Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! June is the month dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Fr George had been actively campaigning for the enthronement of His Image at the homes of parishioners. As a child, I recall going to homes in our parish participating in this enthronement rituals, my mother being the lifetime leader of the Sacred Heart movement.

On the 1^st week of July, I attended the NU seminar on ‘Best Practices on Teaching’ where experts shared new, innovative ideas meant to enhance the students' learning experience. In addition to lunch, refreshments, and new competencies gained, faculty attendees were given a $200 stipend for the day – call it the highest level of incentive/ motivation! Celebrated and watched fireworks on July 4 with the family of Marilou (from Dumaguete) and Joe Spade, very hospitable couple at their home, as shown in photo at their beautiful garden!

Part of my youthfulness is keeping in touch with the young, which I learned from Dr. De Lara who continues to enjoy teaching at Grad School to imbibe the energy of the students. In line with this, I joined Sean to watch the live concert of the top ten American Idols finalists at Arco Arena on July 9 where the energetic audience was treated to 3-1/2 hours show with more than 40 songs/dances, each finalist had 3 solos, the top 2 had 4 each and the rest group numbers – really got more than your money’s worth – fantastic show! With the crowd’s cheer, apparently they couldn’t get enough, especially from David Archuleta.

To be socially relevant, I attended the regular 2^nd Wednesday monthly meeting of the catholic breakfast club of Sacramento, a network catholic professionals where speakers present interesting topics over breakfast, after a Mass celebration at 6:15 AM. The venue is always at the Sacramento Hilton Hotel. Speaker for the month was Atty. Pugno, also St. Mel’s parishioner, discussing on the ‘catholic response to same sex marriage.’ I was also curious on the speaker since I plan to engage his services on estate planning, which I believe is an essential phase in American life.

Being an avid ABBA fan, Sean and I watched the movie version of the Broadway hit show (which I also watched in 2001) Mamma Mia on its 1^st showing day on July 18, which we thoroughly enjoyed, and afforded us to recall beautiful memories of the songs since the eighties. My attachment with ABBA had been 28-years long journey, having watched them perform live in Norway in 1981, and continue to be so, being handed down to new generations of ABBA fans. As shown in the photo, I have the original piano pieces of all their songs, have the CDs in my vehicles all these years, the ABBA CD always alternating with whoever is the current CD hit. Despite the two couples having divorced, they continue to be friends, and I am glad that all of them (ex-couples Anni-frid and Benny, Agnetha and Bjorn) attended the movie premiere in London. The movie cast finale reminded us of their ‘flashy spandex costumes’. I watched them perform Waterloo at the Eurovision81 and their live concert before they disbanded in 1981. I recall in 1982, my daughter Sarah performed ‘Thank You for the Music’ lead interpretation in their Dominican School choral contest and won for them 1^st prize. Now, my duet with Sean of ‘Thank You for the Music’ and ‘Dancing Queen’ during ‘magic sing’ sessions at Filipino parties always yield us a score of 100.

This month was my turn to host our Opus Dei Circle at home last July 24, to make good use of the summer weather while Sean is on vacation, and the attendance was so amazing. Promptly at 9:30 am, 6 ladies arrived with their 16 kids, led by Deidre with her 5 kids, Filipina Veronica with her five kids (while her youngest is just 5 months old, she is now pregnant for her 6^th, and her eldest is only 7yrs old). Brangelina is surely setting a trend for big dozen families. How wonderful!

While we had our circle discussion at home, Sean brought 12 kids to the playground keeping him busy looking after them, and by 11:30 they all returned smoothly to have some refreshments with the adults. As shown in the photo, we all had a good time at home!

Attached are photos: 1) with the American Idols in concert, David Archuleta on the piano; 2) with my ABBA songbook; 3) at home with the OD Circle kids; 4) at their awesome garden on July 4. Let us continue to pray for our country and people and for America. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

For info on business opportunities in the Philippines visit us at: http://www.fairviewshipping.com

Much love and Best Regards!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! June is the month dedicated to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Fr George had been actively campaigning for the enthronement of His Image at the homes of parishioners. As a child, I recall going to homes in our parish participating in this enthronement rituals, my mother being the lifetime leader of the Sacred Heart movement.

Sean did it again! This time he brought home a Play Station 3 as runner-up in the Math quiz held at CA State U Sac (CSUS) on June 26. Weeks earlier, his former Math professor at American River College (ARC) Ms. Julie called to ask him to tutor her ARC students to prepare them for the annual Math competition. So last Thursday, he went to the venue at CSUS intending to provide moral support to ARC contestants. Since it was open to students with valid IDs, CSUS teachers prodded him to join the contest instead thus becoming part of 100 contestants. After the knock-out rounds and 6 hours later, he was left standing with a Chinese Eng’g senior from UC Davis, yielding to him due to exhaustion. Anyway, the top 2 (both of them) got similar prizes – a PS 3. So, Sean’s habit of techno-gadget collection through Math quiz triumphs goes on! Although Ms. Julie was visibly elated by Sean’s achievement, she jokingly expressed regret that she called him, considering that none of her ARC students made it to the final 10. Congratulations Sean, we are truly proud of you, keep going on and up!

Last June 1, we watched the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir (LCC) in their concert at the St. Joseph Parish in nearby Lincoln county, as part of their US-12-cities tour. LCC is composed of schoolchildren ages 9 to 13 (12 girls & 7 boys) from the town of Loboc, Bohol, who blossomed into one of the most outstanding choirs in the Philippines with their falsetto angelic voices. LCC is a 3-time National Champion of the Music Competitions for Young Artists in RP, won the 6th International Folksongs Festival in Europe held in Barcelona, Spain, won the Gold Medal in the Choir youth category in the Netherlands. The LCC held very successful concerts in Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany and Switzerland, and their U.S. tour is sponsored by the Tourism Dept. Its concert repertoire is a combination of classical, folk, modern, and children’s songs. Being a Bohol child myself, I am proud of them and truly enjoyed the well-attended concert of my kababayans, highlighted by many standing ovations by the appreciative audience!

Middle of the month we joined the rest of Anatolia neighbors having outdoor block parties celebrating the City’s 5th anniversary with a kick-off party at our Anatolia Park.(with hotdogs/ chips/ drinks, music). The month-long celebration will be culminated on July 1 at the Rancho Cordova City Hall with free food, festivities, live music, dancing & family fun (5-9 pm).

In search for more knowledge, Sean and I attended a seminar conducted by the Trump Institute (of the successful Donald Trump business empire). Thus, we are now part of the Trump system, learning the big real-estate industry. Since I am not keen on the marketing aspect of the business, I will try to focus on the Tax Lien Investing side, which I plan to pursue as part of my long-term journey in America (enjoying the best of both worlds). The goal would entail attendance to further days of workshop/training in the coming months. With Sean in his senior year in Accounting, slowly building up his competencies and confidence, with my guidance and with God’s blessings - will keep us in the right track! We met a Filipino young couple Tess and Russel (also neighbors in Anatolia) who are aggressively into real-estate; thus we are learning with them the nuances of Limited Liability Comp (LLC /LLP). Truly, learning is a continuous process and there is opportunity in a down market!


Attached are photos: 1) the Loboc Children’s choir; 2) with them after the concert; 3) with Sean’s new PS 3; 4) at our park during the anniversary. Let us continue to pray for our country and people and for America. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Traditionally, May is celebrated in Pinas with Flores de Mayo honoring our Blessed Mother Mary with flower offerings, so too here in CA.

On May 12 at 7:00pm, the eve of our Lady of Fatima feast, our St. Mel’s church (under Fr. George’s leadership), held the Crowning of the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a beautiful life-statue carved in Portugal. The activities, attended by huge crowd consisted of: recitation of the joyful mysteries (before each decade groups of offerors brought flowers o the image), followed by the crowning, then candle-lit procession with the image on a caroza, amid meaningful singing, culminated by an out-door Benediction and agape. The entire proceedings were so moving and successful – another feather and appreciation for Fr. George active service to the community, of course with the laity’s participation – all touched by the Holy Spirit!

Then on May 24 at 10:00am, on invitation by the Dominican Sisters headed by Sr. Maximilian Marie, O.P., Sean and I attended the Consecration of their Spiritus Sanctus Academy to the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) located in Granite Bay, CA. The rites started with a Marian procession, celebration of the Holy Mass by Bishop William Weigand of the diocese of Sacramento, the crowning of the image of BVM, culminated by socials/lunch. The event was truly blessed with the outpouring of rain during the outdoor Mass which did not dampen the spirits of the attendees. In humor, Bishop Weigand incorporated the rain blessings in his homily, summarizing that no matter how intricate are man’s plans, God’s Will always prevails. We needed the rain which did not come during the entire spring season in order to prevent brush fires, which had started in the Tahoe area weeks ago. During the socials we conversed with some guests: Sister Assunta, O.P., Mother Superior of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Order who came all the way from Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Dominican brothers from St. Albert’s Priory in Oakland (where Fr. Ed stayed), and others who we saw during the March for Life in San Francisco. We shared table with a Korean brother who invited Sean to spend a discovery vocation week-end with them in SFO.

At the start of May, my aerobics/yoga instructor Eli asked two of his loyal students to assist him in a big (over 40 students with average age of 50 years) class he was handling at the CA Family Health & Fitness Center (20 minutes drive from our Anatolia), and I readily said ‘yes’. So I spend 3 hours a week teaching aerobics/yoga to senior citizens, which is consistent with my passion. What’s funny is Eli thinks I am on my early 40s, he calls me ‘dynamo’ whatever he means, it gives me a nice feeling – seems something to do with energy! As S. Covey says in his’7 Habits of Highly Effective People’ - ‘exercise for self-renewal’, so keeping fit is my priority and this is another opportunity for diversification/expansion of services, he-he-he. Well, I am on my way to utilizing some 20% of my life potentials! I find our regular “20-20-20 (consisting of 20 minutes. cardio, 20 mins. resistance, 20 mins. stretching) training” highly effective. While waiting at the lobby before class starts, it’s gratifying to hear feedback from participants how their backs, or legs, or arms have improved and aches/pains removed; spreading the good news so participants have increased, assuring Eli of job security.

Joining the rest of America in honoring the war veterans on Memorial Day, we spent the day at Old Sacramento (with its rich old world gold rush ambience) where veterans and families celebrated the annual Jazz Festival with various bands, all around a fiesta atmosphere. We enjoyed hanging out near the stage with a band of teen-agers playing and singing jazz music of the sixties - their energy was so amazing!

Attached are photos: 1) with Sr. Maximilian Marie & Sr. Assunta, O.P.s, during the consecration event; 2) with the image of our Lady of Fatima; 3) with Sean at Old Sac on Memorial Day. Let us continue to pray for our country and people and for America. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! The transitional spring month of April brought about dramatic changes from the cool months of winter to the warmer months of summer, with all the flowers abloom, with mixed feelings of looking forward in Faith, Hope and Love!

On the 2nd week of April, our multi-located family (husband Gerry in Pinas, daughter Sarah in New Jersey, us in CA) experienced some trials which needed remedial measures. The major one involved Gerry’s interpersonal issues with some office staff. It reached a point where our children advised me to rush home to resolve matters. Having previous commitments here, I pleaded with Gerry and he acceded for us to wait, and give him a week to simmer down. Then I totally immersed on spiritual activities like Masses and Meditation, Scripture study (our month topic ‘Reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary’ just culminated today with a group lunch at the parish hall). I also followed closely the EWTN coverage of Pope Benedict XVI’s Papal Visit to the U.S.A. (where Filipinos participated actively) and prayed hard for special blessings.

After 2 weeks of continuous prayers, mortifications, sleepless nights, and complete surrender to His Will, the issues in Pinas were settled, and everybody seems at peace now, thank God! During crisis when things get out of hand, let God take control and issues will be resolved smoothly. Taking drastic actions, like going home to Pinas immediately, would have derailed set plans and schedule. Instead of moving swiftly, I prayed for discernment and guidance, surrendering everything to God. He led me to focus on spiritual activities, allowed things to simmer down and problems resolved easily, God is truly great!

Our spiritual blessings were highlighted by the week-end visit (April 26-27) of Fr. Ed Nantes, O.P., in our home here in Sacramento. Fr. Ed (my classmate in U.S.T. - Ph.D.) is the Philippine Dominican Provincial who is on sabbatical leave and on studies since January 2008 in Berkeley, CA. Sean and I fetched him from Oakland Saturday morning. After having lunch, we visited the Sacramento Blessed Sacrament Cathedral (where a wedding was on-going), then to the State Capitol grounds. On Saturdays, the Capitol is open for guided visits, so we were fortunate to join the 3:00 pm last group, received briefings on CA history and the workings of American democracy, direct observations on the session halls and offices of the Legislative and Executive branches of government, the dioramas and many others.

Later that evening, we were joined for dinner at home by Fr. George Snyder, the Pinoy priest of our St. Mel’s church. Obviously, the younger 8-month priest had a lot to learn from Fr. Ed’s 27 years experience in the ministry, so he asked Fr. Ed to con-celebrate at his 7:30 am. Sunday Mass. Fr. Ed delivered a touching message of Hope to the people, especially to the elderly, which I am sure, was deeply appreciated. After Mass, we all had breakfast with the 3 Irish priests at their rectory. I felt so blessed to get a glimpse of the inner sanctum of our parish. Then we visited the Regina Coeli convent of the Dominican sisters in Rocklin, which is situated on a 120-acre property with a lake, donated by a wealthy benefactor, for them to build a school. What a big potential, I hope Pinas Dominicans could get involved here!

After having lunch at ‘hometown buffet’ and talking on the phone with my daughter Sarah - by 4:00 pm, it was time to bring Fr. Ed back to Oakland, then back to Sacramento for us - a little sad for such wonderful ‘hello and goodbye’ week-end! What is amazing of the visit was the perfect timing and impact on our lives – so meaningful and memorable; Thanks so much Fr. Ed for your time, especially my opportunity to share and unburden my trials and small triumphs – how blessed I am to have you as classmate for life!

By the way, the next station of Fr. Ed’s life journey starting in July, will be in Indonesia where he will join 2 priests educated by Pinas Dominicans, to put up a school and strengthen Catholicism in that country. The time frame for his stay there is indefinite. This is another lesson on the missionary/pilgrim outlook – ‘detachment, letting go, and moving on’.

Attached are photos courtesy of Fr. Ed: a) with him at the Capitol grounds; b) with Fr. George at our clubhouse; and 3) dinner at home. Let us continue to pray for our country and people and for America at this difficult time of recession. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Hope we all spent Holy Week reflecting on God’s Goodness, Mercy, and Love, through Jesus’ Passion, Death and glorious Resurrection! March 25 was my son’s coming into full adulthood – 21 years – Happy Birthday Sean!

I cherish the times spent teaching in Pinas at the PUP Graduate School since 1997 (when I had my Ph. D.), as it allowed me to share, not only my competencies, but personal values as well, to my students. I devoted my Saturdays in school (12:00 – 9:00pm) including the summer terms, waived my social life, teaching Projects Development and Management, Production Management, Management Science, among others. Students were mostly supervisors working in government agencies (DPWH, NIA, MWSS, LRT, MMDA, CB, etc.) on their way to managerial promotions. Aside from the lessons, I always share the ‘key success factors’ from ‘The Millionaire Mind’: Integrity (honesty in everything we do), Personal Discipline (self-control), Social Skills (getting along well with people), Hard Work (more than most others), and Supportive Family. I believe that my sharing raised their awareness and values/conscience, then somehow minimized the ‘corruptive influence of the environment in handling public works projects’. Interacting with students afforded me joyful satisfaction and meaningful purpose in life!

Thus, it was a positive ‘de javu’ experience when I conducted the MNS205 – Quantitative Methods for Business class this month for the government employees of the City of Roseville, at the City Training Center. The City arranged with NU for ‘higher education’ of their employees at their site, for Master degree in Public Administration. My students are engineers of Public Works, auditors/accountants of County offices, technicians at Rocklin County, etc. I am highly inspired to do my best in teaching. Among 15 students are two Jackson – Ross and Norine. Curiously, I asked Ross whether they are related and he replied: “She is my mother’. He’s an engineer at Public Works while Norine is auditor at Placer County. Norine grinned ear to ear when I commented: ‘I thought you were siblings or husband/wife. What amazing circumstance – that they are in the journey for higher education together – mother and son! My findings: The mother is doing better than the son. This may be attributed to various factors: she is more mature, more confident, more focused – at over 50 years, she has more relaxed life; while the son in his thirties, has to balance life responsibilities – career, husband, father – so he has more pressure/ stress.

In the class too, is a Pinay (Michelle Balonso-Rinne) who finished high school at Holy Family School in Q.C. (back of Claret School where my Sean graduated) and we lived in the same neighborhood at UP Diliman, where we stayed in our condo for six years. Another lady, a procurement officer at Rocklin County, is married to a Filipino (Nunez- she says he is very good). MNS 205 is a pre-requisite for higher MNS 407- Management Science, which they are scheduled to take later this year, and for which I was already appointed to handle too.

On my 1st year teaching at PUP, Dr. Rodolfo de Lara asked me to teach half of his big class (for Ph.D. students) – Strategic Management/Business Policy and Decision-Making - handled by experienced professors. It was real challenge for me, but I was honored by his trust and willing to learn, so I accepted his offer. Whatever teaching subjects they gave, I accepted heartily. It was a similar situation early in my career, when Dean Matias Arreola (of MLQ University) took me as Faculty, while I was his student in M.S. Mathematics course. Dean Arreola (top Pinas Mathematician - author of many books) assigned me to handle Differential/Integral Calculus, Differential Equations, and other CE subjects, in addition to giving me the responsibility to assign teaching loads to professors in the Mathematics and Civil Eng departments. He became our wedding sponsor and eventually, recommended me to work at the National Power Corporation, where I spent 20 years. Likewise, in 1975, Dean Francisco Reyes of UST Engineering took me in as Faculty; then also, as Faculty of FEU Engineering. Even as a student, I started teaching Catechism in Kamuning, QC with the UST Legion of Mary/Pax Romana; started professional teaching at PMI Colleges where I met my husband in 1972. Even then, I was into Linear/Simplex Programming, which I still enjoy doing, but with more complex real-world applications. 36 years later, I conclude teaching - this time to Americans – is my vocation/passion! The bonus is – being paid at what I love doing best. Lesson: Never shirk from challenges, these are learning opportunities meant to prepare you for higher life roles. I will always be grateful to my mentors and pray for them!

Attached are current photos: Sean at 21, and at home. Let us continue to pray for our country and people, and in America at this difficult time of recession, where many are losing homes and employment. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Thank God the longer days of spring are here as we bid adieu to the cold long nights of February, the shortest month of the year (even longer leap year), then preparing for the Lenten season – starting with Ash Wednesday, Abstinence Fridays - Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection!

I am following closely the happenings in Pinas – senate hearings, demos/rallies, testimonies of witnesses. I am happy and proud that the key witness Jun Lozada, a co-alumni from UST Engineering (he is ECE 1984), is consistent with our Thomasian philosophy of seeking the TRUTH always! Gerry and I agree with his statements about the ‘middle class being insulated from corruption and problems as they have the option to leave the country if they cannot stomach anymore’, and that OFWs are the ‘exhaust valve’ so the country is not exploding, despite massive corruption in high places. We see that in our Pinas business which serve as a conduit of foreign exchange influx, our little share in sustaining the country’s economy. Yes, remittances by OFWs are truly the backbone of the economy, what keeps our country afloat! However, the reason for my stay here is partly due to my personal bad experiences of criminality and corruption in Pinas. I am just so blessed to have this option to enjoy the best of both worlds, but now Gerry advised me to just stay put here, although I plan to return to Pinas by September to attend to important functions / obligations. Hopefully by then, the political storm in Pinas will be settled.

On Feb 11, the feast of our Lady of Lourdes, our St. Mel’s parish celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of our perpetual Adoration Chapel. The festivities were highlighted with a candle-light procession (what an awesome sight!) around the church vicinity attended by the Bishop, many priests and religious and huge crowd, capped with agape reception – all organized by Pinoy Fr. George. People here are so impressed and happy with his energetic skills! For my part, I am now listed in the schedule of committed time adorers in the Chapel (my response to God’s call for service); likewise, our weekly Scripture study group just finished St. Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians 1&2. On our last day, the group had lunch at the home of our leader Claude, who prepared the food by himself, living alone in a senior citizen neighborhood. I am deeply touched by all the experiences (kindness, generosity, love, etc.) encountered in various aspects of my journey here. I feel God is truly leading my way!

We do need to offer more prayers for our country and people at this critical times, and I am glad to accommodate all the prayer requests of family and friends due to my longer and focused prayer time. I am happy to share some good news: Elsa Arbilo, my inaanak (baptism and wedding) for whom I went home to Bohol, Pinas last June 9, 2007, is expecting to deliver her honeymoon baby by March (what a blessing!); Dachi Santiago (my baptismal inaanak, also UST-Med grad), son of close friends-architects Chito and Tess Santiago just passed his Physician Licensure exam given this February. Congratulations to Elsa and husband Jasper (they are based in New York), and to Dachi and his proud parents! By the way, Dachi’s sister Kim (a dentist board topnotcher) is also migrating to Australia soon – to become another part of the ‘OFW exhaust valve generation’.

I am looking forward to my next teaching assignment this March 4 – 29, MNS 205 Quantitative Methods for Business, which will be held offsite at Roseville Electric Comp. Students are engineers and technicians of the company, and what a coincidence that I had my 20-years career with our National Power Corp. in Pinas! Thus, I hope to be at ‘home and enthusiastic’, providing solutions to application problems relevant to the energy sector.

Attached are Valentine photos with Sean at home, and Sarah's family Christmas picture. Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Wishing you a very Happy Valentines day with your loved ones; especially to my family – my hubby Gerry in Pinas who is looking forward to watch a Connie Francis concert at Araneta (he already got the best patron seat ticket), to Sarah and her family, and to Sean (who just started his spring term, focused on Accounting major subjects), as we continue to pray and thank God for His Love, Mercy and Generosity, among many others!


On the 1st week of January, we experienced a strong winter storm which rendered power failure to the Sacramento region (in our area, on Jan 4, we lost power from 9:00am-2:00pm). That day Fr. Victor (from Pinas) also came to deliver the package (2 paintings, 2008 Meralco diary, calendar, other goodies) sent by my hubby. Despite the strong winds, rain and power outage, we enjoyed lunch at home with our 3 visitors, especially the stories and updates on Bohol/ Pinas happenings.

We also received the holiday package from my daughter Sarah, containing among others, 2 shirts with the photo of our apo Max embossed, emblazoned with the words ‘I love you Lolo / Lola’, more photos, some more gifts for all of us. Max looks so handsome, as Sarh would always say, ‘Move over Keanu Reeves’, mas quapo pa talaga si Max! Thanks so much Sarah for your thoughtfulness and Love! On Jan. 19, we (Sean, Cora and I) joined our parish delegation (2 busloads) to the ‘Walk for Life’ in San Francisco. We had Fr. George S. (the Pinoy priest who had his birthday that day) in the bus with us, who started with a Mass before leaving Sacramento, led the Rosary on the way like a pilgrimage trip, complete with singing. We joined the crowd of over 25,000, listened to pro-life speeches, walked more than 2 miles with banners on hand. Parallel to our procession, separated from our group by a phalanx of uniformed policemen, there were the noisy minority mixture of anti-group (pro-choice, gay and other colorful persons with their own placards expressing various sentiments). It was a peaceful demonstration of democratic freedom of expressions of opposing opinions by two distinct groups, which is so rare in Pinas. The Walk (11:00 AM – 3:30 PM) ended peacefully as we went back to our bus designated parking, passing over the scenic Golden Gate bridge, then back to Sac by 6:30PM. It was our 1st experience of social activism in America – such amazing democracy!


Benchmarks for Quality of Life! At year 1982 level when I was in Norway, these were some benchmarks for Quality of Lfe: In Scandinavia, the number of toilets/water closet per household, was 2.2 +; the Budget for Defense was less than 1% of total (the lower the better, practically zero crime rate); all basic utilities (like water, power, phone) are available, even if your next door neighbor is 20 kilometers away); electricity cost was less than 10 cents per kwh (in Norway – cheapest in the world - energy source is 99.95% hydropower, with its high head dams and fjords; so that their North Sea oil production is mainly for export); power failure is almost nil. If power outage occurs more than 3 minutes, the power company pays industrial users for their losses. There is system redundancy such that when a line goes out, a backup line takes over, thus power outage is minimized. (This standard is unimaginable in Pinas with its long brownouts.) With the recent power outage experience in America this winter time, I conclude that Nordel countries –Scandinavia is interconnected by a single power grid called Nordel – have much higher quality of life than most countries!

Photos attached are: A) with Fr. Victor and company at home on Jan 4; B) at Walk for Life in San Francisco; 3) Max at 5 yrs. Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Wishing you a more Blessed New Year 2008 and hope we had set our goals and resolutions for the year as we continue to pray and thank God for His Love, Mercy and Generosity, among many others!

Consistent with appropriate phase and goals in life, for this month I indulged in social-cultural- sports activities: attended a symposium at California State University Sac (CSUS) where former VP Al Gore spoke on Global Environment and Warming on the week before he took off to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Norway. Sean and I also enjoyed watching the NCAA Volleyball Women’s Championship which was held for the first time at the Sacramento Arco Arena. The final game went the distance of 3-2 games best of 5 sets with Penn State University winning over the Stanford University team. The passion for volleyball dates back to my high school senior year when I was captain of our school team which was champion at the provincial level meet. During the meet, I was also the school bet for the Spelling and Religion contests, that was how well-rounded I am, even then. I also played with the Engineering volleyball team at UST for 2 years. That accounts for my athletic build till now, and I am so glad that Sean shares with me that passion.

Like everyone, I had meaningful celebration of the holidays, completed the 9-days novena Masses, had get-together at home with friends on Dec. 29 (my last Saturday of the year tradition) with Ms. Cora Ignacio helping with food preparation; exchanging gifts, etc. I hope that we put the significance of Jesus’ coming in the apex of all the festivities.

Recently, Gerry and company visited Tagaytay Fantasy World to check on the property scheduled for turn-over early next year. We made the investment on the development 5 years ago, but since priorities have changed, we are putting up the asset in the market for sale. As shown in photo B, it is a single-detached 2-story, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms structure on 200 s.m. lot. Anyone interested to acquire this property, please get in touch with me.

Effective January, my consultancy work at the Sacramento county is “on-call M-W-F” status, and with my Faculty job, will allow me more time for spiritual enrichment activities. Thus, I am shifting the burden for financial support of our stay here to our Manila business. Anyway, Gerry had always enjoined me to ‘relax like his Pinas’ life; we deserve it after working hard for so long. Our life phase is to ‘give back to the world’, but since my U.S. social circle is constrained, I will focus more on a contemplative life of prayer.

On Wisdom, Holy Word of God: Scriptures provide wealth of wisdom and clear path for us to follow, as Jesus has come into our midst to rescue the least ones and lift them out of their suffering. We have only to ask Jesus to heal our suffering and need, and show us the way to extend his salvation to others. How will wisdom affect your use of time and resources? Did you give gifts to people who can’t give back? Will you write a letter to heal an old wound or rift? Where and with whom will you spend your time? Let us pray that God will give us Wisdom with His strong but tender care, “Come and show us the way to salvation”.

Photos attached are: A) with some guests at home on Dec. 29; B) Gerry with his angels at the Tagaytay property. Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Happy Christmas and more Blessed New Year and Thanks God for the many Blessings received for year 2007!

After Thanksgiving Day (which was spent mostly at church and home), we joined the rest of America to the black Friday shopping spree. We brought home, among others, a new digital camera and electronic piano-organ. Now, Sean can resume playing Nocturne, other classic and Maksim music, and my favorite ABBA songs.

Personalities in my Circle. We held our Opus Dei circle with Deidre as our supernumerary/ leader, who just returned from a 3-year stay in Naples, Italy. She stayed there with her family (her husband on assignment with the military, and their 7 children (ages 3 to 18). They are back for good, adjusting well with American life, driving a big van, full of enthusiasm – amazing energy, with her big family! On the other hand, Libby (our host for the circle at her home) had just returned from a 5-year stint in Asia (last stay was in Thailand; she also stayed for 1 year in Manila working at the U.S. Embassy). During her Asian sojourn, she had her husband (also on assignment with the State Dept.) and baby (Simone, now 3 years old) and came back, bringing with them a container full of Asian treasures which she had on display for sale at her home as showroom. Being used to house helps in Asia, she is having difficulty adjusting to life here and is on the verge of depression. While I identify myself more with Deidre, I also empathize fully with Libby’s circumstances.

It might be a similar situation for my hubby Gerry if he decides to stay here. How can he give up Pinas life easily, when he enjoys the company of a driver, 2 house helps, and assistants in the office, ready at his beck and call? In contrast here, office top bosses in their seventies mix their own coffee in the break room, do their own photocopies of documents, or drive their cars, among others; I pity looking at them sometimes. Oh well, I am so blessed to enjoy the best of both worlds, that I am open to different life circumstances because early in my career, I acquired good influences with my Scandinavian experience (like better quality of life, higher gender equality, best socialist democracy government) and by reading inspiring books/biographies, like Liv Ullman’s book ‘Choices’. By the way, in 1981, I visited her home in Trondheim, Norway while she was there, and watched live an ABBA concert in Oslo.

Currently, I feel the pressure to take the CE professional exam for me to assume a higher office position, the tedious routine of long driving and the need for me to relax a little to enjoy life more. Since I do not intend to stay here long, by January 2008 I will quit my County consultancy job and focus on my NU Faculty assignment, teaching being my passion. Toward this end, I just joined a Scripture Study group at St. Mel’s church, starting with First Corinthians, with the objective to deepen understanding of my faith and more time on the essentials of life. Next year, I also plan to enroll in the Scripture Institute of the catholic University of Sacramento, as part of maximizing potentials and learning for life.

Photos attached are: 1) at home with Sean taken on the new 10 mega pixel digicam; 2) another shot of our new organ; 3) at our home altar. Thanks for God’s Graces! Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! This month (the Rosary month), we celebrated the Feast of our Lady of Fatima (Oct. 13) and our Lady of La Naval in Sto. Domingo, QC. (this year is the Centenary of the Canonical Coronation of our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary). As Gerry reported and as shown on GMA Pinoy TV, the annual procession was attended by extra huge crowd so he could only glance at our Dominican priest friends from a distance. November is the month to remember our dear departed loved ones and our saints so we offer special prayers for them!

My invitation to friends visiting America is to allocate one week-end (Friday PM to Sunday PM) to spend with us. So when Ms. Cora (former NPC boss at HR and kumare) arrived for her usual 6-month visit with her sisters in the Sacramento area, bringing goodies from home, I asked her to spend the week-end of Oct. 12-14 with us, and the following was our week-end activities (typical, except for two Saturdays each month when I have my NU teaching classes).

I fetched Cora from her sister’s home in Rocklin at 3:00PM Friday, passed by Bel-air to buy some groceries, then head home to catch up with ‘24 Horas’ news over Pinoy TV, and had dinner, updating on stories from Pinas. 2nd Saturday of each month is my Opus Dei routine (9:30a -12:00n) so brought her to our spiritual activities. Along the way, we passed by 2 garage sale where we bought some curio items. We had lunch at Fresh Choice, spent the rest of the afternoon chilling at Barnes and Noble, before going back to St. Mel’s church for the anticipated Mass at 4:30p., had dinner before watching ‘Startalk and Bubble Gang’ on Pinoy TV, simultaneously had our laundry washer then dryer on. The next day Sunday woke up early for breakfast, then off to our clubhouse gym for various work-outs (treadmill, abs machine, etc.), more walks, then lunch while watching ‘SOP, then Showbiz Central’. We have to alternate our TV watching with Sean’s Volleyball sports on (we share this passion for this game). By 4:00p, we were off to Folsom Outlets for shopping, most time at ‘Naturalizer’ for shoes on sale. We arrived at her sister’s home at 7:30p per schedule to have dinner with the family. We met very cute Noah Pewitt (born May 5, 2007) – grandson of Ed and Claire Tagala (Cora’s sister). Noah’s mom Vanessa cooked dinner and took the photo shown. Had a nice time with the family before Sean and I headed back home, ready for another busy week-days of school and work.

Cora went home with 4 new pairs of shoes (2 Naturalizers, Nine West and Liz Claiborne) while I had 1 Naturalizer. So Imelda is not alone in her fondness for shoes. Actually, many Pinays share this ‘shoes thing’. I am hooked on Naturalizer (good fit for my feet), have 10 pairs of shoes/slip-ons to date.

I recently had my semi-annual comprehensive medical check-up thru my Kaiser Permanente coverage and thank God everything is okay – results of all blood tests were within normal limits. October being ‘breast cancer-awareness month’ and with no record yet, my doctor insisted on my Mammography and Ultrasound, and 2 doctors aside from the technician, confirmed that my breasts were normal and good, as I affirmed that I feel fine and lead an active exercise life! Here, they are so strict on preventive care which is so good, like taking flu shots and the like. By the way, when my pregnant Aerobic teacher took leave, Eli took over who introduced the Yoga type of exercises which I find more effective and relaxing!

Congratulations to our Manila office staff of Fairview Shipping for the renewal by the POEA of its license to operate for the next four years (up to 2011, which means I can retire with the company). Likewise, there are prospects for partnering of NVSC (especially with Janicke back in Pinas with the Norwegian Embassy) with a Norwegian firm for the recruitment of engineers, nurses and other land-based workers for deployment in Norway. Thus, I am looking forward to be busy when I return to Pinas next year, God willing!

Photos attached are: 1) with Cora and Noah; 2) with Lik and Gene at St. Mel’s church. Thanks for God’s Graces! Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

September 30, 2007

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Thank God for the gift of Life – Good Health, Peace, simple Joys and Love, among others! Thanks for all the Birthday greetings sent my way! Happy Birthday and Best Wishes too for my daughter Sarah – Sept. 7!

Anniversaries! Congratulations to our Manila office staff, officers and crew of Fairview Shipping (FSC – engaged in international crewing) on its 10th anniversary! The original license was issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Admin. (POEA), dated on Sept. 20, 1997 (my birthday - just coincidental), after processing/following on it for almost 3 months. Our other company, Fairview Marine Transport Corp. (FMTC – engaged in domestic shipping) is also marking its 5th anniversary this month. FMTC’s ship management contract with CalEnergy Water and Energy Comp. in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, was renewed for another 2 years with a 10% increase in the contract price – which means job security for our employees. The increase will be passed on to our employees’ additional benefits. Great work and compliments to our hard-working staff, especially to my husband Gerry! It also helped that my doctoral dissertation is ‘Benchmarking Competencies of Filipino Sea-based Workers – Towards Global Competitiveness’, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude. With such blessings in Pinas, it is the reason my husband does not need to stay here in America.

On Sept. 8, Gerry was sponsor at the wedding of our office staff Relly. Next to marry will be Joya (former staff who is now based in Singapore) whose boyfriend is a seaman she met at our office – recommended by Dr. De Lara. Hopefully, next in line is my loyal assistant Jessica, whose boyfriend she also met at our office, is a Chief Officer from Bohol. I would like to commend the services of Jessica who joined us after graduation with Accounting degree from PUP in 1998. With our training and guidance, and being a fast learner herself, she acquired the knowledge, skills and proper attitude over the years, to supervise the daily operations of the business, great work Jessica! With good social skills and needed competencies, Jessica and our office staff (including Agnes Robles – a former colleague at NPC, a social worker) are able to network effectively with agencies (POEA, MARINA, City Hall, SEC, BIR, Banks, Insurance and other entities) to enable our companies operate smoothly. With global communications, I am still on top of company operations. After 2 years in America, I am on the right track of my goals – to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Policy of Sharing! Aside from applying and utilizing effective/ efficient modern Management techniques and tools, such as TQM, ISO and compliance to all statutory standards, we adopted the policy of sharing the fruits of the business with our employees. At peak of business (1998 – 2003), we gave as much as 6 month’s salary annual extra bonuses (anniversary, mid-year, Christmas, New Year, birthday (Gerry and mine) to our staff, in addition to 13th month bonus. That is why Gerry is known as ‘Sir Bonus’. Likewise, we give free lunch to our staff as we all eat together at our office dining table, as additional incentive. We took the ‘bonus’ style of E. Cojuangco Group of Comp. where Gerry used to work at Filsov Shipping, and the ‘free lunch’ is our own sharing from the heart.

I would like to recall about my 1st business investor. In 1997, when I was on the verge of retirement from NAPOCOR(after 20 years service), my last assignment was as Construction Manager stationed at the Meralco Balintawak Subststation, working on the 230 KV Power Transmission Project, running from Sucat, Araneta to Balintawak, with ABB Power, Siemens and MIESCOR as contractors/suppliers. I managed to network well with these guys and MERALCO staff, so that when they learned of my retirement, they encouraged me to put up my own contracting company, thus the birth of SAFE Construction, my 1st entrepreneurial venture. In a way, instead of retiring/resting, I got my 2nd wind being busy putting up those tall electric posts along south superhighway up to Quirino/Araneta Aves. The MERALCO manager (he is now a MERALCO Vice-President, also a UST alumni) readily entrusted to me his money as investment, which inspired and moved me to work hard and succeed, with God’s Blessings, my philosophy - Pray Hard and Work Hard! Over the years, I gave him 40% ROI of the initial amount annually, or 400% return for 10 years, and hope to continue doing so. Moreover, we exchange corporate give-aways during Christmastime. Thus, I have used this yearly MERALCO book-diary, even as I am in America. Along the way, our families have become very close; he helped some of our fiends having problems with MERALCO.

Our companies’ philosophy is derived from its name Fairview – Fair Deals to its Customers – Principals / Clients, Employees / Crew; and Sincerity in our Hearts!

Much thanks to Benjie Saldua (UST, CE ’69) for recommending to me the use of "blogspot" 2 years ago! Now I am on the 25th month of my journal - running on 3rd year.

Photos attached are: 1) at lunch with our office staff; 2) my apo MAX Gerardo-Byrnes at 4 yrs old (he turned 5 last July 3; 3) at our home park. Thanks for God’s Graces! Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Tomorrow is the start of the ‘BER’ months, which means in Pinas (for my husband) the start of the Christmas season, sing the carols and bring out the decors from storage. Let me be the first to greet you Happy Christmas!

Last June 29, there were 7 new priests ordained in the Diocese of Sacramento and 3 of them were Filipinos (43%). First week of August, one of the 3 - Fr. George Snyder, was presented during Mass as the new assistant-priest in our St. Mel’s parish. He introduced himself as follows: “I come from the Philippines. You might be wondering about my name and my appearance. My father is mixed German, American, and Spanish, while my mother is pure Filipino and I look exactly like my mother . . . ..” he grew up in Vallejo, CA. Later, after Mass, people queued up to greet him, Sean and I ‘blessed’, he greeted us ‘kumusta kayo’ and spoke fluent Filipino. I learned his folks are from Cavite, Tirona-Tuazon family. Since then, he has been regularly celebrating the 8:30 A.M. Mass, with his good singing and profound homilies. We feel like we are at Sto. Domingo church, so at home. God is so great! Thus, in addition to our monthly Opus Dei activities, I am so blessed to have this enriched spiritual environment.

I usually culminate my day by watching interesting shows on television. I watch American Idol, So you think you can dance, Dancing with the stars, Larry King Live, among others. I am always amazed at how the contestants are so alive and energetic, especially the women having those greatly-shaped bodies. I am moved to at least aspire to have a similar shape with those girls, like Sabra of ‘Dance’ (the ultimate winner)! She is small but she has this athletic type of body; hence, I always go to the clubhouse to do some exercise such as cardio work-out on the treadmill for 30 minutes so that I would be like Sabra, Kelly Ripa (of Live Regis and Kelly), or Angelina (my role body models). Likewise, I regularly join the group doing aerobics. Our instructor is very lively and energetic, and what amazes me most is that even if she is now 8 months pregnant (her baby is due on Sept. 18), she still jumps around, lift weights and do whatever to keep her body in shape. She has been our instructor for the past 10 months and intends to continue doing so until end of August. These are the types of people who inspire me to work hard to help maintain my health. Especially because of recent Flip visitors, I have a lot of Filipino foods in my fridge right now such as sinigang, kare kare with bagoong, embutido, dinuguan, etc. all of these fattening food, of course I eat along with my son Sean, but because food here is really abundant, it is so difficult fighting the temptation to indulge. And so in order for me to maintain my weight, I balance it with a good amount of exercise.

Summer will soon be over so we have to maximize the use of our other clubhouse amenities – the swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa, so Sean and I go there 2x a week – oh how relaxing! In the early morning on week-ends around 8am, when most are still asleep, no one else is using the spa and the 3 pools, thus we have exclusive use, it feels like you own the entire complex. Somehow the ambience is similar to being at Tagaytay Highlands. The pool is well maintained, the air is unpolluted like in Tagaytay up in the mountains. The big difference is that while we have to drive 2 hours to Tagaytay, these amenities are just 100 meters walk from our home. I do about an hour swimming - backstrokes, freestyle, or just float around, enjoying our masterplanned community facilities – life is beautiful! The fall season is coming soon, so we take advantage swimming twice a week since the pools and spa are located outside the main clubhouse. Once the cold season is here, the pools will be closed and we will be limited to indoor facilities and exercises. Swimming is a good exercise as it works your whole body, improving cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, endurance, posture, and flexibility at the same time. Here are some photos of our outdoor activities.

Last August 10, Thelma Tan-Gee (my former office-mate at NAPOCOR, Pinas) and family visited and had lunch at home. The 6 of them (she, her husband Terry, son Terence, sister and her two children) were on their way 3-day vacation to Lake Tahoe. Wish they had a great time in Tahoe!

Thanks for God’s Graces! Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings to everyone! Scorching summer in our part of the globe, wet days in Pinas, winter in New Zealand where my friend Margie’s family had settled.

“Why are you Asians so determined and persistent to achieve your goals to the point of stubbornness?" was the comment of Sean’s school counselor when he insisted on enrolling in three (3) subjects this summer. He needed to complete the requirements in order to be qualified in the regular Accounting degree program at California State University Sacramento (CSUS) this fall term. Since he took Design Technology subjects during his 1st year at American River College where he got straight As, but decided later for an Accounting degree for practical reasons, he had to catch up on the units requirements. With a lot of hard work and prayers, he passed the 3 subjects: Business Math (with Calculus), Political Science and Computer software.

His professors and advisers thought it was quite a feat because normally students take only 1 or 2 subjects during summer. They thought he would not pass them all, with a 90% probability. After congratulating him when he passed the 3 subjects, his adviser commented that he just “defied the natural law” with his accomplishment. His Math professor was so impressed with his performance, but persuaded him not to take much load again if he wants to live longer. I was amazed by his swift comprehension of the applications of Differential Calculus. When I took it in college, I did not fully understand Calculus; it was only when I taught it at UST Engineering that I appreciated the useful applications of its concepts. So I am still learning so much, along with my son. Now that he is in CSUS, Sean’s professor Ms. Julie is anxious that she trained him to go against them next, so I advised him not to join Math contests anymore. Ms. Julie is also insisting Sean to take Actuarial Science as she says “you’re so good in Math and it is where the money is”. But Sean is already bent on a career in Business Accounting, maybe later God willing!

We attended several parties along the block: the inauguration of Eagles Nest Park just next to our block with games, food and movie “Over the Hedge”, and the 6th birthday of pretty Lanie Mateo with a swimming party at our clubhouse, where I met a couple (girl from Cagayan De Oro and white husband) who just recently returned from a vacation in Pinas, spent a week in Bohol / Panglao (Bohol Beach Club). They got the Bohol tour as part of the package from here. Bohol is being promoted as No. 1 tourist destination because of its many cultural attractions, better than Boracay.

Emma, thanks for the compliment as being your image model of an ‘aerobic exerciser’ in the Women’s Friendship Greetings sent by Dolly to TNEM ladies, much appreciated! I needed the motivation for me to adhere to the discipline and exercise schedule.

I like summer here because it is cool in the early mornings as you walk outdoors, and then stay indoors the rest of the day in air-conditioned comfort - such amenities! I am also happy with the Opus Dei activities that I am regularly participating and committed to be involved with; It makes my life here complete and I feel so blessed! From the Dr Gray’s book ‘Getting What You Want and Wanting What You Have’, I am right on track according to the appropriate stages in my life (now, giving back to the world) and I feel so good about it. I do pray that all my family and friends are also experiencing the same feeling of contentment and happiness in whatever state of life they are now. 3 photos attached: 2 at the Bohol wedding and our 33rd at Saisaki.

With the 3 Novena booklets (to the Blessed Holy Trinity, to God the Father, to the Holy Spirit) given by Msgr. Fidelis Limcaco of Fairview, I am engrossed in prayers for various intentions requested by friends and family, like the ‘manangs in Quiapo’. It’s part of my apostolate here, being more contemplative, thanks for God’s Graces! Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

June 30, 2007

Dear Loved Ones,

Happy, happy birthday to my grandson MAX BERNARD! He will be 5 yrs old on July 3.

Thank God I am back in Sacramento and work after a week’s rest due to severe colds - change in climate and hectic activities in Pinas. The trip was very fruitful, achieved my objectives – memorable celebration of 33rd wedding anniversary, trip to Bohol, bonding with husband, relatives and friends, photo-op with Senator Chiz Escudero and many more!

On June2, as specified by Fr. Ed O.P., we were 10 at the Bahay Dominiko Chapel (altar has relics of Dominican saints) for our renewal/thanksgiving Mass – very solemn, intimate, joyful, made special with ‘sharings’ by Fr. Ed and friends – Lito and Estrel Mendoza (Opus Dei), Couples for Christ (Gammy and Grace Cruz, Jack and Tess Gelvezon, Vivian Velez) and Tony Palenzuela. We are truly blessed to have them as companions in our life journey. At dinner later at Saisaki, we were joined by other close friends – Fr. Art Dingel, Carl Aquino and family, Tess and Chito Santiago, my classmate Sally and Vic Velarde, OD circle Cynthia and Ingrid, Agnes and Luis, Ed Evangelista, Arlene M. and office staff. My assistant Jessica made room reservation for minimum 30, but more confirmed. After the joyful celebraton, picture-taking, the attendees count was exactly 30 - God Bless the accuracy! And thanks all for your love!

Then came our week-end Bohol trip (June 9) to be wedding sponsors of Jasper and Elsa (based in New York). We were amazed at the development of Bohol tourism – flights overbooked with group/corporate tours. We checked in at Metro Center Hotel to prepare for the afterlunch event in Tagbilaran. It was a ‘big’ wedding with grand reception, family members many balikbayans from the U.S.; then enjoyed a spa body massage to culminate the day. We also attended the clan reunion luncheon the following day in Panglao. We had many discoveries and realizations in Bohol – Gerry decided to retire there and firmed up a plan to invest in a business with my Kuya Rudy, God willing!

One of my mission was to convert assets into cash like stocks, bonds, insurance, real estate. We figured that our children Sarah and Sean who are both in the U.S. would not have to hassle to claim, when we move on. Gerry and I carried out the processes for some days. One day we parked our vehicle at Insular Life (Paseo de Roxas in Makati), walked to Enterprise Bldg, then to PCI Towers(Makati/Gil Puyat Ave.), then to Citibank (Makati Av.), then to RCBC Plaza (Ayala/Gil Puyat Ave.), and back to Insular, in order to file the claims; a few days later, back to the same routine to get the checks. We enjoyed the walking and bonding, it was worth it - as we shared the proceeds! We got 90% of the face value of our insurance (Insular and Sunlife); got a windfall from our Meralco B stocks which I bought at 27 P/share and sold at 97 P/share. Cashouts from other investments made on PNB, Petron, PLDT, PhilamMutual were good too. The experience of enjoying the fruits of investments for ourselves, is quite a blessing!

One downside was the discovery for Gerry (I insisted on his physical/medical checkup) that he had high blood sugar – we are both diabetic, so we now speak of the same concerns – medication, exercise, diet. We are truly soulmates!

Other highlights: Get-togethers with various friends - Lunch with NVSC partners Ozone and Arlene at Italianis(Gateway), Dinner with CFC friends Gammy and Grace, Jack and Tess and Vivian at Ayuthaya(Thai), Lunch with OD Cythia, Mon and Tess at Shabu-shabu(The Block-SM); tour around Eng’g/UST grounds with Fr. Art; overnight stay at Sofitel/Phil Plaza Hotel to go shopping at SM AsiaMall; dental check-up with Dr. Ariel Santos; conversations with Dr. Rudy de Lara, VP Vicky Naval, Cora Ignacio, Margie del Rosario; and picture-taking with Senator Chiz. This was totally unexpected. On June 14, Gerry and I had breakfast at his Figaro Cafe (Senator Chiz usually comes in the evenings). Suddenly Sen. Chiz entered. After congratulating him, we had the photo-op. What a fitting climax to my Pinas visit! Three photos posted in my blog are: 1) at the Chapel Dominiko; 2) at the Saisaki; 3) with Sen. Chiz.

Thanks to all who spent time/resources to be with us, your love is greatly appreciated! I have an interesting case study of elections in Panglao. Let us continue to pray for our country and people - Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG
For my complete journals, please visit www.sbgerardo.blogspot.com Thank you!

Dear Loved Ones,

Wishing everyone enjoyable summer in the U.S., rainy days in Pinas. Thank God the election heat had subsided, and thank you all for the votes to Sen. Chiz, he landed No. 2 (almost no. 1 per early AMA count). Reality check: Filipino youth comprise 70% of the votes and want youthful leaders, hence young senators were chosen: Escudero, Aquino, Lacson, Honasan, Trillanes, Cayetano, and others. I am glad that Fr. Ed Panlleo won while Garci lost and M. Pacquiao lost to cute Darlene!

Thank God, I arrived safely in Pinas on Tues evening rested and watched Pirates at SM Fairview yesterday, and reported to Fairview Shipping office today to check on mails and send this update. To those who will attend our dinner on Saturday June 2 and have not confirmed with Jessica yet, please call me at my cell no. 0918-920-4562 (Smart), to get accurate head count for reservations at Saisaki West Avenue, Q.C.

I traveled alone from the U.S. since Sean is moving over to California State University Sacramento this fall. Thus, he has to attend the orientation, enrollment and other activities related thereto, so he is left in the U.S.; maybe this January, he can come home with me, God willing!

Last May 12, I am glad to share that I attended my 1st ‘conference for female members of the Opus Dei(OD) organization, directed by an OD priest from SF (San Francisco) at our St. Mel’s parish church here in Sacramento, and will be held every 2nd Saturday of the month thereafter. The conference (9:30 a – 12:00n) included a lecture on doctrine, recollection, Sacrament of Reconciliation and Benediction. In the gathering of 30, there were many Filipinas, coming from Fresno, Vallejo, Solano, etc. and the coordinator Alice Librea also came from Q.C. Habihan Center what a coincidence! So God is making my life fully complete here in Sacramento. As I said earlier these OD activities are what I miss most from Pinas. So to my Pinas OD circle, I am happy to re-affirm all my norms.

Before I left the U.S., on May 19, I was touched again by the goodness of Liklik and Gene Schroeder, the childless couple who had been our support in our Sacramento journeys. Liklik marshaled her friends at her home to host a ‘baby shower party’ for the coming son of Luke and Inger (Cuenco of Cebu) Mejares (due on May 29). Luke is the former falsetto vocalist of South Border band who went solo, and native of Loon, Bohol. The party of 50 crowd enjoyed the games, Luke’s singing, reunion and stories of kabayans, food potluck and to go, from 2 to 8 pm. Guests enjoyed the all-host party and great company, even as we were so amazed at Lik’s energy and kindness, preparing all the details, decorations, favors, etc., going all out to make them happy, considering that the Mejareses were not even relatives, just kabayans in a foreign land. Nevertheless, it is Lik’s nature to be ‘showbiz’. These are wonders of our positive Filipino culture, God is great!

On June 8 Gerry and I will be going to Bohol for the wedding of my god-child in Tagbilaran. I am scheduled to fly back to the U.S. via NW on Sat, June 16.

With the elections over, let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!! See you in Pinas!
Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

April 30, 2007

Dear Loved Ones,

Wishing everyone an enjoyable spring or summer months, depending on which part of the globe you are! For those in Pinas, the heat of the elections may tend to be unbearable. For those of you voting please include Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero for Senator in your ballot – I had long been his fan as we hang out in his Figaro Café at El Jardin along Bohol Ave, Q.C.

To those who will be in Manila on June 2 Saturday, Gerry and I invite you for Dinner to mark our 33rd wedding anniversary, somewhere in Quezon City. To RSVP, please call my assistant Jessica at tel. No. 303-3605 / 04 (c/o Fairview Shipping) during office time (9:00a – 4:00p) Mon to Fri. Please give your name and contact telephone number, so we can get back to you when I am there. Fr. Ed Nantes, O.P. has graciously offered to say Mass in the afternoon at the Bahay Dominiko.

Our Dominican Links: You may call me a true-loyal Thomasian/Dominican. I completed all my 3 degrees: B.S.Civil Engineering, M.B.A, and Ph.D. in Commerce at the U.S.T.; started my teaching career at U.S.T. Engineering, got married in 1974 at U.S.T. church (by Fr. Q. Garcia), celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Sto. Domingo church, officiated by Fr. Art Dingel (Eng’g Regent), and this 33rd by Fr. Ed N, the current Philippine Dominican Provincial.

Flashback to 2003: The parish priest of Panglao, Bohol (a U.S.T. graduate) organized a “homecoming queen” contest for the town fiesta (August 28), and asked me to represent Metro Manila. I loath these contests; however, my Kuya Rudy (also a ship captain, dollar earner, and sort of town honcho) and my husband Gerry were convinced to take the occasion as generous benefactors to help raise funds for parish projects; thus, conspired to make me win. Even if I win, I did not plan to go home, so thought of assigning a proxy to represent me.

A week before the date, after our daily Sto. Domingo Mass, Fr. Richard informed me that 15 of the Dominican priests were going to Cebu for a Retreat, and proceeding to Panglao, Bohol for short R & R on the 28th. What a coincidence! Thus, I decided to go home to meet up with them, then participate in the festivities as well. On the afternoon of Aug. 28, Fr. Richard cell-phoned that coming from Chocolate Hills and other tours, they were caught up in traffic by the long parade, so I said I was on top of the last float in that parade. It was so funny as they watched from a street corner, and then later came to my brother’s house in the evening as we prepared for the coronation. The following day, imagine the joy and boisterous laughter when we and the Dominicans, led by Fr. Ernie Arceo (current U.S.T. Rector, who was also my professor in Ph.D.) met at the airport lounge, as we all took the same plane back to Manila, with my assistant hand-carrying the big trophy, sash, and scepter. Thus, since then, the O.P. priests and I share a code of ‘panglao queen’ whenever we meet, and make a good laugh. During your ‘alone moments’, these coincidences and simple joys make you smile and marvel at God’s wonders!

The surroundings have dramatically changed with the beautiful colorful flower blooms and a nice weather; yes, if winter comes, can spring be far behind, then soon comes summer. This is the best season I like in Sacramento, the perfect balance of cold, hot, rain and sun!

With the elections coming up, let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to you all. God Bless us all!!! See you in Pinas!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

March 30, 2007

Dear Loved Ones,

Wishing everyone a meaningful observance of the Holy Week season and hope we all feel Christ’s Passion, Death and eventual Resurrection, and enjoy more Blessings in all our lives! How I miss the 3-day Opus Dei Retreat before Holy Week!

For Your Indulgence! Part of the NU system is for the Dept. Lead Faculty to physically observe a faculty (on 1st anniversary) in actual teaching session, evaluate and give feedback on the observation. Notice was given by Dr. Jeff Mueller (head of the NU School of Business and Management) to me on the morning of March 13 that he was going to observe my MGT 451 – Production and Operations Mgt. class that evening. Although we had communicated by phone and e-mails before, it was our first face-to-face encounter. The feedback which I read when I opened my e-mail at 8:00 AM the following day Mar. 14, is as follows (in its entirety):
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TO: Dr. Susan Gerardo

FROM: Dr. Jeff Mueller

SUBJECT: Teaching Observation 3/13/07

DATE: March 14, 2007

This was class #3 of MGT 451 – Production and Operations Management. Twelve students were in attendance. Class started promptly at 5:40 after iLinc difficulties were resolved. Tonight’s topics started with a lecture on supplier partnerships. Period of observation: 80 minutes.

Strengths:
Good reinforcement of student work
Good response to student questions
High comfort level with iLinc technology
Paused frequently to solicit student questions
Demonstrated knowledge of the material was interesting and informative
Students appeared to be engaged and motivated by her passion for teaching
Assignment instructions were clear and comprehensive e.g., “always start with an action verb form”

Suggestions:
Begin with written objectives for each lesson
Use the iLinc shared pointer when explaining flow charts and other visuals
Integrate more questions into the lecture e.g., what happens if your company does not know its suppliers very well? Any examples?
Continue to encourage students to raise hands instead of text messaging
Feel free to augment publisher’s slides with your own

It will be a pleasure to continue to staff Dr. Gerardo in available courses! Her pleasant demeanor and teaching competence is a valuable addition to the adjunct faculty!

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Six students were on campus in Sacramento, while 6 others were on-line in San Diego and other sites.
Thus, I am glad to share this sort of ‘Certification’ of my Acceptance to the American academic community. Especially to my advisers Dr. Rudy, Dean Vicky, Fr. Ed / Fr. Art, Ms. Cora, I know you will be happy that your trust in me had been affirmed. For those in education / training, what is so amazing is the process - promptness/timeliness, comprehensiveness of the observation/feedback. ILinc is a Video and Voice over the Internet Platform teaching system used by NU. I immediately thanked Dr. Jeff on his comments, assuring that I will do my best to improve, especially on the ‘Suggestions’, and he replied that NU was honored to have me as faculty. I sent Dr. Connie a copy to thank for her support, being ‘my angel and sponsor’ in my American teaching career, and she replied as follows ”Right from the start I know that you are an excellent teacher. So, you truly deserve being part of the NU family and NU is lucky to have you. Keep up the great work.” What an inspiration / encouragement!!!

After more than a year, I plan to go home Pinas on May 28 and be back June 16, God willing! Part of the itinerary will be a side trip to China with my Manila office staff Jessica and Agnes, be a wedding sponsor in Tagbilaran, Bohol, and celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary with hubby Gerry. See you then!

With elections coming up in Pinas, let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

For my complete journals, please visit www.sbgerardo.blogspot.com Thank you!

February 28, 2007

Dear Loved Ones,

Belated Happy Valentine and wishing everyone a meaningful Holy Week season ahead, hope we all fulfill our Christian obligation to make a good Confession before Easter!

To my UST Yahoo Groups who went to Pinas for the Grand Engineering Centennial homecoming, Welcome back to America! I enjoyed the pictures you shared and wished I were with you; hope you enjoyed sightseeing, shopping, etc. Had I been there, I would have treated you to the Tagaytay Highland trip. My classmate Sally and I are members of that Club. Yes, definitely count me in for that 2010 reunion when the ENG70 batch will get the 40th year (Ruby anniversary) Medal, God Willing!

I am back to my Willdan home office since Feb. 20, after completing my project at CSD1, returned to the 30-minute commute from home. I am very thankful for the ‘high-tech GIS experience’, spending the winter months just around the neighborhood, knowing many more people. Would you believe that there were more Asians than ‘white’ employees at CSD1, Filipinos and Vietnamese? I got a bigger cubicle, directly in front of our VP Jeff, just like the arrangement before we moved to this new office. I chided him that I needed a salary raise more than the bigger space, and he assured me that I could expect it on my 1st anniversary on April 3. Moreover, our SVP said that with my good performance at CSD1, I could be recalled to do projects there which I would welcome anytime!

Like in my professorial life, I am happy to meet new people all the time. Because the NU system is a monthly course, I know new sets, at least ten new students every month, bringing their own personalities and backgrounds, sharing with me their individual experiences, thus enriching my life with their new / fresh outlook and allowing me to contribute to their improvement and happiness! It is very satisfying to receive their positive comments and appraisal at the end of each course, which are stored in the database for administrative evaluation/action and faculty performance feedback/ motivation!

More personal Blessings in my ballroom dancing group, I met this young couple, Lance and Yumir Mateo (originally from Paranaque), whose home is just behind our own. They live with their 5 year old daughter and his mother Gloria (in her early 50s) who used to be a caterer, so she is fond of cooking Filipino food. She suggested if I wanted for her to cook during her spare time (she works at Costco), so voila, we now have a weekly ‘caterer’, delivering us goodies like menudo, embotido, fish sinigang, palabok, leche flan, turon, etc. Can you beat these nice amenities! Come to think of it (as Sean said) I had only been preparing spaghetti and chicken adobo ever since (in addition to the ‘to go’ that we often do). Since I have this type II diabetes (from my Mom’s genes), I avoid cooking delicious foods because I am not good at appetite control, as part of my health management. So now, Sean can have his cravings for Flip menu satisfied through Glo’s cooking.

Sean did it again! Recall that at around this time last year, he participated in a Math (Algebra) contest at his school - American River College (ARC), where he placed 2nd and won an IPOD. This year, his teacher Ms. Julie, entered him again, on a higher level, Algebra and Statistics (subjects he had completed). This time, the contest was held at the California State University Sacramento (CSUS) campus auditorium. The contestants were combined students from both schools. Starting with 120 from ARC, the finalists were trimmed to 30 from CSUS and 30 from ARC. The elimination style were both written and oral, with the final round done similar to the ‘GREED” quiz show on TV. At the end of the day, the final result: Sean placed 3rd and won a Play Station II/ DVD player - an advance Birthday Gift for himself (March 25)! He is making a habit of acquiring electronic gadgets by winning in Math contests! Of course, Ms Julie became hyper again, jumping up and down, and told Sean to give a chance to others next time!

With elections coming up in Pinas, let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You. God Bless us all!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!
SUSAN BG

FYI: My WILLDAN office phone is: 916- 924-7000 Ext. 1625. For my complete journals, please visit www.sbgerardo.blogspot.com Thank you!