My Autobiography: David Balleza K(C)atague: January 2025

Friday, January 31, 2025

Ten Interesting Facts about Manila and the Philippines

rom My FaceBook Page the Other Day: Filipinos need to go out of the Philippines to look at their country in a better light and perspective. 

Manila, Philippines- Some Parts are Chaotic with Traffic Congestions, but the Rich Suburbs are Places for Big Mansions, First Class Shopping Malls and exemplifies the luxuries of Living on Planet Earth.

I will badly miss the following.  I was born and raised in the Philippines but now I am residing abroad- Quotes from the Author of this Article 

1. The sun- sun here is constant and reassuring. We know it will rise at 5am and sets ut 5:30 to 6pm, 365 days. 

2. The chaos, traffic and smoke- it can be overwhelming for newcomers but a constant sense of adventure for us. Everyday, we ride on motorbikes and gets a different vibes, different level of thrill and danger. 

3. The language and chatter- I will miss hearing Tagalog and local dialects if I am in a foreign land. I miss speaking it. 

4. The smiles- I will miss the smile and gentle nods of the taho vendor, the grocery store owner and neigbors.

5. The ease of meeting friends- Filipinos are always just a call away. Need a coffee date, message a friend, meet halfway. Need a drinking buddy, call the tropa and head to the local bar.  Or just go anyway and talk to the waiters. 

Typical Rural ( Provinces) Scene in the Philippines

6. The entitlement- yes, as a natural born citizen I will miss that liberty to complain, rant, and vent without being discriminated, validated or threatened. 

7. The beaches- It hits different here because our beaches are generally full of locals and not foreigners. 

8. The food- Filipino food isn't recognized as world's best but for all I care, our food are nostalgic of the love and warmth of our mother's hands and father's hard earned labor. It was never meant to please a foreign palate.  It is always meant to be shared. 

9. The Filipino humor- it always comes easy and handy. 

10. The natural calamities- on hindsight, it is a constant reminder of our mortality. Hence, we are more grounded and act with a sense of humility..

The Black Sand Beaches of the Philippines

So if Manila is the riskiest city to travel why are we making it to 3rd Friendliest country? Also, as one of the happiest nation on earth?  Think! Don't just agree

Meanwhile, enjoy this photo of Batman- one of my pet Tuxedo Cats ( Black and White). His Brother Cat look-alike is named Robin.  

Lastly, Did you know that during the American colonial period, Manila earned the nickname "Hollywood of the East."  As a vibrant hub for U.S. films being distributed across Asia, Manila’s film scene thrived, showcasing American cinema to a wide audience in the region. 
The city became a bustling epicenter of cinematic culture, with theaters and film studios popping up to cater to the growing demand for movies. This period marked a significant cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States, influencing local filmmaking and entertainment.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Travel with Me to France via Carenna's Recent Photos

Carenna and Me-The Lolo, Grand Pa or Abuelo! Photo Taken, September, 2023

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/11/my-youngest-grand-daughter-carenna.html

Carenna my youngest grand daughter is spending a semester of college in Paris this spring semester. She sent me photos of Paris and surrounding areas, on French Food, architecture, art and popular tourist spots the other day. She said:

Bonjour Lolo!!! Im having an amazing time in France. Learning a lot of French and eating good food! Here are the photos:

Meanwhile enjoy this Monet Painting:

and my cat abstractionism

Just received from Dodie and Ruth- They are in Machu Pichu now and on their way to the Galapagos Island next week.

And Lastly, here's the latest news on President Macrons plan to leave a mark on the Notre-Dame windows 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/backlash-may-shatter-president-macrons-plans-leave-mark-notre-dame-windows

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Twelve Paths to Success- What is Life?

It is time for My Food for Thought for the Week! 

From My Face Book This Morning!

1. You will always have problems. Learn to enjoy life while solving them.  

2. People don’t decide their future; they decide their habits, and their habits decide their future.  

3. In life, you can only control two things: your effort and your attitude.  

4. Don’t ask how to start. Start, and then ask how to improve.  

5. Happiness has less to do with pleasure and more to do with purpose.  

6. Life is harder when you expect too much from the world and too little from yourself.  

7. Life gets easier when you expect a lot from yourself and little from the world. High standards, low expectations.  

8. Half of your problems are simply your mind turning minor issues into major ones.  

9. Don’t look for secrets when what you need is repetition.  

10. Don’t let yourself be controlled by three things: people, money, or past experiences.  

11. In every challenge or even tragedy, there’s an opportunity. If you train yourself to find the opportunity, you can take control of the situation and even turn it into something positive—or, if it cannot be entirely good, at least something good can come from it.  

12. Be thankful every day, because even if you feel there’s nothing to be grateful for, your “normal” day is someone else’s dream. 

Meanwhile, "What is life?

💜What is Life to: 

• Dostoevsky: It’s hell.
• Socrates: It’s a test.
• Aristotle: It’s the mind.
• Nietzsche: It’s power.
• Freud: It’s death.
• Marx: It’s the idea.
• Picasso: It’s art.
• Gandhi: It’s love.
• Schopenhauer: It’s suffering.
• Bertrand Russell: It’s competition.
• Steve Jobs: It’s faith.
• Einstein: It’s knowledge.
• Stephen Hawking: It’s hope.
• Kafka: It’s just the beginning."


Finally, My Photo of the Day!
💜Personal Note: My Dear Readers, If you are ask what one word,  What is life to You,  What is your answer? I like to hear from you.

Monday, January 27, 2025

An Unexpected Reward for Kindness and Compassion

This is a true story relayed to me from a previous co-worker/friend, who was jobless for a while. His wife has a distant relative couple( originally from the Philippines) with no children in their 80's. The couple needed help in their daily activities ( Assisted Living). Since he was jobless he volunteered to be their care taker and this is what he wrote.

" I know what kindness is all about. I experienced it firsthand. When I just got here in USA I encountered a challenging situation. Although I stood up my ground I did not antagonize the hostility. When he grew old my wife was obliged to care for him and his wife. I had to take good care of him when he was terminally ill. With kindness I put aside all my bad experiences with him. I took good care of him really good. Subsequently the rewards was so enormous".

Later on after 3 years, the childless couple passed away. When their Will was read, My friend was surprised that the coupled had given him and his wife, their house and lot in the hills of Oakland, Ca and quite a substantial amount of their savings. This was their payment to him for taking care of the couple daily living needs for 3 years, besides the monthly subsidy the couple was giving him for his services.

My co-worker and his wife did not have financial worries after they received the unexpected inheritance. They spent some of the inherited money to travel around the world. My co-worker and his wife are only in their mid-70's. They did not expect that the couple will give their assets after their demise, and since the couple have no relatives here in the US, they inherited not only the fully paid house and lot but also a substantial amount of savings. Again, this is a true story and not just a product of my imagination. 💚

Meanwhile, Did you now that The Philippine Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean, reaches depths of about 10,540 meters (34,580 feet) in the Emden Deep.

The trench is a result of the complex tectonic activity in the region where the Philippine Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate.

Despite the extreme depths and pressures, unique and diverse marine life inhabits the trench, adapted to the harsh conditions.

The Philippine Trench has been a significant site for deep-sea exploration, providing insights into geological processes and deep-sea ecosystems.

To put it in perspective, the Philippine Trench is deeper than Mount Everest is tall, highlighting the vastness and mystery of the ocean's depths.

Lastly here is a photo of my amaryllis showing 2 blooms and a bud.

💚This is a similar story that happened to Michael Buble parents. A Filipina immigrant took care of Buble parents as they age. When Buble parents passed they gave their house to her. As a result the Filipina caretaker was able to bring her family from the Philippines to Canada for permanent residency.

Michael Bublé is a Canadian singer and songwriter. Regarded as a pop icon, he is often credited for helping to renew public interest and appreciation for traditional pop standards and the Great American Songbook.

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Gordon Ramsay on Filipino Food

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay thrilled Filipino food enthusiasts during his visit to Manila on January 20, 2025, where he announced plans to open three new restaurants in the Philippines.

Speaking to a full house of industry leaders and culinary students, Ramsay expressed deep admiration for the country, calling it the “Sleeping Beauty of Asia” when it comes to cuisine. He also declared that Filipino food is the next big thing poised to captivate the world's palate.

"Maybe a Hell’s Kitchen restaurant as well. So, so exciting," Ramsay teased, hinting at one of the possible concepts in the works.

When asked about his favorite Filipino dish, the Michelin-starred chef didn’t hesitate to say, “Sisig Tacos". 

This announcement has sparked excitement among Filipinos, who eagerly await the arrival of Ramsay’s culinary expertise in Manila’s dynamic food scene.

Gordon Ramsay is one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, with a career spanning over three decades. Born on November 8, 1966, in Scotland, he initially pursued a career in professional football before an injury led him to the kitchen. Ramsay trained under legendary chefs like Marco Pierre White and Guy Savoy, eventually earning his own Michelin stars. Today, he boasts an impressive 17 Michelin stars across his restaurants, making him a global culinary icon.  
Known for his fiery personality and perfectionism, Ramsay rose to international fame through hit TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and Kitchen Nightmares. His sharp critiques and passion for excellence have inspired chefs worldwide to push their boundaries and strive for greatness.  
Interesting facts about Gordon Ramsay:  
- He holds the prestigious title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to the hospitality industry.  
- Ramsay is a marathon runner and has completed multiple Ironman triathlons.  
- Despite his tough exterior, he’s a family man with five children and is deeply involved in charity work.  
- He is known for his love of Filipino food, especially adobo, which he praised during his previous visits to the country.  
Ramsay’s presence in the Philippines is not just about expanding his restaurants but also about sharing his culinary philosophy and inspiring the next generation of chefs. His commitment to quality and innovation continues to make him one of the most respected figures in the culinary world.  

For Details visit the following sites:

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/gordon-ramsay-filipino-cuisine-sleeping-beauty-asia-waking-up/

https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/20/exclusive-gordon-ramsay-talks-filipino-cuisine-comfort-food-and-global-trends?fbclid=IwY2xjawH-EeBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHXOUkV-ccFf2e8wsfRS2gXQdVka5YyJd7NtDwPhfqeHTB2daaW4kJnW2lw_aem_97NSXdMbXzHyj6lQ8lxSnw

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2025/1/21/gordon-ramsay-shares-the-key-ingredient-to-his-culinary-success-1645

Meanwhile, here's the latest photo of my 2 room mates, Batman & Robin

Lastly, here are some photos I took at our Annual Lobster Lunch at the WC Yacht Club Sea Food Restaurant, yesterday!

The Main Lobster, French Fries and Coles Slaw were a Gastronomic Delight!!! 

Personal Note: To THD Movie Goers, Here's  review of Our Movie Tonite-Widow Clicqout  

ihttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/widow-clicquot-film-review-2024

Highlights of My Professional Career

In my more than 40 years of professional career, I have experienced both working rank and file, as well as supervising the work of subordinates. I have worked in four private firms and the Federal Government, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where I retired. I enjoyed the challenges and difficulties of both types of job situations. This is the highlights of my work experience story.

My first job after completing my doctorate degree was a Chemist for Chemagro Corporation in Kansas City, Missouri. It was a subsidiary of Bayer Corporation, a German conglomerate. I worked for the analytical chemistry department comprised of about fifty people; half that number was either chemists or biologists. My specific task was to develop analytical methods for the detection of pesticide residues in plant and animal tissues. I worked on my own, similar to six other bench chemists, and we all reported to the same supervisor.

The firm sponsored my visa conversion from a student to a permanent resident, and I was able to legally work and reside in the United States with my family. The company generously took care of its employees. At the end of each successful year, everyone received a 13th month salary bonus. The employees and their families celebrated wonderful annual Christmas parties in a downtown Kansas City hotel, with dancing and free drinks for the whole night.

Inasmuch as I enjoyed and loved working for Chemagro for five years, I found a new job which offered a substantially higher pay. Due to my exemplary work performance, my supervisor preferred and lobbied for me to stay with the company. I had to turn him down because they could not match the package presented by my new employer. It was also a chance for me and my family to move and live in the US west coast, where the mild winter climate is bearable compared to the Midwest.

My next job was at the agricultural research division of Shell Development Company in Modesto, California. I was a Research Chemist, and again I worked individually, same as five other chemists who all reported to a supervisor. My specific duty was similar to my previous job. I worked for them for five years, until the company decided to get out of the pesticide business. They closed their research facility affecting the jobs of more than 200 employees.

My third industrial job was with the agricultural research division of Stauffer chemical company, located in Richmond, California. I was a Senior Research Chemist doing the same project as my two previous jobs. I worked for twelve continuous years for the company, with outstanding annual job performance. I became a Principal Research Chemist, the highest attainable non-supervisory position.

One day in 1986, my supervisor informed me that my job had been eliminated, and I had one day to vacate the facility. It was the most dreadful lay off experience in my life. I felt anger, sadness and humiliation to be dismissed from work with one day notice, after all the years of hard work invested for the company. This was an unforgettable incident and was the gloomiest point in my professional career.
The company terminated sixty research employees, who were upset of the bad news.

One of the chemists was distressed and expressed his outrageous anger by threatening the company and its workers. He told his supervisor of his intention to bomb and burn down the laboratory. He was immediately escorted by the security staff out of the building and into his car. He was informed to leave behind his personal belongings; they will be mailed to his residence. He was warned never to show up again near the company premises or risk getting arrested.

My supervisor was kind and allowed me to take my time to pack up my belongings. It took me two days to clear up my workplace, after toiling for a long period in the same jobsite. We were provided clerical help and office space, in preparation to look for another job, such as updating our resumes, and using the computer and copy machine. We were given six weeks of separation pay plus benefits.

Fortunately, with the help of a friend who is a Church parishioner, I found another job thirty days after leaving Stauffer chemical company. He hired me as a senior research chemist and as a group leader with two technicians to supervise. It was in the same field as my expertise in my previous three jobs spanning the last twenty one years. My new employer was Chevron Chemical Company, and which was located in the same area as my former employer.

This job gave me the introduction and basic knowledge of managing the work of subordinates. I worked for Chevron Company for four and a half years. The company decided to consolidate their research facilities in Texas, and lay off all its research employees. This time I had enough distress and agony from working, and eventually getting laid off from several private companies. To avoid going through any more miserable layoffs, I made a vow that I would never again work for a private company.

In my work experiences, there were noticeable and unavoidable jobsite occurrences. One can never miss the office romantic relationships between co-workers, both illicit and permitted. Though it was frowned upon, there was a boss and staff relationship, which was used as a ploy to get ahead in the company. Some relationships had chemistry, no pun intended, but some never worked out. Oftentimes, there was a sense of distrust among bench chemists for some workers who unjustly obtained preferred work assignments.

Some employees resorted to bribing superiors to get special privileges, such as being able to attend choice conferences and meetings in exciting venues or locations. Likewise, politics was always present at the worksites. It was during an era when various forms of harassment, equal opportunity and discrimination laws were not yet enforced in the workplace. Occasionally, an unexpected chemical explosion happens in a laboratory setting, where luckily no one got seriously hurt.

In the three private companies I worked for, I was able to publish scientific journals for some of the research studies and analytical methods which I developed for the respective companies of Chemagro, Shell Development and Stauffer.

After deciding and making a vow to avoid working in the private sector, I made my new goal which was either to work for the state of California, or the Federal government in Washington, D.C. Four months after I lost my job in Chevron, I was lucky and joyful to be hired by the Food and Drug Administration as a review chemist in the fall of 1990.

In 1994 I was promoted as an Expert Research Chemist with a GS-14 rating. My expertise was on Anti-malarial and Anti-parasitic drug products. In 1997, I was again deservingly promoted to Chemistry team leader, supervising the work of six Chemistry reviewers including five with doctorate degrees.

As team leader, I was responsible for prioritizing, assigning, and assuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for all new drug applications submitted to the Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, Center of New Drugs.

It was part of my responsibility to give advice, instruct and promote high morale and teamwork in my group. My work in the FDA is confidential, until the drug patent on the products I worked on has expired. There are manufacturing supplements that I have approved that are now open for the public in the Internet.

In 1998, I won the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award. The citation reads, “For outstanding accomplishments in fostering the objectives of the EEO Program by hiring minorities and encouraging their professional growth while providing excellent leadership.” I have received numerous certificates of appreciation, awards in leadership and communications, commendation for teamwork and excellence in the accomplishment of the FDA mission. I have also received several letters of appreciation from private industry for my review work.

There are many good things working as rank and file while enjoying doing one’s job individually. It is a humbling, satisfying and productive experience, if one can work in harmony with one’s immediate supervisor. Working individually develops one’s skills in goal setting and scheduling. But in general, the financial rewards are less than a person who has supervisory responsibilities.

Managing the work of others has its challenges. Moreover, it develops one’s skill in handling and developing people, and the compensation rewards and benefits are better. Due to additional duties, responsibilities and leadership, supervisory work can be more stressful than working as a subordinate. However, supervisory jobs give one more personal growth and satisfaction, based on my personal experience. My work in FDA as a team leader managing the work of six scientists had been the happiest and rewarding work experience in my career in Chemistry. You might also like: