Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! With the heat of summer came the various outings, reunions and trips clad in casual, colorful, comfortable get-ups.

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on August 13 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Ms. Teresa Tomeo, Talk Show host, motivational speaker, and media Consultant, 0n the topic NOISE – the Media, The Culture, and the Catholic Family. She provided advice on How can we discern God’s will for our lives if we don’t make room for peace, quiet, and yes even total silence? Discussion included how our media saturated culture dominated our lives and dismantled our families. We were surprised to learn just how much noise we are exposed to and the impact it has on our lives and our relationship with God and our loved ones. She presented action plans to help silence the noise in our homes as well as the best way for Catholics to engage the culture and make a difference.

Sean and I got back from our exciting week-end in Las Vegas by Southwest airline Aug. 29 evening flight to Sacramento. We went there on early morning flight to LV Aug. 28 to join the Panglao, Bohol Group celebration of the feast of St. Augustine, our hometown patron saint, at lunch with about 60 attendees at Cocinille restaurant. We had great time reuniting with families and friends, some I had last seen 45 years ago since finishing high school. Represented were clans: Arbilo, Arcay, Arcamo, Arrieta, Bon, Bongoyan, Bonje, Cloma, Estoque, Fucanan, Hora, Mijares, among others. Close circle included Virgie Arcay (SFO,CA), Margie Arrieta (Indiana), Luz Bonje (LA,CA), Fe Hora (LV,NV) Nevada)and myself (Sac, CA). Some came from Canada, Chicago (Eugene Mijares), Texas, NY, Arizona, etc. for the event. We spent the entire afternoon reminiscing beautiful hometown memories, re-introducing ourselves and family members, and many more. My son Sean was amazed to discover relatives and friends located all around America and listening to wonderful childhood achievements, milestones, and success stories. Highlights were captured in photos and videos – fun with the 45 years later images!

My nephew Rigel and family also came for the occasion by car from Phoenix, who provided us the city transport service and treated us to the evening show at the MGM Grand of Cirque Du Soliel – KA (Chinese- inspired musical action adventure) – so technically fascinating! Then Sean and I spent the night walking by the Strip until 1:00 AM, taking photos of the LV lights/sights: Paris, New York, Flamingo, ARIA, Bellagio, Mandarin, among others. Wherever I am, I make sure to attend Sunday Mass and was so glad to go to the Guardian Angel Cathedral for the 11AM service, which featured very inspiring musical band instruments – amazing Las Vegas talents! Attendees were 60% Filipinos, 30% Latinos, 10% Whites – thus we felt so at home! Later, our close circle, together with our children had lunch at the home of Fe Hora, had more reminiscing and updates, before John Arcay drove us to the airport for our 7:00PM flight back to SAC. It was truly a beautiful week-end swirl of activities – smooth plane rides, reuniting with clan and friends, recollecting childhood memories, sharing photos, planning future events, taking some 45-years later photos to share in Facebook accounts, with promises for future re-connections in 2010 Panglao, GOD Willing!!! Much thanks to Kuya Rudy who encouraged the bonding and gave my contact to Luz who initiated the connection to the group culminating with the memorable reunion!

Other milestones for the month included:

· Hosted our OD Circle with swimming for the kids at our clubhouse under the sweltering heat of summer with 15 kids and 4 moms in attendance on Aug 24;

· Updated health care program for Sean and myself – registered with our new physician Dr. David Yang at the Rancho Cordova Kaiser facility, upon recommendation of Dr. Edna Tanegra. On my 1^st visit on Aug. 26, Dr. Yang instructed me to take blood tests, Mammography, BP screening the following day; results were posted immediately on-line Aug. 28 –so fast and efficient, seems okay, but I have to exercise more control on my diet;

· I look forward to my East coast (NJ) sojourn (Sept 5 – 25) to big-boy seat my grandson MAX while his MOM Sarah will be on her European tour;

Attached are 4 group photos of recent reunions 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! Like our Pinas, with its new political climate of hopes and dreams, our personal lives experienced God’s beneficial shower of blessings and fulfillment of dreams – towards our destiny! I am excited to share that on the 1^st week of July, Sean started his American career as Tax Auditor in one of the top three State Accounting/Auditing function firms.

Jason, Sean and Tom (JST): The amazing journey of three close friends who graduated with BS in Business Administration major in Accountancy from CSUS; The top 3 state firms are: Board of Equalization (BOE - for Sales taxes), Employment Development Department (EDD – for Un/Employment benefits/insurances), and Franchise Tax Board (FTB – for corporate and business taxes). Friends JST are each employed in 1 of these 3 firms. These firms share info/databases relevant to incomes/taxes; thus, each firm is highly sensitive and income-generating for the state. In the recent announcement of furlough days for state employees, the three firms along with 3 others are exempted since they are performing functions critical to the state’s continuous operation.

The Recruitment Process: Most state job applications are done thru the net in State Personnel Board (SPB.gov). Sean started with an entry level job as an Accounting trainee, then later upgraded to higher levels, until he was accepted to range A Tax Auditor position. You go thru a series of tests, submission of documents and interviews. With the current joblessness and economic crisis in America, there are thousands of applicants for very few vacant positions.

During the 3^rd/final interview, you are to submit 3 references which the prospective employer actually checks so you have to ask prior permission to list them. Sean is so blessed that he listed Dr. Connie, Deacon Henning and Fr. George, who all gave him very positive feedback as to integrity, diligence, intelligence, competence, etc. They called me to inform about the reference verification; Fr George, who was leaving for his new assignment in Redding the next week, was very confident that Sean was getting the job – his prayers were indeed very powerful! We are so blessed that we are surrounded by very great and supportive people here and thank God for continuously blessing our journey! My prayer is to bless us and allow Sean to fulfill His Will and destiny – but God gives us so much more – we are always grateful and faithful!!!

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on July 16 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Mr. Eric Szatkowski, head of Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, who spoke on the topic The Dark Side of Digital Technology. Discussion highlights: The Internet and cell phones open broad education and entertainment horizons for young people. But they can also have a dark and dangerous side ranging from cyber bullying to exploitation. He presented real life examples and practical advice about safety and well-being of children. Parents should supervise closely all activities of their children; it is very critical to monitor your child’s internet access. More tips: Teach you values, develop their self-esteem; know your kids’ friends, families, and values; Use common sense; good parenting/ communications skills; do you want to be best friend or parent? Say ‘NO’ some of the times; Use Filters, monitor software (computers/cellphones) ; Love your child / Educate!

Exciting activities for the month included, among many others:

· Went to the annual California State Fair (running July 14 to Aug. 1) last Saturday – visited the entire county exhibits (winner - Placer county), new products, animals, rides, concert, Hypnosis show, ate Funnel cakes, etc.;

· With Sean’s professional career, went shopping for new wardrobe – shirts, pants, ties, shoes, etc;

· Watched movies – SALT (starring action favorite Angelina Jolie) and Inception (Di Caprio);

· Attended the Retirement program of Col. Thomas Chapman and Change of Command of the U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, in ceremonies held at the Memorial Auditorium, as part of my civic immersion. Thom (M.S. in Civil Engineering) is the husband of my O.D. supernumerary Deidre.

Attached are 4 recent photos from the state fair. 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!!!

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! I just took time out from watching the live video coverage of the inauguration ceremonies of the 15th Philippine President Benigno Simeon ‘Noynoy’ C. Aquino III streamed over GMAPinoy.TV, which started at 7pm, PST(June 29), 10am Pinas time(June 30). Since I am an avid P-Noy supporter, I wish him the Best in his governance and pray for the achievement of our Bagong Pilipinas (‘kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap’). As Regine sang, ‘Noy, hindi ka nag-iisa’, watching the crowd’s energy and expression of love for P-Noy in colorful yellow theme, I am truly happy and proud to be Pinay. Congratulations Pinas!!!

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on June 25 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Bishop Jaime Soto, on the topic Grace and Temptation. Bishop Soto commenced his talk with: ‘We are all called to holiness. Our whole life is caught up between the grace of doing good versus the temptation of doing evil.’ June, as the feast-months of St. John the Baptist and St.Thomas Moore, he encouraged us to be reminded of their lives and virtues. The significance of Jesus and John: Jesus, being born in December 25 (winter solstice – shortest sun) while John, being born in June 24 (summer solstice – longest sun) as he said: ‘I must decrease, that you might increase.

God made us free to make choices: do good, detest evil or fall into temptation to be bad. We should all try to emulate St. Augustine in turning to God, who said: ‘Our heart is restless till we rest in Thee.’ As human persons, we have the desires to experience what is good, true and beautiful; and the senses and potential to want, choose, do good. Thus, to act wisely as God intended for us, we should: 1) Accurate Information; 2) Proper Instruction, Suggestion, Guidance; 3) Desire/Act to do Good: Journey with God through the Scriptures, Holy Eucharist / Blessed Sacrament; 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity, Fellowship: choose friends carefully for good influences, active Prayer life, filial Obedience to do God’s Will – say YES to GOD!!!

This warm month was peppered with many gatherings and social interaction, as follows:
June 6 – As volunteer of the Meg Whitman for Republican Governor campaign, Sean and I attended her final rally at Elk Grove (before the primary) where we listened up-close to Meg’s speech, took photos, and actively participated. as part of responsible citizenship. By evening of June 8, candidates we voted for, won – Meg, Carly Fiorina for Senate, and my lawyer Andy Pugno for Sate Assembly.

June 12 – Feast of St. Jose Ma. Escriva, celebrated at our St. Mel’s church starting with Mass and Confessions, followed by pot-luck brunch. Cooperators, families and friends came in force for the joyful celebration. My special guest was Anne Colter, who is a mother of 7 (ages 1 to 16), whose entire family converted to Catholicism just last Easter Sunday. Since that day, the entire family comes to 8:30 AM Mass every single day. We parishioners are deeply touched by this family, and I am so happy that I had become a friend to them. On that evening, Sean and I went to downtown SAC for the 2nd Saturday evening street party, with music, night market, art exhibits, and varied cultural activities – the crowd was so huge!

June 19 – After the anticipated Mass was the Despedida for Pinoy Fr. George Snyder who (after serving for 3 years) is being transferred to the St. Joseph Parish of Redding (2 hours north of Sac). People here truly love him with his faithful and inspiring service. As he reiterated: ‘St. Mel’s is his first parish, hence his first love; and first love never dies.’

Then, I sponsored a Fil-am girl to have her debut at our clubhouse. It is required that I be present during the entire event, so I had to stay till 11:30 pm to ensure that everything was in order. The guests of more than 200 truly enjoyed since they refused to leave even as the 11pm end-time was announced.

June 26 – A baby-girl shower was held at my sister’s Roseville home for her son Mark and Serri, expected in September. The couple had their wedding in New Orleans in October 31, had their honeymoon in Bohol, Pinas in December (Chrstmastime); thus, obviously their daughter is made in Pinas. BTW, on her 40s, Sherri’s pregnancy is God’s special blessing!

Attached are 4 group photos of recent pictures of family and campaign. 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! Happy Memorial week-end 2010 to everyone, as we enjoy the sunny weather, went out shopping, meet up with friends, and wear our comfortable summery get-ups. During the week-end, we also celebrated the annual Jazz Festival / Jubilee here in Sacramento, culminated with the Jazz Mass at our Blessed Sacrament cathedral officiated by Bishop Soto.

I wish to congratulate our Pinoy countrymen for the successful and peaceful automated elections and voting for change and new leaders! I am so glad that our candidates won – when we were in Manila / Bohol, Gerry would always say, ‘Kay Noynoy tayo’, every time he hands out moolahs. Even then, Noy was truly malakas, especially with ordinary folks. There was always healthy debate since my Kuya Rudy was a strong ‘Gibo’ supporter, due to the progressive development in Bohol attributed to the current administration. We do hope change will come for the better, starting from the hearts and attitude of everyone.

It looks like better business climate augurs well with the new administration / mandate. A Taiwanese shipping principal, who had cancelled a contract 5 years ago, called up last week to renew ties with our company, which means employment and income for our Filipino seamen. Thus, Gerry and staff are busy contacting our experienced officers and crew for possible deployment. We hope and pray that we can meet the target schedule per terms and conditions of our new manning agreement. For a global business like ours, it is really important to continuously keep in touch with business associates, even just sending out greeting cards during holidays, and keeping close communications / contacts through the Internet and websites. Likewise, a wealthy Dubai businessman is determined to locate a retirement business in Panglao. He is negotiating with my Kuya to purchase our 5-hectare soil property so we are busy with our SPAs and documentation for the sale, with so much potential for more business collaborations. I am looking forward to participate actively in these endeavors to develop Bohol and help our countrymen.

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on May 21 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Thomas E. Zordani, on the topic Faith Finances. The teaser stated: ‘Are you worried or anxious about the current economic climate? What does the Bible say about the economy and what do we do to survive?’ Mr. Zordani shared his powerful testimony and provided answers to these and many other personal finance questions from a scriptural perspective. He cited Bible passages relating to Finance, responsible stewardship, and gave the 8 steps for Success in your Finances, as follows:

1. Write a Budget; Spend, Save / Invest, Give Away. Live within your means.

2. Tithe; Give back 10% to God.

3. Pay yourself first; Provide for emergency fund.

4. Pay off / eliminate debt;

5. Keep / maintain 6 months of Income as emergency fund / reserve;

6. Fully fund retirement;

7. Pay off mortgage; and

8. Give and save in Abundance.

These steps, its biblical origins and relevant personal experiences were narrated in the autographed book ‘Faith Finances’, I obtained at the end of the session.

Together with my NPC colleagues Lorie ad Rose and families, we sort of agreed to have ‘potluck’ lunch regularly to keep in touch, as support system with one another, and updated with Pinas stories.

This week, I am completing the final exams for my NU MGT 451 - Production and Operations Management class. My students are employees of the Dry Creek Casino employees in San Bernardino, CA, as part of American education incentives.

Attached are 4 group photos of recent reunions 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! Wishing everyone had a meaningful Holy Week, and a joyful Easter Sunday! I am now happily experiencing the best season of the year - spring, with all the flowers abloom, cold mornings, warm middays, and back to cool nights.

Again, I am personally witnessing to God’s Love. Things do happen for a reason and God is in control! I was looking forward to my European Business experience trip with NU MBA students (April 10 – 20). On the 10th my flight from SAC to LA was delayed for three hours which would unable me to catch the LAX to London Heathrow flight, prompting me to cancel my European tour. As we all know, the Iceland Volcano eruption happened the following week forcing the cancellation of many flights, which left many people stranded in London for days. I was spared of so much trouble; the stress would have caused health complications and anxiety. I had also planned for a side trip to Norway. Thanks so much for God’s Love!

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on April 16 at the Radisson Hotel, the guest speaker was Deacon Joe Symkowick, Catholic Relief Services Advocacy Officer. Their group was among those who first responded to the massive earthquake that struck Haiti. Even while their hospital operation was 70% destroyed, Catholic Relief Services was able to get the hospital up and running to treat patients within days of the disaster. We learned more about the U.S. Catholic Church’s official overseas relief and development efforts, not only in Haiti and Chile, but also in over 100 of the world’s poorest countries.

On April 7, we watched the Black Eyed Peas concert at the Arco Arena, which kept the audience dancing / standing during the entire 5 hours – very entertaining! Each member had spots, the Pinoy APL de App did his ‘Bebot’ number in Pilipino to the audience delight! While the economy is down, they are truly at the peak of their career with all their top hits!

Reunions / visits with NPC friends and relatives kept me busy this month:
My nephew Rigel, wife Mabel (both nurses based in Arizona) and their two kids Athena and Andrew, visited and treated us to MAX’s, then we visited their friend Geraldine, who is also living here in Anatolia;
• Lorie Taguas Clark, former PNB-NPC staff, together with husband Carl, visited me the afternoon I called her number given by Cora. So nice to see the couple looked happy;
• The following Sunday, Lorie got me connected to Rose Acal Davies, who invited us immediately to their house for lunch to meet them. Rose used to be with Finance-Accounting, who migrated to Vancouver, Canada before setting in Sacramento two years ago. They also live in the Rancho Cordova area;
• That evening, another NPC friend Tessie Wi who was now based in Edmonton, Canada was visiting Rose. Actually, Tess just came from Pinas and passing by CA to visit a daughter in L.A., and was coming in by Greyhound bus. The following day, Rose, Tess and I went out for lunch, then I also invited them to my place for lunch that Wednesday. It turned out Rose was having difficulty with her schedule on Thursday to bring Tess to the bus station back to L.A. So I offered for Tess to stay with us for the night so Sean could bring her to the station the following day, since I also had a meeting at N.U. for that day. Everything turned out well for us old NPC-Pinas friends who had dispersed around the globe to have a short reunion for the week. Definitely, Lorie, Rose and I will see more of each other later.
• On our mother’s 31st death anniversary on April 26, after attending Mass, my Ate Nen, Sean and I went for lunch at Mizu in Rocklin. Next to our table were a group of 20 young Filipinas, all nurses at Sutter hospital. We are truly a powerful force in the health care system in America!
• I had a meeting with NU’s Dr. Jeff Mueller for my teaching assignment on Pod. & Operations Management in May, utilizing new book and new online system. Dr. Jeff (ex. US Army Col in Pinas, who recently visited Nueva Ecija on Leadership speaking engagement) informed me that he plans to retire in Dumaguete City in 5-10 years.

BTW, we were all connected easily through Facebook and the Internet, and continue to be interconnected with others in this global electronic communications, so amazing!

The best proof that my hubby truly enjoyed our recent Bohol trip is that he went to Bohol on April 29 to attend the fiestas in Tagbilaran and Panglao (May 1 and 3) and to enjoy the cock derby usually featured during this occasion.

Attached are 4 group photos of recent reunions 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! Glad to have settled back after my month-long holiday in Pinas (Feb. 21 – Mar. 21), and thank God for the memorable experiences, reconnecting with family and friends, beautiful memories, and accomplishing most of the objectives set for the trip!

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on March 19 at the Radisson, the guest speaker was Patrick Coffin, Host of Catholic Answers Live. While I was absent, my friend provided me an update on the talk. Mr. Coffin brought the audience for a bracing ride across the landscape of the Catholic sexual ethic. He examined the topic from a wide array of angles with humor and enthusiasm – and with a total absence of moralizing. Human life – What does the Church really teach? It was very interesting how he presented Pope Paul’s landmark encyclical, whether you were for it or reject it.

Dateline Pinas: As continuation of my Pinas sojourn, following were part of my hectic activities:

Mar. 1 – Spent the day at Fairview Shipping office, updating on emails, completing/ sending out my Feb journal, attending to business matters, filed for retirement from Pag-ibig (2^nd time around), etc;

Mar. 2 – Applied for and got my Sr. Citizen card at the Q.C. Hall in order to avail of discounts such as free movies, and 20% discount on most anything. Likewise, had a meeting with Atty. Joseph Entero who was busy for his 50^th golden day;

Mar. 3 – Appointment with my dentist Dr. Ariel S.; Gerry and I went to Lunch at the BlockSM with classmate Sally and mutual friends Pablo Golecruz and wife Nice (Sally’s HS bf). We last saw Pablo as our cord-wedding sponsor in June 1974; now based in USA,he was also Gerry’s classmate & CE UST graduate and here to file for retirement too, what a small world!

Mar. 4 – Lunch-Meeting at Via Mare with Nordic VSC Board Arlene, Ozone, Gerry. Business and personal updates: Arlene is blooming in her lovelife with Norconsult based in Baguio, Ozone, a top SN Aboitiz honcho plans to be in Australia; the world is wide open out there!

By 4:00pm, I had dinner with kumare Cora who was celebrating her birthday, at Banana Leaf, NEDSA; we both availed of our Sr. discounts;

Mar. 5 – At FSAC office for more business updates;

Mar. 6 & 7 – more week-end activities in church, movies, malls, and eat-outs in Fairview;

Mar. 8 – With Gerry, to Bohol via PAL, stayed at Kuya Rudy’s place, visited other relatives;

Mar 9 – 11 – Started days walking by the seashore, went to Mass, then more walking / breathing in fresh air / clearing up the lungs / savoring in favorite sceneries of my childhood (bancas floating along the sea / fishermen bringing in fresh catches / wind rushing through tree leaves; afternoons, went to Tagbilaran – indulged in therapeutic Nuga-best Korean body Massage (did during our entire stay); Kuya’s amenities include ‘magic jack’ so I talked with Sean and Sarah (both in U.S.) on phone easily; high-tech talaga!

Mar 12 – Went on Loboc River Cruise, dinner at floating resto, danced with children along the cruise, culminated with concert of the (Australia / China government-funded) Loboc Youth Ambassador Band (6:00-10:30pm), amazing experience!

Mar 13 – Alona Beach Night Strip (set-up is like the French Riviera): Live bands by the beach, buffet dinner, painting / tattoo artists, while Gerry went night swimming in the beach. Colorful sceneries! There are Internet Cafes, BPI Bank branch, eCasino, Travel agencies, 5-story hotels, etc. I could not imagine these modern amenities available here now – Panglao is so progressive, with so many European, Asian tourists around, many have settled here!

Mar 14 – After fulfilling my Sunday obligations and watching Pacquiao fight, went to my Kuya-owned Panglao Cockpit Arena, to satisfy my lifetime curiosity. From Spanish tradition, ‘sabong’ is a male Filipino passion (now include females). Gerry explained the excitement/intensity/shouting involved in the game. It seems that all the town males, including foreigners (Germans, Japanese, etc.) were in that area, with their cars and motorcycles (3 – 7pm), completing 50 sultadas. Seeing all the peso (1,000s, 500s) bills flying around after each round, Gerry estimated there was half a million economy circulating that afternoon – the most honest game. Awesome experience, but with all the smoking and beer-guzzling, it’s not for me!

Mar 15 – As I attended to family matters regarding soil properties, Gerry with Efren, went dolphin-watching and island hopping (Balicasag and others). He truly enjoyed the entertainment by seamen families we had helped; ‘nabayot’ expressing their appreciation.

May 16-17 – Conferred with lawyer, relatives, and continued with our Panglao, Bohol beautiful experiences!

Mar 18 – 21 – Back in Manila, continued meeting with friends, Grace at UP for Sarah’s TOR.

Lunch with my kumare Tess Santiago, who just returned from a vacation in Australia with husband Chito; culminated with her pasalubong shopping at Landmark for me. Thanks so much! Back to Sac on the 21^st via Delta, thank GOD!

Mar 25 – Sean’s Birthday- Lunch @ Mizu and dinner @ home with family and friends.

I am looking forward to join the International Business Experience trip of my MBA students to Europe on April 10-24, 2010. Itinerary includes visit to London, Brussels (EU Headquarters, US Comps.(Xerox, TNBEV, P & G), Frankfurt, Koblenz, Rudesheim (EU Central Bank, Deutche Boerse), Berlin, Potsdam, etc.

Attached are 4 photos of my Pinas and Bohol trips. 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

Dear Loved Ones,

Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA! May you all celebrated Valentine’s with joyful love and thankfulness with your loved ones, physically near or even miles apart. Gladly, on V day, all my loved ones called up, including family, nephews and cousins – truly love in the air!

On our monthly Catholic Lunch Club held on February 19 at the Radisson, the guest speaker was Larry Schauf, Federal Prosecutor and active on the Shroud of Turin Education and Research Association. His presentation was very interesting – The Shroud : On Trial – both sides of the prosecution and defense; the Facts: The Image, The History, The Science. It answered such queries: Is the Shroud of Turin the burial cloth of Christ or a medieval forgery? Amid all the sensationalism and hype, what are the facts? What does the evidence say? Based on the testimony of world renowned shroud experts, the prosecutor presented arguments for and against it’s authenticity in the context of a federal trial. As a jury, the audience voted on the final verdict. The Shroud of Turin is the priceless shroud of Christ! Personally, with my strong Faith, there is no need for any evidence to convince me /prove the reality of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! However, the Shroud is a welcome affirmation of our Catholic Church as founded by Christ – One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic - based on Scriptures and Traditions!

An added feature in our Bible study class is the sharing of snacks – solid and liquids, sponsored by 2 persons each session, before we view the video. It provides for more camaraderie and cheerfulness among attendees. We feel closer to one another though I have to miss some sessions as I embark on a 1-month vacation to Pinas on Feb. 21.

Dateline Pinas: Thank God for a smooth flight on Feb. 21 from SFO to Pinas via Narita onboard DELTA airlines for a 1 month vacation. Itinerary include 2 weeks in Manila, 10 days in Bohol, then back to Manila before flying back to SFO on March 21. The first week of arrival, I embarked on getting business updates in the office, prepared documentation for my filing of retirement from the SSS, Pag-ibig, renewing my Pinoy driver’s license and other senior citizen benefits. Going around through the various government offices, complying with the red tape requirements brought reality check that I am back in Pinas, with many replicated tasks of getting many photos for various IDs, which could have been addressed by the SSN in the U.S. For my driver’s license alone, I sat in for 3 poses – Drug test, medical, then license itself, with corresponding fees. I paid PHP 1000.00 for my license.

Evenings of Feb 26 was spent on dinner reunion with USAT Engineering 1970 batch mates at the Q.C. Sports club with 30+ attendees. Sponsored by 5 of us balikbayans. Then on the 27th was the UST Grand Engineering 2010 Alumni Homecoming held at the Plaza Mayor UST grounds where we got medals being Ruby (40th) jubilarians. The event was hosted by the silver (1985) jubilarians. They did a great job at organizing – interesting attendees (50th, 45th, 40th, 35th, etc. jubilarians), delicious food, marvelous entertainment, energetic dancing, culminated with fireworks. Great to be with Lin with hubby Dan, Loida (as we did in 2005), and now with Dolly and Emma with hubby Bill, and with my own hubby Gerry. Before going to the grounds, had a reunion with Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. at the Chapel area, and attended anticipated Mass at their air-conditioned Chapel. I am still adjusting to the ‘sweltering afternoon heat’ climate in Pinas which had induced my colds and cough.

Sunday Feb 28, Gerry and I went to Mass again at our Good Shepherd parish church (air-conditioned too), before we had lunch at Tong Yang SM Fairview, with our CFC friends Grace Cruz, Jack and Tess Gelvezon; had fun updating on each others’ lives, before shopping for fruits at the Hypermart. Some observations: SM had gone on / over-reached to complex mega-mall heights, displacing small businesses in the neighborhood. Sobra na! More on my Pinas journey later!

Attached are 2 photos each of: Eng’g 1970 batch reunion (me in black), and at UST Grand 2010 Homecoming event (with our medals, me in pink). 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