Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from Panglao, Bohol and Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Pinas!  Much Thanks GOD for the golden opportunities for the GERARDO family (Gerry, Susan, Sarah, Sean, and Max) to be together, after 14 years – building beautiful memories to cherish for our lifetime for the period Aug. 20 – Sept. 2, 2016! Our multi-located global family gathered together – Sarah and Max from Montclair, New Jersey; Sean and myself from Sacramento, CA, and daddy Gerry in Pinas – amid prayers of good health, nice weather, pleasant circumstances, all graces from GOD almighty Much Thanks GOD for all the Blessings!

The first half of the month were spent on our respective regular activities and responsibilities at work, Church activities, Adoration Chapel commitments, doing Library duties, fulfilling assignments as Eucharistic Minister; informing authorities of my impending vacation for family; eating out and watching movies, and workouts / exercising at the clubhouse gym.

Sarah and Max took the Cathay Pacific flight out of Newark, New Jersey via Hongkong; while Sean and I took the direct flight to Manila out from San Francisco by Philippine Airlines. After overcoming flight delays, we finally met at Suite 4G, Belagio Tower2, BGC, Saturday evening Aug. 20. Hereon, all activities were participated by the five of us. The next day, we attended Sunday Mass at the Sanctuario de San Antonio Church in Forbes Park, followed by lunch at SM Aura, then photo session at Great Image as tradition whenever our family are together; Sean, Sarah, and Max went for Suicide Squad movie and shopping, while Gerry, and I together with our driver Ely went to pick up some bedsheets and personal items from my El Jardin Condo; everyone was exhausted after a long day, as we woke up early for our first day visit to our Fairview Shipping (FSAC)office, where we had lunch with all staff at the expended  FSAC conference room; then staff meeting for business updates attended by everyone while Max relaxed at the bedroom of his ‘rich Grandpa’, culminated with toy shopping for him.

Following is daily itinerary of our family holiday:

·      Tuesday, Aug. 23: While I attended the lunch business meeting with the Phil.- Norway Business Council (PNBC) on the topic Business Cyber Security by PWC meeting up with my NVSC partner Arlene Kaleen, Sarah and Sean went for the renewal of their NBI clearance as required for stockholders to conduct business in the Philippines, which had been scheduled by appointment, so they got their clearances okay, as they went for Iceberg halo-halo treat at MOA later;

·      The following days, we relaxed and enjoyed the amenities of our condo, pool swimming and gym exercises at Belagio 2, and the amenities of our own condo at 8 Forbestown Road, Starbucks and Robinson’s Select at the ground floor level; then more strolling to SM Aura, and discovering the food outlets around the vicinity of BGC, while Sarah and Sean met up with their  friends. I met up with my own friends: delivering the package to Rea Sebastian Sison from her sister Odette at our FSAC office, meeting up with Ms. Agnes Robles at FSAC, and Ms. Cora Ignacio who fetched Sean and me for lunch at Cravings Greenhills – so nice to be reconnected with them!

·      Aug. 27, we woke up early for our morning flight by PAL to Tagbilaran, Bohol. Fetched at airport by Engr. Danilo Dahan who provide a white van which served as our comfort service for the next 4 days with driver Nandy.  First stop on the way to Panglao fiesta was the home of CEngr. Efren and Zenaida Cloma, who prepared ‘lechon and so many foods’  our early lunch, as their first visitor. With some ‘bringhouse’, we proceeded to the  cemetery to visit our parents, brother, and Nang Pening, and offer prayers for the repose of their souls. Then we visited the home of my Kuya Rudy and Family, did some photo ops to tell about our itinerary, visited Judge S. Arcamo and wife Demy (my cousin) for some advice on my Valenzuela lot case; then checked in for our Henann Resort Panglao stay. After a few hours, Sean came to show the tattoo he had on his arm, feeling like ‘rockstar’. Everybody was enjoying their own and concluded that Henann provide excellent service to everyone’s satisfaction!

·      Gerry, Sean, and I went back to town to visit 5 homes: CEngr Julie and Geraldine Fuego (for dinner), Capt. Joe and Shirley Fuego, Judge and Demy Arcamo, Kuya Rudy’s, and Fr. Bobot Clemen. All homes had their ‘karaoke’ set-up outside their yard; Fr. Bobot (who celebrated his birthday) had a full band, played ‘Hotel California’ zestily; awesomely wonderful!!!

·      Woke up early for the 6:30am Sunday Mass on the feast of St. Agustin celebrated by Fr. Bobot, and we were offerors during Offertory; After a hearty buffet breakfast at Henann and long rest. Went back to town for the Hudyaka 2016 street dancing musical celebration, met up with friends, culminated with Japanese dinner at the mansion of Capt.Joe and Shirley Fuego – reminiscing beautiful memories and updates on family stories; much Thanks for the wonderful hospitality!

·      Aug. 29, a long day as we joined Fr. Bobot’s group at Bitaog for the banca ride for dolphin watching (awesome experience!), then to Isola de Frnachesco/Virgin Islands (shrine of St. Padre Pio) where they enjoyed swimming on the white sand beach, museum, strolling, while I did some meditation on the Station of the Cross and Chapel. Avail of all amenities, refreshments, banca shuttle service, fees on donation only! A must visit recommendation! From there, our group went to the Tarciers (smallest monkey) sanctuary visit in Corella, Bohol, and shopping for souvenir goodie.;

·       August 30, After a refreshing SPA treatment at KAI spa pampering, good night’s sleep, went on a morning stroll along the Henann Resort – Alona Strip and shopping for organic tea, honey, enjoying our final day for our 4:20 PAL flight back to Manila. After Henann check-out, had lunch at Kuya Rudy’s to assemble the ‘bringhouse’ from all the FSAC Panglao crew, which cause an overweight baggage. Thanks to all those who contributed for Gerry’s to go!

·      August 31: Lunch meeting with my NVSC business partners – Arlene and Svein Kvallen, Ozone Azanza at Salvatorre Cuomo, BGC. I brought Sean along as Gerry could not make it as Yorozu San was in town for 1 day lunch at our FSAC office, eating the bringhouse that we brought from Panglao. Sean and Sarah had meetings of their own and did final shopping at SM Aura, as we prepared to move to Sofitel for our final night;

·      Sept. 1: Final business meeting with FSAC staff, before the despedida lunch treat by my auditor-friend Doray at Sofitel hotel where we also spent our last night for a good rest for our trip back to the USA; Much Thanks Doray, till our next business lunch!

·      Sept.2: Sarah and Max took the 12:00 noon Cathay Pacific flight back to Newark via HK; while Sean and I took the PAL evening flight back to SFO. LORD GOD, much thanks for the Blessings of building beautiful family memories together!!!

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

 

            Pleasant Greetings from SAC, CA, USA! We are in the middle of summer heat with temps in three digits; compensated with the cool evening breeze – the body needs to adapt well to the sudden changes. One needs to balance everything - Much Thanks GOD for all the Blessings!

 

Church activities kept me busy – Opus Dei group (supplemented with watching videos and potluck meals with the ladies), Adoration Chapel commitments, doing Library duties, fulfilling assignments as Eucharistic Minister; balanced with week-end bonding with Sean, eating out and watching movies, and workouts / exercising at the clubhouse gym.

 

Car-pooling with my neighbor Odette, I attended the 3^rd Saturday breakfast meeting of the BCBP at Denny’s; the sharers were a military couple with their compelling family life experiences – so profound. The following Wednesday, I attended a prayer meeting at the home of Odette and Robert Pumares with 9 others, at Sunridge Park (next to our Anatolia).

 

Sean was on field work in the San Diego area for a week, so I focused on my contemplative missions, house works, gardening, vehicle maintenance tasks, and other routine.

 

On our Pinas side, Gerry did his executive medical check-up, and the results are within normal limits, except for some ulcers which need attention. We are all looking forward to our Pinas reunion middle of August; we are praying for good health, nice weather, peaceful situation in the environment, safe travel – GOD bless us always!

 

Other highlights of the month:

• I recommended a Pinay household help for my sister and her husband, and I hope they can adjust to one another;
• Sean has been on field work  to San Diego  and areas across the Mexican border that he had to carry his American passport; and used to eating Mexican food, but had been avoiding them since he came back; longing for Pinoy food;
• Had my Dental visit for fillings, cleaning, and other preventive maintenance tests – everything is fine!
• Movies watched – Legend of Tarzan (historical tale of Belgium – Africa); Mike and David Need Wedding Dates (comedy featuring Zac Ephron and others); Ghostbuster 2 (starring female leads); Star Trek – Beyond (starring Chris Pine and others; and Imagine You and Me (IYAM - Pinoy movie starring the popular ALDUB, Alden and Maine  love team). I was happy when Sean informed that IYAM was showing in a Roseville theatre as I had beena fan, following their Calle Serye in GMA-Pinoy TV’s Eat Bulaga. I enjoyed the talents and thousand faces of Maine Mendoza – she deserves her phenomenal success!
   
  Much love and Best Regards!!!
  SUSAN BG
   

 

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from SAC, CA, USA! The month passed swiftly with hectic summer events around the Sacramento area with family and friends amid the intermittent hot and cold climates – Much Thanks GOD for all the Blessings!

In church were 1^st Communion activities, ordination of 3 new priests and several deacons including 2 Filipinos, Graduation activities, Mass celebration and potluck dinner on the Feast of our Opus Dei St. Jose Maris Escriva, fulfilling my Eucharistic Minister schedule, commitment to my Adoration Chapel duties, and many more contemplative missions. From the break of our Bible Study classes, I moved on to the St. Vincent de Paul ministry, doing charitable work.

I got invited to attend the breakfast meeting of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) at Denny’s Natomas, 3^rd Saturday of the month. Some members came all the way from San Francisco. The group seemed interesting and I intend to attend their monthly meetings. I met some younger friends from Rancho Cordova so that motivates me to carry on.

Sean and I enjoyed picking Peaches fruits, produce from our backyard tree, so many of them and so sweet. We also got upgrades for his truck: covers at the back to improve fuel mileage efficiency and bed / tailgate at Line-X; likewise, additional home furniture / accessories from Naturwood which went on sale.

On our Pinas side, Gerry is scheduled for an executive check-up next week and we pray that everything goes well, in preparation for our Pinas reunion next month. As senior citizens, we just have to be careful with our health and pray to enjoy more fruitful years ahead!

With the inauguration of our new officials in Pinas, we are hopeful that Peace and Prosperity will continue to reign and with the cooperation of all leaders, GOD will continue to bless our country! On the other hand, it seems that that the U.S. situation is going the other way, turning into a banana republic with the recent FBI decision to leave Hilary free from all her wrongdoings. We should learn from the decision of British BREXIT to minimize the influence of ISIS immigration, just like what Norwegians had decided for so long – avoiding membership to the EURO zone – maintaining its independence. Oh well, because they can afford to be independent and stand alone, being rich!

Other highlights of the month:

·      My sister and her husband, who are in their senior years, had some medical health issues, and needed some help; I am happy to provide assistance in any way I can, since their children are far from them. Anyway, their daughter called me to give attention to them, especially in this year of mercy and compassion;

·      Sean has always been on field work  to San Diego and San Francisco, so I get to enjoy driving his Chevy truck and my BMW; likewise attending to their preventive maintenance programs;

·      Had my regular blood chemistry tests, and everything seems normal thanks GOD! Continue with some medication, normal diet and regular exercise!

·      Movies watched – Me Before You, a heartwarming British drama that left the audience crying at the end; Now You see Me 2;  The Shallows, starring Blake (a lesson on knowledge and skills on evaluating Risk Management); Central Intelligence (starring Dwayne Johnson (amazing how he doesn’t age, still looks young after all these years); Independence Day 2;

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG

Dear Loved Ones,

            Pleasant Greetings from SAC, CA! Hope you had a meaningful Memorial day week-end, expressing gratitude to the people defending our freedom and democracy; marking the end of spring and the start of summer, turning on the Cool in our A/C system; the month of Mama Mary – celebrating the Flores de Mayo!

The month of May is dedicated to Mama Mary offering more Rosaries and flowers, receiving the Eucharist more often. On our Opus Dei group, I took care of arrangements for our venue, ensuring that the Recollection activities went smoothly; attendance was good. On our Bible study group, we culminated our topics on Bishop Robert Barron’s Untold Blessing - Three Paths to Holiness: Finding the Center, Knowing You are a Sinner, and Your Life is Not About You!  The discussions and sharing were personal and interesting!

On Mother’s Day, Sean gifted me to shop at Rack’s Nordstrom where I got 2 dresses and heeled shoes by Ivanka Trump. We continue to discover new restaurants every week, the latest is the Japanese Salt Sushi where they offered delicious baked scallops, grilled yellowfin fish, ramen; and the service was superb – highly recommended! Likewise, Sean and I scouted for a vehicle to replace his Nissan car which turned out to be a ‘lemon’, and we ended up bringing home a new red 2016 Chevy Colorado 1500 truck. Since I am used to driving truck in Pinas, Sean assigned me to break-in his truck for the standard 1^st 500 miles, so I am driving around in a macho-looking truck.

On our Pinas side, Gerry just arrived from a 5-days business trip to Japan, and is now back the very busy work – much Thanks GOD! We continue to pray for the success of our Pinas reunion – good health, fair weather, safety and protection for everyone!

I am hopeful for the Pinas election results: people got the president Duterte they wanted, and my VP Leni Robredo won; the balance would be interesting! The U.S. upcoming elections is exciting as Donald Trump is the last man standing in the GOP side while Clinton is still battling it over with Sanders. Sean and I had completed and sent back our primary ballots; as Republicans, we went for the one who will make America great again!

 

Other highlights of the month:

·      I am so glad that Fr. Cormac called me to ask if I had something to send for Pinas since he was visiting on June 6. It was an answered prayer as I wanted to send some medicine/ vitamins for my Gerry. Actually, he was not feeling well the past days and advised to take some medication. So, I sent 3 bottles through Fr. Cormac to be given to his nephew to bring to FSAC office. Much Thanks Fr. Cormac!

·      Sean is involved in a challenging court case in the agency he was auditing, in addition to his regular and field works; he had 4-days off this week as he had his Friday RDO and the long-weekend holidays!

·      Had my regular blood chemistry tests, and everything seems normal thanks GOD! Continue with some medication, normal diet and regular exercise!

·      The critical communications with Pinas banking contacts had been resolved, and we are now back to normal, complying with all the legal standards on  global monetary transactions;

·      Movies watched – ‘Capt. America – Civil Wars’ featuring the Avengers; Money Monsters, starring Jack O’donell, Julai Roberts; and X-men – The Apocalypse;

Much love and Best Regards!!!

SUSAN BG