Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! With the heat of summer came the various outings, reunions and trips clad in casual, colorful, comfortable get-ups.

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on August 13 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Ms. Teresa Tomeo, Talk Show host, motivational speaker, and media Consultant, 0n the topic NOISE – the Media, The Culture, and the Catholic Family. She provided advice on How can we discern God’s will for our lives if we don’t make room for peace, quiet, and yes even total silence? Discussion included how our media saturated culture dominated our lives and dismantled our families. We were surprised to learn just how much noise we are exposed to and the impact it has on our lives and our relationship with God and our loved ones. She presented action plans to help silence the noise in our homes as well as the best way for Catholics to engage the culture and make a difference.

Sean and I got back from our exciting week-end in Las Vegas by Southwest airline Aug. 29 evening flight to Sacramento. We went there on early morning flight to LV Aug. 28 to join the Panglao, Bohol Group celebration of the feast of St. Augustine, our hometown patron saint, at lunch with about 60 attendees at Cocinille restaurant. We had great time reuniting with families and friends, some I had last seen 45 years ago since finishing high school. Represented were clans: Arbilo, Arcay, Arcamo, Arrieta, Bon, Bongoyan, Bonje, Cloma, Estoque, Fucanan, Hora, Mijares, among others. Close circle included Virgie Arcay (SFO,CA), Margie Arrieta (Indiana), Luz Bonje (LA,CA), Fe Hora (LV,NV) Nevada)and myself (Sac, CA). Some came from Canada, Chicago (Eugene Mijares), Texas, NY, Arizona, etc. for the event. We spent the entire afternoon reminiscing beautiful hometown memories, re-introducing ourselves and family members, and many more. My son Sean was amazed to discover relatives and friends located all around America and listening to wonderful childhood achievements, milestones, and success stories. Highlights were captured in photos and videos – fun with the 45 years later images!

My nephew Rigel and family also came for the occasion by car from Phoenix, who provided us the city transport service and treated us to the evening show at the MGM Grand of Cirque Du Soliel – KA (Chinese- inspired musical action adventure) – so technically fascinating! Then Sean and I spent the night walking by the Strip until 1:00 AM, taking photos of the LV lights/sights: Paris, New York, Flamingo, ARIA, Bellagio, Mandarin, among others. Wherever I am, I make sure to attend Sunday Mass and was so glad to go to the Guardian Angel Cathedral for the 11AM service, which featured very inspiring musical band instruments – amazing Las Vegas talents! Attendees were 60% Filipinos, 30% Latinos, 10% Whites – thus we felt so at home! Later, our close circle, together with our children had lunch at the home of Fe Hora, had more reminiscing and updates, before John Arcay drove us to the airport for our 7:00PM flight back to SAC. It was truly a beautiful week-end swirl of activities – smooth plane rides, reuniting with clan and friends, recollecting childhood memories, sharing photos, planning future events, taking some 45-years later photos to share in Facebook accounts, with promises for future re-connections in 2010 Panglao, GOD Willing!!! Much thanks to Kuya Rudy who encouraged the bonding and gave my contact to Luz who initiated the connection to the group culminating with the memorable reunion!

Other milestones for the month included:

· Hosted our OD Circle with swimming for the kids at our clubhouse under the sweltering heat of summer with 15 kids and 4 moms in attendance on Aug 24;

· Updated health care program for Sean and myself – registered with our new physician Dr. David Yang at the Rancho Cordova Kaiser facility, upon recommendation of Dr. Edna Tanegra. On my 1^st visit on Aug. 26, Dr. Yang instructed me to take blood tests, Mammography, BP screening the following day; results were posted immediately on-line Aug. 28 –so fast and efficient, seems okay, but I have to exercise more control on my diet;

· I look forward to my East coast (NJ) sojourn (Sept 5 – 25) to big-boy seat my grandson MAX while his MOM Sarah will be on her European tour;

Attached are 4 group photos of recent reunions with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG