I am an Ilonggo-Born in Jaro, Iloilo

This is the 16th article of my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the Filipino-American History Month Celebration Here in the US.    It describes the term Ilonggo.  

I am a pure-blooded Ilonggo. I was born in Jaro, Iloilo. My childhood and teenaged years were spent in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, the ancestral home of my mother-member of the Balleza Clan. When I turned 26,  I went to the US with a student visa ( Ph.D- Graduate School). Later my family became permanent residents and become naturalized US citizens in 1972.  

The term "Ilonggo" is derived from "Ilong-ilong", the old name for Iloilo City, Panay. “Ilonggo” is considered to define a specific group of people whose ethnic origins are in the provinces of Iloilo, Guimaras, and Panay, while "Hiligaynon" defines the language and culture of the Ilonggo people.

The Hiligaynons, or the ``Ilonggos'', are a subgroup of people from the Visayan region who speak Ilonggo. It is interesting to note, however, that the different Western Visayans have distinct traits that add to their own beauties as cultures.

Are people from Negros in Ilonggos?

Many people from Negros can trace their family history back to Iloilo because of the sugar trade. That's one of the reasons why people from Negros would still identify themselves as Ilonggo. Strictly speaking, Hiligaynon is the language.

What is the attitude of Ilonggo?

Ilonggos are usually nonconfrontational. They don't want to offend, so they often talk with indirection, are fond of euphemism, and given to courtly language.

What is the tradition of Ilonggo?

The Ilongos observe many customs and traditions surrounding important life events like birth, baptism, courtship, marriage, death, and burial. Some beliefs include not allowing expectant mothers to look at people with disabilities and burying the placenta with books to influence the child's interests.

What is the ancestry of Ilonggo?

Similar to the majority of ethnolinguistic groups in the country, Ilonggos are Austronesian at their core but still carry with them elements of Negrito, Indic, Hàn Chinese, and Castilian culture. Ilonggos in Mindanao have also incorporated Lumad and Moro traditions into their culture, and vice versa.

What is the festival of Ilonggo people?

The Dinagyang Festival is a religious and cultural festival in Iloilo City, Philippines, held annually on the fourth Sunday of January in honor of Santo Niño, the Holy Child. It is one of the largest festivals in the Philippines, drawing hundreds of thousands to over a million visitors every year.

Religion and Culture

The majority of Ilonggos are Christians, specifically Roman Catholics, while some minorities are Aglipayans, Protestants, and Muslims. Interestingly, to this day, some Christian practices are still mixed with old Pagan Ilonggo traditions. As an example, Ilonggos would bathe their Santo Niño both as a ritual to summon rain and as a means of inviting good luck. This is due largely to Hiligaynon faiths having been eliminated during the Spanish era and hence surviving as Folk Catholicism.

Ilonggo cuisine has a reputation for being unique and flavorful. Some of the more popular Ilonggo dishes not only locally but also in the whole country include La Paz batchoy, a pork stew composed of pork innards, liver, and heart in a broth with noodles, and is topped with chicharron and garlic; pancit Molo, a wonton soup with dumplings; suman sa Ibos or Ibus, a rice cake wrapped in coconut leaves; and laswa, a vegetable soup with shrimp.

Source:Wikipedia

Meanwhile,  Did you know about the Manton de Manila?  

The Manton de Manila, or Manila Shawl, which became a staple in Spanish fashion—especially in Flamenco performances—actually originated in the Philippines!

These intricately embroidered shawls were brought to Spain via the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade during the Spanish colonial period.

The Spaniards admired the vibrant designs and craftsmanship of the shawls, which were made from silk and embroidered with floral patterns.

Over time, they incorporated the Manton de Manila into their own cultural attire, particularly in traditional dances like Flamenco.

This fascinating blend of Filipino artistry and Spanish culture showcases the Philippines' influence on global fashion trends.

Lastly, Did you know, When it comes to hospitality, Filipinos truly set the gold standard!

If you ever find yourself feeling unwelcome in a Filipino household, you might want to check your pulse—because you've likely done something terribly wrong!

Filipinos have a remarkable knack for making guests feel like part of the family, going above and beyond to ensure you feel at home. From generous servings of food to warm smiles and heartfelt conversations, their hospitality is second to none!

Meanwhile enjoy these photos of the Katague Clan- Mahjong Bonding time.

Mahjong with two Daughters, Dinah and Ditas with Carenna and Yuka

Mahjong with Dinah and Grand daughter Alix Katague and Husband Brendan Quinn

A Day in the Life Of David B Katague Here at THD

My thoughtful nephew and namesake from Australia, AI expert/lecturer and International Videographer visited me again yesterday💚. He completed the video he took during his first visit here at THD last July 31, 2024. 

The day of Dave's first visit was the last day of our Chair Volleyball Championship Game, the Award Ceremony and Reception. The video is only 5 minutes long. He titled it, The Day in the Life of Uncle David Katague at the Heritage. 

In the video members of the Fairmount Chair Volley Ball Team Champions were interviewed.  The film has comments from Glenn Mays, Jay Pollack, Mary Alice Rathbun  and Steve Kam. The video also showed photos of several residents and employees. Among the employees in the video who are no longer employed here at THD were Galen Corson ( Activity Director) and Teresa Nudo ( Activity Coordinator). Jenny Shively and Cydney Carbah are also on the video. THD Management had approved Dave's taking of the video. It is his gift to me for my coming 90th Birthday Celebration and Lunch in Dublin, Ca this coming December 21.  

Here is the 5-minute video for your viewing pleasure. I believe it is a Good Advertisement for THD.

 

I treated Dave to Brunch yesterday and here's the photo of the occasion. With Aileyn Ecob, Guest, and Susie Bramson   💚https://www.davekatague.com/)

Watch the video

💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings with 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and two meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees  (some are part time) and a Garage for Residents and Guests for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best For Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization. 

I am the only Filipino-American Resident in this Senior Community. It is owned privately and hopefully will not be sold to a mega corporation for Senior living in the near future. This is my 17th month residency here and I am very happy with my living environment. Of course, there is no perfect place in the World and I believe THD and its employees are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities to enhance the residents well being and sense of belonging during the last stage of our lives.  But again there is always room for improvement. Suggestions for improvement have been posted in my previous blogs.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-of-quality.html

https://theheritagedowntown.com/

Ten American Celebrities with Filipino Ancestry

This is the 15th article on my blog series about the Philippines and Filipino-Americans in connection with Filipino-American History Month here in the US

1. BRUNO MARS

Bruno Mars or born as Peter Gene Hernandez is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, musician, and as we have seen a dancer. It doesn’t get bigger than this superstar. The Uptown funk and Just the way you are singer’s mother is Bernadette San Pedro Bayot Hernandez, a Filipina from Cebu. She passed away in 2013 because of a brain aneurysm.

2. VANESSA HUDGENS

Vanessa is an actress and a singer. Our favorite Gabriela Montez of High School Musical and now our favorite trio in the Princess switch is half Filipina thanks to her mom Gina Guanco. Her mother Gina is from Manila while her father was of Irish, French and Native American descent. She has always been proud of her Filipino roots as well.

3. OLIVIA RODRIGO

This rising pop star is only 18, but is making waves in the music industry. Her songs “Driver’s License,” “Deja Vu,” have been trending everywhere. Olivia is of Filipino heritage as her father is Filipino-American. She has also stated that her great-grandfather moved from the Philippines to the US as a teenager and her family follows Filipino traditions and cuisine.

4. BELLA POARCH

Bella Poarch is pure Filipino indeed as she was born in the Philippines and adopted by an American family as a child. Interesting fact is she joined the U.S. Navy when she was 18 and served for four years, before becoming a social media star. Her edgy pop song “Build a Bitch” have made headlines and gone viral as well.

5. JACOB BATALON

Born Jacob Batalon in Hawaii, to Filipino parents, Ned of Spiderman no way home is a pure Filipino. His Filipina mother, who has always supported his dreams, is Eva Andres who is originally from Pangasinan here in the Philippines.

6. NICOLE SCHERZINGER

Nicole is an American born Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente is a singer, actress, and television personality raised in Hawaii. She was the lead singer of the sexy beautiful group of pussycat dolls who became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She was their lead vocalist and her father is Alfonso Valiente which is of Filipino descent. She takes pride in being Filipino and have even performed at the Global Filipino Music Festival.

7. HAILEE STEINFELD

Hailee is an actress and a singer. Emily junk in Pitch perfect 2, Kate Bishop in the new marvel series, The Hawkeye and Emily Dickinson in the tb series Dickinson. Her maternal grandfather, Ricardo Domasin, was half Filipino who hails from Panglao, Bohol. She even said in an interview “I have Filipino blood in me and I’m so proud of that”.

8. DAVE BAUTISTA

Dave is an American actor and former professional wrestler. We know his as Drax of the Guardians of the Galaxy and six-time world champion WWE wrestler “Batista”. His father is Filipino, Michael Bautista. He is proud to be a Filipino and even brought Adobo on set of the Guardians which he recalls everyone wiped out.

9. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS

Enrique is a singer and a song writer. He has become one of the best-selling Latin music artists in history. Pure Hot Latino? No, this sexy pop star is half Filipino. His father is Julio Iglesias who married the beautiful Manila socialite and magazine journalist Isabel Preysler. She is a Filipina mestiza with Spanish ancestry.

10. GABRIELLA SARMIENTO WILSON (H.E.R.)

H.E.R., whose real name is Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, is an R&B singer. She has become one of the most established and most awarded Filipino-American artists with four Grammys under her belt and top-charting songs like “Best Part” and “Damage.” She was born to a Filipino mother.

Meanwhile Here is the List of Filipino-American Executives in the Biden Administration. My daughter, Ditas Macrine Katague is on the list as Associate Director of Communications, Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce.

https://www.instagram.com/filamsforbiden/?hl=en

My Patio and Bougainvillas in Bloom. Photo Taken_ October 26, 2024 at THD💜.

💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings with 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and two meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees  (some are part time) and a Garage for Residents and Guests for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best For Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization. 

  I am the only Filipino-American Resident in this Senior Community. It is owned privately and hopefully will not be sold to a mega corporation for Senior living in the near future. This is my 17th month residency here and I am very happy with my living environment. Of course, there is no perfect place in the World and I believe THD and its employees are trying to do their jobs to the best of their abilities to enhance the residents well being and sense of belonging during the last stage of our lives.  But again there is always room for improvement. Suggestions for improvement have been posted in my previous blogs.

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2024/02/suggestions-for-improvement-of-quality.html

https://theheritagedowntown.com/

Filipino Cocktail Hour Here at THD

This is my 14th Article on my blog series in connection with the Filipino American History Month Celebration here at THD💜 

The Philippines Lumpia Shanghai 💚with the sweet and sour Sauce- A Gastronomic Delight

Yesterday's afternoon THD Cocktail Hour featuring Filipino appetizers was a gastronomic success. San Miguel beer, lumpia Shanghai and pot stickers were served along with the standard, cheese, fruit and vegetable platter.  The Lumpia ( Philippines spring rolls) were purchased from Seafood City in Concord according to Agustin. With the sweet and sour sauce, it was a gastronomic delight.    I HAD  also the Philippines San Miguel beer ordered for the occasion. I enjoyed the beer very much. I had seconds of the appetizers ( Lumpia and pot sticker only) and I lost my appetite for the Dinner that follows.  I took pictures during the cocktail hour and happy to share it with you. 

The Standard appetizer platter with lumpia and pot sticker

My Ice-cold San Miquel Beer- Refreshing and Authentic Beer imported from the Philippines 

The Cocktail Hour also celebrated not only the Filipino American History Month, but Residents born in October. The birthday celebrants were given special birthday cup cake to honor their birthday. Among the Birthday Celebrants present were Marsha Kefer and Anne Long. Patty Healy did not attend. 

Thank You, THD for this Special Cocktail Hour featuring lumpia Shanghai or Filipino spring rolls. It was a well-attended event. The music was great, but not Philippine music as advertised. 

💚 Lumpiang Shanghai (also known as Filipino spring rolls, or simply lumpia or lumpiya) is a Filipino deep-fried appetizer consisting of a mixture of giniling (ground pork) with vegetables like carrots, chopped scallions or red onions and garlic, wrapped in a thin egg crêpe. Lumpiang Shanghai is regarded as the most basic type of lumpia in Filipino cuisine, and it is usually smaller and thinner than other lumpia variants.

 💚https://iankewks.com/lumpiang-shanghai/

💜THD is an active senior living community in downtown Walnut Creek, CA. Currently it has about 130 senior residents housed in 4 buildings in 147 apartment units. There is an in-house restaurant ( Newton's) and a Cinema. There is a small gym, yoga studio, small library and meeting rooms. However, there is no Hall or Room that could be rented by residents for private parties ( birthday etc..) that could accommodate more than 50 attendees.   THD has 47 employees ( some are part time) and a Garage for Parking. THD has been awarded the Best Senior Living Award for 2023 and 2024 by the Place for Mom organization.   

Philippines Diverse Ecosystems and Biomes

This is the 12th article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with Filipino-American History Month Celebration here in the US

The Philippines, an archipelago blessed with diverse ecosystems and biomes, is home to an incredible range of species, many of which represent nature’s extremes or superlatives. From the tallest trees to the tiniest fish, these species offer unique foods that reflect the country’s rich biodiversity.

𝘗𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘴, or Toog, the Philippines’ largest tree species, provides ubod (the tender heart of young shoots) which is consumed as a vegetable. The seeds are also reported to be edible and are said to taste like peanuts. The second tallest tree in the country, 𝘒𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘢, known locally as ginoo or manggis. Its seeds, with a taste reminiscent of a cross between watermelon and sunflower seeds, are enjoyed by the locals of Palawan, either roasted or sweetened with sugar. Both species are two of the most tallest tropical rainforest trees in the world.

In coastal areas, the 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘯𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘴 and other species from genus 𝘛𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘢𝘤𝘯𝘢, a group of the largest living bivalve mollusks locally known as manlut or taklobo, is traditionally prepared as kinilaw. However, many species of giant clams are now threatened and are protected by law. A giant of the reefs, the 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘣𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘮, or humphead parrotfish or molmol, is the largest species of parrotfish and the largest herbivorous fish in coral reefs, also hunted and consumed in some regions. The 𝘉𝘪𝘳𝘨𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘰, or coconut crab or tatus, is the largest terrestrial arthropod, is considered a delicacy in areas like Batanes and Caluya, Antique. An adult tatus can weigh up to 4 kilos and span up to 3 feet across, though human exploitation has made such sizes rare.

In freshwater ecosystems, we have the 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘪, or ulang/urang (giant river prawn), the largest species of Macrobrachium and one of the largest freshwater prawns globally. At the other end of the spectrum is the world’s smallest commercial edible fish, the 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘵𝘩𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘶𝘻𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴, or sinarapan. This tiny fish is endemic to the lakes of the Bicol Region, including Lake Buhi and Lake Bato, Lakelets Manapao and Katugday, in Camarines Sur, and Lake Danao in Albay. So small that a specialized net called sarap is used to catch them, sinarapan is typically cooked with coconut milk, stewed, or sun-dried into thin sheets for frying.

Meanwhile, Did you know that the Philippines boasts over 20 unique kinds of noodle dishes?

From the ever-popular pancit canton to the beloved pancit palabok, Filipino noodle dishes are as diverse as the regions they come from. Each one has its own flavor, history, and twist—like pancit habhab from Lucban, served on a banana leaf, or sotanghon made with vermicelli noodles. And let's not forget mami, which combines flavorful broth with a variety of toppings! Whether stir-fried, in soup, or layered with toppings, Filipino noodles are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Lastly, Did you know? While Filipinos are known for their close-knit communities and strong family ties, they often prioritize loyalty based on province, group, or affiliation over a broader national identity.

Unlike in countries like Mexico or the United States, where citizens might rally together as a unified state, the Philippines sometimes grapples with divisions that hinder a sense of national solidarity.

This fragmentation is compounded by ongoing challenges like chronic corruption, which undermines trust in institutions and the rule of law. As a result, the journey toward unity remains a complex and ongoing struggle for the nation.

Lastly, do not forget the Filipino Cocktail Hour for Tomorrow at 3:45PM, Liberty Pavillon.

Bull and Cock Fighting in the Philippines

his is the 9th article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the Filipino-American History Month Celebration here in the US.

Bullfighting in the Philippines has a fascinating history that stretches back over 400 years, blending Iberian influences with local traditions. This practice emerged during the Spanish period and has undergone various changes throughout its existence.

In the 1890s, bullfighting events were held in Manila, specifically in the Paco district, where a bullring was situated. American writer Joseph L. Stickney, who was in the Philippines from 1898 to 1899, observed that "neither Spanish bull-fighters nor Spanish bulls are brought to the island." Consequently, local talent was utilized for both roles in the spectacle. Stickney described the bulls as "timid and lazy," and noted that the bullfighters were not much better, suggesting that the experience differed significantly from traditional bullfighting in Spain, Cuba, or Mexico.

A brief revival of bullfighting occurred during the 1953 Manila International Fair at the sunken gardens outside Intramuros, featuring Spanish bulls and matadors. Despite its popularity at the time, a push to reintroduce bullfighting in 1999 faced strong opposition from groups against blood sports, preventing its return.

Bullfighting was noted in the Philippines as early as 1619, when it was among the festivities in celebration of Pope Urban III's authorisation of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Today, it has been replaced with 💚Cock Fighting- A popular Gambling Activity of Most Filipino Men.  Why is cockfighting very popular in the Philippines?

People train their roosters for months to prepare them for the fight. There are people who say that battles are so popular in the country because they align very well with the typical Filipino mentality of pride and courage but at the same time their success is associated with the money involved in betting.

💚 https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2020/02/cock-and-bull-fighting-in-philippines.html

It is official. Filipino Cocktail Hour this Coming Friday, October 25, 3:45PM at the Liberty Pavilion. I was lobbying for a Special Dinner, but very happy with this Cocktail Hour on the Schedule. Thank You, THD! 

  

Sterling Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting, Calistoga

Ten adventurous souls from THD chaffered by Nancy C. and chaperoned by Kellie S.  had a fun time during the wine-tasting tour of the Sterling Vineyards in Calistoga, yesterday.  We had a grand time in spite of the little bit of walking.  The Gondola ride was fantastic. I was able to purchase a Sterling Vineyards Cap souvenir for my collection.💚 We intended to have lunch at Gott's Roadside but the line was too long we decided to have lunch at the Mexican Taqueria near by. I had the Chile Relleno Platter and it was delicious. I took some photos and here they are for your viewing pleasure.  

From Left to Right: Dean Elias,  Mary Sorensen, Nancy Kleiber, Peggy Yamada, Anne Stackhouse, Hisako Tanaka, Eileen Breismeister, Farna Sewell, Sue Hoyt and Me-at the Start of the Gondola Ride 
     

Kellie also took some pictures and she promised to share with me some of her photos. I will repost it in this blog once I received it.

Thank You Nancy and Kellie for a wonderful Saturday trip out of our Gilded Cage here at THD.

💚

My $35 Sterling Vineyards Souvenir Cap

Sterling Vineyards was founded in 1964 by Peter Newton and Michael Stone. Newton and Stone were early pioneers of crafting Bordeaux-inspired red wines in California, transforming Napa Valley into the premier winemaking appellation we know today. Sterling Vineyards quickly put the region on the map for creating top quality wines. The winery is an architectural icon and the only winery in the world with an aerial gondola. Today, Sterling Vineyards continues to delight consumers through commitment to consistency and quality. For more information, visit sterlingvineyards.com or cs_sterling@sterlingvineyards.com.

Here are the photos that Kellie took during the tour. Thank you, Kellie for Sharing your Photos