Dear Loved Ones,

          Pleasant Greetings from Manila, Philippines! With God’s Kindness, I am enjoying the pleasant Pinas weather (Jan. – Mar 2014; avoiding the winter outfit layering in America and  consistent with my ‘enjoy the best of both worlds’ hope – true rewards for His Faithfulness and Grace; Thanks GOD!

Since arriving Pinas Jan. 6 via DELTA air thru Narita, I am dividing my time between 4 days at my El Jardin condo (Sat. to Tues) in Q.C., and 3 days (Wed to Friday) at FSAC office in Malate, Manila; eating out / meeting up with friends, daily Masses, and other social whirls. Mondays / Tuesdays in Q.C. are for the free movie days and other amenities for senior citizens. After weeks of eating out on Buffets, I have learned to decline and prefer to dine a la carte, to focus on my MED diabetic discipline; still with fresh mango meal-day.

Finally, we had our FSAC office refurbished with the construction of an access sliding door between the 2-units, resulting to a single-door entrance, wider and brighter office space, smoother flow of office transactions, spacious room for waiting customers/visitors – everybody happier!!! We had 3 Japanese representatives (Kita, Yamada, and Fujimoto Sans) in Manila.  Our Crewing Manager Mar celebrated his birthday on Jan. 16 and had a merienda party at the office – barbecue, pancit bijon, spaghetti, cake, ice cream, drinks, etc. Then we invited Fujimoto san for his birthday dinner on Saturday at Saisaki, with Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. (UST Vice-Rector), Patrick and Ely. Gerry is thoroughly enjoying being the Boss of FSAC. While he is on business trip to Japan this week, I am feeling CEO at the office; though I still find it difficult to make use of the 8 uniformed cadets at my beck and call, in addition to office staff. Compare this to the senior executives in America, queuing for the photocopying machines and coffee at the break room.  What pleasant advantages for Pinas executives!  

On my 1^st week here were colorful events: Feast of the Back Nazarene of Quiapo – holiday, long procession from Luneta to Quiapo; Gerry and I went to SM Manila to relax but since we could not get a taxi, we took an exciting tricycle ride back to our office. Gerry suggested to take a selfie, but I did not have my phone with me – unforgettable experience – true flexibility! The following day Friday, Gerry and I renewed our drivers’ license at LTO SM Manila; from there we proceeded to Buffet 102 at MOA for Joya’s Lunch treat with FSAC staff. Joya is my former staff, who is now based in Singapore with her husband Alvin (also an FSAC crew); they have kept in touch and it’s so nice for her to treat us while I’m here – much thanks Joya! The following week was a series of lunch outs with Arlene M. and Ozone A., my partners at NVSC at the Centro in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), followed by condo viewing in Makati of Megaworld properties; then dinner later that evening with my fave couple – Chito and Tess Santiago, at Kenji Japanese resto at Greenbelt 5 Makati. Everytime I am in Pinas, I meet up with them; their son Dr. Daryl is my baptismal inaanak. My 2^nd Tuesday  was spent with Ms. Cora of NPC; with her vehicle, she fetched me at El Jardin to proceed to SMNE, lunch at Aristocrat, then to a movie – My Little Bossings for me, Lone Survivor for her, then to snacks at Grace Café; As sr. citizens, we use our privileges – free movies, and discounts – I have exciting stories on proving I am a Sr. citizen here. What a wonderful Living!     

Other highlights:

·      I took my annual Opus Dei Retreat last week at the West Wing Makiling, together with 30 others, part of my rituals; new friends, like Cecille Caballero who kindly shared her Starex van with her hubby Reggie;

·       Weekly Staff meetings with FSAC employees are aimed to improve operations, in addition to individual performance feedback;

·      Communications with families/friends through my low-tech CP no. +63939-606-1024;

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

Christmas Day 2013

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! Thanks GOD; I completed the 9-days novena Masses to prepare for Christmas, fulfilling my personal life Tradition! I wish you all had a Happy Christmas and enjoy a more Blessed New Year! After the Holy Land trip, celebrating the season brought more meaning beginning with Advent, culminating with Christmas – watching EWTN Jesus birth – related features allowed me to visualize the images of our Holy Land journeys, and our guide Hana’s historical narratives, wonderful Blessings!

            The season afforded me to express thanks and appreciation for all the gifts and Blessings – to GOD – for Faith and Graces - good health, Love and Generosity, Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Cardinal and Theological Virtues; to Family and Friends for their support; specially, my son Sean for encouraging me to take 4 international travels this year (in January to Pinas, in April to Belgium and Germany, in September to Italy, then November to Israel, as he said: “Go, go now, don’t wait for me to push you on a wheelchair for the Holy Land.” He was as right as I joined all the processes / functions: renewal of Baptism on the river Jordan, Via Dolorosa Stations, a Camel ride, Dead Sea wade, standing on long queues, long walks, going up / down excavations and steep terrains, shopping, and many, many more . . . . . in God’s time!!!  

            Meet-ups and gatherings always featured exchange of gifts and partaking of food thus, the need for more control / discipline and sticking to exercise regimen, and my resolve to avoid contracting disease, like we experienced last year; so far, the care is effective! Parties were limited to important socializing with Sean’s office staff at Rose’s home, OD group and church organizations. With all the year’s blessings, gift-giving and sharing to charitable groups were more generous!

 

            I am now looking forward to my next journey: to Pinas (Jan. 5 – March 16) to spend time with one third of my multi-located global family, and attend to our international shipping business. By The Way, I am now in the TSA pre-approved List; upon check-in at airline/port, persons with TSA pre-approved code, take a special line queue where we don’t remove shoes, other paraphernalia, and make a swift pass. The highly strict EL-AL officer commented on my passport: “You are a very-well travelled young lady!” Such nice thing to hear, considering being a senior citizen.

Other highlights:

·      On our Opus Dei, Fr. Turlock gave a moving Reflection on Advent, Penance and memorable meditations, then Benediction;

·      Books read: God Alone Suffices, and The God Within by Fr. Tom Allender; doing regular Liturgy of the Hours;

·      In addition to daily Masses at St. Mel’s, I attend the EWTN Masses for the readings and homilies to listen to other perspectives of the readings and watch the Season’s features, especially the Concerts, like Friar Alessandro of Franciscan Assisi, France;

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