Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : A Recent Complimentary Message from a FaceBook Friend

Thursday, August 26, 2021

A Recent Complimentary Message from a FaceBook Friend

Just recently, I received a message in FB from a former resident of the UP Mens South Dorm (Narra Hall) that I am posting below. His message reminded me of the many happy years I experienced in UP from 1952 to 1958. The following photos are reminders of my pleasant memories of those years UP Mens South Dorm Association, 1954. I am in the second row, 7th from the right. In this picture, I know of two politicians. One is Luis Villafuerte (second row, second from the right) former governor and assembly man from Camarines Sur. The other one is Homobono Adaza, former governor and assembly man from Misamis Oriental. Both were law students at that time. Villafuerte's dorm room was just across the Hall from mine. If you know any one in this picture, please let me know via FaceBook or in this blog.

UP Men's South Dorm Officers, 1954. I am in the front row, first from the left with a notebook.

Liberal Arts Chapter Members of the University of the Philippines Student Catholic Action (UPSCA) in front of the LA building in 1954

Group Picture of some UPSCANS during our annual picnic outside the university campus, 1954 (Taal Vista Lodge).

One More UPSCAN Picnic Picture, 1954

During the Mens South Dorm Open House with Mercy Lopez, College of Music, Hector Taleon and my two room mates Vivencio Villaflor and Emmanuel Espino from Dagupan City, Pangasinan, 1954

Me at the Analytical Laboratory.1954

Weighing at the Analytical Balance Room,with Kahirup Juan, 1954

Reading and relaxing in my room in the South Dorm after studying for 3 hours for a final exam in Physical Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Graduation Photo, October, 1955.

Recently, I sent a Happy Birthday Greeting to GP ( a FB Friend and former resident of the UP Men's South Dorm in Diliman). The following was his response.

FB Friend:
This is so heartfelt. I couldn’t thank you enough.
Lubos po ang aking kasiyahan na ako po ay binati ninyo. Ginagalang ko po kayo bilang isa sa orihinal na residente Ng UP South Men's Dormitory noong early 1950s na naging Mayon Residence Hall,
at kalauna'y Narra kung saan ako sumilong Ng mahigit dalawang taon.

Maraming Salamat. I hope all is well with You! Take Care!

FB Friend:

David B Katague Your version of shine is a search light. Thanks for lighting up the Narrehan path.The Earth is better off having you in it.

In this world there are 'drains' and 'radiators.' Drains take energy away while radiators beam it out. Continue being a radiator that continuously gives out warmth and comfort.

Again, a million thanks to GP. Your words are music to my aging years. May your tribe increase. You have made MY DAY!!!

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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.