Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings Sacramento, CA, USA!  I have finally gone back to the groove of American independent living after my 3-months Pinas sojourn, with all the helps and support; back to daily home chores, studies, work, and quiet monastic life. Thanks GOD!

I immersed into the activities related to the Holy Week commemoration of Christ’s Triduum – Passion, Death, and Resurrection; including Stations of the Cross, regular Masses and the Sacraments; to my Opus Dei rituals, Adoration C



hapel commitments, and other spiritual enhancement programs. Likewise, I supported Sean’s involvement with his K of C, new job at CALPERS that means new schedule and steps, and closing activities in his EDD job (including 4-days road trip to/from San Diego for final audit of an employer).

Sean’s new job adjustments include earlier morning wake-up: he drives his car to Zinfandel Park and Ride, to get to the RT train for his downtown office location at Q St. then back in the afternoon; after 5pm, he then proceeds to Calpers Kilgore to attend his Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to prepare for his CIA certification, and comes home after 12:00AM, then wakes up again at 6:00AM to start another day – quite hectic; but this is the way to the American dream!  My support include: wake up earlier than him to prepare food for his lunch (rise, entrée, veggies and fruits), breakfast sandwich and coffee, housework (cleaning, ironing clothes, garden), groceries, shopping, etc. My regular gym 1-hour workouts at our clubhouse 4 times a week is a must to keep me fit.  I am also doing documentations for my retirement benefits; I did right by consulting with Dr. Alwin Fernando and getting enough medications from Pinas; God truly guided me all the way!  

Other highlights:

·      Middle of the month, I divested some investments from my Lord Abbet Financials to consolidate funds for the 50% payment for the purchase of condo unit 24H, 8 Forbestown Road, Bonifacio Global City, Philippines. We were so annoyed by the tedious documents required by Pinas banks for a real estate loan. And yet they bug / irritate us with calls to avail of loans from them. So we decided instead to pay Cash, use our internal resources since deposits / other investments are not earning much anyway. Roberto of Citibank was kind to guide me to make on-line transfer to any overseas bank from my account at minimal fee. By the way, I am doing on-line transfers from/to my Citibank accounts to/from Pinas / US vice-versa in a jiffy, with no fee – so high-tech!

·      So glad to fulfill my monthly commitments to AED Opus Dei Center in Berkeley, to EWTN, to Fr. Robert Barron’s Mundelein Seminary, St. Mel’s, and Sean’s K of C Insurance;   

·      I soaked in the splendor of the Mass and Canonization of Saints John XXIII and John Paul II on April 27 (Live over EWTN, Sunday, 12:30 – 4:00AM, Sacramento, CA time), the presence of two Popes, Francis and Benedict XXVI – so magnificent!!! Made more meaningful with our recent Vatican pilgrimage in September 2013, places and events etched in memory!

·      Movies watched included spiritual “must go” recommended – GOD is not Dead, Heaven is for Real, NOAH;

·      Resumed my Tuesday Bible Study class on the subject “Seven Deadly Sins; Seven Lively Virtues”; video and learning materials by Fr. Robert Barron – so engrossing! Another effective speaker I focused on Holy Week retreats was Fr. Wade LJ Menezes, of the Fathers of Mercy.

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings Sacramento, CA, USA!  Happy to be back in the US on March 16 via DELTA/ Narita, after the 3-months Pinas sojourn and I already miss the fresh mangoes, the chaotic barangay ambience, family and friends, the hectic corporate activities at FSAC with the presence of Toei Sans (permanent Ueda san, neatly dressed and smelling fresh), and many more, Thanks GOD!

The first week was spent in Bohol for reunion with family and friends: Thanksgiving Mass and Lunch with Fr. Victor, Demie, Baby C, Weng B., among family; followed with Dinner at the residence of Chief Engr. Juie F. and Geraldine; a visit with Fr. Felix H. at his gorgeous residence. I could imagine considering retirement in Bohol, spending days with books in his beautiful gardens. Another day we visited Panglao Mayor Nila Montero who entertained us with stories on her background and experiences; her feminine touch is obvious in the interiors of the complex. Ash Wednesday Mass was followed with chit-chat with the ladies, who reminisced on the ‘drama days’ where I was a child actress, while they acted as my ‘mom’ and contravida; laughing at all the fond memories!

We had a taste of nightlife at the swanky Bellevue Hotel, Panglao by Doljo white beach, listening to jazz music, tourists jamming, and watching the starry clear blue skies – nature so beautiful! After visiting the cemetery of our folks and relatives, I was driven to the airport by the red Ford Everest of Geraldine F. driven by Julius and escorted by Ms. Ivy; conveniences like these make Bohol visits truly more fun! Likewise, my visit was highlighted with the handing of my share by Kuya Rudy part of our parent’s treasures – so Blessed! By the way, on the plane to Manila with me was Sister Linda Carandang, a Sister of Mercy who is based in Sacramento, CA, I am expecting to touch base with in CA.

Back in Manila, I attended to my physical fitness with visits to my dentist (Dr. Beth Castro) and dialectologist (Dr. Elwin Fernando) for the needed prescriptions. I t was nice to learn the updates of the Castro kids who are Sean’s contemporaries, (RB and Carl are now dentists assuring them continuity of their dental business) and they also got condo units at the BGC Bellagio and 8 Forbestown Road, looking forward to be neighbors.

Other highlights:

·      Last week in Pinas featured despedida eat-outs with the following: Lunch at Banapple, SMNE with Ms. Cora (also her birthday treat), Elvie S. and Linda; Lunch-meeting with my NVSC partners (Arlene M. and Ozone) at California Pizza, BGC; Lunch treat by our external auditor Doray at the Manila Hotel with Gerry, Ueda san and Jessica, together with 2 of her staff. She also gave me flashy souvenirs; Doray and I started our respective businesses same time 17 years ago, and we are both blessed to have prospered gracefully with God’s guidance;

·      To further enhance FSAC’s innovations, I implemented the ‘Officer of the Week and Good housekeeper of the Day’ system to help monitor effective / efficient office Infrastructure (Plan, Check, Do, Act) on improvements;

·      We signed the documents for the purchase of a condo unit 24H; terms: 50% Cash at 16% discount, balance over 24 months at 0% interest – a good investment deal; considering that bank deposit does not earn that much!  

·      So blessed to be invited to attend the Ordination of Bishop Myron Cotta at the Sacramento Blessed Sacrament Cathedral on March 25, Feast of the Annunciation, which is also Sean’s birthday, courtesy of Fr. George Snyder;

·      The last week was spent with various eat-outs for Sean’s birthday: lunch at Red Lobster, dinner with co-celebrant nurse Red at FATS Folsom, followed by movie Divergent at Palladio;

·      Sean had 4 events to celebrate: his birthday, he got his MBA diploma from National University, he moved to a new job position at CALPERS as Program Evaluator / Public Agency Audit, and he got his 3^rd degree Knights of Columbus – thanks GOD!

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 Manila, Philippines! It is the 2^nd month of my Pinas sojourn and I am enjoying immensely the climate, culture, food, family, friends, business, corporate ambience of FSAC, and many more – wide spectrum of choices – low, medium, high ends of Pinas -  the flexibility and happiness of enjoying them all, Thanks GOD!

Saturday – Tuesday in my El Jardin del Presidente condo in Q.C. keep me grounded to the independent American lifestyle, while Wednesday – Friday allow me the la vida loca Pinas style with all the support systems, LOL. Oh well, enjoying the best of both worlds! 

Meet-ups and reunions always feature foods, so photo-ops are done with tabletops of various meals/drinks in many places around town. On Chinese New Year which is colorfully celebrated here with our big Fil-Chinese community, Donna Kwok texted with her greetings that she added Sean and me to her Facebook account, and this is a surprise development. Since our OD retreat, Cecille had been my regular UP noon Mass mate followed by lunch enjoying our Sr. citizen’s discounts; can you beat that? Mondays and Tuesdays are frees-movie days in Q.C. so I’ve set dates with my chika friends, LOL!

Continued with my Condo-viewing activities, affording me the high-end (since Gerry decided on the Bonfifacio Global City (BGC) area, we then focused on that vicinity; such as Belagio Towers 1, 2, 3, No. 8 Forbestown Road is Gerry’s choice.

Other highlights:

·      Even after leaving Napocor 18 years ago, I still got my share for the sale of a Powerplant (Irisan), so I got my check last Feb 11 which afforded a visit to NPC Diliman office; I got to meet some officials  who are still there like U. Mendiola (VP-Corporate Affairs, D. Sedilla (VP-Eng’g), L. Tuazon-Dy (VP-Finance/Admin);

·      UST – Eng’g Alumni Homecoming Dinner (hosted by class 1989) with Mass by Rector Fr. Dagohoy and Regent Fr. Boy Loanzon;

·      UST- Graduate School 75^th Anniversary with Dinner at Manila Hotel (Feb 22), Filipiniana theme – colorful grand event; Got to reunite with friends DRS. Nancy Cabreara, Eric Torres, Jose Benedicto,Bobby Gabiola,  and many others; Gerry and I checked in at the hotel to relax for the week-end then, we enjoyed buffet breakfast after Mass at Sto. Domingo church – quite memorable!

·      Lunch-meeting with the Phil.-Norway Business Council, where our Nordic Ventures is a corporate member, so Arlene invited me to attend where I got to meet Janicke, Ozone, Atty. Dixie and other officers of SN Power; Guest Speaker was Atty. Jay Layug, former Energy Secretary;

·      Reunion-Lunch with friends: The Palenzuelas (Tony, Lucy, Buboy, Malou and 2 girls) at Sumo Sam Shangrila EDSA, then Starbucks; Gerry did some shopping at Rustan’s, the high-end Pinas store; Likewise, lunch with Agnes Robles at Magnolia Robinson’s with a movie; Merienda with Glo Tadeo at Via Mare Trinoma with her kids: Architect, Civil Engineer and Accountant;

·      Attended Rel Estate sales event of owners: Century Properties, Ayala Land, and other developers; gained interesting insights on their Marketing strategies

·      Met other Japanese representatives: Ikemura and Amemiya Sans; they are rotating visiting Pinas and enjoying their time here;

·      With Gerry’s extended stay in Japan (till Feb. 10), I got the feel of tedious and topy-turvy details of business life in Pinas;

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 Manila, Philippines! With God’s Kindness, I am enjoying the pleasant Pinas weather (Jan. – Mar 2014; avoiding the winter outfit layering in America and  consistent with my ‘enjoy the best of both worlds’ hope – true rewards for His Faithfulness and Grace; Thanks GOD!

Since arriving Pinas Jan. 6 via DELTA air thru Narita, I am dividing my time between 4 days at my El Jardin condo (Sat. to Tues) in Q.C., and 3 days (Wed to Friday) at FSAC office in Malate, Manila; eating out / meeting up with friends, daily Masses, and other social whirls. Mondays / Tuesdays in Q.C. are for the free movie days and other amenities for senior citizens. After weeks of eating out on Buffets, I have learned to decline and prefer to dine a la carte, to focus on my MED diabetic discipline; still with fresh mango meal-day.

Finally, we had our FSAC office refurbished with the construction of an access sliding door between the 2-units, resulting to a single-door entrance, wider and brighter office space, smoother flow of office transactions, spacious room for waiting customers/visitors – everybody happier!!! We had 3 Japanese representatives (Kita, Yamada, and Fujimoto Sans) in Manila.  Our Crewing Manager Mar celebrated his birthday on Jan. 16 and had a merienda party at the office – barbecue, pancit bijon, spaghetti, cake, ice cream, drinks, etc. Then we invited Fujimoto san for his birthday dinner on Saturday at Saisaki, with Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. (UST Vice-Rector), Patrick and Ely. Gerry is thoroughly enjoying being the Boss of FSAC. While he is on business trip to Japan this week, I am feeling CEO at the office; though I still find it difficult to make use of the 8 uniformed cadets at my beck and call, in addition to office staff. Compare this to the senior executives in America, queuing for the photocopying machines and coffee at the break room.  What pleasant advantages for Pinas executives!  

On my 1^st week here were colorful events: Feast of the Back Nazarene of Quiapo – holiday, long procession from Luneta to Quiapo; Gerry and I went to SM Manila to relax but since we could not get a taxi, we took an exciting tricycle ride back to our office. Gerry suggested to take a selfie, but I did not have my phone with me – unforgettable experience – true flexibility! The following day Friday, Gerry and I renewed our drivers’ license at LTO SM Manila; from there we proceeded to Buffet 102 at MOA for Joya’s Lunch treat with FSAC staff. Joya is my former staff, who is now based in Singapore with her husband Alvin (also an FSAC crew); they have kept in touch and it’s so nice for her to treat us while I’m here – much thanks Joya! The following week was a series of lunch outs with Arlene M. and Ozone A., my partners at NVSC at the Centro in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), followed by condo viewing in Makati of Megaworld properties; then dinner later that evening with my fave couple – Chito and Tess Santiago, at Kenji Japanese resto at Greenbelt 5 Makati. Everytime I am in Pinas, I meet up with them; their son Dr. Daryl is my baptismal inaanak. My 2^nd Tuesday  was spent with Ms. Cora of NPC; with her vehicle, she fetched me at El Jardin to proceed to SMNE, lunch at Aristocrat, then to a movie – My Little Bossings for me, Lone Survivor for her, then to snacks at Grace Café; As sr. citizens, we use our privileges – free movies, and discounts – I have exciting stories on proving I am a Sr. citizen here. What a wonderful Living!     

Other highlights:

·      I took my annual Opus Dei Retreat last week at the West Wing Makiling, together with 30 others, part of my rituals; new friends, like Cecille Caballero who kindly shared her Starex van with her hubby Reggie;

·       Weekly Staff meetings with FSAC employees are aimed to improve operations, in addition to individual performance feedback;

·      Communications with families/friends through my low-tech CP no. +63939-606-1024;

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