Marinduque Awaits You: May 2025

Saturday, May 31, 2025

My Younger Brothers, Efren and Dolce Ruben

ChatGPT is good on Getting Information On Friends or Relatives who has some On-line Presence. This posting is about my two younger brothers, Efren and Dolce Ruben.

My Brother, Efren Katague and Family, Sydney Australia

My Query: Who is Efren Katague from Sydney, Australia

He earned his degree from Western Sydney University . Beyond his professional endeavors, Efren is active in Sydney's tech community, participating in groups such as the Sydney Natural Language Processing Meetup, Couchbase Sydney, and the Sydney Unity Game Dev group .SignalHire+1Datanyze+1Meetup

Efren is also engaged on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @efrenkb, where he shares insights on technology and its impact on daily life .X (formerly Twitter)

On a personal note, Efren and his family have resided in Sydney for several decades. They have been featured in family blogs, highlighting their involvement in community and family events .David Balleza Katague

ChatGPT said: Yes, Efren Katague from Sydney, Australia, is the father of Dave Katague.

This familial relationship is confirmed by multiple sources, including family blogs authored by David Balleza Katague, who refers to Dave as "the only son of my brother Efren Katague (Australia)." Additionally, another blog post mentions, "Dave Katague, my nephew, son of my younger brother Efren, is a professional videographer." David Balleza Katague+3marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com+3marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com+3marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com

Dave Katague is an AI systems designer and educator, known for his work in making technology more accessible and integrating AI into creative and marketing workflows. He also shares insights on platforms like Instagram.

Meanwhile here's my query on my other younger brother, Dolce Ruben from the Philippines

My other younger brother, Dolce Ruben and his Family

Do you have any information on Dolce Ruben Katague from Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines

One prominent figure is David B. Katague, a retired U.S. FDA chemist and prolific blogger. He has extensively documented the genealogy of the Katague family, tracing their lineage to Victoriano Catague and Marcelina Javellana. David's father, Dr. David Jamili Katague, was born in Guimaras and later resided in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. The family name was originally spelled "Catague" but was changed to "Katague" by David's father and his brothers during their youth. This surname is found in various regions of the Philippines, including Iloilo, Antique, Bohol, and Negros Occidental. lifeinus1960present.blogspot.comLiving in Marinduque Philippines+2David Balleza Katague+2remembrance of things awry+2Living in Marinduque Philippines+2theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com+2David Balleza Katague+2

David Katague has also mentioned connecting with relatives in Bacolod through social media platforms like Facebook. It's possible that Dolce Ruben Katague is part of this extended family network. If you're seeking to learn more about this individual or explore potential familial connections, I recommend reaching out to David Katague through his blogs or social media channels. His writings often invite readers with the Katague surname to connect and share information.

If you have additional details or context about Dolce Ruben Katague—such as their profession, age, or affiliations—I can assist further in narrowing down the search.

According to the USLS Center for Alumni Relations, Katague completed his undergraduate degree in 1978 and earned a Master of Business Administration in 2005. Facebook

For more details about his professional background, you can view his LinkedIn profile.

Meanwhile, here are 30 life Lessons for your reading pleasure.

ChatGPT Impressions of the Painting, I Treasured

Another use I discovered recently was ChatGPT ability to analyze Paintings. The first posting on this subject was the analyses of the Wall Mural in the Liberty Pavilion of THD by Trenton Gregory. That posting received numerous positive comments from THD Upper Management in Las Vegas.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/chatgpt-impressions-on-trenton-gregory.html

This posting was the response I got when I asked ChatGPT about the painting I owned and treasured "The Napa Hut" by Jesse Santos above.

ChatGPT said: Sure, I'd be happy to! Please upload the painting or image you'd like me to give my impressions on. Once I can see it, I’ll provide a thoughtful analysis based on its style, technique, emotion, symbolism, and other artistic elements.

This artwork captures a classic and idyllic rural scene, likely from the Philippines, given the nipa hut (bahay kubo)and the man riding a carabao (water buffalo)—both iconic symbols of traditional Filipino countryside life. The scene feels peaceful and nostalgic, evoking a sense of simplicity, harmony with nature, and cultural pride.

Composition and Subject

Foreground: A dirt path leads the viewer’s eye toward the nipa hut. The man on the carabao adds a narrative element—perhaps he's returning home or passing by. His presence adds life and movement to the otherwise still landscape.
Middle Ground: The nipa hut is central, surrounded by lush vegetation, suggesting self-sufficiency and serenity.
Background: The painting opens to a view of distant water or hills, creating depth and a sense of space.

Color Palette

The use of earthy greens, browns, and blues gives the piece a grounded, natural feel.
The sky has a slightly impressionistic texture with bright blue and white tones, suggesting a clear and pleasant day.
The contrast between the cool and warm tones helps draw attention to the hut and the surrounding foliage.

Technique and Style

The brushwork is detailed yet expressive, with attention to texture—especially in the thatched roof and trees.
The painting likely uses oil or acrylic, with a textured surface suggesting a layered application of paint.
It reflects a style that combines realism with a slightly romanticized view of rural life.

Mood and Symbolism

The overall mood is tranquil and nostalgic.
The nipa hut symbolizes shelter, family, and traditional Filipino values.
The carabao represents hard work, resilience, and connection to the land.
The setting suggests a time and place where life moves slowly and nature plays a central role.

Final Thoughts

This painting is both aesthetic and cultural—a beautiful tribute to rural Filipino heritage. It would likely resonate deeply with those who grew up in or have roots in the provinces. Displayed above a cozy leather sofa, it brings warmth and storytelling into the room.

If you'd like, I can also help identify the artist or time period if you have a signature or other details.

Fine Art and Oil Paintings

Beyond comics, Santos was an accomplished painter. His oil paintings often depicted rural Filipino life, showcasing scenes like rice harvesting and traditional village settings. These works are characterized by vibrant colors and a romanticized portrayal of the countryside. His paintings have been auctioned and sold through various platforms, indicating a continued appreciation for his fine art.

Animation and Later Life

In the 1980s, Santos transitioned into animation and advertising design. He contributed to animated series such as Bionic Six, Blackstar, Dino-Riders, Jem, and Tiny Toon Adventures. After retiring in 1998, he explored his passion for music, performing as a lounge singer and producing an album of standard love ballads.Wikipedia+1Invaluable+1IMDb+3Invaluable+3Wikipedia+3

Legacy

Jesse Santos's diverse body of work reflects his versatility and dedication to the arts. Whether through the dynamic panels of his comics, the evocative scenes of his paintings, or the animated worlds he helped bring to life, his contributions have left a lasting impact on both Filipino and American art landscapes.

The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor Volume 1 Standard Color Hardcover

Original Artwork

Jesse F. Santos 'Harvesting Rice' Oil Painting

$2,200.00

ChatGPT chooses products independently. These selections include reprints of his notable comic book works and an example of his fine art painting. Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these items or further details about Jesse Santos's life and work.

Friday, May 30, 2025

Life of Senior Citizens at the Golden Grove Senior Living Community

The past four weeks I have been experimenting what ChatGPT can do to help me with my daily blogging activities. Today my query is : Can you write a fictional story on the lives of senior citizens in an active senior living community here in the US

ChatGPT said:Certainly! Here's a fictional short story centered around the lives of senior citizens in an active senior living community in the U.S., blending humor, friendship, and reflection.

Title: The Golden Grove Chronicles

Nestled just outside Asheville, North Carolina, Golden Grove Senior Living Community wasn’t your typical retirement home. With a pickleball court that never rested, yoga classes at dawn, and themed potlucks ( cocktail hour in THD) every Friday night, Golden Grove was more like a cruise ship on land—minus the sea sickness. ( THD has been described by a few THD Residents as a cruise ship minus seasickness also)

Chapter 1: The Newcomer

Eighty-two-year-old Margaret "Maggie" Delaney arrived at Golden Grove with a rolling suitcase and a wary heart. A retired librarian from Boston, she had spent the last two years living alone after losing her husband, Henry. Her daughter finally convinced her to move closer—and into “a place with more life than Bingo.” ( A place with more life than Bridge- here at THD).

She was greeted by Gloria Martinez, a seventy-five-year-old firecracker and unofficial mayor of Golden Grove. Gloria had flaming red hair, a sassy attitude, and a habit of sneaking her pug, Napoleon, into community yoga.

“We don’t do lonely here,” Gloria said, wrapping Maggie in a citrus-scented hug. “We do book clubs, brisk walks, and occasionally, wine tastings ( also beer tasting here at THD) disguised as Bible studies.”

Chapter 2: The League of Gents

Across the courtyard, a group of four men—collectively known as The League of Gents—were plotting their next campaign: to convince management to allow a bocce court to replace the underused putting green.

Leading the pack was Charles “Chuck” Bradley, a retired lawyer with a fondness for suspenders and conspiracy theories (“They are watering down the prune juice, I swear!”). His best friend, Jerome Ng, once a NASA engineer, now used his math skills to beat everyone at poker and to time his naps with scientific precision.

Despite their jokes and occasional complaints, the League of Gents were the backbone of Golden Grove’s social calendar. They organized movie nights, taught tech classes, and offered unsolicited advice to anyone who’d listen.

Chapter 3: Tuesdays with Helen

Helen Cohen, ninety and nearly blind, led the community’s poetry circle ( THD used to have a weekly poetry group). Every Tuesday, residents gathered in the sunroom while Helen recited verses from memory. Her words stitched together decades of love, loss, resilience, and grace.

Maggie found herself drawn to these sessions, often staying behind to help Helen transcribe new work. Through these quiet afternoons, Maggie began to unpack her own grief—and rediscovered her passion for writing.

“You’re not starting over,” Helen told her one day, “You’re starting forward.”

Chapter 4: The Great Halloween Caper

Every year, Golden Grove held a legendary Halloween bash. This year, Gloria was determined to win Best Costume. She recruited the League of Gents, Maggie, and even Helen to perform as the cast of The Golden Girls. Chuck, despite protests, ended up as Blanche. Jerome refused to wear a wig, so he was cast as “that off-screen neighbor who talks too much.”

The show was a hit. Photos went viral. A local TV crew even came to cover the community's antics. Golden Grove became known not just for its amenities, but for its soul.

Epilogue: A Place to Belong

Months passed. Maggie no longer felt like a guest. Her days were filled with laughter, companionship, and a sense of purpose. She was even writing a memoir, tentatively titled Chapters at Golden Grove.

In a place where most people came expecting to slow down, they were instead reminded that there was still so much left to live.

Because at Golden Grove, age wasn’t the end of the story—it was the beginning of a new, golden chapter.

My Comments: I could flagerized the above story by changing the name of the community, the residents, the activities and add my own story based on my observations of several residents stories here at THD, but I would not...

I hope you enjoy the above fictional story generated by AI technology in less than 2 minutes. 💚The above photo of me and Mary Ann ( a good friend) was taken at the 2024 Luau Party here at TD.

Meanwhile, Did you know that......

Avocados are unique among fruits because they do not ripen while still attached to the tree. Instead, they begin to soften and mature only after being picked. This allows farmers to use the tree itself as natural storage, leaving the fruit hanging until needed. By doing so, avocados can be kept fresh on the tree for up to seven months, helping reduce waste and allowing for better control over harvest and market timing.

Lastly, My Photo of the Day:

My Graduation Speech Tailored to Filipino-Americans

This posting is inspired by the several graduations ceremonies going this Week here in the US. I know of a few THD senior residents attending Graduation Ceremonies of GrandChildren and other closed relatives this week.

A few decades ago, I was invited as Graduation speaker during a High School Graduation of a Relative. At that time ChatGPT was not available, but I remember giving the same closing remark highlighting a popular Filipino Proverb. He who does not look at his past, will not be able to see his Future.💚

The following is my fictional graduation speech helped by AI technology. I will give this talk if I am invited again to a graduation ceremony, addressing the majority of second- third generation Filipino-Americans here in the US. The chance of this is currently nil, but for posterity sake, the following would have been my graduation speech.

Here's my thoughtful and heartfelt speech tailored to deliver to a group of graduating seniors with Filipino-American ancestry in the U.S. It reflects my admiration for Cardinal Luis Tagle, my reflective nature, my heritage, and my desire to uplift others with depth and sincerity.

Speech Title: “Rooted in Heritage, Rising with Purpose”
By David B Katague

Good afternoon, dear graduates, families, friends, and members of our community.

First, let me say: Congratulations! This day belongs to you. It is a milestone—a marker of years of hard work, perseverance, and courage. You’ve earned this moment.

As I stand before you, looking out at a sea of bright, hopeful faces—many of whom share the richness of Filipino ancestry—I can’t help but reflect on a saying I once heard from Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino Cardinal in the Catholic Church whom I greatly admire. He said, “The deepest identity we carry is our being loved by God and our capacity to love.” That truth isn’t just spiritual—it’s practical. It’s a compass for how we live our lives.

Many of you are first or second-generation Filipino-Americans. That means you straddle two worlds—the traditions, values, and sacrifices of the Philippines, and the opportunities, freedoms, and challenges of the United States. That dual identity is not a burden—it is a gift.

Never forget the sacrifices made by those who came before you—Lolos and Lolas who left familiar islands for unfamiliar shores, parents who worked extra shifts so you could have more choices, Titos and Titas who cheered you on every step of the way. You are their dream fulfilled. But now, you are the dreamers.

Let me offer you a few reflections as you prepare to chart your path forward:

1. Know Your Roots, But Don’t Be Afraid to Branch Out

Be proud of your heritage—our hospitality, our respect for elders, our deep faith, and yes, our unbeatable pancit and adobo! But don’t let your identity be limited to nostalgia. Use it as a launching pad for meaningful engagement in the broader world. Be global-minded, but soul-grounded.

2. Define Success on Your Terms

You’ll hear a lot about careers, income, status. Those things matter—but they are not everything. The most fulfilled lives I’ve seen are those lived with purpose. Ask yourself often: Am I making someone else’s life better? Am I living in a way that would make my ancestors proud?

3. Embrace Compassion as Strength

We come from a culture that values empathy—malasakit—and community. In a world that often rewards ambition over kindness, dare to lead with compassion. The best leaders are those who uplift others.

4. Keep Faith—Whatever Form It Takes

Whether your faith is Catholic, Protestant, another religion, or simply a quiet belief in something greater than yourself—keep that flame alive. It will sustain you in times of doubt and challenge. And there will be challenges. That’s life. But the Filipino-American spirit? It is resilient. And so are you.

5. Remember, This Is Just the Beginning

You are not closing a chapter—you are opening one. What stories will you write? What difference will you make?

Graduates, you are the bridge between generations. Between cultures. Between what is and what can be. Stand tall. Speak truth. Dream big. And always, always, love deeply.

As I close, let me leave you with a Filipino proverb:

“Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.”
💚(He who does not look back to where he came from will not reach his destination.)

Look back. Give thanks. Then move forward—with courage, with clarity, and with heart.

Mabuhay kayong lahat. Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Meanwhile, here's one of my Favorite Poems, Addressed to the Younger Generation: 

When your Parents or GrandParents get old…

They may move a little slower.
They might forget what they just said.
They might tell the same story again and again.

But don’t stop them.
Let them talk. Let them share. Let them feel heard.
Because once upon a time,
they listened to your every word.
Even when it made no sense.
Even when you couldn’t get the words out.

They gave you their time, their patience, their energy,
without asking for anything in return.
Now it’s your turn.

Let them hold on to their old things.
The faded chair. The chipped mug. The quiet routines.
They may look like clutter to you.
But to them, it’s a life.
A life they built.
A life they still want to feel close to.

Let them enjoy time with their old friends.
The familiar laughs. The old stories.
The comfort of people who’ve known them for decades.
They once made space for your world.
Now let them have theirs.

Let them light up around their grandchildren.
In those little faces, they see echoes of you
and a reason to smile all over again.

Let them be wrong sometimes.
You made mistakes too.
And they never made you feel ashamed.

Let them enjoy their days,
even if they don't look the way you think they should.
They spent years making sacrifices,
putting your needs before their own.
Now let them rest. Let them choose.

Let them live this last stretch with dignity.
With love.
With you.

Give them your hand.
They once held yours so gently, so tightly,
when you were learning to walk.

Now they’re the ones who need steady ground.

So hold them.

The way they once held you.
Without question. Without condition.
With all the love in the world.

Lastly, My Photo of the Day: