CHERRIE & SARI'S 65th BIRTHDAY

"Create the tomorrow you really want to have.....dream a dream and chase after it. but most of all...have fun doing it.....and enjoy the trip....''- Anonymous

PURI'S PERSPECTIVE:

Cherrie is 65 !
I have known Cherrie from childhood. We went to JASMS together, and on to PWU across the street for High School and college.We both majored on Psychology. We were neighbors in Malate and in Bel Air Village in Makati. We danced and travelled together with the Bayanihan around the Philippines. We grew up like sisters. The night before my wedding she slept in my bed with me to share my last day of single blessedness. She is godmother of our son Nikki. Having her celebrate her 65th B-day with me meant a lot.
Sari is 65 too !
Although I was not a green bencher, I became close to Sari in High School. We belonged to a club called the Beatnik Clan. The clan saw me sail off aboard SS Orcades for the 1961 Bayanihan World Tour. They gave me a 2 inch thick diary with Sari’s handwritten dedication from the B-clan. I still have it but I’m not sure if I will let her read it. As a young bride thrown in Morolandia, she visited me in Basilan in 1966. I frequented the Manila Yacht Club while she managed it. She has visited me several times here in San Jose and have seen my kids grow up. She is also godmother of our son Nikki. Having her celebrate her 65th B-day with me meant a lot.
We had a weeklong celebration full of thrills and lots of non-stop laughter. From the San Jose to the Napa Wine Country and on to 7000 feet elevation at Tahoe, Sari was our brave driver. We spent the night at Tahoe. Last Friday we were back at our pied a terre at Hyde SFO, which was our hide-away. Gu, Roselani, Vicky, Pech and 2 other friends brought us a feast so it was non stop eating and merrymaking til the crack of dawn. Very little sleep indeed. On Saturday we went to Intramuros for lunch and dessert at Lucky Chances Casino where we had genuine Pancit Malabon and Halohalo with pinipig and ube ice cream a la mode. We had Dimsum at Yank Sing and dungenes crabs and peking duck at R&G in SFO. For days and days all we thought was what or where to eat next. It was an exhilarating reunion, like how we were 50 years ago but better. Because we have seen life and are no longer innocent and carefree but more insightful, appreciative and have aged like wine. Here’s a toast to the celebrants !! Cheers, Puri

PAHABOL FROM SARI: May evidence ng katakawan namin, though tila empty na yong table kasi we finished eating all the foods served to us.There are 2 in the grp photos na you do not know - Tess Achacoso & Linda Saddam (UP friends ko; Cora and Bong know them though) PWU friends include Gu (Segundina) de Jesus Saavedra, Roselani Blancaflor Mariano, Ana Fe Donato Lumba, Puri, Cherrie & Vicky.

By process of elimination, you should be able to identify who is who.I hope no one is getting turned off sa mga photos I'm sharing. Just want you to see how we look now.

Also, am hoping that I can entice you to send your bios and now photos. We have less than 3 months left before our reunion in Feb. - I know Sylvia is working on one; I believe Marilin is finished with hers. Maganda sana all of us who are in this e-grp have updates about ourselves. Cherrie & I can help put it together if you need help.

OH.. LA...LA.....LA...... THE OCAMPO SISTERS

Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.” Dalai Lama quotes (Head of the Dge-lugs-pa order of Tibetan Buddhists, 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, b.1935)
E-TALK BY EBB: It's amazing how fast the days rolled by when one is extremely busy. Soon it will be another Halloween this coming Saturday. Here at the U.S. it's a big events w/ young and old putting on their best or scary costumes. It was 39 Halloween's ago when I met my husband, so we always celebrate it. We plan to dine outside and not give away to trick or treaters. Instead of buying bags of expensive candies, we will buy movie tickets. We will relax and enjoy a new romantic movie like "Amelia." I like Hilary Swank and Richard Gere and surely they will add sparks to old flames. My husband and I are inseparable.

Our blog this week is also about inseparable sisters- Nati and Tessie Ocampo. I am delighted to know that Tessie and Nati are still very close after all these years. When I first met them in high school I thought they were unique sisters. I don't know any sisters who went to school same year, same class , who are as close as them. Good to know of their separate and successful careers. I am impressed also w/ Tessie's artistic talent. We have the same creative minds and hopefully someday she will be willing to assist me to make our blog more imaginative. Medyo hesitant siya. She thinks blogging is like doing math.

After months of waiting for their bios and one grand kid photo here they are. Sorry, that I could no longer wait for some photos to come because I plan to post today. I will be away from my computer starting this Wednesday and will NOT be back till Sunday night. Those who have something to share please send me your bios and photos very soon. Our file is almost empty. Of course I could always fill the gaps with photos and stories about myself but I don't like to be selfish. I'd like everybody to be in our PWU blog.

FROM NATI OCAMPO (H.S. Photo 1960-right top): Glad to see you're back. I just read our BLOG, it is so entertaining and refreshing as always. Ebb, for all it's worth, here's my short Bio.
I took up a year of Fine Arts with my sister, Tessie, at UST after high school, but found out that although I loved art, it didn't love me back. In other words, it was a one-way love affair. I don't know why, because there were a few artists in our family - an uncle who was a sculptor, a brother who was a comic illustrator, a cousin who was an advertising artist who now does serious painting, and of course, my sister Tessie who, as you know, has a keen sense and taste for art.
I finished a secretarial course at the Holy Ghost College where I met a new set of friends, and I liked the idea of landing a job immediately after graduation. My first job was as a medical secretary, followed by other jobs as executive secretary for American companies, the last one being the executive secretary to the Director of Southeast Asia, Evenflo Philippines Inc., before immigrating to Canada.
In Canada I worked for the President of Burndy Inc, a job I enjoyed very much. When my boss retired, I decided to make a change and worked for the Toronto Police Service until my retirement in 2007. I had the greatest honor of working with "Toronto's Finest" - the detectives at 42 Division, one of the largest within Metro Toronto. I was one of the support staff for the criminal investigative bureau and was assigned to the Sexual Assault and Child Abuse section. It was a job I cherished with all my heart, having learned the discipline and hard work of the detectives I worked with in order to solve a case. I helped in the preparation and movement of their cases in court, even liaising with court officers and the Attorney Generals office. All the hard work paid off I guess, because I received an award for "Teamwork Commendation".
After all said and done, I think the best job for me is still being the mother of my two sons, Phil and Marlon. Both finished their university education and are both leaders in their field. I am now retired and certainly enjoy doting on my two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Justin - from my oldest son, Phil. In December, there will be another grandchild, this time from my youngest son, Marlon. I can hardly wait for this one.
My other interests: Yoga, reading books of Dr. Daniel Amen and Nicholas Kristoff, gardening, visiting friends.
Favorite movie: Love is a Many Splendored Thing
Favorite song: A Certain Smile
TESSIE OCAMPO (HIGH SCHOOL-1960-left photo)
NOW TOG - TESSIE OCAMPO GUERRA
SHORT AUTO+BIO I completed an Associate of Fine arts degree at the College of the Holy Spirit,and went to work for an uncle who had a blouse and embroidery factory in Manila. After that I worked for textile companies as a textile designer , first was Central Textiles , then General Textiles Inc. where I met Greg, who was a Chemical Engineering graduate heading the Quality Control and where I worked with Lindus Carreon Arambulo, also from PWU but 2 years ahead of us I think. She and I really became good friends until now - after the kids came I became a wallpaper designer for Wallcrown , Sunworthy and finally F.Schumacher & Co. in New York for 4 years as a designer and stylist of the Village lines, next to their Waverly lines.This is where the book I designed , patterns and fabrics won an award for the company- the Estar Awards. If I had known Sari was in N.Y. I would have stayed- I felt alone there ( I lived with the nuns on 24th street ),as the kids were in university( my son by the way made it as an Architect ( working now in N.Y.)and my daughter is an IT) and Greg was working in New Brunswick ( eastern Canada ). As it went I resigned before my green card was started.It still is a long story and really checkered with different career experiences as an Interior Decorator and Product Designer for homes. I relish the experiences and travels, to the most parts of the U.S. and Europe, and I guess my abhorrence of Mathematics was somewhat on the sidelines during that time. I did not course the graphics area, Ebb, until now I am still a handpainter and just an old fashioned artist.I bet you are a savy computer designer, which is why I may not be able to do the blog as good as you can. I have to confess Computer is like Math to me. There you are Ebb, in a capsule, it is still just plain me- just loving my FAMILYand FRIENDS (like you guys) ! I adore my grandkids- Anastasia ( my daughter's ), Aidan and Zack ( from my son) and enjoy my walks with my senior doggies Life goes on, the simpler the better. It felt nice to share with you - Ebb and friends. More power to us and all !!
Ebb ,
For your blog:
I just got this photo of my granddaughter - Anastasia ( 3 yrs & 8 months ) She will be featured in the Greater Toronto Calendar 2010. I will send my 2 grandsons photos soon.

65th BIRTHDAY & BIO OF ESTHER LEJANO

"How does one keep from "growing old inside"? Surely only in community. The only way to make friends with time is to stay friends with people…. Taking community seriously not only gives us the companionship we need, it also relieves us of the notion that we are indispensable. "-Robert McAfee Brown

EBB'S E-TALK: Hello every one from Chula Vista, San Diego (California, U.S.A.). I am back and glad to be electronically connected again. There were many trials and errors. Some computer files and photos disappeared. I have to find out how to recover them. The good news, my e-mail address is unchanged.

For me moving to a new city is overwhelming especially during our golden years. It's not a piece of cake but it's an exciting experience. When I wake up in the morning, I feel so fresh and alive. Sleeping in a new bedroom and using a different bathroom is nice although sometimes very confusing. Many of my things are no longer in the same spot. Life is funny because right now, I have 3 toothbrushes. One on my travel bag, one on the bedroom drawer and one in the bathroom. It's good to have extras when I couldn't remember where I place my favorite toothbrush.

When I opened my inbox yesterday it was overwhelming too. Life is truly full of lights and shadows. I agree that real life is mixed with happy and sad events. Many times bad events come in bunches or waves. I am sorry to hear about the death of a past classmate and some natural disasters in the Philippines. Here in San Diego we are also coping with the sudden death of a good and long time friend (Dr. Riz Oades) who was a prominent figure among the Filipino-American community here in San Diego. He died from complications from colon cancer. He co-founded the Kalusugan Community Services with my sister Dr. Ofelia Dirige. Yesterday we attended his funeral. Over the years when we come to San Diego we had many unforgettable dinners with him and my sister. Our move here to S.D. was so timely at this sad and stressful times. We are living with my sister and providing comfort and company. We are also doing voluntary work at the KCS Center, sorting out tons of paper works and writings left by the deceased. Speaking of double sorrow, I am saddened to hear about Precy. I will always remember her as a good seatmate and classmate. In high school class we were often arranged alphabetically- Conde, Dirige and then Dizon. During our senior year she gave me a sophisticated (ma-arte na) photo of herself. I still have it attached to my old h.s. autograph. I will share it once I found the box in the storage. Those of us who are blessed with longer lives should continue to move forward despite of many obstacles along the way. Many thanks to classmates who called, e-mailed news, sent flowers, greetings and gave moral support to Precy & family. I admire the cooperative, caring and loving spirits of our class 1960.

On the brighter side, there are happy events like birthdays. Belated "Happy Birthdays" to Esther and Gerry. Coming up are photos from Esther's birthday celebration at the Mandarin Restaurant in Canada. This blog space is dedicated to Esther Lejano for her untiring efforts in scanning our senior class photos which we enjoyed looking back. Thanks again Esther for a well done job. On the other hand, although Esther remained single, she's happy with her many nieces and nephews as shown below. "Happy birthday' also to our latest celebrants-Cherrie and Tessie CP. Advance b-day greeting to Sari on Oct. 3oth.
SHARING BY SARI'S: Hi Evelyne, I know you will not read any e-mail while you up there vacationing in Colorado. However, I want to make sure I send you Esther's bio. We must congratulate Esther. Paki include a not acknowledging that Esther was responsible for scanning our HS pictures; thanks to her we all have a before picture.
BIO BY ESTHER LEJANO: I HAVE LIVED IN TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA SINCE APRIL OF 1974 BUT LIVED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA FOR TWO YEARS BEFORE MOVING TO CANADA AND BECAME A CANADIAN CITIZEN IN 1978. I WORKED WITH SEVERAL COMPANIES AND MY LAST JOB WAS AT THE CLARK INSTITUTE OF PSYCHIATRY UNTIL I RETIRED. AFTER I RETIRED I BECAME A TRAVELLING NANNY TO MY GRAND NEPHEWS AND NIECES IN THE UNITED STATES. ALTHOUGH I NEVER GOT MARRIED AND NEVER HAD CHILDREN OF MY OWN I EXPERIENCED WHAT ALL MOTHERS WENT THROUGH (EXCEPT GIVING BIRTH) TAKING CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN. I LOVE AND ENJOY BEING SINGLE.......I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT, WHENEVER I WANT TO AND I CAN GO WHEREVER I PLEASE WITHOUT ASKING THE PERMISSION OF SOMEBODY. I LOVE TO TRAVEL, PLAY PC GAMES, SURFING THE INTERNET, DANCING AND TALKING FOR HOURS ON THE PHONE WITH MY FRIENDS. I ENJOY AND LOVE TO WATCH SPORTS ON TV LIKE TENNIS, BASKETBALL (SPECIALLY WHEN THE LAKERS ARE PLAYING) AND GOLF WHEN TIGER WOODS IS PLAYING).
I LISTEN TO JAZZ, EASY LISTENING AND BLUES MUSIC WHILE I AM READING MY FAVORITE BOOK OR DOING MY FACEBOOK IN THE COMPUTER.
ATTACHED PICTURE:

MY GRANDNEPHEWS AND NIECES

IN JOY AND IN SORROW:

Forwarding a photo that Esther sent showing how Precy looked as a grown woman. Precy was the one wearing a
white blouse sitting next to Esther. We will surely miss her come reunion time on February 20, 2010.

Till next blog!

SAN FRANCISCO MINI-SOCIAL

"Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day.” Dalai Lama quotes (Head of the Dge-lugs-pa order of Tibetan Buddhists, 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, b.1935)
VICTORIA SALDANIA (PWU CLASS 1960)

PURI'S PERSPECTIVE:Hi All, Yesterday Sept 8th, a lazy day after the long frenetic Labor Day weekend, I was taking it easy. Then while I was beginning to read Ebb's new email and usual call for the new blog post at 4:15pm, the phone rang. It was Evelyn NZ asking me if she can pick me up after getting off work in 15 minutes to go see Vicky. I said what???right now??? Does Vicky know???She said I will call her after I hang up with you. Although we had planned this before with no particular date or time, it was indeed spontaneous and instantaneous ! Before getting dressed to go, I called Roselani who was still with her Mom doing dialysis at a hospital but said she will get Gu to get her and follow us wherever it may be as we did not know where to go yet. So at exactly 6pm, Vicky eagerly awaited our visit and we found her in good spirits. Last time I saw her was 20 years ago when I was 20 lbs less so she admitted she did not recognize me??!! While waiting for Roselani and Gu, we socialized with Vicky's family who I knew when they were in their teens. Her only daughter Jenny just got married and her son Mike are now both running their business and she is fully retired. She looked at peace and relaxed not like the way we were , so busy minding the stores at Ghirardelli Square of long ago.
Finally, Roselani recommended that we go to Intramuros, a fairly new restaurant in South San Francisco, just 15 minutes away from Vicky's house. Its a tastefully appointed place for fine dining. Simple elegance with 5 giant sized bevelled glass mirrors on the wall. A grand piano lighted from the ceiling by a huge capiz chandelier. They have a big function room for private parties and the bar area has music with DJ on MonTueWed and a band on ThursFriSatSun. I highly recommend esp for foreign friends to introduce them to our dishes in a classy ambiance. It was Nouvelle Cuisine at best.Their version of kare-kare, although too much heavy annatto color, had thick orange peanut butter sauce.They grilled the eggplants and used it as topping along with other vegtables. Their pork sisig was crispy topped with fried egg. Reminds me of Korean Bibimbap. The cuhol, our escargot was shelled and served with gata. A favorite was Manila Bistek, with thinly sliced deep fried potato chips. Their famous dessert was the Bibingka Souffle. Took 20 minutes to make but melts in your mouth, served on the side with goat cheese and slices of salted red eggs. Fluffiest Bibingka I ever had. Like a meringue souffle but with coconut milk poured in its center to give it that Pinoy taste. It was indeed a gustatory adventure with dear friends and wonderful recollections of yesteryears. Halika na kayo dito.
FROM ROSELANI: Hi Puri, thanks again for dinner last night. It was nice to see you again, and especially Evelyn whom I have not seen for almost 50 years. I was also glad to have found Vicky again. We lost touch when she moved out of her Plymouth house in SF maybe 10 years ago. How time flies, really. Its nice to be connected again.
Enjoyed the "chikahan" and the delicious pork sisig and bistek Manila. And because its free dinner, double enjoyment! Looking forward to another get together. Call me when you hear from Linda. Sana hindi naman ura urada, nakakahingal kasi.
From Evelyn N. - Can you imagine 5 women (some seniors) whooping it up at the restaurant from 7-11 pm? It's good they weren't very busy, or else they may have booted us out. Topics included Vicky's and Linda Chacon's heavily starched uniforms, which classmates/teachers have died, picking things up with your toes, passing between two people talking, retired husbands, etc. I tell you, no topic was off limits. I can just imagine the noise level at the PJ Party during the reunion.

Vicky and husband Carlos Gruela,

(81 yrs old) and daughter Jenny and her husband.

Taken Sept 8,2009 in Vicky's sala