Cultural, religious, political and social activities never fail to take a breather in Chicago’s summer months as you can glimpse at this most-awaited July issue.

    Leading the pack of the cultural activities is the Eskwelahang Pinoy sa Konsulado project, a maiden project of our newly-arrived Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim.  There were more than 50 enthusiastic students who came from very, very young to adults to learn Pilipino language and culture. We are featuring it on the top left corner of our cover and more on inside pages this month. Congrats, Congen!

    For religious news, the first visit to Chicago of a visionary lady named Emma de Guzman takes a prominent space in Veronica’s Vibes (p. 5). Whether you’re a believer of miracles or not, it will be an interesting reading.

    Political issues, topics, and opinions, whether locally, nationally and internationally, we love writing about it, too.

    Let me touch a little bit on the recently-concluded SONA (State of the Nation Address) speech delivered by the Philippine President, Noynoy Aquino, P-Noy, in short, as used by the media practitioners.  His message, “Kung walang corruption, walang mahirap,” that’s well and good, but where is his plan to eradicate corruption?  Where is his road map to create jobs, raise the standard of education and health programs,  eliminate joblessness, and war on terrorism? He only has six years to fulfill his campaign promises. Does it hold water?

    His whole speech boils down to vindictiveness, it seems to me, against the previous administration...to punish PGMA and her cohorts, making them looking like criminals and planning to put all of them in jail. He has judged them even before giving them the due process of law. Please follow up reading on our editorial by Joe Mauricio, “P-Noy’s first 30 days” and P-Noy’s complete SONA speech in English (full text was delivered in Pilipino language).

    Howcum he neglected to mention the more important issues that need addressing, such as, population control, OFW’s, the environment problem and, most importantly, the land reform that involves his family’s Hacienda Luisita issue?

    That’s it, for now, as I don’t want to get long-winded talking about politics and its strange bedfellows.

    Of course, almost every page of VT is what we can term social...very interesting is Maria Girlie Pascual’s (GMail, page 20) tackling of getting rid of your junk and making money at the same time this summer...Elsie Sy-Niebar  (Notebook), page 10,  will take us to her favorite hiding place in Michigan, the Yooper, where they ran away for the July 4th weekend, and her touching on other political topics about our local officials, specifically the two Illinois governors, past & present.

    Sarah Lee’s yum-yum CelebrEAty Page always bespeaks of out-of-this-world dishes and terrific chefs all over the country that she has been featuring on CPRTV and in her column.

    Norma Manankil’s Beeline on page 24, features the cutest 2010 Jr. Gems Calendar Girls (they were also featured on CPRTV). I see here professional fashion models in the offing.

    I had the privilege to interview Norma on CPRTV after her successful event, and both of us had a blast on the TV camera (see photo).

    I’m also privileged to have been visited by Prof. Robert Boyer (The Philippines), coming back to Wisconsin from the Philippines, after his book launching of “Sundays in Manila”  at UP Diliman (see photo). He granted me an interview, talking about his memoirs of the most wonderful country he has ever seen.

    Likewise, don’t forget Sarah Lee’s first book, “Celebreaty Recipes”. Read more  on her column on p. 48.

    I’d like to express my special TY to friends Gaye Barke and Dely Villalon for giving me a post-bday treat at the Four Seasons Hotel. How enjoyable, indeed, and we were giggly young girls again.      

    Enjoy this VT July issue featuring the PIWC queens and follow up on more pictures on the inside pages.               

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