REMEMBERING MELBA BRAMBLE

June 21, 2010

We remember with fond and loving memories and prayers Melba Bramble who peacefully departed this earth fifteen years ago. Norman was there with her together with his other siblings. Now they are together plus Elwood enjoying eternal rest with God and His Saints and Angels.

Gabby

Jose Rizal's 149th Birthday

June 19, 2010

This morning was my first public appearance as Director-Commissioner of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. I joined our new Supreme Court Chief Justice, Rene Corona, an old friend from Ateneo, to grace the rites at Rizal's ancestral home in Calamba, Laguna with so much festivities. I walked with him and his wife, Tina to lay wreaths at the statue of the young boy Rizal. I walked behind President Gloria's wreath since I was her office's representative there. The City Mayor and his son, a congressman, delivered welcome speeches after the laying of wreaths. I also gave a short message on Jose Rizal's HEROIC LEADERSHIP, using the framework of Chris Lowney, an ex Jesuit turned investment banker turned lecturer. After the speeches, the Chief Justice swore in the Mayor, the Congressman, and five Councilors from their political party. Quite an interesting and exhausting morning.

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY. Godbless and cheers.

Gabby

Lunch with my former Seminary Classmates

June 14, 2010

Today is the public holiday to celebrate Philippine Independence Day last Saturday, June 12. We were supposed to have our gathering of former seminarians to bid farewell our classmate, Fr. Memeng Salaonga, who will become the new Spiritual Director of Coleggio Filipino. Unfortunately, only myself, Mac Josue and Josefino Lito Tomimbang were able to attend the sumptuous lunch in Fr. Memeng's museum by the river. He served steamed crabs, shrimps, fresh oysters and broiled milkfish plus pork spare ribs sinigang. To complete the meal were the sesserts of custard cake and brazo de Mercedes that I brought. Great small reunion. After which I rushed to the Development Academy of the Philippines where we started an orientation program for Congressman-elect, Boxing Champ Manny Pacquiao.

Exhausting but great day.

Gabby

PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY 2010

June 12, 2010

Godbless and cheers on the Philippines' 112th Independence Day. Two years ago, Norman and I went to Hanoi for Independence Day weekend. It was our last trip together and it was a very fun trip. We enjoyed the street foods and the historical sites.

Gabby