Dear Loved Ones,
Pleasant
Greetings from Manila, Philippines where I am on 2-months journey for work
updates, rejuvenation, and respite! The PAL flight to Manila was smooth and
fine as we arrived early morning on Feb. 10, thanks GOD!
After getting to the
groove in our FSAC shipping business with office staff meetings and updates, my
first social event was the annual UST Engineering Homecoming on Feb. 14, where
I got reunited with Fr. Richard Ang (UST Vice Rector) and Fr. Boy Loanzon (Eng’g
Regent), and I got my 45th year medal (Sapphire). Before that, I got
invited to the Hall of Fame awards held at the UST Alumni Hall where my fellow
Civil Engr. Benjie Saldua was one of the awardees. We were serenaded by the One
Voice chorale over merienda and later, dinner. It was a memorable celebration
of Valentine’s day!
The following week was
filled with meet-ups over lunch with friends and relatives before leaving for
Bohol for my major mission on Feb. 18. Upon arrival, my classmates came promptly
at 1:00pm for the detailed discussion of our San Agustin Academy(SAGA) 1965
high school Golden Reunion / 50 years. As our invitation hyped: “It’s hard to
believe it’s been 50 years! Come and reminisce with Class of 1965 of San
AGUSTIN Academy on Feb. 21, 2015, 10:00 AM until 5:00PM at the Panglao Island
Convention Center. Program of activities were laid, task assignments given, and
everyone cooperated, committed to make our reunion successful.
On Feb. 21, as early as
9:00A, all classmates were on hand to dress up the venue: promptly we started
with the Thanksgiving Mass presided by Fr. Victor Clemen (who I brought from
Manila) and Fr. Victor Bompat, also a
close family friend: 2 Victrors
meant a lot. After the Mass, we proceeded with the main event – the re-acquainting
with our classmates, 18 of us, telling our life after SAGA in 3 minutes each.
Of the original 40, 12 had passed away while the others cannot be located.
About 50% is a good attendance! We all had fun listening to the various stories
– highs and lows of lives. As Valedictorian, I shared last and here it is:
Good morning everyone! I
am so blessed because I was born and raised by parents who were good role
models – my mother Aurelia was my Grade 1 teacher, while my father Primitivo
was my Grade 6 teacher. I remember we attend Mass everyday before going to
school. At age 7, my father told me that GOD gave us gifts: when asked to sing,
you sing; when asked to dance, you dance; when asked to recite, you recite;
otherwise, those gifts will be lost; I am blessed because I was surrounded by
smart and intelligent classmates who provided stiff competition, pushing me to
work hard and excel; I am blessed because I had superior teachers who inspired
me to strive for higher goals; I remember Mam Nanie, in her Literature class,
clearly explaining Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice the concept of ‘a pound of
flesh; Mam Eunie Penales teaching Algebra confidently, making me believe that I
was also good in Math and Science that I took up Civil Engineering. I am blessed
that the UST seminarians convinced my MOM that I go to UST instead of UP,
concerned that I would become a communist.
Over the years, I was able
to strike a balance with my professional career and my family life as wife,
mother and grandmother. When we moved to America, my son asked to take my UST
Ph.D. in International Business diploma to hung on the wall of his home; then
when his friends would comment ‘Wow, your Mom has a Summa Cum Laude grade on
the bottom, Sean would say, ‘She has 3 Masters courses – M.S. in Mathematics,
Masters in Business Administration and Master in Hydropower Development which I
got in Norway.” For a parent, the best compliment is emulation as both my son
and daughter have their Masters in Business Administration.
For 18 years now, my
husband and I operate an international ship manning business helping our
countrymen earn US dollars, with our partnership with Japanese and Norwegian
shipowners. Even if medyo mayabang, I am telling my story in order to honor our
Principal Miss Filomena Clemen and make her proud of her wise decision to give
me the title Valedictorian. For the next chapters of my life, I will continue
to do my best, letting God do the rest; work hard, and pray hard!!!! Thank you
(long applause). . Lunch is ready!
We had lunch buffet for 60
persons; then musical program followed, videoke, parlor games, more dancing and
singing; I gave out $ 10 prizes for each. The following day, our group went on
an island hopping tour by banca – to Virgin islands (shrine of St. Padre Pio),
Balicasag, Pontod, and around Panglao. Much Thanks for the beautiful memories
to live for!
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
