I was touched and encouraged to hear from this particular
reader who emailed me his thoughts about the book Subic. I am grateful to share this with the other readers. His letter appeared as is.
Dr. Brown,
I just read Subic and wanted to sincerely thank you for sharing your father's experiences from Subic Bay. I'm a 36 y.o. Filipino-American living in San Diego, CA and have always been fascinated about the history of Subic Bay and Clark AFB. It's saddens me that both Subic and Clark closed down twenty years ago. These two landmarks were the gateways for Americans to live, explore, and appreciate the beauty of the Philippines.
My father also served in the US Navy, but we never got stationed in Subic Bay. While growing up in San Diego since the late 80's, there was abundant amount of Filipino mixed "G.I. babies" around me - in school and neighborhood. Now that Subic and Clark are closed, there are hardly any Filipino "G.I. babies" around anymore.
I can't begin to imagine what personal hardships your Father went through while he served in the US Navy. Being that my father was Filipino and served in the US Navy also, he probably ran into similar discrimination from white sailors and superiors. I admire your father's persistence, dedication, discipline, and tolerance. It's obvious his faith pulled him through all the turmoil he endured. I can honestly say that I'll think of him when I run into a difficult situation.
I developed a fond interest in Subic's and Clark's history. From the various books I've acquired about Subic, I can now somehow live vicariously through the authors and the experiences they've shared in those books about how it was like living in the Philippines via Subic or Clark. So thank you again for writing Subic. Please give my warm regards to your father.
Sincerely,
Francis Arenas
Dr. Brown,
I just read Subic and wanted to sincerely thank you for sharing your father's experiences from Subic Bay. I'm a 36 y.o. Filipino-American living in San Diego, CA and have always been fascinated about the history of Subic Bay and Clark AFB. It's saddens me that both Subic and Clark closed down twenty years ago. These two landmarks were the gateways for Americans to live, explore, and appreciate the beauty of the Philippines.
My father also served in the US Navy, but we never got stationed in Subic Bay. While growing up in San Diego since the late 80's, there was abundant amount of Filipino mixed "G.I. babies" around me - in school and neighborhood. Now that Subic and Clark are closed, there are hardly any Filipino "G.I. babies" around anymore.
I can't begin to imagine what personal hardships your Father went through while he served in the US Navy. Being that my father was Filipino and served in the US Navy also, he probably ran into similar discrimination from white sailors and superiors. I admire your father's persistence, dedication, discipline, and tolerance. It's obvious his faith pulled him through all the turmoil he endured. I can honestly say that I'll think of him when I run into a difficult situation.
I developed a fond interest in Subic's and Clark's history. From the various books I've acquired about Subic, I can now somehow live vicariously through the authors and the experiences they've shared in those books about how it was like living in the Philippines via Subic or Clark. So thank you again for writing Subic. Please give my warm regards to your father.
Sincerely,
Francis Arenas
