USTMD70 class, July 4, 2016
IN MEMORIAM: LORD B, PEPOT R, ELOY B, CARMENCITA M, CATA G
Born: 1945 Died: 2010; State of last residence: Rockville, Maryland
Anesthesiologist
———————————————————————————————-
Lord Bernabe MD
front row on the right.
See photo below: Seated on the right side: R – L: Lord ( w bigote) Freddie, and Emeng. On the left side L-R:, Max, Ed Capitulo, Pepot.
Taken at Villa Maria resort, Talisay, Batangas
Second from left next to Bing, Max standing behind. The boys L-R
Ando, Jun, Dado, Ed Cap, me, & Emeng
The Girls, L-R standing Spanky, Mags, Mayet, ? , Rancie
Seated, Bing, ?, ?, Alice
Texas Obituary
Posted on Saturday, 28th May 2016 | Houston
Dr. Jose Antonio Robles passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, TX on May 21, 2016 at 11:13 am. Born in Manila, Philippines on September 20, 1945, the eldest son of seven to Tito Robles and Soledad Rulloda, he grew up to the sounds of The Beatles and Elvis with aspirations of being a businessman, but ultimately taking the advice of his mother to become a doctor. Dr. Robles received his medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines in 1970 and served medicine and surgery residencies in that country. In 1977, he came to the United States and served an internship and first year surgical residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed a radiology residency in the Illinois Masonic Medical Center in 1978 and in July of 1980 completed a Residency in Nuclear Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. In 2006, he received an MBA at Devry University. In 1977, during his medical residency in Chicago, he met and fell in love with Myrna Francisco and followed her back to the Philippines to propose a marriage. They then moved to Chicago and shortly after, a small town in Texas where he began his long career in radiology and started a family. He was a very charismatic and generous man with many talents including cooking, singing and playing the guitar, basketball, and billiards. He had a love for nature and always surrounded his home with plants and enjoyed gardening. He was a devout Catholic and was a member of Couples For Christ for several years and a proud brod of Tau Mu Sigma Phi of the University of Santo Tomas. His love for various arts such as music, movies and live entertainment were instilled in his children. Travelling provided the opportunity to form the soundtrack to his adventurous life with the musical sounds of The Beatles, Elvis, The Bee Gees, The Carpenters, The Beach Boys, Chicago and Steve Miller Band among other artists. He was a family man at heart and delighted in road trips from east to the west coast, frequenting exciting cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Orlando. He is survived by his wife Myrna and their five children – Laura and her son Jude, Allen, Annette, Isabel, and Erika. He is also survived by his siblings – Marite, Lulu, Pete, Maruja, Tito Junior, and Marivic. His mother passed away peacefully in Manila on May 23, two days after his own passing, at the age of 94. The Funeral Mass will commence Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079.
May he rest in peace.
Jose Antonio Robles
September 20, 1945 – May 21, 2016
May you rest in peace.
Pepot’s photos below from So. California Shindig on 10/2011
Eulogio “Eloy” Banez
May you rest in peace in heaven
It’s not something people like to think about.
For those who’ve watched the health of a family
member or close friend decline with age or illness,
it can be painful to see their suffering. However,
God is still present in these difficult moments,
ready to generously give hope and strength in the
midst of struggle.
Loy Banez, and others who serve our homebound
parishioners, are often a beacon of hope in
what can be a very lonely time. In many cases, the
simple act of bringing Holy Communion to someone
who is too ill to attend Mass can bring great
consolation. These visits also serve to remind
homebound parishioners that their parish family
cares about them, even when they are not able to
be physically present.
Loy, who has been serving in this ministry for
the past 16 years, visits 23 parishioners each week.
“I bring Communion and give Gospel reflections
to the homebound, to share the love of
Christ and the parish family with them,” Loy says.
“We start with the opening prayer, then the Gospel
reading, some reflection, the Lord’s Prayer,
For those who are homebound, volunteers bring Communion, read
the Scriptures and pray with them.
St. Augustine catholic church
Sometimes Lonely, But Never Alone continued from front cover
and [I] give them Communion. Then we talk a
little bit…”
According to Loy, his appreciation of the ministry
has grown over the years, both in realizing how much
parishioners look forward to the visits, as well as in
enjoying the ministry more himself.
“They are very happy to see me,” Loy says. “In
fact, some will ask me [where I was], if I did not show
up the week before.”
The visits are an opportunity for Loy to encourage
those who may be struggling, and remind them of
God’s love and faithfulness.
“I hope that the people experience the love of
God,” he says.
Serving homebound parishioners in this way has
also been a blessing to Loy and helped him grow
closer to God by serving those in need.
Loy hopes to involve more people in this ministry,
sharing God’s love with those unable to come to the
parish. Those who want to become involved serving
in this way will first become Extraordinary Ministers
of Holy Communion. Following that training, they
will then accompany Loy, or another minister, on
visits to those who are homebound, before visiting
parishioners on their own.
There is truly no greater gift to a person suffering
than this reminder that they are not alone. Not only are
they loved by their parish family, and but even more
importantly, they are loved by their heavenly God.
Loy Banez and others who serve the homebound hope to
remind elderly and ailing parishioners of God’s love and the love
of their parish community.
Sometimes Lonely, But Never Alone
Serving the Spiritual Needs of Our Homebound Parishioners
“[Serving in this ministry has]
made me stronger in my
faith, and closer to God. It
helps me think about what
God wants me to do in my
life.” – Loy Banez
Obituary for Eulogio B. Banez
Eulogio “Loy” B. Bañez was born on September 13, 1940 to Vicente Sr. and Simeona Monica Bañez in Manila, Philippines. He was the second eldest of five siblings.
Loy attended Rafael Palma Elementary, Arquillo High School, Letran College (Pre-Med) and University of Santo Tomas. After graduating with his Associates degree from Letran College he taught at Don Basco College in Bialig, Surigao DeLsur, Philippines for two years. He went on to continue his studies at University of Santo Tomas where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine. Loy then became an anesthesiologist at Quezon City General Hospital. He also taught Anatomy at Clinica Arellano Nursing School.
Loy and his three children then went on to join his family in San Francisco, California in 1979. Once in San Francisco he started working at San Francisco General Hospital in the medical records department and at the Plasma Center. During this time he started teaching anatomy and physiology at City College of San Francisco. He moved on to work at the Medical Records Department at San Mateo General where he later retired.
As a testament to his faith and his involvement to his community he became the Religious Director for Epiphany Church in San Francisco soon after retiring. In addition, Loy has always been deeply involved with his parish at St. Augustine Church in South San Francisco where he spent most of his time for many many years. He was also a member of the Legion of Mary, Knights of Columbus, St. Augustine Chorale, collaborative ministry and many more.
Loy passed away peacefully at the age of 75 at Kaiser Hospital in South San Francisco on June 11, 2016 with most of his family at his side. He is survived by his brother Vicente Jr., Joventino (Mila) and Josephine (Ricardo Sr.). Norberto Sr. (Amelia-2011) preceded him in death in 1989. He also leaves behind his children Merlee, Rica (Armando), Dante (Tamara) who has blessed him with 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Loy aka “Papa” was the rock for the family and has touched so many lives in the catholic community. He will be greatly missed.
Eloy and his apos. See photo below
May Cata rest in peace.
Passed away Sept 12, 2014
Dr. Catalino Carlos. Guzman Jr. Retired physician, devoted husband, father and grandfather, 70 Dr. Catalino C. Guzman Jr., 70, of North Caldwell, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2014.
Born in Calumpit, Bulacan, Philippines, Dr. Guzman graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in Manila, Philippines, before immigrating to the United States in 1970. Dr. Guzman practiced medicine at the Essex County Hospital Center in Cedar Grove, N.J., for 37 years before retiring. Dr. Guzman was also a major in the U.S. National Guard for seven years. Surviving are his beloved wife of 44 years, Dr. Dulce Dungo Guzman; devoted children, Carlo Guzman and his wife, Elza, and Debbie Price and her husband, Ryan; cherished granddaughters, Kalea and Makena Guzman, and Ava, Barrett and Pressley Price. He is also survived by his loving sister and brother, Dr. Aurora G. Mia and Dr. Benjamin Guzman. Dr. Guzman was the beloved uncle of many nieces and nephews from the Dungo, Mia and Guzman families.
Cata’s intern group: Gani Laurencio, Evelyn Eustacio, Mini Festin, Rechie Flores-Orlino, Ofie Fule, Efren Leonidas, Joey Leoncio, Jimmy La Madrid (Mila Galang-Gonzales, Myrna Galang-Capati, Linda Guirnalda, –not shown)
Mini, Luzbella, Steve (from middle to right) in PMANE party, April 2016
PATHOS BY Mini FESTIN
Mourning is an exercise in dichotomy
We mourn twice
First for the dead,
For what they no longer can do
Then for ourselves
And everything we have lost.
Are we selfish to mourn for our pain?
Or is it better to cry for those who can still feel it?
And there are two types of mourners
Those who regret for chances missed
Words unsaid, actions undone
And those who long
For what they have done every day
And will never do again.
Is it worse to have never said goodbye?
Or to have said it every day?
But the end does not only divide
For Death melds all lives
What has come before
Continues in what survives.
Lord of the Universe
You are God who knows well the heart of man
For you have formed man in Your grand design
Perfectly crafted as only He Who is perfect can
Creator creature in Your image body soul,mind
Where art Thou the Lover of my soul?
I seek Thee high and low and find You not
Lord of the Universe hear the cry of thy servant
Take this cup before me, show thy Face in haste
Your blessings I forget not, bountiful from day to day
Immensely grateful I am for your love and care I pray
Your presence manifest in the fresh flowers of spring
In the voice of friends and family , joy in my heart ,I sing
Your presence speaks in the face of the innocents
I hear you in the gleeful laughter children bring
Your love I see in the heart of a friend ,tried and true
Your kindness in ‘the healing touch and compassion
I come before You now , Lord of the Universe
I know not why nor do I understand and accept
My strength is failing though You are my strength
Confused , , unsteady though You are my light
I turn to You for I have nowhere else to go
You are indeed the the Way ,the Truth and the Life
Why do I fear death , disease and aberrant cells?
You are the Lord of the Universe , always in control
Thank You , Master , forgive my doubt , I implore
You have held my hand all along this path , I know
You sent Angels to wipe my sweat in my distress
Patiently , I’ll wait for You ,take up my cross follow
–Lynn Mariano
Confessions of an FMG: Part I: CHARLES DUNIFER
I did not think then that the 28th of June, in the year
of our Lord, 1971, would be a watershed time in my,life, but it was,
for it was on this date that I had embarked on the road to high
adventure, leaving the comfort of my “nest”, to the uncertainties
of life in a foreign land . It turned out to be a hot, scorching,
cloudless summer beach of a day almost devoid of the the usual
summer breezes that caresses one’s face reminding one that
they are still on their native land!
The trek to the Manila International Airport was a
long and quiet one, each of my relatives contained in their
own personal thoughts of perhaps missing me, specially
mom. We finally reached,our destination.There, the other
people, who would be sharing this trip with me, were also waiting
for our plane that will ultimately bring us to Akron, Ohio. They
included Roy and his Mila, Rey Lazaro, Bing Orlino and Aurora
Leyva, secretly married at the time, and two ’69 graduates, Roger
Belmonte and Virgilio Ponferada. I remember seeing Carlos
Alberto, as one of our well-wishers. He shook my hands,
wishing me luck & good voyage. I did not know then that that
was the last time I’ll see him. We were friends since Pre-Med.!
A lady then came by and handed me a glass paper weight to bring
as a gift to our Training Director there in St. Thomas Hospital
from Dr. Alunos, the man who recruited us for this trip . One
could feel the tension in the air and the high anxieties
everyone was feeling. There were butterflies in our stomachs,
mine was a giant Monarch as I recall.
The time for goodbyes finally came. It was a bitter
sweet moment for me. We were ushered down the tarmac
and we lined up and started walking towards the waiting
DC-10. I can almost remember that we were humming
Neil Diamond’s “We’re coming to America”! A few were clicking
their fingers to the tune (can you imagine Joey?).
I remember that our first stopover was Guam. I
immediately bought a a postcard and mailed it
home at Guam’s airport (come on, Charles, you’ve only
been gone a couple of hours at best). Our second stop was
‘Frisco. It was night in ‘Frisco. I remember seeing a poster
ad for Ford Pinto and in an instant fell in love with it,
promising it’s the car I’d buy on my first paycheck ( seriously,
Charles). Then our connecting flight finally took us to
Cleveland. It was daybreak ! We then took a taxi to the
Greyhound station. We took the bus and headed for
Goodyear City.
“Confessions of an FMG”
Part Two
” When Charlie met Sally”
The trip down Akron was an awe-inspiring, eye-
opening experience to all of us despite the overcast skies
with scattered drizzles here and there that seemed to have
threatened that uplifting feeling of excitement that usually
afflicted the foreigner when he steps on the soil of a foreign
dominion!
Unbeknown to us all, that affliction called the
“culture shock” bug was already creeping into our sub-conciousness
as we noticed the wide highway of 271 S (it was like the size
of Highway 54 only two folds)! The “shock” went on as we espied
the homes of these Americans as they dotted on both sides
of the highway. They were widely spread, surrounded by well
trimmed grassy yards but a few were surrounded by a
fence and if so, they were only decorative and super clean. ” Hey, what
time do you have there?”, somebody ventured to ask. Then we were
introduced to” Mr.Time Difference,” another culture shock as
we exited to Route 8. A few more minutes & we arrived at Akron
proper and parked at the Greyhound Terminal at South High
Street across St. Benedict’s Church. Dr. Belmonte tried to call
his friend at St. Thomas but no dice. After a harrowing “call”
night, he’s asleep at home, the Married Men Apartments. With
no one to save the day, we took a taxi and were on our way to
St. T’s !
CONFESSIONS of an FMG
Chapter II
“When Charlie met Sally”
( cont.)
by
Charles L. Dunifer
44 North Main Street, Akron, in effect houses
St. Thomas Hospital, a moderate sprawl with 150 patient beds that boasted
close affiliations with Case Western Reserves University and complete
residencies in General Surgery, Ob/Gyn, General Practice and a Rotating
Internship with Pediatric rotation at Akron Children’s Hospital the tenth
best in the country at that time.
The taxi came to an abrupt stop in the front end of the
hospital where we alighted and were confronted by two massive glass doors
that to our surprise slid wide open automatically letting us into the
building. A wide anteroom for patients’ families and friends gaped
impressively greeting us in earnest. It has a boutique on its left and, “Lo and
Behold ,a wide screened COLORED T.V. (This is the Promise Land ) across
its opposite end. A hallway at its side beckoned us to proceed inwards
further, leading to the office of the Director of Medical Education.
A mild mannered fortyish lady of somewhat good
upbringing, statuesque by her own rights and demeanor with slightly
graying hair and who sort of reminded me of Bond’s Miss Moneypenny, only
a bit older, greeted us upfront. ” I’m Grace. I’ m Dr. Streinreich’s secretary.”
“He has been waiting for you guys since this morning. Let me take you to meet him. O boy, I finally get to meet ‘M’ “! she added .I then gave her Dr. Alunos’ glass paper weight to give to her boss.
Dr. Otto Steinreich was everyone’s notion of a middle
aged avuncular, easy to please man but who would stick to principles come
hell or high water at all cost. “How was your trip?”, with a husky voice, he
commenced, then went down the retinue of what’s expected from us, some
do’s and don’t’s, a brief history of the hospital, etc., etc., etc. Then he,produced
several envelopes with $50.00 in each one and handed it over to us (I’m
loving this place already).” To tide you up ’til your first paycheck”, Dr.
Steinreich uttered with a slight grin on his face. He then wished us luck
and led us to his door.
Outside, I noticed a parked portable X-ray unit with
a girl next to it. She was in an all white uniform , but no nurses’ cap that
did great justice to her svelte figure especially to her generously
endowed “front” that impressed me enormously as they stared at me
with those achy longings as if telling me, ” I really like you!” This girl
seemed to be naturally “tailor-made for me!” The girl is in her early
twenties, with wild hazel eyes and hair a smart mixture of blond and
light brown prettily tied up in ponytail fashion!
Our eyes met briefly. Her lips parting into a sweet
smile that sent my heart a happy note. It all seemed too good to be true,
too perfect to last (I definitely want to stay here forever)! Never so soon,
my reveries were cut short by voices coming from her friends, ” Sally,
you coming with us to ‘Red’s? (a discotheque across town) after work?”
“Maybe,” she answered. Then, we were back at each other. “Sally, I’m
Dr. Dunifer. Charles just for you,” I volunteered, offering my hand to her
at the same time .We shook hands. We spoke briefly because she got paged
after. Both being single, we met several more times. We dated and
trysted for some time, but as all good things must come to an end, we
parted ways amicably, but I’ll always treasure the day I met Sally in my
heart of hearts forever.
Charles’ temptress
JOEY LEONCIO’s D-DAY
The Mohawk Airlines took me to a small airport in Schenectady. It was the 2nd day of January 1972.It was snowing. A cab took me to Ellis Hospital about 10 miles away. I entered the lobby of an old hospital almost antique, not something I expected. I hauled 2 luggage with me, my sole possession. I was given a key to the Schaeffer’s House known as the interns house. A two story building also old like the house at Psycho.or Animal House whichever one prefers to call it.
My room was to the left, huge really for 2 people but was all mine. Across my room was the living room with a black and white TV. The kitchen is ready for cooking whatever you want to cook. Eggs , orange juice and sodas are in the refrigerator. But, no need to cook, food is free all day long at the hospital. I did not cook..A laundry chute is available where all clothing including underwear and socks can be thrown in. Send them to the hospital laundry and in a few days you can get them back wrapped in plastic bags.Free laundry.The house was available only to single interns or residents. The married ones live in nearby apartments I could go on but I rather hear your story Charles, your first day, your first date and whatever else was exciting.
Ruby and Marrietta were at Hahnemanns or where they just rotating there as I was?
That is were I saw them, Ruby in green scrubs while doing evening pre op rounds and Marietta after the grand rounds that was fed via video in real time to their affiliated hospitals such as Easton where I was. One can ask questions after the rounds talk the equivalent of via satellite in modern times. During my stint there at Hahnnemans, at lunch I walked down to this Italian vendor who fixes Philadelphia Cheese steak subs, the best, Reuben sandwich, delicious and expensive and for cheap go to McDonald’s at half the price. I don’t think Ruby came from Temple. That place is not safe at night, not sure where Albert Einstein was. You say it’s at North Philly in Broad St? No wonder you like guns, you may need that in Broad St at night.
Joey
YET DIZON’s ARRIVAL IN THE US
Around December 1970 I got hold of the Green Book and wrote to 6 programs along the East Coast only. I got three responses from Program Directors. One of which was Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Long story short got accepted for Internship at Sinai to start July 1971. Coincidentally or not, Ando Dijamco, Jing Ordinario and Roger Liboon were headed to the same destination. No recruiters or sponsors to my knowledge. Found out Angie Dingkong and husband (Mascardo?) were there a year ahead with others (don’t remember their names, except for Henry So) from UST and UP. Angie did not keep her husband that long and found another while we were there. Ando, Jing, and Roger’s future wives were there (Jing & Roger) or in transit (Ando) to the dismay of our group of Filipina SYT’s who volunteered to be our welcoming committee. I was yet uncommitted. After too short a year, we all split up . Ando headed for Cleveland, Roger to Chicago, Jing to Louisiana (?) and moi to Philadelphia. After two years in Philly headed to New Haven for Fellowship (Yale). Took my boards at the end of my Fellowship 1975, boarded by October 1975. Joined staff in New Haven for 3 years (faculty/prestige/very low salary), then headed for a more decent salary in Georgia 1978 and stayed. Did Open Heart Anesthesia and Critical Care till I was retired by ALL in 2008. We actually started the Open Heart Program in Macon, Georgia starting at one a day (209/year) until 2008 (8-12/day; 1200/year) when I retired. There were four of us from New Haven who were in this team, with Faculty appointments at Mercer U. Today because of advance stents that do not easily occlude, they are back to doing just 1-2/ day (250-500/year). The high compensation of Cardiac Surgeons have shifted to the Interventional Cardiologists. Very boring right?? Other’s will be more interesting for sure.
Elsa went to the same hospital Louie Kodumal went for residency (sorry for missing her), I did mentioned Nieves but I didn’t know where Mike was doing his residency then. Lot’s of Pinoy’s in Philly because of the Navy Base and because Nurses then had unlimited employment possibilities. They had huge Pinoy parties mostly nurses and Navy personnel. We attended a few but the Navy men were not pleased, and practiced “bakuran”, wherein they put human barriers on the ladies so we couldn’t dance with them. BTW Ed & Precie Holgado ended up in the Philly area later, after I left.
Yet
MINI F’S COMING TO AMERICA
It would be my first trip abroad, but I was undaunted. Surely, if others could do it, so could I.
I boarded the PAL plane bound for Hong Kong. Through the plane window, I looked at the airport and wondered when I would be back. (Time would tell.). In about an hour, we were landing in this quintessentially British city of China. It was a small island with tall buildings dotting the hillside. I was quickly escorted alone to a waiting limousine that brought me to an impressive Mandarin hotel. I checked in and went up to my room. An old Chinese lady greeted me when I stepped out of the elevator and escorted me to an expansive and elegant room. She offered me hot tea. I would only be there for a few hours so I just took an afternoon nap. Soon, there was a knock at the door and the old lady beckoned me to leave now for the airport. It was amazing how time had flown by!
I boarded another plane for Tokyo. Tokyo was modern and I was to stay there overnight. It was midnight. Heavens! I was the last passenger to be dropped off in my hotel. The van driver was very apologetic, kept saying, “Sorry. I didn’t see you.” Wow, I never expected such graciousness from people; I like being a tourist. The following morning, I wanted a Japanese breakfast. A Japanese receptionist pointed the American restaurant in the hotel instead. After breakfast, I went to the basement to canvass Japanese shops. I was convinced to buy a Seiko watch for $50 (This was 1971). “Duty-free!” the charming Japanese sales girl exclaimed. I then boarded a van that would take me to the airport. Five minutes before boarding, I discovered that my papers were left in the airport shop where I just ate. I pleaded with the stewardess to wait for me while I retrieved some important papers in the shop. Then I took my fastest run ever, literally flying as people parted to make space for me. I got back on time and boarded a Japan Airlines plane to San Francisco. Whew!
It was morning when I arrived in San Francisco. I still had 12 hours stop-over in SF so I laid down in the restroom. A matronly lady asked if she could help expedite my trip without charge. Sure. So my flight schedule was advanced and I was to leave for SF in an hour on a Japan Airlines plane.
I arrived in Buffalo at midnight. Now, I realized that the travel agent who sold me the ticket purposely delayed me in SF to arrive in Buffalo during the day. As soon as I entered the building, the PA system repeatedly called out, “Dr. Festin, please report to our office immediately.”. Uh-oh! Did I leave some papers in SF? It turned out that the taxi driver sent by the hospital was waiting for me in the office.
I’ll be riding a taxi alone with a taxi driver in the middle of the night in an unknown city. A scary prospect, but it turned out well. He was nice & well-mannered, saying that he picked up foreigners frequently from the airport. When I arrived in Kenmore Mercy hospital, three angelic nuns were waiting to welcome me at the door. A nun said they only got news of my arrival an hour before. The Chief of Staff knew nothing about it. I was shown a hospital room which will be my residence for the next 6 months.
I spent little in my first 6 months. In time-honored residency tradition, I took advantage of whatever was free in the hospital. Six months later, new arrivals who graduated a year ahead of me came. (Drs. Ansel Laredo and Amelito Canlas, Dr. Sotero Fabella who turned out to be my cousin) There was also Dr. Robinson Baron from Far Eastern University and his wife. Women lived in the ladies’ apartment in the hospital grounds and the men in another apartment). I was no longer lonesome. I joined them in shopping sprees, churches, trips, picnics, etc.
One day, someone was calling me. It was Rita Hernando who interned in the Genesee Hospital in Rochester, NY. We had a good time together and continued our friendship in NYC where I took up my Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency in New York Hospital – Cornell Medical Center. For a while I thought of retiring in Buffalo, but winter quickly changed my mind. Still, I look forward to having time to visit again.
Be like the birds
Free thou thy wings ,beloved
That thou may float above the clouds
Empty thy mind of worries
It is futile . Everything is ladened for thee
Drop to the ground will thou
Provisions aplenty for the day ,
The universe is vast , it was made for thee
Gather thy wings , glide to the blue sky
Watch the sunrise golden rays
Display the beauty beyond compare
Feel the breeze , gentle rain drops
Refresh thy brow , soul renew
It is odd . How did I not know ?
It is not up to me . It is beyond me
It is a force greater than self that propels
A Power that has dominion over all
Take pleasure in the day ‘s offerings
Cherish each moment of communion
Savor the richness before thee
Be one with the universe , like the birds
By Lynne
April 7, 2016
CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY CAME EARLY FOR FILIPINOS IN BOSTON by Mini
The Advent celebration came in form of the San Lorenzo Ruiz statue’s journey from Manaoag town in the Philippines to the city of Malden in Massachusetts. It happened in September 2007.
The Boston Filipino Apostolate is blessed because it recently received the statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz. For several years, they had always honored the San Lorenzo statue on loan from a female parishoner. In late August 2007, the owner said that she wanted to take it back. The Boston Filipino Catholics were in a quandary. In the past, they did not have their own because they relied solely on someone else’ statue. Now was the time to get one of their own. The San Lorenzo devotees prayed for guidance in resolving this problem soon in time for the San Lorenzo Feast Day in September 2007.
Since no one could travel to the Philippines to get one right away, the Filipino Apostolate Liturgical Coordinator, approached the Coordinator of the Santo Nino Prayer Group. Does she know someone in the Philippines who could deliver a SLR statue to Boston on such short notice? Yes, indeed. she has a sister who lives close to the town of Manaoag, Pangasinan which is known for its excellent craftsmanship of religious statues. Within ten days, the San Lorenzo statue arrived on the doorsteps of her house. That night, a prayer group of Glo, Virgie, Esther, Paz, Gigi, Minnie & Fred, saw the unwrapped statue for the first time. The four-foot tall statue showed a praying San Lorenzo Ruiz with his face looking up to heaven, inspiring the congregation to pray as well. The prayers of the San Lorenzo devotees were heard . Truly, one cannot underestimate the power of prayers.
Manaoag and Malden (M&M – as the Filipino devotees now call the twin cities – have more in common than just being linked by San Lorenzo Ruiz. Established in the 1600s, these two places have a similar population of about 53,000. Malden ’s area of 5 square miles is similar to Manaoag. The Filipinos in both places have a strong devotion to the Holy Rosary. A Living Rosary always precedes the Filipino Mass in Malden . In Manaoag, Filipinos venerate “Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary.”
The town of Manaoag is famous for its “Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary shrine” and her countless miracles and healing powers. Located some 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Manila , it is about a five-hour drive with a few stops. The Church of the Most Holy Rosary was established 300 years ago, older than Lourdes , Fatima and Guadalupe. Close to a million visitors descend on this rural town at the peak months in the summer. It is the town’s biggest tourist attraction. Thus, the town is dubbed the Pilgrimage Center of Northern Philippines or, sometimes, the “Antipolo of the North.”
Malden is a city, just 5 miles north of Boston . Once the richest city in Massachusetts , it is now economically and ethnically diverse. The city’s Asian population is 20%. Out of a total population of 53,340, a recent census showed that 157 are Filipinos, about 0.3%. There is a regular Filipino Mass held at 12:30 pm every second Sunday at the St. Joseph Church in downtown Malden . Other weekly Filipino Sunday Masses in the greater Boston area are in West Roxbury (first Sunday), Boston College (3rd Sunday) and Quincy (4th Sunday). Established in 1902, St. Joseph Church reflects an international and ethnic awareness. Its current pastor, Fr. William, has welcomed the Filipinos wholeheartedly. He prepared a special place for the San Lorenzo Ruiz statue on the altar.
San Lorenzo Ruiz was the kind of man who said that he “could die for God and religion a thousand times if he had to.” On September 29, 1637, Lorenzo Ruiz, together with fourteen companions, died a martyr in Japan because he refused to renounce his faith to spare his life. They were hung upside down with their heads inside the well. Their temples were slit open to let blood drip slowly until they died. Canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 28, 1987, San Lorenzo Ruiz holds the honor of being the first Filipino Saint, the “most improbable of saints,” as Pope John II described him during his canonization ceremony. Lorenzo Ruiz had killed a man in Manila and joined a religious group which was going to Japan to do evangelization work. The group were mostly priests and religious. After their martyrdom, a miraculous healing occurred through their intercession. The miracle led to the canonization of the group.
To mark the arrival of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Statue, a solemn Tagalog Mass was held at St. Joseph Church on the second Sunday of September 2007. The Mass was preceded by a procession that took place around the Church. The statue brought up the rear of the procession. True to Filipino tradition, two female parishoners had decorated it earlier with a lei of sampaguita flowers. It was on a platform borne by 4 male parishoners.The attendees vocally prayed the rosary together during the procession to show unity in prayer with Christ. The procession ended in the church where the statue was carried to its special place on the altar.
The church was filled with people. the Spiritual Director of the Boston Filipino Apostolate, was there to con-celebrate the Mass with six other priests. The Filipino Choir, led by the pianist sang during the Mass. Special prayers to San Lorenzo Ruiz were said. At the end, the lively San Lorenzo Ruiz hymn was joyously sung. After the Mass, there was sharing of food and camaraderie in the Parish Hall. A special program was presented in the Parish Hall as part of the celebration. A participant was heard to say, “I am so glad I am here. I wanted so much to join in the prayers of the installation ceremony. “
This is just one of many examples of how the religious spirit continues to thrive in the Filipino community here in Massachusetts .
“I AM A CHRISTIAN, AND THIS I PROFESS UNTIL THE HOUR OF MY DEATH AND FOR GOD I SHALL GIVE MY LIFE. ALTHOUGH I DID NOT COME TO JAPAN TO BE A MARTYR, NEVERTHELESS AS A CHRISTIAN AND FOR GOD I SHALL GIVE MY LIFE.” St. Lorenzo Ruiz.
They were all there. I call them ” BORN AGAIN” with all the facials, manicure, pedicure, deep tissue massage, hairdo’s, colors together with Ando & Nap( less the make up). They were all pampered by Norma our gracious & benevolent Host. (exclusively for the CLASSMATES.). What a nice flashback, that word I always heard from the late Tony Robles, during girl-watching in the corridors, hallways & grounds. I’m sure they were all flattered by our benign, fitting comment. Ha Ha Ha!!! Regards to Ed. ( PS) Nap is our adopted 70 classmates. They call Murel, TAKSiL because he did not join us & went to Sali -Salu with his batch mates. So Ofie was solo & she relished our togetherness, as well as our out-of -towners – Charlie & May, Pol & Eva & company, Brenda & Caloy, & Luz D. H., Luz & Nap. Max didn’t come either because of his charity gig for the Golden Jubilarians & Board members’ meeting. Our dinner was seafood delights – Maine Lobsters, dungenous crabs, salmon belly, palabok, Inihaw na halibut, fish bowl, adobo. An array of seasonal fruits, water melon water, kiwi-flavored water, Pampamga Tamales. were all in line for everybody. For dessert, we had Halo-Halo. Everybody were all hyped up for dancing. Live music & DJ entertained us all. Pictures & snap shots were all flashing through the evening. It’s a never-ending bonding, chit chats, fun & laughter. The highlight was the celebration of birthdays of Ando & Nap. Each had his own cake from the hosts Norma & Harry. They blew the candles repeatedly waiting for the light to come on, just for souvenir picture. Then the couples of celebrants kissed too. What a hilarious moment! What a wonderful night to remember. Norma gave a very nice thank you speech as well as Luz D.H, Alice & Ando & Charlie.
To all our classmates, please don’t hesitate to visit us & experience the Beverly Hillbilly reception, California Sunshine Welcome & Hollywood style. Hullabaloo.
A million thanks to Norma & Harry
Manny de Sagun
The Fourth of July holiday is a time for celebration and for enjoying the company of friends and family. But it’s also a time to say thank you to the Veterans who were there for us when we needed them. This weekend is an opportunity for us to say thank you to these quiet heroes among us.
Cris Cosas (Army)
Jun B
Boy Bautista
Mags Tiamson (Army)
Max Basco (army)
Lolit Echaluse (Navy)
Mini F (Army)
taboc 