BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR “ATE” GIRLIE

By Naty Ocampo Cristi

We celebrated Girlie's birthday on November 29, 2012. The aroma of good food led us to a fine restaurant in Brampton, Ontario named WOK OF FAME. The place is famous for its Chinese and Japanese cuisine, complete with Tepanyaki where people line up for tender, juicy steaks, crisp Tilapia and veggies. So, who is this grand dame, this gregarious lady who treated us to this fine place? Why, it's our very own "Ate" Girlie of course! When it comes to fine dining, she is our version of the "Pied Piper of Hamelin", the only one who could lead us to excellent eating places at the snap of her fingers! I've known Girlie since our JASMS school days, practically grew up with her and literally "floated" with her in the swimming pool of PWU (come to think of it, did we ever learn to swim, Girlie?). Apart from her striking, big dark eyes perhaps she was best known for her height. Oh, yes. She was the tallest in the class then, and still the tallest in our group now. To formally introduce you to this fine lady that we all know as "Ate" Girlie: First, she is someone who knows how to treat a friend. She is close but not clingy; direct but not cruel; chic and yet simple. She treats people equally the same - no bragging, no need to outshine anybody. She can laugh at herself and doesn't hesitate to laugh the loudest and roll with gusto at your jokes. She gives good advice whenever her friends need it. She is "Miss Manners" and "Ann Landers" personified. You can't go wrong with a friend like her. Girlie comes from a loving, close knit family. She and her older brother took over when their parents died. What I've seen in their relationship as a family is quite enviable. All siblings living in one happy, rollicking house. All brothers and sisters adore her. I can just imagine the laughter that emanate from their house, what with Girlie and her siblings possessing a gift, the gift of humor. It is also this gift that draws all of us to her. She is the friend with a little girl's name who has the heart of a gentle giant. We're so fortunate to share this part of the globe with her, and it is comforting to know that we shall endure once more our long winter months, because we have a friend whose love and laughter never fail to warm us. Happy Birthday, dear friend, please --- don't ever change. Naty

A Wedding (Affair) to Remember

On the beautiful 3rd Saturday of June 2012 (16th day of the month), guests savored the sound of music played from a harp while they await at the church of St. Mary’s
of Winfield in Woodside, NY. At about 2:45 pm, the wedding entourage march begun…featured Mom (Azucena Valenzuela-Poblete) and daughter (Raquel Margarita) who walked hand in hand down the aisle…By the altar, the groom (Daniel Lewis Maltz) awaited to “claim” his bride…calmly Mom “surrendered” her daughter to begin the wedding rites.

At past 4 pm, Raquel & Daniel were wed and recessed to the front entrance of the church. Former high school classmates, Lolit Agustin Sison, Carmen Exconde Altman along with hubby Michael Altman and Sari Valenzuela were among the 200 plus guests who blew bubbles to cheer and welcome the newlyweds..

Reception followed at 7 pm at the Roosevelt Hotel grand ballroom….This hotel located in Manhattan is favored by many visiting Filipinos. There was a open-bar and hors d’oeuvres galore before dinner….

The newlyweds joined their guests via a grand entrance from the mezzanine balcony to the main grand ballroom floor.…

Opening dance…Mom and Daughter danced with the Valenzuela brothers of Ening……

Joined later by guests….it was a “swinging” evening…young & old…male & female, female & female dancing freely to the music of a live band…Raquel, a Julliard graduate specializing in flute, surprised her guests, played the flute with a piano accompaniment by a fellow Julliard graduate…it was a day filled with memories of a beautifully planned and executed wedding….the evening past midnight was capped with personalized wedding favors in the form of capiz-made picture frames featuring the newlyweds…..it was indeed a wedding to remember.

"A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WITH TWICE THE SURPRISE"


Yesterday, July 1, 2012, should go down in the birthday history of a certain lucky celebrant -- Aurora Villanueva Agellon (Rory).

At around noon hour, each of Rory's guests arrived, in two's and three's, each one admiring her beautiful, well-tended garden. A little touch here and a little pinch there -- the poor plants and flowers must have uttered some complaints without being heard by us. Oh, well let them complain. We were having fun under the warm sun and blue sky, taking some pictures amid some giggling. And so it went until the sun became too hot for us "senior citizens", so we decided to take shelter under the canopy provided by Rory's loving husband, Noli.

We didn't waste time in catching up with lost time. The "how are you's" and "what's new with your life" and the funny jokes seemed to have no end until the birthday celebrant opened her gated garden to a guest. Suddenly, oh suddenly --- I heard loud shrieks and somebody fell off her seat (wait a minute, that was me!). For a moment I thought I was watching a concert of Lady Gaga or Madonna, not that I'm a fan of these two.

Everything came to a halt. All I remember was everybody's jaw dropping and everybody's mouth agape as in very slow motion --- in walked the surprise guest! With a trail of flaxen hair being blown as she walked by, the "Oh, my God, it's her, it's her!" remarks were all that could be heard.

Can you guess who just walked in? Why, it's the greatest sleuth of all times, the Sherlock Holmes of PWU class 1960! It's -- it's Sari Valenzuela herself! Which brings me to the question: where is Watson, her sidekick?

And from here on, the party really begun. WE HAD FUN, FUN, FUN! It goes without saying, last night must have been Rory's happiest get together and birthday celebration yet. We dined and talked and played a game similar to Jeopardy till it was time to go at last.

Oh, but wait, we didn't leave empty-hand. All of us won the game and were given a gift by the celebrant herself. The gifts (bracelets) were hand carried by Rory's sister, Lita, from Manila. I shall bring mine to Sweden and proudly wear it, because I know by doing so, I'll be in the company of my dear sister and classmates like last night, and I'll smile. Endlessly.

Happy Birthday again, Rory. May you have more fun-filled birthdays to come. And next time, we hope to see Sari's Dr. Watson, her partner in this wonderful surprise.


Naty

A LONESOME ROAD

"Our life is an endless journey; it is like a broad highway that extends infinitely into the distance. The practice of meditation provides a vehicle to travel on that road. Our journey consists of constant ups and downs ... "- Chogyam Trungpa

Written by Evelyne Dirige Resella:
I always believe that Life is like a long  journey.  Many times our journey in life is filled with endless ups & downs. Steep mountains to climb & dry valleys that tests our endurance. Happiness & pain. Joy & sorrow. Sickness & good health. Richer &  poorer. But in all of these happy & stormy experiences many of us remain sturdy and strong.

This short story is dedicated to one of our classmates named Evelyn Nazareth Zabala. I first met her during our freshman year in high school at the Philippine Women's University. We both have the same beautiful English name "Evelyn. " So I never will forget her as we are what  they called in Tagalog as "tukayo." Later in college, I asked my father (a lawyer) to change the spelling of my name to Evelyne, a letter "e " was added to make it sounds more Frenchy. Today I am popularly known among classmates as Ebb and Evelyn as ENZ. I hope this will dispel the confusion among some of us. We were in class section- A, where many of the brainiest from the class 1960  were cloned. Ha! Ha! Ha!

   Ebb and Evelyn

 I didn't see Evelyn again till after 50 yrs. later. I attended college at the UP. School of Fine Arts & she went to PWU for her B.S. in Chemistry. We were reunited by our PWU blog & grp.- emails. I actually saw her again face to face during our 50th PWU high school class reunion in Makati last February 27,2010. In high scholl we were the petite type. Surprisingly, she is now taller than me.

We continue to reconnect after our 50th reunion because my husband (Rhod)  & I moved to San Diego, California, where ENZ lives.  Rhod & I finally met Evelyn's 2nd husband, Frank Ferarro. Had dinner together at the Joe's Crab Shack at Pacific Beach, San Diego. We planned many more dinners together but our schedules were always in conflict. We will always treasure the happy short memories we had shared.

Audrey (Ebb's grandaughter), Evelyn, Ebb & Rhod
Simon (Ebb's grandson-not in photo. He took this photo.)
Left to Right

Last June, Evelyn's husband (Frank) passed away.The memorial service was held at the St. John's Church at San Fernando Valley, California. Fortunately, we were able to attend the mass w/ our    2 grandteens. We just moved to Valencia which is not too far away from the church. In behalf of the PWU class 1960, we were able to give her a lovely live orchid plant w/ 2 cactus on a pot of white  conch shell.
                                                                                                             

I searched many florist shops & nurseries to find the right  plant for Evelyn on this sad occassion, the death of  a second husband. Being widowed twice is a very lonesome road to walk through.. But I admired her for being as strong as the cactus and lovely as the orchids. She stands strong not giving in to despair. She looks good and still young. I think in the future she's will able to go for the third round. How about joining my CLUB? Many of you know about  it .."COUGAR CLUB ." 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT AS WE JOURNEY THROUGH THE REST OF 2012............ 

"May we all know God's presence, protection and love for as us through each tunnel, curve, detour, slippery road, steep hills, stormy times, etc."                                                                                                            

Celia's Special Birthday Celebration

Sharing with you my 2 part account of vacation spent Nov 26 to Dec 1 in Boracay . Not one of the kids nor my sister in law, Joy , who arrived from Virginia USA for her annual Manila vacation were able to join us.

Nov 30, 2011
Here I am in the veranda of room # 3201 of the Pebble Beach Villa in Fairways and Bluewater thoroughly enjoying the cool breezes and magnificent panoramic views of hole #4. Chirping sounds of birds, rustling sounds of coconut fronds swaying with the breeze fail to mask the whirr of heavy equipment moving earth and concrete to my right where a few villas are under construction and to my left, an occasional sound of tricycles as they ply the main road beyond the perimeter fence. Idyllic conditions nonetheless compared to the stifling, hot and noisy conditions back in Manila.
Here we can feel the difference and wonder whether at this season in our lives, that moving into such an environment can improve the quality of our lives if not lengthen it.
Coming back to Canyon on my birthday for the third year has made Fairways and Bluewater our home away from home, a beach retreat without competing for space with the hordes of tourists along the white beach. There are no clocks on the walls and time passes by each precious minute displacing every anxiety, worry or pressure living in the city brings.
The housekeeping has vastly improved and our unit is spotless and well provided for. It is now well- maintained and as a member, I can proudly endorse it to others looking for such accommodations. The food at the Terrazas however, is something that needs improvement. Our house cook Yoly turns out better tasting dishes. They should bring back Billy King or get a real chef to take over the menu and the kitchen. The main white beach with its hotels and restaurants, massage places, shops, and small vendors selling trinkets, pearls, artists bending wire into your name, painting your name on t-shirts, bracelets etc have turned this pristine white beach into a commercial area and the only motivation I have for going into it is to look for a restaurant offering good food at reasonable prices. Food in Boracay is not cheap. Along the strip near D'Mall area, there are places selling really good Western food at hotel prices. One can see where the local tourists go for good freshly cooked and low priced meals, Mang Inasal and Andoks. For only P99, one can have a cup of steaming rice wrapped in a banana leaf and a quarter piece of barbecued chicken. Add a side of ensaladang talong with a thick layer of bagoong or ginataan kangkong with a topping of brown crispy garlic for P25 and you have the perfect meal. At those prices, that's hard to beat. This was our first time to try Mang Inasal because it's always full of customers and we never tried it in Manila either because it was nearly always inaccessible to car riders. There were the usual Cyma, Pancake House, Yellow Cab Pizza, hotel coffee shops and outlets but we prefer to dine alfresco by the beach even if the buffet costs P350. Nothing beats the sound of the lapping of the waves breaking upon the shores and looking at the fingernail moon casting it's soft shimmery silver shadow on the waters. One has to be careful in choosing the restaurant and make sure it's away from the jamming bands. In all my two decades of going to Boracay, I have seen it evolve from a rustic, languid and quiet place into what it is now. Back then, people came here to get away from the city life, nowadays the partygoers from the city have brought their city lifestyle here. Maybe good for business but not when you want a different vacation. I still remember the bahay kubo we rented, sometime three of them for the entire family. The walls and floors were made of bamboo, the roof was thatched, the bathrooms were single unit buhos-type , the beds were papag topped with thin mattresses and we slept under a mosquito net. There was no hot water in the taps and we didn't mind. That was so unique. I remember that there were more young Europeans renting these bah kubos and I would chuckle at how incongruous they looked, sitting by the windows, looking like giants because the houses were scaled to accomodate Asians. They didn't seem to mind the lack of amenities. They came to swim, go diving and bask under the tropical sun away from sub zero temperatures in their native countries.


Dec 1, 2011




Last night was different. We decided to have dinner by the beach. Taking the 6pm shuttle to D'Mall, we got off at Korean Church alley marked by a Ken's and walked down to the beach. If we had taken the 5pm shuttle, we would have been right on time to watch the beautiful sunset. But it wasn't meant to be. We woke up from our afternoon nap at 4:30 and missed it. But the night was still young and we wanted to check out the quiet side of white beach. This is where the ritzier accommodation is - where Friday's, Patio Pacific, Sea Wind, Waling Waling reigned for a decade or so, now there are sleeker hotels such as Discovery Shores, Estacia Una (formerly Waling Waling), White House, to name a few. The small Jonah fruit shakes and pusit barbecue grill stands are still there but are now replaced with more permanent structures - Jonah's sporting a new look and menu that has expanded into merienda and pulutan items.
O'Bama Grill lords it over this portion of the beach, its location ideal as it opens to the main street on the other side. This is where we decided to have our dinner. Before settling down on a couple of chairs with a low table facing the beach ,the tiny stand beside it with its offerings of pusit, pork, and chicken sticks on sticks proved irresistible and Roby had to have one dried "pusit-cue" bringing back those times in the 90's when we first started our yearly tryst with Boracay. He deplored that At P20/stick of 2 pieces, it was no longer the turista's snack on a budget.
We ordered inihaw na tuna belly steak at the exorbitant price of a little over P1,000/kilo. Ours weighed around 450 grams and cost P560. A side dish of the lowly kangkong, steamed (drowned in oyster sauce) was the perfect side dish. I specified that it grilled with salt and pepper only, passing up on the lemon butter sauce and opting for the waiter's concoction of toyo, calamansi, chopped onions and sili labuyo using his native taste buds as a guide. Asked that the kangkong not be stir fried with butter ( I have never had kangkong with butter) but it was clear that the style of cooking on the menu was influenced by Western palates.



While waiting for our dinner, we settled back on our plastic armchairs, enjoying the balmy air and the constant gentle lapping of the waves as it crashed on the shore. The fingernail moon casting it's silvery glow on the shimmering waves - all this is what we came back for, priceless moments nourishing one's soul. The place had three wide steps leading up to the main sandy floor and I noticed a young couple a step down in front of us each one having the promo of three drinks for the price of one. The man had a thick Spanish accent and the girl was a local judging by her lilting Ilonggo accent. i overheard him challenging her to finish her drink saying that "in my country it was an insult not to finish one's drink ". Never heard that line. She giggled and was clearly getting tipsy and I couldn’t help observing that the man was succeeding in seducing his partner, not having ordered any pulutan to fill her stomach. She stood up excusing herself to go to the restroom, her swaying gait betraying that she was teetering on the edge of losing her conscience if not her consciousness. She was probably in her early forties, old enough to know what she was doing and her skimpy shorts and her long hair with brownish highlights made her look even younger. I felt sorry for her that she had to put up with such a lousy date, clearly on the prowl for a willing prey.




It brought me back to my caddy of two days, probably as old as she was but looking ten years older because she had lost nearly all of her teeth. She was eking out a living to feed her family and her asset were a pair of strong legs and clear eyesight and a dedication to her job which entailed learning the game of golf in order to better assist the player. She has to learn to tell distances, different golf terminologies, familiarize herself with the different clubs and their uses, give advice on course management when needed and be alert at all times. She gets P300 per round of 18 holes and is lucky to get a tip of P100 after the game if the player is happy with her. We heard that Taiwanese tourists don't give them tips because it's all part of the package and the tour guides pocket it. Both skilled in their own trade but a contrast in ways of earning a living.



My musings were suddenly interrupted by a "flight" of four fire dancers who were neither here nor there in appearance but everywhere swinging their globes of light in different patterns, weaving in and out among the guests showing their expertise with kerosene- fed open lamps. They were very skillful and kept us entertained during our meal. Two groups of locals and a group of Europeans with their small children were clearly fascinated by this show and the dancers obliged by weaving fiery patterns dangerously close to them. A few even lighted their cigarettes on the whirling fire and posed under halos of fire while having their pictures taken. One tried the same trick on us and we felt brave for allowing them to do so barely surviving the trick without singeing a single strand of hair.

Our yearly vacation was nearly coming to an end and the leisurely walk on the beach under the stars was a must leaving a pleasant memory of this island paradise soon to be lost. It was our way of saying our goodbyes, feeling the cool wettish sand in between our toes and looking up at the starless sky.

Commercialization has overtaken this island like a tsunami coming in waves of branded hotels, local food chains, boutique stores, all kinds of beach sports, spas and massage parlors stand shoulder to shoulder on kilometers of beachfront. Instead of preserving the character of the island which was noted for its pristine beauty it is now forced to take on a character alien to it's nature. It's almost like there are two worlds existing side by side. The original and the diluted one. The demarcation ends where the food outlets and bars begin. I wonder why noisy music seems to be associated with having fun. Can't one party with a simple luau on the beach with torches and plain barbecue, fresh fruit and shakes, a beer or two to liven things up a bit. Sea Wind stubbornly sticks to this relaxing and leisurely dinner although several notches up. It now costs P645/ head all in. Very good place for family dinners and parties.
Now the jamming bands from the city are along the strip bringing a sense of seedy Mabini to it. I remember the old disco place Bazura that played disco music and dancing for insomniacs who needed the extra stimulation and booze to fall asleep. It was on the other end of the beach and attracted only those who wanted it. ipone has to struggle to remember the lifestyle it was noted for which brought the tourists in the first place - the small thatched nipa huts, lack of electricity, just the pristine blue waters and its fine talcum powder sand as the main attractions. It was primitive and chaotic but oh so different. Simple pleasures like looking forward to having Jonah's fruit shakes in the shade of a swaying coconut tree
Mango Ray has maintained it's cool garden nature reminiscent of the Boracay we once knew. Cool under the harsh afternoon sun and one felt cocooned, surrounded by tall swaying palm trees and ornamental plants and bushes. Another one is Nigi Nigi Noo Noo with it's signature pagoda thatched roofs.

FLORIDA'S GOLDEN ROAD

It's been a while since my last post here in our "Gintong Daan." I am now back home after a long & wonderful tour of Europe. Glad to be home. As always, no matter where we wandered, "there's no place like home sweet home."

I meant to share my birthday celebration last September but photos are not yet ready. Sorry to keep you all waiting. Meanwhile, I'd like to share a slice of a trip to Siesta Key, Sarasota last 2008. My husband and I always look forward to our trip to Florida every November. For 6 consecutive years, my hubby attended business conferences either at Sarasota or Longboat Key, at the Gulf side of Florida. I oftened tagged along and enjoyed the many privileges such as free airfare, hotel and dinner. Now that he's retired I missed those trips when November comes along.

I saw his sculptural painting at the Carmel ( Ca.) Art Festival, many years ago. Its a map of the United States & was cleverly created from discarded car plates. On the west coast side, stands out California state. On the east coast side parallel to California is Florida State. Florida is known as the Golden State or Sunshine State, etc.

During one of our many trips to Sarasota on Gulf Coast of Florida, we discovered this hidden gem in 2008. I smiled from ear to ear. LOOK..... my name was up there. I didn't know someone admired my nick name and named this motel after me.

Here's a close up view of the Ebb Tide motel. If I owned this place, everyone will be invited to our class reunion. Free lodging of course. There's the Siesta Key Beach nearby and voted as the #1 best beach in the U.S. You have to see it to believe. This white beach has sand as fine as powder. Also very clean. Plus the weather is very beautiful even in November. I hope Cherrie will agree to this
and be our tour guide in Florida.

Rory Villanueva-Agellon's Birthday - June 11, 2011

Rory Villanueva-Agellon - Another  Milestone

by Naty Ocampo-Cristi

We celebrated Rory's birthday at the Wasabi Buffet Restaurant in Mississauga on June 2, 2011.  We enjoyed the ambiance and service, not to mention the vast gastronomic choices of Japanese, Chinese and North American food.  After our sumptuous lunch, Rory invited us to her house in Oakville for a marathon of desserts, among them the birthday cake given by Girlie Rivera (store bought of course, he he he), which is understandable, as no one among us can bake like our Rory.  We thoroughly enjoyed the moment, especially watching her excitement as she opened her gifts.

Born in June, Rory's birthstone is the Pearl which signifies loyalty, faithfulness and friendship.  All these qualities describe Rory to a "T".  Somehow, I've come to believe that our birthstones have a lifetime influence on us.  Rory's friendship has been tested and proven by all of us.  She  has a heart bigger than her, so to speak.  This heart doesn't know the  word "barrier" and so accepts anyone with a childlike innocence and trust.  It is this heart of Rory that is the REAL gem - an exquisite Pearl, indeed.

Happy Birthday again "Oret"!  We will always be grateful for all the delicious cakes you baked for us on our birthdays.  Most of all, we will always be grateful for having you in our life.