MAKULAY NA BUHAY NI LANI

2nd submission in my Friends and Friendship Sequel: Ang Makulay na Buhay ni Lani -Written by Sari
Thelma Melania Villa-Real Enriquez (DOB 12-31-1944) came to PWU when we were Juniors, 1958-59. She was kind of demure but not for long. She became rugged, especially when she began playing basketball with us (even trying hard lang siya). By the Senior year, Lani learned all the tricks on how to beat classes. Nonetheless, Lani graduated with HS Class 1960 and went on to study in UP. As Cora Fausto remembers, she and Lani were in the same “block” and Lani continued on with her easy going fun loving way. I found Lani taking Clothing Textile & Related Arts (CTRA), which like Nutrition, was in the College of Home Economics. There was no escaping Lani. We were even classmates in Food & Nutrition I, along with Cora FG and Gloria Villareal Boren, who were in the Nutrition program. Our Professor had to keep her cool with us who were rowdy students. I nearly failed that course. College progressed, Lani spent more time with CTRA friends & projects, Boots, & boyfriend, who I thought Lani would marry before finishing college.
Then Lani disappeared. She was sent to a Finishing School in Madrid, where Lani nearly “finished” MD (marriage degree) with a handsome Black American officer who was stationed in Spain. This relationship ended abruptly when her Dad came to Spain and took Lani home. Lani worked in a bank, but not for long. In 1966, she got married to Tito Eddie (Eduardo Enriquez of Enriquez Securities), her Dad’s good friend. Eddie was a widower with 8 offspring so Lani not only had an instant made, but also a BIG family. Lani had 3 kids of her own: Jujut, Jodie & Betbet. She did not have to learn how to take care of her kids; they all had yayas. Lani had a leisure, but very restricted life. Eddie had specific expectations of “feminine” behavior that Lani had difficulty adhering to. In 1983, Lani was at my doorsteps in West Orange, NJ. We became roommates perhaps for more than a year (I refuse to remember those blue days of my life. Ha! Ha! Ha!). Lani took up temp jobs – office runner, secretary and any odd jobs to make a living. She took breaks on weekends visiting her cousin, Boots, who was in Washington, D.C. area. At some point, Fe Ilagan, Lani and Lita Ramos were staying with me in West Orange. Despite the fact that I worked, I still had to cook dinner for none of them knew how to cook (Lita was not in the best of health at that time). We had lots of fun on those days – Fe did lots of shopping, Lita some & Lani none. Boots empathized with me for having to put up with her cousin & used to tell me that Lani was my ticket to heaven. Roselani along with 2 of her older daughters were also in the NY area. As a matter of fact, they had the same Job Agency that offered them jobs. Gerry was also living in Jersey City at that time so Lani was a frequent “bwisitor” of the Tiongsons. – There was something consistent when Lani was around – there was fun and laughter. Most of the time, Lani was the target or cause of those boisterous laughs. When Lani had enough of life without direction in the US, she returned home and settled at her parents’ compound. She was a mother again to her kids whom she had no choice but to leave behind. Lani settled for a simple routine life– wake up late, play ma-jong, listen to live music some nights, dine out, spend time with friends and 8 grandchildren, etc. Lani re-visited the US in 2001. She joined in my trip to Europe with some friends like Lita. It was a trip that somewhat traumatized Lita in Barcelona. Then back in NYC, both Lani and Lita witnessed the trauma NY City experienced when the Twin Towers collapsed on 9/11.– Though Lani & I sound like fighting dogs when we are together – that’s our natural expression of how we care for each other - carino brutal. Deep in our respective hearts, we are good friends. I need Lani in my life to assure my place in heaven. Lani, likewise, needs me as her ticket to heaven. How delightful it is to have a friend one can abuse, but rely on at the same time.

Addendum: Lani & her Gucci Bags. I cannot remember the year this happened, but possibly in 1983 when Lani was still on “full scholarship” from Eddie, her ex (but not divorced from) husband. Lani bought 2 Gucci bags from a Gucci Outlet in Secaucus, NJ. I won’t say the price, but Gucci bags were Lani’s weakness then…1st Gucci incident: One beautiful Summer day in New York City Times Square area, Lani was having lunch by herself without any care in the world. She was so engrossed in her surroundings, likely day dreaming too. All of a sudden a man stood in front of her, blocked her view and dangled a Gucci bag that looked like hers. Lani looked for her purse that she placed on her feet. Alas, it was not there! It turned out the man was an undercover police who with his partner were conducting a surveillance of a known “pick-pocketer”. This guy was so smooth; Lani did not even realize her purse was taken. If not for the alert NYPD undercover, Lani would have lost her Gucci forever. The 2^nd Gucci incident:. Lani was with Fe Ilagan walking towards the parking lot of Baguio’s Pines Hotel. It was after midnight and they were going “home” after winning Baccarat at the hotel casino. All of a sudden, a guy wrapped his arm around Lani and pointed a knife at her. Lani at first thought it was her son Jodie who was playing a trick on her and asked him to stop. A few feet away, Fe was having a tug-of-war of her handbag against the other mugger; the bag contained Fe’s Baccarat winnings. Although Lani had given her Gucci to the man holding her with a knife, he would not release Lani. Fe was still holding on to her loot. Lani shouted and told Fe “Ibigay mo na?” Fe responded, “Alin?” After some more tug-of-war, Fe surrendered her bag to the muggers who immediately fled. This was a great display of friendship, but only after some deliberation. It was not easy to give up something like P12,000 winnings – even for a good friend (ha ha ha). After this incident, Lani had sworn off Gucci bags; never again did she buy any…. There was a sub-story made up by so called good friends in the exchange between Lani & Fe – “Ibigay mo na!” “Alin?” It is funny if you get it.

"ALA CINDERELLA STORY"

"The key to happiness is having dreams. The key to success is making your dreams come true."Anonymous

EBB"S E-TALK: Since I started doing our blog, I am very happy and proud to discover that many classmates from our high school class 1960 had succeeded in their chosen career. One of them is the popular Yoly Bello. When I first met her in h.s. I was immmediately drawn to her beautiful, round and expressive eyes. She used those eyes so well in her acting roles and declamation contest. She is one classmates that I was lucky to see and connect after high school graduation. We both took Fine Arts at U.P.. We only had a small class about 10 students.....so I remember her pretty well. But later after 3 years, she shifted to Speech and Drama and never heard from her since then. Last August we exchanged few e-mails and I was glad she still remembered me. She told me ... "I wished I became an artist like you." Although she's a successful business woman she didn't design her famous shoes from Via Venetto. Cinderella became famous for the shoes she left behind for her future Prince Charming. Yoly like Cinderella also became famous for her shoes. She owns more than 2,000 shoes. She surpassed Imelda Marcos who became famous for her 2,000 pairs of shoes displayed at the Malacanang Palace. Here's Yoly's fairy-like story.

Name: Yolanda Bello Pajaro
Date of Birth: April 28, 1945
Civil Status: Married, annulled
Home Address: 102 Gen Ordonez St., Marikina Heights, Concepcion, Marikina City
Business Address: VIA VENETTO, 1st Fl. Makati Tuscany Condominiums, Ayala Ave. Makati City
Home Phone: 941-78-45, 941-59-61
Business Phone: 892-63-34
Business Fax: 843-27-25
Email: franshoe@nsclub.net, viavenettoinc@yahoo.com

Education and Special Training:
Elementary, Philippine Women’s University
Secondary, Philippine Women’s University
Bachelor of Arts, Speech and Drama and 3 yrs in Fine Arts
University of the Philippines
Work Experience:
Faculty Member, Dept of Speech and Drama, University of the Philippines, 1966-1973

Children: Jennifer P. Santiago,Yolanda Cecilia Pajaro,Emilio Francisco Pajaro; Vicente Emmanuel Pajaro, Ma. Tsarina P. Inocian
1.President, VIA VENETTO SHOES, 1973 to the present
2.President, FRANCESCO, 1993 to the present
3.President, SUNDANCE, 2000 to the present
4.Board Member, Putik Pottery Foundation
5.Proprietor, Creative Pottery, hand built and thrown ceramics store, 2001- 03

Honors, Awards and Recognitions:
1. Finalists, Search for Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst and Young and SGV, 2005
2.Outstanding Professional Award , Business Administration, U of the Philippines, June 23, 2007
3.Mariang Maya Award for 4.Outstanding Achiever in Business and Entrepreneurship. Sigma Delta Phi, U of the Philippines, 2003
5.Certificate of Recognition, June 2003. “For generous support to the Free-feeding program and continuing contribution towards generating employment….” Markina Heights, Marikina City
6. Gabriela Silang Award Life achievement Award, May 1990. “For her invaluable services and profound interest for the promotion of the well-being of this municipality…”Santa, Ilocos Sur
7. Gawad-Pasasalamat,” Sa pakikiisa at pagbahagi ng kanyang mga kaalaman at karanasan….” Marikina Footwear and Leatherwoods Manufacturers Cooperative, Marikina City, March 2001
7. Certificate of Recognition,” In sincere recognition and profound gratitude for her invaluable support to the Ministries…”Covenant Children Fellowship, August 2005 Contribution to Advancement of Profession:
More About Via Venetto:
“Via Venetto is the acknowledged market leader in the industry. The leadership of Via Venetto is not limited to mere market shares, which are defined by figures and statistics that are meaningless to the consumer. Instead, Via Venetto, out of total respect for its consumers, provides the industry with a standard against which excellence is measured”.
“Via Venetto is not just the market leader. Its very name spells the highest standard of excellence in the industry.”

"WHAT MAKES A SUCESSFUL ENTERPRENEUR" by Fay Garcillano and Mike D. Leda. MBM ‘93, La Salle University.

…With an eye for beauty, comfort and strict workmanship, she has enhanced the competitiveness of Philippine shoes in the world market, at the same time reviving Marikina’s fame as the country’s shoe capital. 2007 ALUMNI YEARBOOK, UP General-Alumni Homecoming reunion.

Special Interests: · Pottery. Have been attending for three years hand built and thrown pottery workshops, glazing and firing techniques and methods conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Jon Pettyjohn · Collects art works of Filipino contemporary artists and art works from the Philippine period of realism
· Painting from life and still life.

TITA HELEN

Written by Puri Capistrano Laconico : "SENATOR HELENA Z.BENITEZ"

In any arena there is a void waiting to be filled by someone with vision to share……
A visionary in our midst whom we fondly call Tita Helen, a name we utter in awe, admiration, respect and endearment filled that void to the brim.
We may never fathom the depth of her influence in our lives here in our homeland and abroad.
We each have a story to tell the way I have mine.
We both have the distinct pleasure of calling ourselves pure Philwomenians from elementary,high school through college.From a timid, shy and scared student, JASMS under the reins of Mrs Gamboa the family oriented atmosphere pulled me out of my uncertainties through progressive learning methods .As a product of that experiment, a sense of confidence grew to surmount fears that trampled nagging anxieties in years to come.In High School, the mere campus presence of Mama B, Daddy B, Tito Tom and Tita Helen permeated a loving family style culture enhancing education with ample doses of emotional stability and a sense of belonging.
Her most legendary legacy was the founding of the Bayanihan Dance Company that catapulted Philippine culture to the world stage. To this day 50 years later, it continues to collect accolades and kudos in the international scene. Back then we naïve high school students became recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Peace Award, for Goodwill. Its the Asian equivalence of the Nobel Peace Prize.We were on the world map while having the funnest times of our lives, admired by foreign dignitaries,celebrities and the press. A new persona evolved that dramatically changed our lives.A new perspective in world vista and a discovery that we are all as different as we are alike.Through Tita Helen, we experienced the richness of becoming world citizens .Through her we stretched our limits from the campus green benches to the vast expanse of the horizon.

Her frequent travels abroad to receive conferrments and honors are always capped by the thrill of alumni gatherings she attends around the globe. Mayor Willie Brown proclaimed a Helena Z. Benitez Day at City Hall in San Francisco but her heart throbs for the next Philwomenian she will encounter. Seeing them, breaking bread with them, relishing their successes and stations in life ,touching the downtrodden, cheering and egging on in the fulfillment of our whims and dreams, truly all these are the treasured rewards of her lifeswork.Engaged and buzzing with the frantic swarm of life like fireflies in a jar.Telling snippets of an entire milieu hints beyond the glimmering tales of her entire following like fireflies who flew from the jar to the skies.

With gratitude we embrace her steadfast devotion, loyalty and inescapable grasp.To lock ourselves in that embrace is consummate comfort.
She is the iconic institution who will live forever in people’s hearts and from whom we are heir to. Being 95 is a milestone we all strive to reach.
May the years ahead continue to bless you with the full harvest of your bounty. Happy Birthday dear Tita Helen !


Puri Capistrano Laconicoi Capistrano Laconico

FRIENDS AND FRIENDSHIP

"AND REMEMBER: GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS. YOU DON'T ALWAYS SEE THEM, BUT YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY ARE THERE!!!!!!" by Maya Angelou

Friends and Friendship by Sari:
I have been threatening to write about friends who have been quiet….and I really mean it. So here goes…… ·Aurora Villanueva Agellon – Rory (Kulasa, as I call her). She took up Nutrition at University of Sto. Tomas (UST); a “celebrity” classmate who considered Rory a close friend was Cynthia. I cannot remember how Rory and I kept in touch, but we did. She came to visit me in Detroit in 1967 when I was a dietetic intern at Henry Ford Hospital, while she was working as a dietitian in Toronto. Rory later met her better half (I really mean better) , Noli Agellon, who hails from Cavite and is related to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. They married in 1973 and later produced a son & a daughter – Noel (33, a finance expert who works in Toronto area) and Chari (31 a graphic artist who moved to Vancouver). Like most of our classmates, Rory was a super woman. She managed to raise well behaved goal oriented kids and at the same time build her career. She was a Manager, Nutrition Dept., Health Promotion till she retired in 2008. I re-connected with Rory in early 1990s; visited them in Oakville, Ontario at least 3 times (that’s how I know who the better half is).

It is amazing how kids influence their parents’ interest. Rory got into serious jogging because of her kids. I imagine jogging the path along Lake Ontario would be quite motivating. Rory later took up biking and continues to do so plus skiing during the winter. Rory is now “retarded” and has been giving back to the community. She teaches catechism to SK to third graders, visits a nursing home and has been making “rounds” of different parishes. This is how she re-bonded with Tessie OG. While praying the rosary, Rory recognized the familiar voice of the person leading the rosary – it was the deep full bodied voice of Tessie OG. Rory feels fulfilled – physically and spiritually. Without any doubt, Rory will continue the life she is living! When I, Bruha (a name Rory calls me) retire, I could only wish I’d have even half of Kulasa’s energy - both physically and spiritually.

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!