Another Act of Kindness from a Young Stranger in Our Neighborhood

 

I have posted in my blogs four articles on Act of Kindness that both Macrine and I and other members of my family had experienced from strangers here in the US as well as in the Philippines several years ago. I will not repost the articles, but here are the sites if you feel like reading them.

 

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2018/08/kindness-of-stranger-free-haircut-for.html

 

https://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/2020/09/coping-up-with-grief-picking-up.html

 

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/search?q=kindness 

 

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2009/07/kindness-from-stranger.html 

 

Last week another act of kindness (5th) from a stranger restored again my faith in humanity. Here's how I wrote this experience in my FaceBook Page.

 

"There's hope for the younger generation in my neighborhood. This afternoon, instead of asking David to put back the garbage bins from the street to the back of our house via our driveway BECAUSE MY knees and legs have been aching for the last two weeks (thus I am using a cane to walk around), I decided to do it myself as my exercise therapy. While I was limping with the cane as I pull slowly the garbage bins, several teenagers were walking home from Bella Vista high school. One of them crossed the street and walked to my driveway. He asked me if I needed HELP! I politely said no and he silently continued his walk home a few houses from our house. I was touched by the kindness of this young teenager. I applaud the parents of this anonymous teenager who was willing to help a stranger in need "!

 

Meanwhile enjoy this video about kindness

https://nethugs.com/be-kind-inspirational-motivational-video/

Last but not least, Kindness is an act that the blind can see and the deaf can hear. Have a Great Day Every One.

Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary for StoryWorth Book

This is my response to the query on Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary for the StoryWorth Book of Memories

Our Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration, 2007

Last December, 2007 we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Boac Cathedral ( the same church where we were married in 1957) in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. 

Here are two photos during our wedding day, May 8, 1957 featuring the parents of the Bride and Groom and The Nieva and Jambalos Clan

Our Parents from L to R: Dr David J Katague, Elena Nieva Jambalos, Me, Macrine, Mama Pacing Balleza Katague and Papa Bernardo Jambalos, Jr. Photo in the Front Porch of the Jambalos Residence, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines, May 8, 1957.

The Nieva and Jambalos Clan Attending Our Wedding Day, May 8, 1957

Our actual 50th anniversary was on May 8, but we postponed the celebration for December, so most of our relatives outside the Philippines can attend. 

All of our four children and three of our grandchildren, a son-in-law and two nieces from the United States were in attendance. In addition about 150 friends and relatives from Manila and Marinduque were also present. A friend from Vancouver, B.C., Canada also attended this memorable event.
 

The Bishop Blessings at the Boac Cathedral

The Bishop of Boac( Most Reverend Reynaldo Evangelista, D.D.) officiated the renewal of vows and mass. The Governor( Bong Carrion) and his wife with about 150 guests attended the reception held at our conference hall( Chateau Du Mer Conference Center) in Amoingon.
Entering the Reception Hall with 100 live butterflies to be release after the cake cutting and champagne toasting ceremony.
 
Governor Carrion(RIP) dancing with Macrine and me dancing with his wife (currently Mayor of Boac).
 

Incidentally, Ex-Governor Carrion is Macrine's first cousin on her maternal side of the family(The Nieva Clan). This is an obligatory dance for social etiquette in Marinduque.
Carenna wants her share of the wedding cake. After all she serenaded(New World) her Lolo and Lola. She deserves the cake.

The following is a write-up of Ditas, my youngest daughter, of her experiences during this momentous event in our life. She titled it " Survivor Philippines and my Parents Golden Wedding Anniversary. "

Resembling the journey survivor contestants make to get to their island, after 47 hours of travel -planes, trains, automobiles and a long ferry ride-- Carenna and I finally arrived on the peaceful island of Marinduque, staying at my parents winter home and resort. Here are the 12 items, we will always remember.

1. One Great performance- Carenna sings "New World" at the Anniversary reception
2. Two Happily married parents ( renewed vows after 50 years)
3. Three Hours of holding Carenna (50 lbs), sweating during midnight mass in an ancient (no A/C) cathedral built in 1660 with 1000+ mass attendees( imagine survivor LOG HOLD challenge)
4. Four Roasted Pigs -aka Lechon . Carenna got to meet the live pigs the day before they appeared at the party ( albeit with tan).
David Ernst after all of the four lechons are almost consumed.
 

5. Five guys eating balut- Ian, Dave, Alex, Dodie and David E had a Christmas day Balut eating contest-- yes that's the fertilized duck embryo boiled eggs that they eat in Survivor and Fear Factor TV shows
Balut and San Miguel beer. Where's number 5, David E ?
6. Six aquamarine bridesmaid dresses that did not fit
7. Seven words in tagalog that Carenna knows, ( Tabi po Nono', tubig, paroparo, salamat po, maganda and Kain na)
8. Eight bouts of prickly heat-poor Carenna
9. Nine hours of marathon shopping in Metro Manila with Cousin Cindy Nieva ( professional shopper)
10. Ten asthma attacks in Manila-not known for air quality
11. Eleven types of rice cakes ( 11 hour hangover for Ella)
12. Twelve of us crammed in a van during the round Marinduque Island Tour

Ditas is my youngest daughter. For her Professional Achievements visit her LinkedIn Site:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ditas-katague

This is Dinah's memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

The David King Family at our Golden Wedding Anniversary
 

The following is from Dinah's Christmas Newsletter, describing the family's trip to the Philippines during our golden wedding anniversary celebrations as well as the current status of her children, Ian and Elaine as well as husband, David King.

I'm here again at my favorite time of the year. Besides good food, we all make an extra effort to remember those people who have touch our lives in a positive memorable ways this past year. This time of the year always give me a special glow inside that makes me grateful for all the blessings in my life. Now, allow me talk about my favorite subject. My family of course!
 

Our 2008 year, actually started in December, 2007. On the 20th of December, Lolo Katague's birthday, the King family boarded an airplane at the SFO International Airport headed to the Philippines, to spend 16 days experiencing the country of my parent's birth and to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. I could spend pages describing what a wonderful experience this was for everyone, but then I would just bore you all. Meeting all the cousins, eating, drinking, dancing, joking, betting, taking risks, attending cock fights, picnic excursion, riding tricycles and jeepneys and even destroying the natural coral reefs by shooting firecrackers into the ocean, as well as swimming and snorkeling and experiencing a wonderful culture and family that has lived half a world away, makes me feel so blessed to have been able to share this experience with my children and husband.
A big "THANK YOU" to all the Nieva's and Jambalos side of the family for making us feel a part of your lives. We have all agreed to make the trip again in four years. Then, maybe this time, we can spend a month and get to know the Katague's side of the family.
 

Upon returning to the Unites States, I was greeted with the fact that my contract work was not going to be renewed, because my employer had been laying off people since September. This was not unexpected and it gives me time to look for another job.

By the time you get this letter, I will have entered my second art show and sale. I have actually sold pieces of my pottery, so to be able to make this hobby a saleable endeavor is exciting.
 

Note: Dinah is my oldest daughter. She was born in Chicago, Illinois. She obtained her BA degree from Sacramento State University and Masters Certificate in Paralegal Studies at St. Mary College in Moraga, California. She was formerly married to David King, a former classmate. They have two children, Ian, 30 and Elaine, 28, both college graduates. For more of her professional achievements visit her Linkedin site:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinah-katague-cams-832ab67

Here's Dodie Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

Dodie and Family with Me and Macrine
 

Here's Dodie's description of his trip to attend our Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration in Boac, Marinduque. Dodie ( Diosdado) is our oldest son. Unfortunately, none of his family were able to attend.

"Last Christmas and New Years (2007-2008), I spent the holidays away from my wife and children. I was in the Philippines with my parents, brother, and sisters celebrating my parent 50th wedding anniversary. I had a great time visiting the country of my birth, but missed my family, who stayed home. I know it would be an adventure with or without them. 

 

And what an adventure it was! Just getting to the small island of Marinduque from Manila after a 16 hour plane ride took another 8 hours via a van on a two lane road dodging cars, jeepneys, motorized tricycles and livestock to get to the ferry port. We missed the ferry by 15 minutes and had to wait another 4 hours on the dock. The 3-hour ferry trip was crowded because of the Christmas holidays and there were no seats in the passenger section so we slept in the van in the cargo hold for most of the sea-faring trip. Fortunately, I did not get sea sick.

We arrived at my parents house around midnight-24 hours after boarding the plane. But that was the worst part of the journey and I kept thinking that I was glad that my family was not with me because they would have complained the entire time and there was nothing I could do about it. I took in all the bad and the good things that happened, and I had the experience of a lifetime.


Chateau Du Mer Main House-My Parents Winter Residence

What I discovered about my parents surprised me. They were raised closer to the land than I ever know. Just imagine going back to visit your relatives on the farm back in Iowa that's how I felt. Except my parents were rural folks in the tropics. Still, they have a retirement home on a few acres right on the beach,a housekeeper, cook, driver and gardeners, so it was a very comfortable vacation once we arrived. 

 

My parents renewed their wedding vows in the same historic church(the Boac Cathedral built in 1756) they were married in 1957. We wore traditional Filipino clothes( barong tagalog for men) and my brother and sisters were all part of the ceremony. I saw some American tourists peaking into the church and taking pictures of us and I remember thinking, "Those tourists are going to show pictures of me to their friends thinking they got a snapshot of the Filipino culture when all they really got was a picture of some overweight short guy from California". From Dodie (Diosdado) Katague, newsletter, 2007-2008


Note: Dodie, my oldest son was born in the Philippines, but immigrated to US when he was only 18 months old. He has a law degree from UC Davis and now a successful prosecuting attorney in Northern California. He early retired last year to devote more time writing his second novel.  He is married to his former classmate, Ruth Carver, also a lawyer and they have 3 children, Philip, Alix and Marina. This trip was his first trip back to the island. Here's a short biography of Dodie as the author of Cloyne Court.

Dodie Katague lived at Cloyne Court Coop from 1977-79 while he attended the University of California, Berkeley. he graduated in 1981 with a degree in Geography. He graduated from the University of California, Davis, King Hall School of Law in 1985. Since then, he is a prosecutor in Martinez, California. Dodie is working on his second novel, "Rock Star Planet", a Young Adult science fiction adventure. He is waiting to retire to finish his third novel, "Devil Mountain DA", a fictional account of life in a dysfunctional district attorney's office. 

****************************************************************************

 

David E Memories of Our Golden Wedding Anniversary

 

David is single and currently works for the Federal Government (TSA) in Sacramento. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy with concentration on Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He used to work for the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) in Washington DC during the Clinton and Gore Administration. During the time of his employment with OMB we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and Parties for OMB employees. David E is learning how to speak Tagalog. During our 50th wedding anniversary party in 2007, he addressed the guests in Tagalog and made a good impression. His Tagalog is improving but still has the American accent. Macrine and I are proud of his desire to learn the language of his ancestry. Without David's help, we will never be able to enjoy staying in our island paradise in the Philippines for as long as we desire. Today, David E is keeping me company after Macrine's passed away last year. (8/2020).
 

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Prior to the golden wedding celebration, we had a Christmas party for relatives on December 23. We had a putong ceremony by the group of Tita Glory Jambalos from Laylay and the customary lechon. We were also serenaded by a blind guitarist from Santa Cruz. The kids gave him a lot of tips for his excellent singing and guitar playing.Carenna, 

 

Elaine and Macrine watching the lechon getting ready to be devoured by hungry guests. 

 

Indeed, we are not rich in terms of gold or silver, but rich in pleasant Memories!! 

 

CNN Special Programming Marking the 20th Anniversary of 9/11

 

WE WILL NOT FORGET- The Burning twin towers of the World Trade Center

The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 is approaching. As the day is approaching, it is reminding me of I was doing that day - September 11, 2001. 

This is the site of of how I remember that day. I titled it: The Day the World Trembled. How about you? Do you remember that day?

https://discover.hubpages.com/education/the-day-the-world-trembled 

To remember/commemorate that historic day, CNN has prepared several long-form specials programs posted on their website as follows:  

CNN will mark the 20^th anniversary with long-form programming specials reported by anchors Victor Blackwell (CNN Newsroom) and Jake Tapper (The Lead and State of the Union) and an updated version of the Emmy® Award-winning, Peabody Award-winning documentary CNN Films Presents: 9/11, introduced by actor, producer, and founder of The Leary Firefighters Foundation, Denis Leary, beginning September 5^th.

Additional special programming will air on CNN including live coverage of events in New York City, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC on September 11^th.

CNN will also host a special CITIZEN BY CNN virtual event 9/11, 20 Years Later: Remembrance and Ramifications on Thursday, September 9^th at 12pm, ET with Dana Bash, Wolf Blitzer, Jim Sciutto and Clarissa Ward.

I hope you put the above program specials in your TV viewing schedule.  Have a Great Day!

Joys and Pains in Managing a Small Beach Resort in the Philippines

This is my response to the query on the Joys and Pains in Managing a Small Beach Resort in Marinduque for the StoryWorth Book of Memories.This article was written a few years ago. 

The Chateau Du Mer Beach House-After Completion of the Lower Floor
 

 In 2005, three years after my retirement from FDA, Macrine and I started constructing a beach house with no intention of opening it to the public. Two years later we decided building a multi-function Hall by the side of the beach house. (Note: The main house-our retirement home was built in 1999-three years before our retirement).

However, in 2008 after numerous inquiries and encouragements from friends and relatives, we decided to open both the Beach House and Function Hall to the public. I then created a website( www.chateaudumer.com) and a blogsite  (http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com).  I posted a video on YouTube titled Chateau Du Mer- Marinduque with the help of our neighbor, Eli Obligacion. Since then, the hall had hosted more than 40 wedding receptions, seminars, parties, and community prayer meetings and picnics. The beach house on the other hand had less than fifteen guests, mostly from abroad ( US and Europe). Today because of the Pandemic last year, the Hall and Beach House are temporarily closed.

What are the joys of running a Beach Resort and Conference Hall. First of all, Macrine and I enjoyed meeting strangers which afterwards become our friends. 

Second, I love hearing positive comments about the resort, such as: your garden is so beautiful, the landscaping is perfect and I feel like I am in the Garden of Eden in this place.
 

It was indeed a joyous moment, when one day, one of our young guests during a wedding reception informed me, that our retirement house ( which was built earlier) is her dream house and that someday, if God permits she will have a similar one constructed.

One Holy week in the mid 2000, a van load of tourists from Manila stopped by and requested to take pictures of the beach house and conference center area. One of the tourists had seen my website and wanted to see the place in person. She commented the place is as beautiful as the pictures in the Internet.

 

Last, but not least, the conference center is the only Hall in the whole province of Marinduque that can accommodate more than 300 attendees in doors and up to 500 attendees outdoors( I am not sure if this statement is still true today-2021). This resort is also providing permanent employment for two local residents and temporary employment to four local residents, which help the economy of this 3rd class province.

So what are the pains of running Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center?
 

First, there are unique physical maintenance problems, since the compound is exposed to salty air and breezes almost all year round. Most of the fixtures even stainless steel had to be cleaned and rusted almost every year. Repainting and repairing equipment are common. Just recently, the water pump did not work. I had to replace it immediately at the costs of $400. Wood borers and mites attacked most of the wooden and bamboo structures as well as furniture. If you know of a chemical that will kill the wood borers and mites( not termites), please let me know.

Second we have problems with the recruitment of reliable and honest personnel. Since 2008, we had already two managers. One we caught stealing. The current one is honest but super sensitive.

Lastly, the resort income is only enough to pay for the taxes. Hopefully as the economy improved more tourists will visit Marinduque and more young people will hold big wedding receptions; the resort will then earn enough to pay for both maintenance expenses and taxes and might even earn a little profit. But I am not depending my livelihood on this project. We build the place for our personal enjoyment. Our relatives called the place "Macrine's and David's Follies" in their old age.

Below are some pictures that I took of the main house, the conference Hall and the Beach House. Hopefully you visit one of my sites, in case this is the first time you have heard of Chateau Du Mer.  

 
Center Stage of the Conference Hall-Ready for a Wedding Reception

A closer view of the Conference Hall

Entrance to the Conference Hall

The Conference Hall

The third Bedroom with Two Double Deck Beds-The Room is Air Conditioned

The Second Bedroom with Two Single Beds

The Master Bedroom with the Queen Size Bed

The Beach House after Completion of the Bottom Floor as the 3rd Bedroom

Early Evening in the Main House-so Quiet and Calm

The front yard of the Main House

The landscaping in the front yard of the Main House

The driveway from the main house to the national road

Childhood Dreams Fullfilled and Afterglows on the Sunset of Our Lives for StoryWorth Book

A. Dreams of Childhood- Accomplished and Partially Accomplished

The Japanese Bridge of Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort on Sunset, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

When I was growing up in the small town of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines in the mid 1940's, I had several dreams and goals in life. One of my first dream after seeing a movie made in US was to see and visit( not reside) US and play in the snow. This dream was attained in 1960. My other dream was to live in a house surrounded by fruit trees, flowers and orchids. This dream was realized in 1996 when we built our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque. Another dream I had was to build a Japanese bridge across a creek( see photo above) populated by tilapias and other fishes. This was attained when we constructed the beach house in 1998.

As a child I never dreamed to be rich in money, but just earned enough to live comfortably. This was fulfilled when we immigrated to US and after I completed my Ph.D degree in 1964. Completion of this graduate degree was the most important goal and dream in my life.

My last dream in my childhood years was to have a residence with a circular driveway with a fountain in the center. This dream was never attained completely. However, this dream, was partially fulfilled when we built the Chateau Du Mer Conference Hall in 2000. The Hall had a semi-circular driveway but no fountain. Building a fountain in the center was planned before construction. However, for practical reasons and lack of funds, this dream will probably not be fully realized unless I win a lot of $$ in the Lotto or at the Casinos.

Finally, I thank God for all his blessings for helping me attained most of my dreams and goals in life. Lord without YOU, I am nothing.

B.Afterglows in the Sunset of our Lives


The other day while looking at my old photo files, I found the above photograph. It is a sunset and its afterglow from the west balcony of our retirement beach house in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines taken ten years ago. Looking at the photo reminded me of both Macrine's and my professional life in the US.  Macrine retired as Manager, Quality Assurance Nurse Manager from one of Maryland's Home Health Nursing Company.  Macrine joined her Creator on August 10, 2020

I retired from FDA as a Chemistry Team Leader in the Center of New Drugs, Silver Spring, MD. Both of us had satisfying careers( I had received several awards, letters of commendation and appreciation, and an EEO award). So when we retired in the Fall of 2002, we often ask ourselves, if this is all that we can contribute to society and the community.

Since retirement is often called " the sunset of your life" stage, are there afterglows in our lives that we can be proud of. Yes, indeed! The following are examples of the afterglows in the sunset of our lives.

Several years ago, Macrine received a letter of Appreciation and Thanks from the late Governor Carmencita Reyes(RIP) because of her involvement in MI, Inc Medical Mission Of Love, 2006. Macrine was president and over-all chairperson of the medical mission in Marinduque that year. Here's an excerpt from C Reyes letter of Thanks.

Dear Mrs. Katague,

I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all the assistance extended by MI, Inc. Your association is one of our full-time partners in the delivery of health services particularly in the conduct of medical/surgical missions which benefited hundreds of Marinduquenos. Thank you so much for the support and assistance extended to our administration and to the people of Marinduque. Mabuhay Kayo!

In addition about two decades ago, Macrine and I received a Letter of Thanks and Appreciation from then Governor Antonio Carrion in our efforts to promote tourism in the island not only during Easter but also whole year round. The letter mentioned several of my blogs and articles that proclaimed my love for the province and encouraging other Balikbayans to build retirement homes in the island.

In 2009, my dream as a "citizen journalist" was attained when two of my articles was accepted for publication in HULIQ News. The first article was about Marinduque as the Ecotourism capital of the Philippines. The second was on the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan.

Last but not least: Just recently two of my thousands of readers of my seven blogs commented: " I have been reading your various blogs and websites for about one week now. They are all well written and great reading. What I have been reading and following intently in your blog is your life story, very interesting and inspiring indeed. Please keep on writing and thanks for opening yourself up in your blogs."

A second reader also commented: I have been following your blog for quite sometime. I learned a lot about Marinduque and the Philippines. I specially enjoyed reading your childhood experiences during the Japanese-American War. Your contribution as an FDA employee to the burnt victims of the bombing in New York and the Pentagon in 2011 is indeed commendable and worthy of an award. Keep writing!

Will there be more afterglows in the future? I hope so. I would like to hear that our oldest grandson ( now 30) got married and gave us a great grandchild. In addition, we would like to hear the news that our youngest granddaughter( now 18) had graduated from college and that I am still healthy to attend her graduation.

Final Word of Wisdom to all My Readers: Be Happy and Trust in the Lord!

Photo Memories of Chateau Du Mer and the Bellarocca Resort

The Front Gate of Chateau Du Mer, 2010

 

Eleven years and six months ago, I took the following photographs of Chateau Du Mer (CDM)-our second home and vacation compound in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines when daily maintenance was routine.

One of the Many Orchids in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

Orchids Galore on Driveway from Main Road

Front Yard of the Main House

     

Driveway of the Main House and Servant Quarters

Front Porch of the Main House( there is a Back Porch Facing the Ocean)

Back Porch of Main House with Sea View

Living Room of Main House showing Marble Floor 

My Computer and Desk in Master Bedroom

Hand Carved Head Boards Locally Made

My Lucban Tree( Chinese Grapefruit)-one of more than a dozen fruit trees in the Compound

The Conference Hall-Available for Private Daily Rental

The Conference Hall-South View

Conference Hall-Front Decorated for Wedding Reception

The Beach House-At the Back of the Conference Hall

The Bridge over the Creek-Focal Point of the Beach House Landscaping

The Beach House-Seaside View( West)

Beach House Lower Level with Bunk Beds

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The second set of photos were memories of our private tour ( with Annie Miles and Aquilana Rivas) of the Bellarocca Beach Resort and Spa in Buenavista, Marinduque. At that time the resort was rated 5 Star and one of the best in Asia.  https://asiangrandlegacy.com/portfolio-items/bellarocca-island-resort/

On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010

Macrine enjoying the view of the Main land from one of the Rooms at the Resort

View of Mt Malindig from the Resort

Meanwhile, enjoy this video of Chateau Du Mer

https://youtu.be/qLr3m6WjvXw

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my front yard this year

Orange Ice Plant in Front Yard of Residence- April, 2021