Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Good News: Marinduque Airport Certified to Open by September 1, 2014

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Good News: Marinduque Airport Certified to Open by September 1, 2014

The news that the Masiga Airport in Marinduque has been certified to open by September 1, 2014 reminded me of my article on my blogs dated June 28, 2009. This is indeed the answer to my prayers to Saint Jude, Patron Saint of the Impossible. I am looking forward to the fulfillment of this news. Hopefully actual flights from Manila to Marinduque and back will commence by Christmas week of this year. I will continue my prayers to St.Jude.

I just finished reading, Eli Obligacion blog on the plans of SeAir(South East Asian Airlines) to provide air service from Manila to Marinduque on the days that Zest Air is not flying to Marinduque. At present, Zest Air flies only on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. SeAir is planning to include Marinduque on their Paradise to Paradise Leisure Escape Package Schedule. SeaAir is currently providing air service to Boracay , Palawan and to 17 other tourist destinations in the Philippines. However, this plan will be realized only if the Masiga airport runway is repaired, lengthened and widened so that their bigger aircraft could land safely in Marinduque. Funding for this project was recently allocated by VP Noli de Castro's office, but is still waiting for final approval and release from President GMA's office .

I call all Marinduques all over the world to raise their voices so that completion of this project will become a reality soon. In addition, I am personally praying to St. Jude, Patron Saint of the Impossible for his help on the completion of this project. The daily air service from Manila will certainly boost tourism which in turn will improve the economic condition of our province with the creation of new jobs related to the tourism business. With the opening of Bellarocca Resort,touted as the most luxurious resort in South East Asia last year, there is a need and demand for daily air services to Marinduque.

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Joys of Retirement

I have been retired from USFDA since 2002. At first, I feel I have lost my identity as an individual or have lost my contribution to society. However, within a few weeks all these feelings were gone. It started when my wife and I started baby sitting one of our grandchildren. As some economics professor states: "Your children are your capital investments, but your grandchildren are your profits. That is why you love your grandchildren more than your children". I really agree with the statement. Retirement also gives you lots of time to do things you like to do, such as your hobbies and of course travel. In my case, I turned my hobby of gardening and landscaping into a small business in the Philippines. This endeavor was planned about five years before 2002. That year my wife and I started construction of our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque , Philippines. The next year we built a beach house, followed by a Conference Hall two years later. Needless to say, planning and executing the landscaping was a challenge and very enjoyable. With the help of local labor, I not only enjoy the time gardening and landscaping, but also help improved the economic situation of the province by providing work and jobs to the local residents. With plenty of time, I have engaged into two specific activities as follows: First, I created a website for my small business. By trial and error, I created and design the website, www.chateaudumer.com I have never been a computer nerd or expert. But with plenty of time and patience, the fruits of my labor could be enjoyed if you visit the website above. The second activity, I have not done before was to utilize on-line activities, such as shopping, paying bills ( save you stamps) and playing computer games in the Internet. I really enjoyed playing duplicate bridge on line. You play with players all over the world and can chat in between games. But be careful, you are not spending too much time in the computer. It is very addictive. With a lots of time, my wife and I devoted more time on our favorite humanitarian project. For the last 15 years, we have been involved with medical mission to the province of Marinduque. For details please visit the website: www.marinduqueinternational.org As a summary, the joy one gets on retirement is very specific for an individual. Some enjoy their free time by learning new activities, getting involved with humanitarian projects or spending more time with their grandchildren. Others hate it, since they missed their former jobs and co-workers. Others with no children still enjoy retirement by traveling, turning their hobbies into business or more community involvement. Of course those that retire and hate it, is believe to die earlier than those that enjoy their retirement years. So, plan your retirement as early as you can. The happier you are on retirement, the longer you will live.