James Edward Cleland

New Bishop Supports The Renovation of San Pablo Church

Posted: 11/18/2008

"I have finished reading it (The SIlent Sentinel) and appreciated the interest and the enthusiasm for preserving such a monument. I know its value because I have also lived in Europe and in Spain and in Italy and saw their concern for preservation of historical structures. Well, I would confer with Msgr. Gatan, and with Fr. Patrick Caro about the initial steps for the fundraising you mentioned. I hope we can work together for this worthy project." Bishop Joseph Nacua OFM Cap. D. Div.

Los Angeles Tour Introduces The SIlent Sentinel

Posted: 09/20/2008

The weekend of Sept. 13 and 14 featured the 23rd annual Phil-Am Exposition held in Los Angeles, California. Sponsored by Ms. Awee Abayari of Tri-Media Company in California the event drew huge crowds to the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center even though the University of Southern California Trojans were hosting a football game with the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Emmy extravaganza was held next door at Nokia auditorium. The exposition was a celebration of the Filipino cultural experience; special guests included veterans from the Second World War including veterans from the old US Army of the Far East under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, before there was the involvement of the U.S. 6th and 8th Armies. The Exposition gave me the chance to explain the history behind the old San Pablo Church and the reasons why it should be renovated. My wife Naty and I spent the better part of Saturday and Sunday talking with interested folks about the church as well as other churches as well. Quite a few in attendance were interested in the church in Panay. One guest expressed interest in developing a cost estimate of the San Pablo church, a necessary first step in any efforts to raise funds. One of the proprietors of a nearby booth even shared their family's particular ordeal over the Battle for Bataan in 1942, a bitter memory indeed when their family lived on the land being fought over by American, Filipino, and Imperial Japanese troops. The beautiful Philippine singer Jessa Zaragosa charmed the audience with her deep and resonant voice and music ensembles also performed throughout the weekend event. Distinguished achievements were recognized by Awee Abayari and the Exposition proved that even in tough financial times and amid the glitter of Los Angeles a celebration of the cultural achievements of the Philippine-American community of Southern California is always appreciated and well-attended. Our congratulations go out to Awee Abayari for all of her hard work in developing and promoting this exposition. She has been very kind to me and my wife in supporting the book and in promoting it to the Southern California community.

Look for The Silent Sentinel on Chicago's Philippine Reports Television Show	Posted: 08/13/2008
I will be talking with Chicago-legend Veronica Leighton on Chicago Philippine Reports soon; more information to follow!

The Silent Sentinel Discussed Worldwide by Awee Abayari of Radio Manila	Posted: 08/06/2008
Listeners may tune in their computers to www.radiomanila.net worldwide to hear author Jim Cleland discuss his new book, The Silent Sentinel, with Ms. Awee Abayari. Jim was interviewed on Wednesday, August 6 as part of Radio Manila's Public Affairs Show. The interview will be repeated throughout the summer.

Renovation Goals

Posted: 07/29/2008

My own goals* for the renovation of San Pablo Church are as follows: to replicate as faithfully as possible the original design, building materials, construction techniques but to replicate with the advantage of utilizing 21st century technology to protect the parishioners from earthquakes, fires, and typhoon winds. a) steel supports to be anchored into the ground; these supports and NOT THE WALLS will support a new roof with its requisite trussing and ceramic clay tiles. The tiles will most likely not have the weight of the original tiles, but will replicate their appearance. The supports should be able to resist earthquakes. The supports, however, as well as the trussing, will not be visible as the adobe and stone composite panels will be covering them. This will match the original composite wall covering. b) new lighting, meant to echo the original chandeliers from the 1700's, will be provided. c) The Fr. Justo Manuel Museum will be located in the eastern portion of the church; this will feature separate displays of Cagayan Valley and Ibanag, Ilocano, and Iraya artifacts, correspondence, statuary, etc. d) the two paintings described in the book as well as the toral arch of Friar Serrano will be highlighted. e) an archive of information dealing with the church and its renovation will be located in the Fr. Justo Manuel Museum. f) Cagayan Valley brickwork behind the altar will be cleaned and tuckpointed. g) new pews will eventually be provided. h) statuary suitable to the scale of the church will be provided. i) the convento remains will be protected from scavengers. j) art imbedded in the walls of the church will be cleaned following preservation standards. k) perhaps one day, should further research uncover the original altar and its accoutrements, a replica altar with its reredos will be constructed. l) the significance of the three oldest churches in this part of the Philippines will be studied; the rise of Catholicism due to the seminal work of these three churches will be highlighted. m) continued protection and preservation of the funerary chapel will be carried out. Waterproof tent or permanent structure will be built over the original interior to protect it for future generations of researchers. Fr. Cadiz has started this process and it proceeds well. n) security of the church, the compound, as well as the funerary chapel will be provided. *The new bishop, Fr. Pedro Salgado, Monsignor Gatan, and the Parish Priest and various parish committees will need to be consulted.

Book Reviews and West Coast Trip

Posted: 07/28/2008

Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14th I am scheduled to appear at the Phil-Am Exposition in Los Angeles, California. I am looking forward to meeting Cagayan Valley folks as well as the Phil-Am community of Greater Los Angeles! Drop by my booth and pick up your autographed copy of The Silent Sentinel. I will tell you of the exploits of the Valley supporters of San Pablo Church as they continue their fundraising and prepare to raise again the roof onto the church. From what I understand, the Phil-Am Exposition is a wonderful way to celebrate Filipino accomplishments and culture within the largest Filipino community in America!

The Big Picnic

Posted: 06/29/2008

The Big Picnic was really a way to give a Big Thank You to the young dance and musical performance troupe, Sining Kumintang Ng Batangas in Skokie's Lorrel Park. Lily and Jimmie Syfu and all of the Organizers and Supporters wished the ensemble a heartfelt Mabuhay as they bring their 2008 U.S. trip to a close. I had the privilege of talking to Gigi, the lead singer of the ensemble, and she told me she will pursue a career in Nursing. Her heart, however, longs for a musical performing career. I had two of the youngest dancers try their very best to make me look good as a dancer, but try as they might........ The young lady who was able to support 2 dozen hats atop her head would not divulge trade secrets and let me know how she was able to accomplish that. Official photographer for the event, Ms.Edna V. Pavel, was busy getting everyone in front of the camera despite the dancing singing and torrential rain outside. A special "hello" goes out to Roger and Myrna who are originally from Cagayan Valley. It turns out Fr. Caro is a direct relative to Roger so I was sure to pass along my best wishes to Fr. Caro via Roger. It seems Fr. Caro has family living in Lombard, IL and that he plans to visit them next year. Roger, Myrna, and I are trying to plant the seed for a large Cagayan Valley fundraiser for San Pablo Church next year. Stay tuned!

Author Signing at Performances of Sining Kumintang Ng Batangas in Skokie

Posted: 06/28/2008

It was great to meet you Isabelinos at the Niles West Auditorium! Jimmy and Lily Syfu along with their organizers and supporters were able to bring this internationally acclaimed troupe to the Chicago area. I understand their bus could not negotiate the Midwestern floodwaters so other arrangements had to be made. I was so happy to hear stories from your supporters about reclaiming their own churches; what a thrill to find Gigi who knows Fr. Caro and Annie Callangan who was very supportive of our activities. We also came across friends who were part of the interview process for the book three years ago...

Summer Scheduled Events	Posted: 06/01/2008
1) The Cagayan Valley Association of Chicago will alert me as to their summer date(s) and I will update these on this web log as I receive them. 2) The Christmas SAH date is tentative until I receive the actual date for the 2008 year.