Three Identical Strangers-An Award-Winning Documentary

Three Identical Strangers is a 2018 documentary film directed by Tim Wardle. It tells the incredible true story of triplets who were separated at birth and reunited by chance at the age of 19. The film begins in 1980, when Bobby Shafran arrives at college and is mistaken for someone named Eddy Galland. Soon, the two realize they are twins who were adopted into different families. Their story makes headlines, and a third brother, David Kellman, sees their photo in the newspaper and contacts them. The triplets are overjoyed to reunite and become media sensations.

At first, the reunion is heartwarming. The brothers are eerily similar — they share the same mannerisms, taste in food, and even smoke the same brand of cigarettes. They appear on talk shows, open a restaurant together, and enjoy their newfound fame. However, the film takes a darker turn as they begin to uncover the truth behind their separation.

It is revealed that the triplets were intentionally separated as part of a secret scientific study conducted by psychiatrist Peter Neubauer. The study, funded by a private adoption agency and a Jewish social service organization, aimed to observe how different parenting styles would affect genetically identical siblings. The families were never told about the experiment.

The psychological impact of the separation becomes clear as the film progresses. One of the brothers, Eddy, struggles with mental health issues and tragically takes his own life. The film explores the ethical implications of the experiment and raises questions about nature vs. nurture, identity, and free will.

Three Identical Strangers is both a fascinating and heartbreaking film. It shows how science can cross moral boundaries and how deep the bond between siblings can be, even when separated for years. The documentary leaves a lasting emotional impact.

The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Storytelling. It was nominated for Best Documentary at the 72nd British Academy Film Awards, and was also on the short list of 15 films (out of 166 candidates) considered for nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards, though it was not selected as one of the final five nominees for the award. It can be viewed free at TUBI.  For Details visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Identical_Strangers

Meanwhile, Did you know that....

In 2014, researchers found ringwoodite in a diamond from Earth’s mantle, proving that water exists deep below the surface—not as liquid, but trapped in a sponge-like crystal structure. This zone may store three times the volume of all our surface oceans combined. It potentially regulates Earth's tectonic movements, volcanic activity, and even long-term climate. The idea of a hidden reservoir beneath our feet is mind-boggling—and it rewrites how we understand Earth’s water cycle and planetary stability.

Finally, Did you Know that.....

Scientists believe dogs may be evolving in real time, as their behavior and intelligence adapt more deeply to human life.

Research shows many dogs now recognize human emotions, follow social cues, and even outperform primates in certain communicative tasks. In cities, stray dogs have been seen using crosswalks and riding public transport, suggesting rapid cognitive shifts. These changes, along with genetic differences from wolves, point to a new chapter in canine evolution, one driven largely by their unique bond with humans.

Introducing Bill Obenchain and His Oil Portraits of His Parents by M.Abellana

This is the analysis of the photo of Bill Obenchain father and mother by Martino Abellana, a well-known Cebuano painter taken or made in 1945 in Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. William  (Bill) is my neighbor here at THD. The short biographies of Bill and his Father are attached below. 

This appears to be an oil portrait signed by Abellana, dated 1945, and labeled Carcar, Cebu, suggesting it is by Martino Abellana, a prominent Filipino painter known as the “Dean of Cebuano Painters.”  

Analysis of the Artwork

1. Subject:

• The painting depicts a Western man, likely a military officer, suggested by his uniform (note the epaulettes and military-style shirt).

• His expression is calm, dignified, and reflective, possibly indicating a formal portrait commissioned during or after World War II.

2. Style and Technique:

• Medium: Oil on canvas.

• Technique: Realist style with soft, blended brushwork. Abellana was classically trained and influenced by the conservative realism taught at UP School of Fine Arts and his mentor, Fernando Amorsolo.

• Lighting: Subtle chiaroscuro (light/dark contrast) to emphasize the facial structure and depth, a signature of classical portraiture.

• Palette: Earth tones and subdued colors, creating a serious and respectful mood.

3. Historical Context:

• 1945 was the final year of WWII. The presence of an American or Allied officer in Carcar, Cebu, reflects the re-establishment of U.S. military presence after the Japanese occupation.

• The portrait may have been commissioned by or for an American serviceman stationed in the Philippines at the end of the war — a gesture of appreciation, commemoration, or personal memento.

4. Signature:

• The painting is signed in the upper right (viewer's perspective), reading:

  vbnet
  Abellana
  Carcar '45
  

This direct inscription anchors the piece both geographically and historically. Carcar was Martino Abellana’s hometown and a cultural center in southern Cebu.

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Art Historical Value:

This work could be of historical and cultural significance, especially if:

• The subject’s identity is known (e.g., a notable figure in the liberation of Cebu).

• It is confirmed to be by Martino Abellana, as his wartime and immediate postwar works are relatively rare and valued in Philippine art history.

Who is Martino Abellana?

Martino Abellana (1914–1986) was a prominent Filipino painter, often referred to as "The Dean of Cebuano Painters." He was known for his masterful command of realism and portraiture, with a strong foundation in classical techniques.

Background:

• Born in Carcar, Cebu, into an artistic family—his father, Teofilo Abellana, was also a noted sculptor and painter.

• Studied at the University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts, where he was mentored by Fernando Amorsolo, the Philippines’ first National Artist.

• Returned to Cebu after his studies and became a major force in promoting fine arts in the Visayas region.

Artistic Style:

• Abellana's works are characterized by:

  • Realist and impressionist techniques

  • Strong draftsmanship

  • Sensitive portrayal of human figures

  • Use of warm light and shadow reminiscent of Amorsolo

He painted portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes, often capturing the dignity of everyday Filipino life and the natural beauty of Cebu.

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Appraisal Considerations:

If your painting is authentically by Martino Abellana, especially dated 1945, it could have significant value, especially among collectors of:

• Philippine postwar art

• WWII-era memorabilia

• Cebuano or regional fine art

Factors Affecting Value:

1. Authenticity:

   • Signature and inscription are present ("Abellana Carcar 1945"), which is a good start.

   • A professional appraiser can verify brushwork, materials, and style consistency with known works.

2. Condition:

   • From the photo, the painting appears generally well-preserved with some expected age wear.

   • Cleanliness, canvas stability, and absence of overpainting or major damage enhance value.

3. Provenance:

   • Documentation of the painting's history—who commissioned it, how it was preserved, and past ownership—adds value.

   • If the subject is a known historical figure (e.g., U.S. officer in WWII Philippines), that adds historical significance.

4. Market Trends:

   • Abellana’s works are not frequently auctioned internationally, but in the Philippine art market, his paintings can command solid prices.

   • As of the last known valuations:

     • Small oil portraits: ₱150,000–₱400,000 (~$2,500–$7,000)

     • Larger or historically significant pieces: Much higher

Recommended Next Steps:

1. Get a professional appraisal from a recognized art appraiser or auction house in the Philippines (like Leon Gallery, Salcedo Auctions, or Galleria Duemila).

2. Conservation assessment if you plan to restore or preserve it.

3. Research the subject—any documentation or family history connected to the sitter could boost its value and historical interest.

Martino Abellana (1914–1988), known as "Noy Tinong", was a renowned Cebuano painter from Carcar. Dubbed "The Dean of Cebuano Painters", he was born to an artistic family. His main influence was his father, who was a school principal and a sculptor. Martino, along with his four brothers, including renowned sculptor and composer Dr. Ramon Abellana, were exposed to art early, and they helped their father with his sculptures.

Martino Abellana (1914-1986) is a central figure in the development of most Cebuano artists. Born to an artistic family, he was exposed to art early. His father, Teofilo, a school principal and assiduous reader, was the sculptor of Carcar, and his elder brother, Ramon a dentist by profession, is also a sculptor as well as a musician and composer of original pieces. Even his grandfather, Saloy Abellana, was an apprentice to Isabelo Tampingco in Manila. 

An all-around artist, Martino was a composer, painter, sculptor, embroiderer of liturgical vestments and an expert in arnis de mano. A painting of his was brought to the Manila Carnival to represent Cebu. 

Career

Martino pursued a career in the arts, finishing his formal art education at the School of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines Manila. Among his teachers were the famous masters Fernando Amorsolo and Guillermo Tolentino. As an undergraduate, he helped his brother Ramon conceptualized the famous Carcar landmark, "Rotunda," by making sketches.

Martino Abellana Nude Painting

Martino Abellana lived, worked and taught in Cebu, despite graduating with his degree in the fine arts in Manila. He facilitated the local development of art in Cebu together with his contemporary painter and friend Professor Julian Jumalon, and helped found the fine arts program at University of the Philippines College Cebu, where he left his greatest legacy by influencing an entire generation of Cebuano painters. For Details visit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martino_Abellana

other martino abellana paintings

This is a beautiful and skillful oil painting that appears to be a portrait of a young woman, signed by Martino Abellana, a respected Filipino painter from Carcar, Cebu, Philippines. She was the mother of Bill Obenchain, my neighbor here at THD. 

Here’s a closer analysis of the painting:

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🎨 Visual Analysis

1. Subject & Expression:

• The young woman in the painting exudes a calm, introspective mood. Her gaze is slightly off to the side, not directed at the viewer, which adds a thoughtful, contemplative atmosphere.

• Her expression is serene yet distant—evocative of inner thought or quiet resilience.

2. Composition & Technique:

• Abellana used classical portraiture techniques: subtle chiaroscuro (light and shadow) to model the face, creating a three-dimensional effect.

• The brushwork is smooth and refined, particularly in the rendering of the facial features and hair, demonstrating Abellana’s academic training and attention to detail.

3. Color & Texture:

• The color palette is warm, muted, and naturalistic. The soft brown background contrasts gently with the subject's fair skin and white blouse, drawing attention to her face.

• The texture of the fabric is convincingly captured, especially the buttons and seams on the blouse, showing his mastery in realism.

4. Signature:

• Bottom right, it is signed:

  css
  M. Abellana
  Carcar - Cebu
  P.I. 1948
  

  • "P.I." stands for "Philippine Islands," which was a common designation before full Philippine independence in 1946 but was still sometimes used a couple of years after.

  • The date 1948 helps place this in the early post-war period, a time of national rebuilding and cultural revival in the Philippines.

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🧑‍🎨 About Martino Abellana (1914–1988)

• Often called “The Dean of Cebuano Painters”, Abellana was known for his strong academic training and ability to capture human emotion and realism.

• He studied at the School of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines and was influenced by classical Western traditions but remained deeply rooted in Filipino themes.

• His work often reflected a deep sensitivity to his subjects, whether portraits, landscapes, or still life.

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🖼️ Cultural and Historical Context

• A portrait like this from 1948 likely commemorated a family member or a loved one, perhaps marking a significant life event (graduation, engagement, etc.).

• This type of commission was typical in middle- to upper-class Filipino families who valued European-style realism and formal portraiture.

• The clothing suggests a post-WWII sensibility—neat, utilitarian, yet elegant.

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💬 Final Thoughts

This painting is not only a fine example of Martino Abellana’s technical prowess but also a meaningful artifact of Filipino cultural and family history. If this is a family heirloom, it is a truly valuable piece—both sentimentally and artistically.

Here's a short biography of Bill's Father. Knowing the provenance of the painting will add a lot of value of the above painting.  

Richard Forrest Obenchain (1916-1990)

Born 1916 Logansport, Indiana

B.S. 1938 Purdue University, Civil Engineering

During WW II he worked as a civilian naval architect in Philadelphia and then the Brooklyn Navy yards mostly designing landing craft.

I am not sure when he entered the Navy, probably 1943 or 1944.  He worked as an undersea diver  raising sunken ships to clear harbors.  He was in the Battle for Leyte Gulf.  His ship was sunk, he was rescued, and then the ship that rescued him was sunk.

Sometime during his time in the  Philippines he commissioned the two portraits that you saw.  His was painted from life and my mother’s, Lorraine Reder Obenchain, from a photograph.  At that time he was a 1st Lieutenant.

After the war, he stayed in the Naval Reserve for a number of years rising to the rank of Lt, Commander. As a civilian he was a design and construction  engineer working in the steel industry.  He started his own engineering firm which he managed for over 20 years. He was a serious amatuer painter.  

Personal Note: Because Richard Oberchain was also a painter, he must have befriended the Artistic Abellana Family of Carcar, Cebu. Richard Painting was done in person, but the painting of his wife is from a photograph according to Bill. 

For Details visit:  https://pia.gov.ph/cebu-steps-up-call-to-name-martino-abellana-as-national-artist/#:~:text=Abellana%20was%20born%20from%20an,town%20and%20in%20Cebu%20City.

Finally, here's a short Bio of William ( Bill) A. Obenchain, my neighbor here at the Fairmont Building. I was Bill's greeter when he moved here last March. Again, Welcome! 

Born: 1943 Philadelphia Pennsylvania

USMC, Sgt, 1966 - 1970

B.S. 1975 University of Pittsburgh, Chemistry

M.S. 1985 University of Pittsburgh, Metallurgical Engineering

Worked approx. 40 years for the steel (primarily), foundry, and copper industries in plant design, pollution control, research and development, new technology implementation, and sales.  Retired 2008.  Married 52 years to Barbara Popeck Obenchain.  

    Son: Matthew, Mechanical Engineer, living in Baltimore Maryland.

    Daughter, Victoria, teaching in Moraga California and living in Walnut Creek.

Interests:  History, Art, foreign travel, college football.

Religion and Roman Catholicism in the United States

This posting is inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, as well as a question of a Fellow Resident about my religion as a Filipino- American who immigrated to the US in the 1960's as a 26-year-old graduate student. Here are my queries from ChatGPT:  Do you have data on the various religious groups in the US

Here are data on the various religious groups in the United States. The religious landscape of the U.S. is diverse and has been changing over time. Here is an overview based on recent data, primarily from the Pew Research Center, PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute), and U.S. Census-style surveys (though the U.S. Census itself does not collect religious affiliation data):

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🔹 Major Religious Groups in the United States (approximate figures as of early-to-mid 2020s):

1. Christianity (about 63%)

• Protestants (approx. 40%)

  • Evangelical Protestant (22–25%)

  • Mainline Protestant (14–15%)

  • Historically Black Protestant (5–7%)

• Catholics (approx. 20–21%)

  

• Latter-day Saints (Mormons) (1.5%)

• Orthodox Christians (<1%)

• Jehovah’s Witnesses (<1%)

2. Unaffiliated ("Nones") – about 30–31%

• Atheists (~4–5%)

• Agnostics (~5–6%)

• "Nothing in particular" (~20%)

3. Other Religions – about 6–7%

• Judaism (~1.7–2%)

• Islam (~1.1–1.3%)

• Buddhism (~1%)

• Hinduism (~1%)

• Other (Sikhism, New Age, Native spiritualities, etc.) (~1%)

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📈 Trends in U.S. Religion:

• Decline of Christianity: In 1990, over 85% of Americans identified as Christian. That number has declined steadily.

• Rise of the "Nones": The religiously unaffiliated have grown significantly in the last 30 years.

• Religious switching: A significant number of Americans change religious affiliation during their lifetime—Christian to unaffiliated being the most common shift.

• Increasing diversity: Non-Christian faiths (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) are slowly growing due to immigration and second-generation retention.

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📍Regional Differences:

• The South is most religious (especially Evangelical Protestant and Black Protestant).

• The Northeast has more Catholics and Jews.

• The West has a high percentage of religious "Nones" and Asian religions.

• The Midwest is mixed but traditionally Christian (mainline Protestants, Catholics).

Here's a detailed breakdown of Roman Catholics in the United States, covering demographics, geography, ethnicity, religious practice, and trends:

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🇺🇸 Roman Catholics in the U.S. – A Detailed Overview

📊 Population Size

• Total Catholics: ~21% of U.S. adults (~55–60 million people)

• Largest single Christian denomination in the U.S.

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🌍 Geographic Distribution

Region	Catholic Population (%)	Notes
Northeast	~30%+	Strongest presence (NY, MA, PA) due to Irish, Italian, Polish roots
Midwest	~22–25%	Especially in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota
South	~17–20%	Growing rapidly due to Hispanic immigration
West	~28–30%	Especially strong in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

The U.S. has 197 dioceses and over 16,000 parishes, with the largest being Los Angeles Archdiocese.

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Ethnic and Racial Composition

Ethnic Group	% of U.S. Catholics	Notes
White (Non-Hispanic)	~43–45%	Once the dominant group, now shrinking
Hispanic/Latino	~41–43%	Fastest-growing group; majority in the Southwest
Black (Non-Hispanic)	~3–4%	Often part of urban parishes
Asian-American	~4–5%	Many Filipino, Vietnamese, and Indian Catholics
Other/Mixed	~3–5%	Includes Native American, Pacific Islander, etc.

Note: Among millennial and Gen Z Catholics, Hispanics are the majority.

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📅 Religious Practice

Practice	% of Catholics	Notes
Attend Mass weekly	~17–20%	Declining; older Catholics attend more
Pray daily	~60%	Still relatively strong
Believe in Real Presence (Eucharist)	~30%	Recent Pew survey showed theological confusion
Go to Confession yearly	~40%	Infrequent for most

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🧭 Political and Social Views

• Catholics are politically divided:

  • ~50% lean or vote Democrat (especially Hispanic Catholics)

  • ~45% lean Republican (especially White Catholics)

• On moral/social issues, views are mixed:

  • More liberal on immigration, healthcare

  • More conservative on abortion, religious freedom

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⛪ Vocations and Leadership

• Priests: ~35,000 (diocesan + religious); declining numbers

• Bishops: 430+, including cardinals like Timothy Dolan, Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Wilton Gregory

• Women Religious (nuns): ~36,000; aging population

• Permanent Deacons: ~19,000; growing role in parishes

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📉 Trends and Challenges

• Decline in attendance and vocations

• Closure of parishes and Catholic schools in urban and rural areas

• Clergy abuse crisis has eroded trust, especially since 2002

• Latino retention: Many young Latinos are becoming religiously unaffiliated despite being raised Catholic

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✨ Notable Facts

• The U.S. has the 4th largest Catholic population in the world, after Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

• Catholicism is growing globally, but declining in the U.S. and Europe.

• There are 70+ Catholic universities, including Notre Dame, Georgetown, and Boston College.

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Here's a detailed look at Filipino-American Catholics, a vibrant and deeply rooted part of the U.S. Catholic Church:

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🇵🇭 Filipino-American Catholics in the U.S.

📊 Population Size

• Total Filipino-Americans: ~4.5 million (as of 2024)

• Estimated Catholics: ~80–85%, or around 3.5 to 3.8 million

• Filipinos form the third-largest Asian-American group (after Chinese and Indian Americans), but are the most Catholic among them.

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🗺️ Geographic Concentration

State/City	Filipino Catholic Presence
California	Largest population (esp. Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area)
Hawaii	Deep historical presence; many in Honolulu Diocese
Nevada	Especially Las Vegas
New York & New Jersey	Strong parish networks
Texas & Florida	Growing presence due to migration and nursing careers

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🙏 Religious Practices & Traditions

Filipino-American Catholics are known for strong devotional practices, often blending Filipino culture with Catholic liturgy:

• Simbang Gabi: 9-day Advent Masses before Christmas, widely celebrated in U.S. parishes

• Sto. Niño devotion: Processions and fiestas in January

• Marian devotion: Flores de Mayo and rosary groups

• Santacruzan: A cultural-religious pageant honoring the Virgin Mary in May

• Prayer Groups: Charismatic, Legion of Mary, Couples for Christ, El Shaddai

• Overseas Community Link: Many still financially support parishes and dioceses in the Philippines

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🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Demographic Traits

• Many are first- or second-generation immigrants

• A significant number work in healthcare, especially nurses

• Intergenerational faith transmission is strong but faces challenges among U.S.-born children

• High participation in choirs, liturgical ministries, and parish life

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🏫 Parishes & Organizations

• Filipino Catholics are active in multicultural parishes and also form their own associations:

  • Filipino Priests USA

  • National Assembly of Filipino Priests

  • Filipino Catholic Ministry offices in large dioceses (e.g., Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago)

• Regularly host diocesan Filipino masses, retreats, and festivals

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👥 Clergy and Religious

• Dozens of Filipino-American priests serve across U.S. dioceses, especially in California, New Jersey, and Hawaii

• Some Filipino bishops in the U.S. (e.g., Bishop Oscar Solis of Salt Lake City – the first Filipino-American bishop)

• Many Filipino nuns (especially RVM, SPC, OSB, and Dominican Sisters) work in schools and hospitals

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🧭 Challenges

• Second-generation retention: Many U.S.-born Filipino youth drift toward being "nones" or less active

• Cultural identity: Balancing faith with Americanization

• Underrepresentation in national Catholic leadership despite strong grassroots presence

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✨ Distinct Contributions to U.S. Catholicism

• Deep Marian and Eucharistic devotion

• Cultural emphasis on family and community

• A spirit of joyful service in parishes and healthcare

• Rich tradition of Catholic festivals and music

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Here’s a short and uplifting write-up suitable for a church newsletter:

🇵🇭 Filipino Catholics: A Vibrant Presence in the U.S. Church

Filipino-American Catholics are one of the most vibrant and faithful communities in the U.S. Church today. With an estimated 3.5 to 3.8 million Filipino Catholics across the country, they bring a rich spiritual heritage deeply rooted in prayer, family, and joyful devotion.

From Simbang Gabi in Advent to Sto. Niño festivals and Marian processions like Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan, Filipino Catholics enliven parish life with colorful traditions that blend culture and faith. Many serve actively as choir members, Eucharistic ministers, and leaders in prayer groups like Couples for Christ and the Legion of Mary.

California, Hawaii, New York, and Nevada are home to large Filipino Catholic populations, but their presence is growing nationwide, especially in healthcare and education sectors. Despite challenges in passing on the faith to younger generations, Filipino families remain deeply committed to the Church and often support both local parishes and communities back home in the Philippines.

Their deep love for the Eucharist, strong Marian devotion, and joyful witness continue to enrich the Church in the U.S., reminding us that faith, when lived with heart and community, knows no borders.

Meanwhile, Did you know that...

One of the most beautiful frogs in the world. The Azure dart frog (Dendrobates tinctorius var.azureus) was only discovered in the 1980's. This is one of the most famous color forms in the tinctorius genus and is are endemic to several small rainforest patches in the middle of the Sipaliwini/Paroe savanna area in Suriname close to the Brazilian border