AN OPEN LETTER TO MANONG...

At our last Chapter Meeting we read your report about your activities as a Regional Commander (your letter dated October 16, 2006) and we were rather surprised at the any important things you have done for our Order in the past months.

This, however, cannot overcome the doubts that we in our Chapter (and in other European Chapters) have concerning your qualifications as a worthy Regional Commander, an appointment which, by the way, totally disregarded the recommendations of several European Chapters (Meeting in Schönau, April 2006). You very well know that there are a number of accusations and allegations against you, which have been uttered by committed, honest, worthy and honourable Knights and Rizalists who have no personal or selfish ambition.

The most serious ones are, firstly, your involvement in the “Filipino Muna” initiative, which we cannot regard as compatible with your “primary goal (…) to unite the European Knights and renew strong brotherhood”, as written in your letter mentioned above.

Under your predecessors as Regional Commanders there was never a distinction between Filipinos and Europeans as human beings and as Knights of Rizal, but you are the first Regional Commander in Europe to distinguish between the two, as you talk of “Filipino-European Knights” (letter dated 16-10-06). I have never heard of any “Filipino-American” or “Filipino-Canadian” Knights, i.e. Filipino and Non-Filipino Knights. They are all Knights of Rizal. So why do you distinguish and split the unity among Knights in Europe?

Considering this and your remarks concerning racial discrimination at the Freiburg Meeting a few years ago your statement “to unite the European Knights” seems rather doubtful, if not ridiculous. Your behaviour is open polarization instead of unification and extremely anti-Rizalian. None, at least in our Chapter and other Chapters in Europe we know of, has ever made such a distinction between Filipinos and Non-Filipinos as you do.

Secondly, your involvement in the editing of “Born to be a Hero” and “Huling Paalam ni Dr Jose Rizal” by Lino Paras, which smells very much like plagiarism.

And, thirdly, your long and overwhelming list of references, titles, positions, achievements and activities that you published some time ago, which we can hardly take for serious, but as a sign of ambition, which has nothing to do with José Rizal.

Finally, we deeply regret that information is passed very slowly, at very short notice or not at all, as e.g. in the case of the European Convention in Paris last autumn or of your trip to Litomerice.

Your remarks on the allegations and accusations that people tamper with your e-mails etc. for us do not sound convincing as an explanation or excuse, and your statement that you want to take legal action against those people does not seem helpful in this crisis of credibility.

If you really want “to unite the European Knights and renew strong brotherhood” and if your exclusive ambition is for the cause of Rizal and not for yourself, you should openly explain your position to all the accusations mentioned above and mentioned in various e-mails that you know very well about.

We are sure that you are very well aware that not all European Knights “hail(ed) the Regional Commander unanimously” (your letter dated Oct 16), and therefore such a refutation of all the charges against you is the precondition for a good, honest and fruitful cooperation between all Knights of Rizal in Europe (not just a few!) and their Regional Commander.

Great but empty words without any practical consequences do not help in any way, on the contrary.

José Rizal did not talk so much in great words and he was not keen on positions and titles, but he practised his ideas.

We therefore request you to answer our letter in a satisfactory and convincing way by February 4, 2007, either in a letter or perhaps at a meeting in Bonn (which is most central and therefore most convenient for all European Knights, and a meeting could well be organized by Sir ...), where many Knights could be present, because this is not just a problem for us. Thus you would comply with your words that it is your “nature to work more rather than talking too much”.

With Rizalian greetings and Non Omnis Moriar

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD!

Mr. Galecio,

I beg to disagree!

I would be proud if the Filipino achieved his high rank thru merit, hard,
honest work!!!...not thru deception or some dark machinations with the help
of a padrino or manipulator!! Patriotism and Unity has nothing to do with
supporting a fake and usurper of power! I'm a proud Filipino because I
worked hard to keep a good name, w/o having to cheat nor manipulate my
background!

'Tandaan po, takpan at balutin man daw ng ginto ang tae, mabaho at tae pa
rin, bagama't nakabalot sa ginto!' On the other hand, a jewel will shine,
even if you cover it with trash or dirt!

Rizal P. Victoria
Heidelberg, Germany

"Walang manloloko, kung walang paloloko!" - Gat Jose Rizal

WE SHOULD BE PROUD TO HAVE ONE FILIPINO WHO IS ALWAYS IN THE HIGHEST RANK. Hindi po ako “proud” kung ang high-ranking Pilipino ay hindi karapatdapat sa kanyang puwesto, di ba? Ibig ba ninyong sabihin ay kahit magnanakaw o corrupt itong Pilipinong ito ay hindi bale – basta mataas ang kanyang lingkod… hindi yata tama ito, di ba?

PLEASE SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER TO HAVE A GOOD UNITY AS THE SPIRIT OF RIZALISTS PEOPLE LIKE YOU. Kaya nga po we are supporting each other to protest against the appointment of incompetent, glory-seeking persons, eh! Paano ba magkakaroon ng Unity kung ang inaasahang puno ay siya na mismo ang gumagawa ng mga hakbang para lalong magkakahiwalay ang mga Rizalista?

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WISH YOU ALL GOOD LUCK AND PEACE TO EVERYBODY WHO ARE IN THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL CHAPTER IN EUROPE. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL AND BLESS YOU ALL. Salamat naman po! Sana po ay maliwanagan po ninyo na hindi lahat ng Pilipino ay bulag at parang tutang sunod-sunurin kahit ang “amo” ay hindi karapat-dapat.

WE PRAY HARD FOR YOUR GOOD UNITY WITH PROFESSIONALISM TO EACH OTHER. Sana po ay susundin ng nakatataas ang inyong payo na maging professional siya, na mawala ang kanyang racism at maging leader ng lahat, hindi lang ang “Pilipino muna”; na sagutin niya ang mga tanong at paratang sa kanya; taas noo na haharap siya sa lahat. He must convene a meeting of all European knights and unify them (if he can).

WE TRUST TO THE PEOPLE AND A GOOD LEADER OF THE GROUP LIKE THIS GROUP TO HAVE A GOOD RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING AND PATRIOTISM. THANK YOU. Remember this - respect is earned! Understanding requires good communication skills, the trait to be honest and straight forward, to be transparent and not be sneaky; and in the obtaining globalization – less of the patriotism that only fosters disunity and racism. Rizalism should now be a universal ISM.

MANILA L(R)OBS YOU - FOREIGN PIGGY BANKS

Why do our brothers res. the Supreme Council on the Philippines love us so much and urgently invites us to participate in the 16. International Assembly ?

We are their piggy banks, which once again shall be robbed !

Local delegates: 1.000,00 Pesos
Foreign delegates: 200,00 USD = 9.800,10 Pesos

We should be really thankfull: Not only that we have to pay much for the flight and the hotel in Manila (acc. to HRAP Directory of Members - METRO MANILA HOTELS - as of November 05, 2005 - the manager of the proposed Manila Hotel is a certain Mr. Joey Lina, former Supreme Commander and member of the council of elders !), no, our Supreme Council values us ten times more than the Philippine brothers. Such esteem seldom is found.

Funny enough is, that all of a sudden all dates have vanished on the papers sent by Paras. Should it have caught somebodies eye in Manila, that the invitations have been sent too late once again, at least for most of the brothers. Well, at least the eestem from Manila will not be so expensive for them.

Peter Eisele

EVEN HEAVEN CRIES (KARAOKE)

MADALING ARAW

SING ALONG - ANAK DALITA

WELCOME TO BRUSSELS!

Click on the image, turn on the volume and admire the sights and beauty of Brussels

GOD SAVE THE PHILIPPINES!

THE ONLY HOPE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
by Father James Reuter, S.J.

By her own admission, GMA rightfully assessed that "over the last decades, our republic has become one of the weakest, steadily left behind by its more progressive neighbors." Forty years ago, we were only second to Japan in economic stature, and way ahead of Singapore, Hongkong, Malaysia, and Thailand. Today, at our present growth rate, it will take us 30 years to get to where Thailand is today.

1. A population of 160 Million;

2. Of those, 70 to 90 million (equivalent to our current population) will live below the poverty line;

3. Our national debt is estimated to be at US$200B (compared to US$28B when Marcos fled, and US$ 53B today);

4. We will be competing, not against Thailand or even Vietnam, but against Bangladesh;

5. We will be the most corrupt nation in Asia, if not in the world (we're already ranked 11th most corrupt nation by Transparency International).

The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversible path of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack of effort. We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out of government, NGOs, church groups & people's organization devote themselves to the task of nation-building, often times against insurmountable odds. But not even two people's revolutions, bloodless as they may be, have made a dent in reversing this trend. At best, we have moved one step forward, but three steps backward.

We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as a people, can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to the spiritual realm. It's time to claim GOD's promise of healing of the land for His people.

It's time to gather GOD's people on its knees to pray for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. Is prayer really the answer? Before you dismiss this as just another rambling of a religious fanatic, I'd like you to consider some lessons we can glean from history. England's ascendancy to world power was preceded by the Reformation, a spiritual revival fueled by intense prayers. The early American settlers built the foundation that would make it the most powerful nation today - a strong faith in GOD and a disciplined prayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its major turning points, waves of revival and prayer movement swept across the land.

In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival and in the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today, led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho. No wonder it has emerged as a strong nation when other economies around it are faltering.

Even from a purely secular viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here there is genuine humbling & seeking of GOD through prayer, moral reformation necessarily follows. And this, in turn, will lead to general prosperity. YES, we believe prayer can make a difference. It's our only hope.

Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from all over the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only ask for 5 minutes of your time in a day, to fwd this email to your close friends and relatives.

This is the kind of unity which can make a big difference. Of course, if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer, you can be more involved by starting your own prayer group or prayer center.

We have tried people power twice; in both cases, it fell short. Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails.

Is there hope? YES! We can rely on GOD's promise, but we have to do our part. If we humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will heal our land. By GOD's grace, we may yet see a better future for our children. GOD bless and GOD save our country (from stupid and corrupt politicians)!

"If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."

(2 Chronicles 7:14).

TRIBULATIONS OF A FILIPINA MAID ABROAD

This is an animation based on one of Rex Navarrete's more famous comedy sketches about a typical Filipina maid abroad.

PHILIPPINES, LAND OF ENCHANTMENTS

Philippines, the Land of Enchantments

Click on the video, turn on the sound and discover the beauty of the Philippines!

SING ALONG WITH WOW PHILIPPINES!

Byahe Tayo-Various Philippine Artists

Click on the video and turn on the volume then sing along to your heart's content!

ANG BAYAN KO

Music by Constancio de Guzman

Lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus

Ang bayan kong hirang,

Pilipinas ang pangalan

Perlas ng silangan,

Sa taglay niyang kariktan

Ngunit sawimpalad,

Sa minimithing paglaya

Laging lulumuha Sa pagdaralita.

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas

Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pagibig ang sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda at dilag.

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa.

Ibong mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag

Ang di magnasang maka-alpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha ko at dalita

Aking adhika makita kang sakdal laya!

English Translation:

My Dear Country

By the Philippine Study Group of Minnesota

My dear country, Given the name of the Philippines,

Pearl of the Orient—sparkling in its beauty,

Yet unfortunate in its yearning for freedom,

Always swelling with tears of suffering.

My country, the Philippines:

Land of gold, garden of flowers

Endowed with love,

Gifted with beauty and radiance,
Intoxicated because of her beauty,

Foreign lands were drawn to her.

My dear country,

They came and conquered you

And you suffered in misery.

A bird that is free to fly

Put it in a cage and it cries.

What other country, so full of radiance

Would not want to be free?

Philippines, my beloved,

Nest of tears and suffering,

My wish for you

Is to set you totally free!

WHAT CRITERIA?

What criteria did Attorney base his choice on the appointment to the most sensitive and delicate post as area commander in the contentious person of Manong who pretended that his curriculum vitae has been tampered and exaggerated by a third party? Did he or did he not make any official investigation into this case when it was first brought to him before he made the appointment? Or did he just ignore it altogether in spite of clamors and contestations from the members against his decision in order to show his preference to him in exchange for special favors and recognition of gratitude or “utang na loob” for personal services rendered? (Please see the articles entitled “Too good to be true” and "Warning: don't ever be fooled or manipulated.")

Taking into consideration that if all of the entries under his educational background, professional experiences, language proficiency and references were heavily padded rather than over stated as he wanted to show it otherwise, what else were there left that could at least be worthwhile and acceptable for any scrupulous and serious evaluation that would make him qualify to such a highly responsible position which should require a person of an impeccable moral standing and principle who possesses a higher level or education or accomplishments as well as a brilliant professional career and experience plus an optional honorific title to boot in order to accede to such an enviable and respectable post of authority?

In betraying and desecrating the teachings and the true moral values to which Rizal had so bravely stood for that he sacrificed his own life for the sake of his country and people and for which the concept and framework of the organization was founded and set up, I strongly believe that Attorney has premeditatedly committed an ignominious misdemeanor in jeopardizing irremediably the name and honor of Rizal. I wonder how many officers and members under his command or sphere of influence were directly or indirectly implicated or involved in this abominable conspiracy to misappropriate and usurp their titles and positions in the performance of their duties within the organization solely for their own self-seeking motives in the pursuit of their personal ambitions at the expense of the hero to whom they have solemnly swore their allegiance of loyalty and respect.

I am so glad that I’m not a member because I wouldn’t like to be too bloody hypocrite to stay put and remain as if nothing has ever happened! Que barbaridad! On the contrary, if I were a knight I would immediately break rank in case irregularities and corruption would still persist, as my best alternative so that I could carry on and foster the untainted name of Rizal.

How could Attorney and his followers still show their faces at the forthcoming assembly in February when their heads are tucked inside their butts! (See the photo in the article entitled “Is this Attorney, Manong or their follower?” They should all be ashamed of themselves not only as Rizalists but also as Filipinos!

RIZAL, THE LIBERATOR OF THE PHILIPPINES

Rizal's execution further srtenghtened the resolve of the revolutionaries. They declared independence on June 12, 1898, in a document echoing phrases from the U.S. Declaration of Independence and established a republican form of government. The Philippines was the first colony in Asia to stage a national revolution, declare independence, form a republic and, thereby, send a discomforting message to the colonial powers in that vast area.

The republic, however, was short lived, because the United States of America, in fulfillment of its "Manifest Destiny", embarked upon its own colonial enterprise. While the new Philippine Republic was consolidating its governance of the entire country, Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. The American military then successfully subdued the islands in a bloody conflict kinown in American records as the "Philippine Insurrection", but called by Filipino historians the "Philippine-American War." Though the aim of independence was frustrated by the American intervention, the execution of Rizal ands its aftermath awakened the peoples of the rest of Asia to the essential fragility of colonial rule and to their own capacity to form themselves into modern nations. The message was not lost on Rizal's contemporaries, Gahndi (1869-1948) and Sun Yat-Sen (1866-1925), or on a much younger man, Nehru (1889-1964).

In recent decades, historians of Marxist orientation have characterized Rizal as a bourgeois thinker repudiating a proletarian revolution. They also attribute his apothesis as a national hero to the new American government, which preferred the non-violent Rizal over the revolutionary Bonifacio, as a model for the Filipinos. But Rizal, weho defies Marxist molds, has survived such iconoclastic efforts. The fact is that Bonifacio's rebel band of common people had idolized Rizal even before his death, using his name as a password in their secret meetings and as a rallying cry in battle.

In Rizal's writings, particularly the novels and the farewell ode to his country, "Ultimo adios,"written just before his death, Filipinos see themselves, their history, culture and ethos. A case in point is the "little revolution" of 1986 against Ferdinand Marcos, when tanks on the Epiphania de los Santos Avenue, a thoroughfare in Quezon City that runs between the military installations Camp Auginaldo and Camp Crame, were stopped by prayers, flowers and people power. Suddenly concrete meaning was given to Rizal's words: "I do not mean to say that our freedom must be won at the point of the sword.... But we must win our freedom by deserving it...by loving what is just, what is good, what is great to the point of dying for it. When a people reach these heights, God provides the weapon, and the idols and tyrants fall like a house of cards, and freedom shines with the first dawn."

Rizal's political thought is critical to the current peace process in Mindanao, as Filipino Muslim schloars point out. His search for the common past, for what Filipinos had been before Spain

What is particularly distinctive in Rizal's concept of the Filipino nation is its emphasis on education. While some nationalist movements in 19th-century Africa and Asia assigned primacy to the state, which was often viewed as a means to nationhood, Rizal considered the basis of nationhood not to be race, ethnic origin, religion or language, but a commonality that derives from education. The binding factor is the broadening of the mind.

That quest invariably links the Philippines to the rest of Asia, which today has the world's fastest growing economies and is moving, after five centuries of marginalization, to center stage in world affairs. What Asia needs for its "renaissance," stated Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in an international conference on Rizal held in Kuala Lampur, is the humanism of Asian thinkers like Rizal. Economic prosperity and political stability, Asia's twin obsessions, must be guided by those universal moral principals and human values, ancient and ever new----the dignity of the human person, equality, justice, human rights---for which Rizal gave his life. The pursuit of prosperity within the context of freedom and democracy, against the contrary advice of such sages as Lee Kuan Yew, the long time leader of Singapore, and the tempting examples of some neighboring countries, flows from Rizal's political philosophy. It may likewise be the unique contribution of the newly emerging Philippine economy to the growth and development of the Asia Pacific region.

SOURCE: America magazine (December 7, 1996) stopped the advance of Islam and set clear demarcation lines between Christianized inhabitants and Muslim communities, provides a historical perspective within which to search for a common ground between Muslims and Christians. The recent peace agreement with the once secessionist Moro National Liberation Front is, in fact, an effort to integrate the Muslim minority into the nation.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Laon Laan,

I do not know who you are and where you come from. Why do you hidde behund an alias? Are you afraid of something or someone? Do you have difficulties to back up your own arguments? Are you acting on someone elses behalf? You are not helping yourself and your brothers with the same intentions. You are only creating a bigger mess. What you are accusing others for is matched by your own level.

From your mails and your deep interest in the Order of the Knights of Rizal Assume, that you are an active member of this Brotherhood.

I have been reading some nasty mails in the last few weeks. And I am more and more concerned, about the level of these mails. These mails are not improving the situation of our organisation and are not helpful to solve the difficult situation. With you last mail from Saturday 6th, 2007 you have reached the lowest possible level. A level which nobody who is serious minded on the matters of our Organisation can tolerate. You have reached a level that prohibits any discussion with you.

Even if you are not content with persons and circumstances you should argue and not insult. We as Knights of Rizal regard ourselves as followers of José Rizal, a gentleman from appearance, behaviour and thinking. If you regard yourself as a follower of Rizal and a person who has vowed to follow the Orders of the Supreme Commander and work for the improvement of our Order, you have vowed to propagate the heritage of Dr. Jose Rizal by personal behaviour with the approach to your brother Knights and you have vowed to keep camaraderie with your brother Knights.

Especially in times when you are not content with decisions, actions and persons, these virtues are most important.

I can only recommend that you apologize to the community of Brother Knights for your last circular.

As you perhaps do not know me, I may inform you that I am by no way content with the situation here in Europe and that the appointments on regional and even area levels are by far not wise and we here on the spot must have the impression that these decisions are based on personal relations, false information, and perhaps even worse conditions.

But we have to live with these appointments, we have to accept them until they are expired or changed by the Supreme Commander and his council.

All efforts to get different appointments are until now not yet successful. For my opinion too, Manila needs much time for decision and is one of the culprits for the sad situation here in Europe. I have allowed myself also to send letters to Manila to inform them about the different urgent problems from my point of view. As communication from Manila to members and Chapters is poor, I waited for answers and comments and only got them indirectly through brother Knights who have visited Manila. Surely many things we are suffering from have their roots in the old fractions of the Brotherhood, which a couple of years before split the Organisation. But because of the structure of this Brotherhood changes need a lot of time. We as members of this organisation can feel neglected and even not well enough respected, but still we must keep up a minimum standard in our interactions and discussions.

Something else we have to understand: The appointees on Regional and area level are not our representatives, but the representatives of the Supreme Commander. If he wants persons who are not respected by many active Knights, it his choice and if many things can not be realised it is not the chapters or the members fault, but the Supreme Councils. They have to realise that only through cooperation something can be achieved.

A representative of Manila, who has to spend his time on arguing about his role and personal background, has not much chance to achieve something. He can start new things and perhaps acquire new members but will not solve the pending problems.

I want to remind all, that the discussion about the problem of our Order needs a meeting during which all these problems can be discussed and where everybody has to open his files and proof his allegations.

We have also to start to discuss something much more important: About the future of our Organisation. If someone is asking you, what are the knights of Rizal standing for, what is your answer? (Promulgate and emulgate and study? Create new Chapters? What are you propagating? A historic person ore something important for the present?

These are the important topics of our Order. What doe the Knights have in Common, what is their role in society. What is the scenario for the Knights in the future? How do we generate members, who are not only triggered by the provision of a title? How do we acquire younger members, who will inspire the Order with new visions and ideas?

Dear Sir Laon Laan, perhaps you can with your next circular mails contribute something more important then your bad mood about persons.

I wish you a nice and reflective Sunday.

Sir Peter P. Plueckebaum, KCR

Member of the Bonn Chapter, Germany

Dear Herr Pluckebaum,

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your email of January 7. Thank you for your kind attention and consideration.

First of all, I'd like you to know that I'm not in anyway connected, directly or indirectly, to the Order of the Knights of Rizal as well as I'm not acting on someone else's behalf. In fact as a civic minded Filipino, I'm acting on behalf of the interests of Rizal with no ulterior personal motives whatsoever.

May I correct you that what you must have read in the blogs aren't so nasty as what you think personally if you would just care to see the situation closely and understand to whom they were directed. I do believe on the foundation and the framework to which the KOR was founded and conceived. Yes you're absolutely right that I should follow the superiors but not to the extent of desecrating and defiling the name and memory of Rizal together with his works and teachings only for their greed and self-serving motives for fame and power in the sole and final pursuit of their personal ambitions of inflating their ego for self-aggrandizement under the very nose and at the expense of Rizal!

For the likes of any Filipinos who are pathologically corrupt officials and are taking advantage of their title and authority in a highly honorable and respected organization like KOR just to wield their powers in order to manipulate and alienate those under them as well as their own countrymen should be stripped off of their official functions and be kicked out from the organization for good from their unscrupulous and unchilvalrous behaviors and misdemeanors of capitalizing on the most ignominious and counter-productive practice of "utang na loob" among them regardless of their personal and professional backgrounds. Why wait for their terms to expire? Why don't do it now and revamp the organization completely according to Rizal's ideals and teachings? I wish you would still be around by then!

I wonder if you have read thoroughly and digested the contents of "Who are they in power for" featured in La Solidaridad? If not, please read it again. Are these what you would ever expect from your area commanders? These are Filipinos of domestic origin with lower educational and professional backgrounds who lack tact and diplomacy in leadership than most of you. Among Filipinos of their level, they would like to get a kick out of being perverse just to show off their power over their Filipino colleages in a"pissing contest" on how they could order around the European knights under them! What a pat in their shoulders to have thumbed down an important burgermeister to insuate that he's afflicted with Alzheimer and doesn't perform his duties properly and at the same time criticized the embassy for placing an incompetent diplomat! Who the f--king hell are they? Please excuse my language! On the other hand, I remember how the Filipino area commander once stood up from a meeting when confronted to negotiate on a major issue but blurted out arrogantly that he had already made his decision and walked out in the middle of the session!

Contrary to what Rizal had stood and died for to win justice for his countrymen and the world at large, are these the kind of people you, yourself, would like to serve and deal with? Good for you, if you're such a masochist who would like to lick their butts while they're holding on your balls! I'm sorry this is not a very personal remark to you, but rather against them. For your information, I wasn't in a bad mood when I posted the picture. But wait ‘til you get me in my worst mood because you haven't heard my last word yet!

Herr Pluckebaum, the picture that you saw in the blog is nothing compared to the scandal that those people had caused irremediably to the organization and the shame that they have inflicted to the nation and the whole Filipino race! What had Rizal ever done to expect this but not as an "utang na loob" in return for just a simple respect from his own countrymen! I am very embarrassed to be called a Filipino among them! Fortunately, I have a European citizenship for which I'm very proud of! And you?

Well, if you think that I would ever discuss or negotiate with them even if I were a knight, I'd rather leave the organization with my honor and personal conviction on Rizal still intact and untainted from their madness and “folie de grandeur”! Perhaps, you should consider it as your best alternative, in the end!

If ever they were the ones who asked you to write me and intervene on their behalf because they don't have the balls to confront their own fellowmen without their usual pretext or subterfuge of "racial discrimination" then you should be too fool or stupid to be "used" and practically taken for a ride. Even though they have already betrayed the concept of the organization, please believe and trust Rizal instead!

Please don't try to discover or know who I am. As Laon Laan which means "long have I yearned to serve," Rizal had penned this name so that he could communicate freely with his countrymen to save them from tyranny, oppression and injustice against the colonizers. But whatever I'm doing now is to uphold his name and memory and to carry on and foster his works and legacy!

Yours most sincerely,

Laon Laan

IS THIS ATTORNEY, MANONG OR THEIR FOLLOWER?

HAD RIZAL FORSEEN THAT THIS KIND OF FILIPINOS COULD EVER RUN HIS ORGANIZATION AND COUNTRY A CENTURY HENCE AND BEYOND?

TRUER THAN MANONG'S CV

This is an actual job application that a 17-year-old boy submitted at a McDonald restaurant in Florida, and they hired him because he was so honest and funny!

NAME: Greg Bulmash

SEX: Not yet. Still waiting for the right person.

DESIRED POSITION: Company’s President or Vice President. But seriously, whatever’s available. If I was in a position to be picky, I wouldn’t be applying here in the first place.

DESIRED SALARY: $185,000 a year plus stock options and a Michael Ovitz style severance package. If that’s not possible, make an offer and we can haggle.

EDUCATION: Yes.

LAST POSITION HELD: Target for middle management hostility.

SALARY: Less than I’m worth.

MOST NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT: My incredible collection of stolen pens and post-it notes.

REASON FOR LEAVING: It sucked.

AVAILABLE TO WORK: Of course! That’s what I’m applying.

PREFERRED HOURS: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL SKILLS?: Yes, but they’re better suited to a more intimate environment.

MAY WE CONTACT YOUR CURRENT EMPLOYER?: If I had one, would I be here?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT YOU FROM LIFTING UP TO 50 LBS?: Of what?

DO YOU HAVE A CAR?: I think the more appropriate question here would be “Do you have a car that runs?”

HAVE YOU RECEIVED ANY SPECIAL AWARDS OR RECOGNITION?: I may already be a winner of the Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes.

DO YOU SMOKE?: On the job, no; on my breaks, yes.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE DOING IN FIVE YEARS?: Living in the Bahamas with a fabulously wealthy dumb sexy blonde super model who thinks I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread. Actually, I’d like to be doing that now.

DO YOU CERTIFY THAT THE ABOVE IS TRUE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE?: Yes. Absolutely.

SIGN HERE: Aries.

WHO MANIPULATES WHO?

By Rudy Noble, Associated Philippine Press - Manila, 5 January 2007

According to Wikipedia, the word manipulation has a number of different meanings, among which are:

• To treat or operate with the hands in a skillful manner.
• To adjust an object by hand (from Latin manus: hand)
• To control or operate upon (a person or group) by unfair means to one's own advantage.

In a psychological context, manipulation means to influence a person or a group of people in such a way that the manipulator tries to get what he or she wants or makes a person believe something in a calculating, indirect and somewhat dishonest way. Like indoctrination, it is a form of psychological abuse.

For example, a manipulator will

• use arguments that the manipulator does not believe in himself
• use of false reasoning as with fallacies and paralogisms
• withhold or distort relevant information,
• provide false information (disinformation)
• "play" on the emotions (fear, hope, love...) of the person.
• physically move the person, like a puppet

In the contested subject of “utang na loob” between Quiambao and Paras for the former’s major role in the latter’s elevation to power within the organization and his incapacity to revert to and annul his appointment, many are wondering who is then manipulating who or pulling the string in this unscrupulous and un-chivalrous “coup de grace.”

How could one ever explain such a highly intelligent and well-educated man with a successful career in law could easily be manipulated by Paras who is practically too mediocre and below his social status to become only his footman? He could even order him to lick his boots or his butt, but it looks like it’s the other way around! Is he spineless or ball-less that he could not stand on his own feet and stop this madness but bear the brunt for his stupidity and incompetence into this scandalous affair once and for all?

Everyone will come to realize in the end that the only victim here is not him nor Paras, but Rizal, whose memory and legacy have been categorically desecrated by their folly for greed, power, tyranny and oppression!

The above definition and examples given by Wikipedia fit well into the persona of Paras. It is he who is practically running the show as he pulls the strings on each one of those involved directly and indirectly for his usual argument and pretext on the ground of “racial discrimination” that he based from the controversial Simpson case once he is intimidated and attacked by his critics in connection with his contentious personal background and professional qualifications as well as his capabilities as a commander.

In conclusion, how could he ever manipulate or alienate easily the authorities and high officials in the HQ, the Embassy, his followers and supporters in the different communities in Europe to show how they could be so stupid and brainless that they believe he is uniting and leading them for a common goal of a better Philippines when his allegiance is to Belgium while he is savoring his personal glory and the realization of his most-cherished dream to become a Supreme Commander at their own expense not knowing that he is surely laughing out loud behind their backs for their undivided loyalty in maintaining him in power!

Those who try to manipulate and corrupt are the shame of the whole Filipino nation and people by distorting and defiling the true ideals and moral values of Rizal for their wilfull intention of misappropriating and deviating their true meanings for their self-serving ambitions just to inflate their own personal ego and pockets in the pursuit of their self-interest and self-aggrandizement, at the expense of others!

Down with the manipulators! LONG LIVE RIZAL! May he rest in peace. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas at ang buong bayan!

ERGO: BY DEFAULT, PARAS ADMITTED HIS GUILT!

He

1. denounced a Kabayan to the Belgian MFA!, (leaders give comfort,
help...denouncing someone this way is very wrong!)

2. padded his qualifications/educational attainment/KOR achievements saying
he was programmer of a Brussels bank, he studied in some notable Philippine
as well as Belgian universities, he organized fund-raising events like the
P2Million he claimed to have donated, though in truth and reality Sir
Francois Ooms and his chapter members did all the work!, cheated his way to
the post of European Commander to the detriment of far better, more
qualified, hard-working European KOR officials nominated in a European KOR
meeting held in Schonau, Germany!

3. claimed as a Filipino to have been discriminated against by European
brothers in the KOR, right in the presence of a very illustrious brother
knight, Sir Dr. Fritz Hack, who holds the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Maginoo
(same as his brother, Sir Hans Hack). Sir Fritz protested on the spot he
can't accept such false, divisive pronouncements!

With due respect to our highly-esteemed Supreme Commander, Sir Hilario
Davide Jr, from whose hands designated Paras as European Commander, please
allow me to question the said appointment as the end result is highly
improper! To say it bluntly: Sir Hilario is OK. But Paras as my European
Commander is unacceptable!

1. Was Sir Hilario hoodwinked by someone at the Manila HQ?
2. ...by someone in the Council of Elders?

A thorough legal luminary like Sir Hilario can also be "convinced" to sign
such appointment as Paras' by virtue of the "Filipino Muna" claim, if not
other things! And since I question Paras' appointment, because of the
padded qualifications and even the submission of a plagiarized literary work
titled "Born to be a Hero", he deserves no respect from me! Not from
anyone. I cannot insult myself!

The seasoned warrior Sir Lancelot, the courageous Sir Gawain, the
indomitable Sir Percival and the pure-of-heart Sir Galahad, the very best of
the legendary Arthurian Round Table, maybe are all gone. Be not afraid,
there are still knights in the KOR who continue searching for the truth, who
keep serving the true Rizalian ideas and ideals even today. They are in
Canada, in the Philippines, in the US, in the Middle East, in Australia, and
in Europe too!

So those who support Paras, may they be ashamed of themselves, pushing the
wrong person to lead Europe, where knighthood and chivalry has its roots!
Mr Mushake is one. And he even led me to take my oath to "fight injustice"
back in 1996! He did quite a lot for the KOR. But his continued support of
Paras will diminish, not increase my respect for his stature! And Mr
Quiambao in the Manila HQ? It appears there's truth to him being the
"padrino" of Paras in Manila! His son reportedly lived in Belgium under the
care of Paras. Must one stoop so low, just to give titles, to promote
someone, to look good with those heavey piece of metal hanging by our neck?
Even Mr Esguerra's name is mentioned! There can be fire, where there's
smoke!

Those who were abused by Paras & Co, please come out into the open. This is
your day! Speak the truth! Say something! The TRUTH will set you free!
An injustice has been done the moment Paras was appointed European
Commander! We should not rest till we correct this injustice!

To think that the KOR itself, its Constitution and By-Laws, badly need
reforms!!!

Sir Jun Zerrudo of KRRM, Scarborough, Canada, aptly penned his editorial
"Rizal's Martyrdom, Reforms And The New Year" when he called on all KOR
(also non-members I assume) knights and ladies, for REFORMS!

For a Democratic Order
For the Good of the Order
For Pride in the Order

v/r,
Rizal P. Victoria
Heidelberg, Germany

"No tyrants where there are no slaves!" - Dr Jose Protacio Rizal

BEST WISHES FOR 2007!

Here's wishing everybody a Happy and Healthy New Year!

IS IT JUST ONLY « UTANG NA LOOB » OR SOMETHING ELSE OTHERWISE?

By Rudy Noble, Philippine Associated Press - Costa del Sol, 1 January 2007

What’s exactly the very personal reason why Attorney has been playing deaf ear to the clamors of the knights and the members of the Filipino communities in Europe on the contested appointment of Manong in spite of being aware of his true personality and his seemingly abject incompetence in carrying out effectively his official functions on a highly professional conscience as the area commander?

Is it because that he is too ashame to accept his mistake for having placed a virtual ignoramus in power who practically knows so little about Rizal as well as his lack of tact and diplomacy in leadership? Or is it a recognition of a debt in the form of an “utang na loob” for a personal service rendered? Or could it be something of a more “delicate” favor, otherwise? Perhaps, he is so afraid that his integrity could likely be jeopardized if Manong would spill the beans that he would rather sacrifice his self-pride and esteem of putting himself farther below that of Manong's level than to compromise his name of stripping him of his newly-earned title and power!

Up to the present, it’s unusually surprising that many tongues from the grapevine and within the inner circle of Manong have still been wagging ever since concerning his first child who was born prematurely. Even Father Solomon, his spiritual counselor and most intimate friend, couldn’t manage to reconcile the entries in the records with regards to the discrepancy between the date of Manong’s marriage and that of his daughter’s birth. According to him, the theory of a virgin birth could be possible only once in the history of mankind, but never twice regardless of the modern breakthrough of the in-vitro and artificial insemination techniques. Don't ever forget to include also cloning on top of this!

In conclusion, could this just be a sheer coincidence that Manong’s second wife was Attorney’s private secretary in Manila? Or, could this be a fact? or a fiction?

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE...

PETITION

To: SIR ROGELIO QUIAMBAO

Supreme Commander

Order of the Knights of Rizal, Manila

From: El Filibusterismo Council and Filipino Community

Brussels, Belgium

Official Address:

Avenue de l’Hippodrome, 116

1050 Brussels, Belgium

March 5, 2001

The undersigned, hereby respectfully petition the Supreme Council, Order of the Knights of Rizal to:

Confer the Rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR) on Sir Lino Para. KCR, Area Commander for Belgium & Spain.

Sir Lino Paras, has proven in his capacity, his unselfish services, sincerity, love of people and love of country.

He arrived in Belgium in 1965, sponsored by a rich Baron, living in the Castle of Kortrijk, Belgium.

He was known as the GOD FATHER (ninong) to the Filipinos in Brussels, rendered services for Filipinos in difficulties, since the early year of 1968.

He sponsored the tour of Baranggay Folk Dance Troupe in 1971, provides them the necessary accommodation and donated USD: 1,000.00 (One Thousand USDollars).

The Baranggay Dance Troupe was headed by Congressman Rogue Ablan of Ilocos.

He also sponsored the Philippine Dance Troupe in 1991, (fund-raising tour for Pinatubo) and donated USD:1,500.00.00 (One thousand five dollars).

The Philippine Folk Dance Troupe was headed by Dr. Paz Cielo A. Belmonte (Founder).

He spearheaded a fund-raising program for the Pinatubo victims and donated the amount of 37,000.00 Bfr (equivalent to USD:1,000.00).

The money was handed and transferred by Ambassador Roberto Romulo.

He organized several times promotional tourism tour mission and business mission to the Philppines.

He coordinated the collections of dry goods, second hand clothes, children toys, medical equipment and medicine, for the payatas victims, worth PhP.2,000,000.00 (two million pesos) and shouldered the transportation expenses of one container.

We, the undersigned would like to request to the Supreme Commander to conferred on Sir Lino Paras, with the rank Grand Officer of Rizal and be exalted in Orlando,U.S.A at the 12^th Annual Interntional Assembly on April 6,7,8.

In looking forward to receiving your positive response, please accept our warmest regards.

Fraternally yours in Rizal,

Sir Rudy Nollas, Council, El Filibusterismo Special Assistant for the Area Commander, Belgium & Spain

Sir Jaak Coleman, Council, El Filibusterismo, Brussels, Belgium

Sir Raul Penaredondo, Council, El Filbusterismo, Brussels, Belgium

Rev. Father Apolo de Guzman, Official Chaplain, Filipino Community, Brussels, Belgium

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

Name Felino Wy PARAS

Date: March 15,1944

Place of birth: Cabiao, Nueva Ecija

Civil Status: Widow, Elsa Castor, Negros Occidental (deceased)

Sons: Fernando, Accountant, Securities Company, Belgium

Alberto, Journalist, Wall Street Journal, Belgium

Father: Indolencia Paras (deceased)

Mother: Escolastica Wy

Children: Jose, Perfecto, Alipio, Zoilo, Leonardo, Corazon,

Felino, Angelina, Godofredo and Juanito.

PRESENT ADDRESS:

Boulevard Lepold 111, 8 b.6 - 1030 Brussels, Belgium

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

1957 – 60 Arellano High School, Pasay City

1961 – 62 BSE., University of Santo Tomas (UST) Manila

1966 – 67 Athenee Royal, Ecole Superieur de Bruxelles, Belgique

1968 – 69 B.A. University Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels

LANGUAGES :

English

French

Dutch

Passive knowledge of Spanish

Passive knowledge of Italian

Filipino : Tagalog, Visayas, Pampangueno, Ilocano and Cebuano.

JOB EXPERIENCES:

1963 – 65 Belgian Embassy, Consular Section, Manila, Philippines

1969 – 78 Private Secretary and Chief Personnel of Baron Van Caloen de Basseghem

(Belgian Minister) Castle of Kortrijk, Belgium

1979 – 89 Marketing Manager, PPV. Lighting S.A., 34 Avenue Jeanne, 1050 Brussels

(Lamps special for television studio, photos and discos)

1980 – 87 Programmer, Banque Bruxelles-Lambert S.A. 19 Avenue Marnix,

1050 Bruxelles

COMPANY :

1988 – 93 Sales Manager, Philippine Airlines

1990 – 01 General Manager, Fibel trading International LTD

1994 – 98 General Manager & owner, PhilAir Travel International bvba

1995 – 01 Consultant, Go For It Travel Agency, Diegem, Belgium

1996 – 01 Vice President, Belgian-Philippine Chamber of Commerce

1996 – 01 Consultant, Traduco International S.A., Airfreight, Brucargo, Belgium

1997 – 01 Bank Representative (PNB) banking & remittances

1997 – 99 Consultant, Wonder Reizen S.A. Travel Agency, Zottegem, Belgium

2001 Administrator, Philippine Tourism Promotional Office Benelux.

SOCIAL, CULTURAL, CIVIC & SPORTS

1979 – 01 President (Founder) Filipino Sports Community asbl

(Bowling, volleyball, tennis, darts, basketball and chess)

1990 – 01 Chairman (Founder) Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, (BENELUX)

Filipino Sports Federation.(Bowling, volleyball, tennis, darts, basketball and chess)

1999 – 01 Broadcaster, Belgium online DZXL-RMN (Radio Mindanao Network)

(Bantay overseas contract workers)

1999 – 01 Co-Founder, of the ALLIANCE “Filipinos & Belgians”.

Programme, free consultations, legal & private matters, regularization for the

Undocumented Filipinos in Belgium, free distributions of fruits and vegetables

For the Filipino Communities in Belgium. Donations of dry goods, second hand

clothes, children toys, medical equipment and medicine to the Philippines)

c/o Secretary Donna Gazgonia, Presidential Anti-Poverty Commission, Manila.

2000 – 01 Area Commander, Order of the Knights of Rizal, Belgium and Spain.

REFERENCES:

1965 Prince Albert And Princess Paola de Belgique (now King and Queen of Belgium)

1965 Don Andres Soriano, (Soriamont) Makati City, Philippines

1965 Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Makati City, Philippines

1965 Don Benigno Toda (Former Philippine Airlines, President)

1965 Baron Van Caloen de Basseghem, Minister, Castle of Kortrijk, Belgium

1968 Ambassador Singi-an, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

1973 Ambassador Carlos Faustino, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

1974 Baron Renier de Wykerslooth, Castle of Braine Le Chateau, Belgium

1980 Ambassador Armando Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

1981 Count Jacques Van Ypersele, Chief Cabinet of the King of Belgium

1985 Ambassador Rosario Manalo, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; and to the European Economic Community (EEC)

1986 Vice President Salvador Laurel in Brussels

1990 Ambassador Roberto Romulo, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

1993 Ambassador Alberto Pedrosa, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

1997 Ambassador Pacifico Castro, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

1998 Ambassador Jose Fernandez, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium

and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

1998 Senator Teofisto Guingona, meeting at SAS Hotel, in Brussels

1999 Secretary of Agriculture Edgardo Angara, (business mission, Agri-link)

1999 Secretary of Foreign Affairs Siason, (business mission)

2000 Ambassador Tambnting, Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom

Senator Paul Hatry, Belgian Senator

Count Armand d’Alcantara, Rhode Saint-Genese, Belgium

Senator Stefan Joris, Belgian Senator

Minister Christian G. Lepage, Belgian Economic Minister

Ambassador Elio Bello III, Philippine Ambassador to The Netherlands

Ambassador Jose Zaide Jr., Philippine Ambassador to Berlin, Germany

Ambassador Ronald Allarey, Former Ambassador to the United Nation

Ambassador Norberto Basilio, Philippine Ambassador to Athens

Ambassador Restituto de Guzman, Philippine Ambassador to Brazil

Ambassador Tommy Sequia, Former Philippine Ambassador to London