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| The Pampanganization of Carlos and Louise Catala |
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their initiation into  Kapampangan society  |
PROCLAMATION
To All To Whom These Letters May Come,
GREETINGS:
BE IT KNOWN that Carlos and Louise Catala,
having successfully passed the initiation
given them during the Foundation Day of the
Aguman, have been proclaimed as honorary
special members of the Aguman Capampangan
Northwest U.S.A. and bestowed with all the
rights and privileges thereunto appertaining.
As such, they are to be esteemed as son and
daughter of the Oregon chapter of the province
of Pampanga.
In Testimony Whereof, this credential is signed
by the secretary, the president and the board
of advisers this 29th day of June in the year
of our Lord, 2002.
Frida Alejandrino..........Ernie C. Turla
........secretary................president
Marita Villanueva..........Mina Tahayeri
.....adviser.......................adviser
Ben Susi...Art Villanueva...Dan del Rosario
.adviser.........adviser...........adviser
NEWSFLASH!
June 23, 2002
The turn out in the picnic at Cascade Locks was good. There was lots of "lutung Kapampangan" and some singing entertainment as usual. Its literary-musical program included the induction of officers and the conferral of awards, as well as a Kapampangan comedy skit prepared and presented by the Susi Sisters, not to mention the Kapampangan song renditions inserted in between those numbers.
But the one that captured the imagination of
many and which stole the whole show was the
courtly initiation of Charlie and Baby Catala
(May her soul R.I.P., having passed away after
a long illness just a couple of months ago.)
into the fold as honorary members. The ceremony
was marked with so much formality and solemnity,
one could see tears glistening in the eyes of the
honorees. They were given three tests - one
on loyalty, one on knowledge and familiarity with
the group they were joining, and one on courage.
For the test on their loyalty, they were blindfolded
and led to a journey across the park. With "faith
in their hearts and unmindful of what perils might
befall on them along the way", they followed their
leaders and passed that test with flying colors.
For the next phase, they were asked 12 questions
- all related to Kapampangan studies and they got
them all correctly! For every question they answered
right, they were given a thunderous applause.
Herewith are the questions asked:
What does "Mekeni" mean? Answer: "Come here."
How would you say "kababayan" in Kapampangan?
Answer: "cabalen"
It is said that the nymph, Mariang Sinukuan lived
on this sacred mountain in Pampanga. Name that mountain.
Answer: Mt. Arayat
The Pampanga River empties into what body of water?
Answer: Manila Bay
The US used to have an air base in Pampanga. Name it.
Answer: Clark
With the Fall of Malolos during the Filipino-American
war, Aguinaldo moved the capital of the short-lived
republic first to this town, the capital of Pampanga.
Answer: San Fernando
When the British occupied Manila in 1762, which became the temporary capital of the Philippines? Answer: Bacolor
The Philippines' first cardinal was Pampangueno. Name him.
Answer: Rufino Cardinal Santos
Jose Abad Santos was a Kapampangan martyr. Name another
Kapampangan martyr. Answer: Ninoy Aquino
Texas has recently produced two presidents who are a
father and son. Pampanga has also produced two presidents who are father and daughter. Name them.
Answer: Diosdado Macapagal - Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
It is said that during the 327 years of Spanish regime,
four Spaniards actually meant three Pampanguenos and only one Spaniard. From what town in Pampanga did Spain recruit most of its soldiers? Answer: from Macabebe
Pampanga produced men who became actors such as
Rogelio dela Rosa, Luis Gonzales, Tony Santos, Tony Ferrer. Who was that stuntman who rose to become an actor starring in western movies playing the role of Kardong Kidlat?
Answer: Jess Lapid
Then came the third test, the test on intrepidity.
Our ancestors were noted for this character trait.
They fought not only the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese.
They fought against the Moros, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and British and they were praised by the king of Spain for their help in the unification of the archipelago, one friar even calling them the Castillians of their race. There was a saying too then that as warriors they were not afraid of beasts including lions and tigers!
So, to prove their bravery, the two were asked to approach "with caution" the stuffed dummy of a lion and kick it. In derring-do fashion, the daredevil Charlie beat his chest with his fists and hollered at the top of his booming voice, "Keng leun o tigri e ku tatakut, keka pa?" Then, he kicked the lion with all his might and sent it flying across the field! For such an "exploit" he was greeted with yells and cheers by the audience. 
When all the dust had settled and everything became calm again, the duo were asked to kneel on cushions next to each other and were dubbed with a gleaming sword by the president who said,
"Charlie Catala: With this sword of Aring Sinukuan,
and by virtue of the power vested in me as president,
I dub you and proclaim you as an honorary special member of the Aguman Capampangan." The same eloquent procedure was done on Baby Catala. Afterwards, the president extended his hand to each one and helped them up, saying "Rise up, my brother / sister." and gave each a warm hug. Then Miss Aguman Santa Cruzan, looking as lovely as ever, placed a lei around the neck of each one. Then, a bee-line of officers danced their way to them and put leis on them, kissed and hug them as they, at the same time, sang Atin Cu Pung Singsing. End of ceremony.
PROCLAMATION
To All To Whom These Letters May Come,
GREETINGS:
BE IT KNOWN that Carlos and Louise Catala,
having successfully passed the initiation
given them during the Foundation Day of the
Aguman, have been proclaimed as honorary
special members of the Aguman Capampangan
Northwest U.S.A. and bestowed with all the
rights and privileges thereunto appertaining.
As such, they are to be esteemed as son and
daughter of the Oregon chapter of the province
of Pampanga.
In Testimony Whereof, this credential is signed
by the secretary, the president and the board
of advisers this 29th day of June in the year
of our Lord, 2002.
Frida Alejandrino..........Ernie C. Turla
........secretary................president
Marita Villanueva..........Mina Tahayeri
.....adviser.......................adviser
Ben Susi...Art Villanueva...Dan del Rosario
adviser.........adviser...........adviser
Congratulations to you, Charlie and Baby. Your wholesome
participation really made our day! Thanks for the honor
of your entrance into the club.
That indeed was a picnic we shall rejoice in remembering.
And Charlie and Baby's initiation, it was like what
Nat "King" Cole would have called "unforgettable".
That one moment in time!
( Note: Charlie Catala, a former president of Fil-Am Association
in Portland, Oregon, is regional director for Safeway and owner
of Catrick Cleaners. His wife, Louise, is a sister of former actor,
Willie Sotelo.)
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