Speed skater J.R. Celski overcomes bloody injury to capture bronze

Vancouver, British Columbia (CNN) — There was no way he should have been on that medal stand. Going into the final turn of Saturday night’s 1,500-meter short-track speed skating final, J.R. Celski was fifth. The South Korean skaters had a firm grasp on the gold, silver and bronze.

And then inexplicably, two of the South Koreans crashed, and the 19-year-old Celski followed teammate Apolo Anton Ohno across the finish line to stunningly finish second and third.

Kind of a miracle, but Celski has overcome much bigger odds.

Five months ago, it would have impossible for someone to think Celski could win a medal, or even be here. He lay on the ice after a full-speed crash at the U.S. Trials, bleeding profusely, his left thigh sliced open by a skate blade. The cut was six inches wide and two inches deep. It would require 60 stitches.

But first he had to remove the blade, which was still stuck in his leg. There was so much blood, he wondered if he was going to skate again. He didn’t know it at the time, but the gash was just an inch from the main artery in his leg. Fortunately, the blade only cut muscle.

“When I was laying on that ice, I was in defeat at first,” he said Sunday. “I thought my whole career was over. But I guess in those moments is where we truly define ourselves.”

At the hospital, Celski asked someone to take a photo of the gash. It is a nasty picture, and while Celski is keen to show it to anyone who will have a look, it is the only time he reflects on the injury.

“After it happened, I knew I needed to get back on my feet, and the way to do that was to not think about it,” he said.

Celski jumped right into rehabilitation under the care of Dr. Eric Heiden, the speed skating legend who is now an orthopedic surgeon, and then Dr. Bill Moreau, the director for sports medicine clinics for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

“There are never any guarantees with an injury like this, but I will say this: Whatever happens to J.R., it will not be because of a lack of effort. He is working so, so hard,” Moreau told freelance writer Joanne C. Gerstner in early November.

By October, Celski was able to throw away his crutches. Though he still couldn’t skate, he stayed motivated by going down to a rink near his place at the training center in Colorado and watching the skaters from a local club.

He finally got back on the ice on November 16, just eight weeks before the Olympics. It was difficult for him, and he was tentative and he skated very slowly, he said.

“I did have flashbacks at first,” he said.

He even fell a few times during training, which was a good thing because it helped his mental recovery. He found a toughness inside, he said, and his family helped immensely. It was as important as his physical rehabilitation.

Before his injury, Celski was the heir apparent to now six-time medallist Ohno. Before his first Olympic race, his first since the crash, he was just a question mark.

Now, with two races, the 1,000 meters on Saturday and the 5,000-meter relay on February 26 remaining, he’s a remarkable comeback story with an unending smile and a most unusual picture on his iPhone.

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Fil-Am set to skate in Winter Olympics

San Francisco, California — Filipinos will have someone to root for in the figure skating event in the upcoming 21st Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

Amanda Evora performs her routine with partner Mark Ladwig during the U.S. figure skating championships in Spokane, Washington last month. AP

Twenty-five year old Amanda Evora is the very first Filipino-American to represent the US in the figure pair skating event in the Winter Olympics. She and partner Mark Ladwig earned their slots to Vancouver after placing second behind Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett in the US Figure Skating Championships held in Spokane, Washington last month.

Evora’s parents, according to the LA Times, are both Filipinos who are now naturalized Americans. They migrated from Bahrain. Evora’s father Vicente is originally from Calapan, Oriental Mindoro who worked as chemical engineer in the Middle East. Amada was born in New York City, where her parents spent a vacation.

Evora now resides in Bradenton, Florida where she trains at the Ellenton Ice Arena together with fellow Olympians Denney and Barrett. She is taking her undergraduate studies in Business Administration at the University of South Florida.

The five-foot, 99-pound figure skater has been skating with longtime partner Ladwig since 2002. The silver medals at the 2010 US Championships were their first medals together. Before the Winter Olympics-qualifying US Championships this year, the couple’s best placing was fourth in 2007 and 2009.

In another article, the LA Times also featured Evora’s romantic involvement with rival skater Barrett. Evora gamely stated that this hasn’t affected her performance on ice, as she has competed with her boyfriend for several years already.

Evora and Ladwig will compete on February 14 and 15 both for Short Program and Free Skating. The routine can last up to four minutes and 30 seconds. – FVI, GMANews.TV

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Eliot Cashell wrote this reflection when he was 21 years old in 2005. He continues to have a passion to learn about his Filipino roots and has returned to the Motherland since.

By Eliot Cashell

It took me a good 20 years to start figuring myself out. As a Filipino adopted by Caucasian parents from West Virginia, my life began a little differently.  As such, I was always embarrassed to visit my Filipino friend’s homes because their parents never failed to ask me: “What island are you from?” or  “What is your last name and what generation are your parents from?”
None of my answers seemed to make any sense. I tried to find answers to these questions by applying for a study program in the Philippines. However, I was denied admittance because I had expressed an interest in pursuing a career in the Navy. The director of the program explained the negative relationship between the U.S. military and the Philippines and thought that it would be too much of a cultural shock for me.

So, I turned to a group called the Philippine Cultural Society of the George Washington University (PCSGWU). There I felt welcomed and comfortable exploring my Filipino background.  I no longer found myself standing in the middle of friends’ living rooms, being hammered with cultural questions by their parents and without any satisfying answers. Instead, I learned through my peers about the Filipino culture without having to feel so different.

I ate adobo for the first time, read every piece of Filipino literature I could get my hands on and learned several cultural dances. I started to attend bigger venues like the Filipino Inter-collegiate Network Dialogue (FIND).
I began to notice how some Filipino-Americans took their culture for granted. I saw that no matter how hard I tried or how much I learned, other Filipino Americans would not accept me because of how my Caucasian parents raised me. However, these valuable experiences taught me how to become comfortable with myself.

After college I joined the Navy and received orders to attend the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL program in California.  When I learned that there were only three Navy SEALs who were of Filipino background, the rigorous training motivated me. I dreamed of becoming a SEAL and speaking to large Filipino groups, telling them that by making it through the tough training, I was able to overcome the stereotype accorded Filipino Americans and all Asian Americans of being weak, subservient and easily conquered. I did not finish the training, but I got further than any other Filipino under the harsh scrutiny of my instructors. The challenges I confronted forced me to look inward and learn who I really am. I know life will continue to present challenges to me that are dynamic and that they will define me, which, in turn, will help me understand and learn more about my identity.

One thing is certain: I enjoy learning about being Filipino American. It will always be part of my life, and knowing that there is always something more to learn is comforting. Being Filipino American gives me a passion to live.

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Expenses for adoptions, whether international, domestic or through foster care can add up quickly and has sometimes been the reason why some families choose not to go through the process.  Below is a useful list of organizations that offer grants and loans to help fray costs and fees. Do some research to determine if you are eligible.

• Gift of Adoption Singles and married couples pursuing domestic adoption or adoption from a Hague-compliant country may apply for grants from $500 to $7,500. giftofadoption.org
• HelpUsAdopt.org Married couples and singles may apply for financial awards ranging from $500 to $15,000. helpusadopt.org
• National Adoption Foundation Singles and married couples may apply for grants ranging from $500 to $2,500. nafadopt.org
• Shaohannah’s Hope Singer Steven Curtis Chapman’s organization awards grants of $2,000 to $7,000 to Christian families pursuing adoption. showhope.org
• Parenthood for Me Grants are available for parents building their families through adoption or assisted reproductive technologies; founded by AF reader Erica Walther Schlaefer. parenthoodforme.org
• A Child Waits International adopters may apply for loans of up to $10,000, with a five-percent interest rate; grants are available for special-needs children. achildwaits.org
• International Association of Hebrew Free Loans The organization’s website offers state-by-state listings of interest-free adoption loans available to Jewish families. freeloan.org
• Oxford Adoption Foundation Loans of up to $5,000 per child adopted internationally are interest-free for the first three years. oxfordadoption.com
• The ABBA Fund Christian couples may apply for interest-free adoption loans. abbafund.org

* list compiled from Adoptive Families Magazine

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Hi all,

Viloria.com – was started in 2005 by a gentleman in the Philippines. He has been providing useful podcast episodes on his website for folks who would like to learn Filipino words and phrase. They can also be downloaded from iTunes  for free! As a native speaker he offers accurate pronunciation and instruction in the Filipino language. The episodes range from children games, cultural lessons, traditional songs and vignettes from the Philippines.

Here are some sample episodes:

• Episode 26: Plane Landing
• Episode 25: Oh, Waiter!
• Episode 24: Holy Week
• Episode 23: Wedded Bliss
• Episode 22: Baby Village
• Episode 21: Parental Guidance
• Episode 20: Getting Around

Click HERE to access and play the full list of episodes.

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Michael Jackson Filipino Inmates Strike Again

Posted Jan 25th 2010 2:34PM by TMZ Staff

With all the time in the world on their hands, the inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center

in the Philippines have learned another Michael Jackson routine … with some help.

Jackson’s long-time choreographer Travis Payne, with dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid, taught the inmates routines from “This Is It.”

It’s just how Michael would have wanted it.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/25/michael-jackson-filipino-inmates-video/#ixzz0dhQ9XMDs

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“I Love Camp” FHC 2nd Grader Camper
“ This is my Favorite Camp” FHC 5th Grade Camper
“ I don’t want Camp to end” FHC 7th Grade Camper
“ It’s worth so much to see our girls grow with confidence – giving them the tools to cope with adoption/race issues we don’t fully understand. They look forward to seeing their long lasting friends every year.” FHC Parent
I did not realize how much camp would help me as a Parent too!” FHC Parent

The Filipino Heritage Camp is one of a handful of camps designed especially for families with children adopted from the Philippines/with Filipino heritage. Committed to exploring both the cultural and the adoption aspects of growing as an adoptive family, it is one of ten camps facilitated by the highly respected Colorado Heritage Camps, Inc.

FHC 2010 is going to be a year of big changes! Not only do we have a new facility in Winter Park, it will be the first year in the history of FHC that two Filipino adult adoptees will be Co-Directing! We have big shoes to fill with our predecessors and former Directors Scott Grant and Sue Thiry but are confident that the dedicated parent and Filipino community volunteers will once again be instrumental in providing wonderful programming for the children and parents. FHC is also planning an optional “Family Fun Day” for folks who would like an extra no frills day. Date to be announced so please check site regularly for update.

The Filipino Adoptees Network (FAN) is thrilled to partner with FHC for the 4th year. FAN is a network that supports and provides resources to Filipino adoptees, adoptive families and those touched by adoption. Volunteering as a counselor for FHC is an amazing opportunity to meet fellow Filipino adult adoptees. Click here to apply as an FHC counselor:

This year FAN is proud assist with the development and implementation of the:
• elementary workshops,
• middle school and high school workshops,
• adult workshops,
• and family based programs.

Our new location, Winter Park Mountain Lodge is located
directly across from the Ski Resort, which is full of summer time events and activities, and a stones throw from downtown Winter Park. The Resort recently added 100 new rooms and renovated 52 rooms. Area activities and amenities are endless; we are ecstatic to provide you with a memorable and fun weekend!

Plans for 2010?

” NO history, NO self, KNOW history, KNOW self: Honoring Filipino Americans”

2010 is a U.S. Census year and the Filipino American community is anticipated to become the first largest Asian American group, surpassing the Chinese Americans. The U.S. Census reported in 2007 that 3.1 million Filipinos reside in America and 80% of Filipino Americans are U.S. citizens. Also in 2007, the U.S. Census reported the Filipino American community to be 4 million or 1.5% of the U.S. population.

Who are the Notable Filipino Americans? What have been their contributions?

This year’s Filipino Heritage Camp, you will learn about the rich history of Filipinos in America that date as far back as 1587 to present day. The workshops and activities will focus on prominent Filipino Americans in the various industries such as entertainment, science, education, sports, medicine and arts. There will also be educational and fun workshops that will look at music, art, dance, history and games that celebrate our Filipino American heritage.

The elementary workshops will include sessions on:
• Filipino/American history
• Craft projects
• discovering love of Filipino music, and dance,
• entertainment and games!

There is specialized programming for our middle and high school aged campers, including:
• Learning about our Filipino American history
• “Survivor Philippines”
• Filipinos in the music industry
• Babayin – the ancient Filipino sanskrit
• “More than Me” project, partner organization to be announced. For more on this trademark Colorado Heritage Camps project, click here:

Workshops for Parents will include;
• The popular cooking classes,
• Adoptee panel,
• An overview of the history of Filipinos in America
• Parent run workshops

The Filipino-American Community of Colorado (FACC) will be celebrating their 10th year volunteering with FHC. The members have had an invaluable role with the camp over the years providing a connection to our Filipino culture by teaching us about culture, cuisine, dance, music and history of the Philippines.

To read about last year’s camp click here

For more pictures of Filipino Camp 2008 click here

We look forward to seeing your family at camp!

Volunteers/Counselors:
The support from the local Filipino community from Denver is amazing BUT we are always looking for more volunteers and counselors; to assist with the kids, teach workshops, preparing meals, etc., We encourage Filipino adult adoptees to apply as counselors, which offers a unique opportunity to network with fellow adoptees. Please consider joining us this year as a volunteer or counselor!
Donations:
As a non-profit 501 C(3) organization, Filipino Heritage Camp is always seeking financial assistance to help keep camp costs reasonable for families, and still provide an outstanding program. If you’d like to help, please go to the Donations section of this web site. Thank you very much in advance.
Frequent Flier Donations:
We are also in need of donations of frequent flier miles to help defray costs of out of state speakers. If you have miles you can donate please email us at info@heritagecamps.org
We hope to see you at camp this summer. For further information, please contact us. Filipino.H.Camp@gmail.com

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My name is Andrew Ric Heyer. My adopted parents put Andrew in front of Ric, which is the name I responded to when I was young. Why they put Andrew I will never know. I think I was adopted when I was 2 and on the way to the U.S. my friend gave me a black eye with a Tonka truck. Although I don’t remember this, that is the story I was told.

My adopted parents have given me a wonderful life and I am forever grateful for that. Although it took me a very long time to say that. For the longest time I was very angry and hurt that I was given up. Why would someone do that? What was wrong with me. It took me a long time to come to grips that there must have been a good reason and should be thankful for everything my adopted parents have given me. Truth be told, I am still working on fully accepting my adopted parents, but its a work in progress.

For more poems by Andrew Heyer please visit his site  here.

~ Memories ~

with these outstretched arms I reach for you

songs of sadness scream the pain I feel

ripped away from the only comfort I have known

separated for reasons I will never know

in slow motion I watch you fade away

yearning for your touch

longing to be held and loved

a boy forced to be a man to soon

by those deeming you unfit to care for your son

all those precious moments

lost between a mother and son

memories never to made

I wish for them now

for I have found you to late

rest now, I hope you found the peace you searched for

mother..

~ Mother ~

I’ve been sitting in this room so dark and alone

trying to find a place where I belong

grasping at the nothingness which surrounds me

covered in this shroud of darkness, unable to break free

desperately searching for a peacefulness amongst all this confusion

so cold and lost

this constant inner turmoil of which I struggle against

silently destroys the remnants of my inner sanctuary

so many questions, so many pieces without a place

you left me here so small and afraid

maybe you found what you were looking for

but, perhaps you needed only look in front of you

why did you leave me….mother….

~ My Angel ~

soft summer breeze gently caressing my face

whispering soft words of love in the afternoon

passionate kisses lasting forever and a day

here in the twilight our bodies intertwined

two becoming one

beneath the setting sun our worlds collide

all of our inhibitions melting away

your tender touch soften my tough facade

all my fears dissolve into oblivion

relinquishing control of my soul to you

nothing in this world can harm me

I feel so safe and loved when I’m with you

in this world, through all the madness

I find shelter and comfort in your arms

my angel, my small piece of heaven, on this earth

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