Before the MayFlower- There Was Morro Bay

Morro Bay, California, 1587 and St Malo, Louisiana, 1763.

HISTORICAL REFERENCES & SOURCES

The following sources provide documentation of the events described above:

1. Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

October Is Filipino American History Month

The 1587 Filipino landing, historical significance, and establishment of Filipino American History Month.

https://www.fanhs-national.org/october-is-filipino...

2. U.S. National Park Service

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Stories

Recognizes the October 18, 1587 landing of Filipino shipfarers in Morro Bay.

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/aapiheritage/stories.htm

3. Duke University — Migration Memorials

Landing of the First Filipinos

Documents the historic Morro Bay landing, the Spanish expedition, and the encounter with Indigenous inhabitants.

https://migrationmemorials.trinity.duke.edu/.../landing...

4. Louisiana Folklife Program

Stories Told About the Nineteenth Century Filipino Settlement at St. Malo, Louisiana

Historical research into the Manilamen, early newspaper accounts, and uncertainty regarding the settlement's founding date.

https://www.louisianafolklife.org/.../Arti.../lfmStMalo.html

5. Philippine-Louisiana Historical Society

Historical Markers Project

Documents St. Malo, Manila Village, and other historic Filipino communities in Louisiana.

https://www.plhs.net/historical-markers

6. HISTORY — Kirby Aráullo

The First Asian American Settlement Was Established by Filipino Fishermen

Research on the Manilamen, St. Malo, and early Filipino maritime communities.

https://www.history.com/.../first-asian-american...

7. Academic research — Rethinking History (2021)

Journeys to St. Malo: A History of Filipino Louisiana

Scholarly research evaluating conflicting accounts of St. Malo's beginnings.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13642529.2020.1831279

#FilipinoAmericanHistoryMonth #FilipinoAmericanHistory #FilipinoPride #FilipinoHeritage #AsianAmericanHistory #Manilamen #StMalo #AmericanHistory #HistoryMatters #LearnOurHistory

October is Filipino American History Month. October 18, 1587 the first documented arrival of indigenous Filipino Indios off the coast of Morro Bay, California

Meanwhile, Which Filipino fruit is the BEST?

Mango — the sweet Carabao king

Lanzones — translucent little gems

Rambutan — hairy but heavenly

Calamansi — tiny citrus powerhouse

Durian — you either love it or run

Finally,

Celebrating Filipino American History Month! From Hollywood to the music industry, sports, comedy, and beyond, Filipino Americans continue to make their mark and represent our culture on the world stage. From the legends who paved the way to the new generation making history, our talent, resilience, and pride shine through.

Proud of our roots. Proud of our representation. Proud to be Filipino!

From Summa Cum Laude to Penn: A Proud Lolo’s Reflection on the Next Generation

There are moments in a grandparent’s life when words like proud do not seem quite enough.

This is one of those moments for me. My granddaughter, Carenna Katague-Thompson, graduated this past May from The George Washington UniversitySumma Cum Laude. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the Elliott School of International Affairs, with a double major in Geography and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

As her Lolo, I could not be more proud of what she has accomplished.

But what makes this moment even more special is that Carenna is not stopping here.

This week, she is beginning her Master's degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Watching a grandchild move from one important chapter of her education into another gives me an opportunity to reflect on what education has meant in my own life.

Education Has Always Been Important to Me

I grew up in a small town in Iloilo, Philippines, at a time when opportunities were very different from what young people have today.

My own educational journey eventually took me from the Philippines to the United States, where I earned my Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.

Education opened doors for me that I could hardly have imagined when I was growing up in Barotac Viejo.

It gave me the opportunity to become a scientist, a teacher, a researcher, and eventually an FDA review chemist and team leader.

Looking back, I have always believed that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children and grandchildren is not money or material possessions, but the encouragement to learn and the opportunity to pursue an education.

Carenna's Achievement Makes Me Proud

When I look at Carenna's accomplishments, I see more than impressive academic credentials.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude tells me something about her discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence.

A double major in Geography and a minor in Geographic Information Systems also tell me that she has chosen fields that can help her understand our increasingly interconnected world.

Geography today is much more than studying maps. Combined with GIS, it can help us understand population movement, cities, the environment, resources, international development, and many of the complex challenges facing societies around the world.

And now she is taking another important step by beginning her graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

As I think about her journey, I find myself asking the same question I have asked throughout my own life:

Where will education take her next? I don't know the answer. I hope she gets a job near me after her Master's Degree.  

And perhaps that is one of the most exciting things about being young.

From One Generation to Another

One of the beautiful things about being a grandfather is watching the next generation go places that you never had the opportunity to go.

I came to America in 1960 as a young Filipino immigrant.

Today, one of my grandchildren is beginning graduate studies at one of America's great universities.

That thought does not make me feel old. Instead, it makes me feel grateful.

Our lives are connected across generations. The sacrifices and opportunities of one generation become the foundation upon which the next generation builds.

My parents gave me the foundation to pursue education.

My wife Macrine and I tried to do the same for our children.

And now it is wonderful to watch our children and grandchildren build their own futures.

What I Hope for Carenna

As Carenna begins this new chapter at Penn, I hope she remembers that education is not simply about earning degrees.

A degree is important, but what we do with our knowledge is even more important.

I hope she remains curious. I hope she continues to ask questions.

I hope she uses her education not only to advance her own career but also to make a difference in the lives of others.

And most of all, I hope she enjoys the journey and be happy.

Life has taught me that success is not always measured by titles, degrees, salaries, or accomplishments.

Sometimes success is simply becoming the best person we can be and using whatever talents we have been given to help others.

A Proud Lolo

At 91, I have had the privilege of watching several generations of my family grow.

I am now a great-grandfather, or as I like to say, a Super LOLO and Apo sa Tuhod.

I have six grandchildren and two great-grandsons, and each one gives me a different reason to be thankful.

But today, this post is about Carenna. Carenna, congratulations on graduating Summa Cum Laude from George Washington University.

And congratulations on beginning your Master's journey at the University of Pennsylvania.

Your Lolo is very proud of you. You have already accomplished much, but I have a feeling that this is only the beginning.

Go to Philadelphia, learn as much as you can, meet people from different backgrounds, challenge yourself, and continue to dream.

And remember something your Lolo has learned over a lifetime:

Education may open the door, but character, perseverance, curiosity, and compassion determine where that door will lead you.

I cannot wait to see where your journey takes you.

Congratulations, Carenna. Your Lolo is cheering for you from California!

And to my readers around the world, especially my fellow seniors: perhaps one of the greatest joys of growing older is realizing that our story does not end with us.

We live on through the dreams, accomplishments, and possibilities of the generations that follow us.

Four Generations, Four Hours, and a Lifetime of Love-Part 2 of 2 

I am the oldest generation in this photograph. Beside me is my daughter Dinah. Next is my granddaughter Elaine. In front of us is my great-grandson, Beau Joseph. By his side is his Dad, Kyle Joseph. Four generations are represented in one image below.

 

The Joseph Family, Dinah and I, Rohnert Park, CA, 9-2-26

September 2 was one of the happiest days of my life this year.

Dinah and I drove for several hours to visit my great-grandson, Beau Joseph, who lives with his parents in a suburb of Portland, Oregon. The Family were vacationing in Santa Rosa. After another four hours with him and his family, I drove home tired, but deeply happy and grateful.

The long drive was worth every mile. The last time I saw Beau was in October last year, when he was barely four months old. Today, at thirteen months, he has changed so much. He has begun to crawl, and his little personality is beginning to reveal itself. He looked at me with an expression that seemed to ask:

Who is this old man looking at me with such a loving gaze?

I smiled at him and called him guapito- my little handsome boy.

For a few precious minutes, I was able to hold him in my arms. I kissed him gently on the head for a few seconds. Those moments may seem small to someone else, but to me they were enormous. They filled my heart with happiness and gratitude.

I am grateful that I am still able to make the journey. I am grateful that my arms could still hold him, even if only for a short time. I am grateful that my eyes could watch him crawl and explore, and that my heart could feel the wonder of seeing another generation of our family grow before me.

Today, I was not only visiting Beau. I was reconnecting with four generations of love.

I spent time with his mother, my granddaughter Elaine; his father, Kyle Joseph, my grandson-in-law; and my daughter Dinah, Beau’s grandmother and my oldest daughter. To see all of them together reminded me that a family is not merely a collection of individuals. It is a living story, passed from one generation to the next.

When I look at the photograph, I see more than five faces. I see the passage of time. I see the continuity of love. I see the people who came before us, even though they are no longer visible in the picture. I also see the future embodied in Beau, who is only beginning his journey in this world.

Pride in a Young Family

I am also very proud of Elaine and Kyle.

About three months ago, they purchased a single-family home in a good neighborhood near Portland. They both have jobs, and through hard work, careful planning, and financial discipline, they were able to buy a home during the early years of their married life.

For young people today, this is not an easy achievement. In many parts of the United States, owning a home has become increasingly difficult for a young couple. The cost of housing is high, and the financial demands of beginning a family can be overwhelming.

That is why I admire what Elaine and Kyle have accomplished. Their new home represents more than bricks, walls, and a mortgage. It represents determination, responsibility, hope, and a place where Beau can grow.

I imagine him crawling across the floor, taking his first steps, learning new words, and gradually discovering the world around him. That home will hold many memories: birthdays, holidays, family dinners, laughter, disagreements, celebrations, and perhaps the sound of Beau calling for his parents.

A home becomes meaningful because of the life that takes place inside it.

The Gift of Being Present

We went to a Children Play Ground  Nearby after Lunch to Enjoy the Sun and More Visit Time

As we grow older, we learn that happiness does not always arrive in grand or dramatic ways. Sometimes it comes quietly, in the form of a child resting in our arms. Sometimes it appears in a kiss on a small head, a curious look, or a few hours spent with people we love.

Today reminded me that presence is one of the greatest gifts we can give one another.

I could not stay for several days. I could not spend the night or watch every new milestone. I had only four hours with Beau and his family before beginning the long drive home. But those four hours were enough to fill my heart.

Time is measured by clocks, but meaningful time is measured by what remains in the heart.

The drive home left me physically tired. My body reminded me that I am no longer young. But my spirit felt renewed. I carried with me the memory of Beau’s face, his curious eyes, his developing personality, and the warmth of holding him.

I also carried gratitude for my daughter, my granddaughter, my grandson-in-law, and this beautiful child who connects us all.

A Lifetime in One Photograph

One day, Beau may look at this photograph and wonder about the old man standing beside him. Perhaps he will be told that I was his great-grandfather, that I traveled four hours to see him, and that I held him in my arms and kissed him on the head.

He may not remember this visit. He may not remember the word guapito. But I will remember it for the rest of my life.

And perhaps, many years from now, he will understand what this picture represents: four generations gathered together, briefly united by family, history, and love.

Today was only one day. It was only four hours. But sometimes four hours can contain a lifetime of love.

Personal Note: I have another great grandson, two months older than Beau. His name is Graham and the son of Dinah's son, Ian.  

I have not seen him in person for a quite a while. I am hoping to see him on my 92nd Birthday this coming December 20.  

Lastly, My Photo of the Day:

The jade vine, Strongylodon macrobotrys, is a leguminous vine endemic to the Philippines. Specimens were collected on Mount Makiling, Luzon, in 1841 by the United States Exploring Expedition, and Harvard botanist Asa Gray described it. Its claw-shaped turquoise flowers hang in trusses up to 3 meters long and are pollinated in the wild by a bat. On Luzon the flowers are eaten as a vegetable called tayabak.

Hara Hachi Bu: How Mindful Eating Can Combat Outsized Portions

This article is inspired from my recent experience of our Dining Offerings here at THD. Several months ago, at the suggestions of several residents initiated by my blogs, THD management added in our menu the line : 1/2 servings Portions Available. 

 Most of the residents were happy, however a few informed me they will order full servings and will eat it all, so there will be no waste of foods. 

Just recently, THD change its Menu Format, Adding a Full Page of " Always Available" and retain the 1/2 servings line on the Dinner Menu-an improvement. 

However, in our Dinner Menu this week, I noticed the 1/2 servings line was omitted. Is this intentional? Will the Dinner servings be portions that seniors could consume without waste. Just curious, since the  past weeks,  I also observed that the servings I have experience is perfect for my needs of eating only to 80% of my Full Satisfaction, Thus this article:   

Hara Hachi Bu: Finding Balance in a World of Outsized Portions

In our fast-paced, modern food culture, the finish line of a meal is almost always the same: feeling completely stuffed. But across the ocean, in the longevity hotspot of Okinawa, Japan, an ancient Confucian mantra dictates a healthier boundary. Hara Hachi Bu teaches practitioners to eat until they are only 80% full.

This simple shift from maximum capacity to light satisfaction is one of the foundational secrets to Okinawan health and longevity. However, importing this ancient wisdom into our modern lives isn't as simple as just deciding to eat less. We live in an environment that actively works against our body's natural cues, making the 80% threshold a moving target.

The Modern Dilemma: Outsized Portions vs. Ancient Wisdom

The biggest obstacle to practicing Hara Hachi Bu today is the dramatic inflation of modern portion sizes. Over the last few decades, restaurant plates, fast-food servings, and even packaged grocery items have grown exponentially. What we visually perceive as a "normal" single serving is often enough to feed two or three people.

This hyper-abundance distorts our internal baseline. When we are served an oversized plate, our psychology shifts from listening to our stomachs to finishing what is in front of us. This biological misalignment overrides our natural fullness signals, meaning that by the time we visually "clean our plate," we have long blown past the 80% mark and entered the zone of metabolic strain. To combat this, we must shift our focus away from the size of the plate and back to the physical sensations within our bodies.

Practical Tips to Master the 80% Threshold

Transitioning to mindful eating requires resetting your relationship with satiety. Here are practical, actionable strategies to help you recognize and honor your 80% limit:

• Embrace the 20-minute delay. It takes roughly 20 minutes for your stomach to chemically signal your brain that it is full. If you eat quickly, you will hit 100% capacity before your brain even registers that you’ve started. Slow your pace, chew thoroughly, and give your internal communication system time to catch up.
• Downsize your dinnerware. Trick your brain by using smaller plates and bowls. A portion that looks meager on a massive restaurant-sized plate looks abundant on a smaller salad plate. This satisfies your visual hunger before you even take your first bite.
• Assess your hunger mid-meal. Halfway through your food, pause for a moment. Put down your utensils, take a breath, and ask yourself where you land on a scale from 1 to 10. If you no longer feel empty but aren't quite heavy yet, you are approaching the 80% sweet spot.
• Reframe leftovers as a win. Remove the societal guilt of leaving food on your plate. Instead of viewing leftovers as a chore, see them as a gift to your future self—a free, effortless lunch for tomorrow that spared your body from unnecessary digestive stress today.
• Eliminate digital distractions. Eating while scrolling on a phone, watching television, or working at a desk blindsides your awareness. When your mind is fully occupied elsewhere, your hand will mindlessly move food to your mouth long after your body has had enough.

By actively dialing back our intake and resisting the pressure of modern portion sizes, we can reclaim control over our health. Hara Hachi Bu reminds us that true dietary abundance isn’t about eating everything available, it’s about having the clarity to stop when our body is perfectly fueled.

 My Photo of the Day: 

One of My Favorite Pinoy Dishes: The Dish, I will order in any Filipino Restaurant.   

Finally, The biggest news stories of the day include:

• Justice Department Charges James Comey Again: The U.S. Justice Department has brought a third round of criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey, accusing him of leaking information to the media.
Trump Administration Election & Voter Fraud Moves: President Donald Trump announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of voter fraud, while the administration is facing legal battles over efforts to block vote certification in Alaska and challenge mail-in ballots in California ahead of the midterms. 
Israel Election and Regional Tensions: Israeli voters participate in high-turnout national elections with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fighting for political survival following heightened military and regional developments.
Jay-Z Super Bowl Halftime Show: Rapper Jay-Z was announced to headline the 2027 Super Bowl Halftime Show. 
Ares Capital Acquires MidCap Financial: In major financial news, Ares Capital Corporation agreed to acquire MidCap Financial Investment Corporation in a $2.6 billion cash-and-stock deal.
Federal Judge Blocks D.C. Golf Project Trees: U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes issued an injunction halting further tree removal and course closures at East Potomac Park in Washington, D.C..

The Healing Power of the Sea- Lumpia Ubod

I often wonder, why I felt good after a swim in our backyard at Chateau Du Mer Beach House in my younger days during our annual winter sojourn in Marinduque, Philippines. The following article fully explained my personal experience why I feel great after swimming in the of ocean of the Amoingon Beach, Boac, Western Marinduque.

Recent scientific evaluations have pointed to ocean immersion as one of the most effective natural methods for regulating the nervous system and absorbing essential minerals. This finding is shifting the perspective of modern wellness, suggesting that blue spaces offer therapeutic benefits that are often more accessible and potent than synthetic alternatives. When the body interacts with the chemical composition of seawater, it undergoes a series of physiological resets that support both physical and mental health. The approach is quickly becoming a cornerstone of environmental medicine for people seeking a natural way to manage stress and mineral deficiencies.

Balancing the Nervous System

One of the clearest benefits of the ocean is its ability to regulate the nervous system through stimulation of the vagal pathways. Submersion in water, particularly cooler ocean water, triggers the mammalian dive reflex, which slows the heart rate. That shift moves the body from a sympathetic state of fight or flight into a parasympathetic state of rest and recovery. Cortisol levels drop, and the physical symptoms of chronic stress begin to ease almost immediately upon contact with the water.

The Role of Marine Minerals

The ocean acts as a natural mineral bath containing high concentrations of magnesium, an element involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions. Through thalassotherapy, the skin interacts with these trace minerals, allowing a form of natural replenishment that many people prefer over standard oral supplements. The exact rate of transdermal absorption is still under study, but the effects of sea salt on muscle tension and skin health are well documented. The mineral-rich environment offers a way to support the body's internal balance without synthetic additives.

Comprehensive Physical Advantages

The physical act of swimming or floating in the sea provides a range of health benefits that work together to improve overall vitality. These advantages come from the combination of water pressure, mineral content, and the coastal environment. Notable benefits include better skin barrier function and hydration from the high saline content, improved mood from inhaling negative ions generated by crashing waves, reduced inflammation and muscle pain from the buoyancy of saltwater, and stimulation of the lymphatic system, which aids natural detoxification.

Embracing Blue Mind Science

Integrating regular ocean visits into a wellness routine can lead to long-term improvements in how the body handles daily stressors. By providing mineral therapy and nervous system grounding at once, the sea acts as a wellness center that is available to everyone. The approach emphasizes environmental connection in maintaining internal harmony. It encourages a shift away from synthetic solutions and back toward the elements that have supported human life for centuries .

Sources: Blue Mind: The Science of Coastal Well-Being

Marine Minerals and Human Physiology

Thalassotherapy: Ancient Practice and Modern Science

AI OVERVIEW:

Our Backyard -Chateau Du Mer Beach House and David E enjoying the Sea 

The ocean offers both mental and physical health benefits through its mineral-rich water, coastal air, and soothing environment.

Physical Benefits

• Mineral Absorption: Seawater contains high levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Magnesium is absorbed through the skin, helping relax muscles, support cellular energy, and aid nerve function. 
• Skin Health: Salt water acts as a natural exfoliant, clears excess oils, and magnesium-rich seawater can help soothe skin roughness and inflammation. 
• Low-Impact Movement: The buoyancy of salt water reduces stress on joints, making swimming, walking, and paddleboarding easier ways to build cardiovascular strength.
Airways and Breathing: Coastal air carries fine mineral particles and sea mist that can help keep upper airways moist. Breaking waves release negative ions that promote relaxation and clear breathing.

Mental Benefits

• Stress Reduction: Simply sitting or swimming by the sea lowers cortisol levels, slows the heart rate, and shifts the nervous system out of "fight-or-flight" mode.
• "Soft Fascination": The rhythmic sound of waves and expansive ocean horizons allow the brain to rest from mental fatigue, a concept explored in coastal wellness and National Geographic research.
• Mood Enhancement: Time spent near blue spaces helps trigger positive brain waves and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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• Community Perspectives

Opinions differ on the direct medicinal effects of seawater. While many view the ocean as a natural restorative, some users on Quora note that while salt water can help clean minor surface scabs, open wounds exposed to ocean bacteria can sometimes take longer to heal.

Finally, My Photo of the Day: Lumpia Ubod

Lumpiang ubod is a Filipino appetizer of julienned heart of palm and vegetables wrapped in a thin egg crepe. It comes from Silay City in Negros Occidental, where the original version is small, finger-sized and wrapped in wax paper. It can be served fresh or deep-fried. Another of my favorite Pinoy Dish during my younger years in Iloilo, Philippines