Pleasant Greetings from SAC, USA! I am enjoying thoroughly the remaining winter days with heavy rains, sunshine du
ring mid-days, then evening rains in the 50s. Oh well, I had my sunny Pinas days, so having the best of both worlds is a Blessing, thanks God!
On our SacCatholicForum at the Radisson Hotel on March 14, we had as speaker Dr. Anthony Lilles, Academic Dean, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, who discussed the topic ‘Why is it so Hard to Pray?’. He explained the problems and distractions everyone has, and how to overcome them to achieve a life of joyful prayer. Some difficulties encountered on praying: Forgetfulness of God’s eternal plan; people living in things of this world / living for the wrong things; people having the spirit of self-sufficiency; lack of confidence in God’s Love. We must always keep in mind that God wants only the Best for Us! Keep the Faith and trust Him!
Our Fairview neighbors and Sean’s baptismal godparents, who had migrated to Canada - Rolly and Rebbie Santiago with son Robin, visited us last March 6. We spent the day reminiscing those wonderful Pinas neighborhood activities, like family outings, parties, going to 80s rallies. We attended a Norwegian language class at the Makati embassy (which was the reason she traced me thru my Nordic Ventures website link 3 years ago); we also went to Bohol to get house helps for our respective families in May 1987. The trip was a real adventure. Rebbie (with sons Ronald and Ryan, then 10 1nd 8 years), Sarah (then 12yrs) and I took a plane via Cebu, took a taxi to go sightseeing around, then took a boat ride to Tagbilaran, arriving Panglao in the evening. Since it was fiesta time, Rebbie and I served as judges on a Miss Gay beauty contest. After 4 days of more fun in the beach, we took the leisurely boat ride back to Manila.
Even then, gays were accepted in our society, they did not have to struggle for acceptance / recognition (at least in my community, tolerance and peaceful co-existence were benchmarks), so much more today where ‘bading’ language is common. Back then too, it was easy to get house helps; now their target is to be an OFW in HK, Middle East, Macau, etc. Sean’s yaya upgraded her skills and ended up in Italy, then married an Israeli. She visited our Fairview shipping office one day to update us on her status, good for her.
Other Highlights for the month:
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We completed our Bible study topic on St. James on Mar. 22, so many specific learnings on Wisdom, and other principles to live by. Our group of 15 culminated with lunch at our leader Claude’s home where we savored on hot tea, coffee, and many kinds of cakes and pastries. We are looking forward to renew our classes after Easter.
· On Mar 23, Sean and I were excited to attend Lady Gaga’s Live ‘Monster Ball Tour’ concert at the SAC Arco Arena. To get good lower level ticket, we bought them in Sept. 2010 yet, she’s so in demand. The audience (who kept on dancing the entire duration) was so thrilled at her high-energy performance, awesome props, dances, multi-talents / skills as musician! As part of her 25th birthday celebration tour, her concert that lasted 3 hours was truly amazing!
· Attending Gaga’s concert was part of Sean’s 24th birthday celebrations on Mar 25! We started the day with the 7:00am Thanksgiving Mass at St. Mel’s (published in the parish bulletin). Being abstinence Friday, Sean celebrated seafood’s lunch/dinner with his office mates and friends, while I kept my day simple. On Saturday, Sean and I had lunch at the Thai Elephant Bar/Resto near Sunrise Mall, then shopping.
· As birthday gift on his 1st employment year, Sean purchased his own iMAC 21” desktop. He has his own room of gadgets: Apple comp, rockband, guitar, keyboards, tv, PS3, PS2, IPod, and other techies.
· Our Fairview shipping updated that a former Japanese Principal who manages 70 vessels – Yorozu San, got re-connected with us, he communicated with me via YM, and is in the process of discussions with Gerry on business re-cooperation. Mr. Yorozu had us man 15 vessels for six years (1998-2003). Good news for our Filipino officers and crew with more employment opportunities. Thank God that his family was spared from the recent destructive earthquake, as we continue to pray for the people in Japan, and for this wonderful Blessing! As my guiding philosophy: Do your Best Always, let God do the Rest!
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!!!
