Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! Yes I am back from Pinas, after I spent New Year
there with hubby and friends; observed traditional rituals, especially those
concerning spirituality – hoping for a more Blessed Year 2013 for us all – GOD
BLESS!
After welcoming year 2013 with
colorful fireworks at the Mall of Asia, observed at our Sofitel Hotel suite, we
went to early Mass at the Malate church, then to Ermita church, before shopping
at the MOA for our necessities. While still on ‘colds sick’ mode I finally
settled at my El Jardin del Presidente condo in QC, after visiting our Fairview
Shipping office in Malate. With its wonderful ambience – gated structure,
fresh-air 9J balcony, air-con off, festive surroundings, I felt rejuvenated and
in the pink of health after 2 days, especially after seeing my reliable
physician who advised me to stick to fresh seafood, vege-fruits diet. My swift
recovery ensured my resolve to stay in Pinas 3-months (Jan-March) next time
around.
My kumara Cora, who had
just visited New Zealand, soon called up to arrange a dinner-meeting with Rey
and daughter Hannah Del Rosario (who had migrated to NZ). After 10 years, we
met at Gloria Maris with Agnes R. and enjoyed updating on our lives. We missed
his wife Margie (who was our close NPC colleague). Hannah has grown to be a
lovely sophisticated lady. Hope for an early 2014 reunion with Margie. By the
way, I am so thankful to Ms. Cora, who served as my driver with her new
state-of-the-art Mits Strada, who fetched and dropped me off, during our
several outings. I truly appreciate the kindness! Our next outing was for the
movie ‘Sisteracas’, lunch, visit to a funeral, culminated with a Mass at Sto.
Domingo. While she suggested an English movie, I suggested the local-bakya show
as I got curious about its top grosser in the Metro Manila filmfest.
Kumareng Agnes spent a day
with me at the swanky fresh Robinsons Magnolia where we lunched at Elias,
reminiscing memorable experiences / stories, ogled at the Chinoy high-end
shoppers. Stores are a happy mix of Asian, American, European outlets offering
products to economically upgraded populace – signs of prosperity indeed!
While I intended to attend
the NK-ISO verification / assessment process of our Fairview Shipping, NK
scheduled the meeting for Feb. 1, 2013, while my return flight to SAC was set
for Jan. 24, so I could not wait for it. I did my bit to orient and prepare the
staff on the process, like to read my dissertation book on ‘Benchmarking
Competencies of Filipino Sea-based Workers: Towards Global Competitiveness’;
impressed on them that appraisals are done on the individual, organization, and
process levels; the NK process is to evaluate staff competencies to handle the
Manning business. I made sure that they have Individual Performance Appraisal
System, 201 File must be complete, HR matters, etc. Likewise, I accomplished a
big hurdle: to hire a new Crewing Manager to help/assist my husband in the
daily operations of our business, in the person of Marino Bonje, experienced
big Magsaysay Shipping staff. I hope he will ease up the burden from Gerry’s
shoulders so he could relax and enjoy senior moments.
I
also consider missing the NK meeting a blessing, since I avoided the potential
clash with Gerry and staff, who consider me to be a ‘Hitler’ when it comes to
Management style, which is one reason I am happily settled in America, which is
conducive to my upbringing, values and standards. Instead, we got the help of a
3rd party, Ms. Ann who is a QA professional reviewing, revising the
Manual; training, preparing the staff for the process. With her around, they
(especially Gerry) will be receptive of any directions and changes proposed,
which is contrary when I am the one doing them – everything will be taken against
me! Thus, he-he-he, I am off the hook. Although my intentions are good and
cost-effective, they would rather go for the more costly alternative. These
situations – trying to minimize my business involvement, like removing my
diploma, artifacts, photos/frames on display, changing office
arrangements/layout I have already accepted; thus, my detachment, moving on and
forward attitude. I am now focused on being Contemplative. See what Prayers can
do, truly GOD is GREAT!!!
Gerry and I watched Les
Miserable at SM, enjoyed shopping, and very appreciative that he was generous
during my Pinas stay – he made me feel good being married to a rich Papa!
Since I arriving SAC via
Hawaiian Air after an overnight at Waikiki Resort Hotel in Hon, focused on cleaning
up the Mess we left since Christmas – washing linens, tossing thrashes,
cleaning up, etc.
Attached are 4
photos 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