Edwin
29 July 2006

I have been away from the computer for several days and was shocked and angered by “Nic”. I don’t know what kind of Filipinos they have in the New York area but obvious he has been hanging out with the wrong kind.

I was born in La Union of a Filipina mother and a Caucasian father. I left the Philippines as a five year old boy after WWII and did not return until I an 18 years old in the Navy. I grew up in a mostly white culture although I was able to associate with many of my mother’s friends. The only Filipinos that I met were those who hung around seedy areas of Olongapo when Subic still had a Navy base. I have to wonder if Nic was from one of those corrupt places. Although I grew up in the U.S. I grew up being proud of my Filipino heritage. In fact I loved everything about the P.I that I married Dagupan miss, a former student of Orient Collage, fortyone years ago.

I would suggest that Nic stop drinking and stop lamenting the fact that he is a Pinoy and be proud of it. Read the books by great Filipino leaders such as Carlos P. Romulo and during the early years of his political career, Ferdinand Marcos. My mother taught me that there are many thing to be proud of as a Filipino. In the U.S. we had colonies established in Louisiana and other parts of the south and southwest before the United States was established. The City of Santa Barbara was founded by a Filipino. I could go on and on.

Nic, be proud of your heritage not ashamed of it. There are no more corrupt people in the Philippines than in the New York area where you are from, or any place else in the U.S.

Mabuhay Filipinas!!!!

Frank Bautista Jr.
29 July 2006

My photographer friend from Manila wants to trace his American friend travelogue during the 70’s in Dagupan. It started in Villa Aquino beach resort.

I need your help if you can give me info about the Villa Aquino resort. Does it still exist? Also, where is it exactly located at? Thank you.