My Childhood Dreams and Goals in Life- An Update

A Repost and Update- One of my future dreams may materialized on May 5, 2025, when my first great grand son will see Planet Earth. Hoping everything will run smoothly without any problem. Last April 5th, we had the baby shower. I am excited to becoming a Super LOLO ( Great Grand Father) for the first time. Here's a repost of my article on My children dreams fulfilled and unfulfilled, I first wrote in my blogs in 2012.

Japanese Bridge at Chateau Du Mer decorated for a wedding ceremony, Marinduque, Philippines.

All of us have childhood dreams. Do you still remember your childhood dreams? Has it been fulfilled?

In my case, most of my childhood dreams and goals have been fulfilled. I thank the Lord for his help in the attainment of my dreams. I have attained my dreams and goals in life with a lot of patience, luck and hard work.

When I was growing up in the small town of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, Philippines in the mid 1940s, I had several dreams and goals in life. One of my first dreams after seeing a movie made in the US was to see and visit (not reside in) the 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, Philippines.

Another dream I had was to build a Japanese bridge across a creek populated by tilapias and other fish. This was attained when we constructed the Chateau Du Mer beach house in 1998.

As a child I never dreamed of being rich (in terms of money) or famous, but just to earn enough to live comfortably. This was fulfilled when my family 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.

One of my other dreams was to work for the US Federal government. I attained this dream when I was hired by the US Food and Drug Administration as a Review Chemist in 1990. My years with FDA were the happiest and most rewarding experience in my professional 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 my wife and I built the Chateau Du Mer 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 money in the Lotto or in the Casinos!

Today, my goal in life is see my youngest granddaughter graduate from college and my oldest grandson gets married and have my first great grand child to pamper anytime I want to.

I thank God for all his blessings for helping me to attain most of my dreams and goals in life. I wish you all luck in the attainment of your own childhood dreams and goals in life.

Meanwhile, Do you know that.....

The Philippines is one of the few countries growing all four main coffee types—Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa, and the bold local favorite: Barako. Coffee cultivation here dates back to 1740, and in the 1800s, the Philippines was even one of the world’s top exporters. Although disease brought down production, Barako is making a strong comeback, becoming a cultural icon in Batangas and Cavite.

Filipinos enjoy their coffee, averaging three cups a day, with instant coffee remaining a household staple. Interestingly, despite local production, 70–75% of coffee is still imported. But thanks to initiatives by farmers and startups, Philippine coffee is brewing a revival, holding promise for a brighter future.

Finally Did you Know that.....

Before Magellan ever set foot in the Philippines in 1521, the island of Limasawa was already gleaming — not with foreign riches, but with homegrown gold. According to Magellan’s chronicler, Antonio Pigafetta, the local chieftain wore gold earrings, chains, and carried a dagger with a gold handle.

These weren’t just ornaments — they were symbols of status and trade, showing that gold craftsmanship and inter-island commerce thrived long before Spanish contact. Limasawa wasn’t a backwater — it was a bustling, connected part of a pre-colonial world.

This gold culture reveals a truth often forgotten: Filipinos had wealth, artistry, and global links before colonization.