Thoughts and Ramblings of Life in US and the Philippines(Marinduque) and other miscellaneous topics close to my Heart.
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
View of Mainland Marinduque from Tres Reyes Islands-Click on Photo to link to Marinduque Awaits You
Today was my last day at the U.S. Census Bureau as the Associate Director for Communications & Engagement. It has been a great honor to serve President Biden, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, and alongside Census Bureau Director Rob Santos.
Over 30 years ago, I started my career in DC working for the late great Secretary Ron Brown - he gave me wise words back then, he said, "Ditas, if you want to make an impact in the public sector, you need to zig in and up, and zig out to the private sector and come back in to serve our government." I followed his advice, headed to NYC to work for Deloitte, then back to California to serve 4 Governors, directed 3 statewide decennial marketing and outreach campaigns (2000, 2010 & 2020), served as Chief of Staff at the CA Public Utilities Commission and government affairs in the private sector. But by far, this job was my favorite one, where I was able to bring the successes and innovative engagement outreach models I developed in California to the national level. And to work alongside a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, who now understand the importance of "the missing middle" and the need to develop the "missing middle of the decade" engagement strategy. During these lean budget years, they must work smarter to build trusted messenger eco-systems and engagement frameworks that will lay the foundation for a complete count in 2030. Remembering that "if you want to meet people where they're at, you need to really know where they are." To create a national strategy, you have to make sure you are in touch with the local and state-level folks and stay connected to that missing middle. As I contemplate my next role, I promise to continue to represent those who no longer have a voice, and remember to make room at the planning and decision-making table for those who may have been forgotten.
"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Meanwhile, today is Lunch Excursion Day for 16 THD Residents. Here's the lunch menu💜 at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito. In the menu is my favorite dish(appetizer)💚Oyster Rockefeller💚
The restaurant is located just a few minutes from San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Spinnaker’s shoreline location in Sausalito’s historic downtown offers stunning panoramic views. With floor to ceiling glass walls, the dining room, bar and banquet facility provide incomparable views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel Island, Belvedere, Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge and the Sausalito.
The world class vista is rivaled only by the service and the classic American-Continental cuisine that have been delighting guests for over 56 years now. The extensive menu features the freshestseafood & finest ingredients, complemented by an award winning Wine Spectator wine list.
I have 18 barrel cacti collection (see photo above). My Plan for 2025 is to give one of these to friends and relatives that have or will touched my life here at THD. I plan on keeping only 6 in my collection. So I have 12 to give away in the next 12 months. I hope if I offer to give you one, you will not refuse.
I have already given two cacti plants to my two relatives last week. They visited me and brought with them one of my favorite Filipino Dish- Kare-Kare. I have still a few to give away in the next 12 months.
Speaking of my Cacti Collection- This reminded me of my other plant collection in my younger years in the Philippines. I have a collection of Succulents/Cacti, Hibiscus, Bougainvillas and Orchids in my Gardens at Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Here are my postings on these collections for your reading pleasure.
Meanwhile, I have also a posting on the Fruit Trees in My Orchard at Chateau Du Mer:
In my website . http://chateaudumer.blogspot.com
I described in detail the orchids, bougainvillas, bird of paradise, hibiscus and tropical shrubs that highlighted the 5 acres of landscape property of the Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and Conference Center in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines. Besides the ornamentals, evergreens and blooming shrubs, I also planted mango, papaya, guava, rambutan, avocado , santol, duhat, cashew, jackfruit, tamarind and lanzones fruit trees. I also planted several varieties of citrus trees, pomelo, lucban, kalamansi, native oranges and lemon trees.
Jacopo Cardillo, known as Jago, is a famous contemporary sculptor from Anagni (Italy).
His reinterpretation of the Pietà , originally exhibited in the Church of the Artists in Rome, depicts a father holding the body of his son, evoking themes of love and loss. This marble sculpture took months to make. Some have called him the new Michelangelo for the skill and emotional power of his work
Nursing is a profession that I can personally identify. My wife ( RIP) was a nurse, educated in the United States.My two sister- in-laws ( now retired), were nurses educated in the Philippines but immigrated to the US. Both of them had nursing careers in the USA they are very proud of. My nephew is a current practicing nurse in the UK. My deceased wife has several relatives in the US and Europe who are or were nurses. Thus the nursing profession is close to my heart. Thus, this article about Nursing in my FaceBook page today,
My Wife (RIP) Graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Nursing, Holy Name College, Oakland, CA. 1981. Macrine had an Accounting Degree from the Philippines. When we immigrated to the US in 1960, she stayed at home and raised our four children until they were all college graduates. Macrine went backed to school and pursue her life-long ambition to be a nurse at the age of 40.
I supported her dream and when she passed the Nursing Board ( California), I treated her to a one-week vacation to the big Island of Hawaii. That was the week, we will always remember!!
💚💚💚The Pride of Cleaning Asses!! I was inspired to repost this article- Tackling the Nursing Exodus in the Philippines.
"The Philippines has been known as a major – if not the largest – exporter of nurses globally. It was estimated that in 2020, some 240,000 Filipino nurses are working across the world.
But ironically, the country is now facing a growing nursing shortage at home. As of 2023, the Philippines faces a shortage of around 127,000 nurses a number which is expected to grow to250,000 by 2030.
Ms Everrette C. Zafe
The reasons behind this trend are many-fold, but Ms Everrette C. Zafe, Nursing Director atWorld Citi Medical Center (WCMC) in Manila, points to the COVID-19 pandemic as a tipping point.
Before the pandemic, the hospital saw the pace of recruits keeping up with the pace of those leaving. The pandemic however heavily disrupted this balance.
“Nurses feared the risk of catching the virus themselves, and we saw an exodus of nurses with many leaving the profession altogether. At the peak, we were seeing 2 to 3 resignations every week,” said Ms Zafe.
With a nursing strength of around 130 Staff nurses at WCMC, the rate of resignations was significant.
Moreover, as more nurses began catching the virus and stayed home to be quarantined, the number of nurses available at the hospital fell further, she noted.
As such, it has had to halt admissions for a while due to a lack of nurses to ensure quality of care.
When the pandemic situation stabilised, the hospital then faced the new challenge of nurse retention. With the reopening of borders, many countries dangled attractive packages to Filipino nurses, including higher compensation, conducive benefits, and visa provisions.
On the Philippine government’s end, several measures were launched to tackle the growing shortage, including temporary deployment bans restricting nurses from moving abroad. Last year, it launched theClinical Care Associate programme, allowing the employment of nursing school graduates who have yet to pass their board exams".
💚💚💚"The Pride of Cleaning Asses !!!-From My Face Book Page this Morning
" Today I heard again "you work cleaning asses" and it's neither the first nor the eighth time I've heard it. And I feel the need to claim my work and shout out to the world how proud I am of it. Yes ladies and gentlemen, proud to clean asses, cut nails, wash heads, dress, shower, feed and care for people among other things, yes yes PEOPLE, who cannot do it by themselves and need help. But let's summarize it in "wipe ass".
I am already a little fed up with the negative connotations of this expression that is closely linked to my profession. It is clear that not all of us are worth everything. For example, I couldn't work in something that required me to lie, like a banker or something like that. And yet that is a highly valued profession, on the contrary, facing mine is like the last of the last.
I tell them that most of us who classify us like this never need anyone to "wipe their ass" that: I hope they never need someone to do it. But if the time comes that is necessary, any of my colleagues who are professionals or I will be willing to help you and make you have the best possible quality of life, and always with good humor and love.
Now they are going to say what is the really important job for people like us nurses, but please, do not use the expression "wipe ass" with contempt, because maybe one day someone will have to do it for you and believe me you will feel grateful."
Meanwhile, Did you Know that?
The British occupied Manila during the Seven Years’ War between Britain and Spain.
Key figures were William Draper & Cornish leading the British, while Simon Anda y Salazar resisted in the provinces.
The British looted Manila, taking treasures, including historical documents and gold.
I renewed my DoorDash membership last month. I can order any ethnic foods and preferably my favorite Pinoy dishes any time. Last Sunday, I ordered Dungeness Crab in Garlic Butter from Crab Boil & Things in Concord.
Yesterday, I ordered Lechon Belly and Turon from Imas Kitchen also in Concord ( see photo above). I have to pay a distance fee, since these restaurants are not in Walnut Creek. The Distance fee is reasonable. However I usually add a reasonable tip for the delivery person. I ordered food usually on Sunday's when THD Newton's Restaurant is closed.
There are several restaurants in Concord and other East Bay areas, where I could order Filipino Food. It is a shame that Walnut Creek has no Filipino restaurant. Here are the restaurants where you could order Filipino dishes and is serviced by DoorDash.
Goldilocks, Isla Restaurant, Isla Grand Restaurant, Oriental Food Market,Grill City, Imas, Chow King, Mama's Lumpia, and Red Ribbon Bakeshop. Most of these restaurants are located at the Sea Food City Mall in Concord. Sea Food City Mall is just across the Veranda Shopping Mall.
The above restaurants are good for To Go Orders. If you need more ambience, Try the FOB Philippine Restaurant in the Temescal District of Oakland. Last year I organized a THD Lunch Excursion. It was a gastronomic delight. I am hoping that this year THD may be able to organize a repeat lunch excursion at FOB in the next few months or so.
Lastly, here is a map of Europe's Culinary Horror, 2013
However, I love tripe soup, blood pudding, liver paste, Pressed Ducks and Frog Legs and Dressed Herring. How about you? Do you have an adventurous palate ? Or are you just a plain meat and potato person? Most people are!!!
Valentine's Day is near...This topic is relevant in the Celebration of Lover's Day!
During one of our mealtime conversation several months ago with my neighbor, we talked about matchmaking services. We concluded that the service is probably popular with the rich professionals who have no time for on-line dating on their own time. My dinner mate mentioned that a relative in her mid-30's just informed her she was able to get a marriage partner via a matchmaking service that cost her 10K. I have no idea of what is currently a reasonable cost for matchmaking services. I got curious so I did a search and here's what I learned💚.
"As of 2024, matchmaking fees across the industry range from about $3,000 to $50,000.
Fees vary widely, reflecting the personalized nature of the service, and these costs can be affected by a number of factors, including:
the exclusivity of the service
the duration of the contract
the level of customization offered
Some matchmaking companies, including us, also offer different tiers of service, with higher tiers providing more personalized attention and access to a more exclusive client base.
Note: It’s important to remember that these fees are an investment in a service that’s tailored to finding a compatible, long-term partner, and they often include extensive consultations, personalized matchmaking, coaching, date coordination, concierge service and follow-up support.
Comparing Matchmaking Costs with Online Dating
When weighing matchmaking services against online dating, we understand that cost is a significant factor. Matchmaking, with its personalized approach, typically involves higher upfront costs compared to online dating apps or websites, which often have free or lower subscription rates. The difference is that matchmaking provides a bespoke service, potentially leading to more meaningful connections, and much faster than the more time-consuming search of online dating.
Are Matchmaking Services Worth It?
Personalized matchmaking is unlike any app you’ve ever used. Matchmakers can be worth the investment for those who value personalized assistance in their search for a partner. They offer expertise in human relationships, saving time and energy by curating potential matches. For busy professionals or those tired of the hit-or-miss nature of dating apps, matchmakers provide a more focused approach to finding a compatible partner.
Despite the initial cost, matchmaking services can potentially save money in the long run. This saving comes from the efficiency and targeted nature of the service. Matchmakers streamline the dating process, reducing the time and expenses associated with endless dates that may not lead to meaningful connections. By focusing on quality over quantity, matchmakers aim to quickly and effectively connect you with compatible partners, potentially leading to a lasting relationship sooner and reducing the overall financial and emotional costs of prolonged searching.
However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that matchmaking is an investment, both financially and emotionally, in your personal journey to find love.
Key Take-Away:By focusing on quality over quantity, matchmakers aim to quickly and effectively connect you with compatible partners, potentially leading to a lasting relationship sooner and reducing the overall financial and emotional costs of prolonged searching. It’s a real investment, but one which might pay endless dividends.
Meanwhile, here's my previous Dinner several months ago (To-Go) featuring Lentil soup with sausage and Pork Tenderloin served with baked sweet yam and saute'ed ginger carrots and mango chutney.
The lentil soup reminds me of one of my favorite Filipino dish, Guinisang Mongo with Pork. The Pork Tenderloin was delicious and the mango chutney was a perfect sauce and side dish. Again Kudos to Agustin, Our Newton's Chef.. Also, welcome, Joel -our newly hired sous Chef. May your stay here at THD a long and happy event in your life!
Lastly, here's my poem of the Day:
One hundred years from now
It will not matter
What, what kind of car I drove
What kind of house I lived in
How much I had in the bank
Nor what my clothes look like.
One hundred years from now
It will not matter
What kind of school I attended
What kind of computer I used
How large or small the congregation where I was worshiped.
But by far, this job was my favorite one, where I was able to bring the successes and innovative engagement outreach models I developed in California to the national level. And to work alongside a talented team of communications and engagement professionals, who now understand the importance of "the missing middle" and the need to develop the "missing middle of the decade" engagement strategy. During these lean budget years, they must work smarter to build trusted messenger eco-systems and engagement frameworks that will lay the foundation for a complete count in 2030. Remembering that "if you want to meet people where they're at, you need to really know where they are." To create a national strategy, you have to make sure you are in touch with the local and state-level folks and stay connected to that missing middle.
As I contemplate my next role, I promise to continue to represent those who no longer have a voice, and remember to make room at the planning and decision-making table for those who may have been forgotten.