The highest-ranking Filipino -American in the White House resigns as the House of Representatives examines her ties with disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Bloomberg reports that Susan Bonzon Ralston, top aide of Karl Rove,White House political director, is resigning a week after a House Government Reform panel’s report documented her role in arranging tickets to sporting events for Rove from the lobbyist.
“She recognized that a protracted discussion of the matters in the House Government Reform Committee’s report would be a distraction to the White House, and she chose to step down,” assistant White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said. “We support her decision, and after a review of the report, we consider the matter closed.”
Malaya correspondent in Washington D.C. Jennie Ilustre reported the Fil-Am community is concerned that Ralston “might be used as a scapegoat.”
Ilustre quoted Eric Lachica, executive director of the American Coalition for Filipino Veterans based as saying hours after the news broke out, “We hope that the law will be fair to Susan. I’m worried that because she’s just a special assistant that she might be used as a scapegoat. Of course, we do not know all the facts at this point.”
Community leader Bing Cardenas Branigin stressed the law’s presumption of innocence. “Susan and Rove were recently cleared of wrongdoing in an investigation on a case whether administration officials deliberately leaked the name of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent Valerie Plame. That’s important to note.”
Ralston was a former executive assistant of Abramoff, and later served in the same position to Rove, starting in 2001. In July 2004, Ms. Ralston was promoted as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant to the Senior Advisor (Rove) at the White House
Bloomberg said the House of Representatives report showed that Abramoff claimed at least 485 contacts with administration officials over the past six years, including nine with Rove. The report, based on billing records from Abramoff’s former law firm, showed he claimed 17 meetings, seven telephone conversations and 42 e-mail exchanges with White House officials; more than half were with Ralston.
The report showed that Abramoff routinely offered concert and sports tickets to White House officials, and that, in 2002, Ralston was the go-between on tickets to the NCAA basketball tournament for Rove, tickets Rove said he paid for.
Abramoff pleaded guilty Jan. 3 to conspiracy to corrupt public officials and is cooperating with a federal probe.
The investigation into Abramoff’s activities has already resulted in the conviction of former White House official David Safavian and an agreement to plead guilty to accepting illegal gifts in exchange for the performance of official services by Representative Robert Ney, an Ohio Republican.
Abramoff also was sentenced in March to five years and 10 months in prison in a separate Florida fraud case.
She is in big business. She is also in the presence of a great man – Karl Rove, who of course is a big reason why the great GWB got his second term. I’ll not be suprised, if Congress and Senate will be controlled again by the GOP this November election because of Karl Rove. Poor Ralston, a scapegoat,.
Again, I am proud of her because that is hard work. Ralston and Abramoff could have worked for companies like CICA, Titan, Blackwater, Halliburton, Halliburton’s subsidiary KBR to donate money for executive, and legislative part of the American government. These companies have to donate to the executive branch to get contract needed by the government. Like, Halliburon KBL got bid contracts needed for the war in Iraq. These companies also have to donate money to the legislative part of the gov’t so the government will not investigate on what this companies are doing. So ammendments that were against these companies were crushed.
Come on, these companies are doing important jobs in iraq. CICA and Titan are the translator and interrogator of the prisoners of Abu Ghraib. Because they are a private company, they would not be held accountable on anything like torturing prisoners. Private security firm Blackwater where its employees are vulnerable because the company had to be cheap and save money.
Halliburton was overpayed $1.4 Billion by the government. They charge $45 for a can of Coke. They charge $99 for each laundry bag to be cleaned. By the way, VP Dick Chaney was a CEO of Halliburton?
These are big businesses. Ralston, you did a very good job.
I got some of my information from the new documentary movie “Iraq for Sale” you could also look them at iraqforsale.org
In another loop, Anna wrote about Filipinos having a cultural dishonor whatever that means, but I surely agree with her. For one thing, they just love to read about and imagine themselves becoming like those Filipinos getting positions as chief cook of the White or chambermaid and butler of some Mayor in London. I find it obnoxious, too, when they go all the way calling these people with titles before their name as when the chambermaid in London is even even addressed by pinoys I’m told as “Lady Chambermaid!” Susmaryosep.
But being proud for someone who may even be held legally responsible for a budding case of bribery, conspiracy, etc. is for me browraising!
Over here I’m expected to report to the authorities anyone sitting in the government, politician or bureaucrat, for even a glass of coke free of charge, and have them charged for misconduct, etc.
What a cultural dishonour indeed!
Re: What I posted on “Lack of cultural honor”
I actually said that Filipinos lacked cultural honor (and not “cultural dishonor”).
To be specific, I meant that in relation to how the French perceive culture as the real guiding force on how to forge a true nation. In other words, it’s like honoring culture.
By that I meant the Filipinos seem to lack pride in their culture and prefer to immitate the white man’s culture instead of developing their own. That is what I meant by lack of cultural honor.
The French are not as strongly patriotic or nationalistic as the Americans or the Brits in that sense. Theirs is more to do with culture. From North of France to South of France, they believe that a strong culture is what forged the French nation – it is the people’s ensemble of culture that paved the way for love of country and not the other way around. It is paraphrased as cultural honor – a way of life, traditions and practice that is distinctly and inherently their own.
They can go anywhere and still feel proud to be French because they are imbibed with a culture which is theirs alone, a sense of being apart if you like…Being in a different country doesn’t change that and so it is stronger in a sense than nationalism or patriotism.
Ask any French person if he or she is more “patriotic”, or “nationalistic”, he’ll probably tell you, “I”m attached to my culture and with that I become patriotic…”
Background info on Ralston from “Sourcewatch”:
Ralston, “who worked for Jack Abramoff, the K Street super lobbyist that allegedly swindled Indian tribes out of millions of dollars with the assistance of Ralph Reed, former head of the Christian Coalition, is a trusted Rove aide. The buzz is, Ralston is the tie that binds Rove to the Indian casino swindle as tightly as U.S. Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX),” Blogger “Amy” wrote (http://derrick.dx266.com/cgi-bin/mb5/789.html) August 4, 2005.
Re: “Bloomberg reports that Susan Bonzon Ralston, top aide of Karl Rove,White House political director, is resigning a week after a House Government Reform panel’s report documented her role in arranging tickets to sporting events for Rove from the lobbyist.”
Ralston has the delicadeza to resign! Imagine just for arranging tickets to sporting events? And that’s already a no no!
And that’s the way it should be in any civilized country worthy of the name.
This tells you how FAR the Philippines is from that kind of civilized behaviour – our leadership, politicians, those in government service are still in planet Pluto yet in terms of good governance.
“The buzz is, Ralston is the tie that binds Rove to the Indian casino swindle as tightly as U.S. Rep. Tom Delay (R-TX),” Blogger “Amy” wrote (http://derrick.dx266.com/cgi-bin/mb5/789.html) August 4, 2005.”
Geez! Is that right? Oh my – if true, one is tempted to say that this culture of doing things in Pinas seems to go with Pinoys wherever they go.
Hope am wrong!
Looks like it’s more than just tickets to sporting events that Ralston arranged.
But you are right Anna, in civilized countries, these so called ethical violations are treated seriously. With Gloria Arroyo, that has been not only been thrown out of the window. Tinatapakan pa!
Oh migosh!
I’ve heard of that Indian casino deal…Didn’t know that Ralston was Pinay until today.
Well, if the allegations against Ralston are true, it seems even the culture of governance has a way of creeping into one’s being and it goes to the fore wherever that person may be and no matter the position.
But I have heard of one Pinoy in Canada who is a minister/member of cabinet (for Veterans Affairs?) and who has an excellent track record for good and clean governance. But then again, Canada has a different way of doing things than its American neighbours.
Susan Bonzon worked for Abramoff and The Evil Karl Rove?
bwahahahahahahaha….
In the published emails of Abramoff, Ralph Reed and Ralston, it showed that she (Ralston) repulsed her former boss'(Abramoff) lobbying on the Indian gambling casino with Rove.
Re tickets to sports events, she said Rove paid for them.
Looks like she really got into a mess.
As John remarked, working for Abramoff and Karl Rove…..?!!
anna,
Your are referring to Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, PC, M.Sc, MD, LL.D, elected MP in l988 and re-elected in l993, and served in many position under Prime Minister Chretien government culminating as Minister of Veteran Affairs. born in Baccor, Cavite, obtained his medical degree at U.P. and been a professor of pediatric at University of Manitoba before entering Politics. A pride of Filipino community indeed, distinquised himself in Cabinet and never once involve in any controversy and love by our Veterans.
Anna,
Who knows, but Bush must have been told of the gullibility of Filipinos because of the culture of corruption, and so the Filipina was hired, for who would think that this probinsiyana looking pinay would be willing accomplice into such high profile anomalies? I don’t suppose that she even realized the gravity of what she was doing especially with the President of the most powerful country in the world treating her as one of the family!
Do I pity her? Nope! I’d rather watch and see what happens next!
A scapegoat or collateral damage? Which category does Ms. Ralston best belong to? Wherever, she just let herself used in a game of Big Business, without I believe getting as much rewards as the main players in victory, but lost just as much in defeat. You play the game, you lose, sorry..
Susan Ralston has got the delicadeza to quit as White House aide for allegedly minor infraction. Another pinay however refuses to quit and instead hung on like a barnacle gued to post she claims was mandated by the people. It goes to show that Susan and d’glue have different perceptions of public service – one is views it as honor and the other sees it as opportunity for dishonor. Instead of abhorring dishonor she relishes it with glee.
At least, this Fil-Am aide has the decency to resign. Unlike our local officials at home who would file libel against those who accuse them. There’s honor is the office one is appointed to; and this, Susan Ralston did some justice to her position by resigning even when she has not even been implicated much more charged yet. Instead of condemning her, let’s congratulate her!
Arroyo urges Nokor to cancel nuke tests
President Arroyo on Saturday joined other world leaders in urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to drop plans to test an atom bomb, which Japan said could be exploded this weekend.
“The Philippines supports a world of peace and security. The Philippine government views with grave concern the [DPRK] recent announcement that it will test nuclear devices,” Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement.
IF NOKOR IS NOT AFRAID OF THE US, WHO IS THIS LITTLE BOGUS PRESIDENT TO TELL THE NOKOR?
The difference between Philippines and the US is that in the US, it is standard procedure for someone involved in some anomaly and about to be charged to resign so that investigations can be smoothly conducted and prevent unncessary hussle and embarrassment. In the Philippines, it is more “Ang lagay!” “Matira ang matibay!”
Ellen:
Here’s an additional info:
Jan 09, 2006 4:56 PM
Connecting the Dots: Abramoff and Rove
Susan Ralston Photo
Did you know that Jack Abramoff and Karl Rove shared an executive assistant?
In 2001, Karl Rove needed a Gal Friday, someone to help oversee the “strategic planning, political affairs, public liaison, and intergovernmental affairs efforts of the White House.”
He chose Susan Ralston, who came highly recommended from a friend: Jack Abramoff. Ralston performed similar duties for the Don of K Street — that is until Abramoff realized she’d be far more useful embedded in the West Wing. (Ralston had also previous worked for Abramoff and Rove’s fellow College Republican crony Ralph Reed.)
Installing his top assistant as Rove’s gatekeeper appeared to pay dividends. In 2003, Abramoff was hired by scandal-ridden Tyco to help the corporation secure lucrative federal contracts despite its being incorporated — for tax-evasion purposes — in Bermuda. According to the Washington Post, Abramoff later bragged that he’d been able to lobby Rove directly on the issue. The article targets Ralston as the only likely conduit.
Of course, such Abramoffian entanglements are now radioactive. According to Time, Bush has ordered his aides to round up all pictures of him and Abramoff to head off any bad press. Perhaps Bush should instruct them to widen the search to include photos like this buddy-buddy pic of him with Ralston.
The way I read it is that the seat has become too hot to sit on, so the resignation! Nothing noble really! There is no scapegoating, too. The American of Filipino descent apparently has been under attack for even longer than a year, and it is only now that she has tendered her resignation.
Here’s an interesting story a friend passed on to me:
Testimony from Rove’s former assistant may solidify case that he misled leak inquiry, lawyers say
Jason Leopold and Larisa Alexandrovna
Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald will present evidence to a second grand jury this week in his two year-old investigation into the outing of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson that could lead to a criminal indictment being handed up against Karl Rove, President Bush’s deputy chief of staff, attorneys close to the investigation say.
Rove has remained under intense scrutiny because of inconsistencies in his testimony to investigators and the grand jury. According to sources, Rove withheld crucial facts on three separate occasions and allegedly misled investigators about conversations he had with Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper.
The attorneys say that Rove’s former personal assistant, Susan B. Ralston — who was also a special assistant to President Bush — testified in August about why Cooper’s call to Rove was not logged. Ralston said it occurred because Cooper had phoned in through the White House switchboard and was then transferred to Rove’s office as opposed to calling Rove’s office directly. As Rove’s assistant, Ralston screened Rove’s calls.
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But those close to the probe tell RAW STORY that Fitzgerald obtained documentary evidence showing that other unrelated calls transferred to Rove’s office by the switchboard were logged. He then called Ralston back to testify.
Earlier this month, attorneys say Fitzgerald received additional testimony from Ralston — who said that Rove instructed her not to log a phone call Rove had with Cooper about Plame in July 2003.
Ralston also provided Fitzgerald with more information and “clarification” about several telephone calls Rove allegedly made to a few reporters, including syndicated columnist Robert Novak, the lawyers said.
If true, this is perhaps the most significant evidence Fitzgerald has obtained suggesting Rove deliberately sought to mislead investigators. Her testimony may help Fitzgerald prove that there were inconsistencies in Rove’s account of his role in the leak and assess why he withheld a crucial fact from the prosecutor: that he had spoken with Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper as well as Novak about Plame and confirmed that she was an undercover CIA agent.
Rove’s lawyer, Robert Luskin, maintains that his client did not intentionally withhold facts from the prosecutor or grand jury but simply forgot about his conversations with Cooper. But sources say Rove’s reasons for not being forthcoming have not convinced Fitzgerald that Rove had a momentary lapse.
Rove ‘to be charged or make plea’
Those close to the investigation say Fitzgerald will present evidence to the grand jury later this week obtained from other witnesses who were interviewed by the Special Prosecutor or testified, showing that Rove made misleading statements to Justice Department and FBI investigators in an attempt to cover-up his role in the leak when he was first interviewed about it in October 2003.
The most serious charges Rove appears to face are making false statements to investigators and obstruction of justice, the sources said. Rove does not appear to be in jeopardy of being charged with violating a law making it a crime to leak the name of a covert CIA agent because it’s unlikely that he was aware that Plame was undercover, they added.
Rove’s conversation with Cooper took place a week or so before Plame’s identity was revealed publicly in a July 14, 2003 column penned by conservative columnist Robert Novak. Cooper wrote his own story about Plame a few days later. In his grand jury testimony, Rove said he first learned of Plame’s name from reporters, and only after her named was published did he discuss her CIA status with other journalists. That sequence of events, however, turned out to be false.
Plame, who is married to former ambassador Joseph Wilson, was targeted in effort to discredit Wilson, a vociferous critic of the administration’s prewar Iraq intelligence. After making a trip to Niger to investigate claims that Iraq had sought to obtain uranium there, Wilson declared the claims were spurious in a New York Times editorial. Rove, along with other senior Bush Administration officials, discussed Wilson’s wife in an attempt to discredit and silence the ambassador by positing that his wife had arranged the Niger trip.
Two things are clear, the sources said: either Rove will agree to enter into a plea deal with Fitzgerald or he will be charged with a crime, but he will not be exonerated for the role he played in the leak.
If Rove does agree to a plea, Fitzgerald is not expected to discuss any aspect of his probe into the President’s senior adviser because Rove may be called to testify as a prosecution witness against I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney. Libby was indicted last month on five counts of lying to investigators, perjury and obstruction of justice related to his role in the leak.
On Sunday, Time reported that another one of its reporters, Viveca Novak, who bears no relation to Robert Novak, is cooperating with Fitzgerald’s probe and will give a deposition to Fitzgerald about a conversation she had with Rove’s attorney in May 2004.
Following the meeting, Viveca Novak did not write about the Plame leak under her byline until October 2004. She wrote an earlier piece in January 2004.
Ralston previously worked as a personal secretary to Jack Abramoff, the Republican power lobbyist now under investigation for allegedly defrauding Indian tribes who was recently indicted on conspiracy and wire fraud charges. While working with Abramoff, Ralston arranged fundraisers and events at Washington MCI Center skyboxes for members of Congress and their staff. Ralston communicated with Rove on Abramoff’s behalf on tribal affairs, though she does not stand accused of any wrongdoing.
From Newsweek:
Lobbyists: Sports Tickets and Springsteen—The E-Mail Trail
Oct. 9, 2006 issue – The folks around Karl Rove are on the hot seat again. The White House has launched an internal ethics inquiry into one Rove aide in response to new e-mails showing that Rove’s office had far more extensive conduct with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff than previously acknowledged. The e-mails, obtained by a House committee, show that Rove’s executive assistant, Susan Ralston, may have violated a White House ban on accepting gifts worth more than $20 from lobbyists. At the same time, Ralston—who previously worked for Abramoff—was helping the lobbyist and his associates set up meetings with Rove and providing them with inside info about presidential appointments and White House decision making, including at least one matter relating to a business deal in Iraq for an Abramoff client, the e-mails show. Ralston also discussed future business opportunities with Abramoff, such as her plan to help him capitalize on the “rush to get lucrative government contracts” being awarded by the Department of Homeland Security—another possible breach of ethics rules.
The e-mails show Ralston peppering Abramoff with requests for small perks and favors. “Can we get the row A seats for the 12/22 Caps game?” she asked Abramoff in a Dec. 22, 2001, e-mail about an upcoming Washington Capitals hockey game. “Need 4 for O’s on 8/23 and 4 for Springsteen if possible,” she wrote the lobbyist on July 26, 2002. Ralston’s lawyer declined to comment. A former associate said Ralston may argue that though she apparently never paid for any of the tickets, she did not violate the ethics rules because of an exemption for officials who have a “pre-existing” and personal relationship with the lobbyist. “She was not looking at [Abramoff] as a lobbyist,” said the former associate, who asked not to be identified because of political sensitivities. “She was looking at him as a friend.”
The e-mails show Rove’s then chief political deputy, Ken Mehlman, now chairman of the Republican National Committee, had his own repeated contacts with Abramoff—in stark contrast to previous public statements. According to the new records, Abramoff and his associates turned to Mehlman in their bid to obtain $16.3 million in federal funds from the Justice Department to build a jail for the Mississippi Band of Choctaws, an Abramoff client. In one e-mail, Abramoff associate Tony Rudy described to Abramoff a meeting he had with Mehlman about the subject. “Mehlman said he would take care of this,” Rudy wrote. “He was a rock star.” After Justice later approved funding for the Choctaw jail, another Abramoff associate e-mailed a colleague: “Those guys should get anything they want for the rest of the time they’re in office … Opening Day tickets, Skins v. Giants, oriental massages, hookers, whatever … ” Mehlman denied any wrongdoing. “The job of the political director is to meet with interested parties—in some cases, political supporters—and hear them out,” he said Friday. Of the events described in the report, Mehlman said, “It was all stuff that was aboveboard. All stuff that was appropriate.” Rove himself apparently knew the rules: when Abramoff offered skybox tickets to an NCAA basketball game, he wrote a check for them.
Still, the game gave Abramoff a chance to discuss other matters with Rove. After being e-mailed by an old friend who was a militant Israeli settler, Abramoff responded: “I was sitting with Karl Rove, Bush’s top advisor, at the NCAA basketball game, discussing Israel when [your] email came in. I showed it to him. It seems that the President was very sad to have to come out negatively regarding Israel but that they needed to mollify the Arabs for the upcoming war on Iraq. That did not seem to work anyway. Bush seems to love Sharon and Israel, and thinks Arabfat [sic] is nothing but a liar. I thought I’d pass that on.”
—Michael Isikoff and Holly Bailey
© 2006 Newsweek, Inc.
From NAFFAA:
“At NaFFAA’s last national conference, Ralston refused to comment on the bill for Filipino American veterans’ compensation. She kept saying she had nothing to do with policy. We were very disappointed in her. What good is it having Filipino Americans in the White House if they’re not going to fight for our issue?'”
– Rodel Rodis, Chair of Northern California Region, National Federation of Filipino American Associations
Kailangan pa bang i-post ang mga komento ni Rodel Rodis? Talunan na pulitiko iyan sa San Francisco at kilalang GMA boy iyan sa California. Iyan ang abogago ni Pelaez na sumisira kay Senator Lacson.
Susan Ralston I suppose can take care of herself. Being in major league is no picnic. Most specially in the companies of power. Election is coming in few weeks, and more dirt will be coming out. The opposite side want so badly to control congress and will stop of nothing, and Susan Ralston just happen to be in a wrong place at the wrong time. It could happen to anyone, and one doesn’t have to be a Pilipino in ethnic background.
I’m somewhat dissapointed though that Ms Ralston made the talking point in this blog, only because of her ethnic Pilipino background. If somebody else of different background we won’t even know who Ms Ralston. We still just can’t get away in streo-typing our own, as obvious we distinguish our culture as one group and not as an individual.
But Toney, if I’m not mistaken, this is Philippine blog and although it deals with foreign affairs and foreign personalities from time to time, this blog is all about what’s going on in Pinas and Pinoys and Pinays, wherever they may be.
In that respect, it is only natural that Ellen writes about her because Filipinos are interested in her.
The “stereo-typing” becomes pointed or emphasized because Ms Ralston, a top White House Aide (or ex-top WH aide), is a Pinay through and through, and as such she’s like a magnet to an all Filipino sphere (most especially since she’s already a cause celebre in international media) – I do believe her being discussed in an all-Philippine blog is not out of place, IMHO.
For the first time a Filipino history figure, Susan Ralston has affected and changed so much lives like Americans, Afganinstan, and Iraqis, and has affected so much money for transaction between companies and the American Gov’t. Call me mad but, she should be a greatest Filipino hero ever.
The great GWB says, “Stay the course!” So her legacy will affect more future lives, and transact more money.
Ellen,
Something’s wrong with Uniffors’ website.
I clicked on the link in your blog and it led me to a different site – Uniffors.com alright but it’s all about travel or leisure.
It’s just gone!
This is what I get when I click Uniffors:
Uniffors.com
find something interesting
Saturday, October 07, 2006
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Yes, Anna. I’ll inquire what happened with Uniffors site.
Yuko shares this background info on Susan Ralston:
Re Uniffors, thanks Ellen.
Hmmm… After reading her biography, I believe Ralston is NOT a true Filipina anymore even if she did grow up with Filipinos around. She’s American through and through already.
Anna,
Rodel Rodis, who is also as American as Ms. Ralston, seems to be acting like a “true” Filipino. You know what I mean. If we have a kabayan or kamag-anak in Malacanan (or White House), we expect that person to work for us, as if one exercises that great POWER (by affiliation or location). Not in America. There are “influence peddlers” or lobby groups that can do the trick (remember Venable, which this stupid Gonzales hired but didn’t work in Gloria’s favor). Sadly, this is what we lack in this capitalistic society. If we want concrete and immediate foreign policy decisions to affect us, we should dance with the music. Anybody willing to pass the hat around? I’ll match Joseph’s or Toney’s contribution, if they are warm to this idea.
It reminds me of my own nieces and nephews who are born in the USA and never been to the Philippines although their parents are both Filipinos. They call themselves Fil-Ams but deep inside I have a feeling they want to own to being just Americans just like the children of immigrants from the EU.
Unlike Ralston, Rodis did not grow up in the USA. He went there after finishing his education and working in the Philippines for a while. I can understand his sentiments regarding wanting someone like Ralston to work for the welfare of Filipinos in the USA, but what Rodis has missed is they are asking the wrong person for such favor because Ralston apparently is more American than Filipino with no attachment to the Philippines except that her parents are Filipinos, or her manner of asking for those free tickets for some biggies! 😛
There is actually nothing wrong either with being a lobbyist as long as one does not forget the rules of law especially when it involves lives as in the case of the Iraqis who are getting massacred because of wrong policies and greed for oil! 😡
Meanwhile, I wonder if the Bansot and minions have tried to solicit the endorsement of this lobbyist now in trouble in pushing for an appointment with Bush.
Ystakei,
“They call themselves Fil-Ams but deep inside I have a feeling they want to own to being just Americans…”
You can’t blame them. Over here, that identification is much stronger than in the East Coast because of the visibility of Pinoys. Almost anything bad about Pinoys cling to their skin and becomes a stigma that infects others. One way out to this identity problem is to assimilate to the mainstream, meaning one loses his/her “pinoy-ness” by conscious (or unconscious) detachment. They even join the puti in criticizing RP. An example that comes to mind is Michel Balkins, a freelance writer, who called the Filipinos as “weasels”(because of Gloria’s unpopular decision to pull out the pinoy troops from Iraq).
I can’t imagine the damage this little word creates, if more Fil-Ams join the chorus.(Am not even sure if Balkins calls herself such, unlike Cheryl Burke or Jasmine Trias.)
Anna:
Foremost, Ms. Ralston is not a political figure just happen she work in the WH. I also, recognized only people with special resume can get a job in the WH, and Ms Ralston happened to be a Pilipino-American.
I’ve noticed and I can sympathize to what you said, this blog basically deals with Pinays or Pinoys wherever they may be. Of course, no disrespect to Ms Ellen. As far as I’m concern, Ms. Ellen is doing a magnificent job in maintaning this blog, and I can only be most appreciative. Nevertheless, this is what I meant by stereo-type. I’ve no problem accepting the facts of reality. I also recognized that Ms Susan Ralston is Pilipino-American highest ranking in the White House, and as nationalistic Pilipino we can only be proud that we’ve one of our own in the white house. However, I only perceive Ms Susan Ralston as an individual person without attaching her ethnic background and not distingushing her as Pilipino-American. Perhaps my stubborness, as I refuse to recognize the distinct difference of an illegal aliens or undocumented immigrants from others but just a human being seeking a better life. And, in workplace I like to be treated as an individual without any special preference of my ethnic background like everybody else.
Then, again we are just being what we are, Pilipinos. Understood!
Furthermore, I may add, what you see is what you get! Fact of the matter, even if we want, we couldn’t change what we are as we can’t change the sun rising in the morning and setting at dawn. However, to contradict myself, I would like to offer Michael Jackson. He’s adamant, but at the end of the day, with all his money and medical miracle, he’s still Michael Jackson born African-American.
Ms. Susan Ralston living in an area ovrelooking large creek that flows to Potomac River? Money! Money!
Lets not get over the board on this talking and to make a reckless statement, such as, ‘wrong policies and greed for oil.’ I can say a lot, especially about countries without their own natural resources yet dependently relying on others for oil, I’m not talking about Americans.
Hawaiianguy:
Frankly, what Rodel for example said about Ralston is a reflection of the parasitic attitude of Filipinos in general. As we say in Tagalog, “palaging nakasampa!”
There are lots of Americans of Japanese descent in higher and more powerful positions in the US government but do we hear about them in Japanese media and everybody going gaga over them? No! If they are mentioned at all, it is plain and simple news. Nothing of the sort of wishful thinking Filipinos attach to people like Ralston, not even when Peru’s Alberto Fujimori for example became president!
Years before in fact, I had a heated discussion on Phoebe Cates that many Filipinos had claimed to be part Filipino even when she would not confirm it as she definitely prefered to mention she was part Chinese. I thought it was pathetic that Filipinos would try to seek for recognition and greatness by riding on the name of some well-known celebrities like Phoebe Cates. It’s the same case, I guess, with this Ralston.
Atty. Rodel Rodis left for the US because he was a wanted man during the Marcos regime. He was an activist against Marcos. Then, he applied for asylum and was granted. Then, it was easy to be granted asylum because of Martial Law. Many politicians and government officials today are either holders of US green cards or US citizens. The Osmenas are among them. How these green card holders and US citizens got elected in the Philippine government remains to be a big question; and these guys don’t want to talk about it.
That’s an interesting observation, Ystakei. Someday, I will reflect more on this. It’s really hard and painful to admit, but Pinoys (incl. those from RP) seem to have the habit of “riding on” to popular images of so-called Fil-Ams. Some of these guys may not feel or confirm the “pinoy identity” that Filipinos and the Philippine media proudly attach to them.
It seems that what Filipinos lack for “greatness,” they compensate by “association” with famous people. Am reminded of what big Mike, Chavit Singson and other barkadas did when Paquiao won over Morales. (Pinaligiran nila sa ring, hindi na tuloy nakalapit ang mga oppositionists dun at kamayan man lang si Paquiao, lalo na nung iparada ni Atienza sa Manila na hindi man lang dumaan sa Makati.) Good for Paquiao, who is unmistakably pinoy, and good for Fil-Am Brian Viloria, who claims to be pinoy – the theory of association works somewhat. But what if the famous guy or gal (Tia Carrere, for example) doesn’t even think he/she pinoy? Ridiculous, isn’t it?
On a positive note, maybe this is characteristic of the “global pinoy syndrome.” Pinoys, I am told, think of the world as their village. So, they want to conquer it by populating the world. But this will take a much longer discussion that may bore others to death (or elicit unwanted debate and criticism).
Npongco, thanks for the info on Rodis. I’m so close yet so far to this guy. Just heard bits about him before, you supplied more about his background. This is the beauty of a forum like this.
P.S. Tia Carrere’s info came from the Pinoy Cartoonist Corky Trinidad, now in Honolulu, who knew her family from home. He said: “When I bragged to friends ….that she was Filipina, they wouldn’t believe me because in the article, she (Tia) said she was “Chinese-Hawaiian-Spanish-Irish … and any other blood you want to throw in.”
You bet, Hawaiianguy. Frankly, I’d rather adhere to my father’s admonition to his children, “Find your place under the sun!” He said it was why he did not stop me from leaving home oceans away that used to take me 14 hours in fact from SFO or LAX via HNL to TYO in the late 60’s or 70’s. And “never be a burden to anyone,” was what he said in parting.
As for Filipinos wanting to conquer the world, far from it. More than the conquering, it is more a quest for survival rather than discovering something new and conquerable especially when the bogus president has this deployment of Filipino workers her main economic policy without thinking of the possibility of countries likely to be adversely affected by this deployment may suddenly turn anti-Filipino as what is happening presently in New Caledonia.
‘Kakalungkot talaga!
hawaiianguy said:
“(Tia Carrere, for example) doesn’t even think HE/SHE piNOY?” I am also in doubt if Tia Carrera is a she or a he. HEHEHE! I really don’t care because she does not care to be a Filipino.
We should be proud of is the pinoy from Black Eyed Peas who is proud to be a Pilipino. Shame on me because a Bangladesh punk kid introduced him and his song “Bebot” to me. Shame on me too because I forgot his name.
I think Tia Carrere has participated in some events for the Filipino war veterans.
Ystakei, No doubt poverty is what drives many pinoys to leave home and, as you aptly noted, government policy has contributed more to that. The “conquering” is symbolic, and may be offtopic in this thread. It is like “I take away your money, jobs, and men/women (I multiply in your country, then claim them as RP citizens).” All those pinoys (and part-pinoys) are, to many of us, still “pinoys,” no matter what they say.
Josephs, I don’t care about her either. Know what, she posed nude in Playboy. Kudos to Black Eyed Peas and others who call themselves pinoy.
Re: Rodel Rodis
Rodel Rodis was also the lawyer of Filipino-American Blanquita Pelaez who filed a suit against Sen. Panfilo Lacson for nonpayment of a supply of Smith & Wesson handcuffs to the Philippine National Police of which he was chief in 1999-2001. Blanquita Pelaez is a convicted estafadora in Makati Regional Trial Court and wanted by Philippine authorities. San Francisco-based lawyer Rodel Rodis may have “close connection” with Jose Pidal. He hired Rodel Rodis to handle Blaquita’s case against Lacson.
Toney said: Ms. Susan Ralston living in an area ovrelooking large creek that flows to Potomac River? Money! Mon
Money, and lots of them can either make an individual a devil or a saint. I like our Peter Munck, a very rich CEO of Barrick Gold Mine, upon handing a personal donation of $37 millions to one of our Hospitals here for its Heart and Lung Center, had this to say and I quote “the beauty of having lot of money, is the oppurtunity to help others”.
My apology to Peter Munk for mispelling his name. sorry for the mistake…
Hawaiianguy,
I like that: “I multiply in your country, then claim them as RP citizens.” 🙂
Still, it’s pathetic! This reminds me of a Japanese, who was Japan’s bet at the Winter Olympics (Figure Skating) in the 80’s. The mother is Filipino from Negros, and the Filipino me actually would wait for her to mention that during her interviews especially before a competition. She never did, until someone asked her about her Mother and she stopped the interview with a pout. I felt kind of hurt then, but no more.
I realized the girl was no Filipino but a Japanese. My son, who has never been to the Philippines, feels the same way. He has learned to speak Tagalog by ear though through my mother in SFO and my Filipino friends.
BTW, according to my sister, who is buddy-buddy with Rodel, he was not a political asylum seeker. He went to the US the usual way as most immigrants do. Same with Leonard de Rivera who practiced law likewise at the Bay Area in CA until he was debarred due to some swindling case.
I never actually heard of this Rodel before the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983 when a lot many Filipinos in the US tried to ride on Ninoy’s name to sell their own especially when they eyed some public office. Iyan ang sinasabing mahilig talagang sumakay!
reading ms ralstons biodata i can but feel proud that a filipina had achieved at 38 many others will never achieve. one may question her judgement but in life it is allowed to make mistakes.those who do not commit mistakes has never done anything worth talking about anyway.
The husband no doubt is a very powerful man for I doubt if she can get to where she has gone without the husband’s help!
Hwaiianguy, do you personally know Rodis? Maybe we could exchange some more info about him privately without anyone here trying to sabotage our conversation. I also know a lot about this guy…and would you believe, mostly negative?
Npongco, Yeah, we’d better do it by email.
i donot know if the husband is powerful and it is normal for a husband to help his wife.as for doubters there will always be some but it is more natural to accept things in good faith.
There she goes again sharing info from a third party about Rodel Rodis. She doesn’t even know the guy personally while I know him. Do you want his home phone number and address? It was Rodis who personally told me he was granted asylum when he arrived in the US. He took up law in SF and became a lawyer. If you’re not sure, shut up! Just like when you said US Permanent Residents could perform jury duties in US court which was WRONG. Because only US citizens are allowed to be jurors. When can this Ninja ever learn to be humble…admit mistake and accept others’ opinions even for once? Tsk, tsk, tsk….
Noel, it would do you, as well as everybody, good not to mind Yuko since you dislike her. it doesn’t make for a stimulating discussion which we want to develop in this blog.
Ellen, don’t you think similar advice should be given to this Yuko or Ystakei? What made you think I dislike her? Or is it the other way around? Why don’t you ask her, your good friend? Let me put on record that I did not start this all. I have been quite patient with her since the beginning even if she and another guy attacked my ethnicity. But not a day passes without reading her messages that are being directed at me. Her style is to pretend communicating with another member or uses “BTW”; but the insults and sarcastic remarks are clearly for me. I regret to say that you have allowed this arrogant creature to abuse this blog. Others could have called you corrupt but I will never be. But I’m sorry to say that you still have lots to learn to be a good moderator. Perhaps you’re too nice and kind. But this good trait should be applied to everyone even if they happen to be your friends for quite a while.
josephs, hawaiianguy, Tia Carrere was in Manila a few years ago. I saw her in a hotel lobby with another Fil-Am, actor Lou Diamond Phillips in 2003(?) that is if my memory hasn’t failed me. She looked pregnant then, I think, and they were here to receive some achievement award for being Hollywood-famous Pinoys.
Regarding Allan Pineda (Apl.De.Ap)of Black Eyed Peas, josephs, have you seen the latest video of “Bebot”? If you did then you saw my ex, Christine, another Fil-Am model. I met her in a car show in Manhattan in 2000. You can see her website chritinemendozaonline.com.
Here’s a list of some Pinoy-Ams who made their mark in US showbiz, beware though ‘cuz this comes from Wikipedia:
Actors
Dante Basco, actor, director, producer
Darion Basco, actor, director, producer
Derek Basco, actor, director, writer, producer
Dion Basco, actor, director, producer
Anthony Begonia, producer, actor
Tia Carrere, actress
Wil Castillo, actor, Running Springs
Phoebe Cates, actress (Filipino maternal grandfather)
Emy Coligado, actress, (Piama, Francis’ wife, Malcolm in the Middle)
Michael Copon, actor, (Blue Ranger in Power Rangers Time Force)
Billy Joe Crawford, actor
Mark Dacascos, actor, martial artist, Iron Chef America host
Nicholas Josh Du, actor, screenwriter, director
Jeff Francisco, actor, Tweek City
Vanessa Anne Hudgens [1] “Being the daughter of a Caucasian father and a Filipino mother, Vanessa found little to no friction between the two cultures while growing up. “Actually, we both combine the two. But my mom’s kinda turned into an American. I haven’t visited the Philippines yet, but I would really love to go.””
Lalaine Gordo, child star, one of the main stars of Lizzie McGuire
Sharon Leal, actress who played Marylin Sudor on Boston Public
Sabrine Maui, adult film star
Meiling Melançon, actress
Madison Michele, actress and television host, host of Animal Planet’s King of the Jungle
Mimi Miyagi (née Melody Damayo), adult film star, candidate for Governor of Nevada
Paolo Montalban, actor
Troy Montero (né Troy Miller), actor, born in Washington
Abe Pagtama, actor
Nia Peeples, actress
Lou Diamond Phillips, actor, La Bamba
Victoria Principal, actress
Ernie Reyes Jr., actor
Fe de los Reyes, actress, singer, comedienne; starred in “Debut”.
Anthony Ruivivar, actor, Third Watch, plays Carlos Nieto
Rob Schneider, Saturday Night Live performer, actor, comedian (Jewish father, half-Filipina mother); “Mom’s family had the better food; Dad’s family had the better jokes.”
Shannyn Sossamon, actress, 40 Days and 40 Nights, A Knight’s Tale
Charmane Star, adult film star
Tamlyn Tomita, actress, The Joy Luck Club (half-Japanese and half-Filipino)
Hervé Villechaize, actor (Tatoo from Fantasy Island)
DilasaBago aka TIA:
Kasama ba si Dean Devlin sa listahan? Napanood ko noon sa TV na ini-interview sya ni Maurice Arcache(Arca-chat!). Iyong writer/producer ng Godzilla? …
Iyong sa pelikulang 8MM(Nicolas Cage) sino ba ang mga Pinay doon?Si Lorena Martinez o si Emily Patrick ba?
Meron din na Pinay sa pelikulang Her Alibi(Tom Selleck/Paulina Porizkova).
Si Vic Diaz ba ay nagkaroon din ng Hollywood assignment?
Nelbar:
Rob Schneider is the half-Filipino not the mother! 😛
What is good about this guy is he is not ashamed of his Filipino heritage, and has her mother always “singit” in his films. He has a restaurant in SFO and his family lives in the Bay Area (Pacifica).
Huwag mo nang isama si Phoebe Cates kasi ayaw naman yata niyang maging pilipino.
Sus naman Nelbar! Why include the Nicolas Cage movie “8MM” where Filipinos are depicted as victims of sex perversion that was unthinkable in fact before the Filipino women started being pimped overseas by the bugaws in the Philippines? It is not something Filipino image can be lifted up!
ystakei:
mas maganda na iyong ginagawa ni Phoebe Cates kesa naman sa mga Filipino policy makers na nagkukunwaring para sa Pilipinas daw eh anti-people naman ang ginagawa!
lumalabas tuloy na mga tunay na collaborators
Ellen, meron na akong idea na sariling flag na sinasabi ko.
“7 white stars on a blue field” -iyon parang sa ‘The Stars and Bars’
Hanggang ngayon ba naman ay away at bangayan pa rin dito. Bakit hindi magkasundo ang mga dugong aso at sakang?
As I said, the caveat here is that it comes from Wikipedia and can, therefore, be anywhere between totally accurate and extremely unreliable. It’s good though that someone has come out with the list. I was even surprised to find the names of the brothers Montero there.
More interestingly, you get a nice feeling reading the list and also to know that the cutest little thing on TV these days, MTV VJ Vanessa is also half-Flip. As is Vanessa Ann Hudgens of hit TV prod High School Musical, or Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger who takes pride in having both parents as Pinoys, or rapper Pharrel Williams. There was even talk in the Bay Area that hiphop icon Jay-Z was Pinoy cuz of his lyrics, “Fresh to def in Moschino, Coach bag Lookin half black and Filipino fakin no jacks”.
My favorite guitarists Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Joey Santiago of Pixies are also in the list together with Chad Hugo of the Neptunes, equally-famous sons of playboy celebrities like Emilio Estevez and Enrique Iglesias, Lexa Doig of TV’s Andromeda,…
Right Nelbar, produ Dean Devlin is in fact 1/2 Pinoy, too, being born to his Nanay and Jewish dad. Vic Diaz has had many Hollywood assigments if you consider his usual appearance as a Japanese General in many a Hollywood war films.
Here’s the rest of the list:
Singers
Death Angel, Thrash Metal band
Joe Bataan, Latin soul legend
Bernardo Bernardo, singer, comedian
Christian “Chise” Bonoan, New York area hiphop artist
Amapola Cabase, singer, author, actor, songwriter
Kate Earl, singer-songwriter
Jocelyn Enriquez, singer
Enrique Iglesias, singer, international pop star (part Filipino mother)
Jebson, California Bay area rap star
Rachael Lampa, Christian singer (Filipino father)
Neal McCoy, country music singer
Jose “Sway” Penala, American Idol contestant (2006 edition)
Nicole Scherzinger, lead singer for the Pussycat Dolls
Jordan Segundo, singer, American Idol semi-finalist
Jamisen Tiangco, Fame contestant
Jasmine Trias, American Idol contestant (2005 edition)
Camile Velasco, American Idol contestant (2005 edition)
Wrestlers
David Bautista, WWE performer on the Smackdown! brand, former World Heavyweight Champion (Filipino father)
Misc.
Leonicio Abucayan (aka Parmesan), beat boxer, current Austrian beat box champion
Cheryl Burke, dancer, Dancing with the Stars (Filipino mother)
Mahnee Cabase, composer of numerous Cebuano classics, played 32 musical instruments
Ryan Conferido, contestant on So You Think You Can Dance
Francine Dee, glamour model
Ronnie del Carmen, story supervisor, Finding Nemo; storyboard artist, Batman: The Animated Series
DJ BUSY B, hip-hop DJ, “Buzz of the Bay Area”; official DJ for Against All Odds (#1 Hip-Hop Shop In The Nation)
DJ Dave Dynamix, DJ, producer, event promoter, Livemixshow.com, Artist Management: 3-Style Attractions since 1990
DJ Q-Bert, pioneering turntablist
DJ Romeo, producer, DJ on market #4 radio station in United States
Melissa Dungao, Miss New Jersey Teen USA 1998
Jerome Fontamillas, guitarist for the Christian rock bands Switchfoot and Fold Zandura (former member of Mortal)
Raquel Gibson, Playboy Playmate of the Month, November 2005
Kat Gutierrez, model
Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist for Metallica (Filipina mother)
Chad Hugo, music producer and musician; one-half of The Neptunes
Honey Labrador, host of Queer Eye For The Straight Girl
Melody Lacayanga, contestant on So You Think You Can Dance
Diana Limjoco-Pollard, founder of [MCTV-Channel 15], exec. producer, MCTV-Real TV show
Allen Pineda Lindo (aka Apl.de.Ap), musician; member of the Black Eyed Peas (Filipino mother)
Alec Mapa, gay comedian, a regular on the UPN sitcom Half & Half
Christine Mendoza, model
Sam Milby, a Pinoy Big Brother housemate, singer, figure skater, actor and commercial model
Vanessa Minnillo, Miss Teen USA 1998, MTV personality
KC Montero (né Casey Miller), MTV-Asia VJ, born in Washington
Rex Navarrete, comedian
Van Partible, creator/director/writer of cartoon series Johnny Bravo
Paulskee, president of Rock Force Crew (1994-2004)
Jennifer Paz, Miss Saigon for American production
Maria Quiban, KCOP-TV (UPN13 in Los Angeles) weather reporter
Joey Santiago, guitarist for the Pixies
Leeann Tweeden, model, television personality
Sports
Benny Agbayani, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals baseball player
Chris Aguila, Florida Marlins baseball player (Filipino father)
Eugene Amano, NFL offensive guard/center, Tennessee Titans
Tai Babilonia, Olympic figure skater (African-American mother; Filipino and Hopi-Indian father)
Bobby Balcena, Cincinnati Reds baseball player
David Bautista, WWE Superstar, WWE Friday Night SmackDown!’s former World Heavyweight Champion
Tedy Lacap Bruschi, NFL All-Pro linebacker, New England Patriots
Bobby Chouinard, Baltimore Orioles baseball player
Natalie Coughlin, Olympic swimmer, gold medalist
Dorothy Delasin, LPGA golfer
Victoria Manalo Draves, diver who was first woman to win two gold medals in springboard diving at the 1948 Olympics in London.
Roman Gabriel, former NFL quarterback, Los Angeles Rams
Sunny Garcia, surfing world champion, surfing legend
Heidi Ilustre, beach volleyball player and AVP participant; bronze medalist at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila
Malia Jones, surfing model, People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People
Liz Masakayan, consensus All-American UCLA, US Olympian, beach volleyball legend
Luis Reyes, U.S. Taekwondo gold medalist
Raymond Townsend, NBA point guard; the Golden State Warriors made him the first Filipino-American ever to be drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft (the New York Knicks made Wataru Misaka the first Asian-American ever to be drafted to the NBA in 1947)
Brandon Vera, UFC Fighter (nicknamed Brandon “the Truth” Vera)
Brian Viloria, US Olympic boxer, WBC light-flyweight champion
Galing nila, diba? Can we put more names in the list? Anyone?
Tongue, heard you call out my name.
Boxing –
Ben Villaflor, WBA Super Featherweight Champ (twice)
Andy Ganigan (“Hawaiian Punch”), NABF Lightweight Champ
Entrepreneurs –
Dado Banatao, software (Silicon Valley)
Loida Lewis, NaFFAA Pres. & Business Executive
Politics/Bureacracy –
Ben Cayetano, Hawaii State Governor, 1st Fil-Am electd gov
Eduardo Malapit, 1st Fil-Am to become mayor
Ben Menor, 1st Fil-Am Justice of Hawaii Supreme Court
Marshall Thurgood, Jr, Lawyer (son of 1st black African-Am who became a US Supreme Court justice, Filipina mother)
Professionals –
Jorge Camara, Hawaii’s physician of the yr and Head, Aloha Medical Mission (to RP, esp. during the Leyte mudslide)
Entertainment –
Society of Seven (Tony Ruivivar, Tony Sagum, Gary Bautista, atbp. nabanggit na ba ito?), now in Vegas
(ang patay na, di ba kasama? hehehehe!)
oooppps! me nalimutan pa –
Beauty –
Angela Baraquio, Miss America 2001 (also Miss Hawaii 2000)
Pag kasama ang patay, highly recommended ko to –
Carlos Bulosan, California writer (hindi siya graduate ng elem, pero talo pa ang ibang PhD English professor sa panitikan)
Also, the new Miss Earth Canada is a Filipina from Alberta Province. Vic should know this.
Thanks, hawaiianguy for filling in some more. Re Menor, I heard he’s being groomed for a national position, isn’t he? I’ve talked with cousins from Oahu who said so.
Tongue,
You are talking here of the son, Ron Menor, who is now a candidate for a slot at the U.S. Congress(Hawaii has 2). He is presently a Senator at the Hawaii state.
Ano ba ang pinag-uusapan niyo dito? Mga sikat na tao? Bakit hindi niyo ako binanggit?
Meron din na magagaling na mga Pinoy sa Pixar Animation Studios.
that’s my point TIA, Vic Diaz being Japanese military officer.
Kailangan natin mga Pilipino na CEO, Scientist, Wall Street Investment Banker, Industrialist, Baron, Mogul,Tycoon(Business Magnate) at Cultural Icon.
Sa Military naman, …Taguba, Shinseki. Clausewitz at ala Jomini .