Ambassador Albert del Rosarrio is gone and my perception of the former Ambassador is that he is not the type of person who would come in the way of the two groups (The Philippine American Foundation for Charities and the Migrant Heritage Commission) let alone try to patch up their differences. What has happened to the two groups is not new in the Filipino American community in DC and perhaps in the entire world where there are Filipino organizations. I entertain no illusion about Filipino American organizations trying to outdo each other.

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I have lived in Washington DC area since 1966 and been President of three Filipino American organizations and through the years I have encountered this type of differences among Filipino American organizations. The Tsismis writer (Washington Tsismis), Atty. Varela, and Jun Pedery know very well what I am talking about.

In fact, my ex-wife tried to derail my election as president of the Philippine American Bar Association in 1990 and circulated letters to the community that I am a bad person. It turned out that during my induction, 300 guests attended and I donated $1,500.00 (net profit from the ticket sales) to the Philippine Supreme Court.

I do not foresee any resolution to the bickerings between the two groups, although such differences are petty and childish i.e. popularity contest.

It boils down as to who should be in the limelight and to how may pictures are being published in the Manila Mail concerning officers and members of the PFC and/or the Migrant Commission.

 I would urge the Migrant Commission to continue their activities and maybe for next year 2007, they may hold their Dinner Dance also on the same date as the PFC. There is really nothing wrong with this type of arrangement. To solidify the ranks of the two groups would be an impossible task.

The incoming Philippine Ambassador would never do anything to resolve the bickerings of the two groups. Why?

Because the members of these groups are all Filipino Americans and he would prefer to represent all Filipino Americans in the USA regardless of their organizational affiliation.

Let each organization continue their verbal tirades, hairpulling and fisticuffs. If they need a referee for such a spectacle, I am ready to volunteer and may even personally donate funds to the winner in the fight.

 Pass this comment to whomsoever want to share my views on this issue.

DODONG TECALA

Virginia