Ms. Lorna Dietz has “dietzcovered” the reported formation of an alleged “lynch mob” that would string up Ben Menor (and presumably other Clique members) and crucify them with irresponsible journalism at the coming regional convention of the Midwest chapter of the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA). The regional confab is set for Sept. 4-6, 2009,  at the Wyndham Hotel near the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

* In a message dated 8/16/2009 12:22:53 P.M. Central Daylight Time, lornadietzfinancial@gmail.com writes (in an e-forum):

QUOTE. And Lourdes Ceballos, remember when we met at a Fil-Am Chamber meeting somewhere here in Chicagoland and I told you that Ben Menor was most likely going to be found innocent of all charges? Imagine that. Many people had told me that your group of alleged Fil-Am media practitioners in Chicagoland had already been a lynch mob (lynching Ben Menor, crucifying him with irresponsible journalism) for many years when this case first came up – because to this date, there are friends in Chicago who still approach me to ask if the Ben Menor case, indeed, is over. In other words, Lourdes, can you really tell me straight to my face during the upcoming NaFFAA R3 Conference that your colleagues treated Ben Menor fairly? UNQUOTE.

T ing Joven, a Chicago-based community leader, posted in the same e-forum this note of protest:

QUOTE. Lorna,

When making allegations, (like) "Many people had told me that your group of alleged Fil-Am media practitioners in Chicagoland had already been a lynch mob (lynching Ben Menor, crucifying him with irresponsible journalism)," please be specific and mention names.

Lourdes Ceballos' writings and statements do not represent any of "her colleagues" or any organization she is affiliated with – unless authorized by such organizations.

DO NOT generalize the media practitioners in Chicago.  You should know that, if you are what you claim to be a PR (Public Relations) person.  You are not helping NaFFAA.  You should be fired.

Ting Joven UNQUOTE.

* Ms. Lorna Dietz might have heard it wrong again. Actually this writer heard of a plan hatched allegedly by some Filipino-American writers to raise funds for the Filipino-American community in Chicago. The fundraising proponents plan allegedly to stage a “Sinakulo” (Filipino version of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ) on Good Friday in April 2010 and invite Ben Menor to play the role of the Redeemer. To be crucified supposedly with Ben “Christ” Menor will be the two Biblical thieves, who will be played by Rodel Rodis and Greg Macabenta. Jon Melegrito is said to play the role of Judas Iscariot. Ms. Lorna Dietz will be Mary Magdalene. Ed Navarra will fill in the role for Pontius Pilate. Lourdes Ceballos will act as the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Chicago’s DOMs (Daring Outspoken Mediamen), as led by its chairman, Don Azarias, are to take up the roles of the 11 other good apostles. Why, if the plan works and done every Easter, Chicago may yet be known as the Oberamergau of the Americas. The Holy-Week Filipino-American spectacle may boost the tourism industry not only of Chicagoland but also the entire Great Land of Abraham Lincoln. Wow.

* Blessed are the peacemakers. According to an unconfirmed report, Sir Martin Celemin of the Knights of Rizal and the chairman of the NaFFAA regional chapter in Southern Nevada, proposes a solution to the impasse in the NaFFAA national leadership. Sir Martin allegedly wants to propose the tandem of Dr. Joy Bruce of Florida as the new NaFFAA national chairperson and current NaFFAA national Vice Chair Rozita Lee of Las Vegas. It will be reportedly known as the Bruce-Lee Peacemaking Team.

However, Seattle, Washington-based writer Jesse Jose, who is also a martial-arts expert, says that the Bruce-Lee tandem may be a tragic combination as the original Bruce Lee died before he could tap his full potential.

* In the meantime, San Diego, California-based investigative reporter Romeo P. Marquez reportedly said that Bobby Reyes was wrong when he proposed to use the family name of Ms. Rozita Lee as the magic word for peace in the NaFFAA. This writer proposed “Leeconciliation” as the slogan for the harmony in the federation. Mr. Marquez says that there are now many NaFFAA members who want Ms. Rozita and her fellow NaFFAA national executive officers (NEOs) to “Leesign.” Reportedly, Mr. Marquez said further, “If they will not ‘Leesign,’ chances are the NaFFAA regional leaders and members will be forced to ‘Leecall’ them (the NEOs).”

* A New NaFFAA “Century Club”? A yet-to-be-verified report from Chicago (again) says that there is a proposal to pass a resolution calling for the formal organization of a “Century Club” in the federation during the Labor-Day (weekend) NaFFAA convention at the Wyndham Hotel. The resolution is to be sponsored supposedly by the NaFFAA Midwest chairman, Ed Navarra. According to the unconfirmed report, the proposed “Century Club” will have two classifications:

1.)               Gold Members: Those who have stolen at least $100,000 from the federation.

2.)               Platinum Members: Those who will be sentenced to more-than 100 years in prison (a la Bernard Madoff) for stealing funds from the NaFFAA.

The NaFFAA head honcho in the Midwest, Ed Navarra, denies vehemently that there is such a move to create the “Century Club” and denounces the allegation that he is sponsoring the resolution. Mr. Navarra adds, “Hindi pa ako nasisiraan ng bait” (‘I have not yet lost my mind’) to sponsor that resolution. Perhaps, the proponents of the ‘Sinakulo’ are up again to their literary tricks.” Like Ms. Dietzcovery, he refused, however, to “be specific and mention names.” Wow. # # #