Filipino-American History: Ninety-six Years Ago-The Watsonville Riot

#TodayInphilippinesHistory

January 19, 1930 marks the start of the Watsonville Riots, a wave of white supremacist violence in California that targeted Filipino farmworkers through beatings, raids, expulsions, and mob terror.

For days, Filipinos were hunted through the streets, attacked at labor camps, and thrown from bridges. On January 23, 22-year-old Fermin Tobera was murdered in his sleep when white rioters fired into a labor camp. His killer was never held accountable.

The violence spread across California and throughout the West Coast and triggered protests in the Philippines, where Tobera was mourned as a martyr. These attacks helped justify racist laws banning interracial marriage, restricting Filipino immigration, and dividing workers to protect white power and profit.

What happened in Watsonville did not end with the mobs. It was absorbed into the legal and political order that followed. Many of those structures remain intact today.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:

Ninety-six years ago, around January 1930, the 

Watsonville Race Riotserupted in Watsonville, California, where white mobs violently attacked Filipino farmworkers, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment, racial prejudice, and fear over Filipino men associating with white women, leading to violence, destruction of property, and highlighting severe racial discrimination against Filipinos in early 20th-century America. These riots were part of broader anti-Filipino violence across California, culminating in stricter anti-miscegenation laws. 

Key Details:

• When: January 1930 (approximately 96 years ago from 2026).
• Where: Watsonville, California, a major agricultural area.
• Who: White mobs targeting Filipino farm laborers (Manongs).
• Why: Deep-seated racism, economic competition, and opposition to relationships between Filipino men and white women, which challenged racial norms and laws.
• What Happened: White residents assaulted Filipinos, vandalized Filipino-owned businesses, and attacked labor camps, causing significant harm and fear.
• Impact: The riots and similar incidents led California to amend its anti-miscegenation law to specifically bar marriages between white people and "members of the Malay race" (Filipinos), further restricting Filipino rights. 

These events underscore the intense racial discrimination faced by Filipino immigrants in the U.S. during this period, a critical part of Filipino-American history. 

Finally the top Five News of the Day 

1. Global markets rise as U.S. eases Greenland tensions at Davos
Stock markets rebounded sharply after President Trump’s reversal on threatened tariffs on European allies tied to Greenland negotiations at the World Economic Forum, following a framework deal with NATO on Arctic cooperation. Investor sentiment improved and volatility measures eased. 

2. European leaders highlight unity after U.S.–Greenland dispute
At an emergency EU summit, leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron stressed European unity in response to recent U.S. diplomatic pressure over Greenland. Debate continues on Arctic security and sovereignty. 

3. Trump prosecutor tells Congress former president willfully broke laws
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith criticized Trump’s actions and narratives before a House panel, asserting that Trump “willfully” violated laws during his prosecutions. 

4. Homicide rates in U.S. cities decline sharply
A new report shows a significant 21% drop in homicide rates across dozens of major U.S. cities, marking one of the most notable decreases in recent crime statistics. 

5. U.S. Vice President heads to Minnesota amid immigration tensions
Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Minnesota to address high tensions over controversial immigration operations and enforcement actions, reflecting ongoing domestic policy disputes. 

Marinduque Island, Philippines-Our Second Home

Reminiscing Our Pleasant Years in Marinduque, Philippines- Our Second Home 

MARINDUQUE ISLAND, OUR SECOND HOME: Even today, the island’s silhouette remains a favorite sight for travelers passing through Barangay Tungib–Lipata, where visitors often stop to take photos with Bellarocca gracing the horizon. Though its doors are temporarily closed, the island’s allure endures, its white structures glowing against sea and sky, a reminder of the luxury and tranquility that once awaited on Marinduque’s own slice of paradise. This resort was once a 5 Star luxury haven, only about 30 minutes drive from our beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Amoingon, Boac.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/chateau-du-mer-according-to-chatgpt.html

During Bellarocca's few years of successful operation, it has been compared to Santorini, Greece. Macrine and I stayed at this resort for 3 Days at $400 per night. For Details and more photos of Bellarocca, read the the three related article at bottom of the page.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1026955-d1547488-Reviews-Bellarocca_Island_Resort_And_Spa-Marinduque_Island_Mimaropa.html

Related Articles: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-and.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/08/is-this-true-about-bellarocca-resort.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/03/is-bellarocca-resort-and-spa-closing.html

On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010

Today,  January 21, 2026, President Trump made several major announcements regarding his bid to acquire 

Greenland

 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

Key Developments from Davos

• Rules Out Military Force: In a significant shift in rhetoric, Trump explicitly stated he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland. He previously refused to rule out military or economic force but now claims he "doesn't have to" because the U.S. is "unstoppable" regardless.
• Suspension of Tariffs: Trump announced he will not move forward with a 10% tariff on eight European nations that was scheduled to begin on February 1. These tariffs were previously threatened as a pressure tactic against countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of the island.
• "Framework" Deal Reached: Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed they have formed a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region. He did not provide specific details but stated the solution would be "great" for both the U.S. and all NATO nations.
• Ultimatum to Allies: Despite dropping the immediate threat of tariffs, Trump issued a warning to allies: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember".

Fireflies Reminds Me of Chateau Du Mer

This posting reminds me of watching fireflies at Chateau Du Mer Beach House in the Philippines

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2017/08/night-activities-at-chateau-du-mer-boac.html

We might be witnessing the twilight of fireflies, one of the last generations to drift through the summer dark like living embers. But this isn't nature’s doing. It’s ours.

Fireflies are vanishing fast. Across North America, over 130 species are now at risk. Rare ones like the amber comet firefly are hanging by a thread in just a few patches of Texas. It’s not just one threat, it’s a perfect storm. Expanding cities pave over forests and wetlands. Backyard floodlights blind their courtship signals. Pesticides poison the soil they breed in. And climate change scrambles their life cycles with heatwaves and droughts.

The amber comet, once thought extinct since the 1940s, was rediscovered recently but only in scattered wet grasslands. It flashes like a slow-motion meteor across the night. A signal in the dark. A warning.

Fireflies are more than nostalgia. They’re indicators, when they disappear, it’s a red flag for the whole ecosystem. Their larvae eat snails and pests. They need moist soil, native plants, dark skies. When their world collapses, it’s a sign that frogs, birds, and bees are next.

But the spark isn’t gone yet. There’s still time to reverse this. Cut the glare, use less outdoor light, install motion sensors, choose warmer bulbs. Skip the pesticides and let your yard go wild. Build patches of native plants, damp soil, and leafy undergrowth. Protect the shadows. Let nature breathe.

Join a citizen science group. Count fireflies. Map their glow. You’ll be doing more than watching insects, you’ll be protecting an ancient conversation between light and night.

Or we can keep doing what we’re doing. Keep building. Keep spraying. Keep lighting up the night until it goes quiet.

And fireflies become just another story we tell around the campfire.

Meanwhile, Did you know.......

Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is native to the Philippines and it's 3x stronger than cotton! This durable fiber was prized globally: it was used for ship rigging, ropes, paper, and even U.S. dollar bills. Its natural resistance to saltwater made it essential for naval use.

Today, the Philippines remains the world’s top exporter of abaca fiber a hidden powerhouse of natural industry. Abaca, also known as Manila hemp, is native to the Philippines and it's 3x stronger than cotton! This durable fiber was prized globally: it was used for ship rigging, ropes, paper, and even U.S. dollar bills. Its natural resistance to saltwater made it essential for naval use.

.

A Poem about the Philippines and Chateau Du Mer by ChatGPT

Chateau Du Mer- Main House, Amoigon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines  

I am getting addicted to ChatGPT- Here's a Poem about the Philippines and My Beach House- Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque

I asked ChatGPT: Could you write a poem about the Philippines 

ChatGPT said: Certainly! Here's a poem celebrating the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Philippines:

---

Islands of the Morning Sun

by ChatGPT

Beneath the arch of golden skies,
Where ocean sings and eagles rise,
A thousand isles in emerald hues
Breathe tales the trade winds can't refuse.

The pearl of seas, a woven strand,
Of mountain, forest, sea, and sand—
From Batanes’ calm, wind-whispered air
To Mindanao’s bold, sun-tempered glare.

Volcano's fire and rice field’s grace,
The carabao’s unhurried pace.
In every smile, a nation's soul—
Resilient, warm, and proudly whole.

Banig dreams and bahay kubo nights,
Jeepneys dancing in neon lights.
Festivals blaze in vibrant thread,
Where songs of ancestors are spread.

Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano blend,
In voices where the past transcends.
From bayanihan’s steady hand,
To heroes carved from heart and land.

O Philippines, bright eastern flame,
You rise with joy, endure with name.
With every wave your shores embrace,
Lives bloom in beauty, strength, and grace.

---

Would you like a version in Filipino or with a different tone (e.g., historical, romantic, or nature-focused)?

You said:  Yes, Romantic

ChatGPT said: Here's a romantic version of the poem, inspired by the beauty and passion of the Philippines:

---

Whispers of the Philippine Breeze
by ChatGPT

In your warm embrace, the stars take flight,
As moonlight dances on the waves so bright.
The shores of Palawan kiss the sky,
And in your eyes, the heavens lie.

Through fields of gold and mountains tall,
I hear your heart, my sweetest call.
Beneath the shade of ancient trees,
We find our love within the breeze.

Your gentle shores, your winds so sweet,
A rhythm like a lover’s heartbeat.
With every touch, the ocean sighs,
As I surrender to your skies.

In your warm hands, the sunset’s glow,
Reflects the love we’ve come to know.
With every dawn, a promise true,
The sun will rise and shine for you.

From Bohol’s shores to Siargao’s seas,
Your beauty whispers on the breeze.
And in your soul, I find my place,
A love that time cannot erase.

O Philippines, my heart’s delight,
Your beauty fills the endless night.
In every wave and every star,
You are my love, both near and far.

---

I hope this captures the romantic essence you're looking for! Let me know if you'd like any changes or adjustments.

You said:  How about a poem of my beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque

ChatGPT said: Here's a romantic poem dedicated to your beach house, Chateau Du Mer, in Marinduque:

---

Sunset Over Amoingon Bay, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Chateau Du Mer
by ChatGPT

At the edge where the sea meets sky,
Chateau Du Mer stands, so high,
A haven where the waves whisper low,
And golden sunsets steal the show.

With walls of warmth and hearts that gleam,
You hold the stories, the dreams we dream.
The breeze that dances through each door,
Carries the promise of love and more.

Soft sands stretch where our feet may roam,
A peaceful escape, a place called home.
The ocean’s lullaby at night,
Guides us softly through the moon’s soft light.

On mornings painted in hues so bright,
You greet the sun with pure delight.
Each sunrise brings a new embrace,
As waves caress the shore with grace.

Chateau Du Mer, a name divine,
Where love and nature intertwine.
In Marinduque’s embrace, so true,
Forever, my heart belongs to you.

---

I hope this captures the essence of Chateau Du Mer and its special place in your heart! Would you like any changes to the tone or imagery?

You said: Do you have a photo on file on Chateau Du Mer

ChatGPT said: I don't have a photo of Chateau Du Mer on file. If you'd like, you could share an image of your beach house with me, and I can help with any edits or enhancements you might need!

You said:  That's Fine, I love your poem very very much.

ChatGPT said:  I'm so glad you loved the poem! Chateau Du Mer sounds like a beautiful place, and it was a pleasure to capture its spirit in words. If you ever want more poems or anything else, feel free to reach out!

Meanwhile, here's an acrostic poem on Chateau Du Mer written by a Friend.- EngVV2012 

For Details visit: https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-beach.html

A Poem Dedicated to Me on Turning Ninety Last December, 2024

AI Generated Image of Me at the Balcony of Chateau Du Mer Beach House. The Balcony Baluster is the exact replica of the Baluster of our Beach House in Marinduque. 

With the Help of AI technology here's "Ninety Summers Ago" written as a reflective poem, capturing the essence of my journey, memories, and identity as a Filipino Becoming An American:

 Ninety Summers Ago

Ninety summers ago, and still I rise,

With morning light in aging eyes.
The sea before me, calm and wide,
Chateau Du Mer, my soul’s high tide.

I sip my brew, Kapeng Barako bold,
The cup is chipped, the hands are old.
Yet still they write, still they tend,
To stories that refuse to end.

A boy from Barotac, barefoot, free,
Who climbed guava trees in memory.
The eldest child with dreams so wide,
Who crossed an ocean with love as guide.

Becoming American wasn’t a line,
Drawn in a passport, signed in time.
It was laughter in two tongues heard,
It was poems shaped in every word.

It was loving Macrine, my island star,
Raising children from near and far.
It was orchids blooming in foreign clay,
It was prayers said both night and day.

Now love is softer, slow and wise,
In wrinkled hands and misted eyes.
In caregivers who smile and stay,
In old men flirting like it’s May.

At ninety, grief is a gentle guest,
That sits beside me, lets me rest.
And memory is not sharp or clear,
But warm, like voices I still hear.

You cannot kill a cactus, they say—
It blooms through drought, finds its way.
So too, this soul, though bent with years,
Still gardens hope, still dries its tears.

I write to Macrine in the breeze,
To Derek who cured age with leaves.
To every child who seeks their name,
In stories that outlive the flame.

So here I am, both root and wing,
A poet, father, wandering king.
And every line I leave behind,
Is love preserved, a life defined.

Salamat, Ginoo—my final toast,
For the life I lived, the ones I lost.
For ninety summers, vast and true—For the gift of becoming… and becoming you.

Meanwhile, Did You Know that...... 

One volcano once cooled the entire Earth.

In 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted with explosive force. It was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century.

But its impact reached far beyond the ash cloud.

What really happened?

• Pinatubo shot 20 million tons of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere

• These particles formed a reflective layer around the planet

• That layer blocked sunlight and temporarily cooled Earth by 0.5°C

Yes, half a degree might not sound like much, but it affected global weather.

Cooler temperatures led to shorter growing seasons.

Sunlight levels dropped in many regions.

Even sunsets looked more dramatic due to the volcanic particles.

For a while, one mountain shaped the world’s climate.

Nature has power on a scale we rarely see... and sometimes, it only takes one eruption to shift the balance.

Lastly, Here's my Joke of the Day