Becoming American( formerly Life in the United States & the Philippines-1960 to the Present): September 2024

WELCOME TO MY SITE AND HAVE A GOOD DAY

Welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada- the Gambling Capital of US and the City that never sleeps! So, what has this city have to do with this site. The answer is none. I just love the photo, I took during our vacation to this city a couple of years ago. In this site, you will find articles from my autobiography, global warming, senior citizens issues, tourism, politics in PI, music appreciation and articles about our current experiences as retirees enjoying the "snow bird" lifestyle between US and the Philippines. Your comments will be highly appreciated. Some of the photos and videos on this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringement of your copyrights. Cheers!

Friday, September 20, 2024

Some of My Favorite Photos on MY Life Here at THD

Photo Taken during Ditas Short Visit with her Gift- Harris-Walz T-Shirt and PIN, September 15, 2024

This month of September will be my 15-months residency here at The Heritage Downtown (THD), Walnut Creek. I have attended numerous activities, bridge and mahjong games, Mexican Train and Rummy Cube and other activities good for the mind/body and my aging years. These activities, also included lunch excursions, special holiday celebrations, art. lecture and music programs. It had made my 15 months stay here at THD a very happy months. I try to be active by participating in the numerous activities and celebrating my aging years gracefully.

I even tried for the first time in my life to create watercolor and rock paintings. I was surprised I enjoyed both activities. However, I realized painting is not for me and I concentrate my free time on my daily blogs and my 6-day/week Bridge and Mahjong Games.

This posting is a compilation of some of my favorite photos in my collection, highlighting the numerous activities, I have participated here at THD. It was hard to select 15 photos from the hundreds of photos in my collection of my life and activities here at THD for the last 15 months. But here are the photos for your viewing pleasure.

Pier 39 Cruise and Lunch Excursion, Oakland and San Francisco

Sam Chowder House Lunch Excursion, Half-Moon Bay

Chair VolleyBall Tournament -Fairmont Fighters Champions

Father's Day Dinner with Dinah

Hawaii Luau with Dean Elias, Marsha Kefer and Kellie Schuyler ( Activity Director)

Hawaiian Luau 2024-Me and Mary Ann Dewald

Batman and Robin- My two Apartment Mates and Companion

Jenny Shively, THD Marketing and Leasing Director- Christmas Time, 2023

Speaker of the Month Filipino-American History Month. October, 2023

Me and Santa Claus ( Eric)

Me and Martha Rodriquez ( Halloween, 2023)

Hawaiian Luau. 2023 with Susie Bramson and Hisako Tanaka.- my mahjong buddies

Octoberfest, 2023 with Dean Elias

The Larimore's ( John and Carol), Mary Fenelon and Me- From THD PageBook Page September 17, 2024

Ditas Short Visit_ Brunch with Emily Ehm and Gwen Corbett- September 15, 2024

Thursday, September 19, 2024

My Poem of the Day- You are Dying Slowly If----

💚Pablo Neruda- Chilean poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

This is my poem for Today- You are Dying Slowly If---------

You start dying slowly ;

if you do not travel,

if you do not read,

If you do not listen to the sounds of life,

If you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly :

When you kill your self-esteem,

When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly ;

If you become a slave of your habits,

Walking everyday on the same paths…

If you do not change your routine,

If you do not wear different colours

Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.

You start dying slowly :

If you avoid to feel passion

And their turbulent emotions;

Those which make your eyes glisten

And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly :

If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain

If you do not go after a dream

If you do not allow yourself

At least once in your lifetime

To run away from sensible advice

Don't let yourself die slowly

Do not forget to be happy!

~ Pablo Neruda♡

Here's the Short Video:  https://youtu.be/64jF1srSiXA?si=SiIpgkI9UdiopQIi

💚Pablo Neruda was the pen name and, later, legal name of the Chilean writer and politician Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. Neruda assumed his pen name as a teenager, partly because it was in vogue, partly to hide his poetry from his father, a rigid man who wanted his son to have a "practical" occupation. Neruda's pen name was derived from Czech writer and poet Jan Neruda; Pablo is thought to be from Paul Verlaine. With his works translated into many languages, Pablo Neruda is considered one of the greatest and most influential poets of the 20th century.

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

My Word of the Day- The Project 2025 Song

While playing bridge the other day, my partner took a long time to respond to my first bid. His action reminded of the word- cogitate/cogitating. I did some search and here is the list of similar words for Cog-i-tate. English, I would say is fun and sometimes complicated. Enjoy! Have Fun with WORDS!

cog·i·tate

/ˈkäjəˌtāt/

verb

FORMAL

verb: cogitate; 3rd person present: cogitates; past tense: cogitated; past participle: cogitated; gerund or present participle: cogitating

think deeply about something; meditate or reflect.
"he stroked his beard and retired to cogitate"
Similar:
think (about)
contemplate
consider
give thought to
give consideration to
mull over
meditate (on)
muse (on)
ponder (on/over)
reflect (on)
deliberate (about/on)
ruminate (about/on/over)
dwell on
brood (on/over)
agonize (over)
worry (about)
chew over
puzzle (over)
speculate about
weigh up
revolve
turn over in one's mind
review
study
be in a brown study
put on one's thinking cap
pore on
cerebrate

Another word, I love to use in my writings is ruminate

Meanwhile enjoy my latest photo with my Harris-Walz T-shirt and Pin- a Gift from Ditas during her short visit last September 15.

Lastly here's a video of Project 2025:

https://youtu.be/CvQhTbCY4xc?si=0oZi6ZlITvJbX7dO

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Introducing Batman & Robin- Cats Symbolism

Batman and Robin-2.5 years old-male neutered American Short-Haired Domestic Breed ( Black and White-Tuxedo Cats)

If you are following my blogs, you probably already know, my two cats, Batman & Robin have been my apartment mates here at THD since my move last year in June. I have written a few articles about cats, but today's blog discus the spiritual and physical symbolism of cats, in general and in most cultures all over the world. Here's the article for your reading pleasure.

Cats have held significant symbolic meanings across various cultures and belief systems, both spiritually and physically. Here’s a breakdown of their symbolism:

Spiritual Symbolism

Independence and Freedom: Cats are often seen as symbols of independence due to their solitary nature. They embody self-sufficiency and the ability to thrive on their own.
Mystery and Intuition: Cats are frequently associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Their nocturnal habits and enigmatic behavior contribute to a perception of them as creatures connected to the spiritual realm, enhancing intuition and mystical insight.
Protection and Guardianship: In some cultures, cats are believed to protect against negative energy and spirits. For example, ancient Egyptians revered cats as protectors of the home and symbols of divine protection.
Feminine Energy: Cats are often linked to feminine qualities, such as nurturing, sensuality, and intuition. In various mythologies, goddesses associated with love, beauty, and fertility are often depicted with cats.
Rebirth and Transformation: In some spiritual beliefs, cats symbolize rebirth and transformation, reflecting their ability to adapt and thrive in various environments.

Physical Symbolism

Agility and Grace: Physically, cats represent agility and grace. Their ability to move silently and with precision symbolizes elegance and poise.
Curiosity and Exploration: Cats are naturally curious creatures, symbolizing a thirst for knowledge and the exploration of the unknown. This trait encourages individuals to seek out new experiences.
Balance and Flexibility: Cats are known for their physical balance and flexibility, which can symbolize adaptability and the ability to navigate life's challenges with ease.
Playfulness and Joy: Their playful behavior highlights the importance of joy and play in life, serving as a reminder to embrace lightheartedness.

Conclusion

In summary, cats symbolize a blend of spiritual and physical qualities that encompass independence, mystery, protection, femininity, agility, curiosity, and joy. Their multifaceted nature allows them to hold a unique place in human culture and spirituality, resonating with various aspects of life and human experience. For Details visit:

https://ashevillecatweirdos.org/cats-muse-symbol-and-icon-in-art-literature-and-pop-culture/#:~:text=In%20literature%2C%20cats%20have%20been,Mistoffelees%20in%20T.S.

From My FaceBook Page After the Presidential Debate( 9-10-24). Reacting to Crazy Trump Comments. The cat looks like my young Robin. This is Trump Pet Conspiracy- Unbelievable and Untrue!
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/15/republican-ohio-gov-mike-dewine-trump-vance-false-immigrant-pets-conspiracy.html

Monday, September 16, 2024

A Short Visit from Ditas Yesterday- My Harris-Walz T-shirt and Pin

Photo Credit: Martha Rodriguez: Me with Ditas, Emily and Gwen at Sunday Brunch, September 15, 2024

I had a 2-hour short visit from Ditas today. She took time off from her business travel in California to have brunch with me. She brought me a gift- A Harris-Walz T-shirt and Pin ( see photos below). We had a great brunch with Emily Ehm and Gwen Corbett. She stayed with me from 10:30AM to 12:30PM. She has to be at the airport by 1PM to fly to LA for tomorrow's meeting. What a busy life!

If you are reading my blogs you probably know that Ditas is an SES employee and a Presidential Appointee. So to retain her job as Associate Director for Communications in the Bureau of Census, Department of Commerce, Kamala Harris has to be elected our next president this November.

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/bios/ditas-katague.html

Here are some photos during her visit. Ditas is my youngest daughter. Currently she is residing in Alexandra, Virginia, with my youngest grand daughter Carenna and her pet dog- Leif.

My New T-Shirt and PIN- Harris-Walz For the People-A Gift From Ditas

With My Harris-Walz T-shirt and PIN!!! GO! Kamala, Go!

Meanwhile, here are some photos I took during the Chips and Salsa Party yesterday afternoon hosted by our efficient Activity Coordinator- Teresa Nudo. Thank you, Teresa for a job well done!

Ditas next visit is scheduled this coming December to attend the celebration of My 90th Birthday!

A visit from Relatives and/or Friends always lift up my spirits and feeling of my being here in the Gilded Cage!

ABOUT ME

I am a retired (Chemistry Team Leader from USFDA) Filipino-American who loves writing, gardening and photography. My wife ( of 59 years) and I enjoy the snowbird lifestyle between the US and the Philippines. We have a small but very private beach resort in the beautiful island of Marinduque, Philippines. I have several blog sites (ten), a personal blog, blogs about Marinduque and about our beach resort and conference center-CHATEAU DU MER. I have also a writing account for Hubpages.com. I will appreciate very much any comments on my postings.

Genealogy of the Balleza and Katague Surnames

Several years ago, I started a genealogy of my mother's last name- “Balleza”. I was able to trace it back to the 15th century. The name originated from Bilbao, Spain. I then traced it to Mexico, then to US in Texas and then to the Philippines. I was able to locate a town in Mexico named Balleza, in the state of Chihuahua. The town was founded in 1640 and named after Fr. Mariano Balleza ,a Spanish friar.. I was able also to communicate with a radio announcer in Houston, Texas whose family name is also Balleza. I also found several Balleza families in Googles and recently in Face Book. Note that the name is similar to another name in the Philippines “ Belleza”, a Spanish word which means beautiful. But “Balleza” and “Belleza” are two different names in the Philippines. I am happy and satisfied with the origin of my mother's last name. When my mother was still alive, she told me that her grandfather was a Spanish soldier that participated in the Spanish colonization of the Philippines (1565 -1898). Today, I am curious on the genealogy of my father's last name. When my father was still alive, his last named was spelled with a “C” instead of the “K”. He changed it with the “K” when he was in high school. My father has two brothers who also changed it to start with a “ K”. But all of my father other relatives as far as I know has not change it. So there are a lot of “Catague's” in the Philippines, that are my relatives. The famous Catague is a painter named Fernando. His paintings are exhibited in the museum of Iloilo and Manila. My father has informed me that Fernando is a relative and originally was from Antique. . In the Philippines, I know there are Katagues in Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Antique, Cavite and in Mindanao. I also found there is a Katague in Brazil from Googles. I just recently meet a niece in Face Book from Vancouver, B.C. She is the daughter of my first cousin from Bacolod, Negros Occidental. There are several Katagues in Face Book, and one in Twitter, but I do not know if we are related. Incidentally, there is a town in Bohol, named “Catague”. I am curious, how the town got its name, but I do not have the time to do research on it. If you know, please let me know. It will be highly appreciated.

There are several variations of the Katague name. These are: Catague, Catage, Catagi, Katagi, Katage, Kataque and Kata Gue ( from Indonesia). I know of a Japanese chemist with surname of Katagi. It may be true that Katague originated from Japan from the surname Katagi as my father once mentioned. So if your last name is any of the above or if you are married to someone with any of the names above, we may be related. I will appreciate if you contact me in Face Book or in this site. I will be delighted to meet you on line or in person.

Genealogy of the Nieva Clan-Macrine's Maternal Side of the Family

It is summer time and time for family reunions. The Nievas of the World will probably be have a reunion in the Philppines or here in US sometime this year or next year. Hopefully, Macrine and I could attend this time.

Macrine Nieva Jambalos and husband, David Balleza Katague of Marinduque and Northern California toasting champagne during their Golden Wedding Anniversary, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines,2007 In 2003, there was a reunion of the Nieva clan in the Philippines organized by Rene Elizalde Nieva, Macrine's first cousin. We were invited but not able to attend. Rene wrote in his invitation that he is in the process of writing a book about the Nieva clan. He said the book will be privately published with limited printing which will include a general history starting on the possible roots of the Nieva family as well as the achievements of various members of the clan and their contribution to the betterment of Marinduque and of the Philippines. As of this writing date, I have not heard on the status of Rene's book. In his invitation he invited all the direct and indirect descendants of the children and spouses of Calixto Nieva and Epifania Morente. Note that Rene is the great-grandson of Calixto Nieva and Macrine is also the great-granddaughter of Calixto Nieva , thus Rene and Macrine are first cousins. I just can not believe that my six grand children are now the great-great-great grand children of Calixto Nieva and Epifania Morente. Calixto and Epifania Morente had six children, four boys and two girls as follows (from oldest to youngest) along with their spouses. 1.Juan Nieva had two wives. The first wife was Isabel Decena. When Isabel died Juan remarried Elvira Sarmiento. Juan Nieva is both Macrine's and Rene's grandfather. He was the first governor of Marinduque and also the grandfather of the outgoing Governor. Rene and Macrine are first cousin of Jose Antonio (Bong) Nieva Carrion, the outgoing Governor of Marinduque. 2.Victoria Nieva married Doroteo Mercader 3.Dionisio Nieva married Salud de la Santa 4.Gregorio Nieva married Maria Arevalo 5.Jose Nieva married Trinidad Carmona 6.Rosita Nieva married Dr Angel Mayuga Rene's invitation also included the descendants of the brothers of Calixto, namely Pedro and Francisco Nieva. It also included the brothers and sisters of Epifania Morente, which included not just the Morentes but also the Roceses, Abadas, Trinidads and the Kasilags. Incidentally, the Reyeses are second cousins of Macrine and the other Nievas of Marinduque. This article will concentrate on the descendants of Juan Nieva and his two wives, Isabel Decena from Santa Cruz and Elvira Sarmiento from Buenavista.. Children of Juan Nieva and Isabel Decena ( from Oldest to Youngest) 1.Calixto Nieva married Juanita Jambalos 2.Blanca Nieva- single was killed by the Japanese during World War II 3.Elena Nieva married Bernardo Jambalos, Jr ( brother of Juanita) Children of Juan Nieva and Elvira Sarmiento(from Oldest to Youngest) 1.Guillermo ( Willie) Nieva married Dr Celina Elizalde 2.Rosario Nieva married Ramon Carrion 3.Ester Nieva married Rafael Seno 4.Monica Nieva married Conrado Luarca 5.Elizabeth Nieva married Romulo Santo Domingo 6.Asuncion Nieva married Dr. Rafael Ocampo 7.Fr Constantino Nieva- single For the purpose of this article, I will discuss only the descendants of Elena Nieva and Bernardo Jambalos, Jr. They have seven children as follows: ( From Oldest to Youngest) 1.Macrine Nieva Jambalos- married David B Katague from Iloilo ( that's me) 2.Sister Guia Jambalos- Order of the Cenacle-single 3.Bernardo Jambalos III married Loreta Mercader 4.Fe Jambalos married Edgardo Lazarte 5.Edgar Jambalos ( deceased) married Asuncion Pagalunan 6.Jean Jambalos married Mitch Maeda 7.Rosario Jambalos married Michael Levin Note that Rene Nieva is the oldest son of Guillermo Nieva and Dr. Celina Elizalde. The younger brother of Rene, Yong is my partner in our literary project, I left my Heart in Marinduque ( not San Francisco). http://marinduqueonmymind.blogspot.com Macrine's telephone buddy and first cousin from Vancouver, BC, Canada Olga Luarca Quiazon is the oldest daughter of Monica and Conrado Luarca The outgoing governor of Marinduque is the second son of Rosario Nieva and Ramon Carrion This posting continues with the offspring of Macrine Jambalos and David B. Katague. They have 4 children and six grandchildren as follows: 1.Dodie( Diosdado) Katague married Ruth Carver- They have 3 children, Philip Winchester, Alexandra and Marina Katague 2.Dinah E Katague married David E King- They have 2 children, Ian and Elaine King 3.David E III-single 4.Ditas Macrine Katague married Nick Thompson- They have one child, Carenna Nicole Thompson Fe Jambalos has two daughters, Lanie and Ella Jean Jambalos has two daughters, Yuri and Yuka Rosario has two children, Carlos and Zehara Asuncion and Edgar( deceased) Jambalos has three sons, Edmund, Nonoy and Jhun-Jhun and a daughter, Marilyn Bernardo Jambalos III has five children and three grandchildren as of this writing date. Accomplishments of the children of David B and Macrine J. Katague are discussed in detail at http://theintellectualmigrant.blogspot.com Some Interesting Vignettes: The marriage of Calixto and Juanita Jambalos was not approved by their father Don Juan Nieva. Juanita was the daughter of a barrio businessman from Laylay. During those time, if you are from the barrios, you are not welcome or accepted to the social group of the main town of Boac. The Jambalos family although well off were considered TAGABUKID ( from the bonies). Don Juan Nieva wanted his lawyer son to marry Enriqueta Nepomuceno, one of the popular socialites in Boac. When Juanita died, Calixto did not marry again. Soon Calixto also died and every one in town claimed he died with a broken heart. Enriqueta in the meantime was waiting for Calixto. Enriqueta never married and died as a spinster. Blanca Nieva graduated from Nursing School at Philippine General Hospital and was earning well. When their father died, she helped in sending her half-sister Rosario to College. She supported her sister and spoiled her by dressing her up to maintain her place in the high society of Boac at that time. Elena, is the third child of Isabel Decena from Santa Cruz. Isabel died giving birth to Elena. Elena was therefore nursed by the sister of Isabel, Regina Decena Reforma. Elena and Policarpio Reforma ( son of Regina) shared the same breast milk of Tia Regina. When Elena was five years old, she and sister Blanca as well as brother Calixto, were brought to Boac where their father Juan Nieva remarried Elvira Sarmiento from Buenavista. Elena grew up under the care of Lola Victoria ( sister of Juan Nieva). They lived in the old Nieva Building at the foot of the hill leading to Mataas Na Bayan. Elena later went to college at the University of the Philippines and finished her Bachelor Degree in Education. When Juanita Jambalos-Nieva( wife of Calixto) died during childbirth, Elena and Bernardo Jambalos II ( brother of Juanita) were made in-charged of bringing the corpse from Manila back to Marinduque. During the trip, people mistook them as husband and wife. Their romance started then and later were married at the Boac Catholic Church. Today, if I had to guess, there should be more than seven hundred members of the Nieva clan, just based on the six children of Calixto Nieva and Epifania Morente all over the world. If you include the descendants of Pedro and Francisco Nieva, the two brothers of Calixto, it could reached to more than a thousand Nievas all over the universe. If you are a member of this clan, please let me know. Someday, I may be able to trace the Nieva genealogy all the way to Spain, as I did with my mothers name "Balleza", several years ago. My e-mail is in this site and I am also in Face Book.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a national park located east of the Sierra Nevada in the arid Great Basin of the United States. Parts of the park are in southern Inyo County and northern San Bernardino County in Eastern California, with a small extension into southwestern Nye County and extreme southern Esmeralda County in Nevada. In addition, there is an exclave (Devil's Hole) in southern Nye County. The park covers 5,262 square miles (13,630 km2), encompassing Saline Valley, a large part of Panamint Valley, almost all of Death Valley, and parts of several mountain ranges. Death Valley National Monument was declared a U.S. National Monument in 1933, placing the area under federal protection. In 1994, the monument was redesignated a national park, as well as being substantially expanded to include Saline and Eureka valleys. It is the hottest and driest of the national parks in the United States. The second-lowest point in the Western Hemisphere is in Badwater Basin, which is 282 feet (86 m) below sea level. The park is home to many species of plants and animals that have adapted to this harsh desert environment. Some examples include creosote bush, Bighorn Sheep, Coyote, and the Death Valley Pupfish, a survivor of much wetter times. Approximately 95% of the park is designated as wilderness. Its wilderness area covers 4,774 square miles (12,360 km2), making it the largest in the Lower 48 states, and the sixth largest in the United States overall. Death Valley National Park is visited annually by more than 770,000 visitors who come to see its diverse geologic features, desert wildlife, historic sites, scenery, and clear night skies. Mining was the primary activity in the area before it was protected. The first documented non-Native Americans to enter Death Valley did so in the winter of 1849, thinking they would save time by taking a shortcut to the gold fields of California. They were stuck for weeks and in the process gave the valley its name, even though only one of their group died there. Several short-lived boom towns sprang up during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to exploit minor local bonanzas of gold. The only long-term profitable ore to be mined, however, was borax, a mineral used to make soap and an important industrial compound. Today, borax is an essential component of high-temperature resistant boro-silicate glass products, for example Pyrex cookware. Twenty-mule teams were used to transport ore out of the valley; helping to make it famous and the subject of books, radio programs, television series, and movies.

The natural environment of the area has been shaped largely by its geology. The valley itself is actually a graben. The oldest rocks are extensively metamorphosed and at least 1.7 billion years old. Ancient warm, shallow seas deposited marine sediments until rifting opened the Pacific Ocean. Additional sedimentation occurred until a subduction zone formed off the coast. This uplifted the region out of the sea and created a line of volcanoes. Later the crust started to pull apart, creating the current Basin and Range landform. Valleys filled with sediment and, during the wet times of glacial periods, with lakes, such as Lake Manly.

Note: This is No.9 of the series of articles on popular national parks in US.