GM Tony Somera and Bahala Na members contributed to the making of "BLACK EYE PEAS" BEBOT music video.

Apl was taught how to cut asparagus by GM Tony Somera and Dillon Delvo Executive Director Little Manila .  GM Somera loaned Apl the asparagus knife he is holding in the asparagus field picture below.  That asparagus knife was a gift from GME Leo M. Giron to GM Somera and is the actual knife GME Giron used during the 1930's and 40's, before he was inducted into the Army during WWII.

GM Somera along with Bahala Na Martial Arts members Guro Terry Joven, Guro Phil Matedne and Brandon Kotez were featured in many scenes in the Generation 1 Bebot video.

Stacy Arquines, 15, of Stockton helps paint the Daguhoy Lodge on Hazelton Avenue in Stockton on Aug. 5/ Credit: Michael McCollum/The Record

Little Manila a big plus for city
Though it's unfortunate Stockton's Grohman House met its demise Aug. 5, it was heartening to see the Little Manila Foundation's mission and goals of preservation in action that same day.

The efforts demonstrated by volunteers were worthy of The Record's article ("Preserving a way of life," Aug. 6).

They demonstrated what can be accomplished when a community comes together to rescue a site of historical significance.

Senior generations of Filipino families now can remember the days of yesteryear and share a part of California's history at the museum and community center at the Daguhoy Lodge.

It's important for community leaders and city officials to understand history and the significance of Stockton's geographic locations.

These activities can inspire people to invest in neighborhoods and increase the possibility of revitalizing a community with limited displacement of residents.

As Stockton residents lament the loss of sites of historic interest, we should applaud those rolling up their sleeves to rehabilitate neighborhoods that help make Stockton an All-America City.

Joel Reyna Jr.

Stockton