Welcome to the launching of Where Grass is Greener. Because we are in a high tech world where anything can be a virtual reality, please make yourselves comfortable and enjoy the company. We have friends from all over the world who are celebrating with us. I acknowledge some individualsfor providing the momentum that made this event possible. Foremost, is Baron Patrick de Koenigswarter for introducing me to the world of blogs. Another influence, is AustralianBrian Gorrell, shown in photo. This soulful individual is a total stranger to me except for his incredible narratives about falling in love on an island and waking up to the realities of hypocrisy, deceptions and worldly ills. He has validated that the pen is mightier than the swordalthough he may have opted for the latter; at one time or another, given the terrible experience he went through. Brian has become a hero to many as he turned his blog into an advocacy for justice not only for himself but also for others.
Kitty Go, Another stranger to me but for the web, a Chinay (a term used for a Filipina Chinese) based in Hongkong, whose “When Chic Happens “ has made light of a deteriorating society. I believe that she is one of the rare species of the human kind with her exceptional wit and appreciation for what is real. That she is also a high calibre fashionista cum art, food connoisseur puts her on top of many BFF wish list.
Inspirations behind the musings are the goings-on in people’s lives …… not excluding the humdrum of everyday living.After all, there is really nothing mundane in this world - we just take most things for granted. Guided by the spirits of our forefathers, the teachings of philosophers, the wisdom of the sages, and listening faithfully to what is in one's heart can provide enlightenment at all times.
It has been said that the world is an oyster and we are the pearls. Migrants all over the world have stories to share. Each journey has myriads of events, people, and places. Whether we are on a roller coaster ride, or paddling a canoe in the ocean of life, we must take the time to enjoy the view – each facet reflects the road we choose to take. "Compassion is, by nature, peaceful and gentle, but it is also powerful." Dalai Lama
The list of remarkable people will continue to grow because I am hoping that you will send updated information. There are those whose names will be familiar and others so unknown that some will ask or say .... who? really? incredible!!! no way!!!or oh, no!!! depending on their claim to fame. I started with my own community: The Filipino Americans in the US.
A relatively unknown to many is the White House Executive Chef, Cristeta Comerford who was born as Cristeta Pasia in the Philippines and grew up in Sampaloc, Manila. She studied at the Manila Science High School and the University of the Philippines, Diliman in Quezon City and majored in food technology. However, she did not earn her degree because she had left school to immigrate to the United States at the age of 23. Her first job was at the Sheraton Hotel at the O'Hare International Airport followed by the Hyatt Regency hotel. She moved to Washington, D.C., and worked as a chef at two restaurants. She also spent six months in Vienna as a rotating chef. Comerford was recruited by executive chef Walter Scheib III in 1995 to work in the Clinton White House. Scheib resigned as executive chef in February 2005.Comerford was appointed by First Lady Laura Bush on August 14,2005. She is White House's first female executive chef and the first Filipina to hold this position. She reportedly was appointed to this position due to her handling of a large dinner that was held in honor of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Comerford has been retained as the Obama administration' s head chef. She lives in Columbia, Maryland, with husband, John, and their daughter, Danielle. Diosdado Banatao, popularly known by his nickname Dado, is a well-known Filipino American entrepreneur and engineer working in high-tech industry. Banatao holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Mapua Institute of Technology in the Philippines and a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from Stanford University. He co-founded Mostron (PC Motherboards), Chips and Technologies (PC Chip Sets, eventually acquired by Intel), and S3 Graphics (originally 2D graphics chips, renamed to SonicBLUE). It is Silicon Valley folklore that he chose the company name S3 to mean "Start-up number 3". He worked on the following technologies as have several hundred other engineers and does not claim having invented or innovated any of these technologies.
1. First single-chip, 16-bit microprocessor-based calculator (while at Commodore in 1976. Note: The first single-chip 16-bit microprocessor was the 1976 TMS 9900 by Texas Instruments. Texas Instrument also came with the first pocket calculator in 1972. Was Commodore the first to come up with the single-chip 16-bit calculator?) 2. First 10-Mbit Ethernet CMOS with silicon coupler data-link control and transreceiver chip; got 3Com into the Ethernet PC add-in card business (while at Seeq in early 1980s) 3. First system logic chip set for the PC-XT and the PC-AT (while at Mostron in 1984 and Chips and Technologies in 1985) 4. First enhanced graphics adapter chip set (while at Chips and Technologies in 1985) 5. Pioneered local bus concept for PC (while at S3 in 1989) 6. First Windows Graphics accelerator chip (while at S3 in 1990)- This is debatable
A managing partner of Tallwood Venture Capital. Prior to Tallwood he was a venture partner with the Mayfield Fund. He has served on the board of directors and as chairman of several emerging companies, including Marvell Technology Group, NewPort Communications (acquired by Broadcom), and Cyras Systems (acquired by Ciena Corporation). Together with wife, Maria (a graduate of St. Paul College, Manila), the family lives in Atherton, California.
Allan Camaisa is founder and CEO of Anakam Inc. He is a graduate and alumnus of both the United States Naval Academy and the Executive Program at Harvard Business School. Previously, Allan founded High Technology Solutions, Inc. that he successfully managed to employ over 400 employees and more than $45 Million in annual revenues. HTS won many awards including INC Magazine's top 500 private Companies in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
Allan has a proven track record of success providing the initial seed capital to launch Anakam Two Factor Authentication into multiple verticals by providing the creative vision and energy that fuels Anakam’s growth, recruiting a top flight management team. He currently owns three US software related Patents. Camaisa received the Governor's Small Business of the Year Award, the 1998 Ernst and Young Regional Entrepreneur of the year in the Internet and Software Category and the SBA Small Business Person of the Year. Allan was successful in raising $17 million in Venture Capital in 1999, from GE Capital, Intel, Ford Motor, and JP Morgan Chase Hambrecht & Quist to launch an Internet subsidiary (Eye Velocity) focused on Internet Visualization. He currently owns three US Patents.
Josefina Almeda Cruz was born in Manila to a wealthy Filipino family in the construction business. After graduating from Maryknoll College, Natori went to New York. She attended Manhattanville College in Purchase where she graduated with honors in economics. She worked for Bache Securities and was transferred to a branch office in Manila as the company's sole broker. When the Philippines government shut down the office Josie returned to Wall Street where she joined Merrill Lynch in 1971. Natori was the first woman to become vice president of the company's investment banking division. The enterprising Natori started selling embroidered blouses with appliqués from the Philippines. From this business evolved the lingerie concept. She quit her Wall Street job when the business started taking off. Her husband, Ken Natori joined her and left his position as a senior vice president of Shearson Lehman/American Express to become chairman and CEO of The House of Natori. Working side by side, the couple has built a fashion empire and Natori has become a household name.
Natori's creations are products that consumers appreciate - from the luxurious to the casual. She has attributed their success to the Filipino craftsmanship as well as aesthetic consciousness and understanding of the market. From wall street to fashion ramps, Josie has certainly proven that the two can be a match made in heaven.
In 1988 the Philippine government recognized the Natori company with the Philippine Galleon Award for its initiative and success in promoting exports into world markets. In 2007 Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo personally presented Josie Natori with the Order of Lakandula, the nation's highest civilian award.
The excitement has been going on – actually for two years - since now-President Barack Obama started his presidential campaign and when he won the election. Finally, the day of the inauguration came and the expectations were more than that of a child's on Christmas morning. I read somewhere that perhaps the gates of heaven would open up and that the angels will come down. Of course, this was being flippant and alluded to the President’s bigger than rock star appeal and campaign mantras that he would (could?) fix things once he got to the White House. Unfortunately, on this day, the market continued to fall with the Dow closing dismally at an all time low.
Like many, I was glued to the television watching the inaugural celebration. It was a credit to the new administration that they chose Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California to chair the inaugural committee. There were indeed many attendees - as far as one’s eyes could see – as television cameras showed. Never mind that the weather was chill-to-the-bones cold – the energy of the people who flocked to Washington DC blanketed the event with warmth that First Lady Michele Obama walked on the street waving to the crowd as though it was a spring day. My favorite part of the program was the rendition of an arrangement entitled “Air and simple Gifts” by John Williams, composer of film scores that included Star Wars, Schindlers List, by a chamber group composed of French born, Chinese American,Yo-Yo Ma on the cello, Ithzak Perlman on the violin, with African American Anthony Mcgill on the clarinet and Venezuelan Gabriela Montero at the piano.
There was sadness in my heart as I watched President George “Dubya” and Mrs. Laura Bush, waved their goodbyes and boarded the helicopter that would take them home. Vice President Joe Biden gave a short salute and I thought that was fitting. History decides the legacies of leaders and it will be interesting to know how it will judge the 43rd president a hundred years from now or so….
There were also some firsts at this inauguration: a first time that an incoming first couple handed a gift to the outgoing President and First Lady at the steps of the White House; a first that a Supreme Court justice, John Roberts, would swear in a President who vetoed his confirmation and flubbed the oath with wordings differently than prescribed in the constitution; a first neighborhood inauguration gala where the who's who of entertainers performed; a first where media's Donna Brazile admitted on television that she took the blanket from President Obama’s inauguration seat; a first inauguration lunch where two top legislators (Kennedy and Byrd) were taken ill; and, last but not the least, the very first African American was sworn in as the 44th United States President with relatives from Kenya attending the event.
The fashionistas concluded that Michele Obama’s day outfit designed by a Cuban New Yorker was perfect – and that the girls, Malia and Sasha, in their J Crew red and blue ensemble were adorable. The off the shoulder white gown she wore to the inaugural balls was a creation of an upcoming Chinese American designer. Michele, however, will be a First Lady who will have more substance that goes beyond fashion – and in an interview, the first couple vowed to remove the demarcation line that separates the powerful and rich enclave from the depressed areas of Washington, DC.
The conservatives may be relieved that faith will be an integral part of this administration from all indications of the event. Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church and The Purpose Driven Life fame prayed: "Help us, oh God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race or religion or blood but by our commitment to freedom and justice for all," to reinforce his image as a unifying conservative figure. Rev. Joseph Lowery, a civil rights icon and a pastor started with “God of our weary years, God of our silent tears” and asked God, “ for the day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when a red man can get a headman, and when white will embrace what is right.” This statement brought a smile to many.
If there is still any doubt in one’s mind that nothing is impossible in America, just look at this historical day. Sixty years ago, Pres. Obama’s Kenyan father could not have even entered a restaurant. This remark brought to mind a poster that my cousin, Patricia, gave me with the words ‘Absolutely No Filipinos Allowed” sign on a hotel door taken some years back. We indeed have come a long way. However, there is a gargantuan task ahead and the new president has asked everyone to step up to the challenge of rebuilding the nation. It is time to see reality whole and face-to-face. This is part of Paul’s hymn on love to the Corinthians where President Obama took wisdom on giving up our childish ways.
Martin Luther King, Jr. must be smiling in heaven - shouting - free at last, thank God, free at last.
What can I tell you? I was shocked by Bambee dela Paz' blog on the mauling at the Valley Golf Course in Metro Manila. Politics and religion are dreaded topics that have the most potential for bringing out the best or worst in people.But politics and golf? Many a business deal has been sealed on a golf course, and, they say, one can tell a person's character in the way they play a sport. What happened in Valley Golf was intolerable - whatever instigated the altercation - had no justification in the mauling of a fourteen year old nor the brandishing of guns .....It was golf and politics at its worst. Involved were a respectable (?) Philippine cabinet member, his politician sons and their bodyguards, junior champion golfers and their father. If only these people took the sport seriously, they would have developed more patience and discipline and there would be no incident of this kind. Someone should have shouted "fore" before the first punch was thrown.(Photo taken by Ralph Baja shows Arcel Espiritu who made a hole in one on a California course. They are my cousins who had nothing to do with the brawl.)
The advent of 2009 was marked by a bright, full moon – the brightest this year according to astronomers. Welcome to the year of the ox …… and if you were born under this Chinese calendar sign, you are in good company with President Barack Obama. George Clooney, Princess Diana, Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep, and Jane Fonda, among others. Invariably solid and dependable, Ox people are excellent organizers. Oxen are systematic in their approach to every task they undertake. They are not easily influenced by other's ideas. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with a strong character. Pragmatic and down-to-earth, Ox people are motivated to work hard and have no respect for lazy or careless people. Loyalty is a part of their make-up, but if deceived they will not forget. Oxen are renowned for their patience, but it has its limits — once roused, their temper is a sight to behold. So, watch out, Capitol Hill!
I was in Manila last December – not to celebrate the holidays – but to say goodbye to a beloved cousin, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. In the same period, there was another farewell to beloved Fr. Pat Lim who succumbed to the same illness. From what I know, pancreatic cancer is very difficult to detect and is usually too late when diagnosed. Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze is afflicted with this type of cancer and is reportedly not doing well. Of course, we are all familiar with Randy Pausch from Carnegie Mellon University and his famous Last Lecture shown in photo who also died from pancreatic cancer. All of these are yet stark reminders of our mortality — that in the end, nothing matters but the memories we leave behind.
But life goes on as I dashed in and out of the malls to check the holiday festivities. The free holiday concert at Libis Eastwood Mall featured Charice Pempengco. This delightful, petite cutesy could surely belt out those high octave songs! Listen to her sing "I will always love you" and "God Bless America"
One should stay in the Makati central area to experience life in the madding crowd during the holidays. But be careful what you wish for!! I was like a salmon swimming against the current of humans that filled every nook of the shopping malls. There was a brief sighting of Philippine Homeland Security Adviser Chavit Singson shopping at Rustan’s Shopping Center one morning but he had his cordon sanitaire around him that would not have allowed for a guerilla tête-à-tête. (Photos show a private collection of Christmas villages that takes 3 months to set up each year and with Santa Claus and Fil-Indian niece, Harsi Rechard who is a Revenue Manager at Ascott Makati. ) The fiesta at Urdaneta, Pangasinan featured the daughter of Susie Abenojar-Barbieri who participated in a beauty contest. Her beautiful daughter, Cynthia Abenojar-Barbieri landed fourth in the pageant and raised some money for community projects.This is Cynthia Barbieri. An event was hosted by the Overseas Family Circle Assoc. Inc. in Marikina. The presentation of Jun Aguilar on his experiences as an OFW was of absolute interest. He started a business managed by overseas workers and, started the challenging task of organizing a political party PPP. Jun proceeded to the airport to catch a flight to Samal Southern Philippines where a powwow was planned by the Worldwide Filipinos Alliance initiators Professor Cesar Torres, Atty. Cita Garcia, General Comendador, James Zamora, Amanda Bueno, and other kindred souls with their advocacies for a better Philippines. (Photo shows Jun Aguilar making a presentation on OFW issues. Apologies for the glare coming from the glass window.) (Photo shows Anita Sese Schon of Bremerton, Washington State with Manny Majam, Mayor Rusty Balderian at a meeting in Carson City), Bong Amora who works in the Middle East invited for his baby, Manuel “Dane” Andrew's christening held in Cebu, Southern Philippines. The wonderful reception was held at the Café Isabel and was attended by friends including the balikbayan-turned-public-servant, Mayor Rusty Balderian of Leyte - more on him later. By the way, if you want to travel domestically in the Philippines and get your ticket from one of the mall kiosks selling ferry passages or air tickets, make sure that your plans are definite because getting a refund is a total pain in the neck. There is no cancellation or refund policy on the receipts they issue for those who may cancel. They also do not accept credit card or check. (Below is the family of Bong Amora - Minda and children)
Here I am in warm Southern California and it is more than warm – it is hot, I can’t believe it is January. Is this part of the Gorebal warning – I mean - Global warming? I was on the phone with friends living in Canada, and the East Coast and their buns are freezing. But Washington DC will sizzle on Inauguration Day. All those rocking and rolling will thaw the cold. The excitement is just too much that, according to Oprah, there are 32 pages of listings of celebrations going on that day. Fashionistas cannot wait to see what Michelle Obama and the girls will wear, and – really, they should get the labradoodle as the White House dog and name it Orbit after my chow who has gone to dog heaven. (Photo of Orbit)
The First Filipino American Governor of Hawaii: Ben Cayetano
The First Female Chinese American cabinet secretary with Pres. George W. Bush administration: Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao
The first Japanese American mayor of a major US city and the first cabinet member to switch directly from a Democratic as Secretary of Commerce to Republican cabinet as Secretary of Transportation - and the only Democrat in George W Bush's cabinet.
for introducing me to the world of blogs. Another influence, is Australian Brian Gorrell, shown in photo. This soulful individual is a total stranger to me except for his incredible narratives about falling in love on an island and waking up to the realities of hypocrisy, deceptions and worldly ills. He has validated that the pen is mightier than the sword although he may have opted for the latter; at one time or another, given the terrible experience he went through. Brian has become a hero to many as he turned his blog into an advocacy for justice not only for himself but also for others. 
Kitty Go, Another stranger to me but for the web, a Chinay (a term used for a Filipina Chinese) based in Hongkong, whose “When Chic Happens “ has made light of a deteriorating society. I believe that she is one of the rare species of the human kind with her exceptional wit and appreciation for what is real. That she is also a high calibre fashionista cum art, food connoisseur puts her on top of many BFF wish list. 
After all, there is really nothing mundane in this world - we just take most things for granted.
Guided by the spirits of our forefathers, the teachings of philosophers, the wisdom of the sages, and listening faithfully to what is in one's heart can provide enlightenment at all times.
