Apologies for silence– Since the end of September, my column was completely blacked out. No, it wasn’t because I was suddenly silenced by detractors. No, it wasn’t because my demise has been greatly exaggerated. I missed my column deadlines for the past few months simply because I’ve been distracted and a little lazy. Let me explain my laxness. I began an extended trip to the Northwest in early November and as of this writing, have yet to return home to California. Two of my six children and four of my fifteen grandchildren plus all of my pals of the Filipino American Young Turks (now Old Turkeys) live in the Seattle area. Since moving back to California in 1989, I have been reluctant to spent winter in the Northwest because of the weather. But I decided it’s about time for me to brave the elements and spend some quality time with my family and friends here. So let me make my first New Year’s resolution: try to catch you up, and get this column to print.

Tucson presentations – Thanks to two dynamic Pinays — Professor Celeste Gonzalez de Bustamante of the University of Arizona School of Journalism and Dr. Daisy Rodriguez Pitel, Director of Student Services at Pima Community College — I spent October 18-19, 2012 in Tucson speaking about the Filipino experience in America.During my three presentations, I was delighted at the warm reception that I received from students, faculty, and members of the public. Apparently, Tucson has had little exposure to the experiences of our people in this country and, as I learned, it knows virtually nothing of the perspective of Bridge Generation Filipino Americans. I was only too happy to help fill in their knowledge gap. Not only did local residents not know about our history, but they were also unaware that during the 1920-30s, Tucson was a regular stop for Filipino farm workers that toiled in long-gone vegetable fields. Many of these migratory Filipinos married Mexican women and brought them to California – including my home town of Livingston – to raise families. I also learned much about Tucson. The only other time I was in there was back in the early 1980s. At the time Tucson was a sleepy Southwest town. It is now a thriving city with cultural and tourist attractions rivaling other American cities. I would not hesitate to visit Tucson again. My deep appreciation to Daisy and Celeste, with special thanks to Celeste who also hosted a community reception at her beautiful home.

A better 2013 for Filipinos? – Hopefully, Filipinos can gain momentum in the new year from the November 2012 elections that can take our community to new heights. Barrack Obama, the only ethnicminority ever to attain the presidency, was easily re-elected. President Obama won despite shameful Republican-led voter suppression tactics such as requiring photo IDs and eliminating voting precincts in minority neighborhoods.A record number of Filipinos were also elected. Among them were U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia, elected for his 11th term and Milpitas CA Mayor Jose Esteves, for his 5th term. Perhaps most significant was the election of Rob Bonta to the California State Assembly representing parts of Oakland and Hayward. In his victory, Bonta became the first Filipino ever elected to the legislature of California, home of the largest number of Filipinos in the nation. It’s about time! In the past many Filipinos have run but none have been chosen. Let’s hope that Bonta’s election bodes well for the future of our people. Happy New Year!