James and Lucy West Golden Anniversary 1: Cuando Cuando

Please like this Video in You Tube!

This is a You Tube video I uploaded of James West singing "Cuando Cuando" during his Golden Wedding anniversary held at the Astoria Regency Hotel this July 3, 2015 in Zamboanga City.

Not everyone is given the chance to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, more so, given the chance to perform their abilities like singing in James West's case.

But then, in the 1950's he was a 16-week singing champion here in Zamboanga City with the looks to beat, but then only defeated by his beautiful wife, Luisita!

They say he fell in love that's why he lost... to give way to the lady who caught his heart? ... or was she really better! (see in the next blogpost)

But the highlight of their love story happened during the Zamboanga Siege last September 2013, when both of them, who were already in their 70's were taken hostage by the MNLF. James West, actually had been admitted for a heart condition just before the incident.

Can you imagine their plight? They stuck together through the difficulties and near death experience... and made it TOGETHER! ... An epic love affair you can say!

So they indeed deserve this Golden Anniversary celebration to herald their love story through glitz and songs!!! 

Congratulations to James and Lucy West and to their three lovely daughters, Janeth, Sandra and Gina, known as the beautiful singing trio, the West Sisters in the 80s and 90s here in Zamboanga City!

R.T. LIM BOULEVARD @ SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

It is a year after the Zamboanga Siege and finally, we get to see the R.T. Lim Boulevard without the evacuees, a sight I thought I wouldn't see again! 

25 DAYS OF SEPTEMBER: PHOTO EXHIBIT OF BHONG SIMBAJON

I guess this is the best time that after a year from the Zamboanga Siege, War Correspondent BHONG SIMBAJON is holding his Solo Photo Exhibit on the 25 DAYS OF SEPTEMBER at the Southern City Colleges on September 9 and 10, 2014!

The war correspondent: Did you know that to be "embedded", a media person needs to have additional three month training with the military?

As I watched this Exhibit, I have mixed feelings... reminded of the reality which we were part of, but even more visual since many were scenes we were not part of...

These photos touched me most....

The children and the elderly...

The injured... or the mortalities... 

It is the severely injured military heroes who are brought to the hospital (Ciudad Medical Zamboanga)...

The Sniper Hole:

The scene of peace amidst the Siege:

The aerial view of Total Devastation of the Kasanyangan, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara and Rio Hondo area:

This is a reality in Zamboanga City's recent history. Inasmuch as we don't want to be reminded it happened, we have to if we want to move on.

Let us learn from the lessons of the past for us to move forward to Build Back Better Zamboanga!  

P.S.
The photo exhibit will be moved to the Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology then to other schools and university.

FIRST COMMEMORATION OF THE ZAMBOANGA SIEGE @ SEPT 2014: MASS AT THE SHRINE

September 9, 2014 is a year after the fated Zamboanga Siege.

The City of Zamboanga commemorated this event with a Mass at the Fort Pilar Shrine with main celebrant: Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz.

Here are photos from the files of Fr. Elmer Sumile taken by Chip Tolentino. 

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014: HONORING THE HEROES

Honoring the Heroes!

Credits: from the FB of Mayor Beng Climaco