Happy Easter Sunday and Ditas Talk

Ditas talk last Thursday was a resounding success based on comments ( both written and oral) from several attendees. I am reposting her introduction she titled Elders as Democracy's Guardians 💚, addressed specifically to our Generations of Septuagenarians, Octogenarians and Nonagenarians ( like Me) and one or two Centenarians in the Audience here at THD. There were a few of you who wanted to attend, but have other personal chores to do, so I am reposting Ditas Talk for your reading pleasure as follows:   

💚Elders as Democracy's Guardians - Remarks by Ditas Katague

Good morning, distinguished friends.

First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence here today. When I look around this room, I don't just see octogenarians, septuagenarians and nonagenarians—I see the keepers of our nation's living memory. You have witnessed our democracy weather storms and emerge stronger. You have seen America transform, adapt, and endure.

In my decades of public service, particularly during my time at the Census Bureau and working on civic engagement initiatives, I've learned that the strongest democracies are those where every voice is heard and valued. Today, as we face new challenges to our democratic institutions, your voices and experiences are more precious than ever.

You've lived through the Civil Rights Movement, the Cold War, numerous elections, economic booms and busts. Some of you remember life before television, much less the internet. This perspective gives you something invaluable—wisdom that can only come from seeing the long arc of history unfold before your eyes.

Many of you have expressed concern about our current moment—about polarization, about misinformation, about whether the democratic values you've cherished will endure for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These concerns bring you here today, asking: "What can I do? How can I help preserve what matters most?"

I'm here to tell you that your age is not a limitation—it's your greatest strength. You possess three invaluable assets that our democracy desperately needs right now:

First, your historical memory. You remember when Americans could disagree politically yet remain neighbors and friends. You recall when compromise was not a dirty word but the essential oil that kept democracy functioning.

Second, your credibility. In a world of fleeting social media posts and questionable news sources, you are trusted messengers in your families and communities. When you speak, people listen—especially across generational lines.

Third, your time and wisdom. Many of you have the gift of time—time to volunteer, to participate, to engage in ways that younger Americans juggling careers and raising families simply cannot.

Today I would love to encourage you  to explore practical, meaningful ways you can deploy these assets to strengthen our democracy and communities. Some actions may be small, others more substantial, but all matter. Democracy isn't just preserved in Washington—it's sustained in community centers, in school board meetings, at neighborhood gatherings, and around family dinner tables.

As someone who has spent her career building bridges between government and communities, I can tell you with absolute certainty: You matter. Your participation matters. Your wisdom is irreplaceable.

So let us begin this important conversation about how your generation—the generation that has seen America through so much—can help guide us through this moment. Not as bystanders, but as active, essential participants in our democratic story.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring. And thank you, most of all, for not stepping aside but stepping forward.

So Let tell you more about me for those who haven’t been reading my Dad’s blog closely.

As I mentioned, It’s a little hard to talk about myself, so I asked “CLAUDE A.I” to  tell me about myself and loaded my CV up and here’s what it outlined: 

Ditas Katague  - A Lifetime of Public Service and Community Building

First of all _ Who I Am?

First-generation American, daughter of Filipino immigrants

Public affairs leader with over 30 years of experience

Dedicated to building trust in government and serving diverse communities

Expert in communications and community engagement

Former Presidential Appointee at the US Census Bureau

My Education and Personal Journey

Masters in Public Administration from USC

Bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley

Certified yoga and meditation teacher

Artist and painter

Mediator and community organizer

I am also a solo parent of a 21 year old accomplished well traveled young woman and like some of you, I am a widow. Tomorrow, April 18th it will have been 13 years since my husband lost his battle to colon cancer.  So in many ways this last decade has been my 2nd Act, oh and by the way, if any of you have single eligible sons in their 50s or 60s, send them my way!!! Lol

Well BACK TO My Commitment to Service

Throughout my career, I've focused on:

Making government work for everyone

Ensuring all voices are heard, especially seniors and underrepresented groups

Building trust between communities and government

Creating partnerships across public, private, and nonprofit sectors

Using data and technology to improve people's lives

So where am I now? You can say, I’ve been enjoying my FUN-employment since January 20, 2025 at 11:59 am. I drove to Andrews Air Force Base to say goodbye to my boss, Commander in Chief, President Biden and First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. But I have had many transitions in my career, in fact after working for 4 Governors of California, I retired in 2021 from the State of California. 

I have been traveling - if you have read my Dad’s blogs. I was in Paris visiting my daughter and celebrating my 60th birthday. I also must returned from Australia where I spoke at the Global Indigenous Data Sovereignty Conference and got to visit our cousins and the Great Barrier Reef. 

In closing - Remember this :

Your stories are not just about the past—they help your family navigate their future with wisdom, perspective, and connection to their roots. Your voice matters. Your memories matter. Your wisdom matters.  The time to share is now.

*********************************************************************************************************

Your Stories Matter - My American Journey

A Call to Action for Octogenarians/Seniors

Your Life Experience is Precious

Dear Wisdom Keepers,

You have lived through historic moments that younger generations can only read about. You've witnessed decades of change—from party-line telephones to smartphones, from Victory Gardens to video calls. Your personal experiences of these transformations are irreplaceable treasures.

Why Your Stories Matter Now More Than Ever

In today's fast-paced digital world:

• Young people are hungry for authentic connection
• Families are often separated by distance
• Social media can't replace the wisdom of lived experience
• Your perspective provides context that history books cannot

You Are the Trusted Source

Nobody can tell your story but you:

• You witnessed history firsthand
• You navigated challenges with resourcefulness
• You built relationships that stood the test of time
• You hold family traditions and memories that would otherwise be lost

Simple Ways to Share Your Legacy

Start Today:

• Record a voice memo sharing a childhood memory
• Write down one story each week
• Have a family member interview you about historical events
• Create a family recipe book with the stories behind each dish
• Share photos and tell the stories behind them

The Bridge Between Generations

When you share your stories, you:

• Help younger generations understand their roots
• Pass down values that have sustained you
• Create bonds that technology cannot replace
• Give your family the gift of perspective
• Leave a legacy that will continue beyond your lifetime

Your Action Steps

1. Start Small - Share one story this week
2. Be Regular - Set aside time each month for storytelling
3. Use Technology - Allow recordings or let younger family members help document
4. Ask Questions - Encourage two-way conversations about then and now
5. Enjoy the Process - This is about connection, not perfection

 I took a few pictures during her talk as follows: 

Meanwhile, here are some of the goodies, I received from Ditas and her older sister Dinah. Dinah just came back from her European River cruise trip and brought me a gift of German Naugat- knusperwaffel. Ditas gave me a cap from her Mexican trip from the El Rosario Monarch Butterflies Refuge and a T-shirt from her Australian trip just recently.

   

The following were able to join us for lunch after the talk: Sandi Green, Susan Bramson, Mary Ann DeWald, Dorothy Mussey, Jay Pollack, Jane Williams, Marsha Kefer and Darryl Choy ( Indy). Thank you All for Coming!  

John and Carol were not able to attend lunch, but gave Ditas a Gift and this Card.

 

Thank You, John and Carol for the gift and card! 

Sandi Green Card- one of my favorite bridge players and neighbor. Thank you, Sandi for the card. 

💚 Happy and Blessed Eastar Sunday, Every One! Lenten Procession in Marinduque short video below

https://www.facebook.com/gerry.jamilla/posts/pfbid02tNaacDUe8navJyPuKNo6wDXgifuwwbpjdzanCPrXLw6Rf56Evg58ufiPVnBWjhB4l

Here's our Easter Sunday Brunch Menu- Notice the Prime Rib and the Peach Bellini besides the regular Mimosa served every week.  Wondering what's the difference between a Mimosa and a Bellini?A Mimosa is classically made with orange juice and champagne and a Bellini is made with peach puree and Prosecco. A Bellini is a tad thicker, almost creamy, and a bit sweeter. This is  my first time to taste a Peach Bellini drink. 

Here's the Easter Sunday Mass for Shut-ins Like Me in You-Tube  

https://youtu.be/sQJzoszVdNg?si=7vBXqGS_NTTkcUUJ

Leandro Locsin- Filipino National Artist in Architecture

Yesterday's Posting was about the life of Antoni Gaudi- God's Architect. Today's posting is another architect- A Filipino whose work I admired very much.

Leandro Locsin, the National Artist for Architecture, turned brutalist concrete into something uniquely Filipino! He was known for his loved of the Brutalist type of Architecture( remember the award-winning Movie- The Brutalist). 

His most iconic work? The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)(above photo)— built in the 1960s, it fused modernist style with native design principles. Think: floating structures, open spaces, and “bahay kubo” vibes but in massive stone.

Surprise: Locsin also designed churches, hotels, and even airports. His Church of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman was the first round church with a suspended dome in the Philippines!

In 1955, 💚Fr. John Delaney, S.J., then Catholic Chaplain at the University of the Philippines - Diliman, commissioned Locsin to design a chapel with an open plan and can easily accommodate 1,000 people. The Church of the Holy Sacrifice is the first round chapel in the Philippines to have an altar in the middle, and the first to have a thin shell concrete dome. The floor of the church was designed by Arturo Luz, the Stations of the Cross by Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, and the cross by Napoleon Abueva, all of whom are now National Artists. Alfredo L. Juinio served as the building's structural engineer. Today, the church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and a Cultural Treasure by the National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines) and the National Museum, respectively.

For Details of Locsin's Other Architectural Accomplishments read: 

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

For My Personal Memories (UPSCA) and Fr John Delaney💚- Related to the Building of the Above UP Chapel, please read:

💚 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/08/memories-of-my-college-life-up-chapel.html

Meanwhile, enjoy this short video with no sound of the flight of the Quetzal bird from Costa Rica:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/474061802364343/

Lastly, US PRESIDENTIAL GREATNESS, RANKED

Source: American Political Science Association

For Details read:

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/04/americas-presidents-what-your-history.html

Lastly, Here are some powerful quotes about civic engagement, protecting democracy, and being trusted messengers during turbulent times: ( From Ditas Talk, April 17, 2025) 

On Civic Engagement:

1. "The most important office in a democracy is the office of citizen." - Justice Louis Brandeis

2. "Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires everyone's participation." - Marian Wright Edelman

3. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

4. "The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens." - Alexis de Tocqueville

5. "Citizenship is not a spectator sport; it's a responsibility that must be shouldered by each generation, and your lifetime of experience makes your contribution essential." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

 On Protecting Democracy:

1."Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

2."Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." - Wendell Phillips

3. "Democracy is not just the right to vote, it is the right to live in dignity." - Naomi Klein

4. "A democracy is only as strong as the citizens who tend to its garden daily with their participation, their vigilance, and their values." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

5. "Our democracy is like an ancient tapestry - each generation must repair and strengthen it, or watch it unravel before their eyes." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

On Being Trusted Messengers:

1. "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou

2. "Trust is earned when actions meet words." - Chris Butler

3. "In times of crisis, the wise build bridges while the foolish build barriers." - Adapted from Black Panther

4. "The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity." - Keith Ferrazzi

5. "Your stories are not just memories; they are lighthouses in a storm, guiding those who navigate these chaotic waters for the first time." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

6. "In an age of information, true wisdom is the most valuable currency. As elders, you hold the vault of lived experience that no internet search can replicate." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

7. "When chaos clouds judgment, it is the steady voice of experience that cuts through the noise with clarity and purpose." - (Original quote for octogenarian audience)

Personal Note: Excerpts from Ditas Introduction to her Talk. Thursday April 17, 2025

"Today I would love to encourage you  to explore practical, meaningful ways you can deploy these assets to strengthen our democracy and communities. Some actions may be small, others more substantial, but all matter. Democracy isn't just preserved in Washington—it's sustained in community centers, in school board meetings, at neighborhood gatherings, and around family dinner tables.

As someone who has spent her career building bridges between government and communities, I can tell you with absolute certainty: You matter. Your participation matters. Your wisdom is irreplaceable.

So let us begin this important conversation about how your generation—the generation that has seen America through so much—can help guide us through this moment. Not as bystanders, but as active, essential participants in our democratic story.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring. And thank you, most of all, for not stepping aside but stepping forward ".

Have a Blessed Holy Saturday To All!

Holy Saturday, Christian religious observance that ends the Lenten season, falling on the day before Easter Sunday. The observance commemorates the final day of Christ's death, which many Christians traditionally associate with his triumphant descent into hell or “to the dead”.

This solemn Black Saturday, we pause in stillness, waiting in hope. As Christ lay in the tomb, His followers mourned—yet even in darkness, faith endured.

A place of deep spiritual significance, Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo City stands as a beacon of devotion and heritage. Known formally as the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Candles, it is one of the few Marian shrines in the Visayas and holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was canonically crowned by Pope John Paul II in 1981—the first and only Marian image in the Philippines to receive such an honor from a pope himself. To this day, pilgrims come to pray, reflect, and seek grace.

In the quiet of this day, let us reflect on the hope that Easter brings—the promise of new life and everlasting grace.

The Church where I was baptized, December 30, 1934