8 HEADLINES
PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY February 1 - 15 , 2017
Tinig Migrante
By E . Maestro
There is a popular quote that says “ The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men and women to do nothing ” was uppermost in my mind these last few weeks .
Donald Trump declared in his first week of office that refugees and nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries : Iran , Iraq , Libya , Somalia , Sudan , Syria , and Yemen were banned from entering the United States . The result was line-ups , detentions and deportations at the US airports of men , women , including children whose luck in the birth lottery was to be born in what seems to be the wrong parts of the globe . Wrong , that is , according to Trump and his advisers .
The immediate result of the Trump ban was the angry reaction of ordinary people who galvanized themselves and their communities into action . They rushed to the airports with their signs and placards . They marched on the streets to register their condemnation and their opposition to Trump ’ s ban . Lawyers and civil libertarians provided legal support right at the airports . Courageous judges ruled that the Trump ban was unconstitutional , undemocratic , un-American , and downright immoral .
People around the world also took the US situation as their own and added their voices and numbers in a global manifesto of people looking out for each other , never mind that these were people they did not know personally . In Vancouver , different groups picketed the US Embassy , organized rallies , vigils and marches outside of the mosques . In Indonesia and the Philippines , citizens marched and gathered outside of the US Embassies in their nation ’ s capitals to protest Trump ’ s antiimmigration policies . The “ We are all Muslims ” placard held by
We are All Muslims !
a protester sums up why people are out on the streets in defiance of Trump ’ s ban .
However , we need to know and remember that evil things -- like Islamophobia , fear mongering , racism , im / migrant bashing , and sexism – are not exclusive to the United States . These evil things also happen in Canada . Islamophobia is alive and here in our midst . It has been here for a long time . And it takes a president like Trump and his group of far-Right and very Conservative advisers to fan even more the flames of hatred around and outside the United States .
Islamophobia manifested itself in the recent shooting at the Quebec mosque that killed six worshippers , injured several others and sowed fear in the Muslim community . Islamophobia was here long before Trump came into power . Who can forget the September 11 , 2001 attacks against the
United States ? The so-called war on terror also terrorized targeted communities and groups because of their religion , their nationalities , their being “ different from us .”
Let us remember that the attacks against Muslims , against Black people , migrants and immigrants , against Indigenous peoples , and indigenous women are also attacks against us . We have the duty to defend and uphold human rights , to stand up against exploitation and oppression . Our communities may be safe now , but unless the Trump ban and other anti-people orders are resisted , who knows which communities are next ? We have Filipino Muslims as part of our Pinoy community and so this ban has a direct impact on all of us .
It is no small comfort to see ordinary men and women doing what they can to make sure that evil does not triumph . That Trump does not triumph . “ No walls , no ban !” Photo Credit : Indian
Express
Come and listen FROM 6
brought in the pilgrims and progress to the once desolate hillside .
Buntings and bands , choirs and cultural dancers turned the holy grounds into a barrio fiesta and to accommodate the big crowds , mass was held at the “ plaza ,” which gave everyone a chance to participate in the holy rites officiated by Bishop Florentino Cinense of Tarlac and Bishop Camilo Gregorio of Batanes , Fr . Archie and over a dozen priests . In full attendance were the mayors and barangay officials of Tarlac , Sangguniang Panglungsod , Gov . Susan Yap , vice-governor Carlito David , Cong . Noel Villanueva , Cong . Charlie Cojuangco , and
Cong . Vic Yap was abroad , but his brother , mayor Jose Yap Jr . of San Jose was there . The top provincial officials were the “ hermana mayor ” and “ hermano mayor ” so it was a grand fiesta with a sumptuous lunch at the “ clausura ” for VIP guests , including Sen . Grace Poe .
My family and I have been going to the monasterio for many years now . I recommend you go , too , for spiritual renewal . The signal is very weak up there , which should make you leave your cellphones and Ipads and what-nots in your bags or backpacks . Well and good . Use your stay there well . Listen to the Lord who brought you up there for a reason .
The welcoming statue of the 30-ft Risen Christ is a good site to meditate at and view the hills surrounding the monasterio . Recently a columbarium has been available to those who want to inter the ashes of their loved ones there , and facilities for overnight stays or retreats can be arranged with the monasterio ’ s office .
And on Feb . 7 , 8 , and 9 , here is an invitation for all priests who love to play tennis . Fr . Fernando ’ s “ Born to Serve ” club of tennis-playing priests is sponsoring again a National Priests Tennis tournament at the Ayala Alabang Country Club sponsored by the San
Celebrating mass at the Monasterio de Tarlac are from left : Abbot Archie Cortez , Bishops Florentino Cinense , and Camilo Gregorio . Senator Grace Poe is seen at the back .
Miguel Corporation .
The healing priest is a tennis aficionado which he claims is good for his health and keeps him fit to do his healing ministry and to help poor parishes . There will be some 250 priests playing for this year , Fr . Suarez told us . One of those serving the first balls is tennis player Thelma Sioson San Juan , lifestyle editor of Philippine Daily Inquirer , Fr . Suarez ’ s supporter .( Inq .)
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