Snowbirds Living in the Philippines : Responses to My Request for Macrine's Pictures for her Memory Album

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Responses to My Request for Macrine's Pictures for her Memory Album

Ben (Benjie) and Victoria(Vicky) Abellera with me and Macrine, Colesville, MD 1995( not sure of the year)-Dinner at our residence in Hammonton Road

As part of my series, Celebration of Life on Macrine's memory, I requested that if someone have pictures of Macrine in their possession to share it with me.

Two friends responded. The latest response I received was from Vicky Abellera, from Maryland. Vicky and husband Benjie and I were members of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of the Capital Area ( Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC). I believe this was around the early to mid 1990's.

" The University of the Philippines (UP) Alumni Association of the District of Columbia, State of Maryland and Commonwealth of Virginia Chapter is a nonprofit organization of former students, and friends of UP. The alumni membership is infused with a spirit of loyalty to the alma mater, service to the Nation’s capital area, and commitment to the Motherland. The Association promotes the character, traditions and goals of the University through scholarships, professorial chair, and other educational programs, issues, cultural activities and public service. A common thread of volunteerism and generosity runs through the membership. The Association has offered its excellence and leadership to Community and Country – all traits of which are embodied in the University’s symbol, the Oblation."( http://upaadcmdva.org/our-mission.html)

The Abelleras are currently in contact with me via Face Book. Here are the photos taken during a Dinner that Macrine and I hosted at our residence in Hammonton Rd, Colesville, Maryland.

Steak Dinner with another UP alumnus Nena Soberano. The Painting of the Nipa Hut and the water buffalo by Jesse Santos is still hanging in our formal dining room today here in Fair Oaks, California.

The first response was from Agnes Lardizabal Apeles- former President of MI, Inc. She sent me this photo of Macrine with her older sister Clemen Lardizabal Perez. The photo was taken at our Conference Hall, Chateau Du Mer, Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque,2010. Clemen and Macrine were high school classmates.

Meanwhile, enjoy Benjie Abellera playing Chopin Etude #10-popularly known as "I am always Chasing Rainbows"-This is one of Macrine's Piano favorite piece!
https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media/?thread_id=100048701873452&attachment_id=1000349107148648&message_id=mid.%24cAABa_iRVfQB7EOf7A10341eh47wb

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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.