NorthStar Flags

While still in Makati (the Philippines), I was asked by my close Filipino friend to stand not just as sponsor but also as Ninong (Godfather) to his wedding. So, since I was still young then, my presence might not really serve the purpose intended – this is actually my first brush with the intricacy of tying the knot. But, he insisted and reasoned that being a foreigner would do well with his in-laws.

Off we go, we started out by asking the hand of her fiance in marriage. Although they both met and became sweethearts in the big city, it is customary that we go to the barrio and ask the parents in a formal ceremony.

As part of the rite, we have to bring in food and drinks because it becomes the duty of the groom to feed the family of the bride during this special occasion. In fact my friend said, that he was happy that his in-laws has a modern perception of marriage, because nothing was asked as dowry as guarantee for the marriage. In the olden times, grooms were obliged to offer gifts like a few hectares of land, jewelries, a dozen heads of cattle, 100 goats or maybe a thousand chicken.

So, donned in traditional Barong (suit used during formal occasions) we went to her hometown. I immediately noticed that the residence had a makeover, complete with buntings and a few floral design flags posted on the entrance gate. We were ushered in, and immediately the ritual began. My friend formally asked that they be married and I in turn stood as solitary witness to his noble intension.

Then the wedding date was agreed upon and a few names were mentioned responsible for the wedding preparation and dinner was served to seal the agreement.

While still in Makati (the Philippines), I was asked by my close Filipino friend to stand not just as sponsor but also as Ninong (Godfather) to his wedding. So, since I was still young then, my presence might not really serve the purpose intended – this is actually my first brush with the intricacy of tying the knot. But, he insisted and reasoned that being a foreigner would do well with his in-laws.

Off we go, we started out by asking the hand of her fiance in marriage. Although they both met and became sweethearts in the big city, it is customary that we go to the barrio and ask the parents in a formal ceremony.

As part of the rite, we have to bring in food and drinks because it becomes the duty of the groom to feed the family of the bride during this special occasion. In fact my friend said, that he was happy that his in-laws has a modern perception of marriage, because nothing was asked as dowry as guarantee for the marriage. In the olden times, grooms were obliged to offer gifts like a few hectares of land, jewelries, a dozen heads of cattle, 100 goats or maybe a thousand chicken.

So, donned in traditional Barong (suit used during formal occasions) we went to her hometown. I immediately noticed that the residence had a makeover, complete with buntings and a few floral design flags posted on the entrance gate. We were ushered in, and immediately the ritual began. My friend formally asked that they be married and I in turn stood as solitary witness to his noble intension.

Then the wedding date was agreed upon and a few names were mentioned responsible for the wedding preparation and dinner was served to seal the agreement.

Although our company deals with computer hardware and accessories, our sister company is into farming implements, fertilizer and pesticides. So, when they purchased a demonstration farm we were invited to its inauguration.

The farm lot was divided into plots with each plot separated by a paddy. Since the intended demo crop is rice, the plot is irrigated and water is almost 6 inches deep. Then a few farmers were asked to plant the rice seedlings on the designated plots and likewise fertilizer was applied. Since there are different types of fertilizers, one type was used for each plot to determine by contrast the effectiveness of the product.

Then each plot was provided with a flag marker and recorded, so that only the fertilizer initially used would also be used to the succeeding application. As the plants grew, pesticides were likewise scheduled on the different plots and a new marker was assigned, so only the designated pesticide would be used.

On the rear portion of the farm was a plot that is intended to be organic, meaning rice would be allowed to grow on its own, fertilizer to be used would be natural and pesticides would be totally banned. And a new different marker was used, to avoid confusion as to what plot needs to have fertilizers and pesticides.

Looking at the system just used, the overall effect was festive because the flag markers came in different colors, red, yellow, blue, lavender and what have you while green is assigned to the organic plot.

Well, we never run out of ideas, particularly when and how flags and markers are used to make things much easier.

Although our company deals with computer hardware and accessories, our sister company is into farming implements, fertilizer and pesticides. So, when they purchased a demonstration farm we were invited to its inauguration.

The farm lot was divided into plots with each plot separated by a paddy. Since the intended demo crop is rice, the plot is irrigated and water is almost 6 inches deep. Then a few farmers were asked to plant the rice seedlings on the designated plots and likewise fertilizer was applied. Since there are different types of fertilizers, one type was used for each plot to determine by contrast the effectiveness of the product.

Then each plot was provided with a flag marker and recorded, so that only the fertilizer initially used would also be used to the succeeding application. As the plants grew, pesticides were likewise scheduled on the different plots and a new marker was assigned, so only the designated pesticide would be used.

On the rear portion of the farm was a plot that is intended to be organic, meaning rice would be allowed to grow on its own, fertilizer to be used would be natural and pesticides would be totally banned. And a new different marker was used, to avoid confusion as to what plot needs to have fertilizers and pesticides.

Looking at the system just used, the overall effect was festive because the flag markers came in different colors, red, yellow, blue, lavender and what have you while green is assigned to the organic plot.

Well, we never run out of ideas, particularly when and how flags and markers are used to make things much easier.

During the season of lent, mountain climbing to Mount Apo (the highest mountain peak in the Philippines) has been the favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. But local authorities had to close the annual event, simply because contingent of tourists has caused irreparable damage to the environment. Rare plant, particularly wild orchids has been documented to be spirited to Manila, while a lot of trash has piled along the route.

For five long years the Mount Apo has been allowed to rejuvenate, nobody was allowed on top. Then just last month, our company was asked to be one of the few to scale the peak once again, not as tourists but as part of the group that will restore the damaged ecology.

We booked a flight to Davao City and then took a van to Kidapawan, the jump off point for our trek to the famed mountain. At the foot, we carried not just provisions, but also 12, 24inch tree mahogany seedlings and trash bags. The idea is at designated areas we are to plant each the 12 plants to help in the reforestation efforts of Mount Apo.

It took us three days to reach the peak, and as customary we planted the custom flag of the company and posed for posterity. The view from the top of the Apo was really magnificent and the temperature was refreshingly cold, but pales in comparison to my winters in New York.

Then we started back, but we have to pick whatever trash has been left behind, because each one of us will be made to pay a fine of a few hundred pesos if we cannot present a bagful of garbage to the local control officers.

During the season of lent, mountain climbing to Mount Apo (the highest mountain peak in the Philippines) has been the favorite destination for both local and foreign tourists. But local authorities had to close the annual event, simply because contingent of tourists has caused irreparable damage to the environment. Rare plant, particularly wild orchids has been documented to be spirited to Manila, while a lot of trash has piled along the route.

For five long years the Mount Apo has been allowed to rejuvenate, nobody was allowed on top. Then just last month, our company was asked to be one of the few to scale the peak once again, not as tourists but as part of the group that will restore the damaged ecology.

We booked a flight to Davao City and then took a van to Kidapawan, the jump off point for our trek to the famed mountain. At the foot, we carried not just provisions, but also 12, 24inch tree mahogany seedlings and trash bags. The idea is at designated areas we are to plant each the 12 plants to help in the reforestation efforts of Mount Apo.

It took us three days to reach the peak, and as customary we planted the custom flag of the company and posed for posterity. The view from the top of the Apo was really magnificent and the temperature was refreshingly cold, but pales in comparison to my winters in New York.

Then we started back, but we have to pick whatever trash has been left behind, because each one of us will be made to pay a fine of a few hundred pesos if we cannot present a bagful of garbage to the local control officers.

Flag flying at half-mast is an age-old tradition of signifying our unity for the respect of a fallen hero, a dead President or high-ranking official, for the exemplary deed that one has exhibited in the service for one’s country.

Our fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in Iraq to further our ideals are somewhat honored by flying the flag at half-mast. It is by decree of the State Governor that such honor and recognition is expressed, paving the way not only of the State Flag but the National Flag as well to be flown at half-mast.

So, it does not come as a surprise when Governor Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey decreed that the flag be flown at half-mast to honor its local hero, Army Private Ronald Ray Harrison who died in the line of duty in Iraq. The same respect is also granted to Petty Officer 1st Class Cherie L. Morton of the US Navy, as decreed by Governor Blagojevich of Illinois as tribute for her extraordinary service to the country. They are just two of the many who did the same and likewise been honored by a grateful citizenry.

Though this occasion is sad, it is a time to honor, remember and pay our respect and admiration to those who made the ultimate sacrifice of “dying for one’s country.” Likewise our ardent prayer goes to the families and friends left behind. This is also a moment to thank all the brave men and women not only of the Armed Forces but also to all members of the various law enforcement agencies for their commitment to justice, equality and world peace.

We could do no better, hurrah to our heroes.

Flag flying at half-mast is an age-old tradition of signifying our unity for the respect of a fallen hero, a dead President or high-ranking official, for the exemplary deed that one has exhibited in the service for one’s country.

Our fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in Iraq to further our ideals are somewhat honored by flying the flag at half-mast. It is by decree of the State Governor that such honor and recognition is expressed, paving the way not only of the State Flag but the National Flag as well to be flown at half-mast.

So, it does not come as a surprise when Governor Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey decreed that the flag be flown at half-mast to honor its local hero, Army Private Ronald Ray Harrison who died in the line of duty in Iraq. The same respect is also granted to Petty Officer 1st Class Cherie L. Morton of the US Navy, as decreed by Governor Blagojevich of Illinois as tribute for her extraordinary service to the country. They are just two of the many who did the same and likewise been honored by a grateful citizenry.

Though this occasion is sad, it is a time to honor, remember and pay our respect and admiration to those who made the ultimate sacrifice of “dying for one’s country.” Likewise our ardent prayer goes to the families and friends left behind. This is also a moment to thank all the brave men and women not only of the Armed Forces but also to all members of the various law enforcement agencies for their commitment to justice, equality and world peace.

We could do no better, hurrah to our heroes.

Are you a member of a service-oriented club? The United States having a cache of resources and a citizenry polarized to share with the poor, have several of these service clubs. To name a few, we have the Rotary International, the Kiwani’s Club International, The Jaycees, the Lions International and so on.

These clubs started out to help alleviate the conditions of the poor folks of the United States, but since the country and citizenry has become sufficient, such clubs has decided to export their clout to foreign developing countries. The idea is to promote worldwide brotherhood, and to be really effective they allow partnership.

So, most are found in the poorer sections around Asia, some in Africa as it somehow helped in the process of giving aid, financial resources, food, clothing, shelter and even medical services to the impoverished member of society.

When I was assigned in Asia, I joined as a member of the Rotary International, Makati Chapter that is in the Philippines, and our services reached the hinterlands of Benguet bringing assistance to the natives. With our Rotary Custom Flag in tow, we visit families to provide food and medical assistance and always we are greeted and treated fairly as harbinger of hope and prosperity.

When a Barangay Captain (village chieftain) showed us the difficulty of crossing a river, we constructed a hanging footbridge from the funds we seek from our club in the United States. Or we donated hundreds of volumes of textbooks for a local school, and even made a waiting shed for the local folks, when one was damaged by a typhoon.

Typically the Rotary International Flag is now synonymous with service and is anticipated worldwide.

Are you a member of a service-oriented club? The United States having a cache of resources and a citizenry polarized to share with the poor, have several of these service clubs. To name a few, we have the Rotary International, the Kiwani’s Club International, The Jaycees, the Lions International and so on.

These clubs started out to help alleviate the conditions of the poor folks of the United States, but since the country and citizenry has become sufficient, such clubs has decided to export their clout to foreign developing countries. The idea is to promote worldwide brotherhood, and to be really effective they allow partnership.

So, most are found in the poorer sections around Asia, some in Africa as it somehow helped in the process of giving aid, financial resources, food, clothing, shelter and even medical services to the impoverished member of society.

When I was assigned in Asia, I joined as a member of the Rotary International, Makati Chapter that is in the Philippines, and our services reached the hinterlands of Benguet bringing assistance to the natives. With our Rotary Custom Flag in tow, we visit families to provide food and medical assistance and always we are greeted and treated fairly as harbinger of hope and prosperity.

When a Barangay Captain (village chieftain) showed us the difficulty of crossing a river, we constructed a hanging footbridge from the funds we seek from our club in the United States. Or we donated hundreds of volumes of textbooks for a local school, and even made a waiting shed for the local folks, when one was damaged by a typhoon.

Typically the Rotary International Flag is now synonymous with service and is anticipated worldwide.