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
Sending Holiday Greetings to all the Women (and Men) who have touched my life.
The following photos are some of the women that have touched my life.
Mama Pacing ( Paz Barrido Balleza Katague) and Me, 1976
Macrine( bride) and Sister Guia ( bridesmaid), Katague-Jambalos Wedding May 8, 1957
Ditas Baptism Party, KC, Mo, 1965
The Four Sisters( Fe, Sister Guia, Charro and Jean) of Macrine and First Cousin, Angie Jambalos Aulds, 2015
I love my four sisters-in-law. Yesterday ( a day after my 82BD), Charro and Jean surprised me by bringing a cake( see photo), pancit( noodles) for long life and curried chicken adobo( my favorite Pinoy dish) for a belated birthday party celebration. Thank you Jean and Charro for the visit and the goodies.
Two candles for my 2nd year after 8 decades.
Dinah and Elaine, 2014
Ditas and Carenna, 2016
Grand Daughter, Alix Katague at Cornell University Gardens, 2014
Grand Daughter, Marina Katague High School Graduation Photo
Grand Daughter, Carenna Katague Thompson, 2016
Daughter Ditas and Me, 1982
Grand Daughters Marina and Alix Katague-Daughters of Dodie Katague-my oldest son, 2014
Dinah and Elaine, 2016
Carenna with her guitar getting ready for her singing weekly night club gig
My Three Sisters, Myrla, Agnes and Amor, 2014
Amor and Pol Wedding, with Mama Pacing, Brothers and Sisters, 1976
Today is my 82nd birthday. There will be no party, just a Lobster Dinner with Champagne. The party will be in four days during Christmas Eve when all my 4 adult children and 6 grand children celebrate Christmas with us (Macrine and I). As usual we have Honey-Baked ham and Chicken Macaroni Salad. I am reposting an excerpt from my recent posting on the subject topic of my last blog as follows.
"Today, I am also thinking of the subject topics of my last blog. It will not be lecture although, I used to be a teacher, Instructor, UP Chemistry(1956-1959)in the Philippines. What would be the subject of my last blog ? For sure it will not be an article filled with high sounding words. It would be a simple and a direct post that comes from the heart. It will probably be a summary of what I have done both professionally and personally. I hope that my last blog will continue to inspire the younger generation as they read the ups and down of my autobiography.
Here's a summary from my Pamana Award in Chemistry Nomination Package, perhaps my future epitaph with the addition that I was also a loving and caring husband, father and grand father and maybe a loving great grand father.
"Dr Katague is a trailblazer in the field of Chemistry and Drug Regulation. He is the first Filipino American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in the Center of New Drugs, Food and Drug Administration. He is also the first Filipino-American to be elected for two 5 year terms( 1995-2005) to the United States Pharmacopeia Council of Experts since its inception in 1820. Dr Katague's drive and energy to succeed is a representation of the Filipino people's talent and passion for excellence. He has shown that Filipinos can contribute significantly to the advancement of science, therefore help the world a better and safer place by insuring that only safe and better quality drugs are approved and marketed.
Dr Katague had also more than 22 years experience in agricultural research( pesticides residues analytical method development) working for three private companies in the US".
My Outstanding Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science-Research from Parangal, 1998, Washington, DC
Again, I am thanking the Lord for his blessings on my 82nd birthday. As an addendum to my 82nd birthday, I have reposted a few days ago my article on the Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in UP Diliman, Q.C. Philippines that was inaugurated on my 21st birthday. My name is one of the one thousand names buried in the Foundation of the Chapel.
Thank you to all my Relatives and Friends who follow my blogs as well as to all my FaceBook friends especially those who had already sent their birthday greetings in my FB page.
Christmas Tree Decorated with White House Ornaments and Personal photo decor
Note: Today is also the 22nd birthday of my grand daughter Alix Katague, oldest daughter of my oldest son, Dodie( Diosdado) Katague.
I will always be 60 years older than Alix.
Last October while we were in Macrine's neurologist for her quarterly check up, I discussed with her neurologist not only the current trends on Parkinson Disease therapy but also on other types of movement disorders that he specializes. In his office, there is a plaque that listed his specialty, Parkinson Disease(PD) and other movement disorders. I asked him what are examples of other movement disorders besides PD. He give me the list below. What are movement disorders(MD)?
Movement disorders are neurological conditions that affect the speed, quality and ease of movement. Hypokinetic movement disorders are characterized by lack of movement. Hyperkinesias refer to conditions characterized by excessive movements. Dyskinesias are involuntary movements that can occur as a side effect of medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Primary types of movement disorders are listed below: Balance Disorders, Corticobasal Degeneration, Dystonia, Essential Tremors, Huntington's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson's Disease, and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
A short description of some of the most common movement disorder and Parkinson Disease are listed on www.news-medical.net as follows:
1. Tremor: The most common movement disorder is essential tremor. It affects one in 20 people under the age of 40 and one in five people over 65. The disorder is characterized by shaking of the hand or fingers when it attempts to perform a task. The tremors are usually involuntary, rhythmic or pendulous movements of a part of the body.
2. Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease affects one in 500 individuals and in most cases is caused by genetic predisposition or exposure to certain drugs and toxins. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by rigidity of muscles, tremors and shaking and a short “shuffling” gait. Eventually the patient may fail to perform his or her daily activities and may have to depend on their caregivers. Parkinson’s disease is a severely debilitating disease.
3. Dyskinesia: This is a symptom of an underlying movement disorder. Dyskinesia literally means abnormal (dys) movements (kinesia). This is characterized by spasms, tics and twitches or more complex slow writhing movements (athetosis), rapid, jerky movements (chorea) or spasm of a group of muscles (dystonia). Dyskinesia may be seen in Parkinson’s disease and other similar conditions. They may be seen on intake of certain drugs like Levodopa for Parkinson’s disease therapy or antipsychotic medications for psychiatric conditions.
4. Dystonia: Dystonia is characterized by sustained spasm or contraction of a group of muscles. This may lead to painful writhing movements or abnormally held postures. Writer's cramp is an example of focal dystonia that affects the fingers of the writing hand. It is often sudden in onset and disappears by itself on rest. Similar dystonia may affect the eyelids leading to blepharospasm. This leads to increased blinking and involuntary closing of the eyes.
5. Tics: These are small movements or twitches that are repeated in a group of muscles. The movements include blinking, shrugging, grunting or grimacing.
6. Dysphonia: There are abnormal movements of the muscles involved in voice production and speech. The voice as a result becomes quivery, jerky or strained and hoarse.
7. Ataxia: This affects regular movement of walking, running etc. There is a problem with posture maintenance and control of coordination and balance. Ataxia is usually a symptom of conditions such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy rather than being a disease in itself. It is caused due to diseases of the cerebellum or base part of the back of the brain. Commonly alcohol consumption may lead to ataxia.
8. Restless legs syndrome: This is a common movement disorder affecting one in 10 individuals. There are intensely uncomfortable sensations in the legs and sometimes arms typically seen during bedtime or at rest. It may be felt as tingling or creeping that is relieved by movement of the limbs. This leads to disturbed sleep and insomnia.
9. Huntington’s disease: This is a genetic condition that affects movements. There is chronic progressive chorea or rapid jerky purposeless movements of various groups of muscles. There is additional emotional, behavioral, and psychiatric abnormalities.
Macrine had been coped up in the house and felt like she was in prison ( her own words) this past week because it had been raining. Yesterday, she wanted to go the Mall just to buy her Shishedo makeup at Macy and may be a pajama. I did not realized that yesterday was Super Saturday- the busiest and biggest shopping day of the holiday season.
"From Fortune News last Friday: According to a survey released on Friday by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics, some 66% of Americans, or 155.7 million people, are planning to go shopping on Saturday, December 17. (Some 99 million of them hit stores over Thanksgiving weekend.) The day is known as Super Saturday because it is the last full Saturday of shopping before Christmas. (Next Saturday, Christmas Eve, doesn’t count because stores close earlier.) Black Friday and Cyber Monday get all the attention, but Super Saturday, which takes place tomorrow, will be the biggest shopping day of the holiday season, hands down".
The parking lot was full including the Handicaff Parking. It took me a couple of rounds to find one Handicaff parking space. When we entered Macy there was a big crowd but the Shiseido section was empty. We were served immediately. Macrine can not remember what she needed. The sales lady asked our phone number and could tell us what was the last purchased Macrine and I did six months ago. I know she purchased a Foundation and Lipstick. The sales lady recommended a Moisturizer set( One for the Day and One for the Night). Macrine ask how much is the cost. The sales lady said, each will cost $99. I was not surprise of the cost. Shishedo cosmetics are expensive. After a few minutes, Macrine decided just to buy the Day moisturizer provided she gets a gift. So besides the Moisturizer she got a red cosmetic purse, a 25ml lotion and another 10 ml cleansing lotion. (see photo above). Incidentally Macrine had been a loyal customer of Shiseido products for the last 50 years.
After our Macy purchase, we went to the See Candies store. The line was so long Macrine decided not to wait in line. I told her just relax and I will be the one to form in line. Luckily, See's had two lines and cashier. The shortest line was for the pre-package and already gift-wrapped chocolates. I normally do not buy pre-packaged See Candies, but it is really a "no brainer" that I chose the short line. In five minutes, I was out of the candy store.
We sat for a while and listened to the live Christmas concert in the mall while enjoying our chocolate candies. After we eat some chocolate and Macrine had rested, she decided we go to Sears to buy her and myself pajamas. We entered the Sears stores. It was very crowded. After checking the check out line, we decided to forgo the purchase and plan on going home. We stayed in the Mall for another 10 minutes watching the crowds. We had stayed in the mall for 90 minutes. It was time to go home. Out side was a very bright sunny day, but it was cold.
Yesterday's Mall outing was a great relief for Macrine. She felt free and liberated and out of prison. If we had known it was Super Saturday, we would have stayed home in spite of the bright and sunny day. Happy Holidays and I hope you have done all your Christmas Shopping.
Close-up showing family photos and white house tree ornaments
Our Wooden ( lanzones wood) Belen from Paete, Laguna-the Belen is the Pilipino representation of the Nativity scene.
Yesterday, December 16 was the start of Simbang Gabi in the Philippines. The “Simbang Gabi” is a long treasured Philippine tradition originally a series of “dawn masses” for nine consecutive days before Christmas Day. Its liturgical significance emanates from the Season of Advent, being the time of spiritual preparation and purification to worthily welcome and receive the Child Jesus in our midst. The Mass at Dawn, Simbang Gabi, is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. It starts every December 16th and is one of the longest and most important religious celebrations in the Philippines that has lasted over 600 years.
The Simbang Gabi is a time when Catholic churches across the Philippines celebrate mass outdoors in order to accommodate the faithful. At times, when mass is not celebrated outside, the doors of churches are, nevertheless, left wide open to allow attendants to share in the atmosphere of the mass. Its origins began in Mexico, where the practice of holding mass outdoors began, first, in 1587, when the Pope gave permission to Diego de Soria, a Mexican friar, to hold mass outdoors because the churches could not accommodate the huge number of worshipers that came to celebrate Christmas. The novena culminates, on the ninth day, with the Mass of the Gifts, or Misa de Gallo, which celebrates the birth of Jesus.
However, it was not until 1669, during the early years of Christianity, in the Philippines, that the Misa de Gallo became a Philippine spiritual tradition. During Advent, in preparation for the birth of Christ, missionary friars held pre-dawn masses for nine consecutive days, to usher in the event of Jesus' birth. The masses were celebrated very early, usually at 4 in the morning, since they took place during the harvest season, when farmers had to be in the fields at the crack of dawn. The word gallo means rooster, in Spanish. At the first sound of dawn, at the crowing of the rooster, the entire family would get up and walk to the nearest parish church.
During this time, colorful lanterns are hung in every door, window, tree branch, and street corner. Bands play native carols all across town while families, couples, and individuals make their way to the nearest church. Shortly after the mass, people gather in their homes to celebrate Noche Buena and feast on local delicacies made of rice flour, coconut milk and other traditional deserts.
Here in the United States, Filipino immigrants brought with them this distinct tradition which is slowly taking roots and thus the observance of this time honored spiritual and cultural tradition has grown significantly in California, New York, Chicago, New Jersey and even in the Hampton Roads to the point where it has now earned a strong and unequivocal support. Halina Hesus, Halina! (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)
Source for Simbang Gabi: www2.richmomddioscese.org Enjoy the following short video!
( Not exactly the same help from our two Cleaning Ladies)
I have been planning to write some tidbits about our two cleaning ladies for quite some time. However, every time they finished cleaning the house they are always in a hurry to leave for their next job. Just recently their scheduled changed and after they finished, they stayed for a little while so we had some time to visit and chit chat. The two cleaning ladies are under the umbrella of the company named " Heavenly Help". Their services are indeed heavenly for me and Macrine. We hired them twice a month for two hours each time. If we have a special job such as painting, cleaning my car we pay them an extra $40 per hour.
The first cleaning lady is in her late 40's and originally immigrated from Belize. For anonymousity sake let me call her OA. She is one of nine children. She studied and graduated from Nursing from a local college and worked in a Nursing home for a number of years. When she got tired and burnt out as a Nurse she and a partner joined Heavenly Help. They were introduced to us by Ditas, our youngest daughter. Ditas and us are among the dozens of their satisfied clients.
About a month ago, OA did not clean during her regular schedule for personal reasons. She went to Los Angeles to attend the funeral services for her mother. After the burial ceremony, we asked her about her mother's funeral. She showed us a nine page souvenir program of the funeral mass and ceremony filled with pictures of her mothers children, grand children and other closed relatives. Each page contain pictures of each of her Mom's nine children. She told us this is a tradition from Belize. Her Moms had over 100 grand children and great grand children. Our cleaning lady is the only one in the family without any children since she is single.
After OA informed us about this tradition, I got curious about Belize. I did some Internet search and here's a brief information about Belize from Wikipedia.
"Belize, formerly British Honduras, is a country on the eastern coast of Central America. Belize is bordered on the north by Mexico, on the south and west by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. Its mainland is about 290 km long and 110 km wide.
With 22,800 square kilometres (8,800 sq mi) of land and as of 2015 a population of 368,310, Belize has the lowest population density in Central America. The country's population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2015) is the second highest in the region and one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Belize's abundance of terrestrial and marine species and its diversity of ecosystems give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor.
Belize has a diverse society, composed of many cultures and languages that reflect its rich history. English is the official language of Belize, but over half the population is multilingual."
Our second cleaning lady (MC) is probably in her early 40's. She is a mixed Mexican-American, but do not speak Spanish. MC is well read, judging from the topics of our conversation ranging from local history, tourism and travel. MC loves to clean our carpet, paint and varnished our front door as well as detailing our car besides her regular household vacuuming and dusting. Macrine and I had not yet learned much about her personal life but she was very interested in my blogging activities. I gave her my website last week. I teased her that if she does not pass and give me the correct answers from questions I will ask her about my blogs I will fire her. She is also single. I have a feeling she and her business partner are also a couple, but I dare not ask them.
Macrine and I love our two cleaning ladies. If you live in the area and need household help, I highly recommend OA and MC services!
