July | 2014 | taboc

13th USTMD70 e-magazine

June 30, 2014

THE ORIENTAL WEDDING

by Mini

True to Chinese tradition, the invitation, embossed in red, came in a red envelope (red for good luck) and read as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. H.C.Lee and Mrs. Alicia Perez F. request the honor of your presence to celebrate the marriage of their children

Ling and Eric

on Sunday the 8th of August Two Thousand and Four.
Cocktail Hours to be held at 4:00pm. Followed by Chinese Banquet at 5:00pm.

Newton White Mansion
2708 Enterprise Rd.
Mitchellville, MD 20716

Fred and Minnie made the eleven-hour drive from Boston to Mitchellville. The MapQuest directions were so simple that, if we used our head, we would have been lost. A handsome and outgoing Vincent flew in from China with Uncle Cente. Tricia and Sal flew from New Mexico. A youthful Auntie Vering and Uncle Narding flew in from Chicago. Vena and Marcus came from Hawaii. Fresh from their travels, Auntie Charito and Uncle Rudy drove from New Jersey. And many more came from New York. Some relatives came from England.

The night before the wedding, Eric’s siblings, hosted a sumptuous Filipino dinner, complete with the unforgettable halo-halo. Stories were exchanged and pictures were taken. This was the time for the blending of the families in an informal way.

When Fred and Mini arrived in Largo, MD, the first place they looked for was a Catholic Church where they could attend Mass. As Mini drove into the parking lot of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church that Sunday, Mini said, “Fred, I bet you that couple over there is Filipino.” As the couple drew closer, Mini shrieked, “That’s Uncle Narding and Auntie Vering!” What a pleasant coincidence! From the Church, Mini and Fred invited them for lunch at the the Red Lobster. The conversation was so enjoyable, we lost track of the time.

The St. Joseph’s church was filled with African Americans being served by a white priest. The Mass was thoroughly Catholic and tailored to blend with the black culture. Their choir was a music ensemble with tambourines, castanets, bongos, electric guitar, electric piano and trumpets. The priest participated in the singing and swayed with the chorus and clapped with the congregation. The priest’s sermon was lively, punctuated by loud “Amens” and a thunderous applause whenever he made a telling point. Unlike our local church in Lexington, the congregation participated loudly and enthusiastically in the Mass. Despite the novelty of the experience for them, Mini and Fred felt at home because they heard every single part of the Mass that they have been accustomed to hearing and in the same sequence as their Mass in New England. The congregation were in their Sunday best. The ushers wore suits with a red rose in the lapel. They were friendly to us and the priest introduced the visitors. As befits a great celebration, it lasted at least two hours.

After lunch, we barely had time to change clothes to make it to the wedding on time. We arrived at the elegant Newton White Mansion a couple of minutes too late for the official picture-taking. The mansion was not so big as the Breakers but it was imposing with a gorgeous garden. It was like the Rose Cliff of the famed Newport, Rhode Island mansions. Dressed to the nines, the first thing the Perezes did was pose for the official picture. There was plenty of time to chat and drink. There were so many people, about 250 by visual estimate.

Earlier in the day, there was a private Buddhist wedding ceremony at the home of the bride’s parents. Only the immediate family was invited. The weather was perfect, an omen of good things to come.

The bridal entourage was introduced by two lovely, young Chinese DJs. Carlos looked tall, slim and impressive as he escorted a happy Auntie Alice who was presented to the guests as the mother of the groom. The parents of the bride followed. Nicholas in barong, came next as the adorable ring bearer. Other members of the wedding party were introduced. Lastly, the bride and groom were introduced as “Mr and Mrs. Eric ______.” Eric was dashing in his barong tagalog with an “arnis” Philippine sword hanging by his side. It goes without saying that Eric is promoting the popular Philippine fencing, “arnis.” Ling was beaming and resplendent in her white wedding gown. They took to the dance floor for the first dance of the evening.

The table, with a huge lazy susan and the obligatory chopsticks, was adorned with a papyrus plant. We were served a 12-course Chinese lauriat which included such exotic food as octopus, lobster, sharp fins soup, squids, cod fish, bird’s nest and lychee nuts. We stuffed ourselves so much that we forgot to leave room in our stomach for the dessert. But, no matter what, we still ate the dessert. We had a nice, chatty conversation in Table #3.

Later, in the middle of the dance floor, Eric declared his love to Ling with romantic words. In return, the radiant Ling serenaded Eric with Chinese love songs. Although they were in Chinese, we tried to make sense of what she meant. Being fluent in Chinese, Vincent translated some Chinese words for us.

The popular karoake, beseiged by would-be singers, was so thoroughly enjoyed, there was not much time left for dancing. Tricia and Ingrid sang a duet in front of many videographers. The Philippine Dance Company performed the Binasuan and the ever-popular Tinikling that brought the house down.

Then Eric and Ling vied with each other in eating the hanging red maraschino cherries and ended up kissing each other. It was so funny. During the wedding-cake cutting, they lovingly spoon-fed each other. In keeping with tradition, Ling later changed into a proper red kimono.

As a take-home gift, guests were given a picture frame with Rico and Ying’s wedding remembrance message in Chinese characters. Being such gracious hosts, Ling and Eric showed their appreciation to us for having traveled so far to join in the joyous celebration of their wedding. Ling asked, “Did you have fun?” And Fred promptly answered, “Yes, we should have another one like this.” It was a wedding to remember for a long time. The whole affair was truly magnificent. The wedding will make Uncle Tong proud.

The next day, while still in the hotel, Mini went to get the morning papers to see if the society page carried a story of the wedding. Mini loves weddings.

Mini and Fred drove back to Boston the next day. This time, their trip took 12 hours. The traffic was so bad that it took them almost 2 hours just to cross the George Washington bridge. The traffic jam was a tremendous 3-billion dollar aberration. That’s what one would now call a “bridge-gate” although I didn’t see any closed lanes.

Fred, Minnie, Auntie Pat of Toronto (in her 90s) and a few Festin relatives waiting for the wedding.

“ Moments… “
By: Charles Dunifer, M.D.
( This one’s not only a labor of love… It’s my love child )
“ JIMMY CABATINGAN’S EPIPHANY “
RATING : PG-70
In one of my recent “ Astral Wandering,” I found myself falling through the proverbial “Rabbit Hole “ which I later found out to be a wormhole through time as the past years started whizzing by past me until it ended up in 1966 where instead of meeting the mad hatter, I flopped down in our old Pathology Lab !
Dr. Elias Pantangco was deep in his lecture, & I believe, we were in earnest discussion on the topic of female inflammatory ailments.
There was this rough chalk sketch of the External Female Genital Organs on the Blackboard as a 60’s song was playing in the background emanating from the back office, “ Tall and Tan and young and lovely, The girl from Ipanema was walking and when she passed, each one she passes goes Stunned … “
I was sitting a student from Jimmy Cabatingan on my left, and noticed Jim’s intense gaze at the unlabeled drawing at the blackboard. He had this quizzical, wondering stare as if searching for an answer. Suddenly, He raised his right hand and stood up.
“ YES? “, Dr. Pantangco asked him.
“ You can call me ignorant Sir,” Jim started, “ But, kind Sir, What is that pea-like structure underneath the Labial folds ? The one you said is made up of erectile tissue ? “Oh but I looked at her sadly … How can I tell her I love her… “
One could hear a pin drop in the Pathology Lab. Dr. Pantangco’s jaw dropped in disbelief. In the silence that has fallen, everyone’s thought focused on how Jim could’ve missed that. That center of womanhood ! That powerhouse of the female libido ! “ Yes, I would give my heart gladly … Everyday as she walks by the sea … She looks straight not at me …” Was he absent the day it was taught in “ Gabriel’s Anatomy? “ Was he just feigning ignorance? Or maybe Jim just didn’t read PENTHOUSE FORUM ( Just probably looked at the Penthouse Pictures, But wouldn’t those be more informative on the subject? )
As Dr, Pantangco was explaining Jim about the “ C “ structure, Jim’s whole countenance gradually changed. The veil of ignorance was suddenly lifted off his face. A naughty grin formed at his lips. JIM MUST HAD THE EPIPHANY OF HIS LIFE ! What was once Terra Incognita to him is now a part of his realities in life. … “ Tall and Tan and Young and Lovely, The girl from Ipanema keeps walking … “
After that incident at the Lab., Our Jim was never the same. He became more open. He became more unaffected with jokes as when Manny De Leon calls him Cliff Richard. There’s glee in his demeanor, a lilt in his steps and a confidence unmatched in his relationships with the fairer sex. With such a life experience, I’d be too ! … “ And when she passes, each one she passes goes stunned ! “

Next issue: Bote’s Hairy Moment…

Our talented musicians
The musicians at the basement: Max or Ando at the piano, Ralph or Max with the guitar, Romo on the bass, Marife provided the voice

“Shall we dance? Shall we dance? Shall we dance to the Footloose, shall we dance?”

The dinner dance reception: L-R: Seth, Roger, Brenda, Espie, Ando, Linda, Evelyn,

Lourdes, Ato, Rod, Art J, Pura, Efren, all dressed to the nines.

The Philippine contingent from across the seas: Ato, Pura, Linda, Seth with Ralph and Lourdes

Beauty and the Best at the Marriott: Seated: Manny, Dado, Roger, Ed Q
standing: Efren, Vicky, Jobum, Max, Ed C

And the show-stopping Beauty Queens at the Marriott: Angie, Uma, Bing, Evelyn, Ledy, Cora

Happy Birthday, Ping, from Charles D and the USTMD70 group

The somber class meeting: Cris, Joey, Manny in front; behind: Ralph, Lew, JoBum, Roger, Efren. One can hear a pin drop!
THE CRIME OF THE CREME BY MANNY
No it’s not crime to indulge, only Gluttony
With our host who is the Mostest Alice in Blue surrounded by the accidental tourists Ato & Linda, Pura, Espie( LIPSTICK), Yet ( The MAN)…..thanks for the Maggiano treat….. Volare de pinto De Blue. Evelyn ( PEARL of the Orient), doesn’t she look like a gem, she brought ensaymada, Suman mamon, bibinka …. Wow ang sarap ….. & .
me living the moment.
Regards to all & those not present; we missed you.
It was really a day to remember, everybody savoring their guilty indulgence.
Ando busy with the gourmet cuisine of an array of Red Snapper escabeche & sinigang but not forgetting to entertain us with his key board. Everybody was swaying, singing.
So with Charlie playing the piano & singing to his heart’s delight.
Angie also played classical Rachmaninoff pieces.
Another show stopper is Ledy Dizon. She graced us with her presence; she looks lovely as ever with BFF Milo. She presented in our behalf a south sea pearl to Alice & Ando. & Golf package in appreciation for organizing this memorable pre-jubilee celebration. Ledy, thanks for stealing the show, biro lang…….calugurang daca.
After the presentation, Ando did ” capa mo” to Alice. Is this right? Correct me. What a roar in the crowd. Then they sealed it with a kiss. Another tidal roar ensued.
The highlight is the afternoon delight LECHON courtesy of Art Racelis & Lena. With the assistance of Ralph Rances & Leni. Thank you. You sated us.
Norma & Harry surprised us with delicious & healthy Cherimoya( mom Cherie Amour). She maintains her elegance & poise as usual & Harry with his infectious smile.
Luz Duque -H, hard to spell her last name, was assigned mandatory by JoBum to coordinate the New York reunion, no objection prevailed .
Brenda, Vicky, Lourdes, Evelyn, as usual Kalog pa Rin.
New comers are Dado Castillo & Cora Golez all the way from Sweet Home Alabama. What a couple! They haven’t change except Dado’s wisdom HALO.
Pol, Efren, & me remain seat mates even way back our proper years. Guess who copies during our exam? Well I tell it’s Raffy.
Max came with Bieber persona sans hairdo.
Art Jurao & Emy are good neighbors, driving me & Efren around. It’s funny, in spite of GPS, we circled around 3 times to locate the place. It’s an adventure.
My memory is fading so somebody has to fill up those that I haven’t mentioned.
During the ball, l Roger & Lita did a wonder Tango exhibition, talbog ang dancing with the stars.
The disco ball trophy went to JoBum & Cristy.
The stage award went to Max & company for their rendition of YMCA.
Jessie was not able to jam because of her knees. But she looks stunning as ever.
To Seth, Viki & Pura, you are always welcome.
Well I have to end. Lourdes & Brenda are waiting for breakfast. They are Marriott elite. Bye.

The avid photographers: Annabelle and Cris (our Army colonel). Angie E & Vicky watching

YMCA! YMCA!

The top of the chart “Village People”: Ato, Charlie, JoBum, Ando

YMCA! YMCA!

JoBum, Ando, Rod, Joey (with headdress) brought the house down

Luke Thien An with Minda and Mon

Here comes the accidental tourists. Seated Art J, Manny, Angie, Jessie

Standing: Lourdes, Efren, Rod, Cris, Tony R

The hungry (but not angry) group waiting to be served.

L-R: Espie, Nap, Luz, Cora, Jessie, Evelyn, May, Luz, Ledy, Milo

The hardy museum buffs. Take cover!

L-R: JoBum, Cristy, Joey, Marife, Manny, Brenda, Evelyn, Ed, Bing, Ed Q, Efren

Take a bow! Lights, camera, action!
L-R: Vicky, Seth, Evelyn, Jessie, May, Linda, Alice, Luz, Brenda, Ledy, unknown
Standing: Cris, Ralph, unknown, Roger, etc
Middle: unknown, Charlie, Ando, Manny, Vicky, Pura, Harry, Jobunm, Efren
Ed and Evelyn

Seems like Time stood still among the USTMD70 class.

L-R: Jessie, Manny, Ledy, Seth, Alice, Angie,Alice, Ando, Max, Evelyn dressed to the nines

“Come hell or high water, we will all be together!”
L-R: unknown, unknown, Tony & Jessie Romero, Ando, Espie, Angie, Noel
seated: Lew & Donita, Cris in Ando’s residence

The first arrivals in Atlanta: “The Stone Mountain People!”

The young and the restless

L-R seated: Pura, Evelyn, Ledy, Cora, Seth, Espie, Vicky, Bing, Lew, Rod, Charlie, Linea, Vicky Co

Standing:Efren, Manny,Norma, Harry, JoBum, Yet, Art, Lourdes, Roger, Art R, Noel, Cris,

Docky, Ando, Ralph, Romo

The young men and women in blue (not the Air Force but the blue-blooded USTMD70 class)

These are the best looking and youngest senior citizens I’ve ever seen!

Seated: Pura, Evelyn, Ledy, Cora, Seth, Espie, Vicky, Alice, Bing, Lew, Rod, Charlie, May, Linda, Luz, Vicky Co

Standing: Efren, Manny, Norma, Harry, JoBum, Yet, Art J, Lourdes, Roger, Dado, Art R, Angie, Cris, Noel, Ed Q, Joey, Docky, Jessie, Tony, Max, Ando

“They came, They saw, They had fun!”

The lovely ladies near the bonfire at the the white sandy beach with Ando

L-R: Evelyn, Brenda, Luz, Alice, Ando

the pianists
The 5 pianists of USTMD70: Angie, Max, Ando, Joey, Charlie. Classical pianist Angie playing Rachmaninoff at the piano with Max and Marife looking. Wow!

Marife and Joey

Here are the class psychiatrists. Class, stand in line and wait for your turn.

L-R: Manny, Angie, Espie, Lew, Art, May; Luz left early; Noel & Max in the backgroune

Cris and Annabelle

Mila, Roy, Mike attending Mass by rock star Cardinal Tagle

The bold and the beautiful

First row: Vicky, Seth, Evelyn, Jessie, May, Linda, Alice, Luz, Brenda, Ledy, Bing, Norma, Luz, Angie

Second row:Noel, Art, Lourdes, Cora, Charlie, Ando, Manny, Vicky, Pura, Espie, Harry, JoBum, Efren

Third row:Ralph, Cris, Ed (Docky), Ed Q, Art, Roger, Max, Yet, Joey, Rod, Dado, Lew

Forever young!

Kneeling: Rod,Cris, Noel, Art R, JoBum, unknown, unknown, Charlie

First row: unknown, Vicky, Seth, Jessie, May, Linda, Alice, Luz, Brenda, Ledy, Norma, Luz, Angie, Evelyn, unknown,

Second row: Ed Q, Vicky’s spouse, unknown, unknown, Lourdes, Evelyn, Cora, unknown, Vicky, Espie, Lew , Donita, Grace, Yet, Pura, Cristy, unknown

Third row: Ralph, Marife, Joey, Tony, unknown, Efren, Ed, Art, Ato, Dado, unknown, Harry, unknown, Manny, unknown, Max, unknown, Uma, Docky

39 classmates attended the Atlanta reunion. Thanks to our hostess with mostest, Alice.

The mensa

Deng, Cecilia, Myrna arriving in Fort Lauderdale

:Luzbella’s party: L-R: Doming, Luzbella, Marietta, Mini, Lynn, Ted

Seated: L-R: Ted, Lynne, Marietta, Doming

Standing: Mini and Luzbella

The illustrious Duque family: Luz on dad’s lap and Grace on mom’s lap

Mini and Marietta talking to a British redcoat near the Olde North Bridge, Concord, MA

The Churchgoers praying for the continued friendship of the USTMD70 class

L-R: Bing, Alice, priest, Pura, Joey, priest, Espie, Vicky Marife, Cristy, Lew

Myrna, Cecile and Deng hit the shops!

The hard-working kitchen crew: Go easy on the lechon!

L-R: Vicky, Brenda, Alice, Ando, Art

Introducing Hall of Fame Recipient: Lucio Margallo MD (with Justin and Claudette)
our dignified Hall Of Famer Lucio from the land of Mt. Rushmore.

Dear Doctors, Titos, Titas, cousins and friends,

Dakota Wesleyan University announced the election of our DAD, Dr. Lucio Boy Maga Margallo 11 to the DWU ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME. He will be inducted on April 26, 2014 at the campus Sherman Center.

Dr. Lucio, as they call him, is an avid sportsman but never played any type of sports at the university, however, dedicated his services as team physician for more than 35 years and served as preceptor and lecturer for the Sports Medicine Athletic Training Program. He served on various admissions and recruitment committees for the department in general. In addition, he was strongly responsible for the initial and continued accreditation of the programs curriculum. His educational involvement helped the students and trainers attain their certifications as Athletic Trainers and some have have successfully pursued professions as Physicians, Doctors of Physical Therapy, Certified Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants and Chiropractors..

He is a proud THOMASIAN 1970 graduate and a General Internist in active practice serving as Medical Director for the Avera Health and Rehab, Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Cardiopulmonary Services and Mitchell Technical Institute, Medical Assistant Program. Furthermore, he maintains an academic appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and PA Program.

In 2005, Dad was awarded the Prestigious DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD by the South Dakota State Medical Association and in 2011, also awarded this by Mitchell High School student body. The National and State Jaycees organization awarded him the Presidential Award of Excellence, Leadership and Honor and the South Dakota State Speak UP winner in 1975. He serves as Chairman Elect of the South Dadota State Medical Association Political Action Committee and an officer councilor of the association and past President of the 6th District Medical Society.. He is the founder and Chairman of the Board of the United Iriguenos Inc.a humanitarian and Medical Missions organization serving the needs of the orphans, impoverished and Aboriginal Agtas in Southern Luzon. Philippines.

We are very proud of his accomplishments but most of all, he is the best DAD, Papoo (grandpa), husband, and doctor.

Please join us in celebrating this humble honor and recognition.

Sincerely yours…..his children,

Farah Victoria Margallo Hofer

Justin Salvador Margallo

Christopher Kissy Margallo DPT

Jonelle May Margallo

The mega-watt smiles of the welcome party to Georgia (on my mind)

Seated: L-R: May, Seth, Vicky Co, Alice, Linda R

Standing: L-R: Pura and spouse, Ato, Charlie, Seth’s spouse, Ando

“We are the stone and, upon this stone, we will build our spirit and camaraderie!”
L-R: Manny, Evelyn B, Ato and Linda, Luz and Nap

L-R: first row: Evelyn, Jessie, May, Linda R, Alice, Luz C, Brenda, Ledy, Bing, Norma, Luz H, Angie E
second row: Lourdes, Cora, Carlos, Ando, Manny, Vicky, Pura, Espie, Harry, JoBum, Efren
Third row: Ed C, unknown, Art, Roger, Max, Yet, Joey, Rod, Dado, Lew

On to greater things!

The elite

L-R: Lourdes, Efren, Rod, Cris

Seated: Art J, Angie, Manny,

The Red Snapper stole the show. First come, first served!

L-R: Manny, Rod, Efren, unknown, Art J, Yet, Vicky, Bing

Nida and Dante

Cheers at Kueka Lake: L-R Caloy, Brenda, Lynne, Ted, Marietta, Doming

Lew’s first driver’s license.

Who will be brave enough to ride with Lew?

Mike and Nieves visited by Mila and Roy

oo-la-la! The glamorous guys and dolls of LA (no, no, not Louisiana)

Seated L-R: Rita, Carol, Luz B, Norma, Concep, Evelyn B

Standing: L-R: Elmo’s cousin, Jessie, Boyski, Nap, Harry, Max

Kudos to the PMA Auxiliary in Chicago: L_R: Roger & Lita, Charlie & May, Luz & Nap, Rose & Neil

At the Gawad kalinga tour: L-R: unknown, Charlie C, May C, Linda,

The Pre-Party: Norma’s birthday pre-party in Chinatown.

Seated, L-R:unknown, Ed C, Jun B, Manny, Carol, Concep, Max, Evelyn; Standing: Tony, Jessie, Rechi, Elmo, Harry, Norma

The real Party

Hosted by Norma: L-R: Jun B, Max, Harry S, Manny de Sagun, Elmo, Rechi, Tony & Jessie Seated: Norma, Art V, Carol M

Welcome luncheon for Ato and Linda in New Jersey

Lunch with Linda and Ato Reyes at Fresco Italian Restaurant today. L-R
James Zipagan and Ciony,Robbie Diaz,Caloy Sison,Brenda Caparros-Sison,Marietta Lozada Galvez,husband,Dom Java. Sitting,Angie Diaz,Linda and Ato Reyes.

“We had a great time exploring medical entrepreneurship to support our retirements, informal discussion about CAD and soft water aggravating it, statins, travels, our upcoming Asian Cruise( 5 days)Tacloban and GK. Very stimulating and entertaining conversation spearheaded by Ato, our visiting lecturer!”

Joey’s last day at work. “Why I miss work.”

By the Sea Shore by Joey
In one of Chekhov’s story, a character was contemplating on the sea while a soft breeze runs through his face. The waves were crushing through the shore and he steps back a little to avoid the wavelets that creeps slowly toward his feet. He knows, that for of years, the sea has always been there and thousands more years after he is gone, the sea will be there the same as it has always been. What if he could live forever like the sea?
What is it about the sea that it seems to have an eternal life. Could he have a life eternal after he passed?The Gospel promises eternal life. Could that be true? What is it anyway? Cardinal Ratzinger, in one of his books, says eternal life is not a series of moments as we know it. Paradise is not limited to life hereafter. Everyone had those moments when time stood still. Some ecstatic moments, fleeting as they were,
are a foretaste of things to come. The birth of a child, a spouse who is there from somewhere, whose interest is your welfare above and beyond his or her own family origin.
Cardinal Ratzinger says, eternal life is a new way of being when time collapses and the passing of time was not felt because one was caught in the moment. Maybe today I’ll write this and maybe lose the perception of time, even just for a moment.
” Nothing last forever but the earth and sky, all we are is dust in the wind,”
—-Kansas
God is near us.
Cardinal Ratzinger aka Pope Benedict
Photo, courtesy of Phebe of USTMD70
Have a good day,
Joey

L-R: Harry, Norma, Luz, Nap “Younger than springtime” in Lake Balboa

The Paulinians! 3rd, 4th and 5th from the right: Brenda, Marietta, Mini

Seeing one another for the first time 52 years since our high school graduation from St. Paul College of Manila!!! Toronto Reunion 2014: L-R: Suzette, Brenda, Marietta, Mini, Rosalinda Amor, Ami
The 1962 Paulinians & 1970 UST Medical Graduates: Brenda, Mini, Marietta, Rosalinda