Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Manila, Philippines! Much Thanks GOD for the smooth PAL plane ride from SFO to Manila on Feb. 6, arrived 4:00 at Terminal 1 NAIA; met by Gerry, Jessica, and driver Ely, breakfast at McDO-ABS/CBN, before settling at El Jardin condo!

I had my first breakfast meeting at Sulo Hotel with our External Auditor Doray (for 18 years) to discuss overall business perspective, plans, prospects, and strategies; then exchange of gifts. Doray always have flashy trinkets and novelties for glams which I always share with Sarah. This was followed by Mass at UP Church, my regular alternating with Sto. Domingo, and St. Scholastica’s College chur

ch.

My FSAC office staff meeting was to gather feedback / updates on the results of operation and over-all performance evaluation at the individual, organization, and process levels. I congratulated the group for the increasing productivity of more than 25 vessels, certainly helping more Filipino families earning US dollars, especially with the higher peso per dollar rate of over 47 ++. As I shared with my companions from the US onboard making their Pinas visit meaningful, I encouraged them to ‘share the wealth’ on their visit with our countrymen, like visiting beautiful destination spots around the country, spreading their wealth.

The next days were kept busy for the turn-over of 24H BGC condo to an ex-pat renter on a long-term lease. This proves that real-estate investment is worth / productive indeed! Gerry, Jessica, and I enjoyed the tour around McKinley Hill Venetia new development as the Megaworld marketing ladies did their sales pitch. I thanked them for the good job they did on finding the diplomat renter, the swift interior / furnishing works, and smooth turn-over to the lease.

 

My annual trip always include attendance to our UST-Engineering Alumni homecoming held on Feb. 13: started with Mass officiated by Dominican friends Fr. Boy (Regent) and Fr. Felimon, dinner, songs / dances. I met my former professor Engr. Belarmino Viray (after 46 years), Rory and her group, and many others. On Valentine’s day, Gerry and I had a memorable celebration: Mass at Sto. Domingo, then to SM-NEDSA for our annual ID-taking at Great Image; we had a nice couple-shoot, simple lunch, and shopping; I also did my hair color at ‘Ricky’s; then to prepare for my early morning flight to Bohol, which was the main highlight for this trip as we siblings (Ate Nenen, Kuya Rudy, and myself) were committed for this reunion to settle our properties in Bohol. There was a lot of drama, consultations, and meetings for three days. We had different points of view, having varying life experiences, and perspectives / concerns / priorities.  My main motivation was for peace to settle in the family, after 40 years. I was the first heir to sign the Deed of Extra-Judicial Partition of Properties (DEJPP). Much Thanks GOD, everyone followed suit, notarized, and we now have the legally binding document of ownership to our property share!

Other highlights of the month:

·      By the way, aside from the DEJPP, Kuya also gave me a check for PHP 500,000, my share for a lot sold. This is an annual income for 5 years. Much thanks to my parents!

·      While in Bohol, went sightseeing with my friend Thelma: visited my parents’ and brother’s graves, visited my lawyer Atty. Dennis Hora, lunch at Baby Zenaida Cloma for the gathering of bringhouse for my husband, pictorial at Henann Resort with Gilda and relatives. Thanks to Geraldine Fuego for proving the transport For Everest and driver, to bring me to the airport! Surely, a very productive Bohol trip.

·      Gerry and I hosted my sister and husband Nong Nonie on their 2-days/nights stay in Manila; we booked them at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, where Gerry and I also stayed, as we bonded over sumptuous breakfast buffets at the Spiral. While we attended to regular business activities, our cousin Ate Celia (Ate Nen’s bff) kept them company, served as their driver, and entertained them. We had dinner at Drs. Lee and Arlene’s residence at Fernwood Homes, QC.

·      The days that followed were highlighted with meet-ups with friends: Korean lunch with Ms. Cora Ignacio, for her birthday; Dinner at Romulo’s with dear kumare/kumpare Tess and Chito Santiago.  Gerry and I had Spanish Lunch with our Nordic Ventures partners at Terry’s, the Podium, over two bottles of red wine, seafood paella, duck, maji fish, and several appetizers, with dessert.

·      On our Fairview connection, we had Greek Mediterranean  dinner with Gen. Gammy and Grace Cruz, with Fr. Bobot C. at CYMA, Trinoma, QC.; lots of reminiscing our Couples for Christ golden days, happy days; letting go of our Fairview home which as General said ‘punong-puno’ ng gamit;

·      Sunday Mass is always followed by brunch at Mamonluk, where Gerry and I enjoy our chicken Mami / siopao and to go. In fact, I brought 5 siopaos back to U.S. which Sean enjoyed;

·      Movies watched in Pinas: Always be my Maybe, starring Gerald Anderson, and Arci Munoz, and Zoolander;

·      Books read: Bible, and CCC; Stations of the Cross;

·      Fr. Ruel Pangan and I took the same PAL flight to Pinas, then he proceeded to Bohol, while I stayed in Manila, before going to Bohol.