Then and Now: Revisiting the Places We Once Called Home

This posting is inspired from my recent trip to Washington DC  attending  Carenna's (my Grand Daughter) Graduation from GWU and the news of the new home of my niece in the Philippines, see photo as follows:

Then and Now: Revisiting the Places We Once Called Home

Our Residence in Fair Oaks, CA before My Move to THD from 2002-2023 

As I reflect on the twelve moves that shaped our family life between the 1960s and 2002, I often wonder what has become of the communities that once formed the backdrop of our dreams, careers, and family milestones. Much has changed in America since we first settled in Chicago, Kansas City, Modesto, Pinole, Colesville, and Fair Oaks. Yet each place remains a cherished chapter in our family's story.

Chicago, Illinois

In Front of the UI Staff Apartment with Macrine and her Mom-My Mother-in-law-Mrs Elena Nieva Jambalos, 1963 

Chicago remains one of America's great cities. The skyline, museums, lakefront, and cultural diversity continue to attract residents and visitors from around the world. The winters are still as cold and windy as I remember, although climate change has somewhat moderated the most severe cold spells.

The city today faces many of the challenges common to large urban centers: higher housing costs, increased rents, traffic congestion, and concerns about public safety in certain neighborhoods. Housing costs have risen significantly, with rents increasing faster than in most major American cities during the past year. Nevertheless, Chicago continues to offer world-class universities, medical centers, arts, and public transportation. For many, it remains one of the most affordable major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Whenever I think of Chicago, however, I remember not the cold winters but the excitement of graduate school, the birth of our American journey, and the beginning of our family's adventures.

Kansas City, Missouri

Our First Purchase of a House in Platte Woods, Missouri with my Four D's. ( Dodie, David E, Dinah and Ditas), 1967 

Kansas City has grown tremendously since our years in Gladstone and Platte Woods. What was once a quieter Midwestern city has become a thriving metropolitan area known for technology, healthcare, logistics, and entrepreneurship.

Housing prices have increased considerably since our days there, but they remain relatively affordable compared with California and the East Coast. The average home value is now around $250,000, making homeownership attainable for many middle-class families.

The city continues to be known for its friendly people, beautiful suburbs, excellent barbecue, and strong sense of community. The creek behind our rental home and our beloved "Nipa Hut" in Platte Woods are memories that no amount of urban growth can erase.

Colesville, Maryland and the Washington, D.C. Area

Macrine and I in front of Our Residence in Colesville, MD ready for a night Out in Washington DC (Filipino-American Gala), 1992 

Of all the places we lived, Colesville remains closest to my heart. Today it continues to be one of the most desirable suburban communities in Montgomery County, Maryland. The area enjoys excellent schools, extensive parks, quality healthcare, and proximity to Washington, D.C.

The Washington metropolitan area has become one of the nation's leading centers for biotechnology, cybersecurity, government services, and research. Housing prices are substantially higher than when we moved there in 1990, reflecting strong demand and limited housing supply. The median household income in Colesville exceeds $130,000, demonstrating the area's continued prosperity.

While traffic congestion has increased considerably, residents continue to enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Looking back, our twelve years in Maryland were perhaps the most stable and rewarding years of our professional and family lives.

Washington, D.C.

Marinduquenos Participation on June Celebration of Philippine Independence from the US- Macrine was the Overall Chairperson of the whole Month of Celebration, 1999  

The nation's capital has undergone remarkable transformation. Neighborhoods that were once neglected have been revitalized. New restaurants, cultural attractions, and residential developments have reshaped the city.

Washington remains a global center of political power, diplomacy, education, and research. The city attracts professionals from every state and from countries around the world. Housing costs have risen sharply, but so have opportunities in government, consulting, healthcare, and technology.

Whenever I visit Washington today, I still remember my years at the FDA and the satisfaction of contributing to public health on a national level.

Modesto, California

We Became US citizens in 1972, Modesto Bee News Clippings

When we arrived in Modesto in 1969, it was primarily an agricultural community in the heart of California's Central Valley. Agriculture remains important today, but the city has grown significantly and now serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, distribution, and business.

The Modesto housing market remains more affordable than the San Francisco Bay Area, although home prices are far higher than when we purchased our first California home. The typical home value is now approximately $450,000.

Modesto still retains much of its agricultural heritage. Almond orchards, vineyards, and farms continue to define the surrounding landscape. The city faces challenges involving air quality, housing affordability, and economic inequality, but it remains an attractive destination for families seeking a California lifestyle without Bay Area prices.

Our memories of obtaining American citizenship and operating Macrine's gift shop remain among our family's proudest achievements.

Pinole, California

Me and Macrine Singing a Duet and the Backyard of Our Silvercrest Residence 💚, 1996

Pinole today remains one of the hidden gems of the East Bay. Its small-town atmosphere, excellent weather, and location along San Pablo Bay continue to attract families and retirees.

The city has grown modestly compared with neighboring communities. Residents enjoy access to San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Napa Valley, and Silicon Valley while maintaining a quieter suburban lifestyle. Housing costs, however, have risen dramatically due to the continuing demand for Bay Area real estate.

💚Whenever I think of Pinole, I remember our children's high school years, our beautiful hillside home on Silvercrest Road, and the many gatherings of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association.

Fair Oaks, California

My Backyard in Fair Oaks, CA 2002 to 2023

Today, Fair Oaks remains one of the most desirable communities in the Sacramento region. Known for its mature trees, village atmosphere, and proximity to the American River Parkway, it offers a blend of suburban comfort and natural beauty.

The Sacramento metropolitan area has experienced substantial growth as many residents have relocated from the Bay Area seeking more affordable housing and a slower pace of life. Even so, Fair Oaks continues to maintain its unique character and strong community spirit.

The cost of living is higher than the national average but remains considerably lower than many coastal California communities. Residents enjoy excellent healthcare facilities, shopping centers, recreation, and convenient access to both Lake Tahoe and the San Francisco Bay Area.

After more than two decades here, I understand why Fair Oaks became our final home. We came to be near our children and grandchildren, and that decision proved wise. The greatest luxury in retirement is not a bigger house or a warmer climate, it is being close to family.

Final Reflections

Every move in our lives brought uncertainty, but each move also opened new doors. Looking back, I realize that it was never the houses themselves that made a place special. It was the people we met, the friendships we formed, the careers we built, and the memories we created.

Today, Chicago is larger, Kansas City more prosperous, Maryland more expensive, Modesto more developed, Pinole more valuable, and Fair Oaks more crowded than when we first lived there. Yet in my memory, each remains frozen in time, a place where our family laughed, learned, worked, celebrated, and grew together.

Those places were never merely addresses. They were home.

Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines- My Place of Birth

What is the history of Jaro?

Jaro, a district in Iloilo City, Philippines, has a rich history dating back to 1575 when it was founded as a visita of Oton. 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/06/memories-of-old-iloilo-my-place-of-birth.html

Here's a brief overview:

Early History

Originally named Salog or Saro, Jaro was a thriving town during the Spanish colonial period, conducting trade with China and Siam (Thailand) due to its strategic port along the navigable river. The town was a center of religious and economic power in the Visayas region.

Spanish Colonial Era

Jaro was a major hub for the Spanish, with many Spanish-Filipino mestizo families residing in the area. The town's iconic Jaro Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Candles, was built during this period and features a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary that has supposedly been growing in size since its discovery.

American Colonial Era

In the early 20th century, American Baptist missionaries arrived in Jaro, establishing institutions such as the Jaro Evangelical Church, the first Baptist church in the Philippines, and Central Philippine University, the first Baptist university in Asia. The Presbyterians also established the Iloilo Mission Hospital, the first Protestant hospital in the country.

Cityhood and Incorporation

Jaro officially became a city in 1891 but was later incorporated into Iloilo City in 1941. Today, it's the largest district in Iloilo City, known for its historic mansions, including the Lopez Heritage House and Lizares Mansion.

Modern-Day Jaro

Jaro is a thriving district, experiencing significant economic growth with new malls, condominiums, and townships sprouting up. It's still a major center of Catholicism and Protestantism in Western Visayas, with the Jaro Cathedral and Central Philippine University being prominent landmarks 

AI Overview: 

Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines- My Place of Birth

I was born in Jaro, Iloilo City on December 20, 1934.

My Parents resided in Arguelles St, a five minutes walk to the Jaro Cathedral ( photo above). In December, 1941, the Japanese bombed the Philippines  so My family evacuated to my mother's ancestral home in Barotac Viejo.      

Jaro, Iloilo City is a remarkable and historic place to claim as your birthplace! As the largest district in Iloilo City by both population and land area, Jaro is universally celebrated as the region's spiritual and cultural capital.

If you are looking to reconnect with your roots, explore your heritage, or retrieve official birth documents from your birthplace, the following essential details and resources can guide you.

Getting Official Birth Records

If you need to retrieve or correct your birth certificate, you can coordinate directly with local and national government agencies:

• Local Civil Registry: The Iloilo City Civil Registry Office regularly runs the Birth Registration Assistance Program to help residents secure legal documentation. 
• National Records: For official copies, you can file a request through the regional office of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) located on Iznart Street in Iloilo City.
• Ancestral & Church Records: Because Jaro is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Jaro, many historical birth and baptismal records are preserved at the Archbishop's Palace or digitally hosted via the FamilySearch Jaro Archdiocese Parish Registers.

Iconic Landmarks of Your Birthplace

Jaro is famous across the Philippines for its rich colonial history, distinct Spanish-era architecture, and deep-rooted traditions: 

• Jaro Cathedral: A unique, historic landmark featuring an exterior staircase leading to a shrine of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of the Candles). It is the only religious icon in the country personally crowned by a Pope.
• The Jaro Belfry: Unlike most Philippine churches, Jaro's ruined campanile (bell tower) stands completely separate from the main church building, positioned right across the street in the public square.
• Plaza Jaro: Officially named the Graciano Lopez Jaena Park, this vibrant plaza honors Jaro's most famous son—a national hero, orator, and founder of the revolutionary newspaper La Solidaridad. ]
• Grand Mansions: The area is famed for its 19th-century architecture, including heritage homes like Nelly's Garden and Casa Mariquit, which showcase the immense wealth of the region's historic sugar barons.

Cultural Identity & Flavors

• The Jaro Fiesta: Held every February 2nd, this is one of the biggest and most lavish religious festivals in the Western Visayas region, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors.
• Culinary Heritage: As part of Iloilo's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Jaro boasts legendary local flavors. It is a prime spot to enjoy authentic La Paz Batchoy and traditional treats from local institutions like Hinolan's Barquillos, a 73-year-old wafer-rolling household.

𝖨𝗅𝗈𝗂𝗅𝗈 𝖢𝗂𝗍𝗒’𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗅 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗌 𝗂𝗇𝖼𝗅𝗎𝖽𝖾 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁, 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻̃𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝗼, 𝗗𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗲𝘃𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗼𝗻̃𝗮 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗔𝗿𝗴𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗶 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗟𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗠𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗼𝗮𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗬 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗮, 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮-𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘇 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝖲𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝖺𝗅 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗌𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗌𝖿𝗈𝗋𝗆𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗇𝗍𝗈 𝖼𝖺𝖿𝖾𝗌, 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗎𝗋𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗌, 𝗆𝗎𝗌𝖾𝗎𝗆𝗌 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗏𝖾𝗇𝗎𝖾𝗌.

Lastly, Did you know that.....

Robert Lopez became the first Filipino American to achieve EGOT status, meaning he won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award—an accomplishment achieved by only a handful of people in history.

Born to Filipino and American parents, Lopez built an extraordinary career on Broadway before becoming a global name in Hollywood. He co-created hit musicals like The Book of Mormon and Avenue Q, and later won an Academy Award for writing "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen.

His success placed a Filipino name among the most elite creators in the entertainment industry.

And that's just one reminder that Filipino talent continues to leave its mark on the world in ways many people never realize.

When Politics Meets the Beautiful Game: The World Cup Trophy and the Weight of Diplomacy

On July 19, 2026, the eyes of the world will once again be focused on the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It promises to be a magnificent celebration of the world's most popular sport. Billions of viewers will watch as the two best football nations compete for the greatest prize in soccer.

Tradition dictates that the head of the host nation presents the World Cup trophy to the victorious team. That means President Donald Trump is expected to hand the trophy to the new world champions.

Ordinarily, such a ceremony is purely ceremonial, a moment of joy, sportsmanship, and international friendship. This year, however, the event carries an unusual political backdrop.

Over the past several years, President Trump has pursued an "America First" foreign policy that has reshaped America's relationships with allies and rivals alike. His administration has imposed tariffs on many trading partners, publicly criticized numerous foreign leaders, sought to renegotiate long-standing alliances, and taken strong positions on immigration, trade, and national security. More recently, the United States also became directly involved in military action against Iran, a nation that qualified for the World Cup.

As a result, whichever nation reaches the final, there is a reasonable chance that President Trump will be presenting the trophy to players or leaders from countries with whom the United States has recently experienced diplomatic tension.

Imagine the possibilities.

If a European nation wins, its leaders may have disagreed with Washington over trade or defense spending.

If a South American country triumphs, memories may linger of American comments regarding regional politics or elections.

If an Asian or African nation prevails, there may be ongoing disagreements over tariffs, immigration, or international alliances.

Even if the ceremony itself remains cordial, as it almost certainly will, the symbolism will not be lost on the global audience.

Yet perhaps this is precisely why sports occupy such a unique place in international life.

The Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup have always served as stages where political differences temporarily yield to shared human achievement. Athletes shake hands before and after fierce competition. Fans from opposing nations celebrate together. National pride is expressed through talent rather than conflict.

History reminds us that sports have often opened doors that politics could not. The famous "Ping-Pong Diplomacy" between the United States and China in the early 1970s helped thaw decades of hostility. The Rugby World Cup in South Africa became a powerful symbol of reconciliation after apartheid. International sporting events have repeatedly demonstrated that respect on the playing field can inspire respect beyond it.

The World Cup Final offers another opportunity for such symbolism.

When the winning captain lifts the famous golden trophy, the moment will belong not to politicians but to the athletes who spent years preparing for that single achievement. Their victory will transcend borders, languages, religions, and political ideologies.

The President's handshake, regardless of politics, will last only seconds.

The image of champions celebrating with teammates, coaches, families, and millions of supporters will endure far longer.

Perhaps that is the true lesson. Governments change. Policies change.

International relationships rise and fall.

But sport continues to unite people in ways that diplomacy often struggles to achieve.

For ninety minutes, and sometimes a little longer, the world watches not as Americans, Brazilians, Argentinians, Germans, French, Japanese, Moroccans, or Koreans, but simply as lovers of the beautiful game.

As someone who has lived through nine decades of world history, I have witnessed wars, political upheavals, and dramatic shifts in global power. Yet I have also seen how music, science, culture, and sports continue to remind us of our common humanity.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final may include an awkward political moment or two. Cameras may search for subtle expressions or carefully choreographed handshakes. Commentators will undoubtedly analyze every gesture.

But once the trophy is raised high above the players' heads, politics will fade into the background. Victory will belong to the team that earned it.

And for one unforgettable evening, the world's greatest sporting event will once again remind us that competition need not prevent respect, and that even in divided times, there remain occasions when humanity celebrates together.

AI Overview:

The World Cup trophy often serves as a geopolitical bargaining chip rather than just a prize for athletic achievement. Historically used by autocrats to legitimize their regimes, the ceremonial act of handing over the trophy at the 2026 Final highlights how sport remains inextricably linked with global diplomacy and international relations. 

Throughout the nearly century-long history of the World Cup, the tournament and its trophy have frequently been weighed down by politics, power struggles, and diplomatic friction:

• The 1934 Fascist Pageant: Italian dictator Benito Mussolini used the tournament to project the power of fascism and Italian supremacy, making the trophy an instrument of nationalistic propaganda.
• The 1978 Argentine Junta: Hosted under the heavy shadow of a military dictatorship, the tournament was weaponized to launder the regime's international image while it was actively "disappearing" thousands of citizens.
• The 2018 Russian Tournament: Vladimir Putin utilized the spectacle to project normalcy and global influence during conflicts in Syria and Crimea.
• The 2026 North American Games: Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament is unfolding amid unprecedented political tension. The close association between FIFA leadership and the United States administration has sparked heated debate over whether the governing body is losing its carefully guarded political neutrality.
• The 2026 Trophy Ceremony: The ceremonial presentation of the trophy at the July 19 Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey is slated to feature United States President Donald Trump on stage alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This high-profile involvement has triggered intense discourse regarding the appropriateness of a sitting head of state taking such a prominent ceremonial role in a global, supposedly apolitical event.

While the beautiful game is frequently championed as a universal language capable of bridging international divides, the reality is that the ultimate prize in soccer operates at the intersection of diplomacy, commerce, and global prestige. As the winning captain hoists the trophy, that iconic moment will inevitably reflect the complex global realities and political weight of the era.

Lastly, Who will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Predicting the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is challenging, but based on current trends and odds, here are the top contenders ¹ ² ³:

Top Favorites:

France: They have a strong team with talented players like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. France is currently leading the odds with a +200 chance of winning.
Argentina: With Lionel Messi on their team, Argentina is a strong contender, having won the 2022 World Cup. They're currently at +400 odds.
Spain and England: Both teams have a good chance, with odds at +750. Spain recently eased to a 3-0 win over Austria, while England is drifting ahead of the Round of 16 match with Mexico.

Other teams like Brazil, Portugal, Morocco, USA, Mexico, and Colombia are also in the mix, but they're slightly behind in the odds. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several teams capable of winning it all .