Celebrating Norman's Memories

8/27

We attended a Mass at Christ the King Parish, Green Meadows which included prayers for Norman's happy repose on his second death anniversary. Just learned today that it is also the death anniversary of a former Jesuit administrator in school, Fr. Tom Fitzpatrick, SJ. Also prayed for him.

After Mass and prayers at Norm's niche, we had some lite fare at the nearby Delifrance. My niece, Mia, baked a great small cake festooned with flowers and butterflies. Kirsten had the privilege of blowing out the candle at home.

Sharing some pics.

Gabby

REMEMBERING NORMAN ON HIS SECOND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

AUGUST 27, 2010

We remember with loving prayers and memories our departed Norman, who joined God, His Saints and Angels, his parents and other family members and friends on the night of August 27, 2008. Eternal rest grant unto him and let perpetual light shine on him forever.

I have 2 memorial Masses at Christ the King Church where his remains are interred in the crypt, at 6am and at 6pm.

Thanks for your continued support.

Peace
Gabby

PS The attached pic is of Norm having noodles at a street sidewalk in Hanoi in June 2008, during our last trip together abroad.

Praying for Mama

Mama with Legaspi Bishop Bong Baylon

August 10, 2010

Mama has been experiencing very severe headaches during the past week. She has had heart and neck tests but still needs brain scans. We pray that she gets better.

Gabby

TAAL BASILICA

Aug.3, 2010
Went to the old historic town of Taal, resting between Taal Lake and China Sea on the western Batangas coast with our Chief Historical Architect to meet with the Parish Priest of the Taal Basilica of St. Martin of Tours. It is the largest Catholic basilica in Asia. It was first built in 1575 but was rebuilt starting in 1856 after being destroyed by the Taal Volcano eruption 0f 1849. We met with the Parish Priest and his Church Cultural Committee to discuss the various needs for reconstruction, including the belfry and the bells. The Committee, composed of the rich old parishioners, promised to raise funds to help defray expenses.
Going there along the zigzag mountain roads from Tagaytay offers a very scenic drive.
Gabby

SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS

August 3, 2010

My senior years seem to have lots of interesting challenges and opportunities but I sense the mortality of my body. I am only too aware that while I still enjoy relatively good health, the Good Lord will one day ask me to join Him. When that happens, I will gladly unload this material baggage to enjoy eternal life with Him and His Saints and Angels.

Godbless
Gabby

DEATH ANNIVERSARIES OF TWO FORMER PHILIPPINE PRESIDENTS

August 1, 2010

Today is the first death anniversary of President Cory Aquino and the nation celebrates it with lots of memorials and activities. It is also the 66th death anniversary of President Manuel Luis Quezon, first Philippine Commonwealth President and instigator of the movement to locate the national capital from Manila to a new place now known as Quezon City.

I attended the Memorial Mass for President Quezon at his memorial in the Quezon Circle. We also proceeded to his tomb and that of his wife Aurora for a blessing. The Mayor and Vice Mayor was there.

It is one of the events that I was invited to attend as National Historical Commission Director.

Lots of butterflies at the park this sunny Sunday morning.

Gabby