My pride and joy to be a part of Philippines’ most widely circulated newspaper publication in the West Coast and Goudy Honda, one of the largest volume Honda dealers in the world. Thanks to Ms. Cora O., Ivy and Tony Iskandar. What a powerhouse of such combination.
Summer has just begun. The familiar things that go with summer: beaches, bikinis, suntanned skin, picnic in the park, convertibles, smog, cold beer, garden barbeque, ice cream. Summer to some is diving into the ocean bottom in scuba gear, to others is a trip to Hawaii, either go surfing or a long walk along the powdery sand of Waikiki Beach.To the heavyweights, it is the luxurious cruise along the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and to those who are time and dollar conscious, a weekend at the Catalina Island or a quiet sailing at the Marina is more relieving. How and whatever you would want to do, it is here and and even though the weather authorities have predicted this is going to be a long hot summer, enjoy it nevertheless.
Summer brings back nostalgic memories of beautiful days in the Philippines. I remember spending one summer weekend trying to learn the water ski along the Marina in Paranaque with my Cebuana friends Baby Aragon and Elizabeth Chiongbian, both were Philippine water ski champions and were patient enough to teach me and my stewardess friend Nancy Martinez.
First step was to stand up firm on the board with both legs bent and fitted ski shoes; hands gripped to the handles of the rope connecting to the motorboat and prepare to be pulled away by our driver Chiqui Gonzalez (brother of actor Jose Mari) into the middle of the sea. Unheard of our loud screams and Chiqui not realizing we have already been thrown far and away from the boat into the middle of the sea. Thanks for the life saver. Shy to say despite of two more weekend attempts to learn to water ski, we will never make it and we will never also forget the more than 2 gallons of sea water both Nancy and I drank each time we tried.
Jhohanna Garcia, former movie actress celebrated her birthday, last July 11. Among her guests were Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who spent weeks in Boston for a seminar at Harvard University; Cora Oriel, President and Owner of Asian Journal, the largest and the most popular newspaper in California and Nevada. Cora and I have known each other since the beginning of Asian Journal way back in their first location on Beverly Boulevard. It is so amazing how it grew and prospered to become the biggest newspaper magazine through the hard work of both Cora and Roger. They also propelled the First Filipino Yellow Pages directory. Once again, my congratulations and more power to both of you.
Singer/entertainer Norma Ledesma had a knee surgery last July 15. Talking to her after her surgery, she said she feels real ‘brand new.’ Her surgery was less pain and thank God she says it is finally over. No more sneakers, rubber shoes and flat shoes. At the party of Johnny Sicat, she was wearing a beautiful white long dress, underneath she showed me her matching white rubber shoes... new style? Her hubby former LAPD detective Xavier was her nurse and caregiver.
Good job, XAVVY...
At 5am last July 16, my phone rang. A call at this time you bet is not a US call, but overseas from my friend Carmen Soriano. ‘Birthday ko ngayon,’ was her loud greeting. Of course, I told her. Mt. Pinatubo erupted in Pampanga and that’s why I will always remember your birthday. She went on to say that she has been in demand for big shows. She was in the 400th UST celebration; she was handpicked by Nobel prize winner Mr. Guzi and was the special guest during the 60th DYNA records anniversary. She invited me to her Facebook and true enough “what a beauty!” So I asked her ‘nag-botox ka? she said NO. ‘cutting edges (tabas) ‘hindi’ and so what? ‘secret’... I’ll see you in September.
My personal condolences to Dr. Ner Azaula and Rollie Camama for the loss of their fathers who passed away almost the same date and age. Both were 88 years old. Ner lost his Dad due to his failure to get his usual M-W-F dialysis treatment due to strong typhoons and floods in their area in Quezon City. Rollie’s father succumbed to a stroke and brain hemorrhage, My personal condolence also to my bossom friend Nancy Roman. Her mother went to the Philippines for the Holy Week which she always does yearly.. She had a 2nd stroke and became comatose. She never woke up and died after 4 weeks. Her hospital bill was a whooping 3 million pesos for a 5-week ICU confinement.
My dear ones, from now on I shall call you my BFF (Baby’s friends Forever) di ba? It is so nice to have friends that you can call anytime (make sure your calls are free minutes or after 8pm and weekends) talking about anti-aging, overweight, food, children and grandchildren, shopping, finances and problems and problems and just anything under the sun.
This time, let us hear God’s Words: “Draw near to me with a thanksgiving heart. Thankfulness opens the door to My Presence. I want you to learn the art of giving THANKS in all circumstances. See how many times you can THANK me daily.This will awaken you to a multitude of blessings.” - Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 100.:4)
Stay cool, and remember God loves you and me and all of us. Until next week.
