To Blow Up A World

Recently, I found myself among a handful of friends around a dinner table, recounting the blessings and challenges of 2009, and making plans for 2010, when each of us intend to blow up the world.
But first, to the blessings and challenges of 2009. Financially, 2009 was painful; and health-wise, the past year slammed some of us. I didn’t anticipate my stroke (although I really should have).
But there were the good things too: Vellie and Harry Dietrich Hall bought a farm estate. Leonor Noblejas took on a new powerful position at a university. Julian Oteyza embarked on more artistic vistas and, to the benefit of new audiences, re-activated his love for magic. Mitzi Pickard, entrenched herself as a super fundraiser. Eric and Carolyn Lachica settled into a new home. Kevin Owens finished a new book. I’m grateful that these individuals supported relief for natural disasters in the Philippines —-which seem to arise annually.
So now, with 2010 —- each of us have plans to continue energizing our respective dreams and goals—- pumping psychic helium into each; blowing life and art as if into balloons and setting these to sail out to higher horizons.
The gathering at Maurese and Kevin’s abode was partly a celebration of Kevin’s new book — a science fiction thriller called “Martian Panahon Virus” — whose main character is a Filipino engineer in another planet. Kevin may arrange a book reading soon. I’ll help him.
Vellie and Harry have many wonderful plans for their new farmhouse. But I think the main theme is farm-as-cocoon, set apart from the madness of the city. But if there is a remote chance they’d turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, they can count on me as a first customer.
Renowned visual artist Julian Oteyza has more projects lined up around the US and international scene. I asked him to remember that my 14 year old son Rocky asked me to purchase his Beatle’s tribute painting that we saw displayed at the embassy last year. Miraculously, this art work is still available! So I have first dibs.
Mitzi Pickard is an administrator and major fundraiser for The Asia Society, and former president of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce. She’s blessed with youthful energy, a plethora of contacts, and the toughness of a lady who has survived a life-threatening illness a few years ago, inspiring everyone.
Leonor Noblejas has smarts and beauty in one bundle. Despite tragedy in her family, her courage through the years, has put her over the top as an administrator for a university. She wishes to cement herself as an organizer in academe.
Then there’s Eric and Carolyn Lachica—like sweet newly weds (for more than ten years now), they excitedly described their new abode in Gaithersburg. Finally, they say, they have a space to call their own.
Eric’s effectiveness in spearheading the Filipino veterans’ rights movement culminated in the passage of a federal benefits bill favorable to veterans. Through it all, despite attacks from different political quarters, Eric and Carolyn did not sacrifice graciousness and civility.
Maurese Owens is former president and board chair of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC), and former administrator with the Asian division of the Smithsonian. She smoothly guided us through the evening of sharing hopes and dreams, just as she works behind-the-scenes to guide the local Fil-Am community so that worthy projects can fly.
If time is a mere construct, some folks measure their lives by calendars; while these handful of dinner friends use beautiful balloons they blow up and set soaring.
@Recently, I found myself among a handful of friends around a dinner table, recounting the blessings and challenges of 2009, and making plans for 2010, when each of us intend to blow up the world.
But first, to the blessings and challenges of 2009. Financially, 2009 was painful; and health-wise, the past year slammed some of us. I didn’t anticipate my stroke (although I really should have).
But there were the good things too: Vellie and Harry Dietrich Hall bought a farm estate. Leonor Noblejas took on a new powerful position at a university. Julian Oteyza embarked on more artistic vistas and, to the benefit of new audiences, re-activated his love for magic. Mitzi Pickard, entrenched herself as a super fundraiser. Eric and Carolyn Lachica settled into a new home. Kevin Owens finished a new book. I’m grateful that these individuals supported relief for natural disasters in the Philippines —-which seem to arise annually.
So now, with 2010 —- each of us have plans to continue energizing our respective dreams and goals—- pumping psychic helium into each; blowing life and art as if into balloons and setting these to sail out to higher horizons.
The gathering at Maurese and Kevin’s abode was partly a celebration of Kevin’s new book — a science fiction thriller called “Martian Panahon Virus” — whose main character is a Filipino engineer in another planet. Kevin may arrange a book reading soon. I’ll help him.
Vellie and Harry have many wonderful plans for their new farmhouse. But I think the main theme is farm-as-cocoon, set apart from the madness of the city. But if there is a remote chance they’d turn it into a bed-and-breakfast, they can count on me as a first customer.
Renowned visual artist Julian Oteyza has more projects lined up around the US and international scene. I asked him to remember that my 14 year old son Rocky asked me to purchase his Beatle’s tribute painting that we saw displayed at the embassy last year. Miraculously, this art work is still available! So I have first dibs.
Mitzi Pickard is an administrator and major fundraiser for The Asia Society, and former president of the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce. She’s blessed with youthful energy, a plethora of contacts, and the toughness of a lady who has survived a life-threatening illness a few years ago, inspiring everyone.
Leonor Noblejas has smarts and beauty in one bundle. Despite tragedy in her family, her courage through the years, has put her over the top as an administrator for a university. She wishes to cement herself as an organizer in academe.
Then there’s Eric and Carolyn Lachica—like sweet newly weds (for more than ten years now), they excitedly described their new abode in Gaithersburg. Finally, they say, they have a space to call their own.
Eric’s effectiveness in spearheading the Filipino veterans’ rights movement culminated in the passage of a federal benefits bill favorable to veterans. Through it all, despite attacks from different political quarters, Eric and Carolyn did not sacrifice graciousness and civility.
Maurese Owens is former president and board chair of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc. (PAFC), and former administrator with the Asian division of the Smithsonian. She smoothly guided us through the evening of sharing hopes and dreams, just as she works behind-the-scenes to guide the local Fil-Am community so that worthy projects can fly.
If time is a mere construct, some folks measure their lives by calendars; while these handful of dinner friends use beautiful balloons they blow up and set soaring.

Getting The Right Date and Place
Speaking of timing, my last idiotic embarrassment of 2009 involved trying to comply with a family custom: the new year’s eve party. For years, my cousin, Jerry Dakita and his wife Mila would hold a gathering of family members in their home in Alexandria. Mila continued the tradition even long after Jerry passed away.
So members of the extended family would show up there and ring in the New Year. For 2010, I thought I’d drop by around 11:45 p.m.. I parked the car, walked up to the door and rang the door bell.
I noticed not too many cars were parked around. A strange Caucasian man in a robe answered the door and asked, “May I help you?” I asked about Mila, to which the man said, “Oh she moved this past summer.” I said, “I’m so sorry. My mistake. Happy New Year,” and sheepishly ambled back to the car, a pathetic, hollow-eyed dunce. My son and I finished 2009 in our house watching Dick Clarke.
My quota of bad timing incidents wasn’t used up yet, but carried over to this year. For the party I mentioned in my first story, I had showed up at Maurese and Kevin’s house a bit earlier, but only by a few minutes, I thought. When they answered the door, Kevin, looking rather casual, said, “You’re really early, Rod.” And I responded, “Yeah, sorry, by a couple of minutes, I guess.” And Maurese and Kevin seem to say in unison, “By a day. The party is tomorrow.”

Leaders
Ador Carreon, who has ably and unselfishly served as president of the PAFC for quite a while now, will be taking on chairmanship of the board of directors, while the unsinkable Becky Pagsibigan will take over the presidency from him. Over the years, Becky’s dedication and determination have been difference-makers in the artistic success of a project in the community. These qualities will serve her in good stead.
Best to you, Becky and Ador for a successful term.
And finally, a birthday toast to Jon Melegrito, who recently turned sixty five (65). Jon is a community leader of many competencies- — all focused on the overriding goal of serving others —-a devotion unfettered by fear of anything, not the least, time. Jon, you’re an evergreen.
Happy New year to all.

Ador Carreon, who has ably and unselfishly served as president of the PAFC for quite a while now, will be taking on chairmanship of the board of directors, while the unsinkable Becky Pagsibigan will take over the presidency from him. Over the years, Becky’s dedication and determination have been difference-makers in the artistic success of a project in the community. These qualities will serve her in good stead.
Best to you, Becky and Ador for a successful term.
And finally, a birthday toast to Jon Melegrito, who recently turned sixty five (65). Jon is a community leader of many competencies- — all focused on the overriding goal of serving others —-a devotion unfettered by fear of anything, not the least, time. Jon, you’re an evergreen.
Happy New year to all.

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