As we try to imbibe everything that’s fresh and sweet about spring, we cannot help to feel rushed as it seems that  the days go so fast sweeping by us, saying to our minds, “oh, my God, after spring is summer, then fall, and then winter again, and then I’m a year older again. Just like the ordinary people who think this way, I’m with the same company.  Yes, life is short and goes fast, yet it’s also beautiful, and we can make it so meaningful by imparting life’s lessons that we learn as we mature to friends and to the future generations.
   
This is what many of our community leaders have been doing as in the case of our VT Cover Woman this month, Ms. Dely Villalon. Just reading what this lady has accomplished in her life singlehandedly would make many to think that their experiences are just “peanuts,” compared to Dely’s Enjoy our VIA Woman of the Year’s brief story and more pictorial on pages 52 & 53.
  
 Also, speaking of time passing by us so fast, the VT.CPRTV staff could not believe that it has been a year since our beloved friend Anthony Ventura passed. For those who didn’t know Anthony V, he had been a constant comfort and joy to many of us, a dear friend who brought smiles and laughter to our faces, but death snatched him away from us at a fatal car accident a year ago.  We recently held a service for Anthony’s first death anniversary officiated by Fr. Carlos Llagas at the VT/CPRTV office (see photo above) taken with many of the staffers wearing white for a memorial color code in honor of and salute for Anthony’s memory.
   
 Although we always associate April with April rains and April Fools Day and Tax Day, we always have something more exciting to look forward in May to cheer us further....mainly, it’s the celebration of the unique and expansive contributions made by Asian-Pacific Americans, that will showcase Asian-Pacific American influences in different fields of endeavors and successes in this country. There will be special events all over that are geared towards celebrating their historic achievements, empowering participations, and highlighting success stories.  Matter of fact, we’ve been receiving all kinds of invites from many local politicians’ offices to join them in honoring the APA Day for the month of May. 
   
    I’d like to take advantage of this opportunity in reminding everyone TO BE COUNTED as Asian Pacific Americans by not neglecting to fill out the CENSUS form and submit them ASAP as deadline is approaching. Please see Census advertisement on page 16 for more information and inspiration.
   
    Let’s be proud of our Asian heritage as the month of May is almost here for the grand celebration. Let’s fight anti-immigration laws like the one that was just recently passed in Arizona--that would criminalize all undocumented immigrants, which would, of course, include the Asian Americans.