MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

(Joyce Luga, the daughter of Eng. Tony Luga presenting the plaque of appreciation awarded to Fr. Angel Luga and Eng. Tony Luga for their effort to organized the 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga) (From left : Mr. Sid Lactao, a teacher/writer who wrote a book featuring Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga with Harry Balaois, a travel tours agent and who maintains Insight.com; and, Fr. Angel Luga, the organizer of the event.) (Engr. Tony Luga, 3rd from the left with brother George, 5th from left, with their family)

MARAMING SALAMAT PO! Kami po ay taos pusong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng dumalo sa pagdiriwang ng ika 75 taon na pagyaon ng isa sa pinakadakilang bayani sa larangan ng ating bansa, si Heneral Mateo Noriel Luga. Sa lahat ng sumoporta, tumulong, dumalo sa buong sulok ng bansa at sa mga nanggaling sa labas ng bansa, kabilang na ang hindi nakarating sa kadahilanang hindi nila kagustuhan, sa mga nasa labas ng ating bansa at buong kabayanan, MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO sa matagumpay na pagdaos ng ika 75th na kamatayan ni Heneral Mateo Luga. SALAMAT PO!

(Mahigit sa 213 ang naka rehistrong dumalo, hindi pa kabilang ang mga bata at iba pa. Karamihan ay kusang nagsidatingan para dakilain ang ating mga ninuno na siyang bumubuo ng isang tribong magdirigma na namuno at nakibaka para sa kalayaan ng ating bayan. MABUHAY AT MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO!)

Kay Father Angel Luga, Engr. Tony Luga, Sid Lactao at Harry Balaois, sa mga taga Cagayan Valley, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Davao at mga galing sa ibang sulok ng ating bansa sa kusang dumating. Lalong-lalo na po sa mga taos pusong tumulong sa paghahanda ng walang kabayaran, sa mga nagbigay ng pagkain, bigas, malagkit, gulay at iba pang tulong, sa mga naglakad, nagsumikap makarating sa malalayong baryo ng Tumauini at Probinsiya ng Isabela. MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO! Sa mga hindi nakadalo sa kadahilanang hindi sinasadya, kami po ay taos pusong nakakaunawa. MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

The 75th Death Anniversary of General Mateo Noriel Luga

(Fr. Angel Luga)

The 75TH Death Anniversary
GENERAL MATEO NORIEL LUGA

"The 75th Death Anniversary of General Mateo Noriel Luga is not a mere Grand Reunion of the Luga Clan, but a historical event. It is an event that symbolizes the return of the Tribal Warriors from Cagayan Valley who joined the revolution, the Katipunan. With General Mateo Noriel Luga was his cousins and other members of the tribe, who fought the Spanish and the American Forces during the Fil-Spanish and Fil-American War, until he served the Philippine Constabulary. Many of those with him did not make it back to Tumauini, Isabela, where it all started.

It has been a long cherished dream of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, which he keeps on repeating to his children and grandchildren, who later became fine officers and gentlemen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, among them, Gen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr. (PMA 54'), Col. Isagani Luga (PMA 54' +) and Col. Mateo Luga (AFP).

The roots of Father Angel Baquiran Luga, were among those who made it back to Tumauini. While the roots of Gen. Victor Luga (PMA 73') were part of the said contigent of the Tribal Warriors. Others settled in Mindanao, where the roots of Maj. Rustico Luga, who shall also embrace the occasion including those from abroad, shall come to pay tribute to their ancestors.

The Celebration shall start on April 9, 2009 (Araw ng Kagitingan) at Camp Samal, Tumauini and shall end with a Mass to be held at St. Mathias Church from 10:30 to 11:30 in the morning.


ABOUT THE EVENT

It was more than two years ago that FR. ANGEL BAQUIRAN LUGA, met with COL. MATEO LUGA, to invite the Luga Clan to hold its grand reunion in Tumauini, Isabela, the birth place of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga. The Alimokon Project begun. Its aim is to advocate due recognition to one of the greatest national hero of this nation from Tumauini, Isabela. The hastily produced Isabela Awaits You Project (Part I) sets into motion, partly sponsored by Fr. Angel B. Luga, the objective of which is to promote Tumauini, Isabela and Cagayan Valley per se and to honor the Tribal Warriors from Cagayan Valley who fought during the Fil-Spanish and Fil-American War. The Cyber Revolution among the Ibanags begun! Our continued advocacy was noticed by INSIGHT, the video documentary of Gen. mateo Noriel Luga was picked-up by AMERICA ON LINE, Sid Lactao, a native of Isabela wrote a book about the greatest "Ibanags" and those from Isabela, he included Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, in the book with a Foreward Message from Fr. Angel Luga. Abroad, aside from America On Line, it was a group of Filipino Tumauinians whom we have been in constant contact with, TUMAUINI.COM with Mila Samonte Opseth and later the Abadillas from Hawaii of the Iluko.Com., the cagayn Valley Association in Hawaii.

On June 12, 2009, during the Independence Day Celebration, the President of the Republic of the Philipines honored Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, the Ibanag Tribal Warrior from Tumauini, Isabela. Afterwards, in preparation of the Grand Homecoming to commemorate the 75th Death anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga right in his hometown in Tumauini, Fr. Angel Luga sponsored the ISABELA AWAITS YOU PROJECT (Part II), after promoting Tumauini and Isabela per se. Lately, Fr. angel Luga helped established a cooperative to help the people of Tumauini for their livelihood projects.

Today, Tumauini, maybe considered as one place in Cagayan Valley having the most entries in the internet in photos, videos and posts. Families from all over the world with lineage in Cagayan Valley even up to the North now bonds together through the net and rekindles the bonding among families. It was not our intention to bring forth into the public , the accomplishment that this great warrior from Tumauini, his Tribe and that of the other tribes who followed him to stand and fight for the freedom of this nation; or, what his descendants' and relatives have done, to be featured. It is, however, but fitting for those after him to follow and carry on this ideals for the younger generations to emulate the kind of leaders that the Filipinos deserve. The General, who have not received such distinction by Philippine History, now earned his place in history, including his hometown Tumauini. Efforts is now being undertaken to include in our historical book the accounts of General Mateo Noriel Luga. His 75th Death anniversary is a symbolic celebration of his return to his hometown, Tumauini.

On April 9 to 11, we come shall to honor our dead, we shall come to honor the tribal warriors, we come to honor a person with his tribe, who once stood to lead - to gain the independence of this nation from foreign domination. A person with his tribe, who once stood against the mighties army in this planet and won. A person and his tribe who hails from Tumauini, which once part of the Great Cagayan Valley. We come to honor our dead and to fulfill the lifetime dream of those who did not make it back to TUMAUINI, to go back to the place where they once hail to put to rest the issue that has been hounding us for Generations. May their spirits be with Us!

The event shall be documented to be broadcasted worldwide for those who cannot attend this historical event.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT:


FR. ANGEL LUGA
HOST

ENGR. TONY LUGA
Malappo Nga Ibanag, Tumauini, Isabela


GEN. EMILIO S. LUGA, JR.,

GEN. VICTOR LUGA

GEN. ALAN RIO LUGA

COL. MATEO LUGA

COL. ERWIN RIO LUGA

MAJ. RUSTICO P. LUGA

LENNY LUGA CAÑIZARES-FERNANDEZ

CARLO LUGA-BORJA
The Gali Koren Law Offices, Anaheim, California

USEC. ROBERT T. RIVERA
Pilipinas Ngayon Na!
NBN-4 Sundays 8:30 t0 9:00 P.M.


OUR FRIENDS IN THE CYBER SPACE

ILUKO.COM

TUMAUINI.COM IN FACEBOOK

LIMON RESTAURANT
The Best Place to Dine in Auckland, New Zealand

EVELYN BERGHELL
Island Technology, Hawaii

BELLA DIMAYUGA
Bellestar Promotions
Manila, Hawaii


OUR TUMANUINIAN FRIENDS IN FACEBOOK

MILA SAMONTE OPSETH
BONIFACIO BUNUAN
ALMA MARIE SAMONTE FRESNOSA
CECILE BALE
DONNA SAMONTE
MARICRIS BAQUIRAN LUGA
ELAINE LAPITAN MALIA
JEANETTE ONG

WORLDWIDE COVERAGE SHALL BE PROVIDED BY:

ALIMOKON CYBER ADVOCACIES

WOMEN's MONTH SPECIAL EDITION

AN INTERVIEW WITH BELLA DIMAYUGA,
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN THE PHILIPPINES
and GEN. VICTOR LUGA, (PNP)

It was more than two years ago that Jerry Hawe and Troop Edmunds rescued Troop's niece, Lani Ejercito, a Filipina in Palimbang, Malaysia. The rescue which was documented by Dateline NBC News caught the attention of the blogging community that many Flipino bloggers advocated to pressure the government to take more drastic action against human traffickers and strict implemention the Anti-Trafficking Law to protect Filipino Women. It was in 2008 when law enforcement agencies conducted series of arrests against human traffickers in the country. While, some of those in the private sector conducted outreach seminars and programs to educate Filipinos on how to work, migrate or enter the United States, legally. Others shared their knowledge and experience on Criminal Exploitation of Women and Children in the Philippines, Gen. Victor Luga, PMA 73', then chief Superintendent of the Philippine National Police was our country's representative in the said international forum. Gen. Victor Luga was in the forefront of the PNP to address the issue on human trafficking and has introduced reforms in the institution to promote gender equality.

Meanwhile, Sister Bella Dimayuga, who has been training, developing and managing thousands of Filipino entertainers and talents to be sent abroad for more than 40 or so decades , having been in the entertainment industry herself for more than six decades, in cooperation with the Gender Advocacy Networking Group of the Civil Service Commission, shares with us her insights and experience on how she trains Filipino talents and migrant workers bound abroad. It is a rare opportunity to hear this woman speaks of her advocacy. Filipinos can . . .

BGEN. ALAN RIO LUGA

Alan Rio Luga, was then a Lt. Colonel when he was assigned as the Chief of a Command Center during the AFP's all out campaign to neutralize the Abu Sayaf. The operation commanded by Luga as Center Chief led to series of encounters with the main force of the ASG. It resulted to series of clashes with ASG's splinter groups that eventually led to an encounter with its leader Khadafy Janjalani along with his loyal followers. After his body was dug up in a grave to confirm his identity, Janjalani was given a decent burial in a Muslim tradition. It was an honorable warfare.

While in Compostela Valley, (DOUBLE CLICK HERE . . . )

IN DEFENSE OF OUR WOMEN . . .

LENNY LUGA CAÑIZARES FERNANDEZ

Civil Service Commission's GENDER ADVOCACY NETWORKING GROUP (GANG) Director Noreen Boots Gocon-Gragasin, noticed our post on Gender equality. Are we closely knit with each other? Maybe, but there are times when we have to make a stand . . . professionally. There were times in our lives when those in the left were being hunted by those in the right, but at the end of the day it is always for best of this country and its people that prevails. Others left with the old guards, while other stays with the new ones to secure our freedom and independence. Patriots goes on for generations.

In support of our friends in the Gender Equality Advocacy, we featured among others, CECILE SORIANO and DRA. LENNY CAÑIZARES FERNANDEZ , her scientist database alone can speak for itself - not because we knew them. They may not even be aware that we are following their footsteps. The impact that these women have accomplished does not speak only of woman's rights. The impact of their accomplishments does not benefit only the women, but men as well and not only in the national scene, but international as well.

Imagine a woman, who right after typhoon Ondoy and Peping - took the forefront promoting our country internationally by organizing an international fashion show to feature the Philippine Fiber, which we have been advocating, more than two years ago. She took the cudgel in behalf of the Civil Service Commission, which under Republic Act No. 9242 was mandated to implement one of the most patriotic law ever passed by our Philippine Legislature. She did it right after typhoon ONDOY and PEPING, when everybody seemed to have been demoralized by the damaged brought about by these two super typhoons.

Dra. Lenny Cañizares' study with Dr. Antonio Dans “Economic Impact of Smoking in the Philippines” published in 1999, on the other hand, has been one of the most important objective source of scientific data to prove that the country loses more money from smoking compared to the profits made from the tobacco industry. This study has made a significant impact on lawmakers, convincing both houses of Congress to finally approve the Tobacco Regulations Act in 2003."

Just like a Russell Crowe movie - imagine fighting the cigarette giants. If you have seen "The Insider", you can imagine how Russell Crowe was threatened and pressured not to testify before the U.S. Congress about the ill effects of smoking - you can imagine how influential these cigarette manufacturing giants are, even in the U.S. Congress. How much more in this country?

There were other women we knew of, above justification, however, makes them different from others, because they made a difference - they changed our way of life - they change the course of Philippine History. It is just but fitting to honor them even in this humble way. They might not be aware that there are still many Filipinos who still believes in their patriotic ideals - who still believes in the Greatness of Filipino Women, the same with our Men.

In Honor of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga

In April of 2010, we shall be celebrating the 75th Death Anniversary of one of the Greatest Hero in the missing pages of Philippine History. It is in his honor and that of the Pilipino people per se that we have undertaken this advocacy more than two years ago for the the succeeding generation of Pilipinos, which he silently fought for and dearly loved until his last breath - to remember that, once in the missing pages of our history: there was a man, from Cagayan Valley, who once stood his ground regardless of politics or self interest and fought for what is right, raised the flag of this country against the most powerful nation in this planet, he continued to served his country and lived in peace as a farmer after the war, took care of and raised his family. Thereafter, fought his own war with cancer and died with honor and dignity - for the country and its people, he dearly loved:

"We the veterans, are already old, but before we die, there
is only one wish that I am asking from God. Even though we
have no money to leave behind because we are poor,
we do wish that before we go to our final resting ground,
we can see that you who are left behind can enjoy
the fruits of the freedom we have been hoping for."

The life and times of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga is one of the most passionate, romantic and colorful story of a national hero in the missing pages of our history books. A careful scrutiny of our history reveals that there is no one in the annals of our country's account, who came from the ranks of tribal warriors so cunning and elusive, who organized rebel forces consisting of the different tribes from Cagayan Valley, Gen. Luga and his cousins could have not done it alone. If we examine the personal accounts of those who led the revolt of the Katipunan, the places of warpath that General Mateo Noriel Luga took were mentioned by no other than , Gregoria De Jesus, a.k.a., the Lakambini, the keeper of Katipunan's secret.

There were also sketchy accounts in our history that remains a puzzle, where this man can be linked. From Cagayan Valley, there has been no mention of his name in the book of Fr. Salgado: "Cagayan Valley and Eastern Cordillera 1581-1998", the tribal leaders mentioned in the accounts of friar missionaries in Luzon during the 18th Century were only those who were killed or defeated by the Spaniards. While the Friars accounts were until 1898, there was no mention of "Luga" in the latter part of 1898, when the Katipunan was already organizing the rebellion. Yet, he was a leader of a tribe then. Likewise, it also appears that his name was not mentioned in the rolls of Generals in Emilio Aguinaldo's account. Yet, he was appointed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as a General and was sent to Cebu to help the Cebuanos establish a Revolutionary Government.

Some suspects that Luga's assignment in Cebu was a move suggested Gen. Aguinaldo's advisers for the Magdalo circle of the Katipunan to have complete access and control over the remaining generals of the Katipunan who gallantry fought with Andres Bonifacio. It was not also clear whether they are already aware that the incoming US Naval Fleet shall land in Cebu, that is why Gen. Luga was sent to Cebu. It can be recalled that there were accounts in our history, which reveals that Gen. Aguinaldo with some of his generals never left Cavite to liberate other parts of our country. It was the tribal warriors who were always in the front line of the battle, who silently fought for the freedom of this nation. Yet, Gen. Aguinaldo respected him, that his death was a sort of a reunion among the remaining Katipuneros.

In Cebu, he led the fight against the Armed Forces of the United States. It was, in fact, the officers of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, the mighties military force in this planet, who honored him for fighting an honorable warfare - his fierciest enemy who hurriedly left Cebu after series of battle and a lightning raid - was the one who honored him highly: "In Luga, you can see a man you shall never forget as long as you live". What is more admirable of this man was that - his family were taken hostage by the Americans to weaken him. But, instead of succumbing to pressure, he penetrated the lairs of the American Forces, rescued his family and fought back an honorable warfare - sending Admiral Lawton with his fleet of navy running away from battle never to set foot in the island of Cebu, again.

As as lover and a family man, his love life begun on his journey to Cebu, in Iloilo - where he met a Spanish mestiza by the name of (To be contiuned . . .)

In Honor of Maj. Rustico P. Luga

(Acknowledgment: The images herein, which were uploaded from google were not intended to be used for profit, but merely to depict the Fil-am Soldiers during WW II, for educational use.)

In April 2010, the Luga Clan shall celebrate the 75th Death Anniversary of GEN. MATEO NORIEL LUGA and at the same time, hold its grand reunion to rekindle the heroism of the three cousins, the (3) tribal warriors of the Ibanag Tribe together with the other tribes in Cagayan Valley, who left Tumauini in Isabela more than half a century ago to join the Katipunan to figth for the independence of our country. After gallantry fighting the Spanish Forces, they fought the Armed Forces of the United States during the Filipino-American War. After the Fil-Am War, they served the Philippine Scout (Constabulary) to maintain peace and order in their respective areas.

Thereafter, Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga , who cannot accept the imperialistic policies of the United States resigned and lived in peace. He settled in Sagay Negros Oriental, his other cousin settled in Tagum, Davao in Mindanao and the other, returned to Tumauini, Isabela. Those after them stood whenever the indepedence of the Philippine Republic is being threatened. Among them, Maria Luga Ferer, the daughter of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, who was then the stenographer in the Senate of the First Philippines Republic died during the Second World War by Japanese Bayonets. The offspring of his cousin, Major Rustico P. Luga, joined the Markings Fil-American Guerilla Unit , a major guerilla front of the Fil-Am Forces in Luzon, as its operation officer to lay the ground work for the return of the U.S. Forces to liberate our country from the Japanese Imperial Forces. Now, at 94, Major Rustico P. Luga, shall be one of the oldest surviving Luga who silently fought to depend the independence of our country during the Second World War, to attend this Grand Homecoming of the Luga Clan in Tumauini, Isabela, this April.

"Liberation was a long time coming to the Philippines and no one played a bigger role than the Filipino guerrillas. One native organization was Marking’s Fil-Americans, under the leadership of Colonel Marcos V. Marking. Originally the guerrilla unit was named Hugh Straughn’s Filipino Irregular Troops (FAIT) but after the death of Straughn, Col. Marking took over FAIT’s command which he renamed Marking’s Fil-Americans.

Marking’s guerrilla unit was finely tuned into a network of guerrilla units. Upon his release as a United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE) prisoner of war, August 15, 1942, Col., Gertrudo San Pedro organized a guerrilla unit which became the 2^nd Division and recruited officers and men from the ex-USAFFE’s, ex-Philippine Scouts, ex-Philippine Constabulary, Reservists or Trainees, ex-ROTC cadets, ex-policemen and civilian volunteers, including professionals.

The Division Staff included: Col. Gertrudo San Pedro, Division Commander; Lt Col. Vicente San Pedro, Chief of Staff; Maj. Benjamin Ignacio, G-1; Maj. Pedro Reyes, G-2; Maj. Rustico P. Luga, G-3; and Maj. Raymundo Bombane, G-4. These staff members were duly recognized by the Sixth Army."

THE UNITED STATES FIL-AMERICAN FORCES: THE MARKING's FIL-AMERICANS