Macrine's Birthday at the Don Emilio's Restaurant in Boac

Macrine and I in front of the Balanacan Cove Convention Center, March, 2011

Yesterday was Macrine's 75th birthday. She did not want a big party, so I just treated her to lunch at Barbarosa in Gasan. She did received a gift from Dr. Cely Roque and Mrs. Auring Pitero. Auring is the founder and co-owner of Kusina Sa Plaza Restaurant. Auring and Macrine were classmates during their elementary school days.

In the evening a birthday dinner was hosted by Mrs. Pitero in her new fine dining restaurant, Don Emilio's Place. It was also attended by Mrs. Lita Hidalgo and her two sons. The Hidalgo's were in Boac to observe 9th day prayers and mass for the late Ton Hidalgo. Again, our sincere and deepest sympathy for the Hidalgo's loss.

The Don Emilio Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Kusina sa Plaza Building. This building is one of the many antique houses in downtown Boac and was the ancestral home of Don Emilio Lardizabal and family. The house has been renovated and refurnished with antique light fixtures and furnishings. This restaurant reminded me of a restaurant in an antique house located in Old Sacramento, California.

Again, thank you Auring for the delicious dinner. It consisted of corn soup, beef steak, tiger prawns and sweet and sour lapu-lapu. It was served with steamed rice and potato salad with fresh mangoes for dessert.

Don Emilio's fine dining restaurant will served authentic Marinduque dishes such as kare-kare, ulang-ulang, fresh fish and other Filipino traditional dishes. Watch out for the Grand opening next month.

Finally, Macrine also received birthday greetings from Dinah, Ditas and Carenna. We received a video message with Carenna singing Happy Birthday via FaceBook. Dinah and Ditas are our two daughters residing in US. Carenna is our youngest grand daughter- the only child of Ditas.

Dreams and Goals of Childhood-Fulfilled and Unfulfilled

The Japanese Bridge of Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort on Sunset, Boac, Marinduque, PHL
When I was growing up in the small town of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines in the mid 1940's, I had several dreams and goals in life. One of my first dream after seeing a movie made in US was to see and visit( not reside) US and play in the snow. This dream was attained in 1960. My other dream was to live in a house surrounded by fruit trees, flowers and orchids. This dream was realized in 1996 when we built our retirement home in Boac, Marinduque. Another dream I had was to build a Japanese bridge across a creek( see photo above) populated by tilapias and other fishes. This was attained when we constructed the beach house in 1998.

As a child I never dreamed to be rich in money, but just earned enough to live comfortably. This was fulfilled when we immigrated to US and after I completed my Ph.D degree in 1964. Completion of this graduate degree was the most important goal in my life.

My last dream in my childhood years was to have a residence with a circular driveway with a fountain in the center. This dream was never attained completely. However, this dream, was partially fulfilled when we built the conference Hall in 2000. The Hall had a circular driveway but no fountain. Building a fountain in the center was planned before construction. However, for practical reasons and lack of funds, this dream will probably not be realized unless I win a lot of $$ in the Lotto or in the Casinos.

Today, my goal in life is see my youngest grand daughter graduate in college.

Finally, I thank God for all his blessings for helping me attained most of my dreams and goals in life. Lord with out YOU, I am nothing.

For additional details of my childhood memories during the Japanese-American War in the Philippines (1941-1945), visit http://theintellectualmigrant.blogspot.com `

Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Coconut lobster, Cucumber and Tomatoes are Good For You

The above three ailments are the most common age-related diseases all over the world particularly in the US. A person who is now 70 years old and is not suffering from one of the above ailments should feel lucky. He or she must have lived a healthy lifestyle including good diet, exercise and an outlook in life.

In my case, I was diagnosed with HBP when I turned 40. My adult-on-set Diabetes and High Cholesterol were diagnosed when I turned 65. I feel lucky that under routine medications, the above three ailments are currently under control.

The lessons I want to impart to the younger generation as well as senior citizens like me is to watch out your diet and keep busy in both mind and body. Sometimes, we are so busy with earning a living, we neglect our bodies and spirit. Even after your retirement, you must have goals that are attainable. You must maintain family relationships and get involved with humanitarian projects if at all possible. In this way, it will keep you young in spirit if not in body.

For a list of diabetic, anti hypertensive and cholesterol lowering drugs, read my articles in my blog http://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com dated August 20, 2010.

Latest Photos of Orchids and Flowers in the Gardens of Chateau Du Mer

I hope you enjoy the above pictures! I had fun taking them! Good Day to All!