Evelyn Nazareth Zabala

Name: Evelyn Nazareth Zabala
Children: Jonathan, Maria (Maite) Theresa-Zabala-Alday, Kristianna Rose (Kristi) Zabala-Bishop- all born in Los Angeles, CA
Their dad, Jaime (Jimmy) Gonzales Zabala from Tanauan, Batangas died on Dec 24, 1989.
Grandchildren: Tristan and Kingston

I met an Italian widower, Frank Ferraro, in 1992 at a week-end retreat sponsored by the Los Angeles Diocese for Separated, Divorced and Widowed. We got married in Oct 1999. He’s now semi-retired and does taxes during the tax season (Jan- April 15th) to keep him busy.

After Bong Arroyo (now Staub) and I graduated with our B.S.Chem degrees from PWU, I didn’t take the route she took- Masters and PhD degrees right away. Instead, I immigrated to the US in 1968 and took my board exam in California as a Medical Technologist. I worked at a reference lab in Van Nuys, CA for 22 years. After leaving the lab environment, I started working as a Clinical Monitor for different pharmaceutical companies and moved from Los Angeles to San Diego in 2000. When we had an almost-empty nest (youngest daughter in HS), I decided to go for my MBA. My daughter and I graduated the same year, 2002; she from HS and me, finally with my Masters.


Even though I officially became a senior citizen this January, I’m still working as a Clinical Monitor for a Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, Inc. We’re the largest company worldwide that sells insulin for diabetes. We are testing other drugs for diabetes and that’s where I come in. Before a drug is approved by the FDA in the US, it has to be tested on animals and then humans. I visit the clinical sites and ensure that the investigators are following the protocol and the patients are getting the treatment. I still enjoy what I’m doing so it would be a couple more years before I retire.

Frank and I love to go on cruises after we tried a short 3-day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Frank likes the idea that we have a “home away from home” and don’t need to pack and unpack each time we arrive at a destination port. We’ve since gone on a Mexican Riviera, to Alaska, Western Mediterranean (Italy, Croatia, Monaco, France, Spain and Portugal), and to Baltic countries (England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and St. Petersburg, Russia). The last one was to Greece, Turkey and Egypt. Of course, we’ve also gone on a US cruise to see the colorful fall leaves in New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, Boston and New York. Next cruise would probably be to the Caribbean- maybe our HS class can plan one.

I’m so grateful for the many friends and relatives who supported me when my first husband died. It made the pain of losing a loved one more bearable. I still see those old friends and they’ve also accepted Frank into our circle. We see regularly Jimmy’s sisters, brothers and kids as my kids are close to them too. Friends and family- that’s what makes me happy!

TILL WE MEET AGAIN

EBB'S E-TALK: When I started this PWU blog last June 2009, I had no idea that it will be successful and will the bridge or "tulay" to connect many of us. I was hesitant at first and told Puri to start the blog because I thought she was a better writer. She said, I should start it because I already know how to blog. She is willing to assist w/ Sari, Cherrie & Cora. I said yes, hoping that they will finish what I started. This is my last post for Part 1 of "Gintong Ala-ala." I am happy and understand that Sari & Cherrie will continue Part 2 of "Gintong Ala-ala" after the 50th reunion. I will be away on a sentimental journey for almost 2 months traveling to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. I will have NO direct access to my personal computer till I get back to the U.S. on April 1,2010. My thanks to all who contributed their time, talent, stories, memories, poems to make this "Gintong Ala-ala" a wonderful memories and keepsake.

Thanks to Hana Gomez Trinidad for those beautiful leis for our reunion. Looking forward to wearing it. I am sure that seeing many classmates I didn't have the chance to connect and see after 50 year will bring tears to my eyes. Hug and kisses to you all! Till we meet again.

PURI'S PERSPECTIVES: I ASKED HANA TO HAVE HER PICTURE TAKEN WITH THE LEI'S AND MATCHING BRACELETS SHE GOT BEFORE MAILING THEM TO ME. AND HERE THEY ARE...HER GIFT FOR ALL OF US! SHE SAID THE FLOWERS ARE CALLED KINI-KINI , INDIGENOUS TO HAWAII.
SHE'S WEARING A 3 STRAND LEI OF TINY WHITE FLOWERS HER FRIEND MADE FOR HER WHICH SHE WORE AT CORKY'S FUNERAL. I AM STILL TWISTING HER ARM TO ATTEND OUR REUNION. SEE YOU ALL SOON,
Dear Classmates,
2009 was when we re-grouped and found one another with the help of everyone most especially through Sari's persistence and resourcefulness. Our group email was established. Our blog, "Gintong Ala-ala" was born with the dedication of our Master Blogger, Evelyne D. Resella. It is a place where we now dwell to get to know more about one another through brief bios and musings, which we plan to preserve in a disc. A Scholarship Committee was formed headed by Tessie O Guerra, A Sunshine Greeting group headed by Cherrie and Sari, Teachers bios and Bridges along Memory Lane series by Tessie L Marzan, More teacher's recollections summed up by Bong Staub. Cora's tula in our native tongue and many more. Now with just barely 7 weeks before our grand reunion which seemed a long time before is now a mere blink away. Gerry, Celia and Lita at the helm of this big baby must now be in labor pains. On my part, I'm harnessing my energy toward a memorable production of "Our Voyage To Bali-Hai".

CIRILA VITO LYNCH-FRASER

EBB'S E-TALK: I never expected that one of our high school classmates will end up in Calgary, Canada. Yes, Cirila immigrated to Canada, got married to a Canadian and then settled in Calgary. Actually I know more about Calgary than Cirila. Calgary is one of of most beautiful cities in Canada. I had the chance to vacation in Calgary with my family in 1986. Then in 2005, my husband had a conference there and I tagged along. While he attended the conference, I was busy exploring the city of Calgary. It's a walking city and everything is connected by bridge. Since Calgary has heavy snow during winter time, many attractions like gardens are build indoor. I was attracted to this city that I wrote a mini book entitled "Traveling with Cochlear Implant-Calgary."

I sent a copy of this book to Cirila but I have no idea if she read it. She's still very busy working and no thought of retiring at all. C'mon Cirila, time to slow...down. When Sari contacted Cirila to do our PWU directory she was more than willing to do it. I found her e-mail address and we connected. We exchanged many e-mails. What I loved about Cirila is that she responded to my e-mails as quick as lightning. I am sorry that she will not be able to join our 50th reunion. She's inviting everyone to visit her in Calgary. I'd love to go back there someday and visit her and her beautiful city.

 Short bio:

Name: Cirila Vito (married name Cirila Lynch-Fraser (65yrs old)

Address: Ste 810 – 1111 – 6 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5M5
Children: I have two children a boy and a girl (David Lynch (35yrs old) daughter-in-law name Desirae Lewis Lynch (27yrs old) and Miss Bronwen Lynch (32yrs old)
Grandchildren: I have one granddaughter (Ava Lynch (2yrs old)