Dear Loved Ones,

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

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

ch.

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

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

 

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

Other highlights of the month:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! We are still in the glow of the Christmas season and busy fulfilling our resolutions for year 2016! Let’s all pray and look forward to GOD’s continuous Blessings, much Thanks GOD!

We resumed our Tuesday Bible study with EPIC – Church History, where we discussed the Dark Ages period (1400 – 1800), the various schisms, protestations, reformation, etc. We must really thank GOD that our Catholicism survived, with the help of the Blessed Trinity, Mama Mary, the Saints, and our early church Fathers! On my contemplative life, I got more calls from Marge to sub for Chapel adoration so I welcome more opportunities for mortification and more Blessings.

I am happy to do more apostolate, spending more time with friends and in our Opus Dei group; lunches with Alice, Raquel, Marietta, Hanh, and more. For New Year, the parish gave out books (Rediscover Jesus, An invitation), in addition to the annual Art calendar, for all parishioners. It is nice that our Church is truly concerned for the Evangelization of its members to live Christ’s Way!

Our international shipping business in Manila is continuously doing well, with God’s Blessing, in helping families in our country. One other answered prayer is for the smooth transition of our condo unit to an ex-pat tenant and we are I the process of negotiations with a Japanese renter. Sean is still busy living his American dream of getting the best worlds in his career, vocation, sports, recreation – balanced life indeed!

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      My friend Hanh had to go to Orange City to take care of his blind brother and deal with other family crisis with her 11 siblings, more prayers for her; so with Marietta; Sean helps me with her concerns;

·      Movies watched: Hateful Eight (violent Q. Tarantino movie), 5^th Wave ( movie on Faith and spirituality – recommended), The Revenant ( Leonardo di Caprio – story of revenge); The Finest Hour ( survival movie – highly recommended, especially for seafarers, our crew)

·      Books read: Rediscover Jesus, An Invitation, by Matthew Kelly (gift from the parish, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus), Glorious Holy Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.; Transforming your Life through the Eucharist, by John Kane; The Blessing of Christmas, by Pope Benedict XVI; The Little Way of Advent, by Fr. Gary Castor (Meditations in the Spirit of St. Therese of Lisiuox; Open Wide the Door to Christ, by S.C. Bela.

·      Sean and I pampered ourselves with foot Massage, haircuts (mine was like Thea’s of the TV show Arrow; Sean had several field works to Los Angeles, San Diego, Tahoe, and Reno, away for several days/week;

·      I was blessed to have 3 priests at home for dinner – Frs. Aldrin Basarte (our St. Mel’s pastor), Cormac Lacre (from Jagna, Bohol, assigned at Winters), and Ruel Pangan (visiting from Bohol, the school director of my high school in Panglao). We had so much fun, speaking Visayan.

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Sacramento, CA, USA! Hope you all had a very happy Christmas and wishing you a more Blessed / Prosperous New Year 2016 (in a few hours)!

I am glad to share that I completed the 9-days Novena Masses for Christmas (consistent with our family tradition) to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Thus, I am looking forward to all the Blessings for the New Year, much Thanks GOD!

Per tradition, the days leading up to Christmas were hectic, with parties here and there, shopping, services in the Church, since I had committed more time at the Adoration chapel (to sub for those who could not come during the morning hours). When Marge calls me up, I welcome the opportunity for mortification and more Blessings!

On our Opus Dei, I am happy that my friend Hanh finally attended our 2^nd Saturday Recollection for meditation, confession, and Mass. Since it was also the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe, we had a double treat with the lively Mexican Maracas band / singers. The parish also conducted its Christmas raffle and sale of cookies, Christmas decors and goodies; such festive activities!

 

The largest gathering we had was the annual pot-luck ‘White Elephant’ party of friends and relatives of Jojo Inovero, held at the residence of Sylvia in Rancho Cordova. There were about 100 guests, started from 12 noon to sawa and the food was plentiful. Sean had maximum participation as his gifts had more than 10 steals; so much fun! Sean had so many parties to attend as he had many groups: at work in Calpers, his teaching at Folsom learning center, and his referee job at Mather Volleyball club. He is truly living his American dream!

 

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Spent more time with Hanh, discussing / clarifying doctrine issues, keeping me at work, honing my apologetics; over Starbucks coffee; she gives me home-cooked Vietnamese / French meals which helps my weight lower as she’s fond of vegan food. Thus, I am on my toes to review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘Krampus’, foreshadowing un-Santa Claus, what happens when people loses the spirit of Christmas sharing; ‘Star Wars 7’ – The Force Awakens; we all know the story so well; my daughter Sarah even dressed up as princess Leah for the occasion; then the comedy ‘Daddy’s Home’ starring Mark Wahlberg and Will Farrell.

·      On Christmas day, I visited my friend who been experiencing some depression, as my apostolate. It was a nice experience  doing some kind works that day, consistent with what I read for that day; Thank you Lord!

·      Books read: Glorious Holy Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.; Transforming your Life through the Eucharist, by John Kane; The Blessing of Christmas, by Pope Benedict XVI; The Little Way of Advent, by Fr. Gary Castor (Meditations in the Spirit of St. Therese of Lisiuox; Open Wide the Door to Christ, by S.C. Bela.

·      Received gifts of Leche Flan (Crème Brolay) from Ate Eve, and Marietta; also white puto from Tom, which I shared with Ate Nen’s family. 

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 Sacramento, CA, USA! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, as we thank GOD for the Blessings we continuously receive all the days of our lives by   members in our multi-located global family: in Pinas, New Jersey, and CA, USA! 

The first half of the month, we commemorated the feasts of all Saints including those of my parents (un-canonized, my saints nonetheless) and prayed for all the souls in purgatory, as part of our Church (Triumphant, Militant, and Suffering).

  On our Opus Dei, we formed a group / circle who goes out together for lunch after our Saturday Recollection, discovering new places, the latest is the Royal Kebab, where we enjoyed Mediterranean fare like humus, ground chicken kebab, salad, etc. Fr. Turlock continuously delivers wise advice / insights on virtues and holiness, and his penance absolutions always leaves you cleansed with clear conscience.

The 2^nd half month was spent preparing for the much awaited holidays, being with friends and shopping. Russel and Tess, with their 2 kids, hosted our Thanksgiving dinner, where I brought a Honey-baked Ham / Turkey for potluck. We had a reunion with couples Rey and Lina, Larry and Cindy, Mark and Sarah, Paul and Kim, and their respective kids. After dinner, all were on their way to the malls for the early discount shopping. Sean and I opted to go to Roseville Galleria which was full of people. Sean’s major purchase was a JBL soundbar and woofer entertainment set from Best Buy, in addition to our year-long supply from Bath and Body Works, Express, Macy’s, making use of 50% discounts.

Ate Eve and I watched a FIL-AM musical play ‘Giyera’ at the Lesher Theater in Walnut, CA (2-hr drive from SAC). The play was set during the Japanese occupation in Pinas. It was nice to see Fil-am youth showcase their talents and embrace our culture. Such a nostalgic evening in America, as I was impressed by my 85-yr young companion drove her car to the theatre. BTW, the showing was sponsored by the Tagbilaran North Calif. Association (TANOCAL); thus, got to meet some kababayans.

 

Other highlights of the month:

·      I continuously serve as Eucharistic Minister (Eucharist or Precious Blood) twice a month. To prepare for worthiness to serve, I pray a lot, do fasting, and mortification. Please help me Lord!

·      Spent more time with Hanh, discussing / clarifying doctrine issues, keeping me at work, honing my apologetics; over Starbucks coffee; she gives me home-cooked Vietnamese / French meals which helps my weight lower as she’s fond of vegan food. Thus, I am on my toes to review the tenets of our faith, to be true and faithful to our Catholic teachings; Thanks God for this opportunity!

·      Movies watched: ‘Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks, shot during the ‘cold war’ mostly in cold Germany; ‘Spectre’, the latest in the Bond series, allegedly the last by Daniel Craig; Hunger Games – Mocking Jay Part 2, an extended movie to gain more attention and box-office income;

·      I am also doing some apostolate to my friend who had been experiencing some depression due to some gullibility on personal relationship; nice feeling to use our wise  experiences to help others resolve their problems;

·      Books read: Called to Life, by Jacques Philippe, and Glorious Holy Spirit, Knowing Who You Are by Knowing Whose You Are, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, C.P.

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