Author Topic: One-on-One with American Pie  (Read 6488 times)

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One-on-One with American Pie
« on: August 05, 2007, 10:07:06 PM »
By Loy M. Palapos
Bohol Sunday Post

There's no mistaking about it, Priscilla Mathism Richards (PMR) is a stand-out in any crowd. With physical features that are unmistakably Caucasian, she is neither Boholana nor Filipina-looking. Sunshine blond curls frame her oval face, and her blue eyes twinkle and mesmerize. Some poundage shed off, she could give Britney Spears a run for her money.

Meeting her was not the usual gentleman-meets-lady-at-a-party situation. Before I knew her name, she was flashing her enthusiastic smile, as if she had known me even before I was born. The nasal twang was there, and it took me a few seconds to get her name spelled right in my mind, and when I did, it did not seem alien anymore. Her exuberance was contagious, her chat spontaneous and endless as both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans put together. She was a friend to all. And still is. Our getting-to-know-you meeting at Island City Mall was just a prelude.

Seeing her sporadically has been punctuated by her reverberating laughter which, for me, has become her trade mark.

Lately, I learned that she has a column in another local paper. From her writings I discern a certain angle of her personality not always deciphered in verbal banter.

She is very observant about what goes on in her adapted City of Tagbilaran, a few of them outright unpalatable to those concerned. Thus, I thought, she is a good subject for an interview.

LMP: How did you happen to come to Bohol?
PMR: Ha! Of course, by airplane. Seriously, I came here in November 2002 to care for a seaman friend's three young kids at the time when they had just lost their young and very dear mother. One year prior to my arrival here, and until now, I have been a surrogate mother for them. It was hard to get them to adjust at first due to the father's side of the family and their negative influences to make the children go against me, because they felt that my American culture was different from the Philippine culture.

LMP: Can you give a few details.
PMR: It was hard to believe at first that these people could behave and interfere with my loving plans for these kids to grow up and do well. I strongly feel against the family's negative influences towards these kids. Today, these kids are suffering permanent scars and repercussions. The oldest child quit his studies at PMI and got his young teenage girlfriend pregnant. Even though the baby is here they both have no way to support their young family, if it was not for my help to them. The middle child is a fourth-year student at a computer college here. The owner of this college just wants to become fatter in the pocket book, but unable to assist him in getting a job once he graduates. The youngest child is now 16 years of age and fourth- year high school student. She has had it hard during her first two years of high school as she was not taken care of properly when I was back home in the States. The older brother's girlfriend demanded expensive clothes and foods from the kids' allotment. This caused the youngest to be sickly and unable to make it to school as the father's allotment was also used on the girlfriend's family in Leyte. Even back home in America I kept getting bad reports of all that was going on here in Bohol. The electric line had been shut off and the two youngest were sitting in the dark. I was able to rattle the oldest kid's head when I reached him thru cell after I had sent money. I came back to Bohol to fight off any negative happenings to these kids as their father has always been a long time partner and friend of mine who can see me as a kind hearted person that I truly am. I have stayed here to continue to do my best in helping these kids stay away from jealous persons who want to take advantage of them. I have stayed here to be a mother and a protective friend and a provider as well for them. For the kids and me on both our sides it has been a learning experience.

LMP: What was your first impression of Filipinos, or Boholanos in particular?
PMR: Other than the negative side of the kids' father's family, I really enjoy making friends here. I have found the people her to be hospitable, inquisitive, curious and, normally with me, they have shown that they can understand what I am saying to give out a burst of laughter.

LMP: What is one dominating trait you find among Boholanos? Please elaborate.
PMR: Inhibited. Examples: Afraid to show applause, or give compliments when they should be given. Afraid to call the kettle black if it is supposed to be black! Afraid of what other might think on how they express themselves in public. In a restaurant if the food does not taste as it should, would rather sit there and not say anything to correct it and have it made right.

LMP: Can you name some aspects in Boholano inter-relationships that you find worth emulating?
PMR: Off the top of my head I would have to say caring, offering, going out of their way too make their guests feel welcome in their homes at their parties or other festive occasions. Boholano hospitality has always been described at its loveliest. "Humok and as fluffy as a down pillow!"

LMP: How about bad traits? Name at least three.
PMR: A) "Crab Mentality." This I see all the time among Filipinos. There are many people here who do not want to see the successful climb of other people. Others ruin or demolish or go out of their way to steal the happiness of one who is trying to better himself. If anything is needed it is positive encouragement and motivation instead of knocking down others' efforts. B) "Infidelity." I have seen a lot of changing partners whether they be married or unmarried couples. I see this as a result of indifference brought about by financial problems. The husband often gets tired of constant nagging by pregnant wife who does not take family planning seriously. It adds more pressure to the financial crisis already at hand. This drives a lot of Boholano men, in particular, away from their families. I am in favor of the divorce law for the Philippines. C) "Public displays of interruptive bodily functions" such as belching in public and not saying excuse me, coughing in public and not covering the mouth while doing so. There are those who hurl the "slimy sputum" onto mall floors. The worst is the display of men who just whip it out in the middle of street to take a "Jingle" when there are many persons around and they do not care of the sensitivity of others.

LMP: Describe public administration in Bohol. In Tagbilaran City? What are the bad and good points? How could they be corrected?
PMR: I have, as a media person, been able to view both government and administration on both sides, here in Tagbilaran City and also province wide. I see a lot of people who need help and ask for assistance and these people swarm and pack these offices with what ever ail them, like bees do to hives. I have seen the best of help going to these people that can be offered. I always compliment all branches of government and administration and say to them that they have a lot of energy and kindness in their heart. The one thing I would like to criticize is not with just political administration but with everyone who works. He should keep personal business decisions on issues that are personal and private. Give also a right of way to free enterprise.

LMP: You must have observed how elections are done in the country and in Bohol. What are your comments?
PMR: Yes! I did observe the election first hand and it is despicable as can be. Why have COMELEC laws unable to handle the candidates doing things that are illegal? Or handle on time the cases of those candidates who are not residing or actually residing in the districts that they are running in? It's truly a crime, compared to the American voting system. Family members, running against themselves or with themselves. Several candidates are running because they are popular, or who want to be popular, such as singers and actors and media personalities. Some even run because they are the offsprings of out-going candidates. Some candidates run for office at very young and inexperienced age. In my country, to run to congress you have to be at least 35 years of age. There is vote buying. People are whining that the country is corrupt. You have people loitering outside the voting precincts building campfires and roasting hotdogs during Election Day. Your polls close early in the day. In the States they close at eight in the evening. This allows everyone on rotating shifts a chance to vote. Drunkards haggle as they vote and nationally you have a lot of election homicides.

LMP: Do you believe that private enterprises in Bohol are properly motivated by public governance? Please explain.
PR: No! It's motivated thru "greed and gain!"

LMP: How do you appraise Bohol as a tourist destination?
PMR: Bohol has plenty of natural untouched beauty that are "for your eyes only." I remember my first time going to Chocolate Hills. Once my body made it to the top, I just stood there in awe at how breathtaking it truly was and laughed at how green it was. I was expecting to see little brown hills all over literally. One thing that the tourists complain about when coming here is how some of the resorts cost more than what the services are really worth. The other noticeable complaint is that the night life is not happening here. The province is safe compared to other places to be visited in the Philippines.

LMP: Does it have a competitive advantage over other provinces in the country?
PMR: Yes, it is safe and a lot more peaceful than other tourist destinations. The beaches are clean. What bores again the tourist is the lack of night shows or discos to attend. Some other provinces have establishments with promos on food and beverages. Bohol has never had a promo as far as I can remember.

LMP: What are your suggestions to improve the existing tourist spots?
PMR: The PNP now is stronger and better than ever with a new commander who seems to be walking a tight beat within the province to be able to keep and control crime at a minimum. The local city and municipal PNP should enforce and give more fines for crimes that are violated more often to be able to generate more money into better and stronger public services. This also makes people want to come here more often if they know that law offenders who are dangerous to tourists are kept in control. Get the Badjaos off the streets, from begging in their naked form. I am already a permanent resident here. Often I am homesick. When I first came here in 2002, I was a foundation member for Camp Bernido in Dao district. I have enjoyed being a member of the media family here in Bohol. It has opened the door in many nice ways in order for me to learn about the place and its people.

Her stay in Bohol has given her new perspectives in life. Playing beautiful music with a widower Boholano seaman, whom she seldom sees, she takes care of his children from his first wife. A tall order for the ordinary woman. But Priscilla Richards is no ordinary woman. She has her own share of problems, but she does not wear her heart on her sleeves.

She may elicit contradictory reactions to her views and her ways, but she is unperturbed. What she writes, negative or positive, springs from her conviction, not just products of whimsy fancy. How she carries herself is an expression of her individuality, as a woman and a human being. For all intents and purposes, in a nutshell she has voluntarily attuned herself into thus bubbly personification of life lived to the hilt as an American as apple pie and Coca-Cola.

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thegirlnextdoor

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2007, 10:01:50 PM »
I would like to thank Sir. Loy Palapos for considering me a chance to be interviewed for his one on one column.
I had allot of thinking to do with his total of 13 questions given to me in writeen form. I have also been given allot of positive compliments for the interview from palapos himself. I was even told by the newspaper stand lady that many readers were askiing for copies of "Sunday Post" for the simple reason that they were askiing for the interview with the American.
She also stated that it was the first time the "Sunday Post" had moved so quickley at the news stand in a long time.
I wrote the interview just how I write my columns in the weekly publication that I write in known as "The Bohol standard" . My problem is I am raised in being a direct person in who I am and what I see.
I write about things that are realistic. I do not nor have I ever made things up in my head. If the kettle is black it is black.
I do not believe in playing games.
Loy did make a ouple of boo-boo's my middle name is "Mathison" and the word haggle was suppose to be harrassing. It's okay he did not do it purposely. I really had allot of fun again as i said. It's unfortunante that there are those Filipiono persons who as a whole when representing theier race behaive so poorly when it came to the question on bad traits?
More concentration to disciplin is what is needed here to correct the bad manners that are very present in public.
I wanted to say more but i was allowed to give only three traits.
In overall judgement i really enjoy my stay here and I am simply use to being raised in the country in the united states of America were we have discipline and respect for others around us always and most of us are bold about the trueths.
If the Philippines was serious about being like America then they would practice the ways that our good goverment taught to them. life would be allot more sucessfull and easy if this country would not make it so hard for people to do the simplest of things here. Your only kob in life is to be nice. is it to much to ask of anyone?

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Lorenzo

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #2 on: August 11, 2007, 05:48:30 AM »
Anyone have a picture of this lady?

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #3 on: August 11, 2007, 06:41:00 AM »
Anyone have a picture of this lady?

Onic, proceed to www.theboholstandard.com She has a column there entitled "Precious Thoughts"

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Lorenzo

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #4 on: August 11, 2007, 06:58:10 AM »
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pioneer

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #5 on: August 11, 2007, 07:44:25 AM »
you're welcome, Onic. God bless you.

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thegirlnextdoor

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #6 on: August 16, 2007, 02:56:24 AM »
Sorry to regret if you were looking for my picture in my column at wwwboholstandard.com it is not there for the last two weeks.
Maybe the one doing the website ran out of internet card before he could get to my column.
P.S. Onic is very pretty. 8D
Than You for the interest.
Take care!

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #7 on: August 16, 2007, 03:08:08 AM »
I first posted this on June 12 yet in the board "The Administrator Speaks:



Hi, Hi, Miss American Pie
Drive me crazy, your so wacky
You might hang me out dry
Them good old boys
Are drinking coffee y'know why?
They hate to see the day
You will cry.


----

Great to have you here, American Pie :)

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This smacks of a grand conspiracy to hide the non-existent, to identify the nameless, to paint a picture of the unseen. -- Benelynne

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #8 on: August 26, 2007, 05:10:38 AM »
Well GEC yesterday on the closing ceremony of the peace security summit I cried as I really thought how the local media was being treated by the Manila newspaper security persons.
So rude and it made me cry to the point that i almost wanted to th_ _ _ _  _P!
We were pushed shoved bitched at all kinds of things the past two days I do not recall one smile on anyones face during the assembly in our local media.
GEC who are you? I want you to come out in the open of who you are?
Is it Kit Bagaipo? Ted Ayeng?  I drive you crazy? Hmmmmmmmmmmm? he he he? Whacky? I will go for silly over whacky any other day. Thank you! for the nice compliment. 8D

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ben

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2007, 10:37:08 AM »
Hi Priscilla,
  I believe we met briefly in ICM buying groceries.
  Although I'm more reserved about criticising the faults of my adopted home (maybe that's a cultural trait on my part), I think we share the principle that we have to be useful to the people here in order to repay them for their hospitality.  I admire what you're doing for the kids.
Cheers,
Ben

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2007, 06:27:18 AM »
Interesting interview!  I just read this thread and it's giving me quite of a headache. 



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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #11 on: November 08, 2007, 04:23:09 AM »
Why does it give you a head ache the genorasity of my husbands Filipine family darn near gave me a nervious breakdown.
You are a sensitive person and anything i do I can not seem to kiss your ass to make you hapy enough toink me allyou want at this point and time ask me if i care.
Deal with it your country has allot more way to go before it can progress same as Thailand has done.
You guys have had the chances to be resourcefull with whtyou have to clean this country up and make it nice so it can progress further.
Many philippine person who know the difference and have enough of it do their best to get the heck away from here.
When they finially reach the other country that was once considered just the same as the Philippines they admitted this was embaressing as people in the Philippines should conduct theselves in good ways and let this nation come alive in order to strive.
I am just now reading this blog by you grazie and maybe if we met my time would be to valuable for quite the insulting person that you are always towards me.
I do not back down what I do not get is why ther are no Philipine women in Bohol who act this same manner as the girls in here behave.
You have all insulted America many times over do I get dramatic about it?
So what and who is not running from your country and who has run from here and for what reasons did you run and yes it's great that other countries help persons from other counries that are less fortunant if it was not for that you would not be on your high horse so much.
I have Philippine friends who read this and they are in shock and say you girls are already forgotten your morals? Lagi! Walay Kalaro jyud!

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Re: One-on-One with American Pie
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2010, 03:49:28 PM »
This thread is almost going to be about three years old.

I know this "Apple Pie" "Coke-Cola" lady very well. She maybe not have the best media grammar but she is described by some as a breath of fresh air.

She is capable of finding her own news and doing her home-work on her own. I have seen her as a total asset to the media helping out with women and children issues and she is still trying to found a foreigner expats organization in Bohol.

I was listening to Governor report mabe about one month ago and I heard his tell this bright media lady that the he and the province stand behind her ideal 100% and had asked her to come up with a proposal.

I know in the past she has always treated her colleauges to dinner or even given them a temporary place to stay. I know she has also loaned out plenty of cash to her fellow colleauges and some have abussed her friendship being of a plated gold type friend and some have remained as good as solid gold friends should be with her as they continue to help her as she does them buil strong bridges not weak ones to cross over.

Neither is she a gossip she is someone who knows how to keep a secret. I find her to be loyal, hard working, caring, she is neither  a liar or one who is out to be malicious towards others. In the (Bohol) Filipino community she is very visible in the newspapers as seen with doing many projects that involve her Lion membership, Expats group, medical mission team, and she was most recently voted to be a BOD for a popular radio show program known as Tagbilaran By Night hosted by Jeremias (Jerry) Pabe in where she is now voted into the program and club as PRO, and currently observing live programs of TBN in hopefully someday she will be able to join the program as a co-anchor interveiwing bennificaries.

Last 2009 she was given a media award for best literary writer of the year. She is also the first foreigner to pass the KBP licensor exam and hold a current KBP broacastors license card.

This American Pie is in my eyes a very hard working and dedicated person and loyal in anything she does for the publis as well as for friends. I know she has battled through malicious acusations, been left for ignored, and has been lied to by people in whom she thougt she could trust.

She does not cry about it she is the type of person I know who fights for her right and is straight to the point.

I think the only thing she expects from people are that they give deserving credit to others who have earned it. That people need to stop this annonymosity of trying to insult, accuse, or assume otherss of doing wrong when they are not.
That people need to give praise and compliment and help others do well as same as do well themselves and it does not mean by way of knoocking others down below the beltline!

I know America Pie very well she is my best friend through thick and thin.




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