A Seaside Paradise owned by Filipino-American Retirees(David Balleza Katague & Macrine Nieva Jambalos)Boac,Marinduque, Philippines
WELCOME TO CHATEAU DU MER BEACH RESORT
If this is your first time in my site, welcome! Chateau Du Mer is a beach house and a Conference Hall. The beach house could now accommodate 10 guests, six in the main floor and four in the first floor( air conditioned room). In addition, you can now reserve your vacation dates ahead and pay the rental fees via PayPal. I hope to see you soon in Marinduque- Home of the Morions and Heart of the Philippines. The photo above was taken during our first Garden Wedding ceremony at The Chateau Du Mer Gardens. I have also posted my favorite Filipino and American dishes and recipes in this site. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own, but I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights!
Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You
Yuka Maeda and Alex Chellan with Alex, Jr visiting me and bringing Pinoy lunch from the Oriental Market in Roseville.
Yuka
is my wife's niece, oldest daughter of Jean- Macrine's(RIP) younger
sister. The Chellans are residents of Roseville, CA. Thanks Yuka and
Alex for your visit and the delicious Pinoy dishes.
This
week I had two set of visitors that I treasured and had touched my
heart. One is from a closed relative and the other is from the avian
animal species.
In my aging years, a short visit or a phone
call from relatives or friends are always welcome and I will always
remember in my late stages of life here in Planet Earth.
First, I
had a short but pleasant visit from the Chellan family, Yuka and
husband Alex with their 19 months old son, Alex Jr. ( see photo above).
They also brought with them delicious Pinoy dishes ( lechon kawali,
pancit, Kare-kare and pinacbet) from my favorite Pinoy store-The
Oriental Market on Harding Rd in Roseville. We had a nice visit that I
will always treasure in my aging years.
Second, I had also a
surprise visit from a pair of Mallard ducks today. I am not sure if they
are domesticated or wild, but I was able to take their photo below.
Animal
visitors, reminded me of the bluebirds that is claiming my backyard as
their summer residence. They have been cavorting and chirping in my back
yard for the last three weeks. Here's a reprint of my posting about
bluebirds in my backyard for your reading pleasure.
I
finished watching this film on Netflix a few months ago. It made me cry
and I can fully identify with the story and sentiment in this film
being an octogenarian myself. I highly recommend this 2021 Oscar
nominated documentary to all and specially to Senior Citizens and their
relatives.
A
private investigator (Rómulo) hires an elderly man (Sergio) to go
undercover in a nursing home in Chile. The film had its world premiere
at the Sundance Film Festival on 25 January 2020. In August 2020, Gravitas Ventures acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film, and set it for a 1 September 2020, release. The film will be broadcast on PBS on 25 January 2021, as part of their POV program. It was released in the Netherlands on 10 December 2020, by Cinema Delicatessen.
Critical response
On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes,
the film has an approval rating of 94% based on 51 reviews, with an
average rating of 7.50/10. The critical consensus reads "Warm and funny,
The Mole Agent offers audiences a poignant reminder that it's never too
late to forge new connections and embark on new adventures." On Metacritic the film has a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 13 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
Glenn Kenny of The New York Times
gave the film a positive review commenting: "The film’s people are
moving, and the payoff is compassionate, humane and worth heeding.". Nick Allen of RogerEbert.com
rated the movie three stars out of four writing: "The documentary
succeeds with its tenderness, while vividly reminding us how easily
society can forget its elders.".
Awards and nominations
The Mole Agent has received several awards and nominations, the documentary was the Chilean entry for the Goya Award for Best Iberoamerican Film,
achieving the nomination being the eighteenth Chilean nomination in
that category since its creation and the second for Alberdi after La once was nominated in 2015. At the 93rd Academy Awards, the film made the shortlist for two categories, for Best International Feature Film becoming the third Chilean entry to make the shortlist after No and A Fantastic Woman made the shortlist and received a nomination with the latter winning, though The Mole Agent did not received a nomination for this category, it achieved one for Best Documentary Feature, the other category where it was shortlisted.
Philomena is a 2013 drama film directed by Stephen Frears, based on the 2009 book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee by journalist Martin Sixsmith. Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, it tells the true story of Philomena Lee's 50-year search for her adopted son and Sixsmith's efforts to help her find him.
Today, the Jambalos Clan of Northern California is celebrating that
all of the Clan have been fully vaccinated. The get-together is hosted
By Charro Jambalos-Levine at her residence in Palo Alto. I was planning
on attending ( Ditas will drive me) but this morning I woke up under
the weather( stomach problems, aching back and just lethargic) so I
decided to stay home. So today it is time for some classical music as
follows: This is a reprint from my blogs a few years ago.
This
is one of my favorite piece of music. It reminded me of the hard years
and loneliness I experienced when I was in graduate school alone for
over a year so I could attained my goal to get my Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago during the early 1960's.
This is an article I wrote about this concerto in my blogs a couple of years ago.
And here's an article of my Interview by Mr Rickarby of BBC, Bristol, UK
Last July, 2013 Mr Melvin Rickarby of Radio 4, BBC, Bristol, UK
interviewed me on how and why Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez touched my
heart. The summary of the interview along with other fans of Rodrigo
were taped and you could download it in the website as follows:
SoulMusic: Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez for Guitar, Tuesday, July 09, 2013 4:00 AM
My three minute interview start at 11 minutes and ends at 14 minutes of
the 27 minutes tape. I felt weird hearing my own voice with my
distinguishable Ilonggo-American accent. However, I am proud to be
chosen by BBC as one of the fans of Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez.
A brief summary of the recording which was broadcasted live on July 9, 2013 at 4:00AM is as follows: Written by Joaquin Rodrigo in 1939, the Concierto de Aranjuez is a
guitar classic. It was written amid the chaos of the Spanish Civil War,
and in circumstances of poverty and personal tragedy. This progamme explores how the piece touches and changes people's lives.
The composer's daughter Cecilia Rodrigo explains how the blind composer
was inspired by the fountains and gardens of the palace of Aranjuez.
Nelício Faria de Sales recounts an unforgettable performance deep inside
one of Brazil's largest caves, while David B Katague remembers how
the piece got him through a difficult period of separation from his
family in the Philippines.
Guitarist Craig Ogden explains the magic of the piece for a performer,
and actor Simon Callow recalls how hearing the piece was a formative
experience for him during his schooldays, when it turned rural Berkshire
into a piece of Spain.
Producer: Melvin Rickarby
Croatia’s world-famous cello duo 2CELLOS are back together ago working on something new last month.
Luka Šulić and StjepanHauser, whoreunited
briefly after a two-year-break to celebrate their 10th anniversary as a
group with a cover of the Bon Jovi classic “Livin’ on a Prayer”, were
in Tuscany on Monday where they were joined by famous Italian opera
tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Šulić and Hauser struck up a friendship with Bocelli after performing together a number of times over the last 7 years.
“Wonderful day today with Andrea Bocelli in beautiful Tuscany! Thank
you and your family for hospitality,” Šulić said on Instagram after
posting a photo of the trio together.
The duo reached video viral fame on YouTube from their 2011 rendition
of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” and went on to amass 1.3 billion
YouTube views, 5.5 million YouTube subscribers, 1 billion streams, and
sold nearly 1 million tickets.
The Croatians have sold out shows across the globe at historic venues
including New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, London’s Royal Albert
Hall and the Sydney Opera House.
The duo has performed alongside musical greats Steven Tyler, Red Hot
Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age and George Michael, to name a
few, and was hand-picked by Sir Elton John to perform both as an opener
as well as part of the iconic singer’s live band.2CELLOS
are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year. In case you are not
familiar with this duo, here's a recent press release on April 1, 2021.
2CELLOS is the eclectic, international sensation comprised of two
classically trained cellists who reached video viral fame on YouTube
from their 2011 rendition of Michael Jackson's
"Smooth Criminal." The pair, Luka Šulić and Hauser, have since created a
name for themselves with their electric and dynamic playing style.
Together, 2CELLOS have amassed a staggering 1.3 billion YouTube views,
5.5 million YouTube subscribers, 1 billion streams, and have sold nearly
1 million tickets. 2CELLOS have taken the cello to unimagined heights
as their signature style breaks down the boundaries between genres of
music, from classical and film music, to pop and rock. Known for their
electric live performances, 2CELLOS have sold out shows across the globe
at historic venues including New York City's Radio City Music Hall, London'sRoyal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The duo has performed alongside musical greats Steven Tyler, Andrea Bocelli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Queens of the Stone Age and George Michael, to name a few, and was hand-picked by Sir Elton John to perform both as an opener as well as part of the iconic singer's live band. Here are 4 videos of the famous duo.
In
my last posting, I featured Stjepan Hauser, world reknown cellist. This
posting is about Luka Sulic-his former rival and now his musical
partner. Here's a short biography of Sulic from Wikipedia
Šulić was born in Maribor, Slovenia. Šulić's father, Božo (through whom Šulić has Croatian citizenship in addition to Slovenian), is from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and his mother, Alja, is from Izola, Slovenia. His father is also a cellist, and many members of his family are associated with music.
Luka
Šulić performs throughout the world combining solo classical
performances with those with his fellow 2CELLOS partner.
He has won a series of top prizes at prestigious international music
competitions, including first and special prize at the VII Lutosławski
International Cello Competition in Warsaw (2009), first prize at the
European Broadcasting Union “New Talent” Competition (2006) and first
prize at the Royal Academy of Music Patron’s Award in Wigmore Hall
(2011).
He has given a number of solo and chamber music appearances in
Europe, South America and Japan in major venues such as Wigmore Hall,
Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Musikverein and Konzerthaus.
As a soloist he appeared with orchestras such as Deutsche Radio
Philharmonie, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Warsaw Philharmonic, Russian
Symphony Orchestra and others.
His mainstream success began when he decided to join forces with his friend and a former cello rival Stjepan Hauser. In January 2011, they uploaded a cello version of “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson
onto YouTube. Within just a few weeks, their video went viral,
receiving over 7 million views almost immediately. This led to a record
deal with Sony MASTERWORKS and an invitation to join Elton John on his
worldwide tour.
In January 2012, they appeared as the special musical guests on Fox’s hit TV series Glee
where they performed “Smooth Criminal” in the Michael Jackson tribute
episode. This was the first time that an instrumental duo had performed
on the show in a guest spot. The 2Cellos’ arrangement of the song, which featured actors Grant Gustin and the late Naya Rivera, debuted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Digital Songs Chart and landed the 2Cellos album in the Top 100.
From 2011 through 2018, as a member of 2CELLOS, Šulić has
released 5 albums of assorted musical genres, from pop and rock to
classical and movie themes.
After the 2CELLOS US tour ending in 2019, Luka Šulić took a break
from the duo to work on independent projects. He released an album Vivaldi: The four Seasons which peaked at #1 in November 2019.
It was recorded in Rome with the Archi dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia,
conducted by Maestro Luigi Piovano. Luka said, he loved Vivaldi’s
Four Seasons since he was a child and heard it on a tape in his parents
car. He always wanted to play the piece on the cello. It took him 2
years arranging the pieces for cello, note by note, while he was on tour
with 2CELLOS. He chose Rome for recording as Vivaldi was Italian. He
hopes the album will bring classical music a brider audience.
Finally A Blessed Pentecost Sunday to All my Relatives and Readers all over the World.
In case you are not familiar with the word Pentecost:
It is Fifty days after Easter. ( Pentecost literally means “50”) Celebrates: The day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, causing them to speak in tongues.
The
Piano and Violin have always been my two favorite musical instruments.
But after listening to Stjepan Hauser, a Croatian cellist, play the
cello I must admit I consider the cello now as my number #1 favorite
musical instrument.
Here are two videos by Hauser that moved my heart and soul and transport me to musical ecstasy and delight.
In case you are not familiar of this handsome and talented cellist, here's his short biography:
Stjepan Hauser is a Croatian cellist who has a net worth of $8 million.
Stjepan Hauser was born in Pula, Croatia in June 1986. He is a member of
the group 2Cellos with Luka Sulic. He has performed in more than 40
countries and has played at the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall,
Southbank Centre, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and more. The YouTube video
for his cover of the song "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson performed
solely on cello with his friend Luka Sulic became a sensation in 2011
and the two formed 2Cellos which was signed by Sony Music Entertainment.
That year Hauser released the albums Urban and Hauser with Damir Urban
and another album with Oliver Dragojevic. Hauser has toured with Sulic
as a part of the Elton John band and released his classical album
Brahms, Beethoven & Brunch for Clarinet, Cello & Piano in 2011.
In 2011, 2Cellos appeared in the TV series Glee and in 2013 the 2Cellos
album In2itiion was released. Their album Celloverse was released in
2015.
Hauser loves to play barefoot and surrounded by water (
waterfalls, ocean tides, running rivers and gentle rain as well as
mountains and forests as background).
We
have resided in 6 different cities in the US since the 1960's. We
always purchased a home that is at least 30 minutes driving or less to a
Filipino/Oriental grocery store or restaurant, because we love Filipino
cuisine.
There
are 5 places listed in the Internet of Filipino Grocery and Restaurants
near us ( Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks area). I have visited and
patronized four except for #5, The Grocery Outlet and Bargain Market in
Watt Ave ( 34th block). I also enjoy ordering on line( via Door Dash),
Filipino dishes from Teriyaki Station in Folsom. Here's the list for
your information.
“This is a cool little spot. I wanted to try cooking a Filipino recipe I had found and needed”. Friendly owner and employees, delicious dishes. Call ahead to reserve. Food-Excellent
Dine-in
“--the teriyaki plate combo. They definitely gave the vibe that you are eating food at a Filipino party lol” . Excellent lechon Kawali, but Dinuguan not the best.
Note: There is Seafood City in Mack Road, Elkgrove. CA
-one of the largest Filipino and Oriental grocery store and restaurant
in the Sacramento area. It is South of my residence and at least a
30-minute drive. So it is not listed as Near Me. The grocery has
numerous selection, but the restaurant dishes are of poor quality
compared to the 4 take out or dine-in restaurants above that I have
patronize. The Red Ribbon and Valeria Bakery however are excellent.
Meanwhile here's a short video of the grilled pompano and sweet and sour sauce I prepared the other day
My youngest grand daughter turn 18 today, Happy Birthday, Pangga!!!
Carenna Biking near Her School in The Netherlands
Carenna and Mom-Ditas_Celebrating Carenna's 17th BD Last Year
My youngest grand daughter Carenna Katague Thompson( CarennaKT) turn
18 years old today. Carenna is the only daughter of my youngest
daughter, Ditas.
This is another major event in my aging years. How time Flies!!!
For
details on Carenna's extracurricular activities( singing, song writing,
acting and guitar playing) read my blogs and also her Google and FB
pages as follows:
