Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! In the middle of the Lenten season, I am focused on meaningful spiritual activities – mortification, readings, self-denials – aimed at closer relationship with God, especially on the current shake in the Petrine chair with Pope Benedict VVI’s renunciation and coming Conclave; we pray all for God’s Glory!!! Pope Benedict timed his announcement on the season of Lent to allow us to meditate, reflect and find meaning, according to the Paschal mysteries / triduum of our Faith. Ash Wednesday was celebrated with deeper reflection and piety. I was in tears as the Pope’s helicopter took off for Castelgandolfo. Much Thanks and God Bless, Pope Emeritus!!!

Sean surprised me with a yellow-green orchid flower plant on Valentine’s evening – so thoughtful and loving; in addition to the many greetings received during the day; Love was truly on the air!

I resumed my attendance to our SAC Catholic Lunch Forum at the Red Lion – Woodlake Hotel on Feb. 15, 2013, with Fr. Mark Richards as speaker. He is Canon Lawyer, Tribunal for Diocese of Sacramento, Chancellor, Pastor, and Vocation Director. He discussed the topic ‘Annulment: The Myth vs. The Reality’. While Marriage is indissoluble, there are exceptions, like incest (between relatives) and few cases, such as mixed Faith and others, undergoing the tedious process of Annulment, which usually last 10 months to 2 years. He presented several grounds for annulment like Fraud, gunpoint / forced / deceived marriage, simulated, 3^rd party situations. He went over the process: submission of 4-page info to the Tribunal, submit testimony in 3 weeks, review by expert / psychiatrist, decision by Judge (beyond reasonable doubt, moral certitude) Then it goes to the Appeals Court / 2^nd Instance. It undergoes Spot Checks; Then Case is concluded: Deed of Execution: Restrictions / Warnings. Fr. Mark advised that until the final Deed of Execution is released, parties should not set a Wedding Date for another party wedding!   

 

One exciting activity we did on President’s day week-end was shopping for Sean’s new car to replace his gas-guzzler Jeep. We started early on Saturday to Roseville automall. Earlier, I did my internet research on the most fuel-efficient (mi/gal) vehicles, so I narrowed down choices to at least 4 alternatives. The next criterion was the one who could give us the best price for our trade-in. Sean tried test-driving several models. Although we agreed to go for the basic features – aircon, automatic, anti-theft, Sean opted to get the highest end state-of-art Nissan SR with keyless operation featuring - touch screen GPS, CD/radio, sun-roof, spoiler trims, anti-theft, among others. Keyless means you just keep the key in your pocket, and you can open/close car doors, start/stop ignition, drive, and operate anything – so amazing! It has been 2 weeks running and Sean goes for an average 40mpg – true to its hype.   

Other highlights for the month:

·      Books read include:  Discernment: Acquiring the Heart of God, a tour de force of the spiritual life, by Marko Ivan Rupnik, S.J.; consistency in our relationship with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in our thinking, feeling, willing, acting; and The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth, by Dr. Scott Hahn;

·      Movies watched: Beautiful Creatures, featuring many British performers – a must see entertaining movie; and Safe Haven, a Nick Sparks love story, starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough;

·      Renewed my attendance to our Bible Study group where we are discussing Book of Revelation – events and truths revealed, not commands meant to scare us, but to raise our awareness of rewards and consequences for our actions/decisions, given that we have free WILL as children of God!

Attached are 3 photos with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! Yes I am back from Pinas, after I spent New Year there with hubby and friends; observed traditional rituals, especially those concerning spirituality – hoping for a more Blessed Year 2013 for us all – GOD BLESS!

After welcoming year 2013 with colorful fireworks at the Mall of Asia, observed at our Sofitel Hotel suite, we went to early Mass at the Malate church, then to Ermita church, before shopping at the MOA for our necessities. While still on ‘colds sick’ mode I finally settled at my El Jardin del Presidente condo in QC, after visiting our Fairview Shipping office in Malate. With its wonderful ambience – gated structure, fresh-air 9J balcony, air-con off, festive surroundings, I felt rejuvenated and in the pink of health after 2 days, especially after seeing my reliable physician who advised me to stick to fresh seafood, vege-fruits diet. My swift recovery ensured my resolve to stay in Pinas 3-months (Jan-March) next time around.

My kumara Cora, who had just visited New Zealand, soon called up to arrange a dinner-meeting with Rey and daughter Hannah Del Rosario (who had migrated to NZ). After 10 years, we met at Gloria Maris with Agnes R. and enjoyed updating on our lives. We missed his wife Margie (who was our close NPC colleague). Hannah has grown to be a lovely sophisticated lady. Hope for an early 2014 reunion with Margie. By the way, I am so thankful to Ms. Cora, who served as my driver with her new state-of-the-art Mits Strada, who fetched and dropped me off, during our several outings. I truly appreciate the kindness! Our next outing was for the movie ‘Sisteracas’, lunch, visit to a funeral, culminated with a Mass at Sto. Domingo. While she suggested an English movie, I suggested the local-bakya show as I got curious about its top grosser in the Metro Manila filmfest.

Kumareng Agnes spent a day with me at the swanky fresh Robinsons Magnolia where we lunched at Elias, reminiscing memorable experiences / stories, ogled at the Chinoy high-end shoppers. Stores are a happy mix of Asian, American, European outlets offering products to economically upgraded populace – signs of prosperity indeed!

While I intended to attend the NK-ISO verification / assessment process of our Fairview Shipping, NK scheduled the meeting for Feb. 1, 2013, while my return flight to SAC was set for Jan. 24, so I could not wait for it. I did my bit to orient and prepare the staff on the process, like to read my dissertation book on ‘Benchmarking Competencies of Filipino Sea-based Workers: Towards Global Competitiveness’; impressed on them that appraisals are done on the individual, organization, and process levels; the NK process is to evaluate staff competencies to handle the Manning business. I made sure that they have Individual Performance Appraisal System, 201 File must be complete, HR matters, etc. Likewise, I accomplished a big hurdle: to hire a new Crewing Manager to help/assist my husband in the daily operations of our business, in the person of Marino Bonje, experienced big Magsaysay Shipping staff. I hope he will ease up the burden from Gerry’s shoulders so he could relax and enjoy senior moments.

            I also consider missing the NK meeting a blessing, since I avoided the potential clash with Gerry and staff, who consider me to be a ‘Hitler’ when it comes to Management style, which is one reason I am happily settled in America, which is conducive to my upbringing, values and standards. Instead, we got the help of a 3^rd party, Ms. Ann who is a QA professional reviewing, revising the Manual; training, preparing the staff for the process. With her around, they (especially Gerry) will be receptive of any directions and changes proposed, which is contrary when I am the one doing them – everything will be taken against me! Thus, he-he-he, I am off the hook. Although my intentions are good and cost-effective, they would rather go for the more costly alternative. These situations – trying to minimize my business involvement, like removing my diploma, artifacts, photos/frames on display, changing office arrangements/layout I have already accepted; thus, my detachment, moving on and forward attitude. I am now focused on being Contemplative. See what Prayers can do, truly GOD is GREAT!!!  

Gerry and I watched Les Miserable at SM, enjoyed shopping, and very appreciative that he was generous during my Pinas stay – he made me feel good being married to a rich Papa!     

Since I arriving SAC via Hawaiian Air after an overnight at Waikiki Resort Hotel in Hon, focused on cleaning up the Mess we left since Christmas – washing linens, tossing thrashes, cleaning up, etc.

Attached are 4 photos with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! The Gerardo family wished you all had a Happy Christmas as we did and a more Blessed New Year 2013!

Our multi-located family gathered to celebrate Christmas together in SAC after four years – my hubby Gerry flew in from Pinas on Dec. 12 via Hawaiian Airlines after an overnight in Honolulu, while Sarah and son MAX flew in from New Jersey on Dec. 22.; Gerry and I then left for Pinas on Dec. 30, arriving 7:30p Dec. 31n, checked in at Sofitel Hotel for 2 days. We watched the New Year’s fireworks at the MOA, and observed all the traditional Pinas rituals, truly more fun!!!

As planned, our family reunion were meaningful and memorable with our closer bonding – Gerry and I completed the 9-days novena Masses before Christmas at St. Mel’s. Our daily Mass was always followed by eating out at restaurants, Latte treats, shopping, movies (Lincoln, Red Dawn), Pinoy stores, and more. When Sarah and Max arrived, we did more shopping at Galleria, Fry’s, family photo shots at home, JCP studio, also with Santa at the Mall; treasured moments with our grandson MAX who had grown so big, with good manners and outstanding sense of humor; the abundant food as Sean and Sarah indulged on their passions, exchanged gifts, went wine-tasting at Charles Spinetta Winery where Gerry bought a box of assorted wines; he played Santa to the hilt by being so generous; he made his children feel that they are truly a rich man’s kids – he, he, he!

One downside, however, was that we all got ‘sick’ at different stages, with colds – coughing and sneezing, Gerry and myself, maybe due to stress. The younger one had stronger resistance as they went ahead with their shopping, strolling in the park, eating out, and more bonding. Although I took antibiotics before flying to Pinas, I felt horrible during the flight. The festive surroundings at Sofitel with large crowd of Asian guests spending New Year in Pinas did not do much to comfort my condition – seemed that time just went fast. I kept recalling our family reunion at SAC and how the magical moments were planned, anticipated, happened, and then went by so fast. Thank God for the beautiful family moments together, something to remember and treasure!!!

 

When I was settled in my El Jardin condo, my recovery was very swift, thanks GOD! I am at home - the ambience on my 9J balcony, with fresh air, colorful environment, air-con off, fresh tropical fruits, sinigang seafoods were truly rejuvenating!

Attached are 4 photos with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! The month came with many festive celebrations – All Saints’ Day, Souls Day, Veterans’, Thanksgiving – so many Blessings to be thankful for; amid the rainy / cold weather – we truly appreciate them dear GOD!

On our Opus Dei Recollections / Reflections, Fr. Gerry and the Talk facilitators discussed on the topics: Christ the King, and always through Mother Mary; we always Thank you Lord! If we fall, we always begin again in our struggle for holiness. We must grow in our friendship with Him. Like soldiers engaged in a battle, am I truly fighting? While most are complacent, we should be loyal soldiers; speak up for our Christian values! Know who our enemies are – the Devil; know ourselves: know our strength, know our weaknesses / defects; in order to fight well! Win small battles, till the last; do examination of conscience daily:

·      What did I do wrong today?  I AM SORRY!

·      What did I do well today?  THANK YOU!

·      What can I do well tomorrow? GUIDE ME!

It is encouraged to do General and Particular examination daily; it is directed toward acquisition of virtues and rooting out our defects. Resolutions: We make few / specific resolutions and fulfill them with the help of God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Through our Blessed Mother!

It is also advised to develop a Plan of Life: define Essentials, give priorities to activities - Pray, Be flexible, Advance the Norms, Be realistic – being a Woman in the middle of the World; Do what you can to Know, Love, and Serve God Better! Do always the Norms of Life: Cheerfulness, Hard Work, Order! 

With upcoming holidays, considering various family activities to attend, we have a break on our Catholic Lunch Club meetings, to be resumed on January 2013, at the Red Lion Hotel (formerly Westlake / Radisson Hotel).

Highlights for the month:

·      Due to the planned Christmas reunion of our multi-located family, we skipped our usual East Coast Thanksgiving holiday with Sarah and Max. Then storm Sandy happened, so a trip to NJ was impractical. By God’s grace, Sarah and Max were safe – their area did not lose electricity, just strong swaying by the wind felt at their home – they were able to offer refuge to friends take bath / meals; so blessed! I communicated continuously with family and friends over Thanksgiving.

·      Serendipitously, my nephew Rigel, Mabel and their two kids (who are based in Arizona) came for Thanksgiving dinner; we had roast duck, lechon, ham, etc. (typical Pinoy fare). I put up our Christmas tree hastily for the occasion, so we had our pictorials amid a festive setting. Thanks for the surprise visit and wonderful bonding!

·      The tedious shopping on Black Friday – patience on the long queue / waiting. Although Sean wanted to go Thursday evening, I opted to wait; thus, after my committed St. Mel’s Adoration time, went to Sunrise Mall to join the eager crowd; just focused on the biggest reduction , like 50% to be worthwhile;

·      We watched the movies: Skyfall – usual suspense thriller starring Daniel Craig; and The Life of PI – wonderful story of Faith in God and Survival – so many wise life lessons, highlighting the voyage out of Manila. I highly recommend that all the staff and crew of Fairview Shipping watch this movie, in order to guide them along their journeys!

·      Read 2 inspiring books: Saint Isaac and the Indians by Milton Lomask and The Enduring Vision by Boyer, Clark, and others.

·      I watched Live over EWTN, the installation of 6new cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI, including our Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio ‘Chito’ Tagle, the youngest and considered a strong contender to the Papacy. 

 Attached are 3 photos with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sac, CA, USA! From the heat of summer and fall, comes the sudden cold of rainy season – with storms in the east, the presidential debates for the coming US elections; still counting all the wonderful blessings – Thanks GOD!

My regular Opus Dei monthly activities were highlighted with the moving talk by Sue Downs and Reflections, Benediction and Blessing/Penance by Fr. Gerry. I was inspired to pledge for the Chestnut Center for Ladies in the Bay Area. We are almost done with our monthly pledge commitment to our St. Mel’s Parish Center project for two years, thus time to start with another 2-years monthly commitment to my Opus Dei Group - God wills. As far  back in memory, vital to our family values are sharing our talents, time and treasure (more than tithing); thus, God is rewarding us thousand fold blessings!

I attended our catholic Lunch Club on October 19 at the newly re-named Red Lion Hotel (formerly Westlake / Radisson Hotel) where we had Fr. Andrew Johnson, Canon of the Cathedral of the Holy Sepulcher, as speaker on the topic “From Managing Return on Investments to Managing Return on Values”. In this difficult time, we are all called to stand up for our Catholic values every day. This is daunting – often we don’t see the likelihood of success. St. Thomas Moore said: ‘You may abandon the ship in a storm because you cannot control the wind. What you can’t turn to good, you must at least make as little bad as you can.’ Fr. Andrew is uniquely qualified to talk about challenges in the workplace, the secular, family and religious life since he experienced them all. He had a career in business, married with 6 children/ 11 grandkids, widowed, then became a priest at 69 years old. The kids call him Father Father. He is very active on promoting New Evangelization thru Communications / Media. Effective means are: Be Kind always – Evangelize by the way you act; Creativity – using God’s graces, gifts and skills; Practical Wisdom – use words of Encouragement, Inspiration, Canons of the Monks (Poverty, Obedience, Celibacy); He expounded on Kindness as the Love of God in our heart; act with open heart, mind, forgiveness; You have to love everyone; you don’t have to like them! 

With Mr. Yorozu’s promise of more vessels next year, our FSAC office is actively pursuing renewal of ISO-Japan certification soon. Thus, I was kept busy reviewing and editing the FSAC Manuals for Quality Systems Policies (130 pages) and Quality Procedures (155 pages); coordinating with the staff on responsibilities for implementation, monitoring and control.  These systems improvement requires decisive actions; which means to strike a balance between the ‘soft personal style’ of Pinas management vis-à-vis my studied MBO style of ‘goals/target orientation’ quality management, to the point of a ’Hitler’ tag, with Sean and Max as my ‘Gestapo and youth’. We gladly accept the tag with humor and as Sarah confirmed “nothing wrong, cause ‘magaling and effective si Hitler’!

In this regard, I quote Edmund Burke: ‘For evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. When bad men combine, the good must associate, else they will fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.’

  Other highlights for the month:

·         Sean acted as baptismal sponsor to Tom’s niece Sophia, which required him to get a Certification from our parish priest that he is an active / practicing Catholic, had received the Sacraments, and qualified to be a baptismal sponsor. I believe we must implement this requirement in Pinas; let us not assume that everyone is qualified / responsible to be a godparent.

·         Watched the movies: The Perks of Being a Wallflower – starring Emma Watson, Taken 2 – Liam Neeson, Here Comes the Boom – Kevin James, Salma and Charice, and Pitch Perfect – Anna Kendricks: all memorable, moving and funny films, experienced at The Palladio – El Dorado, always followed by lunch at Japanese Blue Nami, then shopping at Folsom outlets;

·         Read 2 inspiring books: The Wisdom of the Saints – an Anthology by Jill Adels and First Comes Love by Dr. Scott Hahn.

 Attached are 3 photos with family and friends. Let us continue to pray for our country and people. Peace and Joy to You and God Bless Us All!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG