Hi! Thank you for including Tina's exteded and tallented family here!! Her mum, aunts, cousin... What can you tell me about Julia Andre, she was in only 1 film, right? Do you have screencaps? All the sisters were very beautiful, I'd like to see more of them. Thank you!

Hi Anon!!

Thank you very much for your question and sorry for the late reply...

There is little information about her but I just found a publication from 2010 that I will translate into English but I'll add here the link which is in Spanish:

By Emilia María Consuelo Gracia (Her granddaughter): Consuelo was born in Barahona, Dominican Republic in 1925. She was the ninth daughter of 10 siblings. When she was 19 years old, her sister María Montez took her to Los Angeles, California.

She acted in the movie “Pirates of Monterrey” with her sister but she was not interested in acting in more movies because she was uncomfortable with the language.

So she worked as a model for a short time until she married publicist Kenneth Carter and had four children: Kenny Gracia Carter, William Joaquín Carter, Cristina Carter, and James Randolf Carter. In 2010 she resided in Southern California.

These last four photos are provided by Angel Feliz and along with the information they come from: Barahona Histórica blogspot curated by Pepe Pimentel.

The first three photos come from the documentary “De María África a María Montez, un mito en Technicolor”

Soon I'll search for the film and I'll make screencaps. Thank you very much for your question, and I hope this answer helps you. Have a nice day!!

Eleni xxx

I am Consuelo Diaz, a watercolor enthusiast from the Philippines and an avid learner in the wonderful world of illustration arts (follow me on Instagram!). I graduated from the university with a business degree many years ago and worked in a financial institution for a few years until I started a family.

While raising my children, a daughter and a son, I helped my husband in running a restaurant and volunteered in my children’s school, teaching crafts-making in the girls’ club. I also volunteered at a center that grants 2-year vocational course scholarships to deserving students from low-income families where I taught basic baking, math, and entrepreneurial subjects.

When the children were a little older and my husband went back to working in the corporate world, I went back to the university to pursue a Master’s degree in Child Development. I worked as a preschool teacher soon after.

Aside from the immediate rewards of teaching young children, another favorite part in my teaching career was designing and drawing stage backdrops during school programs which made the school director think I was qualified to handle the art classes in one summer program despite the fact that I had no formal training in art. I taught basic drawing and art appreciation to young children using my artist friend’s syllabus and lesson plans and had a most enjoyable summer that year.

When we moved to our new home in the suburbs, which was far from the school where I worked, I had to give up teaching altogether. After a few years, when my children were working and moved to their own place, I was left with too much time in my hands, more so when they eventually migrated to Australia. And so began my belated foray into the creative world of art and retirement and an ‘empty nest’ were some of the reasons behind it.

My daughter, who was into watercolor painting at that time, encouraged me to sketch and paint with the medium and fill up sketchbooks and journals with my drawings and writing that she could someday compile into a book. A year and a half ago, I started drawing the things that I knew best; things that I treasured most and held dear in my heart.

My favorite things to draw are montages of the my family’s most memorable trips and activities, favorite foods and food haunts, and treasured objects around the house. I have also started on my project of illustrating birds and medicinal plants, most of them endemic to the Philippines.

My daughter has since moved on to colored pencils and pastels, her current favorite medium nowadays, which left me with the sole use of an assortment of Holbein watercolor paints, watercolor brushes and other paraphernalia.

I prefer to work on sketchbooks, both store-bought and handmade ones. I make line drawings with an ink pen (for cold pressed and smooth paper) or a graphite pencil (for rough paper) before I add washes of watercolor. Since I am self-taught, I learn the rudiments of my craft from books and from the works of the artists I follow on social media sites.

More than a year into my craft and it still is a constant series of hits and misses with more of the latter happening. But, I am still enjoying myself so much at the moment that it only takes a few encouraging words from friends to put me back on the creative track. I make sure to get fresh doses of inspiration and ideas from the works of the artists I follow on social media. I like to read art blogs, too, mostly for the reviews of art materials and for some helpful drawing and painting tips from very generous, talented artists.

At first, I was content to be spending time at home doing this most satisfying activity without any pressure to excel or to become a serious painter. I just wanted a way to document my own life, to find pleasurable ways of self-expression and to make good use of my free time. Now, I believe that the ultimate joy in a creative life could be in honing and bettering my craft, the possibility of a career in art no matter how late in life, and belonging to a group of like-minded creatives in the pursuit of these art goals.

Consuelo Diaz Instagram

GUEST ARTIST: Art Strokes And Heartstrings - #WorldWatercolorGroup #doodlewash #usk I am Consuelo Diaz, a watercolor enthusiast from the Philippines and an avid learner in the wonderful world of illustration arts (

Bunawan residents thankful for the assistance from Senator Bong Go

#PHinfo: Bunawan residents thankful for the assistance from Senator Bong Go

BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur, Jan. 4 – The residents of different barangays in the municipality of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur are thankful as they received the assistance from Senator Christopher “Bong” Go during his recent visit to residents affected by Tropical Depression Vicky, right before welcoming the new year 2021.   On Tuesday, December 29, Go and his team initiated a distribution activity held at the Zotico Moday Sports Complex and Cultural Center of said municipality. There, a total of 500 typhoon victims were provided with meals/food, medicine packs, vitamins, masks and face shields while strictly complying with health and safety protocols to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

“Ang hindi ko makakalimutan na sikreto ni Presidente [Rodrigo] Duterte na kanyang itinuro sa akin ay ang unahin at mahalin mo ang kapwa Pilipino mo — dito, hinding-hindi ka magkakamali (One thing that I could never forget President Rodrigo Duterte told me is to love and prioritize our co-Filipino – and one will never regret it),” Go began in his speech.   “Kung mamatay man ako papauwi, masaya ako dahil nakapunta ako ng Bunawan at nakapagserbisyo ako sa mga kapwa ko (Should I die as I go home, I’d be happy that I was able to visit Bunawan and was able to give the services to you),” he continued.   During Go’s visit, selected indigents have received shoes from the senator.  Others were provided with bicycles for their commute to work given limited public transportation options. Another set of beneficiaries were given tablets so their children can participate better in the blended learning set-up being implemented in schools.   The Senator, also the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, acknowledged that the pandemic had overburdened many people with their medical and healthcare needs. Given this, he offered to assist those in need of medical assistance.   “Lapitan nyo lang kami. Tutulong kami sa pampagamot ninyo. Kung anumang karamdaman ninyo, susuporta kami. Dahil para sa amin, importante ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino (Just approach us. We will help you in your medical needs. Whatever illness or sickness you have, we are here to give support. Because for us, life of each Filipino is important),” he said.   He also advised them that they may conveniently seek further aid from government through the Malasakit Center at the Butuan Medical Center in Butuan City or neighboring Compostela Valley Provincial Hospital in Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. He promised that a Malasakit Center would also be opened in Agusan del Sur soon.    “Batas na po ang Malasakit Center. Para po ito sa bawat Pilipino. At sisiguraduhin namin na magkakaroon rin ng ganito dito sa probinsya ninyo para matulungan ang mga taga rito na nangangailangan ng tulong pangkalusugan (The Malasakit Center is already a law. This is for all the Filipino people. And we assure you that the province of Agusan del Sur will also have this soon to address your health needs),” he said.   The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where Filipino patients can conveniently avail medical assistance from the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.   The Senator also reminded everyone to cooperate with the government, remain vigilant, and follow health protocols to put a stop to the spread of COVID-19 especially as the New Year is fast approaching.   “Pakiusap, ‘wag muna mag-party sa New Year dahil delikado pa ang panahon. Sumunod tayo sa gobyerno. Ginagawa naman ito para sa inyong kapakanan. We need your cooperation (I am appealing to everyone to avoid having parties as we celebrate the New Year since it is still not safe during this time of the pandemic. Obey the government. We are doing this for your safety. We need your cooperation),” he appealed.   “Kapag mayroon na pong safe na vaccine, uunahin namin ni Presidente ang mga mahihirap, vulnerable at lahat ng mga frontliners para makabalik na kayo sa normal ninyong pamumuhay (Once we have the vaccine, the President will see to it that those who are poor, vulnerable and all the frontliners will get it first ans with hope that we could all have a normal living),” he added.   Aside from the aid that Go’s office provided, national agencies also extended assistance as part of the holistic approach of government to help affected communities recover and build back better.   Representatives of the DSWD provided each beneficiary with separate financial assistance to cover their immediate needs.   The Department of Agriculture (DA) supplied the local farmers’ cooperative with a recirculating-type grain dryer, assorted vegetable seeds and rice seeds. It also offered financial grants to help farmers purchase other equipment and supplies.   The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) extended further support by distributing checks to qualified farmers. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provided aid to local coconut farmers in the form of financial assistance, fertilizers, rice, chickens and eggs while indigenous farmers received separate financial support. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), in turn, provided fisherfolk with fiber glass paddle boats and tilapia fingerlings.   In addition to the above, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), all committed to extend aid upon completing their assessments.   During his speech, the Senator expressed his appreciation for all the local officials for their untiring service throughout a tremendously challenging year. He recognized Governor Santiago Cane Jr.; Vice Governor Samuel Tortor; 2nd District Board Member Edwin Elorde; Mayor Sylvia Elorde; Vice Mayor Gilbert Elorde; Councilors Elmer Desales, June Barrios, Ruth Amador, Cipriano Dique, Ednard Gil Elorde, George Villanueva, Ronald Cesar Bustillo, Rolito Peñaloga; and ABC President Rudy Ayala, among others.   He also thanked Bunawan Brook Punong Barangay Emelio Saberdo, Poblacion Punong Barangay Antonio Barrios, Nueva Era Punong Barangay Joel Largo, San Andres Punong Barangay Candelario Salas, Consuelo Punong Barangay Gregorio Maloloy-on, Libertad Punong Barangay Fernando Luna, Mambalili Punong Barangay Jammy Vab Montes, San Teodoro Punong Barangay Charlito Rensulat, Imelda Punong Barangay Ronald Anteg, and SK President Kinny Caballes.       Similar activities were carried out by the Senator’s outreach teams for 1,000 typhoon victims in the towns of Prosperidad and Rosario on December 28 and 29, respectively. (Office of SBG/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Bunawan residents thankful for the assistance from Senator Bong Go." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062870 (accessed January 04, 2021 at 10:33AM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Bunawan residents thankful for the assistance from Senator Bong Go." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1062870 (archived).

Five Interesting Nonfiction Books

1.The Tale of the Rose

Consuelo and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry met in Buenos Aires in 1930—she a seductive young widow, he a brave pioneer of early aviation, decorated for his acts of heroism in the deserts of North Africa. He was large in his passions, a fierce loner with a childlike appetite for danger. She was frail and voluble, exotic and capricious. Within hours of their first encounter, he knew he would have her as his wife.(goodreads)

2.Paris Under Water: How the City of Light Survived the Great Flood of 1910

In the winter of 1910, the river that brought life to Paris—the Seine—became a force of destruction in just a matter of hours. Torrential rainfall saturated the soil, and faulty engineering created conditions that soon drowned Parisian streets, homes, businesses, and museums, thrusting the City of Light into a battle with the elements. Given the Parisians' history of deep-seated social, religious, and political strife, many worried that they wouldn't be able to collaborate to confront the crisis. Yet while the sewers, Métro, and electricity failed around them, Parisians of all backgrounds rallied to save the city and one another. Improvising techniques to keep Paris functioning and braving the dangers of collapsing infrastructure and looters, leaders and residents alike answered the call to action.(goodreads)

3.A Train in Winter

They were teachers, students, chemists, writers, and housewives; a singer at the Paris Opera, a midwife, a dental surgeon. They distributed anti-Nazi leaflets, printed subversive newspapers, hid resisters, secreted Jews to safety, transported weapons, and conveyed clandestine messages. The youngest was a schoolgirl of fifteen who scrawled "V" for victory on the walls of her lycée; the eldest, a farmer's wife in her sixties who harbored escaped Allied airmen. Strangers to each other, hailing from villages and cities from across France, these brave women were united in hatred and defiance of their Nazi occupiers.(goodreads)

4.The Widow Clicquot

The Widow Clicquot is the New York Times bestselling business biography of the visionary young widow who built a champagne empire, became a legend in her tumultuous times, and showed the world how to live with style. Tilar J. Mazzeo brings to life the woman behind the label, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, in this utterly intoxicating book that is as much a fascinating journey through the process of making this temperamental wine as a biography of a uniquely tempered and fascinating woman. (goodreads)

5.The Blood of Free Men: The Liberation of Paris, 1944

As the Allies struggled inland from Normandy in August of 1944, the fate of Paris hung in the balance. Other jewels of Europe—sites like Warsaw, Antwerp, and Monte Cassino—were, or would soon be, reduced to rubble during attempts to liberate them. But Paris endured, thanks to a fractious cast of characters, from Resistance cells to Free French operatives to an unlikely assortment of diplomats, Allied generals, and governmental officials. Their efforts, and those of the German forces fighting to maintain control of the city, would shape the course of the battle for Europe and color popular memory of the conflict for generations to come.(goodreads)

Army participates in clean-up drive, tree planting in AgSur

#PHinfo: Army participates in clean-up drive, tree planting in AgSur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 12 - The Charlie (Cyborg) Company of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion has actively participated in the Simultaneous River Clean-Up/River for Life Program and Tree Planting Activity held on February 7, 2020 in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

The activity started with a Zumba exercise, solidarity walk, and followed by the river clean-up and tree planting.

This was joined by the local government unit headed by municipal administrator Marvin B. Mique; Department of Environment and Natural Resources - City Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) of Bunawan headed by forester Jerome H. Albia; Municipal Police Station headed by PCpt. Joburt Agpaoa; Alpha Phi Omega International (Philippines), Incorporated; Monalisa Fraternity and Sorority; PHILSAGA Mining Corporation; Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT); MENRO of Trento; MENRO of Sta. Josefa; MENRO of Bunawan; Barangay Council of Brgy. Consuelo; and personnel of Charlie Company, 75IB led by 1Lt. Begie P De Jesus, company commander and LTC Warren C Munda, commanding officer of 75IB.

The various participating agencies have willfully took their part in the commitment towards the preservation and environmental protection as the activity aims to fight against climate change; helping the community to protect and conserve the Coo creek, and all the natural resources within the area.

Moreover, they collected 74.7 kilos of assorted plastic garbage and planted 300 molave seedlings.

Meanwhile, punong barangay Gregorio B. Maloloy-on, Sr. of  Consuelo, expressed his appreciation to those who participated in the activity and emphasized the importance of preserving the nature that will benefit the next generations. (Cpt. Edwin Leo J. Francisco, CMO officer, 75IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

***

References:

* Philippine Information Agency. "Army participates in clean-up drive, tree planting in AgSur." Philippine Information Agency. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034423 (accessed February 13, 2020 at 03:08PM UTC+08).

* Philippine Infornation Agency. "Army participates in clean-up drive, tree planting in AgSur." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034423 (archived).