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Copyright ©1999, 2000, 2001 by Basta Pinoy News All rights reserved. Basta Pinoy!™ News, Asiana Post™, Radio-TV Pilipino Network™ area Trade Marks of Basta Pinoy News Terms of Use.  Privacy Policy. 

BASTA PINOY NEWS
ILLINOIS COMMUNITY

Cherrie May Ortiz:
A warm breeze in the windy city

The car stood still in the middle of the congested road, bound by smoke-belching vehicles on all sides, engine pistons chattering in unison. 

As she surrendered to the thick prospect of getting stuck in Manila traffic, a barely discernible tapping drew her attention to a cute urchin's outstretched shabby little palms. Kind-hearted and with a sense of compassion, she pulled out the few coins that her purse offered and gave these to the waiting street child. To her surprise, a frowned look and disappointment glowered on the child's face.

Demonstrating contempt for the less than sufficient handout, the waif palmed the length of the car with grubby hands, sorely defacing the car's enamelled surface. As the child disappeared into the phalanx of bright colored jeepneys, she, Cherrie, felt sad.

Children with no shoes, in torn and ragged clothing are such a scene that pinched her heart. She wished she could have done something for these little treasures. But then, she was only twelve years old, a little girl with a big heart for love and compassion. 

Hearing a story such as Cherrie May's makes one feel touched by a warm breeze on a cold windy night.

Cherrie May Ortiz, born in Chicago in 1982, is the daughter of Eli and Evangeline Ortiz.

Eli, originally from Paete, Laguna, is probably “the most hardworking father around,” says Cherrie. She also says that her mother, Evangeline from Pampanga, is “the most caring mother one can ever have.” In their home, parents rule, but then everything is negotiable. "This is where Mom is a big help," says Cherrie May.

A female having both personality and brains, by society’s unwritten rules, is likely a winner. Its like being dealt a "Full House" in a card game. Cherrie May Ortiz, providently possessing beauty, brains, talent, responsibility, and compassion, we believe holds a "Royal Flush". See how her cards are laid out: Academic achievements include winning 2nd place in the School Spelling bee in her 5th grade, winning the Presidential Award in her 8th & 12th grade, winning the National Math Award in 12th grade. Cherrie May has has maintained straight A's since grade school and has always been on the high honor roll. She has received numerous "Excellence in Mathematics" Awards and graduated a valedictorian at West Chicago Community High. Presently, Cherrie May attends the University of Illinois at Chicago-UIC in the college of engineering (Chemical). Previously she was a member of SADD-Students Against Driving Drunk, a member of the math team, member of the Foreign National Honor Society, and member of the National Honor Society. 

Cherrie May's beauty is not up for discussion. It's a given. Period. She's held the title "Miss Mindanao" in 1998, been the "Miss Paete" 1998-2000 for the Midwestern Paete, Laguna Association, and has the distinction of being Chicago’s "Miss Philippine Independence Queen 2000". 

Unlike others who may not find time for their community, Cherrie May volunteers at a nursing home and a member of the FIA (Filipinos in Alliance). She's also played in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) for three years. 

More on BASTA PINOY! NEWS’ interview with Cherrie May:

BP: What can you say about your homeland, the Philippines, which had been attracting negative attention throughout the world: its current political scandals; it being a source of a destructive computer virus; the kidnappings?

CHERRIE: These are the realities of life. But compared to other countries, we have our values. I look around here in America for example and see kids, like my cousins, playing with their hi-tech toys. What I saw in the Philippines is that they make do with what they have. They might play with flattened tin cans on a stick of wood, but I think they are happy. There may be a lot of financially disadvantage people, but they stick together as a family. That counts most. The family unit. Staying together.

BP: You won the Miss Philippine Independence Pageant last May. How did you get involved in the Pageant?

CHERRIE: My Mom's friends were very persistent in recruiting me to be a candidate. I really didn't want to. My parents advised that it is up to me. There were a lot people and friends who really wanted me to join, and I did not want to disappoint those who believe in me. 

BP: Are you more of a leader or a follower?

CHERRIE: I am a leader in my own way. If there are things that need to be done I would not hesitate to gather people around me to undertake a task. At the same time I would work with others as a team. You could accomplish more that way.

BP: What were your thoughts on your first trip to the Philippines?

CHERRIE: I was excited going back to my roots. But then I felt sad for a lot of the less fortunate people. Especially the poor little kids, they don't have shoes, no nice clothes.

BP: Do you think Filipino-American kids should at least learn to speak Pilipino?

CHERRIE: They should always know and understand their heritage and should be able to pass this to their children. Weekend community lessons on the Filipino language would be a good idea.


BP: Considering the present situation in the Philippines, do you think there is still a chance things could get better?

CHERRIE: It might take a long time, but it will come.

BP: What is your most memorable experience?

CHERRIE: When my family and I visited my Aunt in Indiana. They have a Lake by their place and my Dad taught me how to jetski. Before, I would just like.. ride with him.. this time I learned to do it on my own. It was very exciting!

BP: What is your goal in life?

CHERRIE Aside from learning to skydive and being a successful chemical engineer, I would see to it that I have a happy family life and live my life to the fullest!


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You may send suggestions of personalities we could interview at interview@bastapinoy.com