Mel writes columns for the Vallejo Times-Herald and Ang Panahon
newspapers. Following are a sample of articles.
newspapers. Following are a sample of articles.
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Frank Fabillaran celebrated his 100th
birthday last year. But to look at him,
you'd think he was only 70 years old. He
has lived an active and fun-filled life.
Women, cock-fighting and dancing were
his passions. He still lives in Vallejo and
is one of the few Manongs who are still
out and about.
birthday last year. But to look at him,
you'd think he was only 70 years old. He
has lived an active and fun-filled life.
Women, cock-fighting and dancing were
his passions. He still lives in Vallejo and
is one of the few Manongs who are still
out and about.
Jose Flores was born on June 12, 1898,
on the island of Mindoro in the
Philippines. I interviewed him for the
original article a day after his 105th
birthday. Sadly, Grandpa Joe passed
away in July of this year 2004.
on the island of Mindoro in the
Philippines. I interviewed him for the
original article a day after his 105th
birthday. Sadly, Grandpa Joe passed
away in July of this year 2004.
There are many stories about Filipino
WWII Veterans. Little, however, is
written about the other victims of the
war. This is the story of Jean "Sascha"
Jansen, who, as a little girl, was
imprisoned at the University of Santo
Tomas prison camp. She was an
American whose family owned a
sugarcane plantation.
WWII Veterans. Little, however, is
written about the other victims of the
war. This is the story of Jean "Sascha"
Jansen, who, as a little girl, was
imprisoned at the University of Santo
Tomas prison camp. She was an
American whose family owned a
sugarcane plantation.
This past Olympics held in Athens
brought fort a new American sports
hero in Natalie Coughlin. What most
people didn't know was that she is part
Filipina. She was born and raised in
Vallejo and got her start in the local
pool.
brought fort a new American sports
hero in Natalie Coughlin. What most
people didn't know was that she is part
Filipina. She was born and raised in
Vallejo and got her start in the local
pool.
Mel's writing can also be found in "Seven Card Stud
with Seven Manangs Wild" and in the forthcoming
"Arkiteknik", by Anthony Legarda.
with Seven Manangs Wild" and in the forthcoming
"Arkiteknik", by Anthony Legarda.