retreated, the brutally angry Japanese soldiers had taken Filipino officials, POWs, women and children off the streets, shot them and burned the bodies. Before I went home after the war, I had the satisfaction of learning that the two commanding generals of the Japanese occupation army, Homma and Yamashita, were hanged in Manila.

Although my first visit to a foreign country was in wartime, and although I witnessed the terrible struggles the people of the Philippines had to endure, I do have some pleasant memories. I remember how friendly and cheerful every Filipino was to me and other Americans, even in the midst of their deepest tragedy.

Cebu – Pearl Of South Philippines

Why travel to Cebu, Philippines of all places? What makes Cebu, Philippines special among all other places in the whole country – or the world even? If your travel plans for this year includes Cebu, here are some reasons why we’re certain that you won’t regret your decision on choosing Cebu as your travel destination.

What Makes Cebu Popular
Even if we weren’t to talk about any of the famous tourist spots of Cebu, Philippines, there are still other things that make Cebu so very popular with the tourists. First, there’s the food. If you love those ripe yellow mangoes, you absolutely must go to Guadulupe because their mangoes – served dried or not – can never fail to make taste buds water.

And then there’s chicharon or pork rind; if you’ve never tasted chicharon yet, a good place to start would be at Cebu. Other food to explore in Cebu would be “puso”, the hanging rice, dangit, a dried fish usually eaten for breakfast and budbud, another type of rice.

And then there are the souvenirs or other accessories that you may only purchase in Cebu, Philippine. If you come from a country experiencing all four seasons – people back home would probably appreciate if you give them the beautifully hand woven blankets made from Argao. People with deep faith would no doubt appreciate as well gifts of the Medallions of the Christ Child. For fashion lovers, jewelry made from Mactan stone, corals or seashells are very much popular.

Lastly, there are the guitars. People with fine ears for music can’t help but appreciate the quality of guitars manufactured in Cebu. If you also want to see with your very own eyes the manufacturing process of a guitar, from start to finish, LapuLapu City of Cebu is the place to travel to.

And now finally, we come to the places…

Magellan’s Cross – Since the Philippines began to be of interest to the world thanks to Ferdinand Magellan’s discovery in 1521, tourists might as well begin their travel plans by visiting Magellan’s Cross which is found in Magallanes Street of Cebu City. This place is of much historical value to the Philippines because it’s also where the baptismal rites of the earliest Filipino Christians were held.

Mactan Island – Water sports have always been a favorite activity by tourists when visiting the Cebu and if you’re fond of this as well, make sure that you drop by Mactan Island because the waves there are alike no place else!

Cebu is also the jumping point to other exciting destinations like Dumaguete, Bohol and Sumilon.

Philippines’ Pamalican Island

Whenever we hear Philippines, we think of luscious forests, warm smiles of Filipinos and white sand beaches. Speaking of beaches, Boracay always comes to your mind as a beach-freak. Aside from the infamous Boracay, there are other white sand beaches in the tropics. Pamalican Island, apart from Boracay, is a small island that belongs in Cuyo Group of Islands located at the heart of Palawan and Panay. It is also the home of the high-end Amanpulo Island Resort.

Having the name Amanpulo (which means peaceful) spells it’s true meaning and added to that feature is it’s alluring beauty and tranquility. However, to transport tourists from Manila to the island, there is always an airplane standing by. It is also used to transport goods and supplies to the island. The island can accommodate less than 100 people to stay. That is an assurance that the place is not that crowded compared to Boracay and Puerto Galera. The fact that it’s so small you can tour the whole island in 3-5 hours walk.

If you think walking around the island is boring, think again. The island has so many activities to offer just like diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and beach combing. If you feel the romantic ambiance, try to arrange a barbecue night out with your date or simply grab your picnic basket and do your picnicking on the neighbor island. You can also indulge yourself in the island’s casitas (bungalow) that goes with a personal buggy. So if vacation is what you have in mind, always include Pamalican Island in your list of travel destinations in Asia.

How To Profit From Sales

It’s no secret that sales are a great way to increase profits. Two types of sales are discusses below.

A TAG SALE

One of the big stores in Boston has had considerable success in attracting trade during the dull weeks, by what they called a Tag Sale. This sale immediately followed a sale of another concern’s bankrupt stock, which was closed out sooner than was expected. They had planned the bankrupt sale to last at least two weeks, but low prices and the well-known high quality of the stock caused it to be closed out in three days. They immediately telegraphed to fifty manufacturers to send them any small odd lots they had left over, on approval, the only stipulation being that the price must not be over one-half what the goods sold for at the first of the season.

The result was that they were soon in receipt of enough goods at very low prices to carry on the sale. The newspapers announced that they had bought all the over-production of the manufacturers who usually supplied them, at half-price. In the newspaper ads were printed photographic reproductions of several letters and telegrams to and from manufacturers. These had the effect of convincing the public of the genuineness of the sale. The goods were exactly the same grade and quality as the goods they usually carried, which in fact they were, and would be offered at one-half the price asked a month previous.

All the goods were displayed in the windows and store in as careful a manner as if it were the opening of a new season. The only noticeable difference being that all articles were marked with price tickets with the selling price and the “First of the Season Price”. These tickets were various sizes of manila shipping tags, the prices being painted in red on the lower part of the tag. On the upper part of the tag was printed in red ink the story of the sale, explaining that all the goods were similar in grade and quality to their regular stock, but owing to the over-production of over fifty manufacturers, with whom they did business every year, they were enabled to offer these goods at one-half price.

All the newspaper announcements were enclosed in rule in the shape of a shipping tag, and all large signs about the store and in the windows were cut from manila paper in facsimile of tags. The sale was entirely successful; in fact, business was so brisk for over a week that it was necessary to engage temporary clerks and delay the date for vacations. All manufacturers have lots at the end of the season which they are glad to dispose of at most any price and there is no reason why other concerns may not use the same idea to stimulate business in July and August. This gives them an opportunity of closing out their own odds and ends, which may be broken in sizes and colors, and makes it unnecessary to take a loss, as the goods they receive from the manufacturers are sold at the same percentage of profit.

A JAPANESE SALE

A novel and successful sale was held by J. N. Euwer’s Sons, of Youngstown, O. This firm is noted for its elaborate store decorations on special occasions, but on this occasion they determined to excel all previous attempts in that line. Accordingly their decorator was given carte-blanche in the matter of decorations, with the result that the affair was a shining success. The entire scheme of decoration was in the Japanese style. All over the store were hung hundreds of Japanese lanterns of all colors, sizes and shapes. Then there were paper parasols, banners, strings of flags and cherry blossoms everywhere. In addition, about 500 tissue paper bells were used with good effect. The expense of these decorations was less than nothing as practically all of them were sold at a profit of from fifty to one hundred per cent long before the closing day of the sale.

Stationed at the door was a small Japanese boy who gave every one who entered a ticket announcing free tea and coffee at the “Geisha” as a specially decorated booth was called. This feature proved a great success. One of the leading wholesale grocers demonstrated a certain brand of coffee with such success that an average of 100 pounds a day was sold. A luncheon was served and sandwiches were sold at five and ten cents, as high as seventy loaves of bread being used in a single day. Of course all this helped to swell the profits. On the first day of the sale, chrysanthemums with ribbons attached were presented to visitors.

All show cards and price tickets were done in the Japanese style, but one of the most novel and pleasing features of the affair was the costuming of the saleswomen. These were all attired in kimonos and wore their hair dressed after the manner of Japanese maidens with chrysanthemums and miniature fans as ornaments. A hundred girls thus Arrayed made a charming picture and one which was much admired by the public. The entire store was perfumed with Japanese incense. Another feature that helped to popularize the sale was the giving away of free photographs with purchases of a certain amount. Considered from every point of view, the affair was a great success. On the first day a tremendous crowd packed the store and each succeeding day the interest continued with little abatement.

Best Asian destinations for the US dollar – Part 1

With the American recessions underway, it seems that going on a holiday should be put off. But the good news is, Asian destinations are the perfect option for cheap holidays. With a much cheaper rates and expenses compared to other places in Europe, Asia is the best place to relax and enjoy even during an economic slow-down.

Hong Kong

Once part of the British Empire, this small city is boosting with tall skycrapers and upscale boutiques. Shopping is the most common activity in Hong Kong with designer boutiques like Loius Vitton, Ferragamo and Chanel for a cheaper price. Hong Kong also has its own Disneyland and have great services and facilities.

Singapore

For a small nation- state, Singapore is a highly developed country and famous for its cleanliness. Though it is more expensive compared to other Asian destinations, Singapore is still a cheaper choice for the dollar. Gum is illegal in this country and shopping for electronic gadgets is one of the best thing to do while in Singapore. Visit the wonderful Santosa for children and adults and take a picture of the Merlion.

Malaysia

Singapore’s neighbor is also gaining popularity among tourists; most tourists who visit Singapore will proceed to Malaysia which is linked with a bridge. Unlike Singapore, there are many places in Malaysia that are still secluded and unexploited by modernity and also very cheap. Kuala Lumpur has its Petronas Twin Towers which is the most famous landmark in this country. Visit tea plantations or savor its world famous chocolates.

Bangkok, Thailand

You have seen Bangkok in various Hollywood movies. Now is the time to experience what this country can really offer. Shopping is very cheap, go for clothes and interior decorations that are totally unique and great finds. Visit temples, ride the elephants or have the best massage to soothe those aching muscles. Locals can understand and speak a little English and the prices are cheaper.

Maldives

Further south of Sri Lanka and India is a small nation consist of atolls. Maldives is the place for those honeymooners or holiday seekers who want a more peaceful and quite get away. Small huts are situated on the waters and linked with small platforms for that unique and rejuvenating ambiance. Once can see marine creatures like fish and coral reefs from your huts, fishing and scuba diving are also great activities in Maldives. The whole nation is not as commercialized compared to other destinations and the beach and the waters are definitely marvelous.

Macau

Politically part of China, Macau is a mixture of Asian and European cultures. Chinese temples go side by side with Christian churches. This small island was colonized with the Portuguese and at present some residents are descendants of the Portuguese. Macau is also the gambling capital of Asia and can compete with Las Vegas.

Philippines

As an English speaking country and culture close to the Americans, Philippines is the best place to relax on the beach or go for scuba diving. Hospitality in this country is also known world-wide, hence tourists fell at home and well pampered. Skip the capital city of Manila and choose other cities like Cebu, Mactan and Davao.

To end up, there are still wonderful places in Asia like Vietnam, Cambodia and India. But the places mentioned above can kick off your ultimate Asian tour.

Places to visit in Metro Manila, Philippines

Metropolitan Manila Sights & Sounds

The Manila City Clock Tower fascinates the viewer because of its lack of symmetry and regularity. Imposing and distinctive, it marks the point of connection. At night, it shines vibrantly as if to make known Manila is the heart of the Metropolis.

Manila has since expanded to become the core of the Philippines‘ largest metropolis. The city is now part of Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, which is a bustling metropolis of four cities and thirteen municipalities.

Metro Manila is popular for its charming sights and astounding golden sunset views from the shores of enchanting Manila Bay. Because of its strategic location, this modern and teeming metropolis is the take-off point for further travel to other parts of the country the Gateway to the Philippines.

Pause for a second and you will feel the richness of the culture emanating from all directions. Carry on, and you become part of the ebb and flow.

At the turn of the 20th century, the great American city planner, Architect Daniel Burnham, noted, “the old walled city of Intramuros at the mouth of the “Pasig River is one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere in the world.” Intramuros is a legacy of the 17th-century Spanish Occupation. At the center of the Old Walled City is the grand Manila Cathedral, well known for its detailed stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rose windows. The present Romanesque edifice rises majestically over the remains of five predecessors, the first of which was in 1581.

Not too far, is the old San Agustin Church with notable baroque touches, and 1875th trompe-l’oeil ceiling paintings. The church courtyard is grace by several granite sculptures of lions, which were gifts from Chinese converts to Catholicism. Next to the church are the restored botanical gardens of Fr. Jose Blanco, now a favorite place for wedding receptions.

Guarding the vital entrance to the Pasig River is “Fort Santiago,

Arriving In The U.S.A.

As the tired Josefa and her two children usher their way from the U.S. Customs area to the revolving door, a bright flash catches their attention…on the other side of the glass door is Richard, waving and taking pictures of them. Richard is Josefa’s U.S. Citizen fiancé of two years. Josefa is a Filipino and so are her two children from a previous marriage. The two long years of waiting have finally paid off. Josefa regains her strength from the tiring trip upon seeing Richard. “What a sight!” sighs Josefa. “I’m finally home!” Tears ran down her cheeks as she rushes into his welcoming arms. She misses him so much.

This is one of the many joyful and emotional scenes happening at the airport everyday. Family and loved ones are reunited. It is a moment of rejoicing…a moment of expressing and sharing one’s happy thoughts and feelings…a moment of displaying affection…a moment of thanking the Lord for the blessing.

Josefa and Richard want to make a life together. They both know that communication and the art of listening are very important ingredients for a sustainable relationship. This goes without saying that love, trust, honesty and respect are the solid foundation of a lasting relationship.

Josefa shares with Richard the ARRIVAL/SETTLEMENT CHECKLIST that she and daughters received from their Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar/Guidance and Counseling Program at the Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), Manila Philippines. This is a generic checklist for U.S. migrants:

1.Keep your identification documents (such as your passport, permanent residence/alien registration card, social security card, health card, health record, credit/ATM card, bank book(s), birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.) in a secure place.

2.Keep a list of emergency numbers in your area.

3.Avail of free language courses, skills training, job-search workshops, post-arrival seminars and other programs offered to newly-settled migrants

4.Inquire on the policies and services of important local government offices (such as city halls, immigration police/offices, tax authority agencies, social security administration offices, migrant resource centers, etc).

5.Be aware of your rights and responsibilities in your host country.

6.Learn to use public communication facilities and transportation systems in your area.

7.Learn new skills such as driving or using the computer. Continuously practice and improve your language skills.

8.Involve yourself in community activities.

Richard helps Josefa and her daughters with the items in the checklist that are applicable to them. Five days after Josefa’s arrival from the Philippines to the U.S., Richard marries her. It is a simple but momentous wedding for them. The two girls are now in school.

Josefa gets her Permanent Resident card a few months after her wedding. She can now work. She reviews the TIPS FOR JOB HUNTERS that the CFO gave her:

1.Seek the assistance of government agencies which provide job-assistance. Check out the classified ads of local newspapers, internet, and personal networks for job openings in your locality.

2.Prepare the following documents when applying for a job:

Passport

Proof of residency

Social Security Number

Application letter & resume

Professional license (if applicable)

Proof of proficiency in the country’s official language

Other proof of qualifications

Josefa picks up her folder…gets out of the car… and walks to the building for her first job interview.

How to organize your household

DEATH BY PAPERWORK. I confess. I’m somewhat of a packrat. Ok, if you ask my family, they will tell you I’m a full-blown packrat but that’s not really true. I admit, I do have a problem with papers! I am really bad about saving articles and magazines and don’t get me started on books! And anyone that knows me will confirm I’m involved in way too many things!

But really, the problem isn’t the fact that we save things. The problem is finding it again later, right? I try my best to make sense of my mess. I try to keep the bills in one place, the school papers for each of my kids in another, and now that we have college bills (piles and piles of college bills), I need an entire file cabinet for the Sallie Mae paperwork!

The fact that I have any number of creative projects churning in my brain at any given time doesn’t help as I continually jot down little notes to myself and lists of things I hope to accomplish today, tomorrow, next weeksomeday. I know, I knowSometimes I am my own worst enemy!

I also go to school at night and have piles of my own books and homework lying around. And then there’s all the paperwork that comes with my volunteer work and cards and keepsakes from my friends or family trips that I hope to get into scrap books someday. Bills, coupons, homework, school notices, college loan information.It’s endless!

I’ve tried file folders, boxes, manila envelopes, binders, baskets, you name it, but I just can’t ever seem to get that paper monster under control! Occasionally I tackle the piles and weed out some of the non-essentials, recycling expired coupons and clippings I never got around to addressing but it never really eliminates the piles.

So what can we do to get all these papers in some sort of order? I have found a few tips that worked for me. The key, of course is to force ourselves to learn new habits to stay organized once we’ve organized our stuff.

One of the things that I found helpful was to put all of the kids’ school papers, copies of medical forms, copies of doctor’s notes, and any other pertinent information into a binder with dividers between kids. Depending on the number of kids you have, you may even want to have a different binder for each child.

I find this technique works especially well for sports schedules, team lists, and anything else related to extracurricular activities. Another important tip: Never get rid of old phone lists! If you’re really organized, create a master list of phone numbers and/or email

Economic and political crises: How they can change the world

Missing key witness in ZTE scandal surfaced

Another key witness in the anomalous ZTE broadband deal between the Philippines and China, surfaced early dawn today at a catholic school in San Juan, Green Hills, Metro Manila, after he was allegedly abducted more than 20 hours ago by unknown individuals as he disembarked from a Cathay Pacific Airways at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Philippines.

Rodolfo Lozado, a technical adviser to the multi-million dollar ZTE scandal and president of the Philippine Forest Development Council, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), told media during a press conference held inside the La Salle Catholic School in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila that he was fetched by plainclothes men who introduced themselves as coming from the police security protection unit of the Philippine National Police.

Reports said Lozada was whisked away without passing through the customs and immigration personnel who normally inspect each arriving passenger from abroad so that the arrival time can be stamped on his valid passport.

Consequently, the family members and other relatives who were waiting for him at the arrival area got a surprise of their lives when Lozada was nowhere to be found. They only learned later from airport witnesses who said that some plainclothes personnel escorted him out at the exit door and spirited away.

In a press conference attended by catholic priests, bishops and nuns from the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines, Lozada admitted that during the alleged kidnapping he was made to sign an affidavit without exactly knowing what was its content. He suspected that the affidavit will be used against him should he pushes through with his intention to testify at the Senate hearing spearheaded by the Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano.

In the same conference, Lozada invoked his earlier testimonies that former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos, who resigned after the Joey de Venecia, the son of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, implicated Abalos as the mastermind behind ZTE broadband scandal.

Lozada said that during a meeting at the Shangrila Hotel in Mandaluyong, he overheard Abalos convincing First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, who was in the same meeting, to convince President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to work out a deal that would make the ZTE broadband deal as part of the loan by the Philippine government

Travel destinations: The Philippines – Part 10

The Philippine Islands are among the most beautiful in the world. When I was there last, it wasn’t so beautiful. It was devastated by war. I was a crewman on a Navy troop ship, and we put 2,800 Army guys ashore on Leyte in October 1944, the beginning of the retaking of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

For the next year and for several months after WWII ended, I travelled throughout the islands, including Leyte, Samar, Mindoro, Mindinao and Luzon. I loved the friendly people, who never wavered in their loyalty to the US and suffered horribly for it at the hands of the brutal Japanese occupiers.

Those who remember the history of WWII, may not know about that when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941, there were equally sneaky and damaging attacks on the Philippines. And, then as the unprepared US and Filipino forces were pushed back by overwhelming Japanese invaders, all the news was bad. Bataan fell. Corregidor fell. And the infamous Bataan Death March happened. I was proud and lucky enough to be with the forces in 1944 and 1945 that lived up to General MacArthur’s promise, “I shall return”.

Since then, our once bloody enemy, Japan, has been washed clean of all guilt for its atrocities against American and Filipino soldiers and civilians. Today, Japanese schools don’t even cover that black truth about their history. But my puzzlement and anger isn’t only against the Japanese now, although it certainly should be. Part of it is against those who have ruled and did business in the Philippines since its freedom as a nation was won in 1946.

I can’t understand why Japan was rebuilt and refinanced by the US after WWII, while the Philippines was virtually ignored. As a result, Japan today is one of the most prosperous nations in the world, and one of the favorite tourist destination for Americans, including children and grandchildren of US soldiers who died of neglect and abuse on the Bataan Death March and in POW camps throughout the war.

Also, for two generations, China has been our implacable enemy, and is still an anti-democratic Communist state. Over the last half of the 20th Century, China has helped with finances, weapons and troops to kill 100,000 GIs in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Ironically, China is becoming as much of a major tourist attraction for Americans as Japan.

Why was the Philippines left in the backwater as a poor nation that is barely above the third-world status? Much of the blame is that the nation was for too long ruled by crooked politicians, such as Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, as well as ignored by small-thinking business people in both the US and the Philippines. But if Japan and China can put their terrible pasts behind them, why not give the same opportunities to a people who have always been America’s friend and ally?

Of course, I recommend Americans to visit the Philippines. But I also wish that both US and Filipino politicians and financiers can finally realize that this wonderful, sunny land with its wonderful, sunny people not only deserve modernization and support, but can make it hugely profitable to all concerned.

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