"Cleland's extensive research process for his book began in 2000 with his reading everything he could locate in English on Philippine history. After three years, he hired a Spanish language expert to assist him in culling data from literature in that language.'Then several of my friends and associates who are Filipino would do the Philippine translations' " "...The scholarly book contains over 50 pages of sources and bibliographic details." Myrna Petlicki, Pioneer Press

"Makes me want to travel to the Philippines to experience the culture first hand." Sgt. Tony Meldahl, US Army, (Retired) military historian for the late author, Iris Chang

"I have finished reading it and appreciated the interest and the enthusiasm for preserving such a monument. I know its value because I have also lived in Europe and in Spain and in Italy and saw their concern for preservation of historical structures." Bishop Joseph Nacua, Catholic Bishop of Ilagan and Isabela Dioceses in the Philippines 

"Congratulations on your big accomplishment."
Veronica Leighton, editor of Via Times

23rd Philippine-American Expo Leadership Award given to James Edward Cleland

"For Outstanding service to the Philippine-American Community"

Aurora "Awee" Abayari, Executive Vice-President/Project Director

The First Tri-Media Group of Companies

"Cleland sets forth justification for a complete renovation of St. Paul the Apostle as a landmark church. He reveals how the church has impacted the formation of the Philippine nation. He pays tribute to the architectural design and originality of the Spanish friars and Filipino craftsmen. He points out the impact and influence of the clergy on government and the people of the Philippines during the colonial period...

In the midst of poverty the people of the Cagayan Valley have begun the process of rebuilding their church, one of the largest, oldest, and most significant churches influential in establishing Catholicism in the Philippines and other countries of Asia...

Cleland's writing is highly readable, interesting, informative, and inspirational. "The Silent Sentinel" will be of keen interest to historians, to students of architecture, to seminarians, and to concerned lay Christians who want to be a part of preserving their heritage."

Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/09)