In observance of the the 66th anniversary of Leyte Landing, the FVF is having a gathering at the St. Barnabas Senior Hall at 12:30 to 3 PM on October 20, 2010. We are located at 675 Carondelet St., in Los Angeles 90057. For a donation of $10, there will be a lunch at 12 Noon followed by a short program. The WWII Veterans are our premier guests and the invited guests are representative public officials and Veterans groups. Music and dancing will fulfill the day.
Join us. Call Vangie at 310-830-4561 for details.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
TRIBUTE
April 8, 2010
68th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor
Read by Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque
COL. TIRSO BALDEMOR
In 1996, a year after my father passed away, the late Col. Tirso Baldemor approached me and asked if I could join the newly formed Sons and Daughters of Filipino WWII Veterans. Col. Baldemor was active in running the two organizations close to his heart, the other being the Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines organization or RAFPO for short. It was mainly through his efforts which stirred the souls of officers and men who served in WWII to join the organizations where he gathered them and pushed for their recognition of services. And as they passed on, one by one, it was Col. Baldemor who orchestrated the memorial tributes, and paid homage.
I remember my first visit in Bataan, in April 9, 1997. We the sons and daughters, led by Paul Blanco and Col. Baldemor, kissed the sacred grounds of Bataan, at the foot of Mount Samat where an awesome Cross looms above our heads. It was also the first visit of Congressman Bob Filner, who came upon our invitation, and was the special guest of honor of then President Fidel V. Ramos. It was one memorable day I shall never forget. I was touched by the thousands of WWII Veterans surrounding us, surging upon us, and shaking our hands, telling us with their anxious looks, “do not forget Bataan, do not ever forget Bataan and what we did here.” I know for a fact that there were at least a few people who returned to America, who never forgot and had changed the rest of their lives. It had become a passion not to let go of that promise.
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ
Commodore Ramon Alcaraz was a true officer and a gentleman. It was my late father who introduced us in the early eighties. But our paths did not meet until 2001, when we received a reply from the former President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos accepting our invitation to attend the 60th Anniversary of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, held in Carson, California. I approached Commodore Alcaraz and sought his help to facilitate the visit of the former President. Since then he had become my godfather in word and in deed.
The Commodore knew my father since the Philippine Military Academy days. My Dad was his Senior. They fought in Bataan, and walked the Death March and became prisoners of war in Camp O’Donnell. When I showed him my father’s war diaries and the book I drafted for publication, he was thrilled.
In 2004, when we celebrated Bataan Day at the Patriotic Hall, he was one of our guest speakers, but did not show up. We learned that he met a horrific accident by a hit and run driver and almost lost his life. When I visited him the following day, he was all bandaged up and still dazed, but recognized me. The first thing he said was, “By golly, Jenny, I am an old man. I am ready to go. But I was told to return to tell you: publish that book of your Daddy. He was an unsung hero.” With that mandate straight from heaven, coming from the lips of the Commodore, I followed his command. And the rest is history.
Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor: You have been our guide and inspiration in continuing what we do here like today, a small act of remembrance to the heroes of Bataan, giving it our love and prayers, and the best of what we have. Continue to be our guiding light for someday we shall all meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we offer this tribute to both of you, Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Baldemor, on the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, a Day of Valor.
Jenny L. Batongmalaque MD
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Read by Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc, Veterans Center Association
Los Angeles
Please bow your heads:
Lord, you have given us this blessed day to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day at Lake Street Park, where a monument is emplaced to remind the young generations and our loving friends of the unsung heroes of WWII in the Philippines.
As we continue our journey with your blessings, please do not forget our comrades who are homebound or in assisted living facilities, to give them strength and courage and hope.
We also thank those who fought for our recognition of services in the halls of Congress and the President of the United States, for including us in the Stimulus package, although many of us are still waiting for the bonus.
Thank you Lord, for those present here today who have given this day the highest honor and tribute to the heroes of WWII, with our love and prayers.
We now conclude this program.
April 8, 2010
68th Anniversary of Bataan, A Day of Valor
Read by Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque
COL. TIRSO BALDEMOR
In 1996, a year after my father passed away, the late Col. Tirso Baldemor approached me and asked if I could join the newly formed Sons and Daughters of Filipino WWII Veterans. Col. Baldemor was active in running the two organizations close to his heart, the other being the Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines organization or RAFPO for short. It was mainly through his efforts which stirred the souls of officers and men who served in WWII to join the organizations where he gathered them and pushed for their recognition of services. And as they passed on, one by one, it was Col. Baldemor who orchestrated the memorial tributes, and paid homage.
I remember my first visit in Bataan, in April 9, 1997. We the sons and daughters, led by Paul Blanco and Col. Baldemor, kissed the sacred grounds of Bataan, at the foot of Mount Samat where an awesome Cross looms above our heads. It was also the first visit of Congressman Bob Filner, who came upon our invitation, and was the special guest of honor of then President Fidel V. Ramos. It was one memorable day I shall never forget. I was touched by the thousands of WWII Veterans surrounding us, surging upon us, and shaking our hands, telling us with their anxious looks, “do not forget Bataan, do not ever forget Bataan and what we did here.” I know for a fact that there were at least a few people who returned to America, who never forgot and had changed the rest of their lives. It had become a passion not to let go of that promise.
COMMODORE RAMON ALCARAZ
Commodore Ramon Alcaraz was a true officer and a gentleman. It was my late father who introduced us in the early eighties. But our paths did not meet until 2001, when we received a reply from the former President of the Philippines, Fidel V. Ramos accepting our invitation to attend the 60th Anniversary of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, held in Carson, California. I approached Commodore Alcaraz and sought his help to facilitate the visit of the former President. Since then he had become my godfather in word and in deed.
The Commodore knew my father since the Philippine Military Academy days. My Dad was his Senior. They fought in Bataan, and walked the Death March and became prisoners of war in Camp O’Donnell. When I showed him my father’s war diaries and the book I drafted for publication, he was thrilled.
In 2004, when we celebrated Bataan Day at the Patriotic Hall, he was one of our guest speakers, but did not show up. We learned that he met a horrific accident by a hit and run driver and almost lost his life. When I visited him the following day, he was all bandaged up and still dazed, but recognized me. The first thing he said was, “By golly, Jenny, I am an old man. I am ready to go. But I was told to return to tell you: publish that book of your Daddy. He was an unsung hero.” With that mandate straight from heaven, coming from the lips of the Commodore, I followed his command. And the rest is history.
Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor: You have been our guide and inspiration in continuing what we do here like today, a small act of remembrance to the heroes of Bataan, giving it our love and prayers, and the best of what we have. Continue to be our guiding light for someday we shall all meet again in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we offer this tribute to both of you, Commodore Alcaraz and Col. Baldemor, on the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, a Day of Valor.
Jenny L. Batongmalaque MD
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
CONCLUDING PRAYER
Read by Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc, Veterans Center Association
Los Angeles
Please bow your heads:
Lord, you have given us this blessed day to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Bataan Day at Lake Street Park, where a monument is emplaced to remind the young generations and our loving friends of the unsung heroes of WWII in the Philippines.
As we continue our journey with your blessings, please do not forget our comrades who are homebound or in assisted living facilities, to give them strength and courage and hope.
We also thank those who fought for our recognition of services in the halls of Congress and the President of the United States, for including us in the Stimulus package, although many of us are still waiting for the bonus.
Thank you Lord, for those present here today who have given this day the highest honor and tribute to the heroes of WWII, with our love and prayers.
We now conclude this program.
Our Bataan legacy
April 9, 1942:
The Crucible at Mount Samat
A timeless epic battle occurred at Mount Samat, Bataan, starting April 3 to April 9, 1942. Japan, with its rising Sun, overpowered the forces at the slopes of the Mountain, that stood witness to the blood being shed by the troops of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East to defend its turf.
The American Eagle was helplessly encircling but was nowhere in sight when the heavy fighting started, its Commander had left the premises a month earlier, with a promise to return with a convoy of 70 miles of armed units which did not arrive when it was needed at the zero hour. The surviving Philippine Commonwealth officers and men were left to carry the crucible to its finality and still did not want to surrender to its bitter end.
This is our Bataan legacy.
– The Filipino Veterans Foundation
Echoes from a distant past…
These excerpts are taken from the war diaries of a soldier who survived the epic battles of Bataan and the ordeals of a prisoner of war at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
It was then Holy Week of April, 1942. Our Intelligence had reported that the Japanese were making big preparations for their big Offensive. A young American officer, with a note from General King and General Capinpin came to our Command Post. This young American officer was the commander of the Anti-Tank battalion to give us support in our sector. He had 22 American soldiers as members of the Anti-Tank crew.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday passed, and everything seemed quiet. But we all knew that the Japanese were busy preparing for their general Offensive all along the Line which were defended by the 41st, 21st, and 51st Divisions. (The author was the Executive Officer of the 21st and 23rd Battalions of the 21st Division-Ed). This area extended from the slopes of Mount Samat on the east, down to the seashore on the west.
For three days and three nights, we were all praying that the much awaited American convoy, supposed to be 70 miles long somewhere in the Pacific would really come to reinforce our much depleted and famished men! But there was no American convoy that arrived. They were all propaganda of the “Voice of Freedom,” just to keep our men hopeful and hold the line much longer.
Holy Thursday – April 2, 1942- After our early breakfast of soft boiled rice and scanty salmon and salt, our Regimental Chaplain, Fr. Ingal, said Holy Mass on an improvised altar near our Regimental Command Post, about half-way atop Mount Samat on its western slopes. About one hundred officers and men mostly sickly and wounded were attending this Mass that morning of Holy Thursday.
When Mass was about half-way, we saw nine Japanese bombers that were starting to circle above and around our sector. There were several other Japanese planes over the skies above the 41st and our left and the 51st on our right.
Upon hearing the drones of planes, most of the officers and men who were hearing that Mass soon scampered for air-raid shelters, jumping into fox holes and any available cover nearby. When Fr. Ingal looked back at me questioningly, I approached him and whispered, “ Just go on Father, try to finish the Mass.” And so, Fr. Ingal bravely continued to say the Mass. There were only about a dozen officers and me who continued to hear that Mass.
Suddenly, three by three, the nine Japanese dive bombers alternated diving and dropping bombs all over our sector. Miraculously, all of us who were attending the Mass were not hurt. But many of those who run away to seek shelter were killed and wounded.
April 3, Good Friday. The start of the all-out Japanese offensive.
When we reached our advance command post, two American young soldiers were starting to run to the rear, they were obviously shell-shocked. There were orders to shoot anyone who ran away as cowards. But instead of following that order, I told them to hand us their Garand rifles.
The Japanese dive bombers dropped bombs all over our sector, and their Artillery was pounding us heavily. Before sundown, on Good Friday, the Japanese were able to break through our lines. Our boys were starting to withdraw to the rear. At the beginning the withdrawal was orderly, but when it was getting dark, there was great confusion. Our own men were also shell-shocked.
Holy Saturday, April 4, the Japanese had surrounded Mount Samat. Our Division Commander, General Capinpin, and most of his Staff Officers were captured by the enemy.
By nightfall, there were about twenty officers and about 200 men that regrouped with us in a ravine along the Samat trail on the southeast slope of Samat Mountain. We decided to take the least guarded terrain of the mountain to escape the Japanese encirclement. With extreme precaution during our slow movement by midnight , we went up and down the ravenous territory. When we dashed across the trail, a great commution attracted the Japanese sentries who opened fire. There was a great confusion. The long column was broken at several points. Officers and men ran in all directions. Most of us could not get out of the encirclement—and about 900 of our men died or were captured by the Japanese. There were only twenty of us who were left when we regrouped about 3 Kms southeast of Samat.
We finally reached Balanga, where hundreds of officers and men regrouped coming from different divisions. When we reached Little Baguio, there were rumors that General King had already ordered the USAFFE to surrender to the Japs. All of us, Filipino officers and most of the men, did not want to surrender.
We were leaving Little Baguio around midnight and ammunition dumps were set on fire. General Francisco asked if anyone of us would want to raise the white flag as a sign to the Japanese that we were to surrender, not one of the 3,000 officers and men raised his hand. Instead, several of us cried unashamedly, we did not want to surrender. We wanted to fight some more.
April 7, we were ordered to move south until Km 182 (Mariveles-Baguio road. We were all very tired, sleepy and hungry.
April 8 – Wednesday, the Japanese officers and our generals conferred concerning the surrender. All our arms were taken up. I way saying goodbye to my old personal friend, my personal pistol, a hero in Mindanao for nine years among Moro outlaws.
April 9- Thursday, the Surrender.
We had no longer our Division Commander, General Capinpin, who was captured in Mount Samat. We started our march at Km. 181, near Mariveles, where we were temporarily concentrated for two days. There was no food. No water. Then we were made to march to what was to become the infamous Bataan Death March.
These are the words penned by my father, Erasto R. Batongmalaque, (26 July, 1905 , Negros Occ., Philippines – 9 March, 1995, Los Angeles), a fallen hero in the defense of Bataan, while he was incarcerated among thousands in Camp O’Donnell. Circa April to September, 1942.
- Jenny L. Batongmalaque, MDApril 3, 2010, Los Angel
The Crucible at Mount Samat
A timeless epic battle occurred at Mount Samat, Bataan, starting April 3 to April 9, 1942. Japan, with its rising Sun, overpowered the forces at the slopes of the Mountain, that stood witness to the blood being shed by the troops of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East to defend its turf.
The American Eagle was helplessly encircling but was nowhere in sight when the heavy fighting started, its Commander had left the premises a month earlier, with a promise to return with a convoy of 70 miles of armed units which did not arrive when it was needed at the zero hour. The surviving Philippine Commonwealth officers and men were left to carry the crucible to its finality and still did not want to surrender to its bitter end.
This is our Bataan legacy.
– The Filipino Veterans Foundation
Echoes from a distant past…
These excerpts are taken from the war diaries of a soldier who survived the epic battles of Bataan and the ordeals of a prisoner of war at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
It was then Holy Week of April, 1942. Our Intelligence had reported that the Japanese were making big preparations for their big Offensive. A young American officer, with a note from General King and General Capinpin came to our Command Post. This young American officer was the commander of the Anti-Tank battalion to give us support in our sector. He had 22 American soldiers as members of the Anti-Tank crew.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday passed, and everything seemed quiet. But we all knew that the Japanese were busy preparing for their general Offensive all along the Line which were defended by the 41st, 21st, and 51st Divisions. (The author was the Executive Officer of the 21st and 23rd Battalions of the 21st Division-Ed). This area extended from the slopes of Mount Samat on the east, down to the seashore on the west.
For three days and three nights, we were all praying that the much awaited American convoy, supposed to be 70 miles long somewhere in the Pacific would really come to reinforce our much depleted and famished men! But there was no American convoy that arrived. They were all propaganda of the “Voice of Freedom,” just to keep our men hopeful and hold the line much longer.
Holy Thursday – April 2, 1942- After our early breakfast of soft boiled rice and scanty salmon and salt, our Regimental Chaplain, Fr. Ingal, said Holy Mass on an improvised altar near our Regimental Command Post, about half-way atop Mount Samat on its western slopes. About one hundred officers and men mostly sickly and wounded were attending this Mass that morning of Holy Thursday.
When Mass was about half-way, we saw nine Japanese bombers that were starting to circle above and around our sector. There were several other Japanese planes over the skies above the 41st and our left and the 51st on our right.
Upon hearing the drones of planes, most of the officers and men who were hearing that Mass soon scampered for air-raid shelters, jumping into fox holes and any available cover nearby. When Fr. Ingal looked back at me questioningly, I approached him and whispered, “ Just go on Father, try to finish the Mass.” And so, Fr. Ingal bravely continued to say the Mass. There were only about a dozen officers and me who continued to hear that Mass.
Suddenly, three by three, the nine Japanese dive bombers alternated diving and dropping bombs all over our sector. Miraculously, all of us who were attending the Mass were not hurt. But many of those who run away to seek shelter were killed and wounded.
April 3, Good Friday. The start of the all-out Japanese offensive.
When we reached our advance command post, two American young soldiers were starting to run to the rear, they were obviously shell-shocked. There were orders to shoot anyone who ran away as cowards. But instead of following that order, I told them to hand us their Garand rifles.
The Japanese dive bombers dropped bombs all over our sector, and their Artillery was pounding us heavily. Before sundown, on Good Friday, the Japanese were able to break through our lines. Our boys were starting to withdraw to the rear. At the beginning the withdrawal was orderly, but when it was getting dark, there was great confusion. Our own men were also shell-shocked.
Holy Saturday, April 4, the Japanese had surrounded Mount Samat. Our Division Commander, General Capinpin, and most of his Staff Officers were captured by the enemy.
By nightfall, there were about twenty officers and about 200 men that regrouped with us in a ravine along the Samat trail on the southeast slope of Samat Mountain. We decided to take the least guarded terrain of the mountain to escape the Japanese encirclement. With extreme precaution during our slow movement by midnight , we went up and down the ravenous territory. When we dashed across the trail, a great commution attracted the Japanese sentries who opened fire. There was a great confusion. The long column was broken at several points. Officers and men ran in all directions. Most of us could not get out of the encirclement—and about 900 of our men died or were captured by the Japanese. There were only twenty of us who were left when we regrouped about 3 Kms southeast of Samat.
We finally reached Balanga, where hundreds of officers and men regrouped coming from different divisions. When we reached Little Baguio, there were rumors that General King had already ordered the USAFFE to surrender to the Japs. All of us, Filipino officers and most of the men, did not want to surrender.
We were leaving Little Baguio around midnight and ammunition dumps were set on fire. General Francisco asked if anyone of us would want to raise the white flag as a sign to the Japanese that we were to surrender, not one of the 3,000 officers and men raised his hand. Instead, several of us cried unashamedly, we did not want to surrender. We wanted to fight some more.
April 7, we were ordered to move south until Km 182 (Mariveles-Baguio road. We were all very tired, sleepy and hungry.
April 8 – Wednesday, the Japanese officers and our generals conferred concerning the surrender. All our arms were taken up. I way saying goodbye to my old personal friend, my personal pistol, a hero in Mindanao for nine years among Moro outlaws.
April 9- Thursday, the Surrender.
We had no longer our Division Commander, General Capinpin, who was captured in Mount Samat. We started our march at Km. 181, near Mariveles, where we were temporarily concentrated for two days. There was no food. No water. Then we were made to march to what was to become the infamous Bataan Death March.
These are the words penned by my father, Erasto R. Batongmalaque, (26 July, 1905 , Negros Occ., Philippines – 9 March, 1995, Los Angeles), a fallen hero in the defense of Bataan, while he was incarcerated among thousands in Camp O’Donnell. Circa April to September, 1942.
- Jenny L. Batongmalaque, MDApril 3, 2010, Los Angel
Filipino Veterans Foundation
Invites you to attend the
68th Anniversary of Bataan Day – A Day of Valor
April 8, 2010
10 AM
Lake Street Park
227 Lake Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Program
10 AM Registration
10:30 Welcome - Col. Joseph Smith, Director
Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, Co. of Los Angeles
Presentation of Colors
National Anthems
Invocation Pastor Dan de Asis, Voice of Truth, Baptist Church
The Pledge of Allegiance
Remarks 1) Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles Regional Office
- Kerrie Witty
2) Philippine Consul General, Mary Jo Bernardo – Aragon
Echoes from the Distant Past Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque,
Executive Director, Filipino Veterans Foundation
Congressional Report - Col. Romeo Monteyro and Cmdr. Manuel Braga
Report from the Veterans Home of CA –GLAVC – Louis Koff (invited)
Tribute to Commodore Ramon Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor
Acknowledgment
Wreath Laying Officials
Taps
Concluding Remarks - Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc
Veterans Center Association
March 26, 2010
Prelude to the Bataan Day, a Day of Valor
On the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, A Day of Valor, we pay homage to the fallen heroes of Bataan, the majority having now passed on to the Ages, but for a few who are still amongst us.
As we take a moment to recapture their courage and bravery in the face of defeat, when they were barely out of their teens, we are profoundly indebted to each one of them and hold them dear to our hearts as they quietly disappear before us in their dotage.
In time, not one of these heroes who survived the epic saga of Bataan will be around to tell the story in the first person, nor will the immediate descendants who extol their heroism will be around to remember them with clarity and charity.
But for as long as Democracy, Liberty, Freedom and Honor are enjoyed when two or three are gathered, the fallen heroes of Bataan will forever be vindicated.
To the surviving ones, there is hope for the pursuit of happiness. This past year the quest for recognition of services has been achieved in one final swoop in the passage of the stimulus package bonus. However, only 30% to date had received the monetary benefits, and the rest will have to wait until the very bitter end. There are still other matters of import: the reunification of families, and finally a place for a safe haven in an assisted living facility, where their heroism is fully recognized and appreciated.
All of us are ready, willing and able to assist the surviving heroes as they mingle amongst us today, tomorrow and always, and for those whom we sorely miss, they have our prayers and our loving memory.
God Bless America!
Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D.
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
2615 So. Grand Ave. Ste 100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-746-9093 FAX 213-746-9050
www.erbfoundation.org
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
DEPT. OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Col. Joseph N. Smith, Director of the DMVA, Los Angeles County
Secretaries: Tatiana Rosas, Josephine Richardson
Robert Saxon, Chief of Veterans Service Officers, L.A. County
Counselors: Alex dela Vara
George Dixon
Armand Assayag
Peter Roman
Secretaries: Gladys Romero, Antoniette Ventura
Veterans Affairs Commission of the County of Los Angeles
Dr. Carole Goguen, Psychology, VA Medical Center, PTSD Group Therapist
Lauren Glamb, Asst. Psychologist
Alberto Alpasan, CA Regional DVA, West Los Angeles Office
The Philippine Consulate General and Con Gen Mary Ann Bernardo-Aragon
Col. Romy Monteyro, Advocate, Filipino Veterans Equity
Cmmdr. Manuel Braga, Filipino Veterans Federation, San Diego
Col. Ed Ramsey
General Tagumpay Nanadiego
The Late Commodore Ramon Alcaraz
The Late Col. Tirso Baldemor
Veterans Center Association, Los Angeles VCA, Carson:
Post Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc Cmdr. Wilfredo Credo
Cmmdr. Emeritus, Roger Dagdag Teofilo Eborda
Jose C. Reyes Lauro Catipon
Teogines Esternon Virginia Bobiles
Vicente Palad Ladd Garrido
Miguel Narzabal
Faustino Renotas
The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Bank Program: Hilda Ayala & Staff
Volunteers: Connie Vasilj Maria Gutierrez Peter Lak
Conrad Villasenor Ronika Thomas Michelle Clines
Pancho Matilde Credo Katherine Dubois
Victoria Zopfi Romeo Bejo Paraluman Tabuena
NAPCA: Jose C. Reyes and Mrs. Reyes Lilia De Jesus
Lourdes Cabanilla Lawrence Wood
Rey Manalo
The Erasto. R. Batongmalaque Foundation/ Filipino Veterans Foundation
Administrators: Vangie Beltran and Linda Organo
Board of Directors:
Chairman of the Board: - Lilia Ramos, RN
Members: Marcelino Ines, Dr. Manuel Baculi
Dr. Calinica Semense, Jojo Morales
and
Thank You for your participation!
Invites you to attend the
68th Anniversary of Bataan Day – A Day of Valor
April 8, 2010
10 AM
Lake Street Park
227 Lake Street
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Program
10 AM Registration
10:30 Welcome - Col. Joseph Smith, Director
Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs, Co. of Los Angeles
Presentation of Colors
National Anthems
Invocation Pastor Dan de Asis, Voice of Truth, Baptist Church
The Pledge of Allegiance
Remarks 1) Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Los Angeles Regional Office
- Kerrie Witty
2) Philippine Consul General, Mary Jo Bernardo – Aragon
Echoes from the Distant Past Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque,
Executive Director, Filipino Veterans Foundation
Congressional Report - Col. Romeo Monteyro and Cmdr. Manuel Braga
Report from the Veterans Home of CA –GLAVC – Louis Koff (invited)
Tribute to Commodore Ramon Alcaraz and Col. Tirso Baldemor
Acknowledgment
Wreath Laying Officials
Taps
Concluding Remarks - Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc
Veterans Center Association
March 26, 2010
Prelude to the Bataan Day, a Day of Valor
On the 68th Anniversary of Bataan Day, A Day of Valor, we pay homage to the fallen heroes of Bataan, the majority having now passed on to the Ages, but for a few who are still amongst us.
As we take a moment to recapture their courage and bravery in the face of defeat, when they were barely out of their teens, we are profoundly indebted to each one of them and hold them dear to our hearts as they quietly disappear before us in their dotage.
In time, not one of these heroes who survived the epic saga of Bataan will be around to tell the story in the first person, nor will the immediate descendants who extol their heroism will be around to remember them with clarity and charity.
But for as long as Democracy, Liberty, Freedom and Honor are enjoyed when two or three are gathered, the fallen heroes of Bataan will forever be vindicated.
To the surviving ones, there is hope for the pursuit of happiness. This past year the quest for recognition of services has been achieved in one final swoop in the passage of the stimulus package bonus. However, only 30% to date had received the monetary benefits, and the rest will have to wait until the very bitter end. There are still other matters of import: the reunification of families, and finally a place for a safe haven in an assisted living facility, where their heroism is fully recognized and appreciated.
All of us are ready, willing and able to assist the surviving heroes as they mingle amongst us today, tomorrow and always, and for those whom we sorely miss, they have our prayers and our loving memory.
God Bless America!
Jenny L. Batongmalaque, M.D.
Executive Director
Filipino Veterans Foundation
2615 So. Grand Ave. Ste 100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-746-9093 FAX 213-746-9050
www.erbfoundation.org
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
DEPT. OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
Col. Joseph N. Smith, Director of the DMVA, Los Angeles County
Secretaries: Tatiana Rosas, Josephine Richardson
Robert Saxon, Chief of Veterans Service Officers, L.A. County
Counselors: Alex dela Vara
George Dixon
Armand Assayag
Peter Roman
Secretaries: Gladys Romero, Antoniette Ventura
Veterans Affairs Commission of the County of Los Angeles
Dr. Carole Goguen, Psychology, VA Medical Center, PTSD Group Therapist
Lauren Glamb, Asst. Psychologist
Alberto Alpasan, CA Regional DVA, West Los Angeles Office
The Philippine Consulate General and Con Gen Mary Ann Bernardo-Aragon
Col. Romy Monteyro, Advocate, Filipino Veterans Equity
Cmmdr. Manuel Braga, Filipino Veterans Federation, San Diego
Col. Ed Ramsey
General Tagumpay Nanadiego
The Late Commodore Ramon Alcaraz
The Late Col. Tirso Baldemor
Veterans Center Association, Los Angeles VCA, Carson:
Post Cmmdr. Ramon Lladoc Cmdr. Wilfredo Credo
Cmmdr. Emeritus, Roger Dagdag Teofilo Eborda
Jose C. Reyes Lauro Catipon
Teogines Esternon Virginia Bobiles
Vicente Palad Ladd Garrido
Miguel Narzabal
Faustino Renotas
The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Bank Program: Hilda Ayala & Staff
Volunteers: Connie Vasilj Maria Gutierrez Peter Lak
Conrad Villasenor Ronika Thomas Michelle Clines
Pancho Matilde Credo Katherine Dubois
Victoria Zopfi Romeo Bejo Paraluman Tabuena
NAPCA: Jose C. Reyes and Mrs. Reyes Lilia De Jesus
Lourdes Cabanilla Lawrence Wood
Rey Manalo
The Erasto. R. Batongmalaque Foundation/ Filipino Veterans Foundation
Administrators: Vangie Beltran and Linda Organo
Board of Directors:
Chairman of the Board: - Lilia Ramos, RN
Members: Marcelino Ines, Dr. Manuel Baculi
Dr. Calinica Semense, Jojo Morales
and
Thank You for your participation!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Food Bank Arrives in Carson
PRESS ADVISORY For Immediate Release
Contact: Dr. Jenny L. Batongmalaque
Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation
23247 So.
310-835-8365 FAX: 310-835-3529
e-mail: drjennyb@erbfoundation.org
Food Bank Distribution Center arrives in Carson, CA
The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation is pleased to announce the arrival the of the Food Bank Distribution Center in Carson, CA through the cooperation of the management of the Food Bank Center in Alameda, the auspices of the Carson Community Center, and the assistance of volunteers of the E.R.B. Foundation, and the Filipino Veterans Foundation.
The federally-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program is free and open to all low-income seniors 60 years and over, residing in
The opening date will be held on February 8, Monday, at
To facilitate the process for qualification, please call or drop by the E.R.B. Foundation office prior to the distribution date, located at 23247 So.
The Erasto R. Batongmalaque Foundation provides a free consultation for assessing needs of disadvantaged seniors at the
FOOD BANK PICTORIAL COMMENTS:
A PARKING LOT NEEDED.
1.Truck rolls in
2. Bringing forklift in Volunteers
unload the bins from the truck.
3. Getting bags ready Volunteers
get the bags ready for distribution
4. Distributing the 2 bags
per person
Friday, October 30, 2009
October Events
October 10, 2009
Relief Goods For Ondoy Victims
Relief Goods For Ondoy Victims
October 20, 2009
Leyte Landing Remembance
Leyte Landing Remembance
65th Anniversary
Los Angeles, Filipino Veterans Foundation Community Hall
October 24, 2009
Luau Party At Union Hall 675, Carson, CA
Luau Party At Union Hall 675, Carson, CA
L-R: Dr. Jenny, Cmmdr. Fred Credo, Cmsner Lauro Catipon, Mayor Jim Dear and Councilman Elito Santarina
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