WHO WAS RIZAL'S GIRLFRIEND IN BRUSSELS?

An excerpt from Lucien Spittael's article The complete story of Suzanne Jacoby.

All Rizal’s biographers mention that Rizal had a romance in Brussels with Suzanne Jacoby... I wondered if Rizal had an affair with another Belgian lady. Or were Suzanne Jacoby and Suzanne T. one and the same person? So I started my research on Suzanne T.

My attention was caught by an undated love letter sent to Rizal in Madrid in August 1890. The letter was written in French and was signed by Suzanne T. Two other letters dated in August 1890 were signed by “Petite Suzanne”.

As Suzanne T. is nowhere mentioned in any of Rizal’s biographies, I wondered if Rizal had an affair with another Belgian lady. Or were Suzanne Jacoby and Suzanne T. one and the same person? So I started my research on Suzanne T.

I personally went to the municipal archives of Brussels and searched in the registers of 1890. I was very excited when I found the names of the persons living in Rue Philippe de Champagne, 38 in the municipal archives of Brussels. My research revealed that three ladies were registered on this address:

Catherine Jacoby was born on February 27, 1835 and her sister Suzanne Jacoby on July 17, 1845. Their niece Suzanne Thill was born on April 4, 1872.

This means that when Rizal arrived in Brussels, Catherine Jacoby was 55, Suzanne Jacoby 46 and Suzanne Thill 18 years old. None of them was married.

Suzanne Jacoby was registered in Brussels, Rue Philippe de Champagne, 38 on July 31, 1867. Catherine Jacoby joined her sister on the same address on 21 December 1877.

The niece Suzanne Thill was registered on the same address on June 13, 1881.

The three ladies were born in Asselborn, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Pablo S. Trillana III in his book: “The loves of Rizal” wrote:

“Zaide Gregorio F. and Sonia M. Zaide in their work: ‘Jose Rizal, Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and National Hero’ claim, in relation to the affair with Suzanne Jacoby in Brussels that it was petite Suzanne and not Tante Suzanne who fell in love with Rizal. This is not consistent with the versions of authors like Carlos Quirino and Leon Ma. Guerrero. One could sense a hint that both Suzannes harbored certain affection for the hero but I am inclined to consider that Tante Suzanne appeared to be the one more attached to Rizal.”

The statement of Pablo S. Trillana is not consistent. Rizal who was 29 years old at that time had more affection for the younger Suzanne (18 years old) and not for the older aunt Suzanne Jacoby (46 years). Prove for this are the letters signed by Suzanne T. or petite Suzanne, which clearly refers to the youngest Suzanne THILL.

It is clear that all biographers wrongly refer to Suzanne JACOBY as Rizal’s girlfriend in Brussels.

In a response to my letter in 1995 to the archives of the town of Brussels it was confirmed that the three ladies and Dr. Rizal lived in "Rue Philippe de Champagne, 38 in 1890.

Editors Note: For the complete version of the above article, please log on to: http://www.jose-rizal.eu/thille.html

PROUD TO BE A FILIPINO!

"Not all were asleep in the night of our ancestors."

Our purpose was not only to oust one man but to free ourselves and change a situation that kept many in the bondage of poverty and dependence. You asked me if I ever got tired of marching in the streets and how many pairs of shoes I had worn out. Yes, sometimes, I do get tired and even discouraged. That is why I often look back and reflect on the lives of others who strove – even to the point of paying the ultimate price. It is only then and after prayer that I am able to gather myself and continue marching.

Do you remember, how we even used to "compare" heroes? I was inspired by the man Diokno and how he worked towards a negotiated peace even as his health failed him.

Ninoy Aquino could have enjoyed the company of his family in exile in Boston, Massachusetts, yet he risked his life in spite of the warning of certain death by returning home to the Philippines.

Edgar Jopson, the student leader who graduated from your school, could have advanced in the world of corporate business yet he chose to organize workers instead and was killed by the military.

Macli-ing Dulag, the Cordillera chieftain, could have practiced the art of compromise and accommodation yet he elected to honor the culture of his people and defend their ancestral lands.

Alex Orcullo could have enjoyed the quiet peace of family life in his tranquil Davao home yet he chose to write the truth and stand up for the rights of his community.

Emmanuel Yap, who was your age when I taught him in school, graduated with honors and seemed destined for a brilliant career but decided to take the path of his convictions. He was made to "disappear," a victim of the dictator's wrath and the paranoia of "national security."

The list is long and there are more who are nameless, unknown except to those they served selflessly. Such heroism among our people, we agree, made us proud to be Filipinos.

Once I read to you a passage from Claro M. Recto, a Filipino who had a certain vision for his country's future but died without seeing it fulfilled: "I place into your hands…this message from one whose only authority is a firm and lifelong experience, and who in his declining years, still loves to plant trees knowing that he will never sit in their shade, happy in the thought with Tasio, the Philosopher, that someday, in a distant future, one may say of him and the nationalists of his generation: "There were those who kept vigil in the night of our forefathers." – Ed Garcia, in a letter to Paolo, April 3, 1988, Easter Sunday.

Note: Ed Garcia was a teacher of mine in high school. I don't know who Paolo is, maybe his son?

CDV

FILIPINOS ARE NOT CORRUPT...

Good Morning Sir,

Thanks for your e-mail and the chance to speak freely for a just cause. I'm a normal individual. And I have nothing personal against Lino Paras. One thing I cannot accept is being fooled. I understand there should be due process. But the damage has been done and retribution is taking too long! I also studied Law. It's difficult for me to accept that a person would fool everyone for so long, high and low, and even become my KOR Commander for entire Europe, despite reporting a poor Kababayan to the authorities! (All Pinoys who left the Philippines would not have left, if there's enough good-paying jobs back home.) May swift justice prevail and discipline be imposed. Everyone should know that Filipinos are a proud people, yet peace-loving, honest, hard working, and not corrupt.

Westinghouse Corp, a US company, bribed Phil officials (remember Herminio Disini?) in order to build a nuclear power plant in Bataan. And the entire Philippine archipelago lies on the so-called earthquake belt! Now the plant is standing there, unused! Like a huge tomb! Yet all Filipinos have to pay forever, principal plus horrendous interest because of the loan to build that crap! If the US Import/Export Bank were fair, or even the US government, or if GMA were righteous, that particular loan should have been scrapped from the total Phil debt, because it was one big spurious, onerous transaction! That's American corruption! What's our country's benefit from that mammoth? It's not even a tourist attraction! Money for such loan, now eating a big chunk of the annual national budget, could have been provided for Education, Health services, Housing, jobs creation in the country!

Fraport AG, a German company, cannot explain the discrepancy between their cost claims against the Phil government amounting to $425M and the $300M+ that was actually paid to the NAIA3 Japanese construction company! A portion of the overall total, about $25M, is not clear what it was for? Even the Phil Supreme Court ruled that the PIATCO deal was tainted with corruption and recommended correction. That's German corruption! Even if some Phil officials asked for grease money, if Fraport were honest, they shouldn't have paid! Corruption is giver and taker. Fraport can try offering me money and I'll tell them NO. Who is corrupt then?

I bristle whenever I hear someone claim that the Philippines is very corrupt! Who started corruption? I think corruption came from outside, brought to the Philippines. We never invaded another country! Magellan came to us. Did he bring it there...?

Kind sir, thru hard work, discipline, honesty, let's prove to all that Filipinos are not corrupt! It takes time, but we can begin today.

Alles Gute kind Sir!

V/R,

Sir Rizal Victoria, KR

Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter

"He who conquers himself, is greater than he who takes a city!" - The Bible

Editor's Note. This article is open for debate. Please don't hesitate to post your remarks or comments.

WHOSE CURRICULUM VITAE IS THIS ?

or what`s wrong here ?

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	Cebuano	Ilocano	Pampangueno
JOB EXPERIENCES:
1963 - 65		Belgian Embassy, Consular Section, Manila, Philippines
1969 - 78 1969 - 71 1971 - 78		Private Secretary and Chief Personnel of Baron Van Caloen de Basseghem (Belgian Minister) Castle of Kortrijk, Belgium Domestic helper - not private secretary - until the death of Baron Christian ??? where are the missing years ???
1979 - 89		Marketing Manager, PPV. Lighting S.A., 34 Avenue Jeanne, 1050 Brussels (Lamps special for television studio, photos and discos)
1980 - 87 1980 - 87		Programmer, Banque Bruxelles-Lambert S.A. 19 Avenue Marnix, 1050 Bruxelles Neither as programmer nor directly appointed by the bank - work with an outsourcing company
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.
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

PS. Please don't ever hesitate to ask for the complete CV.

HOW TO BECOME KGOR ?

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.

"If a white European accuses Paras, it might me interpreted as racist. Let us apply the "Filipino Muna" approach...
I have seen and confirmed the letter Paras wrote to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denouncing another Filipino, with his letterhead as President of the Filipino community. And the letter from the lady President of COFAB (Confederation of Filipino Associations in Belgium), castigating Paras about his telling on an undocumented Pinoy in Brussels. She told Paras that he's not even a Filipino community leader but chairman of the sports committee!"
More information at: MORE FROM RIZAL VICTORIA

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.

"Sir Francois Ooms has also nothing personal against Paras. But the P2M donation Paras claimed was his, was proceeds of the group undertaking, raised by Sir Francois' chapter!"
More information at: MORE FROM RIZAL VICTORIA

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 12th 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 Filibusterismo, Brussels, Belgium

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

Questions:

01. Why was this "Petition" not signed by any member of the "Chapter Prefectural Tribunal"?
02. Why was this "Petition" not signed by the Chapter Commander and/or the Deputy Chapter Commander?
03. Why were the Chapter Commander and the Deputy Chapter Commander not informed about the "Petition" ?
04. Since when are "Petitions" for the fourth highest rank of the order signed by KR and KOR only ?
05. What entitlement did the three members of the "El Filibusterismo Council" have to sign a "Petition" in the name of the Council without asking the Council at all ?
06. Since when are "Petitions" signed by people who are not members of the order ?
07. How can a clergyman sign this "Petition" in the name of the "Filipino Community" ?
08. Was the "Filipino Community" ever asked or does the "community" know at all about it ?
09. Why are "benefits" listed here, which with one exception all already were taken into account for the elevations to KOR and KCR ?
10. What is the basis for the valuation for the Payatas help of PhP.2,000,000.00 (two million pesos) ?
11. How many benefits of other associations and chapter are here imputed one person only ?
12. Coordination plus payment of one container = KGOR ?

Editor's Note: This article is through the kind courtesy of Sir Peter Eisele. For more informaion, log on to http://www.knightsofrizal.eu/.

THE MANILA CONNECTION

The "utang na loob" (debt of "honour") situation between the former Supreme Commander Sir Rogelio Quiambao, KGCR, now member of the Council of Elders, and Paras is well known. The latter hosted the son of Sir Rogelio in Belgium, when he was a student there. It is not a secret that Sir Rogelio was still Supreme Commander in 2001, when Paras was elevated to KGOR. It is not difficult to draw certain conclusions: "I scratch your back, you scratch mine." So far so good, up to this point! However, to violate the By-Laws of the Order to accommodate is simply FOUL. What was violated? Article VII, Section 10.

There are those who argue that it was necessary to "violate" the law and ask the grassroots (chapters and other "prominent knights") for their endorsements. AHA! We can do that. Hmmm! Those of us who insist that we make our decisions according to the law might just as well eat our words. How we can wantonly interpret the law according to our personal caprices is again FOUL.

Sir Virgilio R. Esguerra, KGOR, Supreme Trustee of the 2000 - 2001 Supreme Council and now the Deputy Supreme Commander; and, thus according to the by-laws, takes over the office of Sir Hilario Davide as Supreme Commander in case of the latter’s retirement, has to be addressed as well. Of course, we can assume that being Supreme Trustee under the Supreme Commander Sir Quiambao does not make him necessarily a "cumpare" of Sir Rogelio. However, rank elevations - especially to KGOR and KGCR levels - are a matter for the whole Supreme Council to decide and not only the Supreme Commander, so he should take some responsibility as well, and more so especially, since he is now Deputy Supreme Commander.

The inquiry into the allegations against Paras set time limitations. We are still waiting, well beyond the expected making of decisions, Manila should have taken by now. To the short deadline Sir Klaus Hartung, KGOR, was given to prove and authenticate the accusations of PLAGIARISM by Paras, and the results of the 24 hour deadline for Paras to explain about his selective invitation to convene in Paris (rewarded by sending him to Litomerice ?) should be well decided by now.

Although plagiarism is just one of Paras’ "minor" faults, it should already be enough to expel him from office as European Commander. There is also no way to let him choose his own retirement. Paras does not deserve his rank at all. His rank was "bought." He achieved things with a faked CV and an application signed even by non-members of the Order and in the name of a chapter that was not even asked, at all. All of these considerations should be enough material to assist the deciding body in Manila to reconsider its previous decisions to confirm or withdraw the awarding of rank to him. It is not shameful to revoke. It is worse, to keep silent and ignore errors of the past. By correcting this, Manila will set an example that bad behaviour and out-of-line machinations will not be tolerated. It will earn credence and confidence.

However, I think that concentrating on Paras as the only "tumor" maligning the Order is an error in itself. It might even give him some "honor." He is but a small fish in the scheme of things. It cannot be avoided and it has to be asked, "who is backing him up in Manila and for what reasons?" Who are the "under-the-table strategists" who concocted and propagated this "Filipino lang" (Filipino only) course of action?

Sir Hilario Davide, KGCR, our most esteemed Supreme Commander and former Chief of Justice, to my opinion is free from any doubts to be among these intriguers. He can be blindfolded, though, to which he has no way to resist pressure applied through lies and connivance. As top man, he must rely on his colleagues to provide him with the "correct" INPUT. The danger here is clearly that the input/recommendations, doctored and manipulated, suited to the interests and agenda of intriguers in the ranks will prevail, hands down and will be implemented or executed, most probably without resistance from a helpless Order. It is bandied around that Sir Davide will soon leave and assume his post in New York at the United Nations. His time is already split between "GMA" (to what percentage I do not know, but this did not allow him to attend the International Meeting in New Jersey) and the order, so it is obvious he must rely on the policy and decision makers in the council.

Why there is no decision about all this until now. Why is Paras still in office? Will it be swept under the carpet in order not to blame anybody in Manila for its wrong decisions in the past ? Where are the results of the 24 hour deadline for Paras (invitation to Paris ?) Why can he go on with his racist policy and was allowed to go to Litomerice with only an all-Filipino delegation? I would like to refer to an article "Boo! What’s up?" (in the middle) It deals exactly as the title suggests – what’s up? We urgently need an answer.

What has been done with the filed accusations of some other European knights against Paras about FAKING his CV (curriculum vitae). Why did we not get any kind of Memo like the one dated September 9th, 2006 (see at: Memo ) Are we going back to the times in the past when information was only done through the telephone? Or maybe even couriers?

One more pungent remark – and certainly not the last: Paras seems to have been quite sly and extremely egocentric - enough to have achieved a lot of things towards improving his calling by any means. Nevertheless, he made the fatal mistake of purporting to have written a book or made someone to prepare it for him. He might get away with such a crime in the Philippines but not here in Europe. If one of his "parasites" plagiarized it for him, he is still equally guilty for it. The new twist to the story is that he did not write the book "Born to be a Hero." He just let somebody else write it for him – in his name! Is there any difference? I have learned that he has been looking for someone to manage a website he planned to have. No one is buying. However, in all fairness, I offer my website as a venue for his thoughts; his communications; his reports and other documentations. He is very welcome to air his views, too. I have no problem with that.

Sir Peter Eisele, KCR

MORE FROM RIZAL VICTORIA

Warm Greetings Sir Gunter,

You're absolutely correct kind Sir! Thank you for keeping me straight!

As a Filipino though, knowing how CORRUPTION has wasted and is still wasting my country, it's 5 minutes after 12! Dr Jose Rizal wrote of the cancer eating society in his Noli Me Tangere. What I saw/observed the past couple of months was active corruption, that has no place in the KOR nor in a Filipino society, on this village called Earth. Not all Filipinos are corrupt. That should be said. Here and now.

If a white European accuses Paras, it might me interpreted as racist. Let us apply the "Filipino Muna" approach...

I have seen and confirmed the letter Paras wrote to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, denouncing another Filipino, with his letterhead as President of the Filipino community. And the letter from the lady President of COFAB (Confederation of Filipino Associations in Belgium), castigating Paras about his telling on an undocumented Pinoy in Brussels. She told Paras that he's not even a Filipino community leader but chairman of the sports committee! Tough woman was she! When our Sir Lucien confirmed to me that the letter to MFA is indeed from Paras and the signature was Paras, I believed Sir Lucien, a thorough researcher and former military intelligence officer of the Belgian NATO forces in Campbell Barracks, where I first met him. For me, that was more than enough proof Paras did the opposite of his claims! In short, Paras lied that he is actively HELPING his countrymen in Belgium.

Sir Francois Ooms has also nothing personal against Paras. But the P2M donation Paras claimed was his, was proceeds of the group undertaking, raised by Sir Francois' chapter!

I was Solidbank auditor for 3 years and NBI-trained in signature verification when I moved to Alliedbank in 1978. I admit the document/s I looked at were not original. But if 3 independent and disinterested persons tell me Paras' letter was indeed signed by him, my inclination would be 50% + some! that Paras did write that letter reporting an undocumented Filipino to the MFA-Belgium and he lied about the P2M.

I'm willing to put my membership on the table. If I'm wrong, I have no problems getting thrown out of the KOR, the same disciplinary action I asked be given to Paras. Should be FAIR enough. I don't know him personally. I have nothing personal against him. But his "Filipino Muna" calls and subsequent (questionable) appointment as European Commander has done irreparable damage to the KOR, which is not acceptable. Only a disciplinary action can correct the wrongs done by him. How can we expect respect from outsiders, when we can't instill order and discipline within the ranks of the KOR?

I hope the KOR Constitution & By-laws could be reformed now. After Sir Hilario Davide, I see no BETTER person who can correct the flaws of the KOR! I almost quit this year, remember? Only the election of Sir Hilario Davide Jr held me back!

Anyway, out of or in the KOR, I'm still here. Before I'm 60, I should have retired to be busy farming (planting trees) in the Philippines. I just need a tent on my back and enjoy exchanging stories over a glass of water with farmers and workers, the "salt" of the earth, I will meet back home. To do what good I can for them, would be a challenge I'd gladly do.

Would be nice if KOR reforms take hold...SOON!?

For the Good of the Order
For Pride in the Order

Sir Rizal Victoria, KR
Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter

To win more hearts and minds, transparency is the cheapest Alternative!!!

KARAPATANG PANGTAO...

Ni Mykel Andrada, Joi Barrios at Rolando B. Tolentino

Simula nang manungkulan si Gng. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo noong 2001, umaabot na sa halos 800 ang kaso ng mga pulitikal na pamamaslang sa bansa. Ayon pa sa KARAPATAN, isang alyansang nagsusulong ng karapatang pantao, simula 2001 hanggang Nobyembre 2006, humigit-kumulang 200 naman ang bilang ng desaparecidos o iyong mga biglang naglaho dahil sa pandurukot ng hinihinalang mga elemento rin ng militar at gobyerno. Ayon naman kay Purificacion Quisumbing, Tagapangulo ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR), ang limang-taong panunungkulan ni Arroyo ay nagluwal ng mas maraming kaso ng paglabag ng karapatang pantao kumpara sa 15-taong pinagsama-samang panunungkulan nina Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos at Joseph Estrada. Nangangahulugan lamang na ang maikling administrasyon ni Arroyo ang mas pasistang rehimen, kasama na ang diktadurya ni Marcos, sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Ang kasaysayan ng bansa ay kasaysayan ng protesta't rebolusyon. Kasaysayan itong naiukit sa imahinasyong pampanitikan ng bansa. Mula sa tradisyong protesta ng Kilusang Propaganda noong panahon ng kolonyalismong Kastila sa bansa, sa rebolusyunaryong panulat ng Katipunan, sa dupluhan at balagtasan, sa panitikang andergrawnd, hanggang sa patuloy na pagyabong ng tradisyong radikal sa kasalukuyan. Ito ay kasaysayang isinulat at isinusulat. Ito ay kasaysayang isinasagawa. Sa ganitong lapit isinusulong ang ikaapat na serye ng Publikasyong Iglap, ang Subverso: Mga Tula at Kuwento Laban sa Pulitikal na Pandarahas. Ang koleksiyong ito ng mga tula at maikling kuwento ay tumutuligsa sa umiigting na paglabag ng administrasyong Arroyo sa karapatang-pantao, kabilang na ang tumataas pa ring bilang ng pulitikal na pamamaslang at dumaraming bilang ng desaparecidos.

REASONS FOR SLEEPING AND WAKING UP EARLY.

Evening at 9 - 11pm : is the time for eliminating unnecessary/toxic chemicals (detoxification) from the antibody system (lymph nodes). This time duration should be spent by relaxing or listening to music. If during this time a housewife is still in an unrelaxed state such as washing the dishes or monitoring children doing their homework, this will have a negative impact on health.

Evening at 11pm - 1am: is the detoxification process in the liver, and ideally should be done in a deep sleep state.

Early morning 1 - 3am: detoxification process in the gall, also ideally done in a deep sleep state.
Early morning 3 - 5am: detoxification in the lungs. Therefore there will sometimes be a severe cough for cough sufferers during this time. Since the detoxification process had reached the respiratory tract, there is no need to take cough medicine so as not to interfere with toxin removal process.

Morning 5 - 7am: detoxification in the colon, you should empty your bowel.

Morning 7 - 9am: absorption of nutrients in the small intestine, you should be having breakfast at this time. Breakfast should be earlier, before 6:30am, for those who are sick. Breakfast before 7:30am is very beneficial to those wanting to stay fit. Those who always skip breakfast, they should change their habits, and it is still better to eat breakfast late until 9 - 10am rather than no meal at all.

Sleeping so late and waking up too late will disrupt the process of removing unnecessary chemicals. Aside from that, midnight to 4:00 am is the time when the bone marrow produces blood. Therefore, have a good sleep and don't sleep late.



TAKE CARE ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

Live Life Without Limits!

J'ACCUSE...

Honorable Gentlemen,

If no one is bold enough to speak, kindly allow this proud Filipino.

If I committed even ONE of those things Paras is accused of, even just that one where I allegedly denounced an undocumented "Kababayan" with a letter I wrote/signed/sent to the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I definitely don't deserve such a thing as a face-saving, GRACEFUL exit!!!

For LYING (bank programmer vs. security guard?; a Baron's private secretary?; personally known to the Belgian monarch and Queen Paola?; denial now on authorship of "Born to be a Hero"?; claims of P2M personal donation?; achievements as community leader/KOR officer with numerous trips organized alone?, etc. etc) just to reach a certain level in society, or rank in the KOR which counts a multitude of good, illustrious, noblemen as members, on his way to the top, Paras forced himself, stepped on so many heads, directly or indirectly, and therefore, deserves to be DISCIPLINED (THROWN OUT?)!!!

We can't continue ignoring the facts! Men of honor attest to Paras' racist speech in a meeting once in the German Black Forest. Even Sir Fritz Hack (recipient of the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Maginoo) told me he was there and protested vocally as Paras' speech was unacceptable (!!!). Sir Fritz said that the speech was an affront to the memory of his great grandfather, the late Pastor Ullmer, who gave Dr Jose Rizal a home-away-from-home in Germany!

Much as I want to, I can't, in all honesty and sincerity, expect to give due respect to such a "leader" as Lino Paras.

Was our illustrious Supreme Commander hoodwinked into signing Paras' appointment to be my/the European Commander?

I don't like to be led by such a kind or person who sent invitations to the Paris event, a couple of days before the fact! This error needs a quick correction!

(I have personally met, shook hands, and was photographed while conversing with former Bundespresident Richard von Weizaecker. Our topic was Heidelberg and Dr Jose Rizal. No, I would never add his famous name on my reference list. I did not even bother to obtain a copy of the photo.)

Respectfully recommend that our Supreme Commander, Sir Hilario Davide Jr, himself initiate necessary and appropriate disciplinary action/s...

For the Good of the Order!

For Pride in the Order!

NOM

Sir Rizal Victoria, KR

Wilhelmsfeld-Heidelberg Chapter

Great men are known for their great deeds!

NO WAY - PARAS TO RETIRE FOR BAD HEALTH ?

Each truth needs somebody bold to speak it out

Is Paras to retire for "bad" health reasons? There are already rumours spreading that the so-called European Commander will not be taken responsible for his PLAGIARISM (it is even said that he denies to have written "Born To Be A Hero". In addition, Sir Nollas now allegedly has denied to have written the laudation for Paras` book - since when are knights cowards?). What about RACISM against the European knights, FAKING his curriculum vitae and "PAYING" for his KGOR - with just one container. It is even said that he will be encouraged to "gracefully?" withdraw from office within a "certain period" of time in order not to lose his face. Paras? incumbency is shrouded in endless questions and mystery. The man is just as nebulous for he refuses to come out and "face" his detractors.

But how could one possibly lose his face, if it is only a grimace of a knight, an antic of lies, of pretensions, betrayals, racism and other infamous actions? One thing for sure, his proclaimed promise to reunite the European knights is only a farce. This goal was already long given up long before he assumed his much-coveted position as Regional Commander. Hence his tactic of keeping information only to selected people and chapters is an evidence of his lack of honesty and honour. He does not even care if chapters split up by ignoring "brown" knights, who rightfully and courageously, do not follow his way. Therefore, instead of uniting Europe he does exactly the opposite? put asunder the Order in Europe.

Paras is surrounded by incompetent advisers. There is this friar, a Father Apolo, the "holy" man (and spiritual adviser of Paras) who has admitted that his patron had no intention of uniting the European Knights. There is the "right-hand man", Sir Bhoy, a loyal henchman trying hard to exalt and praise his hero. Let us not forget Nollas, whose laudation needs some refinement fitting a "great" book his Commander "wrote". If these advisers, for their worth, strongly recommended that Paras convene a meeting of all knights, friend and foe, critics or admirers; extended his hands in friendship, in making up and in unifying words, "let us come together and be one"? who would at that momentous event deny him?

But no, his mentors seem to have advised him:

1) to surround himself with probable allies, like certain chapters where Filipinos are the
majority. Instead of making the bold act of extending his hand to others, make up with them and move to unify, he makes the foolish gambit of further alienating himself. As far as I can determine, not everyone he thought would become his ally have turned out to be what he hoped. I can only praise these "brown" knights, and there are a good number of them, who know what is right and what is wrong? who would not just exercise blind obedience; and who are not maligned with colonial mentality; and,

2) to court some "white" knights into his camp. These knights probably are not true Rizalists or they have lost their sense of righteousness. They are of the "rank and medal" variety of knights, less conscious of what a true Rizalian means. How many offers or pleadings did Rizal have to hear in Dapitan during his exile? He dismissed or did not entertain them when it was against his ideas and principles. A smart knight, knowing the truth would have made reservations and would withhold outright "endorsement", with their presence in Paras? little parties; and,

3) to keep his appointment, in spite of scandalous accusations. A true gentleman, an honourable man would have announced, "until I have cleared myself of these? vicious? accusations and to keep the sanctity of the office I have been appointed to, I shall not assume the responsibilities of my appointment as Regional Commander for Europe. I hereby, invite my deputy to hold the reins until such time as I may, with a clear conscience, having successfully disputed all the allegations thrown against me, reassume the post to which I was appointed to"; lastly,

4) to take heart, that because of his "gracious" accommodations in the past, he has backers in the Manila, who would try to keep him unscathed and protected. In addition, he has a holy man to bless him with the best advice.

My dear hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, long after they caused you to be executed, wrongfully? they are still around spreading their gospels of intrigues and injustice. Amen.


Coming next: the Manila Connection.


Sir Peter Eisele, KCR

ON 'PEOPLE'S INITIATIVE'

High Court Ruling Saves Us From Undemocratic 'People's Initiative'
By Rasheed Abou-Alsamh

THE DECISION by the Supreme Court last Oct. 26 to junk the so-called People’s Initiative to amend the Philippine Constitution and transform current American-style presidential system of government into a parliamentary system was a great relief and comfort to all true democrats in the Philippines. It was a clear signal that the country’s most sacred political document could not be amended willy-nilly by those who are pushing for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to stay in power beyond the end of her mandate in 2010.

Despite this clear message from the highest court in the land, President Arroyo is hell-bent on pushing for charter change, vowing to keep the fire burning for this change just a day after being handed the “nyet.”

Now Arroyo and her allies are trying to push for a constituent assembly, in which the Senate and House of Representatives are transformed into one body for the purpose of rewriting the constitution. What Arroyo’s dominant allies in the lower house intend to do, however, is to ram their way through even without the consent of the Senate. Already several senators have rightly warned that doing so would be unconstitutional as the Senate must be included in any such “con-ass.”

If Arroyo and her advisers think that this constant talk of canceling the elections next year makes the Philippines look progressive, they are sadly misled. It only makes the Philippines look more and more like a banana republic that has as much stability as the billboards along EDSA during Typhoon Milenyo!

The president and her supporters have utterly failed to explain clearly to the public why they think the present bicameral legislature is not working, apart from the usual rants about how a hostile Senate (because it is opposition-controlled) allegedly impedes the administration from implementing its so-called economic reforms that will (as always) catapult the Philippines from being a Third World nation to a developed heaven.

I’m sure all of my readers remember former President Fidel Ramos’ famous slogan of “Philippines 2000” during his administration in the 1990s, in which he pledged to improve the country’s economy so radically that by 2000 the nation would be on par with mid-level developed nations. What a pipe dream that was!

President Arroyo being an economist is adept at playing the economic indicators to make it seem like the Philippine economy is booming. An annual economic growth rate of around six percent and a surging peso are touted as signs that things are going so well.

To try and get away with this chicanery, the president and her spin masters count on the average Filipino not being bothered with looking at the numbers closely, let alone understanding all of the economic jargon that is bandied about.

But the 2.9 million families who experience chronic hunger, as shown in the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS), and the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos going abroad every year in search of work don’t need to understand economic jargon. They are the walking wounded, the direct victims of an economy that may seem to be improving but that hides chronic deficiencies that are always there, bubbling away just below the surface shine.

The president would do well to stop all talk of charter change and instead focus on really helping improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. The elections should be held as scheduled next May, and Arroyo should start promising loudly that she will step down, as scheduled, in 2010.

Not only will this send the message that the Philippines is stable, democratic and politically mature, but it will assure both Filipinos and foreign investors that another cycle of dynastic rule is not around the corner. Twenty years of Marcos dictatorship should have whetted the appetite of most Filipinos for such undemocratic nonsense.

Editor’s Note. For more articles on the Philippines, please log on to http://rasheedsworld.blogspot.com/

PHILIPPINES WINS TOP AWARD AT THE BRUSSELS FILMFEST-2006

At the closing gala of the 33^rd International Festival of Independent Film held on November 12, 2006 in Brussels, Gina Pareno of the Philippines won the best actress award for her title role in Jeffrey Jeturian’s film “Kubrador” (The Bet Collector).

The other major awards went to the following films: top prize for all categories to Taiwan’s “Blue Cha Cha” directed by Wen-Tang Cheng, best director and best actor to Angola’s “The Hero” by Zeze Gamboa, best special film and screenplay to India’s “Hasina” by Girish Kasaravalli and best script to Iran’s “The Forbidden Chapter” by Fariborz Kamkari.

Photos: 1. Jeffrey Jeturian and Gina Pareno receiving the award 2. International Jury 3. National Jury 4. Taiwan 5. Angola 6. Top award for the national category 7. Special award for the deaf category 8. Steve Montal, U.S. film consultant 9. Cocktail

ARMISTICE COMMEMORATION - BRUSSELS, 11 NOVEMBER 2006

WHERE RIZAL LIVED IN BRUSSELS

In the middle of the winter of 1890, Rizal transferred from Paris to Brussels. He took residence in a house near the Grand Place where he stayed for some months to finish his novel El Filibusterismo and to write articles to La Solidaridad. The reason of his move was not known precisely but from the exchange of letters with his family, it could likely be that he did not receive any money from them for quite some time because they had encountered financial difficulties from being a victim of threats, fraud and deception by the Spanish authorities.

Inspired by his profound sentiment of disillusionment and bitterness on the division among his countrymen in Spain, the failure to obtain reforms from the Spanish Government and the troubles in his hometown, he wrote the following poignant poem.

To My Muse (a Mi...)

Invoked no longer is the muse,

The lyre is out of date:

The poets it no longer use,

And youth its inspiration now imbues

With other form and state.

If today our fancies aught

Of verse would still require,

Helicon’s hill remains unsought;

And without heed we but inquire,

Why the coffee is not brought.

In the place of thought sincere

That our hearts may feel,

We must seize a pen of steel,

And with verse and line severe

Fling abroad a jest and jeer.

Muse, that in the past inspired me,

And with songs of love hast fired me;

Go thou now to dull repose,

For today in sordid prose

I must earn the gold that hired me.

Now must I ponder deep,

Meditate and struggle on;

E’en sometimes I must weep;

For he who love would keep

Great pain has undergone.

Fled are the days of ease,

The days of Love’s delight;

When flowers still would please

And give to suffering souls surcease

From pain and sorrow’s blight.

One by one they have passed on,

All I loved and moved among;

Dead or married – from me gone,

For all I place my heart upon

By fate adverse are stung

Go thou too, O Muse, depart,

Other regions fairer find;

For my land but offers art

For the laurel, chains that bind,

For a temple prisons blind.

But before thou leavest me, speak:

Tell me why thy voice sublime,

Thou couldst ever from me seek,

A song of sorrow for the weak,

Defiance to the tyrant’s crime.

Source: Rizal in Belgium for program book by Lucien Spittael.