Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Manila, Pinas! This covers the 1^st part of my Pinas sojourn (June 10 – July 14) – activities during the month of June – the first week culminating my St. Mel’s commitments, our wedding anniversary week, then the interesting flight to Manila!

            My Pinas visit was rushed for me to attend the POEA shipping executive’s seminar as required for the renewal of our license to operate as Manning agent for another 5 years. Thus, off I went for the Hawaiian Airlines flight out of SAC airport. However, due to flight delay, our group of 7 was detoured to take the PAL flight out of San Francisco airport, arriving Manila on June 12, with many interesting side stories. Upon arriving Manila, my hubby Gerry had booked us at the Sofitel Hotel for 3 days. It was convenient that transport and driver was provided to shuttle me to POEA and back; then I finally settled at my El Jardin Condo in Q.C. A pleasant surprise was to discover that Gerry had transformed the 3^rd floor of one of our 2-units office townhouse into our 2-bedroom living quarters, so things were flexible; we could sleep / stay in when the need arise. We are very accessible to MOA, CCP, Makati, Sofitel, and the like.

            The POEA seminar went smoothly – met wonderful people with varied experiences on land and sea-based recruitments; exchanged critical incidents, amazing stories, and learned new regulations in the overseas employment industry. Definitely, I got my certificate as proof of attendance, after signing in several times to ensure complete compliance!

            The following week, I went for my Opus Dei retreat in Calamba, Laguna; shared a ride with generous ladies – Lita Romualdez and Aning of L.A. Fr. Patio, who was my retreat chaplain last year at the OD Center in Horsehoe Drive, Mandaluyong, was my retreat master again this time in Calamba, Laguna – so amazing! He is a very effective director; he shared new insights on Mama Mary and convert Scott Hahn, among others; so fruitful and enlightening!    

The rest of the month was spent on activities in our Fairview Shipping office, studying the systems in the light of full compliance to POEA regulations, observing procedures/ actions relevant to increase in business activities with additional vessels and hiring of new employees, re-orienting them to our policies and systems for effective and efficient operations, such as performance evaluation at the 3 – individual, organizational, and process levels.

  

Other highlights for the month:

·      On the final phase of our Bible study on PSALMS, I had to miss the last 3 sessions due to my trip, but I continued on my own readings to complete the package;

·      To hang-out with a variety of friends, I stayed at our gated El Jardin condo on weekdays to be accessible to my QC contacts. During the 1^st week-end, Gerry and I attended the baptismal party of Kaye’s daughter where she featured a photo booth where ‘glam and bayot shots’ were taken, DAD’s sumptuous buffet is always knock-out, shopping at MegaMall, then Mass at UP Diliman;

·      Spent time looking at our family photo albums updated and arranged chronologically; Gerry also had an album ‘SUSAN’s Portraits’ where one can distinguish the era by the hairdos and dress style I had; reminiscing beautiful memories;

·      Week-ends were spent hanging out in the various malls, watching movies like Men in Black 3, Amazing Spiderman 3, then shopping later. It was so much fun pointing to all the Pinoy foods, and Gerry buying them all for me. Masarap having a ‘Papa’ to indulge on you for a change; 

Attached are 4 photos during my first month / June part in Pinas. 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 heat of summer is here and with it the excitement of welcoming guests at home, and looking forward to vacation in Pinas!

            On our SacCatholicForum held at the Woodlake Hotel on May 18, 2012, we had as speaker Mr. Tom Carroll, CIA agent and Islamic specialist, who spoke on the topic “Can a Good Spy be a Good Catholic?” He narrated how he was recruited (utmost confidentiality – no address, new identity), the trainings he underwent (9 months on languages) with his wife, before they went to their assignment in Istanbul. Yes, he continued to be a good catholic, since most of his colleagues were Catholics and Mormons who were committed to be professionals, in the service for the overall good! (St. Augustine’s philo) In the 90s, Muslims believed in God, were ardent devotees of the Virgin Mary and respected Papal Supremacy. He brought to the venue for our appreciation, artifacts from Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, dating thousands of years. Despite taking great risks, he enjoyed being a spy, serving the country and God!

            On the 1^st weekend, Fr. Bobot Clemen, my neighbor in Panglao, Bohol, who graduated at UST, then became our parish priest at North Fairview’s Divine Savior church (1993-2000), came to visit. He is now the parish priest of next parish Lagro, QC, so the network connection is there. We had dinner with other Panglao kabayans, nurses I just met, toured and shopped around and at home.

Then Sean’s Claret School mates RobelRB and Red (both nurses) came to visit. RB is based in Washington DC while Red is based in Stockton, CA. Fetched by Sean at SAC airport, they arrived after finale of American Idol, thus interrupting my phone voting for Jessica Sanchez. The previous week, all my 2-hour 2000 votes for Jess went through on my AT&T home phones – so amazing! She’s truly talented and her performances are so beautiful, but I really did not expect her to win. AI history do not let 16-year olds get the title, remember David Archuleta, he was so good but didn’t win. Especially since Jessica experienced being in the bottom 7. To win AI, one should never be in the bottom 2/3. Reality is, AI voters are a conspiracy white grandmothers, mothers and daughters, so who would they vote for, naturally ‘white guys with guitars’(wgwg)! From the start, Philip Philips was a heads-up!

After breakfast the following day, I hung out with 3 handsome guys at our clubhouse while they went swimming. Then they showered at our 3 bathrooms; they also had 3 separate bedrooms, like they were in a hotel! Sean brought them city touring, went to Jolibee, and then went clubbing till 2:00 AM – splurging their dollars!  The next day, I had to wake them up as I decided to join them go wine-tasting at nearby Charles Spinetta winery. Sean let me taste their Black Muscat and I liked it! The winery does not distribute to other outlets so through ‘word of mouth’, customers must come to buy. We tasted other wine bottles and the winery also had a beautiful Art gallery (Italian family owned). The 3 guys decided to buy dozen bottles each, like panic-buying / scarcity mentality ba! Thus Red’s new Acura sedan was fully loaded. From there, we had lunch at FATS Asian bistro. I kidded RB, he had lost 60 lbs since Claret, and so he is now a tall sophisticated dude. When we went to USPS to pick up plastic ‘bubble wraps’ for packing RB’s wines, we encountered a nice lady (an ‘angel’) who gave us a big bundle of ‘bubble wraps’ – right timing! We had so much fun reminiscing the past while Red enjoyed playing the piano; when they were just content with food at Snack Bar, dalawang kanin maliit na ulam, those ‘hunger’ days!

On Memorial day week-end, we went shopping for 4 IPADs (for MAX, Sean, Fr. Bobot who ordered through his Facebook message, and Jessica) – everyone’s going high-tech!

 Other highlights for the month:

·      On Mother’s day, Sean surprised me with gifts: double hoop 2-tone earrings and a basket of pink hydrangeas – so very thoughtful!

·      In our Bible study, we are in the middle of Psalms. I was happy to show my Liturgy of the Hours book which I had used since 1993 (it is said that those who do divine readings (done by religious) are the ‘brides and warriors of the church’; I should be in a monastery a long time ago;

·      Books read are: The Three Greatest Prayers by St. Thomas Aquinas, and Spiritual Development by Fr. Daniel Helminiak.  Movies watched include: For the Greater Glory, The Avengers, The Dark Shadows ( Johnny Dep).

Attached are 4 photos for the month. 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! I am happy to share the lovely red and white roses abloom in the front and back gardens of our new Erato home – spring signs; then expect the heat of summer. I’ve just switched wardrobe and accessories for the sunny weather, and back to the tanned complexion, oh well!

            On our SacCatholicForum held at the Woodlake Hotel on April 20, 2012, we had as speaker Matt Warner, a Texas Engineer in his 30s, and father of 3, who spoke on the topic “Why the Church is losing young families and How to fix it?” He cited statistics on demographics on church/ Mass attendance by age groups and causes young families shy away from church: Hard to go with kids; Level of anxiety due to uncertainty; Lack of catechesis – undeveloped family relationships. He shared his humorous experiences when his family is in church, mostly reactions of other churchgoers. Matt proposed measures to fix (addressed to parishioners): Look at ourselves – what we have done / failed to do (parents learn to discipline children); Parish to do something (Announcements / Hand-outs: ‘Families are welcome’, teach them, tell people about it, communicate); SMILE, then help them, encourage kids in Peace – action of Love! Be kind to everyone you meet, everyone is having a battle, Affirm them; There is HOPE! Prayers help: Be positive, affirmative way!  

            During the Easter vigil ceremonies, our parish welcomed many converts who received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Penance, and Holy Eucharist. I participated actively in all the religious ceremonies in our parish related to the commemoration of the most important events in our life - Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, and is definitely rewarded for my faithfulness!

            Mert T. called me wondering why there are new people in our Anatolia house, and was surprised that I sold the house as fast / easily in less than 6 months, whereas his neighbor had theirs in the market more than 2 years already, still with no buyer. Oh yes, God truly loves and blesses me. As I said, when you decide, discern very well and ask for His guidance to lead you to His Will. As I always do, I am very specific in my prayers – Lord, please lead the right buyer to our house, and the mortgage loan be approved, Thank you God! And so it is, that on April 12, the new owner closed the mortgage, and my liability to the property was wiped out. Normally, short sale really takes time (a year or more) but ours was sold in just 4 months. There are financial gains and losses to the transactions: however, the pluses outweigh the minuses - we got  a bigger home for half the price, and more importantly, I passed on the responsibility of home ownership to my son. What a relief it is to see when I open my on-line account with B of A, that my mortgage liability is no longer there! I realize that American economic and financial systems are easy to grasp; the experience has given me wider perspective to share in my education advocacy and life missions!

 Other highlights for the month:

·      In our Bible study, our group started Psalms (though I had taken this before, I am taking it again due to its richness and gain deeper insights with new sharings);

·      Had Easter lunch at the home of my Ate Nen with Maria; with updates on family matters; plans on a family (Ciriaco and Irenea Cloma tree of 11 children) in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines in August 2013;

·      Books read are: Wisdom from the Monastery, edited by , When God Whispers your Name by Alex Lucado,  Movies watched include: The Lucky One (adult Zac Ephron), Think Like a Man, The 5-year Engagement.

Attached are 3 photos for the month. 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! We are now in the week of Lent commemorating Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection – doing mortifications, Stations of the Cross, taking time for meaningful Reflection! In our parish, people from other religions are welcomed into our Faith on Easter eve receiving 4 sacraments – Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist!

On our SacCatholicForum held a

t the Woodlake Hotel on March 23, 2012, we had as speaker Teresa Tomeo, author, Italian-Am multi-media and media expert, who spoke on the topic “Extreme Makeover: Seeing yourself through Christ’s Eyes”. She shared her life growing up in New Jersey with Catholic-valued parents, and gave tips on developing personal relationship with Christ: Keep the Eucharist the center / summit of our Faith; study the BIBLE – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth; Live with Gratitude – look glass as half-full; Be nice and kind; Keep smiling; Don’t be too sure – say God Willing!; offer up to God , Thy Will be done; Be fully catechized / evangelized; Let’s do our part; GO! Sin is the only tragedy in the world, thus avoid SIN! Witness to your religion, Worship GOD!

As part of Sean’s 25^th birthday (March 25) blessing, we had our Opus Dei Circle at home, with prayers, lunch, sharing, and good time on March 21. Sean and I had dinner out on Saturday birthday eve; then he celebrated his birthday with office friends on Sunday 25^th, starting with lunch at Hometown Buffet, then to the movie Hunger Games, finishing off with another buffet dinner at Mizu. May he continue to enjoy God’s blessings – good health, love, kindness, generosity in his young life, with thanks and gratefulness!

Other highlights for the month:

· We culminated our Bible study on Acts of the

Apostles with lunch at our leader Claude’s home and we responded to questions. I was assigned the question: ‘If you had to tell someone what the book of Acts is about, how would you describe it?’ My response as follows: The book of ACTS, which comes after John’s gospel in the New Testament, narrates that while Jesus proclaimed God’s kingdom in his country, he was more concerned about preparing / ‘forming’ the apostles to spread his message throughout the world, to be the foundation of his Church. He gave them the Holy Spirit as Advocate to help them carry out their missions, with gifts and power to perform miracles to overcome obstacles, trials, and tribulations.

· What took place from the time of the apostles until our days? Many books relate the lives and journeys of our fellow believers in the course of 20 centuries covering Christ’s church – the experiences and deeds of the believers, apostles, and martyrs. The book of ACTS is written by Luke the Evangelist who tells us about the 1^st stages of the church following Christ’s Resuurection; how the early communities emerged through the labor of the apostles and the working of the Holy Spirit.

· I

n the 1^st part of Acts (Chapters 1-15), Luke gathered all that he could find concerning the 1^st 20 years since he was still a pagan that time. In the 2^nd part (Chapters 15 – 28), Luke relates the activities of his Master, Paul – his conversion, travels (Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome). The book was concluded in the year 62. PACER – takes the lead or sets an example. “I have run the race; I have kept the Faith.”

Impressions: The APOSTLES’ love, faithfulness, dedication, obedience, commitment, loyalty, humility, trust in the gifts of the Holy Spirit! Commit to witness to Faith / Adopt Missionary outlook: Detachment/Letting Go/Moving On/Travel Light. I learned this from Fr. Ed Nantes, O.P., who actualize the apostles’ life.

Attached are 4 photos for the month. 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! We are now in the season of Lent in preparation for the commemoration of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection – the center of our lives, so let us all take time for meaningful Reflection!

O

n our SacCatholicForum held at the Woodlake Hotel on February 24, 2012, we had as speaker Mr. Ch

ris Lewis, son of Hollywood celebrity Jerry Lewis. Chris, chairman of the American Wheelchair Mission, spoke on the topic “Learning God’s work even if you grew up in show business Hollywood”. He narrated his life, growing up in glitzy Hollywood – with his six brothers, educated in Jesuit schools, Catholic Italian mother, served as altar boy with Jesuit spiritual advisers,

exposed to charity fundraisers of famous father and his friends (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, and Dean Martin), a filmmaker – helping people around the world without publicity, together with the K of C. They go around the world distributing containers of wheelchairs (280 per container). Then he showed a film on 1 of their missions –

The Philippines, in Malabon, Metro Manila. The 20 minute video showed the streets of Pinas: a barangay, concrete paved with shanties, smiling people and kids running around, focusing on a legless man living alone. The film said that since there is no health care system in Pinas, ‘children are expected to care for parents until death; where there is no family, neighbors take turns to care and provide for the elderly.’ Upon arrival of the wheelchair, the delight of the man and the surrounding neighbors were captured vividly; one woman said: ‘Now, you can go to church to pray and thank God!’ Next scene showed the interiors of a big church with wheelchairs, the K of C members in their regal finery, people giving a standing ovation for them. After the video showing, we gave a standing ovation to Chris, as people expressed support and interest to accompany him on next missions to other countries. I thanked him for helping Pinas and sharing our nice culture and faith. I was happy and proud of our Catholic customs and traditions as presented in the video; especially on hope and faith. By the way, many of the people and kids were wearing yellow shirts!

The best compliment is emulation and I am happy to share that my two children (actually adults) Sarah and Sean are in the midst of their graduate studies program, thus I am ardently praying for their perseverance and success! I recall my UST Philosophy of St. Thomas professor Fr. Arceo defined: “Successful parents are those who bring up children to become independent and develop self-esteem.” Currently, I can say I am on the right track, with God’s Blessings!

Other highlights for the month:

· In our Bible study, we are on Acts of the Apostles, and the readings and discussions give me a deeper understanding of St. Paul’s and the apostles’ commitments to spreading Christ’s teachings to communities – the values on Obedience, Humility, Love through all the sorrows and trials!

· On Valentine’s evening, as I answered Sean’s knock on my door, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a big bouquet of yellow green roses – so thoughtful of him! My being his housekeeper as part of my multi-tasking in America, is fully compensated.

· Movies recently watched include the following: The Vow, Safehouse, The Descendants. Books recently read are: Surprised by Truth 2 by Patrick Madrid, The Saints, Pope John Paul The Great by Peggy Noonan, The Hidden Manna, A Theology of the Eucharist by James T. Oconnor.

Attached are 3 photos for the month. 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! I wish everyone a very happy Valentine’s day and hope that your loved ones express unconditional love in meaningful ways, as well as you do!

On our SacCatholicForum held at the Radisson Hotel on January 20, 2012, we had as speaker popular radio host Patrick Madrid, author of many books, on the topic “Why Be Catholic, when you could be anything else?” Day before I got a call from coordina

tor Ms. Michelle requesting me to come early to the venue to

help in the Registration table as more than 200 guests were expected, thus I was at the venue at 11am where there was already a long queue. Mr. Madrid shared his reasons on his happiness being Catholic in this best of times: Established

by Jesus Christ – Truth, Love, Right; ‘You are the light of the world (visibility); You are the Son of the Living God (with the keys of heaven); You are the Rock, Build the Church; Go into the world, baptize people, to the end of time; One, Holy, Universal, Sacramental; Holy Eucharist; the Blessed Virgin Mary as our Mother. He admonished everyone to Know What We Believe; Live by the Faith, Do not be Afraid to Act!

After the hectic holidays of Christmas, we had another lunch ‘surprise party’ at home to celebrate my Ate Nen’s birthday on Jan. 15. Her hubby took charge of the invitation, and happy that they all came: their children Maria and Tony with son Paolo and 2 guests, Ate Cel with family Rocely and daughters Alexa, Chloe, and Bela. We feasted on pancit, dinuguan with puto, duck, lechon, ham, salads, banana turon, cakes, etc.

Other highlights for the New Year:

· Evaluated / Explored new investments potentials: Opened new accounts with other banks to expand choices: opened savings accounts with Golden 1 and US Bank;

· Sent through FEDEX our Organ/Piano to Sarah in New Jersey for MAX to play with;

· After a week, I sent a package to Pinas for Gerry/Fairview Shipping containing our belated

holiday/ Valentine gifts. I was shocked to learn the shipping cost was USD 250.00 while the shipping cost to New Jersey for the organ was only USD20.00, which means it cost 10x as much for international compared to domestic shipping, even as the box was 20x smaller than the organ. However, I still proceeded with the shipping and hoped the recipients appreciated my effort. Anyway, they expressed thanks already for the goods sent.

· Resumed our Tuesday Bible Study classes; we are on Acts of the Apostles, very interesting period in our Christian history, discussions and sharing are always enlightening and fruitful!

· Movies recently watched include the following: Sherlock Holmes 2, Mission Impossible 3, The Iron Lady, One for the Money.

Attached are 5 photos of family and friends’ gathering. 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! I wish everyone a very blessed New Year 2012 – more graces from the Lord– good health, peace, safety and protection, wisdom at all times, love, among many others! Let us exercise the good virtues of more kindness, patience, generosity, cheerfulness among one another at all times! Even as we continue to pray for our Pinas countrymen who were affected by calamities and disasters, may they all have the grace to bear all with hope, patience and faithfulness for a better tomorrow! What won’t kill us is meant to make us stronger!

On our SacCatholicForum held at the Radisson Hotel on December 16, we had as speaker our

Most Reverend Jaime Soto, Bishop of the

Diocese of Sacramento, on the topic “The Cost of Solidarity”. Christian Solidarity – what does the Church teach? What is its role in a modern world transformed by globalization? What does it mean to commit to the common good? Bishop Soto provided a practical guide to the virtue of solidarity as a faith response to the challenges of the modern world and what it takes to make that commitment? In a world of full of violence, hunger, suicide, loneliness, etc., let us commit to do simple acts to show our solidarity with those sufferings – like mortification of fasting and abstinence, reach out to others who are lonely, kindness to others, charity to others, especially with family – in Solidarity as members / union in the Mystical Body of Christ!

I am happy that I completed the 9-days Novena Masses (Dec. 16-24), part of my childhood traditi

on, in preparation for Jesus’ birthday, in praise, thanksgiving, and faithfulness for the Blessings – good health, peace, Love, wisdom, among others - showered upon us!

In addition to the fulfillment of spiritual responsibilities of the season are the parties and get-together with friends sharing gifts, games, and food, thus ready to face coming years with hope and enthusiasm! Of course, we also remember in our prayers our Pinas kababayans.

Activities of the season proceeded smoothly - shopping, parties and meeting up with friends, with the usual ‘elephant exchange gifts’, including: at the home of Joey and Jonah Caliao (neighbors) on Dec. 23 with lechon and others; the potluck hosted by Don and Rose Davies (50 guests), so much fun with the high-tech games, 1 – 7 pm. Consoling news from Pinas is our business is doing well and they are able to re-hire more seamen who were out of job because of Gerry’s being trusted associate of Yorozu San who is the principal of 70 vessels. As Jessica said, ‘Sir reports for work in ‘coat and tie’ all the time and signs all checks for the shipping firm.’ Thus, he is so happy and fulfilled in Pinas. This is our mission and apostolate to help our Pinas economy, which we are very greatly thankful to God!

Other climax for the year:

Our ERATO home blessing by Fr. George Snyder on Friday, Dec. 30, (1-4pm), administered comprehensively. He prayed and sprinkled holy water to all rooms, nooks and cranny, vehicles, yard, and people present. We partook of sumptuous food and shared stories, guests were co-pilgrimage participants, very intimate and fun! They appreciated our dedicating the formal living room as altar for our spiritual enhancement and sustenance, similar to the set-up we have in our Fairview home.

Our year-end party and ‘open home’ on Dec. 31 (12-4pm), attended by family, friends, and neighbors – who all congratulated Sean and appreciated the property we acquired – excellent investment – value for cost! Imagine, we got double the size, but half the price, valuable accomplishment indeed, thanks GOD! We are so very grateful for these gifts. Everyone (30) seemed to enjoy the party, but we have to excuse ourselves in order to attend our traditional 4:30 pm Mass for New Year! Definitely, our new home will have more occasions to welcome and entertain friends, as we are happy to share our journey in America!

Attached are 5 photos of family and friends’ gathering. 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