Marinduque, Heart of the Philippines and My Island Paradise,Here We Come!
Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on photo to link to Chateau Du Mer
WELCOME TO MY SITE AND HAVE A GOOD DAY
If this is your first time in this site, welcome. It has been my dream that my province, Marinduque, Philippines becomes a world tourist destination not only during Easter Week but also whole year round. You can help me achieve my dream by telling your friends about this site. The photo above is your own private beach at The Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort. The sand is not as white as Boracay, but it is only a few steps from your front yard and away from the mayhem and crowds of Boracay. I have posted some of my favorite Filipino and American dishes and recipes on this site also. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!
Ben
(Benjie) and Victoria(Vicky) Abellera with me and Macrine, Colesville,
MD 1995( not sure of the year)-Dinner at our residence in Hammonton
Road
As part of my series, Celebration of Life on
Macrine's memory, I requested that if someone have pictures of Macrine
in their possession to share it with me.
Two friends responded.
The latest response I received was from Vicky Abellera, from Maryland.
Vicky and husband Benjie and I were members of the University of the
Philippines Alumni Association of the Capital Area ( Maryland, Virginia
and Washington DC). I believe this was around the early to mid 1990's.
" The
University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association of the District
of Columbia, State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia Chapter is a
nonprofit organization of former students, and friends of UP. The
alumni membership is infused with a spirit of loyalty to the alma mater,
service to the Nation’s capital area, and commitment to the Motherland.
The Association promotes the character, traditions and goals of the
University through scholarships, professorial chair, and other
educational programs, issues, cultural activities and public service. A
common thread of volunteerism and generosity runs through the
membership. The Association has offered its excellence and leadership to
Community and Country – all traits of which are embodied in the
University’s symbol, the Oblation."( http://upaadcmdva.org/our-mission.html)
The
Abelleras are currently in contact with me via Face Book. Here are the
photos taken during a Dinner that Macrine and I hosted at our residence
in Hammonton Rd, Colesville, Maryland.
Steak Dinner
with another UP alumnus Nena Soberano. The Painting of the Nipa Hut and
the water buffalo by Jesse Santos is still hanging in our formal dining
room today here in Fair Oaks, California.
The
first response was from Agnes Lardizabal Apeles- former President of
MI, Inc. She sent me this photo of Macrine with her older sister Clemen
Lardizabal Perez. The photo was taken at our Conference Hall, Chateau Du
Mer, Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque,2010. Clemen and Macrine were high school
classmates.
Meanwhile,
enjoy Benjie Abellera playing Chopin Etude #10-popularly known as "I am
always Chasing Rainbows"-This is one of Macrine's Piano favorite piece!
By Ditas Katague, Director, California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office
2020 has certainly been extraordinary, and what many are calling an
unprecedented time. We’ve been hit with a worldwide pandemic, stopping
the normal routine of our lives, in addition to facing social unrest due
to racism and injustice.
On top of that, our state has been hit with catastrophic wildfires
right here in the west. Plus, there’s an upcoming election in November.
Ditas Katague, the director of the California Complete Count
This is my third decennial Census where I’ve led California’s Census
efforts to reach the hardest-to-count communities, historically lower
responding areas and vulnerable populations. All the challenges
mentioned above have added to the difficulty of ensuring a complete and
accurate count.
The U.S. Census Bureau has had to operate differently – they’ve
changed their operations multiple times and are not working how they
have done in the past. Federal workers are part of our community – they
are being asked to do more with less resources and with a shorter
time frame.
The Census Headquarters has been asked to compress their
well-researched and tested work plan for completing and delivering an
accurate count. And possibly cancelling or eliminating key quality
assurance operations.
This is abnormal – it’s materially different than the previous two
counts in 2010 and 2000. I wish I had more confidence in the Census
Bureau’s field data collection operations and data processing that would
ensure an accurate count.
In California, we have invested $187.2 million toward a
data-intensive, innovative outreach and communications campaign to
motivate households to respond to the Census.
So far, we’ve accomplished a number of things – with the help of our
stakeholders and partners. We amassed a coalition of over 150 local,
regional and statewide partners that served as our trusted messengers
and created a social movement infrastructure. They have done great work
to ensure Californians self-respond to the Census and although likely
exhausted by this extended Census journey, will continue to work with
communities to ensure they are civically engaged.
By identifying what the Census is and explaining its tangible
benefits, we’ve been able to motivate more than 2 million households in
harder-to-count areas to respond, with a total of 10.4 million
households self-responding statewide.
This year has also been reflective for me personally, I think about
the future that I want to leave behind. There are mixed emotions –
thinking about my daughter’s future, while recognizing the struggles my
family faced in the past. My daughter just moved abroad to finish her
remaining two years in high school and my mom passed away in August.
As I have gone through my mother’s things, I’ve realized that my
current work on the Census is about honoring the past and shaping our
future, bringing my daughter, and possibly her future children, closer
to our roots. Completing the census, being counted is not just for us,
but for future generations. It is a gift we give to them now. It’s
invaluable.
She can go back in time to see officially where her “Lola” settled in
the United States when they came over from the Philippines. She can see
how our family moved from Chicago to Kansas City, to Modesto, Pinole,
Washington, DC and now, finally settling in Sacramento.
My family set roots in the United States – like so many others have – to provide for their future generations.
And as families participate in the Census, we are all helping form
the kind of community we deserve, with the local resources that are
rightfully ours.
The 2020 Census is our chance to deliver opportunity and justice to
our communities – more streetlights, sidewalks, health services,
nutritional programs, educational resources, affordable housing and
reliable public transportation and so much more.
By taking the 9-question survey, we can set forth a roadmap for the
future of our families, communities and our state. There are three easy
ways to fill out the form:
By phone at 844-330-2020 (a list of in-language options is available here)
By mail if you received a paper form
You may see a Census worker in your neighborhood since they are
following up with households that have yet to respond. If you have any
questions or would like some help, they are there for you.
I recommend you answer the Census online or over the phone – this is
the best way to ensure your answers are accurate. Plus, you can fill it
out in the comfort of your own home.
This year is different – it’s been a surprise to us all, but don’t
forget to take your Census. It will make a difference in the long term
for your family and community and in recognizing and celebrating your
past.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) -
Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco will be the next Speaker of the House
of Representatives starting on Oct. 14, following a meeting with
incumbent House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and President Rodrigo
Duterte on Tuesday.
This was according to one of the lawmakers present at the meeting in Malacañang tonight.
Velasco and Cayetano were joined by eight lawmakers each in the meeting.
In July 2019, Duterte brokered a term-sharing deal between the two,
where it was agreed upon that Cayetano will serve for the first 15
months and Velasco taking over as Speaker in the next 21 months.
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino- Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) Executive
Director Ron Munsayac earlier said in a statement that Velasco’s
assumption as House Speaker will mean that the ruling party will finally
get a lead in the chamber.
Duterte’s PDP-Laban endorsed Velasco last year for the speakership.
With the latest announcement, Velasco is expected to lead the chamber until the end of 18th Congress in June 2022.
I
am proud of you and Congratulations Again. Here are two photos of you
with me and Macrine taken during the Marinduque International Mission in
2011. The photos were taken at a Dinner that you hosted for the
missioners in your Residence in Torrijos, Marinduque.
Velasco was defeated in his bid for re-election in 2013 by Regina Ongsiako Reyes, daughter of former Governor Carmencita Reyes(RIP),
but Velasco disputed Reyes' victory by noting that Reyes was a United
States citizen during the election and was thus ineligible to hold the
office.
Both the Supreme Court and the COMELEC upheld Velasco's protest. Despite this, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte
maintained that a decision to remove Reyes from her seat is up to the
House Electoral Tribunal, where Velasco's case to remove her was still
pending. Velasco was later proclaimed as the legitimate representative
of Marinduque's lone district and assumed office on February 1, 2016.
He is the incumbent representative of the Lone District of
Marinduque and chairman of the House Committee on Energy. He is also the
chairman of the Oversight Committee on Solid Waste Management Act and
co-chairman of the Joint Congressional Power Commission.
Several
weeks ago, I was watching a video of Lea Salonga* giving a living
tribute to her Mother during one of her concert in the Philippines. The
tribute was a song she dedicated to her "Wind Beneath My Wings/My
Hero". The video aroused my curiosity and asked myself if giving a
tribute ( living eulogy) is a common practice to a lot of people. The
link below answers partially my question.
A tribute could be
given to both the Living and the Dead. A tribute( homage) could be a few
words, a poem, a song, a letter of appreciation or a more formal living
memorial, usually held of a dying person. However, whether a tribute to
a living person is as simple as a few words or a more formal one as the
living memorial services in a congregation( not allowed because of
Covid-19 today), it is more effective and appreciated if the person is
still alive.
Macrine's
40th day death anniversary was last week. A special video was created
by my nephew, a professional film maker and video artist. In addition I
received more than 700 messages of sympathy and condolences in my FB
page. A few of them were more detailed and expressed how Macrine had
touched their lives. Others wrote pleasant memories and events that they
remembered about Macrine.
My other tribute to Macrine was writing
a 4-part series of 70 photographs starting from her childhood years,
college life, her travels when she was still single, our married
activities and community involvement and post retirement activities.
Currently,
I am preparing a 12-part series on Macrine's favorite music on 12
categories-piano, violin, vocal, choral, Kundimans, Julio Iglesias and
six other categories. Watch for it.
Finally,
let me reiterate that writing this blog helps me in my grieving/healing
process. If you are reading this blog, perhaps a kind word or two from
you will be appreciated-a simple example of giving tribute to the
living.
Meanwhile, enjoy this photo:
Springtime at our former Residence in Colesville, Maryland, 1995
Also enjoy, Bette Midler singing Wind Beneath My wings ( with lyrics)
*Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, ( born February 22, 1971) is a Filipina singer and
actress, best known for her roles in musical theatre, for supplying the
singing voices of two Disney Princesses (Jasmine and Mulan), and as a
recording artist and television performer.
During my graduate school years, I had the opportunity to appreciate
classical music via an adult education class that I took during Night
school in Chicago, Illinois in the early 1960's. I am posting three of
my favorite violin concertos for your listening pleasure as follows:
1. Mendelssohn Violin Concerto:
I first heard of this violin piece in 1952 when I was in first year
college at the University of the Philippines, Iloilo College. One of my
dorm mates was a violinist. He informed me he had been playing the
violin since he was 10 years old. He hailed from Bacolod City. On
Saturdays, he would play his violin with his door closed not disturbing
his fellow dorm mates. But the sound of his violin reverberated on the
thin walls separating our room. One day I heard the Mendelssohn concerto
and I was forced to knock on his door asking him if I could stay in his
room to listen while he was playing the piece. This was the first time
I really enjoyed listening to a classical violin music.
2. Paganini Violin Concerto, No.1
Sources differ as to when exactly Paganini composed his Violin
Concerto No. 1; dating Paganini’s works is complicated by the fact
during his life, Paganini sought to keep the techniques of his fantastic
virtuosity secret by withholding the majority of his compositions from
publication. The concerto certainly dates from the mid-to-late 1810s,
when Paganini was establishing himself as Italy’s leading violinist by
touring the peninsula’s cities.
For Paganini’s contemporaries,
there was almost something miraculous about his playing. His music was
unlike anything anyone had heard before—so difficult, so extravagant
that no one else could play it. In his later years, when Paganini toured
Austria, Germany, France, and England, his Romantic Northern European
critics would hear something demonic in his extraordinary abilities,
playing into centuries-old legends of violinists who sold their souls to
the devil (his then gaunt appearance and reputation as a seducer no
doubt fanned the flames of such rumors).(https://houstonsymphony.org/paganini-violin-concerto-1/)
The piece was written in Clarens, a Swiss resort on the shores of Lake Geneva, where Tchaikovsky had gone to recover from the depression brought on by his disastrous marriage to Antonina Miliukova.
My honorable mention are: Saint Saens, Dvorak, Brahms and Beethoven Violin Concertos.
Meanwhile, here's excerpt from ten other violin concertos
Blogging Notes:
I will be posting a 12-part series on Macrine J Katague Celebration of
Life through her favorite music in 12 categories beginning next week.
Watch for it!
During Dave Katague Visit in Fair Oaks, California, 2016 ( The Three David Katagues) and Macrine
Today is the 40th day anniversary of Macrine J. Katague death-my spouse for over 63 years. On the fortieth day after death is the waksi, or death anniversary, when the soul is believed to end its earthly wandering and ascend to the afterlife.
This
posting is a special video prepared by my nephew and namesake Dave
Katague from Sydney, Australia. Dave is a video Producer/Editor at
Amazon.com.au and a Video Ambassador at Panasonic Australia and had
traveled all over the world because of his film making activities.
Here's his video for your viewing pleasure. Again, thanks a million, my
beloved nephew!
Also,
my thanks to all ( more than 7K likes) in MI, Inc FB page who sent
their condolences and messages via E-mail, cards, FB messages and
telephone calls. Special thanks to the four friends and relatives who
donated $600 to MI, Inc in Macrine's memory. A 12-part series on
Macrine's Celebration of Life through her Favorite music is scheduled in
the next few days. Watch for it.
Facebook
Page of Marinduque International, Inc showing 6,997 LIKES and 83
Comments on the announcement of Macrine's Death on August 10, 2020
Here's Dave Katague Facebook page for more information on his photography and film making activities
During Dave Katague ( my nephew) visit with David E ( my son), Me and Macrine, Fair Oaks, California, 2019
It is customary in the Catholic Philippines to celebrate the 9th Day and 40th Day anniversaries after Death. This custom is based on the pre-colonial folk belief that the soul of the
departed enters the spirit world on the ninth day following death.
This
is followed by another celebration ( Masses and Rosaries) on the fortieth day after death to
acknowledge the waksi, or death anniversary, when the soul is believed to end its earthly wandering and ascend to the afterlife.
So
today is the 40th day after my wife's death ( Macrine Nieva Jambalos
Katague). My nephew and namesake, Dave Katague from Sydney, Australia is
preparing a special video for this occasion, but it is not ready.
Instead I am reposting Ditas short video during Macrine's wake with
Carenna singing Cohen's Hallelujah, Live.
This is Part 4 and last of the Series-Celebration of Life of Macrine
J. Katague via photos and videos. Publishing these photos is part of my
healing and grieving process. Indeed, Macrine had lived well because she
had touched the lives of others. My next posting will be a Celebration
of her life through her favorite musical pieces. Watch for it.
Three Generations of Strongly-Motivated Women from the David B. Katague Clan, 2018
With Ditas, Fair Oaks, California, 2017
With Dave Katague (nephew from Australia), 2016
Dinner at John Jambalos ( Macrine's nephew) Residence with Family and Relatives, Roxas District, Q.C., 2013
During Ditas 50th Birthday Party, Sacramento, CA March, 2015
Macrine and I dancing the Tango and Rumba, Boac, Marinduque, 2011
Thanksgiving Day, Fair Oaks, California, 2019
The Three sisters Visit, Fair Oaks. California, 2019
The Three Sisters ( Fe, Jean and Charo) and First Cousin, Angie Aulds( in the background), 2019
Agnes and Flo Apeles Visit and Presentation of MI, Inc Leadership Award to Macrine, Fair Oaks, CA. 2019
Dave Katague ( my nephew from down under) visit, Fair Oaks, CA 2019
Elaine and Ian-Last Visit and Farewell to their Lola-August 10, 2020, Fair Oaks, CA
Meanwhile enjoy these two of Macrine's favorite music, Moon River and Anton Rubenstein -Romance
Meanwhile enjoy these 2 videos of Macrine's 80th Birthday
This is a continuation of a series on Celebration of Life through
photos of Macrine Jambalos Katague, my spouse for over 63 years who
passed away on August 10, 2020. Connection/Continuation is one of the
six elements for Grief Healing. Publishing photos of your love one is an
activity recommended by my grief counselors to continue my connection
with Macrine. Macrine had lived well, because she had touched the lives
of others.
These photos are from 1982 to 2001
UPAA
Berkeley Chapter Alumni Meeting and Party, Pinole, California, 1989. I
am singing solo and a duet with Macrine. Minda Azarcon ( our voice
teacher) at the Piano is in the background. The second photo is the
backyard landscaping of our residence ( venue of the meeting and Party)
in Silvercrest St with the moon as background.
Macrine and I with Yong's Nieva oldest baby daughter-Marla, San Bruno, Ca, 1985
Lunch at the Dusit Hotel, Makati.Philippines with Relatives, 2001
Marinduque International Inc Meeting and Gala Ball, Toronto, Canada, 2001
New Year's Eve Party, Hyatt Regency, Sacramento, California, 2001
Villa Escudero, San Pablo City, Laguna, Philippines, 2001
Meanwhile, enjoy this piece of Roy and Rosemary
and Claire de Lune by Debussy
This is a Guide for Coping With Early Grief-Hand
Out from My Hospice Grief Counselor-Found it Helpful along with David
Kessler Grief Training Program that Ditas gave me. Thanks Ditas for the
training gift.
