The Way We Were This what the ZambalesForum group used to be

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Message Threads and Essays forwarded by ZambalesForum members

Selected messages year 2001

Selected messages year 2002

Selected messages year 2003

Ceres Busa Musings

John Reyes' Reminiscences

Rachel Mendoza's Botolan Memoirs

Reflections... by Edgar Millan

Reading the "old" threads of the ZF discussion forum reminds me of a trip down memory lane that is akin to thumbing through one’s old high school yearbook. You laugh at how dowdily boring you looked back then compared to your present sophisticated mien. You hoot at seeing your former self sporting a flat-top haircut or a beehive hairdo, and notice with some embarrassment how so old-fashion you looked wearing white bobby-sox and oxfords – the "old threads" you consider now – but were mandatory then if you wanted to be considered "in" or a "cool cat." Likewise, yesterday’s popular expressions like “far-out’ or “take a powder” have given way to their modern equivalent and would sound silly if used today. Try saying, "Far out!" within earshot of a group of teenagers who, like you, are admiring a "hooked-up" Honda CRX. Don’t be surprised if someone mutters under his breath, "Be a ghost!" Culled together though, these bits and pieces of memorabilia no matter how laughable and outdated they may seem constitute nonetheless an important historical record of an era, a place, or thing.

The ZambalesForum (ZF) is fortunate to have in its ranks a remarkable group of individuals who have the foresight to maintain a continuing saga of the original ZF discussion forum and its successor, the ZF2, not only for posterity, but also for the present enjoyment of its current members. Like the Laguna Copperplate Inscription (LCI), the ZF homepage is the only surviving link between its past and present life. Through the ZF homepage, and indeed through the sari-sari store that it represents, the richness of Philippine culture and the diversity of ideas found within its membership are exploited and enhanced.

In this sense, ZF is more than a conduit for the dissemination of information for its members. With a deep sentimental yearning to reclaim the memory of days long lost, ZF oscillates between solemnity and brashness. In one moment, it dissects the diverse patterns of Filipino culture and identity reflected in ethnic narratives, epics, ballads, riddles, proverbs, and symbols as well as in customs and practices; in the next, it pleads for the greening of Mount Carampoan.

It is important to note, however, that for all the members’ enthusiastic participation and input, the ZF homepage still would not have been realized without the truly monumental effort – a continuing labor of love – that goes behind the scenes. Though its foundations had been laid, the homepage is by no means complete as it is being constantly developed, changed, and improved in a continuing opus of the ZF life. Due recognition must be accorded to the individuals who toil in relative silence to achieve this end.

It is with deep admiration that I dedicate these words of introduction to this page to the two individuals who have made this all possible: the webmaster and co-moderator, the lovely Rachel Mendoza of Italy/Capayawan, Botolan, Zambales, and the owner and co-moderator of the present ZF discussion forum, the fine gentleman from New Jersey/Santa Cruz, Zambales, Lino Ongteco.

In keeping with the tradition of recording and preserving ZF’s continuing saga, here are a few snippets that were culled from yesterday’s discussion forum. Posted by various members during the first two weeks of ZF’s launching, the messages reflect how "dowdily boring" we looked back then.

It was the way we were.

John Reyes
Salaza, Palauig, Zambales
ZambalesForum (ZF) owner-moderator

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On 10/13/2000 ZF was founded.

10/14/2000:

"Howdy Zambalenians!" The opening salvo of ZF discussions, by Willy Rabara Francia. Willy, the banana bread king, holds the distinction of being the first member to join ZF.

10/17/2000: "The ZambalesForum (ZF) is pleased to welcome the following new members:

Willy Rabara Francia
Gaylord Ugalde
Sonny and Ceres Busa
Arthur and Roselyn from Austria…"

10/17/2000:

"It’s too early to tell the extent of our diversity, but based on the handful of introductions that I have seen so far, I am impressed… I never imagined that we could be THAT diverse, from one end of the spectrum to the other in so short a time. Members, regardless of what position in the spectrum you find yourself in, remember that ZF balances the disparity that may exist as a result of our diversity. It [ZF] provides the common ground by which the richness of our diversity can be shared by all. This is a knowledge- and information-sharing forum. No members should be intimidated into falling silent by the mistaken belief that he/she is incapable of articulating his/her views. Opinions left unsaid are like oil wells left untapped. Fire away with your thoughts, whether in Ilokano, Taglish, or whatever, but fire away. Leave it to us, the readers, to worry about interpreting what you are trying to say.

Regards,
ZambalesForum (ZF) John Reyes"

10/19/2000:

It was in this message that the concept of the "sari-sari" store was first broached by the owner. This cultural reference would become ZF’s most salient imprimatura. "The ZambalesForum (ZF) is pleased to welcome the following new members:

Rachel Mendoza
Andrew Luna
Boots Reyes
Lino Ongteco

ZF is pleased to see some familiar names. Members may begin posting their messages addressed to ZambalesForum @egroups.com from their email addresses without having to log on to the egroups site. Messages and responses addressed to ZF will be read by every member of this group. Although participation in the discussion is strictly voluntary, I would like to remind everyone to consider ZF a friendly and lively place, (your neighborhood sari-sari store, if you will), where you can unwind after a long, hard day’s work with a bottle of San Miguel and trade gossip with your kumpadre or kumare…"

10/26/2000:

"Ciao a tutti! Although I made Italy my home, I’m still a Botoleña by heart. I’m Rachel Mendoza, thirtysomething, married and a mom to a 10-year old boy, "KIM". Job has brought us here in Cairo, Egypt, where we will be staying for the next 2 years. The pyramids of Giza are just 15 miles from our house, and it’s quite a looker. Kudos to ZF and all of its members!!!"

10/27/000:

"Dear Friends from Afar, Greetings! Skip the ocean like a typhoon… to this part of the world." No further introduction necessary – it’s the Goddess of Ancient Roman Agriculture.

10/28/2000:

Titled, "Chris Bowman", the following post was the ZF owner’s first known message that sought to articulate the ZF mission and vision statements – the reason for its being, what it is and also what it is not.

"Chris:

Welcome aboard. Can you be more specific about your Mom’s address? Although she may no longer be at the same address you mentioned after 30 or so years, what city or town is Rizal Avenue in? Do you have other information about her in addition to her name? For instance, where is she from?

Members, one of ZF’s stated objective is to share information and knowledge. If we can help our fellow members locate lost loved ones, or if we have information that could lead to a happy conclusion for the parties involved, we will have done a great service to the group as a whole.

We have other members who are also looking for missing loved ones. Jing of Mindanao is asking for information about his mother, Maria Luisa Aragon of Palauig. Anyone from Palauig know her whereabouts? If I remember correctly, fellow members Joan Bozar and Charlotte Beidler also are requesting information that would lead to their finding or getting in touch with their relatives.

Now, on the subject of "pen-pals", I’d like to explain what ZF is not. It is not an agency where one can go to for the expressed purpose of meeting someone for a romantic relationship. I am taking the chance of being overly presumptuous, but there is a need to clarify ZF’s position on this matter. ZF is not yet sophisticated, and I don’t think it ever will be, to provide the type of liaison services that other business ventures on the net provide like mail-order-bride companies do. There is a glut of money-making dot com enterprises out there that do cater to these specific needs. ZF is not, and never will be, in the same class and category.

But (and this is a big but in your favor, Chris) having already stated your wish to meet a pen-pal, and if some eligible young lady in ZF did take you up on your offer and the relationship blossoms further beyond the keyboards, ZF has no business in your private affairs. Just don’t forget to invite us to your wedding. And, maybe, give where credit it’s due.

This whole blurb is just a clarification of ZF’s intent and purpose – it’s mission statement that is found at the bottom of every ZF posting – for the lonely hearts surfing the net who may be thinking that ZF is such an enterprise.

Your joining the ZambalesForum (ZF) constitutes your implied acceptance of the spirit of ZF mission statement. However, if you should meet the Pinay of your dreams through ZF as a consequence, that is another story, but which ZF will endorse wholeheartedly.

Again, ZF welcomes you aboard. We look forward to a mutually beneficial exchanges of information with you. Hopefully we can help you find your Mom."

10/30/2000:

The ZambalesForum (ZF) Disclaimer:

"The attached is forwarded for information and information only for the benefit of ZF members in accordance with the spirit of ZF mission statement. Although individual members may post their own opinions, commentaries, and personal views about anything, and they are encouraged to do so, such opinions are entirely their own. They do not constitute the official position of the ZambalesForum (ZF). Likewise, the dissemination of any information to the members through ZF does not constitute an endorsement by the ZambalesForum (ZF) to any particular view, position, belief, or agenda, political or otherwise, in the Philippines or anywhere else.

Members, don’t let the foregoing statements discourage you from posting your personal views. ZF encourages you to do so. The exchange of information and knowledge among members is a learning process that we can all benefit from."

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