Columns A Cup O' Kapeng Barako Jesse's Son Wins Wyoming Broadcasters' Awards
| Jesse's Son Wins Wyoming Broadcasters' Awards |
A Cup o' Kapeng Barako
(Editor's Notes: We decided to change the article's title, as indeed the achievements in broadcasting of our columnist's son deserve to be the focus and not just his birthday. We congratulate the Jose Family for Chris' success in American broadcasting. Yes, Jesse, Chris is your son, in whom you are well pleased--to use a Biblical phrase.)
I have some good news. It’s about my son, Chris, a broadcast journalist for CBS News Channel 5 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Good news to good friends and supportive relatives, that is. But NOT too good, I am sure, to sour grapes, would-be friends and green-eyed kin.
My wife got hold of the news first. From work, she called me and said, "Yung anak mo, katatawag lang, nanalo na naman ng dalawang award."
"Which one?" I asked, pride and excitement rising in me.
"The Wyoming Broadcasters Association Awards. One for "Best News Story" and the other for "Best Newsbreaking Story," said my wife.
"ang galing naman," I said. "He just started working there . . ."
"I know. Kasi mana sa akin," my wife said. It’s true, I thought.
"At saka, kamukha pa ng mama niya. O, di ba?" my wife added. Buti na lang, I also thought. For true indeed, my wife is a looker. Sexy pa.
So, upon hearing the news from our son, my wife told the whole world about it . . . and within seconds, thanks to modern technology, the whole world knew about it, too.
She heralded the news this way:
"Hi …
"I would just like to share our joy. Chris was awarded two prizes by the Wyoming Broadcasters Association. He won the 'Best News Story,' and the 'Best Newsbreaking Story.' We are so proud of this boy."
And I, on my part, heralded the news this way: I forwarded what my wife wrote and then wrote in this brief note.
"Hello Everybody …
"Just some good news to share with. Take care y’all . . ."
From Wyoming, to Washington, to Chicago, to Canada, to Florida, to New York and California . . . all the way to the Philippines, the news traveled and crisscrossed. Twice. Perhaps, even thrice, because I am sure, my wife’s sister and Chris’s aunt, Sister Grace Marie of the Carmelite Monastery in Seattle, heralded the news, too. Yes, perhaps, even all the way to Rome . . . and to all the angels in heaven, who watch over my son.
My brother, Soc, an assistant movie producer, screenwriter and director in the Philippines, wrote back:
"Dear Kuya …
"Your pride is contagious! It spilled over here. Congrats, Chris! Soc."
Many wrote back to us. Maribel’s friends, my friends, kin and clans and relatives, sharing in our joy. My Bestpren, Yoly, said something about DNA’s. One said something about "the PROOF is in the pudding." Another said something about "FRUITS not falling too far from the tree."
Whatever . . .
Here’s the proof and the DNA . . . and the fruit. Punch on your computer screen: www.kgwn.tv. Then click on the left hand side that says "Meet the Team," and you’ll see the photos of the CBS 5 Wyoming team. Click on my son’s photo … and therein you’ll read this:
"Chris joined the CBS News Channel 5 team in August of 2006. Since his arrival, Chris has covered stories ranging from breaking news to politics. Chris was first on the scene when a natural pipeline explosion scorched more than 800 acres in southwest Cheyenne. Chris EXCLUSIVELY covered the heated 2006 US House race when Republican Barbara Cubin narrowly beat Democrat Gary Trauner.
"He also investigated and uncovered the most dangerous neighborhoods in Cheyenne.
"Chris was born and raised in South Florida, but most recently lived in Seattle, Washington. He attended the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication (Washington State University) and graduated with a degree in Broadcast News and a minor in Sport Management in June 2006. During his time in college, Chris was honored six times by the Murrow School with his highest honor being the EXECUTIVE AWARD for his work at the campus television network, Cable 8 Productions.
"Chris started his television news career as an intern at KIRO (CBS) in Seattle and also worked for Sports Radio 950. He also had the honor to represent SONY during the 2006 National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Chris first got the journalism bug at 10 years old from his father, a photojournalist in the Navy…. Chris is an active member of the Asian American Journalists Association."
If y’all want to see him in action, click on the videos. He reports from the field, Monday to Wednesday. He anchors on Saturdays and Sundays. He’s off on Thursdays and Fridays.
Hey, what can I say? There’s the proof, the DNA … and the fruit. Eat it, but don’t choke on it, please.
Wednesday this week, May 16, was my son’s 23rd birthday. I call him, "Bam." Bam for "BAMBINO," because when he was still a baby, his Lola Meny thought she looked like the revered Bambino. I shortened it to Bam, and began to pronounce it as "bomb" when he turned 15 and became a high school basketball star player and a "bombshell" to giggly girls and love-struck women.His mom calls him, "Babe." Bam or Babe, it all means the same, because it all boils down to: "Love ya, Bam ... or Love ya, Babe."
Happy Birthday, Bam!!! Love ya. This is my gift to ya. Take care.
And this, dear readers, is my good news to all of ya: my Bam, my son. # # #
Dear Eddie, Ed and All,
Have all these achievements been preserved in the
history of Fil-Ams in Minnesota? Perhaps a book should
be forthcoming or is there one already? If so, are the
facts already integrated into the general Fil-Am
history nationwide? Just thinking.
Lourdes
Dear Friends:
Ms. Lourdes has a very good point. In fact, we have encouraged Dr. Eddie AAA Calderon to write for the www.mabuhayradio.com the success stories of Filipinos in Minnesota, especially in St. Paul and Minneapolis. I suggested to Dr. Eddie to use this as a title for his column, "No Tall Tales from the Twin Cities."
So, when are you, Dr. Eddie, going to start your column or series of articles about the said topic? Eventually we can help you publish your articles into a book that can document part of the real history of Filipinos in America. By real, I do not mean the "events" that some Fil-Am Hoaxbalahaps (from hoaxes started by Filipino Lagareng Hapons) have been spreading on the Internet like the (false) allegation that a Filipino was a cofounder of the City of Los Angeles or that Filipinos landed (kuno) in Louisiana in 1765.
We do not really have to invent Filipino history in America, as there are legitimate achievers like Dr. Eddie Calderon and his fellow Filipinos in Minnesota. There is also a new achiever in Wyoming. (Please read the post script.)
Mabuhay,
Bobby M. Reyes
PS: Please visit the www.mabuhayradio.com and read a very inspiring story about how Filipino-American Chris Jose, a broadcast journalist for CBS News Channel 5 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, won the Wyoming Broadcasters' Association Awards for "Best News Story" and the other for "Best Newsbreaking Story." The link is http://www.mabuhayradio.com/content/view/167/90/
Chris Jose's awards are remarkable achievements, considering the joke about self-proclaimed Filipino-American "journalists" (kuno). Remember the joke circulated by Joseph Lariosa, a professional journalist based in Chicago? Mr. Lariosa said, "May mga Filipino na pinabili lang ng suka at pagbalik ay mga journalist na." (Some Filipinos were just sent to buy vinegar and when they returned they were already "journalists.")
You may congratulate Christ Jose by posting messages in the User Comments of the www.mabuhayradio.com.
I remember the time we were at the KING TV station when you were awarded a scholarship by Seattle Times/KING TV for print journalism during your first year of college. We were given a tour of the studio by Robert Mack and Mimi Jung. They showed us the studio set for the daily broadcasting of news. Then you sat behind the anchor's desk and posed for a photo with Laurie Matsukawa. I knew then that this is the right career for you. I knew you are going to be good at this. And so I told you right then to consider broadcast journalism. I am glad that you listened and considered the switch. You are very good in writing, but I believe that you will be better in broadcasting. I have seen you worked hard in your studies. I enjoyed your stories of your apprenticeship experiences with KIRO TV. And you have made me a very proud aunt. All the sisters here at the Carmelite monastery are very much impressed with you, your achievements at this early stage of your career. I and all the sisters always pray for you and Jonathan, who are my dearest nephews. God gave you great gifts and talents. Use them wisely for the greater glory of God and in service of humanity. God bless you and protect you always.
Sr. Grace Marie
(Tita Grace)
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