SARI-SARING HARDIN (Part2)

"I think the true gardener is a lover of his flowers, not a critic of them. I think the true gardener is the reverent servant of Nature, not her truculent, wife-beating master. I think the true gardener, the older he grows, should more and more develop a humble, grateful and uncertain spirit." ~Reginald Farrer, In a

Yorkshire Garden, 1909

GARDEN TALK FROM CORA:These are all very interesting conversation. Para tayong mga halaman.We were initially planted in the same pot- and for four years- we grew in that same pot - getting the same care and nurturance, as we grew in a common environment and coped with the same challenges during our growing years. .But after graduation - we were drawn out from that common pot- and were planted in different places, different environments - where - for 50 years - we were faced with diverse challenges that tested our spirit, which also gave us to know ourselves better, and to show to the world what we are made of. And now- these plants ( tayo yun) have grown to become trees- and are now tracing what happened during these 50 years - that made us what we are now. Much of what we are now is traceable to what we have all been through during these past years. Yet- diverse as our past experiences can be - we still find a lot in common with one another- having been "planted" in the same pot for four of our growing years.Very interesting that - now - kahit sino man tayo at kahit ano pa ang nangyari sa atin - we have those precious " shared" years to look back to and treasure as significant part of our growing up years.What we have shared is so precious to us all- as we are one in saying we are lucky to have had the PWU brand of nurturance and care.

EBB'S DESERT GARDEN- SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA- Welcome to our sari-saring hardin Part 2. Sorry it took me a while to post this. Had a difficult time due to changes in computer format. I am not use to it and need to practice. Change is not always easy.

PHOTO#1- BEFORE (Taken last Sept. 2010)

PHOTO#2- AFTER (CACTUS GARDEN-April 2011)

PHOTO#3-CACTUS FLOWER

PHOTO#4-RIVER VIEW FROM OUR BACKYARD

FLOR'S DESERT GARDEN (CASA GRANDE, ARIZONA) Hello everyone! This is my small place and desert garden. What you can see are the remnants of winter in the Valley of the Sun. This is my new challenge in life...to grow tropical plants in a desert environment. The front is for flowering plants.

I am still waiting for the seeds to germinate. The inner one is for my vegetables...broccoli is weather resistant; California and Arizona have monopoly of the broccoli market in USA and the northeast has started to compete just this year.The plastic containers are for my herbs; I harvested dill and parsley already.My asparagus is starting to sprout; my friend in Kentucky sent me okra,upo, bean, saluyot seeds. I have to wait and see how they will develop.The soil here is fertile yet rain is scarce; source of water is from Colorado River, which the native American indians control.Hopefully, in the northwest, near Lake Havasu and Palm Spring, Ca,where I bought a few acres of land, and the Colorado River is nearby, my gardening/agricultural ventures will be more successful. Our newspaper yesterday mentioned that our city used to be the fig capital of America in the the 1930's but as a result of severe drought, the fig tree vanished.

"SUNFLOWER" PAINTING

"Humans can be seen like the sunflower. Sunflowers shine, they stick together and they are so beautiful."-Anonymous OIL PAINTING BY EVELYNE DIRIGE RESELLA- "SUNFLOWER"-

Do you remember this Sunflower? Looks familiar isn't it? I used this as our logo for our first PWU blog-"Gintong-Ala-Ala" (Golden Memories). I wrote in the introduction of our PWU blog "Gintong Ala-ala" that the sunflower is a good symbol and reflection of our high class 1960.
I like golden sunflower because it signifies that even though we, the "golden girls" reached our golden years, we continue to "BLOOM BRIGHTLY."

I painted this golden sunflower many years ago and posted it first on my art blog: http://forever-art.blogspot.com/
This painting was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's many famous Sunflower oil paintings. I am not sure its as good as Van Gogh's. Nevertheless, I painted my version of the sunflower with the same passion and pleasure like him.
Why VG painted sunflowers? Sunflowers had a special significance for Vincent Van Gogh. He made 11 oil paintings of them. The twelve "Sunflowers" now on display at the London Art Museum is the most popular of them all. For Van Gogh, the yellow sunflowers represented happiness and light.
The sunflower paintings were the most often reproduced on cards, posters, mugs, tea-towels and stationery. It was also the picture that Van Gogh was most proud of. It was painted during a rare period of excited optimism, while Van Gogh awaited the arrival of his hero, the avant-garde painter Paul Gauguin. The lonely and passionate Vincent had moved to Arles, in the South of France. The 'Sunflowers' was intended to impress Gauguin and was a gesture of friendship.
Van Gogh was a Dutch artist. Also in Dutch literature, the sunflower was a symbol of devotion and loyalty. In their various stages of decay, these flowers also remind us of the cycle of life and death.
Last April 2011, I decided to part & sell my Sunflower oil painting. My deepest gratitude to Puri for supporting my art & believing in my artistic talent. I am very picky to whom my babies (oil paintings) will live. It's sad to part w/ many of my other paintings but I am happy at the same time because it's now in the care & ownership of our dear classmate, Puri. I hope this sunflower will continue to bring happiness to her, family & friends.
"I love your own version of sunflower painting. It is more refined, has depth and tells a story. It's peering through an archway which could represent the walls and gateway of our alma mater against a blue sky. Framed by brick walls that gave us a sense of security thru learning as we marched outside its gates to experiment and experience life after graduation. I simply love it. That flower is us."- Puri Capistrano Laconico

Tessie Ocampo-Guerra's Birthday Celebration April 12, 2011

A Sister's Birthday by Naty Ocampo-Cristi

"Growing up, yours was the hand I could always hold on to.  Thanks for not letting go".

The above text was from a birthday card given to me by my sister, TOG (Tess as you all know her)  some two years ago.  Somehow the words stuck to me like glue.  Oh yes, we celebrated her 67th birthday (oops, sorry I just gave her secret away) last Tuesday, April 12, 2011.  We all dined and laughed at a beautiful restaurant in Etobicoke with a funny name.  Spoons and Forks.  The food was superb, thanks to Ate Girl, who led us there by the hand, as she has always been the expert where fine dining is concerned.

TOG and I are the youngest in a family of twelve children, nine of which are girls.  I remember going home from my kindergarten school one day demanding that she should go to school with me or I wouldn't go back the following day.  Growing up, all we had were each other as best friends and playmates.  The rest is history as you all know.  We both ended up going to the same school in the same  grade.  I made sure nobody bullied my baby sister, a promise I made to my mother when every morning before going to school, she would set me aside and say "take care of your sister".  I remember our grade six teacher at JASMS, Mrs. Sabino, warning her students on our first day in school "Be careful, class - these two are sisters!".

In her write-up about me, TOG said I've saved her life a dozen times.  Well actually, she saved me more times than I could remember.  She's been the "Big Sister" to me and to all our siblings.  Sisters are funny in a way,  They have good days and bad days.  They can be friends one day and hate each other the next.  Yet through it all, they always end up being the best friends.  My dear Classmates - I hope you all have a TOG in the family.

Happy Birthday, sis!

SARI-SARING HARDIN

"Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched."- Lloyd Bradbury

Blogged by Evelyne Dirige Resella

PURPLE BOUGAINVILLEAS AT ALEGRE RESORT (SAGOD, CEBU-2010)

Our PWU high school class 1960 is as beautiful as a blooming garden. We are all in our golden years but still many are thriving and doing well like a garden. After high school graduation we went into different directions & careers. During our 50th h.s. reunion last February 26,2010 many of us were reconnected and exchanged tons of e-mails. We had different life experiences but was bound by common interests & hobbies like gardening. Many shared their gardening hobbies via e-mails. Our gardens or hardin are as unique as our likes, dislikes and personalities. Some work hard on their garden for years and are enjoying the beauties of their labors. Some have small garden due to lack of space & time. Some are just beginning a new gardening hobby. Others are not fond of gardening & found different hobbies like music & quilting.

These explosions of gardening e-mails was started by Cherrie McSorley. So our o tour starts with her hardin. Tessie M. said....so nice to have this kind of chitchat- informative and fun , fun, fun! Puri said.... this chitchat is fun because the topics are close to our hearts and it buoys our spirits. Due to limited space the e-mails were edited to fit our garden topic.

CHERRIE'S FLORIDA HARDIN

This is our Japanese Magnolia in bloom. Behind it is a Loropetalum and a climbing rose. Unfortunately, the climbing rose was not in bloom at the same time. But I guess that's why gardening is so much fun .... there is always something to look forward to. In spite of yesterday's freezing temperatures, a lot of our plants are starting to show their beauty. Our Japanese Magnolia trees were in full bloom, the wisteria looks amazing - so do the bridal veil bushes. The Bradford Pears are especially beautiful this year and so are the dogwood trees. The azaleas are coming back to life and I can hardly wait for the fringe trees to bloom. So you see, that is how my life is measured now - not by the school year but by what is in bloom.

Like Cora, I like to inspect the plants as often as I can to see what is starting to bud. It is a huge stress reliever, isn't it? We don't do anything special to the wisterias. It even grows wild here so I guess the difference is our weather. I just wish things would stay blooming a little longer. I think the secret is to have a variety of plants that will bloom at different times of the year. I forgot to mention that the Loropetalums are also really radiant right now. The timing was really perfect. The weather is excellent for working in the garden now and with the time change, we get to spend a lot more time outside. CHERRIE'S FRINGE TREE-GAINSVILLE, FLORIDA P.S.Gosh Cora you can still make me LAUGH - not just smile or chuckle but really LAUGH! Your garden is sounding really beautiful and interesting - I can hardly wait to see pictures of it. For hanging baskets in the spring, I enjoy wavy petunia and there's a plant that has million in its name but I can't remember exactly what it is. Perhaps one of you will know - I see it at EPCOT in their flower show every year.You also got me thinking of looking for plants that yield blue flowers......Enjoy!

EBB'S DESSERT JARDIN-SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA We only have small space for our garden. It's almost a year since we moved to our tiny condo here in San Diego. Our garden has 2 fruit trees - apricot & lemon. The trees were already planted when we moved. We have two medium size palm trees but were planted in the wrong spot. So we hired a Mexican jardinero to dig them & transplanted to a desirable spot. The palm trees are doing well. Around our garden are mostly different kind of potted cactus - (huge & medium size pots) which we hauled from our house in Valencia. Some of them are starting to bloom. I liked cactus flowers. Cactus are easy to care & no need to water often. They thrive in the dessert & warm weather places. The above photo is one of my indoor giant cactus surrounded by few orchids. We also have 3 potted gumamelas- red, pink and yellow, outdoor.

This beautiful photo is from a prized David Austen Rose-called Evelyn. It's a gift from Rhod. He's very thoughtful. When he was still working, every morning when I woke up, there's a vase of single rose waiting for me.

On our little garden corner here in San Diego, we just planted a small vegetable garden-w/ 4 organic tomatoes, 2 Japanese egg plants & 2 snap peas. Although we have a tiny backyard it look wide because there is a big landscape slope on the left side & down below going to the river. These spots are maintained by our HOA (Home Owners Association). I like to garden but not too much. As an artist, my hands can't handle too much dirt. When my hands are stiff it's difficult to paint. So my hands have limits. But I am okay w/ cooking & dicing food.

TESSIE M'S -CHICAGO HARDIN

These weeping crab apples Romy and I planted ourselves a few years ago reward us in spring in all their glory. A beautiful sight as we approach the house , if only they last longer.

However our Wisteria never did take off tho it is alive. I am tempted to remove it and plant something else. I did get 2 phalaenopsis instead of miniatures. No plans to buy anymore, no place to put them. Regardless of the space we have, a patio, a balcony , acres of it or any size in between, we can all learn something and have fun too. However our gardening practices can take a toll on our bodies. Some tips:

1. limber up and stretch a bit before you begin, wear protective clothing and shoes - no flip flops, lather on sunscreen 30 min before you go out , handy wipes and bug spray close at hand, early morning and evening are good times to be out there. 2. take regular breaks, and drink a lot of water ,( watch out for heat/sunstroke), use appropriate and ergonomic tools and know your limits. Sensible, practical and applicable to other activities as well. I have to change some of my habits now. I looked around our yard and saw some leaves peeping out, branches to prune and very unfortunately some kind of pest on a Jap. lilac shrub. It is already a few years old and anchors a front corner of the house, been spraying fungicide since last year, but more branches are affected now, looking more and more like we may have to replace it next year--- wah,wah,wah. Blue/purple flowers- check out Blue Beard( caryopteris), nepeta, Salvia, veronica, liatris- all perennials but cuidado-attract bees.Million Bells are calibrachoa- similar to petunia and yes very nice for hanging baskets , got a few from Menard last year. Fellow plant lovers,tho some of us may not be hands on gardeners we all enjoy looking at them specially when they are in bloom. One can even spend happy hours just leafing thru those garden catalogs.

The alamanda is similar to the yellow bell we all know from childhood, unfortunately it is an annual in my area and I prefer not to bring outdoor plants for overwintering. I am sure the pitimini rose will give lots of pleasure, hardier as they are not grafted. Just keep your petunias well watered , they love sun, so you should not have problem with it. I like the ones with tiny flowers called calibrochoa . My plantings are young and evolving still , bushes and perennials ( come back every year , bloom times are varied and short. So they always advise to mix in annuals (they last only one season ) for their more profuse and longer bloomtimes. It can get expensive tho to do that every year so I limit my annuals. What I am excited about doing this year are: 1. finishing the fairy/miniature garden . We had our final session today. I was disorganized so I had time only for 2 coatings of glaze instead of 3, will not be as shiny but that's fine, will be more natural looking. 2. plant 2 miniature blueberries in pots, ( good specimen for container ) and a reblooming lilac. It is a fairly new introduction . We can develop a new plant in our imaginings and name it after the class. Think of the fun we will have coming up with clever names like Bong did for Cora's plant.

CORA'S PINAS HARDIN (PHOTO TAKEN FROM AMARELLA RESORT, BOHOL)-GARDEN...... PATHWAY....... WITH SHAPELY LEAVES

Hi to the green thumbs group:Nice to read about those gardens - and flowers and plants blooming again.I am getting envious and given my extra time nowadays I have started to organize my small " flowerpot " garden in my terrace and a small one by our house entrance. Nahawa na ako sa inyo - and as I have extra time now- with my flexitime at work (now work to me means more of computer work near my terrace where I can watch the flowers in bloom- so OK na di yun) I can indulge a bit into this- and see my plants grow. Given my limited time and my confessed laziness - I have time to appreciate and water the plants- but really no inclination yet for actual planting. Taga inspect lang ako twice a day, and literally watch them grow. Which is still so much fun and something to look forward to.

When I get up in the morning- the first thing on my mind is - ano na ang mga bulaklak ngayon. I have zero IQ in gardening and as I wanted an instant garden - I bought several orchids, and got a gardener to arrange them in several driftwoods, different varieties of gumamela ( before puro red lang ang nakikita kong gumamela- but now they have different varities , big flowers of different colors - so nice to look at). I don't even know all the names of the plants that I have - the gardener just recommends - I just know I have yellow bells and another variety with purple flower (gardener calls it alamanda? but that is not scientific and I am not even sure he is correct). I love the colors of the flowers of "forget me not'" ( again I do not the scientific names). basta nagandahan ako sa flowers- and the sunlight in my terrace fits- I go and buy and have a gardener on call to set it up.So - nasa Gardening 101 pa lang ako which is Plant Appreciation. One time I saw a plant with so many tiny red roses that looked like icing on a cake- I bought several and true enough ang sipag mamulaklak. It is such a joy to see.Just to show how stupid I am with plants - I was looking around for hanging plants- and when I went to the seedling bank- and fell in love with the petunias - (reminded me of our trip to Niagara Falls where there was one stretch of road with small shops and all had hanging potted petunias that were so beautiful) I was asked - in what area do you plan to keep these plants? is it morning sun or afternoon sun? Yuks! I did not even know.I never even realized it mattered (part of gardening 101 lesson). So you see- I am learning slowly., From zero IQ - I might move up to 10 points by mid year. Basta what I know is- I am enjoying them. As friends have constantly reminded me- take time to smell the roses.So now- I buy, I grow some, I watch and enjoy what little I have with what little space I have.Cheers!!!

Thanks to Bong. I like the Hindicus Alamus name.No pretenses. As I went to the seedling bank today and interviewed the staff in the different "gardens" selling various kinds of plants. I was looking for something to put in my rectangular pots. And- I saw again these mini roses in different colors. yes they said sometimes it is called mini roses,. carpet roses, pitimini.And as I was assured they bloom all year round and not difficult to take care of- I had all my four long pots planted with blooms of different colors. Naka pwesto na siya sa aking pot garden. So tomorrow- I plan to wake up early and take a look. And now I think I need to put a spotlight in my mini garden so i can appreciate the plants at night.I will check the website.Mabuti na lang Alamus Googlelus tayo. Easy access to info.

Ganito pala tayo - at this stage in our lives. But we are lucky that we can still indulge in some preoccupation that we like to do - although in different degrees of "likeness" - In the plants that you mentioned - I can only identify with a few - as I like the pitimini roses - masipag mamulaklak - so I think I will plant more of that and the petunias too - as I have identified the place where they can have the 8 to 10 am morning sun ( as I was advised). By the way- is this true?

PURI'S CALIFORNIA GARDEN- SAN JOSE

Every year I add trees, roses and wisterias when they hit the stores so I have them in different ages. I have old wisterias and new ones but they have not begun to bud. The Florida weather makes Cherrie's garden fluorish ahead of us. I can't believe how cheap your orchids are. At the Vietnamese sidewalk vendors the cheapest I found were 7 for phalaenopsis and 12 for cattleyas. For cymbidiums, its 10 per spike. Spring has sprung indeed. All my fruit trees ( peaches, plums, apricots, cherries and almond ) are laden with pink flowers .

You don't have to know the plant names to love gardening. Just stick them to the soil and enjoy, period. No such thing as a green thumb. The only thing that's green are leaves. Oh no, I have several of this green bushes called Bells of Ireland and the flowers are like green bouquets, like green hydrangeas. They make nice fillers in flower arrangements. I envy those with driftwood trees like yours to hang their epiphytes. We don't have them here plus our weather won't allow them to grow outside all year long. All epiphytic plants thrive on air that's why your orchids there are a happy bunch. I do love gumamelas (hibiscus) too. I have them in all colors. Some are single petals and some are double. The more mature ones have grown like trees.When I'm throwing a backyard garden party in the summer when there are less blooms, I buy instant flowers for instant garden spots. Its instant joy. I'm glad that you have discovered how gratifying they are to look at and nurture. They say long life is attributed to looking forward to seeing something that grow and flourish.

Well Cherrie sometimes plants don't mean much to gardeners, its just a job for most of them. Mon and I really work hard tending our yard and garden just like Cherrie and Bob. We really enjoy it. I dig my own holes and go on my knees to weed etc. Its a workout where I sweat in my brows. My nails are broken and sometimes black with dirt. gone are the glamour days, I commune with Mother earth. Sammy was so jealous of the time I spent with my plants as a child but now she sends me photos of her new plants.

I do have lilacs, they are fragrant smelling. Though not a vine like wisterias, their cascading bouquet blooms remind me of wisterias. They also come in white color.

DR. BONG'S GERMAN GARDEN

Here in Karlsruhe, Germany there are 2 balconies; sala, dining room and kitchen for room plants; and a front garden to tend. All in minis.There are gabi, kangkong, sili, tanglad, celery, garlic, ginger, Aloe vera, strawberries (pls. see attached picture with harvest), chives, parsley, basil, arugula, ampalaya, cranberry, mayana, kalamansi, coffee, plum (pls. see attached picture decorated with Easter eggs) orchids, tomatoes (Sari's aunt gave me seeds in the 90's, daming bunga noon), peanuts, etc. Brought the seeds from Pinas as one cannot find fresh peanuts here in Germany. Has caught fire, friends would ask for fresh peanuts to plant and see the story of the peanuts. Sorry in the US this is not allowed to bring seeds. In Cubao at my dear parents' home, I still tend some prolific trees/bush which I have planted in 1973 (apple mango), in 1994 (4 kamias), and in 2001 ( lagundi, a herbal plant against colds and cough) among others. In Cubao I plant seeds and cuttings when I arrive and before I leave for Germany I give them away to friends who I think would appreciate them. Lita Ramos, Sari and Cherrie and Celia came to visit in Cubao last year. I also visit the Manila Seedling Bank which Cora Gatchalian frequents. My main interest there are herbal and edible plants. Last time I attended seminar about edible weeds. Speaker prepared salad with pansit-pansitan, wild cucumber etc. Ang sarap! At home in Cubao I found pansit-pansitan in some corners of the garden, edible pala yoon! Regarding pitimini, I presume you mean the mini rose. Roses have the scientific name Rosa berberiflora among others. Mga iba tawag Rosa something else. I suspect the pitimini in the Philippines is a local variety and of course pitimini is a common name known in the Philippines or even more informal "nickname". Dear Cora, wala akong makuhang pangalan diyan scientifically. Or would "Hindicus alamus" suffice? You got me there! You may intiate it though and suggest "Rosa pitimini variety Gatchalian". How about that! I found in google something that might interest you for your purpose (kagaya ko rin I have my plants in pots): please enter in google"pitimini rose in the Philippines" then scroll and click "gardenia-my little pocket garden". May pitimini rose shown. I wish to forward it to you for ease pero may copyright yata or di alam padala). Hope you find what I am referring to and have fun! MARLENE'S WASHINGTON GARDEN- NARRATED BY GIRLIE RIVERA What perfect timing.......garden blog naman.....let me share with you guys the fun time we had at marlene leyson's garden in maryland two years ago 2009......we had a mini reunion with chola puri and lourdes morada.....pictures were taken by my sister kar in her iphone... with me in some of the pictures is my other sister merle......typical filipino....laging kasama sa scena....sorry guys...you just have to suffer ....the leysons were perfect hosts....very accomodating..gracious and the food.....gosh the dining table were overflowing....sari can attest to this...last year with rose sari lourdes chola and sister luz...ganon din....i hope marlene sees this and remember..para masiyahan siya....ayan ha ..my little contribution.....wow...can I call myself a blogger now......girlie dream on.....oh...let the pictures speaks for themselves...hindi ko alam yon ibang vegetables."Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls: all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations, seductive surprises and then still more curves." ~H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers

A LITTLE FIGHTING LADY

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together...there is something you must always remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart...I'll always be with you."- From Winnie the Pooh

Blogged By Evelyne Dirige Resella : The above quote is from a loving honey bear & favorite Disney character named Winnie the Pooh. He's a famous fat and jolly good yellow bear wearing a red vest. His quote about life & friendship is something to reflect about in our leisurely age as we look back at our achievements while we walk down the golden road. We have all arrived and have done something..... great or small.

WELCOME BACK! FLORDELIZA ALCANTARA-REYES- PWU HS CLASS 1960

I have known Flor, since our freshman year in h.s. We remained friends till college at U.P. Many classmates went to U.P. but it was only Flor who remained connected to me. I saw Linda Chacon & Raquel Tadena while at U.P. but somehow, we drifted apart. I didn't encounter Cora, Sari & Lani. They probably took the left stairs while I took the right. Yoly Bello & Lydia Aunario were my classmates in U.P. Fine Arts, so I saw them a lot. Flor & I often met at the Arts & Science building where I took some general educations subjects. Sometimes we had lunches together. I did't know what happened after our second year in college. We just lost contact of each other. Like Sari, I tried to find Flor, before our 50th reunion in 2010. I asked the help of a friend who lives in New Jersey but failed to locate her. Somehow, I didn't stop thinking about her. I knew that she's somewhere here among us in the U.S.

With luck, Flor found our PWU blog and e-mailed Sari. She finally got out of her "lungga" as Sari called it. I e-mailed her right away, and she replied as fast as a jet. She told me to see her on the (YOU TUBE, FWN), 2007- 100 Most Influential Filipina in USA. WOW! I could hardly believed that one of our classmates got that kind of award. Flor was the quiet type back then. How she became like Hilary Clinton is a big puzzle to me. But I was hilariously happy to see her again. Welcome to our group-the wonderful & successful PWU h.s. class 1960. Yes, there's no class like ours. Hurray! I liked an e-mail from Tess (TOG). She said....We are also very proud of each and everyone of the PWU H.S 1960 whether there is or isn't a special mention - if only for the friendship , for the sharing and even if it is just for sincerely listening to one another - I'd say not all classes, past graduated, have this kind of connection. From our Canadian northern vantage point - our lips may be quiet but our hearts swell with pride for you all. FLOR AT PRESENT -MARCH 22,2011- LOS ANGELES While in the Philippines, I never developed my full potential because my parents over protected me. I was a cry baby in U.P. because I cried twice in the classroom. My classmates told me that our professors had crush on me. Our car driver or maid fetched me from school even as a professor at UE, PWU and Pamantasan. It was at Columbia University (New York) while finishing my second masters that allowed me to reach my maximum capability as I had to survive on my own. However, up to now, I usually keep quiet even during deliberations in government agencies but once I am provoked, I finished to the end. That's why the senators, assemblyman, councilors, mayors, etc. branded me as little fighting lady. I learned the hard way to fend for myself. Kaya itim o paru-paru(kastila) qwedaw sa akin lalo na sa loob ng prison pero mahal nila ako dahil I respected the inmates and was fair to them. I went through personal challenges and took PWU President De Guzman and Hillary Clinton as my role models.I never allowed the obstacles to be stumbling blocks but the motivation to break the glass ceiling in American mainstream.

I started my immigrant ministry in metropolitan New York 1994 and continued it here re-entitled Come Christian Outreach and Migrant Enculturation geared towards the minority specifically new Filipino migrant workers. I am also the Vice president of the United Methodist Women and lay speaker/preacher of the Casa Grande United Methodist Church. The world of politics is full of intrigues and deception; I just accepted the task in order to defend the immigrants. Otherwise I won't even get involved. They called me the little fighting lady when I served as the first Asian Trustee of the Jersey City Board of Education. I also run as councilor in 1989 and 2001 in Jersey City. I was a Commissioner of the Jersey City and County of Hudson involving 12 cities. I was also appointed by President Clinton as a member of the Clinton/Gore Asian American Governing Council based in Washington,D.C. Though politics runs in my blood as my uncle former Governor Robles of Quezon, Cousin constitutional delegate, grand father, council president, Siniloan, Laguna, I do not like it but then took the challenge in order to be that advocate for Filipinos and other immigrants in metropolitan New York area. Kaya nga umalis na sa world of politics in order to dedicate the last years of my life with my family,to God and my hobbies, i e. cooking, gardening & biking. Of course, to get in touch with all of you. Noon ang time ko ay para sa madlang tao...kaya ngayon I control my time. I am only close to the PWUAA1960 colleagues and my brothers and sisters in Christ.

EDUCATIONAL PROFILE AND ACHIEVEMENTS: PRE-LAW, UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, PWU, M.A. BUSINESS, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK, NY

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:1.ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, NJ DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, 2002-2009 2.COMMISSIONER , JERSEY CITY / HUDSON COUNTY CULTURAL AFFAIRS 2004-2009 3.LISTED IN WHO'S WHO IN AMERICAN WOMEN, 1992 4.PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTIAL (CORY AQUINO) AWARDEE, 1991 5. JERSEY JOURNAL (NEWSPAPER) WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD,1985

PAST & PRESENT PROJECTS: Published book with US Library of Congress "Filipino Who's Who in the East Coast" *Books to be published soon: 1. Inside the Prison Walls 2. How A Minority, Professional Woman Survived The American Mainstream: A Guide Form Of Religious Perspective

AWARD NIGHT:Flor was awarded as one of 100 Most Influential Women in USA with husband, Ramon L.Reyes- President-Casa Grande Chess Club & Arizona Parents.

Mini Reunion at Rockwell Mall, Makati by Esther Lejano

Rockwell an upper end mall in Makati decorated with red balloons for Chinese New Year!!

Gerry Tiongson Osias, Patricia "Bong" Arroyo Staub, Esther Lejano and Celia Arreza Espiritu

"Over the course of an average lifetime you meet a lot of people. Some of them stick with you through thick and thin, some weave through your life and disappear forever. But every once and awhile someone comes along who earns a permanent spot in your heart." ...unknown

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 was a very happy and memorable day for me in the Philippines. I was to meet up with Celia Arreza Espiritu, Patricia "Bong" Arroyo Staub and Gerry Tiongson Osias. I was apprehensive at first because I haven't seen them for 51 years nor even remember talking to them in high school. I said to myself what topic could we possibly talk about.

When I arrived at Via Mare restaurant at Rockwell Mall, I peaked at the glass window and saw Celia and Bong alreay there. I braced myself and walked in to meet them and when they saw me, we hugged and kissed on the cheek. Celia let me sit between her and Bong. Instantly, we were talking and remembering our high school days. All my apprehensions were totally gone. And then, 10 minutes later Gerry came and joined the fun. We talked about almost everything from high school days, to family matters, career, jobs, our exs loves, other classmates, etc. etc. etc. Celia brought with her a scrap book that she compiled from freshman year to senior year. It's so antique that it's falling apart but so awesome looking at those yesteryear photos, even the colour is already brown.

We ordered lunch....really good Pilipino food....we shared some dishes because one order is more than enough for one person. We had ginatang halo-halo and puto bongbong for dessert....uhmmm yummy. Celia picked the tab kase as Gerry said "si Celia and pinakamayaman dito sa amin" kaya hindi na ako nakipagunahan sa kanila. We got carried away gabbing and having fun that we were told by the waiter it's time for the next shift. Before we parted, Bong gave me three books she wrote, namely: "The Science of Philippine Foods", "Additional Information on the Science of Philippine Foods" and "Cooking Filipino Food in Germany" which she co-wrote with Heinz, her poging husband.

Celia gave me a box filled with mamons from the most exclusive bakery...ay naku ito na ang pinakamasarap na mamon nakain ko. Gerry left first for she had to go back to work...Gerry thank you very much for taking time off from your busy schedule to join our mini-reunion. Celia, Bong and Gerry, it was great and wonderful seeing all of you....thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

PWU HS'60 TORONTO GOLDEN GIRLS by Tessie Ocampo Guerra

"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." ..... St. Thomas Aquinas

Members: Rory Agellon, Esther Lejano, Wilhelmina "PeeWee" Bella, Tessie Guerra, Naty Cristi and Teresita "Girlie" Rivera.


If there ever was a group that is like a brood of sisters this could be it. Each one of the members is unique in her own way - but united in enjoying each other's company and always ready with a big hearty laughter whenever there is a chance to meet.

We have this on-going ritual of celebrating our birthdays together throughout the year and I think it is appropriate to give an insight based on our birthday months.

Let us start:

Teresita "Girlie" Rivera - November 9 – SCORPIO

Her personality is as tall as she is (and we all know she is one of the tallest in our class). One of her admirable traits is her ability to understand a situation with a lot of maturity and kindness but can also be openly frank about it.

She is a Scorpio - so she is a femme fatale who likes good food and where to get them, knows all the good eateries around the city, dresses well (as she likes nice clothes too) and when she travels she prefers to go first class which by the way is what she does - in the travel agency where she works - they love her zest for everything dandy, tasty and classy.

Girlie has this quality about her sunny outgoing friendliness that makes people feel deeply welcome. I cannot imagine a group as ours, in these super golden years, without someone like her who gives you loyalty, trust and affection.


Wilhelmina "PeeWee" Bella - January 6 – Capricorn

There is nothing typical about this friend. She can be a studious female wearing granny glasses, or she can be a dancer who wears a glittering G-string - ALL FOR THE FUN OF IT!

PeeWee has this built in sense of social grace and delightful humour. Now, how many of us have that? Never flashy is this Capricorn friend - you will never see her pushing or shoving for attention but wait and see who gets the prime time.

There is never a dull moment with PeeWee - you can start a serious conversation and end up rolling with laughter. You will just love being around her.

More power to you dear friend!


Tessie (TOG) Guerra - April 14 – ARIES

Likes to open her own doors, fight her own battles and pull out her own chair. This Aries thinks doing it herself is the fastest way to get it done, then stumbles along the way but gets up dusts herself and takes off again.

Love of children and animals must be a strong Aries trait and a penchant for humour in all types and sizes. Some people will say that Aries has a forceful nature complete with flashing lights and this could be true from her ruling planet Mars. Once the storm passes, however, the optimistic April nature will return like a rainbow suddenly appearing after a shower.


Rory Agellon - June 11 – GEMINI

I'd rate her a great Pal with capital letters. This Mercury girl will go along with you on anything from just listening to your phone gab, driving all over to a place that suits you, celebrating the season with some take home goodies that she makes herself.

She has a lot of varied interests and duties to family and church but still manages to look as soft as a powder puff - then - BOY CAN SHE BAKE - declaring herself as the official baker of our amazing birthday cakes.

I especially cherish the time that she joins me on our First Friday Novenas that can last till late at night - even if she drives quite a distance.
Rory is a jewel when it comes to friendship and commitment. She makes our small group feel specially blessed.



Naty Cristi - July 17 – CANCER

My sister must have saved me a dozen times when we were growing up. I remember looking down at her standing solid on the ground as I play Tarzan up on a tree. She will not leave me there alone either until I come or tumble down whichever is faster.

Her favorite colour is Green and very rightly so because green bucks just seem to follow her around. We may start out with the same allowance for the day but she manages to hold on to hers when mine is long gone.

She has a quiet, reflective demeanor with her trademark of a blush that she simply reminds one of calm ripples of water in a pond.
Her family is first and foremost but her friendship is just as enduringly patient.



Esther Lejano - October 3 – LIBRA

Is there anyone out there who would care for some brain power display? Here is a Libra friend who will air her clever wits anytime a subject for a good debate appears. This Libra friend loves to record our goings on that we would not have any of the fabulous photos she painstakingly shoots and sends otherwise. This thoughtful gesture we all know will be the highlight of our twilight days.

As in due time this the only testimony of our friendship we sincerely are indebted to her. She loves good Oriental cuisine, fun colours to wear, loves to swing and sway and with that wit I'd rate her as a golden lady indeed.

In closing, I am grateful to all in our group - we are not miserable old ladies but definitely are vibrant, we haven't lost a step and are still in full bloom!!!

Thank you Sweet Friends!