Mere Expressions … or Common – Sense Thoughts?
God gives us only what is best for us. In prayers, let us be patient. He surely knows what is best for us. Enjoy God’s peace in His waiting room. The breakthrough in our petitions may just be around the corner, with a big ribbon emblazoned with the sign, “The Best.” 1013
Unless we solve the real estate plunge, credit crunch, and the consumer apathy, the stocks will dive and investments dry up. A vicious cycle! 1014
Hope is what makes us alive - in sickness, under pressure, amidst challenges. Hope goes well with faith. Together, they bring about our miracles. 1008
The world is watching incessantly, whether we like it or not. And the sentiments from its denizens – from the simplest to the most recondite – take many forms. We cannot avoid the pangs of their criticisms, even if we did our best. Still, our best protection lies in doing what is right alone. Hopefully, then, the whispers will have ebbed out. 1023
Budget woes .. budget woes. From the Feds, to Sacramento, to the local levels. We probably need a new paradigm of governance and effective and wise leadership. 1006
We are just passing by. Let us not get attached to that big bank account, the mansions, the expensive cars ...or jewelry. We can't bring them along. We shall not travel light. We shall travel bag-less .. and naked! 1007
We are all here for a purpose. We do not just fill a space. Let us grow in our own niche, stay alive, give life to others, and be a blessing. 1009
Wisdom is knowing and doing God's will. It is not merely a passive understanding, but an active, working knowledge. Otherwise, it is but empty, or at best, an accumulation of facts destined only for oblivion. 1010
Jack Welch, let us here more from you about how this economic woes in the U.S. can be overcome. Also, all you twittering economists out there. 1001
God blesses us so we may bless others. Our lesson – a river that receives waters from others but does not feed other tributaries turn to a muddy cesspool. And we know it stinketh. 1011
We are human, and we all make mistakes. That is an observation, and not an encouragement for us to be experts at erring. 1012
Twit, twit, and most everybody else is peddling something on Twitter.com. What happened to free and uplifting thoughts and ideas or inspirational messages? 1004
Letting banks hold on to stimulus funds for loan modifs and refis is not a solution to the real estate meltdown. It is a catalyst to worsen it. Why don't we create an agency to administer funds for loan modifs. Pay the banks fees to process them, thus preventing funds from being frozen by banks out of their own avarice. 1015
Without vision, people perish the bible says. Vision is putting an image in the mind what we do not see in our eyes. Therefore dream big. Reality is near. 1018
God’s voice is sweet and gentle and soft. His voice beckons and shouts not. Let us be in tune to it, lest the din of those deafening noises of things and toys and treasures around us will drown it out. 1024
We keep exporting jobs and technology know-how for lower wages. Let's create special zones allowing lower, competitive wages inside the U.S. Take out the minimum wage caps for these zones, in cyclical time frames, not permanently. 1016
What is the probability of a monkey randomly typing on a keyboard for a million years ending up with a verbatim transcript of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? Zilch, for sure, much like a de nada chance for the Big Bang occurring ab nihilo and producing the more infinitely complex yet orderly coordinated universe and life on earth as we know it now. 1003
Okay .... we are not that camera shy. See all our pics on Twitpic.com. That site is great indeed. spread the word .... or laughter ha, ha, ha! 1002
We need not say what or who we are. The world is watching. How we behave in solitude - or in the dark where nobody sees - says what or who we really are. Period. 1020
The Big Bang! Where did the materials that it supposedly exploded come from, and who started the Bang? Ab nihilo, and with no agent to do the work? What happened to the law of cause and effect? Creation surely makes more sense. 1019
Words and expressions. They capture our thoughts vividly and showcase our sentiments. Beware how we let them out, lest we be misunderstood. 1021
Three hundred sixty five days later and it seemed like only yesterday when our daughter Christie delivered Anna Elise on May 21, 2008. She turned ONE this week and we thank You Lord. 1005
I am no Michael Jordan. But life is like a ball. Deflate it, sit on it, dribble it the way you want it to go, throw it with an ineffectual lob, or soar with it in a big dunk! Call it soar with a roar. 1022
Worried about the three U.S. automakers? Wait till China and India produce cars for exports. That will be a tsunami they should have prepared for long ago. 1017
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Lost in the City
The City of Richmond is no ordinary city, landscape wise. It seems different from the neighboring cities. It is not a contiguous, whole piece of a city. Bart trains run through it. Amtrak trains ply through its terrains. Highways 80 and 580 traverse its landscape at different points.
Even more, many a cargo caboose passes through it intermittently, going through their daily rigors to and from the Port of Richmond. Also, there are hills and little mountainous terrains that dot its landscape, not to mention the ramps of 80 and 580 so much so that no one big avenue goes unhindered from one end of the city to the other, nor any of the crisscrossing little roads. There are always roadblocks, detours or impediments, both man-made and natural. As a result, the City has become a dichotomy of different areas loosely connected to each other, but otherwise inaccessible from some points. Call these areas enclaves, for lack of a better word. Richmond is absolutely nothing like the city of Chicago where you can get a straight shot of a ride or drive from east to west, or north to south, and conversely, or drive along its perimeter nonstop just staying at the fringes of that windy city.
One morning, on the way to work, I was musing, meditating, or probably praying. I was intense on whatever I was doing (internally), but otherwise oblivious of the surrounding. You probably guess by now that I missed my turn to bring me to my office. Frantic (or annoyed), I made some bold attempts to turn here or there, trying to redeem myself. To no avail. The roadblocks, dead-ends, foothills, one-way signs, railroad crossings, no-left turns, no-u-turns, and other detour signs showed their ugly faces at every turn. Yes, I lost my bearing! The more I drove, the farther I drifted hopelessly from the street I wanted to turn left on because of the detours. I could not even retrace my way to 80 as a last resort.
To make a long story short, I was meandering for 45 minutes, a little depressed and somehow both chuckling and muttering “How did this happen to a seven-year vet-of the city?” Here is the irony (or insult to injury) – right after the get-go of my unfortunate miss-the-turn incident, I found myself tailing a dilapidated, hoary cargo truck with a sign screaming in big letters, Eureka! Is that a funny coincidence or Murphy's Law? Others would philosophize it as the spice of life. I rest my case (or humiliation!).
But wait. Perhaps there is a spiritual side to my fiasco. Did not the Preacher in Ecclesiastes say all things can happen to all people any time, and that the Almighty designed it that way so that no person would know what would happen next in a stream of events in his life? Res ipsa loquitur. EDL March 20, 2009
Even more, many a cargo caboose passes through it intermittently, going through their daily rigors to and from the Port of Richmond. Also, there are hills and little mountainous terrains that dot its landscape, not to mention the ramps of 80 and 580 so much so that no one big avenue goes unhindered from one end of the city to the other, nor any of the crisscrossing little roads. There are always roadblocks, detours or impediments, both man-made and natural. As a result, the City has become a dichotomy of different areas loosely connected to each other, but otherwise inaccessible from some points. Call these areas enclaves, for lack of a better word. Richmond is absolutely nothing like the city of Chicago where you can get a straight shot of a ride or drive from east to west, or north to south, and conversely, or drive along its perimeter nonstop just staying at the fringes of that windy city.
One morning, on the way to work, I was musing, meditating, or probably praying. I was intense on whatever I was doing (internally), but otherwise oblivious of the surrounding. You probably guess by now that I missed my turn to bring me to my office. Frantic (or annoyed), I made some bold attempts to turn here or there, trying to redeem myself. To no avail. The roadblocks, dead-ends, foothills, one-way signs, railroad crossings, no-left turns, no-u-turns, and other detour signs showed their ugly faces at every turn. Yes, I lost my bearing! The more I drove, the farther I drifted hopelessly from the street I wanted to turn left on because of the detours. I could not even retrace my way to 80 as a last resort.
To make a long story short, I was meandering for 45 minutes, a little depressed and somehow both chuckling and muttering “How did this happen to a seven-year vet-of the city?” Here is the irony (or insult to injury) – right after the get-go of my unfortunate miss-the-turn incident, I found myself tailing a dilapidated, hoary cargo truck with a sign screaming in big letters, Eureka! Is that a funny coincidence or Murphy's Law? Others would philosophize it as the spice of life. I rest my case (or humiliation!).
But wait. Perhaps there is a spiritual side to my fiasco. Did not the Preacher in Ecclesiastes say all things can happen to all people any time, and that the Almighty designed it that way so that no person would know what would happen next in a stream of events in his life? Res ipsa loquitur. EDL March 20, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
Second and Better Part of Life
This Day …February 27, 2009
I would like to thank God publicly and praise Him for his faithfulness throughout the years to me and to my beloved family.
He has shown His faithfulness in many ways, most importantly by revealing Himself to us as our Lord and Savior. In the various aspects of His character and personality, He has been many things - the Jehovah Nissi that protects us; the Jehovah Jireh who provides for all our needs; the Jehovah Shalom who gives us peace and quiet; the Jehovah Rapha who heals our diseases; and Jehovah Tsidkenu who clothes us with His own righteousness that we may spend eternity in His joyful presence.
Today, February 27, 2008, I celebrate my birthday of three scores and two, and in grace, wisdom, humility, and in hopeful expectation of the many years of His continual blessings.
My prayer, for sure is not merely to accumulate years, but to spend the second and better part of my life building His Kingdom, spreading and teaching His Word, working in a ministry of helping the poor, the aged, and the disadvantaged and, above all, doing His will. Yes, I shall seek His will, as always.
This month, Elvie and I celebrated one of our finest Valentine's Day together, as well as our 35th year anniversary as a couple under God's grace, love, spiritual and material blessings, and protection. His blessings gave us a bundle of joy called family - two wonderful children in Christie Ann (Chop) and Emmanuel David (Dave), a loving son-in-law in Brian, a precious jewel of a granddaughter in Anna Elise, and an excellent and loving soon-to-be-added daughter-in-law in Koritha.
In March, I will have had 40 years of professional experience in the financial field that God led me to, reckoned right from the year I graduated from college and passed the (dreaded) CPA examinations at the end of those scholastic years. Forty years may seem to many an eternity, but in this case for me, time just flies so fast. It has. Tempus fugit.
In May, our little precious jewel, now-the-focus-of-joy tiniest member of our family, Anna Elise, turns one year old, surely giving us more joy, joy.... and joy.
In May, Dave completes his university schooling at Cal, a dejavu of what his Ate Chop accomplished some 11 years back, and will turn to reality for Elvie and myself that precious dream and prayer every couple has for their children - an excellent education. Vivid still in my mind is what I told Christie in May 1998 after getting her Berkeley diploma, "Free at last." I was referring to the financial costs that went with her education, of course, not realizing that the cycle would startup again with Dave 11 years later. This time, in May this year, the cycle will have ended in closure for those necessary financial burdens .. for good. And with something good to show for it in the lives of our children.
This June, I will have accumulated 30 years of government service in the states, a blessing not normally obtained by many, but which came my way only because God gave me the strength, health, abilities, and the faith and wisdom to persevere against all odds, riding out those bumps and wrinkles along the way. Not that I am (or was) special vis-à-vis others, but only because God is gracious to all who seek Him, including an undeserving soul like me.
This June, Dave will start a new chapter in his life and will get married to Koritha. I will always cherish the moments Elvie and I have spent praying with David and his bride, telling them unequivocally that we want them to be blessed of God in all that they plan to do as a couple, in their vocations, and as ministers of the Word. As we have always assured them, we are not losing a son, but we are gaining a daughter.
In August, I will have been a resident for 33 years (and a proud citizen for 28 years) in this wonderful and blessed United States. In retrospect, I cannot help but always look back in amazement – for many times in awe of God's providence - how blessed this 29-year old CPA (then) has been, wherewithal starting only with measly $500 in his pocket when he deplaned onto the American shores on August 14, 1976.
All blessings came my way only through God. Yet an even bigger miracle than my migration to this great nation happened five years after my arrival - I found Jesus in a personal way and shed off all religion in me, accepting Him as my personal Lord and Savior, surrendering my life and all I had to Him, and entrusting totally to Him my family, job, finances, and everything else. Since then, my prayer life and my appetite for reading the Word, both as a devotion and as a systematic scriptural study, have never been the same. My spiritual life has made a quantum leap by giving me a release from being identified with a religion, to having a special, personal relationship with Christ Jesus …in spirit and in truth.
Also, sometime in the middle of this year, I will have retired from 33 continuous years of government service and 40 years of professional life. But active life for me will not come to a screeching halt. Retiring will take on a different meaning. It should probably be called re-tiring and re-firing. I shall put on a new tread on my "wheels" and get fired up more inside as the second and better part of my life begins - teaching the Word and spreading the Gospel, and helping the needy in my community.
In retirement, all those years in my chosen profession will have dimmed into oblivion, but my profession of faith and of the Word will grow under a brighter light and guidance from Him henceforth.. The real work - one with deeper meaning and eternal value - will have started. Doing that will be an awesome honor privilege.
Thank You Lord for everything!
Elmer L. DeLeon February 27, 2009
I would like to thank God publicly and praise Him for his faithfulness throughout the years to me and to my beloved family.
He has shown His faithfulness in many ways, most importantly by revealing Himself to us as our Lord and Savior. In the various aspects of His character and personality, He has been many things - the Jehovah Nissi that protects us; the Jehovah Jireh who provides for all our needs; the Jehovah Shalom who gives us peace and quiet; the Jehovah Rapha who heals our diseases; and Jehovah Tsidkenu who clothes us with His own righteousness that we may spend eternity in His joyful presence.
Today, February 27, 2008, I celebrate my birthday of three scores and two, and in grace, wisdom, humility, and in hopeful expectation of the many years of His continual blessings.
My prayer, for sure is not merely to accumulate years, but to spend the second and better part of my life building His Kingdom, spreading and teaching His Word, working in a ministry of helping the poor, the aged, and the disadvantaged and, above all, doing His will. Yes, I shall seek His will, as always.
This month, Elvie and I celebrated one of our finest Valentine's Day together, as well as our 35th year anniversary as a couple under God's grace, love, spiritual and material blessings, and protection. His blessings gave us a bundle of joy called family - two wonderful children in Christie Ann (Chop) and Emmanuel David (Dave), a loving son-in-law in Brian, a precious jewel of a granddaughter in Anna Elise, and an excellent and loving soon-to-be-added daughter-in-law in Koritha.
In March, I will have had 40 years of professional experience in the financial field that God led me to, reckoned right from the year I graduated from college and passed the (dreaded) CPA examinations at the end of those scholastic years. Forty years may seem to many an eternity, but in this case for me, time just flies so fast. It has. Tempus fugit.
In May, our little precious jewel, now-the-focus-of-joy tiniest member of our family, Anna Elise, turns one year old, surely giving us more joy, joy.... and joy.
In May, Dave completes his university schooling at Cal, a dejavu of what his Ate Chop accomplished some 11 years back, and will turn to reality for Elvie and myself that precious dream and prayer every couple has for their children - an excellent education. Vivid still in my mind is what I told Christie in May 1998 after getting her Berkeley diploma, "Free at last." I was referring to the financial costs that went with her education, of course, not realizing that the cycle would startup again with Dave 11 years later. This time, in May this year, the cycle will have ended in closure for those necessary financial burdens .. for good. And with something good to show for it in the lives of our children.
This June, I will have accumulated 30 years of government service in the states, a blessing not normally obtained by many, but which came my way only because God gave me the strength, health, abilities, and the faith and wisdom to persevere against all odds, riding out those bumps and wrinkles along the way. Not that I am (or was) special vis-à-vis others, but only because God is gracious to all who seek Him, including an undeserving soul like me.
This June, Dave will start a new chapter in his life and will get married to Koritha. I will always cherish the moments Elvie and I have spent praying with David and his bride, telling them unequivocally that we want them to be blessed of God in all that they plan to do as a couple, in their vocations, and as ministers of the Word. As we have always assured them, we are not losing a son, but we are gaining a daughter.
In August, I will have been a resident for 33 years (and a proud citizen for 28 years) in this wonderful and blessed United States. In retrospect, I cannot help but always look back in amazement – for many times in awe of God's providence - how blessed this 29-year old CPA (then) has been, wherewithal starting only with measly $500 in his pocket when he deplaned onto the American shores on August 14, 1976.
All blessings came my way only through God. Yet an even bigger miracle than my migration to this great nation happened five years after my arrival - I found Jesus in a personal way and shed off all religion in me, accepting Him as my personal Lord and Savior, surrendering my life and all I had to Him, and entrusting totally to Him my family, job, finances, and everything else. Since then, my prayer life and my appetite for reading the Word, both as a devotion and as a systematic scriptural study, have never been the same. My spiritual life has made a quantum leap by giving me a release from being identified with a religion, to having a special, personal relationship with Christ Jesus …in spirit and in truth.
Also, sometime in the middle of this year, I will have retired from 33 continuous years of government service and 40 years of professional life. But active life for me will not come to a screeching halt. Retiring will take on a different meaning. It should probably be called re-tiring and re-firing. I shall put on a new tread on my "wheels" and get fired up more inside as the second and better part of my life begins - teaching the Word and spreading the Gospel, and helping the needy in my community.
In retirement, all those years in my chosen profession will have dimmed into oblivion, but my profession of faith and of the Word will grow under a brighter light and guidance from Him henceforth.. The real work - one with deeper meaning and eternal value - will have started. Doing that will be an awesome honor privilege.
Thank You Lord for everything!
Elmer L. DeLeon February 27, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Vignettes
Just coming back from vacation (June-July 2008), it just struck me just how much joy I got meeting again in that brief sojourn many people I have not seen from 10 to 40 years. They came from a wide gamut of past relationships - former hs and college classmates, colleagues at my old CPA firm. neighbors, relatives, even former teachers. They have all aged, as I have. Yet, the glitter (or tears?) in their eyes could not hide the reciprocal joy they got from our encounters. They met me with handshakes, embraces, hugging, even some kisses. There were those I planned to see, but was unable for various reasons. Still, the visit – my first in 10 years and third in the three decades I was away – gave me the rare and unimaginable opportunity to pray with a good number of them about their various challenges and physical afflictions. Those sessions were the mountain tops of my trip. If for those moments alone, I would love to replicate the visit. Truly. Thank You Lord
Vignettes
I have always loved books. Historical, political, puzzles or enigmas, faith-based, sci-fi, romantic comedies, sleuthing, you name it. Dire economic straits while growing up, however, dampened that inclination so severely i could not even buy my college textbooks. But I knew no bounds. I became a ubiquitous denizen of the school library just to fulfill my homework requisites and to go beyond .... satisfying a voracious stomach for the printed media. Sub-consciously, I promised myself that in every home I would buy in the future - if I could - would have a niche for innumerable books, if not a library. That dream was fulfilled many times over in America.
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Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thanks for the Memories ... of a Wonderful Trip
Thanks for the Memories…. of a Wonderful Trip (June-July 2008)
Hello,
I arrived safely back to the States, 8 pm, Thursday, July 3, 2008 (11 am, Friday, July 4, Manila time). I thank God for His protection even in the midst of those "bumpy" spots 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. His strength in me gave me calm and comfort which I did not have nine years ago when I last came home.
Thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart for all of you who have made my trip a truly beautiful, wonderful and a joyous one - I am running out of adjectives here. It was indeed a bonanza of heartfelt meetings, reunions galore, conversations, visitations, surprise and pleasant encounters, etc. I believe, I accomplished not only my business purpose but many of my personal plans as well. I could have not done better without all of your loving support, care and out-of-the-way efforts to reach out to me.
I am sending my thank you notes all at once, lest I forget many of the fun events I spent with all of you - individually or group wise. I had a lot of memories from my trips, from the day I got picked from the airport even to the moment I sat down on the China Airlines flight from Taipei to San Francisco, all fraught with stories and anecdotes worth re-telling.
My sincerest thanks (pardon the cliché which I have to use for lack of a better phrase) to ,,.
Cris Ramirez, college bosom body, and later Sycip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV) CPAs Inc. colleague for picking me up at the airport on my arrival (June 23) and bringing me back and forth to several meetings and functions ... and hosting me and other buddies in his and beautiful wife Jackie's home in Paranaque. What a reunion after nine years!
Bert Lina whom I have not seen for 27 years - also a college friend and confidante and compadre - for surprising me with an "order" to Cris to bring me directly from the airport to his Fedex/Air 21 executive offices near NAIA despite his extremely heavy sked overseeing his multi-company business conglomerate. Truly unimaginable and expected, having not seen him for almost thirty years. Thanks to him also for hosting our college and SGV group for lunch at the posh Tower Club in Makati, exclusive members-only hub only for those who made it to the top in Philippine business .... well also to some of the wannabees
maybe.
College pals (and later SGV colleagues) Cris Ramirez and Ed Abalos for taking me out to dinner on my second day of visit, together with other college friends Aida (Ed's wife), and Bay Alcasabas (who was also Elvie's co-office mate at the Delgado Bros). Thanks for that dinner at The Fort, guys.( I have not seen the Abaloses for 9 years, and Bay, for 2 years).
My hs and early-college years friend Roy "Popoy" Aberin whom I have not seen since 1970 for leaving his 15-hectare Penaranda, NE farming business and traveling all the way to Makati just to see me. You made me a little tearful, Popoy, by just being there. Also thanks for being able to get the contact numbers for me for some of our mutual friends dating to as far back as 1963.
Tito Osias, my post-SGV and pre-USA former boss ( and grandson of that venerable senator who gave us the Philippine Reader), whom I have not seen since 1976, for taking time out from his busy business and the Ateneo bunch for visiting me at the Oxford Suites. What vivid recollections we had of our Fusion Consulting group buddies, Tito.
My foremost hs teacher, mentor, and friend from the Mapua Institute of Technology H.S. (MIT H.S. Dept.), Mrs. Valeria Lakanilaw, also for visiting with me at the Oxford and treating me to lunch near Landmark and the Gloriettas in Makati. Thanks, Ma'am, for the friendship and current email communications we have maintained although we have not seen each other for 46 years. And of course, thanks for bringing along your sister Mel, who turned out to be a CPA and MS Consulting staff like me at SGV, and who also helped reminisce about some SGV common acquaintances and stories. What a coincidence that you brought her? Probably not. There are no accidents under God's economy. Thanks for the many questions about faith you both have asked me during our meeting. I pray I had answered them as biblically accurate as possible. Ma'am, you are still my best hs teacher ever!!!
Freddie Non, former SGV International partner, and wife Beth Aguas-Non, also a former SGV MS Consulting co-staffer of mine and Elvie's former hs classmate in Pampanga and later co-office mate at Delgado Brothers (post SGV), for gracing me with a visit at SOMA North Tower and taking me out to the Fort for a French cuisine. Again, what memories and excellent audit and MS consulting anecdotes we shared in so much volume Freddie thought he could write a book. May I propose the title "Fun Things We Experienced at SGV Which They Did Not Teach at Harvard, Stanford or Wharton." Or how about "The SGV Experience: Was It All Truth, Hype or Myth?" ?
My favorite cousin, super millionaire (watch out Bert Lina) Julie Fernandez, who took me around that big perimeter stretching from Global City to Paranaque, Las Pinas, Cubao, Taytay, Marikina, Novaliches and back to Global City that I might visit some of my relatives, friends and neighbors I have not seen from 9 to 32 years, and for being able to visit, reminisce, and pray with them for some of their infirmities. Bok, Cheche, Maila, Amy, and Chambeth, thanks for keeping Julie company in her visits with me. And thanks Julie for that ton of pasalubongs you insisted that I bring home to California - including even those originally from Elvie's personal list. Because of the enormity of those gifts, I had to buy an extra luggage from Market, Market on the day I had to leave (July 3).
My brother La Verne, uncle Tiyo Mat, aunt Ate Doray, other cousins Luz, Norma, Myrna, Obot, Tess, Rey (and Glo), niece Dana (with mom Cecile) and former Pilar Village neighbors Danny and Mely Umali, for visiting with me, or allowing me to visit with you and relive old friendships, and most especially for allowing me to pray with you on your most difficult circumstances. Trust that our God is an Almighty and Faithful God for Whom nothing is impossible.
Long-time friends from Elvie's Delgado Bros. years, Joevic and Chona Gonzalez for visiting and for taking me out to Abe's, that popular Pampango food restaurant at the Serendra. Also for treating me at UCC Coffee place. We shall always cherish our friendship of 35 years.
Former college pals Rene Mendoza, Giovanni Gan, Jonathan Lu, and Erlinda Thia for joining us (Ed Abalos, Bert Lina and myself) either at Cris Ramirez's home, or at the Makati Tower Club, for lunch meetings hosted by Cris and Bert, respectively.
Former HS classmates Homer Mendoza (Esq.), Buddy Cabael (Engr), and Roly Mendiola (MD) for trying to set up meetings with me but failed because my cell would not receive calls, and I did not have constant access to email. Well, at least, I met with Ma'am Lakanilaw.(I would learn later when I came back to California that Homer emailed to set up a meeting. Also, I learned to call from my cell only the day before I had to fly back home - thanks to the maze of area codes and 01, 0, 0632, 0639 or 02 you have in your RP phone system I practically needed to consult a rocket engineer to know what to drop or add). Love you guys no less, anyway.
My other cousins who were indisposed whom I was not able to see; or who were able to contact me but could not come for some reasons - Noel, Ely, etc.
The "nameless" security guard at SOMA whom I was able to minister to in prayers.
Ms. Liza P, that very lovely and tall (5'8") single Filipina lady whom I met at the SOMA lobby while I was reading my bible one Saturday morning, and who turned out to be a Christian, a choir singer, a sports enthusiast (a player of different sports and not merely spectator), an accomplished student (she has an MBA, a condo, and a car of her own) ... for being able to pray with each other, bringing me to church on June 29,. and bringing me medicine, soup, breakfast, newspaper and some goodies (for Elvie) the next Monday after church, when she learned I had a fever How touching for a new-found friend to do. She has just become my newfound niece who now calls me Kuya Elmer. Liza, thanks a million. I shall surely pray for the best Christian man to come your way, as you always wanted (and confided in me).
Penultimately, to Beverly, that UC Berkeley graduate student and architect, also a Christian (Oh God, thanks for arranging for this event and others for truly there are no accidents in You) who sat next to me on my flight home from Taipei, and who inquired of me some verses in the bible she was reading. I believe she saw me reading the book on Ephesians by Andrew Womack, "You've Already Got It." and she concluded I was a Christian. Thanks, God, for being able to minister to her in faith.
Lastly, to Ed Abalos for arranging for my business banking needs and volunteering to help me buy an extra luggage for pasalubongs (cousin Julie's fault ... or blessed insistence) a few hours before my departure, and to cousin Julie's daughter Che Che and latter's husband Bok for driving me to NAIA for my trip back.
To all of you, my thanks and love and prayers. Because of you, my business trip was the best. Truly, thanks for all your time, visits, stories, treats, reminiscing. I could not ask for more or anything better. Please do not hesitate to send me your notes and emails, and prayer requests. I shall try to send you some pix next time around. Elmer L. DeLeon
Hello,
I arrived safely back to the States, 8 pm, Thursday, July 3, 2008 (11 am, Friday, July 4, Manila time). I thank God for His protection even in the midst of those "bumpy" spots 10,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. His strength in me gave me calm and comfort which I did not have nine years ago when I last came home.
Thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart for all of you who have made my trip a truly beautiful, wonderful and a joyous one - I am running out of adjectives here. It was indeed a bonanza of heartfelt meetings, reunions galore, conversations, visitations, surprise and pleasant encounters, etc. I believe, I accomplished not only my business purpose but many of my personal plans as well. I could have not done better without all of your loving support, care and out-of-the-way efforts to reach out to me.
I am sending my thank you notes all at once, lest I forget many of the fun events I spent with all of you - individually or group wise. I had a lot of memories from my trips, from the day I got picked from the airport even to the moment I sat down on the China Airlines flight from Taipei to San Francisco, all fraught with stories and anecdotes worth re-telling.
My sincerest thanks (pardon the cliché which I have to use for lack of a better phrase) to ,,.
Cris Ramirez, college bosom body, and later Sycip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV) CPAs Inc. colleague for picking me up at the airport on my arrival (June 23) and bringing me back and forth to several meetings and functions ... and hosting me and other buddies in his and beautiful wife Jackie's home in Paranaque. What a reunion after nine years!
Bert Lina whom I have not seen for 27 years - also a college friend and confidante and compadre - for surprising me with an "order" to Cris to bring me directly from the airport to his Fedex/Air 21 executive offices near NAIA despite his extremely heavy sked overseeing his multi-company business conglomerate. Truly unimaginable and expected, having not seen him for almost thirty years. Thanks to him also for hosting our college and SGV group for lunch at the posh Tower Club in Makati, exclusive members-only hub only for those who made it to the top in Philippine business .... well also to some of the wannabees
maybe.
College pals (and later SGV colleagues) Cris Ramirez and Ed Abalos for taking me out to dinner on my second day of visit, together with other college friends Aida (Ed's wife), and Bay Alcasabas (who was also Elvie's co-office mate at the Delgado Bros). Thanks for that dinner at The Fort, guys.( I have not seen the Abaloses for 9 years, and Bay, for 2 years).
My hs and early-college years friend Roy "Popoy" Aberin whom I have not seen since 1970 for leaving his 15-hectare Penaranda, NE farming business and traveling all the way to Makati just to see me. You made me a little tearful, Popoy, by just being there. Also thanks for being able to get the contact numbers for me for some of our mutual friends dating to as far back as 1963.
Tito Osias, my post-SGV and pre-USA former boss ( and grandson of that venerable senator who gave us the Philippine Reader), whom I have not seen since 1976, for taking time out from his busy business and the Ateneo bunch for visiting me at the Oxford Suites. What vivid recollections we had of our Fusion Consulting group buddies, Tito.
My foremost hs teacher, mentor, and friend from the Mapua Institute of Technology H.S. (MIT H.S. Dept.), Mrs. Valeria Lakanilaw, also for visiting with me at the Oxford and treating me to lunch near Landmark and the Gloriettas in Makati. Thanks, Ma'am, for the friendship and current email communications we have maintained although we have not seen each other for 46 years. And of course, thanks for bringing along your sister Mel, who turned out to be a CPA and MS Consulting staff like me at SGV, and who also helped reminisce about some SGV common acquaintances and stories. What a coincidence that you brought her? Probably not. There are no accidents under God's economy. Thanks for the many questions about faith you both have asked me during our meeting. I pray I had answered them as biblically accurate as possible. Ma'am, you are still my best hs teacher ever!!!
Freddie Non, former SGV International partner, and wife Beth Aguas-Non, also a former SGV MS Consulting co-staffer of mine and Elvie's former hs classmate in Pampanga and later co-office mate at Delgado Brothers (post SGV), for gracing me with a visit at SOMA North Tower and taking me out to the Fort for a French cuisine. Again, what memories and excellent audit and MS consulting anecdotes we shared in so much volume Freddie thought he could write a book. May I propose the title "Fun Things We Experienced at SGV Which They Did Not Teach at Harvard, Stanford or Wharton." Or how about "The SGV Experience: Was It All Truth, Hype or Myth?" ?
My favorite cousin, super millionaire (watch out Bert Lina) Julie Fernandez, who took me around that big perimeter stretching from Global City to Paranaque, Las Pinas, Cubao, Taytay, Marikina, Novaliches and back to Global City that I might visit some of my relatives, friends and neighbors I have not seen from 9 to 32 years, and for being able to visit, reminisce, and pray with them for some of their infirmities. Bok, Cheche, Maila, Amy, and Chambeth, thanks for keeping Julie company in her visits with me. And thanks Julie for that ton of pasalubongs you insisted that I bring home to California - including even those originally from Elvie's personal list. Because of the enormity of those gifts, I had to buy an extra luggage from Market, Market on the day I had to leave (July 3).
My brother La Verne, uncle Tiyo Mat, aunt Ate Doray, other cousins Luz, Norma, Myrna, Obot, Tess, Rey (and Glo), niece Dana (with mom Cecile) and former Pilar Village neighbors Danny and Mely Umali, for visiting with me, or allowing me to visit with you and relive old friendships, and most especially for allowing me to pray with you on your most difficult circumstances. Trust that our God is an Almighty and Faithful God for Whom nothing is impossible.
Long-time friends from Elvie's Delgado Bros. years, Joevic and Chona Gonzalez for visiting and for taking me out to Abe's, that popular Pampango food restaurant at the Serendra. Also for treating me at UCC Coffee place. We shall always cherish our friendship of 35 years.
Former college pals Rene Mendoza, Giovanni Gan, Jonathan Lu, and Erlinda Thia for joining us (Ed Abalos, Bert Lina and myself) either at Cris Ramirez's home, or at the Makati Tower Club, for lunch meetings hosted by Cris and Bert, respectively.
Former HS classmates Homer Mendoza (Esq.), Buddy Cabael (Engr), and Roly Mendiola (MD) for trying to set up meetings with me but failed because my cell would not receive calls, and I did not have constant access to email. Well, at least, I met with Ma'am Lakanilaw.(I would learn later when I came back to California that Homer emailed to set up a meeting. Also, I learned to call from my cell only the day before I had to fly back home - thanks to the maze of area codes and 01, 0, 0632, 0639 or 02 you have in your RP phone system I practically needed to consult a rocket engineer to know what to drop or add). Love you guys no less, anyway.
My other cousins who were indisposed whom I was not able to see; or who were able to contact me but could not come for some reasons - Noel, Ely, etc.
The "nameless" security guard at SOMA whom I was able to minister to in prayers.
Ms. Liza P, that very lovely and tall (5'8") single Filipina lady whom I met at the SOMA lobby while I was reading my bible one Saturday morning, and who turned out to be a Christian, a choir singer, a sports enthusiast (a player of different sports and not merely spectator), an accomplished student (she has an MBA, a condo, and a car of her own) ... for being able to pray with each other, bringing me to church on June 29,. and bringing me medicine, soup, breakfast, newspaper and some goodies (for Elvie) the next Monday after church, when she learned I had a fever How touching for a new-found friend to do. She has just become my newfound niece who now calls me Kuya Elmer. Liza, thanks a million. I shall surely pray for the best Christian man to come your way, as you always wanted (and confided in me).
Penultimately, to Beverly, that UC Berkeley graduate student and architect, also a Christian (Oh God, thanks for arranging for this event and others for truly there are no accidents in You) who sat next to me on my flight home from Taipei, and who inquired of me some verses in the bible she was reading. I believe she saw me reading the book on Ephesians by Andrew Womack, "You've Already Got It." and she concluded I was a Christian. Thanks, God, for being able to minister to her in faith.
Lastly, to Ed Abalos for arranging for my business banking needs and volunteering to help me buy an extra luggage for pasalubongs (cousin Julie's fault ... or blessed insistence) a few hours before my departure, and to cousin Julie's daughter Che Che and latter's husband Bok for driving me to NAIA for my trip back.
To all of you, my thanks and love and prayers. Because of you, my business trip was the best. Truly, thanks for all your time, visits, stories, treats, reminiscing. I could not ask for more or anything better. Please do not hesitate to send me your notes and emails, and prayer requests. I shall try to send you some pix next time around. Elmer L. DeLeon
Friday, January 30, 2009
You Don't Know a Thing
YOU DON’T KNOW A THING
Just like me, or our next-door neighbor -
You don't know lots of things … not more.
Like what's inside any body's mind,
Whether replete with thoughts: bad or kind?
Or when the next rain will fall, or a flurry of snow;
Or how hot the sun will wax for that ice to thaw.
What tomorrow has for us in store -
Pain, joy, peace, rest or some kind of chore?
Why as we hope for things to come our way
Many types of scenarios develop each day.
You don't know why the earth -as heavy as it is -
Hangs with the stars, and all of the heavenlies.
Why in its circling around the sun it is so constant
Never missing a beat, not a second, not an instant.
You don't know why as we plant a tiny seed,
It grows to a plant with harvest for many souls to feed.
You don't know why Nature brings rain or thunder,
Then suddenly sunshine, and rainbow at yonder.
Why that vivid arc shows its color, its message of hope,
In radiance with which our toils, our pain to cope.
You don't know why in His long-suffering we gain,
As the Almighty forbears our sins and failures with pain.
Only to show us grace, love, mercy ...forgiveness
Removing our guilt, our sins, and their ugliness.
Yes you do not know myriads of things
Neither do I, nor those Princes or Kings.
But this we know: you and I, and they-
The more we seek, the more we say,
We do not know a thing, many a thing.
As such wisdom's fit only for Almighty King.
Elmer L. DeLeon July 16, 2008
Just like me, or our next-door neighbor -
You don't know lots of things … not more.
Like what's inside any body's mind,
Whether replete with thoughts: bad or kind?
Or when the next rain will fall, or a flurry of snow;
Or how hot the sun will wax for that ice to thaw.
What tomorrow has for us in store -
Pain, joy, peace, rest or some kind of chore?
Why as we hope for things to come our way
Many types of scenarios develop each day.
You don't know why the earth -as heavy as it is -
Hangs with the stars, and all of the heavenlies.
Why in its circling around the sun it is so constant
Never missing a beat, not a second, not an instant.
You don't know why as we plant a tiny seed,
It grows to a plant with harvest for many souls to feed.
You don't know why Nature brings rain or thunder,
Then suddenly sunshine, and rainbow at yonder.
Why that vivid arc shows its color, its message of hope,
In radiance with which our toils, our pain to cope.
You don't know why in His long-suffering we gain,
As the Almighty forbears our sins and failures with pain.
Only to show us grace, love, mercy ...forgiveness
Removing our guilt, our sins, and their ugliness.
Yes you do not know myriads of things
Neither do I, nor those Princes or Kings.
But this we know: you and I, and they-
The more we seek, the more we say,
We do not know a thing, many a thing.
As such wisdom's fit only for Almighty King.
Elmer L. DeLeon July 16, 2008
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Elmer's New Blog
My dad has been longing to begin a blog to find a space to post his thoughts, poems, prose, and other pieces of writing. Congratulations, Pop! Enjoy your new spot in cyberspace!
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