Welcome to Marinduque-My Island Paradise

If this is your first time in my site, welcome! If you have been a follower, my heartfelt thanks to you, also. Help me achieve my dream, that someday, Marinduque will become a world tourist destination not only on Easter Week, but also whole year round. You can do this by telling your friends and relatives about this site. The photo above is Mt Malindig in Torrijos. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on the infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!

Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands

Marinduque Mainland from Tres Reyes Islands
View of Mainland Marinduque from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on Photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Celebration of Life: David E Katague III via Photographs-Part 2

This posting is a continuation of David III Celebration of Life via photographs. Part 1 was posted a couple of days ago. Rest in Peace, David E. We missed you!!

 

This is the Nite Light in David's Room-I will light it every night to remember him!  This nite light keeps me company and I do not feel alone in this big 4BR ranch house. Although, I am comfortable alone in this big house, I am not rejecting the idea of moving to an Independent or Assisting Living facility within 30 minutes from my other children in the near future. It is something to think about as time  ticks by. 



 David E (RIP), Macrine (RIP) David E ( from Sydney) and ME

David E Helicopter and Plane Collections ( He has a lot of Computer Parts stored, since he was building computers as a hobby from parts he purchased from E-bay and Amazon.

David loved his wooden rooster and horse and other animals collection from the Philippines. 


Here's his room after Dodie had cleaned most of his knick knacks.



In my previous tribute to David E, I mentioned the White House Tours and Parties we attended as the immediate relatives of an OMB employee. I also forgot to mentioned that David E had attended the 106th Session of the House of Congress in 2000. Here's a photo of his Parking Permit as evidence. He kept it in his jewelry box together with Seiko and other jewelry collections. Not too many of us will have a chance to attend a US Congressional Session in our lives. Another event in David E life not mentioned at the last week Zoom Memorial was his six months aboard the SS Abraham Lincoln Naval Carrier. He was one of three civilians on contract by the US Navy in charge of the maintenance of the communication and computer system of the Battleship Carrier. The carrier traveled all over the world with stopover in the Middle East, Singapore, and Pert, Australia. He was on the ship for 6 months and was burnt out after that.   


  

This is David E favorite antique leather foot stool-he purchased from Antique Stores in our area.

Dodie and I rented a big Dump truck to discard all of his other junk accumulations and non- valuable properties from his room and from the Garage.  

David had more than 100 caps in his collection. The one below is from the SS Abraham Lincoln Battle Carrier.

This one is his trout cap that I am modeling today. You wear this if you want to get attention.


Lastly, If you have any picture of David E, could you please share it with me.

 

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Remembering My Two Departed Loveones -Macrine and David E

Some Members of the Katague-Jambalos Clan with Neighbor Lina Edison. Macrine is between David E and Myself seating on the sofa. Photo taken during Macrine's 82nd birthday, Fair Oaks, CA.

Today would have been Macrine 86th birthday. Every March 26 the Katague Clan would celebrate this day either with a simple lunch or an elaborate fiesta ( with numerous guests) honoring Macrine's birthday herein the US or in Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. 

Macrine and David E were very closed, although at times they would have heated discussions on a few subjects that they disagree on. 

Here's David helping her Mom do her swimming therapy at our pool, 2017.

https://www.facebook.com/david.b.katague/videos/10210731955991389/ 

 

David E at Ian King Wedding, November, 2021

I also mourned the sudden passing of my youngest son, David E III last week. The saddest part was that his dream of early retirement and enjoying Chateau Du Mer was cut short, But I hope David is enjoying the company of his Mom in Heaven. I did not participate verbally during last Thursday Zoom Memorial for David III organized by Dinah. Dodie, Dinah and Ditas and a few others gave tribute to His life. Dodie's tribute showed his imperfections and mentioned that as far as he knew David did not have a girl friend. This is the time to correct it.  David did dated and had a girl friend for a while when he was living with us in Maryland. Ditas mentioned his athletic prowess as having the most stolen bases in baseball when we were residents of Modesto, CA. I may also add that David E. also broke the record for the best performance of a running back for distance in one carry and accumulation of yards in one season in the Pee Wee Football League in the Richmond Unified District. He was indeed a fast runner and very athletic!

In my previous blogs celebrating David's life, I mentioned that because David was working for the OMB in the White House, we get annual Christmas cards from Bill and Hillary Clinton. We also get VIP tours of the White House on Christmas and attended several parties in the White House lawn for OMB employees and their immediate families.  Another event, I will never forget was David's assistance in allowing Macrine's relatives from the Philippines to join the WH tour without a reservation ahead. Two of Macrine's relatives were visiting Washington DC but had limited time and really wanted a tour of the White House before returning to the Philippines. We called David at his office. He told us he will be waiting at the WH Gate for them. They were able to join the WH tour that same day. They were so grateful, and thankful. They were so proud of David's influence/clout during their tour as well as his employment with the Clinton-Gore Administration. We learned later that they also boasted this event to their other relatives in the Philippines.      

I have written several articles on Macrine's life and accomplishments. The most recent one I am reposting as follows:

https://theintellectualmigrants.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-nurses-and-physicians-with-filipino.html 

In this blog, I am also posting one of Macrine's favorite piece of Music, Adagio, Song from a Secret Garden as follows:

 

There are two other interpretations of this song, that both Macrine and I loved.



Meanwhile here's a photo of the tulips from the Netherlands that Carenna gave me last year on my birthday.

I am shedding a few tears listening to the Song from the Secret Garden. 

Again my thanks to the hundreds of you who sent messages of condolences in Ditas, Dinah and my Face Book Pages. I am also thanking the several phone calls and one sympathy card that I received from relatives and friends. Last but not least were the Door Dash gift cards from Ella and Yuka.

A Very Very Special Thanks: For the last 10 days Dodie had been helping me on the clean-up of the garage and David E room as well as the paper work on David E, death benefits/insurance claims etc. Brandon Quinn( Alix Katague condo mate) came yesterday to help Dodie for a couple of hours with the computer retrieval and filling up the dumping van we rented for all the trash and mess that David had accumulated the past 59 years.  To Ian King for driving me visit David E at the hospital and drive Dodie to the airport to pick up David's car. Your help is indeed appreciated. 

 

 

Thursday, March 24, 2022

A Reminder for Today-Zoom Meeting for David E at 11AM Pacific Time

David E and Office Mates During his Working Career in Washington DC, late 1990's

 Just to remind everyone of today's Zoom Meeting for David E. Link Below

"Dinah Katague is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Celebration of Life for David Katague III
Time: Mar 24, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87396691360?pwd=dGhEOUNsQ05vNE5nUVorbXhyejlXUT09

Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
One tap mobile
+16699006833,

,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbnR8fZ5qQ


--
Best regards,"

Dinah Katague

 Here are more photos of David and with Family

David E at Ian's Wedding Reception, November, 2021


David E( First from the Right) with Siblings and Nieces, 2017

Post Medical Mission Valentine Party, Bellarocca Resort, Buenavista, MRQ, 2011

David E during our 50th Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque 2017  

David E during Ditas 50th Birthday Party, Sacramento, 2015




 

 

Monday, March 21, 2022

Celebration of Life: David E Katague III via Photographs, Part 1

Celebrating the Life of David Ernst Katague III via Photographs

Last Thursday ( March 17), David E Katague III passed so suddenly, I am still numbed with grief. I posted in my blog the other day, what exactly happened. I received numerous messages of condolences from relatives and friends.  Again I thank you for your messages and phone calls from the bottom of my heart. In today's posting, I am sharing some photos to celebrate David's life. May He Rest in Peace, Amen.  A memorial service for David E via Zoom is scheduled for March 24, at 11AM. Details is posted on my FB page today on bottom of this page.   

David( 2nd from Right) and I with Siblings, Dodie, Dinah and Ditas during Ian's Wedding, 2021

During Our White House Tour when David E was still working for Office of Management and Budget during the Clinton-Gore Administration


David and his beloved Helicopter, 2004-2005

David and Miko ( our pet dog) Chateau Du Mer Beach, Amoingon, Boac, 2002




"From My Previous Postings: When we are in Marinduque, our second son David E. takes care of the yard, swimming pool and also the house here in Northern California. David is single and currently works for the Federal Government (TSA) in Sacramento. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from UC Davis and a Masters of Science degree in Public Management and Policy with concentration on Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University. He used to work for the Office of Management and Budget(OMB) in Washington DC during the Clinton and Gore Administration.

During the time of his employment with OMB we received annual Christmas cards from the White House as well as special invitations to special events such as the Easter Egg Hunting in the lawn of the White House and Parties for OMB employees. David E is learning how to speak Tagalog. During our 50th wedding anniversary party in 2007, he addressed the guests in Tagalog and made a good impression. His Tagalog is improving but still has the American accent. Macrine(RIP) and I are proud of his desire to learn the language of his ancestry. Without David's help, we will never be able to enjoy staying in our island paradise in the Philippines for as long as we desire". 


From My Blogs: Several years ago, Macrine(RIP), David III and I spent one week of vacation (time share-exchange) in the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. We have scheduled one day of our week vacation for the popular, scenic and breathtaking drive- the Road to Hana. However, when I learned that the are numerous narrow and winding roads and bridges along the Hana Highway and because I am prone to motion sickness (in the car), we decided not to do it.  

David during Tiny Gregorio, MD(my niece) visit in Marinduque, 1998 

David (first from the Right-Front Row) during the Rene and Genny Nieva Family Reunion in their Condo in Eastwood, Makati in the Philippines, 2007

David Being Crowned during the Putong Ceremony in Boac, 2002

David showing one of the 4 Lechons Prepared during our 50th Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, 2007 ( Back Balcony of the Main House)

David with Me and First Cousin Alix during my 85th Birthday Party, Fair Oaks, Ca

David with His Mom( RIP) and I with Frank Irlandez Resort in Mogpog, MRQ

David and I with First Cousin Elaine King during my 82nd Birthday Party, Fair Oaks, CA


David and I with First Cousin Dave E from Sydney,Australia visit here in California

David( with yellow cap) participated in the medical mission data collection in 2001(Marinduque). Lito Quiazon is standing with blue cap managing high school students and David helping (using the computer) with the data assessments.

David enjoying the post medical mission Valentine party at the Bellarocca Resort, Marinduque in 2011
 

If you have any pictures of David please send it to me via FB so I could post it in this photo memories of him.

Meanwhile, enjoy these photos from my garden this week



Here's David helping her Mom do her swimming therapy at our pool.

https://www.facebook.com/david.b.katague/videos/10210731955991389/ 

Final Note: Of my 4 children, David was the only one who had a very closed connection Marinduque. He was the only one who participated with MI, inc medical mission to the province. He was my only child who learned Tagalog and was interested in retiring to Chateau Du Mer in Marinduque. I love you and I really missed you today. May you rest in Peace and see your Mom in Heaven!

Dinah Katague is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Celebration of Life for David Katague III
Time: Mar 24, 2022 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87396691360?pwd=dGhEOUNsQ05vNE5nUVorbXhyejlXUT09

Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,87396691360#,,,,*272724# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 873 9669 1360
Passcode: 272724
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kbnR8fZ5qQ

 

Friday, March 18, 2022

Celebrating the Life of David Ernst Katague III- My Youngest Son

 
David E Master's Degree Graduation, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh,1988

Transportation Security Officer, SMF

  • Transportation Security Officer

    - Present 16 years 2 months

    Ensures the safe arrival and departure of the traveling public. Screen baggage and passengers ensuring prohibited items are interdicted prior to boarding of aircraft.

  • Senior Information Technology Consultant

    PricewaterhouseCoopers

    - 4 years 6 months

    Provided Professional Services to State and Federal Clients. Clients included Inspector General of the House of Representatives, Department of Navy, Westpac 2000, Department of Transportation - Virginia.

  • Policy Analyst

    Executive Office of the President

    - 3 years 2 months

    Provided management and oversight of Federal agencies, during the Clinton Administration. Required specialized knowledge of government operations and financial systems in the Federal environment

Education

  • Carnegie Mellon University

    Carnegie Mellon University

    Masters Public Policy & Public Management

    -

    Management Information Systems - Government Systems

  • University of California, Davis

    University of California, Davis

    Bachelor ScienceAgricultural & Managerial Economics

    -

Prior to his sudden death, he was planning to retire early on his 60th birthday this coming November. He was planning to spend some time at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines during his retirement.

Lastly, My Heart felt thanks to All of you who sent messages of sympathy and condolences via my and Ditas FB pages and personal calls!

 

Monday, March 14, 2022

Have You seen the Movie, My Father's Violin on Netflix?


Violin music has been featured on TV news re the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Watching these videos make me cry. To get away from all these depressing news about the mad Putin ,I watched movies on Netflix.   Here's one that I like-My Father's Violin.

Here are 2 mixed reviews and the Trailer. I recommend it to violin enthusiasts and those who enjoy Turkish soap operas.




If you love violin music and cry a little bit, watch this movie. Just watch it today and I enjoyed it very much.

Warning to Parents: Parents need to know that My Father's Violin is a 2022 Turkish drama about forgiveness and the importance of family. A concert violinist is forced to confront the past when the young daughter of his estranged brother is put in his reluctant care. Young viewers may struggle briefly with intense emotion, but largely this focuses on the joy of music and the fulfillment of familial love, with a radiant young performer at the center.  Language includes "ass" and "damn." Adults drink alcohol and a parent is described as an alcoholic. A man coughs blood and later dies. A man recalls abuse by a violent stepfather and uncaring alcoholic mother. In Turkish with English subtitles.

https://dmtalkies.com/my-fathers-violin-ending-explained-2022-netflix-turkish-film/

Meanwhile enjoy this photo by Ditas- Sunset on Esalen, Big Sur, CA, 3/13/22


 

 

Friday, March 11, 2022

Four Other Popular Wellness and Retreat Centers in the US


 
Wellness centers, are places where people may go for yoga, nutritional counseling, physical therapy, fitness, chiropractic care, eastern medicine, etc., are more popular now than they were a decade ago.
 
The other day, I posted an article about the goals and mission of the Esalen  Institute in Big Sur, California. The Esalen website mission states: 
 
"Be a leading center for exploring and realizing human potential through experience, education, and research.
 Work toward the realization of a more just, creative, and sustainable world, seeking answers to questions unlikely to be explored by traditional universities and religions".

 
While searching, I found that besides Esalen there are 4 other popular  wellness places/centers in the US.  The list is as follows:

  • THE OMEGA INSTITUTE, RHINEBECK, NY.
  • THE ART OF LIVING RETREAT CENTER, BOONE, NC.
  • FEATHERED PIPE RANCH, HELENA, MT.
  • RED MOUNTAIN RESORT, IRVINS, UT.

Omega Institute for Holistic Studies is a non-profit educational retreat center located in Rhinebeck, New York. Founded in 1977 by Elizabeth Lesser and Stephan Rechtschaffen, inspired by Sufi mystic, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and his ecumenical spirituality, today it offers classes to over 25,000 people a year, at the 190-acre (0.77 km2) campus.

 


The institute's stated mission is to "provide hope and healing for individuals and society through innovative educational experiences that awaken the best in the human spirit". Omega’s workshops, conferences, and retreats aim to create dialogues on the integration of modern medicine and natural healing; connect science, spirituality, and creativity; and build the groundwork for new traditions and lifestyles

 


The Art of Living Retreat Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to reawaken the human values of compassion, love, togetherness, joy, and harmony in order to realize a true representation of a one-world family—a place that unites people from all walks of life in the spirit of wisdom, celebration, and service to the world.  It is located in Boone, North Carolina

 The Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, Montana

 


Surrounded by millions of acres of forest and mountains just outside of Helena, Montana, the Feathered Pipe Ranch, America's premier retreat center, hosts personal growth and yoga retreats, as well as offers facilities for corporate retreats and group rentals. For almost 45 years now, we have offered a vibrant and peaceful oasis in the pristine northern Rocky Mountains where all distractions can dissolve away and the essence of nature, community and self can shine forth. 

https://featheredpipe.com/feathered-pipe-ranch/ 

A world-class retreat blended naturally into a landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons in southern Utah, Red Mountain Resort has everything you need to relax, renew, and rediscover your passion for adventure. Eighty-two beautifully designed rooms and twenty-four villa suites are carefully situated on fifty-five acres of black lava gardens and fragrant mesquite with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains. All amenities, from nutrition seminars to massages, are a short, scenic walk away. Red Mountain’s ideal location allows convenient planning of customized adventures to Zion or Bryce Canyon National Parks, while Snow Canyon State Park just down the road.

https://www.redmountainresort.com/

Meanwhile: If you are a Hulu subscriber, I recommend you watch the mini-series, Nine Perfect Strangers starring Nicole Kidman. Here's the summary of the TV mini-series.

Nine strangers from the city gather for a 10-day retreat at Tranquillum House, a health and wellness resort in the fictional town of Cabrillo, California, which promises to transform and heal the guests who stay there. The resort is not what it seems to be, and the guests are about to discover many secrets about each other and the resort's host.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Perfect_Strangers_(miniseries)

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

The Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California


Just recently a close relative, who was a former Guest Faculty Lecturer at Esalen Institute informed me she applied and was approved for a four Weeks Retreat, Lecture and Vacation (LEEP) at Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. For details and cost of the Live, Extended, Education Program (LEEP) read the site as follows:

https://www.esalen.org/workshops/rebuild-and-expand-trust-in-challenging-times-with-embodiment-practices-of-yoga-dance-and-sound-meditation 

I have heard of this place before, but did not really know the history and details of this world famous institute.https://www.visitcalifornia.com/uk/attraction/esalen-institute

So I did some search and here's a summary from Wikipedia. For complete details visit the link below: 


The Esalen Institute, commonly called Esalen, is a non-profit American retreat center and intentional community in Big Sur, California, which focuses on humanistic alternative education. The institute played a key role in the Human Potential Movement beginning in the 1960s. Its innovative use of encounter groups, a focus on the mind-body connection, and their ongoing experimentation in personal awareness introduced many ideas that later became mainstream.

Esalen was founded by Stanford graduates Michael Murphy and Dick Price in 1962. Their intention was to support alternative methods for exploring human consciousness, what Aldous Huxley described as "human potentialities". Over the next few years, Esalen became the center of practices and beliefs that make up the New Age movement, from Eastern religions/philosophy, to alternative medicine and mind-body interventions, to Gestalt Practice.

Price ran the institute until he was killed in a hiking accident in 1985. In 2012, the board hired professional executives to help raise money and keep the institute profitable. Until 2016, Esalen offered over 500 workshops yearly in areas including personal growth, meditation, massage, Gestalt Practice, yoga, psychology, ecology, spirituality, and organic food. In 2016, about 15,000 people attended its workshops.

In February 2017, the institute was cut off when Highway 1 was closed by a mud slide on either side of the hot springs. It closed its doors, evacuated guests via helicopter, and was forced to lay off 90% of its staff through at least July, when they reopened with limited workshop offerings. It also decided to revamp its offerings to include topics more relevant to a younger generation.

As of July 2017, due to the limited access resulting from the road closures, the hot springs are only open to Esalen guests.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esalen_Institute 

Currently, my close relative that prompted me to write this article teaches
 
Kundalini Yoga & Sound Bath Gongs and Bowls at Summer Moon Yoga Sacramento and had worked as a Certified Grief Yoga Teacher since March 2020

From the visit California Ad:
 
An Oceanside Temple of Healing in Big Sur- More a retreat centre than a decadent spa, the storied Esalen Institute, perched above the rugged oceanside bluffs of Big Sur, calls to visitors looking for an escape from the everyday world. Esalen’s spiritual offerings include workshops,  in everything from yoga to meditation to hypnosis. 
 
Visitors come from near and far seeking a soak in the natural hot springs on this 120-acre property, which have been flowing through the mountains here for over 6,000 years. 
 
How much is a retreat at Esalen?
 
Weekend workshops start at $405 per person, which includes the course, food and sleeping in a communal area in a sleeping bag. A private room for a couple is $730 per person. Seven-day workshops start at $900 and cost $1,700 per person for a couple in a private room. For updates and current rates call or visit on line.

Register for your Esalen workshop online, or by phone:
  1. Online: Fill out the registration form.
  2. Phone: Call us at 831-667-3000. We're here from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

 

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