God bless Marikina and the Filipino people

Vera Watkins with the talented and good-looking Nashville pop star Ryan Gallagher

Last weekend, will be sadly remembered as the weekend when the worst devastation hit the Philippines. One that it hasn’t seen in years. The magnitude of this typhoon will forever change the lives of all of us, abroad or back home, the cry and agony of our kababayans seen and heard all over the world were just too hard to bear.

We leave it up to our faith in God to believe that even in this harrowing time, there is a purpose. I can’t do anything but cry, seeing our helpless fellow Filipinos, my brother and his family, my nieces and nephews in the middle of ths turmoil. Salamat sa Diyos at ligtas sila. My hearts goes out to the victims, some I know personally.I’ll just pray to God that our beloved country will suffer no more and for us, who are here in America, to be more vigilant in helping our kababayans in Marikina, the place where I was born. Alam ko na makakaya natin ang mga trials na ito. To our mayor, Maridez Fernando and MM

DABayani Fernando, our prayers are with you. May the Lord give you more energy and strength to serve and protect our Marikina and the people of the Philippines. For donations, please contact the Philippine Red Cross-Marikina Chapter, Marikina Associations of Southern California or the Philippine Consulate near you. May God bless us all... Atlanta Summer

The gang’s all here On a lighter note I would to welcome to Los Angeles Vera Watkins, Meg Bhuiyan and Ara Armas, the lovely ladies of Atlanta. Last summer, on my first trip to Georgia with my friend Leila Aquino, I was so delighted to meet these warm and hospitable ladies. Meg, Leila’s BFF, is Kapampangan and is doing very well in Atlanta. With her sheer determination and hardwork, she now owns and manages a successful medical office. Along with her hubby Sarwa, she became our tourist guide and showed us the beauty of Atlanta, from a laser light show in Stone Mountain to wine tasting in Chatteu. Vera Watkins of Marena Group, manufacturer of body contouring and surgical garments, is a delight! She is bursting with energy and instantly became my dance partner. Girl, you got my groove back!Spending our time in a luxury boat at the lake was such a treat. Vera has a wonderful soul that touches everyone around her. Love ya girl!

The amiable Monika, for hosting us lovely dinner, my thanks to you. Many thanks also to the lovely couple Warner and Ara Armas and to the beautiful people of Atlanta. Muchas Gracias, Merci,salamat!

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The author is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows, as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products available at www.skinbymonet.com. He supports many humanitarian efforts to include projects in his native Marikina, The Bantay Bata Foundation, and many more. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com for more information.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published October 3, 2009 in Asian Journal Los Angeles p. B5 )

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