A Gift of Love

I’ve always believed I was married on December 24, 1964. I was until I applied for my Philippine Social Security System Retirement in 2006. The system asked me to produce my marriage certificate. When I applied for one, no record showed of my marriage! Ahhhhhh…I’ve been single all these years!

So, I thought until Ces reminded me of out shotgun wedding ceremony before the Mayor of Whatever-that-town was in Rizal Province during a typhoon on November 20, 1964. Her aunt after having been told that we were seen coming out of a movie theater (lovers meet in movie theaters in the Islands), picked us up from our college newspaper office that literally stormy day and married us off because she was afraid of the repercussions of her failure to “watch” over her niece who was living with her. Actually, Ces and I went to a restaurant near a movie house to celebrate my birthday. We got married even before we kissed!

December 24 was our church wedding. Legally, we were married on November 20, 1964. So, for the first time in 43 years, we recognize that date because our dear friend Zeny Barlaan, who is also a client, gave us a gift of love. She made a down payment on a Hyundai Entourage Limited Edition family van and gave it to us as a gift! We will, of course, assume the monthly payment.

What a friend!

Surprisingly, this limited edition is a wonderful vehicle. It is fully automatic. Side doors electronically open. So does the hatch at the back. It has a six-disc stereo system and a surround sound DVD player. It drives very smoothly and picks up speed in no time at all. The ride is so comfortable one could forget the speed. That is why I always set the cruise control so I stop myself from overspeeding.

Look at the vehicle. The Hyundai Entourage 2008 Limited Edition

No Worries

A lot of people are sitting on edge about the U.S. Presidential Election tomorrow, November 4, 2008. They are worried about the economy. They dread the prospects of more abortion. Still others ponder black or white, young or old and man or woman.

Electing Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin appears to many to be crucial in making or breaking the United States. Passion is strong. What is a person to do?

Me? I entrust my decision to God. It is His will, not mine. If Obama wins or McCain does, the world will go on living, unless the Lord wills it differently.

If the polls are true, many despise the administration of George W. Bush. Yet, the United States lives despite the difficulties.

The reason? The Will of God! God will never put us in a position where His Grace will not save us. Put your faith completely in Him. There is a purpose for everything that happens. Everything happens ultimately for the greater glory of God.

Don't worry. Be happy because God loves you unconditionally.

The Taste of Salmon

Salmon was never close to my liking of seafood until I tasted the baked salmon of Barbara Dickinson, the Knight’s Lady of my friend and fraternity brother PGK Bill Dickinson. Barbara bakes the most delicious salmon I’ve ever tasted. It has no smell. No fishy after-taste. Just pure, heavenly, delicious taste. A taste I could not put my hands on!

I think Barbara should really do some catering with her baked salmon. She loves to cook. So does Bill. Together, they make a wonderful chef-couple. They, in fact, do a lot of cooking for the Knights of Columbus Council 4488. Barbara and Bill are both retired, but they could make baking salmon as hobby and make a lot of people happy. I’m certain that once you will have tasted their baked salmon, you will not want any other but theirs!

Rhan, Bill and Barbara Dickinson at a reception that featured Barbara’s famous baked salmon

What do you say, Barb?

The AS/IS Manila Club Basbas in Las Bigas

Sayang, Hindi kayo nakasali! Never mind. We have photos to share and make you jealous. Even if it was a small group of 27 bakasyonistas from the AS/IS world attending, it was a big celebration that may have dwarfed other previous samahans.

There was more in-between -job than "the above-job" or "the below-job," particularly at the "Top Dollar" slot machine that brought some $800 to Tom Larson and some $500 to Vikki Assad Boustany and of course, Dzepri Haanter came close to stuffing his pocket with winnings, too! Too bad, we couldn't take photos at the wild casino soiree.

The first day, Friday, October 10 (that's very lucky double 10 number for us of Chinese heritage!). We trickled into the Suite 2218, the spacious and well-supplied Malacanang Palace. Slowly but surely, everyone got reacquainted, bantered around, drove in carpools to DJ Bibingkahan for a Pinoy turo-turo dinner.

After dinner, half of the group went gambling at the Mirage before proceeding to enjoy the Cirque du Soleil show at the same hotel under the leadership of Debbie Dempsey Landstrass and then rocked the town further until 3:00 a.m. (?) How in the world did you manage to get up at 8:00 a.m., Jeff? The other half spent their time trying to topple down the games at Binion's before retiring for the night.

Day 2 started with a group breakfast at the Paradise Buffet at the Freemont Hotel across the street from Binion's. What a feast! Unfortunately, nobody remembered to take a picture.

The impromptu Cmedy Echange in the afternoon and the Karaoke Singing Extravaganza at night were totally dazzling. The great servings of chicken empanada, beef lumpia and shrimp pancit kept the gang filled through the night. Also available were potato and tortilla chips (compliments of Fred Tabisaura '68), champoy, mixed nuts, barquillos, shrimp chips and those nameless other delicacies from the PI, including (yikes!) balut.

The revelers consumed four cases of San Miguel beer, 10 bottles of Chardonnay, four bottles of Merlot and two cases of Diet Coke.

Let the names of the most generous donors who contributed to help defray Malacanang Palace, food and beverage and housekeeping/bell costs remain anonymous. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation of your kindness and charity.

Special thanks go to Andoy Butler and Steve Fellerman for their organizational skills and promotions. We all drank extra San Miguel for you both!

Everyone who came made the AS/IS Manila Club Reunion a most memorable event. For more photos, please visit my site at Facebook.com.

Well, let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

Unusual Gift

On October 4, 2008, two days after my birthday, Ces and I had lunch at the Open Buffet Kitchen, our second favorite restaurant in San Bernardino, CA. It serves outstandingly delicious food in a clean and hospitable atmosphere. If you're ever in this area, you ought to try its dishes.

The fortune I received from the cookie said I was going to receive an unusual gift. Immediately after, Ces answered her mobile phone where a friend asked if she wanted to have a pure breed 9-month old Shitzu. It had all the medical works done. Apparently, the owner Melanie (photo above) could not take care of the Shitzu named Obi because she was moving into an apartment where pets were not allowed. Ces accepted, of course and told me that THAT was my unusual gift.

Ces and I drove to Los Angeles to pick up Obi. It was love at first sight. I called out his name and he came running and jumped up to me. Obi kissed me all over my face. Yikes!

Obi rode the five-hour trip with us to Las Vegas, NV. He was so well-behaved throughout the trip - watching the scenery, sleeping, drinking water and cuddling.

At home, Pogi, our two-year old Lhasa Apso/terrier/Shitzu mix bred, welcomed Obi immediately. They became instant playmates, started chasing each other and just frolicking. When I am at the lounging chair, they'd jump up on my lap at my command and both enjoy a massage.

Obi, indeed, is an unusual gift not only for me but the whole family!

The Road Is for Journey, not Destination

Yesterday, October 2 was the Day of the Guardian Angel.  It is my birthdate.  It must have been providential that I was born on that day.  I am to be a Guardian Angel for people.

Now, I know why I became a teacher and have remained one to this day.  Now, I know why I am deeply involved in and administering the Social Justice Project, a social amelioration program that helps disenfranchised and suffering people, especially the physically and mentally disabled children and old people in Metro-Manila, Philippines.

It is my practice to go to Mass early in the morning on my birthdate.  After Mass yesterday, I came back to my hotel in San Bernardino, CA where I am putting the finishing touches to a charter school petition that Ces and I have been working on.

When I turned on the TV, the King of Siam was on.  The King spoke, "The road is for journey, not destination."  It struck me that I have been on the road for 69 years, on a journey to meet my Creator, my destination!

What am I to tell Him about journey?  What have I got to show Him at the destination?  Heavy thoughts.  I must relax and delve on those thoughts later.

So yesterday was party time with some selected friends at the Knights' Hall in San Bernardino.  I wanted 69 of my friends at the party.  Not all showed up.  There were not 69 guests because you were not there.  You could not make it, but I knew though that you were thinking of me and wishing me well.

The party was subdued and simple.  Here are some photos.  Just place yourself somewhere among them, okay?

 This is a very delicious chocolate cake from Portos, a Cuban bakery in Glendale, CA.

  Oh, this tart from Portos is to die for!  It really has a fabulous taste that takes you to dreamland.

  Let me introduce some of my friends who enjoyed the get together.  From left, Joe Burns, Jane Gaura and Ike Gaura.  Joe is a strong supporter of the Social Justice Program.  So are the Gauras.  In fact, Ike is the Financial Secretary of the newly formed Social Justice Project, Inc.

  John Henry, left, joined the group for dessert.

  From left to right are Mrs. Lobato, Ray Lobato, Bill and Barbara Dickinson.  The Dickinsons, accomplished chefs that they are, thought the food served was totally delicious.

  The big hitters:  From left are Jim Haubner, Bruce Ewing, Kathy Ewing, Angie Haubner and Elena Hamilton.

  This is Jim Haubner, Jr.  An accomplished, pool shooter, he gamely pairs up with me against other players.

  John Rozzi is the Grand Ole Man of the group.  He loves his sweets!

  Jerry Doubek supports the Social Justice Project as well.  He has visited the several programs under the Project during one of his visits to the Philippines.

  Lupe Perez, right, joins us for a drink at the bar.  Gina Reynolds, far left, anticipates the visit to the bar.

  Ahhhh, lumpia!  Lots and lots of lumpia at the party, guests had the opportunity to take some home.

  This rotissiere chicken from Juan Pollo is my favorite chicken.  It tastes much like the old Robinson Farm rotissiere chicken in the Philippines, then.

  The chopsuey went very fast, too.  I had the food cooked to my specifications at the Manila Food Express in Colton, CA because I had no kitchen in the hotel I could use.

  How can a Pinoy birthday party go without PANCIT!  Using miki noodles and shrimp Manila Food Express cooked the pancit to the discerning taste of the guests.

  In addition to the fruit tart and the Parisian chocolate cake, Portos gave us truly sweet and delicious cheese rolls for dessert.

Standing from left are Ted Atencio, Bob Herness and Luis Arciniega.  Seated beside me are Chuchi and Jerry Doubek.

 Around the table, clockwise, are Bob Herness, Luis Arciniega, John Rozzi, Ted Atencio, Chuchi and Jerry Doubek, Me and Bill Sutcliffe.

In case you're wondering why Ces is not in the pictures, just imagine her holding the cameras in front of the subjects and taking the pictures.

Truly, I wish you could have joined us at the party.  The journey goes on!

 

Tags: birthday, party, kofc, fraternity, charity, social justice

Great Times with Friends

The Tres Muskiteros of from left to right Rhante Parrenas, Ted Williams and Rudy Salanga pose at the Hoover Dam at the Nevada/Arizona border on August 24, 2008.

Ngeeeee! was the battle joke throughout the two-day trip of the Tres Muskiteros of the Knights of Columbus to the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and Sedona in Arizona.  These places will never be the same again without the Tres Muskiteros DD/PFN/PGK Rudy Salanga of Las Pinas City, Philippines; PGK Ted Williams now of Burbank, CA; and FDD/PGK Rhante Parrenas of Las Vegas, NV messing them up!  Alice Williams and her two children Michelle and Melody, Cora Salanga and Ces Parrenas completed the entourage.

Ted rented this huge 18-seater GMC (?) truck from Los Angeles..  Really  big, lots of room and very comfortable.  I thought it was difficult to drive; turned out to be just like driving a small car when I took over from Ted for the drive from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff, AZ.!

Immediately upon their arrival in Las Vegas from Burbank at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22, we took Rudy & Cora and Ted & Alice to my hotel and casino, the South Point (You didn't know Ces and I own this place?), for a buffet dinner that featured seafood in addition to the Steak Place, the Italian Bistro, the Mexican Cage, The Mongolian House and the Asian Wok.

Gee, I didn't have to ask them what they wanted to eat.  They could have a feast, a really delicious treat, of whatever pleases their palates.

Poor guys!  They must have been so tired.  They immediately came home with me and slept in their royalty rooms sans their lovely wives who went spending the night at the machines and tables at my casino.  Guess who the ladies' guide was!

Very early in the morning at 8:30  (Ngeeeee! Is that early?) , we drove to the Grand Canyon, via the Hoover Dam for sightseeing.  Here's the Hoover Dam. http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html

<FONTFACE=ARIAL size="4">We proceeded on a three-hour turtle drive to Williams, Arizona to register at Fairfield Inn by Marriott for our three rooms.  Fairfield Inn had two queen-sized beds in each room, which was good for all of us to be able to relax.  Check it out. http://www.marriott.com/fairfield-inn/travel.mi

Seeing the Grand Canyon is always a humbling experience for me.  Being the Minister of Tourism for Pinoy visitor friends, I visit this national park at least twice a year!  The hair keeps standing on edge every time I see the grandeur of this place.  God's creation is totally fascinating.  http://www.nps.gov/grca/

Rhante, Ces, Cora, Rudy, Ted and Alice having lunch at Pine Country Restaurant in Williams, AZ on Saturday, August 23, 2008.

Ted, Rudy and Rhante in front of the Desert View Tower, overlooking the mesa of the Grand Canyon.

Rudy and Rhante in front of the Desert View Tower.

Ces, Cora and Alice at the Desert View part of the Grand Canyon where the Colorado River can be seen in the background.

Ted possesses the spectacle of the Grand Canyon in his enthralling smile!

Rhante and Rudy are totally mesmerized by the grandeur of this God's creation.

Hunger struck by the time, we got to Flagstaff, AZ from the Grand Canyon.  We looked for the Himalayan Restaurant that I knew of from a previous visit.  I forgot to ask them not to put MSG in the chicken tekka masala and the tandoori chicken we ordered.  The restaurant must have put in a lot of MSG because I really sufferedwith hypertension that nightand into the next three days.  My head was actually woozy while we enjoyed ourselves in Sedona!

The great company of my friends must have given me the strength to carry on with the expedition to Sedona and the trip back to Las Vegas with utmost glee!

Ted & Alice, Rudy & Cora and Ces & Rhante stop by the roadside on the way to Sedona, AZ to memorialize the visit to the majestically serene red rock formations of Sedona from a distance.

The visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross on top of one of the majestic red rocks brought solemnity to our visit.

The Tres Muskiteros now stand nearer to the red rocks fronting The Chapel of the Holy Cross.

 Behind and below Ces and me is the huge SUV that Ted rented for us to use on this trip to Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon and Sedona. See the red rocks behind us in the distance?  Fantastic!

I contend that these rock projectiles resulted from God's pushing The Grand Canyon.  As He stepped on the Grand Canyon the rocks erupted up in Sedona!

 See the naughty look on Ted's face?  What do you think he's doing?  Ngeeeee!  This is the entrance to a souvenir shop in Sedona where I bought a collapsible walking stick that I really love.

Ted, Rudy and Rhante stand to record the visit to Sedona, AZ to enjoy the majestic red rocks.

Standing according to height from left to right: Rudy, Ted, Rhante, Ces, Alice and Cora right after an American lunch at the Sunflower Restaurant in Sedona.

Rudy and Cora pause for a breather with some fine sculptures before continuing on with their shopping spree in Sedona, AZ.

A beautiful butterfly flutters around, entertaining us while we went shopping in Sedona.

The Tres Muskiteros enjoy the constructions I ordered to improve the Hoover Dam, especially the Freeway that will bypass the old Highway 93 and afford travelers a bird's eye view of the Hoover Dam.  The crazy U.S. government granted me ownership of this dam out of the blue!  Call me, if you want free electricity! Ngeeeeeee!

Night finally falls in Las Vegas as we parted ways.  Ces and I went to set up her classroom for Monday, August 25 so she could start the new school year right.  Rudy & Cora, Ted & Alice and their daughters Michelle and Melody checked in to the Palazzo Hotel at The Strip.  http://www.palazzolasvegas.com/PINT.aspx?KNC-PAGOOGLESEARCH

The whole trip was replete with non-stop jokes that rocked the huge SUV that Ted drove.  The pinnacle of the joke, of course, was Eddy Arreza's vintage Ngeeeeeee expression!  Eddy is my best friend who is more than a brother.  He is the new District Warden to Rudy who is the District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus in the Las Pinas City District.

This trip has not ended.  It is just the beginning of more trips to come!

 

Tags: Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Knights of Columbus