9TH USTMD70 E-MAGAZINE
JUNE 30, 2013
COUPLES FOR CHRIST CONVENTION IN BOSTON
by Mini Festin
L-R: Mini, Boston Cardinal O’Malley, friend Paz after the Cardinal concelebrated a Filipino Mass with some Filipino priests. Behind are Filipina dancers.
| 3rd CFC Northeast Regional Conference in Bedford, MA By Herminia Festin-NavatoIt took several months and much anticipatory anxiety to plan the Northeast CFC 3rd Convention by the Couples for Christ (CFC)-Massachusetts. And it paid off. The 3rd CFC Northeast Regional Conference at the Bedford VA Medical Center on October 21, 2006 went smoothly with no glitches. The theme of the convention was “Show His Power and Majesty to a Sinful Nation (Tobit13:6), “ An email group of the steering committee members, set up for the event, helped immensely in communication.Historic Bedford, MA, located between Concord and Lexington, is one of the smallest towns in MA. It has the distinction of preserving the oldest complete American flag in its library. This was the same flag carried by Nathaniel Page in April 19, 1775 at the beginning of the American Revolution. The old North Bridge in nearby Concord is where “the embattled farmers stood and fired the shot heard ‘round the world.” Adjacent Lexington Green is where the first blood was shed in the American Revolution.The timing was perfect. The ride from the different areas of the Northeast was made pleasant by a beautiful scenic view. The autumn foliage was peaking and the trees were absolutely gorgeous in crimson and yellow. No photo can ever capture the fantastic colors of the autumn leaves. Bus loads of people from New York, New Jersey and Maryland left at dawn to arrive in Bedford, MA on time.The venue, courtesy of Minnie Festin-Navato, fit the needs of the convention. Held on a bright October Saturday, the ground floor of the Bedford VA Medical Center was all ours to use. The VA employees were cooperative and accommodating. There was ample parking. Somebody was heard to say, “Massachusetts has something unique to offer us.”The light and sound crew from California, New Jersey and Philadelphia worked all night in the theatre until 5:00am. At 6am, some of the MA Service Team arrived early to prepare for the event. The registration tables were already set up by the VA Housekeeping employees the day before. Registration of the delegates started at 7am by the Masachusetts Service Tea. Distinguished by their green T-shirts, they were all smiles as they greeted the delegates. What was expected to be a chaotic registration turned out to be smooth as people arrived at different times instead of coming all at once.There was a separate place for the children named Kids Day. In addition, the children were separated into a younger set (7 and below) and an older set (above 7). The Singles for Christ (SFC) and Youth for Christ (YFC), took care of Kids Day. Separating the kids into two age groups proved to be a wise decision. Kids of different age groups tend to have different interests. The volunteers took care of the kids’ bruises and kept them from fighting one another. The situation was beautifully handled by the volunteers who made sure the kids were filled with activities and suitable kid food .The theatre was packed which left the MA service team, the light and sound crew and some people standing at the back of the theatre. Delegates came from CT, DE, MA, MD, NJ, NY, PA, PH, RI and VA. Registration was stopped at 540 and 588 attendees were present 128 kids came. Ali Sarmiento and Rick Garcia were volunteers who took candid pictures as they went around the theatre. Some brought their own cameras to capture the memorable event for many years to come.Speakers from the various sectors of CFC and its Ministries came. The speakers were the following: Joe and Babylou Tale from the Philippines CFC National Council, Joe and Monina Duran from the Florida CFC National Directors USA, Cito and Malen Lorenzo who are Gawad Kalinga Advocates and Sonny Aguling who is the Northeast Regional Head CRC USA.One couple spoke about the power of prayer. It seems that Immigration Service people had detained them. CFC worldwide members prayed for them. Because of spiritual journey and growth, it became a blessing in disguise. After praying so hard, they were suddenly released. Prayers can indeed move mountains. Isn’t God so good all the time?Bebet Benitez of New Hampshire told the story of how she convinced her family to donate their lands in Santa Maria, Laguna, for the Massachuesetts Village. This is the village where the MA Gawad Kalinga will build houses for the poor.Couples for Christ is spreading fast world-wide. It was already established in Iraq but had to be suspended because of the war. When they looked for volunteers in the audience to open a CFC ministry in Afghanistan, many hands were raised.The caterer from Panda Express of Medford lived up to expectations with a price that was hard to beat. The chefs came before lunch to bring the dishes which consisted of fried breaded lemon chickenladen, beef with broccoli and fried rice. The Panda Express chefs had to pack lunch boxes fast enough to supply the many food distributors. Despite much apprehension, the food distribution to the participants was well-executed by the usherettes. To help the people recognize them, they wore a distinctive USHER sign on their T-shirts. The usherettes planned and implemented the orderly distribution of food inside the theatre despite the fact that the communication lines were very long. A few out-of-state people helped out too. Thus, the distribution of the lunch boxes to the delegates, who remained in their seats, was done in 20 minutes. The usherettes also collected the trash after the lunch break so more time could be spent for worship, praise and talks.We should not forget the Massachusetts Service Team and the SFC volunteers who picked up the heavy water bottles, the apples, etc. in heavy rain the day before the convention. Some SFC volunteers arrived one week before the event to map out the logistics and consolidate the planning, mapping and running of the conference. These SFC volunteers were John Bondad, Stephanie Nethercott, Anne Esperanza, Romy Gerodias, Geraldine de la Cuesta and Ariel Silva. Ariel Silva, who drove from Philadelphia, is credited for doing the backdrop in the stage.The MA Service Team had a very good plan that made transportation to and from the hotel timely and orderly. Housing and hotel arrangements were finalized way before the convention.The Flame Ministry Coordinators coordinated the sale of CFC items. The makeshift gift shop, manned by the Handmaids Service Team was selling briskly to the delegates. Green CFC T-shirts for @$10 apiece sold out.The souvenir program, prepared by Gloria Platon and Rochelle Cabo Chan, was entertaining, newsy and full of pictures. They literally burnt the midnight oil to complete the souvenir program.Finally, after a lot of pep talk, praying, enthusiastic singing and joyous clapping, the Praisefest ended with a Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Sebastian, the Catholic chaplain of Bedford VA, warmly welcomed the guests to the VA. He felt honored to participate in a Couples for Christ event and praised CFC for upholding family values. He looked at the children in the front of the pews and commented on how well-behaved they were and said they are the future of CFC. Fr. Celestino Pascual, the Spiritual Director of the Filipino Apostolate of Boston, was the co-celebrant. After the mass, the CFC MA Service Team was asked to come to the front of the altar to the thunderous applause of the audience. One of the New Jersey officers said, “This has been the best CFC convention so far even though this is the third one.”Strengthened spiritually, the delegates went home with a sense of Filipino pride. They were glad to have participated in a vibrant, uniquely Filipino event that started in the Philippines. It was a happy crowd who thanked the Massachusetts Service Team profusely. They hoped to attend next year’s convention in North Carolina for another spiritual renewal.Couples for Christ, open to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, started in 1981 when a Christian community in Manila tried an innovative way to evangelize married couples. It consisted of bringing married couples together in private homes for gospel discussions. Small units of CFC households which meet weekly were formed. A household meeting would normally last 2.5 hours. There are no fees or monetary expenses required. In Manila, they operate under the authority of the parish priests and bishops. Immensely popular, this family ministry has now spread to 157 nations. On April 25, 2005, on the Feast of St. Mark, the Vatican granted definitive approval of the statutes of Couples for Christ. This act confirmed permanent recognition of CFC as a private international association of the faithful in accordance with the Code of Canon Law.In 1992, CFC established its Family Ministries. They consist of Kids for Christ (KFC), Youth for Christ (YFC), Singles for Christ (SFC). Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) and Servants of the Lord (SOLD). The Family Ministries provide a “womb-to-tomb” ministry.In 1995, CFC established its Social Ministry called Gawad Kalinga. Translated to English, it means “to give care.” Antonio Meloto from Bacolod, a CFC member, started working with the poor in a huge squatter area in Metro Manila, called Bagong Silang. Finding goodness in the hardened youth gangs, he decided to stem the development of “slum behavior” by building houses to be allotted to the poorest families. As the Bagong Silang project blossomed in the Philippines, he decided to bring Gawad Kalinga to the expatriates by establishing ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) Foundation. Today, there are 850 GK villages in the Philippines. This year, Tony Meloto and the GK Foundation with its donors, beneficiaries and volunteers received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership.CFC in MA started in September 2002 when the CFC National Director appointed Sid Sawabi as the Area Head for MA. The first contact was made with the Diocese of Springfield. Then CFC members Chris and Nenette Smith moved from UK to Massachusetts. They made contact with Carlos Melocoton, an SFC from the Philippines, who was taking Pre-Theology courses in Worcester. They joined together with Carlo and Merle Samson, CFC from the Philippines, for a household meeting in Sudbury, MA where the Smiths lived. The first CLP conference was held in 2003 in Worcester where Cecile Catalan was designated head for HOLD. This was also attended by Dorie and Jessica. In March 2004, Carlo and Merl Samson met Ed and Agnes Valencia, CFC from the Philippines, who were added to the group in Waltham. Also in this year, Leo and Chie Bartolome, CFC from New Jersey, moved to Boston. Anna Geron, SFC from Winnipeg, CA, moved to Winchester, MA when she married Bill Danahy. Gene and Evita Florendo attended Chris and Nenette’s household meeting and later hosted a CLP in Lexington. Paz Mendoza, Gloria Platon and Fred and Minnie Navato joined the household meetings in in Lexington in 2005. A CLP was held in Jessie and Emelyn’s house in Holden in June 2005. Ismael Romero, the first SFC -MA brother, brought 6 sisters to a CLP in Lexington. The first SFC-MA household was born in in August 2005. By May 2006, the SFC has grown and was split into two: one Brother household led by Ismael Romero and one Sister household led by Vera Flores. Later, Gene and Evita Florendo became the ANCOP-GK Coordinators and Leo and Chie Bartolome the Flame Ministry Coordinators.We would like to thank the Massachusetts Service Team who came and made the event possible. _________________________________________  Brandon Mariano, apo of Ted and Lynne, reading the Words of the Faithful in his First Communion Mass. _______________________________________CHILDHOOD MEMORIES BY MON As a child ,after Mass, it was customary for my parents to drive us around Zamboanga for a leisurely Paseo into the countryside and perhaps even to the Galleras or i believe Sabung in Tagalog where we could grab a quick bite for breakfast of our native delicacies. Anyway ,at that time we still did not have fruiting Lanzones trees and at a nearby .town, where Rose Climaco comes from, a town perhaps a kilometer or so from the City Center, I saw these trees laden with those Lanzones visible from the roadside and we proceeded actually ,my parents , being still a child, to to look for the owners and got some lanzones fresh from the tree. I write this particular episode of my life because such visions of Surprises can leave an indelible impression of delight in one’s soul.
There are other examples of our peaceful,serene leisurely life in Zamboanga then that i can reminisce about which you all probably have had in your own situation….like my very first and only time i ever saw an upright ,ready to strike hooded Cobra which i saw saw from the safety of our car in one of these paseos on a Sunday morning and this time about 15 kilometers from the City and driving along the verdant ricefields near a place called Ayala. . it was about 9:30 a m with enough (sunlight to illuminate this Magnificent looking Cobra ready to strike as we had disturbed it with our passing car. i say it was a Cobra because that is the only snake that i am aware. of which goes upright with the neck widening in it’s pose as it is about to strike. ( help..is this a correct assumption ? Recuerdos de mi juventud . Mon
Happy Fourth of July from Cil and Lito
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  Lynn, Leni (Ralph’s wife), Art R’s wife Lena, Art R at Kueka Lake
 ” MOMENTS…” (Through the time wormhole, a treasure trove of memories await)
It started as a lackluster Monday morning and what with overcast skies promising the probablility of rain, there was’nt much to look forward to in our Pharmacology Lab.class.I could almost hear “The Carpenters” belting out, ” Rainy days and Mondays always get me down”.
Then a glimmer of hope to lighten up the day came when Dra. Asuncion asked the future Dr. Ragasa regarding the results of the experiments on renal clearnce rate on a certain laboratory mouse that he had been given charge of caring a week earlier togther with administering the test drug and measring its renal clearance rate. The unfortunate teat subject was kept locked up in a separate room with Dante the only one with the keys.
The once unflappable Dante Ragasa stood up, as i remember, with clearly a bit of intimidation in his demeanor to Dra. Asuncion’s query.
Dante : I have some good news, but sadly, some bad news too, to report, Duck-ture.*
Dra. Asuncion : What do you mean?
Dante : I meant the experiment went on flawlessly, but unfortunately, the “Rabbit died”.
Dra. Asuncion: But it was a female mouse, Mr. Ragasa!
Dante: What I meant was I tested the mouse’ urine on a rabbit and it passed away ,which meant that our test subject, a mouse is PREGNANT !
Dra. Asuncion : But you were the only one there with the test subject, Mr. Ragasa? For a whole week!
At this juncture one could barely hear a pin drop. Then the room ever so gradually became awashed with restrained giggles mixed with all sorts of tawdry innuendos, some in the form of light banters, others were downright unkind.
Dra. Asuncion : I’m still at a lost here, Mr. Ragasa.
Dante : It may well be the first reported case of Parthenogenesis in mice, Duck-ture, but all is not lost. We can have this published in a journal of your choosing, and may I point out that the Readers Digest will pay handsomely for human interest type articles like this!
The future Dr. Ragasa was now starting to sweat 50 caliber bullets.
Dante: It may have been a delayed placebo effect, Duck-ture.
Dra. Asuncion : Do you know what placebos are,Mr.Ragasa?
Dante : Just a faint notion, Duck-ture.
Then Dra. Asuncion had to explain what placebos are in a nutshell to Dante.
Dra. Asuncion and the class were’nt buying Dante’s roundabout excuses, but this new revelations of
“possible impropriety” had rekindled our class with the prospect that the day was not a total loss afterall and vented its jocular energies at Dante and cried in unison: ” YOU DOITY RAT !”
* DUCK-TURE : Doctor.
by Charles Dunifer
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 Mini, Luzbella, Lynn at Luzbella’s party
Why Am I Hooked to the USTMD70 yahoogroup?
Because it is INTELLECTUALLY stimulating. Lew
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Diary of a Pilgrim-Day 1 Aboard JetBlue , flying eastward , I watched the gray horizon gradually turn salmon pink. We arrived 5 hours early for our flight to Manila .
During this trip we are referred to as pilgrims.The itinerary for this pilgrimage is ambitious, we thought. It is the first one in the Philippines , arranged for Fr. Fernando Suarez, the healing priest. We were forewarned that being pioneer pilgrims , it will be a learning experience and adjustments have to be done as needed.Our patience will be tested, I feared . But then , pilgrims must be able to make do and adjust to inconveniences .Flying Korean airlines to Manila was a pleasant experience from check in to deplaning. The staff were gracious and attentive. There must have been 2 dozens of pretty young flight attendants dressed in beige and aqua with their hairs rolled in a bun . I can’t tell one from the other. They moved about like dolls I stared at their flawless porcelain- like skin . It seems that that is one criteria to qualify for the job , I thought . I slept throughout the 14 hour flight from JFK to Seoul .waking up only for the meals. The food was fine , considering it was airplane food. We went through security check,freshened up at the Incheon airport. Then, re boarded the plane for another 3 and a half hours flight to Manila. Going through Customs and Immigration at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport ( NAIA) , was not bad . People were friendly and polite. It was almost midnight when we finally reached our room at the Midas Hotel .
I was unable to sleep until 3AM local time .There is a 13 hour difference. It was 1 PM , in US. The wake up call came too quickly, it seemed. Buffet breakfast was too abundant . It was difficult to decide what to eat. Fearing , I won’t fit into my clothes in just a few days, I had to exercise self-control to the utmost.Especially because the person next to me was enjoying the spread immensely like a bottomless pit. On the bus by 7: 30 AM, the tour operator reviewed the itinerary for the day. First stop ,was the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, or St. John the Baptist parish, or Quiapo church. Diary of a pilgrim day 2Quiapo Church , as I remember , was always teeming with people.There were side walk vendors selling all kinds of items including herbs for all kinds of ailments Today , the crowd was small . There were no sidewalk vendors . There were small stores several feet away from the church .
Perhaps, these are extensions of the Quinta Market close by. The church is located on Quezon Blvd. It belongs to the Archdiocese of Manila . There is a fee to tour the church , 100 pesos for adults , 80 pesos for seniors, 55 and over. >> Photography was not allowed inside the church . Outside are replicas of the Black Nazarene . Here , one can take pictures . One can climb up the steps to access the original . One is permitted to touch and “whisper “to the Black Nazarene . Flash back .When I was a little girl , I walked along side Mama , as she approached the altar on her knees . I wonder what or who Mama was praying for. There were several usually . Today, there was none . Next stop was San Sebastián church .It is located in Plaza del Carmen , Quiapo . It is a minor basilica belonging to the Archdiocese of Manila since1890. It is the National Shrine of our Lady of Mount Carmel . It is the only church in Asia built of steel . Previous churches were destroyed by earthquake In 1859, 1863, 1880. The plaque outside the church says” designed by Genaro Palacios. The structural metal of which this church was built was manufactured in Belgium and was erected by Belgian engineers . The church was blessed in 1891. As I remember , the Recollect Friars ran a school for boys. The school is still there . I am not sure if it is now co-ed , like the other schools , La Salle, Ateneo and others . In this church , I saw a statue of St . Lucy , patron saint for eye ailments . and St Magdalena of Nagasaki whom I am not familiar with On the side walk , outside the church, I saw vendors of mangoes and singkamas . Flash back , as a young school girl at St Paul’s College , I was tempted to try those goodies during recess . But Mama always warned me of possible contamination in the preparation process. I always listened. Today, I watched them expertly peel and slice . I wanted a taste of the yellow green slices , my mouth watering .Ted warned ” You don’t want to be hospitalized like before , do you ?” I did not want to get into trouble and miss a lot . So, I had to listen.Next stop is Manila Cathedral which is located in the walled city . Driving on Roxas Blvd , brought back so much memories . Luneta, Fort Santiago , Aristocrat restaurant , Rizal monument , Grand Stand , Manila Hotel . Dilapidated buildings and squatter areas are part of the scene on the way to Intramuros . It was painful to behold .The Manila Cathedral is also known as the Metropolitan Basilica of the Immaculate Conceptiom . It is located in General Luna , Manila . This is the 8th structure that was built on this site. The first was made of bamboo and Nipa , built in 1581 . It was destroyed by typhoon in 1582 then by fire in 1583. It was rebuilt in stone. It was destroyed by earthquake in 1600 and in 1645 . It was again rebuilt but it was destroyed by earthquake in 1863. It was rebuilt once again . The center of the cross on the dome is a reference point of the astronomical longitude of the archipelago . During the battle of Manila in 1945 , the church was destroyed . Upon reaching the site , we found that the church is closed to the public . It is under renovation . St Augustine church is located on the same street . This was open . A banner hang saying”440 years of Augustinian ” A calesa , brightly colored yellow and green , was parked outside the church. The fare was 350 pesos . Inside St Augustine ‘s church , I found to my delight , St Monica’s statue . I have never encountered her statue until now . Nuestra Señora de La Concepcion is honored in this church also. The tomb of the founder of Manila , Miguel Lopez de Legaspi is in the easternmost chapel . According to the guide , the terms for the American occupation of Manila was signed in the sacristy and the first plenary council in the Philippines was held in the choir loft in 1953.Back to the hotel to freshen up and get dressed for a big thanksgiving celebration at the Manila Hotel for Fr. Suarez’ 46th birthday. There were about 500 of his supporters in attendance. Manila Hotel is as elegant as I remember it to be . The Decor was distinctly Filipino with Capis chandeliers , carved Narra tables and chairs. A Eucharistic Celebration was held , followed by dinner . I was moved to tears by a slide show presentation of the devastations caused by typhoon Pablo and how the missionaries of Mary , Mother of the poor worked together with others to rebuild churches and homes . They ministered to the victims giving them love and hope . Lynne Mariano ___________________________________________________________________________
Happy Mother’s Day From Lynne: “Time out “was what was utilized by our generation ie Confine to the room or sit in the corner “.You are grounded” were the most feared words for a teenager .No belts used or tsinelas on the buttom.My grandfather on my father side came from Spain . I remember seeing a picture of him when I was little . He was white . Wearing a white suit and beneath his picture “
“Don Agustin Aguilar “. I did not find out from my papa , my Lolo’s ancestry .
I know nothing of my grand parents from my mother’s side.
My mama’s maiden name is Serrano .
Likely of Basque origin also.
My mama once told me that “A mother’s love is the greatest of all human loves” .
My grandfather on my father side came from Spain .
I remember seeing a picture of him when I was little . He was white .
Wearing a white suit and beneath his picture “
“Don Agustin Aguilar “. I did not find out from my papa , my Lolo’s ancestry .
I know nothing of my grand parents from my mother’s side.
Yes, Joey , this topic started by Lew , makes me nostalgic .
Both lolas passed away before I was born and both Lolos passed away when I was little . Being a Lola myself now, I realize how much loving I missed as a child .
Our grandkids are very blessed indeed .
I note how our classmates are so devoted to their grand kids.
It is heartwarming .
With regards choleric temper .
Both my parents were mild mannered and soft-spoken
My papa was a man of few words.
Their children including me , inherited those traits .
Our house when I was growing up was peaceful . No big fights .
Our 4 sons inherited same .
No big fights at home while they were growing up.
No , Lew , I don’t have a choleric temper.
But , yes , there was an incident or 2 ,when I was pushed to the limit and I got really mad with a capital M.
Ted is the same way in terms of temper.
Slow to anger . But, can get mad too ,with a capital M.
Your Mom was wise to keep the family together, to be with your dad wherever his job was. Her “brood” learned to adapt , ie , resiliency and flexibility .
“ONLY AND ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES”, came back to me, vividly )
The familiar name and number, in purple, seemed to leap out from the back of the jersey –that yellow jersey of LA’s famed basketball team.The name spelled B-R-Y-A-N-T, the number, 24. The guy wearing it, though, was neither in LA nor a tall lanky basketbolero. Far from it. He was half a globe around away and way, way too short to be a Laker (which does not necessarily mean he does not play the game at all). Anyway, at this particular moment he really was NOT playing basketball. Rather, he was stationary, standing, facing a concrete wall, head tilted back, as if something reeeally interesting at the top of the wall merited his undivided attention, though all that was there were multicolored glass shards imbedded permanently and whorls of barbed wire…. deterrents to would-be wall-scaling trespassers and “akyat-bahay” thieves.
Both hands down, a plume of smoke wafted from a cigarette dangling from his mouth, his back to traffic.
Not playing basketball at all, but, hey, was he dribbling? Perhaps?
Then…that familiar body wiggle and shake ! You guys know what I’m talking about.( BTW do gals do this body shaking and wiggling as well? Someone, TELL ME ! Pardon me ladies, for the curiousity) One arm made a pulling up motion. The dude turned around and nonchalantly walked away, whistling a tune and alternately drawing from his cigarette. “LAKERS”, the front of the jersey said.. Together with the jersey he wore an airy pair of loose shorts and the ever popular “sipit” tsinelas. Now, very visible was a watery mark he had created on the lower part of the wall. On the sidewalk pavement…..a puddle ( a miniature LAKE?)
Nearby was a pile of basura. Flies were hovering and circling about. Mango and pakwan refuse strewn all over had attracted them. A sign crudely scrawled on the wall which the dude had previously blocked partially while “doing his thing” had by now become visible… (This Laker indeed did……dribble and block) The sign said ….”BAWAL ANG OMEHE DITO” Though obviously misspelled it was of course easily understandable and should be heeded. But, NO!
I kept my mouth shut about what I had just witnessed. I would not want to cause embarassment to the gals with me in the car.. my wife with me in the back, my younger daughter in front and my niece, driving. I was hoping they did not take notice of the act the Lakers dude just did.
(BTW I was going to drive, but my niece, from Manila, insisted on driving, wanting to experience the drive from Manila to Mataasnakahoy. After all, it was her car.)
Now, we were leaving the residential part of town.
We cruised along. Every now and then a vehicle would cross the median and go against traffic flow, on the other side. Wrong way driving. “Nagka-counter flow” as it is popularly known and done here. They wove from one lane to another. They darted .. They passed with reckless abandon and as they did so one could’nt help but spot on the back of their vehicles that familiar query which goes …”HOW’S MY DRIVING? Call this number” Really !! Are they bragging about the way they drive ?
Motorists seemed they just could not stand seeing a space created in front of a slower-moving vehicle. Said space would immediately be filled in by another vehicle that would suddenly materialize and daringly dart in to fill the gap. Whoooosh !! I call these drivers the “Nature Drivers” since this always reminds me of – you’ve heard the saying: It goes…”Nature abhors a vacuum.”
As we approached one intersection we came to a halt. We got stuck here for what seemed like forever. Ahead, traffic was at a standstill, “nagka buhol-buhol”. “Ngusuan” (Ngusuan both with with vehicle fenders and with lips as well) Fists were shaken; fingers pointing; heads shaking amidst yelling and honking. Next to our’s was a neat-looking, well-polished new car, occupied by five or six guys.College student-looking, clean-cut, young men, neatly-dressed in their uniforms. They were rather boisterous, loud and looked like they were having lots of fun. Was it because of the traffic situtation?. No. That’s just the way it goes whenever guys
get together “in a pack”. Been there, done that !!
Then one of the guys excitedly called the attention of his companions, pointed to us in that characteristic Pinoy way (with his nguso ! ) No, I take that back. Not “us”. Not me, not my wife. Rather he pointed to my niece and my daughter. The guys rolled their windows down and hollered….”Helloooo” followed by whistles, hoots !! The girls ignored them, or, pretended to.
Out of nowhere someone just started directing traffic (on his own). He, by his looks, was not a traffic enforcer or anybody with authority to have anything to do with traffic enforcement. He was one of the numerous bystanders- wearing short pants, sando and the ubiquitous sipit tsinelas. He was unsteady of gait, red of face and had that sleepy-eyed look of someone who had just indulged in “the spirit” (not the Holy One ! ).
He pointed one way, then the other. He waved forward and back. To top it all he even had a “silbato” which he blew on with such display of authority. Voila! It worked. The “buhol-buhol” slowly eased up and everybody went on his merry way.
The young ‘uns in the new car waved at us ( I mean at the girls) and sped away having a clear stretch of road ahead. On we cruised along. My daugther expressed amazement at how her cousin drove and mumbled something to her. I thought I heard her use the words “white” and “knuckles” in the same sentence and complimented the cousin for her driving skills.
The volume of traffic as expected eventually got heavy; the flow, unbearably slow. Like molasses in January. (Only in a tropical setting). Pedestrians crossed…at will, whenever and wherever they pleased. Motorcyclists wearing jackets ( you’ve seen them ) back side in front, snaked through tight squeezes. They would zip and zoom and zig and zag in between vehicles so close abreast the occupants of one could shake hands with those of the other. And then there was this dude changing a flat tire right there…I could’nt believe it,…right there …on the road…in the way of traffic!. Tricycles heavily laden with vegetables wobbled on the way to the market. Young little girls, hawking leis of beautiful, immaculately white Sampaguita, knocked on car windows as well as dirty-faced kids so little their eye level was below car window level, begging. My daughter rolled her window down, handed the kids and the Sampaguita vendor some money. She was handed back several leis of the Sampaguita. She rolled the window back up, dangled and sniffed the leis and wide-eyedly looked back at us, utterly delighted, and surprised with the rich, sweet fragrance she was unfamiliar with.
Eventually we hit SLEX. As my niece rolled her window down to pay toll at the booth guess who would be there paying toll as well. “The Guys” The college guys. As they rolled their windows down they yelled in unison…….”Hellooo again, mga Tisay” Then, boisterous laughter !! “Huh?” my daughter wondered. Her cousin had to explain to her what that was all about. “Oh”
Southward on the highway we travelled, at a good pace this time, although every now and then a congestion would be encountered, which would prompt some motorists to pull to and speed up “on the shoulder” of the highway. “There! Eat my dust !”…they seemed to be saying to the more patient ones.
As we hit the last Laguna town before Batangas we made an exit from the highway for snacks….tons of them all over the place, espasol, suman, buko, buko pie, fruits, lots of them colorful mouth-watering tropical fruits ! Gobs of other food items. Wow ! Don’t forget the Penoy and the Balut!! (no thanks, I never had a liking for Balut)
Then, out of the blue my daughter asked her cousin…..”What does bawal ang YOU ME HIGH mean?” (that was how it sounded) as she pointed to a sign written on the wall. We all looked at the sign scrawled on the wall. (This time it was “spelled correctly”). To this, her cousin pulled the car to the side of the road, put it on park, burried her face on the steering wheel and howled and “convulsed” with laughter, at the same time hitting the dashboard top repeatedly with one hand. Recovering from this after a good while she lifted her face teary-eyed from laughing so hard. Everyone but my daughter was laughing. After some explaining, she laughed with us and then commented….”Oh, I saw one guy doing it, back in Manila, but did not say anything” “So, did I”, said her cousin, “but did not sayanything either.
I did not want to embarass you”
Now everyone was laughing. Hard !! A real hearty laugh !!. Just bacause of that little sign, that sign warning the would be puddle (little lake?) makers ….. the LAKERS !
Freddie
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Happy Mother’s Day From Lew:
Good Sunday morning to all.
Cloudy and rainy here, foot gouty. I’m indoors just cogitating. And reminiscing. Me share with y’all, OK? I may just ramble on and on, so be free to delete or ignore. Still, let’s see if this might appear to have a hook, pitch and slant. Nah, I know what Mom will say: ” Anak, that’s useless talk.”Mom passed on at 92 in 2006. Outlived Dad by 29 years. Tough woman. Full of wisdom and common sense. Very headstrong. Very strict. So punitive. So exacting. You’re dead on the spot for breaking the commandment: ” no fighting. So straightforward. Shoots from the hip. Called spade a spade. To her black was black, white was white. And don’t you ever dare tell her a lie. And don’t you ever try to deceive her. You tell the truth and stand right there for Judgment Day and “hello” Purgatory. There was no room for errors. I became a perfectionist and a day-dreamer.Purgatory as we all know in the Philippines came in many sizes and shapes. She would never hit you on the head. She respected what little brain is in there. I always got it on my butt or legs. Pick your executioner instrument. Hands, slippers, belt, or the single coconut midrib stinger. Ha ha, she never pinched me. The nails were for my sisters!Being spanked and castigated by Mom ( yes, it was Mom and Dad never Papa or Mama, never Tatay or Nanay, never Itay or Inay. D’ya git it?) was one of the MOST LOVING EXPERIENCES I ever had in my whole life. She never ceased to explain why she punished me: “I LOVE YOU and I DON’T WANT YOU TO GROW UP BAD”. Eventually I forgot how many times I got spanked. Who cares? It was almost daily. But as the years went by I realized, like finding a DIAMOND in the ashes of the Spanish Inquisition’s lava rocks, that Mom really, really loved me. So I forgave her and thank her for the four hours of death defying “discipline” after I almost drowned in Lupit River outside Bacolod City. I was 9 then. It was summer vacation. I took off with friends while Mom was having siesta. it’s another story.G’day, y’all.About DadThis morning I reminisce on Dad. He should have retired with a rank of General from the Philippine Constabulary. But he opted for the 28-year deal, and no brown-nosing on the politicians. So, there he went, Colonel Cirilo Bayona Hortillosa my Dad and best friend. He retired so young at age 57 or so, just when Marcos was drum beating. Dad had an viable option to ride it out since Gen. Raval was a good friend. Raval was my ninong when I got married. He became Marcos’ aide de camp.Dad was the ever diehard dedicated soldier’s soldier. He was Julius Caesar. It was honor, honesty and integrity down to the last osteoclasts of his sternum. He did not care much for politicians. He just couldn’t geehaw with them. In fact he loathe them. I never did figure out why. But now being as old and “wise” as I am I like to think that I do understand him and I don’t blame him any bit at all. He knew the grief and stultitude of being in a politically compromise command. Politicians in the Philippines flip-flopped. Dad was a solid camagong or narra tree.Dad and I hardly had a tête-à-tête, but his style was a conversation enough for me. I like to think that his vibrations were concordant with mine. He was my role model. Through the years I have always declared that next to Jesus, it was Dad. Not that he was a saint, nor even saintly. But I don’t think it is easy to find a father with Dad’s character fiber. No, we were not clones. I wished I had his disposition. Never got mad at me except once when I bumped his jeep into a coconut tree. ” Gago”, he shouted. I could still hear his voice to this day. Ha! maybe he called the coconut tree stupid for not getting out of my way. He survived Mom’s choleric temper which in itself is a heroic feat. Sorry Mom, I love you regardless.Silly me says G’day to you all. LewPS, about this time in 2005 we flew to Bacolod City. Mom was dying, Katrina was approaching NO. My Mom was a very intelligent Mom.
She loved to tell the time when she topped, aka numero uno, the test in Capiz
or was it in all of Panay Island the test for all first year high school students.
What was it f or? I forgot. Have I asked her what for I don’t recall.
Nevertheless, over the years, in my wonderful youth Mom repeated the story
over and over again. I remember the times when I’d come home for vacation
( about twice a year from age 14 up until college.) Mom would sew while I sat
in front of her just listening on and on to her stories. Aha, wasn’t I doing therapy
already by then? When I think of it now, i realize that Mom never got over such
a mistreatment. Mom, in my current Psychiatric wisdom had Postraumatic Stress
Disorder for many reasons including the stern “discipline” Hispanic style of my
dear old Navarra grandfather. ( no, we’re not kastila or mestizo by features.
Just a few drops of genes and the so-called choleric temperament. )
OK, why was Mom so repetitious? I think she never found closure because
as she always harped, the recognition or honor was taken from her and given
to another girl who was far below her in the scores. Kay saklap. But injustices
were common in the Philippines even when I was growing up.
My olds liked to tell about a Vicente Navarra, an ex-soldier who came in the mid-1800’s
straight from Spain and settled down in Capiz province. Navarra’s are a dime a dozen
there. I see them in Facebook. We have a bi-annual reunion, spearheaded by my Uncle
Bishop Vicente Navarra of Bacolod City. The genealogy was traced back to 5 generations.
Supposed to be the first soldier-immigrant Navarra was Vicente too.
OK back to my Mom.
Mom was a woman of practical sense. When Dad was in the Rock ‘n Roll of his career,
Mom decided, come hell or high water that we move around too. Sure ’nuff we
criss-crossed the Visayan zone plus a little sampling of Luzon. Ah, sweet youth!
We learned good PR, quick fit into a new community, multi-dialects and me
Lew
The importance of this is how Mom impacts my daily
senioritis life. As I grew older, I have become more attention-deficitibilis ( ah, sweet golden days of my Latin years in Peñafrancia Seminary.) I tend to “lose” a lot of stuff nowadays from having ” too many irons in the fire” and from not paying attention. What’s the trick from Mom? Arfilers or safety pins, rubber bands, strings, paper clips botht he little ones and the big black ones that literally clip. Add to that the many sizes and shapes of bolzas or pouches and continers, even used film canisters. Voila! I’m not supposed to lose anything! Generally, I don’t. What’s the big deal? Yeah, I very so often misplace things. Next, Mom’s words of wisdom ring loud and clear. ” Anak, do things have feet?” Lew SUNRISE
Hi Y’all early springtime bees,
I’ll take my chances, pleeze.
Serious or silly Saturday poem?
Let’s play. Ahhhhh, ummmm….
A poem on sunrise photos?
‘Yan Ayayay ay Lynne’s utos.
Very tempting, hey thanks.
Too early, my minds shooting blanks.
Maybe a few more sips of Kopi luwak,
And the tricky subject I will attack!
Ah, but seriously a sunrise is a real thing of beauty.
It’s the Good Lord’s handwriting, pretty witty!
There’s a whole universal story in it.
No need to try so hard to win it.
Lew
A SIMPLE MAN, MY BARBER
Like the sun rays the message spreads out like butter,
Simply put it is nothing but Divine Love, no other.
I have a new barber. he is my kabalen but we are more comfortable talking in Tagalog.
I don’t know why. Maybe because I left my hometown when I was 15 and since then ,been talking
to fellow Filipinos in Tagalog .My younger siblings were young when we moved to the city where
finished schooling at Mapa High( aka Mapatay), that’s a school in Manila , haven’t seen the place.
So my siblings are more comfortable in talking in Tagalog although they know how to speak Pampango.
When I speak with them, it’s a mixture of both dialect,.we throw few English to the mix, only when we all moved to the US.
My barber talks a lot, not politics, not religion and not gossips which I’m sure he knows but mainly about himself.. He does not know I am a doctor but tried subtly to find out what I do. He just asked if I’m retired and when I said no, he did not asked any further. If he knew I am a physician ,for most Pinoys here, their usual comment is they know someone in town who has a lot of patients and have a large house and drives luxury cars. I wonder if this is a Filipino thing, they always find someone better than you,.yes including you dear reader. I hear this often and one of the reason I don’t tell what I do among strangers, particularly Pinoys.If life is a competition, then nobody wins so let’s drop this attitude if we still have some remnants of it. Someone , somewhere whether we know them or not will always be ahead although, that”s a subjective thing. we tell ourselves, not necessarily a reality.
My barber. came from a family of barbers, his father was a retired barber and 2 of his brothers are barbers in California. He proudly speaks of his children , one a nurse, one an X-Ray tech and another the last one still in college studying to be a Pharmacist.He delights in talking about her who he said graduated valedictorian in her high school class and how she thanked her parents in Tagalog with English translations later, when she made her valedictory address. He said his eyes watered but denied he was crying when one of the children
noticed his eyes were red.Truly he was, overwhelmed and thankful he is blessed with, loving and smart kids.
He tells me he used to live in Chicago a place he never wants to go back because of the snow. While he was
there, he went to school as a nurse’s aide and got certified. After he is done cutting hair for the day, ho goes home, eat supper and go to a Nursing Home and work till the next morning. I don’t know how he gets his sleep. He said at night when the patientsleeps, he doze off. He is one simple folk hard working, a simple barber. I like for him to keep talking as I don’t want him to fall asleep.
When he was new in the US, he does not know much of the culture. In Chicago, he was in the mall with his wife when for some reason, his wife told him to bring her purse back to the car. Not wanting to get lost when he gets back, he ran as fast as he could at the mall with a woman’s purse. Even before he got to his car, a pair of security men led chase and asked for his ID and where he got the purse. He said it was his wife’s. He was escorted back to the mall to find his wife who was so shaken when she saw him flunked by two security men. All went well and he learned his lesson not to carry his wife’s purse ever, unless he needs money.
Nowadays, when he is off, his wife and him play the usual apostolic mission which most Filipinos lovingly and perhaps for some grudgingly do. But not for him, he likes to play with his grandson and takes him to the playground and at times to the mall where there are also play area for kids. I asked him, if he ever thought of cutting his mustache. He said no and asked me why. I said you kinda look like a tough guy, taking along your grandson; you could be mistaken, you kidnapped the kid. His grandson is a mestizo. He said, I never thought about that, maybe I should take her mother along. I don’t know how he would look in the mall with his American daughter in law. I would think he would be like a third wheel and his presence, totally unnecessary. He is a simple man, my barber.
JDLeoncio
USTMD70
LOOKING FOR MR. GOODBAR
I was at Philadelphia in the mid 70s, this movie run for weeks.I never saw it,
don’t know the actors or actress but with Google I saw who they were and what is about from
the review. If you were single at the time and so I was, the title might have caught your attention.
Yes, you know how it feels looking for Mr. Goodbar. If you were married by then; well, you have
Mr.Goodbar. If this makes you squirm and say, Hell no!, Calm down, please there is a Mr.Goodbar
in all of us. Did he make you more patient ,more tolerant and made you pray more? Congratulations, he is the vehicle for your sainthood. my wife will be one for putting up with me, please. know that we can’t be Mr. Goodbar everyday.
VIicky* is one quiet lady, her conversation was limited to saying hi or whenever
she request an order or clarification. One day she was at the computerwhile 3 others were standing behind her.looking I’m sure about work and not Match.com.
I walked in and Helen* says, Dr.L,would you help us find a new boyfriend for Vicky?
The assumption is, V’icky’s current boyfriend is well not exactly Mr. Goodbar.
I said, someone as pretty as her should have no problem finding a boyfriend, and maybe why don’t
we send her to Richmond and vie for Miss Virginia, then she would attract more men.
Helen said, yes maybe she might even make it for the centerfold.
I said why not, yes, the centerfold, I did not say that, you did!. This was followed by a
group laughter. Vicky had no comment; she was just smiling. I don’t think she minded the
joke, It‘s one antidote for the doldrums of another day. She does not need Match.com
*not their real names
JDLeoncio
It was our family’s very first trip to RP and we were on our way back to the States. It must have been in a Korean airport lounge, in a quiet area except for game tables which the kids like. We stayed nearby while waiting for our flight.
We were just taking some snacks in one table when one of the kids momentarily strayed out of our sight but we found him in one of the pinball machines busy playing. He was about 12 then.
We came over and saw this other Filipino boy of about 14 loading the machine with coins he picks out from his pocket
We thanked him and asked where are is his parents. He said he came with one parent who at the time was in the bathroom. We could not wait as our flight was due.
He said, our son came over to watch him play and he thought he too might want to play and he let him. using the money he has. Kids make connections with other kids very easy,no thinking, no calculating,
His voice was terse and his eyes glistened holding back emotions saying, they were on their way to the States and that our son reminds him of his younger brother who was left behind.
I thank him and understood him quite well. I left home and came back many years later. A piece of that boy’s life was torn,.and was on a voyage to a country that will change his life he was not yet aware of.
After one leaves the country for the States,one might not come back, months;perhaps many years later and to reconnect is sometimes awkward, and some connections are never the same again.
JDLeoncio
USTMD70
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 Standing: L-R: Max and cousin Bobby Laurel
Seated: Bobby’s wife and widow of late Senator Sotero Laurel
at their own Bayleaf Hotel.
 Aloha from the lovely couple Ismael and Nora Holipas taking in the island’s fair, balmy air in the oriental sea
 A beaming Grace and Yet enjoying Hawaii’s wonderland. Watch out for those waves!
In between those two good-looking Hawaiians add to the pleasure!
  Happy Birthday, Pete. Looking good at 72 in paradise!
 Our very own beautiful geisha….Phebe
 Scott Anthony Rose, grandson of Cecile/Lito Liangco
 Evelyn’s grandson, Dylan with his mom
See below: Evelyn’s grand-daughter Kiara
  Kira Margullo’s first Holy communion
 Lew’s son Jason standing on farthest left
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L-R: seated: Fil Olegario, JB; standing: his wife, Carol, Manny de Sagun
Photo below: L-R: Ismae Holipas & Nora, Lourdes & Rod Polintan with USTMAAA in Hawaii enjoying a luau.
Ando and Alice in their Garden of Eden, Destin, Atlanta and below
Ando and Yet
Lety & Pete’s granchildren: David was first communicant and Ariana (photo below)
David, you are now as tall as your grandma!
L-R: unknown friend, Donita and Lew. All eyes on Lew!
Ping’s daughter’s wedding photo below
L-R: Pol and his wife, Max, Raffy, Ping, Seth’s husband,
Danny De Leon, Seth, Ping’s daughter
Seated: Monet, Paul G and wife.
LA reunion below: L-R: Manny, Ando, Tony R, Jessie R, Carol, Evelyn
Standing: Arthur V, Concep, Rita, Alice, Rechie, Norma, Harry, Elmo, JunB
Noel, Angie and their first apo: Lana Daisy. What a huggable baby!
Photo above it: Caloy and Brenda enjoying beautiful Paris despite the rain.
L-R: unknown, unknown, Lucio, Chairman elect of the
South Dakota Medical Association. Congratulations!
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Decatur, IL with Roy, Phebe, Charlie C and Butch:
Rolling hills, ponds, huge white birches and weeping willows. Very scenic course. Of course great bunch of golfers.
See photo below: Perfect weather, company, tennis and golf for three days. Present were, Tim and Phoebe, their tennis playing friends, Mar and Siony, Butch, Mila and Roy. Charlie & May host.
grandchildren of Pete and Letty dancing in the rain.
Mattea, JunB’s grandchild among the flowers of Grandma Concep.
Mother”s Day Celebration: Max and Evelyn seated, Harry and Norma standing
Luz’ Boston visit: L-R: Mini’s son, Eric, spouse, Fred, Mini and Luz C
Minda and Luke Ta Domingo, Mon’s first grandchild. Mon singing a lullabye
Picture on the Nurses’ Lounge in Joey’s Hospital.
L-R: Jing and Vangie, Ramon and Minda, Armand Wiltz & wife
Boston Duck Tour photo below
L-R: unknown, Max’ son, Max, Evelyn and their apo’s
Boston State House L-R: Max, Norman, Max’son, Evelyn and their apos|
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Lucio with his patients, the FLA Heat Guards. GO HEAT!
Can you find Lucio in South Beach Miami in between two 6’9″ Heat guards?
L-R: Pol Lasala and spouse, Angie M, Seth P, Linda R, Ping Duran & spouse, Seth’s spouse, Ato Reyes and Gil Marasigan in Linda and Ato’s house.
Touring Cappadocia by Mon
The whole country is so historical as one fully realizes while in Turkey. it really is a shame when you visit the country without a prior knowledge of what is historical. One has to connect the past to the present. I have learned to accept the. historical past which as a Catholic is a shame . Once doing this, i have learned to love this country. One must also speak of St Basil the Great, his brother St. Gregory and another St Gregory who are part of our Apostolic Fathers who are some of the greats in their earliest. teachings. Their works are like that of. Ignatius of Antioch, Irinaeus Cyprian, Augustine etc with their Patristic Wrtings.
I think it is a good topic with pictures. It will make us appreciative of our Catholic Eastern Church Fathers, still Catholic with the Great Schism between Rome and Constantinople occurring only in 1054.
Mon on a rooftop in Cappadocia, overlooking the town
Linda & Ato (3rd & 4th from right) & their family in Japan. Cherry blossoms at its peak|
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Grand kids stopping by to wave at Letty C. in Ilocos
Roy, Mila & niece, unknown, Roger&spouse
Max in Rizal shrine
L-R: Roy, Roger Belen, Mila
Noel and Angie G enjoying a typical Israel breakfast. Yummy, yummy!
Angie Guanzon with shcool children in her aunt’s school, Our Lady of Grace School, in
San Carlos, Pangasinan.
Guess Who? She loves to read mystery novels, sew and stay at home.
USTMD70 Graduating Class with letters S-Z in between A-B and B-C
Happy birthday to all April
celebrants: Tap Wenceslao (3rd), Aurea Quitoriano (5th), Jugie Juguilon (8th), Evelyn Abola (10th), Monet Abragan (11th), Angie Miguel (12th), Art (Bo) Racelis (14th), Myrle Larena (15th), Boy Samala (16th), Lito Durante (17th), Bee Bulaclac, Bing Orlino (both 23rd), Gloria Tablang (26th) and Offie Mangubat (27th). May y’all have many more to come. Wishing you the best of health, abundant joy, exuberant spirits and good living. Many happy returns!
Happy birthday to all May celebrants: Gally Grajo (3rd), Robbie Diaz (5th), Brenda Caparros-Sison, Mon Domingo (both 10th), Roy Gonzales (13th), Rolando Singson (17th), Rene Grabato (22nd), Elsa De Guzman-Pascual (24th), Rey Lazaro (28th), and Renato Santos, Joe Wu (both 29th). May y’all have many more to come. Live well, love much, laugh often. Many happy returns. Cheers!
taboc 
