Page 1 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men A PUBLICATION OF THE HYEHWADONG FILIPINO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN SEOUL ARCHDIOCESE Volume 17 Issue 06 JUNE 2012 What’s Inside … Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon's Migrant Workers Day Message ··········· 3 HFCC Volunteers’ Sports Activities Continue ········································ 3 A Thank You Note For My Tatay ········· 3 The Filipino Korean War Veterans: Their Untold Stories ·································· 4 Likhaan ········································· 6 The Spirit of Friendship ····················· 7 How To Look Good In Every Photo ······ 7 The Lamb's Supper: The Bible and the Mass ······················ 8 Mga Gintong Aral ni EL SHADDAI ······ 9 Korean society aging fastest ···············10 OWWA Announcement! Filing Of EDSP Application In The Philippines ············10 MOEL Implementation Plan for eligible returnees covered by Act 11276 which takes effect 02 July 2012. ···························11 Gate of Heaven ·······························11 Ulat Komunidad······························12 Announcements ······························13 Frequently Called Numbers ···············14 Daily Mass Readings (ORDO) ·············14 Birthday Greetings ··························14 HFCC June 2012 First Saturday Vigil By Worship Ministry - Choir A s a continuing tradition of the HFCC, the 1st Saturday vigil was celebrated on the 2nd day of June 2012. Tradition also dic- tates that the celebration would start at 8:00 pm with the praying of the rosary, followed by an inspirational talk of an invited speaker, then one hour of silence to be with our Lord Jesus Christ in the Blessed Eucharist, culminating in the celebration of the Holy Mass. At the end of the celebration, the community partakes of the feast prepared by the sponsor-of-the-month. The sponsor-of-the-month of June 2012 was the HFCC choir and the invited guest speaker was Sr. Angel Libron, S.Sp.S. This month’s vigil, however, started at 9:00 pm. In her inspirational talk, Sr. Angel shared with the community the qualities of the Holy Trinity which could apply to everyone’s life whether individually or as a group. These five Trinitarian qualities are uniqueness, equality, unity, constant communication, and mission. (Continued on page 11) By: Ma. Teresa Solis T he Philippine Embassy in Seoul Korea through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) celebrated the 114th Anniver- sary of Philippine Independence Day and 17th Migrant Workers’ Day last June 3, 2012 at the Floating Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul South Korea. (Continued on page 10) By Lay Ministry A s part of the celebration of Corpus Christi, the First Holy Communion was held during the Mass on June 10, 2012 at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Hyehwadong, officiated by the Rev. Fr. Arvin Mosqueda, MSP. Five first communicants were prepared for the occasion, namely: Yong Hoo Kim (Johnpatrick), Yu Jin Kim (Angel), Sung Hyeon C. Mun (Nathaniel), Zenith Reign Ca- cayan Sulit, Kim Yee Rim (Michaela). Seminars were conducted to prepare the par- ticipants on May 27 and June 3, led by the Lay Ministers. The Topics were: Seven Days Crea- tion, God’s Love. Followed by the catechism of Penance or Confession and receiving the Holy Communion every time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist. It also included the Ten Command- ments. And on the latter part, they were taught the basic prayers and the procedures for going to confession. As a culmination, they had an actual confes- sion. After which, they received the Holy Com- munion for the first time accompanied by their parents. ————— o —————
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Page 1 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
A PUBLICATION OF THE HYEHWADONG FILIPINO CATHOLIC COMMUNITY IN SEOUL ARCHDIOCESE
Volume 17 Issue 06 JUNE 2012
What’s Inside … Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon's
effect 02 July 2012. ··························· 11
Gate of Heaven ······························· 11
Ulat Komunidad ······························ 12
Announcements ······························ 13
Frequently Called Numbers ··············· 14
Daily Mass Readings (ORDO) ············· 14
Birthday Greetings ·························· 14
HFCC June 2012 First Saturday Vigil
By Worship Ministry - Choir
A s a continuing tradition of the HFCC,
the 1st Saturday vigil was celebrated on
the 2nd day of June 2012. Tradition also dic-
tates that the celebration would start at 8:00 pm
with the praying of the rosary, followed by an
inspirational talk of an invited speaker, then
one hour of silence to be with our Lord Jesus
Christ in the Blessed Eucharist, culminating in
the celebration of the Holy Mass. At the end of
the celebration, the community partakes of the
feast prepared by the sponsor-of-the-month.
The sponsor-of-the-month of June 2012 was the
HFCC choir and the invited guest speaker was
Sr. Angel Libron, S.Sp.S. This month’s vigil,
however, started at 9:00 pm.
In her inspirational talk, Sr. Angel shared
with the community the qualities of the Holy
Trinity which could apply to everyone’s life
whether individually or as a group. These five
Trinitarian qualities are uniqueness, equality,
unity, constant communication, and mission.
(Continued on page 11)
By: Ma. Teresa Solis
T he Philippine Embassy in Seoul Korea
through the Philippine Overseas Labor
Office (POLO) celebrated the 114th Anniver-
sary of Philippine Independence Day and 17th
Migrant Workers’ Day last June 3, 2012 at the
Floating Stage in Yeouido Hangang Park, Seoul
South Korea.
(Continued on page 10)
By Lay Ministry
A s part of the celebration of Corpus
Christi, the First Holy Communion was
held during the Mass on June 10, 2012 at the St.
Benedict Catholic Church in Hyehwadong,
officiated by the Rev. Fr. Arvin Mosqueda,
MSP. Five first communicants were prepared
for the occasion, namely: Yong Hoo Kim
(Johnpatrick), Yu Jin Kim (Angel), Sung
Hyeon C. Mun (Nathaniel), Zenith Reign Ca-
cayan Sulit, Kim Yee Rim (Michaela).
Seminars were conducted to prepare the par-
ticipants on May 27 and June 3, led by the Lay
Ministers. The Topics were: Seven Days Crea-
tion, God’s Love. Followed by the catechism of
Penance or Confession and receiving the Holy
Communion every time we celebrate the Holy
Eucharist. It also included the Ten Command-
ments. And on the latter part, they were taught
the basic prayers and the procedures for going
to confession.
As a culmination, they had an actual confes-
sion. After which, they received the Holy Com-
munion for the first time accompanied by their
parents.
————— o —————
Page 2 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
July 1-16, 2012
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For Inquiries Please Call:
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Page 3 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
HFCC Volunteers’ Sports
Activities Continue
By HFCC Sports Committee
O n June 17, 2012, the volunteers engaged again in
another exciting basketball game. The first game
was between two losing teams, with the Blue Team (37)
winning over the White Team (30). In the second game,
the Green Team (43) dominated the game against the Violet Team (26).
We also witnessed the start of the 3-Team Women’s Volleyball game with a game between
HFCC A and PPFI Teams. HFCC A Team beat the PPFI Team in two straight sets. The DAERIM
and HFCC B Teams didn’t see action during this playing date.
A THANK YOU NOTE
FOR MY TATAY By Jane
A s we remember fathers all over the
world today, I can’t help but miss my
own Father. So I made this simple thank you
note to let him know that I’m grateful to him
and that I appreciate him so much.
Distance will always be a hindrance for eve-
ryone to be able to show to those who are clos-
est to our heart how we miss and love them .
And I can’t help but wonder how they are do-
ing? Are they in good health? Are they being
taken cared of? We have a lot of worries, espe-
cially about our parents as they get older.
And I’m so thankful to have this opportunity
to let my Tatay know how I love him and miss
him in spite of my being far away from him. As
the eldest, I’ve seen how we grew up, how he
did his best by his own will to take care of us.
We are all imperfect, just as our parents are.
Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs you
can ever imagine. And it’s the same challenge
that we face each day as our kids grow. On this
Father’s Day, my love and warmest thank you
will never end.
He always tells me every time we talk, “My
daughter, be wise always and you should al-
ways do things the right way”..I made mistakes
along the way, every time. But his words al-
ways haunt me to do things the right way, he
also knows what’s best for me.
Thank you for doing your best as a Father, I
know even in your quiet way, how you love us.
I can’t imagine myself being where I am now
and what I am going to do without you.
I thank you for a lot of ways, I’ve learned to
be strong and faced the challenges of life be-
cause of you. I saw how much you tried to be a
good parent to us. No matter where I am and
what I do, you’ll always be in my mind. And
my heart tells me how proud I am to be your
daughter. God knows what I’m afraid of, as you
get older. I can’t imagine my life without my
parents who will always be there whenever I
needed them the most.
I love you ‘Tay and thank you for every-
thing…..
Administrator Carmelita
S. Dimzon's Migrant
Workers Day Message Department of Labor and Employment
OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFAER
ADMINISTRATION
Pasay City, Philippines
MENSAHE
M alugod kong binabati ang ma-
higit na apat na milyong over-
seas Filipino workers (OFWs) na nasa
iba’t ibang panig ng mundo sa paggunita
natin ngayon ng Migrant Workers Day.
Kasama ninyo Kami sa pagdiriwang ng
napakahalagang araw na ito.
Katulad ng mga naunang Migrant
Workers Day, muli nating ginugunita ang
pagkilala sa mga kontribusyon, sakripi-
syo, at tagumpay ng ating mga OFWs.
Ang kanilang kahusayan, kakayahan at
kasipagan ay kilala sa buong mundo.
Kaya naman tunay na nababagay ang
tema ng ating selebrasyon sa taong ito,
“OFW: Sa Galing at Sipag, Bilib Kami
sa Iyo” para sa ating pagpupugay sa
kanila.
Bilang isang pangunahing ahensya ng
pamahalaan na nakatutok sa proteksyon at
kapakanan ng mga OFWs, patuloy na
isinusulong ng OWWA ang 22-Point
Labor and Governance Reform Agenda
ng Aquino Administration, lalong lalo na
ang 11 direktiba na nakatuon sa migran-
teng Pilipino at kanilang pamilya, sa
pamamagitan ng mga makabuluhang pro-
grama. Lalo nating pinalalakas at pinag-
bubutihan ang ating mga “soci-economic
programs” at serbisyo para sa kanilang
kapakanan sa tulong ng mga iba’t ibang
sangay ng pamahalaan, mga local na
pamahalaan, pribadong sector at “non-
government organizations.” Dahil maha-
laga ang agaran at tuloy tuloy na serbisyo,
ang OWWA ay may 24/7 Operations
Center para tumugon sa lahat ng nangan-
gailangan ng tulong.
Malawak ang mga programa ng
OWWA para sa mga migranteng mangga-
gawa. Ang mga ito ay ipinatutupad para
sa mga papaalis pa lang ng bansa, sa mga
nagtratrabaho sa ibang bansa at sa mga
nakabalik na sa ating bansa. Sa pamam-
agitan ng ating “individual, economic and
community reintegration programs,” tinu-
tulungan natin sila sa maayos na pag
“integrate” sa kanilang pamilya at komu-
nidad para sa isang masaganang kinabu-
kasan.
Hangad ng OWWA ang tagumpay ng
ating migranteng manggagawa sa
kanilang pagkikipagsapalaran sa ibang
bansa. Sila ang tunay nating kabalikat sa
kaunlaran.
- signed-
CARMELITA S. DIMZON
Administrator
07 June 2012
Page 4 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
By Prof. Emely Dicolen-Abagat, Ph.D.
INTRODUCTION
I s there anybody in this room who is aware that the Filipinos and the South Koreans
have been good friends for 62 long years? Did you know that Filipinos are part of South Ko-rea’s battle for freedom and independence?
My discovery started this way: I was on my way to Daejeon to give a leadership seminar to the officers of a community of Filipino workers. On the train, an elderly Korean lady, maybe in her late 70s, asked my friends and me, “Eodiseo osyeosseoyo?” (“Where are you from?”), maybe because she noticed we were speaking in Tagalog, so we introduced ourselves as Filipinos. “Pilipin saram imnida.” She then said, “Cheongmal? Kamsaham-nida!” I was surprised because she started thanking us, the Filipinos, for helping Korea during the Korean War. She started recounting stories about the Filipino soldiers who came to fight during those turbulent years. She said that Koreans are indebted to us, the Filipi-nos.
On another occasion, I met an elderly Korean priest in his early 80s who was originally from North Korea but had to escape during the war and managed to come to South Korea. On his way to the South, he met a Filipino soldier. They became good friends, and with the soldier, he smoked his first cigar.
Honestly, before I came to Korea I never knew about the heroism and gallantry of the Filipino soldiers who participated in and sacri-ficed their lives during the Korean War. I had never heard any of my history teachers lectur-ing about this in my classes or my grandparents telling me stories about it. I believe other Filipi-nos as well as Koreans, especially the members of the younger generation, are as ignorant as I regarding this historic act of heroism by our Filipino soldiers and the 62 years of friendship between the Philippines and Korea.
My encounters with these Koreans made me want to discover more about these unsung, unrecognized and underappreciated heroes. Some day, I promised myself, I will meet them in person and listen to their stories.
This dream came true. This is the reason why today, I am here in front of you, to share with you the stories I gathered from them- THEIR UNTOLD STORIES.
First I will be talking about the arrival of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), then, I will be sharing with you the survivors’ stories. After which, I will be recall-ing with you the legacies of the long friendship between Korea and the Philippines. Lastly, I will give a short summary and challenge to all of us gathered here.
The Arrival of the PEFTOK
In America, the Korean War that took place on June 25, 1950 was called to be “The Forgot-ten War” because World War II and Vietnam War were the only ones highlighted in world history..
Even in the Philippines, very few people know that even the Filipinos fought during the Korean War. Under the United Nations, we Filipinos participated to fight for South Korea’s freedom.
The Philippines joined the Korean War de-
spite having to contend with a communist-led rebellion and an economy crippled by the im-mense destruction wrought by the Second World War.
The Philippines sent 5 battalions from 1950 to 1955: the 10th BCT, the 20th BCT, the 19th BCT, 14th BCT and the 2nd BCT. Among the 7,420 Filipino soldiers sent, more than 100 soldiers sacrificed their lives for South Korea. Our Filipino soldiers also helped in the rehabili-tation of the villages and in the restoration of a society destroyed by the war.
The Filipino soldiers of the Philippine Expe-ditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) are consid-
ered to be the first Filipinos in South Korea, or as we Filipinos say, OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers, or perhaps Overseas Filipino Warri-ors. Indeed the Filipino soldiers of the PEFTOK were the first OFWs in South Korea.
Before the soldiers left for Korea, they pa-raded around Luneta in Manila. The US Navy Transport Antolak left Manila Bay at noon on September 16, 1950 with the 10th Battalion
Combat Team (10th BCT). Antolak landed Busan on September 19, 1950, and a few months from now, we shall be celebrating the 62nd year anniversary of the arrival of the Fili-pino soldiers in South Korea.
During the soldiers’ stay in South Korea for 5 years, they have shown their bravery and courage. They have shown their heroism in some important battles such as the, 1951 Battle of Yultong where many Filipinos died fighting for South Korea’s independence from the Chi-nese Volunteer Army; the Battle of Miudong, the 1st war battled by the Filipino soldiers out-side of the Philippines; the Battle of Hill Eerie
led by none other than former Philippine Presi-dent, His Excellency Fidel Valdez Ramos; the Battle of Hill Arsenal, and others.
Aside from the journalists like Juan Vil-lasanta and former Senator Benigno “Nino” Aquino, some priests also joined them to guide and strengthen their faith.
Many of them were wounded.
And many of them died. (click) Pvt. Alipio Ceciliano was the first Filipino to fall in South Korea.
Many were recognized and appreciated.
Some were married to Koreans.
The first battalion went home in 1951 and before they left, they paid respects to their fallen comrades in the cemetery in Busan.
They were eagerly met by their family members, relatives and friends.
Upon return to the Philip-pines, they were given recognition. The whole Philippines celebrated for their coming home and their victory.
The whole country also mourned over the death of some soldiers. They were
temporarily buried in South Korea but later brought back to the Philippines and joined their families and friends who were waiting for their return.
The first batch of released prisoners of war arrived in Manila on August 7, 1953. They were eagerly met by their family members and friends.
Staff Sergeant Juanito Magno, first Filipino prisoner of war to be released by the commu-nists, returned to the Philippines on May 8, 1953 – a sick man. Given a hero’s welcome, he was escorted from Nichol’s Field by a long motorcade not to the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or to his home but to the Victoriano Luna General Hospital.
The soldiers were sent off at Luneta and they were also welcomed back at the same place, to pay homage…in flowers, in prayers, and in tears.
The Survivors’ Stories and Testimonies
Now, let’s listen to what the survivors have to say. I personally met some of the PEFTOK veterans over several occasions. I had such an inspiring encounter with these brave and coura-geous men. Despite their age, they were excited as they shared their difficult yet inspiring fights, against all odds - the cold winter, lonely Christ-mas, homesickness and death.
Major Maximo Young. He be-longs to the 10th BCT. His winter experience in South Korea is something he cannot forget because accord-ing to him that was one of the
coldest winters in Korea in 200 years. He re-membered that the water in their water contain-ers froze and even their engines froze. He also jokingly shared that whenever they wanted to go to the rest room, they had to think twice because the moment they attempted, the cold
(Continued on page 5)
THE FILIPINO KOREAN WAR VETERANS: THEIR UNTOLD STORIES
The “Fighting Tenth” at Luneta on September 2, 1950 before they left for South Korea.
The soldiers visited their fallen comrades in
a cemetery in Busan before they returned to
the Philippines.
The author with Major
Maximo Young
Page 5 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
penetrates their bones and everything shrinks. Major Young’s sense of humor made it easy for him to relate with the Koreans. He cannot for-get picking apples, plums and chestnuts to feed themselves. He vividly remembered the chil-dren “As we began to immerse ourselves in the Korean way of life, we could see children who, regardless of their age, never showed any fear or indifference to us soldiers. Perhaps, though they were young, they already knew that we were defending them from [communist] aggres-sors.”
When asked what favor he would like to ask from both Korean and Philippine government, he said: “support their children and grandchil-dren, educate them, so that they’ll be proud that they finished their studies because it is the fruit of their forefathers who fought during the war.”
Col. Frank Ta-mondong. Col. Tamondong also belongs to the 10th BCT. He was literally one of the first over-seas Filipino warriors/workers in Korea, be-cause he, along with two other soldiers, be-longed to the first group of fighters, who
first came by ship and brought 17 tanks to be used for the war. San Miguel Beer, the famous Filipino beer saved him in several occasions. First, when he was so cold and he only had a sweater. Be bartered his San Miguel Beer for a trench coat with an American soldier. In an-other instance, he and his comrades lost their way because they were asked to evacuate. Some people helped them and gave them San Miguel Beer in return. When I asked him what sustained his courage and allowed him to go on with the fight, he said, with teary eyes and a trembling voice, “Whenever I looked at the Philippine flag, I thought about my country. Then I regained my courage and the strength to continue the fight.” For him, the most important thing is service. He said “If people remember me that I fought for them, it’s alright. If they don’t, it’s alright. I am happy that I served. That’s all!”
Col. Jovencio Dominguez. He belongs to the 19th BCT. He was only 19 years old when he joined the troupe sent to Korea. His motto, “He who does not learn to obey does not hope to c o m m a n d , ” served as his
inspiration. So despite his homesickness, he managed to fight. Letters from family and friends sustained their morale. All of them were always excited to see if there was mail for them. In some instances, members of their families went to a certain radio station in the Philippines because there was this radio program where they can greet the soldiers on air. “It was faith in God Almighty that made me strong. It gave me the courage to go on even without knowing whether I’ll go home dead or alive.”
Fidel Valdez Ramos. Former President
Ramos belongs to the 20th BCT. When the Philip-pines sent its soldiers to Korea, the Philippines was still recover-ing from the havoc brought by the Second World War. However, Philippines had to respond. His analogy was “if the house of your neighbor was on
fire, shouldn’t you put out the fire nearby lest the flames spread to your house?” Fidel Ramos led the success of the Battle of Hill Eerie and shared his unforgettable experience. “We crept and crawled for about two hours, avoiding both friendly and hostile minefields, until we reached the target site. Our four teams encircled the area and fought the enemy at close range through hand grenades, rifles and mortar fire. This assault on the tactically important hill ensured that it became a vital part of the strate-gic defense lines of the U.N. Command. Thank-fully, not one of my men was hurt in our suc-cessful takeover of Hill Eerie.” A very impor-tant message he conveyed when he was invited speaker and granted Honoris Causa by The Catholic University of Korea, “make sure that we live our daily lives to the best of our ability so that the sacrifices of our departed comrades would not be in vain. They gave us freedom. Because of their selfless contributions, we owe them and ourselves the obligation to make the most of the progress and liberty we now enjoy. For us here, the living, we must bestow the same to the generations after us.”
The Philippines-Korea Friendship
However, it is not just during the Korean War that Filipinos helped Korea. After the sign-ing of the Armistice Agreement, or ceasefire, on July 27, 1953, South Korea continued its reconstruction and the Philippines became part of these reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. Some Filipino missionaries helped the orphans of the Korean War. One of them is Sr. Miguela Santiago, a Filipino Salesian sister who spent more than 60 years of her life in Korea.
The current US Embassy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea were built by Filipinos in 1962. These are two of the tallest buildings in Korea.
Jangchung Gymnasium in Dongdaemun was also built in 1963 through the help of Filipinos and served as venue for major sports events. It is where the 1998 Summer Olympics in Judo and Taekwondo were held.
The song ANAK by Freddie Aguilar became famous in Korean radios in the 1970s. A taga-log song with a Korean version.
The Philippine Monument in Goyang was erected on October 1974 as a thanksgiving for the assistance that the Philippines gave to Ko-rea to ensure Korea’s freedom and peace.
In Yeoncheon, where the Battle of Yultong took place, we can see two small monuments. South Korea built this in 1966 in memory of the bravery and courage of the Filipino soldiers during the war. Today, this has been renovated and the two were made into one.
In Busan, you can see the Philippine marker built by the Philippine Embassy in 2009 with the help of the Department of National Defense. Because Filipinos were part of the Korean War, a certain place was given by the United Nations in South Korea.
In the Philippines some markers were also
built in memory of the Korean war: The PEFTOK Memorial in Fort Bonifacio; the MA-RIKOREA Monument in Marikina where the soldiers were trained before they were deployed to Korea; the old 500 peso bill where you can see Sen Ninoy Aquino as a young journalist of the Manila Times and wrote about the Korean war.
This is a friendship that is integrated in the history of diplomatic relations. For example, the Philippines is the 5th country that recog-nized South Korea on March 3, 1949, only 7 months after the Korean government was estab-lished on August 15, 1948.
The Philippines was also the 8th country to respond to the call of the United Nations to help South Korea. As Gen. Carlos P. Romulo, the United Nations General Assembly President from 1949-1950 said: “The application of mili-tary sanctions in Korea is in itself an act of the greatest significance… The Philippine Govern-ment, for its part, has given concrete proof of its support of the principle of collective security by sending troops to help the UN forces in Ko-rea.”
And in the span of 2 generations, or 6 dec-ades, South Korea survived and rose from a country destroyed by war.
Challenge
After having heard about the beginnings of the 62 year old friendship between Korea and the Philippines, after having heard the untold stories of the Filipino Korean War Veterans, the question we ask ourselves is, how do we keep the friendship?
As a Filipino educator currently teaching in Korea, one of my concrete responsibilities is to tell this story to as many Korean people as pos-sible, especially the young generation of Kore-ans and Filipinos. As a Filipino, it is my duty to spread this very important part of history to pay tribute to my countrymen who sacrificed their lives for Korea’s peace, independence and lib-erty.
In the speech of His Excellency Amb. Luis T. Cruz on the occasion of the 58th Anniversary of the participation of the Philippine Expedi-tionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), he chal-lenged everyone to keep the memory alive in the minds and hearts of both Filipinos and Ko-reans. He said:
“We have the responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices are not naught. We need to pro-tect our freedom with equal fortitude and con-viction so that generations after us can benefit from the liberty we now enjoy.
We must work hard so that the bond between the Filipino and Korean people will flourish, that we will continue helping each other pro-vide a better life for peoples.
We reap today the benefits of this robust alliance in the form of political and economic partnership as well as people-to-people ex-changes.
We are obliged, with all our resources, to make sure that the stories of our soldiers do not get lost in the annals of history. It is our duty to inform the younger generation of their stories, for much learning can be had from their experi-ences.”
Now, that we have heard their untold stories, let’s do our part. Let’s share their untold stories to everyone we meet. We have been good friends…for 62 years.
Kamsahamnida! Maraming salamat po!
This paper was presented by the author in Dongguk University on June 20, 2012 in a forum on “Enhancing Patriotism in Local
Government.”
(Continued from page 4 - The Filipino Korean ...)
Col. Frank Tamondong, 10th
BCT
The author with Col. Joven-
cio Dominguez
The author with former
President Fidel V. Ramos
Page 6 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
For inquiries, Prayer and Counseling, please call:
PPFI Center : 02-6013-2390 or 02-794-2338 (fax)
or Bro. Tony Sacapanio (010-3040-7995 / 010-7640
-6778
MGA GINTONG ARAL NI EL SHADDAI Praising God – Hallelujah!
By Bro. Tony Sacapanio
B e very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-20
Have you ever been in a situation that you feel all alone? Or have you encountered a difficult situation in your life and you don’t know what to do, like losing your job or suffering the loss of someone very close to your heart?
Do you know that praising God is the best thing to do first before anything else? Consider the good times such as when you receive a raise from your boss or earn high marks at school. What do you usually do during these moments? Praising God makes every circumstance of our lives com-plete, essential and eminently worthwhile.
Webster defines the word praise as to say good things about and it is synonymous to words such as admire, commend, extol, honor and worship. A definition of Christian praise is the joyful thanking and adoring of God, the celebration of His goodness and grace.
This simply implies that the act of praising is rightfully due to God alone.
I. Praising God – Why?
Why is praising God important? The reasons are countless.
1. God deserves to be praised and He is worthy to receive our praise.
a. “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all Gods” (Psalm 96:4)
b. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3)
c. “I call on the Lord who is worthy of praise and I am saved from my enemies” (2 Samuel 22:4)
d. “You are worthy, our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11)
2. Praising God is useful and favorable for us. By praising God, we are reminded of the greatness of God! His power and presence in our lives is reinforced in our understanding. “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to His name, for that is pleasant” (Psalm 135:3)
3. Praise discharges strength is faith, which causes God to move on our behalf. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2)
Praising God also transforms the spiritual environment that we have. In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 clearly illustrates the alteration that happened when the Levites gave praise and thanks to the Lord and the temple was filled with a cloud signifying the glory of God.
4. God inhabits the atmosphere of praise. Psalm 22:3 says, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel”. If we want to see a clear manifestation of God’s blessings and grace, all we need to do is to praise Him with all our heart, our mind and our soul.
II. Praising God – Who?
Who is to praise God? “Let everything that has breathed praise the Lord. Praise the Lord” states in Psalm 150:6
“Purihin si Yahweh ng mga nilalang! Purihin si Yahweh!”
“Aawitang lagi ninyong mga bata na wala pang malay at sariling diwa matibay na muog ikaw ay naghanda laban sa kaaway, kalabang masama.” (Awit 8:2)
I will extol the Lord at all time; His praise will always be on my lips (Psalm 34:1)
“Si Yahweh ay aking laging pupurihin; Sa pasasalamat di ako titigil.”
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands”. (Psalms 63:3-4) “Ang wagas na pag-ibig mo’y mahigit pa kaysa buhay, kaya ako’y magpupuri’t ikaw ang pag uukulan, “habang ako’y nabubuhay ako’y magpapasalamat. At ako ay dadalangin na kamay ko’y nakataas.”
Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord” (Psalm 134:1-2)
“Lumapit kay Yahweh at kayo’y magpuri kayong naglilingkod sa templo kung gabi. Sa loob ng templo siya’y papurihan, kayo’y duma-langin na taas ang kamay”
We cannot embark on the true joy and benefits of praising God unless we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As children of God, He dwells in our bodies through the Holy Spirit. This means that wherever we go, God is to be praised. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states that “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”
III. Praising God – How to Praise and Worship God
How is praising God possible? Singing Songs and Hymns, clapping our hands, even jumping for joy…the list is endless. We can give glory and praise to our God with the use of our physical bodies, with our hearts and minds, and with our deeds. There are many ways to praise God! No matter how you praise and worship God, it should result in an awe of God’s power, love and grace for all of us!
Page 10 Volume 17 Issue 06 One community living up the Gospel through the service of the Lord and our fellow men
Korean society aging fastest
By Kim Tong-hyung
K orea is moving toward an aged society
at the fastest pace in the world with the
average age of workers in the country spiking,
according to a global bank, Tuesday.
In its latest report on the Korean economy,
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) issued an
alert on Korea’s increasingly top-heavy popula-
tion structure and its potential as a growth
buster, predicting that its working-age popula-
tion will enter a lengthy period of contraction
starting in 2016.
The average age of Korean workers is ex-
pected to be 50 by 2045 when it will be the
highest in the world. Potential growth will de-
cline from 4.2 percent in 2011 to 2.5 percent in
2050, when the average worker will be support-
ing 1.65 pensioners.
The demographic shift will have significant
impact on the country’s growth, fiscal spending
and private savings levels, RBS predicted.
"The average age of Korean workers has
passed that of American workers and will likely
surpass the level of European countries in 2020.
The data showed that our working population
will decline by 1.2 percent every year until
2025, a point at which the decline will acceler-
ate to an annual 2 percent until 2050," said an
official from the Korea Center for International
Finance (KCIF), which analyzed the RBS
study.
Government officials are concerned that the
shrinking working-age population and longer
life expectancies will combine to pose a consid-
erable challenge for Korea’s long-term eco-
nomic future.
As with many other countries, Korea expects
to see the retiring proportion of its population
balloon in the coming years. This is feared to
consequently escalate pressures on the coun-
try’s fiscal position as more retirees collect
pensions and medical benefits to be shouldered
by a shrinking number of taxpayers.
In recent years, government officials here
have worked hard to introduce family-friendly
policies, such as expanding tax benefits, pro-
viding longer maternity leave and establishing
more day-care centers for children of working
mothers. But the effects of such changes have
been subdued, due in part to a large number of
companies being reluctant to make significant
changes to their working environment.
The country already appears to be struggling
to provide the resources to care for people after
retirement. Official figures show that economic
activity among people in their 50s and 60s are
nearing all-time highs as older workers desper-
ately cling to their office desks as they don’t
have enough money saved up to retire.
Korea tops all the developed Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) in poverty among elderly citizens,
which was at 45.1 percent in 2010, more than
triple the OECD average of 13.3 percent and
roughly double the 20-something percent rates
of Japan and the U.S.
Despite the difficult conditions, RBS down-
played the possibility that Korea would take a
Japan-like dive into deflation. Korea’s rela-
tively small government sector and lean entitle-
ment programs suggest that the fiscal pressures
will be manageable.
Savings will fall sharply as families look
after their elders. However, it’s unlikely that
asset prices will fall dramatically along with
savings, according to RBS.
RBS believes that the country's current ac-
count surplus will remain relatively unchanged
until around 2018 when the decline will start to
be noticeable. The balance could fall into nega-
tive territory in 2034, with the deficit rising to 4