Hi, My Name is...42

In a Youtube comment I was asked if I had anything positive to say about the Philippines. Even though I concentrate on the negative I do have positive things to say. This time instead of highlighting disturbing crimes let me introduce you to some real achievers.  Say hello to these Philippine success stories. 

Hi, my name is Xavier Solda. I am the current jail warden of Zamboanga City Jail Male Dormitory. At the International Corrections and Prisons Association I was honored as the Outstanding Correctional Service Employee for my tireless dedication to improving the lives of people incarcerated in the Philippines. Kind of ironic seeing as the Philippines corrections system is overcrowded by 367%. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1212557

A Filipino jail officer was honored as the Outstanding Correctional Service Employee by the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), besting other global nominees in the field of jail management and corrections.

In a statement Thursday, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) said Jail Supt. Xavier Solda, current jail warden of Zamboanga City Jail Male Dormitory (ZCJMD), received the award in a special ceremony at the ICPA Conference in Antwerp, Belgium on Wednesday night. (Thursday morning, Manila time).

ICPA executive director Natalie Boal said Solda bagged the award for his tireless dedication to improving the lives of people incarcerated in the Philippines.

The ICPA Correctional Excellence Awards Committee, composed of corrections executives from different countries, cited Solda’s outstanding accomplishments in effecting jail management reforms, professionalism, and work ethics.

In his acceptance speech, Solda acknowledged the huge challenge of helping people behind bars rebuild their lives while citing national efforts to address the pressing concerns in jails.

“We will continue to move forward with concrete solutions; all for justice and human dignity,” said Solda, a member of the PNPA Class of 2008 and a product of the Development Academy of the Philippines and the Ateneo School of Government.

“I hope and pray that we can work together as one global community in the field of corrections, bonded with strong desire to build a better future, for the next generations to come,” he added.

In September, Solda’s unit was recognized as Best City Jail and a recipient of the first Gray Dove Award, the BJMP’s national recognition award for peacebuilding and innovations.

Before being named as ZCJMD head in January, Solda served as BJMP spokesperson.

Hi, my name is Antonio Mendoza. In October 2014 I played the 6/42 Lotto through "lucky pick." The next morning after the draw I learned I won. However, my granddaughter crumpled the ticket. In an attempt to flatten I try daughter has the bright idea to iron it with a cloth on top. This caused the ticked to be burned. It was a real mess and I ended up going to the Supreme Court. Thankfully they sided with me and the PCSO will soon be releasing the money to me.   

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/26/pcso-assures-turnover-of-p12-m-prize-to-bettor-with-damaged-lotto-ticket

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Melquiades Robles has assured that the agency will comply with the Supreme Court's order to release the over P12-million Lotto 6/42 jackpot prize to the bettor who has a damaged winning ticket.

On Oct. 25, Robles welcomed lottery winner Antonio Mendoza to his office, where he gave him the assurance that the money would be given to him after the documentary and other processes are completed.

This comes after the SC issued a 17-page ruling ordering the PCSO to release Mendoza's winnings, which amount to P12,391,600.

"I assured him (Mendoza) that I will expedite the process of his claim," Robles said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Oct. 26.

"Kailangan lang may (We only need) certificate of finality from SC. I will make sure that he enjoys the fruits of his winnings ASAP (as soon as possible). I wanted to put a closure on this issue," he added.

The SC decision stated that “even in the absence of a readable ticket, he (Mendoza) was able to prove that he selected a set of numbers that corresponds to the winning combination number for the 6/42 Lotto draw on Oct. 2, 2014.”

“Thus, he is entitled to receive the jackpot prize for the said Lotto draw,” it added.

Moreover, the PCSO will pay six percent interest per annum from the date of the finality of its decision until fully paid.

On Oct. 2, 2014, Mendoza registered three bets for the Lotto 6/42 draw through "lucky pick" at a Lotto outlet in Batangas.

The following morning, on Oct. 3, Mendoza discovered that one of the "lucky pick" combinations had won, but his granddaughter had crumpled his winning ticket.

In an attempt to flatten the crumpled ticket, his daughter ironed it underneath a cloth, which unfortunately caused the ticket to be partially burned.

Hi, my name is Odette Aquitania Ricasa. I can now boast that I am the first Filipina to have travelled to every country in the world. That is 195 countries! But actually I have travelled to over 301 countries which includes obscure islands like the Robinson Crusoe Islands. For me, the real challenge is trying to get from one destination to another in the cheapest and most interesting way possible. And now I can say with Johnny Cash, "I've been everywhere man." Now if I can only get a ride from Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos into space!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1653634/77-year-old-woman-claims-to-be-1st-filipino-to-reach-all-195-world-countries

Odette Aquitania Ricasa, aged 77, takes pride in having accomplished a feat that just a few of people in history have managed to do: See all 195 of the world’s countries.

Last but not least, Ricasa touched down in Kurdistan, Iraq, on Thursday, completing that country her final journey.

The United Nations currently recognizes 193 of the world’s 195 countries, with the Holy See and Palestine serving as non-member observer states.

Ricasa told INQUIRER.net that she felt “ecstatic” about traveling to all the countries.

This year, she visited Sudan, Chad, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Iraq; before the pandemic, she had only seen five nations.

When asked why she goes on trips, she said that “travel is learning” and that no matter where she goes, folks have always been welcoming and friendly, despite the dangers she has seen.

“I love that challenge; the unknown of what might happen, or who I might meet, the possibilities are endless. I relied on people’ kindness” said Ricasa.

Ricasa had already accomplished numerous travel milestones before claiming she had visited every country. The Philippine Global Explorers said that by 2015, Ricasa had visited every continent.

Ricasa has journeyed to hundreds of locations, including offshoot remote islands.

“I have traveled to count 301 countries [sic], including remote islands, e.g., Robinson Crusoe Islands, Lakshadweep islands, Andaman Nicobar islands, etc.,” Ricasa said over a Facebook chat on Thursday.

According to the British public broadcaster BBC, islands such as the Robinson Crusoe Islands are under Chile, and the Andaman Nicobar islands are under India.

Ricasa is an icon in the travel community, being a member of the prestigious Travelers’ Century Club, which only allows members who have traveled to 100 or more countries, according to their website.

She is also the Los Angeles president of “Odette’s Travel Club”. They “have 300 plus members, only eight Pinoy members, all American,” she said.

Ricasa said she traveled while heading the U.S. West Coast chapter of the” Philippine Global Explorers travel community.”

“I need to be moving. For me, the real challenge is trying to get from one destination to another in the cheapest and most interesting way possible,” she said.

Having gone far and wide, Ricasa traced her humble beginnings to Quiapo, Manila.

When asked what inspired her to start traveling, she shared that geography was her favorite subject in school.

“When I was in high school and college, my fave was geography. The teacher will show pics of apple trees, deer, moose, mountains, snow, and white Christmas. I said to myself I will go to [the] USA one day,” she said on Thursday.

However, the road abroad was not easy, as her family faced financial difficulties.

“We were middle class. I studied at the exclusive girls school Assumption San Lorenzo [College]. But my father lost it all in gambling,” she shared.

Eventually, she applied for an immigrant visa and was able to immigrate to the US in 1971. But the challenges did not end there.

“All I had was $50 in my pocket, stayed with my bro in New York, worked in Manhattan,” she recounted.

Persevering, Ricasa worked hard as a systems analyst and a real estate broker to ensure that she could save money and eventually fulfill her travel dreams. At 40 years old, she was finally able to start traveling to different countries.

Ricasa has not stopped traveling since.

Aside from being a globetrotter, Ricasa is an accomplished author, an artist, a motivational speaker and a pianist.

With all her travels, it is no wonder she could write six books about her experiences on the road.

Ricasa is also an established artist, having learned from artists around the world during her travels. She has over 120 paintings on display at the Ricasa Art Gallery in San Clemente, Southern California, with even more pieces displayed around the world.

She has also been invited as a motivational speaker for events worldwide, encouraging others to pursue their passions.

On top of all of these achievements, she was also able to raise three children.

Ricasa is living proof that there can be no limit to one’s dreams as long as one has the perseverance to pursue them.

Hi, my name is Sebastian Esai Eco Eviot. In 2009 I left my home of Davao for Switzerland where I became very active in Youths For Christ Europe and a council member of the English-speaking Roman Catholic Community of Canton Berne. Being a devout Catholic I decided the best way to serve would be to join the Swiss Guard. After two years of basic training I became a second lieutenant of the Swiss Army. I am not the first Filipino to join the Swiss Guard but I am the first full-blooded Filipino to join the Swiss Guard. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180656

A first full-blooded Filipino has been appointed to the ranks of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican City.

Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston, Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, said Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota formally joined the ranks, citing a letter from Swiss Guard commander Christoph Graf dated Jan. 17, 2022.

"We are happy to see children of Filipinos incorporated into the Church and society abroad," he said in an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas Thursday.

Eviota, a native of Davao City is already active in serving in various ministries of the church.

The Catholic priest noted that the inclusion of Filipinos in the Swiss Guard is proof of the widespread missionary work of Filipinos as Christians, especially since the Philippines is the third largest country in terms of the number of baptized Catholics at over 80 million.

"As we begin the next 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines, the service of those with Filipino roots in the Pontifical Swiss Guards and in the Vatican as a whole is yet another manifestation that indeed we are gifted to give of ourselves wherever God has called us to be," Gaston added.

Eviota is the second Filipino to be included in the Pontifical Swiss Guard after Swiss-Filipino Vincent Lüthi.

His father, Diomedes Eviota Jr. is from Surigao City while his mother Editha Eco is from Agusan Del Sur.

In 2009, Eviota left the Philippines and went to Switzerland where he became active in Youths for Christ (YFC) Europe and a council member of the English-speaking Roman Catholic Community of Canton Berne.

He became a second lieutenant of the Swiss Army after two years of basic training and served in the Infantry 13th Battalion.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard is a minor armed force and honor guard unit maintained by the Holy See that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace within the territory of the Vatican City.

Hi, my name is Alfonso “Jojo” Bigay. I am a backward runner. You have probably never heard of my sport because it is not popular but I want to do this to bring honor and pride to our province and the country as well. I wanted to prove that Filipinos can excel in the field of track events where height is might by breaking the existing Guinness backward running word record. I have been trying to break the record since 2015. Surely my time will come and soon. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180331

A 53-year-old Pangasinense will attempt to set a Guinness World Records for backward running this December.

In a phone interview on Monday, Alfonso “Jojo” Bigay said the Guinness Book of World Records has accepted his application to beat the world record for fastest run backward 100 and 200-meter male category.

“There is a go-signal from Guinness. It will probably happen this December at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) oval area in Lingayen town, Pangasinan,” he said.

Bigay said he targets to beat the 13.6 seconds in 100 meters by Germany’s Roland Wegner and 30.99 seconds in 200 meters by Spain’s Christian Rodriguez.

“I wanted to prove that Filipinos can excel in the field of track events where height is might by breaking the existing Guinness backward running word record,” he said. 

Bigay was set for the bid last December but he was injured while training.

Nonetheless, Bigay is continuing with his training to achieve his goal.

“I am regularly training at the beachfront and at the NRSCC. I also do stationary bike backpedaling, skip rope, and many more. My sport doesn’t get that much attention because it is not popular but I want to do this to bring honor and pride to our province and the country as well. I thank my sponsors today for believing in me and my goal,” he said.

He appealed to Pangasineses for moral support as their presence and cheers will keep his adrenaline up to beat the world record.

Meanwhile, Bigay encouraged the youths to try his backward running sport, which is twice beneficial as the usual running sport.

Bigay started as a track runner before he became a backward runner in 1991.

Hi, my name is Emil Rebejo Vega. I have lived and worked in Japan for 16 years. On my way home from work I saw a woman about to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. I immediately stopped my motorcycle and went up to her. I held her hand so she would not jump and we waited until the police arrived. I am no hero but later on the police gave me a citation for my actions. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/832546/pinoy-in-japan-cited-for-preventing-woman-from-jumping-off-bridge/story/

A Filipino in Japan was given citation for rescuing a woman who was about to jump off a bridge, Unang Balita reported on Monday.

Leyte-born Emil Rebejo Vega was on his way home from work on board his motorcycle when he spotted the woman preparing to jump off the bridge.

According to him, he immediately went to the woman and held her hand while he asked for help from other motorists, who in turn called the police.

Because of what he did, Rebejo, who has been living in Japan for 16 years, was given a citation by the Asaka City police force.

Hi, my name is Lolo Romeo. I am an old man and I mend shoes for a living. In my 64 years I have never had a girlfriend until now. When I met Valentina I fell so in love that I could not sleep. She told me she had three boyfriends before she met me but none them lasted because none of them had a job. I courted her with flowers, bread, and soft drinks. Eventually she said yes to me and now we are planning our wedding. Thankfully her parents are ok with the situation despite me being old enough to be her grandfather. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/familyandrelationships/848163/64-year-old-lolo-falls-in-love-with-18-year-old-woman/story/

A 64-year-old lolo who has never had a girlfriend before fell in love with an 18-year-old woman in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

According to an episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Lolo Romeo is a shoe mender who had decided that it's better for him to be forever alone.

It all changed, however, when he met Valentina, who is young enough to be his granddaughter.

"'Yung unang kita  namin, na-in love ako sa kanya kasi napakabait na babae. Sa sobrang in-love ko sa kanya hindi ako nakatulog," he said.

("When we first met, I fell in love with her because she is such a kind woman. I was so in love with her that I couldn't sleep.")

Romeo has a simple job, but Valentina admires him. She had three boyfriends before, but their relationships didn't work out because none of them had a job.

("He courted me for three weeks. I liked him because he gave me softdrinks and bread. He gave me flowers.")

("I said yes because I fell in love with him. I liked him because he loved me first. Our age gap doesn't matter.")

Valentina said Romeo is her "The One." Romeo, meanwhile, said age doesn't matter in love as long as your hearts understand each other.

Other people had things to say about their May-December love affair, but Romeo has chosen to ignore all of them. For him, all that matters is Valentina, as well as her family.

Fortunately, Valentina's parents are accepting of their relationship.

("It's fine as long as they understand each other and treat each other properly. It's what my daughter wants. It's not our place to say anything."

Romeo and Valentina are currently living together. Romeo has also asked for Valentina's hand in marriage, but they are still saving up for the wedding.

Valentina takes care of Romeo and accompanies him in his job. They earn P300 a day, so funding their wedding is still a long way to go.

But they are not in a rush to start a family.

The couple recently celebrated their ninth monthsary. Romeo gifted Valentina new shoes, while KMJS shouldered their date so they can have fun on their special day.

("My love for you means I will stay true to you, the two of us will be together because you're the one I love the most.")

Hi, my name is Camille Jesalva. I was working as a caregiver when Hamas attacked Israel and another war began. My ward and I hid in a safe room which protected us when Hamas entered the house looking for hostages. But the fourth time they entered we were found out. I pleaded with the man to leave us alone because my ward was old and did not know anything. Then I reached in my wallet and pulled out my savings and gave it to him to go away. Thankfully he did and not long after we were rescued by the IDF.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1212879

The Filipino caregiver who willingly gave her savings to convince a Hamas terrorist to spare her and her elderly ward is finally flying home to the Philippines soon.

In a virtual interview with reporters on Tuesday, 31-year-old Camille Jesalva said the Philippine Embassy in Israel has offered her a seat in the government’s next repatriation flight.

Jesalva was alone with her 95-year-old ward Nitza Hefetz at their residence in a kibbutz in Nirim when the Hamas terrorist group mounted a deadly cross-border attack against Israel on Oct. 7.

From the morning of Oct. 7 until they were rescued by the Israeli Defense Forces in the afternoon, different Hamas members entered their home at least four times.

Jesalva, who was hiding in a safe room with Nitza, said the terrorists missed them the first three instances.

“Before 12, the fourth one entered. ‘I’m dead’ I’m already thinking like that and then Nitza heard the commotion and shouted to close the door,” she narrated.

Attempting not to upset their trespasser, Jesalva pleaded for understanding that Nitza was old and that “she don’t know anything”.

Without hesitation, she emptied out her wallet and gave the money to the armed man --money that she was supposed to give to her family when she returns to the Philippines.

“He asked if there was more money and I said no more and then after that, he got out the room,” she recalled.

Throughout that nerve-racking experience, Jesalva said she was thinking about her only child in the Philippines.

“Hiningi ko po ‘yong picture ng anak ko kasi alam ko na hindi na ako mabubuhay, gusto ko ‘yong last na image na makikita ko ‘yong anak ko (I already asked the picture of my child thinking that would be my final moment, I wanted that the last image that I will see is my child),” she said.

“Ayoko pa pong mamatay, kawawa ‘yong anak ko (I don’t want to die because what will happen to my kid),” she added.

Jesalva said she will go on a vacation to the Philippines and spend the holidays with her kid but promised to still return to Israel to take care of Nitza.