Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Manila, Philippines!  Oh yes, I arrived Pinas on Aug. 23 by PAL non-stop flight from San Francisco to Manila, then proceeded to Panglao, Bohol for the celebration of the Feast of St. Augustine on Aug. 28, and I am now back to Manila for relaxation, personal and business matters.

            I was honored to accept the invitation by the Mayor of Panglao to crown the Panglao Matron Queen 2014, being the holder of the title for the  year 2003. Thus, I had pleasant surprises on Aug. 26 as I was fully vested with cape, crown and scepter, did my farewell walk, and crowned the new title holder, together with the Governor of Bohol. They did a wonderful program and ceremonies, and I truly enjoyed many magical moments throughout the evening of Aug. 26; visited friends and relatives over festive buffet of sumptuous fiesta fare like lechon, 10 other courses, salads, suman, torta, broas, mangos, drinks, and other goodies. On Aug. 28, I was asked by Fr. Bobot to offer the chalice during Mass, as he also served as my driver during my days in Bohol; on Au. 29, we had a mini-reunion of my high school classmates year 1965 in the residence of Tarsing – reminisced the good old days and thanking GOD for all the Blessings!

            Back in Manila, I am looking forward to celebrating my 65^th birthday on Sept. 20, the 17^th anniversary of our Fairview Shipping office on Sept. 21, consultations with my medical doctors, viewing and turn-over turn-over of our 8 Forbestown Condominium, several meetings with the  Norwegian connections of  consulting firm, meet-ups with other family and friends. Movie watching, enjoying the perks of senior citizenship in Pinas.

Other highlights:

·      This month was filled with pleasant surprises and magic moments, thanks GOD!!!

·      Enjoyed the whirl of activities connected with the celebration of the Feast of St. Augustine;

·      Movies watched: Guardians of the Galaxy – part of the Marvel series – very entertaining, a respite from the serious world; If I Stay – highly recommended family movie, dehydrated for the tears shed; I watched movies free in Pinas: The Giver; The Expendables2;

·      I am continuing with my fitness regimen (balance of diet, exercise, medication); with proper discipline seems on the right track effectively!

·      Serving as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mel’s, actively participating in the Liturgy of the Mass has inspired me for a more prayerful life – more Blessings!

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 Sacramento, CA, USA! The summer temperature is now in the 3-digits middle of the day so I stay out to save on home electricity, like go to the Gym, malls, bookstore, or in parks; still better than the long brownouts in Pinas due to storms / disasters – so sad for the misfortunes of our countrymen; but conditions are now improving, Thanks GOD!

For the summer, we are taking a break in our monthly SAC Catholic Lunch meeting to give opportunity for family vacations before classes resume. Instead, I am quoting wisdom nuggets from John 14: “Do not be troubled: trust in God and trust in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms and I go to prepare a place for you: did I not tell you this? And as I go now to prepare a place for you. I shall come again and take you to me, that I am, you also may be. . . . . .”   The Gospel is taken from the Last Supper discourse, found in the part of St. John that covers many of Jesus’ thoughts from throughout His ministry. He is the Way, the sheep gate; the Truth, Wisdom incarnate, and the Life, the source and goal of our lives. We cannot know God the Father except through Him. His leaving at that time is not abandonment, but what is best for us, for He prepared the way ahead of us. As His disciples, we can represent Him now, while on earth. This is one of my favorite Bible verses: the promise of our salvation – fulfillment of our goal for Holiness!

Some time was spent on preparing for retirement: inquiries on possible health plans/ insurance, liquidating 401 K plans / investments, praying and discerning God’s plans for the forthcoming life phase, getting spiritual direction from our Opus Dei Fr. Turlock – he always gives wise advise; having the gift of prophesy!

Other highlights:

·      My grandson MAX marked a double celebration – his 12^th birthday on July 3 and his graduation moving on to middle school; he got a special recognition for his exceptional talent in Art. His art works, like his painting on Spider-Man is truly beautiful – attention to details. I am proud and love you MAX!!!

·      I got my thrill watching the games of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil; rooted for the team which eventually emerged champions – Germany! Our recent visit to Belgium and Germany (Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich) is still fresh, with beautiful impressive memories, prompting my affinity to the culture and life quality. They deserve the title and I chose right!

·      On our Opus Dei Recollection, Fr. Turlock talked on Faith and Reason, which is a favorite topic because of my St. Thomas philosophy background; also, on the gifts and fruits  of the Holy Spirit; to encourage and nurture these virtues on our children:

·      Sean invited me for dinner with his Knights of Columbus group – Hawaiian motif. It was the induction / installation of officers for the incoming year and I was surprised that Sean is an officer, so I got to stand by his side – I am the only Mother, the rest are all spouses. Being a Knight is the closest Sean could get to being a priest - as Jesus’ disciple, and I am happy about his spiritual commitment / development!

·      Received an invitation from the Mayor of Panglao, Bohol, Pinas, to participate in the celebrations of the Feast for our patron Saint Augustine on August 26 - 30, and I am honored to accept it, so I am planning for that trip;

·      I am continuing with my fitness regimen (balance of diet, exercise, medication); with proper discipline seems on the right track effectively!

·      Serving as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mel’s, actively participating in the Liturgy of the Mass has inspired me for a more prayerful life – more Blessings!

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 Sacramento, CA, USA! We are now in the midst of experiencing summer heat in the 3-digits middle of the day, but the cool breeze towards evening makes up for leisurely sleep. Thanks GOD!

On our SAC Lunch at the Red Lion Hotel on June 19, guest speaker was Aux  Bishop Myron Cotta, whose ordination we attended in March. Bishop Myron reflected on his journey of faith and his call and response to priestly ministry.  Bishop Cotta’s attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit throughout his life led him from being a layman in the church, to a late vocation to the priesthood, and finally to his ordination as the Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento.  So, what are the promptings of the Holy Spirit in your life? What is the Spirit calling and inviting you to do?

Appointed by Pope Francis on January 24, 2014, Most Reverend Myron J. Cotta was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento on March 25, 2014, as the fifth Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento.  Born and raised in the community of Dos Palos, Merced County, where he grew up on a dairy farm, Bishop Cotta entered St. John’s College Seminary in Camarillo, California, in 1980. He finished his undergraduate studies and continued at the major seminary, where he completed his theological studies, receiving his Master’s Degree in Divinity. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Fresno on Sept. 12, 1987, and served for 15 years in a variety of roles including Vicar General, Moderator of the Curia, Vicar for Clergy, Director of Continuing Education of the Clergy, Supervisor of the Safe Environment Program, and Director of the Propagation of the Faith.  He was named Chaplain to His Holiness on March 23, 2002, and Prelate of Honor in January 2009. Upon the death of Bishop Steinbock of Fresno in 2010, Bishop Cotta was elected by the Diocesan College of Consultors as the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Fresno until 2012 when Bishop Armando Ochoa assumed leadership of the Diocese.  In addition, he speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese. 

The large crowd had the opportunity to interact with Bishop Cotta, as well as hear The Journey to the Call-- his own spiritual walk, call and response to the vocation of priestly life and ministry prompted by the Holy Spirit.  I was impressed by the profound spontaneous delivery of the Message, clear and inspiring presentation—leading to meditations on the call of the Holy Spirit in our own lives!

On June 2, Gerry and I marked our 40^th wedding anniversary – thanks GOD for the wonderful blessed years – family, good health, work/career and business to share with our countrymen!  I

Other highlights:

·      I got my new ASUS notebook and Canon printer dedicated for my personal use inside my room. My past gadgets had become outdated and slow;

·      With Sean’s new work environment, he shopped for 3 sets of new 3-piece suits, new dress socks,, ties to match, levelling up, ready to face on new life-phase;

·       On our Opus Dei group, we had Mass and potluck dinner to commemorate the anniversary of St. JoseMaria Escriva on June 13; it was well-attended at St. Mel’s church.

·      Movies watched included: The Fault in the Stars, (very good, the leading man who played August is a ballet dancer); The Transformers: Days of Extinction (good family values, Mark Wahlberg looks good in this)

·      I am continuing with my fitness regimen (balance of diet, exercise, medication); with proper discipline seems on the right track effectively!

·      Responding to God’s call, I am serving as Eucharistic Minister at St. Mel’s – more Blessings!

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

May 30, 2014

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings Sacramento, CA, USA! While May is still spring, we are now experiencing the summer heat and the activities that come with it like graduation, outings, with the fiesta atmosphere and people on the rush in shorts and light outfits. Thanks GOD!

I resumed my attendance to our SAC Catholic lunch at the Red Lion Hotel last Thursday May 15, 2014 with Richard Jenkins as our speaker. He is the Manager of Immaculate Heart Radio, an Irish who had just converted to Catholicism 2 years ago. After 39 years having lunch with different religion, he decided to see Christ rose from the Dead.  He narrated his journey with interesting insights: the works of the Holy Spirit, the Sacraments and the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, the role of Mary as our Mother, among many others.

I am also adjusting well to my schedule as living the monastic life with Sean being away on weeks to Santa Barbara on Audit work and spending long hours in his job coming home at 2:00 AM on most days. We only see on the early mornings and on Sunday; so we make sure to have our weekly bonding time.

Other highlights:

·      Our 2^nd Saturday Opus Day recollection was well-attended with Fr. Turlock culminated with the sacrament of Penance and Benediction. Got together for lunch with Alice and husband Popoy (who was to leave for Pinas), and Justin and Ome at Phoa. By the way, Alice and I went on pilgrimage to the church of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at 4123 Robertson Ave., SAC, CA 95821 on May 20. Fr. Jeremy Leatherby is the pastor, beautiful new church; then we had Chinese lunch.

·      With Sean a member of K of C, Justin finally came through with the Life Insurance contract for Sean; so to with Sean’s (being the head of household) commitment to the ONE Campaign of Bishop Soto;

·      I followed all Pope Francis’ activities during his Holy Land Visit over EWTN (May 24 – 26). It brought back memories of my recent Holy Land visit and enjoyed seeing all the sites again!

·      ad 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 followed

·      On Mother’s Day, Sean surprised me with an MK watch from Nordstrom and when we went for adjustment, we found a similar GB bangle watch that I had 20 years (vintage) with a price of $25000; quite surprised that I had that expensive watch for so long, so incredible!

·      Movies watched included X-MEN: Days of Future Past; Angelina Jolie’s MALEFICENT – must go, featuring Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, a natural Brad look-alike; so amazing to watch Angelina take on another trend-setting role, with supernatural values!

·      Sean posted his MBA Graduation 2014 photos from National University, with myself in my PHD attire, enjoying the moment since I did not experience those shots during my graduation. I am so proud of Sean getting his MBA at 26 years old – so young! I got mine in my forties. As parent, the best compliment is emulation! 

·      Nine crew of our vessel MV Cactus Key came to our home here in SAC to visit and photo ops. Their vessel is on port at Stockton, CA and the brother Russell of a crew was kind to fetch them and tour them around the SAC Capitol, including shopping at Folsom Outlets, and many more. The crew included Espidol, Jabonillo, the Chief Mate; they were surprised to see me; I enjoy welcoming visitors to our home!

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